sydnapped's review
3.0
Shapeshifting ghosts, a 40 year-old curse, brutal attacks, murder and mayhem.
Witch's Canyon (Supernatural #2) is an original story, but only an okay homage to Supernatural's early seasons. The story could’ve been made a lot better if the author had been a more mindful fan of the show. Honestly, I didn't enjoy this one as much as Nevermore; it lacked the boys' trademark humour, there was veritably little brotherly banter or other expectant dialogue and the story did crawl in places. This author certainly did put an effort into both characters, but it seemed like sometimes misguided attempts, however, to be fair, there were definitely some moving revelations.
Being more Sam-centric, and through several Weechester flashbacks, the reader sees an appreciable amount of thinking that Sam does about his dad and the brothers' disciplinary lives; how the senior Winchester drilled the boys over and over again with survival training and the importance of "the job" and you catch somber glimpses of their stripped childhood.
We also at one point catch a glance of adult Sam's humility in conflict with longing for being able to afford some new clothing and even suffer his regret that he can never be part of a storybook family; pained at what could have been.
This definitely gave me those kinds of feels that are all feely.
It was also interesting to see Sam marvel at his brother's diffidence, and how much he thinks his brother is amazing "Dean was an amazing guy, Sam knew" and getting an insight to Dean's self-esteem, particularly when Dean says he "wouldn't want to ruin her for other men", speaking about one of the story's female characters. More angsty feels I don't know what to do with.
Outside of those discernments, Dean's character and inner-dialogue did not come across as strong as I normally would expect (instead Dean seemed rather constrained/contrived and for the most part, brandished an overly-hardened side) and additionally, I think the author was a little off on Dean's reaction to the Grand Canyon, however, the generous insight into Sam's head was interesting and poignant enough to make up for Dean's demerits.
This author did get Dean's eye colour correct; green, though he obviously didn't get a good look at Sam because he describes him with brown eyes... And by the way, this is when Dean is "studying" his brother's face, observing the "family resemblance", and so, I think Dean would know what colour his baby brothers eyes are... I mean, COME ON! Though i did like that Dean took particular note of Sam's longer hair and dimples XD Speaking of brotherly appreciation, it's also mentioned how Sam can read Dean through eye contact and body language, and vice versa. And for the extra special feels that I got from that, I happily give an extra star.
Fans of the Supernatural tv-show may find the story ridiculously excessive, though - the shapeshifting ghosts were a little farcical, a rather puerile spell was delivered and not in Latin, cheapening the incantation, and the complaisant interaction between the town's law enforcement and the notorious Winchesters was uncharacteristic and therefore dubious.
So if you are pondering over whether to invest in this one, keep in mind that mostly this is just a short companion chronicling another hunt the boys have been on.
If you don't want to miss any of the media tie-in works in novel form, but aren't sure if you should skip this one or not, just remember that these books are really about uncovering more of the journey that the boys have been on and for any hardcore fan, that's meaningful enough. There is certainly some mystery and by the end of the book I was okay with it.
cr0wnofthemoon's review
4.0
I liked Witch's Canyon a lot more than I did Nevermore, which is probably because this was written by a different author. This book feels more like a novel and less of a "screenplay-turned-book."
Sam and Dean are headed to Arizona, after being notified of a case from one of the characters from the previous book (you don't need to have read that to understand this story though!). Every 40 years, there is a "murder-cycle" that kills a percentage of the population living in a small town called Cedar Wells. Sam and Dean have the task of finding out what is causing the murder-cycle and ganking it before anymore people are hurt.
The book is structured very much like a "monster of the week" episode of the TV show, so if you enjoy those episodes, then you're in luck! Whilst they aren't my favourite type of episode (mainly because they give us 3 and then go on a break, or have a break for a month and give us a filler episode - curse you, CW!), I was still able to enjoy the story because it reminds me of the "good old days" where Sam and Dean's biggest problem was finding out what killed their mom.
You don't need to have seen the show to understand the story, but it will definitely help you connect to the characters and the "flashback" scenes.
I've given the book 4 stars because I enjoyed it WAY more than the last one, but it wasn't spectacular. Nothing about it particularly blew me away (which is makes it unusual for me to have awarded it 4 stars). It did renew my love for the TV show, and gave me something to do whilst waiting for this hiatus to be over. I feel like the story was dragged out a lot more than it needed to - in the show, everything would be wrapped up within 40 minutes. There were a lot of unnecessary research scenes and conversations that became tiresome and repetitive. I did like how it would switch between the characters' POVs so we could see their perspective (whereas in the show things tend to only show what it happening to the main characters). The "plot twist" (if you can even call it that) was extremely predictable, but maybe that's because I've been watching the show for too long.
I recommend reading these books at the point of when they are set (there is a page telling you at the beginning of every novel, bar this one as it is set directly after Nevermore). It was difficult for me to picture Sam and Dean as they were in Season 2, instead of how they are now in Season 11. So (re)watch the show up to where the book is set, read the book, continue fangirling over the brothers.
