Reviews

Patch of Green by Steven Streeter

thisisgabe's review

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3.0

Whilst this is a good book with a good premise, I just didn't find myself enjoying this one, but I can tell it'd be a good read for other people.
There didn't feel like there was enough of an atmosphere, in my opinion, as if there were more 'tell' than 'show,' to put it bluntly.
I'm still happy I read it, there's not enough good horror novels out there, and this novel is good, but I felt that with more time it could have been better. It also felt that some parts of the plot could have used some explaining, or maybe a delve deeper into the more emotional parts of the story, because I felt like it didn't really do the characters any justice as one of them is indicated as being abused, yet we don't hear more of the backstory behind it, just a quick snippet.
I'm a firm believer in characters over plot in horror novels, and the characters felt underdeveloped enough that I couldn't really sympathise with them or immerse myself into the novel.

This was roughly a 3.5/5, I would still recommend it to someone who's starting out with horror and needs something classic to read, because this is definitely a good book, and gives me the same vibes as some of the classic horrors.

I received an advance review copy for free - from BookSirens - and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

thisislauraw's review

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I can’t review Patch of Green without mentioning the cover art, which is what first drew me to the book. It’s a lovely, retro cover that screamed ‘read me’.

The book starts well, with a man found wandering on a country road at night, vomiting grass, and the intrigue of the main plot builds from there. I also enjoyed the addition of the sub-plots, which added depth and a sense of urgency.

The overall atmosphere of the book was great. The small town setting and the mystery surrounding Anderson farm really worked well to make it feel like the characters were isolated.

I also particularly enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of some imaginative and gory scenes.

I’ll definitely be reading more of Steven Streeter’s work!

I received an advance review copy of this book in order to provide my honest opinion.

thesleepyreader79's review

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5.0

This is a great horror story! Perfect to be read during the spooky season. What would happen if plants could reach out and attack or even kill you? The author of this book explores just that.

The book opens with a man found wandering on the side of the road. He collapses and tried to talk but the only thing that comes out is an oozing of green grass sludge. What an opening! I was hooked.

In the outback of Australia in the tiny town of Tinanbla there is a deep crater at which a house sits at the base. It is surrounded by an extremely lush garden. After the death of Uncle Jack, Stuart Anderson and his family inherit his seemingly idyllic property. Except its not and the Anderson family is not okay. The Anderson family has arrived in Tinanbla to not only look over the property but to escape some of their own lives.

Their daughter, Jessica is trying to get away from a stalker ex. The son, Lachlan is not happy at all about having to move out the literal middle of nowhere, a place where there is nothing to do and very spotty internet. The parents are escaping the tragedy of a lost child. They arrive to the town only to be met with strife as a local farmer is determined to get his hands on what he believes is some great secret the property holds. All too soon the Anderson family and the local farmer will discover the secrets the property holds, the only question is, who will survive the discoveries made? After all the land belongs to the plants......

I really liked this story! I felt the characters were written well and the pacing was great. The last few chapters is where the action really picks up and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I look forward to more from this author. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
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