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spooky_librarian's review
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads!
I took the liberty of reading WHEN WE ENTERED THAT HOUSE specifically on chilly, rainy, autumn days to add to my experience and I have no regrets. However, in spite of my very paced process of reading, this is a story compelling enough to read in one sitting.
Our story follows Elle and Zoe, two best friends who love storybooks and long strolls through the deep woods to escape difficult family lives at home. When the young girls come upon a strange house deep in the forest, they are compelled to see what’s inside. What they aren’t prepared for is an encounter with a peculiar little girl who is in search of friends.
I adored Smith’s last novella, HELENA, and was so excited to see what she had in store for her readers in this newest book. I tend to enjoy when mysterious houses appear out of nowhere for characters to happen upon and this story was no exception. There are touches of gothic atmosphere throughout, time moves differently once our characters step over the threshold, and the house itself accommodates a dark past. The message I held on to after finishing the story was that some families can be complicated, and some friendships are indispensable.
I will advise readers to take their time with this story as some plot-line flashbacks materialize abruptly and there were a few occasions where I got names confused. But If you are a reader who enjoys dark fantasy, gothic elements, Victorian mansions, and the resilience of friendship, you’ll want to add this to your October reading list. And luckily for you, it comes out this Friday!!!
Thank you so much to author Claire Smith for this wonderful review copy!
I took the liberty of reading WHEN WE ENTERED THAT HOUSE specifically on chilly, rainy, autumn days to add to my experience and I have no regrets. However, in spite of my very paced process of reading, this is a story compelling enough to read in one sitting.
Our story follows Elle and Zoe, two best friends who love storybooks and long strolls through the deep woods to escape difficult family lives at home. When the young girls come upon a strange house deep in the forest, they are compelled to see what’s inside. What they aren’t prepared for is an encounter with a peculiar little girl who is in search of friends.
I adored Smith’s last novella, HELENA, and was so excited to see what she had in store for her readers in this newest book. I tend to enjoy when mysterious houses appear out of nowhere for characters to happen upon and this story was no exception. There are touches of gothic atmosphere throughout, time moves differently once our characters step over the threshold, and the house itself accommodates a dark past. The message I held on to after finishing the story was that some families can be complicated, and some friendships are indispensable.
I will advise readers to take their time with this story as some plot-line flashbacks materialize abruptly and there were a few occasions where I got names confused. But If you are a reader who enjoys dark fantasy, gothic elements, Victorian mansions, and the resilience of friendship, you’ll want to add this to your October reading list. And luckily for you, it comes out this Friday!!!
Thank you so much to author Claire Smith for this wonderful review copy!
greyxwaren's review
4.0
When We Entered That House, which debuted October 15th from Off Limits Press, is Claire L. Smith's riveting take on a gothic haunted house tale that is best absorbed by the light of an October bonfire. In this haunted house, you never truly go home.
"The forest had a strange relationship with time, the tall trees shielded us from any perception of it."
Best friends Zoe and Elle escape the chaos of their home lives by exploring the woods that surround their small town every day after school. What they discover there watches them, lures them in, and eventually, entwines them in the secrets of the remote and rotting Victorian mansion and all that hides in its decaying skeleton — a bloodline tainted with madness.
The house and its haunted occupants both are skillfully reminiscent of Shirley Jackson's Haunting of Hill House, as a tale that explores the limits of the human psyche and that personified impact of our surroundings both. When We Entered That House subverts stereotypical femininity in horror literature and frames the narrative in a way that gives the speculative fiction and horror genres classic homage and new life.
From the beginning, Smith introduces both the forest and the house as main characters, poignantly conveying a nuanced commentary about the different atmospheres in all houses, from Zoe and Elle's torrid home lives to the corrupt past of the haunted Victorian in the woods. There are many stories of haunted houses, but the sincerity of the characters and the mutability of the narrative, myth and murder coupled with the girls' often upsetting reality, set this immersive tale far apart.
There is also the great sense of loss that so aptly stalks these pages, which gives it a dimensionality that lends to its overall greatness. The parallels drawn between the true reality, the lives of Zoe, Elle, and a cast of supporting characters, and the figures that exist within the confines of the house, serve both to wonderfully muddle the lines between the now-and-then and to connect across centuries a profound sense of grief and guilt, as the one that often connects humanity in itself.
Smith is a fixture in the modern gothic genre, and this second title in her prestigious catalog pays homage to a classic narrative style in a new and intriguing way, weaving secrets in a haze of eerie, dream-world exploration that spins a beautiful, if not extremely haunting tale.
"I just wanted to reach that house before I ran out of the insanity fuelling me."
"The forest had a strange relationship with time, the tall trees shielded us from any perception of it."
Best friends Zoe and Elle escape the chaos of their home lives by exploring the woods that surround their small town every day after school. What they discover there watches them, lures them in, and eventually, entwines them in the secrets of the remote and rotting Victorian mansion and all that hides in its decaying skeleton — a bloodline tainted with madness.
The house and its haunted occupants both are skillfully reminiscent of Shirley Jackson's Haunting of Hill House, as a tale that explores the limits of the human psyche and that personified impact of our surroundings both. When We Entered That House subverts stereotypical femininity in horror literature and frames the narrative in a way that gives the speculative fiction and horror genres classic homage and new life.
From the beginning, Smith introduces both the forest and the house as main characters, poignantly conveying a nuanced commentary about the different atmospheres in all houses, from Zoe and Elle's torrid home lives to the corrupt past of the haunted Victorian in the woods. There are many stories of haunted houses, but the sincerity of the characters and the mutability of the narrative, myth and murder coupled with the girls' often upsetting reality, set this immersive tale far apart.
There is also the great sense of loss that so aptly stalks these pages, which gives it a dimensionality that lends to its overall greatness. The parallels drawn between the true reality, the lives of Zoe, Elle, and a cast of supporting characters, and the figures that exist within the confines of the house, serve both to wonderfully muddle the lines between the now-and-then and to connect across centuries a profound sense of grief and guilt, as the one that often connects humanity in itself.
Smith is a fixture in the modern gothic genre, and this second title in her prestigious catalog pays homage to a classic narrative style in a new and intriguing way, weaving secrets in a haze of eerie, dream-world exploration that spins a beautiful, if not extremely haunting tale.
"I just wanted to reach that house before I ran out of the insanity fuelling me."
bombegranate's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
curiosityboughtthebook's review
4.0
Also reviewed on www.curiosityboughtthebook.com
Rounded up from 3.5 skulls:
“When we Entered that House” by Claire L. Smith is a spooky tale of two best friends who try to escape the pain of their everyday life, but end up in the wrong place. Both the protagonist Zoe and her friend Elle live a difficult life and try to find freedom within the forest near their houses. When they stumble upon an old Victorian mansion, curiosity grabs them by their hands and they enter a dangerous and creepy maze they might not escape from.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere and setting of this book. I felt for both the main characters, and the premise was extremely interesting. It’s a story filled with heartache, betrayal and friendship. I never turn away a good haunted house story, and this one certainly satisfied my dark heart.
The only downside is that I was very confused about the dialogue at times. The lines either didn’t exactly match at times, or it was hard to tell who was speaking. Also I would like to point out that the author did use the word “gawk” a few too many times, which is not a deal breaker for me, but I know some people get tired of repetition quickly.
Thank you Claire for letting me read it early.
Rounded up from 3.5 skulls:
“When we Entered that House” by Claire L. Smith is a spooky tale of two best friends who try to escape the pain of their everyday life, but end up in the wrong place. Both the protagonist Zoe and her friend Elle live a difficult life and try to find freedom within the forest near their houses. When they stumble upon an old Victorian mansion, curiosity grabs them by their hands and they enter a dangerous and creepy maze they might not escape from.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere and setting of this book. I felt for both the main characters, and the premise was extremely interesting. It’s a story filled with heartache, betrayal and friendship. I never turn away a good haunted house story, and this one certainly satisfied my dark heart.
The only downside is that I was very confused about the dialogue at times. The lines either didn’t exactly match at times, or it was hard to tell who was speaking. Also I would like to point out that the author did use the word “gawk” a few too many times, which is not a deal breaker for me, but I know some people get tired of repetition quickly.
Thank you Claire for letting me read it early.
biancarosesmith's review
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads.
When We Entered That House is a spooky story about two young girls who wander into the woods one day and find more than they bargained for. They stumble upon an old, crumbling mansion with a sickly looking, strange little girl who watches them and is desperate for friends to play with. The forest is incredibly eerie and there’s strange dolls too. Creepy? You bet.
I enjoyed witnessing the friendship of the two main protagonists Zoe and Elle and the bond they shared as they tackled evil together. It was all rather sweet and endearing. The house was fascinating as it appeared to have some sort of strange compulsion over the main protagonist Zoe and it shifted and changed throughout the story. Time seemed to feel like minutes in the house but yet outside it could have been days or months.
I also enjoyed the atmosphere and setting, particularly the mansion and forest. It provided the perfect back drop for a spooky story. It is clear that Claire has a wonderful ability for weaving gothic elements into a story and understands the value of putting time and effort into a setting.
This is the first book I have read of Claire’s and I was pleasantly pleased. I have some very minor criticisms such as the timelines feeling like they were somewhat jolting for me. It is a short read though so I appreciate the difficulty in executing this.
I am excited to follow Claire’s development as an author and look forward to reading her future works. Thank you Claire for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When We Entered That House is a spooky story about two young girls who wander into the woods one day and find more than they bargained for. They stumble upon an old, crumbling mansion with a sickly looking, strange little girl who watches them and is desperate for friends to play with. The forest is incredibly eerie and there’s strange dolls too. Creepy? You bet.
I enjoyed witnessing the friendship of the two main protagonists Zoe and Elle and the bond they shared as they tackled evil together. It was all rather sweet and endearing. The house was fascinating as it appeared to have some sort of strange compulsion over the main protagonist Zoe and it shifted and changed throughout the story. Time seemed to feel like minutes in the house but yet outside it could have been days or months.
I also enjoyed the atmosphere and setting, particularly the mansion and forest. It provided the perfect back drop for a spooky story. It is clear that Claire has a wonderful ability for weaving gothic elements into a story and understands the value of putting time and effort into a setting.
This is the first book I have read of Claire’s and I was pleasantly pleased. I have some very minor criticisms such as the timelines feeling like they were somewhat jolting for me. It is a short read though so I appreciate the difficulty in executing this.
I am excited to follow Claire’s development as an author and look forward to reading her future works. Thank you Claire for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
inkychaotics's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
"Now, I feel like my tongue is soaked in lemon juice, the things that I once loved sour against my gums."
I'm a huge fan of Claire L. Smith's debut novella Helena, and I was thrilled to read her second book. Smith's signature gothic-flavored voice shows up throughout the prose, and it really adds to the atmosphere of the eerie house in the woods where time moves differently, subjecting Zoe to a whirlwind of nightmares as she battles through a rough childhood that only seems to get more difficult.
I really appreciated how flawed all of the characters are in the book -- we get glimpses into what motivates each one, and we also see how our main character is able to grow and change, and thus, become stronger and more sure of herself. It was really moving to see Zoe come into her own, but she still had her demons to deal with until the very end. As always, I look forward to seeing what Claire does next!
I'm a huge fan of Claire L. Smith's debut novella Helena, and I was thrilled to read her second book. Smith's signature gothic-flavored voice shows up throughout the prose, and it really adds to the atmosphere of the eerie house in the woods where time moves differently, subjecting Zoe to a whirlwind of nightmares as she battles through a rough childhood that only seems to get more difficult.
I really appreciated how flawed all of the characters are in the book -- we get glimpses into what motivates each one, and we also see how our main character is able to grow and change, and thus, become stronger and more sure of herself. It was really moving to see Zoe come into her own, but she still had her demons to deal with until the very end. As always, I look forward to seeing what Claire does next!
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