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The Requiem Red
Patient Twenty-nine.
A monster roams the halls of Soothing Hills Asylum. Three girls dead. 29 is endowed with the curse…or gift of perception. She hears messages in music, sees lyrics in paintings. And the corn. A lifetime asylum resident, the orchestral corn music is the only constant in her life.
Mason, a new, kind orderly, sees 29 as a woman, not a lunatic. And as his belief in her grows, so does her self- confidence. That perhaps she might escape, might see the outside world.
But the monster has other plans. The missing girls share one common thread...each was twenty-nine's cell mate.
Will she be next?
A monster roams the halls of Soothing Hills Asylum. Three girls dead. 29 is endowed with the curse…or gift of perception. She hears messages in music, sees lyrics in paintings. And the corn. A lifetime asylum resident, the orchestral corn music is the only constant in her life.
Mason, a new, kind orderly, sees 29 as a woman, not a lunatic. And as his belief in her grows, so does her self- confidence. That perhaps she might escape, might see the outside world.
But the monster has other plans. The missing girls share one common thread...each was twenty-nine's cell mate.
Will she be next?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
26 people are currently reading
1850 people want to read
About the author
Brynn Chapman
20 books505 followersBorn and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. If her ancestry tree is true, she is a descendent of the House of Stuart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 13, 2015
I have no words! This was just damned awesome! I can't wait for everyone to read it! And I need book 2 now!
September 22, 2016
Orphaned Jane has only ever been known as “29.” She has lived at the Soothing Hills Sanatorium since she was a young girl and it’s the only home she remembers. She’s not sure what’s wrong with her, but she hears things in the corn fields beside the asylum and when she hears music she sees colors no one else can see. She tries to hide this because at Soothing Hills a lot of patients are subjected to various forms of torture.
Jules is the daughter of the esteemed Dr. Frost who is the head of the Soothing Hills Asylum. Her father is cold and unpredictably easy to anger. Jules has been forced into an engagement to a young man she doesn’t much care for but, if it gets her out of her father’s household and allows her more freedom, she’ll happily comply. Since her fiancé has given the okay, her father unhappily agrees to allow Jules to volunteer at the asylum.
There’s a killer on the loose at Soothing Hills and all of the women who have been killed have one thing in common, they were 29’s roommate at the time. Dr. Frost immediately orders that Jane be put to questioning, and Jane lives in fear of the increasingly torturous sessions. She finds kindness in the new orderly, Mason, who is falling for Jane and vows that he will protect her. But how much can she trust him? Who is the killer, and who will be the next victim?
The author brings us the true horrors of asylum life in the 19th century. The prescribed treatments at Soothing Hills are a true reflection of what patients in asylums at that time were subjected to. At times, there was nothing wrong with those patients. They were falsely imprisoned, tortured and even lobotomized. Unfortunately they did not have a glimpse of kindness, love and hope. But that what books are for!
The Requiem Red is a 19th century tale of gothic horror and love. I would say the prime target for this book is the young adult audience, but it will be enjoyable to others as well. It is fast-paced with alternating POVs from both Jane and Jules, with a couple of other POVs thrown in sporadically. Simply written and enjoyable, I predict that you will fly through this one in one sitting.
I want to thank the publisher (Month9Books) for providing me with the ARC through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program for an honest review.
Jules is the daughter of the esteemed Dr. Frost who is the head of the Soothing Hills Asylum. Her father is cold and unpredictably easy to anger. Jules has been forced into an engagement to a young man she doesn’t much care for but, if it gets her out of her father’s household and allows her more freedom, she’ll happily comply. Since her fiancé has given the okay, her father unhappily agrees to allow Jules to volunteer at the asylum.
There’s a killer on the loose at Soothing Hills and all of the women who have been killed have one thing in common, they were 29’s roommate at the time. Dr. Frost immediately orders that Jane be put to questioning, and Jane lives in fear of the increasingly torturous sessions. She finds kindness in the new orderly, Mason, who is falling for Jane and vows that he will protect her. But how much can she trust him? Who is the killer, and who will be the next victim?
The author brings us the true horrors of asylum life in the 19th century. The prescribed treatments at Soothing Hills are a true reflection of what patients in asylums at that time were subjected to. At times, there was nothing wrong with those patients. They were falsely imprisoned, tortured and even lobotomized. Unfortunately they did not have a glimpse of kindness, love and hope. But that what books are for!
The Requiem Red is a 19th century tale of gothic horror and love. I would say the prime target for this book is the young adult audience, but it will be enjoyable to others as well. It is fast-paced with alternating POVs from both Jane and Jules, with a couple of other POVs thrown in sporadically. Simply written and enjoyable, I predict that you will fly through this one in one sitting.
I want to thank the publisher (Month9Books) for providing me with the ARC through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program for an honest review.
April 27, 2016
This book takes place in an insane asylum and, yes, it's just as creepy as it sounds. The story is told from three points of view--29, Jules and Dr. Grayjoy. Patient 29, whose real name is Jane, has lived in the asylum for as long as she can remember. A new orderly, Mason, takes an interest in her and treats her as if she's normal. Jules is the daughter of Dr. Frost, who works at Soothing Hills Sanatorium. She is engaged to Willis Graceling but feels more like she's being sold to him so she's not too excited about it. Dr. Grayjoy is young and is now Jane's doctor. He has some reservations about Dr. Frost and his practices.
The author does a great job of bringing the asylum to life. There are some sad things that happen but I didn't feel like the book was depressing. There were some parts that weren't too difficult to figure out so I was more curious about the back story and the events that led up to where the characters were today. There is a monster that appears toward the end of the book and there were some suspenseful scenes with him.
This isn't the type of book I normally read, but I've heard great things about this author so I wanted to give it a chance, and am glad that I did! There are lots of secrets to be revealed and we got quite a few of them as the story progressed. It felt authentic to that time period (1894) and the stories that we hear now about insane asylums and how they were run, how the patients were treated and the overall creepiness of them. The story ends abruptly, and there are still questions to be answered, so I'm looking forward to reading more!
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
The author does a great job of bringing the asylum to life. There are some sad things that happen but I didn't feel like the book was depressing. There were some parts that weren't too difficult to figure out so I was more curious about the back story and the events that led up to where the characters were today. There is a monster that appears toward the end of the book and there were some suspenseful scenes with him.
This isn't the type of book I normally read, but I've heard great things about this author so I wanted to give it a chance, and am glad that I did! There are lots of secrets to be revealed and we got quite a few of them as the story progressed. It felt authentic to that time period (1894) and the stories that we hear now about insane asylums and how they were run, how the patients were treated and the overall creepiness of them. The story ends abruptly, and there are still questions to be answered, so I'm looking forward to reading more!
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
March 26, 2016
Jaunty writing, unique setting, one-of-a-kind plot, and unusual circumstances.
What's not to love?
Need more reasons to pick up this book?
An asylum, rare medical conditions, antiquated psychological practices, underground tunnels, ravens.
As an added bonus, a Scottish guy and a young, capable, very attractive doctor.
The Requiem Red.
You should read it.
What's not to love?
Need more reasons to pick up this book?
An asylum, rare medical conditions, antiquated psychological practices, underground tunnels, ravens.
As an added bonus, a Scottish guy and a young, capable, very attractive doctor.
The Requiem Red.
You should read it.
April 13, 2017
The story-line of this novel was, in no uncertain terms, captivating. The pages contain a rich concoction of deception, family secrets, romance, and just a touch of magic. Splendidly written, the dialogue was almost unfailingly time-period appropriate, and the author provides a creepy, detailed, accurate depiction of life inside an asylum (particularly for women). I enjoyed this novel immensely, however, there were a couple of issues that nagged at me. First off, insta-love seemed to be a common theme here. Both Jane and her sister experience the same unlikely sudden, overwhelming attraction that I could maybe buy into once, but not twice (within the same family, no less). Second, that ending nearly ruined the whole book for me. I mean, I don't have anything against cliffhangers; in fact, if done right, they can hook you in and add to the excitement. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work. All it did was tick me off. Nothing was resolved. Nothing. Even another page or two would could have solved this.
