Scan barcode
A review by kaylo88
Harrow Lake by Kat Ellis
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Reading this book was a wild ride, leaving me unsure of whether I enjoyed it or not. The author's writing style is incredibly atmospheric and there were moments where I was completely engrossed in the story. I found myself feeling just as confused and lost as the main character, Lola, which is a testament to the author's ability to craft a compelling narrative.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book was how it showcased how real life can be more terrifying than fiction. The author cleverly wove in elements of psychological horror, making it difficult to discern what was real and what was imagined. The result was a deeply unsettling reading experience that kept me on edge throughout the book.
Despite this, I found the characters to be a bit tedious, if not outright annoying. Lola's repeated use of the word "optimal" was grating and made me want to pull my hair out. While I couldn't say that I particularly liked her as a character, I did feel empathy for her and understood how her traumatic experiences had shaped her personality.
Overall, I don't think I'd want to read this book again, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I'd give it a solid three stars.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book was how it showcased how real life can be more terrifying than fiction. The author cleverly wove in elements of psychological horror, making it difficult to discern what was real and what was imagined. The result was a deeply unsettling reading experience that kept me on edge throughout the book.
Despite this, I found the characters to be a bit tedious, if not outright annoying. Lola's repeated use of the word "optimal" was grating and made me want to pull my hair out. While I couldn't say that I particularly liked her as a character, I did feel empathy for her and understood how her traumatic experiences had shaped her personality.
Overall, I don't think I'd want to read this book again, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I'd give it a solid three stars.