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mars243's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
keelreads's review against another edition
4.0
House of Ash and Bone was a creepy haunted house horror novel for young adults with witches, familiars, curses, and so much at risk for one family and the small town the house occupies.
House of Ash and Bone follows Josephine and her family as they spend their Christmas vacation at her father's long-lost great-aunt's house after her passing. They were surprised to hear of the aunt they never knew he had and were even more surprised when they found out that he had inherited her house in the middle of nowhere in a small town.
Josephine immediately knows that something is wrong, not only with the attorney of the estate but also with the house when something strange begins to happen with the family. Everything is too perfect, despite the lapse in memory. The food is too good, the rooms seem to be made specifically for each member, and everyone is more than happy to stay. Then, Josephine encounters a creature with an all-too-wide smile, pale skin, and an eyeless face. The creature... witch, named Dorcas, is determined to trap the family there and complete a ritual to raise her from the dead. Josephine has to save herself and her family before they are doomed.
House of Ash and Bone follows Josephine and her family as they spend their Christmas vacation at her father's long-lost great-aunt's house after her passing. They were surprised to hear of the aunt they never knew he had and were even more surprised when they found out that he had inherited her house in the middle of nowhere in a small town.
Josephine immediately knows that something is wrong, not only with the attorney of the estate but also with the house when something strange begins to happen with the family. Everything is too perfect, despite the lapse in memory. The food is too good, the rooms seem to be made specifically for each member, and everyone is more than happy to stay. Then, Josephine encounters a creature with an all-too-wide smile, pale skin, and an eyeless face. The creature... witch, named Dorcas, is determined to trap the family there and complete a ritual to raise her from the dead. Josephine has to save herself and her family before they are doomed.
erincataldi's review against another edition
3.0
A little on the cheesy side, but definitely dark. This read like a middle grade horror novel but with plenty of foul language. When Josephine and their family find out they have inherited a big old house in Canaan; the news couldn't have come at a better time. There family is in dire financial straights and this could be just the thing they need to get back on track. The house is big and creepy and better than they expected - there are five big bedrooms, one for each daughter and the rooms seem perfectly suited to each of them. So why does Josephine feel ill at ease? Soon her memory starts to go foggy and soon she starts to suspect that they aren't the only ones living in the house. Genuinely creepy at moments, but there was somehow both a lot and not a lot going on at the same time. Just an ok novel with a meh ending.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
This was CREEPY AF and if you only read one book this #SpookySeason I highly recommend it be this one!! A twisty YA horror story that sees a young girl travelling to a haunted house with her family only to find its possessed by an evil witch. There are a few gruesome scenes involving eyeballs and dismemberment but on the whole it's fairly tame. I loved the dark family secrets and the connection to the Salem witch trials. This was fantastic on audio and just incredibly well plotted and written with a great ending!
celastine's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hauntedvictoria24's review against another edition
5.0
This is a dark book that has well developed characters. I love how the author chose to end the book. A very well done book that I would recommend! Special Thank You to Joel A Sutherland, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.
emmybird86's review
5.0
Can we talk about this super creepy cover! I had to read it as soon as I saw it. This book was wild. You are not really sure who to trust. Things are not always what they seem. I loved not knowing the things. I would have a theory one minute then it was disproved the next. That ending sure got me! I did not see it coming. I will definitely be reading more by this author.