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Deena Undone
A terrifying nightmare sets off a series of attacks on Deena Bartlett's five senses, and her eighty-year-old Aunt Agatha is responsible. But the old woman is not alone. She's made a monstrous bargain with the Sensu, a malevolent entity whose stock in trade is attacking a person's senses, one by one. It has promised Agatha health in return for one evil act—the killing of her niece. Deena has remained loyal to her bitter aunt for years—her self-imposed penance for having neglected her now-dead parents. But Agatha is dying and her insults will soon end... until a string of inexplicable incidents. A sound so piercing Deena's nose bleeds. A smell so vile her breathing suffocates. And against all reason, after each attack her aunt's health improves. With mounting dread, Deena discovers the bargain her aunt has made. When the Sensu thrusts her into its realm, she must battle not only the power of her aunt's long-held secrets but her own guilt as well.
246 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2024
11 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 22, 2024
From the moment I started Deena Bartlett’s story, I was hooked! The idea of an old woman making a deal with a malevolent entity to attack her niece's senses is so unique and unsettling. Even though it’s a shorter read, it didn’t feel rushed at all and I was hooked on story from the beginning!
What surprised me most was how much depth the author managed to give these characters. Agatha, despite being the villain, had such a tragic backstory that I almost felt sorry for her. You can see how she’s trapped by her own bitterness and regrets. And Deena—I was really rooting for her. She’s been loyal to her aunt for years out of guilt, and I felt her sadness when she left the concert to care for Agatha. You can’t help but want things to turn out okay for her.
The horror in this story hit hard. The way the Sensu attacks Deena’s senses, one by one, was truly unsettling—like the piercing sound that made her nose bleed or the vile smell that suffocated her. Each attack left me tense, and I was both horrified and fascinated as Agatha’s health improved after each one.
The audiobook narration was incredible! The narrator nailed the creepy whispering and the cracked, decrepit voice of Agatha, adding so much atmosphere to the story. It made the experience even more chilling!
If you're into dark, haunting stories that linger with you long after you've finished, this book is definitely for you! Perfect for spooky season, it’s a story that’s not just creepy but emotionally gripping too. Highly recommend for fans of eerie, character-driven horror!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
What surprised me most was how much depth the author managed to give these characters. Agatha, despite being the villain, had such a tragic backstory that I almost felt sorry for her. You can see how she’s trapped by her own bitterness and regrets. And Deena—I was really rooting for her. She’s been loyal to her aunt for years out of guilt, and I felt her sadness when she left the concert to care for Agatha. You can’t help but want things to turn out okay for her.
The horror in this story hit hard. The way the Sensu attacks Deena’s senses, one by one, was truly unsettling—like the piercing sound that made her nose bleed or the vile smell that suffocated her. Each attack left me tense, and I was both horrified and fascinated as Agatha’s health improved after each one.
The audiobook narration was incredible! The narrator nailed the creepy whispering and the cracked, decrepit voice of Agatha, adding so much atmosphere to the story. It made the experience even more chilling!
If you're into dark, haunting stories that linger with you long after you've finished, this book is definitely for you! Perfect for spooky season, it’s a story that’s not just creepy but emotionally gripping too. Highly recommend for fans of eerie, character-driven horror!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 21, 2024
This book was a fun ride! It easily took you along the story line and left you wanting to know what happened between Deena’s aunt and mother. Loved the addition of the helper in the hospital and one surprise villain that I would never have guessed. I also loved the acting and theater element.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2024
This is how horror is done!
I enjoyed every single chapter of Deena Undone. It was engaging at first, as we tried to figure out what had made Deena such a mess in her life. Then it became truly engrossing by the end, when we finally understand just how f*cked she was before she was even born.
The situation seemed so realistic and the characters were so well-developed, I believed it could really happen. When you get spooked to the point where you feel it could be real, that's when you know you're reading a great novel.
Extra stars for weaving in a truly great ancient evil character. I'm always down for bringing vengeful old gods and brutal immortal creatures to life, and this is what elevated Deena Undone from great to one of my top reads, in any genre, for this year.
I enjoyed every single chapter of Deena Undone. It was engaging at first, as we tried to figure out what had made Deena such a mess in her life. Then it became truly engrossing by the end, when we finally understand just how f*cked she was before she was even born.
The situation seemed so realistic and the characters were so well-developed, I believed it could really happen. When you get spooked to the point where you feel it could be real, that's when you know you're reading a great novel.
Extra stars for weaving in a truly great ancient evil character. I'm always down for bringing vengeful old gods and brutal immortal creatures to life, and this is what elevated Deena Undone from great to one of my top reads, in any genre, for this year.
