roseparis's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I like Graham Joyce's writing usually but this treats domestic violence in a disrespectful and dismissive way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
flijn's review
1.0
I expected to like this book since I have a soft spot for modern witchcraft set in everyday circumstances. However, it didn't live up to my expectations. The characters were not likeable and worse, not convincing. Joyce also seemed to try to fit too many genres into one book: thriller, fantasy/mystery, family drama, historic novel... and instead of weaving them together into a coherent whole, the book disappoints as any of them.
msjoanna's review
1.0
I was disappointed in this book -- I'd really expected to like this one and instead I found the characters hard to relate to and the magic rather unexplained and uninteresting. I never felt like the characters expressed deep feelings or personality -- they just fell flat for me. I won't be rushing to read other books by this author.
weesam_nz's review
4.0
Excellent. But then, I expect nothing less of Mr Joyce, who is a particular favourite of mine.
crowyhead's review
5.0
When Maggie and Alex find an old diary while renovating their home, Maggie is enthralled. The contents offer herbal remedies -- and a connection to a witch who lived in the area years ago. Gradually, Maggie is drawn into experimenting with her own herbal remedies, much to the chagrin of her husband and the confusion of her children. Things come to a head as Maggie becomes increasingly involved and awakens great powers.
What was most enthralling about this book to me is the way that Joyce manages to make everything seem plausible, despite its connections to magic and fantasy.
What was most enthralling about this book to me is the way that Joyce manages to make everything seem plausible, despite its connections to magic and fantasy.
seashelly's review
2.0
it started out with so much potential, i don't know where it went wrong.
A married couple that still loved each other! I instantly loved that aspect. A witch's diary. A child visiting a psychologist. All things that I found amazing.
The writing style though was all over the place. The exact opposite of atmospheric, POV changes with no indicators, poor description, inconsistent characters with few exceptions. The plot was gripping, even with the lackluster ending, but it truly was overshadowed by the random sex scenes, bad unrealistic dialogue, the introduction of new unhealthy things that went largely unaddressed.... I could go on for days.
I still enjoyed reading it, but would not recommend for any reason .
A married couple that still loved each other! I instantly loved that aspect. A witch's diary. A child visiting a psychologist. All things that I found amazing.
The writing style though was all over the place. The exact opposite of atmospheric, POV changes with no indicators, poor description, inconsistent characters with few exceptions. The plot was gripping, even with the lackluster ending, but it truly was overshadowed by the random sex scenes, bad unrealistic dialogue, the introduction of new unhealthy things that went largely unaddressed.... I could go on for days.
I still enjoyed reading it, but would not recommend for any reason .
mandabot's review
3.0
"He knew he'd have to yield up his taste for control if things were going to work, and when that actually started to happen, he began to relax; soon he learned that he'd lost nothing but an angry pride." a great line wasted on a terrible, irredeemable character, which kind of sums up my feelings about the entire book in general actually.
except ash. Justice for ash.
except ash. Justice for ash.
emmamme's review
2.0
Dark Sister could be a really good book.
However, I didn't enjoy the writing style and the way the story was told. Except from some scary and intense moments, mainly at the end of it, the book was so boring that I was just looking forward to finish it. I believe that I would enjoy it more if it was shorter, without so many details.
However, I didn't enjoy the writing style and the way the story was told. Except from some scary and intense moments, mainly at the end of it, the book was so boring that I was just looking forward to finish it. I believe that I would enjoy it more if it was shorter, without so many details.
loribulb's review against another edition
1.0
I suppose I can't claim to have read this... the poor writing and unlikable characters caused me to stop reading about 75 pages in. I tried...