Book Review: A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke
Posted on February 26, 2024 20 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (February 27, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
Few books have left me as disturbed and creeped out as A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke. This novel delves into the depths of psychological terror and trauma, weaving a narrative that is both addictive and profoundly unsettling.
The story is told in two timelines, first opening in Dundee, Scotland in 1901 with Nicky, a young woman whose father owns the whaling ship Ormen. Times have been hard for her–following a devastating loss, her husband has gone off to war, leaving her alone. After receiving some unnerving news about her father’s business, Nicky heads to the park and is suddenly attacked and abducted. When she wakes, she finds herself inexplicably aboard the Ormen, beginning its months-long voyage to Icelandic waters. As the ship carries her further away from home, Nicky realizes with horror what the crew intends for her.
Meanwhile, the second timeline unfolds in the present day. The wreck of a whaling ship, determined to be the Ormen, has washed ashore in the arctic. A young explorer named Dominique is determined to make her way to the site to document the wreck and find out what happened to it in its last days before it is scheduled to be destroyed. Initially traveling alone, her plans hit a snag when she encounters a trio of adventurers heading to Iceland to do exactly the same thing. Ultimately deciding to team up, the group makes it to the shipwreck only to find themselves stalked by an eerie presence on the ice while trapped in a storm.
Before I proceed with my review, it must first be noted that A Haunting in the Arctic is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the darkest books I’ve read in a while, unapologetic in its portrayal of human suffering. There are sensitive and distressing themes aplenty, most of them dealing with sexual assault and violence. Although these are woven into the very bones of the novel, integral to its premise and progression, the detailed depiction of such scenes may prove distressing to some. Therefore, reader discretion is strongly advised.
That said, this is my third book by C.J. Cooke, and it might be my favorite yet. The author’s strength has always been her remarkable talent for crafting immersive atmospheres, which she displayed even in her earlier novels, The Nesting and The Lighthouse Witches. In A Haunting in the Arctic, Cooke’s prose again brings the setting to life, evoking a palpable sense of isolation and dread.
For all its bleakness though, the novel also contains moments of deep and powerful emotion, exploring themes of loss and resilience. Nicky and Dominique emerge as intricately written characters, both living through their own private hells, yet the subtle connections between them, spanning across time, won’t be fully revealed until much later at the end. The mystery kept the tensions high and added an additional layer of intrigue, keeping me hooked as answers were gradually revealed.
Again, A Haunting in the Arctic was not an easy book to read, nor would it be suitable for all readers. However, I do believe horror fans brave enough to venture into its icy depths will find a haunting narrative that offers gut-wrenching and chilling resonance.
Onward!
Posted on February 25, 2024 31 Comments
Hello all, I’m back after a month’s break, and the time away has been very good for me! Long story short, life has thrown quite a few curveballs my way lately, and between the the demands of work, juggling my kids’ school schedules and activities on top of dealing with the stress of some health issues, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Needless to say, taking a step back has helped a lot. This period has given me a chance to recharge and focus on taking care of myself and my family. I also learned the importance of mood reading, letting my feelings and emotions guide me when deciding what book to read, even if it’s not a review book (after years of talking about it and swearing I’ll find time to do it, I finally got to read Dune!) and having gotten more comfortable with DNFing, the review pile definitely feels a lot less daunting.
And now I hope to return to regular posting. Granted, there will probably be some changes like fewer features and shorter reviews, at least for the next little while as I catch up on my reading. For the time being, reviews will be the focus. I have quite a few lined up, which I’m eager to share, and I look forward to diving back and reconnecting with everyone!
An Update…
Posted on February 5, 2024 17 Comments
Hi, yes, yes, this thing’s still on! I realize there has been a lack of activity on the blog lately, but well…all I can say is, it’s been a serious case of Januarys. A minor crisis, tons of distractions, and a lack of motivation following the holidays last month came together in a perfect storm to derail me from my blogging and hence you my have noticed things have been unusually quiet here lately.
