”He had been shown the perfect religion. One that required no faith. Nor were there any parables to communicate its lessons, because there were none t”He had been shown the perfect religion. One that required no faith. Nor were there any parables to communicate its lessons, because there were none to be taught. Only this: that death was blank. Not a doorway, but a wall, against which the whole human race was mounded like jetsam. He felt like a drowning man himself, flailing about for something to hold on to. Just one thing that might help him stay afloat a little longer, even if it was bound to sink in the end.”
I’m going back and forth between making this a 4 star or 5 star rating—4 stars because it’s extremely slow and reads more like literary horror with strong religious themes than a dread-filled, fast-paced, blood soaked, horror novel, 5 stars because I occasionally like slow books with English settings and passages that haunt me. I can already tell this story is going to stick with me and I’m going to think back on it for years and years.
I have to think on it. But for now let’s say this is 4.5/5 stars for me. In spite of its sluggish pace, I loved the gothic/folk horror elements, the subtle unease, and the ambiguous ending! So…..do with that what you will!...more
“We are all, men and women, creatures of desires both good and bad. But everything has a price, and the price of indulging in that which is bad for us“We are all, men and women, creatures of desires both good and bad. But everything has a price, and the price of indulging in that which is bad for us is often guilt; and too much guilt results in a sickness of the mind. We have poisoned our conscience, and something poisoned will need treatment one day—or it will rot.”
Blending historical fiction with a touch of haunting supernatural eeriness, Alma Katsu knows how to weave a compelling story out of a notorious event we all know well: the sinking of the Titanic.
Having survived the traumatic demise of the Titanic back in 1912, Irish maid Annie Hebbley is now working as a nurse aboard the HMHS Britannic in the midst of the first World War. When she encounters a familiar face—someone she thought had been lost to the icy depths of the Atlantic on that doomed night of the Titanic’s sinking—Annie is haunted by memories of the past.
As one of many fans of any book, film, or documentary about the tragedy of the Titanic, I loved this book! It’s slow-pacing with lots of time to get to know a large cast of compelling characters both real and fictional—each with their own dark secrets. While this isn’t a story static with action and dripping with blood, it is haunting, drama-ridden, eerie, with plenty of paranoia, superstitions, and in the background of it all, a rumor that something spectral haunts the famous ship. Not to mention a fascinating twist near the end!
Mixing historical fact with supernatural fiction—as author Alma Katsu always does so brilliantly in her novels—The Deep is perfect for Titanic history fanatics, readers who regularly enjoy historical fiction, and folks who might be new to the horror genre!
(Thank you to the publisher for my #gifted re-issued paperback review copy! )...more
“Some people believe in God, I suppose, and some people believe in nothing…And some people believe in something else.”
This was leisurely-paced, comin“Some people believe in God, I suppose, and some people believe in nothing…And some people believe in something else.”
This was leisurely-paced, coming-of-age, folk horror with accumulating dread. In spite of this book being set during a historic heatwave, the unease throughout gave me chills! Definitely a great read-alike for Shirley Jackson fans!...more
"I am not a place where nature can be weeded and tamed and kept in order. I am tree roots – and dark hollows – and ancient moss – and the cry of the o"I am not a place where nature can be weeded and tamed and kept in order. I am tree roots – and dark hollows – and ancient moss – and the cry of the owls. I am not a thing that you can shape, not anymore. I am no garden, but the woods, and if you ever come near me again, every but of wilderness in me will rise up to bite you. I will tear your throat out with my teeth."
This was very slow paced but pushing through was SO worth it. ...more
I am truly hoping T. Kingfisher has several novellas within her Sworn Soldiers series lined up for the future, now that she’s got two under her belt tI am truly hoping T. Kingfisher has several novellas within her Sworn Soldiers series lined up for the future, now that she’s got two under her belt that are sure to entertain readers.
While the first story reimagined an Edgar Allan Poe classic with the creeping threat of a fungal spread, Kingfisher’s newest installment starring beloved protagonist Alex Easton is sure to take your breath away—or at least that’s what it’s threatening to do. Borrowing from the folklore of the Night Hag, the story follows Easton back to their home country of Gallacia where they from locals that a breath-stealing monster is said to be terrorizing the village of Wolf’s Ear, snatching souls in victims’ sleep.
In an early Tor Nightfire article, Kingfisher expressed that writing Alex Easton has become a joy for her, and it truly shows on the page. I love Easton as a protagonist and enjoyed getting to know them better as they introduce readers to their way of life, their way of speaking, and a glimpse into their war-burdened past. I can see a whole series of books, with Alex Easton leading the charge and facing battles both real and supernatural.
Readers will have a fun time with this one! But be warned not to crack open this book after a heavy meal when you're feeling cozy and drowsy and ready to turn in for the night. Stay alert, stay awake!...more
Nina The Wandering Reader
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