Another amazing book by Jen Williams!! I honestly love everything she puts out and this book is no different. I can't even tell you if I'm a bigger faAnother amazing book by Jen Williams!! I honestly love everything she puts out and this book is no different. I can't even tell you if I'm a bigger fan of her fantasies or her thrillers, they're all equally entertaining.
Here we follow Ashley, who, after being the sole survivor of a tragic event during her childhood, became a famous (scam) psychic. She used to see spirits that she called The Heedful Ones leading up to said event, then they disappeared for eighteen years. But now they're back, just as a bunch of kids are turning up dead. Coincidence? You'll have to read to find out.
I loved the premise so much, and the fact that Ashley actually found a body, the police were all like "MA'AM HOW???". That was probably my favourite chapter, it was so well written. The whole book is, but yeah, that one was extra spooky.
We have a dual timeline going on, the present one and the 2004 one where the "event" occurred. I'm trying really hard to not mention what happened because it was so fun learning about it bit by bit. I couldn't wait to get to the past chapters to get some more crumbs.
The present chapters were interesting too, we not only got to see how a lot of fake psychics make their money, but also Ashley's family drama, her attempts to solve the murders, dealing with seeing the Heedful Ones again, and falling for Freddie.
The inclusion of romance isn't something I was expecting, but I don't mind it. Freddie seems very nice and like the exact kind of person Ashley needs to help her get away from her controlling family. I don't understand why he did what he did at 87% instead of defending Ashley, but well...nobody is perfect.
The romance also isn't distracting, it's very minimal, and the two spend most of the book as friends. I think they make a good team when it comes to investigating.
I did see the ending coming, something about the villain(s) just screamed they were in on it. And I liked the supernatural element to it all. If you ask me, every thriller ought to have a dash of paranormal.
The atmosphere was on point, as expected. There's a haunted mountain, a big spooky house where the tragedy happened, and the Heedful Ones are weird enough on their own. What's not to like?
I feel as if this book passed by in a flash, but I can also see why someone might feel it's a bit slow at the start. It takes a while for the story to get going, but I was instantly hooked, just like I am every time when it comes to this author. I can't wait for her next thrilling read, I hope we won't have to wait too long for it.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Some of you probably saw me reading this and went "what the hell?", the rest of you probably didn't bat an eyelash because well, I do read questionablSome of you probably saw me reading this and went "what the hell?", the rest of you probably didn't bat an eyelash because well, I do read questionable books on occasion and this one was definitely bizarre. It was also strangely adorable and disturbing at the same time.
It's a love story about two weirdo kids who found each other, except the girl's face tends to explode every time she gets too excited, you know, normal teenage things.
I loved the world building, it was so creepy and complimented the story nicely. I also loved both Spiderweb and Ethan, their love story by itself would've made this a 5 star read, the only reason why it wasn't were certain scenes like the wobblies one that were really disgusting to me, so I can't justify giving it more than a four. But I really did enjoy it.
Shoutout to the buddy read buddies without whom this book wouldn't have been on my radar! I have you to thank for the inevitable nightmares!...more
I will never look at ketchup packets the same way again...I'd lie if I said I didn't both laugh and was also a bit traumatised by that scene. Goal achI will never look at ketchup packets the same way again...I'd lie if I said I didn't both laugh and was also a bit traumatised by that scene. Goal achieved?
Anyway, the warnings are there for a reason, and nobody (except maybe Indie) is a good person, least of all Lux. There are some dark things that go on, but most of it isn't related to the two main characters.
I like that actually, their relationship with each other, while really fast (went from zero to I love you in 2 days), wasn't as sick and depraved as their surroundings. The only problem I have with it is that it doesn't really make sense.
Because like, Lux had a really traumatic childhood, we find that out early on (I read that one line and was like "oh we're going there omg") and he's been running this carnival for a decade, never participating in the events he was hosting, and then suddenly Indie shows up and he's okay with being touched, but only by her.
Maybe this is only an issue because of the length, if it was a full length book there'd be more depth to their relationship and we'd get to see why Indie is so special. I kinda refuse to believe that no one else he perceived as innocent came into his tent in all those years.
I still liked it though, and had a good time reading it. Aaaaand shoutout to Claire for having the best style in the book, even if she wasn't a very good friend.
I enjoyed this a totally normal amount (read: I'm obsessed). I knew this would be my type of read the second it crossed my Goodreads feed and boy, wasI enjoyed this a totally normal amount (read: I'm obsessed). I knew this would be my type of read the second it crossed my Goodreads feed and boy, was I right.
