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One Eye Open
After her mother’s sudden passing, Laura and her daughter Juniper return to her childhood home in the rural outskirts of Denmark. In the scenic village amidst seas of wheat fields, Laura hopes they have finally let tragedy behind them. Then, Juniper begins to notice something strange about the people she encounters, the same people who have worked in these fields for centuries. In tracing her lineage back through her mother and beyond, Juniper makes a horrifying discovery. This town is alive with more than just nature, and the endless fields of wheat demand to be harvested, whether the hands that do so are alive or dead…
An occult thriller about coming home and the monsters that await us there from NY Times bestselling author Alex Grecian (The Yard) with illustrations by Andrea Mutti.
An occult thriller about coming home and the monsters that await us there from NY Times bestselling author Alex Grecian (The Yard) with illustrations by Andrea Mutti.
Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2021
About the author
Alex Grecian
59 books1,702 followersGrecian is the author of several bestselling novels, including the horror/fantasies RED RABBIT, ROSE OF JERICHO and THE BOATMAN, plus the contemporary thriller THE SAINT OF WOLVES AND BUTCHERS, and five historical thrillers featuring Scotland Yard's Murder Squad: THE YARD, THE BLACK COUNTRY, THE DEVIL'S WORKSHOP, THE HARVEST MAN, and LOST AND GONE FOREVER, plus the original Murder Squad ebook, THE BLUE GIRL.
He also created the six-volume graphic novel series PROOF, and the two-part graphic novel RASPUTIN.
He currently lives in the American Midwest with his wife and son. And a dog. And a tarantula.
He also created the six-volume graphic novel series PROOF, and the two-part graphic novel RASPUTIN.
He currently lives in the American Midwest with his wife and son. And a dog. And a tarantula.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 19, 2021
I’m glad to be the first to rate and review this book. Out of nowhere this was surprisingly good. I’ve never read the author, heard of his and his Yard series, but not being a fan of serials, it didn’t much register. This novella certainly changes that, this merits a register.
October perfect and atmospheric, this story takes the readers to Jutland, specifically a small island community off the cost of Denmark. A prodigal daughter returns to her ancestral abode, one that now belongs to her following the death of her mother. The daughter has just had a personal tragedy to reckon with, she’s a recent widow with a teenage daughter of her own in tow.
The community is small, quiet, heavily agricultural, there’s nothing much to do or talk about, but there is a peculiar local custom, a well intended ritual with horrifying potential consequences. One that the young Juniper stumbles upon, one that her mother might have known about all along, the way every local seems to. One that’ll lead to devastating consequences.
The fields have to be harvested, but at what cost? Read and find out, if you dare.
So much to like here, where do I even begin? Great writing, realistic likeable characters, a positively haunting location that serves as a character in and of itself, terrific use of local legends, excellently rendered claustrophobia of a small insular community. All very nicely done.
At the risk of giving away too much and at the risk of being those unimaginative people who compare new works to famous existing ones…this is Dutch Pet Cematary.
Great read. Should have read it at night, but eerie enough in daytime too. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
October perfect and atmospheric, this story takes the readers to Jutland, specifically a small island community off the cost of Denmark. A prodigal daughter returns to her ancestral abode, one that now belongs to her following the death of her mother. The daughter has just had a personal tragedy to reckon with, she’s a recent widow with a teenage daughter of her own in tow.
The community is small, quiet, heavily agricultural, there’s nothing much to do or talk about, but there is a peculiar local custom, a well intended ritual with horrifying potential consequences. One that the young Juniper stumbles upon, one that her mother might have known about all along, the way every local seems to. One that’ll lead to devastating consequences.
The fields have to be harvested, but at what cost? Read and find out, if you dare.
So much to like here, where do I even begin? Great writing, realistic likeable characters, a positively haunting location that serves as a character in and of itself, terrific use of local legends, excellently rendered claustrophobia of a small insular community. All very nicely done.
At the risk of giving away too much and at the risk of being those unimaginative people who compare new works to famous existing ones…this is Dutch Pet Cematary.
Great read. Should have read it at night, but eerie enough in daytime too. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
October 31, 2021
Eerie and creepy story for Halloween. I had to keep the lights on for this one
March 16, 2022
A grieving mother and daughter return to the mother's birthplace in Denmark to rebuild their lives after a tragic accident in the US. Sounds heartwarming, doesn't it? Except, what Alex Grecian gives us is very much the opposite. Instead of the slow move from grief to an everyday coping, we're given hints early on that things won't be a "and they all live happily ever after" kind of story.
