Category: book review

Dark, unsettling, and beautifully written — and weirdly timed for me in the most fitting way possible

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker completely sank its claws into me from the first page. I’ve always loved horror with folklore at its core, but this took it to another level — eerie, brutal, and layered with real emotional weight. The story pulls no punches, exploring grief, … Continue reading Dark, unsettling, and beautifully written — and weirdly timed for me in the most fitting way possible

Holly’s Still Standing: “Never Flinch” Brings Her Back With Bite

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Never Flinch by Stephen King picks up where Holly left off, and it’s great to see Holly Gibney back in action—older, wearier, but still as sharp and stubborn as ever. This latest instalment doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of her previous outing, but it’s a solid, chilling continuation of her story, and Stephen … Continue reading Holly’s Still Standing: “Never Flinch” Brings Her Back With Bite

A Timely Triumph: Death at His Finest

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Death books have always been my favourite corner of the Discworld series, and Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett more than delivers everything I love about them — big ideas, biting humour, and characters that feel both ridiculous and strangely wise. It’s one of those books that plays with the fabric of reality … Continue reading A Timely Triumph: Death at His Finest

Creepy Concept, But Didn’t Quite Come Together

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

⭐⭐⭐ The September House by Carissa Orlando had a lot of potential. I liked the premise—someone choosing to stay in a haunted house rather than flee is a great twist on the usual formula. Margaret is an interesting lead, and her deadpan, matter-of-fact approach to the hauntings added a unique tone to the book. But … Continue reading Creepy Concept, But Didn’t Quite Come Together