It has everything I love, a cozy small town setting, hilarious characters, a mystery and VAMPIRES!!! Vampires make everything better, lemme tell you.
I highly recommend the audiobook because the narrator is brilliant and perfectly brought all the characters to life, giving them all a unique voice. It was such an amazing experience listening to this, and I'd do it again!!
The plot was giving Supernatural, with the whole "saving people, hunting things (strigoi), the family business", except the Evans women don't have to leave their backyard to do it!
I was surprised at which characters died, some were actually really important, but the author wasn't shy about doing away with them. It hurts a little, not gonna lie. So when you start this, be warned, no one is safe.
The ending was so good and made me so excited for the next book...which isn't coming for another year. Do you think I can wait that long??? Huh, do you???
While looking for the author's newsletter, I found out that THIS BOOK/SERIES IS GETTING TURNED INTO A TV SHOW AAAAAH!!!!!! Which is honestly just perfect because I can imagine it like a mix of True Blood & Supernatural, but still with its own twist.
I cannot wait for both the next instalment and the TV show, I know both will be bangers....more
For a longer than average book (almost 500 pages), Between the Birches reads really fast. I feel like I finished it in no time because something was aFor a longer than average book (almost 500 pages), Between the Birches reads really fast. I feel like I finished it in no time because something was always happening, making me turn the pages faster to see what will happen next.
It took me a while to get into the story though, this is mainly due to the writing. It's not bad, but you can tell it's the author's first book. It can only go up from here, so I'm sure the writing will be much better in the sequel.
The plot had a lot of elements I love reading about, from cults, magic, ghosts and spooky forests to a love triangle. And okay, maybe even a dash of soulmates in there too.
I actually liked the story overall, once it really got going. I think the second half was stronger in that regard, especially the ending. Until that point I was on the fence about reading the next book, but the ending really made me exited to give it a try. I feel like the story's just getting started.
The romance was both a hit and a miss, the hit being Grady, the miss Tom. SORRY TOM. He was just...not it. He kept annoying me, and I know everyone would probably be annoying in his shoes but...
My favourite character though, is Fennick. Another huge reason to read the sequel. I don't know what it is about him, but I'm a fan. I'd love it if we got to see more of him in the next books. And you know what else? If I ship anyone with Beth, it's him.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Okay, maybe I shouldn't have been expecting anything after the Halloween novella, because this was even worse. The writing style didn't improve, and IOkay, maybe I shouldn't have been expecting anything after the Halloween novella, because this was even worse. The writing style didn't improve, and I felt so disgusted by what I was reading, something that hasn't happened in a while.
Also, bisexual doesn't mean gay!!!! The character literally said he's bisexual, but then Maddox and Ivy kept calling him gay again and again and invalidating that he's also attracted to women. And that bit about (view spoiler)[the new girlfriend, saying he's attracted to her because she's trans and hasn't had surgery (hide spoiler)] rubbed me the wrong way too.
And listen, I really wanted both this and Welcome to Carnage to be my types of books, land on my favourites shelf and all that, but they just weren't for me, and neither is this author clearly. So we'll part ways here....more
I was expecting this to be good based on the cover and blurb and have been looking forward to reading it since it dropped, but sadly it was too cheesyI was expecting this to be good based on the cover and blurb and have been looking forward to reading it since it dropped, but sadly it was too cheesy for me, and not in a good way.
It almost read like a copy paste of some other Halloween novellas, except some of them did it better. My main problem here was the writing (didn't work for me at all) and how rushed everything was near the end.
Like (view spoiler)[Nyx waiting 2 years and then immediately jumping into an engagement and moving in together and in the span of a few days (hide spoiler)], what was that about? He went too far off the rails, and not just in regards to what I mentioned either, but for example (view spoiler)[carving his initials into her during their proper first time together??? (hide spoiler)] I would've checked out then, to be honest, but it's not a long book so I figured I might as well finish to see where it would go.
It tried to be dark and sweet at the same time and it just didn't work. I will however be checking out the author's Christmas novella which will hopefully be better....more
Thought I was gonna spend 4ish days reading this but the book had other plans. I started it last night, finished it today so less than 24h all togetheThought I was gonna spend 4ish days reading this but the book had other plans. I started it last night, finished it today so less than 24h all together. It's just as fun and fast paced as the first and so easy to get lost in. But! Yes, there is a but, I still liked book one better.
