Book Review: The Honey Witch b Sydney J. Shields
Posted on June 4, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Redhook (May 14, 2024)
Length: 368 pages
Author Information: Website
Cozy romantasies are apparently all the rage these days, and The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields is the latest offering serving up a sweet tale about a young woman’s impossible choice between love and magic.
Readers are introduced to Marigold, who grew up in Bardshire surrounded by family including her parents, siblings, and a doting grandmother. Ever since she turned twenty-one, Marigold’s mother has been anxious to see her oldest daughter get married and start her own life, but our protagonist has other plans. After seeing the man of her dreams propose to another woman, Marigold wonders if fate holds another path for her—feelings which are confirmed when her grandmother Althea proposes an opportunity. Her home on the isle of Innisfree has always been protected and tended to by a Honey Witch, a role which Althea is getting too old to manage on her own. She is seeking a successor in her granddaughter, and Marigold knows in her heart she is meant to take on the Honey Witch mantle.
The catch? In order to receive the magic, Marigold will also need to accept that she will never fall in love. This curse is the cost of the power, but still stinging from fresh heartbreak, she readily makes the trade, against the wishes of her mother. Choice made, Marigold leaves for Innisfree with Althea, committed to her training which includes caring for the isle’s apiary, creating all kinds of miraculous healing potions with the revitalizing honey the bees make. There, she also meets new friends, August, a boy she knew from her childhood, and Lottie, his adopted sister. Despite Lottie’s initial surliness and adamant disbelief in magic, Marigold immediately feels drawn to the beautiful girl, and in time, the two warm up to each other. With the responsibility of keeping Innisfree safe resting on her shoulders, however, Marigold must resist their shared attraction, knowing that her curse will never let her find happiness.
If you’re looking for a page-turner, this probably isn’t going to be the book for you, nor the genre. That said, if you appreciate slow-burning narratives and a charming blend of romance and fantasy, The Honey Witch is an enchanting tale of generational curses, forbidden love, forever friendships, and self-discovery. Still, despite these interesting themes, the novel’s unhurried nature might try the patience of those accustomed to something more eventful and fast-paced plots.
At times, the story can also feel a little too idealistic, too saccharine, too twee—not to mention predictable and simplistic. But seeing as it’s Marigold’s journey that takes center stage, this straightforwardness might be enough. The Honey Witch explores the clash between the forces of love and the power of self-identity, the choices that one needs to make to be happy. Maybe it really doesn’t have to be more complicated than this, I probably would have enjoyed this book more had it included more meaningful conflict and higher stakes.
If you’re into cozy romance fantasy stories that intertwines love and magic, there are currently plenty of options to choose from, but The Honey Witch is one worth checking out. However, your mileage may vary depending on expectations for plot pacing and complexity. Admittedly, things here are on the slower and more simplistic side, but Marigold’s journey and choices may resonate more if you enjoy a good character study and slow-burn love story.
Novella Review: The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Posted on May 30, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Fireborne Blade
Publisher: Tordotcom (May 28, 2024)
Length: 192 pages
Author Information: Website
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond surprised me with its richness, considering it is a novella of modest length and the fact it delves into the familiar territory of dragon fantasy. That said, there were times I wished the story hadn’t been constrained by the page count because I wanted more, especially from the characters and the ending.
At its heart, the book is a tale about a knight and her quest. Maddileh is one of only a few women in her order, and she’s eager to prove her mettle. To do this, she’s set her sights on recovering a mythical sword called the Fireborne Blade, which now resides in the lair of a powerful dragon known as the White Lady. But Maddileh is not alone, accompanied by her squire Petros, a surly young mage she has reluctantly agreed to take into her service.
Together, they venture underground towards the White Lady’s hoard, finding more than they bargained for in the dark tunnels. But Maddileh is exceptionally stubborn and determined to get what she has come for despite the obstacles in her path. Petros also harbors a dark secret, one he is careful to keep from Maddileh lest it jeopardizes their mission, for he has his own reasons to seek the White Lady and retrieve the Fireborne Blade.
However, it’s the ending—especially its crazy twist—that really elevates this story. Without revealing any spoilers though, it’s also where I felt we could have used a little more attention on character relationships and plot development.
To be fair, the initial buildup was strong, creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation by revealing the past alongside the present. While we’re not getting many answers at this point, this obfuscating approach only made me even more intrigued. But once the surprise was revealed, the remainder of the book was a mad rush to the finish—great for momentum, but not so much for sticking the landing.
