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ineffableverse's reviews
166 reviews
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The novel treads a delicate line between fact and fiction, as it delves into the harrowing reality of assaults and murders committed by one of history's most infamous serial killers. The author, Jessica Knoll, chooses to never call him by name – yes, to erase him from the narrative as much as possible! – for a very good reason: This rapist, this murderer of over 30 women, has been celebrated, admired, *swooned over* to a disturbing extent. Why? Because he was moderately attractive? Because he was charming? Even the judge referred to him as a 'bright young man,' hence the title of the novel.
«Bright Young Women» focuses on the impact of the crimes rather than on the perpetrator; it challenges prevailing cultural narratives that tend to minimize the perspectives of the female survivors, witnesses, and victims. Instead, the story explores themes of resilience, justice, and the challenges faced by women. Enough with the glorification of murderers – it's time to let the victims and survivors have the spotlight; give a voice to those who were silenced.
This is why I won't reveal the killer's name in my review, either.
While this is not a comfortable, 'fun' read, it isn't meant to be – and it has a lot to offer, if you are willing to leave your comfort zone.
Jessica Knoll's writing is intense and immersive, at times even visceral and raw. Drawing readers into the lives of her well-developed characters, it evokes empathy, yet never stoops to cheap pity prose: As much as this is a story of female suffering and trauma, it is a story of female strength, intelligence and unwavering sisterhood, told with respect.
The book examines what it means to be female, especially when faced with misogyny and the many facets of violence that get overlooked, excused or forgotten. While the book is set in the 70s and 80s, harmful societal attitudes and condescension are unfortunately not a thing of the past.
Overall, «Bright Young Women» might not be consistently attention-grabbing, but it's a compelling and thought-provoking novel that successfully tackles complex themes while offering a fresh perspective on true crime narratives.
“Things grow differently when they’re damaged, and it is within us to make use of strange new ground to bloom red instead of green. We carry on, brighter than before.”
(Quote)
«Bright Young Women» focuses on the impact of the crimes rather than on the perpetrator; it challenges prevailing cultural narratives that tend to minimize the perspectives of the female survivors, witnesses, and victims. Instead, the story explores themes of resilience, justice, and the challenges faced by women. Enough with the glorification of murderers – it's time to let the victims and survivors have the spotlight; give a voice to those who were silenced.
This is why I won't reveal the killer's name in my review, either.
While this is not a comfortable, 'fun' read, it isn't meant to be – and it has a lot to offer, if you are willing to leave your comfort zone.
Jessica Knoll's writing is intense and immersive, at times even visceral and raw. Drawing readers into the lives of her well-developed characters, it evokes empathy, yet never stoops to cheap pity prose: As much as this is a story of female suffering and trauma, it is a story of female strength, intelligence and unwavering sisterhood, told with respect.
The book examines what it means to be female, especially when faced with misogyny and the many facets of violence that get overlooked, excused or forgotten. While the book is set in the 70s and 80s, harmful societal attitudes and condescension are unfortunately not a thing of the past.
Overall, «Bright Young Women» might not be consistently attention-grabbing, but it's a compelling and thought-provoking novel that successfully tackles complex themes while offering a fresh perspective on true crime narratives.
“Things grow differently when they’re damaged, and it is within us to make use of strange new ground to bloom red instead of green. We carry on, brighter than before.”
(Quote)
The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Theodora, the new governess at Broken Oak Manor, grapples with the enigmatic secrets lurking within its walls and its winding corridors. At night, the house shifts and groans like a living thing, and soft footsteps add to its eerie orchestra
of misery. Theodora wants to believe that her little ward, Ottoline Thorne, is playing innocent pranks, but every happening is imbued with a tinge of the otherworldly. Just as she feels herself drawn to Cassias Thorne, the mysterious lord of the manor, she feels herself drawn to the attic…
The atmosphere seeps into your bones like a persistant chill; it whispers into your ear like the memory of a half-forgotten grief. The writing weaves beautiful tapestries of dark hallways and decaying, forgotten splendor, with a soundtrack of creaking walls and impossible footsteps. Oh yes, the language is beautiful, with lush settings and evocative descriptions.
The suspense smolders, it creeps through your veins at a measured pace. The mystery unravels slowly, but it makes up for it with clever foreboding and an ending that is perfect – if a bit familiar. (More on that later.)