Just because I personally didn't care much about Elm's PoV, and felt like that was such an odd choice to make in a sequel that was supposed to be all about the iconic Elspeth/Nightmare duo. And we did get to see them too, but not enough if you ask me!!!
Similarly, Ravyn deserved better. His romance with Elspeth was in part the reason I enjoyed book one as much as I did, it made me so giddy. Elm and Ione on the other hand...did we really need a whole book of them? A novella maybe. Hell, a side book too why not? But a main series sequel? No.
Elm & Ione's storyline almost felt like it was happening in a completely different world? I really really didn't like it. Or maybe I just resent them because they took away valuable page time that could've been spent on Ravyn and Elspeth reuniting, who's to say for sure.
My favourite relationship in this (other than the one we were robbed of, ahem) is Elspeth's with the Nightmare. It made this duology worth reading for me. It was so sweet, and sad at the end, I wish it could've ended differently for them. And I also wish Elspeth got more say/PoVs, but then the book would have to be rewritten (which I'm not against, for the record).
The book also felt rushed, I didn't notice any typos that I've seen people mentioning since I listened to the audio version, but that feeling was definitely there. I don't know if it's because of contract time crunches or what, but I wouldn't have minded a longer wait to get a more fleshed out sequel.
As far as the rating goes, I gave the first book 4 stars, but mentioned it could've been a 5 had I read it myself, this one...I will still round it up to 4, but it's closer to a 3.5. I'm hoping we'll get more stories in this world someday, and if not I'm still excited for whatever this author has coming next....more
I had no idea I needed a Jack-in-the-box romance in my life until now. And trust me, you need it too. It's so good, I might have to get a physical copI had no idea I needed a Jack-in-the-box romance in my life until now. And trust me, you need it too. It's so good, I might have to get a physical copy.
I was so easily sucked into this world and its characters, I didn't want the story to end. Jack was crazy, but in the best way, I loved watching him transform bit by bit into his true form. He progressively got darker, but still had his sweet moments with Melody.
Melody meanwhile, was a character I crave often, kind of goes with the flow of the weird, doesn't question it too much, and why should she when she has Jack? Exactly.
There were some really funny moments, and I also loved how they just didn't give a damn about anyone walking in while they did the deed after their sacrifices. It was like the whole world had to stop until they were sated. As it should, honestly.
I need a spinoff please and thank you. I'd like to know what happens to them after the way things ended.
P. S. If you've ever been curious about a springy cord type of dingaling, Latrexa Nova's got you covered. ...more
“Who do you belong to?” “You,” I respond instantly. “I belong to you.” “Good girl.”
I have an EMBARRASSING amount of highlights for this read, I was not “Who do you belong to?” “You,” I respond instantly. “I belong to you.” “Good girl.”
I have an EMBARRASSING amount of highlights for this read, I was not expecting to love it so much, but well...yeah. I'm adding the paperback to my wishlist as we speak and Miss Sanchez, I WILL BE REQUIRING A SEQUEL PRONTO!!!! You can't leave us hanging like this, it would be a crime....more
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” he whispered assuringly, and then he gently pressed his lips to my throat in a soft kiss. “And if we’re corrupted, I“There’s nothing wrong with you,” he whispered assuringly, and then he gently pressed his lips to my throat in a soft kiss. “And if we’re corrupted, I’d rather it be with you than anyone else, because you’re my twin flame, Violet. Our souls are kindred and if we’re meant to burn in hell together, I’ll do it holding your hand.”
This was completely effed up, Violet & Christian's whole family has more than one screw lose so it's no wonder how they ended up the way they did. And actually I think the author did a really good job showing that without glorifying it.
The atmosphere was perfectly spooky, I loved the descriptions of the weather and the old Victorian house and I love how much personality the characters had for such a short read.
I do have one complaint though and that's a dog dying, which is not that odd considering everything else going on, but I prefer not to read about that so I'm mentioning it for those who also feel the same way.
Once again I wish this was longer, because I'm really starting to fall in love with the author's storytelling and novellas aren't enough!!...more
When I opened this book and saw the playlist I: a) knew this was going to be a fun read and b) said I'd give it an extra star just for the song choiceWhen I opened this book and saw the playlist I: a) knew this was going to be a fun read and b) said I'd give it an extra star just for the song choice alone. Except this turned out to be a 5 star read on the enjoyment scale so consider it a 6 star read with the extra star.
Its only flaw is that it's so short, I NEED more of Bryce and Mackenzie in my life. I swear it ended right when their story was beginning. Miss Briar, please, I'm begging give us more of them, pretty please with a perfectly sweet toffee apple on top?
