Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Gothic Fiction
Published Date October 3, 2023, 308 pages
This was my book club’s September pick, unfortunately I won’t be able to attend but I was so excited for this book I wanted to make sure I read it and I really, really liked it.
It’s set in Kentucky, giving a southern gothic vibe that I am 100% there for. The setting, the town, the people, I can picture it all so well. It was a beautifully written book showing the dark side of a town and the effects it can have on people from many different angles across generations. I think this is a very layered read which makes it great for a book club discussion, it would be really interesting to hear different people’s points of view on the ending and how they interpreted different points throughout the book.
This book did not have discussion questions in the back, at least my hard back copy did not, but it does look like some other blogs have written questions that could be used if you needed help getting the conversation going.
The characters were great, I’m rooting for everyone. There is a dry sense of dark humor throughout which is my absolute favorite so there were many points where I’m chuckling to myself. There are also some serious moments that are a bit heartbreaking, so I felt all of the emotions while reading.
I gave this book a 5/5 based on me really enjoying all of the different aspects, from the characters to the setting, to the plot. I would definitely re-read this book because now that I have finished it, I'm super curious to go back and see if there was some foreshadowing or hints that I missed. I would recommend it if you are looking for a gothic, paranormal story that has mystery and as you're reading has you a bit obsessed with getting to the bottom of what is happening in this town.
Favorite Quote: “…Arthur understands for the first time why Hades stole Persephone, why a man who has spent his life in winter might do anything at all for a taste of spring.”
SIDE NOTE: This is the third book by Alix E. Harrow that I have read, I recently did a post on The Ten Thousand Doors of January, so you can go check that out. I’ve also read The Once and Future Witches which is probably a top 10 book for me in the fantasy category, I tell anyone who will listen to me to go and check that book out. So, if you’re listening, read it 😊.
-All the Books, All the Tea