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HQ Digital The Festival.
The hottest event of the summer comes at a price…
Libby can’t believe her luck when she wins two tickets to the biggest event of the Solstice, a music festival celebrating the longest day of the year.
Wanting to escape her problems for a few days, Libby, along with her best friend Dawn head deep into the Welsh countryside for a weekend of sun, fun and festivities. But what promised to be an exciting trip quickly turns into Libby’s worst nightmare.
The scorching heat intensifies, the music becomes wilder, the people more unpredictable. When Dawn goes missing, Libby worries that something sinister has happened to her friend. And as Libby learns more about the festival’s dark origins, she begins to fear that something might happen to her too…
Don't miss this heart-stopping and gripping thriller from Louise Mumford, perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke and Sarah Pearse.
Libby can’t believe her luck when she wins two tickets to the biggest event of the Solstice, a music festival celebrating the longest day of the year.
Wanting to escape her problems for a few days, Libby, along with her best friend Dawn head deep into the Welsh countryside for a weekend of sun, fun and festivities. But what promised to be an exciting trip quickly turns into Libby’s worst nightmare.
The scorching heat intensifies, the music becomes wilder, the people more unpredictable. When Dawn goes missing, Libby worries that something sinister has happened to her friend. And as Libby learns more about the festival’s dark origins, she begins to fear that something might happen to her too…
Don't miss this heart-stopping and gripping thriller from Louise Mumford, perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke and Sarah Pearse.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2024
127 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 20, 2024
Twenty year old Libby Corrigan’s life has been far from good over the last few years and so she tries hard to let her hair down on a night out with her best friend Dawn. Much to Dawn’s huge pleasure and excitement, Libby wins two coveted tickets to Solstice, a music festival in the heart of the Welsh countryside. Although she definitely needs a change, Libby is reluctant to go but Dawn‘s persuasive tactics win the day. Will she live to regret her decision? Should she have stayed at home and gone to work in the quietly cocooned safety of her library job? The story is told in dual time narratives and includes mixed media stories.
The first half of the book is good and an enjoyable read. Once they arrive at Solstice, there’s a mystery overhanging the area which piques the interest. In addition, there are little subtle hints, off notes and things that don’t quite chime which is intriguing. Things are strange, if not weird from the get go and rumours abound about the owners and family who run Solstice from their land. Abel Blake seems a magnetic personality, his brother Silas appears to be a polar opposite whilst the mother’s behaviour is strange and confusing. There seems to be some shape shifting which adds to the mystery.
There are some good visual descriptions, the atmosphere is rich and infused with folklore, superstition and magic and there’s a sort of dream like quality to the storytelling which I like.
Unfortunately in my opinion, the strong start is not maintained and the second half is much weaker. There are some major revelations which are told really casually almost in a ‘oh by the way’ manner. It becomes melodramatic if not a bit silly at times, I have trouble swallowing the plot directions as it enters bonkers territory. The dual time narratives are a bit disjointed as it zips back-and-forth and the author has a habit of being repetitive.
Overall, on the plus side it’s first paced and an easy read. It would certainly fit the bill for a relaxing holiday read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The first half of the book is good and an enjoyable read. Once they arrive at Solstice, there’s a mystery overhanging the area which piques the interest. In addition, there are little subtle hints, off notes and things that don’t quite chime which is intriguing. Things are strange, if not weird from the get go and rumours abound about the owners and family who run Solstice from their land. Abel Blake seems a magnetic personality, his brother Silas appears to be a polar opposite whilst the mother’s behaviour is strange and confusing. There seems to be some shape shifting which adds to the mystery.
There are some good visual descriptions, the atmosphere is rich and infused with folklore, superstition and magic and there’s a sort of dream like quality to the storytelling which I like.
Unfortunately in my opinion, the strong start is not maintained and the second half is much weaker. There are some major revelations which are told really casually almost in a ‘oh by the way’ manner. It becomes melodramatic if not a bit silly at times, I have trouble swallowing the plot directions as it enters bonkers territory. The dual time narratives are a bit disjointed as it zips back-and-forth and the author has a habit of being repetitive.
Overall, on the plus side it’s first paced and an easy read. It would certainly fit the bill for a relaxing holiday read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2024
Out Now
I think this is 3.5 - 3.75 out of 5 (rounded up to 4) for me.
It's a story set in Wales and using some fabulous old legends and myths, which I will always enjoy and centres around Libby who's unloving mother had recently died of cancer, with Libby being her main carer.
Libby's friend Dawn takes her out and while at a new nightclub, librarian Libby wins tickets to the hottest festival in Wales, Solstice!
Solstice is ran by the Blake family and their farmland, which holds a great story of the grey sisters and mystery, as this festival is hard to get tickets for and even harder to get are the tickets to the festival within a festival Sanctum, which Dawn wants to find out what happens there, as it's surrounded in mystery and whilst trying to get in there, she loses Libby and from there the trouble starts to unfold.
I really enjoyed the build up of mystery and myths and legends and wasn't quite sure which direction the story was going to go in, it definitely kept me intrigued and interested.
The flash backs to 20 years ago, really helped to build the tension and give insight into the story and from others perspectives and start to unravel the story in a way that was a little more interesting as it still had the element of mystery.
It felt like the climax and end were a little rushed and not enough time or detail was told, it came from a year on point of view rather than real time, which took some of the suspense and drama out of the story for me, especially after such a great build up of tension throughout I was hoping to be wowed, but this technique dulled it a bit for me, almost a too safe way to tell the ending, when I was already braced for whatever was going to come.
Overall a really good read with some great characters throughout, some I instantly loved, some I was suspicious of, but they all added to the tension and atmosphere of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon
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I think this is 3.5 - 3.75 out of 5 (rounded up to 4) for me.
It's a story set in Wales and using some fabulous old legends and myths, which I will always enjoy and centres around Libby who's unloving mother had recently died of cancer, with Libby being her main carer.
Libby's friend Dawn takes her out and while at a new nightclub, librarian Libby wins tickets to the hottest festival in Wales, Solstice!
Solstice is ran by the Blake family and their farmland, which holds a great story of the grey sisters and mystery, as this festival is hard to get tickets for and even harder to get are the tickets to the festival within a festival Sanctum, which Dawn wants to find out what happens there, as it's surrounded in mystery and whilst trying to get in there, she loses Libby and from there the trouble starts to unfold.
I really enjoyed the build up of mystery and myths and legends and wasn't quite sure which direction the story was going to go in, it definitely kept me intrigued and interested.
The flash backs to 20 years ago, really helped to build the tension and give insight into the story and from others perspectives and start to unravel the story in a way that was a little more interesting as it still had the element of mystery.
It felt like the climax and end were a little rushed and not enough time or detail was told, it came from a year on point of view rather than real time, which took some of the suspense and drama out of the story for me, especially after such a great build up of tension throughout I was hoping to be wowed, but this technique dulled it a bit for me, almost a too safe way to tell the ending, when I was already braced for whatever was going to come.
Overall a really good read with some great characters throughout, some I instantly loved, some I was suspicious of, but they all added to the tension and atmosphere of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon
Happy to make friends on all socials
July 29, 2024
In theory I should have loved this title, a music festival, folklore, witchcraft it had the makings of a perfect read.
