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bookish_withsky's review
2.0
The concept of this book kind of made me think of an A24 film and so I was incredibly excited. The execution wasn't bad, but I felt as if quite a few things were repeated and some moments and characters fell flat for me.
aj_humphreys's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It’s a DARK tale dealing with the themes of family trauma, love, loss, and grief. Ergo, it is not a happy tale.
Something tells me I overlooked some symbolism in this one, but it definitely captures the inner workings of a depressed mind in such a way that there are likely greater themes at play.
I felt claustrophobic in this one, as a supernatural meteorological event imprisons our main character Scott, along with his wife and two kids inside his childhood home. Unable to venture outside its walls, the smattering of mementos from Scott’s alcoholic and abusive father torture his captive psyche. Forcing this downtrodden father to confront his dark memories on top of his sanity.
Scott seems to understand the assignment from the jump. DO NOT LET THE RAIN TOUCH YOU. But is he just losing it? Or is he right? If so, why withhold his fears as he blindly opposes any member of the family going out into the storm?
Unfortunately, Scott’s greatest weakness is communication.
He doubts himself so vehemently that his unexplained detaining of his family, despite their need for clarity and explanation, only pushes them away. Or should I say, further away?
This is where I see the depressive rumination cycles worming their way into the thematic elements of the story. The more he bottles up, and the less he shares, the more he risks losing. Permitting the thick tendrils of darkness to fester within him.
There isn’t much more I can say without giving away the kit and caboodle, but if you loved The Mist or Bird Box, then I think this tale should be right up your alley.
Something tells me I overlooked some symbolism in this one, but it definitely captures the inner workings of a depressed mind in such a way that there are likely greater themes at play.
I felt claustrophobic in this one, as a supernatural meteorological event imprisons our main character Scott, along with his wife and two kids inside his childhood home. Unable to venture outside its walls, the smattering of mementos from Scott’s alcoholic and abusive father torture his captive psyche. Forcing this downtrodden father to confront his dark memories on top of his sanity.
Scott seems to understand the assignment from the jump. DO NOT LET THE RAIN TOUCH YOU. But is he just losing it? Or is he right? If so, why withhold his fears as he blindly opposes any member of the family going out into the storm?
Unfortunately, Scott’s greatest weakness is communication.
He doubts himself so vehemently that his unexplained detaining of his family, despite their need for clarity and explanation, only pushes them away. Or should I say, further away?
This is where I see the depressive rumination cycles worming their way into the thematic elements of the story. The more he bottles up, and the less he shares, the more he risks losing. Permitting the thick tendrils of darkness to fester within him.
There isn’t much more I can say without giving away the kit and caboodle, but if you loved The Mist or Bird Box, then I think this tale should be right up your alley.
silenttwg's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A family trying to overcome their own demons suddenly face a whole another type of monster when a bizarre storm builds up over their farm. The rain isn't like normal rain and the father is hellbent on keeping his family safe at any cost, even if it means making them fear him. But this isn't something that will just blow over and family secrets brew with as much toxicity as the storm.
I loved the depth of the characters, the layering of unease and horror, you know something is wrong, you can guess where the story's going and you're probably right, but you still have to hang on for the ride because hell comes in more flavors than one and this storm only promises darkness.
I really enjoyed it and am bummed it didn't make it into the final 32 of the Indie Brawl, but I will sing its praise and buy a physical copy. Well worth a read.
Giving fair warning though, check the trigger warnings on one of those sites for this one. It was necessary for the story but still heart-aching. Beautifully done but a heavy, sorrowful horror.
I loved the depth of the characters, the layering of unease and horror, you know something is wrong, you can guess where the story's going and you're probably right, but you still have to hang on for the ride because hell comes in more flavors than one and this storm only promises darkness.
I really enjoyed it and am bummed it didn't make it into the final 32 of the Indie Brawl, but I will sing its praise and buy a physical copy. Well worth a read.
Giving fair warning though, check the trigger warnings on one of those sites for this one. It was necessary for the story but still heart-aching. Beautifully done but a heavy, sorrowful horror.
madmooney's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for this advance copy for review.
I was a big fan of Hawkins' [b:Suburban Monsters|63267244|Suburban Monsters|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668039001l/63267244._SY75_.jpg|99171745] (see my review there), it was fantastic short horror fiction. So when I saw that he was taking his shot at a longer format, I was split: what if he works best with shorter stories? Nevertheless, I took a shot at it and was very pleased.
[b:Downpour|157051547|Downpour|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684698211l/157051547._SY75_.jpg|170155666]'s premise is simple: a large storm comes, but it brings more than the promise of great summer yields. People start to go crazy and a family finds themselves trapped indoors, as the rainwater slowly eats away at the foundations of their protection. The premise can almost be considered Sci-fi horror (a la War of the Worlds), but everything happens so quickly and you are not given much breathing space to stop and ponder what is going on. I believe the entire span of the book is a single day - so get ready to feel claustrophobic, readers!
There is more dread than horror in this book - dread of something as pristine|innocuous|lifegiving to life on earth as water.
There is a revalation near the end of the book that you do not see coming (the author tying one expected loose end) before the ending that
KICKS.
YOU.
HARD.
IN.
THE.
STOMACH.
More horror out there needs to take similar risks.
As for comp reads, I would say you would like this title of you enjoyed:
[b:The Mist|813214|The Mist|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331317781l/813214._SY75_.jpg|59181]
[b:The Handyman Method|62919902|The Handyman Method|Nick Cutter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683097603l/62919902._SY75_.jpg|94077757]
[b:Bird Box|44646576|Bird Box (Bird Box, #1)|Josh Malerman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570393096l/44646576._SY75_.jpg|26186624]
Evil Dead Rise (movie)
The Waters of Mars (Doctor Who Special)
I was a big fan of Hawkins' [b:Suburban Monsters|63267244|Suburban Monsters|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668039001l/63267244._SY75_.jpg|99171745] (see my review there), it was fantastic short horror fiction. So when I saw that he was taking his shot at a longer format, I was split: what if he works best with shorter stories? Nevertheless, I took a shot at it and was very pleased.
[b:Downpour|157051547|Downpour|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684698211l/157051547._SY75_.jpg|170155666]'s premise is simple: a large storm comes, but it brings more than the promise of great summer yields. People start to go crazy and a family finds themselves trapped indoors, as the rainwater slowly eats away at the foundations of their protection. The premise can almost be considered Sci-fi horror (a la War of the Worlds), but everything happens so quickly and you are not given much breathing space to stop and ponder what is going on. I believe the entire span of the book is a single day - so get ready to feel claustrophobic, readers!
There is more dread than horror in this book - dread of something as pristine|innocuous|lifegiving to life on earth as water.
There is a revalation near the end of the book that you do not see coming (the author tying one expected loose end) before the ending that
KICKS.
YOU.
HARD.
IN.
THE.
STOMACH.
More horror out there needs to take similar risks.
As for comp reads, I would say you would like this title of you enjoyed:
[b:The Mist|813214|The Mist|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331317781l/813214._SY75_.jpg|59181]
[b:The Handyman Method|62919902|The Handyman Method|Nick Cutter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683097603l/62919902._SY75_.jpg|94077757]
[b:Bird Box|44646576|Bird Box (Bird Box, #1)|Josh Malerman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570393096l/44646576._SY75_.jpg|26186624]
Evil Dead Rise (movie)
The Waters of Mars (Doctor Who Special)
madmooney's review
5.0
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for this advance copy for review.
I was a big fan of Hawkins' [b:Suburban Monsters|63267244|Suburban Monsters|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668039001l/63267244._SY75_.jpg|99171745] (see my review there), it was fantastic short horror fiction. So when I saw that he was taking his shot at a longer format, I was split: what if he works best with shorter stories? Nevertheless, I took a shot at it and was very pleased.
