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carrionkid's review against another edition
5.0
I'll admit, I picked this book up because I was familiar with Darnielle as a singer-songwriter, but it was WELL WORTH IT. A non-linear narrative is hard to pull off, but this one is crafted masterfully. The slow building dread is perfectly executed and the mystery surrounding the events happening in the small, sleepy towns of the Midwest is one created with great narrative care. Overall, a very stressful and cathartic book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Death of parent
justacowboy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
If you read this book there is two things to know.
1. This is not a horror story. I have no idea why it's even labled as such, but I think it's only because there is a mention of cults and creepy footage. But it still isn't enough that I would say this story is a horror, so if you go into think that. You will be let down.
2. This book is best as a audiobook. At least to me it was. Because this story is told in a way that if best spoke, rather than read. It just hits all the right beats, when someone is telling it to you.
With all that said, this is a good story. It's different and carries a tone that I enjoyed. It feels like when two friends sit down and one tells a big story.
1. This is not a horror story. I have no idea why it's even labled as such, but I think it's only because there is a mention of cults and creepy footage. But it still isn't enough that I would say this story is a horror, so if you go into think that. You will be let down.
2. This book is best as a audiobook. At least to me it was. Because this story is told in a way that if best spoke, rather than read. It just hits all the right beats, when someone is telling it to you.
With all that said, this is a good story. It's different and carries a tone that I enjoyed. It feels like when two friends sit down and one tells a big story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
davidrb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Not bad. Maybe I'd like it more if I was from Iowa. Maybe I'd like it less.
NOT a horror novel.
NOT a horror novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
meaghanelizabook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
crownofsage's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Even better the second time around. Perfect unsettling / comforting atmosphere. Can’t wait for his new book 👺🏠
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Car accident
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Torture and Kidnapping
content / trigger warning for cults
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