The Doomsday Archives once again captures the scary and Gothic feel that manages to be kid-friendly, but also captivating for older readers who enjoy The Doomsday Archives once again captures the scary and Gothic feel that manages to be kid-friendly, but also captivating for older readers who enjoy classic horror motifs. It is genuinely scary in parts, with very creepy imagery. The inclusion of wiki articles for a website involving paranormal events in New Rotterdam is ingenious. In this book, these kids face some serious jeopardy, and while it’s not overtly gory, the subject matter does not shy away from getting gruesome. Although it feels a little short, and the pacing at the end was somewhat rushed, The Heart-Stealer Mask lives up to the potential of the first book, The Wandering Hour.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
Advance Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Zando Young Readers....more
The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn, Volume 1 is a must read for fans of occult detective stories with a unique twist. While this feels unique, it also faThe Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn, Volume 1 is a must read for fans of occult detective stories with a unique twist. While this feels unique, it also favorably evokes memories of Mike Mignola’s iconic Hellboy series. This is a volume full of episodic adventures that also tie into a greater, ongoing narrative. It has an alluring mix of dark fantasy, folklore, gothic horror and cosmic horror, with a smattering of science fiction. Both spooky and mysterious, readers should not be surprised if they don’t always get answers or understand exactly what unfolds in the stories. The sense of the unknown does add to the overall mood: intriguing and uncanny, leaving readers eager for more adventures.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press/Ten Speed Graphic. ...more
This is a quiet horror novel that focuses on relationships and more Gothic, sinister, atmosphere over really overt scares. I really liked Harry and heThis is a quiet horror novel that focuses on relationships and more Gothic, sinister, atmosphere over really overt scares. I really liked Harry and her son Gabe and the discussions about movie-making and movies in general. In my opinion, this is a book for horror movie fans.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine: .
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group....more
I have been on a T. Kingfisher glom since last year, and I don't see it ending anytime soon. I will be real here. I have loved Edgar Allan Poe since II have been on a T. Kingfisher glom since last year, and I don't see it ending anytime soon. I will be real here. I have loved Edgar Allan Poe since I was high school kid and we read some of his stories in class. I was that kid who loved scary, Gothic stories, and I haven't changed much. So this was so innovative retelling of his short novel, The Fall of the House of Usher, was definitely something I wanted to read. I believe I did read the original, or at least a part of it, but I don't remember it. I plan to listen to the audiobook this year to refresh myself. Having said that, I don't think you need to read the original to enjoy this story.
The Gothic atmosphere is flawless. A rotting ancestral manse, and an aristocratic family whose remaining members are dying on the vine. Enter a character who knows nothing about that life, but who is entangled with the remaining two Usher family members through friendship. As the reader, you are immersed in the story by that character's point of view. Along with the trappings of the Gothic, there is also horror of the body and contagious variety. Let me tell you, that is a really sore spot for me. I feel this type of horror on a visceral level. I have a background in biological science, so I know a lot about pathology, infectious disease and microorganisms, so I was cringing so hard when I read this. Having said that, I was entrenched and I was so invested. Kingfisher is very good at description without bogging down the story with details that are unnecessary. There's enough of the setting to draw a mental image and to bring things to life. But she also nailed describing what was happening to poor Madeline in an very visceral way, and how it impacted Easton, our main character. I was rooting for Easton to find a way to help their friends and keep themselves safe at the same time.
A note on the cultural aspects. Kingfisher goes into some detail describing through their own narrative, the background of the lead character, who is non-binary. I absolutely appreciated this. It felt very natural, and was in no way a preachy way of asserting the importance of self-definition as a person and conveying the struggles of those who don't fit neatly into the boxes that humans create for others and themselves. I often had to remind myself that Easton was nonbinary (female at birth but working and living in a masculine space), as their energy did feel a bit more masculine their personality exerts themselves as their own definition of gender. It made some sense as Easton spent more of their life in the military. The aspects of how the Galician (sorry I listened to the audiobook, so the spellings might not be correct) works and how soldiers are by nature non-binary. was super interesting and enriching to me as a reader.
So let's talk about Fungi. How do you feel about them? Do you have a love or hate relationship to them? I love eating mushooms, but I am somewhat repulsed by fungi in most other ways. I understand their place in the ecosystem but I tend to think of them also as pathogens that invade and destroy. If you are like me or maybe you don't even like to eat mushrooms, be aware! I had to compartmentalize my feelings about my beloved edible mushrooms as I read this book. Having studied the biology of fungi, I am well aware of how they grow and their anatomy, and I had some very disturbed moments as that plays out in this story. I will say no more about that other than to say, wow, this story has such a unique twist.
I would be inclined to give this a 4.25/5.0 stars. I think it's not a five star because it's a little too short. I would have loved to spend more time with these characters. In my heart of hearts, I hope Easton returns for more adventures.
