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ohhdeanna's review against another edition
2.5
2.5 stars.
Originally a three but the more I had time to think about it, the more I realised I didn't really enjoy it. It was difficult to follow and kind of repetitive in places. I don't know if it's just me but I got confused reading a few passages. Highlights were the female characters, I thought they were well written. I don't know if this is one of the those books that I need to re-read to really grasp, I'd be willing to give this another go as I really liked the premise.
Originally a three but the more I had time to think about it, the more I realised I didn't really enjoy it. It was difficult to follow and kind of repetitive in places. I don't know if it's just me but I got confused reading a few passages. Highlights were the female characters, I thought they were well written. I don't know if this is one of the those books that I need to re-read to really grasp, I'd be willing to give this another go as I really liked the premise.
horrorandscience's review against another edition
4.0
Helena is perfect for this time of year!
Helena Morrigan is a mortician in 19th century England. She’s had a difficult life—her parents and uncle have died, leaving her in the care of her grandparents who have also passed in the past few years. They leave behind a funeral home which she now tends to. She has special abilities that have made her seem strange since she was very young.
The atmosphere of this book is typical Victorian Gothic. Helena is like a modern classic. I can see inspiration come from Mary Shelley and Shirley Jackson—two of my favorite ladies in horror fiction.
Did anyone else picture Helena as Helena from the My Chemical Romance video? No? Just me?
Helena Morrigan is a mortician in 19th century England. She’s had a difficult life—her parents and uncle have died, leaving her in the care of her grandparents who have also passed in the past few years. They leave behind a funeral home which she now tends to. She has special abilities that have made her seem strange since she was very young.
The atmosphere of this book is typical Victorian Gothic. Helena is like a modern classic. I can see inspiration come from Mary Shelley and Shirley Jackson—two of my favorite ladies in horror fiction.
Did anyone else picture Helena as Helena from the My Chemical Romance video? No? Just me?
astoldbybex's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
evavroslin's review against another edition
5.0
There is so much I love about this book. I knew from reading the description that it would combine all of the elements of historical Gothic fiction that I adore, and it does not disappoint.
If you loved "Crimson Peak" the film, you will devour this book. It's a Gothic delight. I wish I could convey more about why this book is so awesome, but I want readers to discover that joy for themselves.
If you loved "Crimson Peak" the film, you will devour this book. It's a Gothic delight. I wish I could convey more about why this book is so awesome, but I want readers to discover that joy for themselves.
nightmare_maven's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
michaelrgoodwin's review against another edition
3.0
"The eyes unlock the soul."
HELENA is a gothic horror story set in 1850's London. The titular Helena's job as a mortician picks up when a serial killer strikes, but her dark past makes her a suspect with the lead detective. All the while, she is haunted by her demons, both in a literal and metaphorical way.
With vivid descriptions and true moments of horror, HELENA is a good example of the gothic genre. This book is a slow burn, and the last third of the book is where Smith really shines. The ending is fast-paced and gripping, and redeemed any issues I may have had with what preceded it . It led me to believe that there might be a sequel, and I'd be curious to see where the Smith could take this story.
Add HELENA to your wishlist or TBR, you won't be sorry.
HELENA is a gothic horror story set in 1850's London. The titular Helena's job as a mortician picks up when a serial killer strikes, but her dark past makes her a suspect with the lead detective. All the while, she is haunted by her demons, both in a literal and metaphorical way.
With vivid descriptions and true moments of horror, HELENA is a good example of the gothic genre. This book is a slow burn, and the last third of the book is where Smith really shines. The ending is fast-paced and gripping, and redeemed any issues I may have had with what preceded it . It led me to believe that there might be a sequel, and I'd be curious to see where the Smith could take this story.
Add HELENA to your wishlist or TBR, you won't be sorry.
coffeeandcuentos's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars! If you're a fan of Gothic horror, this ones for you. Taking place in London in the 1800s, Helena is about a young woman who is a mortician and funeral director.
I loved the moody and dark atmosphere. It gave me a lot of Frankenstein vibes (and thus The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein). Helena finds herself encountering a lot of mysteries and paranormal activity which unfortunately left me confused quite often. I had to go back a few times to sort out who was who or why someone was suddenly at Helena's home.
I'm a big fan of Claire's and I'd love to read more from her.
Thank you, Claire and Clash Books for providing copies for a #nightwormsbookparty
I loved the moody and dark atmosphere. It gave me a lot of Frankenstein vibes (and thus The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein). Helena finds herself encountering a lot of mysteries and paranormal activity which unfortunately left me confused quite often. I had to go back a few times to sort out who was who or why someone was suddenly at Helena's home.
I'm a big fan of Claire's and I'd love to read more from her.
Thank you, Claire and Clash Books for providing copies for a #nightwormsbookparty
jessicamap's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
This book was so atmospheric and spooky! This would have been perfect around Halloween to read with the supernatural elements and the overall Gothic feel to it. It did take a tiny bit longer than I would have hoped for to get into (simply considering the length), but once the pacing picked up then I flew through the rest. I loved the character of Helena. Just someone in a class all her own and I want to see more of her! I think this was an incredible debut and I can’t wait to see what Smith comes out with next.
motherhorror's review against another edition
3.0
Horror fans looking for something atmospheric for their Halloween reading list should consider this, debut novella from Claire L. Smith. Helena Morrigan is a mortician/funeral director in the mid-1800s. She spends copious amounts of time in dark, foggy, London alleys, spooky graveyards, and morgues. Not to mention, she seems to be a magnet for paranormal entities.
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Helena is having financial troubles and must take up residence in an old house with quirky owners. The house is across from a graveyard--basically this woman is surrounded by death at all times. Helena is a relatable character that I could easily identify with--apart from her morbid occupational choices and supernatural abilities to commune with the dead. Some of the other characters were not as developed and I had trouble distinguishing between them--their voices/actions were very similar.
A gothic slow-burn, Smith does an excellent job setting tone and building suspense. I did find the sub-plot with the serial killer was a bit of an after thought-or at least not very fleshed out-- too many competing ideas in a short tale and not enough time for a well-developed murder mystery.
Part of my reading experience was a struggle. I found myself getting confused with certain portions--wondering which character was speaking or why they were suddenly in the scene. Upon re-reading certain sections of the story, I discovered some repetition that may have been the cause of confusion. In any event, once the storyline finds its way toward the climax, I settled back into the rhythm of the narrative and all was well again. I loved the ending.
Thank you, CLASH Books for helping Night Worms organize this book party for the Night Worms Review Team. A perfect time to read this creepy, little book. #nightwormsbookparty
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Helena is having financial troubles and must take up residence in an old house with quirky owners. The house is across from a graveyard--basically this woman is surrounded by death at all times. Helena is a relatable character that I could easily identify with--apart from her morbid occupational choices and supernatural abilities to commune with the dead. Some of the other characters were not as developed and I had trouble distinguishing between them--their voices/actions were very similar.
A gothic slow-burn, Smith does an excellent job setting tone and building suspense. I did find the sub-plot with the serial killer was a bit of an after thought-or at least not very fleshed out-- too many competing ideas in a short tale and not enough time for a well-developed murder mystery.
Part of my reading experience was a struggle. I found myself getting confused with certain portions--wondering which character was speaking or why they were suddenly in the scene. Upon re-reading certain sections of the story, I discovered some repetition that may have been the cause of confusion. In any event, once the storyline finds its way toward the climax, I settled back into the rhythm of the narrative and all was well again. I loved the ending.
Thank you, CLASH Books for helping Night Worms organize this book party for the Night Worms Review Team. A perfect time to read this creepy, little book. #nightwormsbookparty
inkychaotics's review against another edition
5.0
I had the very exciting honor of reading HELENA earlier this year and providing a blurb -- this book felt like it was made for me, and it's so special when you're reading an early copy of something and you fall so genuinely in love with it. Smith's prose is gorgeous -- rich in poetic descriptions and sharp imagery. The delightful Gothic tones mixed with characters who feel so relatable had me invested very quickly in the story. The darkness within follows you every step of the way -- haunting and highly recommended, don't miss out on this striking debut!