[b:Downpour|157051547|Downpour|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684698211l/157051547._SY75_.jpg|170155666]'s premise is simple: a large storm comes, but it brings more than the promise of great summer yields. People start to go crazy and a family finds themselves trapped indoors, as the rainwater slowly eats away at the foundations of their protection. The premise can almost be considered Sci-fi horror (a la War of the Worlds), but everything happens so quickly and you are not given much breathing space to stop and ponder what is going on. I believe the entire span of the book is a single day - so get ready to feel claustrophobic, readers!
There is more dread than horror in this book - dread of something as pristine|innocuous|lifegiving to life on earth as water.
There is a revalation near the end of the book that you do not see coming (the author tying one expected loose end) before the ending that
KICKS.
YOU.
HARD.
IN.
THE.
STOMACH.
More horror out there needs to take similar risks.
As for comp reads, I would say you would like this title of you enjoyed:
[b:The Mist|813214|The Mist|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331317781l/813214._SY75_.jpg|59181]
[b:The Handyman Method|62919902|The Handyman Method|Nick Cutter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683097603l/62919902._SY75_.jpg|94077757]
[b:Bird Box|44646576|Bird Box (Bird Box, #1)|Josh Malerman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570393096l/44646576._SY75_.jpg|26186624]
Evil Dead Rise (movie)
The Waters of Mars (Doctor Who Special)
I was a big fan of Hawkins' [b:Suburban Monsters|63267244|Suburban Monsters|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668039001l/63267244._SY75_.jpg|99171745] (see my review there), it was fantastic short horror fiction. So when I saw that he was taking his shot at a longer format, I was split: what if he works best with shorter stories? Nevertheless, I took a shot at it and was very pleased.
[b:Downpour|157051547|Downpour|Christopher Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684698211l/157051547._SY75_.jpg|170155666]'s premise is simple: a large storm comes, but it brings more than the promise of great summer yields. People start to go crazy and a family finds themselves trapped indoors, as the rainwater slowly eats away at the foundations of their protection. The premise can almost be considered Sci-fi horror (a la War of the Worlds), but everything happens so quickly and you are not given much breathing space to stop and ponder what is going on. I believe the entire span of the book is a single day - so get ready to feel claustrophobic, readers!
There is more dread than horror in this book - dread of something as pristine|innocuous|lifegiving to life on earth as water.
There is a revalation near the end of the book that you do not see coming (the author tying one expected loose end) before the ending that
KICKS.
YOU.
HARD.
IN.
THE.
STOMACH.
More horror out there needs to take similar risks.
As for comp reads, I would say you would like this title of you enjoyed:
[b:The Mist|813214|The Mist|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331317781l/813214._SY75_.jpg|59181]
[b:The Handyman Method|62919902|The Handyman Method|Nick Cutter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683097603l/62919902._SY75_.jpg|94077757]
[b:Bird Box|44646576|Bird Box (Bird Box, #1)|Josh Malerman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570393096l/44646576._SY75_.jpg|26186624]
Evil Dead Rise (movie)
The Waters of Mars (Doctor Who Special)
nerdmuffin's review
1.0
At first this novel seemed doomed to be a litany of petty complaints and unresolved daddy issues, then, once the rain began, I cringed at the thought that this would be a rehash of The Taking by Koontz. Thankfully, this book was neither. It was, however, an extremely drawn out weather report. There seemed to be very little action in the book, and zero explanation for the events occurring. The best thing about this book was that it wasn't aliens.
nerdmuffin's review against another edition
1.0
At first this novel seemed doomed to be a litany of petty complaints and unresolved daddy issues, then, once the rain began, I cringed at the thought that this would be a rehash of The Taking by Koontz. Thankfully, this book was neither. It was, however, an extremely drawn out weather report. There seemed to be very little action in the book, and zero explanation for the events occurring. The best thing about this book was that it wasn't aliens.