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Danje
In a small Louisiana Bayou town during mid-September 1965, Albert Gilly frantically prepares his family's fishing store for an impending hurricane. Amid the chaos, he notices Adonis, a drifter, lying motionless on the street. With the wind raging and debris swirling violently around them, Albert's mind is consumed with thoughts of his family and their dependence on him as the sole breadwinner. Knowing that they would be destitute without him, he makes the painful decision to prioritize his own safety over rescuing the stranger. As Albert stands in his shop's doorway, the weight of his guilt is almost suffocating, causing him to hesitate before locking himself inside. He shouts one last time, urging the young man to seek shelter in his late father's houseboat at the end of the pier. Adonis is startled awake by his words, his mind still hazy, as he struggles through the strong winds until arriving at the floating sanctuary. However, his relief is short-lived upon discovering the sinister secrets concealed within the old wooden walls.
236 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2023
47 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Gitte Tamar
17 books24 followersBrigitte, "Gitte," Tamar was born in a small rural Oregon town. Growing up, she was enthralled by scary tales featuring poetic tones and consistently gravitated towards writing darkened narratives. In the different storylines, Brigitte explores the harsh realities of social issues faced by today's generations. This includes the dark outcomes brought on by peer pressure, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, childhood trauma, and abuse. She feels it is essential to share narratives that refrain from sugarcoating the topics society tends to shy away from.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 17, 2023
I just found this story odd… the experiences Adonis had and all the detailed emotions just felt very repetitive and after a while got a bit boring. Can’t say I liked or wanted to know more about any of the characters either.
January 24, 2024
There's something about Gitte Tamar's writing that always leaves me feeling unsettled - in a good way. Whenever I read a horror/creepy book, I look for that feeling of despair and fear.
In this book we open up with a man named Albert. There's a storm brewing and Albert is closing up shop when he sees a young homeless man laying in the middle of the road. Albert calls out to him and tells him to go his houseboat for shelter from the storm. Unbeknownst to him, the horrors that await the homeless man (Adonis) in the houseboat are far worse than the impending storm.
This book had me holding my breath and jumping at every little creak I heard in my house. I felt the anxiety and dread building up in Adonis so acutely. Gitte Tamar really built up the atmosphere and claustrophobic feeling of being trapped on a haunted houseboat with no escape. This book kept me guessing until the end, and although the ending wasn't earth shattering by any means, it tied nicely together and I was highly impressed.
《Thank you to Booksirens and the author for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.》
In this book we open up with a man named Albert. There's a storm brewing and Albert is closing up shop when he sees a young homeless man laying in the middle of the road. Albert calls out to him and tells him to go his houseboat for shelter from the storm. Unbeknownst to him, the horrors that await the homeless man (Adonis) in the houseboat are far worse than the impending storm.
This book had me holding my breath and jumping at every little creak I heard in my house. I felt the anxiety and dread building up in Adonis so acutely. Gitte Tamar really built up the atmosphere and claustrophobic feeling of being trapped on a haunted houseboat with no escape. This book kept me guessing until the end, and although the ending wasn't earth shattering by any means, it tied nicely together and I was highly impressed.
《Thank you to Booksirens and the author for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.》
November 20, 2023
I just couldn't handle it. I have bee n fighting with this book or with Danje. The writing about the storm is really good. The problem is Danje. I just couldn't reach him. Sorry
December 5, 2023
It was a strange read I’m not 100% sure on how I actually feel about it. The story was had good basis and the writing was pretty decent the ending just seemed a little rushed and it needed more I think! It just didn’t feel finished.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I think I would have enjoyed this book with a different protagonist. The premise was great -- a protag discovering the crimes of the previous inhabitant through terrifying visions and experiences while trapped during a storm -- but Adonis was unbearably annoying. His dialogue read like a caricature and was so. So. Repetitive. Every time he spoke, I was taken out of the story. I think this could have been an interesting meditation on generational trauma and addiction otherwise.
I think I would have enjoyed this book with a different protagonist. The premise was great -- a protag discovering the crimes of the previous inhabitant through terrifying visions and experiences while trapped during a storm -- but Adonis was unbearably annoying. His dialogue read like a caricature and was so. So. Repetitive. Every time he spoke, I was taken out of the story. I think this could have been an interesting meditation on generational trauma and addiction otherwise.
November 15, 2023
Did not finish at 44%.
I could not stay in the story because of the way it was written. Too many adjectives and adverbs were detracting from the narrative and dampening the suspense. I also think this story would have been better if it was written in 1st person instead of 3rd. The narration made the horrors Adonis was experiencing seem impersonal. The premise was intriguing, but the way it was executed was just not for me.
I could not stay in the story because of the way it was written. Too many adjectives and adverbs were detracting from the narrative and dampening the suspense. I also think this story would have been better if it was written in 1st person instead of 3rd. The narration made the horrors Adonis was experiencing seem impersonal. The premise was intriguing, but the way it was executed was just not for me.
November 6, 2023
I'm always looking for books that take a different direction or setting and turning it into a horrifying story. This is what Gittie Tamar has done with this book and it mostly works wonderfully.
Set in 1965 during a hurricane on a Louisiana bayou, a homeless drug addict named Adonis seeks refuge from the storm in a mostly unkempt houseboat. When he awakes the following morning, the boat is adrift in the swamp with no land in sight.
And then things get creepy. He finds himself naked and chained to the sofa, there are strange footsteps but doesn't see anybody, and he thinks he's losing his mind.
Even after becoming unshackled, he soon finds out that the worst is yet to come. A dead woman pulling herself from the depths onto the boat with her lower half missing, another woman who materialises from a dress in a closet, horribly disfigured and bags of body parts in the freezer.
All of these images are written in such a way that they bring the scares and are delightfully disgusting. But is Adonis having a mental breakdown or is he, for some reason, being haunted by things he does not remember?
This is the crux of this story and it leaves enough room as you're reading to create your own opinion until the truth is revealed at the end. The houseboat gives this book a claustrophobic vibe that helps keep the tension high as the chances of escape are practically zero.
The ending is also very well done and there are elements to it that you won't see coming.
My only issue is not a deal breaker and is just my own opinion. I didn't really connect to any of the characters. I thought Adonis would have some sympathetic qualities but I didn't find any really. At times, he was annoying and seemed to make choices that didn't make sense. When there are stacks of bloody body parts seemingly reassembling themselves you don't turn your back waiting for the water to run clear because you're thirsty. That's like horror rules 101.
But despite this one minor character flaw, this book is effectively creepy, brutal in places, and has an ending that packs a punch. I would definitely recommend it.
I received this book as an ARC with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Set in 1965 during a hurricane on a Louisiana bayou, a homeless drug addict named Adonis seeks refuge from the storm in a mostly unkempt houseboat. When he awakes the following morning, the boat is adrift in the swamp with no land in sight.
And then things get creepy. He finds himself naked and chained to the sofa, there are strange footsteps but doesn't see anybody, and he thinks he's losing his mind.
Even after becoming unshackled, he soon finds out that the worst is yet to come. A dead woman pulling herself from the depths onto the boat with her lower half missing, another woman who materialises from a dress in a closet, horribly disfigured and bags of body parts in the freezer.
All of these images are written in such a way that they bring the scares and are delightfully disgusting. But is Adonis having a mental breakdown or is he, for some reason, being haunted by things he does not remember?
This is the crux of this story and it leaves enough room as you're reading to create your own opinion until the truth is revealed at the end. The houseboat gives this book a claustrophobic vibe that helps keep the tension high as the chances of escape are practically zero.
The ending is also very well done and there are elements to it that you won't see coming.
My only issue is not a deal breaker and is just my own opinion. I didn't really connect to any of the characters. I thought Adonis would have some sympathetic qualities but I didn't find any really. At times, he was annoying and seemed to make choices that didn't make sense. When there are stacks of bloody body parts seemingly reassembling themselves you don't turn your back waiting for the water to run clear because you're thirsty. That's like horror rules 101.
But despite this one minor character flaw, this book is effectively creepy, brutal in places, and has an ending that packs a punch. I would definitely recommend it.
I received this book as an ARC with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
November 14, 2023
Before I talk about the story, I really want to take a moment and mention how cool the cover of this book is. It gives it that unique rustic, mysterious vibe that I cannot explain. Inside, there’s such elaborative chapter titles and designs. We have a mix of tarot in there which I found rather interesting. Of course the voodoo doll! Am I the only one that thinks it’s so cute? 😂
Now coming to the story, as the description says it’s set in 1965 Louisiana, during a hurricane on a bayou. There are other characters but the story focuses on Adonis, a homeless drug addict, who seeks refuge in a houseboat but when he wakes up the next day everything around him has changed.