The romance, however, feels like an afterthought. In my eyes, it's because the characters act like players in a classic haunted house story, dutifully fulfilling their roles and acting out all the usual gothic horror tropes. They all have a lot of promise – the foundations for true depth are there! But in my eyes, they are not fully fleshed out. In the end, I felt like too much was left open, and I would've liked to have delved deeper into these characters' lives.
However, I enjoyed the lush, immersive writing and the gothic setting very much, which softened the sting of the book's shortcomings. This is, all in all, a wonderful, classic ghost story – all haunting atmosphere and no gore.
The bit plot twist at the end is great, a very suitable ending to this story that only adds to the intrigue. But it's something that has been done before; I can think of at least two movies that have incorporated variations of this twist.
Quote:
«The sprawling house kept secrets and she kept secrets, and the lord of the house kept secrets — each folding them into their foundations, curling their bodies around the growing weight. The eaves creaked where the rest of the house stood silent like the bones in Theodora’s chest. Theodora cast her gaze to the window, at the dreary skies and damp fog. Everything beyond the glass slumbered, stark and bare, dressed only in early morning shadows and mist.»
of misery. Theodora wants to believe that her little ward, Ottoline Thorne, is playing innocent pranks, but every happening is imbued with a tinge of the otherworldly. Just as she feels herself drawn to Cassias Thorne, the mysterious lord of the manor, she feels herself drawn to the attic…
The atmosphere seeps into your bones like a persistant chill; it whispers into your ear like the memory of a half-forgotten grief. The writing weaves beautiful tapestries of dark hallways and decaying, forgotten splendor, with a soundtrack of creaking walls and impossible footsteps. Oh yes, the language is beautiful, with lush settings and evocative descriptions.
The suspense smolders, it creeps through your veins at a measured pace. The mystery unravels slowly, but it makes up for it with clever foreboding and an ending that is perfect – if a bit familiar. (More on that later.)
The romance, however, feels like an afterthought. In my eyes, it's because the characters act like players in a classic haunted house story, dutifully fulfilling their roles and acting out all the usual gothic horror tropes. They all have a lot of promise – the foundations for true depth are there! But in my eyes, they are not fully fleshed out. In the end, I felt like too much was left open, and I would've liked to have delved deeper into these characters' lives.
However, I enjoyed the lush, immersive writing and the gothic setting very much, which softened the sting of the book's shortcomings. This is, all in all, a wonderful, classic ghost story – all haunting atmosphere and no gore.
The bit plot twist at the end is great, a very suitable ending to this story that only adds to the intrigue. But it's something that has been done before; I can think of at least two movies that have incorporated variations of this twist.
Quote:
«The sprawling house kept secrets and she kept secrets, and the lord of the house kept secrets — each folding them into their foundations, curling their bodies around the growing weight. The eaves creaked where the rest of the house stood silent like the bones in Theodora’s chest. Theodora cast her gaze to the window, at the dreary skies and damp fog. Everything beyond the glass slumbered, stark and bare, dressed only in early morning shadows and mist.»
The Catch by T.M. Logan
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Out of the blue, Abbie introduces her parents to her fiancé, Ryan. Her mother is delighted – oh, what a polite and handsome man! But for her father, Ed, all alarm bells are ringing. Although he can't pinpoint it to anything specific, he is sure of one thing: he's facing a psychopath! And he won't just hand over his beloved daughter to him, no way.
Ed begins to investigate Ryan, searching for evidence to present to his wife and daughter. But the wedding is drawing nearer, and with each passing day of unsuccessful investigation, Ed becomes more desperate and obsessive, crossing one boundary after another.
Though the plot is relatively straightforward, T.M. Logan adds an original touch with unexpected twists and psychological depth. Both Ed and Ryan keep their cards close to their chests; the conflict escalates quietly, behind the scenes. Everyday fears are heightened in unspoken words and liminal spaces.
It's unsettling to watch Ed gradually lose his grip. The tension keeps building until you no longer know which outcome would be worse: that Ed is right and Ryan is truly dangerous, or that Ed has simply fallen down the wrong rabbit hole. Yes, at times Ed's behavior teeters on the edge of implausibility, but mostly the author paints a compelling picture of his inner conflict and obsession. Overall, I found the characters well-developed.
Eventually, you start feeling that nobody can win. Especially not Abby, who is robbed of her autonomy as the decision-maker in her own life!
For long stretches of the book, I was absolutely sure I had figured out the truth. Then, the author managed to make me doubt everything all over again – only to ultimately end it as I'd initially suspected. In my opinion, that didn't diminish the suspense, however. With vivid descriptions and well-crafted dialogues, T.M. Logan's writing creates an atmosphere of menace and paranoia that captivates.
Ed begins to investigate Ryan, searching for evidence to present to his wife and daughter. But the wedding is drawing nearer, and with each passing day of unsuccessful investigation, Ed becomes more desperate and obsessive, crossing one boundary after another.
Though the plot is relatively straightforward, T.M. Logan adds an original touch with unexpected twists and psychological depth. Both Ed and Ryan keep their cards close to their chests; the conflict escalates quietly, behind the scenes. Everyday fears are heightened in unspoken words and liminal spaces.
It's unsettling to watch Ed gradually lose his grip. The tension keeps building until you no longer know which outcome would be worse: that Ed is right and Ryan is truly dangerous, or that Ed has simply fallen down the wrong rabbit hole. Yes, at times Ed's behavior teeters on the edge of implausibility, but mostly the author paints a compelling picture of his inner conflict and obsession. Overall, I found the characters well-developed.
Eventually, you start feeling that nobody can win. Especially not Abby, who is robbed of her autonomy as the decision-maker in her own life!
For long stretches of the book, I was absolutely sure I had figured out the truth. Then, the author managed to make me doubt everything all over again – only to ultimately end it as I'd initially suspected. In my opinion, that didn't diminish the suspense, however. With vivid descriptions and well-crafted dialogues, T.M. Logan's writing creates an atmosphere of menace and paranoia that captivates.
The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson
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
4.75
London, 1727: The young gentleman Tom Hawkins is as inclined to women and alcohol as he is to gambling. Become a country parson like his dear father? Pah, the very idea is abhorrent to him! However, when Tom's extravagant lifestyle lands him in the notorious London debtors' prison, 'The Marshalsea' – a behemoth of intrigue, corruption, and abuse of power –, he must fight for his very life.
To secure his survival in this unforgiving world, Tom strikes a deal with the prison authorities to act as a hidden investigator in a murder case involving another inmate. Success promises him debt relief, while failure threatens torture and death. His cellmate Fleet, feared as much as the devil himself, surprisingly takes a liking to assisting him in the investigation, but can Tom trust him?
What sets «The Devil in the Marshalsea» apart is its skillful fusion of historical setting and detective fiction. It offers a compelling, well-researched insight into the English criminal justice system of the time and the cruel conditions under which particularly the lower-class prisoners had to exist. With rich, atmospheric writing, the author paints the world of this prison in all its terrifying reality.
Cleverly constructed, the novel builds intense suspense that is hard to resist, especially since Tom himself is never certain whom to trust.
The characters are multifaceted and finely craftet, though all of them valid reasons to keep their cards close to their chests. Tom, in particular, surprised me: Initially, he didn't come across as particularly likable, but he ultimately revealed himself as a protagonist I could empathize with. Behind his vices lie compelling inner conflicts that add depth to his character.
To secure his survival in this unforgiving world, Tom strikes a deal with the prison authorities to act as a hidden investigator in a murder case involving another inmate. Success promises him debt relief, while failure threatens torture and death. His cellmate Fleet, feared as much as the devil himself, surprisingly takes a liking to assisting him in the investigation, but can Tom trust him?
What sets «The Devil in the Marshalsea» apart is its skillful fusion of historical setting and detective fiction. It offers a compelling, well-researched insight into the English criminal justice system of the time and the cruel conditions under which particularly the lower-class prisoners had to exist. With rich, atmospheric writing, the author paints the world of this prison in all its terrifying reality.
Cleverly constructed, the novel builds intense suspense that is hard to resist, especially since Tom himself is never certain whom to trust.
The characters are multifaceted and finely craftet, though all of them valid reasons to keep their cards close to their chests. Tom, in particular, surprised me: Initially, he didn't come across as particularly likable, but he ultimately revealed himself as a protagonist I could empathize with. Behind his vices lie compelling inner conflicts that add depth to his character.
The Botanist by M.W. Craven
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is the fifth book in the «Washington Poe» series, but can be read without prior knowledge.
The characters are complex and intricately crafted, with a wealth of personality and a penchant for individuality. You can tell that the author spent a lot of time with them! DS Washington Poe has assembled an unconventional investigative team, whose quirks and idiosyncrasies miraculously come together to form an effective unit.
However, I found the character of analyst Tilly Bradshaw a bit overdone. Brilliant, yet lacking in social skills, she occasionally seems to embody all the stereotypes a layperson would expect of someone on the autism spectrum. (Note: She is never called autistic, but ticks off all the boxes for all the clichés.) Nevertheless, despite slight reservations, she remains an intriguing character with significant potential.
The writing flows seamlessly: the gritty and fascinating world of detective work meets refined British humor, and M.W. Craven maintains this delicate balance with concise, clear prose. He has a knack for the right pace and intensity to extract the most from his scenes.
The plot is multi-layered, almost like a classic crime novel, yet with original new impulses. It's smart, it's gripping, and for long stretches of the book, I simply couldn't envision a logical resolution – the killer seemed to possess almost supernatural abilities. Yet, in the end, the author skillfully ties it all together.
The characters are complex and intricately crafted, with a wealth of personality and a penchant for individuality. You can tell that the author spent a lot of time with them! DS Washington Poe has assembled an unconventional investigative team, whose quirks and idiosyncrasies miraculously come together to form an effective unit.
However, I found the character of analyst Tilly Bradshaw a bit overdone. Brilliant, yet lacking in social skills, she occasionally seems to embody all the stereotypes a layperson would expect of someone on the autism spectrum. (Note: She is never called autistic, but ticks off all the boxes for all the clichés.) Nevertheless, despite slight reservations, she remains an intriguing character with significant potential.
The writing flows seamlessly: the gritty and fascinating world of detective work meets refined British humor, and M.W. Craven maintains this delicate balance with concise, clear prose. He has a knack for the right pace and intensity to extract the most from his scenes.
The plot is multi-layered, almost like a classic crime novel, yet with original new impulses. It's smart, it's gripping, and for long stretches of the book, I simply couldn't envision a logical resolution – the killer seemed to possess almost supernatural abilities. Yet, in the end, the author skillfully ties it all together.
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Six months ago, seventeen-year-old Grey lost her best friend Elora, her twin flame. The girl simply disappeared without a trace – is she just another secret left to fester in the dark rot of the swamp?
We are deep in the Bayou, in a small town steeped in ancient magic: La Cachette is the self-proclaimed 'Psychic Capital of the World', so a secret 'lost' means a secret 'hidden'. Grey begins to realize just how deep this deception runs, as her own gift reaches out beyond the grave… When she meets a mysterious stranger that seems to have knowledge about the town's bloody history, she has to ask herself if she is willing to trust anybody – let alone him.
Ginny Myers Sain spins a tale that is unfolding slowly, revealing layer after layer of a dark mystery, in a unique blend of Bayou lore and urban fantasy. Her writing is dripping with a delightfully eerie atmosphere, and the lushly described setting adds to the feeling of dread and suspense. However, the suspense is subtle: a slow burn, an undercurrent, a whisper in the night. I did not mind this, as I felt that it allowed the atmosphere to really blossom, but if you want something tense and fast-paced, this might not be the book for you.
The characters are complex and engaging, even if they are holding their cards close to their chests. Everybody has secrets, and some of them might be deadly… The 'Summer Children', a group of young people with paranormal gifts, are more cursed than blessed, steering the book to a haunting ending that promises to be anything but shallow or tawdry.
All in all, I felt that »Dark and Shallow Lies« is a great read for Halloween season!
We are deep in the Bayou, in a small town steeped in ancient magic: La Cachette is the self-proclaimed 'Psychic Capital of the World', so a secret 'lost' means a secret 'hidden'. Grey begins to realize just how deep this deception runs, as her own gift reaches out beyond the grave… When she meets a mysterious stranger that seems to have knowledge about the town's bloody history, she has to ask herself if she is willing to trust anybody – let alone him.
Ginny Myers Sain spins a tale that is unfolding slowly, revealing layer after layer of a dark mystery, in a unique blend of Bayou lore and urban fantasy. Her writing is dripping with a delightfully eerie atmosphere, and the lushly described setting adds to the feeling of dread and suspense. However, the suspense is subtle: a slow burn, an undercurrent, a whisper in the night. I did not mind this, as I felt that it allowed the atmosphere to really blossom, but if you want something tense and fast-paced, this might not be the book for you.
The characters are complex and engaging, even if they are holding their cards close to their chests. Everybody has secrets, and some of them might be deadly… The 'Summer Children', a group of young people with paranormal gifts, are more cursed than blessed, steering the book to a haunting ending that promises to be anything but shallow or tawdry.
All in all, I felt that »Dark and Shallow Lies« is a great read for Halloween season!
Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
High school student Moss Jeffries struggles with anxiety and the trauma of witnessing his father's murder at a young age. His school, West Oakland High, is plagued by issues like racism, violence, and problematic over-policing, which deeply affect the students and the community. As tensions rise, Moss and his friends rally to address the systemic problems they face; they begin to organize protests and advocate for change within their school and community.
But will anybody listen? Will Moss ever get to be just Moss – loyal friend, loving boyfriend and all-around good kid? To get there, he will have to face his fears and his hate.
»Anger Is a Gift« is powerful in so many ways. It's a thought-provoking exploration of social and political issues, like racial injustice, police brutality, LGBTQ+ identity, and the power of collective action. It's not a story that lets you watch from a safe distance. With raw emotional energy, it pulls you right into the eye of a storm, asking you to feel the pain, breathe the despair… And yes, channel an anger that is not only justified, but might just be a catalyst for positive change.
Moss and his friends bravely defend their right to justice, safety and acceptance, while the whole world seems intent to beat them down at any cost. Be warned: the author takes the story to deep, dark places I did not expect it to go. At one point, I felt like I was drowning, losing all hope for any kind of positive change – but I think I needed to feel that, to truly understand what the characters were going through.
Above all, this is an authentic, empowering portrayal of diverse characters and their struggles, more than worth the read.
But will anybody listen? Will Moss ever get to be just Moss – loyal friend, loving boyfriend and all-around good kid? To get there, he will have to face his fears and his hate.
»Anger Is a Gift« is powerful in so many ways. It's a thought-provoking exploration of social and political issues, like racial injustice, police brutality, LGBTQ+ identity, and the power of collective action. It's not a story that lets you watch from a safe distance. With raw emotional energy, it pulls you right into the eye of a storm, asking you to feel the pain, breathe the despair… And yes, channel an anger that is not only justified, but might just be a catalyst for positive change.
Moss and his friends bravely defend their right to justice, safety and acceptance, while the whole world seems intent to beat them down at any cost. Be warned: the author takes the story to deep, dark places I did not expect it to go. At one point, I felt like I was drowning, losing all hope for any kind of positive change – but I think I needed to feel that, to truly understand what the characters were going through.
Above all, this is an authentic, empowering portrayal of diverse characters and their struggles, more than worth the read.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
»Tell her, Harold Fry is on his way.«
Harold Fry, an unassuming man in his sixties, embarks on a spontaneous pilgrimage of over 1,000 kilometers to visit his dying friend, Queenie. His wife Maureen initially expects him to fail and return home, but instead, every kilometer brings Harold closer to himself. Everything boils down to the essentials, every step becomes a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Confronted with unspoken desires, shattered hopes, and paralyzing regrets, Harold must learn to forgive himself and make a fresh start.
Delivering a letter is essentially a simple, straightforward task, but Rachel Joyce uses it as a starting point for a multi-layered narrative about life, love, and human nature. She delves into the depths of human emotions, repeatedly addressing the theme of grief, without ever succumbing to trite sentimentality.
The novel exerts a tremendous pull, because Harold convincingly portrays an authentic, profound character. Before you know it, you've formed a strong emotional connection with him and eagerly follow his development throughout the story. The supporting characters are well-written as well; each of them reveals a moment of emotional truth when they encounter Harold.
Rachel Joyce captures the feelings and thoughts of her characters in poetic, empathetic words that linger long after you've finished reading. The emotional depth of the story, the nuances of the characters, and the evocative writing style make the novel a heartwarming and rewarding reading experience.
Harold Fry, an unassuming man in his sixties, embarks on a spontaneous pilgrimage of over 1,000 kilometers to visit his dying friend, Queenie. His wife Maureen initially expects him to fail and return home, but instead, every kilometer brings Harold closer to himself. Everything boils down to the essentials, every step becomes a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Confronted with unspoken desires, shattered hopes, and paralyzing regrets, Harold must learn to forgive himself and make a fresh start.
Delivering a letter is essentially a simple, straightforward task, but Rachel Joyce uses it as a starting point for a multi-layered narrative about life, love, and human nature. She delves into the depths of human emotions, repeatedly addressing the theme of grief, without ever succumbing to trite sentimentality.
