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enchanterheir's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting read, there were a few spots I had a hard time following but overall I really enjoyed it!
digigirl1212's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
withthebanned's review against another edition
4.0
Originally reviewed on Books Take You Places
When my friend and fellow blogger Estelle reached out to ask me if I wanted to read and review The Book of Kindly Deaths by Eldritch Black I was a bit hesitant due to time and responsibilities and ya know, life. But when she told me that it was being geared toward fans of Neil Gaiman, my interest was immediately piqued. Then I read the synopsis and realized that the gal was right, the book was right up my alley. Many thanks to Estelle, Eldritch Black, and Spencer Hill Press for giving me a chance to read and review what turned out to be a rather perfect book for my tastes.
As you can see, this is a story about Eliza Winter and her adventures in a world unlike our own in order to save her grandfather, and others who have been affected by the monsters who frequent the streets of this parallel land. While reading, I was at first somewhat wary because The Book of Kindly Deaths read a bit like a compilation of short stories. In fact, it was very reminiscent of On The Day I Died: Stories From the Grave by Candace Fleming, which was entertaining, but not what I was looking for. Thankfully once I delved further into the story things started to come together and I really enjoyed the different tie ins from the stories within the Book of Kindly Deaths. There was one particularly interesting story filled with characters called “the wrong people.” That is, they were all together wrong. They were a group of “people” with greasy wiry hair, yellowed skin, and crooked teeth who eat mud pie filled with rotten vegetables. They lock up humans, and bring them out for show so that other residents of Grimwytch can see their abnormalities – that is, pale skin, white teeth and normal hands and toes. I loved Katherine’s story, and her escape from Grimwytch and the bittersweet ending to her story.
Our main character Eliza was a wonderful and refreshing voice, I especially enjoyed how her character was the perfect amount of strong and naive. I did not feel jarred out of the story as one sometimes does when reading narration from middle grade main characters. Eliza had spunk and strength, yet she (and we the readers) were often reminded that she is still just a kid in a vast land trying to survive. I also loved Shard, I was sad for him and loved his strength. I think that he and Eliza make an absolutely perfect team and I hope that the author plans on giving us more stories of these two and their adventures.
I can’t write this review without talking about Grim Shivers and his associates. You guys know how I love me a villain, well let me tell you, The Grims (though not technically the villains of the novel) in this book were fantastic. I bookmarked the page where they were first mentioned immediately after reading it because I couldn’t get enough and just want more stories and background from these characters. How does one become a Grim, Mr. Black? Do they all stand as overseers of different parts of Grimwytch, much like the witches in the Land of Oz? Tell me more!
There are so many things to love about The Book of Kindly Deaths, Eldritch Black is so descriptive that I couldn’t help but be delighted when picturing the hoardspikes, hackthins, and aranachiros that frequent the land of Grimwytch. The characters were layered and mysterious, and their stories left me wanting more. This is the perfect type of book to pick up if you are a fan of the darker side of middle grade novels. Fans of Claire Legrand and yes, even Neil Gaiman will be delighted to read about the monsters that frequent this land.
Shelf Talker: Overall I loved The Book of Kindly Deaths, it was gothic, and macabre, and all around right up my alley. The novel definitely ended on a note that makes one think that there will definitely be more from Eliza and Shard, and I am happy to say that I can’t wait to see what’s next.
When my friend and fellow blogger Estelle reached out to ask me if I wanted to read and review The Book of Kindly Deaths by Eldritch Black I was a bit hesitant due to time and responsibilities and ya know, life. But when she told me that it was being geared toward fans of Neil Gaiman, my interest was immediately piqued. Then I read the synopsis and realized that the gal was right, the book was right up my alley. Many thanks to Estelle, Eldritch Black, and Spencer Hill Press for giving me a chance to read and review what turned out to be a rather perfect book for my tastes.
As you can see, this is a story about Eliza Winter and her adventures in a world unlike our own in order to save her grandfather, and others who have been affected by the monsters who frequent the streets of this parallel land. While reading, I was at first somewhat wary because The Book of Kindly Deaths read a bit like a compilation of short stories. In fact, it was very reminiscent of On The Day I Died: Stories From the Grave by Candace Fleming, which was entertaining, but not what I was looking for. Thankfully once I delved further into the story things started to come together and I really enjoyed the different tie ins from the stories within the Book of Kindly Deaths. There was one particularly interesting story filled with characters called “the wrong people.” That is, they were all together wrong. They were a group of “people” with greasy wiry hair, yellowed skin, and crooked teeth who eat mud pie filled with rotten vegetables. They lock up humans, and bring them out for show so that other residents of Grimwytch can see their abnormalities – that is, pale skin, white teeth and normal hands and toes. I loved Katherine’s story, and her escape from Grimwytch and the bittersweet ending to her story.
Our main character Eliza was a wonderful and refreshing voice, I especially enjoyed how her character was the perfect amount of strong and naive. I did not feel jarred out of the story as one sometimes does when reading narration from middle grade main characters. Eliza had spunk and strength, yet she (and we the readers) were often reminded that she is still just a kid in a vast land trying to survive. I also loved Shard, I was sad for him and loved his strength. I think that he and Eliza make an absolutely perfect team and I hope that the author plans on giving us more stories of these two and their adventures.
