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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Craven Manor in Books
May 15, 2018
Craven Manor by Darcy Coates ended up as the first pick for the #spookyfriendsbookclub, a buddy read group I started initially on Litsy – a social media app for readers. When we selected it, I only knew that we’d be reading a haunted house story and of course, I was excited. Haunted houses are, after all, my first love when it comes to horror. In that regard, Coates doesn’t disappoint.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
K-Li (5 KP) rated Betrayal at House on the Hill in Tabletop Games
May 25, 2018
Lots of rules to remember. (1 more)
Depending on a couple factors, the game can last for minutes or hours
Quit following me with that monkey
We recently played this with some friends and loved it. It's a tile game with an RPG element, during which the players construct a creepy mansion, then once activating the Haunt (the mission) one player is turned against everyone else, and the game shifts from tile exploration to a mission.
Each room added to the house has an event to play out, item to pick up or leave there, or omen that may behave like an event or item but also may trigger The Haunt, depending on die rolls.
The part I enjoyed was strategizing once The Haunt was triggered - once it happens, the scenario you play depends on the room you were in, and the cards drawn. The enemy has their own rule book, and everyone else shares another rule book. It really is great fun.
*We were preyed upon by aliens intent on taking us back to the mothership.*
I think the biggest downside to this game is the amount of things to remember, but I've heard the 2nd edition greatly improved on the first, which is what we played.
Each room added to the house has an event to play out, item to pick up or leave there, or omen that may behave like an event or item but also may trigger The Haunt, depending on die rolls.
The part I enjoyed was strategizing once The Haunt was triggered - once it happens, the scenario you play depends on the room you were in, and the cards drawn. The enemy has their own rule book, and everyone else shares another rule book. It really is great fun.
*We were preyed upon by aliens intent on taking us back to the mothership.*
I think the biggest downside to this game is the amount of things to remember, but I've heard the 2nd edition greatly improved on the first, which is what we played.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Land of the Living in Books
Feb 15, 2019
With a gripping start that fully captured my attention, I had a hard time putting LAND OF THE LIVING down. The suspense-filled atmosphere leapt off the pages and I found myself catching my breath and actually feeling the pressure presented within the covers. This doesn't usually happen to me, especially from a book I know is fiction. The author (or authors really) have done a fabulous job bringing the book to life and I imagine the plot does a fairly accurate job conveying a true life account of something like this. I only have a few minor quibbles. Firstly, Abbie does some dumb things, however it's still believable that she might react that way in her situation, and really, she's not a brainless twit of a victim. Although what she does later was very stupid and I wanted to smack her. Still, after the fact, I suppose I understand it now. Secondly, and I guess lastly, I do not believe for a second that the police are so inept that they could not follow-up on simple, routine leads. If Abbie can do it, surely they can too. To sum it up, the terror was evident, the environment creepy, and the overall pace was just right. A thrilling good read, if not a perfect one.
RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) rated Breaking Dawn (Twilight, #4) in Books
Feb 22, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
In the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer my favorite book is Breaking Dawn. Why is this you ask? Renesmee, she is my favorite character out of the whole series. I love how her mother Bella went through all that pain and never gave up on her. I also understand why Rosalie was on Bella's side through it. I would have done the same if I was in their shoes. I found Edwards reaction cute when he could hear Renesmee's thoughts while she was still in Bella's belly. I also don't blame Jacob for sided with the Cullen's when he found out about Bella being Pegnant it was the right thing to do. I found Jacob imprinting on Renesmee very weird at first but later understand that it was necessary for the plot and it's different while she's still young. I find Renesmee to be an extremely intelligent young child and love the way she communicates. Also Irina deserved what she got in the end and kind of found it funny when Aro backed down because he was scared. I find him very creepy by the way too. I also love the ending when Bella let's Edward in her mind by letting her shield down and his reaction to it was adorable.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Little Darlings in Books
Mar 23, 2019
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Little Darlings by Melanie Golding has been described as an "unsettling thriller perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Grimms’ Fairy Tales." I would say I enjoyed the novel, its plot, and the writing.
Like almost all mothers with newborns, Lauren Tranter is exhausted from lack of sleep. Lauren has it worse than many mothers because she gave birth to twins. SInce she is so exhausted and sleep deprived no one believes her when, still in the hospital, she claims someone tried to take her children and wants to replace them with her own.
A month later her children are taken but when they are returned Lauren knows they are not really her children. Again, no one believes her.
What do you do when everyone tells you are wrong and does not believe you? Do you start to wonder if they are right? What if you are positive you are right and everyone else is wrong?
Melanie Golding's debut novel is a slow start but it is worth reading. The novel gets creepier and most suspenseful as the story progresses. The writing and character development, and the creepy stories at the beginning on the chapters helped set the mood well.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/23/19.
Little Darlings by Melanie Golding has been described as an "unsettling thriller perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Grimms’ Fairy Tales." I would say I enjoyed the novel, its plot, and the writing.
Like almost all mothers with newborns, Lauren Tranter is exhausted from lack of sleep. Lauren has it worse than many mothers because she gave birth to twins. SInce she is so exhausted and sleep deprived no one believes her when, still in the hospital, she claims someone tried to take her children and wants to replace them with her own.
A month later her children are taken but when they are returned Lauren knows they are not really her children. Again, no one believes her.
What do you do when everyone tells you are wrong and does not believe you? Do you start to wonder if they are right? What if you are positive you are right and everyone else is wrong?
Melanie Golding's debut novel is a slow start but it is worth reading. The novel gets creepier and most suspenseful as the story progresses. The writing and character development, and the creepy stories at the beginning on the chapters helped set the mood well.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/23/19.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The Perfect Girlfriend in Books
Mar 27, 2019 (Updated Mar 28, 2019)
"If you love someone, set them free.
If they come back, they're yours. If they don't, make them."
I cannot even tell you how many times I said to myself, "This chick is INSANE," while reading this story.
And she is. Juliette Price is smart (with enviable investigative skills), attractive, and completely delusional. She is certainly not a likable character - actually, none of the characters are very likable - but she is fascinating in an American Psycho kind of way. The story is made all the more creepy by Juliette's narrative, because the delusional never think they're delusional, now do they? No, everyone else must be the problem. This 100% applies in this case.
I appreciate the fact that there's no "big twist" in this one, but rather a series of smaller twists that help to further the narrative. Honestly, Juliette herself is so twisted, that's all you really need.
Also, can I take a minute here to say that Nate is SUCH a douche, and even a bonkers chick like Juliette deserves someone better to stalk?
I'm giving this one 9.5 stars rounded down because the ending frustrated the hell out of me. How about an epilogue? Gah.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Graydon House Books for the opportunity to preview this title early in exchange for an honest review.
If they come back, they're yours. If they don't, make them."
I cannot even tell you how many times I said to myself, "This chick is INSANE," while reading this story.
And she is. Juliette Price is smart (with enviable investigative skills), attractive, and completely delusional. She is certainly not a likable character - actually, none of the characters are very likable - but she is fascinating in an American Psycho kind of way. The story is made all the more creepy by Juliette's narrative, because the delusional never think they're delusional, now do they? No, everyone else must be the problem. This 100% applies in this case.
I appreciate the fact that there's no "big twist" in this one, but rather a series of smaller twists that help to further the narrative. Honestly, Juliette herself is so twisted, that's all you really need.
Also, can I take a minute here to say that Nate is SUCH a douche, and even a bonkers chick like Juliette deserves someone better to stalk?
I'm giving this one 9.5 stars rounded down because the ending frustrated the hell out of me. How about an epilogue? Gah.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Graydon House Books for the opportunity to preview this title early in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
Apr 17, 2019
A little lacklustre
I'm a little unsure what to make of this film. Despite it being a fairly close adaptation of the book and quite a short film (less than 2 hours), I found myself feeling ridiculously bored watching this. It just seemed to lack a little bit magic and came across as a bit flat, and isn't nearly as creepy as it could have been. They've opted for obvious jump scares rather than something a little more subtle, and I hate it when films do this. However that said, the physical effects were pretty good.
Acting wise apart from Ellie, I didn't think any of the cast to be particularly noteworthy. Even the usually wonderful John Lithgow was vastly underused. For the most part this sticks rather faithfully to the book, apart from a couple of bigger changes. I'm a little indifferent about these changes, one of which was spoilt by showing in the trailer. And the ending I still can't decide if I like or not. Whilst definitely creepier than the book ending, for me it seems to be doing the characters and their development a disservice.
Overall I came out of this film feeling a bit meh and unimpressed. Maybe its because there isn't a massive difference between this film and the original one, and this is just another unnecessary remake.
