Reviews

The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates

Mara, a daughter of spiritualist, pushed that lifestyle away once she turned 18. As fate would have it, that lifestyle may not stay in her past.

I liked how descriptive Darcy is with everything. It made the book and details easy to picture despite it being paranormal in nature. I also enjoyed goes the book was wrapped up neatly at the end. It gave a nice sense of closure. The chapters were also nice and short which helped propel the reader forward.

I didn't like that it hadn't scared me. But if I'm telling the truth I'm also not that easily scared of things. Also, with the ending it almost detracts from it being a horror book. One might think a horror book should end horrifically but it did not. I'm new to the genre so maybe that isn't fair to say.

mhirsch's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

rachelvans's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

kyleg1007's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I would give this book a 3.5 stars. This is a solid haunted house book. Thought the main character was a little bit annoying. But if you want a solid haunted house book given this one a try.

nat_craig's review against another edition

Go to review page

I only made it this far because I desperately wanted to know the story of the house but I couldn't stand any of the characters. Mara was just abrasive and outright rude to everyone and I couldn't even sympathize with her when she was frightened. Not Coates best work.

brattykimv's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-paced

2.0

theirianthrope's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.75

A nice, solid read from Darcy Coates. Overall I enjoyed it quite a bit, however as someone with religious trauma and ultra conservative fundamental parents, there are aspects that felt unintentionally upsetting and bothersome. Even though her family are not Christians, they're still devout and obsessive in their spiritual beliefs which led to our FMC having what is basically religious trauma, that is ultimately painted as 'not that bad' or 'not entirely their fault' that might be difficult or even triggering for some readers who had to cut their own parents/relatives off due to similar situations. I don't think it was meant to be taken that way, but there is room for not so favorable readings of our character's ultimate arc and dynamic with her parents. (However, I will also add that I myself am still coming to terms with my own religious trauma and this could affect my own reading.)

More...