matt_gwynn's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
zosiablue's review
3.0
This was OK! It was a crime noir occult story that read like a screenplay (and would probably work better as one). This was the first book I switched halfway through from audio to paper because the audiobook reader wasn’t doing it for me, but ultimately I think it was the book. Also, there was a lot of cringy “raise enslaved people from the 1800s to channel their anger so a demon can use them as a weapon” stuff which wasn’t handled well (not surprising, a white guy is the main writer on this - Chuck Hogan). First in the series and I probably won’t read the next.
_dear_reader_'s review against another edition
3.0
So I have mixed feelings about this one. There were many things I liked about it, such as the occult stuff which was very interesting, I can always go in for a bit of that. I loved the character of Odessa, strong and curious, someone I’d like to read more of, and found the secretiveness of Blackwood really intriguing. The general plot was great and at times I was really wrapped up in the story but occasionally I found the writing a bit stilted. I also felt the odd bit of violence seemed a bit gratuitous, without giving too much away, the baby for example.
Overall I will carry on reading the series (I assume it is the start of a serious) as now the world and characters have been set I think there’s a lot to develop here.
Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I will carry on reading the series (I assume it is the start of a serious) as now the world and characters have been set I think there’s a lot to develop here.
Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.
connormatthew's review
4.0
Didn’t care at all for the FBI procedural sections, but the John Blackwood plot line was lovely. Wish they would’ve explored it more. Hopefully they do so in the coming installments.
reanimatedreader's review against another edition
4.0
Portsmouth library loan.
There’s something wonderful about Del Toro’s world building that I love. So smooth and well though out with relatable characters.
This story follows two FBI agents from different generations being dragged into an occult occurrence of mass violent outbursts with no discernible link. The narrative touches on racism and slavery as well religion that drives the story rather than to tick boxes.
A slow burner of a horror rather than an outright terror fest.
There’s something wonderful about Del Toro’s world building that I love. So smooth and well though out with relatable characters.
This story follows two FBI agents from different generations being dragged into an occult occurrence of mass violent outbursts with no discernible link. The narrative touches on racism and slavery as well religion that drives the story rather than to tick boxes.
A slow burner of a horror rather than an outright terror fest.
mapau's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
pjchappie's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Gun violence
Moderate: Racism
hehkhatea's review against another edition
5.0
Ooooooohhh my god this book was so good. I totally was expecting something to be really dark and intense (which it did have) but there was so much levity and comedy in this book as well that really lent itself to making something very riveting and thoroughly entertaining. I listened to this book via Libro and to see that it was narrated by the same person that did Well Met really made my day. She did a wonderful job.
That being said, reading some of the reviews for this book, I totally understand why some people are put off by some of the content of this book. It’s totally reasonable to be off-put by white men writing segments that take place in 1960s American South and having a white man lynched (not that it is described). Those are completely valid criticisms. Same for the people that say this book is a ripoff of another story. I just happen to not know of the story these people are referring to, so as far as I know this book has a mostly original concept and it was something that I enjoyed.
That being said, reading some of the reviews for this book, I totally understand why some people are put off by some of the content of this book. It’s totally reasonable to be off-put by white men writing segments that take place in 1960s American South and having a white man lynched (not that it is described). Those are completely valid criticisms. Same for the people that say this book is a ripoff of another story. I just happen to not know of the story these people are referring to, so as far as I know this book has a mostly original concept and it was something that I enjoyed.