Ultimately, The Fireborne Blade falters where many novellas have also struggled before: in its brevity. Still, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and in this case, knowing that the release of the sequel The Bloodless Princes is only a few months away softens the blow greatly. I confess I’m hooked on the deceptively simple premise, the world building, and the character dynamics that have been established, and I’m looking forward to a fuller exploration of these elements in the next book.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Posted on May 26, 2024 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Book 1 of Tomes & Tea
Publisher: Bramble (May 7, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
The indie published Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea caught my attention after its re-release from Bramble, especially once it started drawing frequent comparisons to the cozy slice-of-life fantasy Legends and Lattes.
Blending magic, romance, and a charming bookstore with a tea shop, the story follows two women, Reyna and Kianthe, who come from very different walks of life. Ever since she could remember, Reyna was taught that hard work was the way to achieve her goals. Tireless training eventually led her into the service of the ruthless Queen Tilaine, becoming one of her elite royal guards. At the palace, she meets Kianthe, known as the Arcandor, the title held by the most powerful mage in the land. Against all odds, the two of them fall in love, but must keep their relationship a secret due to their conflicting responsibilities which prevent them from building a future together.
However, in the aftermath of an assassination attempt, Reyna suddenly realizes she’s had enough of life under her cruel and uncaring monarch. Throwing caution to the wind, she and Kianthe escape into the countryside, determined to never look back. An opportunity now lies before them—one they’d never dared to dream before. They are now free to act on their own, to travel the world if they pleased. But Reyna and Kianthe decide to settle in the small town of Tawney perched on the edge of dragon country. There, they set their sights on an old barn which they plan to repurpose into a tea and bookshop where patrons can enjoy a hot brew with a good book. The locals are quick to embrace the idea, making the newcomers feel at home. But while the couple are busy building their dream, the queen’s spies have been busy combing the countryside looking for the Arcandor and her girlfriend the wayward guard.
What we end up with is a close reflection of the novel’s title—a cute and cozy, warm and welcoming, fun and slightly quirky read. It is definitely considered niche—some action is present, but it mostly takes a backseat. Much of the plot revolve around the love story between our two protagonists which unfolds against a backdrop of magic, intrigue and the quiet rhythms of everyday life in a small town. The novel isn’t going to be for everyone, but would be perfect for readers seeking solace in a sweet, whimsical romance rather than high stakes and epic battles.
Admittedly, this isn’t my usual genre, but I don’t mind indulging in a bit of cozy romantasy every now and then. There’s something enchanting and calming about the quiet magic of this book that drew me in. Plus, Reyna and Kianthe’s journey isn’t just about their romance; it’s also about self-discovery, sacrifice and striking the balance between love and duty. Was this an enthralling, can’t-put-it-down read? No, but to her credit, Rebecca Thorne’s writing and storytelling kept me interested even through the slower moving uneventful parts.
Bottom line, I might not have been the target audience for Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, but it still enjoyed it for its warm and gentle escapism, its dash of comfy romance, and just a sprinkle of tricks and whimsy. I’ll probably need a break before I dive into my next romantasy, but I’ll definitely be penciling time to check out the sequel when it comes out.
Book Review: The Hungry Dark by Jen Williams
Posted on May 21, 2024 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Hungry Dark by Jen Williams
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (April 9, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
Jen Williams is an author who first came to my attention with her fantasy novels, but I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying her recent foray into horror-tinged crime thrillers. The Hungry Dark is her latest work which once more serves as a testament to her versatility.
The book begins with an introduction to protagonist Ashley Whitelam, not your typical dodgy psychic. Sure, she may be a part of a family of con artists running sham seances, relying on an earpiece and her brother Aidan doing social media research to whisper details in her ear when performing her readings for the audience. But Ashley also has a secret. When she was a young girl, she could see shadowy “people” in the world around her that no one else knew were there. Calling them the Heedful Ones, Ashley learned to keep these visions a secret, especially after a traumatic event altered her family life forever. The ghostly figures stopped appearing, and Ashley kept a low profile in order to play her part in her father’s scams.
