books_for_the_bat's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
dee21's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
1.5
half_bloodreader's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
'The priest hole seems to be at the root of so much of this, Michael. I wonder if the house has always carried that black void inside it like a tumour – if it has always been bad, from the day the place was built.’
All of the stars for this children's horror! I can't believe I've been saving it for so long!
You know what? I love Chris Priestley's books. I really truly do!
His writing is charming with this old-timey feel to it - to match his old-timey characters living in spookier times -, that is completely accessible to your child! The effort contributes in transporting us to another time more easily, as well as to the overall eeriness.
He has no problem doing dark endings, but with him, it can go either way so you really never know!
I devoured this delicious Gothic book exceedingly fast, both a credit to the pace and the author's ability to keep the reader intrigued, worried, rushing for the climax!
I am so glad I picked it for Buzzwordathon's December prompt. It ended up being a holiday read, and it helped me end the year with a bang! It really was a perfect choice.
So. Is Hawton Mere a house born bad? Or is it something else? What evils lurk at the estate?
dinotoria's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
I really liked the ending, but the first 75% of the book was so slow to get through. I don't regret reading it, but I can't say I'd recommend it for others. It was short though, so maybe not bad for an easy afternoon read.
nakias_hideaway's review
3.0
3 out of 5 stars!
I enjoyed this book.
The beginning was very good and got me hooked.
I really enjoyed the writing of Chris Priestley. He has a way with words and knows how to create a creepy atmosphere and suspense.
The middle dragged a little for me, but then the ending made up for it.
I was not expecting a twist to the story and was not able to guess it until right before it was revealed.
I'm so happy I started my December winter cozy reads with this book.
I enjoyed this book.
The beginning was very good and got me hooked.
I really enjoyed the writing of Chris Priestley. He has a way with words and knows how to create a creepy atmosphere and suspense.
The middle dragged a little for me, but then the ending made up for it.
I was not expecting a twist to the story and was not able to guess it until right before it was revealed.
I'm so happy I started my December winter cozy reads with this book.
kpasteka's review
3.0
This book captures the heart of Victorian ghost stories- the narrator's voice was spot on, the descriptions of events perfect for the period, and the ending is spooky. Overall, enjoyable but nothing uniquely memorable about this novel.
*I receive a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, all opinions are my own.*
*I receive a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, all opinions are my own.*
meganlouise815's review
2.0
Well, it wasn't bad per say, but I also didn't enjoy it. The narrator, Michael, annoyed me to no end, and the entire time, I couldn't really work out when it was set. For some reason, I started it thinking it was set now, but seeing as they didn't have electricity, I'm assuming not! Think it should have been a lot clearer.
Michael's description of everything bored me, and the language he used made him sound like an old person. Although the mystery/horror elements were done well enough, because I didn't like Michael, it was hard to empathise with him and fear for him.
Overall, I'm just glad I've finally read it (because I've owned the physical copy of this book for probably 6 or 7 years!)
Michael's description of everything bored me, and the language he used made him sound like an old person. Although the mystery/horror elements were done well enough, because I didn't like Michael, it was hard to empathise with him and fear for him.
Overall, I'm just glad I've finally read it (because I've owned the physical copy of this book for probably 6 or 7 years!)