I can’t write this review without talking about Grim Shivers and his associates. You guys know how I love me a villain, well let me tell you, The Grims (though not technically the villains of the novel) in this book were fantastic. I bookmarked the page where they were first mentioned immediately after reading it because I couldn’t get enough and just want more stories and background from these characters. How does one become a Grim, Mr. Black? Do they all stand as overseers of different parts of Grimwytch, much like the witches in the Land of Oz? Tell me more!
There are so many things to love about The Book of Kindly Deaths, Eldritch Black is so descriptive that I couldn’t help but be delighted when picturing the hoardspikes, hackthins, and aranachiros that frequent the land of Grimwytch. The characters were layered and mysterious, and their stories left me wanting more. This is the perfect type of book to pick up if you are a fan of the darker side of middle grade novels. Fans of Claire Legrand and yes, even Neil Gaiman will be delighted to read about the monsters that frequent this land.
Shelf Talker: Overall I loved The Book of Kindly Deaths, it was gothic, and macabre, and all around right up my alley. The novel definitely ended on a note that makes one think that there will definitely be more from Eliza and Shard, and I am happy to say that I can’t wait to see what’s next.
nancyemcc66's review
2.0
Not my cup of tea. Rather nasty in spots, which I think the author would be happy to hear. If you like very ghoulish things, you will like this book.
cthuwu's review against another edition
5.0
hello i would like more of this please. this is like kinda middle grade but the kind of middle grade you give to your child to fuck them up (but like just a little, yknow?). i would have LOVED THIS in middle school and honestly i love it now.
my only complaint is that the third act was a little rushed. i would have loved to see more of eliza in the grimwytch, but i guess i'll just have to go there myself
my only complaint is that the third act was a little rushed. i would have loved to see more of eliza in the grimwytch, but i guess i'll just have to go there myself
charlotte_owl's review against another edition
3.0
If I rated the book halfway in, I probably would have given it only 3 stars, as it is, I enjoyed the later half more.
This story starts off with the main protagonist discovering the book. While she deals with issues in her real life, she also reads the stories described inside the book. Some authors can do this well, having stories with the main story. However, I didn't enjoy these mini-stories very much. I was unable to become attached to the characters in these stories (who were often unlikeable). However, when the story focused on the main protagonist, I found it interesting. And the story itself really picked up during the later half, when the focus was purely on the main protagonist.
This story is a dark fantasy focused on a young preteen girl. She discovers a book left behind by her grandfather, which describes supernatural creatures (in a slightly dark, disturbing and creepy way). Alongside the discover of this book, she and her family are haunted by a supernatural creature. In an attempt to save herself and to find her grandfather, the girl enters the dimension mentioned inside the book, and goes on a short quest. The beings and the world inside the book are slightly disturbing and dark. Not ultra-so, naturally, as it is YA. But something almost Burton-esque. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, give it a shot! While I would not highly recommend it, it is enjoyable, especially as you reached a certain point in the story.
This story starts off with the main protagonist discovering the book. While she deals with issues in her real life, she also reads the stories described inside the book. Some authors can do this well, having stories with the main story. However, I didn't enjoy these mini-stories very much. I was unable to become attached to the characters in these stories (who were often unlikeable). However, when the story focused on the main protagonist, I found it interesting. And the story itself really picked up during the later half, when the focus was purely on the main protagonist.
This story is a dark fantasy focused on a young preteen girl. She discovers a book left behind by her grandfather, which describes supernatural creatures (in a slightly dark, disturbing and creepy way). Alongside the discover of this book, she and her family are haunted by a supernatural creature. In an attempt to save herself and to find her grandfather, the girl enters the dimension mentioned inside the book, and goes on a short quest. The beings and the world inside the book are slightly disturbing and dark. Not ultra-so, naturally, as it is YA. But something almost Burton-esque. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, give it a shot! While I would not highly recommend it, it is enjoyable, especially as you reached a certain point in the story.
aly36's review against another edition
3.0
This book was ok for me. I liked the idea of the book but I don't think I quite understood everything the author wanted me too about the Grimwytch. I think another land of monsters is a good concept but I wanted it to go further with it maybe. I just feel this book could've have been more than what it was for me.
kellyhager's review
5.0
I absolutely love the concept behind this book! It reminds me of one of the first horror movies I ever saw, I, Madman, which has the idea that the books we read may become real and that things would maybe not be as awesome as we may expect. (In the Mouth of Madness is similar.)
But this is not quite the same thing. This is a middlegrade novel and while parts are certainly creepy, it's appropriate for anyone who enjoys Goosebumps (and I find this much more fun and better written).
I devoured this book, and felt for Eliza. She's completely unprepared for the events that are starting to happen to and around her, but she rallies to the occasion. She's the kind of heroine I want my niece and goddaughters to read about, the kind of smart, resourceful girl who can be trusted to take care of things on her own.
I love this book and can't wait to see what Eldritch Black does next.
Highly recommended.
But this is not quite the same thing. This is a middlegrade novel and while parts are certainly creepy, it's appropriate for anyone who enjoys Goosebumps (and I find this much more fun and better written).
I devoured this book, and felt for Eliza. She's completely unprepared for the events that are starting to happen to and around her, but she rallies to the occasion. She's the kind of heroine I want my niece and goddaughters to read about, the kind of smart, resourceful girl who can be trusted to take care of things on her own.
I love this book and can't wait to see what Eldritch Black does next.
Highly recommended.
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