andipants's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second book I've read by this author, the first having been [b:The Haunting of Ashburn House|30646488|The Haunting of Ashburn House|Darcy Coates|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1466297768l/30646488._SY75_.jpg|51187708], and while I liked the premise of this one better, the writing felt even more clumsy and unpolished (which, to be fair, is not unexpected, given that this one was published earlier).
The characters don't feel fleshed out -- Neil is simply too good to be true: strong, handsome, and possessing no thoughts or motivations at all besides being madly in love with Mara and showing up to conveniently rescue her at all hours of the day and night. And while one might expect a certain level of petulance and impulsiveness from a 22-year-old, Mara goes well beyond that; at times she feels downright childish (an impression not at all helped by Neil's obsessive protectiveness). The book brings up Mara's relationship with her parents and her aversion to religion often enough that it feels like these themes are going to be developed throughout the story, but they aren't explored in any meaningful way.
The plot also suffers from infodumping on the author's part, as well as pacing issues and some pretty serious lapses in believability. (Why are there a TV and VCR in a house that's never been wired for electricity? How has there been a gaping, human-sized hole in the roof for several decades, and the place hasn't absolutely disintegrated from water damage? etc)
All that said, I still enjoyed it well enough. There were definitely several moments that had me glancing over my shoulder and pulling the covers up tighter around my ears. I've mentioned elsewhere that I will happily read just about any variation on "nice people move into creepy house; haunting ensues", no matter how derivative, and this author seems to have those in spades. And the quality gap between the two I've read so far points toward improvement over time, so I'll eagerly be checking out more of her work.
The characters don't feel fleshed out -- Neil is simply too good to be true: strong, handsome, and possessing no thoughts or motivations at all besides being madly in love with Mara and showing up to conveniently rescue her at all hours of the day and night. And while one might expect a certain level of petulance and impulsiveness from a 22-year-old, Mara goes well beyond that; at times she feels downright childish (an impression not at all helped by Neil's obsessive protectiveness). The book brings up Mara's relationship with her parents and her aversion to religion often enough that it feels like these themes are going to be developed throughout the story, but they aren't explored in any meaningful way.
The plot also suffers from infodumping on the author's part, as well as pacing issues and some pretty serious lapses in believability. (Why are there a TV and VCR in a house that's never been wired for electricity? How has there been a gaping, human-sized hole in the roof for several decades, and the place hasn't absolutely disintegrated from water damage? etc)
All that said, I still enjoyed it well enough. There were definitely several moments that had me glancing over my shoulder and pulling the covers up tighter around my ears. I've mentioned elsewhere that I will happily read just about any variation on "nice people move into creepy house; haunting ensues", no matter how derivative, and this author seems to have those in spades. And the quality gap between the two I've read so far points toward improvement over time, so I'll eagerly be checking out more of her work.
km_bubblebear's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
holl3640's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
bkmckown's review against another edition
2.5
The story was an interesting one but it was slow paced and nothing exciting. I typically love this author but this one didn’t do it for me.
readwitray's review against another edition
4.5
4.5⭐️
I love a good spooky book from Darcy Coates. You never know if you are going to get an actual spooky tale with ghost or a spooky tale that’s actually a human and I love that!!
This book kept me entertained and tied into the story the whole entire time. I always love a good Haunted House.
I love a good spooky book from Darcy Coates. You never know if you are going to get an actual spooky tale with ghost or a spooky tale that’s actually a human and I love that!!
This book kept me entertained and tied into the story the whole entire time. I always love a good Haunted House.
readwithkyladawngail's review
4.5
this one was genuinely creepy and had me looking over my shoulder while reading in my basement.
I did find Mara a bit overdramatic and ridiculous about her situation at times, but I feel like she grew and redeemed herself in the experience.
I did find Mara a bit overdramatic and ridiculous about her situation at times, but I feel like she grew and redeemed herself in the experience.
lbdandescu's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
caycee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.75