A note on the narrator: I quite enjoyed the narrator's vocal stylings. She made sure every joke by the very funny Kingfisher landed. I enjoy the heck out of dry wit, and there is a lot of that in spades. The observations that Easton made about people through their understanding really endeared this book to me. I laughed so hard while reading this. I am so glad that there is a lot of humor, and also deep emotional caring/investment in this story along with the disturbing body horror aspects.
I recommend reading this if you're not too squeamish. It's far from gruesome or over-the-top, but there are some squicky aspects if you are a germaphobe.
Merged review:
I have been on a T. Kingfisher glom since last year, and I don't see it ending anytime soon. I will be real here. I have loved Edgar Allan Poe since I was high school kid and we read some of his stories in class. I was that kid who loved scary, Gothic stories, and I haven't changed much. So this was so innovative retelling of his short novel, The Fall of the House of Usher, was definitely something I wanted to read. I believe I did read the original, or at least a part of it, but I don't remember it. I plan to listen to the audiobook this year to refresh myself. Having said that, I don't think you need to read the original to enjoy this story.
The Gothic atmosphere is flawless. A rotting ancestral manse, and an aristocratic family whose remaining members are dying on the vine. Enter a character who knows nothing about that life, but who is entangled with the remaining two Usher family members through friendship. As the reader, you are immersed in the story by that character's point of view. Along with the trappings of the Gothic, there is also horror of the body and contagious variety. Let me tell you, that is a really sore spot for me. I feel this type of horror on a visceral level. I have a background in biological science, so I know a lot about pathology, infectious disease and microorganisms, so I was cringing so hard when I read this. Having said that, I was entrenched and I was so invested. Kingfisher is very good at description without bogging down the story with details that are unnecessary. There's enough of the setting to draw a mental image and to bring things to life. But she also nailed describing what was happening to poor Madeline in an very visceral way, and how it impacted Easton, our main character. I was rooting for Easton to find a way to help their friends and keep themselves safe at the same time.
A note on the cultural aspects. Kingfisher goes into some detail describing through their own narrative, the background of the lead character, who is non-binary. I absolutely appreciated this. It felt very natural, and was in no way a preachy way of asserting the importance of self-definition as a person and conveying the struggles of those who don't fit neatly into the boxes that humans create for others and themselves. I often had to remind myself that Easton was nonbinary (female at birth but working and living in a masculine space), as their energy did feel a bit more masculine their personality exerts themselves as their own definition of gender. It made some sense as Easton spent more of their life in the military. The aspects of how the Galician (sorry I listened to the audiobook, so the spellings might not be correct) works and how soldiers are by nature non-binary. was super interesting and enriching to me as a reader.
So let's talk about Fungi. How do you feel about them? Do you have a love or hate relationship to them? I love eating mushooms, but I am somewhat repulsed by fungi in most other ways. I understand their place in the ecosystem but I tend to think of them also as pathogens that invade and destroy. If you are like me or maybe you don't even like to eat mushrooms, be aware! I had to compartmentalize my feelings about my beloved edible mushrooms as I read this book. Having studied the biology of fungi, I am well aware of how they grow and their anatomy, and I had some very disturbed moments as that plays out in this story. I will say no more about that other than to say, wow, this story has such a unique twist.
I would be inclined to give this a 4.25/5.0 stars. I think it's not a five star because it's a little too short. I would have loved to spend more time with these characters. In my heart of hearts, I hope Easton returns for more adventures.
A note on the narrator: I quite enjoyed the narrator's vocal stylings. She made sure every joke by the very funny Kingfisher landed. I enjoy the heck out of dry wit, and there is a lot of that in spades. The observations that Easton made about people through their understanding really endeared this book to me. I laughed so hard while reading this. I am so glad that there is a lot of humor, and also deep emotional caring/investment in this story along with the disturbing body horror aspects.
I recommend reading this if you're not too squeamish. It's far from gruesome or over-the-top, but there are some squicky aspects if you are a germaphobe....more
The Spite House is hungry. Humans are full of dark emotions that make for good eating. Is our love stronger than our rage and bitterness? Those are quThe Spite House is hungry. Humans are full of dark emotions that make for good eating. Is our love stronger than our rage and bitterness? Those are questions that you will ponder when you read this short but atmospheric novel. I feel very unsettled when I think of this book, but yes, I'd like to see a movie adaptation, and I want to read more by Johnny Compton.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
Review copy provided by Tor Nightfire via Netgalley....more
This is the kind of book where you wonder what the heck you're reading. If you don't like those kinds of books, don't read this one. If you like booksThis is the kind of book where you wonder what the heck you're reading. If you don't like those kinds of books, don't read this one. If you like books where the book is a journey as much inside of the character's mind as they are about plot progression, you might like this one. I really enjoy gothic horror, so that's why I picked this up. It definitely has a gothic feel. I feel like the focus on the house really nails that, and the atmosphere the author built was so effective. But is this predictable in any way? No. It was completely unlike what I expected. For some reason, I was thinking it was going in previously tread paths of classic gothic books I've read. No, it's not at all. It's hard to say what the book is about without spoiling the experience. Honestly, I'm not sure I can explain it.