Laura has brought herself and angry and hurting daughter Juniper to where she grew up. Juniper quickly grows bored at her dead grandparents' home, and while wandering the small, sleepy farming town, she discovers something off about the people she encounters. In fact, there is something weird going on. The town is too quiet, with little to do, and has an unsettling feel. And, it seems that people who should be dead aren't.
The atmosphere was great, with a quietly escalating sense of suspense and creepiness. And then Grecian threw in a twist I was not expecting, capping off an already eerie story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to TKO Studios for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Laura has brought herself and angry and hurting daughter Juniper to where she grew up. Juniper quickly grows bored at her dead grandparents' home, and while wandering the small, sleepy farming town, she discovers something off about the people she encounters. In fact, there is something weird going on. The town is too quiet, with little to do, and has an unsettling feel. And, it seems that people who should be dead aren't.
The atmosphere was great, with a quietly escalating sense of suspense and creepiness. And then Grecian threw in a twist I was not expecting, capping off an already eerie story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to TKO Studios for this ARC in exchange for my review.
May 14, 2022
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Death has a way of reorganizing a person’s conception of life in dramatic and visceral ways. It can bring some together just like it can break relationships for others. Sometimes, it’s much simpler to run away from it all, to find a sanctuary in the unknown, isolated from familiar grounds and individuals that bring up painful memories. Sometimes, it’s also easier to simply retrace your steps and find refuge in your roots, to a place where everything began, where comfort surges within every fiber of your body at the mere thought of being there. While they both offer an opportunity to rebuild yourself, the latter might also open up a whole world that is sometimes best left undisturbed. Writer Alex Grecian (The Yard, The Saint of Wolves and Butchers) teams up with artist Andrea Mutti (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, DMZ) to deliver a novella about coming home and the monsters that reside there.
What is One Eye Open about? Following the sudden passing of her mother, Laura brings her daughter Juniper back to her childhood home, far away from their place, detached from civilization, in the rural outskirts of Denmark. Praying that this decision as a single mom will allow them both to heal from their recent loss and leave behind the unexpected tragedy, Laura and Juniper are welcomed by peculiar residents. As Juniper notices something mysterious about the inhabitants, she quickly makes an odd discovery which leads her to innocently destroy the calm and peace envisioned for her mother and herself. The town thus reveals its horrifying secrets hidden within the endless fields of wheat as something occult brews in the shadows.
Writer Alex Grecian brings forth a mystifying and tense story that measuringly increases in suspense as he delves right into the emotional state of his characters and their desire to be back in Laura’s hometown. Paced appropriately for a novella, he hints at a supernatural element that permeates the town and slowly increases its presence around the young and impressionable Juniper. Although the relationship between these characters as well as the characterization struggles to be sufficiently profound to captivate readers, it is enough to serve as bait until the obscure and darker aspects of the story crawl out of the pages. Unfortunately, once the occult secrets are revealed, it is done with the staggering knockback of a monster’s cry and shifts the whole narrative to a different tone that remains entertaining but careless in execution, a gory and horrifying tone that hid between the words of this story.
The eeriness of the story remains indisputable, properly accentuated by a couple of lovely (on the bleaker side of the spectrum) illustrations by artist Andrea Mutti. The opportunity to expose intriguing questions about death and grief also makes for a decent thriller but clearly shows that a bit more words to properly explore the horror facet of the narrative would’ve done wonders for this story. Unfortunately, its sudden shift in tone is far too abrupt and disrupts the story’s intrigue, ultimately making the ending unsatisfactory as the reader’s immersion and emotional engagement wavers from the disorder. Fortunately, this novella offers an excellent glimpse into the writer’s style and his grasp of suspense and intrigue as he explores a bit of horror in this latest story. While the story is flawed and could be better knitted, it is a short and entertaining ride.
One Eye Open is a decent yet volatile occult thriller exploring a mother and daughter’s chilling journey back home.
January 7, 2022
I received an ARC version of "One Eye Open" from NetGalley for review.
Where to begin?
I had no idea what to expect with this book. It’s only 100 pages long, and I didn’t think it was possible to fit that much back story and creepiness into such a little book. But it is! Alex Grecian filled the hundred pages of "One Eye Open" with an eerie, folklore-feeling horror that I couldn’t put down. This novella is perfect for anyone looking for a short, creepy read. The characters are well written and the plot flows from scene to scene easily. The unsettling details of the people and creatures inhabiting the little Danish town gave the story a cultish feel and an underlying sense of dread throughout. The amount of suspense that was built in such a short time is astounding, and the plot twist at the end is something I won’t stop thinking about any time soon. Need a little bit of eerie thrill? This is it.
Where to begin?
I had no idea what to expect with this book. It’s only 100 pages long, and I didn’t think it was possible to fit that much back story and creepiness into such a little book. But it is! Alex Grecian filled the hundred pages of "One Eye Open" with an eerie, folklore-feeling horror that I couldn’t put down. This novella is perfect for anyone looking for a short, creepy read. The characters are well written and the plot flows from scene to scene easily. The unsettling details of the people and creatures inhabiting the little Danish town gave the story a cultish feel and an underlying sense of dread throughout. The amount of suspense that was built in such a short time is astounding, and the plot twist at the end is something I won’t stop thinking about any time soon. Need a little bit of eerie thrill? This is it.
May 19, 2025
One Eye Open:
Written by Alex Grecian
The most captivating occult novella since Stephen King’s Children of the Corn.
After coming off Red Rabbit and Rose of Jericho earlier in the year I needed a filler before I started my read-a-long. This was anything but a filler, with the opening scene between Charlotte and Tor. Why would a wife would be contemplating on murdering her husband with rat poison only for Charlotte to succumb to Tor’s outrageous burst of rage that resulted in her violent death.
It wasn’t until the very end where Laura’s teenage daughter Juniper stalks into the same kitchen after doing away with their neighbour. Laura is sitting at the faucet looking at the same container of rat poison as her mother had, contemplating on murdering her only child, only to accept her own fate in the destructive circle of life that is well known in the dark rural town in Denmark.
The conception of the Hulder’s was a fascinating addition to the horror genre that I found dark, twisted and clever. To think that family members long since deceased can be ritualistically brought back to a semblance of their past selves with the sole purpose to toil the land and to aid with the harvest. Forget GPS tractors, just call on the spirits of Ma and Pa Kent to reap the crops until the final patch of corn has been collected.
4/5 Stars, so many questions unanswered. The only complaint with this novella is that it was a novella and should have been a full novel. I wanted to know more about the Town of Godhavn, the living people in it and how or when the ritual to Pet Semeteryism of the townsfolk was first introduced.
PS The most unexpected twist that made this a formidable read!
Written by Alex Grecian
The most captivating occult novella since Stephen King’s Children of the Corn.
After coming off Red Rabbit and Rose of Jericho earlier in the year I needed a filler before I started my read-a-long. This was anything but a filler, with the opening scene between Charlotte and Tor. Why would a wife would be contemplating on murdering her husband with rat poison only for Charlotte to succumb to Tor’s outrageous burst of rage that resulted in her violent death.
It wasn’t until the very end where Laura’s teenage daughter Juniper stalks into the same kitchen after doing away with their neighbour. Laura is sitting at the faucet looking at the same container of rat poison as her mother had, contemplating on murdering her only child, only to accept her own fate in the destructive circle of life that is well known in the dark rural town in Denmark.
The conception of the Hulder’s was a fascinating addition to the horror genre that I found dark, twisted and clever. To think that family members long since deceased can be ritualistically brought back to a semblance of their past selves with the sole purpose to toil the land and to aid with the harvest. Forget GPS tractors, just call on the spirits of Ma and Pa Kent to reap the crops until the final patch of corn has been collected.
4/5 Stars, so many questions unanswered. The only complaint with this novella is that it was a novella and should have been a full novel. I wanted to know more about the Town of Godhavn, the living people in it and how or when the ritual to Pet Semeteryism of the townsfolk was first introduced.
PS The most unexpected twist that made this a formidable read!
January 8, 2022
I was a bit surprised to see how short this book was. And then I read it and it made perfect sense. One Eye Open is not meant to be a huge book with a lot of events that will take you on a wild ride. It is supposed to be a short time capsule in your day, a burst in your everyday bubble.
The story is really original. Walking the line between paranormal and literary fiction, this book takes the reader in a strange little family who moves in this strange little village, in which several things seems to be off.
Laura and Juniper were perfect characters for this, well-balanced, never cliché. The same goes for the world-building. I didn't expect it to be much descriptions considering the book length, but everything ended up feeling so natural. Even now that it's been over 3 weeks since my read, I still remember vividly how I picture the farm, the village and the characters. This is powerful writing!
In the end, it was truly a surprising read, that managed to fit everything you might search in this type of book, including vivid descriptions, believable characters, and twists until the end!
The story is really original. Walking the line between paranormal and literary fiction, this book takes the reader in a strange little family who moves in this strange little village, in which several things seems to be off.
Laura and Juniper were perfect characters for this, well-balanced, never cliché. The same goes for the world-building. I didn't expect it to be much descriptions considering the book length, but everything ended up feeling so natural. Even now that it's been over 3 weeks since my read, I still remember vividly how I picture the farm, the village and the characters. This is powerful writing!
In the end, it was truly a surprising read, that managed to fit everything you might search in this type of book, including vivid descriptions, believable characters, and twists until the end!
July 28, 2022
Juniper and Laura Jessen move from Blue Plains, Middle America to Laura’s childhood home on a small isolated farming island off the coast of Denmark. Juniper has recently lost her father in a tragic accident and after Laura’s mom passed they move into her old farmhouse full of mythical creatures and secrets.
Not my favorite from this author. The concept was interesting but the characters were bland and irritating not what i was expecting.
Not my favorite from this author. The concept was interesting but the characters were bland and irritating not what i was expecting.
October 26, 2021
Read Full & Detailed review: https://cynthology.blogspot.com/2021/...
One Eye Open by Alex Grecian reminded me of The Monkey’s Paw by WW Jacobs. Their basic ideas were pretty similar.
Charlotte Jessen dies under mysterious circumstances, killed perhaps by her husband of 42 years, Tor. Her daughter, Laura Roux, returns to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, Juniper, two days after her mother’s funeral. The mother and daughter are recovering from a tragedy. Laura’s husband, Jacob, was killed in a tragic accident while attempting to teach Juniper how to drive.
They are here for good, although Juniper doesn’t know it initially. Laura hopes this will be their new beginning.
But Juniper is not happy with having to move to this small village in Denmark, away from her life in the US. To make things worse, she finds the townsfolk rather odd, every one of them behaving suspiciously.
Then Juniper comes to know of a horrible tradition that has prevailed over centuries. One that arose out of the need to ensure that there are enough hands to reap the harvest that the endless wheat fields in the village are blessed with.
But that’s the thing about tradition. It has to be repeated.
The book is written in the third person limited PoV of Laura, Juniper and Kaspar.
This was my first attempt at reading horror. It was disturbing but so well written that I just kept on reading. Who would have thought something as innocuous as wheat fields could induce a feeling of discomfort and horror? But the author has done it.
He has created the image of an insular community, holding dangerous secrets that have the power to turn against the community.
Most prologues are completely unnecessary, but here, the Prologue hitches us in, creating the right mix of intrigue and dread. Very quickly, we realise that something is terribly wrong.
Nine of the chapters began with beautiful water colour illustrations that set its characters deeper in our minds. Of course, to be honest, I didn’t need the illustrations. My own imagination was doing a pretty good job of throwing up images to upset me. Having said that, I must say the illustrations were superb and added to the impact created by the book.
The writing was good, and the issues that it discussed, death, grief and loss are such as to resonate with all of us, particularly when the loss has been a sudden one. The accident which caused the death of Jacob was painful to read. We can relate to the pain of the mother and daughter.
Just one mistake, in Chapter 9, Kaspar turned into Konrad.
I couldn’t quite understand the title, One Eye Open. Perhaps it refers to the warning, Sleep with one eye open.
One Eye Open by Alex Grecian reminded me of The Monkey’s Paw by WW Jacobs. Their basic ideas were pretty similar.
Charlotte Jessen dies under mysterious circumstances, killed perhaps by her husband of 42 years, Tor. Her daughter, Laura Roux, returns to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, Juniper, two days after her mother’s funeral. The mother and daughter are recovering from a tragedy. Laura’s husband, Jacob, was killed in a tragic accident while attempting to teach Juniper how to drive.
They are here for good, although Juniper doesn’t know it initially. Laura hopes this will be their new beginning.
But Juniper is not happy with having to move to this small village in Denmark, away from her life in the US. To make things worse, she finds the townsfolk rather odd, every one of them behaving suspiciously.
Then Juniper comes to know of a horrible tradition that has prevailed over centuries. One that arose out of the need to ensure that there are enough hands to reap the harvest that the endless wheat fields in the village are blessed with.
But that’s the thing about tradition. It has to be repeated.
The book is written in the third person limited PoV of Laura, Juniper and Kaspar.
This was my first attempt at reading horror. It was disturbing but so well written that I just kept on reading. Who would have thought something as innocuous as wheat fields could induce a feeling of discomfort and horror? But the author has done it.
He has created the image of an insular community, holding dangerous secrets that have the power to turn against the community.
Most prologues are completely unnecessary, but here, the Prologue hitches us in, creating the right mix of intrigue and dread. Very quickly, we realise that something is terribly wrong.
Nine of the chapters began with beautiful water colour illustrations that set its characters deeper in our minds. Of course, to be honest, I didn’t need the illustrations. My own imagination was doing a pretty good job of throwing up images to upset me. Having said that, I must say the illustrations were superb and added to the impact created by the book.
