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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.
blatdriver's review against another edition
5.0
This book is one of the most heartbreaking stories I have read in my life, it is up there with early Stephen King books such as A Long Walk, and Cujo, and The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.
It is outstanding, and it is going to stay with me for a while, It is also one of the very few books that I need to take time afterword’s to process it.
The writing is exceptional, with complex and relatable characters that you really feel for, it was tense and emotional and very hard to put down.
If you like to feel like a book has punched you in the gut, then I highly recommend this book.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.*
It is outstanding, and it is going to stay with me for a while, It is also one of the very few books that I need to take time afterword’s to process it.
The writing is exceptional, with complex and relatable characters that you really feel for, it was tense and emotional and very hard to put down.
If you like to feel like a book has punched you in the gut, then I highly recommend this book.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.*
queenofgotham's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
drakaina16's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
Speaking of downpours, it decided to rain the entire 3 days it took me to read the book. That added an ambiance I didn't quite need, as this book is unsettling enough as it is. Downpour takes the normal, the everyday, and turns it frightening. The whole book is fraught with tension and dread. The writing is just delicious. I was invested in the book well before the storm even started. It also punched me in the feelings and left me wrecked. Strong 5 stars for this slow burn.
Speaking of downpours, it decided to rain the entire 3 days it took me to read the book. That added an ambiance I didn't quite need, as this book is unsettling enough as it is. Downpour takes the normal, the everyday, and turns it frightening. The whole book is fraught with tension and dread. The writing is just delicious. I was invested in the book well before the storm even started. It also punched me in the feelings and left me wrecked. Strong 5 stars for this slow burn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
theduchess93's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I love a Cursed Weather story and this one didn't disappoint! The body horror was grotesque (in a good way) and really painted a horrific picture. Hawkins really sat with the horrific and tragic scenes and forced the reader to experience them along with the characters, and the weird ending was perfect.
I love a Cursed Weather story and this one didn't disappoint! The body horror was grotesque (in a good way) and really painted a horrific picture. Hawkins really sat with the horrific and tragic scenes and forced the reader to experience them along with the characters, and the weird ending was perfect.
beth_don's review
4.0
Downpour is a slow-burn horror that mixes elements from The Bird Box with Twister. Rain becomes a man and his family's worst nightmare as it drips into their homes, their, lives, and their minds. This is the perfect book to pick up on a stormy night and scare yourself silly with. I never thought that I would reconsider running out and playing in the rain with my child. Hawkins has taken something so normal and innocent and created terror with it. I was extremely impressed with the way the author fed in details that kept my heart pounding and my attention searching for more. Hawkins writing style is fantastic and the way that he is able to make me part of this story and care deeply for these characters in such a short time is impressive. At 198 pages this would be considered novella or short story length and Hawkins did an amazing job adding in just enough information to build the world without drowning in unnecessary details. I would recommend this book to people who are wanting to try out the horror genre and to people that are looking for something refreshing and new. Great Job done!
crankyoldfart's review
4.0
The plot of the novel was an intriguing premise. I appreciated that it didn't take long for things to start happening as I don't particularly enjoy slow-burn books. There were some repetitive parts and I would have liked more backstory and fleshed-out details regarding the rain element. Still, it was a good read. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a copy to read and review.
crazyforbooksandcoffee's review against another edition
3.5
Trapped in their home by a strange storm, a family soon started to lose their minds as their home falls apart around them.
The tension I felt while reading this book was off the scale, literally Edge of my seat tense. My only complaint is ending was a bit of a let down, and I felt I wanted more answers and more from the story, but still, this was a great read overall and would recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Christopher Hawkins for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The tension I felt while reading this book was off the scale, literally Edge of my seat tense. My only complaint is ending was a bit of a let down, and I felt I wanted more answers and more from the story, but still, this was a great read overall and would recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Christopher Hawkins for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
lexaprose_'s review
3.0
A down on their luck family has their lives upended by a singular dark cloud that turns out to be more malicious than anticipated. Questions start to arise: What is wrong with that cloud? Why won’t the rain stop? Why are those who were touched by the rain, acting differently?
The first few chapters of this book were reminiscent of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Living on a rural farm trying to get by while working through family drama. Soon we begin to see the father’s past demons infiltrating the present; once again reminding me of another great novel, Ania Ahlborn’s Seed. I was captivated by the father’s inner dialogue and the genuine love each family member had with each other.
Unfortunately, I found the book to be repetitive and slow moving. I was contemplating not finishing the story, but I stuck with it. Around the 60% mark, the story picked up pace. Overall, the story had dark and disturbing moments, but it never felt scary.
Tremendous thanks to the author, Christopher Hawkins and NetGalley for allowing me to rate and review this book.
The first few chapters of this book were reminiscent of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Living on a rural farm trying to get by while working through family drama. Soon we begin to see the father’s past demons infiltrating the present; once again reminding me of another great novel, Ania Ahlborn’s Seed. I was captivated by the father’s inner dialogue and the genuine love each family member had with each other.
Unfortunately, I found the book to be repetitive and slow moving. I was contemplating not finishing the story, but I stuck with it. Around the 60% mark, the story picked up pace. Overall, the story had dark and disturbing moments, but it never felt scary.
Tremendous thanks to the author, Christopher Hawkins and NetGalley for allowing me to rate and review this book.