Scan barcode
juliawithmonkeys's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
sams84's review
5.0
This is a really excellent story that is well told and nicely slow to build with definite Gothic overtones, particularly being set in the stormy Highlands during the autumn and winter months when light is scarce and the weather turns on a six pence. The characters are deep, complex, and realistic and the story itself interwoven from multiple strands that come together beautifully at the end. My only issue is the slightly predictable ending but even that didn't detract from my enjoyment of reading this.
On second reading, this is even better as all the little details and build points come to the fore even more and the slow burn Gothic styling is clearer and more gripping.
On second reading, this is even better as all the little details and build points come to the fore even more and the slow burn Gothic styling is clearer and more gripping.
chroniclesofabookmum's review against another edition
3.0
Firstly, I want to say thank you to Doubleday books and Dark Room Tours for sending me a copy of this book and allowing me to be part of the blog tour for Pine, I am so grateful for the opportunity.
Pine is a book that took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the writing style that Francine Toon adapts. From page one you are thrown into an eerie, suspense filled world. It takes a lot to make me feel on edge but Pine definitely did that for me. It made for a really exciting read one which you did not want to put down. You could easily devour this book in one sitting. It is a real, what is going to happen next book.
I enjoyed the characters in this book as well. I loved getting to know Lauren and couldn't help put feel sorry for what she had been through. I really enjoyed her character and felt myself building a connection with her throughout. Niall was another character I liked. Don't get me wrong, he frustrated me through the majority of the book but I also could not help feeling sorry for him and wanting to know more about his mysterious character.
I would like to warn readers that this book can be quite graphic in parts. It also dives into some really thought-provoking topics including grief and bullying. The bullying aspect I felt a little uncomfortable in parts, not because it was done badly but because the authors writing style is so vivid you genuinely feel for the character in question. I really felt sorry for Lauren in parts and could feel the raw emotions that she was experiencing.
My only issue, but very slight issue with the book was the ending. Whilst I enjoyed it and it did make sense to me, I also would have liked a bit more. Maybe about the character in question just so I could have built up a bit more a rapport with him. I was definitely more convinced it was another character instead. Like I said this is a minor issue, the book is really captivating and I wouldn't let this put you off.
I recommend that you pick this book up as soon as you can. It was a really good, and captivating read. I will most certainly be keeping my eye out for this author and will read more by her in the future.
Pine is a book that took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the writing style that Francine Toon adapts. From page one you are thrown into an eerie, suspense filled world. It takes a lot to make me feel on edge but Pine definitely did that for me. It made for a really exciting read one which you did not want to put down. You could easily devour this book in one sitting. It is a real, what is going to happen next book.
I enjoyed the characters in this book as well. I loved getting to know Lauren and couldn't help put feel sorry for what she had been through. I really enjoyed her character and felt myself building a connection with her throughout. Niall was another character I liked. Don't get me wrong, he frustrated me through the majority of the book but I also could not help feeling sorry for him and wanting to know more about his mysterious character.
I would like to warn readers that this book can be quite graphic in parts. It also dives into some really thought-provoking topics including grief and bullying. The bullying aspect I felt a little uncomfortable in parts, not because it was done badly but because the authors writing style is so vivid you genuinely feel for the character in question. I really felt sorry for Lauren in parts and could feel the raw emotions that she was experiencing.
My only issue, but very slight issue with the book was the ending. Whilst I enjoyed it and it did make sense to me, I also would have liked a bit more. Maybe about the character in question just so I could have built up a bit more a rapport with him. I was definitely more convinced it was another character instead. Like I said this is a minor issue, the book is really captivating and I wouldn't let this put you off.
I recommend that you pick this book up as soon as you can. It was a really good, and captivating read. I will most certainly be keeping my eye out for this author and will read more by her in the future.
theregoesrose's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
solskxn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kira_dylan's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.25
janey's review against another edition
4.0
I'm really still pondering my response to this one. I feel like it found its place in the long list for a Bloody Scotland Debut Novel prize. Good enough in a small enough pool to be mentioned but not quite good enough for the shortlist.
caelmcwilliam's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ekarptatham's review against another edition
3.0
Quite a slow burner book but otherwise nicely written.
borneagainbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0