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keiraonyxraven's reviews
18 reviews
The Housemates by Iain Rob Wright
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, Misogyny, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Self harm, Bullying, Chronic illness, Blood, Body horror, Murder, Pedophilia, Confinement, Infidelity, Sexism, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Sacculina by Philip Fracassi
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I enjoyed this short novella. It was a quick and engaging read throughout and I will definitely think twice if I ever find myself on a boat again.
I loved the concept of Fracassi’s creatures in this story, the descriptions of the way they “hunt” and infest their victims is enough to make your skin crawl. Coupled with the claustrophobic setting and the feeling of being utterly and completely surrounded, Fracassi has done well to create an unsettling reading experience.
However, I do think this novella would have benefited from an extra 25-50 pages. I would have preferred a little more suspense and more detailed explanations of the fates of a few characters, as well as clarification on where the creatures came from and why they existed, just for a little extra added interest, but that’s just me.
This was my first book by Fracassi and overall it was a good, easy read. I have no doubt that I will be returning to this author in the near future to see what else he has to offer.
I loved the concept of Fracassi’s creatures in this story, the descriptions of the way they “hunt” and infest their victims is enough to make your skin crawl. Coupled with the claustrophobic setting and the feeling of being utterly and completely surrounded, Fracassi has done well to create an unsettling reading experience.
However, I do think this novella would have benefited from an extra 25-50 pages. I would have preferred a little more suspense and more detailed explanations of the fates of a few characters, as well as clarification on where the creatures came from and why they existed, just for a little extra added interest, but that’s just me.
This was my first book by Fracassi and overall it was a good, easy read. I have no doubt that I will be returning to this author in the near future to see what else he has to offer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Gore, Violence, Terminal illness, Body horror, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Alcohol
The Watchers by A.M. Shine
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Grief
The Vessel by Adam L.G. Nevill
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
When carer Jess takes on a new client who is mute and wheelchair bound, she quickly finds that Flo can be rather aggressive and particular with her care. With little choice in terms of childcare for her young daughter Izzy, Jess is forced to bring Izzy along on her night shifts. Soon strange occurrences begin to increase and intensify and Jess starts to realise that Nerthus House may hold more than just old historical artefacts and an ordinary dementia patient.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with this novella, which I now realise was intended to be a screenplay. Due to this, I found the story rather one dimensional and it failed to keep my interest. Too much time was spent reiterating the fact that Jess’ ex-partner was abusive and Izzy was being bullied, both of which could have been established much more efficiently.
To add to my criticism, I was also disappointed with the ending and believe it made little sense. My reasoning for this is difficult to explain without spoilers, but in summary, it came down to a lack of clarification, explanation and context. I understood what happened, but it was so inconsistent with how the characters had been portrayed prior to that point, that I found myself bewildered.
This was however, my first book by Nevill and believe I should try one of his full sized novels before making a judgment on this author. Nevertheless, this novella did not live up to my expectations, but it is possible this has less to do with the writing and more to do with its intention to be a screenplay and it’s lack of detail and explanation as a result.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with this novella, which I now realise was intended to be a screenplay. Due to this, I found the story rather one dimensional and it failed to keep my interest. Too much time was spent reiterating the fact that Jess’ ex-partner was abusive and Izzy was being bullied, both of which could have been established much more efficiently.
To add to my criticism, I was also disappointed with the ending and believe it made little sense. My reasoning for this is difficult to explain without spoilers, but in summary, it came down to a lack of clarification, explanation and context. I understood what happened, but it was so inconsistent with how the characters had been portrayed prior to that point, that I found myself bewildered.
This was however, my first book by Nevill and believe I should try one of his full sized novels before making a judgment on this author. Nevertheless, this novella did not live up to my expectations, but it is possible this has less to do with the writing and more to do with its intention to be a screenplay and it’s lack of detail and explanation as a result.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, Dementia, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Death, and Violence
Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Miscarriage, Death, Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Death of parent
What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I was thrilled for this release after really enjoying What Moves The Dead and I excitedly awaited the return of Alex, Hod, Miss Potter and Angus.
Kingfisher as always, created a flawless setting. Their atmospheric and detailed descriptions transported me deep into the wintry Gallacian Forests and inside the creepy hunting lodge. Kingfisher really has a talent for creating endearing and likeable characters, with the return of our favourite foursome and the introduction of several new personalities. I loved the sweet and mild mannered Bors and even the mean old Widow had a likeable quality adding humour and sass to the story. I was completely invested in the fates of each and every character in this novel and that kept me engaged until the end.
Unfortunately, this is where my praise dwindles. Kingfisher is one of my most beloved authors, so I am sad to say that the storyline and plot for What Feasts At Night just didn’t live up to its predecessor. Far too little actually happened to progress the story and the threat was passive at best until the very end. Unfortunately there were no real suspenseful moments for me either and the conclusion left me disappointed and underwhelmed.
That being said, I will still immediately buy anything Kingfisher writes and I still maintain my love for this author and their books. This particular book just wasn’t my favourite.
Kingfisher as always, created a flawless setting. Their atmospheric and detailed descriptions transported me deep into the wintry Gallacian Forests and inside the creepy hunting lodge. Kingfisher really has a talent for creating endearing and likeable characters, with the return of our favourite foursome and the introduction of several new personalities. I loved the sweet and mild mannered Bors and even the mean old Widow had a likeable quality adding humour and sass to the story. I was completely invested in the fates of each and every character in this novel and that kept me engaged until the end.
Unfortunately, this is where my praise dwindles. Kingfisher is one of my most beloved authors, so I am sad to say that the storyline and plot for What Feasts At Night just didn’t live up to its predecessor. Far too little actually happened to progress the story and the threat was passive at best until the very end. Unfortunately there were no real suspenseful moments for me either and the conclusion left me disappointed and underwhelmed.
That being said, I will still immediately buy anything Kingfisher writes and I still maintain my love for this author and their books. This particular book just wasn’t my favourite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Chronic illness, and Animal cruelty
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Chronic illness, Death, Grief, and Body horror
Moderate: Animal death and Animal cruelty
The Last Days of Jack Sparks by Jason Arnopp
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
The Last Days Of Jack Sparks is a masterpiece of chaos, humour, suspense and plot twists. It follows our main character, Jack, on his research quest to observe (and disprove) a number of different supernatural phenomena. However, he might be in for more than he bargained for (to say the least!).
This novel truly has everything, it is jam packed full of action, gore, mystery, humour, horror, trauma, and a rollercoaster of emotions. From cover to cover, never once did I find myself bored or find a lull in my interest for this book.
Arnopp’s ability to portray the classic unreliable narrator in such a creative and unique fashion deserves unending applause and I honestly lost count of how many times throughout this novel where I audibly gasped at twists I never saw coming.
I’ve never read anything like The Last Days Of Jack Sparks and doubt I ever will again, it is so rare that you get a unique style, engrossing plot and flawless execution all in one book but Arnopp has achieved exactly that. This novel sits firmly in my top 5 favourite books and I will forever be recommending it to absolutely anyone with even the faintest interest in the supernatural.
This novel truly has everything, it is jam packed full of action, gore, mystery, humour, horror, trauma, and a rollercoaster of emotions. From cover to cover, never once did I find myself bored or find a lull in my interest for this book.
Arnopp’s ability to portray the classic unreliable narrator in such a creative and unique fashion deserves unending applause and I honestly lost count of how many times throughout this novel where I audibly gasped at twists I never saw coming.
I’ve never read anything like The Last Days Of Jack Sparks and doubt I ever will again, it is so rare that you get a unique style, engrossing plot and flawless execution all in one book but Arnopp has achieved exactly that. This novel sits firmly in my top 5 favourite books and I will forever be recommending it to absolutely anyone with even the faintest interest in the supernatural.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Body horror, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Death, Suicide attempt, Grief, Murder, Torture, Violence, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Drug use, Drug abuse, Suicide, Gore, and Mental illness
Intercepts by T.J. Payne
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Medical content, Grief, Physical abuse, Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Torture, Body horror, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Gore, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Animal cruelty
It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malerman
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
I rarely give 1 star reviews but unfortunately this short story just fell completely flat for me. For such a tiny book there was too much time spent on unnecessary details and way too little time spent on progressing the actual plot. I didn’t find the story remotely creepy, there were a number of plot holes and the ending felt ridiculously rushed. This book definitely wasn’t for me, sorry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol