Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - Lute

2.5?
I'm not sure exactly what the... point? On this one was. I saw some themes on home, parenthood, sacrifice, etc. Yet it all seemed to lack something for me.
The plot itself seemed pretty predictable, and for the book was just weirdly crammed. I feel like perhaps we needed more space to explore what the author was doing and seeing, more tension needed created for it to really pack an umph.
Additionally I really just did not like that romance?

I know she was on the island for 7 years and the person in question 'hated her' the 'whole time'. Did he fall in love with her at first sight? Which coincidently would have been on his wife and child's funeral?! There just wasn't any development there. Maybe I missed it but what seemed to be described was - She arrived, newly married and he hated her. In fact he got into a fight with her new husband/his old best friend (which seems to be implied to have something to do with her?), then proceeded to 'hate' her but in truth pine over here since. Keep in mind she showed up like days after his family died in a fire.

It was just kind of ick and felt very awkward. I had other icky feelings on how parenthood, death of a parent, children at risk felt clumsily handled but I think this just wasn't for me.

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grimdark_dad's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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horrorandscience's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Lute is a perfect read for spooky season. Although it takes place during the summer, the vibe of the story is mysterious, dark, and scary. I’m a huge fan of folk horror, and Lute does not disappoint.

Nina Treadway moved to the Isle of Lute seven years ago, and is soon going to experience her first “Day” on the island. The Day of the Tithe requires a sacrifice of seven souls in order to keep Lute happy, healthy, with good weather and good luck. With a war going on, it is imperative that they keep Lute and its residents safe.

There are many different parts of this story that I love and they combine to create a great folk horror. It’s a small town, where everyone knows each other. There’s somewhat of a cult, since there’s ancient pagan gods involved. There’s family secrets, because Hugh Treadway is exceptionally secretive about his past. There’s a strong female main character. Nina is a wonderful lead character, and she really grew into her role by the end of the book.

The story is told in time increments until the end of The Day. I think this really gave it another push towards being scary. It adds a layer of anxiety that really wasn’t there before. I always love a good countdown in a story. Add this to the generally creepy vibe of the book, and you have a perfect folk horror story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for this advanced review copy. All opinions are my own. Lute releases on October 4th.

CW for death, fire, blood, infidelity, child death, suicide attempt, war, vomit, self-harm, emotional abuse, death of a parent, and animal death

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