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Haunting Adile
"Haunting Adile is another example of Ms Lamb’s treatment of fairytale material—the side of the story that’s usually left untold. Here, she writes in a straightforward manner, appropriate for bringing the magical down to earth with a bump. "
"This book will twist your emotions."
"Scary tale of not being accepted by society"
'Adile was forced into marriage with Selim, an older wealthy man with twin teenage sons named Timur and Ahmet. She despised them, cursing them at every opportunity. Those curses failed to bring her the freedom she craved. Unexpectedly, Selim passed away, and Adile became the guardian of the boys and their inheritance, which she couldn't access.
When Timur fell in love with a boy named Adem from their village, things got worse.
Ahmet was afraid that Adile and her brothers would react negatively to the same-sex relationship because it was considered a sin and brought dishonor to the family.
Timur and Adem decide to run away together to escape judgment, but chaos ensues, and the consequences affect everyone involved.
The walls of the house and barn became silent witnesses to events that occurred within, absorbing all the energy and becoming a place of curses from the past.
Restless spirits began to roam around, whispering in the dark corners, turning the entire area into a haunted place, attracting something even more sinister.
Did they all manage to escape the village together and start a new life?'
***
TRIGGER WARNING- Reader discretion is advised.
This story contains content that could potentially trigger emotional distress, especially for individuals who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental health disorders.Please be aware that this story encompasses the struggles of those who fall in love with someone of the same sex, like homophobia. Some of these pages contain graphic violence, including elements of suicide and murder.
"This book will twist your emotions."
"Scary tale of not being accepted by society"
'Adile was forced into marriage with Selim, an older wealthy man with twin teenage sons named Timur and Ahmet. She despised them, cursing them at every opportunity. Those curses failed to bring her the freedom she craved. Unexpectedly, Selim passed away, and Adile became the guardian of the boys and their inheritance, which she couldn't access.
When Timur fell in love with a boy named Adem from their village, things got worse.
Ahmet was afraid that Adile and her brothers would react negatively to the same-sex relationship because it was considered a sin and brought dishonor to the family.
Timur and Adem decide to run away together to escape judgment, but chaos ensues, and the consequences affect everyone involved.
The walls of the house and barn became silent witnesses to events that occurred within, absorbing all the energy and becoming a place of curses from the past.
Restless spirits began to roam around, whispering in the dark corners, turning the entire area into a haunted place, attracting something even more sinister.
Did they all manage to escape the village together and start a new life?'
***
TRIGGER WARNING- Reader discretion is advised.
This story contains content that could potentially trigger emotional distress, especially for individuals who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental health disorders.Please be aware that this story encompasses the struggles of those who fall in love with someone of the same sex, like homophobia. Some of these pages contain graphic violence, including elements of suicide and murder.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2024
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Lily Lamb
23 books38 followersI'm a Turkish multi-genre indie author.
I love writing tales swirling (or intertwined by) with elements of romance, passion, mystery, horror, and fantasy where falling in love with a different kind of hero is the only possibility...
I love writing tales swirling (or intertwined by) with elements of romance, passion, mystery, horror, and fantasy where falling in love with a different kind of hero is the only possibility...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 27, 2024
Brilliant read!
After their father died, twin brothers were under the guardianship of step mum Adile until their 18th birthday. Their life was hell and they suffered daily from abuse of every kind. Plans were made to escape, to end the suffering, but things took an unexpected turn and their fate was sealed.
A fantastic and creative plot, penned by this talented author, is full of twists and turns and is captivating from the start. Containing everything from mental and physical abuse through to love, hope and fear, so many feelings are covered and the graphic, descriptive detail in each chapter enables you to feel every emotion experienced by the characters. You are unquestionably in that house/barn living every minute. Lily's writing just gets better and better, this is an outstanding piece of work and should definitely be included on everyone's TBR list. Great job!
After their father died, twin brothers were under the guardianship of step mum Adile until their 18th birthday. Their life was hell and they suffered daily from abuse of every kind. Plans were made to escape, to end the suffering, but things took an unexpected turn and their fate was sealed.
A fantastic and creative plot, penned by this talented author, is full of twists and turns and is captivating from the start. Containing everything from mental and physical abuse through to love, hope and fear, so many feelings are covered and the graphic, descriptive detail in each chapter enables you to feel every emotion experienced by the characters. You are unquestionably in that house/barn living every minute. Lily's writing just gets better and better, this is an outstanding piece of work and should definitely be included on everyone's TBR list. Great job!
January 8, 2024
Creepy story of a love story gone wrong
Timur and Ahmet are twins and unfortunately their step-mother - Adile and Adile’s two brothers are wicked to the two boys. Matters are made worse by Selim’s death.
Timur falls in love with Adem, a boy in the village which finally brings all the fears of the two boys to reality
After a horrific event, the story moves to the realm of the paranormal where Jinns and their magic comes into play. After that the story moves to Adile’s point of view as she slowly realizes the mistakes that she has made.
Will it be too late for her?
The story showed the homophobic people in the village and moves on to the creepy world of fear and curses.
Good read.
Timur and Ahmet are twins and unfortunately their step-mother - Adile and Adile’s two brothers are wicked to the two boys. Matters are made worse by Selim’s death.
Timur falls in love with Adem, a boy in the village which finally brings all the fears of the two boys to reality
After a horrific event, the story moves to the realm of the paranormal where Jinns and their magic comes into play. After that the story moves to Adile’s point of view as she slowly realizes the mistakes that she has made.
Will it be too late for her?
The story showed the homophobic people in the village and moves on to the creepy world of fear and curses.
Good read.
January 14, 2025
Emotional, Intense & Chilling
This is a book of two halves. In the first half you have twin brothers Ahmet and Timur whose life on a small rural farm in a Turkish village is far from ideal. First their mother died and then their father marries their stepmother Adile but along with her brothers she is far from being a nice person. Then when Ahmet and Timur’s father dies in mysterious circumstances, Adile and her brothers make Ahmet and Timur’s life hell via abuse and humiliation. During all this Timur begins a passionate relationship with another boy, Adem, which is dangerous for them as the entire village will shun them. As soon as Adile and her brothers hear about this they capture the two lovebirds and kill them but on Timur’s last words he curses Adile. From then the gears change and the book goes into supernatural horror mode as a powerful jinn is summoned and makes Adile’s life a living hell. The book is in equal parts sad, thought provoking, intense and scary. A very enjoyable read.
This is a book of two halves. In the first half you have twin brothers Ahmet and Timur whose life on a small rural farm in a Turkish village is far from ideal. First their mother died and then their father marries their stepmother Adile but along with her brothers she is far from being a nice person. Then when Ahmet and Timur’s father dies in mysterious circumstances, Adile and her brothers make Ahmet and Timur’s life hell via abuse and humiliation. During all this Timur begins a passionate relationship with another boy, Adem, which is dangerous for them as the entire village will shun them. As soon as Adile and her brothers hear about this they capture the two lovebirds and kill them but on Timur’s last words he curses Adile. From then the gears change and the book goes into supernatural horror mode as a powerful jinn is summoned and makes Adile’s life a living hell. The book is in equal parts sad, thought provoking, intense and scary. A very enjoyable read.
January 10, 2024
More like this please.
I've read a lot of books by this author, and this one took me by surprise as being different from the norm.
Ahmet and Timur, male twins growing up together, are, through consequences that they can't change, subject to "wicked stepmother syndrome" until their eighteenth birthday.
All seems just about tolerable until Timur has thoughts that are not in line with the thoughts of village society.
Conflict starts and then, when you least expect it, the novel turns into a haunting story.
Well worth a read. More please Lily.
I've read a lot of books by this author, and this one took me by surprise as being different from the norm.
Ahmet and Timur, male twins growing up together, are, through consequences that they can't change, subject to "wicked stepmother syndrome" until their eighteenth birthday.
All seems just about tolerable until Timur has thoughts that are not in line with the thoughts of village society.
Conflict starts and then, when you least expect it, the novel turns into a haunting story.
Well worth a read. More please Lily.
March 28, 2024
Love Against All Odds!
Twin brothers with an evil guardian try to find a way to make their lives easier. But when Timur meets Adem, everything changes. Their love is forbidden and Timur’s brother, Ahmet has his apprehensions as well.
Does love conquer all? Timur and Adem truly need to fight against all odds to be together.
This is a wonderful story and I truly enjoyed reading it.
Twin brothers with an evil guardian try to find a way to make their lives easier. But when Timur meets Adem, everything changes. Their love is forbidden and Timur’s brother, Ahmet has his apprehensions as well.
Does love conquer all? Timur and Adem truly need to fight against all odds to be together.
This is a wonderful story and I truly enjoyed reading it.
November 7, 2024
Hauntingly good
A very hauntingly good read. Chills down my spine. I very much enjoyed this tale. It's well written, and very entertaining. I didn't want to put it down.
A very hauntingly good read. Chills down my spine. I very much enjoyed this tale. It's well written, and very entertaining. I didn't want to put it down.
January 9, 2024
I’ve read everything published by Lily Lamb, and I think this may be my favourite. It’s certainly her most mature work—which might seem obvious, given that it’s her most recent, but that isn’t always the case with many authors.
Haunting Adile is another example of Ms Lamb’s treatment of fairytale material—the side of the story that’s usually left untold. Here, she writes in a straightforward manner, appropriate for bringing the magical down to earth with a bump. The setting is a village in rural Turkey, where local customs lag behind the modern life lived by those more fortunate—according to your viewpoint—in Istanbul.
Twins Timur and Ahmet first lose their mother, then acquire a stepmother who—after the unfortunate demise of their father—turns into the stereotypical wicked article, beating and abusing her unfortunate stepsons, aided and abetted by her two ‘ugly brothers.’
The misery of Timur’s existence is alleviated when he falls in love, which is reciprocated—cue a happy ending, right? Wrong, because by a cruel twist of fate it’s the love which dare not speak its name in this hidebound, rigid rural community. An elopement is planned, but the best-laid plan goes horribly wrong, with tragic consequences—and then matters take a dark, horrific and supernatural turn, along with another, totally unexpected, twist.
It’s obvious that stepmother Adile is a monster—but what makes a monster? The stepmothers who usually inhabit fairytales are just there, two-dimensional, typecast as villains and on occasion getting their comeuppance. They never get a backstory—until now, with that which the author gives to Adile, raised in a climate of unenlightened ignorance and superstition. Monsters beget more monsters, the abused become the abusers in a cycle where nature and nurture are so blended that it’s impossible to separate them—and although Adile acquires some self-knowledge, she seems too far gone along the path of evil to be able to achieve true repentance and redemption.
Or is she? Whatever the case, there's a price to be extracted, it seems, and she's forced to pay everything she owes.
A thought-provoking piece, and a recommended read.
Haunting Adile is another example of Ms Lamb’s treatment of fairytale material—the side of the story that’s usually left untold. Here, she writes in a straightforward manner, appropriate for bringing the magical down to earth with a bump. The setting is a village in rural Turkey, where local customs lag behind the modern life lived by those more fortunate—according to your viewpoint—in Istanbul.
Twins Timur and Ahmet first lose their mother, then acquire a stepmother who—after the unfortunate demise of their father—turns into the stereotypical wicked article, beating and abusing her unfortunate stepsons, aided and abetted by her two ‘ugly brothers.’
The misery of Timur’s existence is alleviated when he falls in love, which is reciprocated—cue a happy ending, right? Wrong, because by a cruel twist of fate it’s the love which dare not speak its name in this hidebound, rigid rural community. An elopement is planned, but the best-laid plan goes horribly wrong, with tragic consequences—and then matters take a dark, horrific and supernatural turn, along with another, totally unexpected, twist.
It’s obvious that stepmother Adile is a monster—but what makes a monster? The stepmothers who usually inhabit fairytales are just there, two-dimensional, typecast as villains and on occasion getting their comeuppance. They never get a backstory—until now, with that which the author gives to Adile, raised in a climate of unenlightened ignorance and superstition. Monsters beget more monsters, the abused become the abusers in a cycle where nature and nurture are so blended that it’s impossible to separate them—and although Adile acquires some self-knowledge, she seems too far gone along the path of evil to be able to achieve true repentance and redemption.
Or is she? Whatever the case, there's a price to be extracted, it seems, and she's forced to pay everything she owes.
A thought-provoking piece, and a recommended read.
June 25, 2024
Wow! What a ride! Fantastic!
I can't say I have read anything quite like this, and I LOVED it!
This tale about orphan twin boys, Ahmet and Timur, growing up on a Turkish farm dominated by their young stepmother, left with the burden of raising them after their father died with some 'help' from her cruel brothers, will lead you to believe this is a Cinderella tale with a twist, but you will be mistaken.
In some respects, the book's first half lulls you into a false sense of security that the boys, who bicker and tease as brothers do but love each other as they endure their mistreatment while counting down the minutes to turning eighteen so they can reclaim the inheritance of their father's farm and get Adile and her brothers out of their lives, will at some point come out on top.
When one brother falls in love with a local boy and the pair plan to run away to start a new life, you root for them to be together, away from their judgmental families who would spit on their union, seeing it as a devil's work. That's when things take an extremely dark turn.
Without spoiling the book's second half, let's say the trigger warning is very warranted. I must admit, until then, I considered that warning marketing hype to draw you in. As someone who supports the LSBTIQ community and their right to pursue love, I found nothing offensive in that first half other than how the boys were being treated, deeming it simply a wicked stepmother tale.
But was the stepmother truly wicked, or was she a mentally tortured individual and the product of a cruel environment herself? I guess you will have to read the book to find out.
This was hard to put down, and if I were to say anything, if you have an active imagination and fear evil things lurking in the dark, I suggest you read it during the day, as some will find the author’s excellently crafted graphic imagery quite disturbing.
A wonderful book for those who are fans of the horror genre. Just be prepared for a slow first-half burn, and then all your horror desires will be well and truly satisfied.
I can't say I have read anything quite like this, and I LOVED it!
This tale about orphan twin boys, Ahmet and Timur, growing up on a Turkish farm dominated by their young stepmother, left with the burden of raising them after their father died with some 'help' from her cruel brothers, will lead you to believe this is a Cinderella tale with a twist, but you will be mistaken.
In some respects, the book's first half lulls you into a false sense of security that the boys, who bicker and tease as brothers do but love each other as they endure their mistreatment while counting down the minutes to turning eighteen so they can reclaim the inheritance of their father's farm and get Adile and her brothers out of their lives, will at some point come out on top.
When one brother falls in love with a local boy and the pair plan to run away to start a new life, you root for them to be together, away from their judgmental families who would spit on their union, seeing it as a devil's work. That's when things take an extremely dark turn.
Without spoiling the book's second half, let's say the trigger warning is very warranted. I must admit, until then, I considered that warning marketing hype to draw you in. As someone who supports the LSBTIQ community and their right to pursue love, I found nothing offensive in that first half other than how the boys were being treated, deeming it simply a wicked stepmother tale.
But was the stepmother truly wicked, or was she a mentally tortured individual and the product of a cruel environment herself? I guess you will have to read the book to find out.
This was hard to put down, and if I were to say anything, if you have an active imagination and fear evil things lurking in the dark, I suggest you read it during the day, as some will find the author’s excellently crafted graphic imagery quite disturbing.
A wonderful book for those who are fans of the horror genre. Just be prepared for a slow first-half burn, and then all your horror desires will be well and truly satisfied.
January 29, 2024
The evil you do will come back and haunt you
Having spent many summers at my grandparents' village on a beautiful Greek island, I could immediately connect to the mood of this stirring and wonderfully written tale. Shadows that linger, pain from the past, wronged souls, trailing the winding streets, sweeping through the wreckage of old houses, and rustling in the leaves of trees. This is the incredible world where Lily Lamb's story unfolds. In all books by this author that I've read, I've very much appreciated the way she embraces the issue of homosexuality, in a lovely, innocent, and pure way, so I was delighted to see that same sweetness in this story. However, homosexuality is not the main theme in this haunting tale - diversity is. Diverse meaning not only having the "wrong" kind of sexual orientation, but being a child, being a woman, being poor, being rich or being modern, particularly in a closed society of uneducated and uncultured people, where prejudice, superstition, and the most basic human instincts dwell in utter exaggeration, ruining lives and darkening people's souls. Anyone interested in a story rich in folklore and with enough to contemplate about, simply must read this book. I found myself moved, thinking, and enthralled by it. Excellent work!
Having spent many summers at my grandparents' village on a beautiful Greek island, I could immediately connect to the mood of this stirring and wonderfully written tale. Shadows that linger, pain from the past, wronged souls, trailing the winding streets, sweeping through the wreckage of old houses, and rustling in the leaves of trees. This is the incredible world where Lily Lamb's story unfolds. In all books by this author that I've read, I've very much appreciated the way she embraces the issue of homosexuality, in a lovely, innocent, and pure way, so I was delighted to see that same sweetness in this story. However, homosexuality is not the main theme in this haunting tale - diversity is. Diverse meaning not only having the "wrong" kind of sexual orientation, but being a child, being a woman, being poor, being rich or being modern, particularly in a closed society of uneducated and uncultured people, where prejudice, superstition, and the most basic human instincts dwell in utter exaggeration, ruining lives and darkening people's souls. Anyone interested in a story rich in folklore and with enough to contemplate about, simply must read this book. I found myself moved, thinking, and enthralled by it. Excellent work!
July 26, 2025
I expected a horror book, which Haunting Adile certainly is. However, I was unprepared for the profound thoughtfulness the author offered about the self-appointed gatekeepers of morality, as well as the unimaginable reality and consequences of existing in a world where loving someone can be a death sentence.
Someone asked me not long ago how I could write a story about a same-gender couple when I’m straight. My answer was that it's a love story, and it doesn’t matter who it is between. Lamb’s story delivers this idea with an emotional sledgehammer. It’s raw, graphic, scary, sad, and an incredible horror tale. Don’t ignore the trigger warnings. This book has graphic content.
This story was unlike anything I’ve read before. I love the horror genre, and this one does not disappoint. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about how monsters aren’t born; they’re made. The true horror in this book lies in how that process occurs. Without giving spoilers, I’ll say that if you have a pulse, you will be moved, and you’ll want the lights on. This unusual story betrays a creative mind, is well-written, and is worthy of Five Stars.
Someone asked me not long ago how I could write a story about a same-gender couple when I’m straight. My answer was that it's a love story, and it doesn’t matter who it is between. Lamb’s story delivers this idea with an emotional sledgehammer. It’s raw, graphic, scary, sad, and an incredible horror tale. Don’t ignore the trigger warnings. This book has graphic content.
This story was unlike anything I’ve read before. I love the horror genre, and this one does not disappoint. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about how monsters aren’t born; they’re made. The true horror in this book lies in how that process occurs. Without giving spoilers, I’ll say that if you have a pulse, you will be moved, and you’ll want the lights on. This unusual story betrays a creative mind, is well-written, and is worthy of Five Stars.
June 26, 2024
“Haunting Adine” by Lily Lamb, is a very dark and gory occult/horror tale. (Trigger warning for just about anything that might trigger anyone.) Adile is forced to marry an older, wealthy man she despises, and becomes an astonishingly cruel step-mother to his 2 twin sons, Ahmet and Timur. One morning, while Adile’s two brutal older brothers, Kadir & Mahmut, are visiting, the twins’ father dies in the barn. Adine is left guardian of Ahmet and Timur until they reach the age of 18 and inherit their father’s house and orchard. 17-year-old Ahmet is often forced to stay out in the barn for minor offenses and is tormented there by the apparition of his father. Meanwhile, Timur has fallen in love with an older boy named Adem; but their romance must be kept secret since a homosexual relationship goes against the laws of the land. Timur and Adem decide to run away and invite Ahmet to go with them, but tragedy lies ahead. This is a gruesome, twisty, and creative tale!
January 20, 2024
Lily Lamb has produced another gem. This is without doubt an excellent book producing many emotions within the reader. The most interesting aspect is that the person who caused much of the disruption within the family is later represented to the reader as a victim who without support becomes a terrible abuser. In the end she is left alone but with a twist that totally catches the reader off guard.
This book deals with myth in the form of the jinns which have powers of the undead. In the small Turkish villages these spirits were believed to exist and greatly feared. So the presence of the jinn had a significant impact, however, the woman, the central character, had two very evil brothers whose previous bad deeds played a significant role in the ultimate outcome.
If you want to be challenged. If you want a book to really make you think. Then this is the book for you.
This book deals with myth in the form of the jinns which have powers of the undead. In the small Turkish villages these spirits were believed to exist and greatly feared. So the presence of the jinn had a significant impact, however, the woman, the central character, had two very evil brothers whose previous bad deeds played a significant role in the ultimate outcome.
If you want to be challenged. If you want a book to really make you think. Then this is the book for you.
October 11, 2024
This is the first book I've read by Lamb, and I'm quite impressed with her poetic phrasing and storytelling. The story is a sad, tragic, and haunting story about three innocent boys and one horrible woman.
Set in a rural village in Turkey in 1950, the heart of the story is about acceptance and belonging, and what happens when a person has neither. Adile is a complicated protagonist as she is at once sympathetic and loathsome.
I have a few concerns about the book, mostly in the editing. I found many typos, some of them quite jarring (like "read" instead of "red"). And there are parts in the last quarter of the book that drag on and on. I'm also confused by the seemingly anachronistic slang and dialogue. There's some things the characters say that seem completely out of place for the era and setting.
Though I would have loved a different ending, I overall enjoyed the book. It made for good reading as we head into Halloween.
Set in a rural village in Turkey in 1950, the heart of the story is about acceptance and belonging, and what happens when a person has neither. Adile is a complicated protagonist as she is at once sympathetic and loathsome.
I have a few concerns about the book, mostly in the editing. I found many typos, some of them quite jarring (like "read" instead of "red"). And there are parts in the last quarter of the book that drag on and on. I'm also confused by the seemingly anachronistic slang and dialogue. There's some things the characters say that seem completely out of place for the era and setting.
Though I would have loved a different ending, I overall enjoyed the book. It made for good reading as we head into Halloween.
January 9, 2024
An interesting tale
I see that this is book 4 in a series. I haven't read the other books so I can't comment on whether the flow and continuity would be better or worse for reading them first. I will say that it's usually a good idea to read the other stories in a series so that you don't miss the small nuances. That said, I think this story stood alone very well.
Lily is an incredibly talented storyteller and weaves fantastic tales. This one was a bit dark, with evil and suffering, love and sacrifice and a dollop of magic and mystical. It has all the emotions! I also love the way Lily adds their ethnic folk lore and culture. This was a complex story but well written and I enjoyed it.
I see that this is book 4 in a series. I haven't read the other books so I can't comment on whether the flow and continuity would be better or worse for reading them first. I will say that it's usually a good idea to read the other stories in a series so that you don't miss the small nuances. That said, I think this story stood alone very well.
Lily is an incredibly talented storyteller and weaves fantastic tales. This one was a bit dark, with evil and suffering, love and sacrifice and a dollop of magic and mystical. It has all the emotions! I also love the way Lily adds their ethnic folk lore and culture. This was a complex story but well written and I enjoyed it.
February 3, 2024
A great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Timur and Ahmet, twin teens that live on the family farm where they tend to the land under the baleful step mother Adile and her two abusive brothers. Both the teens have to endure many beatings and cruelty until the dark day comes to claim one of the boys for loving another young man around his age. I don't want to say anything else because it would give away too much. I will say that it's a great message about how traumatic events from our past can shape who we are. Even the most despicable of people tended to be scarred and wounded children in an adult body. There's a few surprises and twists that you won't see coming until it's too late. I highly recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Timur and Ahmet, twin teens that live on the family farm where they tend to the land under the baleful step mother Adile and her two abusive brothers. Both the teens have to endure many beatings and cruelty until the dark day comes to claim one of the boys for loving another young man around his age. I don't want to say anything else because it would give away too much. I will say that it's a great message about how traumatic events from our past can shape who we are. Even the most despicable of people tended to be scarred and wounded children in an adult body. There's a few surprises and twists that you won't see coming until it's too late. I highly recommend it!
December 3, 2024
A Ghost Story That Hits Close to Home
Haunting Adile is more than just a tale of restless spirits—it’s a deeply human story about love, loss, and rejection. Adile’s resentment of her stepsons and the tragic consequences that follow make for a gripping narrative that’s as emotional as it is eerie. The supernatural elements are genuinely frightening, but it’s the underlying themes of societal rejection and forbidden love that haunt you long after the story ends. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster with dark, graphic moments—but also a tale that’s impossible to put down.
Haunting Adile is more than just a tale of restless spirits—it’s a deeply human story about love, loss, and rejection. Adile’s resentment of her stepsons and the tragic consequences that follow make for a gripping narrative that’s as emotional as it is eerie. The supernatural elements are genuinely frightening, but it’s the underlying themes of societal rejection and forbidden love that haunt you long after the story ends. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster with dark, graphic moments—but also a tale that’s impossible to put down.
January 16, 2024
This is an excellent story of a woman who Is complicit in the deaths of several others, including step-sons and brothers, but through soul-searching comes to regret what she did. A jinn, or spirit, guides her in this process, and it's interesting that the spirit, though scary and powerful, is not completely bad. It's set in a Turkish village whose culture is very restrictive to at least half of its residents. It's a portrait of a life that spirits play a very strong role in, and it's very well written.
January 29, 2024
An Old-World Tale with a Modern Twist
Author Lily Lamb’s well-written folk tale pulsates with cold shudders and visceral queasiness. The pervading doom and gloom take place in a provincial Turkish village where inhabitants cling to rigid cultural and religious practices whose tenets sanction the subservient role of women and honor killings for those in same-sex relationships.
A story unfolding through fear, suffering, hate, murder, and occult horror evolves around characters whose lives become entwined: Adile Abi and her brothers Kadir Abi and Mahmut Abi; twins, Ahmet and Timur; Adem, Timur’s love interest.
Awash in karmic backlashing, I highly recommend this old-world tale with a modern twist that holds the reader in its grip.
Author Lily Lamb’s well-written folk tale pulsates with cold shudders and visceral queasiness. The pervading doom and gloom take place in a provincial Turkish village where inhabitants cling to rigid cultural and religious practices whose tenets sanction the subservient role of women and honor killings for those in same-sex relationships.
A story unfolding through fear, suffering, hate, murder, and occult horror evolves around characters whose lives become entwined: Adile Abi and her brothers Kadir Abi and Mahmut Abi; twins, Ahmet and Timur; Adem, Timur’s love interest.
Awash in karmic backlashing, I highly recommend this old-world tale with a modern twist that holds the reader in its grip.
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June 10, 2024Loved this!
I really enjoyed this book. The author is a very talented writer. I knew early on that this story was for me when I noticed it had to do with twin brothers. I have twin sons, and I love reading any stories involving twins. I have to say there is a line in this book that not only is my fav from the story, but it's my fav line ever read. "Your human nose couldn’t smell it, but your soul would." Not sure why, but I love that. I'd definitely read more books by this author.
I really enjoyed this book. The author is a very talented writer. I knew early on that this story was for me when I noticed it had to do with twin brothers. I have twin sons, and I love reading any stories involving twins. I have to say there is a line in this book that not only is my fav from the story, but it's my fav line ever read. "Your human nose couldn’t smell it, but your soul would." Not sure why, but I love that. I'd definitely read more books by this author.
January 7, 2025
This is an haunting eerie tale with genuinely frightening supernatural elements. The author tackles excellently deeper themes of homophobia, graphic violence, suicide and murder. We have twin brothers thrown into a wicked stepmother's abusive existence. When one brother reveals a secret love for a local boy they have no alternative but to try and escape but this only leads to more devastating consequences. Lamb is an impressive storyteller providing great character depth and emotion. A story that will stay with you long after the last page has been read.
August 10, 2025
I found this book by chance, searching what was on offer with Kindle Unlimited, and the title intrigued me. I wasn't sure what to expect. I can only describe what I found by saying it reads like an adult fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. They scared me as a child, in a delicious, "hide under the bedclothes" way. As an adult, I had the same reaction to Haunting Adile!
Beautifully written, perfectly edited... Nothing to bring me back to reality except "The End". Read compulsively in every spare moment, it is now me who feels haunted!
Beautifully written, perfectly edited... Nothing to bring me back to reality except "The End". Read compulsively in every spare moment, it is now me who feels haunted!
January 12, 2024
great
This is not the first book of lily Lamb’s that I have read, but found this one to be great . Her writing has grown and flows throughout. The storyline keeps you intrigued even with the heart-rendering characters. She drags you on a journey of family love and hateful envy. Evolving as you read, no matter how hard you try to put the book down. It keeps you engaged. To an end I was not expecting. Great work... Elegantly written and edited.
This is not the first book of lily Lamb’s that I have read, but found this one to be great . Her writing has grown and flows throughout. The storyline keeps you intrigued even with the heart-rendering characters. She drags you on a journey of family love and hateful envy. Evolving as you read, no matter how hard you try to put the book down. It keeps you engaged. To an end I was not expecting. Great work... Elegantly written and edited.
January 29, 2024
Keeps pages turning
"Haunting Adile" is a gripping tale that sheds light on the darker side of fairytales. With straightforward writing, it explores themes of societal rejection and forbidden love. The characters' struggles are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, but be warned, the book contains triggering content like violence and suicide. Despite this, it's a powerful read that challenges readers to confront their own prejudices.
"Haunting Adile" is a gripping tale that sheds light on the darker side of fairytales. With straightforward writing, it explores themes of societal rejection and forbidden love. The characters' struggles are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, but be warned, the book contains triggering content like violence and suicide. Despite this, it's a powerful read that challenges readers to confront their own prejudices.
July 12, 2024
haunting can be a good thing!
this book brought to mind the work of Poe in that the conscious of the guilty has its reckoning with their sins. nobody deserved more than Adile to be haunted so it seemed both justified and justice itself that she suffered so. the role and work of a stepmother has eternally been an issue and as such, Adile was more than a disaster, she was a nightmare and a menace. not to mention the villain that she acted to her own brothers. good riddance!
this book brought to mind the work of Poe in that the conscious of the guilty has its reckoning with their sins. nobody deserved more than Adile to be haunted so it seemed both justified and justice itself that she suffered so. the role and work of a stepmother has eternally been an issue and as such, Adile was more than a disaster, she was a nightmare and a menace. not to mention the villain that she acted to her own brothers. good riddance!
October 25, 2024
Awesome
Wow this book is so gripping its amazing. You start off with two young twins who are looked after by their step mother Adile . My word their life was tough, but when they decide to change their lives things really hot up. The book is very graphic and not for fate hearted but if you want something that will keep you on the edge this is for you. The graphic scenes didn't bother me. The writer is exceptional she is very clever at keeping you glued. Fantastic!!!
Wow this book is so gripping its amazing. You start off with two young twins who are looked after by their step mother Adile . My word their life was tough, but when they decide to change their lives things really hot up. The book is very graphic and not for fate hearted but if you want something that will keep you on the edge this is for you. The graphic scenes didn't bother me. The writer is exceptional she is very clever at keeping you glued. Fantastic!!!
May 23, 2025
fascinating from start to finish
Author Lily certainly keeps one hooked from beginning to end. I especially liked the narration and character of Ahmet. Some characters I could not find sympathetic and some narrations (there were multiple) were a bit confusing but all in all I found the story kept my interest start to finish and I won’t spoil ending but HOLY COW. Didn’t see that coming.
Author Lily certainly keeps one hooked from beginning to end. I especially liked the narration and character of Ahmet. Some characters I could not find sympathetic and some narrations (there were multiple) were a bit confusing but all in all I found the story kept my interest start to finish and I won’t spoil ending but HOLY COW. Didn’t see that coming.
July 1, 2024
Mind blowing
From all the books I've read from this author this one is by far the best, the incident in the barn when Temur saw the ghost if his dad got me scared. This story is captivating it is not just sex only, it is an interesting story very interesting I won't mind to read it again.
From all the books I've read from this author this one is by far the best, the incident in the barn when Temur saw the ghost if his dad got me scared. This story is captivating it is not just sex only, it is an interesting story very interesting I won't mind to read it again.
August 12, 2024
Disturbing and haunting
I always love stories of Jinn creatures. When twin brothers finally attempt to escape their stepmother’s wrath things go horribly wrong. The second half of the book evolves into a haunting of Adile. A very cruel woman who has caused so much suffering and pain. That the author was able to elicit sympathy for such a person by the end was remarkable.
I always love stories of Jinn creatures. When twin brothers finally attempt to escape their stepmother’s wrath things go horribly wrong. The second half of the book evolves into a haunting of Adile. A very cruel woman who has caused so much suffering and pain. That the author was able to elicit sympathy for such a person by the end was remarkable.
January 9, 2024
a terrifyingly good read
Truly a wild ride, full of the authors splendour for the sick and depraved huddled inside curses and love and sexual acts aplenty!
You will feel for the characters!
Jump in and read on ahoy!
The episode of American horror story you never knew you wanted!
Truly a wild ride, full of the authors splendour for the sick and depraved huddled inside curses and love and sexual acts aplenty!
You will feel for the characters!
Jump in and read on ahoy!
The episode of American horror story you never knew you wanted!
January 15, 2024
fabulous book
I’ve read a few books by this author but this book was by far their BEST work! This gripping novel seamlessly weaves together the supernatural and the struggle for LGBTI+ rights in the rich cultural tapestry of Türkiye. It’s 5 stars from me!
I’ve read a few books by this author but this book was by far their BEST work! This gripping novel seamlessly weaves together the supernatural and the struggle for LGBTI+ rights in the rich cultural tapestry of Türkiye. It’s 5 stars from me!
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