othersociologist's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
quoth_chloe's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this so much, it’s so short and I wish it was longer because I just wanted more of this!
It was so eerie and reality was so blurred, what was real, what did she see that was true, what was an illusion?
I just inhaled this book, it’s so fast paced and I loved everything about it!
It was so eerie and reality was so blurred, what was real, what did she see that was true, what was an illusion?
I just inhaled this book, it’s so fast paced and I loved everything about it!
keeganlee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
3.0
bryebread's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
pbanditp's review against another edition
5.0
“she tried to get herself under control, make her lungs obey her commands. All the while something rustled and moved above her, endlessly eating.”
What starts off as the tense drive of a docile woman becomes a nightmare of escalating missteps.
Addy does not know the route she is on and meets a trucker named Mads who she can follow behind. Mads comforts her by telling Addy stories over the CB radio while they drive until…hell breaks loose and the downward spiral begins.
There are very few books that can give me a jump scare but Laurel nailed it in one scene, totally catching me by surprise.
This was a compulsive read that did not let up. One thing led to another and there were times that I just wished for the main characters death to let them rest. I got attached to Addy and Mads as they bantered on the CB while driving and when things went awry.
There is not much I can say without spoiling it so go into this one completely in the dark and see what awaits you.
What starts off as the tense drive of a docile woman becomes a nightmare of escalating missteps.
Addy does not know the route she is on and meets a trucker named Mads who she can follow behind. Mads comforts her by telling Addy stories over the CB radio while they drive until…hell breaks loose and the downward spiral begins.
There are very few books that can give me a jump scare but Laurel nailed it in one scene, totally catching me by surprise.
This was a compulsive read that did not let up. One thing led to another and there were times that I just wished for the main characters death to let them rest. I got attached to Addy and Mads as they bantered on the CB while driving and when things went awry.
There is not much I can say without spoiling it so go into this one completely in the dark and see what awaits you.
inkedwxtchreads's review
5.0
Oh wow! This short little novella actually ended up being one of my favorite things to read in a while! I love cryptids, and mothman has a special place in my heart. I’ve been advocating for him not being a villain for years, and went into this hoping this book wouldn’t disappoint me by how it represents him. It didn’t disappoint at all! Take that as you will… knowing what I told you. I did struggle with the first few pages. But I stuck with it and I’m glad I did. It got a lot better!
Also, mothman is not the only creature, in this. And there are actually many villains/predators to go around! So also, take that as you will. So much so that while you will get mothman, and I loved the moments we had him…..Just know, there is so much more to be wary of! The scares and atmosphere of this were so vivid! I genuinely think this should be a movie. There are also some body horror/ gruesome scenes in here. It was very claustrophobic as well. Think, along the lines of “the descent” sort of claustrophobic! So it’s got a bit of everything. The MC was super relatable. Dumb at times. But relatable, too.
Annnnnd Theres was also a feminist undertone! This is very much a story of a woman finding herself and her own voice. There’s a portion of it where I doubted her, and fell prey to the entire point of what the author is trying to say. People doubt women when they say things have happened to them, or they’ve witnessed things. And the author shows this really well imo.
Will be reading this author again! I adored this! To the point I doubt my review did it justice.
Also, mothman is not the only creature, in this. And there are actually many villains/predators to go around! So also, take that as you will. So much so that while you will get mothman, and I loved the moments we had him…..Just know, there is so much more to be wary of! The scares and atmosphere of this were so vivid! I genuinely think this should be a movie. There are also some body horror/ gruesome scenes in here. It was very claustrophobic as well. Think, along the lines of “the descent” sort of claustrophobic! So it’s got a bit of everything. The MC was super relatable. Dumb at times. But relatable, too.
Annnnnd Theres was also a feminist undertone! This is very much a story of a woman finding herself and her own voice. There’s a portion of it where I doubted her, and fell prey to the entire point of what the author is trying to say. People doubt women when they say things have happened to them, or they’ve witnessed things. And the author shows this really well imo.
Will be reading this author again! I adored this! To the point I doubt my review did it justice.
johnlynchbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I read this in one sitting today. I remember thinking to myself, what a great surprise it was when this book was announced. I had faith it would be good, because the author is exceptional, but this was something that so far, seemed out of her wheelhouse. Guess what? Laurel Hightower's wheelhouse is whatever she decides it is. Supernatural, grief horror, creature feature. You name it, she can do it. Pick this book up. It is fast paced, and in its brief duration has more characterization than many books offer in three times the length. Creatures, cryptids, blood, gore, shocks, tension, anxiety, a three dimensional protagonist. It's all here.
This is the second time a Laurel Hightower novella has launched a new press and left impossibly large prints to follow
This is the second time a Laurel Hightower novella has launched a new press and left impossibly large prints to follow