February 5, 2019
Overall I found this book dull and poorly written. Insta-love abounds, and the character development amounts to "Hey look! A Thing happened to A Character! Now that Character is a Character who had A Thing happen to them!" The characters just sort of do things, without a sense of real motivation or reason. There were a couple of character surprises (I guess you could call them twists?) that I was absolutely ZERO percent surprised by. Honestly they were telegraphed so far in advance I can't tell if, as a reader, I was supposed to know they were coming or if I was supposed to be surprised. Despite the many, many flaws (we haven't even talked about the embarrassingly clunky prose) the last 20-25% or so was actually action packed enough to be engaging, and then, THEN, it just ENDED. With absolutely no resolution for anyone. Truthfully it was so abrupt that I thought for a moment that there was something wrong with my kindle edition of the book. Needless to say I do not care enough about these characters to read whatever sequel may come about.
February 21, 2018
Amazing.
Book 2 ... give it to me now!!!!
Book 2 ... give it to me now!!!!
April 13, 2016
I received an eARC of this book via Prism Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
I’m not really sure how I feel about Brynn Chapman's The Requiem Red. It’s not at all like I expected and I’d dare say that the synopsis is misleading. I was expecting a historical fiction with a paranormal twist. Well I got that, but the paranormal was on the light side and after reading one chapter I already knew the ending. Disappointing!
Patient 29, also known as Jane, has been a patient at Soothing Hills Sanatorium for as long as she can remember. She sees colors in music and with the color red she hears words. Everyone thinks she is crazy, but really Jane is a virtuoso of music. She composes through her drawings and can look at a piece of music once and be able to play it perfectly. Jane is haunted and tortured by her time at Soothing Hills. Now her roommates are disappearing one by one to the monster that roams the halls and a new orderly is taking a shine to Jane bringing her light in the darkness.
I like how the author explored two characters with synesthesia and showed that despite their disorders they could still be considered “normal.” The girls just saw the world differently and it was interesting to read from their POVs as they experienced their environment.
I had a hard time though with 2 things in particular: the romance and the head hopping. Because I don’t want to spoil anything, I’ll only say one small thing about the romance….it didn’t make sense to me. One of the characters had previously had a crush on another and then all of a sudden declares love for the other. The other romantic interest was too insta-love for me. Then there was the head-hopping. The POV changed SO many times that I had a hard time figuring out whose head I was in. With the head-hopping there were time issues, like a character seemed to be in two places at once when in reality the scenes were happening at different times. So confusing! Because of this I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and the story itself dragged out.
Overall I wasn’t that impressed with the book. I had high hopes going in but the constant head hopping and the non-paranormal paranormal theme really dashed them. HOWEVER I did enjoy the historical period and the setting of Soothing Hills. If I was to put the book in a genre it would be historical, gothic romance with no mention of paranormal. That’s just me though.
I’m not really sure how I feel about Brynn Chapman's The Requiem Red. It’s not at all like I expected and I’d dare say that the synopsis is misleading. I was expecting a historical fiction with a paranormal twist. Well I got that, but the paranormal was on the light side and after reading one chapter I already knew the ending. Disappointing!
Patient 29, also known as Jane, has been a patient at Soothing Hills Sanatorium for as long as she can remember. She sees colors in music and with the color red she hears words. Everyone thinks she is crazy, but really Jane is a virtuoso of music. She composes through her drawings and can look at a piece of music once and be able to play it perfectly. Jane is haunted and tortured by her time at Soothing Hills. Now her roommates are disappearing one by one to the monster that roams the halls and a new orderly is taking a shine to Jane bringing her light in the darkness.
I like how the author explored two characters with synesthesia and showed that despite their disorders they could still be considered “normal.” The girls just saw the world differently and it was interesting to read from their POVs as they experienced their environment.
I had a hard time though with 2 things in particular: the romance and the head hopping. Because I don’t want to spoil anything, I’ll only say one small thing about the romance….it didn’t make sense to me. One of the characters had previously had a crush on another and then all of a sudden declares love for the other. The other romantic interest was too insta-love for me. Then there was the head-hopping. The POV changed SO many times that I had a hard time figuring out whose head I was in. With the head-hopping there were time issues, like a character seemed to be in two places at once when in reality the scenes were happening at different times. So confusing! Because of this I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and the story itself dragged out.
Overall I wasn’t that impressed with the book. I had high hopes going in but the constant head hopping and the non-paranormal paranormal theme really dashed them. HOWEVER I did enjoy the historical period and the setting of Soothing Hills. If I was to put the book in a genre it would be historical, gothic romance with no mention of paranormal. That’s just me though.
April 7, 2016
Thanks to Month9Books, I received an ARC of The Requiem Red and loved it.
Have you ever read a book that left you in awe, either of the writing style, the imagery, the plot, the characters? The Requiem Red has so many wonderful things going for it, but I would have to say my favorite aspect of this book is the authors master storytelling ability. From page one, I was hooked. I think part of that was because the story takes place in a sanitarium in the late 1800s. Talk about creepy.
Before I go into my review, here is a little about the book. Make sure you read to the end because there is a giveaway going on in celebration of the release of this awesome novel.
Review:
When I started this novel, I knew I was going to like it. The imagery is phenomenal. The writing style impeccable. Ms. Chapman had me spellbound from the first sentence. I love the settings and the picture that she sets for the reader. Patient 29 is multi-faceted. There is so much to her character and I found myself cheering her on from the beginning. The atmosphere and mystery are suspenseful, and there were just enough fantastical elements to make the story creepy.
I really wanted more of a relationship to build between our main character and the orderly, Mason, but it didn't happen to the extent I wanted to. Funny thing is, I didn't feel cheated by it. I think it's because I understood what was going on with patient 29 and a more intense romance would have boggled the plot. I also would have feard for Mason had more been allowed to happen.
Yes, this book is creepy, and by the end, I really felt so sad for patient 29. Ms. Chapman has a wonderful way of weaving historical facts into this story, and she even leaves you some links in the back of the book to follow up with to find out more about the problems facing patient 29.
I apologize if I appear to be vague, but I don't want to give too much away. I thought this was an amazing story surrounding a subject that is always a conversation topic.
As much as I loved this book, I give it a solid 4 stars, mainly because I found it a bit predictable and because I wanted a tad more in the romance department. I also didn't like the head-hopping that took place toward the middle/end of the book. Still, it was a fantastic read that kept me turning page after page after page. I also stared at that cover a lot!! I will definitely keep my eyes on this author and I look forward to her next book.
Have you ever read a book that left you in awe, either of the writing style, the imagery, the plot, the characters? The Requiem Red has so many wonderful things going for it, but I would have to say my favorite aspect of this book is the authors master storytelling ability. From page one, I was hooked. I think part of that was because the story takes place in a sanitarium in the late 1800s. Talk about creepy.
Before I go into my review, here is a little about the book. Make sure you read to the end because there is a giveaway going on in celebration of the release of this awesome novel.
Review:
When I started this novel, I knew I was going to like it. The imagery is phenomenal. The writing style impeccable. Ms. Chapman had me spellbound from the first sentence. I love the settings and the picture that she sets for the reader. Patient 29 is multi-faceted. There is so much to her character and I found myself cheering her on from the beginning. The atmosphere and mystery are suspenseful, and there were just enough fantastical elements to make the story creepy.
I really wanted more of a relationship to build between our main character and the orderly, Mason, but it didn't happen to the extent I wanted to. Funny thing is, I didn't feel cheated by it. I think it's because I understood what was going on with patient 29 and a more intense romance would have boggled the plot. I also would have feard for Mason had more been allowed to happen.
Yes, this book is creepy, and by the end, I really felt so sad for patient 29. Ms. Chapman has a wonderful way of weaving historical facts into this story, and she even leaves you some links in the back of the book to follow up with to find out more about the problems facing patient 29.
I apologize if I appear to be vague, but I don't want to give too much away. I thought this was an amazing story surrounding a subject that is always a conversation topic.
As much as I loved this book, I give it a solid 4 stars, mainly because I found it a bit predictable and because I wanted a tad more in the romance department. I also didn't like the head-hopping that took place toward the middle/end of the book. Still, it was a fantastic read that kept me turning page after page after page. I also stared at that cover a lot!! I will definitely keep my eyes on this author and I look forward to her next book.