I'll have to check out more of this author's work ASAP....more
The prologue reminded me of a book from the Rosewood High series, Savage. If you know me then you know I really hate that series, but luckily the restThe prologue reminded me of a book from the Rosewood High series, Savage. If you know me then you know I really hate that series, but luckily the rest of the book wasn't like that. It was darker and more disturbing, but it sadly didn't work for me.
My main problem was the writing style, which was really annoying at the start, but eventually got better as the book went on. Then there's the plot, where the book itself wasn't really sure what it wanted to be.
Because it starts off as a smutty novella, but then begins throwing in serial killer elements which didn't really match up with the character as we've seen her up until that point. It kind of came out of the blue, as if the author was like hmm what else can I add to make this darker? OH I KNOW!!
Like you are expecting me to believe that the character who kills off men who hurt girls stayed with a guy who hit her and was expecting him to change??? And she even killed the first guy who was abusing her when she was younger. But she's staying with this one because...?
If it was meant to show that anyone could be stuck in an abusive relationship then it wasn't really done that well, maybe it would've been more believable without the serial killer thing.
Then we have the dialogue which was cringy in a lot of parts, I was sitting there going "and I'm supposed to find this hot?" NOPE.
If you're looking for smut though you'll find plenty of that here, and I do mean plenty. From the second these two end up in the bathroom together it's 90% smut, 10% plot.
Also this one did a lot more knife play and blood play than some other Halloween novellas I've read so be prepared for that.
This book gets extra points for being a sapphic Halloween novella, but I didn't really vibe with it.This book gets extra points for being a sapphic Halloween novella, but I didn't really vibe with it....more
...I...I'm at a loss as to how to rate this. Because on one hand, I would read more about these characters and more from the author, but on the other,...I...I'm at a loss as to how to rate this. Because on one hand, I would read more about these characters and more from the author, but on the other, some scenes made me uncomfortable and others made me cringe.
The stuff I'm about to mention is in the trigger warnings by the way, so not a spoiler, but if you don't have any triggers and want to go into this blind then you can stop reading now.
So, one of the things I want to mention is "forced piercing" in which the mc gives the fmc a piercing...by force. And as someone who has multiple piercings I was just cringing so hard at how unhygienic the whole thing had to be.
Oddly enough, this was not my first time encountering that in a book, the other one had a demon doing it, I didn't cringe any less there but I assume it was completely sterilised by demon fire or something, who knows.
Anyway, I know Alec used alcohol beforehand, but he was not a piercer and I just don't find that hot I'm sorry. He could've hurt her.
Which brings me to the dubcon which is definitely present. Hayden doesn't know who's chasing her, hunting her down and she's scared, she's saying no all the way up until she finds out it's Alec and then she's like oh now that I know it's him I find this even hotter. And yeah I'm not really a fan of that.
PLUS, ok this next bit might be a little spoilery for the smut so look away, the very first thing he did was use a knife on her before she even knew who he was...and I don't really know what it is with Halloween novella authors and shoving knives where they aren't meant to go but...
Anyway, I am not opposed to knives in books as long as they don't go up anything, and that happened here twice. The second time he shoved it in at the same time as his dick and she was a virgin too like SIR CALM DOWN. This is her first time ever and you're gonna do her like that??? In a church too??? Have some respect.
I also would've liked a bit more backstory about their prior relationship because it feels incomplete. For this type of story I think it would've worked out better if he was just a random stranger stalker because we would know exactly the same amount about him as we know about Alec.
But maybe that will be fixed in whatever comes next, their relationship could be more developed etc. Like I said, I would like to read more about them, there is something there despite what I mentioned above. But yeah, be aware of the triggers going in and don't take this book too seriously....more
So, this book has two parts, but for some reason Goodreads doesn't have both logged separately. Instead, part two is logged as a different edition of So, this book has two parts, but for some reason Goodreads doesn't have both logged separately. Instead, part two is logged as a different edition of part one, so to solve this I just logged part one twice, and will write my thoughts for both books here now that I'm done with them.
Book One:
I came for the scarecrow romance, stayed for the pumpkin children. THEY WERE SO ADORABLE I LOVE THEMMMMM. Every time one of them rolled somewhere I was like "awwww".
There also wasn't much romance, but we did get an obsessed scarecrow and an illustration of him at the start. Mainly, he was going around the field, getting rid of anyone who was in the way between him and Raven, you know, normal things.