While this is far from the best book I've ever read, and there was more than one moment when I asked myself why I was still reading, I got to a point where I didn't want to put it down because I felt I had gone too far to abandon the journey. Also I became emotionally attached to Jane. She went through so much in this book, and her refusal to give up on the important goal she held made me not want to give up on the story.
I'd give it an A for atmosphere. However, I think other than Jane, the characterization is a little thin, so probably more like a B- in that area. I feel that other characters seem like game pieces that are moved around, and are in service of Jane's journey of self-discovery. The concept is really high, but I do question how well it's executed, so that gets me into a dither of how to rate this novel. I feel that as a reader, being treated to something different, and being taken on a journey is something I definitely appreciate. Lastly, was my level of overall satisfaction to consider. The narrator was good, but her way of telling the story was a bit dry. There are parts that are pretty eerie, but I think with a different delivery, I feel they could have been more scary than the were. I was so glad to finish the book because I felt worn out by trying to figure out what was going on, so that's probably not ideal I feel like you should enjoy a book and be kind of sad when it's over. Having said that, I was satisfied with the ending, and I feel rewarded that I did finish the book. So, you can see why I had trouble rating this. Ultimately, this comes down to a 3.75 star rating for me. Despite my misgivings about pacing and characterization, I really appreciate what Starling accomplished here. It takes a gothic set piece to a different arena and explores the dimensions of what a gothic horror novel can deliver.
Trigger Warnings: Body horror, medical/surgical procedure descriptions...more
I actually got an ARC for this before it came out, but I didn't get a chance to read it. My life a year ago was hectic to the extreme, with very littlI actually got an ARC for this before it came out, but I didn't get a chance to read it. My life a year ago was hectic to the extreme, with very little time for reading. I kept trying to get the audiobook, but I never got around to listening to it. But I realized that was really a blessing because this was the right time to read this wonderful book.
Going in, I had no idea what was going on and what to expect, and I will endeavor to write a review that allows anyone who reads it to have the same advantage. Therefore, I will have to be exceedingly careful in my gushing.
I have to highly recommend getting the audiobook. The narrator was fantastic. I have a feeling she speaks Spanish fluently because her accents were excellent and authentic. I enjoyed her pitch, and the manner in which she was able to deftly switch to different characters, male and female. When a narrator understands the immersive capabilities they bring to product, it enhances the reading experience significantly. The narrator is Frankie Corzo, and I give her kudos.
What really strikes me about this book is the lush, opulent, oh so entrancing descriptive imagery of Moreno-Garcia. This book was a feast for my senses. It was beautiful and strange, but also there were parts that were unnerving or just plain disgusting. I was fully engaged by the narrative. I was seduced by this book. There were times I was afraid to keep listening, but I couldn't turn it off at the same time. In my opinion, the book is very well written in that it is not at all predictable. And each time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I found myself surprised at where the story went.
Noemi is hard to describe in a few words. I suppose it's easiest to just say that she is a delightfully complex and fully fleshed out character. The beginning of the book she seems spoiled and shallow, but there is something about her that immediately made me realize I cannot underestimate her or easily categorize her. She has an inner resilience and steel that makes her unbreakable. But like good composite steel, she is strong enough to resist the forces that work on her to tear her down. Despite that, there's an inner darkness and turmoil that she had to fight to see her way through this narrative. She acknowledges that dark side of her psyche but doesn't give into to it. I like that her character subverts the gothic story heroine. It's good, because that house, it hides hungry secrets.
I also appreciated Francis quite a bit. He is a character that subverts archetypes and stereotypes in a brilliant way.
Oh there's one aspect of the book that I really loved, but I can't talk about it because I don't want to spoil anyone reading this book. It's just perfect for me.
This book was thrilling and some parts are just so freaking weird and skin crawling. It really drives home how disgusting racism really is. It's hard to say to much about that, because it's so important to the story, but suffice it to say that the book takes a very sharp examination into colonialism, eugenics and white supremacy in a well-integrated and thoughtful way.
There's so much to love about this book. I cherished the last lines of it, and I had this joy when I finished it, which revitalizes my bibliophilic juices. When you read a fantastic book, it just energizes you and makes you clamor for more. For me, Mexican Gothic is one of those books.
*Just as a side note, I absolutely adore this cover..so much!...more
Danielle The Book Huntress
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gothic-horror
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