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The Broken Places
When Ryne Burdette inherits his family's old hunting cabin deep in the Yukon wilderness, he wants to say no. Nothing much is left in that place except for unpleasant memories and the smoke of old burns. But after a tragic year, he sees a weekend trip to the cabin with his best friends as a way to recuperate and begin again.
But there is something strange about these woods. As a winter storm moves in, the animals begin acting strangely, and the natural laws of the wilderness seem to fall apart. Then, the soft voices start whispering through the trees. Something is watching them.
As the storm gets worse and the woods get darker, the three friends must dive into the darkest waters of the Burdette family lineage. Because the horrible truth is deep, resting in the shadowed places no one wants to look.
But there is something strange about these woods. As a winter storm moves in, the animals begin acting strangely, and the natural laws of the wilderness seem to fall apart. Then, the soft voices start whispering through the trees. Something is watching them.
As the storm gets worse and the woods get darker, the three friends must dive into the darkest waters of the Burdette family lineage. Because the horrible truth is deep, resting in the shadowed places no one wants to look.
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First published March 24, 2023
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About the author
Blaine Daigle
10 books205 followersHaving lived his entire life deep in the gut of Louisiana, Blaine Daigle grew up surrounded by ghost stories of haunted plantations and cursed woodlands. He still lives in Louisiana with his wife and two children and can't wait to pass on the nightmares to his kids..when they are old enough. During the day he teaches high school English. At night, he enjoys diving deep into the fears that shape and mold the world around him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
July 8, 2024
My thanks to Wicked House Publishing, Blaine Daigle and Netgalley.
This story was initially a slow start for me, but instead of dnfing, I just kept on reading. Good choice!
I noticed that this story is being compared to The Terror (Dan Simmons) and The Ritual (Adam Nevill.)
Pay no attention to those lies!😜
This was in and of itself a fantastic read!
The only reason I decided to read and review this book was because of that book cover!
I'm not going to say what the big bad is, but because of that cover I hoped. I never, ever ignore horns! Or antlers. Whatever.
This story was initially a slow start for me, but instead of dnfing, I just kept on reading. Good choice!
I noticed that this story is being compared to The Terror (Dan Simmons) and The Ritual (Adam Nevill.)
Pay no attention to those lies!😜
This was in and of itself a fantastic read!
The only reason I decided to read and review this book was because of that book cover!
I'm not going to say what the big bad is, but because of that cover I hoped. I never, ever ignore horns! Or antlers. Whatever.
February 11, 2024
"Blaine Daigle" is an outstanding new horror writer that readers need to be aware of if they want to be chilled and thrilled in the best way possible!
Deep in the wilderness of the Yukon sits an isolated log cabin that has been owned by several generations of the Burdette family and is now passed down to Ryne Burdette who needs a healing vacation along with his two lifelong best friends who have all been through some tragic events the past few years. Ryne has always had a love/hate relationship with his cabin memories without fully understanding the reasons behind his feelings because he knows there were many family secrets that his father and uncle had kept from him. On the slow, treacherous and tedious drive where the roads are narrow while covered with snow and ice the friends wonder if they should turn around as news of another blizzard is headed their way but Ryne is determined that the cabin will be the safest place to be in the upcoming storm.
When they are only a few miles from their destination an enormous buck with some of the largest antlers the trio have ever seen stands dead still in the middle of the road blocking their way. This buck seemed to have no fear and whatever they tried to scare him, he still would not budge and inch. The most disturbing thing about this deer were his eyes, they were the deepest black, void of any energy or spark of life and the way it stared at them made the hairs on their necks prickle with some sort of primal fear. The men are hunters and very familiar around wildlife so they understood how unnatural this behavior was for an animal. This will be another clue that they should turn around and go back since it might be their last chance since the blizzard has picked up speed and is almost on top of them and visibility will soon make it impossible to travel plus the nearest town is twenty miles away so if they needed help in a hurry there will be no chance of anyone being able to save them. Their brotherhood bond will now be tested in ways that they could never imagined in their wildest nightmares.
Believe Me, This Is Not A Bad Dream!
WoW! This was quite a nightmare of a horror. So Wickedly Great!
The story starts as a slow-burn as it steadily builds and builds then escalates into a nonstop creepy, shiver inducing, hurry turn the lights on type of story where you will be rapidly turning the pages OR pausing, trying to catch the breath that you didn't know you were holding while trying to settle yourself for the next chapter. I can't believe this was "Blaine Daigle's" debut book and I certainly hope he is in the process of writing another because I will be at the front of the line waiting impatiently to get my hands on it. The storytelling and writing were everything that I could ask for in a horror book. It had it all, creepiness, continual cold, eerie feelings throughout the story, the claustrophobic snow driven atmosphere was just spot on. The length of the book was perfect. I felt as if this author packed 600 pages of detail into a less than 300 page novel. I'm in awe of how he accomplished this feat. The characters were so detailed with their back stories that they felt like real people where I cared about them and their experiences and hoped they would make it through this horrific nightmare of a story.
Last but not least for Horror Lovers was plenty of violence, blood, gore, chilling animal horror, body horror, spooky folklore becoming reality and the best eerie atmosphere imaginable!
I want to thank the publisher "Wicked House Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic book and any thoughts opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this novel a rating of 4 1/2 TERRIFYING AND HEART SHATTERING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Deep in the wilderness of the Yukon sits an isolated log cabin that has been owned by several generations of the Burdette family and is now passed down to Ryne Burdette who needs a healing vacation along with his two lifelong best friends who have all been through some tragic events the past few years. Ryne has always had a love/hate relationship with his cabin memories without fully understanding the reasons behind his feelings because he knows there were many family secrets that his father and uncle had kept from him. On the slow, treacherous and tedious drive where the roads are narrow while covered with snow and ice the friends wonder if they should turn around as news of another blizzard is headed their way but Ryne is determined that the cabin will be the safest place to be in the upcoming storm.
When they are only a few miles from their destination an enormous buck with some of the largest antlers the trio have ever seen stands dead still in the middle of the road blocking their way. This buck seemed to have no fear and whatever they tried to scare him, he still would not budge and inch. The most disturbing thing about this deer were his eyes, they were the deepest black, void of any energy or spark of life and the way it stared at them made the hairs on their necks prickle with some sort of primal fear. The men are hunters and very familiar around wildlife so they understood how unnatural this behavior was for an animal. This will be another clue that they should turn around and go back since it might be their last chance since the blizzard has picked up speed and is almost on top of them and visibility will soon make it impossible to travel plus the nearest town is twenty miles away so if they needed help in a hurry there will be no chance of anyone being able to save them. Their brotherhood bond will now be tested in ways that they could never imagined in their wildest nightmares.
Believe Me, This Is Not A Bad Dream!
WoW! This was quite a nightmare of a horror. So Wickedly Great!
The story starts as a slow-burn as it steadily builds and builds then escalates into a nonstop creepy, shiver inducing, hurry turn the lights on type of story where you will be rapidly turning the pages OR pausing, trying to catch the breath that you didn't know you were holding while trying to settle yourself for the next chapter. I can't believe this was "Blaine Daigle's" debut book and I certainly hope he is in the process of writing another because I will be at the front of the line waiting impatiently to get my hands on it. The storytelling and writing were everything that I could ask for in a horror book. It had it all, creepiness, continual cold, eerie feelings throughout the story, the claustrophobic snow driven atmosphere was just spot on. The length of the book was perfect. I felt as if this author packed 600 pages of detail into a less than 300 page novel. I'm in awe of how he accomplished this feat. The characters were so detailed with their back stories that they felt like real people where I cared about them and their experiences and hoped they would make it through this horrific nightmare of a story.
Last but not least for Horror Lovers was plenty of violence, blood, gore, chilling animal horror, body horror, spooky folklore becoming reality and the best eerie atmosphere imaginable!
I want to thank the publisher "Wicked House Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic book and any thoughts opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this novel a rating of 4 1/2 TERRIFYING AND HEART SHATTERING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
April 15, 2023
Ryne Burdette has inherited his family's old hunting cabin deep in the Yukon woods. He went there as a child with his father and uncle and saw and heard strange things. His father told him he was dreaming, and he was given a dream catcher. When he returns to the cabin in Wolf's Bone, with his two best friends, Noah and Shawn, Ryne comes face to face with his legacy, his family's history, the woods, and the animals in it.
I loved the atmosphere in this book. I love books that take place in cold settings. I could feel the chill and freeze in the air, the isolation and the dread as the snow continued to fall and the three friends became more isolated and trapped in the cabin. There is tension flowing throughout this book as things begin to get creepier by the second. A weekend away with friends has turned into a nightmare.
This book was gripping and atmospheric from the start. It's chilling, creepy, horrific, and riveting. I was glued to the pages wanting to know what was happening and how things would turn out.
Wowza! What a fantastic debut horror book! Very well done. The characters were likeable and well-drawn. I was fully invested in them and what they were experiencing. The pacing was fantastic and kept things tense and had me on the edge of my seat.
Atmospheric, chilling, well written and riveting!
I look forward to reading more books by Blaine Daigle in the future.
#TheBrokenPlaces #NetGalley #WickedHousePublishing #BlaineDaigle
Thank you to Wicked House Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
I loved the atmosphere in this book. I love books that take place in cold settings. I could feel the chill and freeze in the air, the isolation and the dread as the snow continued to fall and the three friends became more isolated and trapped in the cabin. There is tension flowing throughout this book as things begin to get creepier by the second. A weekend away with friends has turned into a nightmare.
This book was gripping and atmospheric from the start. It's chilling, creepy, horrific, and riveting. I was glued to the pages wanting to know what was happening and how things would turn out.
Wowza! What a fantastic debut horror book! Very well done. The characters were likeable and well-drawn. I was fully invested in them and what they were experiencing. The pacing was fantastic and kept things tense and had me on the edge of my seat.
Atmospheric, chilling, well written and riveting!
I look forward to reading more books by Blaine Daigle in the future.
#TheBrokenPlaces #NetGalley #WickedHousePublishing #BlaineDaigle
Thank you to Wicked House Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 1, 2023
I see a lot of great reviews for this book, which is awesome! I'm glad people are enjoying it. But unfortunately it missed the mark for me.
All I kept thinking while reading was the old adage 'Show, don't tell'. There was a lot of telling in this, leaving me feeling very little toward the characters or their plight.
The three main characters all read alike, with no real distinction between their voices, and the plot was overly (like really, really) repetitive. I expected an atmospheric slow burn set in an isolated Northern community, but despite the incredible setting and great story idea, it was just a lot of long-winded whining. Even the action scenes were slowed way down by the never-ending narrative.
Maybe I went in with too high of expectations but this winter tale left me feeling cold and a little disappointed.
All I kept thinking while reading was the old adage 'Show, don't tell'. There was a lot of telling in this, leaving me feeling very little toward the characters or their plight.
The three main characters all read alike, with no real distinction between their voices, and the plot was overly (like really, really) repetitive. I expected an atmospheric slow burn set in an isolated Northern community, but despite the incredible setting and great story idea, it was just a lot of long-winded whining. Even the action scenes were slowed way down by the never-ending narrative.
Maybe I went in with too high of expectations but this winter tale left me feeling cold and a little disappointed.
May 11, 2025
Overanylize This...
THE BROKEN PLACES
by Blaine Daigle
No spoilers. 2 1/2 stars. I would love to have bumped this story up to 3 stars, but my conscience wouldn't let me...
December, 1999, Yukon
In the ancient dark heart of the Yukon, a storm raged. Harsh snow pelted a tiny cabin...
The structure had withstood the relentless, frigid winters of the forest for over 100 years...
The wind chill had dropped to twenty below zero...
But inside...
The cabin was warm and toasty from the roaring fire burning in the old stone fireplace...
Eight year old Ryne slept snugly in the warm loft bedroom above until he heard the door downstairs creaking open...
He called to his dad...
... who was sleeping on the sofa before the fire. Rayne looked out the door and into the darkness for his Uncle Rod...
Rod was kneeling naked in the snow, facing the forest, chanting with his arms stretched toward the trees...
A shadow rose up from the forest...
Dad and Uncle Rod pulled Ryne back into the cabin. Never go outside at night in these woods, they told him. Never.
20 years later...
Both Dad and Rod were dead, and Ryne had inherited the cabin. He and his two best friends were on their way to the cabin for a last hunting expedition...
This story began a well-written tale that kept me turning the pages, but after the first 30%, the story lapsed into a repetitive nightmare of over analyzing everything. The author seemed to be trying to see how many ways an account could be restated (word count?).
In addition, the characters were constantly crying or vomiting throughout the story. It just seemed like annoying fluff and filler to me. Toward the end of the story, I was just skimming.
THE BROKEN PLACES
by Blaine Daigle
No spoilers. 2 1/2 stars. I would love to have bumped this story up to 3 stars, but my conscience wouldn't let me...
December, 1999, Yukon
In the ancient dark heart of the Yukon, a storm raged. Harsh snow pelted a tiny cabin...
The structure had withstood the relentless, frigid winters of the forest for over 100 years...
The wind chill had dropped to twenty below zero...
But inside...
The cabin was warm and toasty from the roaring fire burning in the old stone fireplace...
Eight year old Ryne slept snugly in the warm loft bedroom above until he heard the door downstairs creaking open...
He called to his dad...
... who was sleeping on the sofa before the fire. Rayne looked out the door and into the darkness for his Uncle Rod...
Rod was kneeling naked in the snow, facing the forest, chanting with his arms stretched toward the trees...
A shadow rose up from the forest...
Dad and Uncle Rod pulled Ryne back into the cabin. Never go outside at night in these woods, they told him. Never.
20 years later...
Both Dad and Rod were dead, and Ryne had inherited the cabin. He and his two best friends were on their way to the cabin for a last hunting expedition...
This story began a well-written tale that kept me turning the pages, but after the first 30%, the story lapsed into a repetitive nightmare of over analyzing everything. The author seemed to be trying to see how many ways an account could be restated (word count?).
In addition, the characters were constantly crying or vomiting throughout the story. It just seemed like annoying fluff and filler to me. Toward the end of the story, I was just skimming.
May 12, 2025
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.
I really need to lay off horror novels for a while and go read something nice and fluffy and light instead, perhaps involving tiny kittens or frolicking unicorns. Because, man, I have read some really bleak books lately, and The Broken Places is right up there with the bleakest of them. I mean, I suppose most people don't read horror expecting sunshine and rainbows, but this one was particularly dark. The characters are broken people with broken lives, and the woods at the heart of this story are filled with broken creatures.
That's not to say that this novel wasn't riveting – I finished it in under twenty-four hours. But at the same time, I can't say that I exactly enjoyed it. It was engrossing, for sure, but also depressing and more than a little bit repetitive. Did you know that Noah died in a grain silo? Well, you're going to because it's going to be beat into your head for the entire book. I don't know what it was about the grain silo incident either, but it ripped me out of the story every time it was mentioned. I think because drowning in grain is such an unlikely thing to have happen?
Despite my criticisms, however, this novel also had its strong points. The setting, for one, was fantastic. How many books have you read that are set in the wilds of the Yukon? And the descriptive writing was great – I felt as if I were right there with the characters in the cold with the snow swirling around me. Also, the plot, while not entirely original (it was very reminiscent of The Ritual), was certainly captivating. Finally, as a big fan of Robert Frost, the inclusion of “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” was a welcome bonus.
And now the TL;DR summary for those of you that skipped over my novella above: it was entertaining but bleak and somewhat repetitive. There was poetry.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wicked House Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book to review!
I really need to lay off horror novels for a while and go read something nice and fluffy and light instead, perhaps involving tiny kittens or frolicking unicorns. Because, man, I have read some really bleak books lately, and The Broken Places is right up there with the bleakest of them. I mean, I suppose most people don't read horror expecting sunshine and rainbows, but this one was particularly dark. The characters are broken people with broken lives, and the woods at the heart of this story are filled with broken creatures.
That's not to say that this novel wasn't riveting – I finished it in under twenty-four hours. But at the same time, I can't say that I exactly enjoyed it. It was engrossing, for sure, but also depressing and more than a little bit repetitive. Did you know that Noah died in a grain silo? Well, you're going to because it's going to be beat into your head for the entire book. I don't know what it was about the grain silo incident either, but it ripped me out of the story every time it was mentioned. I think because drowning in grain is such an unlikely thing to have happen?
Despite my criticisms, however, this novel also had its strong points. The setting, for one, was fantastic. How many books have you read that are set in the wilds of the Yukon? And the descriptive writing was great – I felt as if I were right there with the characters in the cold with the snow swirling around me. Also, the plot, while not entirely original (it was very reminiscent of The Ritual), was certainly captivating. Finally, as a big fan of Robert Frost, the inclusion of “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” was a welcome bonus.
And now the TL;DR summary for those of you that skipped over my novella above: it was entertaining but bleak and somewhat repetitive. There was poetry.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wicked House Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book to review!
May 14, 2023
Starts strong and the basic idea is good but I found the writing in this to be extremely tedious and repetitive. Wow, do you think that guy’s leg hurts? Could you spend another twenty pages telling us about it?
June 12, 2023
This book is incredible. The ambiance is straight from my dreams: dark, freezing, massive snowstorm, isolated with creepy town and animals…. Check, check, and double check. The creepiness of the animals cannot be overstated. That to me was almost more terrifying than the source of the creepiness. The haunting of the family line - so good. The creepy-ass townsfolk bolstered the general sense of unease throughout the book. You’re wondering what the heck is going on. The characters were all so loyal and flawed. The ending - so stinkin’ good. I feel like there could be more to this story. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
February 21, 2023
What a tale! I loved it. This story is relentless in a good way - I’ve just finished it and I feel like I’ve been on an awful journey. Best take some deep breaths before I go any further I think…
So three best friends (brothers really) take a trip to the family cabin in the woods. Not the kind of place you’d go on holiday, this place is freezing. The cold is ALIVE, perfectly written. Something feels ‘off’ straight away and things just get worse and worse for the poor lads.
I loved that this book reminded me of my absolute favourite The Ritual by Adam Nevill. The feeling of being trapped and hopelessly lost is just the same, the descriptive writing is excellent. The full horror unfolds slowly but at just the right pace. So much happens with no let up, I just couldn’t put it down.
Big 5 stars! You should read this is if you love all the ‘nature gone wrong’ vibe - fantastic!
So three best friends (brothers really) take a trip to the family cabin in the woods. Not the kind of place you’d go on holiday, this place is freezing. The cold is ALIVE, perfectly written. Something feels ‘off’ straight away and things just get worse and worse for the poor lads.
I loved that this book reminded me of my absolute favourite The Ritual by Adam Nevill. The feeling of being trapped and hopelessly lost is just the same, the descriptive writing is excellent. The full horror unfolds slowly but at just the right pace. So much happens with no let up, I just couldn’t put it down.
Big 5 stars! You should read this is if you love all the ‘nature gone wrong’ vibe - fantastic!
August 7, 2023
In the last year, Ryne Burdette lost his unborn son, his wife left him, and now his dad and uncle die in a fiery car crash. Now he’s inherited the family hunting cabin in the remote woods of Canada. So Ryne packs up the SUV with his two closest friends and they make the trek to the great white north. The northern Yukon makes for a mighty fine setting to isolate some characters and subject them to unspeakable terrors. But right off the bat, the trip doesn’t make much sense. Ryne’s friends, Noah and Shawn, are under the impression this is going to be a hunting trip, a chance to get away from all the tragedies that each has recently faced. Speaking of hunting, they also notice the woodland animals they encounter along the way are acting weird. Hmm…
Soon after arriving at the cabin, Ryne informs them he won’t be leaving. He plans on being a hermit far away from everyone for who knows how long. Of course, the other two don’t take the news lightly and try to figure how to change Ryne’s mind. Meanwhile, the storm of all winter storms starts hitting the cabin with all its fury, cutting off any means of exit.
This is where you’d expect all hell to start breaking loose. And the action to ratchet up. Well… yes, and no. The Broken Places is a slow burn, which I’m quite fond of, if done right. Unfortunately, the story suffers from a lack of editing. My copy was riddled with grammatical errors. And the plot holes and pacing really needed tightened up. The characters differentiated little from each other and there was a lot of repetitiveness that bogged the story down. There were so many instances where the characters’ behaviors went against the grain of logic that it kept pulling me out of the story. It would take 100 pages for them to ask out loud the obvious questions that they should have been asking from the start.
Now, if it sounds like I’m crapping all over Daigle and his writing, that’s not my intention. I think he has the makings of an excellent writer. He simply suffered from the lack of good editing.
2.5 Crucified Road Kill out of 5
Soon after arriving at the cabin, Ryne informs them he won’t be leaving. He plans on being a hermit far away from everyone for who knows how long. Of course, the other two don’t take the news lightly and try to figure how to change Ryne’s mind. Meanwhile, the storm of all winter storms starts hitting the cabin with all its fury, cutting off any means of exit.
This is where you’d expect all hell to start breaking loose. And the action to ratchet up. Well… yes, and no. The Broken Places is a slow burn, which I’m quite fond of, if done right. Unfortunately, the story suffers from a lack of editing. My copy was riddled with grammatical errors. And the plot holes and pacing really needed tightened up. The characters differentiated little from each other and there was a lot of repetitiveness that bogged the story down. There were so many instances where the characters’ behaviors went against the grain of logic that it kept pulling me out of the story. It would take 100 pages for them to ask out loud the obvious questions that they should have been asking from the start.
Now, if it sounds like I’m crapping all over Daigle and his writing, that’s not my intention. I think he has the makings of an excellent writer. He simply suffered from the lack of good editing.
2.5 Crucified Road Kill out of 5
April 5, 2023
Basically it’s just a book about 3 guys slowly dying. I, too, felt like I was slowly dying while reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
Idk what took me so long to read it, I really enjoyed it. As a debut novel, it was amazing.
"Don’t look he told himself. It’s not real. The panic is not real. It’s all in your head. Get it out. But was it? Was it all in his head? Was the deer nailed to the wall in his head? Was the wolf outside the shed in his head?"
"Don’t look he told himself. It’s not real. The panic is not real. It’s all in your head. Get it out. But was it? Was it all in his head? Was the deer nailed to the wall in his head? Was the wolf outside the shed in his head?"
August 20, 2023
I really liked this and I love love love the cover. Blaine Daigle’s writing was absolutely beautiful in this. I love the way he describes things. This book does take a little bit to pick up but when it does it don’t stop. The only complaints I have is that I wish it would’ve been more gory and I wish Shawn would’ve had Ryne cut off his leg. I loved the way Blaine Daigle described Shawn’s leg.
February 19, 2023
The Broken Places is a dark, chilling and unsettling horror novel by author, Blaine Daigle. When I saw this one described as The Ritual meets The Terror by Dan Simmons, I grabbed it without much more consideration. And what a ride it was. The story follows three friends who are staying in a remote cabin in the Yukon wilderness that belonged to the family of one of the friends. From the very start this one will suck you in and not let go. The creepy atmosphere, isolated setting and likeable characters create a combination of horror that will leave you feeling dread alongside the characters. This one would appeal to fans of folk-horror. This author certainly knows how to write. I can't wait to see what they write next. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc.
August 18, 2023
This was an impressive first novel! Very good writing and character development, and the story had a slowly building tension that kept me involved. It incorporates native beliefs and a location that is described so that the reader can see it. I would definitely recommend this one!
June 12, 2023
I liked the overall story and the idea of having every single main character struggling with their own emotional turmoil. That being said, I often struggled to remember whose point of view I was currently reading, and the characters became almost an amorphous blob of a person instead of 3 distinct guys and I sometimes found it a bit repetitive. Still a generally solid story
August 3, 2023
Still trying to process this one! Beautifully written. Heartbreaking. Horror-filled.
March 19, 2023
The Broken Places by Blaine Daigle is a horror novel about a cabin in the woods.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Wicked House Publishing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Ryne Burdette has had a tough year, losing all of his family, his job, and his love for life.
When he inherits his family's old hunting cabin deep in the Yukon forest, he plans a weekend trip with his two best friends, to start fresh. Wolf's Bone may be the answer. He often came here on trips with his father and uncle, though these visits were often wrought with tension between the brothers. Although the cabin doesn't actually have great memories for him, Ryne needs to do something to get back on track. Hopefully his friends will understand when he tells them the real reason for this trip.
His friends have not had it easy either. Ryne's friend Noah Stratton was in a horrific accident that actually had him pronounced dead for a little while. Normally optimistic, his anxiety now often takes over, and sometimes his memory fades. Their friend Shawn Ackerman's baseball career ended with a horrible knee injury, and he is still having surgeries trying to repair it. He has not yet accepted defeat, but his knee often gives out, and his anger flares. The three friends have been there for each other every step of the way.
These three may have set out on the weekend to help each other heal, but it isn't long before they realize that there are other things to worry about. Between the strange reception in town, the approaching storm, and the weird actions of the animals, something is not right in these woods. Then the voices start. But by then it is too late to leave.
My Opinions:
An incredible debut horror novel that sucked me in and when I finally got spit out again, I was still under its spell. Perhaps I shouldn't have read this one during a very cold and snowy March!
It is a very dark and creepy atmospheric novel set in the cold and remote forest of the Yukon, where folklore and legends abound.
The book is about a broken place in the middle of forest, but it is also about three broken friends, who each finds strength in their own way. I loved the characters.
The plot was good (although not really unique), and the writing excellent - very descriptive. I'll be watching for more from this talented author!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 21, 2023
A cold cabin, a group of boys now men come back to spend one last week in the midst of their crumbling lives. I liked getting to know the guys on this trip, their log friendship and their recent struggles.
I found the first creepy moment, the deer just starting at them, well-written to really raise the hairs on your neck. But somewhere in the midst of their daily struggle, it kept getting bogged down with details that felt repetitive. At times it was hard to tell the men apart, each voice was pretty similar and I kept having to remind myself of which history was which.
But the atmosphere and cold were well written and kept the suspense up and I did like the final conclusion even if I didn't find it surprising.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I found the first creepy moment, the deer just starting at them, well-written to really raise the hairs on your neck. But somewhere in the midst of their daily struggle, it kept getting bogged down with details that felt repetitive. At times it was hard to tell the men apart, each voice was pretty similar and I kept having to remind myself of which history was which.
But the atmosphere and cold were well written and kept the suspense up and I did like the final conclusion even if I didn't find it surprising.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 23, 2023
The sins of the father are visited upon the son in this cabin in the woods novel.
Three friends are headed for a hunting trip in the Yukon. Ryne’s cabin has been in the family
for generations, and together with his friends Shawn and Noah, they are seeking respite from lives that have gone wrong. What they find are buried secrets and strange happenings in the cold merciless woods of the north.
The Broken Places is full of dread, whispering voices, and wildlife acting strangely. It is a story about family and the understanding that we can never really know anyone completely.
With compelling characters, a fantastic setting, and an atmosphere of otherness this novel delivers.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the cold dark woods of this one.
Review copy provided by Net Galley.
Three friends are headed for a hunting trip in the Yukon. Ryne’s cabin has been in the family
for generations, and together with his friends Shawn and Noah, they are seeking respite from lives that have gone wrong. What they find are buried secrets and strange happenings in the cold merciless woods of the north.
The Broken Places is full of dread, whispering voices, and wildlife acting strangely. It is a story about family and the understanding that we can never really know anyone completely.
With compelling characters, a fantastic setting, and an atmosphere of otherness this novel delivers.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the cold dark woods of this one.
Review copy provided by Net Galley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
Pain doesn’t go away———it just takes on fresh forms. Lingers like a ghost, tethered to a place irreparably familiar as it changes. And when it has starved its new form, it changes again. And it will keep changing until it has eaten through everything and left the sufferer a husk.
February 13, 2024
Good story but needs some editing. Lots of repetition.
February 28, 2023
“They didn’t know exactly what was skulking in those woods, but Noah had looked into its eyes and knew it was beyond the realm of their comprehension.”
Do you know what is terrifying? The isolation of a cabin in the woods. Do you know what could make it worse? A winter storm… but there was more in those woods than wild animals and the snowy wind.
Ryne Burdette inherits a cabin in the woods and decides to take his two best friends for a winter hunting trip as a way to start again after his life derails. But when bad memories start becoming more than an echo from the past and strange things start to happen in the woods, Ryne starts regretting his decision.
Blaine Daigle’s descriptive writing style will be sure to transport you to the Yukon wilderness to the point that you won't be able to put the book down until you get some answers. Yet will also make sure that you really visualize the horrors that come upon the three friends.
And you will not be complaining about the lack of terrifying imagery on this one! But you will be thanking the mastery that the author has at describing horrendous scenes without exaggerating on the gory details.
The story itself it’s not a revolutionary tale with a brand new idea about the horrors of the woodlands, but it definitely is a good spin on a classic type of tale that we all love.
“The Broken Places” is sure to thrill any fans of stories passed in the woods and especially the ones that like the creeps of a good isolation tale.
A must read!
Do you know what is terrifying? The isolation of a cabin in the woods. Do you know what could make it worse? A winter storm… but there was more in those woods than wild animals and the snowy wind.
Ryne Burdette inherits a cabin in the woods and decides to take his two best friends for a winter hunting trip as a way to start again after his life derails. But when bad memories start becoming more than an echo from the past and strange things start to happen in the woods, Ryne starts regretting his decision.
Blaine Daigle’s descriptive writing style will be sure to transport you to the Yukon wilderness to the point that you won't be able to put the book down until you get some answers. Yet will also make sure that you really visualize the horrors that come upon the three friends.
And you will not be complaining about the lack of terrifying imagery on this one! But you will be thanking the mastery that the author has at describing horrendous scenes without exaggerating on the gory details.
The story itself it’s not a revolutionary tale with a brand new idea about the horrors of the woodlands, but it definitely is a good spin on a classic type of tale that we all love.
“The Broken Places” is sure to thrill any fans of stories passed in the woods and especially the ones that like the creeps of a good isolation tale.
A must read!
March 23, 2023
Three life long friends head out for a weekend trip to a secluded cabin to support each other and heal over loss, grief, and tragedy. The weird happenings begin before they even reach their destination and an unnatural storm keeps them trapped once they arrive. The few people they encounter are strange and the behavior of wildlife is abnormal.
The broken places is a slow burn literary/folk horror with shades of Stephen King's Dreamcatcher but happily for me there are no aliens or Sci-Fi here.
Strong characters and family bonds drive the story forward at a slow but steady clip for the first half of the story, picking up speed in the final half and culminating in a heart stopping climax.
The chills are plenty and not just from the cold howling winds and heavy snow.
I can't say much about the plot without giving anything away so I will just say prepare yourself for some heart wrenching circumstances, difficult choices, and gruesome body horror.
Horror for me is always best when it makes me feel something. I'm more about the story than the gore. I loved these characters and the depth of their friendship. I was in constant dread of what would happen next because I wanted them to be ok.
4 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Wicked House Publishing
The broken places is a slow burn literary/folk horror with shades of Stephen King's Dreamcatcher but happily for me there are no aliens or Sci-Fi here.
Strong characters and family bonds drive the story forward at a slow but steady clip for the first half of the story, picking up speed in the final half and culminating in a heart stopping climax.
The chills are plenty and not just from the cold howling winds and heavy snow.
I can't say much about the plot without giving anything away so I will just say prepare yourself for some heart wrenching circumstances, difficult choices, and gruesome body horror.
Horror for me is always best when it makes me feel something. I'm more about the story than the gore. I loved these characters and the depth of their friendship. I was in constant dread of what would happen next because I wanted them to be ok.
4 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Wicked House Publishing
October 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this horror novel by Blaine Daigle. Set in the Yukon winter, three best friends embark on a camping trip none of them could have imagined. They are all forced to face some painful truths about their pasts, and learn some truths that were hidden from them. The story had a Stephen King vibe to me with the unknown menace in the woods, and the religious tones. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
June 1, 2023
This was definitely worth reading and certainly as creepy as the front cover suggested. It wasn't full on horror in the first half, but rather a slow burn, establishing the background story and dropping hints of what was to come. Not slow in a boring way though. The writing was descriptive without being too wordy and the words painted an eerie picture. I was hooked from the start and felt compelled to keep reading.
There was some nasty, twisted stuff going on and I really felt for the main character. The reader learns what he has suffered through in the past and travels with him into even darker experiences as the story moves on in the present.
There was no cliche ending but rather a mix of satisfaction and melancholy.
This author knows how to create a dark, sinister tale and I hope to see more in this genre by Daigle in the future.
Content warning: animal cruelty
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
There was some nasty, twisted stuff going on and I really felt for the main character. The reader learns what he has suffered through in the past and travels with him into even darker experiences as the story moves on in the present.
There was no cliche ending but rather a mix of satisfaction and melancholy.
This author knows how to create a dark, sinister tale and I hope to see more in this genre by Daigle in the future.
Content warning: animal cruelty
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2023
4.5 stars rounded to 5 because of good reads ratings system.
Not going to lie the cover is the only reason I picked this book up as I saw it on one of my fellow goodreads friends updates and saw that netgalley had it available for instant read. But damn am I glad I did pick it up because this was one of the nest horror novels I have read in the oast 6 months easy and I'm not even being hyperbolic here.this book takes place in the Yukon range in the middle of nowhere in a cabin on some land just past a small town that has some dark secrets. The author is amazing at building tension and getting you to cate for these wonderfully written characters. They feel as real as you or I. All three characters are suffering with life from one serious reason or another and they agree that getting away and going on a hunt like in "the good ol days" will be good for all of them. Little do they know the dark secrets this cabin and the surrounding town holds but they for damn sure found out. The cold is so well described in this book I found myself cranking up my heat last night as it literally made me cold. You can almost feel the agony and despair these characters end up going through and the book is that much better for it. There are also 3 or 4 scenes that actually scared the shit out of me and that hadn't happened since I read Peter straubs Ghost Story which was well over a year ago and SEVERAL horror novels later. If you're looking for a horror novel that's sort of like Adam Nevills ritual meets the movie Antlers and are okay with a fairly small amount of gore and some truly intense moments and maybe even a jump scare or two then HIGHLY recommend this book. My hats off to the author as I am pretty sure this is his debut and if I'm right that's even MORE impressive as then this is one hell of a first book. Thanks to net galley for giving me the chance to read this novel early and for free in exchange for a review (which has had NO influence over my final score).
Not going to lie the cover is the only reason I picked this book up as I saw it on one of my fellow goodreads friends updates and saw that netgalley had it available for instant read. But damn am I glad I did pick it up because this was one of the nest horror novels I have read in the oast 6 months easy and I'm not even being hyperbolic here.this book takes place in the Yukon range in the middle of nowhere in a cabin on some land just past a small town that has some dark secrets. The author is amazing at building tension and getting you to cate for these wonderfully written characters. They feel as real as you or I. All three characters are suffering with life from one serious reason or another and they agree that getting away and going on a hunt like in "the good ol days" will be good for all of them. Little do they know the dark secrets this cabin and the surrounding town holds but they for damn sure found out. The cold is so well described in this book I found myself cranking up my heat last night as it literally made me cold. You can almost feel the agony and despair these characters end up going through and the book is that much better for it. There are also 3 or 4 scenes that actually scared the shit out of me and that hadn't happened since I read Peter straubs Ghost Story which was well over a year ago and SEVERAL horror novels later. If you're looking for a horror novel that's sort of like Adam Nevills ritual meets the movie Antlers and are okay with a fairly small amount of gore and some truly intense moments and maybe even a jump scare or two then HIGHLY recommend this book. My hats off to the author as I am pretty sure this is his debut and if I'm right that's even MORE impressive as then this is one hell of a first book. Thanks to net galley for giving me the chance to read this novel early and for free in exchange for a review (which has had NO influence over my final score).
March 17, 2023
[Blurb goes here]
First off, obviously: The Ritual does not meet The Terror in this story. It stands on its own. No need to name-drop.
A group of friends, go to spend a couple of nights at a cabin deep in the Yukon woods. Ryne has good memories of the place, from the time he was a kid, spending time there with his family.
As soon as they arrive, though, they notice the animals on the woods are acting strangely.
These guys had led 'unlucky' lives. One died in a corn silo when he was a kid, and was brought back to life soon after, he now suffers from anxiety attacks. The other one was going pro-baseball, until he injures his knee. And then there's Ryne. The past year has been very rough on him, reason enough to visit the old cabin.
The prose is amazing, the author describing both snow and the cold that comes with it, in a hundred different—almost poetic—ways. Tension builds as the characters get trapped in the solstice storm. Then there's the sing-songy voice coming from all around them, at odd hours.
All of the warnings are there: there's something evil in the woods...what does this has to do with the cabin? Is there something more sinister behind the strange occurrences?
I loved the way the characters were written, and while the story sidetracks at times, it stills holds the dread that all horror stories should have.
There's a time to run, a time to get away and be safe, but as these things go, the characters ignore the ominous signs, and stay at the cabin, to be trapped in there, soon after.
As the story progresses and the uneasiness builds, we'll learn more about these three friends, and the horror that stalks them from the seemingly innocent woods.
This is one of those rare books that are simply too hard to put down, and a must read for horror fans.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
First off, obviously: The Ritual does not meet The Terror in this story. It stands on its own. No need to name-drop.
A group of friends, go to spend a couple of nights at a cabin deep in the Yukon woods. Ryne has good memories of the place, from the time he was a kid, spending time there with his family.
As soon as they arrive, though, they notice the animals on the woods are acting strangely.
These guys had led 'unlucky' lives. One died in a corn silo when he was a kid, and was brought back to life soon after, he now suffers from anxiety attacks. The other one was going pro-baseball, until he injures his knee. And then there's Ryne. The past year has been very rough on him, reason enough to visit the old cabin.
The prose is amazing, the author describing both snow and the cold that comes with it, in a hundred different—almost poetic—ways. Tension builds as the characters get trapped in the solstice storm. Then there's the sing-songy voice coming from all around them, at odd hours.
All of the warnings are there: there's something evil in the woods...what does this has to do with the cabin? Is there something more sinister behind the strange occurrences?
I loved the way the characters were written, and while the story sidetracks at times, it stills holds the dread that all horror stories should have.
There's a time to run, a time to get away and be safe, but as these things go, the characters ignore the ominous signs, and stay at the cabin, to be trapped in there, soon after.
As the story progresses and the uneasiness builds, we'll learn more about these three friends, and the horror that stalks them from the seemingly innocent woods.
This is one of those rare books that are simply too hard to put down, and a must read for horror fans.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
May 23, 2023
Rayne and his friends, Shawn and Noah. visit the hunting lodge that Rayne inherited from his family. The author set the cabin in the middle of the Yukon woods. As a child, he would go there with his dad and uncle and experience strange things.
“The Broken Places”, by Blaine Daigle, occurs in the dead of winter over a three-night period. It starts off as a slow burn, but tension builds around the 40 percent mark. The novel is atmospheric. Daigle uses vivid descriptions to create an ominous feeling towards the cabin, woods, and the surrounding areas. I did not mind the gradual build because I got lost in the woods and snowstorm storm 🥰. The author creates a few of isolation and dread with both strange events, howling winds and cold heavy snowstorm.
Aside from a well-developed environment, the characters are fleshed out. Their thoughts and feelings pop off the page. The author wove their backstories and personal struggles without information dumping. These friends are broken ans so is the setting.
The title “Broken Places” is the perfect title for this debut novel by Blaine Daigle. If you are looking for a supernatural story with somebody horror set in a cold setting, this is the book for you.
“The Broken Places”, by Blaine Daigle, occurs in the dead of winter over a three-night period. It starts off as a slow burn, but tension builds around the 40 percent mark. The novel is atmospheric. Daigle uses vivid descriptions to create an ominous feeling towards the cabin, woods, and the surrounding areas. I did not mind the gradual build because I got lost in the woods and snowstorm storm 🥰. The author creates a few of isolation and dread with both strange events, howling winds and cold heavy snowstorm.
Aside from a well-developed environment, the characters are fleshed out. Their thoughts and feelings pop off the page. The author wove their backstories and personal struggles without information dumping. These friends are broken ans so is the setting.
The title “Broken Places” is the perfect title for this debut novel by Blaine Daigle. If you are looking for a supernatural story with somebody horror set in a cold setting, this is the book for you.
October 14, 2024
4⭐️
I really liked this one. It's very atmospheric and the animals make it feel very ominous. This story also deals with grief and how people process it. I really appreciated this point of view and the depth it gave to the story.
I really liked this one. It's very atmospheric and the animals make it feel very ominous. This story also deals with grief and how people process it. I really appreciated this point of view and the depth it gave to the story.
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