February 6, 2017
Two girls. One, patient twenty-nine in Soothing Hills Asylum (that is anything but soothing as it dehumanizes its patients). The second, the esteemed daughter of the Asylum’s head doctor. Both have catlike eyes and hear whispers of words in the music they see everywhere. But there are more problems going on their bizarre connection. There is something killing some of the other women in the asylum, all of whom were roommates with patient twenty-nine before their deaths. And the head doctor has a dark side only his daughter and the servants are aware of.
The Requiem Red by Brynn Chapman is just as dark and bizarre as the one other book I have read by Chapman, The Violet Hour. Words hidden in music. Monsters in the night. Hair changing from brown to white overnight. The patients might not be the only insane ones. Then, throw in a couple whirl-wind romances…
I can’t quite figure out whether or not I like this book. It was so weird and dark but yet so interesting. It pulled me in and kept me interested in the tale of these two ladies. I figured out a couple of the mysteries, but not all. And the ending was a complete surprise. It left me hanging, and I’m not even sure there will be a second book! So frustrating. I didn’t like some of the darker elements, though they added depth and danger to this tale.
One thing is for sure, though. I will never look at insane asylum’s the same way again. Back in the early 1900’s and before, asylums were more like a prison than a place of healing. People were hospitalized for a variety of ridiculous and reasons, including when husbands wanted an excuse to remarry. The Requiem Red did an unforgettable job of showing life inside one of those asylums. Makes me feel even sorrier for my great-grandfather who was entered in an asylum around the turn of the twentieth century for stealing his family’s car (and escaped a couple of times) … but that is a story for another day.
The Requiem Red was as fascinating as it was bizarre. I recommend it to lovers of the weird with a dose of YA romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Requiem Red by Brynn Chapman is just as dark and bizarre as the one other book I have read by Chapman, The Violet Hour. Words hidden in music. Monsters in the night. Hair changing from brown to white overnight. The patients might not be the only insane ones. Then, throw in a couple whirl-wind romances…
I can’t quite figure out whether or not I like this book. It was so weird and dark but yet so interesting. It pulled me in and kept me interested in the tale of these two ladies. I figured out a couple of the mysteries, but not all. And the ending was a complete surprise. It left me hanging, and I’m not even sure there will be a second book! So frustrating. I didn’t like some of the darker elements, though they added depth and danger to this tale.
One thing is for sure, though. I will never look at insane asylum’s the same way again. Back in the early 1900’s and before, asylums were more like a prison than a place of healing. People were hospitalized for a variety of ridiculous and reasons, including when husbands wanted an excuse to remarry. The Requiem Red did an unforgettable job of showing life inside one of those asylums. Makes me feel even sorrier for my great-grandfather who was entered in an asylum around the turn of the twentieth century for stealing his family’s car (and escaped a couple of times) … but that is a story for another day.
The Requiem Red was as fascinating as it was bizarre. I recommend it to lovers of the weird with a dose of YA romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**The Requiem Red is the first in a new, young adult series by Brynn Chapman. The Requiem Red is a fantasy/horror/suspense/historical story, and that is a mix of genres that really works well for me. I enjoyed this story a lot, and it left me pretty desperately wanting the next book. Brynn Chapman clearly excels in books with a flair towards the historical. She can paint a time period picture unlike most authors. She has a gift in that regard.
I loved the mystery and suspenseful atmosphere Brynn created in The Requiem Red. The asylum setting is the perfect place for the creepies to set in. Throw a mystery into the mix and sprinkle in some fantasy elements, and you have a book that I was dying to read. Strangely enough, the thing that I normally crave and gravitate towards the most, the romance, was the thing that did the least for me in this instance. But even more strange, was the fact that it didn't bug me nearly as much as I thought it would. There are so many other things going on in the story, that the romance was kind of pushed to the back burner for me.
Let's take a moment to talk about, what was, in my opinion the real standout star of The Requiem Red. Brynn Chapman is a master storyteller. I loved her writing and I loved the way she set the stage for her tale. Each of her scenes were atmospheric and richly detailed. She is a very deliberate writer, and I think it is what made The Requiem Red shine. I loved the spooky asylum, I loved the characters, and I loved the Brynn not only let me into the world she created by opening the door, she dumped me right in the middle of it and led me on a guided tour that was breathtaking. Not to mention, she ended it leaving me anxious for the next book.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
I loved the mystery and suspenseful atmosphere Brynn created in The Requiem Red. The asylum setting is the perfect place for the creepies to set in. Throw a mystery into the mix and sprinkle in some fantasy elements, and you have a book that I was dying to read. Strangely enough, the thing that I normally crave and gravitate towards the most, the romance, was the thing that did the least for me in this instance. But even more strange, was the fact that it didn't bug me nearly as much as I thought it would. There are so many other things going on in the story, that the romance was kind of pushed to the back burner for me.
Let's take a moment to talk about, what was, in my opinion the real standout star of The Requiem Red. Brynn Chapman is a master storyteller. I loved her writing and I loved the way she set the stage for her tale. Each of her scenes were atmospheric and richly detailed. She is a very deliberate writer, and I think it is what made The Requiem Red shine. I loved the spooky asylum, I loved the characters, and I loved the Brynn not only let me into the world she created by opening the door, she dumped me right in the middle of it and led me on a guided tour that was breathtaking. Not to mention, she ended it leaving me anxious for the next book.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
April 6, 2016
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from the publisher, Month9Books, in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Story
(Goodreads blurb)
Patient Twenty-nine.
A monster roams the halls of Soothing Hills Asylum. Three girls dead. 29 is endowed with the curse…or gift of perception. She hears messages in music, sees lyrics in paintings. And the corn. A lifetime asylum resident, the orchestral corn music is the only constant in her life.
Mason, a new, kind orderly, sees 29 as a woman, not a lunatic. And as his belief in her grows, so does her self- confidence. That perhaps she might escape, might see the outside world.
But the monster has other plans. The missing girls share one common thread…each was twenty-nine’s cell mate.
Will she be next?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader:)
I was really pinning to read this book, as it promised me everything that I usually love in a book: asylums, historical romance, fearless females, mystery and a touch of paranormal to all of it. I can’t complain, I received it all, but the package was… Disappointing. On chapter three, I already knew what was going on and what the big mystery was. Also, the writing style proved to be not quite my cup of tea, too rough and sudden, making the story slow for me. I still had a good time, but The Requiem Red had so much potential and gave little back… Therefore, I’ll rate it three stars:)
The narrative style was first person with switching points of view. Almost all main characters get a chance to narrate the story and I like that, as I always knew exactly what was happening. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to connect with anyone on the book, so once again I didn’t care what happened to them
I received this copy from the publisher, Month9Books, in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Story
(Goodreads blurb)
Patient Twenty-nine.
A monster roams the halls of Soothing Hills Asylum. Three girls dead. 29 is endowed with the curse…or gift of perception. She hears messages in music, sees lyrics in paintings. And the corn. A lifetime asylum resident, the orchestral corn music is the only constant in her life.
Mason, a new, kind orderly, sees 29 as a woman, not a lunatic. And as his belief in her grows, so does her self- confidence. That perhaps she might escape, might see the outside world.
But the monster has other plans. The missing girls share one common thread…each was twenty-nine’s cell mate.
Will she be next?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader:)
I was really pinning to read this book, as it promised me everything that I usually love in a book: asylums, historical romance, fearless females, mystery and a touch of paranormal to all of it. I can’t complain, I received it all, but the package was… Disappointing. On chapter three, I already knew what was going on and what the big mystery was. Also, the writing style proved to be not quite my cup of tea, too rough and sudden, making the story slow for me. I still had a good time, but The Requiem Red had so much potential and gave little back… Therefore, I’ll rate it three stars:)
The narrative style was first person with switching points of view. Almost all main characters get a chance to narrate the story and I like that, as I always knew exactly what was happening. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to connect with anyone on the book, so once again I didn’t care what happened to them
April 20, 2016
The Requiem Red was a spur of the moment pick-up for me. I wasn't really looking for a new book to read or anything in this particular genre but it sounded like it could be good.
