A review by chaptersofchase
The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Book Review || Thank you, Harper Books and Audio, for the gifted book and audiobook!

Genre: Gothic Fiction
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 5.17.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆

“When you live in defiance of yourself, you can adapt to your circumstances, but remnants of who you are at your core remain. A bit of wildness that can’t be tamed.”

Full disclosure, I picked up this book because of the cover. But, I stuck around for the authors writing style. Sarai Walker wrote with just enough mystery and subtlety that I couldn't stop reading.

I saw this listed a fictional and a sub-genre mentioned horror - while I do see where one could see the horror element to the story, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly gory. It is gruesome and descriptive (specifically with the death of the first sister), but it in no way compares with other horror stories I’ve read in the past (hello, Book of Accidents).

The only facet that held me back from giving the book a full five stars is that I didn’t feel like I had the ending I needed. It’s difficult for me to explain without giving away too much of the story, but I think I needed more? Don’t get me wrong; it was an exceptional plot that kept me hooked; I was just a bit let down with the ending.

🐌💨 Slow build, and then the story takes off
🌳 Family tree provided
🩸 Horror element
😱  Addicting

❗️- Graphic attempted suicide, self-harm, maternal death

Also, I highly recommend reading the author's note at the end. She provides a lot of context and inspiration for the story! I can’t wait to read the next book Walker writes.




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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide attempt