However, while it was a good enough start, full of intrigue when Libby who is coming to terms with the death of a mother who has treated her fairly poorly wins tickets to the sought after Solstice festival, reluctant to step outside of her own little bubble her best friend Dawn has to talk her into going, so far so good.
They travel to the festival and we get a little insight into the origins of the festival, the family who run it every year, and the folklore that surrounds the area, then after the first day Dawn goes missing, and to be honest from there the story is pretty much all over the place, there’s a then and now timeline, which I’d usually love, but it was inconsistent and disjointed. The ending felt a little like it had to be wrapped up quickly.
2.5 🌟 rounded up.
The audio narration was nice.
Thank you to Harper Collins U.K. audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ELC
However, while it was a good enough start, full of intrigue when Libby who is coming to terms with the death of a mother who has treated her fairly poorly wins tickets to the sought after Solstice festival, reluctant to step outside of her own little bubble her best friend Dawn has to talk her into going, so far so good.
They travel to the festival and we get a little insight into the origins of the festival, the family who run it every year, and the folklore that surrounds the area, then after the first day Dawn goes missing, and to be honest from there the story is pretty much all over the place, there’s a then and now timeline, which I’d usually love, but it was inconsistent and disjointed. The ending felt a little like it had to be wrapped up quickly.
2.5 🌟 rounded up.
The audio narration was nice.
Thank you to Harper Collins U.K. audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ELC
August 3, 2024
Libby Corrigan is a twenty-year-old, part-time library assistant who just buried her mother, who died of cancer.
You might say that Libby isn’t exactly mourning her mother’s death, as her mother was a nasty creature who relentlessly bullied Libby throughout her life. No matter what Libby did, it was never enough.
However, Libby does feel a certain amount of guilt, as it’s a societal norm to mourn one’s parent’s death.
Her best friend, Dawn, takes her out to a club to forget about her daily troubles. It is then that Libby is announced as the winner of the tickets for the Solstice, the trendiest and most talked about musical festival, taking place in the Welsh countryside.
The festival takes place during Midsummer’s Eve, but what’s the most exciting is the fact that Solstice has Sanctum, a festival within the festival, only available for the selected few, clad in mystery and speculation.
When Libby and Dawn head to Solstice, they don’t realise that their lives are in danger…
What a book!
I really enjoyed the dual timeline, especially the events relating to the past and what happened twenty years ago. It explains how the festival came to fruition and what sacrifices the family had to make for it to happen.
It was lovely for Libby and Dawn to have each other; the two young women were more like sisters rather than friends. Their bond has definitely strengthened as a result of the events presented in the book.
Expect a few twists along the way!
You might say that Libby isn’t exactly mourning her mother’s death, as her mother was a nasty creature who relentlessly bullied Libby throughout her life. No matter what Libby did, it was never enough.
However, Libby does feel a certain amount of guilt, as it’s a societal norm to mourn one’s parent’s death.
Her best friend, Dawn, takes her out to a club to forget about her daily troubles. It is then that Libby is announced as the winner of the tickets for the Solstice, the trendiest and most talked about musical festival, taking place in the Welsh countryside.
The festival takes place during Midsummer’s Eve, but what’s the most exciting is the fact that Solstice has Sanctum, a festival within the festival, only available for the selected few, clad in mystery and speculation.
When Libby and Dawn head to Solstice, they don’t realise that their lives are in danger…
What a book!
I really enjoyed the dual timeline, especially the events relating to the past and what happened twenty years ago. It explains how the festival came to fruition and what sacrifices the family had to make for it to happen.
It was lovely for Libby and Dawn to have each other; the two young women were more like sisters rather than friends. Their bond has definitely strengthened as a result of the events presented in the book.
Expect a few twists along the way!
July 21, 2024
Libby and Dawn win tickets to the summer solstice music event. Dawn disappears like another girl did years ago.
Family secrets are revealed and chaos breaks out.
This was an entertaining read that kept me flipping the pages. Thanks NetGalley and HQ for this ARC that will be released July 30, 2024!
Family secrets are revealed and chaos breaks out.
This was an entertaining read that kept me flipping the pages. Thanks NetGalley and HQ for this ARC that will be released July 30, 2024!
July 26, 2024
A summer festival that is notoriously difficult to get tickets to forms the backdrop to the events in Luise Mumford’s latest. A thriller that, at times, strays into melodrama territory but it is an entertaining read. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it before publication.
Libby has always lived a safe life. Forgoing university to care for her mother, it is Libby’s friend Dawn who urges her to take risks and try new things. This determination to take a risk proves costly for Libby, though it does ultimately offer some respite.
When she wins tickets to the exclusive Solstice festival, Libby takes it as a sign to try something new. Things start well but odd events create a growing sense of unease. When Dawn goes missing and Libby is ejected from the festival things become increasingly fraught.
I won’t give details but there’s a story behind this. A story that is beyond what you’d imagine.
Libby has always lived a safe life. Forgoing university to care for her mother, it is Libby’s friend Dawn who urges her to take risks and try new things. This determination to take a risk proves costly for Libby, though it does ultimately offer some respite.
When she wins tickets to the exclusive Solstice festival, Libby takes it as a sign to try something new. Things start well but odd events create a growing sense of unease. When Dawn goes missing and Libby is ejected from the festival things become increasingly fraught.
I won’t give details but there’s a story behind this. A story that is beyond what you’d imagine.
Read
August 14, 2024'The Festival' is a mysterious thriller that incorporates Welsh folklore and witchcraft into a Solstice festival setting. You get ‘that vibe’ when you read it, and I believe I chose the most appropriate time of year to do so, i.e. summer festival time. Add in a grief-fuelled, toxic mother/daughter relationship, the mysterious disappearance of one of the main characters, and the fact that grieving often makes us vulnerable and therefore more open to risk-taking and you have the perfect set-up for what spirals into a whirlwind of twists, turns and unveiled secrets that will keep you firmly in its grip to the very end.
January 17, 2025
3.5 stars.
Kind of a bit boring for the first half, and then the second half is a mindf*ck and I'm still not sure if it was in a good way or not. Like, oh, hi, your mother isn't your mother, and we are really your family, but don't get too excited because we just want to use you as a sacrifice and the good guy really isn't good and the bad guy really isn't too bad and CHAAAOOOOSSSS. Yep, sounds good when I put it that way haha
Kind of a bit boring for the first half, and then the second half is a mindf*ck and I'm still not sure if it was in a good way or not. Like, oh, hi, your mother isn't your mother, and we are really your family, but don't get too excited because we just want to use you as a sacrifice and the good guy really isn't good and the bad guy really isn't too bad and CHAAAOOOOSSSS. Yep, sounds good when I put it that way haha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
In this book, Mumford successfully recreates the atmosphere you experience when attending a festival. From the necessity of packing the barest essentials, to the facilities, the heady atmosphere and, of course, losing your friends, this story took me away to Solstice. This is a massive festival and Libby succeeds in winning exclusive tickets. She might not be a natural festival-goer, but Libby sees this as an opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone.
The site of the Solstice festival has some pagan origins. The opening chapter details the supernatural and historical links to witches. This is then reinforced throughout the story, especially with Ma Blake’s unusual jars that contain rather odd things that could be a spell… Furthermore, the fact that the festival takes place over the longest day adds to the heady atmosphere of the festival as people attending welcome the eventual setting of the sun and rising of the moon. Except, Libby finds something more sinister going on.
