73rd book of 2021
Reading period: Sept 01st 2021 – Sept 04th 2021
Summary
Ellerie Downing lives in the quiet town of Amity Falls in the Blackspire Mountain range–five narrow peaks stretching into the sky like a grasping hand, bordered by a nearly impenetrable forest from which the early townsfolk fought off the devils in the woods. To this day, visitors are few and rare. But when a supply party goes missing, some worry that the monsters that once stalked the region have returned.
As fall turns to winter, more strange activities plague the town. They point to a tribe of devilish and mystical creatures who promise to fulfill the residents’ deepest desires, however grand and impossible, for just a small favor. But their true intentions are much more sinister, and Ellerie finds herself in a race against time before all of Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves go up in flames.
Rating
Review
Sadly this book wasn’t for me, maybe too YA. It didn’t reach all my expectations before reading the book, especially for the horror side. The beginning was promising; I even had goosebumps, but everything fell when I finished the first part.
The general problem I had was the writing: I wasn’t fond of it. It’s like the author wanted to use lyrical writing, but it’s done to correspond to the target, which is YA. Also, I had a problem with the time period. I know that the story is set for a year, but I don’t know for time-space. However, you don’t have any date or anything. So the result is strange and not for me, and I was sometimes put off the story due to that.
Moreover, I found the book a little too long and too slow. In addition, the book’s construction was off for me as I don’t feel that the favors are this important for the story like the summary is telling. Sometimes, some book structures are made to make everything easier for the author, but they are evident.
The explanations of the problem are interesting, but they don’t answer all of the issues that we encounter in the book. Strange events happen throughout the whole book, but they are just brushed under the rug and from time to time, they talk about it but without doing anything. And the explanations are just given like that out of the blue, and the majority accepts it. Sadly it makes the ending rushed, and the book finishes in a very messy way.
I like the character of Ellerie and her evolution, especially that it’s a forced one and not due to her age, her little sisters were also likeable, but her brother was a bother. At the beginning, I understand why they had arguments, but at some point, it was too much and didn’t add anything to the story.
As I said, this book wasn’t for me, but there are a ton of people who love this book. For me, this story was more a village that struggles with a lack of supplies during a harsh winter and its consequences. The fantastical elements just make things more intriguing. But do not hesitate to read other opinions that are more positive.
Liz.
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