Eventually though, Ashley begins to chafe at the role, especially as the schemes become increasingly more questionable and ambitious. To drum up more publicity for their psychic business, Ashley’s father has volunteered her services to the local police, who are investigating a string of brutal killings dubbed the “Gingerbread House” murders due to the fact that all the victims are children found to have been generously fed with delicious treats before their deaths. Nothing was supposed to come out of it; the police were desperate enough and Ashley was simply running through the motions. But on her ride-along with the officers, Ashley catches sight of the Heedful Ones for the first time in years, which leads her to a discovery which blows up the case, landing her in the public eye.
Like it or not, Ashley has now become involved in the murder investigation, attracting both admiration and suspicion. She has also drawn the attention of an American podcaster, Freddie Miller, who tracks her down with an offer to team up on a true crime show about the Gingerbread House murders. As Ashley wrestles with how much she should reveal to Freddie, terrible memories begin to resurface, of an idyllic time spent in the mountains abruptly cut short by a deadly incident.
There is a lot happening here—one could even say too much, which might be this novel’s only drawback. Breaking the plot down into its major parts, we have no less than half a dozen threads to follow. First, we have the main storyline in the present, which focuses on Ashley and her family’s part of an active but tightknit group of charlatans running the psychic grift. Next, we have the Gingerbread House murders and the investigation. Then an element of romance is introduced once Freddie enters the picture. All the while, we also have Ashley’s struggles with her overbearing father, an issue which frequently comes in conflict with her obligation to her family as well as her desire to achieve more independence. Flashbacks are used to fill out her backstory at Red Rigg House, where Ashley spent some time as a child in their underprivileged charity program, which ended in disaster. And then of course, there is the mystery of the Heedful Ones.
Once all these elements are thrown together, the result is a tense thriller full of twists. But in getting there, we encounter some pacing and balance issues. Each thread vies for the reader’s attention, and in the process, we have a few ideas that are left feeling incomplete or underdeveloped. The tension builds, but occasionally, it feels like we’re juggling too many balls at once. For instance, the atmosphere is great, but the setting isn’t quite as immersive as it could be. Similarly, character development falls short of its full potential from the crowded narrative. I loved Ashley’s journey, but her motivations felt elusive at times, and her interactions with family members often had a baffling quality.
Still, I found The Hungry Dark a compulsive and entertaining read—everything I could ever ask for in a thriller. Several times the book’s ambition would cause it to stumble under the weight of its own complexity, but the suspense and intrigue makes up for it. The tensions are palpable, and I loved the blending of mystery, horror, and supernatural elements. If you enjoy dark thrillers, this is a journey worth exploring.
Review: The Silverblood Promise by James Logan
Posted on May 17, 2024 16 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Silverbood Promise by James Logan
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Last Legacy
Publisher: Tor (May 7, 2024)
Length: 528 pages
Author Information: Website
I have been on a quest for a new epic fantasy obsession ever since The Empire of the Wolf trilogy by Richard Swan concluded, and it looks like James Logan has kindly stepped in with The Silverblood Promise. I am absolutely amazed!
This debut novel is the opening volume to The Last Legacy series which transports readers to a world of thieves and merchants, nobles and lowlifes. The publisher blurb absolutely does not exaggerate or deceive when it describes this book being perfect for fans of Scott Lynch, Nicholas Eames, and Joe Abercrombie, as I happen to be a cheerleader for all three and felt completely at home in the city of Saphrona where the story takes place. We meet Lukan Gardova, the disgraced scion of a once-prominent noble family. Already beleaguered with financial problems, the Gardovas fell even further from grace with Lukan’s expulsion from the prestigious Academy after he accidentally kills a fellow student in an ill-conceived duel.
The incident led our protagonist down a path of drink and grift, estranged from what family he had left. But when Lukan receives word that his father has been brutally murdered, his life takes on a new purpose. Robbed of his chance at reconciliation, he decides instead to honor his father’s memory by solving the mystery of his death, starting with a cryptic message written in blood. The clue leads Lukan on a journey to a foreign land where he encounters an unlikely ally in Flea, a streetwise young girl who tries to pick his pocket. Together, they are drawn deeper into the web of political and supernatural intrigue as they unravel the secrets of Saphrona.
So many reasons why I loved this book! But it was the writing that pulled me in immediately. Logan’s style is extremely readable and easy on the eyes without sacrificing detail. Rich descriptions and flowing prose meant the pages just flew right by, and much of that also had to do with the snappy pacing which kept the plot driving forward.