When Libby loses sight of her best friend, the narrative takes a more sinister turn. Already rumours swirl around the festival and the Blake family and I enjoyed how Mumford takes readers back to the origins of the festival, especially as there was also a mysterious disappearance of a young girl in the same year. Over the story, I was able to foresee how the two timelines would eventually connect, so I was slightly disappointed that I had predicted how the novel would conclude. On the other hand, I think the writer really builds on disorientating readers as Libby tries to navigate her way through the throngs of festival goers.
Despite the supernatural location, I liked that this theme wasn’t central to the story. Instead, family secrets and the idea of belonging is what moves this narrative forwards. Libby is constantly questioning herself, especially as she had such a difficult relationship with her mother and attending the Solstice festival becomes a rebirth for the character – exactly what the festival intends. However, the darker nature of this becomes more apparent and this is intensified as readers learn more about the Blake family and their history.
In my opinion, the first half of the narrative was a lot stronger; after a while, it lost pace and, having guessed the ending, I thought it was slow in places. I would have liked some more surprising revelations, particularly after the opening really grabbed my attention. Whilst this is not my most favourite of Mumford reads, it is definitely a good summer thriller for the festival season.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The site of the Solstice festival has some pagan origins. The opening chapter details the supernatural and historical links to witches. This is then reinforced throughout the story, especially with Ma Blake’s unusual jars that contain rather odd things that could be a spell… Furthermore, the fact that the festival takes place over the longest day adds to the heady atmosphere of the festival as people attending welcome the eventual setting of the sun and rising of the moon. Except, Libby finds something more sinister going on.
When Libby loses sight of her best friend, the narrative takes a more sinister turn. Already rumours swirl around the festival and the Blake family and I enjoyed how Mumford takes readers back to the origins of the festival, especially as there was also a mysterious disappearance of a young girl in the same year. Over the story, I was able to foresee how the two timelines would eventually connect, so I was slightly disappointed that I had predicted how the novel would conclude. On the other hand, I think the writer really builds on disorientating readers as Libby tries to navigate her way through the throngs of festival goers.
Despite the supernatural location, I liked that this theme wasn’t central to the story. Instead, family secrets and the idea of belonging is what moves this narrative forwards. Libby is constantly questioning herself, especially as she had such a difficult relationship with her mother and attending the Solstice festival becomes a rebirth for the character – exactly what the festival intends. However, the darker nature of this becomes more apparent and this is intensified as readers learn more about the Blake family and their history.
In my opinion, the first half of the narrative was a lot stronger; after a while, it lost pace and, having guessed the ending, I thought it was slow in places. I would have liked some more surprising revelations, particularly after the opening really grabbed my attention. Whilst this is not my most favourite of Mumford reads, it is definitely a good summer thriller for the festival season.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2024
This is a book about two friends Libby and Dawn who have won tickets to attend a festival in Wales, the Soltice Festival is one that the girls are sort of looking forward to. Dawn is outgoing and more likely to be the one who gets into trouble whereas Libby has been looking after her mother until her recent death. This will be a chance for Libby to live a little. Libby’s mother wasn’t the warmest of people and she had not made life easy for Libby.
As the girls arrive at the festival they get off the train early and land in a quiet and, well let’s just say, not a friendly village of Grey Sisters, this is the closest village to the festival site. The festival site has 5 stone monoliths that come with a magical and superstitious story behind them. As they finally arrive at the festival their enjoyment can begin!
The author has a few very memorable characters, while I thought I had them down and understood their position within the story, the author had other ideas. There are two timelines in this story, one from the past and the other from the present. The present is the one where the author mainly plants her reader, but then the past is the one that gradually reveals more of the answers so becomes intrinsic to the main story itself.
As things start to take a darker turn, then the superstition of the monoliths comes into play. I really enjoyed this angle and with the secluded setting oh and the fact there is no mobile signal, this makes for a suspense-filled read and gives it a very dramatic angle.
This is a story that is full of intrigue and also anger. There is a past mystery as well as a present one, there are secrets and we all love family secrets but then there is something else. This gives the story a dark and dangerous edge and gives a cause for the crimes that have been carried out.
This is a book that has mystery, crime, suspense, drama and a lot of tension. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. It is one I would definitely recommend.
As the girls arrive at the festival they get off the train early and land in a quiet and, well let’s just say, not a friendly village of Grey Sisters, this is the closest village to the festival site. The festival site has 5 stone monoliths that come with a magical and superstitious story behind them. As they finally arrive at the festival their enjoyment can begin!
The author has a few very memorable characters, while I thought I had them down and understood their position within the story, the author had other ideas. There are two timelines in this story, one from the past and the other from the present. The present is the one where the author mainly plants her reader, but then the past is the one that gradually reveals more of the answers so becomes intrinsic to the main story itself.
As things start to take a darker turn, then the superstition of the monoliths comes into play. I really enjoyed this angle and with the secluded setting oh and the fact there is no mobile signal, this makes for a suspense-filled read and gives it a very dramatic angle.
This is a story that is full of intrigue and also anger. There is a past mystery as well as a present one, there are secrets and we all love family secrets but then there is something else. This gives the story a dark and dangerous edge and gives a cause for the crimes that have been carried out.
This is a book that has mystery, crime, suspense, drama and a lot of tension. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. It is one I would definitely recommend.
September 6, 2024
Libby has won two tickets to Solstice, a music festival that celebrates Midsummer. Libby has had a hard time caring for her mom so agrees to go with her friend Dawn to the festival.
I think I agree with a few other reviews, a strong first half and then the story went into thrillerland overdrive.
The story did hold my interest to a certain point. There is a mystical element to it with superstitions surrounding some standing stones which I did enjoy. The story however didn't have any atmosphere and I felt it was a little flat. The reveals were typical thrillerland and a few twists did keep me reading.
I have recently read The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley which was along the same lines so I think that perhaps stopped me from being more invested in this book.
This story was a typical thriller which I liked but it didn't wow me. It's the first book by the author for me and would give another book by her a go in the future.
I think I agree with a few other reviews, a strong first half and then the story went into thrillerland overdrive.
The story did hold my interest to a certain point. There is a mystical element to it with superstitions surrounding some standing stones which I did enjoy. The story however didn't have any atmosphere and I felt it was a little flat. The reveals were typical thrillerland and a few twists did keep me reading.
I have recently read The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley which was along the same lines so I think that perhaps stopped me from being more invested in this book.
This story was a typical thriller which I liked but it didn't wow me. It's the first book by the author for me and would give another book by her a go in the future.
August 31, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the ARC of this book!
This is my second book by Louise Mumford and I'll keep coming back for more. This will make you question whether you want to go to a music festival. The main character Libby really draws you in and makes you concerned about what's going to happen to her. I enjoyed the build up to the climax but feel like the plot twist was kind of predictable. The ending after the reveal also felt a little rushed. I would have liked to see more interaction between characters at the festival at the end and more of Libby processing everything. She had a lot of trauma through this book and I would have enjoyed seeing just a little more of her after the big events and adjusting. Still a fun read that kept me interested.
This is my second book by Louise Mumford and I'll keep coming back for more. This will make you question whether you want to go to a music festival. The main character Libby really draws you in and makes you concerned about what's going to happen to her. I enjoyed the build up to the climax but feel like the plot twist was kind of predictable. The ending after the reveal also felt a little rushed. I would have liked to see more interaction between characters at the festival at the end and more of Libby processing everything. She had a lot of trauma through this book and I would have enjoyed seeing just a little more of her after the big events and adjusting. Still a fun read that kept me interested.
November 19, 2024
Given up it was just not doing it for me
September 7, 2024
This was such an exciting and tense read, I loved the setting.
Dawn and Libbys friendship was so endearing, despite their differing personalities
I definitely preferred the lead up and the start of the festival, whilst some parts were abit farfetched, it didn’t spoil the book or my enjoyment. I listened to the audiobook which really brought it to life.
Dawn and Libbys friendship was so endearing, despite their differing personalities
I definitely preferred the lead up and the start of the festival, whilst some parts were abit farfetched, it didn’t spoil the book or my enjoyment. I listened to the audiobook which really brought it to life.
August 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this, it had so many elements that I love in a book - the folklore, the witches, the standing stones. The blur between what is real and what is perceived brought on by the strange and eerie whispering that surrounds the Grey Sisters.
Maybe I am making a little more of this aspect than is strictly correct, but that is what I enjoyed the most, that and the suspicion that behind the sunshine-bright dazzle of Solstice, a rotten, wicked core lies waiting. On this score I wasn't disappointed. Like overripe fruit that falls off the tree and languishes in the hot sun for days on end, the stench of putrid, sickly sweet rot slowly starts to permeate the further you get.
You know it's there you just can't quite pinpoint it. But you also know that soon something is going to burst, oozing secrets all over the polished wooden floor of a refurbished farmhouse, one that not so long ago was run-down and on the brink of ruin. One filled with earthenware jars, shaped into mouths that gape open in perpetual screams. Jars filled with unspeakable oddities...
I thoroughly enjoyed both Libby and Dawn, the friendship between these girls is something special, more a bond of sisters completely in tune with each other. Libby says something along the lines of 'when I look back over my life, at all the hard times, the hand that was always there to grab mine was Dawn's, time and again, it was Dawn'. And my word, there were hard times. What Libby has endured with her withered, bitter and absolutely godawful 'mother' is heart-wrenching.
There were a few bits at the end that were tragic, although not wholly unexpected. Totally applicable here are Shakespeare's wise words - All that glisters is not gold. Keep it in mind. The festival itself is a wonderful concept - seeing in and celebrating the solstice - but as usual people have to turn it into a tawdry event that just ends badly (why I don't like crowds, in any form. Too peoply).
A word to the wise, there is a part early on in the book where Ma Blake is skinning a rabbit. I furiously and feverishly had to skip that part. ***Note to authors - no. Just no. Leave the animals out!!! Unless it's something uplifting and/or marvellous. Had I known I probably would have skipped this book. I always skip books that have any sort of animal cruelty in them, and I'm not alone. Just Don't Do It. It leaves a bad taste.*** Thankfully no other animals are mentioned and that was the only part I didn't like. There is a fair bit of brutality and casual cruelty towards the end, but nothing to do with animals.
The narrator (Alice White) was great! I took away a star for the rabbit thing and added a half-star for her soothing tones. The Grey Sisters are worth a star all of their own.
Maybe I am making a little more of this aspect than is strictly correct, but that is what I enjoyed the most, that and the suspicion that behind the sunshine-bright dazzle of Solstice, a rotten, wicked core lies waiting. On this score I wasn't disappointed. Like overripe fruit that falls off the tree and languishes in the hot sun for days on end, the stench of putrid, sickly sweet rot slowly starts to permeate the further you get.
You know it's there you just can't quite pinpoint it. But you also know that soon something is going to burst, oozing secrets all over the polished wooden floor of a refurbished farmhouse, one that not so long ago was run-down and on the brink of ruin. One filled with earthenware jars, shaped into mouths that gape open in perpetual screams. Jars filled with unspeakable oddities...
I thoroughly enjoyed both Libby and Dawn, the friendship between these girls is something special, more a bond of sisters completely in tune with each other. Libby says something along the lines of 'when I look back over my life, at all the hard times, the hand that was always there to grab mine was Dawn's, time and again, it was Dawn'. And my word, there were hard times. What Libby has endured with her withered, bitter and absolutely godawful 'mother' is heart-wrenching.
There were a few bits at the end that were tragic, although not wholly unexpected. Totally applicable here are Shakespeare's wise words - All that glisters is not gold. Keep it in mind. The festival itself is a wonderful concept - seeing in and celebrating the solstice - but as usual people have to turn it into a tawdry event that just ends badly (why I don't like crowds, in any form. Too peoply).
A word to the wise, there is a part early on in the book where Ma Blake is skinning a rabbit. I furiously and feverishly had to skip that part. ***Note to authors - no. Just no. Leave the animals out!!! Unless it's something uplifting and/or marvellous. Had I known I probably would have skipped this book. I always skip books that have any sort of animal cruelty in them, and I'm not alone. Just Don't Do It. It leaves a bad taste.*** Thankfully no other animals are mentioned and that was the only part I didn't like. There is a fair bit of brutality and casual cruelty towards the end, but nothing to do with animals.
The narrator (Alice White) was great! I took away a star for the rabbit thing and added a half-star for her soothing tones. The Grey Sisters are worth a star all of their own.
August 21, 2024
The festival by Louise Mumford and narrated by Alice white. The book finds unassuming librarian Libby, The night after burying her abusive mom out at a club with her best friend college student dawn. Libby is quiet and thanks to her mom would never be at a club on a weeknight but her friend dawn essentially made her go. When Libby wins tickets to the solstice festival needless to say she is shocked because she didn’t even know she was entered into the contest but her friend dawn is almost apoplectic. Libby doesn’t have any want to go to the festival that her friend Dawn is over the moon about but when she gets a promotion at work and she realizes her mom can no longer tell her what to do or make her feel bad for doing what she chooses agrees to go to the concert. Libby knows this is what kids her age do and she deserves a little fun but still feels nervous about the endeavor so when they get off at the wrong train station they stop in a little shop to see about transportation but gets treated oddly by the shop owner. Thankfully her grandson has no negative opinions about festival goers and even give them a ride to the barker farm where it is happening. When Libby find a paper for a missing girl name Tess left in the carry out bag given to her by the shop keeper she feels even more uneasy if that’s even possible but this is just the beginning of the strange events there are about to plague shy Libby in her over exuberant best friend Dawn. For starters when arriving at the actual music site they see Ma Barker the founder of solstice on a tower screaming like a crazy person and almost goes over the railing at the top. Libby is freaked out when she then tells her directly to leave as she is being carted away by her son Abe. Not to mention the notes left on their tent with the same message but poor sheltered Libby hasn’t seen anything yet. This book is so good it is so creepy has such a great vibe to the overall story. I think Alice White did a great job giving both girls a distinct personality of their own and also did a brilliant job doing the other characters. I thought the secondary POV was interesting and blended nicely with the current day story as well as Libby and being haunted by her mom‘s memory there’s just so many great things about the story and Alice White did a great job giving it such a creepy feel. If you love great horror, awesome world building and a wonderful character to route four in Libby, then you will definitely enjoy this audio book I certainly did.#NetGalley, #HarperCollinsAudio, #LouiseMumford, #AliceWhite, #TheFestival,
December 18, 2024
Libby has been the primary caregiver for her controlling mother for many years. Her mother was never a loving woman, she always put Libby down, calling her names, making her feel insecure, and feel worthless and good for nothing. Ever since childhood Libby felt trapped and unloved, but in her mothers later years, felt responsible to care for her until the end. After her mothers passing she unexpectedly wins tickets to the biggest event of the summer, Solstice. It is a huge music and alternative festival, held to celebrate the longest day of the year.