Rest assured though, everything is fine now, but there are several priorities that still need to get squared away before I can jump back into hobbies like reading and reviewing. And believe me, if I actually had content to post, I would – but I have been DNFing and abandoning books left and right! All of you who’ve been telling me to take it easy or that life is too short for bad books would be supremely proud of me, but I’m thinking there has to be a better balance here!
Anyway, thank you to those who have reached out. Posting will resume very soon, hopefully, with maybe a few changes – shorter reviews, etc. – while I catch up with my TBR and review backlog. To my readers and publishers, your patience is much appreciated as I work to bring us back to our regularly-scheduled programming!
Book Review: Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
Posted on January 25, 2024 7 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: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Faebound
Publisher: Del Rey (January 23, 2024)
Length: 400 pages
Author Information: Website
To be honest, as I ventured into the world of Saara El-Arifi’s Faebound, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This was my first book by the author, and I was prepared to let it take me wherever its journey led. What unfolded was an interesting blend of fantasy elements, coming together to create a world that felt both fresh and intriguing, yet at times the narrative occasionally faltered under the weight of its own ambition as it explored its rich world filled with diverse characters and themes.
The story transports readers to a world at war, its Elven tribes locked in a constant struggle while ancient prophecies loom large. Our protagonist, Yeeran, is a disgraced colonel facing exile for committing a grave mistake. Together with her sister Lettle, a diviner, they travel beyond the borders of their homeland only to stumble upon the realm of the forgotten Fae—a lost civilization which has not been seen for a thousand years.
Completely ignorant of the ways of the Fae, Yeeran accidentally kills a high-ranking prince, a pivotal event that sets in motion a series of perilous consequences for her and her companions. Initially facing execution for her crime, Yeeran’s fate takes an unexpected turn following a chance encounter that leaves her captors uncertain about her punishment. Forced to integrate into the enemy’s society, our protagonist must learn to adapt to their ways and harness their mysterious magic, while secretly buying time until she and Lettle can make their escape. Yet amidst this cultural clash, Yeeran can’t help but find herself drawn to the warrior princess and sister of the prince she killed, adding another layer of complexity to her dilemma.
Not going to lie, Faebound was laughably predictable at times, but there’s still an undeniable thread of fun woven into the narrative. If you’re an experienced fantasy reader, there’s a good chance the plot won’t present you with any surprises either, especially given its strong focus on the romantic elements. Still, while its predictability ultimately may hurt the overall impact of key developments and may not resonate or appeal equally with all readers, to the novel’s credit, both its storyline and the romance arc unfold in a slow-burn fashion, emphasizing character backstories and their relationships.
Indeed, I feel that the book’s strengths lie in its characters. Yeeran possesses an engaging voice that offers a fascinating perspective, and without revealing too many spoilers, there is a unique aspect in Faebound that may add a charming layer for fans of talking animal companions in fantasy.
That said, could the world-building use some beefing up? Admittedly, in some areas, I felt it was a bit sparse. The mystique surrounding the lost Fae culture was beautifully portrayed, for example, but the descriptions fall short when it comes to vividly depicting the physical environment. The story also occasionally faltered, giving way to meandering subplots which at times felt disconnected from the main thread. Though some of these provided additional context to world-building, they also risked slowing down the momentum, and there were times I longed for more action.
At the end of the day, I would call Faebound a combination of both highs and lows, featuring compelling elements like rich characters and entertaining themes, though the plot also underwhelmed me slightly with its predictability. However, it was a fast and easy read, and for fantasy readers who appreciate character-driven and don’t mind a slower narrative or more familiar themes, Saara El-Arifi’s new series opener may still offer an enjoyable reading experience.
Waiting on Wednesday 01/24/24
Posted on January 24, 2024 9 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (October 1, 2024 by St. Martin’s Press)
“Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.
Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.
Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu, improve the lives of her people, and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.
Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.
Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.”
Audiobook Review: Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
Posted on January 20, 2024 5 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (January 16, 2024)
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Karissa Vacker
Admittedly not my favorite of the three Stacy Willingham books I’ve read so far, but Only If You’re Lucky was still a wild trip, a compulsive thriller that explores obsession and the intricate complexities of female friendships.
Growing up, Margot had it all—wealthy parents, a secured future, and her best friend Eliza, with whom she could share anything. Even though they were complete opposites, the girls were inseparable, with shy and reserved Margot basking in the warm glow of Eliza’s bubbly personality. Together, they planned at the end of their high school career to attend Rutledge, a small liberal arts college in South Carolina. It was something they’d both looked forward to for a long time.
But then, Eliza dies, just weeks after graduation. In shock and left adrift, Margot goes on to Rutledge alone, grieving for her lost friend. At the end of her first year, however, she has a chance meeting with Lucy Sharpe, a bold and enigmatic student. Drawn to her, Margot is stunned but also secretly thrilled when Lucy invites her to live with her and her two friends, Sloane and Nicole, in a house off-campus. Tired of being lonely and sad, Margot is also hoping this will be her chance to finally come out of her shell and start a new life.
At first, this new arrangement seems to be everything Margot ever wanted. She becomes more social, meeting new people and going to more parties, most of them hosted by the fraternity boys in the house next door. Lucy and Margot become the closest of friends, leading our protagonist to hope that maybe, finally, she can let go of her painful memories of Eliza. But pretty soon, Margot realizes that her new bestie might not be who she says she is. Lucy is fiercely guarded about her past, and secrets and rumors seem to surround her like a cloud. When one of the frat boys is found dead, and Lucy disappears without a trace, Margot, Sloane, and Nicole must find out the truth about their friend as detectives close in on the mysterious circumstances.
Diving into Only If You’re Lucky was like stepping into a mixed bag. As a fan of the author’s earlier novels, I was excited to read her latest, but while there were plenty of elements to love, there were also a few surprises. First, the good stuff—Willingham’s writing is as immersive as ever, drawing readers in the story with her descriptive prose. Because this is a story centered around college students, the book has a distinct “new adult” vibe but manages to capture the atmosphere of the academic and party life very well. For those feeling nostalgic for a trip down memory lane to those “good old college days”, this might just hit the spot.
That said, be prepared for the sheer amount of drama that comes with the territory. I had a difficult time getting into Margot’s headspace, as by nature she is a tough character to relate to. After all, her entire persona is based on the fact that she really doesn’t have one. Prior to college, her entire life was defined by Eliza’s friendship, and now that she is in Rutledge, she has latched onto a new obsession, Lucy. As a result, Margot lacks an authentic identity beyond these intense connections and makes her voice come across as lackluster and somewhat banal.
Then there’s the story, which unfolds in a duo timeline format alternating between past and present. It’s a structure commonly seen in thrillers, but it was harder to follow here as it occasionally disrupted the pacing, not to mention confusing the narrative by making it challenging for readers to connect the dots between the two time periods. Fortunately, however, the ending brings forth a number of unexpected revelations, injecting some much-needed excitement at a point where it was really needed.
In the end, while it might not reach the highs of Stacy Willingham’s previous books, Only If You’re Lucky offers a different taste of a unique character study meets slow-burn suspense. Margot’s fixation with Eliza and later with Lucy can at times feel a bit too much, but the balance between character themes and the darker side of academia does add a layer of unpredictability. As always, the author keeps readers on their toes, and I’ll still eagerly wait to see what she’ll bring to the table next.
Waiting on Wednesday 01/17/24
Posted on January 17, 2024 6 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson (July 1, 2024 by Orbit)
“Conquest long ago split the old kingdom of Paicha into city states, but there are those who seek to reunite the shattered realm—by force if necessary. Amidst the turmoil, three will find their destinies inextricably tangled.
Tesha, a glassblower’s apprentice, becomes a false tribute bride as part of a desperate political plot. In the enemy’s court, she’s perfectly placed to sabotage them, but her heart has other plans.
Naili is laundress to an eccentric alchemist, a job that has left her with strange new powers and a price on her head. When she joins the city’s underworld, she’ll have to choose between keeping her magic secret and changing the world.
And in the desolate Shield Mountains, sharp-shooting dragon rider Ashadi protects the cities from the monsters of the Iipao Sands beyond, but when an impossible shot pierces his dragon’s glass scales, he becomes the hunted one.
As war sweeps across the land, Tesha, Naili, and Ashadi must survive political enemies, long-buried secrets, and monsters both within and without.”
Book Review: The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
Posted on January 16, 2024 7 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 Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Book 3 of The Wolf Den Trilogy
Publisher: Union Square Co. (November 14, 2023)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
At long last, I have completed the highly anticipated and brilliant final installment of the Wolf Den Trilogy which follows the life of Amara, a young Greek woman who was once a doctor’s daughter sold into sexual slavery after her father passed away and her family fell into financial ruin. Before proceeding, please be aware that the rest of this review may contain possible spoilers for the first two books if you are not yet caught up! At the end of The Wolf’s Den, we saw Amara free herself from a life of prostitution at one of Pompeii’s most notorious brothels by using all her wits. In The House of the Golden Door, she realizes that despite her new life of luxury, she is still not her own woman, and a forbidden love affair puts her newfound status in jeopardy.
And now in The Temple of Fortuna, it is 79 AD, and we all know what catastrophic event will occur which will alter the course of history for Pompeii forever. For the time being though, Amara and her fellow Pompeiians are still blissfully unaware of the fire and ash which will soon rain down and bury their bustling, vibrant city. Our protagonist is now a freedwoman, with an opportunity to travel to Rome where she will rub elbows with those who used to be far above her station. That said, she will always treasure her ties to some of the women with whom she bonded with back when they were prostitutes back at the Wolf Den. She now also has a daughter, whose real paternity must remain a secret, and to protect her lover and their child, she has accepted that they must live their separate lives as her path leads her to the capital.
But for readers who have come this far, the main event is and has ever been the long-waited eruption of mighty Mount Vesuvius. When faced with the sheer magnitude of destruction, all of Amara ambitions and plays for power go by the wayside as her only thoughts are for her friends and loved ones who have remained in Pompeii.
In this explosive series conclusion, dramatic true events and some of the best storytelling I’ve seen are woven together seamlessly to bring a satisfying end to Amara’s saga. Author Elodie Harper has written a truly phenomenal character study of her protagonist, transitioning her from humble beginnings to her high status in Rome. And yet the plot never loses sight of the tragic circumstances in her life, focusing on how these hardships have made her stronger, smarter, and more determined. Each book has also introduced at least one major conflict that tests her emotional and physical boundaries to the extreme, leading to interesting storylines and further growth in Amara.
As well, I love how the themes have remained steadfast on love, found families, sisterhood, and the enduring power of friendships. The people in Amara’s lives, even her enemies and betrayers, have added a richness to her character and to the series as a whole. The author’s ability to balance the historical details and character development also goes a long way in elevating the overall reading experience, especially the final sections of the book as Amara and her family navigate the immediate aftermath of Vesuvius’s eruption. No joke, chills were running down my spine as I felt like I was transported right into the middle of the fear and chaos. Harper clearly anticipated that her readers would have high expectations of the event and she did not disappoint. The characters’ subsequent fight for survival was perhaps one of the most intense sequences I have ever read.
All in all, I can safely say the Wolf Den Trilogy now ranks among my favorite historical fiction series of all time, and The Temple of Fortuna is truly a worthy ending. I had expected a lot from this final book, and Elodie Harper certainly did not let me down with her flawlessly paced storytelling and gorgeous writing. I highly recommend the author and these books.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Wolf Den (Book 1)
Review of The House with the Golden Door (Book 2)
Audiobook Review: The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Posted on January 13, 2024 13 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: Thriller, Suspense
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (January 9, 2024)
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrators: Dan Bittner, Eliza Foss, John Pirhalla, Patti Murin
Oh wow! So many layers, so many secrets, so many twists! The Heiress is my third book by Rachel Hawkins but it may already be my favorite. This novel is so complex and clever, and the audiobook completely absorbed me with its brilliant narrators and excellent pacing.
The story follows a young couple, Camden and Jules, who live an average, modest life near the mountains of Colorado. He is a teacher, and she a reenactor in a historical theme park, but the truth is, Camden is actually the adopted son of a wealthy heiress named Ruby McTavish—and when it comes to old money, her family is the oldest there is, having practically built the North Carolina town where the famous Ashby House stands. After Ruby died, her entire estate went to Camden, but for some reason, he wanted nothing to do with the money. Meanwhile, the surviving McTavishes including Ruby’s sister and her descendants seethed at this turn of events, seeing Camden as the outsider who simply chanced upon his inheritance. But while they were allowed to remain in Ashby House, as stated in Ruby’s will, Camden himself decided to move out and never look back, wanting nothing to do with the family ever again.
Then one day, Camden receives word from his cousin Ben, reaching out to him about the death of his Uncle Howell and the sorry state of Ashby House which requires extensive repairs. After much deliberating, and with some words of support from his wife, Camden finally decides to make the trip back to North Carolina to take care of business, as loathe as he is to return to his childhood home. In contrast though, Jules is excited to finally learn more about her husband’s past, which he has always been tight-lipped about, and also can’t wait to finally see Ashby House, the site of so much tragedy and scandal involving Camden’s adoptive mother.
At just three years old, a young Ruby made headlines in the early 1940s when she became lost in the nearby woods. Everyone believed the girl to have perished, but her family never gave up looking, and after nearly a year, they received the miracle they’d been hoping for—their daughter found alive and well, living with a family who had taken her and kept her all this time. And yet this was far from the end of the drama surrounding Ruby McTavish. As an adult, she became the subject of many news reports and rumors after a string of marriages ended with all her husbands meeting untimely ends. Might she just be the world’s unluckiest woman in love? Or was there more to the story of how her four husbands died?
The Heiress is a story told through multiple viewpoints, with one main narrative that takes place in the present, while a secondary plotline is revealed in the form of correspondence written by Ruby McTavish to an unnamed recipient in the days before she was found dead. So, while the novel may feature themes of family drama like so many other mysteries and thrillers, in fact it is in no way typical; the way the story is structured means readers get to enjoy this slowly unraveling web of secrets as, layer by layer, answers are revealed in an experience that goes beyond the usual conventions of the genre.
Here, the characters are also the main event. When the book opens, Ruby McTavish has already been dead for around a decade, but her presence is felt both in the boldness of her voice in the letters she leaves behind (which her narrator portrayed perfectly) as well as the weight of her legacy in the current timeline. Getting the details about her tumultuous relationships from Ruby herself, readers get to find out what really happened to her husbands and learn if there is any truth behind her nickname, “Mrs. Kill-More.” And in the alternating chapters featuring Cam and Jules, contrasting motives are presented for dealing with Ashby House and the nine-figure inheritance Ruby left behind. Both characters are sitting on bombshell secrets, leading to a number of shocking reveals in the end. The rest of the cast is filled out by the other McTavishes—from Ruby’s resentful sister Nelle to Cam’s cousins Ben and Libby, they are all rather horrible people.
Ultimately though, all the elements came together for a killer climax and the stunning revelations that follow. These final twists are evidence of Hawkin’s talent in storytelling and building intrigue, and she’s only getting better and better. Recommended highly for mystery readers and thriller fans who appreciate suspenseful, satisfying tales, The Heiress is a stellar achievement and her best work yet.
Waiting on Wednesday 01/10/24
Posted on January 10, 2024 3 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (June 25, 2024 by Del Rey)
“A chilling horror novel about a haunting told from the perspective of a young girl whose troubled family is targeted by an entity she calls “Other Mommy,” from the New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box
To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every “Can I go inside your heart?”
When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the same question, over and over . . . Bela understands that unless she says yes, soon her family must pay.
Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger, bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is on the brink of unraveling.
But Other Mommy needs an answer.
Incidents Around the House is a chilling, wholly unique tale of true horror told by the child Bela. A story about a family as haunted as their home.”
The BiblioSanctum 