Acting wise apart from Ellie, I didn't think any of the cast to be particularly noteworthy. Even the usually wonderful John Lithgow was vastly underused. For the most part this sticks rather faithfully to the book, apart from a couple of bigger changes. I'm a little indifferent about these changes, one of which was spoilt by showing in the trailer. And the ending I still can't decide if I like or not. Whilst definitely creepier than the book ending, for me it seems to be doing the characters and their development a disservice.
Overall I came out of this film feeling a bit meh and unimpressed. Maybe its because there isn't a massive difference between this film and the original one, and this is just another unnecessary remake.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Girlhood in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In a bittersweet twist, Harper’s parent’s won the lottery the day after Harper’s twin sister died. With this windfall she is able to go to a very expensive boarding school of which she really doesn’t fit into. Or maybe she does? Just not in the way you expect.
When Kirsty the new girl appears, she and Harper get on very well. They have so much in common it’s unbelievable! And that’s just the point. It soon becomes clear some things she’s told Harper do not quite add up, but why would she lie to such a good friend? What could she be hiding?
I have to say this story surprised me, because I felt the pink cover portrayed a completely different theme to what I was expecting, which was a lighthearted YA/ children’s book, but the characters had much more depth and were so realistic, it was an absolute pleasure to read! I’m pretty keen to check out Cat Clarke’s back list and I know she has a lot more books out now.
In addition, Girlhood is a diverse read with characters from different ethnicities included. Yes, it is largely LGBTQ+ themed too, but it’s not the main basis of the plot, which is quite suspenseful and at times deliciously creepy. Like I said, not what I expected – in a good way!
When Kirsty the new girl appears, she and Harper get on very well. They have so much in common it’s unbelievable! And that’s just the point. It soon becomes clear some things she’s told Harper do not quite add up, but why would she lie to such a good friend? What could she be hiding?
I have to say this story surprised me, because I felt the pink cover portrayed a completely different theme to what I was expecting, which was a lighthearted YA/ children’s book, but the characters had much more depth and were so realistic, it was an absolute pleasure to read! I’m pretty keen to check out Cat Clarke’s back list and I know she has a lot more books out now.
In addition, Girlhood is a diverse read with characters from different ethnicities included. Yes, it is largely LGBTQ+ themed too, but it’s not the main basis of the plot, which is quite suspenseful and at times deliciously creepy. Like I said, not what I expected – in a good way!
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Ice Twins in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Angus and Sarah Moorcraft are struggling to keep their marriage in tact after the tragic death of one of their twin daughters. To escape from the memories of the incident and to hopefully push past other issues including alcoholism and infidelity, they move to an isolated lighthouse on an island just off the coast of Scotland, which Angus inherited from his grandmother. It starts promisingly enough for the family, until it becomes apparent that their surviving twin, Kirstie, is very likely Lydia, whom they thought had died. Things begin to spiral further out of control as their daughter appears to be being haunted by her dead sister (whichever one that may be) and both parents begin to go a bit crazy, Sarah especially. Secrets get revealed that threaten to shatter the already fragile balance they're maintaining until finally the truth about the accident comes out. The concept is pretty creepy and the setting is perfect for it. The characters aren't exactly likable, but no one is really as contemptuous as some recent "protagonists" in other novels, which makes it easier to root for them. Once things really get rolling, the twists come out pretty fast and furious and the suspense builds to a somewhat shocking conclusion. Unlikely to be the thriller of the year, but a very entertaining read that is perfect for the Halloween season.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Pines (Wayward Pines, #1) in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I started reading this as a result of the ads for the upcoming adaptation on Fox, which made it look somewhat cheesy, but intriguingly weird. I was right about the central plot being weird, but luckily, the book is not really cheesy. While on a mission to locate 2 missing Secret Service agents, Ethan Burke finds himself stranded in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines after a car accident which killed his partner. His identification, money and phone are all missing and while the town seems outwardly idyllic, there is something pretty clearly off about it. As Ethan tries to figure out what is happening to him, things get progressively stranger, until he finds himself in a fight for his life. Things get surprisingly creepy and the ending provides a pretty big, and wholly unexpected, explanation for what is going on. While the author claims inspiration from TV show "Twin Peaks", and there is evidence as such, I found it read like one of Stephen King's more sprawling works, but condensed down to its core focus and with a more satisfying conclusion than he often comes up with. I still think the show looks likely to be sort of cheesy, but the book is anything but, and I highly recommend it to fans of suspense, horror or sci-fi.