the_lkx's review
5.0
That was not at all what I was expecting, yet I loved every second of it.
Micheli's characters are well-written, fully realized, and complex. The way that Micheli plays with drama and morality is profound. And the way that he seamlessly incorporates these character moments with the horror elements makes me (as a writer) quite jealous. The White has some interesting things to say, yet it never tells the reader how they should think about it. I'm still trying to work out how I feel about the ending.
Simply brilliant.
Micheli's characters are well-written, fully realized, and complex. The way that Micheli plays with drama and morality is profound. And the way that he seamlessly incorporates these character moments with the horror elements makes me (as a writer) quite jealous. The White has some interesting things to say, yet it never tells the reader how they should think about it. I'm still trying to work out how I feel about the ending.
Simply brilliant.
bmacenlightened's review
4.0
This is pretty horrific in the tradition of apocalyptic and isolated stories where the horror is not only what's out there but what's also inside. What was present was good, but I think it needed to be another 20% longer just to make the pacing work out better. But it was mean and brutal and provided exactly what it said it would.
Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
bookishhorrorgemini's review
4.0
I had the pleasure of reading The White by Matt Micheli, which is a novella surrounding a families turmoil during a snow storm and the events that transpire throughout out the course of the storm being isolated.
I felt the author did a wonderful job building up the characters in the first half of the story, believeable animosity increasing while simultaneously allowing a view into their past lives. Some of the roles were a bit more irritant than others being played out but a deliberate choice based on the storyline. The first half, although short, did go by a little slower than the later during this time and will leave you waiting for some action, most definitely.
However, my favorite is the 2nd half of the storyline where the writer pulls out all the stops to bring us a significant, terrifying shift, and it pulled me in, head on! Ominous, buildable terror in a perfect environment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt the author did a wonderful job building up the characters in the first half of the story, believeable animosity increasing while simultaneously allowing a view into their past lives. Some of the roles were a bit more irritant than others being played out but a deliberate choice based on the storyline. The first half, although short, did go by a little slower than the later during this time and will leave you waiting for some action, most definitely.
However, my favorite is the 2nd half of the storyline where the writer pulls out all the stops to bring us a significant, terrifying shift, and it pulled me in, head on! Ominous, buildable terror in a perfect environment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
vanmeers's review
2.0
I went into this not reading the description that thoroughly so I expected more blood and gore, and less family drama. That’s on me. But it also meant I didn’t enjoy it as much as I probably would have if I knew it was going to focus, a lot, on family relations. While that meant I didn’t enjoy it as much, I do think the characters didn’t make it easier as I really didn’t like any of them.
It’s a shame because the premise is fun and it’s an interesting take on horror during a snowstorm and I really liked the parts that were centred on and around exactly that. It was just way too short for me to really enjoy the book.
If you don’t mind family drama in your horror books, or short stories, and you want to read a somewhat original take on horror during a snowstorm then I do think it’s worth giving it a go — especially cos it’s so short and easy to get into!
// ARC received through BookSirens.
loogenhausen's review
4.0
An engaging one-location horror thriller with a tight, well-realized cast of characters.
Relatable characters, and even though it's a quick 50-page read, it builds insidiously, has a mean streak a mile wide and an ending that is supremely unforgiving. This book pulls no punches and almost asks you to hit it back.
Relatable characters, and even though it's a quick 50-page read, it builds insidiously, has a mean streak a mile wide and an ending that is supremely unforgiving. This book pulls no punches and almost asks you to hit it back.
destynnee's review
5.0
The White
By Matt Micheli
Publication date Dec 28, 2022
60 pagez
This is NOT on kindle unlimited.
Possible Tw, Cn, Genres, Tropes
Horror, violence, blood, racism, fiction, death of a dog (off page), death of a mother and child (off page), death of parents (on page), snow storm, power outage, psychological horror, psychological fiction, novella, short story, dark, gruesome, gun shot,
This is an ARC review and may contain spoilers please proceed with caution.
This short horror novella was so good y'all. I did not see the twist coming until it was too late, and I loved it.
You end up rooting for everyone but the mean bitch of a grandmother. And when I say she is a bitch, I mean a pos, racist, bigoted, old hag who we all would probably push out of a lifeboat for the luggage.
I found the characters not only real but relatable. Well, all but the grandmother. I mean, I grew up in Texas, I knew people like the grandmother. Soooo, ugh, anyway.
If you enjoy horror, and a quick read, I highly suggest this one.
5/5 stars
-Destynnee
Paperback, and ebook available for purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/White-Matt-Micheli-ebook/dp/B0BRBT2D8N?ref_=ast_author_mpb
By Matt Micheli
Publication date Dec 28, 2022
60 pagez
This is NOT on kindle unlimited.
Possible Tw, Cn, Genres, Tropes
Horror, violence, blood, racism, fiction, death of a dog (off page), death of a mother and child (off page), death of parents (on page), snow storm, power outage, psychological horror, psychological fiction, novella, short story, dark, gruesome, gun shot,
This is an ARC review and may contain spoilers please proceed with caution.
This short horror novella was so good y'all. I did not see the twist coming until it was too late, and I loved it.
You end up rooting for everyone but the mean bitch of a grandmother. And when I say she is a bitch, I mean a pos, racist, bigoted, old hag who we all would probably push out of a lifeboat for the luggage.
I found the characters not only real but relatable. Well, all but the grandmother. I mean, I grew up in Texas, I knew people like the grandmother. Soooo, ugh, anyway.
If you enjoy horror, and a quick read, I highly suggest this one.
5/5 stars
-Destynnee
Paperback, and ebook available for purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/White-Matt-Micheli-ebook/dp/B0BRBT2D8N?ref_=ast_author_mpb
michelareads's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Dan's not having a good day: first his estranged mother Margo shows up at his doorstep with the worst attitude ever, then a terrible snowstorm hits his town, trapping his family in a house without power and water. And outside in the snow there is something that is thirsty for blood...
The White is the perfect horror novella to read on a cold winter night, wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot beverage. It starts with a bang, and that bang is the "classic" mother-in-law from hell that has a (mean) opinion on everything and can't keep her mouth shut. And then it quickly becomes a survival story, with Dan leaving the house to find some water and wood for the fireplace. I won't share more about the story, it's short and packed with actions so I recommend you to read it! The writing is really good and the pace is fast and entertaining, I actually wish it was a full novel or at least a bit longer to get to know more some of the characters (especially the neighbors!).
I really enjoyed The White and I can't wait to read Micheli's future works!
* I'd like to thank the author Matt Micheli for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The White is the perfect horror novella to read on a cold winter night, wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot beverage. It starts with a bang, and that bang is the "classic" mother-in-law from hell that has a (mean) opinion on everything and can't keep her mouth shut. And then it quickly becomes a survival story, with Dan leaving the house to find some water and wood for the fireplace. I won't share more about the story, it's short and packed with actions so I recommend you to read it! The writing is really good and the pace is fast and entertaining, I actually wish it was a full novel or at least a bit longer to get to know more some of the characters (especially the neighbors!).
I really enjoyed The White and I can't wait to read Micheli's future works!
* I'd like to thank the author Matt Micheli for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
angiedaz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
drakaina16's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The White is a great novella! The action starts right away and the pacing is great throughout. Even though you only get to spend a short time with them, I thought the characters were very believable and well fleshed out. I'll be on the lookout for more books by Matt Micheli.
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