The writing was good, and the issues that it discussed, death, grief and loss are such as to resonate with all of us, particularly when the loss has been a sudden one. The accident which caused the death of Jacob was painful to read. We can relate to the pain of the mother and daughter.
Just one mistake, in Chapter 9, Kaspar turned into Konrad.
I couldn’t quite understand the title, One Eye Open. Perhaps it refers to the warning, Sleep with one eye open.
January 14, 2024
"One Eye Open" by Alex Grecian is a chilling and atmospheric tale that masterfully combines elements of horror, family secrets, and the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of a rural Danish village, the story unfolds with an eerie ambiance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The narrative, propelled by the sudden passing of Laura's mother, draws readers into the heart of a mysterious and seemingly idyllic village. Grecian excels at creating a vivid and haunting atmosphere, with the seas of wheat fields serving as both a picturesque setting and a harbinger of unsettling events. The author skillfully builds suspense, making it difficult for readers to put the book down as the plot takes unexpected turns.
The protagonist, Juniper, adds depth to the story as she grapples with the loss of her grandmother and the eerie occurrences in the village. The exploration of Juniper's lineage and the horrifying discovery she makes about the town's supernatural secrets adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. Grecian's ability to blend family drama with supernatural elements creates a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The writing style is evocative, capturing the essence of the rural setting and the underlying sense of dread that permeates the story. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the tension to build gradually while keeping the plot moving forward. The author's descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of the village and its surroundings, enhancing the overall reading experience.
While "One Eye Open" delivers a captivating and suspenseful story, the reason for the four-star rating lies in some aspects of the plot feeling somewhat familiar within the horror genre. Certain tropes and conventions are present, which, while effective, might be recognizable to avid readers of horror fiction. However, Grecian's unique spin on these elements and the strength of the storytelling largely compensate for this.
In conclusion, "One Eye Open" is a gripping and well-crafted horror novel that successfully blends family drama with supernatural elements. Alex Grecian's ability to create a haunting atmosphere and deliver unexpected twists makes this book a compelling read for fans of the genre. With its eerie setting and spine-chilling revelations, "One Eye Open" earns a solid four-star rating, offering readers a memorable and unsettling experience.
The narrative, propelled by the sudden passing of Laura's mother, draws readers into the heart of a mysterious and seemingly idyllic village. Grecian excels at creating a vivid and haunting atmosphere, with the seas of wheat fields serving as both a picturesque setting and a harbinger of unsettling events. The author skillfully builds suspense, making it difficult for readers to put the book down as the plot takes unexpected turns.
The protagonist, Juniper, adds depth to the story as she grapples with the loss of her grandmother and the eerie occurrences in the village. The exploration of Juniper's lineage and the horrifying discovery she makes about the town's supernatural secrets adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. Grecian's ability to blend family drama with supernatural elements creates a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The writing style is evocative, capturing the essence of the rural setting and the underlying sense of dread that permeates the story. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the tension to build gradually while keeping the plot moving forward. The author's descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of the village and its surroundings, enhancing the overall reading experience.
While "One Eye Open" delivers a captivating and suspenseful story, the reason for the four-star rating lies in some aspects of the plot feeling somewhat familiar within the horror genre. Certain tropes and conventions are present, which, while effective, might be recognizable to avid readers of horror fiction. However, Grecian's unique spin on these elements and the strength of the storytelling largely compensate for this.
In conclusion, "One Eye Open" is a gripping and well-crafted horror novel that successfully blends family drama with supernatural elements. Alex Grecian's ability to create a haunting atmosphere and deliver unexpected twists makes this book a compelling read for fans of the genre. With its eerie setting and spine-chilling revelations, "One Eye Open" earns a solid four-star rating, offering readers a memorable and unsettling experience.
November 25, 2021
I recieved an ARC from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved the author's historical crime fiction series, and the premise of One Eye Open looked interesting, so I thought I'd give it a try.
First, I still can't figure out the target audience. It felt like YA but not exactly? Maybe like a Goosebumps book for adults?
I think it might be considered novella length, so it was a nice quick read. Fast but evenly paced. Despite not having a lot of time to get to know the characters, they behaved in believable ways. (Juniper's dialogue was a little clunky at times, but otherwise.)
The premise was interesting. I can't say much more about it, because that would ruin it. I think it was supposed to be something of a horror story, and there are some grim elements, but in my opinion, it was more uncomfortable than anything.
There were a lot of ethical questions raised and never addressed. Actually, there was a lot that went unexplained or unexplored, and while I understand that the short format doesn't exactly lend itself to lots of backstory and exposition, a little bit would have been nice.
All the action happens in the last few chapters. The big reveal didn't exactly come out of nowhere, but it all happened so fast that it didnt really have much impact. The tone shifts from almost meditation on grief and loss to a schlocky gory horror. It was jarring, but not in a good way.
I will say, despite not enjoying the ending, I appreciate how the epilogue closely mirrored the prologue. It was a neat bit of writing. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it, but I did like the unusual premise and the care the author took in getting the setting right.
First, I still can't figure out the target audience. It felt like YA but not exactly? Maybe like a Goosebumps book for adults?
I think it might be considered novella length, so it was a nice quick read. Fast but evenly paced. Despite not having a lot of time to get to know the characters, they behaved in believable ways. (Juniper's dialogue was a little clunky at times, but otherwise.)
The premise was interesting. I can't say much more about it, because that would ruin it. I think it was supposed to be something of a horror story, and there are some grim elements, but in my opinion, it was more uncomfortable than anything.
There were a lot of ethical questions raised and never addressed. Actually, there was a lot that went unexplained or unexplored, and while I understand that the short format doesn't exactly lend itself to lots of backstory and exposition, a little bit would have been nice.
All the action happens in the last few chapters. The big reveal didn't exactly come out of nowhere, but it all happened so fast that it didnt really have much impact. The tone shifts from almost meditation on grief and loss to a schlocky gory horror. It was jarring, but not in a good way.
I will say, despite not enjoying the ending, I appreciate how the epilogue closely mirrored the prologue. It was a neat bit of writing. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it, but I did like the unusual premise and the care the author took in getting the setting right.
December 28, 2021
This is my first book by Grecian, and I'm duly impressed! One Eye Open is a fast-paced little novella that's equal parts nasty and heartbreaking in turn. I have a strong interest in regional folklore so this story was right up my alley.
TW: body horror, animal death, human death.
I breezed through this novella in no time, captivated instantly by the excellent scene-setting and atmospheric location. I loved that it moved quickly and didn't drag at all, yet managed to efficiently paint a picture of the characters and events. Pacing and depth can be difficult to balance in a novella, and Grecian did it excellently here.
I've just one minor complaint.
Overall, this is a spooky and sad story about family, loss, and the lengths people will go to cling to their loved ones. Definitely recommended to fans of horror. Huge thanks to the author, TKO Publishing, and NetGalley for an eARC!
TW: body horror, animal death, human death.
I breezed through this novella in no time, captivated instantly by the excellent scene-setting and atmospheric location. I loved that it moved quickly and didn't drag at all, yet managed to efficiently paint a picture of the characters and events. Pacing and depth can be difficult to balance in a novella, and Grecian did it excellently here.
I've just one minor complaint.
Overall, this is a spooky and sad story about family, loss, and the lengths people will go to cling to their loved ones. Definitely recommended to fans of horror. Huge thanks to the author, TKO Publishing, and NetGalley for an eARC!
December 26, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book!
TW: For Self-Harm
This book is very short, but I have some things to say.
Characters: Juniper was honestly kind of annoying. I liked the twist at the end with her character, but she sees a spell in her grandmother's room and instantly thinks it's a good idea. Why? That reason being that this book is really really short and has no room for build up. Her mom Laura was fine, but I wish there was more.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere is the biggest strength just because it's a slightly secluded farm that has secrets.
Writing: The writing is fine. I caught a couple of things that I wouldn't have done stylistically.
Plot: There was no time for build up. It was over and done with very quickly. Honestly, the ending is dissatisfying.
Intrigue: There really wasn't any time for intrigue.
Logic: It kept within it's own logic I think.
Enjoyment: Ended up giving this a 3 star. If this had been a full fledge novel. I could see myself liking it a lot more, but as a novella, it falls short.
TW: For Self-Harm
This book is very short, but I have some things to say.
Characters: Juniper was honestly kind of annoying. I liked the twist at the end with her character, but she sees a spell in her grandmother's room and instantly thinks it's a good idea. Why? That reason being that this book is really really short and has no room for build up. Her mom Laura was fine, but I wish there was more.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere is the biggest strength just because it's a slightly secluded farm that has secrets.
Writing: The writing is fine. I caught a couple of things that I wouldn't have done stylistically.
Plot: There was no time for build up. It was over and done with very quickly. Honestly, the ending is dissatisfying.
Intrigue: There really wasn't any time for intrigue.
Logic: It kept within it's own logic I think.
Enjoyment: Ended up giving this a 3 star. If this had been a full fledge novel. I could see myself liking it a lot more, but as a novella, it falls short.
November 16, 2021
Alex Grecian had not been on my radar until I picked this story up on Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review) but I am glad they are now!
