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mals_reads 's review for:

The Deading by Nicholas Belardes
4.25
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

i getttt the criticism of the birds there are a lot of early bird references and i do agree it’s a little draining BUT the novel really turns around about halfway through for me.

this is an awesome survival eco-horror that analyzes humanity’s strained relationship with the natural world. very character heavy and i enjoyed the pov switches from first- to second- to third-person — there was a lot of nuance there and i was quickly able to catch on to what the author was doing there. this beginning/middle of the book focuses much more on the characters and their experiences with folks “deading” and protecting themselves than it focuses on the environment changes, though i think the end stretch really makes up for it with the sheer creepiness of our characters’ discoveries.

very atmospheric and brought me a general sense of unease that i yearn for in a horror book — more psychological and unnerving but there’s a smidge of body horror throughout as well. loved this arc 🥹🥹

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