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Open the Casket
A ghost, he has the freedom to roam as long as he stays within the black gates. What he didn't expect was to fall in love. Can he protect the grave she's mourning? Can he restore the guidepost for all spirits who pass through the cemetery? Should he remain or transcend? So many questions, and yet one thing is for certain—he must protect the guidepost at all costs.
186 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2023
22 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Eagles
5 books25 followersJ.N. Eagles lives in Alabama, USA with her husband, daughter, two cats, and a flock of backyard chickens. She graduated from Athens State University with her Bachelor's in English/Language Arts and also graduated from the University of North Alabama with a MFA in Writing. In her free time, she reads and gardens. Kings and Queens was her first book of poetry, though she plans to write more and in different genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 25, 2023
As someone who is not a frequent poetry reader I have to say this book is so beautifully written! I was instantly gripped from start to finish. A complete story is told through various poetic forms weaving from one to the next. There is even a wonderful plot twist! Alternating between dark and morbid yet light and hopeful, J.N. Eagles takes so many emotions and blends them spectacularly into verse. I adore how well this story flows and the overall presentation. This was such a unique read for me and I truly enjoyed it! If you’re a poetry lover or even just looking for an excellent, fast paced read for spooky season I highly recommend picking up Open The Casket!
April 12, 2023
It was an interesting book! I particularly enjoyed the longer pieces of prose. It was a great find for Indie April.
June 5, 2023
I had the honor of beta reading this book and…well, my review on the cover pretty much sums up what I thought:
“I’m an absolute sucker for things like this and I enjoyed it from start to finish!”
[Unrelated note: It’s so weird and cool my review on the cover of someone else’s book!]
Whether I beta read or edit books, I still like to read the official published book to get the full reader experience. I enjoyed the poems and story as much this time around as I did in the beta read - though this read through takes the cake because it was a physical copy (which I’m also a sucker for)!
Jordan is one of my favorite poets because of her poetry style of combining stories with poetic forms. I’ve read Kings and Queens and Beneath the Ocean - loved both! But I’m also a fan of darker stuff and this book had me giddy like a school girl!
It gives off wonderfully dark and yet somehow hopeful vibes with a dash of envy, love, and acceptance. Jordan does an excellent job of bringing so many emotions to a story told in verse and it’s inspiring!
“I’m an absolute sucker for things like this and I enjoyed it from start to finish!”
[Unrelated note: It’s so weird and cool my review on the cover of someone else’s book!]
Whether I beta read or edit books, I still like to read the official published book to get the full reader experience. I enjoyed the poems and story as much this time around as I did in the beta read - though this read through takes the cake because it was a physical copy (which I’m also a sucker for)!
Jordan is one of my favorite poets because of her poetry style of combining stories with poetic forms. I’ve read Kings and Queens and Beneath the Ocean - loved both! But I’m also a fan of darker stuff and this book had me giddy like a school girl!
It gives off wonderfully dark and yet somehow hopeful vibes with a dash of envy, love, and acceptance. Jordan does an excellent job of bringing so many emotions to a story told in verse and it’s inspiring!
May 8, 2023
"Only alive, to eventually die "
I was completely engrossed in this book from the first page and couldn't put it down.Although I don't typically read poetry, the book was beautifully written with simple, thought-provoking rhymes.
In the story, a man dies and discovers that his spirit is imprisoned in a cemetery.He eventually finds love, but to be reunited with his sweetheart, he must endure the test of time.Not only does the plot keep you turning the pages, but the illustrations on the pages also make it easier for you to picture the setting of the story.
Additionally, numerous vocabulary definitions are put in verse throughout the book, which makes you think more deeply about the fundamental concepts.
Huge thanks to J.N. Eagles, the author, and Hazel's Book Tour for providing the book in exchange for my frank assessment.The fact that I received this book does not affect my opinion of it; I believe it to be a fantastic book
I was completely engrossed in this book from the first page and couldn't put it down.Although I don't typically read poetry, the book was beautifully written with simple, thought-provoking rhymes.
In the story, a man dies and discovers that his spirit is imprisoned in a cemetery.He eventually finds love, but to be reunited with his sweetheart, he must endure the test of time.Not only does the plot keep you turning the pages, but the illustrations on the pages also make it easier for you to picture the setting of the story.
Additionally, numerous vocabulary definitions are put in verse throughout the book, which makes you think more deeply about the fundamental concepts.
