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phaedraismyusername's review
dark
mysterious
3.5
An interesting little collection of stories and while there weren't any 5 star stand outs for me personally I would read from this author again
read_late's review against another edition
The prose felt stilted, cluttered, and purple--almost Victorian. The dialogue was forced. I gave it just over 30 minutes, but it never pulled me in, and it failed to paint any sort of mental picture.
Storyline never did grab me on that first story.
Heavy on the tell.
This one just wasn't for me.
Storyline never did grab me on that first story.
Heavy on the tell.
This one just wasn't for me.
pamwinkler's review
4.0
Over all, a good solid collection. There was nothing that blew me a way, but a lot of good and lovely pieces.
Villa Locusta was interesting. I liked it.
Trap-Weed was interesting; I liked it too.
Sown From Salt wasn't what I expected, but was good.
Two Captains was strange, since it's set earlier than Trap-Weed. So you know what's going to happen. But it's not like they didn't know that, so they must have intended it. I liked it.
Jack-Knife was good, but I didn't like that it was written like a play. Still good though.
A Feast for Dust was lovely.
Drawn Up From Deep Places was also prior to Trap-Weed, so I know how it was going to end. I really loved it though.
Hell Friend was good. Totally different world. It was sweet in some ways.
Satan's Jewel Crown was nice. It felt like the same world as A Feast for Dust or Sown From Salt. I liked it.
The Salt Wedding was nice, and a solid entry to the Trap-Weed series.
Villa Locusta was interesting. I liked it.
Trap-Weed was interesting; I liked it too.
Sown From Salt wasn't what I expected, but was good.
Two Captains was strange, since it's set earlier than Trap-Weed. So you know what's going to happen. But it's not like they didn't know that, so they must have intended it. I liked it.
Jack-Knife was good, but I didn't like that it was written like a play. Still good though.
A Feast for Dust was lovely.
Drawn Up From Deep Places was also prior to Trap-Weed, so I know how it was going to end. I really loved it though.
Hell Friend was good. Totally different world. It was sweet in some ways.
Satan's Jewel Crown was nice. It felt like the same world as A Feast for Dust or Sown From Salt. I liked it.
The Salt Wedding was nice, and a solid entry to the Trap-Weed series.
chesspargeter's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another wonderful collection by Gemma Files. As an avid lover of her work, I'm pleased to say this is just as good as all her other works. The characters are complex, the world building is incredible, and the wordcraft is filled with her trademark visceral creepiness. I was drawn in by every word.
Again as an avid Files fan, I was very happy to read stories set in both the Five Family Coven and Hexslinger universes. I could barely contain my glee when I saw the words "Rusk" and "hexation." I really applaud Files for being able to return to these worlds yet make the stories fresh and just as intriguing as the originals. I loved seeing Solomon and Ankolee Rusk become well rounded characters rather than just names on a list. And Mister Phillips is such a wonderful and chilling man. I really love trans characters in older stories because despite current ideas, we have been around forever.
Besides those, I liked the other tales too. My favourite was the Reese stories, since I love a good revenge. The Jack the Ripper one was probably my least favourite, but that doesn't make it bad. Less than good Files is miles ahead of most writers. I'm just not super interested in the subject matter
Overall, wonderfully chilling tales from a phenomenal author. Everytime I buy a new Files book, I'm reassured I got more than my money's worth. If you're lookkng for dense, complicated, chilling, and disturbing horror, then look no further.
Again as an avid Files fan,
Besides those, I liked the other tales too. My favourite was the Reese stories, since I love a good revenge. The Jack the Ripper one was probably my least favourite, but that doesn't make it bad. Less than good Files is miles ahead of most writers. I'm just not super interested in the subject matter
Overall, wonderfully chilling tales from a phenomenal author. Everytime I buy a new Files book, I'm reassured I got more than my money's worth. If you're lookkng for dense, complicated, chilling, and disturbing horror, then look no further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Body horror, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Racism
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