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astraether's Reviews (114)
I absolutely devoured this book. I bought it yesterday afternoon, pleased to discover a new book by this author, and even more pleased to see it described as something of a Gothic ghost story. I'd read Waters' other works and enjoyed them; she has such a great penchant for detail and evoking a mood. So I was already in before I popped open the cover, and then found myself drawn into this dark, gloomy, post-war era, rife with all the usual Gothic conventions of a crumbling mansion, bizarre family dynamics, and some sinister underlying element of suspense.
I skimmed over some of the reviews on Amazon, and will say that this book isn't for everyone. If you're looking for something with more action, more "jump scenes" or more obvious horror, you'll be disappointed. This novel is slow, subtle, and requires a little more thought -- particularly the ending. But if you "get it," you'll be as delightfully chilled as I was; I got the same goosebumps as I did after watching "The Orphanage" or "The Others."
I can't remember the last time a book captured me so thoroughly; it's still fresh in my mind a few hours later, and still just as haunting.
I skimmed over some of the reviews on Amazon, and will say that this book isn't for everyone. If you're looking for something with more action, more "jump scenes" or more obvious horror, you'll be disappointed. This novel is slow, subtle, and requires a little more thought -- particularly the ending. But if you "get it," you'll be as delightfully chilled as I was; I got the same goosebumps as I did after watching "The Orphanage" or "The Others."
I can't remember the last time a book captured me so thoroughly; it's still fresh in my mind a few hours later, and still just as haunting.
My primary reason for reading this book was because it was written by a local author (to Fort Collins), and I'd just moved here and have always been curious about ghosts and the paranormal. It seemed like a win/win situation!
Unfortunately, I can't say that it really scared me, or particularly grabbed me. The so-called "evidence" the author uncovered about his haunting wasn't entirely convincing, and most of the experiences seemed to involve weird noises and occasional orbs. I wanted a good ghost story--what I got was merely an okay one.
Unfortunately, I can't say that it really scared me, or particularly grabbed me. The so-called "evidence" the author uncovered about his haunting wasn't entirely convincing, and most of the experiences seemed to involve weird noises and occasional orbs. I wanted a good ghost story--what I got was merely an okay one.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail
I read it quickly and enjoyed it, but somehow the ending disappointed me a bit. Maybe because I put too much stock in the idea of a "gut punch" of an ending--which is what one of the jacket blurbs said. I had already formulated my own ideas of what the ending might be, so the actual one was a little underwhelming. Or perhaps I just like a little more closure. In any case, it's a good, brisk read, and certainly enjoyable if you're into courtroom dramas and the like. I just wish the actual ending was as good as, or better, than my own imaginary one!
I was "in" as soon as I heard "sequel to The Shining," which is one of my all-time favorite King novels, so of course I had to see what happened to little Danny Torrance now that he's all grown up. It was an interesting read and I flew through it pretty quickly; as always, King has well-crafted, believable characters, great dialogue, and knows just how to tease the reader along.
The only thing that seemed lacking was a sense of overall dread. The villains in this one were creepy, sure, but nowhere near as terrifying as good ol' Jack and that haunted hotel. Which is understandable -- few things are! But it just felt like the grand finale was a little anti-climactic, which is why I dropped my review down to a 3 out of 5. Liked it, just didn't love it.
The only thing that seemed lacking was a sense of overall dread. The villains in this one were creepy, sure, but nowhere near as terrifying as good ol' Jack and that haunted hotel. Which is understandable -- few things are! But it just felt like the grand finale was a little anti-climactic, which is why I dropped my review down to a 3 out of 5. Liked it, just didn't love it.
I loved all three stories in this collection, but the middle one, The Golden Hour, made me cry. And I'm usually made of pretty stern stuff, but yes, I had literal tears rolling down my face as I finished that tale. So poignant and beautifully written! I discovered this author quite by roundabout chance but purchased a number of her books and have thoroughly enjoyed every one.