Scan barcode
chameleon4444's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
alliemco's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
When I first picked up The Secret Life of Souls, I thought it was going to be a heartwarming story about dogs. I had no idea what I was in for since I'd never read a Jack Ketchum novel before.
The writing felt a bit too simple for my taste, but this horror story is less than simple. Gradually exposes the dark side of people, diving deep into human evilness. It had all the elements I usually enjoy, but somehow it missed the mark for me. I couldn't quite grasp the psychic connection Delia had with her dog, and I didn't really like any of the characters (except for the dog, of course). it just didn't resonate with me.
The writing felt a bit too simple for my taste, but this horror story is less than simple. Gradually exposes the dark side of people, diving deep into human evilness. It had all the elements I usually enjoy, but somehow it missed the mark for me. I couldn't quite grasp the psychic connection Delia had with her dog, and I didn't really like any of the characters (except for the dog, of course). it just didn't resonate with me.
yodamom's review against another edition
5.0
Holy Dysfunctional Family Nightmare ! Dog people will love this tale of a dog's love and connection to humans.
There are some seriously deplorable characters inside this book. I was so appalled, livid, angry, furious at them I had trouble turning my ming off when I set the book down. The author is a genius in his ability to drive me to the emotional edge. I felt like I'd walked over hot coals but didn't get burned.
Delia, is a child actor, managed by her power hungry mother, overlooked by her spending father, and resented by her twin ignored brother. Caity, her beloved dog is her best friend, confident, and so much more. When a tragedy after tragedy happens there is one soul that is there for her.
The broken damaged souls twisted my heart into knots. The children, so innocent, or not a product of their world. The dog, loyal, loving and devoted no matter the cost. Her connection to her human deeper than the others.
After finishing this I went and cuddled my dog and gave him an extra treat, and thanked the gods for dogs. Then I needed a drink, what a story.
This was my first book by Jack Ketchum and it will not be the last.
Thank you NetGalley and Pegasus Books for Gifting it to me for review.
There are some seriously deplorable characters inside this book. I was so appalled, livid, angry, furious at them I had trouble turning my ming off when I set the book down. The author is a genius in his ability to drive me to the emotional edge. I felt like I'd walked over hot coals but didn't get burned.
Delia, is a child actor, managed by her power hungry mother, overlooked by her spending father, and resented by her twin ignored brother. Caity, her beloved dog is her best friend, confident, and so much more. When a tragedy after tragedy happens there is one soul that is there for her.
The broken damaged souls twisted my heart into knots. The children, so innocent, or not a product of their world. The dog, loyal, loving and devoted no matter the cost. Her connection to her human deeper than the others.
After finishing this I went and cuddled my dog and gave him an extra treat, and thanked the gods for dogs. Then I needed a drink, what a story.
This was my first book by Jack Ketchum and it will not be the last.
Thank you NetGalley and Pegasus Books for Gifting it to me for review.
cords's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Book was fairly boring but picked up dramatically after part 3 - I'd say parts 1 & 2 were a 2.5 star rating, but part 3 was 4 stars
Book was fairly boring but picked up dramatically after part 3 - I'd say parts 1 & 2 were a 2.5 star rating, but part 3 was 4 stars
mirkilly's review against another edition
3.0
This one perfectly describes how children usually pay the price for the sins of their parents. The center of the book is the dog Catie and she is the only one who sees the true about what's going on in the Cross family. Although this was a fast and short read, it made me go through a range of emotions - from happiness to utterly sadness and complete horror. This won't be my last Ketchum's book
littlelibraryofhorrors's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
froydis's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley and Pegasus Books for early access to this title.
Wow! this is a bit of a hurricane of a book! Parts of it were a little over the top, but I really liked the characterizations (even the rotten people are great to read) and I LOVED the dog. Its a bit hard to place in a genre, but maybe magical realism? I very much liked the relationship of Delia with Caity, and thought the ending was quite satisfying. Not a read for everyone, but a fast-paced, can't-put-down kind of book
Wow! this is a bit of a hurricane of a book! Parts of it were a little over the top, but I really liked the characterizations (even the rotten people are great to read) and I LOVED the dog. Its a bit hard to place in a genre, but maybe magical realism? I very much liked the relationship of Delia with Caity, and thought the ending was quite satisfying. Not a read for everyone, but a fast-paced, can't-put-down kind of book
opusfra's review against another edition
3.0
An odd book, unsatisfying and yet readable. The story of a family in self-destruct mode as they orbit around a disinterestedly talented 11-year-old model/actress who is their sole source of income is certainly promising, but some huge leaps in the narrative weaken the plot and the experience. The parents are predictably appalling, however Delia's voice is well-written and comes across best of all the characters
vnesting's review against another edition
2.0
Thanks to the publishers for sending me an early copy of this book.