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The Children and The Gods #3
The Paintings That Hung
Zoila is gifted. She never knew her gifts were real until finding herself ensnared within a witch's cruel trap.
Sarah and her family are moving across the country and find themselves caught in that same twisted web. Will Zoila be able to escape with Sarah's young Levi safely in tow, or will they all fall victim to the old woman's evil ways?
Sarah and her family are moving across the country and find themselves caught in that same twisted web. Will Zoila be able to escape with Sarah's young Levi safely in tow, or will they all fall victim to the old woman's evil ways?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Angel N. Van Atta
21 books309 followersAngel Van Atta writes horror as a way to spread the same kind of hope that she so needed as a little girl and outside of the world of fiction only really ever found as an adult. The kind of hope that tells you that good often overcomes evil and that anything is possible if you just believe. Her stories are vivid and chilling as well as heartwarming and fast paced. She invites you to walk with her in her imagination. A place that can be just as dark as it is light.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 13, 2024
This book really kicked it up a notch!
I was so happy to see that Sarah and Emma are back. I was missing them in book two, and printing center is a new main character that has quickly become my favorite character of the series. Zoila her strange ability in the weird places he find first place was a great change to the series.
The were much more creatures that added extra layer, creepy, and horrifying moments throughout this book, felt like the steaks were raised, and there was much more danger or on every corner. this is easily my favorite book of the series so far.
I can’t wait to see how all ends in before, but I will be sad to say goodbye to these characters. At least until I reread the series.
I was so happy to see that Sarah and Emma are back. I was missing them in book two, and printing center is a new main character that has quickly become my favorite character of the series. Zoila her strange ability in the weird places he find first place was a great change to the series.
The were much more creatures that added extra layer, creepy, and horrifying moments throughout this book, felt like the steaks were raised, and there was much more danger or on every corner. this is easily my favorite book of the series so far.
I can’t wait to see how all ends in before, but I will be sad to say goodbye to these characters. At least until I reread the series.
August 14, 2023
Spooky & Eerie Vibes!
Small backstory:
Sarah and Emma are back in this story as they were characters from the first book. Sarah and her family are on a road trip when they decide to stop in a thrift store loaded with knick knacks and all kinds of cool things. But this is not just an ordinary thrift store as something evil lies within the store that has the capability of changing the world which lies within the thrift store itself.
A woman by the name of Zoila has already succumbed to the thrift store world changing fate and somehow ends up inside a painting that hangs in the thrift store. Unknown to Sarah and her family they have just stepped into a place that might not let them go as what lies within the thrift store is wanting to claim not only their bodies but their souls!
Does Sarah and her family get out of their situation? Does Zoila escape the painting and get back to her real world? What evil is lurking in the thrift store and what is its agenda? No spoilers here as you will need to read this book and series!
Thoughts:
This was a great mysterious and suspenseful story! I was pulled right away into the storyline as the author just grabbed me and took me deep into the thrift store. I felt for the characters in this story as the perception of the store changed I found my anxiety creep up on me as I could feel the frustration and terror emanating from the characters as they had to endure what was happening to them!
The pace is fast in this book along with tons of suspense and tension as the story barrels along into the unknown. This story has quite a bit of horror elements but it also leans a lot toward dark fantasy as well. I almost felt like I was in the Twilight Zone as the story twisted and tossed me around with wondering what was going to happen next to these characters! Another great book by this author and looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series! Giving this book five "Dark & Mysterious" stars!
Small backstory:
Sarah and Emma are back in this story as they were characters from the first book. Sarah and her family are on a road trip when they decide to stop in a thrift store loaded with knick knacks and all kinds of cool things. But this is not just an ordinary thrift store as something evil lies within the store that has the capability of changing the world which lies within the thrift store itself.
A woman by the name of Zoila has already succumbed to the thrift store world changing fate and somehow ends up inside a painting that hangs in the thrift store. Unknown to Sarah and her family they have just stepped into a place that might not let them go as what lies within the thrift store is wanting to claim not only their bodies but their souls!
Does Sarah and her family get out of their situation? Does Zoila escape the painting and get back to her real world? What evil is lurking in the thrift store and what is its agenda? No spoilers here as you will need to read this book and series!
Thoughts:
This was a great mysterious and suspenseful story! I was pulled right away into the storyline as the author just grabbed me and took me deep into the thrift store. I felt for the characters in this story as the perception of the store changed I found my anxiety creep up on me as I could feel the frustration and terror emanating from the characters as they had to endure what was happening to them!