Feeling it not quite right to go, Libby begs off attending. Her best friend Dawn convinces her that it is just what she needs after her years of torment of minding her mother, and dealing with the complex feelings of grief and yet relief she currently feels at her passing. Finally convinced, Libby and Dawn head into the Welsh countryside for a weekend of sun and festivities. But what they expect to be a fun escapade soon turns into a complete and utter living nightmare.
The sun bakes down on the crowd, who become more unpredictable, mysterious messages telling them to leave are left by their tent overnight, Dawn goes missing, and Libby soon finds herself wrapped up in the darker and more sinister origins of the festival. She begins to fear for her friend's life. Along with her own.
This is a fantastic and fast paced read. The premise working up to the arrival of Libby and Dawn at the festival sets the scene of the characters and their background to date well. Libby is timid, vulnerable and shy to act or react, preferring to think before she moves into a situation. Dawn however is happy to rush right in and think about it afterwards. Complete chalk and cheese, but they balance one another out perfectly as friends. Once we reach the festival, the pace amps up, with the tension starting to increase with the mysterious messages and Libby feeling like something is not right.
The writing works well in the dual timelines with newspaper articles and information clips spliced in to pepper interest. The time jumps give scattered information which help you build the picture of the mystery as we go along. The festival energy is written well, with the crowd surge coming across well, and making you curl your toes in anxiety as the crowd starts to get more and more hyped up and the feeling of tethering on the edge is conveyed. The pages were turning fast and frantic towards the end, and I could not put this one down!
*I received this book for review from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
Feeling it not quite right to go, Libby begs off attending. Her best friend Dawn convinces her that it is just what she needs after her years of torment of minding her mother, and dealing with the complex feelings of grief and yet relief she currently feels at her passing. Finally convinced, Libby and Dawn head into the Welsh countryside for a weekend of sun and festivities. But what they expect to be a fun escapade soon turns into a complete and utter living nightmare.
The sun bakes down on the crowd, who become more unpredictable, mysterious messages telling them to leave are left by their tent overnight, Dawn goes missing, and Libby soon finds herself wrapped up in the darker and more sinister origins of the festival. She begins to fear for her friend's life. Along with her own.
This is a fantastic and fast paced read. The premise working up to the arrival of Libby and Dawn at the festival sets the scene of the characters and their background to date well. Libby is timid, vulnerable and shy to act or react, preferring to think before she moves into a situation. Dawn however is happy to rush right in and think about it afterwards. Complete chalk and cheese, but they balance one another out perfectly as friends. Once we reach the festival, the pace amps up, with the tension starting to increase with the mysterious messages and Libby feeling like something is not right.
The writing works well in the dual timelines with newspaper articles and information clips spliced in to pepper interest. The time jumps give scattered information which help you build the picture of the mystery as we go along. The festival energy is written well, with the crowd surge coming across well, and making you curl your toes in anxiety as the crowd starts to get more and more hyped up and the feeling of tethering on the edge is conveyed. The pages were turning fast and frantic towards the end, and I could not put this one down!
*I received this book for review from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
July 22, 2024
Libby has had a rough life over the last few years, having to care for a distant and unloving mother who before her death was suffering from terminal illness. Libby is quite introverted but has a friend Dawn who is the complete opposite.
Then, out of the blue, Libby wins two tickets to Solstice, a music festival in the heart of the Welsh countryside. Think Glastonbury with a dollop of witchcraft, folklore and mysticism thrown in. Libby doesn't want to go, but Dawn is so excited and Libby is reluctant to let her down.
The plot builds really nicely. From the outset of their arrival at Solstice, there is a sense of mystery and menace. Things start to appear a bit off and not what they seem. Libby finds a threatening note outside their tent. Has it blown there by accident or is it warning them off? Dawn brushes aside all Libby’s fears. Libby and Dawn then meet the Blake family who own the land and run Solstice raising further questions. Abel has a standout magnetic personality. His brother Silas is dour and sullen. Their mother or Ma is completely out there. Are they all hiding something?
So much could have been done with the story, but unfortunately, the plot goes in an absurd direction where there is just too much flight of fancy. Then a set of major reveals are just told as an aside and everything is tied up far too quickly and neatly.
So, a three-star for this one. I do like the author’s writing though and I will read more from them.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, Louise Mumford and HQ Digital for the much-appreciated ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Then, out of the blue, Libby wins two tickets to Solstice, a music festival in the heart of the Welsh countryside. Think Glastonbury with a dollop of witchcraft, folklore and mysticism thrown in. Libby doesn't want to go, but Dawn is so excited and Libby is reluctant to let her down.
The plot builds really nicely. From the outset of their arrival at Solstice, there is a sense of mystery and menace. Things start to appear a bit off and not what they seem. Libby finds a threatening note outside their tent. Has it blown there by accident or is it warning them off? Dawn brushes aside all Libby’s fears. Libby and Dawn then meet the Blake family who own the land and run Solstice raising further questions. Abel has a standout magnetic personality. His brother Silas is dour and sullen. Their mother or Ma is completely out there. Are they all hiding something?
So much could have been done with the story, but unfortunately, the plot goes in an absurd direction where there is just too much flight of fancy. Then a set of major reveals are just told as an aside and everything is tied up far too quickly and neatly.
So, a three-star for this one. I do like the author’s writing though and I will read more from them.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, Louise Mumford and HQ Digital for the much-appreciated ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 27, 2024
I previously read and enjoyed ‘The Hotel’ by Louise Mumford, so I was excited to read her latest book – The Festival.
When Libby wins free tickets to Solstice – the biggest music festival of the summer, she is excited to go with her best friend Dawn. Her controlling mother has just died, and this feels like the perfect way to kick start her new life. However, Solstice is hiding some secrets of its own and as the sun beams down on the longest day of the year, things start to go horribly wrong…
The music festival is a great setting for this thriller - the crowds, the heat and the party atmosphere really worked well to juxtapose and enhance the tension of the story. The narrative alternates between Libby’s perspective in the present day, to flashbacks of the origin story of the festival and the strange family behind it. This worked well to give some context to the story and drip feed important information slowly.
I really liked the two main characters – Libby and Dawn, especially Dawn who seemed like a really great friend and just the person you’d want in your corner when you had trouble with your family. I liked the use of local myths and legends with the standing sisters and witch bottles. It’s a fast paced read that gripped me and kept my interest throughout. The ending really ramps up to an action-packed climax - it did get a little unrealistic towards the end, but I did enjoy it - you just need to suspend your disbelief.
Overall, The Festival is a fast paced read that I recommend. Thank you to NetGalley & HQ Stories for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
When Libby wins free tickets to Solstice – the biggest music festival of the summer, she is excited to go with her best friend Dawn. Her controlling mother has just died, and this feels like the perfect way to kick start her new life. However, Solstice is hiding some secrets of its own and as the sun beams down on the longest day of the year, things start to go horribly wrong…
The music festival is a great setting for this thriller - the crowds, the heat and the party atmosphere really worked well to juxtapose and enhance the tension of the story. The narrative alternates between Libby’s perspective in the present day, to flashbacks of the origin story of the festival and the strange family behind it. This worked well to give some context to the story and drip feed important information slowly.