The novel exerts a tremendous pull, because Harold convincingly portrays an authentic, profound character. Before you know it, you've formed a strong emotional connection with him and eagerly follow his development throughout the story. The supporting characters are well-written as well; each of them reveals a moment of emotional truth when they encounter Harold.
Rachel Joyce captures the feelings and thoughts of her characters in poetic, empathetic words that linger long after you've finished reading. The emotional depth of the story, the nuances of the characters, and the evocative writing style make the novel a heartwarming and rewarding reading experience.
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
In an alternate version of historical England, magicians specialize in one specific material and bond with it, using it for their magical abilities. Going against her dreams and wishes, young magician Ceony Twill is assigned to apprentice under the eccentric and reclusive magician Emery Thane, who is a 'Folder', meaning he can manipulate and control paper magically.
Initially disappointed with her assignment, Ceony soon discovers the beauty and complexity of paper magic. However, her training takes an unexpected turn when a malevolent magician attacks Emery, leaving him on the brink of death. Ceony must embark on a perilous journey to save her mentor, literally having to find her way into his heart and soul.
8 Reasons to read it:
* engaging plot
* imaginative world-building
* unique, whimsical magic system
* convincing character development.
* charming, vivid writing
* immsersive atmosphere
* slow-burn mentor-student romance
Initially disappointed with her assignment, Ceony soon discovers the beauty and complexity of paper magic. However, her training takes an unexpected turn when a malevolent magician attacks Emery, leaving him on the brink of death. Ceony must embark on a perilous journey to save her mentor, literally having to find her way into his heart and soul.
8 Reasons to read it:
* engaging plot
* imaginative world-building
* unique, whimsical magic system
* convincing character development.
* charming, vivid writing
* immsersive atmosphere
* slow-burn mentor-student romance
The Covenant Sacrifice by Lee Allen Howard
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The dead return to turn the living into monsters – or were they monsters all along?
Lee Allen Howard weaves a well-crafted, multi-layered plot, stringing together many storylines and complex topics. Oh, there are all the gripping, terrifying staples of the horror genre: secrets, curses, supernatural happenings, religion at its very worst, unexpected twists and turns, bloody retribution…
But add to that a chilling dose of reality – violent bigotry, prejudice, issues that are plucked right from our dark history —, and you get a highly original story that merges horror with deeper themes. The LGBTQIA++ romance ties it all together, showing both what's at stake and what's worth living for.
I do wish that the author went a bit heavier on the horror and a bit lighter on the romance – but that's likely because I'm not much of a romance reader!
In my eyes, the most important characters are very well-written, showing depth and complexity. I do feel like some side characters fell a bit flat; they could've been explored further, regarding their personality and motivation. However, since they are more on the fringes of the story, it does not detract much from the overall reading experience.
Some dialogue felt a bit unnatural, especially when the story nears its resolution. But other than that, the writing style is amazing. With vivid descriptions, it orchestrates an eerie feeling of dread and isolation, building up an atmosphere that appeals to all senses.
But what I appreciated most was that it conveys deeper meaning with horror and suspense, luring the reader into a captivating, thought-provoking tale.
Lee Allen Howard weaves a well-crafted, multi-layered plot, stringing together many storylines and complex topics. Oh, there are all the gripping, terrifying staples of the horror genre: secrets, curses, supernatural happenings, religion at its very worst, unexpected twists and turns, bloody retribution…
But add to that a chilling dose of reality – violent bigotry, prejudice, issues that are plucked right from our dark history —, and you get a highly original story that merges horror with deeper themes. The LGBTQIA++ romance ties it all together, showing both what's at stake and what's worth living for.
I do wish that the author went a bit heavier on the horror and a bit lighter on the romance – but that's likely because I'm not much of a romance reader!
In my eyes, the most important characters are very well-written, showing depth and complexity. I do feel like some side characters fell a bit flat; they could've been explored further, regarding their personality and motivation. However, since they are more on the fringes of the story, it does not detract much from the overall reading experience.
Some dialogue felt a bit unnatural, especially when the story nears its resolution. But other than that, the writing style is amazing. With vivid descriptions, it orchestrates an eerie feeling of dread and isolation, building up an atmosphere that appeals to all senses.
But what I appreciated most was that it conveys deeper meaning with horror and suspense, luring the reader into a captivating, thought-provoking tale.