I don't think that the back cover really does a great job of giving you an idea of what the story is really about. Yes, it does follow patient Twenty-Nine. Yes, she does seem to have the gift of perception though they do not call it that in the book. Yes, there's some kind of monster. Yes, there's a romance.
But there's quite a few additional elements as well. Additional elements that slow down the pacing of the novel and take away from the creepy, horror vibe you get back from the back of the novel.
I was expecting something fast-paced and The Requiem Red definitely wasn't that. It starts off right in the middle of a horror story but doesn't exactly follow through on that. There's been a few murders at the asylum, something creepy is haunting the corridors. But just as we're dumped into the story, the murders stop and the something creepy isn't mentioned again until much later.
Instead, you get more of a look into asylum life. Twenty-nine hasn't led a pleasant life. And there's some tidbits about a girl named Jules, who is the lead physicks' daughter. And the change in perspectives is a bit confusing. And sometimes you get bits from a Dr. Grayjoy. And sometimes the author tells you when she's changing perspective. and sometimes she doesn't.
Somehow these girls' stories and unique abilities are connected. And most of the story focuses on that. And building two different romances that are, in my opinion, kind of unnecessary to the plot and rather insta-love-y.
I did like the unique ability that the two main characters share. And I thought that the twist at the end was rather good. Maybe the next one will be better with all of the background and world-building out of the way...?
I don't think that the back cover really does a great job of giving you an idea of what the story is really about. Yes, it does follow patient Twenty-Nine. Yes, she does seem to have the gift of perception though they do not call it that in the book. Yes, there's some kind of monster. Yes, there's a romance.
But there's quite a few additional elements as well. Additional elements that slow down the pacing of the novel and take away from the creepy, horror vibe you get back from the back of the novel.
I was expecting something fast-paced and The Requiem Red definitely wasn't that. It starts off right in the middle of a horror story but doesn't exactly follow through on that. There's been a few murders at the asylum, something creepy is haunting the corridors. But just as we're dumped into the story, the murders stop and the something creepy isn't mentioned again until much later.
Instead, you get more of a look into asylum life. Twenty-nine hasn't led a pleasant life. And there's some tidbits about a girl named Jules, who is the lead physicks' daughter. And the change in perspectives is a bit confusing. And sometimes you get bits from a Dr. Grayjoy. And sometimes the author tells you when she's changing perspective. and sometimes she doesn't.
Somehow these girls' stories and unique abilities are connected. And most of the story focuses on that. And building two different romances that are, in my opinion, kind of unnecessary to the plot and rather insta-love-y.
I did like the unique ability that the two main characters share. And I thought that the twist at the end was rather good. Maybe the next one will be better with all of the background and world-building out of the way...?
April 6, 2016
Jane is a patient in Soothing Hills Asylum, and she has been there for as long as she can remember. Jules is the daughter of head doctor of the asylum, and she feels just as trapped in her isolated life. These two girls discover that their lives, especially their pasts, are linked.
Exploring the dark side of the goings-on of an early asylum makes for a thought-provoking read. The atmosphere of the book is suspenseful, and the characters themselves are complex. And the cover of this book is just gorgeous!
That being said, I'm going to admit, like others have commented on, I did not find the summary to be quite correct. We don't get to the 'monster' until later on in the book. I am not a fan of paranormal reads, and that aspect becomes more important to the story the longer it goes on. I did not like the 'head-hopping' that occurred in each chapter - going from one character to another without warning.
This is a book for readers fond of a dark Victorian, gothic book.
Exploring the dark side of the goings-on of an early asylum makes for a thought-provoking read. The atmosphere of the book is suspenseful, and the characters themselves are complex. And the cover of this book is just gorgeous!
That being said, I'm going to admit, like others have commented on, I did not find the summary to be quite correct. We don't get to the 'monster' until later on in the book. I am not a fan of paranormal reads, and that aspect becomes more important to the story the longer it goes on. I did not like the 'head-hopping' that occurred in each chapter - going from one character to another without warning.
This is a book for readers fond of a dark Victorian, gothic book.
April 6, 2016
I have mixed feeling while reading the book. I felt confused, spooked, delighted and angry. What a journey!
Given for an honest review.
Given for an honest review.
May 5, 2018
....this book was confusing. I loved it til the end, as is so common with mystery/horror books for me. It definitely had me excited, and it kept me going and wanting to read. But there is no reason for it to end the way it did. There is zero reason that she couldn't have written twenty more pages and ended the book with closure. The set up is that of one trying to make room for a sequel, but I frankly see no need for a sequel. (spoiler) Jules and Jane met and have their prospective lovers, and their mother's voice calls. Do we really need a sequel to learn about the red sparrow and their impact on Ivy and her daughters? I guess we'll find out when the sequel is finally released, I only hope it is as good a story as this one.
All in all, a decent book. I recommend waiting for the sequel before reading this one, as it stops extremely abruptly and is quite frustrating, and it would be nice to have a smooth continuum for a book that will draw you in and than disappoint you with an unclear end.
All in all, a decent book. I recommend waiting for the sequel before reading this one, as it stops extremely abruptly and is quite frustrating, and it would be nice to have a smooth continuum for a book that will draw you in and than disappoint you with an unclear end.
October 21, 2017
Not my usual pick of books, but I am glad I took a chance on this one. Jane is Patient Twenty-nine in a asylum back in the 1890's. She hears voices in music, and this is what she has always thought put her in the asylum when she was five years old. Throughout the story, there is definitely a higher guiding force in play here as she learns of her past, of her family, and what the voices she hears really are. I gave this book four stars because the ending was not an ending, in my opinion. The conclusion just "stopped", full brake. AGH!!!! Now what????
October 21, 2017
The premise had the potential to be soooo good but the telling of the story was incredibly confusing and ends rather abruptly. I enjoyed the book, but it has potential to be even better.
October 31, 2017
It was a good read. Really kept me wanting to read more.
November 19, 2017
The corn fields
When u feel like reading this kind of book u must think what Those poor people went through. And probably not far from some truth.
When u feel like reading this kind of book u must think what Those poor people went through. And probably not far from some truth.
August 21, 2020
Spooky and full of twists and turns, but... it ends on a cliffhanger! The worst of cliffhangers. No telling how long I’ll have to wait for closure.
December 8, 2016
Not entertaining enough to hold my attention and have me finish the story.
April 15, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Action packed story that will leave you reeling after you finish. With the adorable romance, creepy setting, and fun characters, this is sure to be a hit with all thriller fans!
Opening Sentence: “Jane! Jane where are you?”
The Review:
Jane is known as patient 29 in Soothing Hills Asylum. She has lived her whole life in the asylum and for the most part she is a completely normal girl. Sure she hears strange music and at times sees strange things, but that doesn’t make her crazy does it? The asylum has been the only home she has ever known and until recently she has felt somewhat safe there. Three young girls have been found dead and all of them were Jane’s roommates. Were they all just accidents or is there a monster roaming the halls of the asylum?
Jules wants to do something spontaneous before she gets married to the boring man her father picked out for. Ever sense she can remember her father has dictated her life and Jules has been to scared of his wrath to ever disobey him. She convinces him to let her volunteer at the Soothing Hills Asylum so she can get away from her boring life. Jules feels an instant connection the patient 29 and the more she digs the more secrets she uncovers.
Jane is a very sweet girl that has experienced way too much cruelty for someone so young. She has been in the asylum for as long as she can remember and she has never had any family. She has been treated like she was crazy her whole life and some of the “treatment” plans are pretty brutal. But she hasn’t let her situation make her bitter. There are times when she really struggles, but she doesn’t ever let it break her. I loved her positive and innocent personality. She doesn’t have many hopes and dreams but she clings to the few she has and never stops trying to achieve them. I really admired her and found her to be a very inspirational character. She was easy to connect with and just one of those people you can’t help but love.
Jules was a much more complex character. She has also had a hard childhood but it was drastically different then Jane’s childhood. Jules grew up in a comfortable home with her father. Her mother died when she was young and her relationship with their father is very up-and-down. There were times he is very cruel and there are other times when he can be very loving. Jules has tried to be the best daughter she could possibly be, but she doesn’t feel like she’s quite lived up to her father’s expectations. At the beginning of the story she starts out timid and she is easily persuaded to do what others want but as the story progresses she becomes a strong, confident woman. She steps outside of her shell and goes after the things she truly wants instead of letting others dictate her life. I did struggle with her character at first but I grew to love her and she is actually my favorite out of the two girls.
I’m not going to go into detail about the boys because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say the romance was definitely my favorite part of the story. There is a love interest for each girl and both relationships are very different but equally amazing.
The Requiem Red is a fast paced, suspenseful story that thriller fans will love! From the first chapter I was instantly hooked and I found that it was pretty hard to put down. Personally, I’m not usually a fan of scary stories and I wouldn’t technically classified this is a horror story, but the asylum setting was pretty creepy. It’s probably because I’m a baby when it comes to scary things, so honestly I imagine most people won’t find this book scary at all. I adored the entire cast of characters and loved the romance. The mystery was intriguing and the pacing was spot on! The writing was captivating and I would love to try some of Chapman’s other books. There is a pretty terrible cliffhanger at the end and it definitely left me dying to read the next book! If you are a thriller fan I suggest you give this one a try!
Notable Scene:
I sit up in my cot and tug up the rough covers to my face to muffle the sound of my humming. Middle C. I allow the warm, calming sensations to wash over me and close my eyes. This not in my mind is red, always in red.
Normally, each note holds a specific color. Except for the special music. The Requiem Red, I call it.
It is the corn music. When it calls to me, whether by day, or in my dreams, all notes falling from the bird’s beaks blaze in fiery red.
FTC Advisory: Month9Books provided me with a copy of The Requiem Red. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Action packed story that will leave you reeling after you finish. With the adorable romance, creepy setting, and fun characters, this is sure to be a hit with all thriller fans!
Opening Sentence: “Jane! Jane where are you?”
The Review:
Jane is known as patient 29 in Soothing Hills Asylum. She has lived her whole life in the asylum and for the most part she is a completely normal girl. Sure she hears strange music and at times sees strange things, but that doesn’t make her crazy does it? The asylum has been the only home she has ever known and until recently she has felt somewhat safe there. Three young girls have been found dead and all of them were Jane’s roommates. Were they all just accidents or is there a monster roaming the halls of the asylum?
Jules wants to do something spontaneous before she gets married to the boring man her father picked out for. Ever sense she can remember her father has dictated her life and Jules has been to scared of his wrath to ever disobey him. She convinces him to let her volunteer at the Soothing Hills Asylum so she can get away from her boring life. Jules feels an instant connection the patient 29 and the more she digs the more secrets she uncovers.
Jane is a very sweet girl that has experienced way too much cruelty for someone so young. She has been in the asylum for as long as she can remember and she has never had any family. She has been treated like she was crazy her whole life and some of the “treatment” plans are pretty brutal. But she hasn’t let her situation make her bitter. There are times when she really struggles, but she doesn’t ever let it break her. I loved her positive and innocent personality. She doesn’t have many hopes and dreams but she clings to the few she has and never stops trying to achieve them. I really admired her and found her to be a very inspirational character. She was easy to connect with and just one of those people you can’t help but love.
Jules was a much more complex character. She has also had a hard childhood but it was drastically different then Jane’s childhood. Jules grew up in a comfortable home with her father. Her mother died when she was young and her relationship with their father is very up-and-down. There were times he is very cruel and there are other times when he can be very loving. Jules has tried to be the best daughter she could possibly be, but she doesn’t feel like she’s quite lived up to her father’s expectations. At the beginning of the story she starts out timid and she is easily persuaded to do what others want but as the story progresses she becomes a strong, confident woman. She steps outside of her shell and goes after the things she truly wants instead of letting others dictate her life. I did struggle with her character at first but I grew to love her and she is actually my favorite out of the two girls.
I’m not going to go into detail about the boys because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say the romance was definitely my favorite part of the story. There is a love interest for each girl and both relationships are very different but equally amazing.
The Requiem Red is a fast paced, suspenseful story that thriller fans will love! From the first chapter I was instantly hooked and I found that it was pretty hard to put down. Personally, I’m not usually a fan of scary stories and I wouldn’t technically classified this is a horror story, but the asylum setting was pretty creepy. It’s probably because I’m a baby when it comes to scary things, so honestly I imagine most people won’t find this book scary at all. I adored the entire cast of characters and loved the romance. The mystery was intriguing and the pacing was spot on! The writing was captivating and I would love to try some of Chapman’s other books. There is a pretty terrible cliffhanger at the end and it definitely left me dying to read the next book! If you are a thriller fan I suggest you give this one a try!
Notable Scene:
I sit up in my cot and tug up the rough covers to my face to muffle the sound of my humming. Middle C. I allow the warm, calming sensations to wash over me and close my eyes. This not in my mind is red, always in red.
Normally, each note holds a specific color. Except for the special music. The Requiem Red, I call it.
It is the corn music. When it calls to me, whether by day, or in my dreams, all notes falling from the bird’s beaks blaze in fiery red.
FTC Advisory: Month9Books provided me with a copy of The Requiem Red. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 8, 2016
Brynn Chapman's Boneseeker was the start of my love for all things Brynn Chapman. Then came The Violet Hour, and now The Requiem Red. Brynn's talent continues to grow, and each book leaves me more breathless. They are each so very different from one another, but one thing always shines through. This lady knows how to write an amazing story! I am hooked!
Before moving on to the review, I just want to say one thing about Month9Books... I feel like this publishing company was custom made for me. I have absolutely adored every book that I have had the pleasure to read and review. If you haven't had the chance to check out any of their books, please do. You do not know what you are missing!
Okay, here we go... I loved it. From the first page, my imagination was captured. I was transported to this cold, harsh asylum where they have kept a young girl almost her entire life. Called crazy, and delusional so often that, at times, Jane, or Patient Twenty Nine, actually believes them. Alone, Unloved. Treated so badly. But things are changing for Jane, thanks to a new orderly named Mason who is a light in her darkness, and Dr. Grayjoy, the young doctor who has been assigned to her case. Farther outside of Dr. Frost's cruelty, Jane starts to have hopes for a life she never dreamed of.
I was living in a mansion, isolated and alone, with Jules. Her only friend, her governess Maeve, who was her mother's best friend before she passed. And her father, Dr.Frost, whom she is never sure if he will be Good Papa, or father. For eighteen years, Jules was not allowed outside of her home, but now she is engaged to a young man, gentle and kind, who she doesn't love, and allowed to work at her fathers asylum a few days a week. This is Jules' freedom, being in the asylum and caring for the patients. And trying to solve a mystery that could put her in danger. She also meets the handsome and caring physick, Dr. Grayjoy, and begins to see what attraction and possibly more, really looks like.
These two girls are so similar in some ways, but their upbringing's have made them so different. Yet, you could feel the parallels between them grow as we come to know them. The one thing about both Jane and Jules that stuck out the most for me was their bravery. They each face hardships, and cruelties, yet they continue to stay strong... and to hold on to hope. I loved them both. Their relationships, with Mason and Dr. Grayjoy, were innocent yet full of yearning. I loved the growth of both romances. And both Mason and the doctor were wonderful characters. They both care so much, and are willing to put themselves at risk to do right by Jane and Jules. I definitely shipped throughout The Requiem Red.
I don't want to give much away about the plot, but I will say that the mystery kept me guessing until almost the end. I kept thinking I understood, but some new information would arise, and I would be completely clueless again. The paranormal aspects weren't hardcore, but were enough to add another level of depth to the story. Finally, the pacing isn't lightning fast. It is a fairly slower paced read, but that works in this books favor. It allows the reader the chance to really imagine the worlds of these characters, and let the author add more detail to the story that made it what it was.
Told in alternating viewpoints, with chapters from Jules, Jane, Dr. Grayjoy and Mason, The Requiem Red was more than I could have hoped for. I loved getting into the minds of each of these characters, and living alongside of them for a little while. If you like stories set in historical times, inside asylums, with darker undertones and a touch of paranormal, this one is perfect for you. And I have no problem at all saying that I would 100% recommend this one to any one of you!
Before moving on to the review, I just want to say one thing about Month9Books... I feel like this publishing company was custom made for me. I have absolutely adored every book that I have had the pleasure to read and review. If you haven't had the chance to check out any of their books, please do. You do not know what you are missing!
Okay, here we go... I loved it. From the first page, my imagination was captured. I was transported to this cold, harsh asylum where they have kept a young girl almost her entire life. Called crazy, and delusional so often that, at times, Jane, or Patient Twenty Nine, actually believes them. Alone, Unloved. Treated so badly. But things are changing for Jane, thanks to a new orderly named Mason who is a light in her darkness, and Dr. Grayjoy, the young doctor who has been assigned to her case. Farther outside of Dr. Frost's cruelty, Jane starts to have hopes for a life she never dreamed of.
I was living in a mansion, isolated and alone, with Jules. Her only friend, her governess Maeve, who was her mother's best friend before she passed. And her father, Dr.Frost, whom she is never sure if he will be Good Papa, or father. For eighteen years, Jules was not allowed outside of her home, but now she is engaged to a young man, gentle and kind, who she doesn't love, and allowed to work at her fathers asylum a few days a week. This is Jules' freedom, being in the asylum and caring for the patients. And trying to solve a mystery that could put her in danger. She also meets the handsome and caring physick, Dr. Grayjoy, and begins to see what attraction and possibly more, really looks like.
These two girls are so similar in some ways, but their upbringing's have made them so different. Yet, you could feel the parallels between them grow as we come to know them. The one thing about both Jane and Jules that stuck out the most for me was their bravery. They each face hardships, and cruelties, yet they continue to stay strong... and to hold on to hope. I loved them both. Their relationships, with Mason and Dr. Grayjoy, were innocent yet full of yearning. I loved the growth of both romances. And both Mason and the doctor were wonderful characters. They both care so much, and are willing to put themselves at risk to do right by Jane and Jules. I definitely shipped throughout The Requiem Red.
I don't want to give much away about the plot, but I will say that the mystery kept me guessing until almost the end. I kept thinking I understood, but some new information would arise, and I would be completely clueless again. The paranormal aspects weren't hardcore, but were enough to add another level of depth to the story. Finally, the pacing isn't lightning fast. It is a fairly slower paced read, but that works in this books favor. It allows the reader the chance to really imagine the worlds of these characters, and let the author add more detail to the story that made it what it was.
Told in alternating viewpoints, with chapters from Jules, Jane, Dr. Grayjoy and Mason, The Requiem Red was more than I could have hoped for. I loved getting into the minds of each of these characters, and living alongside of them for a little while. If you like stories set in historical times, inside asylums, with darker undertones and a touch of paranormal, this one is perfect for you. And I have no problem at all saying that I would 100% recommend this one to any one of you!
April 7, 2016
This review and more can be found at The A P Book Club!
*I received an advanced copy of this book from Month9Books as a part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review*
Monsters, orchestral corn music, haunted asylums, and a little romance and mystery thrown in? I knew this book was going to be deliciously weird and that I had to get my hands on it as soon as I could! There were just so many excellent things about The Requiem Red, and Brynn's gorgeous writing had me glued to the page from the very first sentence.
Patient 29 (Jane) is such an interesting girl. She's grown up in the mental asylum, but she's an incredibly talented musician and artist. She's also much more stable than most of the other patients, but not supposedly stable enough for the "real world." This book is told from multiple perspectives, and I think Jane's were my favorite. They're very raw and emotional, and I just really enjoyed seeing things from her point of view. She knows way more than she lets on, but she's careful to keep things secret when she knows they'll only get her in trouble.
I also really enjoyed getting to know Jules, our second narrator. Like Jane, she has a talent for music and doesn't remember much of her past. Her father happens to be Jane's doctor, and she uses that as her in to the asylum. She volunteers a few days a week, when her father allows her to (and sometimes even when he doesn't!), in an attempt to learn more about the asylum, its patients, and a particular doctor. Although Jules has lived outside the asylum her whole life, a lot of her sections take place inside it and I thought seeing it from the perspective of an outsider was a nice twist.
Both girls have a little romance in their lives, although Jane's appears sooner and is given more time to blossom from friendship into something more. I really liked Mason, although I was very suspicious of him for a little while, and I'm glad things worked out like they did for him and Jane. Jule's romantic interest is a bit one-sided for most of the book, but I was also glad when things worked out like they did for her.
The thing that really had me hooked though was the monster roaming the halls, stealing the girls who were Jane's roommates and trying to get to her. Even though Jane knows he exists, and even knows his name, no one else can seem to find any record of him. I kept trying to figure it out on my own, but wasn't able to until just before it's revealed to the reader and the characters. Looking back, I feel like there were so many hints that I should have known, but the mystery of it all kept me on the edge of my seat so I'm not too upset that I didn't figure it out!
All in all, I loved most of this book. It was the right mixture of weird and creepy and romantic. But then, at the very end, in the last few pages, things just went all out in left field. I knew the corn music was important, and "The Requiem Red," but I was NOT expecting that ending. Like, at all. I finished the book so, so confused and had to just sit there for a little bit to process. I definitely need to know what happens next, since I still am so confused and just... what even. I'd still recommend this book to anyone looking for a beautiful, gothic read! Just be prepared for all kinds of weird things. 4/5!
*I received an advanced copy of this book from Month9Books as a part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review*
Monsters, orchestral corn music, haunted asylums, and a little romance and mystery thrown in? I knew this book was going to be deliciously weird and that I had to get my hands on it as soon as I could! There were just so many excellent things about The Requiem Red, and Brynn's gorgeous writing had me glued to the page from the very first sentence.
Patient 29 (Jane) is such an interesting girl. She's grown up in the mental asylum, but she's an incredibly talented musician and artist. She's also much more stable than most of the other patients, but not supposedly stable enough for the "real world." This book is told from multiple perspectives, and I think Jane's were my favorite. They're very raw and emotional, and I just really enjoyed seeing things from her point of view. She knows way more than she lets on, but she's careful to keep things secret when she knows they'll only get her in trouble.
I also really enjoyed getting to know Jules, our second narrator. Like Jane, she has a talent for music and doesn't remember much of her past. Her father happens to be Jane's doctor, and she uses that as her in to the asylum. She volunteers a few days a week, when her father allows her to (and sometimes even when he doesn't!), in an attempt to learn more about the asylum, its patients, and a particular doctor. Although Jules has lived outside the asylum her whole life, a lot of her sections take place inside it and I thought seeing it from the perspective of an outsider was a nice twist.
Both girls have a little romance in their lives, although Jane's appears sooner and is given more time to blossom from friendship into something more. I really liked Mason, although I was very suspicious of him for a little while, and I'm glad things worked out like they did for him and Jane. Jule's romantic interest is a bit one-sided for most of the book, but I was also glad when things worked out like they did for her.
The thing that really had me hooked though was the monster roaming the halls, stealing the girls who were Jane's roommates and trying to get to her. Even though Jane knows he exists, and even knows his name, no one else can seem to find any record of him. I kept trying to figure it out on my own, but wasn't able to until just before it's revealed to the reader and the characters. Looking back, I feel like there were so many hints that I should have known, but the mystery of it all kept me on the edge of my seat so I'm not too upset that I didn't figure it out!
All in all, I loved most of this book. It was the right mixture of weird and creepy and romantic. But then, at the very end, in the last few pages, things just went all out in left field. I knew the corn music was important, and "The Requiem Red," but I was NOT expecting that ending. Like, at all. I finished the book so, so confused and had to just sit there for a little bit to process. I definitely need to know what happens next, since I still am so confused and just... what even. I'd still recommend this book to anyone looking for a beautiful, gothic read! Just be prepared for all kinds of weird things. 4/5!
April 5, 2016
I learned from reading Ms. Chapman’s first Month9Books outing, Boneseeker, that she clearly has a love for history and does her research so that her historical fiction has a strong basis in historical fact. To my delight, I found that this is no less the case with The Requiem Red. I absolutely love historical fiction, and it has been one of my top two favorite genres for about as long as I‘ve been reading. Depending on the time in my life, historical fiction is either my top or second most favorite genre, flipping back and forth with sci-fi and fantasy for that top spot. However, I haven’t been reading so much historical fiction lately, so it was a real delight to read this novel. I have a serious love for Gothic romance in particular, and I think The Requiem Red falls squarely in that category. It was atmospheric, creepy, evocative, and romantic, and I adored it!
Ms. Chapman has a knack for writing female main characters that would be considered “abnormal” by society (eg, a character on the Autism spectrum in Boneseeker and two characters with synesthesia in The Requiem Red) and helping us to see that they’re not really that different after all. In fact, we are made to see that their “disorders” afford them a different way of looking at and experiencing the world than we get with “normal” characters, expanding our understanding of people who are different from the norm. Her ability to help us understand what the characters go through and to see what they see is something I greatly admire.
There were admittedly a few things that niggled at me while reading, and the two things that resulted in my rating of 4 stars are the romance and the ending. As for the romances, while I found one of them endearing, the other comes pretty much out of the blue – well, it was telegraphed ahead of time and you could certainly predict it was going to happen, but it didn’t actually happen until really close to the end. Also, I found it kind of weird from the guy’s perspective – to avoid spoilers, I will just say it’s because of a previous love interest/infatuation of his. (You’ll know what I’m talking about when you read it!) Also, the ending was rather abrupt, in my opinion, and I was left with that “Wait, what?? That’s IT?!” feeling you get with a cliffhanger (which I really wasn’t expecting). On the one hand, we did discover the identity of the baddie, but on the other hand, the overall situation isn’t resolved but is left for the sequel. (I can only assume there *must* be a sequel planned with the way it ended!) Secondly, the…situation in which we find the characters at the very end – what makes for the cliffhanger – kind of came at me from left field. I certainly expected something not based in reality – it is Gothic romance, after all – but the “explanation” was less paranormal than science fiction, which I found kind of odd.
Despite these small issues, however, I really enjoyed reading this novel and it was wonderful to be back with historical fiction! Ms. Chapman clearly has a love for history that shines through in her novels, and I felt just like I did when reading oodles and oodles of Gothic romance novels during my teen and college years. The Requiem Red was atmospheric and creepy, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, Gothic romance, and/or reading about main characters who are different from the norm!
Ms. Chapman has a knack for writing female main characters that would be considered “abnormal” by society (eg, a character on the Autism spectrum in Boneseeker and two characters with synesthesia in The Requiem Red) and helping us to see that they’re not really that different after all. In fact, we are made to see that their “disorders” afford them a different way of looking at and experiencing the world than we get with “normal” characters, expanding our understanding of people who are different from the norm. Her ability to help us understand what the characters go through and to see what they see is something I greatly admire.
There were admittedly a few things that niggled at me while reading, and the two things that resulted in my rating of 4 stars are the romance and the ending. As for the romances, while I found one of them endearing, the other comes pretty much out of the blue – well, it was telegraphed ahead of time and you could certainly predict it was going to happen, but it didn’t actually happen until really close to the end. Also, I found it kind of weird from the guy’s perspective – to avoid spoilers, I will just say it’s because of a previous love interest/infatuation of his. (You’ll know what I’m talking about when you read it!) Also, the ending was rather abrupt, in my opinion, and I was left with that “Wait, what?? That’s IT?!” feeling you get with a cliffhanger (which I really wasn’t expecting). On the one hand, we did discover the identity of the baddie, but on the other hand, the overall situation isn’t resolved but is left for the sequel. (I can only assume there *must* be a sequel planned with the way it ended!) Secondly, the…situation in which we find the characters at the very end – what makes for the cliffhanger – kind of came at me from left field. I certainly expected something not based in reality – it is Gothic romance, after all – but the “explanation” was less paranormal than science fiction, which I found kind of odd.
Despite these small issues, however, I really enjoyed reading this novel and it was wonderful to be back with historical fiction! Ms. Chapman clearly has a love for history that shines through in her novels, and I felt just like I did when reading oodles and oodles of Gothic romance novels during my teen and college years. The Requiem Red was atmospheric and creepy, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, Gothic romance, and/or reading about main characters who are different from the norm!
February 27, 2017
Not a horrible book, but the only flaw is the pov switching which made me more confused. Would have preferred it written in third person if it consisted of switching pov so often.
But the way mental illness is portrayed and seen in such times are clearly well done, with a good image of it. And also the procedures they used misguidedly that it would be of help. But some doctors are just simply horrible, and may not think that any signs of being different meant illness.
Jane and Jules see the world in a different manner, but not completely insane either. Their gifts are explained well here with no flaws which I could feel here. The love interest is also rather well built.
The villain is someone who is actually interesting seeing how he managed to be under schizophrenia for so long yet go undetected. But he fell flat at the end, seeing as how he was mostly one dimensional.
Three stars for the accurate portrayal and how the characters are developed with the plot actually delivering on many angles.
But the way mental illness is portrayed and seen in such times are clearly well done, with a good image of it. And also the procedures they used misguidedly that it would be of help. But some doctors are just simply horrible, and may not think that any signs of being different meant illness.
Jane and Jules see the world in a different manner, but not completely insane either. Their gifts are explained well here with no flaws which I could feel here. The love interest is also rather well built.
The villain is someone who is actually interesting seeing how he managed to be under schizophrenia for so long yet go undetected. But he fell flat at the end, seeing as how he was mostly one dimensional.
Three stars for the accurate portrayal and how the characters are developed with the plot actually delivering on many angles.
April 18, 2016
First Impression:
Love the cover, it's so pretty.
This is an author I read before and enjoyed so I was looking forward to reading something else from her.
I like her writing style and her characters, this book had some great characters.
The Story:
Is hard to explain without giveaway a lot of spoilers. It has a LOT of twists and turns. When you think you believe one thing something else makes you question what you thought.
One part during the book I got really confused (closer to the end) I am not sure if I read it correctly or if because this was an unedited version the format wasn't correct. I got so confused and had to re read it a few times. It didn't ruin the story for me but it did make me have to really pay attention while I was reading the rest.
The story is heartbreaking at times and I believe it had a bit of a classic book twist just can't tell you which one, or again, will be giving it away.
One or two of the spellings I thought was wrong but when I looked it up I realized that in older times this was how it was spelled. I had no idea :)
I really enjoyed the flow and how involved I was in these characters lives especially Patient Twenty-Nine. As the mystery of her life starts to unfold I got more engrossed it how it would all come together.
I do how the formatting in the final book is better only because I think a few of the parts gets rather confusing.
The Characters:
This part is a little hard to explain since starting the book I thought one thing but then realized something else later. I really loved her characters and this is told in a few POVs. I will admit a few times I got a little confused as to who was talking but overall I really enjoyed them and loved Patient Twenty-Nine.
Final Thoughts:
Even with a few confusing parts I really thought this book was good. I actually enjoyed all the characters and am eager to read the next one in the series.
I would love to do a spoiler version of this book because OMG I have so much I want to talk about :)
I recommend this book to YA and adult. This is an intense ride and had me on the edge of my seat debating whether I should stop reading or not.
Love the cover, it's so pretty.
This is an author I read before and enjoyed so I was looking forward to reading something else from her.
I like her writing style and her characters, this book had some great characters.
The Story:
Is hard to explain without giveaway a lot of spoilers. It has a LOT of twists and turns. When you think you believe one thing something else makes you question what you thought.
One part during the book I got really confused (closer to the end) I am not sure if I read it correctly or if because this was an unedited version the format wasn't correct. I got so confused and had to re read it a few times. It didn't ruin the story for me but it did make me have to really pay attention while I was reading the rest.
The story is heartbreaking at times and I believe it had a bit of a classic book twist just can't tell you which one, or again, will be giving it away.
One or two of the spellings I thought was wrong but when I looked it up I realized that in older times this was how it was spelled. I had no idea :)
I really enjoyed the flow and how involved I was in these characters lives especially Patient Twenty-Nine. As the mystery of her life starts to unfold I got more engrossed it how it would all come together.
I do how the formatting in the final book is better only because I think a few of the parts gets rather confusing.
The Characters:
This part is a little hard to explain since starting the book I thought one thing but then realized something else later. I really loved her characters and this is told in a few POVs. I will admit a few times I got a little confused as to who was talking but overall I really enjoyed them and loved Patient Twenty-Nine.
Final Thoughts:
Even with a few confusing parts I really thought this book was good. I actually enjoyed all the characters and am eager to read the next one in the series.
I would love to do a spoiler version of this book because OMG I have so much I want to talk about :)
I recommend this book to YA and adult. This is an intense ride and had me on the edge of my seat debating whether I should stop reading or not.
Thanks for stopping by to check out my review.
Have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
June 9, 2016
A Page-Turning Must Read
The blurb of this book, as well as the beautiful cover, is what drew me to this book. I love books set in asylums, especially those set in times when humanity still performed horrifying acts, such as lobotomies, on people who had nobody to speak for them or defend them from such atrocities.
19-year-old Jane (Patient 29) has no hope for a life outside of the Soothing Hills Asylum. As a life-long resident, the asylum is all she knows as doctors have deemed her insane for the music she hears in her head. The cruel Dr. Frost subjects her to his cruel punishments and experiments and rules over the asylum with an iron fist while kind, compassionate Dr. Grayjoy encourages her music and artwork. Her only friend is Patient Twenty, Kate, who was dumped in the asylum when her husband decided to trade her in for a younger woman. Then Jane meets Mason, an orderly that sees her and not her supposed illness and for the first time, Jane believes there is life outside the asylum. But is Mason her salvation? Or does he have ulterior motives for being at the asylum?
On the outside, 19-year-old Jules Frost lives as just as much of a prisoner as Jane. Her father, the cruel Dr. Frost, dictates every aspect of her life, how she dresses, when she practices her music, and even who she is to marry. She soon is defying her father's orders and helping out at the asylum where she sees the unfortunate side of life where people are sent when the people that are supposed to love them get tired of them. At the asylum Jules meets the handsome Dr. Grayjoy and she's immediately drawn to him. But could he ever love her?
Dr. Jonathan Grayjoy sees the cruel way that his colleague Dr. Frost treats the patients of the Soothing Hills Sanatorium, especially patient 29, whom Dr. Grayjoy is infatuated with. The closer he gets to Jane's case the more volatile Dr. Frost gets which makes Grayjoy determined to unravel the mystery of Jane's past and the real reason she was sent away to Soothing Hills.
There is a monster roaming the halls of Soothing Hills Sanatorium. Patients have gone missing, never to be seen again, and three were Jane's roommate. Can anyone solve the mystery and stop the disappearances?
The Requiem Red is an amazing novel, I was drawn in from the first page and found myself unable to put the book down. I had to know what would happen next. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that grips you from the first page and keeps you going until the very end.
My only question is: is this book going to have a sequel? The ending seems to lead the way to a next installment. Either way, it was an excellent read!
The blurb of this book, as well as the beautiful cover, is what drew me to this book. I love books set in asylums, especially those set in times when humanity still performed horrifying acts, such as lobotomies, on people who had nobody to speak for them or defend them from such atrocities.
19-year-old Jane (Patient 29) has no hope for a life outside of the Soothing Hills Asylum. As a life-long resident, the asylum is all she knows as doctors have deemed her insane for the music she hears in her head. The cruel Dr. Frost subjects her to his cruel punishments and experiments and rules over the asylum with an iron fist while kind, compassionate Dr. Grayjoy encourages her music and artwork. Her only friend is Patient Twenty, Kate, who was dumped in the asylum when her husband decided to trade her in for a younger woman. Then Jane meets Mason, an orderly that sees her and not her supposed illness and for the first time, Jane believes there is life outside the asylum. But is Mason her salvation? Or does he have ulterior motives for being at the asylum?
On the outside, 19-year-old Jules Frost lives as just as much of a prisoner as Jane. Her father, the cruel Dr. Frost, dictates every aspect of her life, how she dresses, when she practices her music, and even who she is to marry. She soon is defying her father's orders and helping out at the asylum where she sees the unfortunate side of life where people are sent when the people that are supposed to love them get tired of them. At the asylum Jules meets the handsome Dr. Grayjoy and she's immediately drawn to him. But could he ever love her?
Dr. Jonathan Grayjoy sees the cruel way that his colleague Dr. Frost treats the patients of the Soothing Hills Sanatorium, especially patient 29, whom Dr. Grayjoy is infatuated with. The closer he gets to Jane's case the more volatile Dr. Frost gets which makes Grayjoy determined to unravel the mystery of Jane's past and the real reason she was sent away to Soothing Hills.
There is a monster roaming the halls of Soothing Hills Sanatorium. Patients have gone missing, never to be seen again, and three were Jane's roommate. Can anyone solve the mystery and stop the disappearances?
The Requiem Red is an amazing novel, I was drawn in from the first page and found myself unable to put the book down. I had to know what would happen next. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that grips you from the first page and keeps you going until the very end.
My only question is: is this book going to have a sequel? The ending seems to lead the way to a next installment. Either way, it was an excellent read!
July 25, 2016
This historical suspense wastes no time jumping into action of the story . From the very first page readers are fed snippets of flashbacks of events and the character’s back story. It sets a heavy tone of suspense that fills the air and the readers has so many questions that will eventually be answered towards the latter part of the book.The asylum gives off a spooky and eerie atmosphere as Chapman describes the details of each nook and cranny of the building. From hushed whispers in the night, to secret underground tunnels, and a possible killer on the loose, this is someplace you definitely don’t want to pay a visit to.
Jane, our main protagonist, is very mysterious. She is quiet and weary when dealing with the nurses and doctors of the facility, but is always alert to what goes on daily at the asylum. She is very observant and is immediately suspicious, like some others that reside in the asylum, that something sinister is going on within its walls. While Jane is the main narrator of the novel, readers are also treated to other POVs of pivotal characters in the story. One of the most striking characters besides Jane, is Jules who bears an uncanny resemblance to Jane. Are they the same person, is the past and present blurring into one, or does Jane have multiple personalities? This is one of the many mysteries within in the plot that kept me on my toes.
Although Jane is surrounded by many other patients she always feels utterly alone in the asylum and has the constant feeling of being trapped. On top of that, the pieces of her past and how she ended up here are blurry. The reader feels sympathy towards Jane’s plight as her only friends seem to be her beloved drawings. Will she find a way out of her caged “prison”?
Overall, I loved this book! The details used to describe the asylum makes it seem like it’s straight out of a horror film and the plot and characters are well written. The reader only gets fed bits and pieces of the story told by various characters so you’re unsure of whom to really trust. This factor is key in keeping the reader constantly engrossed in the story. The ending is open-ended, so will there be a sequel?
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a honest and fair review.
Jane, our main protagonist, is very mysterious. She is quiet and weary when dealing with the nurses and doctors of the facility, but is always alert to what goes on daily at the asylum. She is very observant and is immediately suspicious, like some others that reside in the asylum, that something sinister is going on within its walls. While Jane is the main narrator of the novel, readers are also treated to other POVs of pivotal characters in the story. One of the most striking characters besides Jane, is Jules who bears an uncanny resemblance to Jane. Are they the same person, is the past and present blurring into one, or does Jane have multiple personalities? This is one of the many mysteries within in the plot that kept me on my toes.
Although Jane is surrounded by many other patients she always feels utterly alone in the asylum and has the constant feeling of being trapped. On top of that, the pieces of her past and how she ended up here are blurry. The reader feels sympathy towards Jane’s plight as her only friends seem to be her beloved drawings. Will she find a way out of her caged “prison”?
Overall, I loved this book! The details used to describe the asylum makes it seem like it’s straight out of a horror film and the plot and characters are well written. The reader only gets fed bits and pieces of the story told by various characters so you’re unsure of whom to really trust. This factor is key in keeping the reader constantly engrossed in the story. The ending is open-ended, so will there be a sequel?
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a honest and fair review.
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