Right off the bat Adonis and readers are thrown into action. We come across a serious of unexplainable events happening around. There’s a woman crawling to him, ghostly figures appearing and inside the freezer you have some really messed up stuff.
The way the story is written, I felt like it could use a little more detail. The pacing is slow and sometimes some actions and dialogues feel repetitive or rather similar to the previous ones. If the pacing was a little fast I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more.
But as the story is progressing, backstories are thrown at you. Readers have a lot of time on their hands to piece together the puzzle and come up with a bunch of theories.
Which brings me to the ending, I was able to guess a few bits but it was definitely a surprise.
This book was different in a sense it had more gore than I have read anywhere else 😂 and I like it. We have brutal scenes that the writer does a good job describing.
If you like horror stories, slice of life elements, some gore and survival themes. Then this story is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now coming to the story, as the description says it’s set in 1965 Louisiana, during a hurricane on a bayou. There are other characters but the story focuses on Adonis, a homeless drug addict, who seeks refuge in a houseboat but when he wakes up the next day everything around him has changed.
Right off the bat Adonis and readers are thrown into action. We come across a serious of unexplainable events happening around. There’s a woman crawling to him, ghostly figures appearing and inside the freezer you have some really messed up stuff.
The way the story is written, I felt like it could use a little more detail. The pacing is slow and sometimes some actions and dialogues feel repetitive or rather similar to the previous ones. If the pacing was a little fast I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more.
But as the story is progressing, backstories are thrown at you. Readers have a lot of time on their hands to piece together the puzzle and come up with a bunch of theories.
Which brings me to the ending, I was able to guess a few bits but it was definitely a surprise.
This book was different in a sense it had more gore than I have read anywhere else 😂 and I like it. We have brutal scenes that the writer does a good job describing.
If you like horror stories, slice of life elements, some gore and survival themes. Then this story is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2023
During a storm deep in the Louisiana bayou, a drug addled man named Adonis is awakened from his stupor by the shouts of a good Samaritan. The man urges Adonis to take shelter in his late father's houseboat. But once aboard, Adonis realizes his sanctuary may not be so safe after all.
Danje is a story that thrives on tension, creating discordant notes within the reader's very soul. This book is nothing short of haunting. It is hard not to feel the conflict of Albert, the man that chooses his family over Adonis in the beginning of the tale. And with that at the starting line, the story on gets more intense. The tale is dark and atmospheric, Tamar does a fantastic job transporting readers to the bayou. The characters come alive and you are trapped in intense conflict just as they are. This is truly a horror novel that thrives on dark secrets and the weight of our choices and actions.
Thank you to NetGalley and BookSirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.
Danje is a story that thrives on tension, creating discordant notes within the reader's very soul. This book is nothing short of haunting. It is hard not to feel the conflict of Albert, the man that chooses his family over Adonis in the beginning of the tale. And with that at the starting line, the story on gets more intense. The tale is dark and atmospheric, Tamar does a fantastic job transporting readers to the bayou. The characters come alive and you are trapped in intense conflict just as they are. This is truly a horror novel that thrives on dark secrets and the weight of our choices and actions.
Thank you to NetGalley and BookSirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.
December 25, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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This book was what I imagine would be like a sirens song. How it would maybe gently caress your face, and you’re locked in its gaze. As it slowly makes its way down into the water where you start realizing the grotesque features start forming as the beauty gradually dissolves. This author really dives into the descriptive maddening and raw realities of life along with how it works on the psyche.
Originally I wanted to leave a 4 star rating but honestly that would be inaccurate because it is it’s a great read for a psyche-thriller. I, personally, have ADHD, and the way the author went into her descriptive depths I would have to go back and re-read to keep myself in line with the actions currently at the moment. So at various times it was confusing for me because I would get so caught up with excitement that I forgot what just happened.
In any case I did enjoy it a lot, and if you are more of a psychological/paranormal thriller this will not disappoint you at all.
.
.
.
This book was what I imagine would be like a sirens song. How it would maybe gently caress your face, and you’re locked in its gaze. As it slowly makes its way down into the water where you start realizing the grotesque features start forming as the beauty gradually dissolves. This author really dives into the descriptive maddening and raw realities of life along with how it works on the psyche.
Originally I wanted to leave a 4 star rating but honestly that would be inaccurate because it is it’s a great read for a psyche-thriller. I, personally, have ADHD, and the way the author went into her descriptive depths I would have to go back and re-read to keep myself in line with the actions currently at the moment. So at various times it was confusing for me because I would get so caught up with excitement that I forgot what just happened.
In any case I did enjoy it a lot, and if you are more of a psychological/paranormal thriller this will not disappoint you at all.
May 9, 2024
It took me much longer than it should have to read this book, but I’m really glad I did. It follows the small but growing indie author tradition of repeatedly bashing their MC over the head, then making the MC question whether it even happened. Other books with a similar theme include Inside by D. M. Siciliano and my own The Haunting of Cabin Green. These are love ‘em or hate ‘em books, and their very divisiveness make them more intriguing, in my opinion.
This book would have been better with two editorial tweaks. First off, the word ‘chaos’ is way overused. Secondly, there were too many sentences that contained a lot of words, a lot of punctuation, and joined it all together with the word ‘and.’ I’m a fan of doing the same thing, but it’s important to vary your sentence length from time to time, lol.
Despite what I’ve just said above, I’m definitely a fan of this book. If you like stories where you never know what’s true—along with some good old-fashioned purple prose (not always a bad thing!)—then check this book out!
This book would have been better with two editorial tweaks. First off, the word ‘chaos’ is way overused. Secondly, there were too many sentences that contained a lot of words, a lot of punctuation, and joined it all together with the word ‘and.’ I’m a fan of doing the same thing, but it’s important to vary your sentence length from time to time, lol.
Despite what I’ve just said above, I’m definitely a fan of this book. If you like stories where you never know what’s true—along with some good old-fashioned purple prose (not always a bad thing!)—then check this book out!
December 8, 2023
“Danje”… the Haitian Creole word for “danger”. It is the perfect title for this book!
In the bayou country of Louisiana, a hurricane is about to make landfall. Albert Gilly hurries to prepare his family’s fishing business for the impact. He sees a drifter laying on the ground. He yells to him to take cover but the man doesn’t stir. Albert finally yells to him that he’s welcome to take cover in his family’s houseboat docked nearby. The drifter, Adonis, finally wakes and fights the winds to get into that boat. And THAT is when all hell breaks loose. That boat isn’t empty. That boat and its previous owner (Albert’s father) have been cursed with a vodou ritual. The horror, the gore, the terror within that boat is the stuff of nightmares. Quite the twist that gets revealed at the end about Adonis, Albert, and Albert’s late father too! What a wild and horrifying ride of a book! Loved it!
In the bayou country of Louisiana, a hurricane is about to make landfall. Albert Gilly hurries to prepare his family’s fishing business for the impact. He sees a drifter laying on the ground. He yells to him to take cover but the man doesn’t stir. Albert finally yells to him that he’s welcome to take cover in his family’s houseboat docked nearby. The drifter, Adonis, finally wakes and fights the winds to get into that boat. And THAT is when all hell breaks loose. That boat isn’t empty. That boat and its previous owner (Albert’s father) have been cursed with a vodou ritual. The horror, the gore, the terror within that boat is the stuff of nightmares. Quite the twist that gets revealed at the end about Adonis, Albert, and Albert’s late father too! What a wild and horrifying ride of a book! Loved it!
November 6, 2023
Albert’s life is filled with his responsibilities to his family and the tedious boring life. When a storm comes to Louisiana, he struggles to keep his store from being destroyed and saving his own life. He is in turmoil when he finds Adonis in the streets during the storm. His turmoil is whether to save Adonis or save himself so he can continue raising and supporting his family. He tells Adonis to go to Albert’s father’s old boathouse for safety. He starts to discover the secrets of his family that shakes his world.
“Danje” by Gitte Tamar was a good book. I did find that it was slow at times, and I didn’t particularly love the characters. The story of the book and the secrets and how it all plays out was good though. It’s definitely worth reading. 3 out of 5 stars because I couldn’t connect with the characters.
“Danje” by Gitte Tamar was a good book. I did find that it was slow at times, and I didn’t particularly love the characters. The story of the book and the secrets and how it all plays out was good though. It’s definitely worth reading. 3 out of 5 stars because I couldn’t connect with the characters.
December 8, 2023
“Danje”… the Haitian Creole word for “danger”. It is the perfect title for this book!
In the bayou country of Louisiana, a hurricane is about to make landfall. Albert Gilly hurries to prepare his family’s fishing business for the impact. He sees a drifter laying on the ground. He yells to him to take cover but the man doesn’t stir. Albert finally yells to him that he’s welcome to take cover in his family’s houseboat docked nearby. The drifter, Adonis, finally wakes and fights the winds to get into that boat. And THAT is when all hell breaks loose. That boat isn’t empty. That boat and its previous owner (Albert’s father) have been cursed with a vodou ritual. The horror, the gore, the terror within that boat is the stuff of nightmares. Quite the twist that gets revealed at the end about Adonis, Albert, and Albert’s late father too! What a wild and horrifying ride of a book! Loved it!
In the bayou country of Louisiana, a hurricane is about to make landfall. Albert Gilly hurries to prepare his family’s fishing business for the impact. He sees a drifter laying on the ground. He yells to him to take cover but the man doesn’t stir. Albert finally yells to him that he’s welcome to take cover in his family’s houseboat docked nearby. The drifter, Adonis, finally wakes and fights the winds to get into that boat. And THAT is when all hell breaks loose. That boat isn’t empty. That boat and its previous owner (Albert’s father) have been cursed with a vodou ritual. The horror, the gore, the terror within that boat is the stuff of nightmares. Quite the twist that gets revealed at the end about Adonis, Albert, and Albert’s late father too! What a wild and horrifying ride of a book! Loved it!
November 9, 2023
Set in the heart of a Louisiana Bayou town in 1965, Danje is a gripping tale that masterfully weaves together themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the human capacity for redemption. The story centers around Albert Gilly, a man facing an agonizing decision during an impending hurricane. As the storm approaches and chaos reigns, the narrative skillfully captures Albert's inner turmoil, making you feel the weight of his choices. When he chooses his family's safety over a stranger, you'll find yourself torn between empathy and understanding. The tension doesn't let up as the plot unfolds, revealing dark secrets and exploring the consequences of our actions. Danje is a riveting read that keeps you engaged from start to finish, a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.
November 8, 2023
From the moment I cracked open the book, I was hooked. The stormy backdrop of a 1965 Louisiana Bayou, with its vivid descriptions, transported me to a different time and place. The story's emotional depth is what truly sets it apart. Albert Gilly's internal struggle resonated with me on a profound level, making me reflect on my own choices in life. It's a tale of human frailty and the difficult decisions we all must make. But it's also a story of redemption, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there's hope for healing and forgiveness.
November 23, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was an eerie atmosphere from the beginning, and as I read on, it just became eerier. I felt the author wrote in a way that made the reader feel more involved. There was some intense imagery in places, and a lot of suspense. I did find this quite frightening, and I think fans of the horror genre would like it.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
There was an eerie atmosphere from the beginning, and as I read on, it just became eerier. I felt the author wrote in a way that made the reader feel more involved. There was some intense imagery in places, and a lot of suspense. I did find this quite frightening, and I think fans of the horror genre would like it.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
November 30, 2023
A deliciously creepy story combining elements of voudo and the spirits. A storm moves in and a young homeless man takes refuge in a houseboat. He is unaware of what was left behind on the boat. This book was a wild ride! I was absolutely sure that I was hearing noises in my house while reading this book. I cannot imagine the terror the women must have gone through. I was so sure that this book was going to end a certain way…boy was I wrong. You must read this book!
November 10, 2023
A place can absorb the evil perpetuated within its walls, especially when there has been no justice for the victims. Sometimes it is best not to stumble upon your roots, even when your brain is too muddled to make the connection.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Danje through BookSirens, and have chosen to leave a review.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Danje through BookSirens, and have chosen to leave a review.
December 15, 2023
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 3, 2024
Not worth my time to read
The premise behind this book sounded intriguing. Unfortunately, that was where it ended also. The entire middle of the book was repetitive. It got to the point where I just skim chapters rather than read them. The story doesn’t wrap up to the last chapter where it feels extraordinarily rushed.
The premise behind this book sounded intriguing. Unfortunately, that was where it ended also. The entire middle of the book was repetitive. It got to the point where I just skim chapters rather than read them. The story doesn’t wrap up to the last chapter where it feels extraordinarily rushed.
November 13, 2023
Full of pacing issues and characters I don't care about. Could have benefited from being a bit shorter but even that wouldn't have necessarily solved all the problems with it.
November 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, definitely not what I expected going in. I loved the pace of the story and the character development. definitely recommended!
November 21, 2023
In 1965 a hurricane is headed toward Louisiana Albert has a choice to save someone or not. Albert must face something unexpected. Suspense filled with great word building.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews