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Slivers
In a single week in the summer of 1973, a quiet suburban neighborhood implodes when generations of mystical deceit become too much to bear. Drawn to the web of secrets and lies, the other worldly slivers refuse to be ignored, pushing one family to the brink.
284 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 14, 2026
Disembodied voices. Moving objects. Mind-reading. We jump right into Vicki Atkinson’s Slivers with her characters besieged by supernatural forces they don't understand. The slivers are getting bolder; a terrible tension is building. With Atkinson’s “in-the-moment” storytelling, I felt it almost immediately.
Over one week in the summer of 1973, we see the three protagonists struggle against not only the slivers, but the emotional exposure of a terrible family secret shattering everything they once knew.
Slivers is a story of discovering one’s true identity. These characters can finally face the truth of who they are and their roles in protecting the ancient Hiraeth. There is magic and mysticism, and strong intuition at play.
As the story progresses, Slivers gave me author Anne Rice vibes. Humans and entities finding a fragile peace and work to share a common ancient history. Love that! I enjoyed so many details of this highly creative storyline. I hope Atkinson continues on this track.
As a fan of supernatural stories, Slivers delivers.
Over one week in the summer of 1973, we see the three protagonists struggle against not only the slivers, but the emotional exposure of a terrible family secret shattering everything they once knew.
Slivers is a story of discovering one’s true identity. These characters can finally face the truth of who they are and their roles in protecting the ancient Hiraeth. There is magic and mysticism, and strong intuition at play.
As the story progresses, Slivers gave me author Anne Rice vibes. Humans and entities finding a fragile peace and work to share a common ancient history. Love that! I enjoyed so many details of this highly creative storyline. I hope Atkinson continues on this track.
As a fan of supernatural stories, Slivers delivers.
August 24, 2026
If you're wondering whether a blogger can write a heartfelt memoir, the answer is yes.
If you're wondering whether a memoirist can write a compelling novel, the answer is yes.
Ladies and gentlemen, this makes Vicki Atkinson a rare triple threat.
I hadn't intended to read "Slivers" quite yet, as I was midway through another book at the time. I just wanted to crack it open, skim the first paragraph or two. I'm familiar with Vicki's words through her blog, but fiction is something else entirely. Curiosity got the better of me; I wanted to check out her style, see what kind of ride I would be in for once I was ready to dive into "Slivers." I only wanted a quick preview, an appetizer to whet my appetite before I was ready for the full meal.
The funny thing is, that first page led to another. And then another. I found myself in a rare position, unwilling/unable to set either novel-in-progress down and devote my full attention to the other. I never double-dip–my attention span is short enough as it is (and look at the trouble George Costanza got into when he tried that!)–but I made a rare exception in this case.
It was totally worth it. Vicki is a great writer, and she has a knack for getting inside her characters' heads...even when those characters are teenagers, and the setting is more than fifty years in the past. The short chapters were easily digestible, and the shifting points of view never confusing; that can be difficult to pull off, but Vicki did so admirably. Oh, and the supernatural element that forms the backbone of this tale didn't hurt, either; I'm a sucker for that stuff.
Solid storytelling, a fast pace, and a satisfying conclusion that works on its own, but could also be open-ended if Vicki wanted to revisit the Gillespie clan at some point down the road (hmm!) all make "Slivers" a worthy addition to your reading list!
P.S. Be sure to read the author's note at the end. While not part of the actual novel, it offers a pretty fun twist that will make you look at the story with a newfound appreciation.
If you're wondering whether a memoirist can write a compelling novel, the answer is yes.
Ladies and gentlemen, this makes Vicki Atkinson a rare triple threat.
I hadn't intended to read "Slivers" quite yet, as I was midway through another book at the time. I just wanted to crack it open, skim the first paragraph or two. I'm familiar with Vicki's words through her blog, but fiction is something else entirely. Curiosity got the better of me; I wanted to check out her style, see what kind of ride I would be in for once I was ready to dive into "Slivers." I only wanted a quick preview, an appetizer to whet my appetite before I was ready for the full meal.
The funny thing is, that first page led to another. And then another. I found myself in a rare position, unwilling/unable to set either novel-in-progress down and devote my full attention to the other. I never double-dip–my attention span is short enough as it is (and look at the trouble George Costanza got into when he tried that!)–but I made a rare exception in this case.
It was totally worth it. Vicki is a great writer, and she has a knack for getting inside her characters' heads...even when those characters are teenagers, and the setting is more than fifty years in the past. The short chapters were easily digestible, and the shifting points of view never confusing; that can be difficult to pull off, but Vicki did so admirably. Oh, and the supernatural element that forms the backbone of this tale didn't hurt, either; I'm a sucker for that stuff.
Solid storytelling, a fast pace, and a satisfying conclusion that works on its own, but could also be open-ended if Vicki wanted to revisit the Gillespie clan at some point down the road (hmm!) all make "Slivers" a worthy addition to your reading list!
P.S. Be sure to read the author's note at the end. While not part of the actual novel, it offers a pretty fun twist that will make you look at the story with a newfound appreciation.
July 18, 2026
From the moment I met* Vicki Atkinson, I felt our connection. Something about her …
She emanated warmth, openness, and kindness. She was insightful. Friendly and funny. Honest. Yet, perhaps most striking was her intuitive wisdom. Uncanny, almost as if she could read my mind. Hmm …
That her writing is a reflection of these qualities didn’t surprise me in the least. In her memoir (and first book), “Surviving Sue,” Vicki unselfconsciously reveals family secrets buried within the insanity of growing up the daughter of an alcoholic mother—also afflicted with anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Munchausen’s. Despite this childhood-into-adulthood trauma, Vicki’s story is one of survival, yes, but also, ultimately, one of compassion, forgiveness, healing, and hope.
In May 2026, Vicki launched her second publication, branching into fiction. “Slivers” is a coming-of-age story of three young teens who are undeniably and inextricably connected. But why? Mystery, mind reading, lies, family secrets, estranged relationships, plus more than a pinch of the paranormal, create a page-turning sur-reality within which the reasons come to light.
Vicki’s quiver-inducing writing is rife with description, transporting the reader to the summer of 1973, can of Tab in hand. If you’re looking for a read that’ll give you shivers and make you wonder whether someone’s reading your mind, “Slivers” delivers!
Don’t be surprised if the pages flip themselves. The wind? … perhaps.
* Vicki and I met at Chicago’s Printer’s Row Lit Fest in 2024, where we both were promoting our books—her “Surviving Sue” and my first children’s book (which I wrote and illustrated), “Goldie A. Poligee & the Three Bears.” We became fast friends and admirers of each other’s work.
www.goldieapoligee.com
She emanated warmth, openness, and kindness. She was insightful. Friendly and funny. Honest. Yet, perhaps most striking was her intuitive wisdom. Uncanny, almost as if she could read my mind. Hmm …
That her writing is a reflection of these qualities didn’t surprise me in the least. In her memoir (and first book), “Surviving Sue,” Vicki unselfconsciously reveals family secrets buried within the insanity of growing up the daughter of an alcoholic mother—also afflicted with anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Munchausen’s. Despite this childhood-into-adulthood trauma, Vicki’s story is one of survival, yes, but also, ultimately, one of compassion, forgiveness, healing, and hope.
In May 2026, Vicki launched her second publication, branching into fiction. “Slivers” is a coming-of-age story of three young teens who are undeniably and inextricably connected. But why? Mystery, mind reading, lies, family secrets, estranged relationships, plus more than a pinch of the paranormal, create a page-turning sur-reality within which the reasons come to light.
Vicki’s quiver-inducing writing is rife with description, transporting the reader to the summer of 1973, can of Tab in hand. If you’re looking for a read that’ll give you shivers and make you wonder whether someone’s reading your mind, “Slivers” delivers!
Don’t be surprised if the pages flip themselves. The wind? … perhaps.