TL;DR
I don't have any outstanding thoughts on the book; it was okay, better than the last one, still a bit predictable.
Sam and Dean are headed to Arizona, after being notified of a case from one of the characters from the previous book (you don't need to have read that to understand this story though!). Every 40 years, there is a "murder-cycle" that kills a percentage of the population living in a small town called Cedar Wells. Sam and Dean have the task of finding out what is causing the murder-cycle and ganking it before anymore people are hurt.
The book is structured very much like a "monster of the week" episode of the TV show, so if you enjoy those episodes, then you're in luck! Whilst they aren't my favourite type of episode (mainly because they give us 3 and then go on a break, or have a break for a month and give us a filler episode - curse you, CW!), I was still able to enjoy the story because it reminds me of the "good old days" where Sam and Dean's biggest problem was finding out what killed their mom.
You don't need to have seen the show to understand the story, but it will definitely help you connect to the characters and the "flashback" scenes.
I've given the book 4 stars because I enjoyed it WAY more than the last one, but it wasn't spectacular. Nothing about it particularly blew me away (which is makes it unusual for me to have awarded it 4 stars). It did renew my love for the TV show, and gave me something to do whilst waiting for this hiatus to be over. I feel like the story was dragged out a lot more than it needed to - in the show, everything would be wrapped up within 40 minutes. There were a lot of unnecessary research scenes and conversations that became tiresome and repetitive. I did like how it would switch between the characters' POVs so we could see their perspective (whereas in the show things tend to only show what it happening to the main characters). The "plot twist" (if you can even call it that) was extremely predictable, but maybe that's because I've been watching the show for too long.
I recommend reading these books at the point of when they are set (there is a page telling you at the beginning of every novel, bar this one as it is set directly after Nevermore). It was difficult for me to picture Sam and Dean as they were in Season 2, instead of how they are now in Season 11. So (re)watch the show up to where the book is set, read the book, continue fangirling over the brothers.
TL;DR
I don't have any outstanding thoughts on the book; it was okay, better than the last one, still a bit predictable.
jljaina's review
4.0
This is the second book in the Supernatural Book Series. Click here to see my review about the first book. First off I would like to point out that Jeff Mariotte's writing style is a huge improvement from the first book. The story is creepier too.
Sam and Dean take a detour to see the Grand Canyon. But any Supernatural fan should know that any detour has to mean they will find a new 'job.' Mysterious deaths start to occur left and right and the Winchester brothers are determined to stop them. Warning to readers: Do not get attached the other characters. Many do not make it. I won't say who but this book most assuredly had it's share of gory deaths.
The author does a good job with the story, but the Sam and Dean themselves seemed to need a bit or work. They came off as very forced at times. For a story on it's own, I enjoyed this but there were times I had a hard time envisioning the Winchester world. So for a creepy, supernatural thrill check this out. It can be read was part of the series or as a stand alone. Although I still recommend at least seeing the first several episodes of the tv series first. Enjoy!
Sam and Dean take a detour to see the Grand Canyon. But any Supernatural fan should know that any detour has to mean they will find a new 'job.' Mysterious deaths start to occur left and right and the Winchester brothers are determined to stop them. Warning to readers: Do not get attached the other characters. Many do not make it. I won't say who but this book most assuredly had it's share of gory deaths.
The author does a good job with the story, but the Sam and Dean themselves seemed to need a bit or work. They came off as very forced at times. For a story on it's own, I enjoyed this but there were times I had a hard time envisioning the Winchester world. So for a creepy, supernatural thrill check this out. It can be read was part of the series or as a stand alone. Although I still recommend at least seeing the first several episodes of the tv series first. Enjoy!
elise_oliver's review
4.0
I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first book in this series. I felt like there was a better description of events and the supernatural critters and Sam and Dean were written quite well.
Good book. But the again how could anything supernatural related not be if your a big fan?
Good book. But the again how could anything supernatural related not be if your a big fan?
bertrandlm's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0
chloemc99's review
3.0
Another fun read from the Winchester boys, again, like the first book it wasn't the greatest book ever written but reading a supernatural book is just like watching a supernatural episode.
sleepydoe's review
4.0
3.5/3.75 maybe?
I was live blogging this on tumblr bc the last one was such a disaster and I thought I could milk some jokes out of this, too. What a shame that it's a decent book. *sigh*
Jokes aside, was very pleasantly surprised by this book! Loved how the story, loved seeing my boys in action, loved the writing style too! The book works as a work of fiction that can stand its ground without having to be associated with the show and that's really a great thing imo!
My only gripe was that it was a little too slow for my taste and so I kept getting distracted/ pulled out of the page easily! A huge chunk of the book goes by without any proper understanding of where the mystery is going and the title is a huge spoiler so there's that. Also, there was this Stephen King-esque introduction and attention to a lot of the victims in the first 2/3rds of the book...and like it felt super unnecessary to me! Like I know it adds to the richness of the world or whatever, and I know it works for some people, it didn't completely work for me!
All in all, I actually reaally enjoyed this and if the all the other books are going to be similar, I'm super excited to continue on mad mission to keep reading the Supernatural books!
I was live blogging this on tumblr bc the last one was such a disaster and I thought I could milk some jokes out of this, too. What a shame that it's a decent book. *sigh*
Jokes aside, was very pleasantly surprised by this book! Loved how the story, loved seeing my boys in action, loved the writing style too! The book works as a work of fiction that can stand its ground without having to be associated with the show and that's really a great thing imo!
My only gripe was that it was a little too slow for my taste and so I kept getting distracted/ pulled out of the page easily! A huge chunk of the book goes by without any proper understanding of where the mystery is going and the title is a huge spoiler so there's that. Also, there was this Stephen King-esque introduction and attention to a lot of the victims in the first 2/3rds of the book...and like it felt super unnecessary to me! Like I know it adds to the richness of the world or whatever, and I know it works for some people, it didn't completely work for me!
All in all, I actually reaally enjoyed this and if the all the other books are going to be similar, I'm super excited to continue on mad mission to keep reading the Supernatural books!
heather_rushforth's review
4.0
Pretty good SPN book. A few things that were strange, but I like the large #s of variable monsters and ghosts- kept the reader guessing for a while as to what was going on. Some scenes should of been the template for the opening episodes of season 15.
The author got most of the Sam/Dean dynamic and personalities.
The author got most of the Sam/Dean dynamic and personalities.
danna's review
4.0
Supernatural, sea el formato que sea, siempre va a ser mi placer culposo. Jamás voy a tener suficiente de los hermanos Winchester.
El libro me gustó mucho, el primero no me fue tan interesante como éste. El misterio es un poco más enrevesado, pero si viste la serie ya sabes por dónde más o menos va (si con 13 temporadas no identificas qué clase de ente sobrenatural es, ¿en realidad viste Supernatural? ajajjaj).
La trama engancha, los diálogos son fluidos, la historia es un capítulo de la serie más y si te gusta Supernatural, sin duda te va a gustar esto. Si no, no creo que sea algo para vos.
Lo único que le puedo criticar al libro, sería la poca utilización de los elementos que (más que nada en las primeras temporadas) los hermanos Winchester usan frecuentemente. Parece que el autor los agrega todos a último momento, además de que cometen errores muy tontos que con sólo leer el diario de John hubieran sabido resolver.
La personalidad de los personajes es un tanto chocante en algunas partes, pero al final del libro se ve que hay una evolución de los mismos por lo que, algo que al inicio me molestó, me terminó gustando y más si se mantiene para el tercero ese crecimiento.
El libro me gustó mucho, el primero no me fue tan interesante como éste. El misterio es un poco más enrevesado, pero si viste la serie ya sabes por dónde más o menos va (si con 13 temporadas no identificas qué clase de ente sobrenatural es, ¿en realidad viste Supernatural? ajajjaj).
La trama engancha, los diálogos son fluidos, la historia es un capítulo de la serie más y si te gusta Supernatural, sin duda te va a gustar esto. Si no, no creo que sea algo para vos.
Lo único que le puedo criticar al libro, sería la poca utilización de los elementos que (más que nada en las primeras temporadas) los hermanos Winchester usan frecuentemente. Parece que el autor los agrega todos a último momento, además de que cometen errores muy tontos que con sólo leer el diario de John hubieran sabido resolver.
La personalidad de los personajes es un tanto chocante en algunas partes, pero al final del libro se ve que hay una evolución de los mismos por lo que, algo que al inicio me molestó, me terminó gustando y más si se mantiene para el tercero ese crecimiento.
jacqueline1989's review
3.0
This particular novel was quite the conundrum. On the one hand, the literary Sam and Dean were relatively true to form of their televised counterparts, and thus as fan-fiction the book was standardly enjoyable. On the other? The supernatural plot of Witch's Canyon kind of sucked.
Overall, as far as a suspenseful, horror storyline is concerned, I wasn't too terribly impressed with Mariotte's take on a Sam-and-Dean case. Unlike the first book in the series (Nevermore by DeCandido), this particular novel was not well rounded. Not only did Nevermore contain the believable Sam and Dean characterizations, but it also held a more intricate plot line.
Perhaps an uncomplicated, cursed-town-killings novel basis allows for more appreciation of a dynamic, multifaceted plot evidence in book one, who am I to judge? As is, while the characterizations in Witch's Canyon seemed to break form every once in a while, reading book two of the Supernatural series was not without entertainment or enjoyment.
Overall, as far as a suspenseful, horror storyline is concerned, I wasn't too terribly impressed with Mariotte's take on a Sam-and-Dean case. Unlike the first book in the series (Nevermore by DeCandido), this particular novel was not well rounded. Not only did Nevermore contain the believable Sam and Dean characterizations, but it also held a more intricate plot line.
Perhaps an uncomplicated, cursed-town-killings novel basis allows for more appreciation of a dynamic, multifaceted plot evidence in book one, who am I to judge? As is, while the characterizations in Witch's Canyon seemed to break form every once in a while, reading book two of the Supernatural series was not without entertainment or enjoyment.