C. J. Daley
A huge shoutout to Tor Nightfire for the physical ARC! While i did start this one a tad later than I originally intended, it did end up working out as I coincidentally just rewatched The Shining, Doctor Sleep, and Longlegs…look at that luck. The cover is another home run too, close to rivaling my love for American Rapture’s … I happened to love the insides too.
And just a friendly warning on this one, as it really hides a lot in its back blurb, there may be things I spoil here, even unintentionally.
Daniel has had enough. From a failed investigation, a failed marriage, the death of loved ones, it’s safe to say he’s a level or two past burnt out, defeated. But just as he’s about to take off, running once and for all, he’s pulled right back in. His old boss from the FBI, Jack, has appeared in the eleventh hour to tell him it’s happening again. There’s been another murder. Amnesiac kidnappers, skinned victims, a single hair tied around every tongue, and a few clues that lead back to people that just never connect enough to convict. This time, Danny is faced with tackling his trauma and the crimes, and time is dangerously close to running out.
So, like I touch upon above, this one has notes of The Shining, Longlegs, Silence of the Lambs, and even Weapons. Some of which are interwoven with the narrative itself, as DANNY’s mother says he shines, he’s just connected to things differently than others. And while The Shining is more on the nose, this does feel like a supernatural amalgamation of all of these things. Yet, the author does take it all and carve out something all her own. I was first drawn in by these things being mentioned, or things that seemed like nods, but then I was gripped by what’s woven on the page and good god it does not let up.
While this book is deeply imbedded with the supernatural, at its core, it’s still a family drama. And even if you’d argue that, it’s certainly about family trauma. Daniel’s past is blood splattered and speckled, he ran away before he could discuss his divorce, and he lost his adoptive parents too. And this is the kind of person that’s still processing the childhood stuff … memories abound, the past and present often sharing the page with little to differentiate what is and isn’t real. The author toys with readers that way.
And because of the way it all ends up tying together, I particularly liked how in the dark Daniel was. How often he’d question everything on the page. In that way he reminded me of my main detective, Williams, from Welcome to Cemetery. I feel like mysteries on the page sometimes have a way of falling into place … as us writers are literally plotting them out. But this one pauses for those beats to remind us that Daniel is more often than not bewildered but what’s happening.
The ending had notes that reminded me of Doctor Sleep mixed with wendigo-y vibes. I can see the finale working really well for others or rubbing them the wrong way. Personally, I would have liked to see more in the end of how the crime was wrapped up, especially legally, but I do understand that when it comes to the supernatural, “facts” rarely line up. I don’t think it’s so much as to be polarizing in people’s enjoyment, just that there is a hint of design here where not everything is perfect.
This is great for fans of King and The X-Files, fans of supernatural horrors, and readers looking for distinct author voices. Three novels in and Leede is letting fans know she’s writing exactly what she wants to.
A huge shoutout to Tor Nightfire for the physical ARC! While i did start this one a tad later than I originally intended, it did end up working out as I coincidentally just rewatched The Shining, Doctor Sleep, and Longlegs…look at that luck. The cover is another home run too, close to rivaling my love for American Rapture’s … I happened to love the insides too.
And just a friendly warning on this one, as it really hides a lot in its back blurb, there may be things I spoil here, even unintentionally.
Daniel has had enough. From a failed investigation, a failed marriage, the death of loved ones, it’s safe to say he’s a level or two past burnt out, defeated. But just as he’s about to take off, running once and for all, he’s pulled right back in. His old boss from the FBI, Jack, has appeared in the eleventh hour to tell him it’s happening again. There’s been another murder. Amnesiac kidnappers, skinned victims, a single hair tied around every tongue, and a few clues that lead back to people that just never connect enough to convict. This time, Danny is faced with tackling his trauma and the crimes, and time is dangerously close to running out.
So, like I touch upon above, this one has notes of The Shining, Longlegs, Silence of the Lambs, and even Weapons. Some of which are interwoven with the narrative itself, as DANNY’s mother says he shines, he’s just connected to things differently than others. And while The Shining is more on the nose, this does feel like a supernatural amalgamation of all of these things. Yet, the author does take it all and carve out something all her own. I was first drawn in by these things being mentioned, or things that seemed like nods, but then I was gripped by what’s woven on the page and good god it does not let up.
While this book is deeply imbedded with the supernatural, at its core, it’s still a family drama. And even if you’d argue that, it’s certainly about family trauma. Daniel’s past is blood splattered and speckled, he ran away before he could discuss his divorce, and he lost his adoptive parents too. And this is the kind of person that’s still processing the childhood stuff … memories abound, the past and present often sharing the page with little to differentiate what is and isn’t real. The author toys with readers that way.
And because of the way it all ends up tying together, I particularly liked how in the dark Daniel was. How often he’d question everything on the page. In that way he reminded me of my main detective, Williams, from Welcome to Cemetery. I feel like mysteries on the page sometimes have a way of falling into place … as us writers are literally plotting them out. But this one pauses for those beats to remind us that Daniel is more often than not bewildered but what’s happening.
The ending had notes that reminded me of Doctor Sleep mixed with wendigo-y vibes. I can see the finale working really well for others or rubbing them the wrong way. Personally, I would have liked to see more in the end of how the crime was wrapped up, especially legally, but I do understand that when it comes to the supernatural, “facts” rarely line up. I don’t think it’s so much as to be polarizing in people’s enjoyment, just that there is a hint of design here where not everything is perfect.
This is great for fans of King and The X-Files, fans of supernatural horrors, and readers looking for distinct author voices. Three novels in and Leede is letting fans know she’s writing exactly what she wants to.
As I grabbed the 1-3 box set on audio and loved the first, I decided to roll right on through to the next one. The narration is fantastic, I really feel like it embodies the character and the first person POV so well!
Ivy officially agrees to employment with the mages, still butting heads with the overly handsome Mage Lord. And while not so much time has gone by, the anger between fae is heating up again. The half-faeries seem to do their level best to piss off just about everyone, and worse, now there’s some kind of potion that sets them all into an unbreakable rage. To find the source, Ivy will have to go undercover, risking life and limb to once again stop an all-out war.
Right off the bat the mystery and magic starts up all over again. This serum that turns the fae-kind into rabid monsters of themselves was an interesting twist to the story. It allowed the author to play into the half-faeries biggest fear, a mortal life. And as the serum promises immortality, it’s understandable how up in arms they were to get their hands on it. To them it’s a matter of life and death—as they literally view living a normal lifespan to be a curse—and unfortunately some of them might just actually die in the process. I will say that as they are almost all shown to be stuck-up, incredibly full of themselves people, it’s a little hard to care. Ivy shows them zero sympathy too, but she can’t just stand by and do nothing!
To get to the bottom of things, Ivy must infiltrate and investigate from within. She hears that the winner of a faerie-only competition is being given the serum as a prize, so what does any intelligent woman with an overprotective boss do? She enters herself as a fighter. The only problem is her appearance. I enjoyed that the author gave readers some different kinds of magic throughout this one, and that included magically altering Ivy’s appearance. Making her seem like a different person kind of reminded me of M. J. Kuhn’s Among Thieves and her character that is a disguise expert, though here it’s Ivy’s witch roommate and best friend. The actual fights themselves kind of brought to mind Spider-man’s cage fight in the first Raimi movie, but it is virtually a magical fight club. And just remember, nothing is as simple as it seems.
Overall this one does feel kind of side-mission like, and although it seems faerie war is always on the line here, the fight club felt like lower stakes. Which, truly, is not necessarily a bad thing, especially as this one is a second novel and not the finale, but it’s just something to keep in mind. Ivy continues to be snarky, combative, and overall a little unpleasant, but the romantic tension with the Mage Lord will have you smacking your head. If enemies (or reluctant professionals?) to lovers is your thing, I’m telling you it’s incoming! Into book three.
As I grabbed the 1-3 box set on audio and loved the first, I decided to roll right on through to the next one. The narration is fantastic, I really feel like it embodies the character and the first person POV so well!
Ivy officially agrees to employment with the mages, still butting heads with the overly handsome Mage Lord. And while not so much time has gone by, the anger between fae is heating up again. The half-faeries seem to do their level best to piss off just about everyone, and worse, now there’s some kind of potion that sets them all into an unbreakable rage. To find the source, Ivy will have to go undercover, risking life and limb to once again stop an all-out war.
Right off the bat the mystery and magic starts up all over again. This serum that turns the fae-kind into rabid monsters of themselves was an interesting twist to the story. It allowed the author to play into the half-faeries biggest fear, a mortal life. And as the serum promises immortality, it’s understandable how up in arms they were to get their hands on it. To them it’s a matter of life and death—as they literally view living a normal lifespan to be a curse—and unfortunately some of them might just actually die in the process. I will say that as they are almost all shown to be stuck-up, incredibly full of themselves people, it’s a little hard to care. Ivy shows them zero sympathy too, but she can’t just stand by and do nothing!
To get to the bottom of things, Ivy must infiltrate and investigate from within. She hears that the winner of a faerie-only competition is being given the serum as a prize, so what does any intelligent woman with an overprotective boss do? She enters herself as a fighter. The only problem is her appearance. I enjoyed that the author gave readers some different kinds of magic throughout this one, and that included magically altering Ivy’s appearance. Making her seem like a different person kind of reminded me of M. J. Kuhn’s Among Thieves and her character that is a disguise expert, though here it’s Ivy’s witch roommate and best friend. The actual fights themselves kind of brought to mind Spider-man’s cage fight in the first Raimi movie, but it is virtually a magical fight club. And just remember, nothing is as simple as it seems.
Overall this one does feel kind of side-mission like, and although it seems faerie war is always on the line here, the fight club felt like lower stakes. Which, truly, is not necessarily a bad thing, especially as this one is a second novel and not the finale, but it’s just something to keep in mind. Ivy continues to be snarky, combative, and overall a little unpleasant, but the romantic tension with the Mage Lord will have you smacking your head. If enemies (or reluctant professionals?) to lovers is your thing, I’m telling you it’s incoming! Into book three.
I had the opportunity to read this for the Indie Ink Awards, and I just so happened to already own it on Kindle. It was on my list for a while, so I’m glad the awards allowed me to bump it up the TBR chain.
Seth has lived a troubled life. His parents, hell even his entire town, treat him with disdain, like he’s a stain on the community. But what has Seth actually done to deserve this? Then, he finds someone to confide in, someone to love and build a future with. It’s short lived, as she is kidnapped right before his eyes while he is murdered. What follows is a demonic and twisted tale of deceit, malevolence, struggle, and survival. Demon Seth must overcome his nature, one that was painstakingly crafted for an evil purpose. Luckily, there are those that would stand with him to defeat those that carry the blade of judgment.
This was truly a unique novel. The author takes bits and pieces from our histories’ religions and blends them with fantastical fiction to offer readers a wholly new experience. The prose is lofty and lyrical, giving the reader the chance to fall into step with Priore’s sentence work. The action is big (and often) but never falls into feeling like a superhero story, nor is it repetitive.
For me, the flipping back and forth between Seth’s first-person POV and the various other characters spanning through space and millennia, was a little eclectic and took some getting used to. I think, at least at first, it felt like two separate kinds of story competing with each other, with Seth falling somewhat to the back burner at the beginning. With that said, I think the main chunk with Seth being first person was the right choice, as you can center yourself on it over time. The side and supporting characters also offering some of the story’s juiciest bits too…including my favorite which was Virdeus.
To me, Virdeus represents some of the book’s best character work. An ancient man set on a path of magic and longevity. Every time he appears on the page he could deservedly be angry, could be vengeful, but he’s not. He has mastered his loss and emotions over time, and builds something important to the human race. This group—or task force, or dare I saw cult (depending on who’s asking), or secret order—thrives in the background, keeping many of the earth’s evils at bay as they hunt for demons and imps. Personally for me, this is where the novel felt truly alive. I was buzzing with the possibilities of other stories or spinoffs in their world, of limitless enemies felled. And again, this never felt superhero-y or corny. That’s an achievement.
With some overlying threads of Christianity and ancient mythology, this really does read like its own thing. Heaven and Hell exist, but the author has rewritten the code, changed their existence, rearranged even the smallest details you think you know. It could be called urban fantasy, for those needing a label, or it could be labeled a horror if not for its action base, however dark fantasy doesn’t seem to sit too well with me either. Look, it is certainly fantastical, magical, dark as hell, but to me it still felt like something worldly. No, I can’t make that make more sense, but at the moment fantasy just feels strange to attach to it. For those that like to try new things, that like genre blends that are a tad “out there,” this one could be something special.
I had the opportunity to read this for the Indie Ink Awards, and I just so happened to already own it on Kindle. It was on my list for a while, so I’m glad the awards allowed me to bump it up the TBR chain.
Seth has lived a troubled life. His parents, hell even his entire town, treat him with disdain, like he’s a stain on the community. But what has Seth actually done to deserve this? Then, he finds someone to confide in, someone to love and build a future with. It’s short lived, as she is kidnapped right before his eyes while he is murdered. What follows is a demonic and twisted tale of deceit, malevolence, struggle, and survival. Demon Seth must overcome his nature, one that was painstakingly crafted for an evil purpose. Luckily, there are those that would stand with him to defeat those that carry the blade of judgment.
This was truly a unique novel. The author takes bits and pieces from our histories’ religions and blends them with fantastical fiction to offer readers a wholly new experience. The prose is lofty and lyrical, giving the reader the chance to fall into step with Priore’s sentence work. The action is big (and often) but never falls into feeling like a superhero story, nor is it repetitive.
For me, the flipping back and forth between Seth’s first-person POV and the various other characters spanning through space and millennia, was a little eclectic and took some getting used to. I think, at least at first, it felt like two separate kinds of story competing with each other, with Seth falling somewhat to the back burner at the beginning. With that said, I think the main chunk with Seth being first person was the right choice, as you can center yourself on it over time. The side and supporting characters also offering some of the story’s juiciest bits too…including my favorite which was Virdeus.
To me, Virdeus represents some of the book’s best character work. An ancient man set on a path of magic and longevity. Every time he appears on the page he could deservedly be angry, could be vengeful, but he’s not. He has mastered his loss and emotions over time, and builds something important to the human race. This group—or task force, or dare I saw cult (depending on who’s asking), or secret order—thrives in the background, keeping many of the earth’s evils at bay as they hunt for demons and imps. Personally for me, this is where the novel felt truly alive. I was buzzing with the possibilities of other stories or spinoffs in their world, of limitless enemies felled. And again, this never felt superhero-y or corny. That’s an achievement.
With some overlying threads of Christianity and ancient mythology, this really does read like its own thing. Heaven and Hell exist, but the author has rewritten the code, changed their existence, rearranged even the smallest details you think you know. It could be called urban fantasy, for those needing a label, or it could be labeled a horror if not for its action base, however dark fantasy doesn’t seem to sit too well with me either. Look, it is certainly fantastical, magical, dark as hell, but to me it still felt like something worldly. No, I can’t make that make more sense, but at the moment fantasy just feels strange to attach to it. For those that like to try new things, that like genre blends that are a tad “out there,” this one could be something special.
Another read on my ever-present quest to read all my fellow authors in The Book of Spores Anthology. Grabbed books 1-3 box set of The Changeling Chronicles on Audible to help me get another checked off the list. Taking on a whole trilogy without prior knowledge of the story can be tricky, but this is certainly paying off. Luci Christian Bell’s narration is fantastic, bringing Ivy to life in such a compulsively listenable way.
Ivy Lane’s world is built on tenuous peace at best. Since the faerie invasion, there’s been little anyone can do to keep the fighting at bay. And while Ivy may have more reason than others to hate the folks the invasion left behind, she now uses her skills to investigate and stop rouge fae, ensuring their fates are continually intwined. Her magic, which she loosely tells people is from being a witch (although notably coven-less), is anything but, and despite her best efforts, she’s pulled into the deep end of a world of trouble. Human children kidnapped, a shockingly handsome Mage Lord, and a power struggle she wants nothing to do with but simply can’t let lie.
With notes of Carnival Row, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Nevers, this one also reminded me of Mawce Hanlin’s Under the Dragon Moon, in the sense that when urban fantasy is done well, I quite enjoy it. I am not well versed in changelings or faerie stories, I admit, but this one does a great job at setting up the world while still leaving mystery. I felt myself consistently wondering about the goings-on in the world at large, while also not feeling as if I was missing something. There’s a particular talent on display when an author can make you wish for more without coming off as purposefully vague or even misleading. Adams smashes toeing that line. Intrigue over mislead
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, I LOVE books that mesh or transcend genres. This proves that statement remains true. Fantasy laid over our natural world, a mystery that follows a typical investigation pattern regardless of magic or creatures, the hints of a romance even though the secrets kept are awfully piled high. I think this one is really great. As I type this it also brings to mind Benjamin Aeveryn’s Blackcap (another great genre blend). If genres and tropes have been done, and done again, mixing them up is a fantastic way to freshen things up.
The magic system is an interesting one. There are a multitude of magical creatures, so there are no hard rules here. As Ivy is unsure of her own powers as well, it allows for her to progress with them as the story goes on (and I’d imagine into the following books too). The fact that the world sets up witches, mages, necromancers, spirits, faeries (in the more traditional sense), and even hellhounds, I feel the possibilities are endless! Especially with Ivy doing odd-job investigations, there’s no telling where the series can go.
Ivy is a somewhat brusque, witty character. She certainly shines on with that millennial sarcasm. While that’s not really anything new for this kind of lead, it is crafted spectacularly. The author’s choice for a first person POV really sells it too, as her inner monologue is funny as well as relevant. Ivy is the exact sort of reluctant hero you can see yourself falling in with for a series of magical books.
Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, fantasy, faeries, and mystery. A Jack of all trades, this one.