Huge thanks to J.N. Eagles, the author, and Hazel's Book Tour for providing the book in exchange for my frank assessment.The fact that I received this book does not affect my opinion of it; I believe it to be a fantastic book
June 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Open the Casket
What I Liked
⚰️ A good introductory book for poetry
⚰️ Easy read
What I Didn’t Like
👻 A little hard to follow for someone who doesn’t know the rules of poetry
💫 Full disclosure, I do not read poetry often. I also received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I almost never read poetry. In fact, I’ve never had a book full of it. While I appreciate the story, I don’t think this book was for me. If you want to get into poetry, I’d highly suggest checking it out since it seemed like a good introductory. Personally, though, I had a hard time following the book. I feel I would have enjoyed it more if I understood the rules of poetry or had more exposure to that. Overall, I have concluded poetry is not for me but that doesn’t mean this book isn’t for you! This was a good, dark horror poetry book which I feel you don’t see often in this genre of writing. I’d recommend checking it out if you love poetry or want a quick, dark read.
Open the Casket
What I Liked
⚰️ A good introductory book for poetry
⚰️ Easy read
What I Didn’t Like
👻 A little hard to follow for someone who doesn’t know the rules of poetry
💫 Full disclosure, I do not read poetry often. I also received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I almost never read poetry. In fact, I’ve never had a book full of it. While I appreciate the story, I don’t think this book was for me. If you want to get into poetry, I’d highly suggest checking it out since it seemed like a good introductory. Personally, though, I had a hard time following the book. I feel I would have enjoyed it more if I understood the rules of poetry or had more exposure to that. Overall, I have concluded poetry is not for me but that doesn’t mean this book isn’t for you! This was a good, dark horror poetry book which I feel you don’t see often in this genre of writing. I’d recommend checking it out if you love poetry or want a quick, dark read.
September 25, 2023
Eagles does a great job of threading a complete story through a series of poems - some acrostic, others poetic prose or blackout. We are brought into a world of a mysterious ghost, a grieving woman, a cemetery tree, a grave digger, and grave robbers. We are brought into the story through a single POV, that of the ghost, as they question by they are trapped in the cemetery, and make observations about mourners and the nature of things dying (like a cemetery tree).
Perhaps my favorite thing about this book was a realization I had about part way through. The blackout poems! These poems are blackouts using other poems in the book, sometimes the one just before it. I thought this was really impactful and can use the duality a poem can contain. I also really enjoyed the use of color - with just the physical pages, to reflect on the juxtaposition between light and dark.
Overall, a nice quick read if you are looking for something slightly spooky and atmospheric for the season.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this book was a realization I had about part way through. The blackout poems! These poems are blackouts using other poems in the book, sometimes the one just before it. I thought this was really impactful and can use the duality a poem can contain. I also really enjoyed the use of color - with just the physical pages, to reflect on the juxtaposition between light and dark.
Overall, a nice quick read if you are looking for something slightly spooky and atmospheric for the season.
September 29, 2023
The copy I had ended up wonky some how. Not sure if it was my kindle's fault, my fault, or what. But I really wish I had originally read this poem via the Kindle Unlimited version. There's just depth to it that I missed out on my first read through because most of the formatting was missing - though I did enjoy the doodles (which also appear in the KU version).
What I picked up on in both versions (which I feel says a lot about this poet's talent) is that a beautiful story was being told. This was different from the type of poetry I usually read, but I really liked it. So much so that I downloaded another of her books of poetry. And while this is described as YA, I don't know if I would limit it's reach with that description. I think it could really be enjoyed across all ages, with different things taken from it at different stages of our lives.
**Thanks to J. N. Eagles & R & R Book Tours for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
What I picked up on in both versions (which I feel says a lot about this poet's talent) is that a beautiful story was being told. This was different from the type of poetry I usually read, but I really liked it. So much so that I downloaded another of her books of poetry. And while this is described as YA, I don't know if I would limit it's reach with that description. I think it could really be enjoyed across all ages, with different things taken from it at different stages of our lives.
**Thanks to J. N. Eagles & R & R Book Tours for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 12, 2023
📚BOOK REVIEW‼️
Open the Casket• JN Eagles
@j.n.eagles.author thank you for this ARC copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.75/5 Overall
3/5 Writing Style
4/5 Love Story ❤️❤️❤️❤️
1.5/5 Thrill 🔪
✍️ Poetry
👻 Paranormal
💨 Fast-Paced
“ 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨.”
👥CHARACTERS👥
•The book is short so character development is minimal, but the characters involved were interesting and easy to keep track of.
✨PROS✨
•Quick read
•Horror & paranormal plot
•After-life adjacent
•Twists and turns
❌CONS❌
•I’m not a huge fan of the writing style through poetry. It was really cool, but harder for me to get into.
•I prefer longer books so you can really dig into the story line.
Overall, I absolutely loved this quick read and it was fun to go outside my comfort zone of writing style! I’ll definitely be checking out other books by this author!
Open the Casket• JN Eagles
@j.n.eagles.author thank you for this ARC copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.75/5 Overall
3/5 Writing Style
4/5 Love Story ❤️❤️❤️❤️
1.5/5 Thrill 🔪
✍️ Poetry
👻 Paranormal
💨 Fast-Paced
“ 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨.”
👥CHARACTERS👥
•The book is short so character development is minimal, but the characters involved were interesting and easy to keep track of.
✨PROS✨
•Quick read
•Horror & paranormal plot
•After-life adjacent
•Twists and turns
❌CONS❌
•I’m not a huge fan of the writing style through poetry. It was really cool, but harder for me to get into.
•I prefer longer books so you can really dig into the story line.
Overall, I absolutely loved this quick read and it was fun to go outside my comfort zone of writing style! I’ll definitely be checking out other books by this author!
September 25, 2023
Name: Open the Casket
Author: @j.n.eagles.author
Gener: poetry, spooky, somber
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ ( 4&1/2 stars)
"A ghost, he has the freedom to roam as long as he stays within the black gates. What he didn't expect was to fall in love. Can he protect the grave she's mourning? Can he restore the guidepost for all spirits who pass through the cemetery? Should he remain or transcend? So many questions, and yet one thing is for certain—he must protect the guidepost at all costs."
Well what can I say. This was the first of my spooky reads for autumn. I'm not normally a big poetry person but this was beautiful. Incredibly well written. A lot of poetry is separate, each its own individual story. But this is a linking story, each poem leading into the next. It sent chills down my spine but also caught me in all the feels.
Highly recommended if you want an ease into the spooky season
Author: @j.n.eagles.author
Gener: poetry, spooky, somber
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ ( 4&1/2 stars)
"A ghost, he has the freedom to roam as long as he stays within the black gates. What he didn't expect was to fall in love. Can he protect the grave she's mourning? Can he restore the guidepost for all spirits who pass through the cemetery? Should he remain or transcend? So many questions, and yet one thing is for certain—he must protect the guidepost at all costs."
Well what can I say. This was the first of my spooky reads for autumn. I'm not normally a big poetry person but this was beautiful. Incredibly well written. A lot of poetry is separate, each its own individual story. But this is a linking story, each poem leading into the next. It sent chills down my spine but also caught me in all the feels.
Highly recommended if you want an ease into the spooky season
September 26, 2023
"Open The Casket" by J.N Eagles is a captivating and suspenseful novel written in poetic verses that takes readers on a gripping journey through the intricate web of secrets, and mysteries. With its skillful storytelling and well-developed characters, this book offers a unique blend of suspense, thrill, and thought-provoking themes.
Eagles masterfully weaves the narrative, skillfully keeping readers hooked with every turn of the page. The author's attention to detail creates an immersive experience, allowing readers to vividly visualize the eerie atmosphere and the emotions of the characters.
Beyond its thrilling plot, "Open The Casket" delves into profound themes that resonate with readers on a deeper level. The exploration of secrets, and truth make this book a thought-provoking read.
Eagles masterfully weaves the narrative, skillfully keeping readers hooked with every turn of the page. The author's attention to detail creates an immersive experience, allowing readers to vividly visualize the eerie atmosphere and the emotions of the characters.
Beyond its thrilling plot, "Open The Casket" delves into profound themes that resonate with readers on a deeper level. The exploration of secrets, and truth make this book a thought-provoking read.
October 17, 2023
Her mind was like a willow dancing in a breeze. She let me in, and in the same manner, she let me leave.
Everything within me kept shutting down. In the undertow of myself, I felt like I was drowning. - Beneath the Ocean
The poems are deep, poignant, eerie and full of emotions. Every person go through myriad of emotions. And every emotion encapsulates a different version of that person. The author has a way with words. The poems are deep and the emotions are strong. While some are heartbreaking so some are reminiscing. They are a little scary too. Sometimes emotions can be way too powerful that they can take over us. There are prose, poems and the author has simply shared her thoughts too.
Everything within me kept shutting down. In the undertow of myself, I felt like I was drowning. - Beneath the Ocean
The poems are deep, poignant, eerie and full of emotions. Every person go through myriad of emotions. And every emotion encapsulates a different version of that person. The author has a way with words. The poems are deep and the emotions are strong. While some are heartbreaking so some are reminiscing. They are a little scary too. Sometimes emotions can be way too powerful that they can take over us. There are prose, poems and the author has simply shared her thoughts too.
June 7, 2023
This was such a unique book and I loved the presentation and storyline.
The man came back and soon discovered that he was stuck withing the cemetery - to haunt it forever.
When the woman comes each day to mourn - he soon falls in love with her - but knows he can never have her.
I loved the way this storyline flowed and the little twist at the end.
This was written in part prose and part poetry - weaved together beautifully and included acrostic poems which I've loved since I was little.
This was such a quick read and I'd love to read more by this author as it was such a different style from anything else I've read.
The man came back and soon discovered that he was stuck withing the cemetery - to haunt it forever.
When the woman comes each day to mourn - he soon falls in love with her - but knows he can never have her.
I loved the way this storyline flowed and the little twist at the end.
This was written in part prose and part poetry - weaved together beautifully and included acrostic poems which I've loved since I was little.
This was such a quick read and I'd love to read more by this author as it was such a different style from anything else I've read.
September 25, 2023
I’m going to start off by saying, I’m not usually someone who goes for poetry but something about this book really drew me in. The story was a little hard to follow because I’m not familiar with poetry but I did enjoy the darker style writing with the twist of love and hope. It made me eager to keep turning the pages because the story was entertaining but also because it challenged me to decipher what the author was trying to say. I mean a ghost falling in love is epic, just saying.
Overall, this dark & moody story was a great pallet cleanser and made me so intrigued with poetry that I will definitely be picking up another poetry book so shout out to the author for her story telling
Overall, this dark & moody story was a great pallet cleanser and made me so intrigued with poetry that I will definitely be picking up another poetry book so shout out to the author for her story telling
October 14, 2023
Thanks so much to the author and Starlight Book Tours for the ebook!
I was definitely taken by surprise with this one. Poetry has always been something that I've been wanting to get back into. The last time I immersed myself in one was back in high school. This book, however, feels like the perfect way of easing my way into it. The poems were short but thought provoking. It amazes me how so much emotion was packed into them. I breezed through the whole lot and I enjoyed the progression of the poems and how they're still telling a story though each one stands on their own. I would have to check out the rest of the author's works soon!
I was definitely taken by surprise with this one. Poetry has always been something that I've been wanting to get back into. The last time I immersed myself in one was back in high school. This book, however, feels like the perfect way of easing my way into it. The poems were short but thought provoking. It amazes me how so much emotion was packed into them. I breezed through the whole lot and I enjoyed the progression of the poems and how they're still telling a story though each one stands on their own. I would have to check out the rest of the author's works soon!
May 7, 2023
5 Stars Underground
Open the Casket is a collection of poetry based around graveyards, the dead, etc. Oftentimes poetry themes are deeper in meaning, and while these ones were definitely deep, I enjoyed the constant theme! They're meant to tell a story rather than simply being separated ideas. It's such a unique concept, and while most of the poems are short, they'll definitely leave you thinking about them.
Thank you J.N. Eagles for the opportunity to read such a fantastic collection of poetry!
Open the Casket is a collection of poetry based around graveyards, the dead, etc. Oftentimes poetry themes are deeper in meaning, and while these ones were definitely deep, I enjoyed the constant theme! They're meant to tell a story rather than simply being separated ideas. It's such a unique concept, and while most of the poems are short, they'll definitely leave you thinking about them.
Thank you J.N. Eagles for the opportunity to read such a fantastic collection of poetry!
June 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced and very captivating. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! The poetry was very well-written and beautiful. It did have some dark and spooky moments but it really brought the storyline together.
I have never read poetry before that told a whole story. I am not the type to enjoy poetry but this book was simply wonderful. This is my first book by JN Eagles and I would really love to check out her other books!
Overall, I loved it! Highly recommend checking it out!
I have never read poetry before that told a whole story. I am not the type to enjoy poetry but this book was simply wonderful. This is my first book by JN Eagles and I would really love to check out her other books!
Overall, I loved it! Highly recommend checking it out!
October 15, 2023
I don’t read many books of poetry but Open the Casket is a perfect read for October!
I really enjoyed the different styles of the pages and the variety helped me stay engaged.
The ghost takes the reader through their journey as a guardian and the mysterious woman he encounters. Parts of the story are ghoulish but also justifiable.
This was a very quick read and I would highly recommend if you want a piece to get you in a spooky spirit!
Thank you Starlight Book Tours for the copy! The thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
I really enjoyed the different styles of the pages and the variety helped me stay engaged.
The ghost takes the reader through their journey as a guardian and the mysterious woman he encounters. Parts of the story are ghoulish but also justifiable.
This was a very quick read and I would highly recommend if you want a piece to get you in a spooky spirit!
Thank you Starlight Book Tours for the copy! The thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
September 25, 2023
It starts off by a ghost who is at a cemetery and how he protects the casket from thieves. Something happens that he’s not proud of, but does it for a good reason that he believes he should have done. Theres a lady who appears and little did the ghost know why she would go there.
I loved how in such a short story, it says so much. I found the story becoming sad when the ghost knows why the women was mourning him and who she was. For some reason he’s trapped being there with no way out.
I loved how in such a short story, it says so much. I found the story becoming sad when the ghost knows why the women was mourning him and who she was. For some reason he’s trapped being there with no way out.
September 26, 2023
This was a beautifully haunting poetry collection. Perfect for shorter days, chillier nights, and falling leaves outside. I love the illustrations mixed in with the poems, and the variety in formatting style for each poem. Eagles does a great job of conveying emotion, ranging from loss to love, loneliness to kinship. It's a quick read, but takes you on quite the journey from cover to cover. Highly recommend reading with a hot cup of tea or a warm mug of fresh cider.
April 2, 2024
I'm not a big poetry reader as mostly I don't 'get it' J.N. Eagles writes beautifully written accessible poetry, and this is my second book of hers.
A complete hauntingly beautiful story told with interconnected poems with a bit of a plot twist.
I love dark stories, and this book really fits in that theme but also strong themes of love.
Loved the page colour changes from white with black type to black with white type. Really nice illustrations. Loved the blackout poems, very clever
My favourite poem:
Gateways sealed,
Raining dirt on top.
Abandoned my body,
Voicelessly screaming
Even though my heart stopped beating
A complete hauntingly beautiful story told with interconnected poems with a bit of a plot twist.
I love dark stories, and this book really fits in that theme but also strong themes of love.
Loved the page colour changes from white with black type to black with white type. Really nice illustrations. Loved the blackout poems, very clever
My favourite poem:
Gateways sealed,
Raining dirt on top.
Abandoned my body,
Voicelessly screaming
Even though my heart stopped beating
April 13, 2023
This poetry book was written to tell a story, it’s not just a collection of different poems.I have never read a poetry book like that before but I thought it was very cool. It was captivating, I couldn’t put it down. It painted pictures in my mind. I enjoyed the art and I thought the black pages were cool and a nice touch. Overall a good read!
June 6, 2023
This book of poems is hauntingly beautiful and gently heartbreaking. The reader starts to recognize the story events at the same time as the narrator. The writing painted the exact image in my mind as I was reading. I loved these poems and how the story flowed and connected all together in the end. It’s a short and quick read and definitely worth the time.
September 5, 2023
A beautiful book telling the story of a man who died but whose spirit was left behind to care for a woman who later turned out to be his wife. He also tried to save an oak tree from being cut down and stopped graverobbers. Was a very touching story, and I liked how it was told through poetry and had the words down the side e.g Skeleton and depression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
Wow. This is a poetry-based story. It’s a quick, easy read. If poetry isn’t something you read but would like to try, this is a great way to test it out. It is a full-on story that’s enjoyable and keeps you enthralled. You don’t have to interpret it. There is no guesswork in what the poet is trying to say. It’s easily understandable.
September 5, 2023
I don't typically read poetry but this was really nice. It was simple, beautiful, and the author really brought out a lot of emotions in her prose. Personally, the longer pieces were my favorite but they were all lovely. Also, the black and white illustrations were gorgeous.
September 22, 2023
Wow is all I can say. This was such a powerful read. This was a unique combination of poetry, prose, and story. The author achieved something which I think is hard to do and that is effectively telling a story through this type of writing. The ending absolutely blew me away and gave me chills.
October 14, 2023
I don't typically read poetry, but I couldn't pass up this creepy cover! And boy, was I surprised to find that I actually enjoyed it! It's a whole story told in poetic prose and verses. Complete with a plot twist! I really enjoyed this book! Perfect for spooky season!
September 1, 2024
Another fabulous and moving collection of poetry!
Don’t have anything negative to say about this book!!
I really enjoyed reading all the different poems and styles and the theme was very interesting and unique!
Don’t have anything negative to say about this book!!
I really enjoyed reading all the different poems and styles and the theme was very interesting and unique!
April 17, 2023
A wonderful book of poetry about love lost and found. About redemption and reconciliation. The prose tell a story and it’s one that will haunt you.
March 3, 2024
Maybe I was expecting more with this collection, but it didn't spark something in me. I loved the themes for this, but I was expecting a bit of the vibe it was giving off.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews