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A review by soobooksalot
Sundial by Catriona Ward
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Two wins from author Catriona Ward!
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for my gifted copy for review!
Ward's previous novel, The Last House On Needless Street, was a five-star read for me. Emotional horror.
Her newest, Sundial, hits those same notes but in a completely different and bizarre story. Domestic horror.
Rob and Irving's marriage is awful. Their two daughters see it, and have issues of their own. At the age of 12, Callie still talks to an invisible friend named Pale Callie, and collects animal bones. Possibly that she procured herself. Annie is Rob's favourite daughter, but what mother can admit she has a favourite?
Desperate for solutions, Rob and Callie travel to her childhood home in the Mojave desert, known as Sundial. It's like a compound. And more.
Chapters alternate between present-day, and Rob's upbringing at Sundial with twin sister Jack. It's equally dark and fascinating.
Reality can be questioned and unease runs throughout. Touches of sci-fi add to the twists and reveals.
Ward's writing style is stunning, making this unsettling story even more of a standout. Lots of triggers to be mindful of, however.
For those who like unique and well-written horror/suspense, recommended!
For release on March 1.
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for my gifted copy for review!
Ward's previous novel, The Last House On Needless Street, was a five-star read for me. Emotional horror.
Her newest, Sundial, hits those same notes but in a completely different and bizarre story. Domestic horror.
Rob and Irving's marriage is awful. Their two daughters see it, and have issues of their own. At the age of 12, Callie still talks to an invisible friend named Pale Callie, and collects animal bones. Possibly that she procured herself. Annie is Rob's favourite daughter, but what mother can admit she has a favourite?
Desperate for solutions, Rob and Callie travel to her childhood home in the Mojave desert, known as Sundial. It's like a compound. And more.
Chapters alternate between present-day, and Rob's upbringing at Sundial with twin sister Jack. It's equally dark and fascinating.
Reality can be questioned and unease runs throughout. Touches of sci-fi add to the twists and reveals.
Ward's writing style is stunning, making this unsettling story even more of a standout. Lots of triggers to be mindful of, however.
For those who like unique and well-written horror/suspense, recommended!
For release on March 1.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Death, Domestic abuse, and Miscarriage