I did like it overall and will be reading part two immediately. I do have to mention the writing though, which could be a little repetitive, some words were missing here and there and in a few chapters there was some PoV confusion, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
Book Two:
Part two did have more romance than the first, in the form of a wedding and some banter and kisses in the field while hunting for their victims, but I was still expecting a bit more. It felt like Ajax and Raven had all this tension, but didn't expel it.
This happened with both the first and second book, I thought we'd get to see the honeymoon or something, but no. Missed opportunity if you ask me.
I know the physical edition has more pages than these two combined so I'm wondering if there's something extra inside there, or if it's just the unreliable ebook-to-physical conversion which can have similar page differences.
If there's more parts coming (or spinoffs) PLEASE LET US SEE THE HONEYMOON!!! I'm not even asking for much, pleaseeeeeee.
Also, the pumpkins were just as cute, and I love that they switched their loyalty to Raven, as they should. I also like that Raven got her revenge on people who did her wrong in her past, but I won't lie, I was really just waiting to see that final special one. You'll know who I'm talking about if you've read book one.
The sacrifices before that one felt more like fillers, and yeah Raven and Ajax were having fun and all, but there's only so many random people getting offed I can stand before I start to feel a bit bored.
So hopefully (again) if there's more parts they won't be fully based around the field. I'd like to see Raven and Ajax in different settings....more
Nobody speak to me, I've been HURT by that ending.
I loved this, it was just as atmospheric as the first book, the narration was on point, and I love tNobody speak to me, I've been HURT by that ending.
I loved this, it was just as atmospheric as the first book, the narration was on point, and I love that we got to see what became of our beloved characters a decade down the line. It was a bit slower though, and I think it could've been a teensy bit shorter (more like the first book), but I had a good time either way and would read more books by Waubgeshig Rice in the future....more
As a Serb, I found this delightful. I could even believe it actually happened back in the 1700s, the mentality was captured perfectly. Also, for anyonAs a Serb, I found this delightful. I could even believe it actually happened back in the 1700s, the mentality was captured perfectly. Also, for anyone who doesn't already know, the word vampire (vampir) came from Serbian, so y'all are welcome....more
“Plus, gators have souls. Dear Maman taught us that.”
GA LA FA, GA LA FA!!!
I've been reading a lot of Halloween novellas recently, some good, some bad“Plus, gators have souls. Dear Maman taught us that.”
GA LA FA, GA LA FA!!!
I've been reading a lot of Halloween novellas recently, some good, some bad, some just okay, but this one? It blew all of them right out of the water.
I thought I was in for an average read, BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. It was clear from the start that a lot of thought was put into the setting, plot and characters. They felt well-developed, especially for such a short read.
The revenge trope, which is one of my favourites, is ever so present in this. Not only do Vi's brothers get revenge for their sister, but Harper Leigh gets revenge on her cheating boyfriend too, what's not to love?
There's also a pet gator called Gumbo and people who seemingly disappear into thin air. There's something spooky going on, I can't wait to find out what.
Now that cliffhanger ending...masterfully done. I'm already suffering. WHEN'S THE NEXT BOOK COMING Y'ALL??? I know that this one practically just came out, but still. Can't leave is hanging like that, it's cruel.
The paperback is going on my wishlist immediately, this is going to be one of my favourite series for sure.
P. S. Do check the content warnings, it gets dark!!...more
This was certainly...a book. I was having an okay time with this until the first twist hit and it just kept going downhill from there. It just makes 0This was certainly...a book. I was having an okay time with this until the first twist hit and it just kept going downhill from there. It just makes 0 sense because there was no foreshadowing that anything like that was going on.
All we got was Camila walking around scared in a maze and having sexual encounters with scarecrows, and then it's like a switch was flipped and the book became something else entirely.
And it was dark, do check the tws, they're very important!!!
But I don't know, when I saw the content warnings I knew this was going to be wayyy out there so I didn't let my mind get too much into it, like I read it "from a distance" so even with the most disgusting, gory scenes I could keep reading on. I suggest you do the same if you can, because there's one scene that's probably one of the worst I've ever read in a book, it might make you nauseous.
Anyway yeah I wanted a lot more development from this, nothing felt like it was connected together properly, the sexual scenes felt like they came out of the blue, and then the next chapter would be all "business as usual" as if nothing happened until the next scene.
Like, I'm sure this author can do better than that. Which is why, even though this is my first book by her, I'm not giving up and I'm planning on giving her other books a chance too....more