I really liked the two main characters – Libby and Dawn, especially Dawn who seemed like a really great friend and just the person you’d want in your corner when you had trouble with your family. I liked the use of local myths and legends with the standing sisters and witch bottles. It’s a fast paced read that gripped me and kept my interest throughout. The ending really ramps up to an action-packed climax - it did get a little unrealistic towards the end, but I did enjoy it - you just need to suspend your disbelief.
Overall, The Festival is a fast paced read that I recommend. Thank you to NetGalley & HQ Stories for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
July 28, 2024
When shy, quiet librarian Libby Corrigan unexpectedly wins tickets to the music festival of the year, Solstice, she is less thrilled than her more outgoing friend and soul sister, Dawn. Libby's mother has just died, and although she was a difficult, demanding woman, her dutiful daughter nursed her until the very end.
What Libby didn't expect was her mother's cruel parting words, ones that she is still reeling from. She cannot even bring herself to tell Dawn about it. Perhaps the midsummer madness of Solstice is precisely what she needs at this point.
But she is not prepared for what they find there either. While Dawn is determined to gain access to the secret, special part of the festival known as the Sanctum, Libby just wants to have a good time - to, for once in her life, belong and be considered normal.
Their encounter with the founder of the festival, Abel Blake, is tainted by the near-disaster in the form of his wild-haired mother, Ma Blake, who appears to be having some kind of meltdown despite her smiling presence in previous years of the festival. And what is the story behind Abel's sullen brother, Silas - and his girlfriend Tess, who went missing years ago?
This story has all the elements required for it to be a good read, and I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book quite a lot. The ending left me a bit dissatisfied though, as some parts seemed overly dramatic and too drawn out. I have no doubt that Mumford's fans will enjoy it, and if you can suspend disbelief it will work just fine. This gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
What Libby didn't expect was her mother's cruel parting words, ones that she is still reeling from. She cannot even bring herself to tell Dawn about it. Perhaps the midsummer madness of Solstice is precisely what she needs at this point.
But she is not prepared for what they find there either. While Dawn is determined to gain access to the secret, special part of the festival known as the Sanctum, Libby just wants to have a good time - to, for once in her life, belong and be considered normal.
Their encounter with the founder of the festival, Abel Blake, is tainted by the near-disaster in the form of his wild-haired mother, Ma Blake, who appears to be having some kind of meltdown despite her smiling presence in previous years of the festival. And what is the story behind Abel's sullen brother, Silas - and his girlfriend Tess, who went missing years ago?
This story has all the elements required for it to be a good read, and I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book quite a lot. The ending left me a bit dissatisfied though, as some parts seemed overly dramatic and too drawn out. I have no doubt that Mumford's fans will enjoy it, and if you can suspend disbelief it will work just fine. This gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
October 11, 2024
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, independent review.
Libby is astonished to win two tickets to Solstice, the summer's most anticipated music festival celebrating the longest day of the year. Eager for a weekend of sun, fun, and festivities, she and her best friend Dawn venture into the picturesque Welsh countryside. However, what starts as an exciting weekend getaway quickly spirals into Libby’s worst nightmare.
The Festival by Louise Mumford is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a roller coaster ride. Mumford has a remarkable skill of weaving together suspense and emotion, creating a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The lively festival setting serves as a perfect backdrop for a series of unexpected and thrilling events, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the festival.
As the plot unfolds, the tension escalates as secrets surface, revealing the true reason behind Libby’s win. This leads to a climax that is both surprising and satisfying. The dual perspectives – narrating both the present and Libby’s past – add depth to the story, allowing readers to understand her connection to the family that runs the festival.
The pacing is expertly managed, quickening as secrets are unveiled and Libby’s world becomes increasingly terrifying. The characters are well-developed, with Dawn’s confidence providing a striking contrast to Libby’s reserved and shy character.
Louise Mumford has crafted a story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page. I
I highly recommend The Festival to anyone seeking a captivating and thrilling read.
Libby is astonished to win two tickets to Solstice, the summer's most anticipated music festival celebrating the longest day of the year. Eager for a weekend of sun, fun, and festivities, she and her best friend Dawn venture into the picturesque Welsh countryside. However, what starts as an exciting weekend getaway quickly spirals into Libby’s worst nightmare.
The Festival by Louise Mumford is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a roller coaster ride. Mumford has a remarkable skill of weaving together suspense and emotion, creating a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The lively festival setting serves as a perfect backdrop for a series of unexpected and thrilling events, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the festival.
As the plot unfolds, the tension escalates as secrets surface, revealing the true reason behind Libby’s win. This leads to a climax that is both surprising and satisfying. The dual perspectives – narrating both the present and Libby’s past – add depth to the story, allowing readers to understand her connection to the family that runs the festival.
The pacing is expertly managed, quickening as secrets are unveiled and Libby’s world becomes increasingly terrifying. The characters are well-developed, with Dawn’s confidence providing a striking contrast to Libby’s reserved and shy character.
Louise Mumford has crafted a story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page. I
I highly recommend The Festival to anyone seeking a captivating and thrilling read.
July 25, 2024
When Libby wins tickets to the “it” music festival of the year, she agrees to go at the urging of her friend, Dawn. After all, Libby’s earned the right to let her hair down a little bit, having been her mother’s caregiver for the last two years, before her mother’s death from cancer - and let’s just say, her mother wasn’t exactly grateful for the help. But when the girls get to the festival, things start feeling weird right from the start. And soon, Libby is pulled into the festival’s innermost issues in ways she never imagined.
I figured with music festival season in full swing, this book would be the perfect read for the moment, and it really was! I devoured it in like three days. The story started off really interesting, with Libby and Dawn getting to the festival and us getting this very prevalent feeling that something isn’t right.
And the solution to the main mysteries of the story were very good. They came together with several twists and turns that kept things really interesting. It was really gripping.
But the last, say, third, of the book was a little wild. Some of it was a little bit too much….if you know what I mean. It gets a little too far-fetched in some parts. But if you just let your imagination flow with it, you can forgive it for those faults. I mean, it is fiction, after all, so you have to be a little open to fanciful thoughts.
Anyway, I enjoyed the book either way, just as I’ve enjoyed other Louise Mumford books. She’s clearly a talented author with plenty of great stories and ideas.
This is another good read in her bibliography!
I figured with music festival season in full swing, this book would be the perfect read for the moment, and it really was! I devoured it in like three days. The story started off really interesting, with Libby and Dawn getting to the festival and us getting this very prevalent feeling that something isn’t right.
And the solution to the main mysteries of the story were very good. They came together with several twists and turns that kept things really interesting. It was really gripping.
But the last, say, third, of the book was a little wild. Some of it was a little bit too much….if you know what I mean. It gets a little too far-fetched in some parts. But if you just let your imagination flow with it, you can forgive it for those faults. I mean, it is fiction, after all, so you have to be a little open to fanciful thoughts.
Anyway, I enjoyed the book either way, just as I’ve enjoyed other Louise Mumford books. She’s clearly a talented author with plenty of great stories and ideas.
This is another good read in her bibliography!
July 29, 2024
The Festival by Louise Mumford
This is the first time I’ve listened to the author’s books and the narrator did a great job.
It’s the evening of Libby’s mother’s funeral and Libby has gone to the opening of a new nightclub with her best friend, Dawn. Libby was her mother’s caregiver for the past two years and she is not too sad that her mother has finally passed away. They never had a close relationship and her mother’s parting words were not kind.
At the nightclub Libby wins two tickets to the hottest summer music festival Solstice. Libby is not too keen as festivals are not really her thing but Dawn persuades her to go. Ma Blake and her charismatic son, Abel are the brains behind the festival which is about to celebrate its 20th year.
We also hear about the myths of the standing stones, the five ancient grey sisters, who watch over the valley where the festival takes place.
At the event there is a festival within a festival called Sanctum. You can’t buy tickets to enter this special area, you get chosen by the Blakes. Due to the mysteriousness of Sanctum, Dawn is on a mission to gain entry. One night while busy partying and enjoying themselves Libby loses Dawn in the crowds and can’t find her again. The next morning, she is still missing and no-one in charge is taking Libby’s concerns seriously. It’s just another drunk girl sleeping it off somewhere on the festival grounds.
During the story we get flashbacks to when the festival was being hosted for the first time 20 years previously and another young woman also went missing.
I enjoyed how the legends of the stones and the story was interwoven into this mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley for my audio ARC.
This is the first time I’ve listened to the author’s books and the narrator did a great job.
It’s the evening of Libby’s mother’s funeral and Libby has gone to the opening of a new nightclub with her best friend, Dawn. Libby was her mother’s caregiver for the past two years and she is not too sad that her mother has finally passed away. They never had a close relationship and her mother’s parting words were not kind.
At the nightclub Libby wins two tickets to the hottest summer music festival Solstice. Libby is not too keen as festivals are not really her thing but Dawn persuades her to go. Ma Blake and her charismatic son, Abel are the brains behind the festival which is about to celebrate its 20th year.
We also hear about the myths of the standing stones, the five ancient grey sisters, who watch over the valley where the festival takes place.
At the event there is a festival within a festival called Sanctum. You can’t buy tickets to enter this special area, you get chosen by the Blakes. Due to the mysteriousness of Sanctum, Dawn is on a mission to gain entry. One night while busy partying and enjoying themselves Libby loses Dawn in the crowds and can’t find her again. The next morning, she is still missing and no-one in charge is taking Libby’s concerns seriously. It’s just another drunk girl sleeping it off somewhere on the festival grounds.
During the story we get flashbacks to when the festival was being hosted for the first time 20 years previously and another young woman also went missing.
I enjoyed how the legends of the stones and the story was interwoven into this mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley for my audio ARC.
July 24, 2024
The Festival by Louise Mumford is a highly recommended thriller/mystery.
Libby who is till dealing with her complicated feelings after her mother's death agrees to go out to a club with her best friend, Dawn. Unbelievably, Libby wins two tickets to the Solstice, a music festival on Midsummer’s Eve in Wales at the Blakes family farm. This is a huge event for those who like to go to these sorts of music festivals. It was started by Abel Blake along with his mother Ma Blake, and brother Silas. Dawn is thrilled about the tickets and talks Libby, who is hesitant, into going. It turns out to be a huge mistake.
The narrative unfolds in dual time narratives and includes mixed media stories. After a strong start, the plot becomes uneven and heads down a bumpy road. I wasn't thrilled with the folklore/superstition/mysticism parts of the story which were off-putting. In the mix is a twenty-year-old mystery that becomes very important. The reveals are huge and drama is over-the-top at the height of the final scenes. I had to suspend disbelief several times.
This is a fast-paced summer read, although it did confirm a music/solstice festival will never interest me. The final denouement raised my opinion of the whole plot as it is actually uplifting and positive. Thanks to HarperCollins/HQ for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
Libby who is till dealing with her complicated feelings after her mother's death agrees to go out to a club with her best friend, Dawn. Unbelievably, Libby wins two tickets to the Solstice, a music festival on Midsummer’s Eve in Wales at the Blakes family farm. This is a huge event for those who like to go to these sorts of music festivals. It was started by Abel Blake along with his mother Ma Blake, and brother Silas. Dawn is thrilled about the tickets and talks Libby, who is hesitant, into going. It turns out to be a huge mistake.
The narrative unfolds in dual time narratives and includes mixed media stories. After a strong start, the plot becomes uneven and heads down a bumpy road. I wasn't thrilled with the folklore/superstition/mysticism parts of the story which were off-putting. In the mix is a twenty-year-old mystery that becomes very important. The reveals are huge and drama is over-the-top at the height of the final scenes. I had to suspend disbelief several times.
This is a fast-paced summer read, although it did confirm a music/solstice festival will never interest me. The final denouement raised my opinion of the whole plot as it is actually uplifting and positive. Thanks to HarperCollins/HQ for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
July 31, 2024
Libby and her friend Dawn are thrilled to win two tickets to the Solstice Festival, a huge event to celebrate the longest day of the year. Dawn is in her element whereas Libby is very much out of her comfort zone, but she immerses herself in the festival to escape from her problems. Things are not quite as they first seemed at Solstice and then Dawn goes missing, throwing Libby into a wild chase to find her friend and uncover the dark origins of the festival.
In theory, this should be my ideal book. As someone who gave Mumford's book, The Hotel, a 5* review and who loves music festivals, I was so excited to have the chance to read this.
Whilst the initial premise was good, it tailored off towards the end. The setting was perfect and I felt fully immersed into the festival; I loved the folklore and history surrounding the event. There was a split timeline, which I usually really love, but it just felt a little disjointed within this book.
The book took a turn in the second half and I had to suspend reality to get through. It was still enjoyable, but just not to the same level of her last book I'd read.
This would make an ideal summer holiday read as it's fast paced and quick to read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
In theory, this should be my ideal book. As someone who gave Mumford's book, The Hotel, a 5* review and who loves music festivals, I was so excited to have the chance to read this.
Whilst the initial premise was good, it tailored off towards the end. The setting was perfect and I felt fully immersed into the festival; I loved the folklore and history surrounding the event. There was a split timeline, which I usually really love, but it just felt a little disjointed within this book.
The book took a turn in the second half and I had to suspend reality to get through. It was still enjoyable, but just not to the same level of her last book I'd read.
This would make an ideal summer holiday read as it's fast paced and quick to read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
August 4, 2024
Libby and Dawn are the luckiest girls around. They have just won VIP tickets to The Festival in Wales, the biggest music gig in the country. For Libby, whose Mum has just died, this is a way to start her new life having cared for her Mum for the past few years. For some reason it took me a little while to get into this so if that happens to you keep going because there is a brilliant plot heading your way.
Briefly, as the 20 year olds head for the festival they have no idea what awaits them. Set on farm land the event is hosted by Abel Blake who lives on the land with his brother Silas and mother Ma Blake. On the land are the Grey Sisters, 5 standing stones which surround an old oak tree. It is said they have mystic qualities. After a day and night of hilarious antics Libby wakes up and Dawn cannot be found. Her search leads Libby into a toxic and murderous situation where her own life hangs on a thread.
Once I got into this I couldn’t put it down. There are some unbelievable secrets about to rear their head and some shocking revelations for Libby and it seems that Dawn is not the first girl to go missing at the festival. This is so full of twists and turns and the suspense is top notch. With an explosive ending this is a must read thriller and believe you me nothing is what you expect. What a gig!
Briefly, as the 20 year olds head for the festival they have no idea what awaits them. Set on farm land the event is hosted by Abel Blake who lives on the land with his brother Silas and mother Ma Blake. On the land are the Grey Sisters, 5 standing stones which surround an old oak tree. It is said they have mystic qualities. After a day and night of hilarious antics Libby wakes up and Dawn cannot be found. Her search leads Libby into a toxic and murderous situation where her own life hangs on a thread.
Once I got into this I couldn’t put it down. There are some unbelievable secrets about to rear their head and some shocking revelations for Libby and it seems that Dawn is not the first girl to go missing at the festival. This is so full of twists and turns and the suspense is top notch. With an explosive ending this is a must read thriller and believe you me nothing is what you expect. What a gig!
July 17, 2024
A standalone read from this fabulous author, set unsurprisingly at a summer festival in the heart of Wales.
Libby Corrigan’s mother has just died after being nursed by her daughter for the last two years. Libby is not upset; she feels relief but doesn’t know what to do with her new found freedom. Her best friend, Dawn, has been invited to the opening of a new club & persuades Libby to go with her even though it’s on the night of the funeral. It’s there that Libby wins a pair of tickets to Solstice, a music festival that Dawn has always wanted to attend but she is not so sure. Of course, they go & are immediately drawn into a world of folklore & intrigue centring around the Blake family; in particular the matriarch, Ma Blake, & the charismatic eldest son, Abel.
I loved the writing style of this tale, I was immediately drawn in & reading at a rate of knots. The description of the festival itself with the variety of attendees & events was spot on including the camping & toilet conundrums. However, when the reveal happened it felt quite lacklustre & the tumultuous conclusion had to be read several times to ensure I understood it correctly.
Overall though, an easy summer read which I recommend.
Libby Corrigan’s mother has just died after being nursed by her daughter for the last two years. Libby is not upset; she feels relief but doesn’t know what to do with her new found freedom. Her best friend, Dawn, has been invited to the opening of a new club & persuades Libby to go with her even though it’s on the night of the funeral. It’s there that Libby wins a pair of tickets to Solstice, a music festival that Dawn has always wanted to attend but she is not so sure. Of course, they go & are immediately drawn into a world of folklore & intrigue centring around the Blake family; in particular the matriarch, Ma Blake, & the charismatic eldest son, Abel.
I loved the writing style of this tale, I was immediately drawn in & reading at a rate of knots. The description of the festival itself with the variety of attendees & events was spot on including the camping & toilet conundrums. However, when the reveal happened it felt quite lacklustre & the tumultuous conclusion had to be read several times to ensure I understood it correctly.
Overall though, an easy summer read which I recommend.
July 26, 2024
The Festival" by Louise Mumford is a captivating and thought-provoking novel . The story follows Libby, a young woman dealing with the emotional aftermath of her mother's death. Her mother was always critical and belittling, leaving Libby with a diminished sense of self-worth. Determined to push herself out of her comfort zone, Libby wins tickets to a music festival and decides to attend with her friend Dawn.
What starts as an exciting adventure quickly takes a dramatic turn when Dawn disappears, forcing Libby to navigate the festival alone. This unexpected challenge becomes a catalyst for Libby's transformation as she struggles to find her friend and, in the process, discovers her own strength and capabilities.
Mumford skilfully explores the impact of family dynamics on personal identity and growth. Libby's journey is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, and the fast-paced plot makes it a perfect summer read. The festival setting adds a vibrant and chaotic backdrop, mirroring Libby's internal journey.
The intertwining timelines enhance the suspense and keep the reader engaged as pieces of the puzzle gradually come together.
Overall, "The Festival" is a compelling, quick read that combines mystery, adventure, and personal growth.
What starts as an exciting adventure quickly takes a dramatic turn when Dawn disappears, forcing Libby to navigate the festival alone. This unexpected challenge becomes a catalyst for Libby's transformation as she struggles to find her friend and, in the process, discovers her own strength and capabilities.
Mumford skilfully explores the impact of family dynamics on personal identity and growth. Libby's journey is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, and the fast-paced plot makes it a perfect summer read. The festival setting adds a vibrant and chaotic backdrop, mirroring Libby's internal journey.
The intertwining timelines enhance the suspense and keep the reader engaged as pieces of the puzzle gradually come together.
Overall, "The Festival" is a compelling, quick read that combines mystery, adventure, and personal growth.
August 9, 2024
When Libby wins tickets to the Solstice festival she isn't overly keen on going it really isn't her scene however Dawn her best friend is so excited she expresses it is too much of an experience to give up and they need to go they will have a fantastic time. Libbys mother has just passed away, and albeit they didn't have the best relationship, she would rather be at home with her library.
This begins the story to which events unfold the beginning is enjoyable and has a good theory however sadly I felt the delivery of dual timelines wasn't very well delivered also the nature of the events that begin to happen when Dawn goes missing got quite fast paced from Libby returning to the festival it was all just a little poorly organised in structure. The theory of the rituals, etc, was something I could understand and actually did make my skin crawl. However, the person behind it was too obvious for me, just another little point that maybe took away from any kind of plot twists.
The narration was done well in itself all the characters were easily disnguingishable between who is who, etc.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
This begins the story to which events unfold the beginning is enjoyable and has a good theory however sadly I felt the delivery of dual timelines wasn't very well delivered also the nature of the events that begin to happen when Dawn goes missing got quite fast paced from Libby returning to the festival it was all just a little poorly organised in structure. The theory of the rituals, etc, was something I could understand and actually did make my skin crawl. However, the person behind it was too obvious for me, just another little point that maybe took away from any kind of plot twists.
The narration was done well in itself all the characters were easily disnguingishable between who is who, etc.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
August 6, 2024
Gripping summer read
Libby can’t believe her luck when she wins two tickets to the biggest event of the summer: Solstice, a music festival celebrating the longest day of the year.
Wanting to escape their problems for a few days, Libby, and her best friend Dawn head deep into the Welsh countryside for a weekend of sun, fun and festivities. But what promised to be an exciting trip quickly turns into Libby’s worst nightmare.
The scorching heat intensifies, the music becomes wilder, the people more unpredictable. When Dawn goes missing, Libby worries that something sinister has happened to her friend. And as Libby learns more about the festival’s dark origins, she begins to fear that something might happen to her too…
What a great summer read - I devoured this and could not wait to understand what was happening behind the shiny happy festival vibes. Its a great thriller with twists and turns, secrets uncovered but still easy to read. Well recommended and I'll definitely be looking out for more books by Louise Mumford.
Libby can’t believe her luck when she wins two tickets to the biggest event of the summer: Solstice, a music festival celebrating the longest day of the year.
Wanting to escape their problems for a few days, Libby, and her best friend Dawn head deep into the Welsh countryside for a weekend of sun, fun and festivities. But what promised to be an exciting trip quickly turns into Libby’s worst nightmare.
The scorching heat intensifies, the music becomes wilder, the people more unpredictable. When Dawn goes missing, Libby worries that something sinister has happened to her friend. And as Libby learns more about the festival’s dark origins, she begins to fear that something might happen to her too…
What a great summer read - I devoured this and could not wait to understand what was happening behind the shiny happy festival vibes. Its a great thriller with twists and turns, secrets uncovered but still easy to read. Well recommended and I'll definitely be looking out for more books by Louise Mumford.
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