A review by abbiechron
Under the Whispering Door, by TJ Klune
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I thought I had the ending worked out about halfway through the book. I was incredibly wrong, and completely shocked. I read this after The House in the Cerulean Sea, which I HAD guessed the ending correctly, but not with this one.
Klune makes you think. I didn't know what to expect of this book. There were tears, conversations that followed with loved ones, and a tangible hook stinging my heart.
I was somewhat disappointed with the character development. It seemed to happen all at once in the first half of the book, and then the rest was moreso based upon building up to the ending with more of an emphasis on the character interactions and relationships.
I loved what Nelson and Apollo and Mei added. They were the rainbow to the already warm and welcoming sun shining through the decay and rot of death.
Was in a way, grateful for the ambiguity of The Manager.
Highly recommend for those ready to involve themselves in this darker read.
Klune makes you think. I didn't know what to expect of this book. There were tears, conversations that followed with loved ones, and a tangible hook stinging my heart.
I was somewhat disappointed with the character development. It seemed to happen all at once in the first half of the book, and then the rest was moreso based upon building up to the ending with more of an emphasis on the character interactions and relationships.
Spoiler
By relationships, I mostly meant between Hugo and Wallace. I adored the change in Wallace's heart, but it was almost too predictable in terms of the narrative of horrible-person-turned-lovable and felt very Christmas Carol-esque.I loved what Nelson and Apollo and Mei added. They were the rainbow to the already warm and welcoming sun shining through the decay and rot of death.
Spoiler
I WAS for sure expecting Nelson to cross by the end (knowing Hugo was in good hands with Wallace; and I honestly thought Nelson was going to take Wallace's place in regards to the "forced" cross that The Manager was planning on enforcing a week after his initial visit), but did not expect Apollo to go with him, that broke my heart...Was in a way, grateful for the ambiguity of The Manager.
Highly recommend for those ready to involve themselves in this darker read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Suicide, Injury/injury detail, and Terminal illness
Minor: Animal death and Blood