Another read on my ever-present quest to read all my fellow authors in The Book of Spores Anthology. Grabbed books 1-3 box set of The Changeling Chronicles on Audible to help me get another checked off the list. Taking on a whole trilogy without prior knowledge of the story can be tricky, but this is certainly paying off. Luci Christian Bell’s narration is fantastic, bringing Ivy to life in such a compulsively listenable way.
Ivy Lane’s world is built on tenuous peace at best. Since the faerie invasion, there’s been little anyone can do to keep the fighting at bay. And while Ivy may have more reason than others to hate the folks the invasion left behind, she now uses her skills to investigate and stop rouge fae, ensuring their fates are continually intwined. Her magic, which she loosely tells people is from being a witch (although notably coven-less), is anything but, and despite her best efforts, she’s pulled into the deep end of a world of trouble. Human children kidnapped, a shockingly handsome Mage Lord, and a power struggle she wants nothing to do with but simply can’t let lie.
With notes of Carnival Row, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Nevers, this one also reminded me of Mawce Hanlin’s Under the Dragon Moon, in the sense that when urban fantasy is done well, I quite enjoy it. I am not well versed in changelings or faerie stories, I admit, but this one does a great job at setting up the world while still leaving mystery. I felt myself consistently wondering about the goings-on in the world at large, while also not feeling as if I was missing something. There’s a particular talent on display when an author can make you wish for more without coming off as purposefully vague or even misleading. Adams smashes toeing that line. Intrigue over mislead
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, I LOVE books that mesh or transcend genres. This proves that statement remains true. Fantasy laid over our natural world, a mystery that follows a typical investigation pattern regardless of magic or creatures, the hints of a romance even though the secrets kept are awfully piled high. I think this one is really great. As I type this it also brings to mind Benjamin Aeveryn’s Blackcap (another great genre blend). If genres and tropes have been done, and done again, mixing them up is a fantastic way to freshen things up.
The magic system is an interesting one. There are a multitude of magical creatures, so there are no hard rules here. As Ivy is unsure of her own powers as well, it allows for her to progress with them as the story goes on (and I’d imagine into the following books too). The fact that the world sets up witches, mages, necromancers, spirits, faeries (in the more traditional sense), and even hellhounds, I feel the possibilities are endless! Especially with Ivy doing odd-job investigations, there’s no telling where the series can go.
Ivy is a somewhat brusque, witty character. She certainly shines on with that millennial sarcasm. While that’s not really anything new for this kind of lead, it is crafted spectacularly. The author’s choice for a first person POV really sells it too, as her inner monologue is funny as well as relevant. Ivy is the exact sort of reluctant hero you can see yourself falling in with for a series of magical books.
Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, fantasy, faeries, and mystery. A Jack of all trades, this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the audio review copy! I was intrigued by the cover and wanted to give the author another read. I thought the narration by Andy Stevenson was really solid. It was creepy in a sort of banal kind of way.
This one surprised me! It was compulsively listenable and totally gripping even with there being zero feel-good emotions here on any level. It’s dark, obsessive, and super creepy.
Bob is the local courier. After the loss of his shop, he’s just sort of bumbling along. Daily life brings little joy, and there’s little to differentiate between separate days. That is until the day he brings a particular package with him on delivery. Until the day he finally sees you. A woman in need, an aggressive partner, and no end in sight. What is Bob supposed to do, let it go? But what would she do without him, her savior?
The first person POV worked wonderfully, tactfully placing readers into the mind of a truly troubled individual. From the driver’s seat to sickening fantasies, Bob is a character that will disgust you as much as he will intrigue you. The author does a great job of showcasing how curiosity can turn to fascination, from infatuation to unbreakable obsession. How dangerous that kind of feeling can be, and how obsession can turn into something darker still. From internal rationalization, social media stalking and catfishing, inner-circle infiltration, and even murder, the author gives an unrelenting tale that even has an uber satisfying twist. I for one, did not see it coming.
The inner-monologuing style of the story, where he is projecting this sort of storyteller take on explaining how he’s a savior, gave the reader the feeling of being right there with Bob, and while readers may not turn obsessive with him, it made for an interesting read. You won’t root for him, and shouldn’t, but you have to know what will happen next. A great psychological thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the audio review copy! I was intrigued by the cover and wanted to give the author another read. I thought the narration by Andy Stevenson was really solid. It was creepy in a sort of banal kind of way.
This one surprised me! It was compulsively listenable and totally gripping even with there being zero feel-good emotions here on any level. It’s dark, obsessive, and super creepy.
Bob is the local courier. After the loss of his shop, he’s just sort of bumbling along. Daily life brings little joy, and there’s little to differentiate between separate days. That is until the day he brings a particular package with him on delivery. Until the day he finally sees you. A woman in need, an aggressive partner, and no end in sight. What is Bob supposed to do, let it go? But what would she do without him, her savior?
The first person POV worked wonderfully, tactfully placing readers into the mind of a truly troubled individual. From the driver’s seat to sickening fantasies, Bob is a character that will disgust you as much as he will intrigue you. The author does a great job of showcasing how curiosity can turn to fascination, from infatuation to unbreakable obsession. How dangerous that kind of feeling can be, and how obsession can turn into something darker still. From internal rationalization, social media stalking and catfishing, inner-circle infiltration, and even murder, the author gives an unrelenting tale that even has an uber satisfying twist. I for one, did not see it coming.
The inner-monologuing style of the story, where he is projecting this sort of storyteller take on explaining how he’s a savior, gave the reader the feeling of being right there with Bob, and while readers may not turn obsessive with him, it made for an interesting read. You won’t root for him, and shouldn’t, but you have to know what will happen next. A great psychological thriller.
I happened to see this was on sale on Audible, and I just couldn’t pass it up. As a big fan of Dark Bloom I was excited for more. The narration by Lauren Campbell is solid, and I think the character of Tess was brought to life very well.
Tess’ only plan is to take a relaxing weekend away from absolutely everything. No work emails and calls, no fuss, no real-world anything at all. But what she finds is anything but a reprieve. Lost on the first hike, which was supposed to be a simple trail, and with next to no actual outdoor experience, Tess feels almost lucky when she bumps into Aiden. And while he seems lost too, at least she’s no longer out in the woods alone. With his help, she manages to find her rented cabin, but there’s no end in sight to the horrors.
This one is certainly not for everyone. Unreliable narration and horrors popping off the page, just for them to disappear a chapter later or melt into something worse, this has all the ingredients for a folkloric, depressive nosedive into despair. Notes of this reminded me of the latest iteration of IT and Welcome to Derry, how Pennywise will alter what his victims see, feel and hear. The entity in these woods is after some similar mind-melting horrors too.
There is an air that nothing can be believed, that nothing is real, or that nothing happening actually is happening, that usually doesn’t really work for me in stories or movies, but this time it does. It double, triple, even quadruples down on the level of exhaustion and burn out Tess is struggling with. It is a blend of depression and being at your wits end that feels like you have to question what exactly she’s fighting so hard for. Perseverance or just general persistence of life. It reminded me of what I was trying to achieve with my own short, ‘When All I Feel is Pain’ from Tales From Cemetery. And while it’s not up to me to say if I was successful, I certainly think Molly is. Bleak yet strong. Depressive yet persevering. This is not just some hollow novella, but the good guys can’t always be in control, can’t always win.
I happened to see this was on sale on Audible, and I just couldn’t pass it up. As a big fan of Dark Bloom I was excited for more. The narration by Lauren Campbell is solid, and I think the character of Tess was brought to life very well.
Tess’ only plan is to take a relaxing weekend away from absolutely everything. No work emails and calls, no fuss, no real-world anything at all. But what she finds is anything but a reprieve. Lost on the first hike, which was supposed to be a simple trail, and with next to no actual outdoor experience, Tess feels almost lucky when she bumps into Aiden. And while he seems lost too, at least she’s no longer out in the woods alone. With his help, she manages to find her rented cabin, but there’s no end in sight to the horrors.
This one is certainly not for everyone. Unreliable narration and horrors popping off the page, just for them to disappear a chapter later or melt into something worse, this has all the ingredients for a folkloric, depressive nosedive into despair. Notes of this reminded me of the latest iteration of IT and Welcome to Derry, how Pennywise will alter what his victims see, feel and hear. The entity in these woods is after some similar mind-melting horrors too.
There is an air that nothing can be believed, that nothing is real, or that nothing happening actually is happening, that usually doesn’t really work for me in stories or movies, but this time it does. It double, triple, even quadruples down on the level of exhaustion and burn out Tess is struggling with. It is a blend of depression and being at your wits end that feels like you have to question what exactly she’s fighting so hard for. Perseverance or just general persistence of life. It reminded me of what I was trying to achieve with my own short, ‘When All I Feel is Pain’ from Tales From Cemetery. And while it’s not up to me to say if I was successful, I certainly think Molly is. Bleak yet strong. Depressive yet persevering. This is not just some hollow novella, but the good guys can’t always be in control, can’t always win.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the audio ARC! I really like the cover for this one and the blurb relating anything culty to R. L. Stine is an instant yes for me. This didn’t disappoint. The audio by Jesse Vilinksy was fantastic. It really felt like she embodied Lindsay.
Lindsay isn’t your average troubled kid. With parents as emotionally cold as an iceberg, she has managed to get kicked out of just about everything ever, including expulsion from multiple schools. She cuts classes, smokes to get attention, and never stays anywhere long enough to even begin to make friends. Her parents are rich, seeming to believe that money is enough to hush things up and get her to graduation, when all she really desires is to be seen. Instead, they decide they’ve had enough of her antics and ship her off to stay the summer with her uncle and aunt. If the family estrangement isn’t weird enough, it’s also a kind of teenage reform house…and more importantly, where the hell is her uncle?
This novel does well to toe the line between reading almost new adult, while definitely having the air of a young adult story with its chosen POV. Some of the themes and language are dark, and the crimes and horror are pretty violent at times too. It also has a pretty positive commentary on sexuality and being perceived as different that I quite liked. There has been a somewhat recent push for young adult books to be more tame and “clean” but this one does the opposite. I think both are valid and deserve to exist, the same way no two kids are alike. If you are a jewish bisexual girl drummer that just wants love and attention from her parents, then you deserve to see it exist on the page too.
This is also a pretty well handled showing of how Christianity, bible verses more specifically, can be weaponized in a controlling manner. How the idea of God’s eternal glory can be tainted into something far from bountiful…and that’s not even really the cult stuff! Phin and Cass, these sort of ethereal, The Shining-esque twins, were really creepy to me. From their too-helpful nature to their old-timey accents that made me think of Leo in The Great Gatsby, I wanted no part of them. Of course they would live on an island that can only be reached during low tide, or via boat. Nothing strange going on there at all…
The cast of characters that are introduced as this sort of halfway house for troubled kids kids(?) were really enjoyable. With one of them being sent there for being gay and another for being trans, I felt it really gave the setting an eerie feeling—like even before anything happens it all felt like a sham. And of course the fact that they all turn out to be perfectly capable, caring, and helpful teens really tied together the entire arc for Lindsay. Found family that pulls on the heartstrings. If you’ve ever read Stine and desired a little more creepiness and a tad more character depth, this one might work perfectly for you!
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the audio ARC! I really like the cover for this one and the blurb relating anything culty to R. L. Stine is an instant yes for me. This didn’t disappoint. The audio by Jesse Vilinksy was fantastic. It really felt like she embodied Lindsay.
Lindsay isn’t your average troubled kid. With parents as emotionally cold as an iceberg, she has managed to get kicked out of just about everything ever, including expulsion from multiple schools. She cuts classes, smokes to get attention, and never stays anywhere long enough to even begin to make friends. Her parents are rich, seeming to believe that money is enough to hush things up and get her to graduation, when all she really desires is to be seen. Instead, they decide they’ve had enough of her antics and ship her off to stay the summer with her uncle and aunt. If the family estrangement isn’t weird enough, it’s also a kind of teenage reform house…and more importantly, where the hell is her uncle?
This novel does well to toe the line between reading almost new adult, while definitely having the air of a young adult story with its chosen POV. Some of the themes and language are dark, and the crimes and horror are pretty violent at times too. It also has a pretty positive commentary on sexuality and being perceived as different that I quite liked. There has been a somewhat recent push for young adult books to be more tame and “clean” but this one does the opposite. I think both are valid and deserve to exist, the same way no two kids are alike. If you are a jewish bisexual girl drummer that just wants love and attention from her parents, then you deserve to see it exist on the page too.
This is also a pretty well handled showing of how Christianity, bible verses more specifically, can be weaponized in a controlling manner. How the idea of God’s eternal glory can be tainted into something far from bountiful…and that’s not even really the cult stuff! Phin and Cass, these sort of ethereal, The Shining-esque twins, were really creepy to me. From their too-helpful nature to their old-timey accents that made me think of Leo in The Great Gatsby, I wanted no part of them. Of course they would live on an island that can only be reached during low tide, or via boat. Nothing strange going on there at all…
The cast of characters that are introduced as this sort of halfway house for troubled kids kids(?) were really enjoyable. With one of them being sent there for being gay and another for being trans, I felt it really gave the setting an eerie feeling—like even before anything happens it all felt like a sham. And of course the fact that they all turn out to be perfectly capable, caring, and helpful teens really tied together the entire arc for Lindsay. Found family that pulls on the heartstrings. If you’ve ever read Stine and desired a little more creepiness and a tad more character depth, this one might work perfectly for you!
Yet another down in my quest to read all my fellow authors in The Book of Spores Anthology. And a big thanks to Saga for sending me a physical arc! I did not realize I also had this on Audible, so I had copies all over. Zoe Mills did a fantastic job bringing the characters (especially Ryia IMO) and world to life.
Carrowwick is a city filled to the brim with secrets, theft, and worse. Ryia has become a prominent name in the thieving and assassination circles, her own crew not even knowing how she slips in and out the way she does. But she has a secret, one her crew doesn’t know either. And while they may all be out for their own good, they will have to work together, as their next (desperate) job is to pull off a heist on the Guildmaster’s very own island…the one who controls the most power, and the man who wants each of them gone.
This gave me notes of Assassin’s Creed, Six of Crows and Andy Peloquin’s Queen of Thieves. A ragtag crew of pirates, disguise artists, thieves and assassins, all led by one calculating mastermind. A thief/assassin (especially with the hood on the cover) will always bring AC to mind, a comparison I always love. With its collective group of desperate people this felt like an aged-up cast from the likes of Six of Crows, the climactic heist certainly adding to the feel. Then there’s the lead of Ryia, who brought to mind Peloquin’s thieves guild and main character, Ilanna, blending the feel of this one as somehow wholly familiar and yet unique.
The city reads quite bleak, an utter cesspit of unlawfulness, almost grimdark, while the characters themselves feel like they’re only there out of necessity. They’ve learned to navigate this darkness simply so they don’t succumb to it. I thought all of them were interesting on their own, and every single one of them has a secret part to play. I did find the shifting POV to be a little on the stranger side, as there does seem to be a leading arc with Ryia, but it added depth to everyone for sure.
The magic system, which felt similar to Krystle Matar’s Tainted Dominion in the sense that it is only revealed in general shape, not its entirety, was another piece that felt both new and familiar…a new sweater from the same brand. And what I particularly enjoyed about it is the fact that it takes a sort of seat on the back burner. It is both present and not the lead, and with that, the author can really go so many places as the world doesn’t rely on any hard rules yet.
This one has a sort of reluctant found family, an honor among thieves that melds into a kind of dysfunctional family. They rely on each other, they learn trust, but even family can be hard…and some of the family members carry axes.
Yet another down in my quest to read all my fellow authors in The Book of Spores Anthology. And a big thanks to Saga for sending me a physical arc! I did not realize I also had this on Audible, so I had copies all over. Zoe Mills did a fantastic job bringing the characters (especially Ryia IMO) and world to life.
Carrowwick is a city filled to the brim with secrets, theft, and worse. Ryia has become a prominent name in the thieving and assassination circles, her own crew not even knowing how she slips in and out the way she does. But she has a secret, one her crew doesn’t know either. And while they may all be out for their own good, they will have to work together, as their next (desperate) job is to pull off a heist on the Guildmaster’s very own island…the one who controls the most power, and the man who wants each of them gone.
This gave me notes of Assassin’s Creed, Six of Crows and Andy Peloquin’s Queen of Thieves. A ragtag crew of pirates, disguise artists, thieves and assassins, all led by one calculating mastermind. A thief/assassin (especially with the hood on the cover) will always bring AC to mind, a comparison I always love. With its collective group of desperate people this felt like an aged-up cast from the likes of Six of Crows, the climactic heist certainly adding to the feel. Then there’s the lead of Ryia, who brought to mind Peloquin’s thieves guild and main character, Ilanna, blending the feel of this one as somehow wholly familiar and yet unique.
The city reads quite bleak, an utter cesspit of unlawfulness, almost grimdark, while the characters themselves feel like they’re only there out of necessity. They’ve learned to navigate this darkness simply so they don’t succumb to it. I thought all of them were interesting on their own, and every single one of them has a secret part to play. I did find the shifting POV to be a little on the stranger side, as there does seem to be a leading arc with Ryia, but it added depth to everyone for sure.
The magic system, which felt similar to Krystle Matar’s Tainted Dominion in the sense that it is only revealed in general shape, not its entirety, was another piece that felt both new and familiar…a new sweater from the same brand. And what I particularly enjoyed about it is the fact that it takes a sort of seat on the back burner. It is both present and not the lead, and with that, the author can really go so many places as the world doesn’t rely on any hard rules yet.
This one has a sort of reluctant found family, an honor among thieves that melds into a kind of dysfunctional family. They rely on each other, they learn trust, but even family can be hard…and some of the family members carry axes.