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reaperreads's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
burghbooksandbrews's review
5.0
Thank you @cemeterygatesm for another great ARC!! I am really loving the #mydarklibrary collection.
This novella has some seriously spooky vibes. I really enjoyed the Chinese folklore that inspired the story which led to a very unique supernatural story.
The dialogue in this is so well-done, and I really enjoyed the humor, sadness, and relationship between the two women at the center of this story. They felt like real people despite the short length of this story.
Despite being a horror story, this is really a story about grief and motherhood. I think some of the best horror stories involve something deeper that the horror then adds to.
The elements of this story that deal with titular bound feet are particularly creepy, and I was in awe of this storytelling device mixing horror and cultural traditions.
This novella has some seriously spooky vibes. I really enjoyed the Chinese folklore that inspired the story which led to a very unique supernatural story.
The dialogue in this is so well-done, and I really enjoyed the humor, sadness, and relationship between the two women at the center of this story. They felt like real people despite the short length of this story.
Despite being a horror story, this is really a story about grief and motherhood. I think some of the best horror stories involve something deeper that the horror then adds to.
The elements of this story that deal with titular bound feet are particularly creepy, and I was in awe of this storytelling device mixing horror and cultural traditions.
augustgreatsword's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
georgesreads's review
4.0
An awesome debut novella that breaks the mould of a traditional ghost story. The story is laced with an inexplicable, inescapable sense of dread that will swallow you whole. The story revolves around Chinese folklore, and as well as a commentary on grief and family, it's a historical critique, mainly on (as the title suggests) "Bound feet." This is the third instalment in Sadie Hartmann's "My Dark Library," series and appears to be a fan favourite, for good reason.
Jodi Wu lost her daughter Ella during the Hungry Ghost Festival at the Ghost Museum, Portland Oregon. Not only did she have to deal with the passing of her child (who tragically drowned) but her husband Anton has gradually distanced himself from her as a result. With a dead child and an estranged husband, on ghost day (where spirits can be summoned by ancestors) Jodi turns to her best friend and fellow grieving mother Sarah. The two "partners-in-crime," sneak into the museum and leave offerings to Ella in the hope of seeing her again. When this initially fails, the two look around the museum and become engrossed in the story of "Ning," a woman with bound feet who was accused of being a ghost and slowly poisoning her husband, only saved from extreme punishment due to the fact she was carrying an heir. As the night continues, Jodi is convinced her daughter has indeed been summoned, and it's quickly determined that Ella has not returned from the afterlife alone. A malevolent spirit has followed, haunting Jodi and hunting her daughter. How far will this mother go to protect her daughter? How can she when she is already dead?
As the mystery unravels it becomes horrifyingly clear that this ghost cannot be appeased by just anything. Mei is one of the most hauntingly beautiful, complicated and most effective ghosts I've read about in a long time. Kelsea's prose does her such justice.
As I said this is a story of grief and loss. My mind immediately leaps to Stephen King's Pet Sematary. VERY different stories, both closely linked by the loss of a child, and the impact that can have upon a parent. Unlike PS, it's a very short read, which is why the emotional gut punch it packs is so impressive. Whilst the supernatural is a prominent part in the story, there's also a very raw and real sense of horror that is sure to stick with you.
Jodi Wu lost her daughter Ella during the Hungry Ghost Festival at the Ghost Museum, Portland Oregon. Not only did she have to deal with the passing of her child (who tragically drowned) but her husband Anton has gradually distanced himself from her as a result. With a dead child and an estranged husband, on ghost day (where spirits can be summoned by ancestors) Jodi turns to her best friend and fellow grieving mother Sarah. The two "partners-in-crime," sneak into the museum and leave offerings to Ella in the hope of seeing her again. When this initially fails, the two look around the museum and become engrossed in the story of "Ning," a woman with bound feet who was accused of being a ghost and slowly poisoning her husband, only saved from extreme punishment due to the fact she was carrying an heir. As the night continues, Jodi is convinced her daughter has indeed been summoned, and it's quickly determined that Ella has not returned from the afterlife alone. A malevolent spirit has followed, haunting Jodi and hunting her daughter. How far will this mother go to protect her daughter? How can she when she is already dead?
As the mystery unravels it becomes horrifyingly clear that this ghost cannot be appeased by just anything. Mei is one of the most hauntingly beautiful, complicated and most effective ghosts I've read about in a long time. Kelsea's prose does her such justice.
As I said this is a story of grief and loss. My mind immediately leaps to Stephen King's Pet Sematary. VERY different stories, both closely linked by the loss of a child, and the impact that can have upon a parent. Unlike PS, it's a very short read, which is why the emotional gut punch it packs is so impressive. Whilst the supernatural is a prominent part in the story, there's also a very raw and real sense of horror that is sure to stick with you.
jamiezaccaria's review
5.0
stephzilla's review
5.0
Actual Rating 4.5
Heartbreaking, but also filled with unfathomable rage. Absolutely beautiful.
Heartbreaking, but also filled with unfathomable rage. Absolutely beautiful.
hobbitselevenses's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
zana_reads_arcs's review
5.0
This was such a great APA month read!
From the close female friendship between the MC, Jodi, and Sarah, to the unique haunted house setting, the fictional Portland Chinese Garden and Ghost Museum, this was such a creepy, evocative, and emotional ride!
The author's way with words made me believe that I was physically there with the characters. I loved how the setting became spookier as the story progressed. Yu really excelled with the imagery and descriptions.
The twist and the parallel ghost story that the plot follows felt slightly contrived, but then again, do ghost stories actually make sense most of the time?
I quite liked the ending. It's so sinister and even though I can't relate to being a mother, I can definitely understand Jodi's actions.
Anyway, this was a great read and I'd love to read more from Kelsea Yu!
From the close female friendship between the MC, Jodi, and Sarah, to the unique haunted house setting, the fictional Portland Chinese Garden and Ghost Museum, this was such a creepy, evocative, and emotional ride!
The author's way with words made me believe that I was physically there with the characters. I loved how the setting became spookier as the story progressed. Yu really excelled with the imagery and descriptions.
The twist and the parallel ghost story that the plot follows felt slightly contrived, but then again, do ghost stories actually make sense most of the time?
I quite liked the ending. It's so sinister and even though I can't relate to being a mother, I can definitely understand Jodi's actions.
Anyway, this was a great read and I'd love to read more from Kelsea Yu!
dipt_in_folly's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75