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iceangel9's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
A historical fantasy set in South Africa. When Sana and her father move to an old mansion that has been turned into apartments, Sana discovers that the tenants are more than a little strange, as is the house. She begins to wonder about the family that built the house and as she begins to discover their history, strange things begin to happen. When the secrets of the house come to light, will the truth destroy them all? The premise is amazing, but the book was not what I thought it would be - this limited my enjoyment, maybe had I read it at a different time or not read the inside cover I might have gone in with fewer preconceptions - this might have helped. I may try the book again later.
kplilly's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sofipitch's review
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
This book was a very character driven reflection on love and grief. It didn't have much of a plot but I enjoyed the individual characters and their story. I was moving and cleaning a lot while listening, so I feel it not being plotty but still immersive was ideal. The prose was often pretty. My only gripes I feel like are marketing issues? This is marked as horror and isn't horror, it has gothic set dressing but no horror imo.
Moderate: Grief and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Classism, Death, Child abuse, and Death of parent
manderzreadz's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for granting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts:)
Wow did this book surprise me! I thought I was diving into a typical historical fiction about immigrants to South Africa during political upheaval but got so much more.
This book blends the physical and the spiritual, and touches on darker topics that leave you reflecting on what legacy you leave on those around you.
I enjoyed the personification pieces about the house, you really got the atmospheric vibes. It was a tad slow at the beginning but I enjoyed it about 30% of the way through.
Wow did this book surprise me! I thought I was diving into a typical historical fiction about immigrants to South Africa during political upheaval but got so much more.
This book blends the physical and the spiritual, and touches on darker topics that leave you reflecting on what legacy you leave on those around you.
I enjoyed the personification pieces about the house, you really got the atmospheric vibes. It was a tad slow at the beginning but I enjoyed it about 30% of the way through.
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Suicide, and Emotional abuse
scheskie's review
It was just too slow for me. I think maybe the author was trying to set the mood but it was all just slow, slow, slow and not a ton of character development. I need a little more!
goodvibes22's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
emilydehaven's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0