* Vicki and I met at Chicago’s Printer’s Row Lit Fest in 2024, where we both were promoting our books—her “Surviving Sue” and my first children’s book (which I wrote and illustrated), “Goldie A. Poligee & the Three Bears.” We became fast friends and admirers of each other’s work.
www.goldieapoligee.com
August 27, 2026
Slivers quietly pulled me in and then refused to let go. From the beginning, Vicki had a natural way of drawing me into this tale. As I turned the pages, I found myself face to face with family dysfunction of many layers. And before I knew it, I was completely immersed in the lives of the three protagonists. Their emotions and struggles against the frightening supernatural forces (slivers) that became more intense made me care about what happened to them. I felt the tension, and honestly, I believe I held my breath until I reached the last page. For me, when a book is really good, I think about the characters even when I’m not reading. So, it’s as though I stepped into the world of these three young teenagers that took place in a week’s time during the summer of 1973. Do your thoughts ever take you back generations? Sometimes, the past covertly slinks into the present, providing fodder for a fascinating story about a family whose secrets resurface.
Imagine trying to make sense of hearing ghostly voices, seeing inanimate objects move like living creatures, let alone, unearthing a family secret that upends life. Do you crave drama and suspense? Do you love characters that make you feel like you’ve known them forever? Does a hint of the unexplained keep you engrossed? If you answer yes to these questions, then I highly recommend Slivers – a masterfully written novel with an ending that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
Imagine trying to make sense of hearing ghostly voices, seeing inanimate objects move like living creatures, let alone, unearthing a family secret that upends life. Do you crave drama and suspense? Do you love characters that make you feel like you’ve known them forever? Does a hint of the unexplained keep you engrossed? If you answer yes to these questions, then I highly recommend Slivers – a masterfully written novel with an ending that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
June 28, 2026
From the first pages, Slivers delivers all the elements of a classic ghost story—strange voices, moving objects, spooky houses and mysterious neighbours.
As teenage friends Jane, Katie and Eric struggle to make sense of what’s happening, they start to piece together a dysfunctional family history and a tangled web of lies and well-intentioned deceit. When all is revealed, their lives will be changed forever.
I enjoyed Vicki’s memoir, Surviving Sue, and I’ve been following her updates on her blog as she wrote her debut novel. I was so excited to read it, and it didn’t disappoint. I’m not usually a fan of ghost stories, but I found myself drawn into the labyrinth of family secrets and lies and couldn’t wait to find out how the story would end.
As teenage friends Jane, Katie and Eric struggle to make sense of what’s happening, they start to piece together a dysfunctional family history and a tangled web of lies and well-intentioned deceit. When all is revealed, their lives will be changed forever.
I enjoyed Vicki’s memoir, Surviving Sue, and I’ve been following her updates on her blog as she wrote her debut novel. I was so excited to read it, and it didn’t disappoint. I’m not usually a fan of ghost stories, but I found myself drawn into the labyrinth of family secrets and lies and couldn’t wait to find out how the story would end.
August 30, 2026
After reading Vicki's autobiographical novel "Surviving Sue", I knew I had to read this one. Three friends discover they can read each other's thoughts and each has experienced strange phenomena in their homes and with their mothers.
They don't know their history because, in an attempt to keep the strange phenomena from causing more trouble, their mothers have kept them in the dark. However, things have taken a turn for the worse and can no longer be ignored.
This was a wonderful read and kept me wanting to know what would happen next, even if I did get a tad frustrated with the adults in the story at times :)
They don't know their history because, in an attempt to keep the strange phenomena from causing more trouble, their mothers have kept them in the dark. However, things have taken a turn for the worse and can no longer be ignored.
This was a wonderful read and kept me wanting to know what would happen next, even if I did get a tad frustrated with the adults in the story at times :)
May 17, 2026
Slivers is a captivating supernatural coming-of-age story that blends mystery, suspense, and friendship into an unforgettable adventure. Set during one extraordinary week in 1973, the novel follows best friends Jane and Katie as they navigate the challenges of growing up while uncovering eerie ancestral secrets and present-day deceits.
What begins with strange voices, shared thoughts and spooky houses quickly spirals into a thrilling journey that keeps readers guessing at every turn. The bond between Jane and Katie gives the story heart and authenticity, while the supernatural elements create an atmosphere that is both chilling and exciting.
The novel shines in its ability to capture the uncertainty of adolescence alongside the terror of discovering that the world is far stranger than it seems. With twists, suspense, and a strong sense of mystery, Slivers delivers a fast-paced and entertaining ride from beginning to end.
Readers who enjoy supernatural fiction mixed with friendship, family secrets, and eerie small-town intrigue will find plenty to love in Slivers. Hang on tight - this rollicking adventure takes readers on a haunting and memorable journey they will not soon forget.
What begins with strange voices, shared thoughts and spooky houses quickly spirals into a thrilling journey that keeps readers guessing at every turn. The bond between Jane and Katie gives the story heart and authenticity, while the supernatural elements create an atmosphere that is both chilling and exciting.
The novel shines in its ability to capture the uncertainty of adolescence alongside the terror of discovering that the world is far stranger than it seems. With twists, suspense, and a strong sense of mystery, Slivers delivers a fast-paced and entertaining ride from beginning to end.
Readers who enjoy supernatural fiction mixed with friendship, family secrets, and eerie small-town intrigue will find plenty to love in Slivers. Hang on tight - this rollicking adventure takes readers on a haunting and memorable journey they will not soon forget.
June 3, 2026
This is a great supernatural novel where three characters—Jane, Katie, and Eric—find themselves dealing with inexplicable phenomena that have actually been occurring for generations. The author does an excellent job connecting the past with the present, developing the mystery of the Slivers and the Hiraeth (a portal of sorts that provides a thin space between worlds where the impossible happens). The story really picks up the pace once you reach the chapter titled “The Accident - 1965," and I couldn’t put it down after that. Watching Jane, Katie, and Eric unravel the truth of these encounters with the help of a character from the past kept me hooked until the very end.
June 27, 2026
Vicki – Your talent amazes me! Vicki Atkinson’s first book, a memoir titled Surviving Sue, touched me personally and was filled with honesty, compassion, and hope. It was impossible to forget. And now she does it again!
With Slivers, Vicki shows that her talent encompasses more than one genre. Slivers takes place in the summer of 1973 and is a compelling supernatural fiction that exhibits the same qualities that made her first book so captivating- richly developed characters and a true understanding of family dynamics. Her background in psychology makes the supernatural elements feel like real-life experiences we all share.
Slivers is a story about family, identity, intuition, and the discovery of truths long hidden. The suspense kept me turning pages.
I also loved the real-life connection to George!
Many writers master one genre; Vicki has now mastered two... Slivers and Surviving Sue. Vicki Atkinson is a gifted storyteller who leaves you thinking about her stories long after the book ends. I highly recommend Slivers as your next read!
With Slivers, Vicki shows that her talent encompasses more than one genre. Slivers takes place in the summer of 1973 and is a compelling supernatural fiction that exhibits the same qualities that made her first book so captivating- richly developed characters and a true understanding of family dynamics. Her background in psychology makes the supernatural elements feel like real-life experiences we all share.
Slivers is a story about family, identity, intuition, and the discovery of truths long hidden. The suspense kept me turning pages.
I also loved the real-life connection to George!
Many writers master one genre; Vicki has now mastered two... Slivers and Surviving Sue. Vicki Atkinson is a gifted storyteller who leaves you thinking about her stories long after the book ends. I highly recommend Slivers as your next read!
August 13, 2026
Vicki paints an intricate family portrait with words brushed on a canvas of secrets. Three adolescents—Jane, Katie and Eric experience what can’t be explained because of secrets. Secrets hidden by their mothers. Secrets about their family. Secrets that buried their past. Secrets about their intuitive sense. But secrets can’t be kept forever. Slivers—spirits from another dimension—reveal themselves to these young souls. They soon discover that some slivers are mischievous and others harbor malicious intent.
What are slivers? Where do they come from? Can they be controlled? Can you escape from them? Why do we experience what others can’t? Why can we share unspoken thoughts?
These are the questions their young minds want answered. And they won’t give up until they get answers from the secret keepers—their family.
This book is engaging and nail biting. The author paints you into the family portrait. You, the reader, like Jane, Katie and Eric are drawn to seek answers to these questions.
What are slivers? Where do they come from? Can they be controlled? Can you escape from them? Why do we experience what others can’t? Why can we share unspoken thoughts?
These are the questions their young minds want answered. And they won’t give up until they get answers from the secret keepers—their family.
This book is engaging and nail biting. The author paints you into the family portrait. You, the reader, like Jane, Katie and Eric are drawn to seek answers to these questions.
June 10, 2026
I've followed Dr. Vicki Atkinson's blog for some time, and having previously read her memoir, Surviving Sue, I was excited to learn that she was writing fiction. I can only hope that she continues down this path because Slivers is a terrific supernatural fiction novel that skillfully peels away the layers of generations of secrets in a dysfunctional family.
Set in 1973, this story follows three sisters as they attempt to hide a terrible family secret from their children. Though the mothers intend to protect their children, they do so through outright lies, deceit, and absurd insincerity. As the teens begin to connect the dots, the mothers become more desperate and act even more irrationally, attempting to cover up the messes they've already made. While the overall tale spans one week in the present, we learn much of the backstory as the novel unfolds. It was suspenseful throughout, and I kept wondering what lengths the adults would go to carry out the charade.
Set in 1973, this story follows three sisters as they attempt to hide a terrible family secret from their children. Though the mothers intend to protect their children, they do so through outright lies, deceit, and absurd insincerity. As the teens begin to connect the dots, the mothers become more desperate and act even more irrationally, attempting to cover up the messes they've already made. While the overall tale spans one week in the present, we learn much of the backstory as the novel unfolds. It was suspenseful throughout, and I kept wondering what lengths the adults would go to carry out the charade.
July 5, 2026
Vicki Atkinson is a good writer. I "met" her through our blogs and have enjoyed her posts each and every time. I read her first book, Surviving Sue, a memoir about being raised by a mom with mental health issues, addiction, and ultimately Alzheimer's, while protecting her disabled younger sister. The memoir was not easy to read, not because of the excellent writing, but the subject matter. Yet, Vicki's courage in writing this book is helpful to so many who have been raised in dysfunctional childhoods.
Slivers is different, it's a supernatural thriller that also addresses family dysfunction. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I get freaked out by supernatural stories with so many elements of truth. I generally don't read these kinds of books, but Slivers is another example of Vicki Atkinson's writing skill. Well done.
Slivers is different, it's a supernatural thriller that also addresses family dysfunction. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I get freaked out by supernatural stories with so many elements of truth. I generally don't read these kinds of books, but Slivers is another example of Vicki Atkinson's writing skill. Well done.
May 14, 2026
You may think your family is a tribe of misfits, but what if there’s a backstory from generations earlier? I’ve never chewed my fingernails, but I could have with this story of ancestral secrets run amok. Teenagers living with secrets, rituals, tension, deceit, assured by their mothers that things are okay but sensing otherwise. Important things, worrisome, unspoken. Family dysfunction on steroids.
With whispers about the gift of intuition in her own family from generations across the ocean, Vicki Atkinson has woven a compelling story of inherited tentacles deeply entangled in the lives of younger descendants.
With whispers about the gift of intuition in her own family from generations across the ocean, Vicki Atkinson has woven a compelling story of inherited tentacles deeply entangled in the lives of younger descendants.
May 15, 2026
If you are looking to read a book that keeps you engaged and wanting to know more Silvers is for you. It brings you into life in the 70's to a family's intricate dynamic that is complex and interesting. Though fictional, the narrative is rooted in the author's own history, lending the characters to a rare depth and familiarity. You can visualize them in your mind, the way they look, dress, and feel, it's like you are in the room with them observing as the plot unfolds. Mystery, spiritual undercurrents, and the complexities of family life intertwine seamlessly, creating a story that lingers long after you finish. You will be left wanting to know that happens next to Jane and Katie.
June 13, 2026
I took my time reading this book. Story arc and character development are excellent. Use of language, descriptions, varied sentence lengths to enhance action, use of humor and teen patois, as well as dialogue and atmosphere are outstanding. SLIVERS is a study in how to write a multi-layered novel. As a ‘reader-reader’ instead of a ‘writer-reader’, I found the only "flaw" in SLIVERS was it simultaneously urged me to race forward while I wanted to read slowly and enjoy to the fullest every nuance this talented author delivers.
May 17, 2026
Secrets are meant to be kept—but never without consequence. In Slivers, Vicki Atkinson masterfully weaves good intentions with a tangled past, crafting a rich story of family, gifts, and legacy. This emotionally resonant novel explores how secrets can both protect and wound, ultimately celebrating those who survive—and thrive—despite them. A captivating read that lingers long after the final page.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews