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horror_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This harrowing novella set in the English boglands is a very creepy, dread inducing read.
Sylvia's father is abusive to her and her mother. He takes them to live like people did in the Iron Age near the bogs. They're not allowed any modern amenities and must forage for their food. Breaking these "rules" results in physical violence.
Her father is obsessed with the old ways, including the hierarchy of the family with men being the sole rulers. Throughout this book we'll hear tales of archeological finds and some horrific rituals and traditions those ancestors practiced.
When Sylvia's father decides to take these rituals to heart, things are going to get much worse.
This is an unsettling novella because you can kind of see where this is going but you're never sure just HOW far untill it creeps up on you.
I love a good psychological horror book and this one is no exception. I highly recommend it.
Sylvia's father is abusive to her and her mother. He takes them to live like people did in the Iron Age near the bogs. They're not allowed any modern amenities and must forage for their food. Breaking these "rules" results in physical violence.
Her father is obsessed with the old ways, including the hierarchy of the family with men being the sole rulers. Throughout this book we'll hear tales of archeological finds and some horrific rituals and traditions those ancestors practiced.
When Sylvia's father decides to take these rituals to heart, things are going to get much worse.
This is an unsettling novella because you can kind of see where this is going but you're never sure just HOW far untill it creeps up on you.
I love a good psychological horror book and this one is no exception. I highly recommend it.
caitsidhe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
very good
carolynheslop13's review against another edition
5.0
I read this in one sitting. It reminded me of a few other books - Our Endless Numbered Days, My Absolute Darling. It was too exciting to put down.
brownh's review against another edition
3.0
A little tough to read at first because of the structure (no quotation marks and a lot of dialogue). A slow burn, with a weak ending.
cardigoth's review against another edition
4.0
Oof. I hated the dad from moment one. I guess I'm glad that Sylvie didn't get ritualistically sacrificed, but I suppose that's not the point. It seems the point is how victims feel even when they're removed from their circumstances, but... it's still hard. I will say it's an interesting setting for sure. Folk horror vibes.
mikehuffman's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
I often found myself wondering what the point of this story was. There were some sections in the middle that explored some difficult themes that I thought were done well but the ending feels like its trying for a payoff it in now way deserves.
jassimyn's review against another edition
4.0
Dark and creepy but I couldn’t put it down. Surprising and welcome LGBTQ twist.