October 9, 2024
If you asked me to sum up Deena undone into one word, I would say unsettling. This book honestly creeped me out, and I hated Agathas creepy ass so much. I felt drawn into this story pretty early on, and it managed to keep me in a chokehold the entire time, even with its slower pacing. I think the pacing works, though, because it definitely amped up the psychological horror elements for me.
Deena undone blended together both psychological and supernatural horror well. I think the most unique thing about the story is how the entity targets all of Deenas' senses, how ghastly!!
My absolute favorite thing about the narration was her ability to make Agatha creepy as hell! Whether she was doing the creepy whispers or the crackling old lady voice, it just set my nerves on edge every time.
Definitely recommend this book if you enjoy audiobooks, and if not, it's phenomenal to read as well.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Deena undone blended together both psychological and supernatural horror well. I think the most unique thing about the story is how the entity targets all of Deenas' senses, how ghastly!!
My absolute favorite thing about the narration was her ability to make Agatha creepy as hell! Whether she was doing the creepy whispers or the crackling old lady voice, it just set my nerves on edge every time.
Definitely recommend this book if you enjoy audiobooks, and if not, it's phenomenal to read as well.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2024
4.0 ⭐️
A captivating debut novel from writer Debra Every. The narrative’s compellingly eerie and woven with unique and disturbing twists. I’ll be interested to see what Every brings to the table for her sophomore release, it looks promising!
A captivating debut novel from writer Debra Every. The narrative’s compellingly eerie and woven with unique and disturbing twists. I’ll be interested to see what Every brings to the table for her sophomore release, it looks promising!
September 29, 2024
Debra K. Every's "Deena Undone" is a intriguing blend of psychological and supernatural horror, though in no way would I consider it a page turner. There are huge problems with the pacing in the first part: the author keeps trying to tell her story following a pattern very close to the rhythm and the patterns of real life, with several back and forths and frequent stop-starts, very much like a driver who's still learning and hasn't fully mastered driving yet. This was surprising, since the book's second part is far more focused, the plot far tighter, and the pacing has been restored to the demands of a solid supernatural tale. Perhaps the first part, being mostly a narrative of psychological horror, had to remain full of ambiguities about whether Deena, the main character, is really undergoing the uncanny experiences she's having (mysterious voices, bad smells, etc.); the pacing suffers as a result (to put it mildly, it's a "slow burn"), and characterization is not consistent. Indeed, in the second part, when Deena realizes she's facing a supernatural threat, she becomes an entirely different character, much more certain of herself, more decisive, almost unrecognizably so. That said, the story is so good, a lot of these misses are soon papered over to the benefit of the restoration of narrative unity, and the nice prose allows the reader to fly throught the book till the great ending. Although the villain felt a bit cartoonish to me (indulging in too much talking, too much explaining, too much bragging, almost like a comic book villain), there was some compensation provided thanks to the interesting conception of evil at work in the background: the references to Poland and WWII, the suspense of what might count as a truly evil act, the folklore, they all made for a nice plot satisfyingly resolved, with a promise of something more in the book's last pages. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and would recommend it, with a few reservations, to all horror readers who appreciate a good story more than the flawless telling of it.
September 16, 2024
*Audiobook
“I have five children, each more special than the last.” (When I got to this line in the book…omg couldn’t get anymore creeped out….or so I thought….)
As a reader I think the horror genre is probably one of the hardest to write, especially since it’s so hard to find good horror novels. I’m often left disappointed when I read a horror novel. Well, not this time. Get ready horror lovers, we’ve hit gold with this one!
I was invested from start to finish. Debra Every didn’t just write a creepy af book, she even managed to put some solid character development into this one, which is something I typically find lacking with the horror genre, as authors tend to focus too much on the shock value of each scene rather than setting up for it and getting us from point A to point B.
This one played out so perfectly and had a nice blend of horror, gore (not toooo much), forgiveness, love, revenge, folklore, betrayal, compassion, guilt, friendship and complex relationships. It’s a lot but it didn’t feel that way while I was reading it.
The audio narration was excellent on this one as well. I loved how the creepy whispering voice and decrepit old lady voice were done.
I loved that the book wasn’t long and drawn out, it was good and dug deep while not being wasteful with words.
I also love that while the conclusion was complete and satisfying, it was also left open to do more with this story if the author decides to carry on with it….
It was giving Twlight Zone, CREEPSHOW and Tales From The Darkside vibes and yall know I love me some horror anthologies.
“I have five children, each more special than the last.” (When I got to this line in the book…omg couldn’t get anymore creeped out….or so I thought….)
As a reader I think the horror genre is probably one of the hardest to write, especially since it’s so hard to find good horror novels. I’m often left disappointed when I read a horror novel. Well, not this time. Get ready horror lovers, we’ve hit gold with this one!
I was invested from start to finish. Debra Every didn’t just write a creepy af book, she even managed to put some solid character development into this one, which is something I typically find lacking with the horror genre, as authors tend to focus too much on the shock value of each scene rather than setting up for it and getting us from point A to point B.
This one played out so perfectly and had a nice blend of horror, gore (not toooo much), forgiveness, love, revenge, folklore, betrayal, compassion, guilt, friendship and complex relationships. It’s a lot but it didn’t feel that way while I was reading it.
The audio narration was excellent on this one as well. I loved how the creepy whispering voice and decrepit old lady voice were done.
I loved that the book wasn’t long and drawn out, it was good and dug deep while not being wasteful with words.
I also love that while the conclusion was complete and satisfying, it was also left open to do more with this story if the author decides to carry on with it….
It was giving Twlight Zone, CREEPSHOW and Tales From The Darkside vibes and yall know I love me some horror anthologies.
October 3, 2024
This was fine. I didn't LOVE it but I had a good time with it. I felt as though it may have been a bit too long, but that could also be because there was a lot of repetitiveness throughout the beginning and middle of the story. I loved Deena, but I wanted more from her. I think the twist was the height of the book and that came so late and didn't pack nearly as big of a punch as I thought it would. I'm glad I listened to this though, because I don't think I could have done the old eyeballs.
October 16, 2024
Deena Undone is one of those horrors that uses real-life pressure and responsibility interwoven with demonic themes to create true horror. I felt that the relationship between Agatha and Deena was so well observed. That feeling of burden, responsibility, and resentment against feelings of family, loyalty, and love. That can be the real-life complexity of caring for elderly relatives.
The horror elements were well written and gave pause for thought... were these events happening of was Deena under too much pressure? The prologue was a particularly horrifying touch. I found myself on edge in the early chapters waiting for Agatha to make her next move! The tension nicely increased as the story unfolded. I loved the claustrophobic scenes in the hospital.
The storyline was engaging, and it was great to see the past events that brought things to a climax between the main characters. The twist was also nicely done!
I'm looking forward to seeing more work by this author as this certainly left an impression I won't easily forget!
With thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
The horror elements were well written and gave pause for thought... were these events happening of was Deena under too much pressure? The prologue was a particularly horrifying touch. I found myself on edge in the early chapters waiting for Agatha to make her next move! The tension nicely increased as the story unfolded. I loved the claustrophobic scenes in the hospital.
The storyline was engaging, and it was great to see the past events that brought things to a climax between the main characters. The twist was also nicely done!
I'm looking forward to seeing more work by this author as this certainly left an impression I won't easily forget!
With thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
September 22, 2024
I feel surprisingly meh about this one. The 4+ stars average rating had me thinking this was a win, but it was just fine.
This is the story of a middle aged woman, Deena, giving her Aunt Agatha company and care as her health declines. Her relationship with her aunt isn’t great, but she feels she owes her for how her aunt helped her in the past. Deena has a history of mental illness, so when she starts hearing and seeing things, she wonders if she’s starting to lose it again. But it’s something more sinister and strange than that.
In the first half I was starting to feel quite bored because it felt repetitive, and a lot of regular life events were happening. This is the kind of horror that is more about real human pain than it is about the horror parts. That’s a selling point for some and not for others.
Having said that, the second half amps up the horror. Especially the climax of the story. I liked the imagery of the ending scenes, but I found the villain monologuing and messaging to be too much. It made it feel silly and trite instead of creepy.
I was engaged enough to keep going, and I liked the horror concept here. But the execution was quite average for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This is the story of a middle aged woman, Deena, giving her Aunt Agatha company and care as her health declines. Her relationship with her aunt isn’t great, but she feels she owes her for how her aunt helped her in the past. Deena has a history of mental illness, so when she starts hearing and seeing things, she wonders if she’s starting to lose it again. But it’s something more sinister and strange than that.
In the first half I was starting to feel quite bored because it felt repetitive, and a lot of regular life events were happening. This is the kind of horror that is more about real human pain than it is about the horror parts. That’s a selling point for some and not for others.
Having said that, the second half amps up the horror. Especially the climax of the story. I liked the imagery of the ending scenes, but I found the villain monologuing and messaging to be too much. It made it feel silly and trite instead of creepy.
I was engaged enough to keep going, and I liked the horror concept here. But the execution was quite average for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 19, 2024
Deena's 80 year old aunt is out to get her and Deena has no idea why.
I didn't know much about Deena Undone when I first requested it. From the opening lines, I already knew it was going to blow me away. As the full story unraveled, I felt genuine chills running down my spine. The twists and turns were expertly crafted, keeping me guessing until the very end.
If you're looking for a haunting tale that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished, I highly recommend this audiobook. It’s a must-listen for fans of dark fiction!
This was such an incredible debut by Debra K. Every. Do yourself a favour and make sure you get yourself a copy!
I didn't know much about Deena Undone when I first requested it. From the opening lines, I already knew it was going to blow me away. As the full story unraveled, I felt genuine chills running down my spine. The twists and turns were expertly crafted, keeping me guessing until the very end.
If you're looking for a haunting tale that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished, I highly recommend this audiobook. It’s a must-listen for fans of dark fiction!
This was such an incredible debut by Debra K. Every. Do yourself a favour and make sure you get yourself a copy!
October 1, 2024
Kept waiting for it to get good. Boring.
October 5, 2024
Deena Bartlett, an actress in her fifties, is caring for her dying aunt Agatha in a rehabilitation centre. Their relationship has always been complicated, but Deena feels obligated to help. However, strange and terrifying events begin to occur, starting with auditory hallucinations and escalating to more intense sensory attacks.
Deena learns from Jadwiga, an elderly cleaning lady at the rehab centre, that an ancient entity called the Sensu is attacking her through her five senses. The Sensu has made a bargain with Agatha: in exchange for Agatha's health, it will consume Deena. Jadwiga performs a protective ritual for Deena, but this protection is weakened when Deena asks Jadwiga to also protect Kayla, a teenage girl Deena has taken under her wing.
As the attacks intensify, Deena struggles to maintain her sanity and protect those she loves. She discovers dark secrets about her family's past, including the fact that Agatha indirectly caused the death of Deena's father. The final confrontation takes place in a nightmarish dreamscape where Deena must face not only the Sensu but also the guilt and trauma of her own past.
In the end, Deena manages to defeat the Sensu through the power of love for her family and friends. She saves her mother's spirit and breaks free from the Sensu's influence. The novel concludes two years later, with Deena having rebuilt her life and surrounded by loved ones, though still carrying the weight of her experiences.
The Review
Deena Undone is a gripping, atmospheric horror novel that weaves together family drama, supernatural terror, and psychological suspense into a haunting tale reminiscent of "The Grip of It" by Jac Jemc.
A standout aspect is Every's innovative use of the five senses as a central theme and plot device. The novel cleverly personifies each sense - Visu (sight), Auditu (hearing), Tactu (touch), Gustu (taste), and Odoratu (smell) - as malevolent forces attacking the female protagonist. This unique approach adds layers of visceral horror to the narrative, as Deena experiences increasingly intense sensory assaults.
"The putrid taste was in the water, liquefied and sliding down her throat. Her hand shot up to her neck as if she could claw the water out."
By weaponizing the senses, and making them both theme and plot element, expect an unsettling and immersive experience.
With its blend of visceral horror, family secrets, and themes of guilt and redemption, Deena Undone announces the arrival of an exciting new voice in horror fiction. Every's debut is a must-read for fans of psychological horror looking for fresh scares.
Thank you for an advanced reader copy. This review is my own.
Deena learns from Jadwiga, an elderly cleaning lady at the rehab centre, that an ancient entity called the Sensu is attacking her through her five senses. The Sensu has made a bargain with Agatha: in exchange for Agatha's health, it will consume Deena. Jadwiga performs a protective ritual for Deena, but this protection is weakened when Deena asks Jadwiga to also protect Kayla, a teenage girl Deena has taken under her wing.
As the attacks intensify, Deena struggles to maintain her sanity and protect those she loves. She discovers dark secrets about her family's past, including the fact that Agatha indirectly caused the death of Deena's father. The final confrontation takes place in a nightmarish dreamscape where Deena must face not only the Sensu but also the guilt and trauma of her own past.
In the end, Deena manages to defeat the Sensu through the power of love for her family and friends. She saves her mother's spirit and breaks free from the Sensu's influence. The novel concludes two years later, with Deena having rebuilt her life and surrounded by loved ones, though still carrying the weight of her experiences.
The Review
Deena Undone is a gripping, atmospheric horror novel that weaves together family drama, supernatural terror, and psychological suspense into a haunting tale reminiscent of "The Grip of It" by Jac Jemc.
A standout aspect is Every's innovative use of the five senses as a central theme and plot device. The novel cleverly personifies each sense - Visu (sight), Auditu (hearing), Tactu (touch), Gustu (taste), and Odoratu (smell) - as malevolent forces attacking the female protagonist. This unique approach adds layers of visceral horror to the narrative, as Deena experiences increasingly intense sensory assaults.
"The putrid taste was in the water, liquefied and sliding down her throat. Her hand shot up to her neck as if she could claw the water out."
By weaponizing the senses, and making them both theme and plot element, expect an unsettling and immersive experience.
With its blend of visceral horror, family secrets, and themes of guilt and redemption, Deena Undone announces the arrival of an exciting new voice in horror fiction. Every's debut is a must-read for fans of psychological horror looking for fresh scares.
Thank you for an advanced reader copy. This review is my own.
October 3, 2024
Deena Undone features the type of protagonist that we don't see enough in fiction: the older, middle-aged woman struggling with all the attendant expectations this culture demands of her. Actually, now that I write this, I realize that description also applies to the antagonist as well.
Deena, the protag, is looking after her dying Aunt Agatha, the clear "villain" of the novel. Agatha has made a deal with a Sense, an evil entity that attacks your five senses, and she's chosen to deprive her niece of youth and vitality in order save her own skin. That is the bare bones set-up, and it would seem to be straightforward enough for your basic thriller, but Every has not written a basic thriller.
Here's the reason for that, at least according this reader: Agatha is justified in her rage, even if her method of revenge crosses a line. I love a villain that has shades of gray, and Agatha is not simply a cackling crone trying to suck the energy from a younger woman. She's got real pain and hurt, which I will not spoil here, but suffice to say that when we do get her story, this reader felt a little bad for her.
But make no mistake, Agatha's justified rage does not excuse her actions, and as the novel progresses Every allows us to see the woman under the monster, even as we are repulsed by the emotional violence she inflicts on two younger women.
The novel has the snappy dialogue and pace of detective fiction, but also more than a few squirm inducing moments with spiders and snakes that put it firmly in horror territory. The climax as well commits to the full terror of the supernatural.
Overall this a brisk, enjoyable read with distinct characters and a satisfying resolution.
Deena, the protag, is looking after her dying Aunt Agatha, the clear "villain" of the novel. Agatha has made a deal with a Sense, an evil entity that attacks your five senses, and she's chosen to deprive her niece of youth and vitality in order save her own skin. That is the bare bones set-up, and it would seem to be straightforward enough for your basic thriller, but Every has not written a basic thriller.
Here's the reason for that, at least according this reader: Agatha is justified in her rage, even if her method of revenge crosses a line. I love a villain that has shades of gray, and Agatha is not simply a cackling crone trying to suck the energy from a younger woman. She's got real pain and hurt, which I will not spoil here, but suffice to say that when we do get her story, this reader felt a little bad for her.
But make no mistake, Agatha's justified rage does not excuse her actions, and as the novel progresses Every allows us to see the woman under the monster, even as we are repulsed by the emotional violence she inflicts on two younger women.
The novel has the snappy dialogue and pace of detective fiction, but also more than a few squirm inducing moments with spiders and snakes that put it firmly in horror territory. The climax as well commits to the full terror of the supernatural.
Overall this a brisk, enjoyable read with distinct characters and a satisfying resolution.
October 8, 2024
The book is creepy, disturbing, and unsettling. It is filled with nightmares, unthinkable happenings, bargain, secrets and mystery. Deena Bartlett has a touching past and the nightmares are filling her head along with all the unexpected and creepy happenings. Aunt Agatha isn’t what she appears to be. As soon as Deena learns the secrets from her past, her world turns upside down. The complicated family bond has been so well portrayed and the author has truly shown the darker side of the family. The characters were realistic and creepy. I hated Aunt Agatha but also felt that she was so lonely and she chose to be that way. Deena wanted family so she chose Simon. It was so dreadful that Sensu was attacking on all of her five senses to make her weak. All the creepy happenings and disturbing secrets kept me on the edge. The ending was so shocking and terrifying. I would highly recommend this book to horror readers. Author has written such a mind bending horror story
Narrator did such a brilliant job.
Overall Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many Thanks to the Publisher and Narrator. Thanks to the author for writing such a brilliant book
Narrator did such a brilliant job.
Overall Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many Thanks to the Publisher and Narrator. Thanks to the author for writing such a brilliant book
October 11, 2024
This novel was very original with a different take on possessions, but with added layers of personal struggles and difficult familial relationships.
I found this story very gripping from the beginning with a very intimate writing style that enhanced the reader’s connection to the main character in particular. We follow Deena’s life whilst caring for her spiteful aunt, seemingly at her last leg in life. But soon things start to turn for Deena and for her aunt with unpredictable results. What will happen to Deena and her hateful aunt Agatha?
I have to say I found a true connection with Deena, struggling with her personal demons, with the added demon Sensu to complicate things (at least I don’t have to deal with that!). There were lots of terrifying moments as the demon started its assault, causing Deena to question everything and everyone. I loved the back and forth between events and the recounting of the memories from different points of view.
I can’t believe this is a debut novel and I loved the concept of the Sensu so much that I can’t wait to read the next story by Debra Every!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I found this story very gripping from the beginning with a very intimate writing style that enhanced the reader’s connection to the main character in particular. We follow Deena’s life whilst caring for her spiteful aunt, seemingly at her last leg in life. But soon things start to turn for Deena and for her aunt with unpredictable results. What will happen to Deena and her hateful aunt Agatha?
I have to say I found a true connection with Deena, struggling with her personal demons, with the added demon Sensu to complicate things (at least I don’t have to deal with that!). There were lots of terrifying moments as the demon started its assault, causing Deena to question everything and everyone. I loved the back and forth between events and the recounting of the memories from different points of view.
I can’t believe this is a debut novel and I loved the concept of the Sensu so much that I can’t wait to read the next story by Debra Every!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
September 27, 2024
Deena Undone by Debra K. Every
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a wild and exciting horror story! The premise of the story is very unique and it is well written. The book is super entertaining from start to finish! There’s lots of twists and turns as Deena tries to take care of her elderly aunt. They’ve always had a strange relationship and once Deena finds out that her aunt is out to get her and the creepiness begins! The character development is very good and the reader gets to understand the characters at different ages. The imagery is amazing, with great details!
The second half of the book was a bit more exciting and intense than the first half, but overall a great read!! This is Debra’s first book and she’s off to an amazing start!
Thank you to Debra Every for an arc copy of this fantastic and creepy book!
*This book comes out October 8th!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a wild and exciting horror story! The premise of the story is very unique and it is well written. The book is super entertaining from start to finish! There’s lots of twists and turns as Deena tries to take care of her elderly aunt. They’ve always had a strange relationship and once Deena finds out that her aunt is out to get her and the creepiness begins! The character development is very good and the reader gets to understand the characters at different ages. The imagery is amazing, with great details!
The second half of the book was a bit more exciting and intense than the first half, but overall a great read!! This is Debra’s first book and she’s off to an amazing start!
Thank you to Debra Every for an arc copy of this fantastic and creepy book!
*This book comes out October 8th!*
October 7, 2024
Wow this book was super creepy! It was Agatha all along!
Deena's aunt Agatha is a miserable old woman, and Deena puts up with her abuse as she's the only family she has left. It turns out aunt Agatha is more selfish and depraved than Deena knows and, to her horror, Agatha has made a deal with a literal devil in order to exact a long brewing vengeance upon her unsuspecting niece.
I'm sure you can read this book looking at Agatha's attacks as symbolism for fraught familial ties, keeping quiet, looking the other way etc or you can read it as a horror story with powerful, torturous attacks, or both! I read it as a combination of both and it works on several levels. A compelling and scary story! Definitely recommend!
I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
Deena's aunt Agatha is a miserable old woman, and Deena puts up with her abuse as she's the only family she has left. It turns out aunt Agatha is more selfish and depraved than Deena knows and, to her horror, Agatha has made a deal with a literal devil in order to exact a long brewing vengeance upon her unsuspecting niece.
I'm sure you can read this book looking at Agatha's attacks as symbolism for fraught familial ties, keeping quiet, looking the other way etc or you can read it as a horror story with powerful, torturous attacks, or both! I read it as a combination of both and it works on several levels. A compelling and scary story! Definitely recommend!
I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
September 22, 2024
What started off as a slow but interesting burn into a complicated relationship between a woman and her difficult aunt, turned into a panic attack of a second half.
The theater element of the novel was a fun way to push the story forward and let the reader get glimpses into situations other characters were in. The villain in this one was also one of my favorite parts!
Our main character was a relatable one, questioning past actions, and living with guilt over things her younger self did. That made the stakes of her journey throughout this novel even more anxiety ridden. I loved that the author took time to really develop Deena’s character, making the reader feel her being haunted, instead of relying on jump scares or gore to make this a horror novel.
And that ending paragraph. Loved it.
Thank you to the author for a beautiful ARC!
The theater element of the novel was a fun way to push the story forward and let the reader get glimpses into situations other characters were in. The villain in this one was also one of my favorite parts!
Our main character was a relatable one, questioning past actions, and living with guilt over things her younger self did. That made the stakes of her journey throughout this novel even more anxiety ridden. I loved that the author took time to really develop Deena’s character, making the reader feel her being haunted, instead of relying on jump scares or gore to make this a horror novel.
And that ending paragraph. Loved it.
Thank you to the author for a beautiful ARC!
October 7, 2024
What would one do when you find out a person whom you thought loved you did something unimaginable as a payback. This book was written to allow the reader to experience this without it happening to the reader. This book was truly frightening. As I read along, viewing the unthinkable, I was aghast at how a loved one could be so cruel. Especially when the person was not even angry at Deena. One would have to be a truly evil person to wait for a long period of time to enact such a curse. Even when it seemed like Deena was getting the upper hand something would change and her level of anxiety would ramp up again. I enjoyed learning about another cultures folk lore. It seems that all cultures have some frightening ways to make someone else’s life unbearable.
September 29, 2024
Horror isn't usually my go-to genre, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this. But for the time I spent watching it, I found it surprisingly adequate. I’ll admit, I didn’t get all the nuances at first, but the audio really stood out to me. The sound design was fantastic, adding a lot of depth to the experience—well, as much depth as horror can offer, I guess. While I’m not the biggest fan of jump scares or creepy atmospheres, I have to say, it was well done for what it was. Even though I’m not usually into this kind of thing, I can appreciate the effort put into the details. It’s not something I would typically watch again, but for what it’s worth, it did its job.
September 16, 2024
WHAT DID I JUST READ!!
The plot follows Deena, a fifty something theatre actress. Growing up in a difficult environment, she found solace in Agatha, her aunt (mother's younger sister) who has a dark secret of her own. When the eighty year old Agatha is just about to die, she makes a deal with Sensu- an ancient malevolent entity who attacks all five senses of a person; life of Deena in exchange for her own life. The story follows Sensu's attacks on Deena, her grappling for truths and lores alike and a final showdown where all might be lost.
I read reviews for the book before starting so it wasn't a blind entry. The initial chapters were strong, mildly eerie and established a strong background for all the characters. Almost a third of the book in, I felt that it was all okay... Not so scary. Oh how I was mistaken.
The last third of the book is eerie. Creepy. Scary. Disturbing. The author has an extraordinary talent for descriptions and every attack resonated so deeply with me as a reader.
The backstory was amazing, almost making me feel sorry for Agatha as a victim of her consequences. Simon and Deena are the actual #couplegoals! The author is an absolute Goddess with the way she incorporated sharp yet witty humour, adding so much depth to each character- no matter how big or small. You MUST read this book- it is an absolute assault on your senses and I absolutely loved it!!
The plot follows Deena, a fifty something theatre actress. Growing up in a difficult environment, she found solace in Agatha, her aunt (mother's younger sister) who has a dark secret of her own. When the eighty year old Agatha is just about to die, she makes a deal with Sensu- an ancient malevolent entity who attacks all five senses of a person; life of Deena in exchange for her own life. The story follows Sensu's attacks on Deena, her grappling for truths and lores alike and a final showdown where all might be lost.
I read reviews for the book before starting so it wasn't a blind entry. The initial chapters were strong, mildly eerie and established a strong background for all the characters. Almost a third of the book in, I felt that it was all okay... Not so scary. Oh how I was mistaken.
The last third of the book is eerie. Creepy. Scary. Disturbing. The author has an extraordinary talent for descriptions and every attack resonated so deeply with me as a reader.
The backstory was amazing, almost making me feel sorry for Agatha as a victim of her consequences. Simon and Deena are the actual #couplegoals! The author is an absolute Goddess with the way she incorporated sharp yet witty humour, adding so much depth to each character- no matter how big or small. You MUST read this book- it is an absolute assault on your senses and I absolutely loved it!!
September 18, 2024
Firstly, I want to send a huge Thank you to Netgalley, Woodhall Press, and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was SPOOKY. For this being a debut novel, I found the writing so polished. From the beginning to the end, the descriptions were vivid pictures in my head and let me tell ya, they were creepy!
This was such an original book, it was nothing like anything I have ever read before. I loved this and can't wait for other horror lovers to be able to read it when it is published on October 8, 2024!
This was SPOOKY. For this being a debut novel, I found the writing so polished. From the beginning to the end, the descriptions were vivid pictures in my head and let me tell ya, they were creepy!
This was such an original book, it was nothing like anything I have ever read before. I loved this and can't wait for other horror lovers to be able to read it when it is published on October 8, 2024!
September 29, 2024
Deena Undone
Debra K. Every
This is an incredibly creepy and wholly original possession tale.
It's kinda like Sara Gran's 'Come Closer' mixed with Ari Aster's 'Hereditary'.
A possession that takes over and twists your five senses, one at a time, until it has you.
There's interesting parallels to aging and how our senses are altered with age.
I was left with some questions, but it didn't hurt the story.
There is so much I love about this book. I will be HIGHLY recommending it to anyone who'll listen.
4.5 / 5
Debra K. Every
This is an incredibly creepy and wholly original possession tale.
It's kinda like Sara Gran's 'Come Closer' mixed with Ari Aster's 'Hereditary'.
A possession that takes over and twists your five senses, one at a time, until it has you.
There's interesting parallels to aging and how our senses are altered with age.
I was left with some questions, but it didn't hurt the story.
There is so much I love about this book. I will be HIGHLY recommending it to anyone who'll listen.
4.5 / 5
September 28, 2024
Simon & Deena are a great, older, childless couple that are playful & their banter is fun. The story leads you down a road & suddenly a U turn. This is another book that I read strait thru and god help anyone who interrupted me.
Deena has been institutionalized for mental health issues in the past so when others notice her getting squirrely … they grow concerned. The story visits the past enough so that you get a well fleshed out story.
So you start the story in the dark and by the end you’re hoping the lights don’t go out!!
ANOTHER GREAT ENDING!!!
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media! Hoping this won’t be the last book I read from this author!! Great for spooky season!
Deena has been institutionalized for mental health issues in the past so when others notice her getting squirrely … they grow concerned. The story visits the past enough so that you get a well fleshed out story.
So you start the story in the dark and by the end you’re hoping the lights don’t go out!!
ANOTHER GREAT ENDING!!!
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media! Hoping this won’t be the last book I read from this author!! Great for spooky season!
October 7, 2024
The narrator did an amazing job telling this story. The voices she did for the aunt were creepy and I’m so glad I did the audiobook for this.
I wanted to listen to an audiobook that would fit for spooky season and this was that. I had a fun time with the story. I also loved that the MC is in her 50s.
There was times that I felt the pacing was a bit slower and repetitive.
But I still found myself putting my headphones back in wanting to know what was going to happen next.
I wanted to listen to an audiobook that would fit for spooky season and this was that. I had a fun time with the story. I also loved that the MC is in her 50s.
There was times that I felt the pacing was a bit slower and repetitive.
But I still found myself putting my headphones back in wanting to know what was going to happen next.
September 9, 2024
Deena Undone is a beautifully written, haunting, and unsettling story. The characters are wonderfully developed, good pacing, and is a great psychological horror.
October 18, 2024
Decent. Nothing to hook me really.
October 9, 2024
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator(s): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes, etc: Demons, Found Family, Demons or Mental Illness
POV: Single, 3rd Person
The Praise: This was good! Maybe I just haven’t encountered it before, but I thought the concept of the Sensu was really unique and interesting. I was also impressed by how well developed the characters were. I also enjoyed Deena’s relationships with her loved ones.
The audiobook narrator was great and really added to the creepy factor.
The Critique: Honestly, I can’t really think of any! I maybe would’ve liked to see more of the Sensu’s attacks.
Final Thoughts: A unique plot, characters you root for and empathize with, and enough horror to give you chills. Perfect for spooky season!
I received an Audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media!
October 7, 2025
Deena Undone was a fun read and wasn't at all what I expected.
Deena is caring for her ailing Aunt Agatha, a rather unpleasant person at the best of times, and finds strange things happening to her. Voices that aren't there, horrific smells, etc. Deena comes to find out that her aunt made a deal with a demon, offering up her niece in exchange for vitality. Their relationship is rather complex and unfolds throughout the story, offering insight into Agatha's miserable ways. I quite enjoyed learning more about Syrian culture and a demon unlike any I've read previously.
Deena is caring for her ailing Aunt Agatha, a rather unpleasant person at the best of times, and finds strange things happening to her. Voices that aren't there, horrific smells, etc. Deena comes to find out that her aunt made a deal with a demon, offering up her niece in exchange for vitality. Their relationship is rather complex and unfolds throughout the story, offering insight into Agatha's miserable ways. I quite enjoyed learning more about Syrian culture and a demon unlike any I've read previously.
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