The best kind of horror is one that is equal parts horrifying and beautiful, showcasing the heights and depths of the human experience. Mariana Enriquez in 'Our Share of Night' has created such an experience, with colorful and vivacious descriptions of Argentina, but also shocking horrors that come from the military dictatorships and the shadowy cult that operates in this country. The way Enriquez weaves together these aspects is nothing short of masterful, as this is what truly makes the horror hit the gut in a way that deeply leaves its mark.
Before even the horror begins, Enriquez drew me in with her descriptions of the culture, characters, and history of the country. In a way, I felt like I was watching a travel documentary, immersing myself in the locale before sinking my teeth into the horrors ahead. Her prose was at the height of detail, really pulling together different senses to paint beautiful or horrifying pictures in the mind, but it never really felt particularly long to read. There was a rhythm in the book that kept it a page-turner for me, letting me take in the vistas of her writing before being thrust into the dark plot once more.
Another part of the story that really gripped me was the creation of these beautifully realized characters and their interactions. Characters like Juan and his son Gaspar show an equally beautiful and dark parent-child relationship that hits home for many people who share a complicated relationship with their own parents. These show more aren't shining protagonists. They are messy, damaged, trying to work in a world that is filled with horrors that sit in the world of magic and mortals. Even with the inclusion of dark magic and cults, the book feels quite grounded and realistic, which made the horrors all the more possible in my own mind.
The horror content in the book is absolutely A-grade. There are scenes that will disgust you, chill you to the bone, and it all still fits into the narrative without sounding like a gratuitous festival of violence. This book was also one of the few ones to get me truly scared with a haunted-house setting, which is not something I find scary a lot of times in horror media. The inclusion of cult and ritual magic, feels truly dark, making you feel like you truly sat through a kind of profane event, the events swirling in your mind, long after you've closed the cover. If anything, it made the calmer parts of the story something I kind of looked forward to, before I would go into the dark once more.
I don't have a lot of bad things to say about the book, but there are some things that did leave me wanting. The coming-of-age arc for Gaspar ends on a fitting and logical note, but there are certain characters that I still wanted to see more of. I feel like at least having a sort of epilogue or short catch-up on the aftermath of these other characters would have felt more complete, considering that this book most likely wouldn't get a sequel (as far as I can tell at least). Overall, I would say that this book is very much a masterwork in horror, and it could be a treat for anyone who might want a horror story steeped in culture and history.
My final rating would be 4/5 stars
Find reviews like this one and more on my blog: thenightdiver.blog show less
Before even the horror begins, Enriquez drew me in with her descriptions of the culture, characters, and history of the country. In a way, I felt like I was watching a travel documentary, immersing myself in the locale before sinking my teeth into the horrors ahead. Her prose was at the height of detail, really pulling together different senses to paint beautiful or horrifying pictures in the mind, but it never really felt particularly long to read. There was a rhythm in the book that kept it a page-turner for me, letting me take in the vistas of her writing before being thrust into the dark plot once more.
Another part of the story that really gripped me was the creation of these beautifully realized characters and their interactions. Characters like Juan and his son Gaspar show an equally beautiful and dark parent-child relationship that hits home for many people who share a complicated relationship with their own parents. These show more aren't shining protagonists. They are messy, damaged, trying to work in a world that is filled with horrors that sit in the world of magic and mortals. Even with the inclusion of dark magic and cults, the book feels quite grounded and realistic, which made the horrors all the more possible in my own mind.
The horror content in the book is absolutely A-grade. There are scenes that will disgust you, chill you to the bone, and it all still fits into the narrative without sounding like a gratuitous festival of violence. This book was also one of the few ones to get me truly scared with a haunted-house setting, which is not something I find scary a lot of times in horror media. The inclusion of cult and ritual magic, feels truly dark, making you feel like you truly sat through a kind of profane event, the events swirling in your mind, long after you've closed the cover. If anything, it made the calmer parts of the story something I kind of looked forward to, before I would go into the dark once more.
I don't have a lot of bad things to say about the book, but there are some things that did leave me wanting. The coming-of-age arc for Gaspar ends on a fitting and logical note, but there are certain characters that I still wanted to see more of. I feel like at least having a sort of epilogue or short catch-up on the aftermath of these other characters would have felt more complete, considering that this book most likely wouldn't get a sequel (as far as I can tell at least). Overall, I would say that this book is very much a masterwork in horror, and it could be a treat for anyone who might want a horror story steeped in culture and history.
My final rating would be 4/5 stars
Find reviews like this one and more on my blog: thenightdiver.blog show less
The Last House on Needless Street: A BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club Pick; the Gothic Masterpiece of 2021 by Catriona Ward
One of the most enjoyable types of stories is one that keeps you guessing, this is doubly so when it comes to the genre of Horror. It’s truly a trip when the words and pages lull you into a sense of security or familiarity only for it to shake your assumptions to the core.
Catriona Ward in this story has created a premise and a set of characters that exude a truly unnerving atmosphere, which continues to twist and turn in unexpected ways even until the end. Just to begin, the book deals with Ted Bannerman, an eccentric and isolated man with a murky past and an equally mysterious present. It also deals with a cat that can read and interpret the Bible, as well as a young woman on the hunt for her missing sister. All of these points of view are distinct, and provide a rich set of textures that build out the world in this book.
Ward is a master of balancing pacing with deep, visceral writing that transports the reader into a broken, unnerving world that keeps them guessing. The atmosphere is tense and the story rolls at a steady place before transitioning into a white knuckle ride to the shattering end. I will say that Catriona Ward has a talent in setting up fully layered scenes that seem full of detail, but have deftly hidden morsels of information that may only become apparent once the truth is revealed.
The assumption of truth is challenged a lot in this book, and the twists and turns pack a gut punch without relying on contrivances. Without giving too much away, I will show more say that Ward is a great example of how to utilize subversion without making it ham fisted. Maybe the enjoyment of some of the reveals or explanations may come down to personal preferences, but I certainly enjoyed the novel until the very last word. If anyone is looking for an unusual and highly suspenseful story, ‘The Last House on Needless Street’ has those characteristics in spades. The book will certainly keep you guessing and your brain great turning until the very end, and even beyond it.
My final rating will be 3.5/5 stars. It's 4 on this site because it doesn't let me do half stars for whatever reason
If you want to see more reviews of horror novels and other horror media, find me on
thenightdiver.blog show less
Catriona Ward in this story has created a premise and a set of characters that exude a truly unnerving atmosphere, which continues to twist and turn in unexpected ways even until the end. Just to begin, the book deals with Ted Bannerman, an eccentric and isolated man with a murky past and an equally mysterious present. It also deals with a cat that can read and interpret the Bible, as well as a young woman on the hunt for her missing sister. All of these points of view are distinct, and provide a rich set of textures that build out the world in this book.
Ward is a master of balancing pacing with deep, visceral writing that transports the reader into a broken, unnerving world that keeps them guessing. The atmosphere is tense and the story rolls at a steady place before transitioning into a white knuckle ride to the shattering end. I will say that Catriona Ward has a talent in setting up fully layered scenes that seem full of detail, but have deftly hidden morsels of information that may only become apparent once the truth is revealed.
The assumption of truth is challenged a lot in this book, and the twists and turns pack a gut punch without relying on contrivances. Without giving too much away, I will show more say that Ward is a great example of how to utilize subversion without making it ham fisted. Maybe the enjoyment of some of the reveals or explanations may come down to personal preferences, but I certainly enjoyed the novel until the very last word. If anyone is looking for an unusual and highly suspenseful story, ‘The Last House on Needless Street’ has those characteristics in spades. The book will certainly keep you guessing and your brain great turning until the very end, and even beyond it.
My final rating will be 3.5/5 stars. It's 4 on this site because it doesn't let me do half stars for whatever reason
If you want to see more reviews of horror novels and other horror media, find me on
thenightdiver.blog show less
The first thing that got me to this book was the absolutely gorgeous cover. Whoever designed it has created the literary equivalent of a lure for a fish, because I was already hooked. But unlike a fish, I was fortunate to be caught, because what was beyond the cover made it more than worth the trouble. 'All The Sinner Bleed' is equal parts a detective story and a horror story with fully intriguing characters and small town that feels very much alive in every page. Even though it isn't a horror story that deals with ghouls and ghosts, it is a rather grisly hunt for a killer that is elevated from grounded to downright chilling through the Cosby's writing.
One thing to note is that the book does deal with some very heavy themes, so if these are things that may trigger you, maybe give this a skip.
TW: Extreme Descriptions of Crime Scenes, References to Violence against Children
Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed following the main character, Titus Crown in his hunt for a killer in his small town. The story covered much of the procedures that detectives might take in finding a suspect, but it also kept it included in a pace that never felt like a drag. The insights into Titus's own mind was fascinating, providing clues to what is going on, but never fully giving away the solution until the very end. I think the story also did a phenomenal job in incorporating a lot of issues regarding racism and police work into this small town, serving as a microcosm of national conversations that show more we hear today. The commentary is smartly weaved into the narrative, and it provides thoughtful context to the story as it unfolds.
In terms of the horror content, this book is absolutely chilling to the bone without the use of any supernatural elements. Charon is written like a truly living town with a dark underbelly bubbling beneath the surface, dotted with shady yet amusing characters that make their mark in your imagination. The tension is absolutely palpable, and it only ratchets up more as Titus and his department go after a killer becoming as unraveled as the victims he leaves in their midst. S.A Cosby is a master at creating characters and a narrative with rich and complex layers, commentary, all packaged in a perfectly paced plot that will keep you craving for the next mystery he'll concoct next. Any enjoyer of mystery and horror will find this book a great addition to their collection.
My final rating is 4/5 stars show less
One thing to note is that the book does deal with some very heavy themes, so if these are things that may trigger you, maybe give this a skip.
TW: Extreme Descriptions of Crime Scenes, References to Violence against Children
Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed following the main character, Titus Crown in his hunt for a killer in his small town. The story covered much of the procedures that detectives might take in finding a suspect, but it also kept it included in a pace that never felt like a drag. The insights into Titus's own mind was fascinating, providing clues to what is going on, but never fully giving away the solution until the very end. I think the story also did a phenomenal job in incorporating a lot of issues regarding racism and police work into this small town, serving as a microcosm of national conversations that show more we hear today. The commentary is smartly weaved into the narrative, and it provides thoughtful context to the story as it unfolds.
In terms of the horror content, this book is absolutely chilling to the bone without the use of any supernatural elements. Charon is written like a truly living town with a dark underbelly bubbling beneath the surface, dotted with shady yet amusing characters that make their mark in your imagination. The tension is absolutely palpable, and it only ratchets up more as Titus and his department go after a killer becoming as unraveled as the victims he leaves in their midst. S.A Cosby is a master at creating characters and a narrative with rich and complex layers, commentary, all packaged in a perfectly paced plot that will keep you craving for the next mystery he'll concoct next. Any enjoyer of mystery and horror will find this book a great addition to their collection.
My final rating is 4/5 stars show less
One of the best things about the horror genre is the skill at which writers and creators manage to distill specific types of terrors in their works. Sometimes it could be a kind of horror that you have a faint understanding of, but never really experienced it, until a writer like Ronald Malfi comes around and makes that horror very much vivid and real in your mind. Bone White specifically breathes terrifying life into horrors of the arctic, suffusing it with violent dangers both physical and supernatural. The book pulls no punches with its bloody details, starting off with a serial killing that gets grislier as one of our main characters, Detective Jill Ryerson investigates its details. But aside from the actual killing, Malfi also paints the frozen landscape of Alaska as a violent threat in its own right. It causes people to go missing, to go mad, or maim them horribly through frostbite and subsequent amputations. Even if the rather menacing denizens of the aptly named town, Dread's Hand, Alaska aren't posing a threat, the icy wasteland is always there to keep you on your toes (assuming it hasn't frostbitten them off).
The story also follows Paul Gallo, a schoolteacher who lost contact with his brother after he traveled to Dread's Hand, Alaska. He decides to fly out there after learning of a serial killing that took place there, thinking that his brother may be a victim that would need identification. He is an interesting character, with his own set of flaws and demons show more that propel his actions through the story. The novel alternates between the perspective of the detective investigating the serial killing, and Paul Gallo's own search for answers, which helps keep the story moving in a way that doesn't get stale. However, I will say that the story does slow down slightly in the middle while Paul Gallo is staying in the town where his brother disappeared. This part serves to build more tension, and add questions that keep percolating in the back of your mind, as Paul begins to pull the veil behind what horrors exist. I didn't mind the slowdown, since it added to the very real confusion and terror one might feel when exploring such a place, all the while trudging through an unforgiving landscape. But I would have slightly preferred a bit more of a faster pace during this section.
I will say that the story itself does slip into high gear at the last act, with all of its reveals about the brothers, the town, and the horrors within it. The foundation is laid through all of the story, and it clicks together for the most part. There are some parts of the supernatural events that don't seem entirely clear, but I think that also kind of makes sense, considering that the supernatural isn't something that fits rules that we humans have created. Overall, I had a great time with this story, and I would very much recommend this to anyone who enjoys a supernatural horror story, especially one that is set in the arctic, much like other horror favorites of mine, like Event Horizon and The Shining.
My final rating for this book would be: 4/5 Stars
If you want more reviews or discussions about Horror books and movies, take a look at my blog!
I'm posting on: thenightdiver.blog show less
The story also follows Paul Gallo, a schoolteacher who lost contact with his brother after he traveled to Dread's Hand, Alaska. He decides to fly out there after learning of a serial killing that took place there, thinking that his brother may be a victim that would need identification. He is an interesting character, with his own set of flaws and demons show more that propel his actions through the story. The novel alternates between the perspective of the detective investigating the serial killing, and Paul Gallo's own search for answers, which helps keep the story moving in a way that doesn't get stale. However, I will say that the story does slow down slightly in the middle while Paul Gallo is staying in the town where his brother disappeared. This part serves to build more tension, and add questions that keep percolating in the back of your mind, as Paul begins to pull the veil behind what horrors exist. I didn't mind the slowdown, since it added to the very real confusion and terror one might feel when exploring such a place, all the while trudging through an unforgiving landscape. But I would have slightly preferred a bit more of a faster pace during this section.
I will say that the story itself does slip into high gear at the last act, with all of its reveals about the brothers, the town, and the horrors within it. The foundation is laid through all of the story, and it clicks together for the most part. There are some parts of the supernatural events that don't seem entirely clear, but I think that also kind of makes sense, considering that the supernatural isn't something that fits rules that we humans have created. Overall, I had a great time with this story, and I would very much recommend this to anyone who enjoys a supernatural horror story, especially one that is set in the arctic, much like other horror favorites of mine, like Event Horizon and The Shining.
My final rating for this book would be: 4/5 Stars
If you want more reviews or discussions about Horror books and movies, take a look at my blog!
I'm posting on: thenightdiver.blog show less
When we talk about history and the horrors it holds, it’s very easy to lose perspective as to just how horrific things were as time marches along. This clouding of history is even more prominent when you aren’t necessarily part of the people who were historically affected. ‘The Reformatory’ by Tananarive Due is both a beautiful and brutal story of Racism, unjust systems, and the bonds that stay strong even in the face of powerful evil. I can say that this has been the best horror novel I have read within the year, and I am now a very ardent fan of Due’s work, eagerly anticipating what she will manage to create next.
The first time I heard of this novel was when someone talked about it being somewhat based off an author’s family member’s experiences in such a reform school. So I decided to look up the school, and found it was shut down only in 2011. This entire time, I was thinking that it might have been shuttered near the time of the civil rights movement, but I was dead wrong. Now of course, the characters and school in the story are fictional, they paint a very real picture of how race relations were in Jim Crow states like Florida, and very much kept Black People imprisoned in a deeply racist system even though they were considered free. I think this book really illustrates the difference between being considered simply free, and being truly equal and safe in a society. Whether the story is in an oppressive, haunted reform school, or in a deeply racist show more Florida Town, there is a deep, pervasive sense of dread that never really lets up until the conclusion.
The story centers around Robert Stephens, a 12 year old boy who gets sent to the Gracetown School for Boys, after trying to defend his older sister Gloria from advances by Lyle McCormack Jr, son of a wealthy family that nearly practically owns the town they live in. This starts the twin perspectives in the story that are beautifully written, lush with details that truly transport you into the world that existed back then. Robert Stephens has to deal with an oppressive and deeply violent reform school, filled with ghosts that could be anywhere between neutral or actively violent themselves. The ghosts show a horrifying history of the school, but those are just the start of the deep, horrific events that get uncovered during Robert’s journey. Gloria on the other hand has to navigate an oppressive justice system to get her brother out, all the while racial tensions simmer and threaten to boil over at moment’s notice. Furthermore, she has to deal with all of this as her role is changing from a young Black Girl to a young Black Woman to the people around her, leading to even more challenges going forward. This attention to colorful and impactful character work is extended to even the supporting and peripheral characters, creating a truly live experience that jumps out from the pages and occupies your mind for much longer after.
I absolutely enjoyed every moment in this book, from the historical recreation of Jim Crow Florida that I can truly describe as photorealistic, to the horrors of the Reform School that came from the physical and supernatural. The writing blends historical accuracy with engaging and thrilling horror, making it an absolute masterclass in hard-hitting historical fiction. The story doesn’t’ shy away from the disgusting or upsetting, exploring the very real and dark past of the United States. There are references to child abuse, racist expletives, and the such, but the story also highlights the bond between people fighting back the shackles of evil, and especially the one between the brother and sister of this story. It also celebrates the icons of African Americans, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Thurgood Marshall, and Louis Armstrong. There is indeed deep darkness here that serves as a reminder against racism and prejudice, but it also provides hope in building and strengthening bonds that can overcome evil that seemingly permeates through the very soil of the Earth. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants heart-pounding horror and gut-twisting tension, and it is an even bigger treat for anyone who savors great historical fiction.
My final rating is 5/5 stars:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you want more reviews and Horror Content discussions, take a look at my blog!
Find me at: the thenightdiver.blog show less
The first time I heard of this novel was when someone talked about it being somewhat based off an author’s family member’s experiences in such a reform school. So I decided to look up the school, and found it was shut down only in 2011. This entire time, I was thinking that it might have been shuttered near the time of the civil rights movement, but I was dead wrong. Now of course, the characters and school in the story are fictional, they paint a very real picture of how race relations were in Jim Crow states like Florida, and very much kept Black People imprisoned in a deeply racist system even though they were considered free. I think this book really illustrates the difference between being considered simply free, and being truly equal and safe in a society. Whether the story is in an oppressive, haunted reform school, or in a deeply racist show more Florida Town, there is a deep, pervasive sense of dread that never really lets up until the conclusion.
The story centers around Robert Stephens, a 12 year old boy who gets sent to the Gracetown School for Boys, after trying to defend his older sister Gloria from advances by Lyle McCormack Jr, son of a wealthy family that nearly practically owns the town they live in. This starts the twin perspectives in the story that are beautifully written, lush with details that truly transport you into the world that existed back then. Robert Stephens has to deal with an oppressive and deeply violent reform school, filled with ghosts that could be anywhere between neutral or actively violent themselves. The ghosts show a horrifying history of the school, but those are just the start of the deep, horrific events that get uncovered during Robert’s journey. Gloria on the other hand has to navigate an oppressive justice system to get her brother out, all the while racial tensions simmer and threaten to boil over at moment’s notice. Furthermore, she has to deal with all of this as her role is changing from a young Black Girl to a young Black Woman to the people around her, leading to even more challenges going forward. This attention to colorful and impactful character work is extended to even the supporting and peripheral characters, creating a truly live experience that jumps out from the pages and occupies your mind for much longer after.
I absolutely enjoyed every moment in this book, from the historical recreation of Jim Crow Florida that I can truly describe as photorealistic, to the horrors of the Reform School that came from the physical and supernatural. The writing blends historical accuracy with engaging and thrilling horror, making it an absolute masterclass in hard-hitting historical fiction. The story doesn’t’ shy away from the disgusting or upsetting, exploring the very real and dark past of the United States. There are references to child abuse, racist expletives, and the such, but the story also highlights the bond between people fighting back the shackles of evil, and especially the one between the brother and sister of this story. It also celebrates the icons of African Americans, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Thurgood Marshall, and Louis Armstrong. There is indeed deep darkness here that serves as a reminder against racism and prejudice, but it also provides hope in building and strengthening bonds that can overcome evil that seemingly permeates through the very soil of the Earth. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants heart-pounding horror and gut-twisting tension, and it is an even bigger treat for anyone who savors great historical fiction.
My final rating is 5/5 stars:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you want more reviews and Horror Content discussions, take a look at my blog!
Find me at: the thenightdiver.blog show less
Ever since the beginning, I have always been drawn to scriptures and legends about the end times, and really any sort of religious lore that just sounds metal. I had a childhood where I learned about angels, demons, and wars of epic proportions that could only exist in imagination. Then there would be all the stories about Judgment Day, where there would be one final confrontation between Good and Evil. While terrifying to really think about, it also was such a surreal possibility, that I wanted to see more. 'Between Two Fires' by Christopher Buehlman brings that kind of reality to life once again, with terrifying creatures and a compelling cast of characters that I was eager to travel along in this journey.
The first thing I'd like to highlight is the absolutely inspired setting Buehlman chose for this story. It takes in France, during the Black Death. Things are already quite bleak, as illness has been spreading alongside roving bands of thieves and brigands ready to pounce at any person unlucky enough to cross them. The world here is absolutely ripe for Armageddon, and that is exactly what follows. The story is kicked into high gear when Lucifer and his demonic legions realize that God is not quite present in Heaven, leaving the Earth ready for an all out attack. The resulting attacks are downright terrifying, really capturing just how horrific these Biblical monstrosities can be at the height of their power. One part of the story that really stuck with me was the show more presence of a castle filled demons, running tournaments at night during the Armageddon, just so they can torture people before feasting on them at the end. There is that, and much more to experience in this Hell on Earth. Among all this, we have our three main characters, humans with their own interesting stories that are forced to survive.
This brings me to the next aspect of the story that also makes it shine even with its dark and brooding demeanor. The characters are an absolute delight to follow along in this chaotic hellscape, each with their own rich personalities that kept me reading. I absolutely enjoyed following along as Thomas, a French Knight turned Brigand who is on a quest for revenge. He is crass and violent, but also possesses a righteous heart under his jaded personality. There is also the Priest, Pere Mathieu, who is dogged by his own fatal flaws and sins, but still tries to do what good he can in an unraveling world. Finally, there is a young girl saved by Thomas who is guided by mysterious visions, and becomes the impetus for the main cast to go on their journey to Avignon. All of these characters shine on their own, and as a group, which speaks to the masterful writing Buehlman has done in this story. Once I was committed to these characters, I could not put this book down until the end. The story has it all: Characters, scares, and even humor. All of it is strung together in a chilling, yet also beautiful tapestry that has stayed in my mind for long after finishing the book. I encourage anyone who is interested in Horror and epic stories, to give this book a try. If heavy violence is not a deal-breaker for you, go out and grab this book, because you will not forget it.
My final rating for this book is a divine 5/5 stars show less
The first thing I'd like to highlight is the absolutely inspired setting Buehlman chose for this story. It takes in France, during the Black Death. Things are already quite bleak, as illness has been spreading alongside roving bands of thieves and brigands ready to pounce at any person unlucky enough to cross them. The world here is absolutely ripe for Armageddon, and that is exactly what follows. The story is kicked into high gear when Lucifer and his demonic legions realize that God is not quite present in Heaven, leaving the Earth ready for an all out attack. The resulting attacks are downright terrifying, really capturing just how horrific these Biblical monstrosities can be at the height of their power. One part of the story that really stuck with me was the show more presence of a castle filled demons, running tournaments at night during the Armageddon, just so they can torture people before feasting on them at the end. There is that, and much more to experience in this Hell on Earth. Among all this, we have our three main characters, humans with their own interesting stories that are forced to survive.
This brings me to the next aspect of the story that also makes it shine even with its dark and brooding demeanor. The characters are an absolute delight to follow along in this chaotic hellscape, each with their own rich personalities that kept me reading. I absolutely enjoyed following along as Thomas, a French Knight turned Brigand who is on a quest for revenge. He is crass and violent, but also possesses a righteous heart under his jaded personality. There is also the Priest, Pere Mathieu, who is dogged by his own fatal flaws and sins, but still tries to do what good he can in an unraveling world. Finally, there is a young girl saved by Thomas who is guided by mysterious visions, and becomes the impetus for the main cast to go on their journey to Avignon. All of these characters shine on their own, and as a group, which speaks to the masterful writing Buehlman has done in this story. Once I was committed to these characters, I could not put this book down until the end. The story has it all: Characters, scares, and even humor. All of it is strung together in a chilling, yet also beautiful tapestry that has stayed in my mind for long after finishing the book. I encourage anyone who is interested in Horror and epic stories, to give this book a try. If heavy violence is not a deal-breaker for you, go out and grab this book, because you will not forget it.
My final rating for this book is a divine 5/5 stars show less
Keith Rosson is something of an automatic pick-up for me these days. Once I read the Fever House duology, I was in it for the long haul. That's why I wasted no time when I heard that he had released "Coffin Moon", a bloody story about vampires and revenge.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is the mostly impeccable character writing. From the outset, I was drawn in by the promise of a revenge story against a vampire, but as I read this book, I stayed in for much more than that. Duane Minor is a hardened war veteran, broken by the gruesome killing of his wife, but still keeping himself mostly together to bring down punishment against the vampire that did this to him. He is also accompanied by Julia, his adoptive daughter and niece, with her own set of dark circumstances becoming the fuel for her vengeful crusade. While their bond is one tied together in blood, it also has its moments of tenderness, and deep care even when the circumstances test their limits.
However, this attention to character-writing is not just limited to the protagonists of this story. John Varley is a sadistic, brutal vampire that is still written as a believable person inside his monstrous form. The best part of this story are the expertly written arcs of these characters, how their paths cross, separate, and then culminate into the bitter end. Before this, I was not the biggest fan of stories that try to paint revenge as simply an evil path that will inevitably lead to ruin. (See: The Last of show more Us 2). However, I think this story takes a more nuanced and realistic take on the emotions that drive this course of action. There is no doubt that revenge in this story exacts its pounds of flesh, but the closure and personal justice it offers to the characters is also understandable. It really is up to you, the reader to decide, if the price of it all was truly right.
As all of this unfolds, Rosson has an uncanny ability to transport you into the passing locales, turning them into small characters themselves, complete with their pockets of beauty, flaws, and everything in between. Even though this story is brutal, grim, and relentless, it is written at a pace that hypnotizes you right up to the end. It is a haunting story that makes you ponder for a while even after the last page is turned, asking the questions: To fight a monster, should you become one? and is that trade worth it in the end?
In the end, I enjoyed my time with this book, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of horror and thrillers with a solid emotional core. My final rating will be:
4/5 Stars show less
One of the greatest strengths of this book is the mostly impeccable character writing. From the outset, I was drawn in by the promise of a revenge story against a vampire, but as I read this book, I stayed in for much more than that. Duane Minor is a hardened war veteran, broken by the gruesome killing of his wife, but still keeping himself mostly together to bring down punishment against the vampire that did this to him. He is also accompanied by Julia, his adoptive daughter and niece, with her own set of dark circumstances becoming the fuel for her vengeful crusade. While their bond is one tied together in blood, it also has its moments of tenderness, and deep care even when the circumstances test their limits.
However, this attention to character-writing is not just limited to the protagonists of this story. John Varley is a sadistic, brutal vampire that is still written as a believable person inside his monstrous form. The best part of this story are the expertly written arcs of these characters, how their paths cross, separate, and then culminate into the bitter end. Before this, I was not the biggest fan of stories that try to paint revenge as simply an evil path that will inevitably lead to ruin. (See: The Last of show more Us 2). However, I think this story takes a more nuanced and realistic take on the emotions that drive this course of action. There is no doubt that revenge in this story exacts its pounds of flesh, but the closure and personal justice it offers to the characters is also understandable. It really is up to you, the reader to decide, if the price of it all was truly right.
As all of this unfolds, Rosson has an uncanny ability to transport you into the passing locales, turning them into small characters themselves, complete with their pockets of beauty, flaws, and everything in between. Even though this story is brutal, grim, and relentless, it is written at a pace that hypnotizes you right up to the end. It is a haunting story that makes you ponder for a while even after the last page is turned, asking the questions: To fight a monster, should you become one? and is that trade worth it in the end?
In the end, I enjoyed my time with this book, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of horror and thrillers with a solid emotional core. My final rating will be:
4/5 Stars show less