My enjoyment was further enhanced by the loveable characters and witty banter. Conversations reveal histories and backstories without overwhelming readers with information, and even at the breakneck speed at which things move, there is always time for in-depth character development and exploration. Lukan is the “perfect imperfect hero”, a roguish scoundrel who’s perhaps a little bit full of himself, but still delightfully endearing. Flea, on the other hand, is his sassy companion, an audacious street urchin whose personality complements Lukan’s seamlessly. It’s a winning dynamic that might be tried and true, but the bond created between them feels genuine and organic, nonetheless.
Finally, there is the world-building. Saphrona comes to life with rich immersion, and although it may not be the most original backdrop with its heavy reliance on familiar genre tropes, the city was still a fascinating place to be, where every detail appeared well thought out and custom crafted. I found myself fully engaged with this captivating blend of magic, intrigue, and danger.
As the groundwork is laid for the next volume, I can’t deny my excitement for more. James Logan has served up an impressive and exhilarating debut in The Silverblood Promise, and there are still so many layers to peel back and discover. I look forward to continuing the series.
Book Review: The House That Horror Built by Christina Henry
Posted on May 15, 2024 13 Comments
received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The House That Horror Built by Christina Henry
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (May 14, 2024)
Length: 320 pages
Author Information: Website
Christina Henry’s latest novel, The House That Horror Built, is perhaps her least unconventional in recent years. In spite of this, it worked for me. The story captures the tradition and spirit of the best horror movies, making this one of her more enjoyable books.
Set in Chicago amidst the pandemic, Harry Adams is struggling to get by with her fourteen-year-old son Gabe after all the restaurants closed in the city, taking away her waitressing job. Desperate for work, she applies to be a house cleaner three days a week at Bright Horses, a sprawling estate owned by Javier Castillo, a renowned horror film director. Secretly, Harry is a huge fan of his work, but decides to keep quiet to give the man his privacy. The filmmaker’s life has been plagued with scandal after his only son Michael became the main suspect in a young woman’s murder. However, before an arrest could occur, Michael vanished along with his mother. Abandoned by his family, Castillo chose to live in the mansion in solitude, away from the prying eyes of the media.
At first, the job goes well. Castillo may be a reticent and curt man, but as far as bosses go, he is fair and relatively undemanding. Harry’s primary duties are to keep the house immaculate and to clean his vast collection of horror movie props, which quickly becomes routine. But then, strange things begin to occur, especially surrounding a particular costume piece from Castillo’s most famous film. The costume’s mask seems to watch Harry with empty eyes, and sometimes she thinks she can see it move and hear voices. Afraid to lose her job, she keeps quiet, even though she suspects an otherworldly presence in the house and that her employer may be involved. But when Castillo begins to take an unsettling interest in Gabe, Harry’s protective instinct sets off every alarm system in her brain.
Unlike Henry’s more recent novels like her fairy tale retellings and over-the-top horror, The House That Horror Built feels more down-to-earth and familiar. For one, the setting and the characters’ pandemic reality is something that most of us can relate to—social distancing, financial woes, and emotional strain. In Harry’s case, she is struggling to find a job, pay her rent, and keep her son in school. Her troubles lend the story more authenticity, and while some may find all this a bummer, the rawness appealed to me because it helped ground the novel’s supernatural premise in the everyday.
I also observed how character development here was prioritized over heavy messaging (Good Girls Don’t Die, I’m looking at you). Everything about Harry’s personality from her no-nonsense determination to her resentfulness and mistrust is a product of her past—a strict and religious upbringing—revealed through flashbacks which enrich the narrative. On the other hand, things are a lot less clear when it comes to Javier Castillo. Questions surround the enigmatic director, leading the reader to wonder if there is more to his decision to live alone in a creepy old mansion surrounded by his weird horror movie props.
Last but not least, The House That Horror Built is equal parts horror and mystery, which is what I enjoyed most about the book. But while it may not be a 24/7 fright fest, there is still enough atmospheric tension to keep readers invested, and despite the classic haunted house motif, the plot invites readers to explore the genre beyond cheap thrills and simple scares.
Bottom line, I appreciated the fine balance between setting, character, and plot that I felt was lacking in the author’s last few novels. In The House that Horror Built, Christina Henry has managed to capture the energy behind the fascination for haunted house stories and the horror genre in general, and it’s a passion that feels genuine and fun.
Book Review: Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
Posted on May 10, 2024 21 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (April 16, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website
Indian Burial Ground is my first book by Nick Medina, but the world of horror fiction is no stranger to his works inspired by Native American history and steeped in folklore and mythology. After hearing amazing things about his debut novel Sisters of the Lost Nation, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to check this one out.
The story unfolds across two distinct timelines. In the present, Noemi Broussard is well on her way to a fresh start with a plan to move away from the reservation where she grew up, following in the footsteps of her uncle Louie who left years before. But just as everything seems to be working out, Noemi is hit with devastating news. Her boyfriend Roddy, with whom she was deeply in love, had apparently committed suicide. But it just didn’t make sense. They had been looking forward to spending their lives together, and Roddy was happy. Wasn’t he? Grief stricken, Noemi is convinced there is more to his death and returns to tribal lands to seek the truth.
After many years away, her uncle Louie has also returned to the reservation, but his reasons for coming back are rooted in the secrets of his past, which are revealed in the second timeline that takes place in the eighties. This thread follows Louie as an adolescent whose mother is struggling with alcoholism and whose aunt is a busy teen mom with a young daughter named Noemi, leaving him to take care of the little girl most days. From his experiences, we learn that sinister and unexplainable events have long been happening to the tribe, eventually resulting in an unsettled Louie leaving the reservation.
Dual timelines can be tricky, but in the right hands, a book employing this technique can be very powerful. In fact, I was initially skeptical that Indian Burial Ground could pull it off, with Noemi and Louie’s storylines tripping all over each other’s feet like awkward dance partners. Roddy’s suicide was an effective and immediate hook, and it was hard not to resent being thrown back into Louie’s past when I was much more interested in Noemi’s investigation in the present. Still, I was glad I stuck it out, because ultimately, it is Louie’s POV that impressed me and truly engaged.
Louie is a man haunted, not only by malignant forces targeting his tribe but also by those tearing his family apart—substance abuse, addiction, poverty—leaving him to hold everything together. Through the teenage Louie’s eyes, the author weaves the indigenous experience into the fabric of this story as his character grapples with demons both internal and external. Meanwhile, Noemi’s tale of heartbreak in the present day is no less poignant, for while her search for answers into Roddy’s death is lighter on the horror and urgency, reading more like a mystery, it still resonates. Through her POV, readers also get to witness the bond between uncle and niece, one forged through loss and hardship but also a shared determination to seek answers and solace.
I found too that I enjoyed Medina’s writing. Although I was mildly put off by the slow and uneven pacing at the start, the more I thought about it, the more this slow-burn approach made sense. Indian Burial Ground is about the characters—Noemi and Louie—and without taking the time explore each of them in depth, this novel would have quickly become overwhelming and disorienting. Despite a few hiccups from the complex narrative structure, in the end Medina managed to achieve a delicate balance in his exploration of the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Expect no easy answers. Indian Burial Ground is a haunting and unsettling work of horror that defies easy categorization, yet its magnetic quality is sure to draw readers into its depths to keep you turning the pages.
2024 DNFs: Part 2
Posted on May 8, 2024 24 Comments
This year I made the resolution to stop treating DNF like a bad word, setting aside books just aren’t grabbing me because life is too short and the TBR is too long. Now that the first quarter of the year is behind us, I have another handful of books that I had decided to set aside.
Keep in mind though, just because I DNF a book doesn’t mean it’s bad. It means that, for whatever reason, I just wasn’t feeling it and saw no compelling reason to continue. For most books, that determination was made at around 25-33%, enough to safely say I gave it a fair shot. That said, my commentary is meant to provide feedback because even though I may have given up on a book, others might find that it works for them. Perhaps my perspectives can assist you in determining whether you’ll enjoy it or not.
I received review copies from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my reviews and all opinions are my own.
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: McElderry Books (February 27, 2024)
Length: 336 pages
I was actually quite sorry to DNF this one. Beautifully written, Where the Dark Stands Still is about a young girl seeking a way to be rid of her magical curse. Venturing into forest, she encounters a powerful demon who can give her what she wants, but only if she agrees to give him one year of servitude. Lately, I feel that the fantasy genre has been inundated with fairy tale and folklore inspired stories, and had I not already read the Winternight trilogy or books like Uprooted and Spinning Silver, I might have been more motivated to read to the end. Still, if you love Slavic mythology inspired novels, defifnitely check it out. On the flip side, if you happen to read a lot of the genre, I doubt you’ll find much new in this one. A romance was also clearly brewing between the characters, but I didn’t feel a strong connection to either of them, which led to my lack of emotional investment in their relationship, not to mention plotting was a bit slow.
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Nightfire | Macmillan Audio (April 30, 2024)
Length: 384 pages | 15 hrs and 21 mins
What a disappointment! I loved the author’s Hex which I guess was the first novel to feature Robert Grim, who returns in Oracle to investigate the sudden and inexplicable appearance of an eighteenth-century sailing ship in the middle of a Dutch flower field. The ship seems to swallow up anyone who goes in it to explore, and soon, eleven people have disappeared. This novel had an amazing premise, but unfortunately never reaches its full potential. After the initial creepfest, the story veers off into tangents and goes nowhere fast with unnecessary whining and handwringing from the characters. Plus, I thought I was signing up for horror, but instead what I got was the drama of internal conspiracy theory politics. Admittedly, a part of me desperately wanted to know the ending, but ultimately I couldn’t find it in myself to slog it out.
Someone You Can Build A Nest In by John Wiswell
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Series: Book 1 of Frontlines: Evolution
Publisher: Tantor Audio (April 2, 2024)
Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
Unpopular opinion time! While there’s a lot to love about this story featuring a monster falling in love with a human, it just didn’t work for me. The concept was unconventional and a breath of fresh air, which I enjoyed, but the erractic pacing led to many instances of my mind wandering and my focus to falter. Part of this is due to the complexity of the story, which goes deeper than its quirky and somewhat humorous premise, delving into darker issues like abuse and trauma. Surprisingly though, the two main characters Shesheshen and Homily felt comparativey flat and shallow, which lessened the story’s impact. After setting this one aside to continue at a later date and not feeling the urge to pick it back up, I marked it as abandoned.
Book Review: Diavola by Jennifer Thorne
Posted on May 5, 2024 23 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Nightfire (March 26, 2024)
Length: 293 pages
Author Information: Website
Diavola by Jennifer Thorne is the second haunted house book set in Italy that I’ve read in as many months (the other being The House of Last Resort by Christopher Golden). In a way, that’s not too surprising; Italy boasts a long and rich history filled with a wealth of folklore and superstition—the perfect backdrop for the eerie and unexplained. The concept of ghosts and spirits is prevalent, as well as strong beliefs in the supernatural. But what’s great about this particular novel is the blending of gothic folk horror with the hilarity and torment of a dysfunctional family vacation, a recipe promising more than just a ghost story.
For many, the idea of spending a few sun-soaked summer days in a luxurious villa in Tuscany would sound like a dream holiday, but for Anna Pace, it is a nightmare. That’s because she’ll be traveling with her family, who will never let her forget all the ways she has been a disappointment or a failure. Still, black sheep or not, as the only member who can speak fluent Italian, she’s roped in for the ride and stuck with interpreter duty. And sure enough, the vacation has barely begun and her parents are already tight-lipped with their simmering disapproval, her older sister Nicole with her seemingly perfect family can’t stop making snide and passive aggressive comments, and her twin brother Benny has brought along his pretentious boyfriend who doesn’t even try to hide his dislike for Anna.
But the real chills begin when the Paces arrive at the quaint little property that they’ve rented in the remote village of Monteperso. It was supposed to be their quiet refuge away from the more bustling touristy areas, a place to relax and unwind each night after packed days of beach visits and sightseeing trips. However, the villa turns out to be anything but peaceful. Doors and drawers open and shut on their own. Strange, disembodied whispers can be heard at night. Anna starts having disturbing dreams and visions. When her family goes out in town, the locals seem afraid and clam up around them when they mention where they are staying. Anna has the sense that something is seriously wrong, but as always, any attempts to warn her family are waved off with derision and contempt.
I first discovered the author with her book Lute and having enjoyed that one very much, I looked forward to Diavola and its mix of spine-tingling horror and family drama. Once again, Thorne manages to deliver a tale thick with atmospheric dread, the prose and its vivid descriptions bringing the sights and sounds of the ancient Tuscan villa. Somehow, this backdrop perfectly complements the simmering tensions within the Pace family with their long history of bitter resentment and hostility.
We get to experience many of these toxic relationships through Anna’s eyes, but while her family members may treat her appallingly, there’s a touch of the unreliable narrator in our protagonist too as we realize her memories and perceptions might be colored by her own frustrated feelings of being the outsider. The story delves deeply into these complex dynamics, and I’m sure anyone who has ever vacationed with extended family can relate. The Paces, however, are on a whole other level. From baseless accusations to passive aggressive jabs, their dysfunction transcends the usual family squabbles, turning this Italian vacation into a pressure cooker ready to explode.
In fact, their desperation to salvage the situation must have been strong, because I think most sane people would have cut their losses and got the hell out of there soon after the first terrifying experience—and things certainly do get creepy! The setting is ideal for a haunted house story, the villa with its creaky corridors and mysteriously locked spaces. There’s even an eeriness to the quiet beauty of the surrounding village, steeped in local legends and home to superstitious folk. These spooky vibes add another layer of anxiety (and entertainment) to make the horror all the more immersive and keep you on your toes.
Audiobook Review: The Gathering by C.J. Tudor
Posted on April 29, 2024 19 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Random House Audio (April 9, 2024)
Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Lorelei King
C.J. Tudor and vampires? Surprising, but perhaps not unexpected. I’ve read and enjoyed all the author’s books to varying degrees, and it just seemed like a natural progression for her to take a familiar monster and reinvent it with a special twist.
The Gathering unfolds in Deadhart, a small Alaskan town where the discovery of a murdered teenager’s body drained of blood reignites the townspeople’s fear. Residents are already on edge with the establishment of a nearby Colony, a protected community of vampyrs settled into the old mine settlement, and they suspect that one of their members is the culprit. But led by the child vampyr Athelinda, who is in actuality hundreds of years old, the Colony vehemently denies any involvement.
Enter Detective Barbara Atkins, a vampyr specialist assigned to investigate the brutal killing. However, her arrival is met with a mix of apprehension and hostility. Some of the townsfolk believe her to be the answer to their problems, while others mistrust her intentions and fear that she may be vampyr sympathizer in cahoots with the creatures themselves. Unfazed, Barbara is determined to uncover the truth, partnering up with Jenson Tucker, Deadhart’s former sheriff who handled a similar murder decades ago. As the two of them delve deeper into the mystery, the case takes an ominous turn as bitter histories and hidden agendas are revealed.
Of all of Tudor’s novels, The Gathering reads the most like a police procedural whodunit, though the story also stretches beyond the boundaries of the genre. It begins with the characters themselves. Barbara is a refreshing protagonist, a lady detective who describes herself as middle-aged and overweight. Despite a childhood growing up in an abusive home and her own traumatic memories involving a vampyr in a Colony town, she’s come to Deadhart with an objective mind and commitment to truth over emotion, a clear head over mob mentality. Her team-up with Tucker adds another layer of intrigue, as the stoic ex-lawman is also haunted by his own demons.
As well, I love, love, LOVE settings like Deadhart, Alaska. This old mining town isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the whole novel’s vibe itself. The isolation and perpetual darkness turn the beauty of this snowy wilderness into a chilling prison for the town’s residents, pinned down by geography and weather, resulting in a chilling atmosphere that perfectly complements the story’s suspense. As desperation mounts, the tension builds like the pressure in a boiling kettle, and in this turmoil, Tudor throws a whole new rulebook at vampiric lore. In this world, Colony vampyrs are integrated, albeit uncomfortably, into human society. Despite being protected by law, they face prejudice and suspicion, a reflection of some of the issues faced by the real world, and are still vulnerable to “culls”, a sanctioned massacre of a Colony if a licensed authority like Barbara determines one to be a threat.
From start to finish, The Gathering also kept me engaged with its fast-paced plot made up of layers of secrets just waiting to be peeled back. Barbara and Tucker’s investigation takes unexpected turns, forcing her to confront not only the animosity of the town’s residents, who all seem to have something to hide, but the shady motives of Athelinda and her Colony vampyrs as well. I also have a thing for detective plotlines, and the numerous false leads and unexpected twists in this complex tale made it even more exciting to read.
All in all, C.J. Tudor once more weaves a web of horror and mystery in The Gathering, but I think it’s the police procedural aspect that I enjoyed the most and why I think it may be my favorite of her books yet. It was also a treat to listen to the audiobook, read by one of my favorite narrators. Lorelei King, who I love from her work on the Mercy Thompson series, is next-level amazing, and I believe a reader of her caliber needs no further comment.
The BiblioSanctum 