Reviews

The Tangled Woods by Emily Raboteau

kandicez's review

2.0

This was the second installment of the Dark Corners series to rely heavily on Harry Potter for a story frame.

Reginald, a movie critic, is taking his family on a vacation not of his choosing and is being a bit of a dick about it. Not only that, but the result of the latest in his string of affairs waits for his return. I disliked Reginald so much that this story was destined to fail for me.

wednesdayzombie's review

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide and Violence

Minor: Abortion

cjbenslay08's review against another edition

4.0

It seems I’m in the minority here, but I did enjoy this short story. Yes, the main character came across as unlikeable, cynical and jaded, but I found some of his thoughts relatable in the current climate of our country. This short story deals with quite a few heavy, “political” topics, but I feel they force the reader outside of their comfort zone and to consider a different perspective. My take away from this short was that no matter the ugliness in the world, by joining our children in their innocence, we can find peace.

demzy's review against another edition

3.0

Started out super promising, super realistic. I was ready for the turn of events that would make it, however the turn wasn't as expected and a bit anticlimactic. Promise for sure, just didn't feel the follow through. Still worth the read as a short story.

cmqsf's review

sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

irv_in_the_books's review

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

rimaw's review

3.0

☆ 3/5 ☆ - this book was confusing right from the start. i don’t know if it was just me, but there were so many unnecessary things thrown in that although they did add a bit more intrigue, they had no purpose whatsoever. i couldn’t keep track of what was going on or where the family was and i only started to enjoy the book in the last 10 pages.

rramzan's review

4.0

Snarky

The narrator points out all the truths most people choose to ignore. He judges everyone and everything that comes in his path.

jewelaquino's review

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

cierra_marie's review

2.0

I've listened to three of the Dark Corner collection, and The Tangled Woods was my least favorite. While it was an okay story, it just felt out of place for the collection.