Reviews

Lute by Jennifer Marie Thorne

fugubooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this book. I'm not the biggest fan of horror but I've had my eye on this one for a while and as soon as I started it stopping was almost impossible for me. I have an almost too intense connection to my emotions, so whenever a story focuses on them it's got me hooked. the entire plot is essentally on the small island of Lute, which made me feel almost cut off from the world despite the fact I could leave my house. I'd definitely recommend this book.

jrollin_13's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

3.75

anoushka16's review against another edition

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3.0

3.75⭐
It was overall a good read. It felt like a fresh breath of air after all the romances I've been reading lately. The book really nicely depicts the duties that we have towards our community. It's a story of love, learning, responsibility, selflessness and sacrifices for the greater good. This was my first time reading a story about folklore. It was really nice to read especially from an outsiders pov how beliefs are deeply rooted in a community.

brii_brii's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm stuck somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. While I really liked this book, I never teetered over into love. 

The atmosphere of Lute was to die for. The premise of “the day” was fantastic, and the only thing I really felt like we were missing was somewhat of an origin story. I want to know so much more of the shiny people.

I loved the community coming together, and honestly, one of the best elements of this book for me was Hugh slowly unraveling.

My biggest issue, I think, was nothing ever really blew up. There were no big emotions, this book was steady from page one and although my interest was there the entire time I was reading, I was never totally enveloped and excited about what was happening, or going to happen next. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I generally don't do half stars, but this one is really a 3.5.

cleoharper's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5*

spookyjord's review against another edition

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got through half the book, and no horror ever occured

lisa_does_booksta's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

emmamd210's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

4.0

jennifersuzette's review against another edition

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5.0

This cover immediately caught my eye in the store and I got it on my Libby list, I ended up swapping between audio and the ebook and finished it very quickly.

Lute is an island off the coast of England, blessed for 7 years at a time. No one dies, the weather is wonderful, no poverty or hunger, except The Day. The Day is every 7 years where 7 islanders die, as tithe for the good fortunes.

Nina is an outsider, she met Hugh on a ship during the last tithe. She was spending time with her grandmother during her own unfortunate life, and Hugh being the heir to the lordship of Lute island is hiding from The Day. She moved to the island, starts a family by having 2 children, and becoming the lady of the island.

We go through the day, the chapters spaced out by the time, as Nina very quickly accepts that the tithe is real.

izzyvb023's review against another edition

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3.0

A good folky horror read for girls who wish “Midsommar” was a book.

I’m going for 3 stars on this one! It was a quick read and I really enjoyed the ending especially.

There were some loose ends that weren’t really ever tied up, but that didn’t take away from the overall story. The themes of community and ‘home’ were really unexpectedly beautiful amidst the horror of it all.


Pros:
- scary folky vibes
- unexpected ending
- a fun read for fall/spooky season
- minimal actual “horror” elements. More suspense than gore or supernatural stuff


Cons:
- pacing was a little slow, especially at the start
- i wish we got to hear a little bit more about the Celtic spirits / the religious aspects that inspire the island’s decisions
- some loose ends were definitely left unresolved