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shaniamarie21's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
baddandbookish's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I have seen other reviews on this book that gave it 5 stars which I can respect. Im just sure this wasnt for me. This is actually the first "horror" book Ive read. Ever. Im a dedicated romance reader that has recent decided to branch out and explore other genres. This book was included in a "horror written by Black authors" TikTok video and I was interested in the cover art, initially. Less so by the blurb but intrigued enough to give it a try.
When I think horror, I imagine eerie, creepy, watch your back feelings making your anxiety peak as you turn the pages. I thought I would be scared reading this. I found myself confused more so than anything else. I understand that the bases for the elements of fear are based in a spiritual practice and belief system that I am not personally familiar with. This definitely added to my disconnect from the story. It felt more like a thriller - which is does say that it is - and a mystery "who done it" rather than a horror. I do also understand that the horror genre umbrella covers more than just jump scares but gore and disturbing content as well. I just didnt get that experience with this book.
I think that in order to understand what I read, Ill need to read this one over again.
When I think horror, I imagine eerie, creepy, watch your back feelings making your anxiety peak as you turn the pages. I thought I would be scared reading this. I found myself confused more so than anything else. I understand that the bases for the elements of fear are based in a spiritual practice and belief system that I am not personally familiar with. This definitely added to my disconnect from the story. It felt more like a thriller - which is does say that it is - and a mystery "who done it" rather than a horror. I do also understand that the horror genre umbrella covers more than just jump scares but gore and disturbing content as well. I just didnt get that experience with this book.
I think that in order to understand what I read, Ill need to read this one over again.
evavroslin's review
5.0
I have been anticipating this book for a long time, and even though it's coming at the tail end of 2020, I hope many horror readers will discover its awesomeness heading into the new year. The author, Tonia Ransom, had their work cut out for them with the explosive beginning. It is a challenging way to start for any writer, but Ransom makes the narrative compelling as the protagonist tries to figure out their new normal (I'm leaving it deliberately vague to avoid spoilers). It's an emotionally wrenching beginning, and one that leads up to a tale of discovery and trying to find out the truth.
"Risen" is one heck of a zombie novel -- the fantastic cover art by Lynne Hansen suggested to me that Baron Samedi, the lord of the dead in Haitian vodou, might figure prominently in this book and I was pleased to see that unfold. I loved this representation of the Baron, and found it fascinating to see what would happen next. The story is a fantastic, page-turning game of cat and mouse and there's a lot more than meets the eye. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
"Risen" is one heck of a zombie novel -- the fantastic cover art by Lynne Hansen suggested to me that Baron Samedi, the lord of the dead in Haitian vodou, might figure prominently in this book and I was pleased to see that unfold. I loved this representation of the Baron, and found it fascinating to see what would happen next. The story is a fantastic, page-turning game of cat and mouse and there's a lot more than meets the eye. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
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