This is a quick read that surprised me in some really great ways. After the death of her husband, Laura and her teenage daughter Juniper go to the Danish village where Laura grew up. Laura's mother Charlotte has just passed away, and she needs to tend to their family farm. The village has some major "creepy shenanigans" vibes from the outset, and things get weirder the longer they stay.
I don't want to give too much away, but when the reason for the weirdness comes to light, it is delightful. I was properly grossed out on more than one occasion, and the illustrations were very good and added an extra ick factor during certain scenes. I flew through the last half of the book, and was legitimately blindsided by the ending, which was pretty dang satisfying.
If you are a fan of weird and/or folk horror, I recommend trying this one out!
This is a quick read that surprised me in some really great ways. After the death of her husband, Laura and her teenage daughter Juniper go to the Danish village where Laura grew up. Laura's mother Charlotte has just passed away, and she needs to tend to their family farm. The village has some major "creepy shenanigans" vibes from the outset, and things get weirder the longer they stay.
I don't want to give too much away, but when the reason for the weirdness comes to light, it is delightful. I was properly grossed out on more than one occasion, and the illustrations were very good and added an extra ick factor during certain scenes. I flew through the last half of the book, and was legitimately blindsided by the ending, which was pretty dang satisfying.
If you are a fan of weird and/or folk horror, I recommend trying this one out!
November 5, 2021
I grabbed this on netgalley because I was looking for something different to read, and the premise sounded really interesting, but this one fell a little flat for me. I did enjoy parts of it, but I found parts to be a bit confusing and not explained well enough, and I didn't really find it scary at all (although this could be more because I do have a high tolerance when it comes to horror in fiction). I didn't see the twist coming, although maybe I should have, so that was really interesting, and I appreciated that a lot. Overall, this was a quick read that was somewhat enjoyable, and if you are new to horror, this might be a good one to start with, since it is so short.
Thank you netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2022
One Eye Open by Alex Grecian, Andrea Mutti was AMAZING! This story was short but delivered such a punch at the end! I absolutely loved it. The perfect amount of creepy, with unexpected twists.
Juniper and her mother go back to her mother's hometown after the death of her grandmother. Once she is there, she notices things are not what they seem, and the people of the little farm town are far from normal.
The illustrations scattered throughout the story added to the creep factor and were awesome. I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a fun, short, CREEPY read.
Juniper and her mother go back to her mother's hometown after the death of her grandmother. Once she is there, she notices things are not what they seem, and the people of the little farm town are far from normal.
The illustrations scattered throughout the story added to the creep factor and were awesome. I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a fun, short, CREEPY read.
December 17, 2022
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was pure gold! Since the start you get immerse in a story that shows you little by little of what's is happening and the consequences of the choices made by the characters.
Honestly the plot twist was amazing and when you start to remember little things that the characters said and did it made so much sense that I got so exited finishing it.
It was a fast reading because of the writing style and the length of the book.
This book was pure gold! Since the start you get immerse in a story that shows you little by little of what's is happening and the consequences of the choices made by the characters.
Honestly the plot twist was amazing and when you start to remember little things that the characters said and did it made so much sense that I got so exited finishing it.
It was a fast reading because of the writing style and the length of the book.
October 27, 2021
Great read i think it was a quick short read but it was very good, This girl goes with her mom to live in this house that her mother used to live in before she passed an they own a lot of land. I liked the parts where Juniper started seeing things, talking to her dad who actually passed away, she starts noticing strange things occuring on the farm an house. It was spooky but I read so fast to see what would happen at the end I did enjoy it.
Thank you for letting me read this book!
Thank you for letting me read this book!
January 12, 2022
One eye open by Alex Grecian.
After her mother’s sudden passing, Laura and her daughter Juniper return to her childhood home in the rural outskirts of Denmark. In the scenic village amidst seas of wheat fields, Laura hopes they have finally let tragedy behind them. Then, Juniper begins to notice something strange about the people she encounters, the same people who have worked in these fields for centuries.
This was a really enjoyable read with good characters. Likeable story. 4*.
After her mother’s sudden passing, Laura and her daughter Juniper return to her childhood home in the rural outskirts of Denmark. In the scenic village amidst seas of wheat fields, Laura hopes they have finally let tragedy behind them. Then, Juniper begins to notice something strange about the people she encounters, the same people who have worked in these fields for centuries.
This was a really enjoyable read with good characters. Likeable story. 4*.
January 13, 2022
One Eye Open by Alex Grecian was a lovely surprise and a very quick read!!! I really enjoyed it especially as Alex is a new author to me. This book was very fast pace throughout. It maybe only 100 pages but is was very creepy and eerie great for bedtime reading or in a graveyard on halloween!
Big thank you to NetGalley and TKO Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
Big thank you to NetGalley and TKO Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
November 21, 2021
***TW FOR SELFHARM*** Very fast pace, weird in all the good ways. I loved how the story reveals parts of the plot and it all starts to make sense and then THAT plot twist !!!!!!! A short fast read that I really enjoyed and really looking forward to check out more from the author.
May 10, 2022
A quick, easy and creepy read that I finished in one sitting. I loved the setting of this book, I haven't read any books that are set in Denmark I don't think and so that was interesting. I think the illustrations were also a great addition. I really liked it.
June 5, 2022
I really like Alex Grecian books
I read all of the Scotland Yard Murder Squad books, which were excellent and satisfying reads. This one is a little different but also weird and fun! I recommend it.
I read all of the Scotland Yard Murder Squad books, which were excellent and satisfying reads. This one is a little different but also weird and fun! I recommend it.
August 7, 2023
It's a good novella for those interested in grief-stricken horror. But it just wasn't ooky spooky enough for me, which maybe is unfair to the book.
I enjoyed it okay, but I'm probably not going to reach for it on my shelves it.
I enjoyed it okay, but I'm probably not going to reach for it on my shelves it.
May 10, 2022
Crap
I can't believe I waited for this book to come out. What and absolute piece of crap! I'm even more surprised someone would publish it!
I can't believe I waited for this book to come out. What and absolute piece of crap! I'm even more surprised someone would publish it!
January 22, 2023
all those display books at ikea must be lovecraft prove me wrong
October 25, 2021
Laura and her daughter Juniper have return to Laura's hometown in Denmark after a family tragedy. In this farming community nothing is as it seems.
This was a enjoyable short story with a underlying creepy aspect.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
This was a enjoyable short story with a underlying creepy aspect.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
March 4, 2024
This here is some Pet Semetary stuff mixed in with Danish witchcraft. It’s pretty good for a short read!
January 7, 2022
Laura and her teen-aged daughter, Juniper, have just arrived in Godhavn, Denmark. It is Autumn, and they have come to the family homestead in the wake of Laura’s mother’s death. It’s where Laura grew up, a place she had planned on never returning. But now Laura is planning on making this their home. However, as we will find out, Laura has a very good reason in doing so.
The house holds many secrets which intrigue Juniper: a linen closet with chains; pictures of her elderly grandmother with a young man; a closet with a hole in the wall and possibly an explanation on the cause of her grandmother’s death.
The most interesting items are the carved box and leather journal left to Laura; items the family lawyer presents her with these words: “You made your bed, now lie in it.” What is behind his cryptic warning?
The carved box contains a cornhusk doll (hulder), and a lock of grey hair. Written in the journal is an entry that reads like a pagan ceremony. The people of Godhavn are bonded to the land, and the land is bonded to them. The crops are ready to be harvested; bonfires are lit; and thanks will be given to the Old Ones who have watched over them, and will soon be returning to the ground.
This is a novella about loss, grief, and rebirth told with elements of Danish folklore; it can be characterized as folk horror. At 100 pages, it is a quick and satisfying read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and TKO Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining novella.
The house holds many secrets which intrigue Juniper: a linen closet with chains; pictures of her elderly grandmother with a young man; a closet with a hole in the wall and possibly an explanation on the cause of her grandmother’s death.
The most interesting items are the carved box and leather journal left to Laura; items the family lawyer presents her with these words: “You made your bed, now lie in it.” What is behind his cryptic warning?
The carved box contains a cornhusk doll (hulder), and a lock of grey hair. Written in the journal is an entry that reads like a pagan ceremony. The people of Godhavn are bonded to the land, and the land is bonded to them. The crops are ready to be harvested; bonfires are lit; and thanks will be given to the Old Ones who have watched over them, and will soon be returning to the ground.
This is a novella about loss, grief, and rebirth told with elements of Danish folklore; it can be characterized as folk horror. At 100 pages, it is a quick and satisfying read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and TKO Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining novella.
December 6, 2022
Being a fan of Alex Grecian’s work, I saw this almost novella story. It’s a one afternoon read. The story moves fast and after finishing I wanted to go read the prologue again. A lot of information is shared within a smaller size story. As a short story creepy thriller, I’d give it a 4.
I like when a book moves so fast you can’t put it down. I would have liked a bit more story in the end but I understand why the author ended it. Need a “twilight zone” type creepy read on a cold wet afternoon…give this a try.
I like when a book moves so fast you can’t put it down. I would have liked a bit more story in the end but I understand why the author ended it. Need a “twilight zone” type creepy read on a cold wet afternoon…give this a try.
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