The pace is fast in this book along with tons of suspense and tension as the story barrels along into the unknown. This story has quite a bit of horror elements but it also leans a lot toward dark fantasy as well. I almost felt like I was in the Twilight Zone as the story twisted and tossed me around with wondering what was going to happen next to these characters! Another great book by this author and looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series! Giving this book five "Dark & Mysterious" stars!
November 8, 2023
I will have to say that my favorite out of these was The Paintings That Hung. While the covers look creepy, the books are very fantasy, meets thriller with a bit of horror. There are ghosts and magical beings, and the way these connected was perfect! I loved this series and think Angel Van Atta did an amazing job!
July 28, 2023
The Paintings That Hung is a fantastical, dark fairy tale and it’s outstanding. In the third book in The Children and the Gods series by Angel Van Atta, the author brings back several characters from book one, The Child, my personal favorite of the series so far, but this one is a close second.
In typical Van Atta fashion, her remarkable descriptions of color, sound, smell, texture, violence and fear put you in the scenes. I felt like I was running right along side Zoila inside those paintings in the strange faraway lands that exist in the writer’s mind. I was chased by odd dog/werewolf creatures and an incredibly creepy mime.
If fantasy or fairy tales are your thing this is a must read. If great storytelling is your thing this is a must read. If you want to feel all the feels this is a must read. Just read it. I do recommend that you read The Child first though, which you’ll love too.
In typical Van Atta fashion, her remarkable descriptions of color, sound, smell, texture, violence and fear put you in the scenes. I felt like I was running right along side Zoila inside those paintings in the strange faraway lands that exist in the writer’s mind. I was chased by odd dog/werewolf creatures and an incredibly creepy mime.
If fantasy or fairy tales are your thing this is a must read. If great storytelling is your thing this is a must read. If you want to feel all the feels this is a must read. Just read it. I do recommend that you read The Child first though, which you’ll love too.
May 29, 2024
When Zoila comes across a small antique store, she heads in, not knowing the danger that lies ahead. The shop belongs to a witch who "collects" people with gifts, and soon Zoila is trapped inside the paintings on the wall, unable to get out. Sarah, Jess, and Emma from book one soon arrive, and the witch hides Sarah's youngest baby, Levi, in the painting with Zoila. And Sarah will stop at nothing to get her girls back to her.
The third installment in this series, and the best one so far. From start to finish, this one was just so good. The author is brilliant at painting a picture in your head, and it truly felt like I was seeing everything as if I were there. I am so glad we got to see more of the characters from the first book and I can't wait to read the final book and see just what happens when they arrive at their new home, next door to the house from book two.
If you haven't read this series, I urge you to do so.
The third installment in this series, and the best one so far. From start to finish, this one was just so good. The author is brilliant at painting a picture in your head, and it truly felt like I was seeing everything as if I were there. I am so glad we got to see more of the characters from the first book and I can't wait to read the final book and see just what happens when they arrive at their new home, next door to the house from book two.
If you haven't read this series, I urge you to do so.
February 11, 2023
The Paintings That Hung is the 3rd installment in this series by Angel van Atta and is phenomenal! It reads like a beloved fairy tale from your childhood!
The characters are well fleshed out and so damn loveable. I fell in love with baby Levi and little Emma ( for the second time!). The plot is so original and fast-paced!
I highly recommend this series, but I think you could read it as a stand alone, you just won't understand the backstory.
It's definitely a 5 star read for me!
The characters are well fleshed out and so damn loveable. I fell in love with baby Levi and little Emma ( for the second time!). The plot is so original and fast-paced!
I highly recommend this series, but I think you could read it as a stand alone, you just won't understand the backstory.
It's definitely a 5 star read for me!
January 28, 2023
“A thousand paintings hung here, or more! Each of them suddenly came to life, their finely painted scenes whirling and swaying with the characters they depicted in acts of violence or great sadness or pain or loss.”
And, those paintings, they certainly lived up to that vivid description and then some … seamlessly blending and shifting, between the light and the dark, with imagery that blew me away. This author is the proverbial hammer in a velvet glove; pure brutality cloaked in luscious and elegant softness.
I was beyond thrilled to see my old friends from Angel’s previous work come back to play; along with some fantastic new ones, particularly the first one we meet, Zoila. And, let me tell you … when Zoila walked into that thrift shop, she had no idea who’s clutches she was actually sauntering into; what paintings she would we trapped in and the new (to her, old to me) friends she would meet along the way.
I kept picturing myself wandering around the Louvre and stepping into the gorgeous impressionist works of art; exploring, scared, horrified and awed all at once by what comes to life within each one. From the adorably murdery Pukwudgies (I want one, btw) to the trope townspeople with pitchforks, to the birds with a taste for blood and everyone in between - this adventure is now one of my all-time favorites, and my favorite by this author.
“Why shouldn’t the fish that’s never been pulled above the water’s glassy surface feet what lies beyond? Why shouldn’t a baby within the womb, not yet born, think that it’s dark world is the only one that’s real? For we only believe in what we’ve seen or heard or been told by those we trust, is that not so? And we fear what we hear about in the dark shadows, the whispering that goes on there. Because if what we haven’t seen can be true, then anything can be, can it not?”
This story is still whispering to me, and I keep replying back to it… “I want more”.
And, those paintings, they certainly lived up to that vivid description and then some … seamlessly blending and shifting, between the light and the dark, with imagery that blew me away. This author is the proverbial hammer in a velvet glove; pure brutality cloaked in luscious and elegant softness.
I was beyond thrilled to see my old friends from Angel’s previous work come back to play; along with some fantastic new ones, particularly the first one we meet, Zoila. And, let me tell you … when Zoila walked into that thrift shop, she had no idea who’s clutches she was actually sauntering into; what paintings she would we trapped in and the new (to her, old to me) friends she would meet along the way.
I kept picturing myself wandering around the Louvre and stepping into the gorgeous impressionist works of art; exploring, scared, horrified and awed all at once by what comes to life within each one. From the adorably murdery Pukwudgies (I want one, btw) to the trope townspeople with pitchforks, to the birds with a taste for blood and everyone in between - this adventure is now one of my all-time favorites, and my favorite by this author.
“Why shouldn’t the fish that’s never been pulled above the water’s glassy surface feet what lies beyond? Why shouldn’t a baby within the womb, not yet born, think that it’s dark world is the only one that’s real? For we only believe in what we’ve seen or heard or been told by those we trust, is that not so? And we fear what we hear about in the dark shadows, the whispering that goes on there. Because if what we haven’t seen can be true, then anything can be, can it not?”
This story is still whispering to me, and I keep replying back to it… “I want more”.
July 14, 2023
This one felt a little less horror and more dark fantasy, than the first two of the series, but still an awesome story overall. I really enjoyed the idea and the new character! Thank you Angel for sharing your awesome stories with us!
July 21, 2024
I absolutely love this series, each book is so different, yet they all intertwine. This one had a magnificent fantasy aspect, with plenty of good versus evil that horror readers love. There’s just something about Angel’s writing - she pulls you into her world and makes it come alive. If you liked books 1 and 2, you will really enjoy this one as well.
September 18, 2023
Angel Van Atta does not mess around with her story building: The Paintings that Hung is vibrant, creepy and has so many rich worlds built in to it, it was so well done.
The book continues where The Child left off in some ways with a dark fantasy feel (and some gore), but it is it’s own unique story that swept me up along with it
The book continues where The Child left off in some ways with a dark fantasy feel (and some gore), but it is it’s own unique story that swept me up along with it
January 15, 2023
I love the way Angel is so descriptive + she is a great storyteller! This tale is a mix of fantasy and horror, and I was pleased to see Emma and her family from book 1 in this book! 🙂 I've read all 3 of her 'The Children and the Gods' books now and I anxiously await book 4! The Child is my favorite of the 3, and Paintings is my 2nd fave.
December 15, 2022
Having read the first two of Angel's books, I was looking forward to this one. And, oh boy was it worth the wait!!
A dark fairytale, with a supernatural twist all blended together to make a fantastical feast for the eyes. There were elements of (David Bowie) Labyrinth-like vibes running through the story, but with added horror to ramp up the readers enjoyment. And it just worked.
Strong female characters, wonderfully descriptive (as are all Angel's works), with the perfect amount of horror combined with dark fantasy.
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would
A dark fairytale, with a supernatural twist all blended together to make a fantastical feast for the eyes. There were elements of (David Bowie) Labyrinth-like vibes running through the story, but with added horror to ramp up the readers enjoyment. And it just worked.
Strong female characters, wonderfully descriptive (as are all Angel's works), with the perfect amount of horror combined with dark fantasy.
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would
December 1, 2022
The Paintings That Hung by Angel Van Atta
OK, first off, I'm going to struggle to review this without giving away spoilers so I'll try my best.
This delightful book falls into the fantasy adventure/horror genre that I could totally see Guillermo Del Toro picking up. Even though the plots are different, I had serious Pan's Labyrinth vibes from the story, one of my all time favourites. From our strong lead character Zoila, to the strange and magical creatures she encounters, to the dark and at times horrifying moments, I found myself deeply embroiled throughout.
I read the second half in one sitting and stayed up late to finish it.
I don't do that.
Angel has knocked another one out of the park with this one. The premise is original and ambitious, and I can't wait to read what this clever author does next.
OK, first off, I'm going to struggle to review this without giving away spoilers so I'll try my best.
This delightful book falls into the fantasy adventure/horror genre that I could totally see Guillermo Del Toro picking up. Even though the plots are different, I had serious Pan's Labyrinth vibes from the story, one of my all time favourites. From our strong lead character Zoila, to the strange and magical creatures she encounters, to the dark and at times horrifying moments, I found myself deeply embroiled throughout.
I read the second half in one sitting and stayed up late to finish it.
I don't do that.
Angel has knocked another one out of the park with this one. The premise is original and ambitious, and I can't wait to read what this clever author does next.
February 8, 2023
Another awesome read that I can check off my TBR pile. I am ever so glad I decided to read The Child last year. Since then, I have been able to become immersed in the truly wonderful worlds the author creates. This one is especially dear to me because I paint. I use watercolor and acrylic paints to paint scenes and objects so the author’s description of the paintings only inspired me to paint more. This book was definitely a horror book but written in a way that seemed to be so important to the story. I have always wondered what it would be like to be transported into a painting or a book. This book helped me imagine such a scenario and I was grateful for the opportunity to read this book with awe and I sometimes had to cringe…lol
October 31, 2022
Van Atta nails it again with The Paintings that Hung. She has well developed characters, a plot that keeps you guessing, and an antagonist that will creep you the hell out. The stories read like she is sitting next to you telling you the story. I love that this book brings back the characters from the first book in the series; we get to see where life has taken them. I can't wait to see what she brings us next!
November 21, 2023
It took me a little to get into this because I thought it was another seperate story. But I realise now that Books 1 & 2 were setting up for 3 & 4. Past characters make their return here, including one ex monster child and her 'monster' sister. Whom I absolutely love and adore by the way. I can't wait to see how it all turns out for this family
January 2, 2026
What would you do if you one day happened to land yourself in a witches horrifying evil trap?
This book has you afraid for the characters due to fear, shock, monsters, fantastic, detailed horror and gore descriptions plus bewilderment!!!
We find Zoila who visits a thrift store, she likes touching items other people have owned because they all tell a story of who owned them last, like a vision. Zoila thinks this is just in her imagination, not realising this is real and it is a special gift unbeknownst to her. Zoila is mooching around then get’s lost and finds a beautiful room full of paintings. She passes out!!! You’ll have to read to find out what happens next!!!!
Also, we have Sarah and her family from the previous book who are moving house across the country and find themselves drawn to the same store and in the unsuspecting witches trap too, one by one they are ensnared. Will they be able to escape the witches grasp and spells. They are not the only ones that have fallen into the trap too.
Fantastic first ready of 2026, this author never fails to draw me in, surprising me by her written words of storytelling. You do know now that I’m going to have to jump into Book 4 of this series. I absolutely loved this read!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book has you afraid for the characters due to fear, shock, monsters, fantastic, detailed horror and gore descriptions plus bewilderment!!!
We find Zoila who visits a thrift store, she likes touching items other people have owned because they all tell a story of who owned them last, like a vision. Zoila thinks this is just in her imagination, not realising this is real and it is a special gift unbeknownst to her. Zoila is mooching around then get’s lost and finds a beautiful room full of paintings. She passes out!!! You’ll have to read to find out what happens next!!!!
Also, we have Sarah and her family from the previous book who are moving house across the country and find themselves drawn to the same store and in the unsuspecting witches trap too, one by one they are ensnared. Will they be able to escape the witches grasp and spells. They are not the only ones that have fallen into the trap too.
Fantastic first ready of 2026, this author never fails to draw me in, surprising me by her written words of storytelling. You do know now that I’m going to have to jump into Book 4 of this series. I absolutely loved this read!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews