What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Flowers
Life at St. Agatha's School for Girls is anything but a fairytale. With ratty blankets and a torturous device called the box, it's not hard to understand Eliza's desperation to escape. When the timing is right, Eliza manages to run away with her best friend Millie, heading through the Louisiana swamps to the town on the other side. But the swamps may be even more dangerous than the orphanage. Silver and black fairies invite the girls to experience a world where they can have it all, but Eliza doesn't trust the sparkling beauty. When Millie suddenly becomes violent and attacks another girl, Eliza knows something awful is about to happen. She will do anything to protect Millie but once Eliza remembers her own terrible secret, it is impossible to forget. The fairies' songs call to Eliza and its getting harder and harder to pretend it's all in her head.
196 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2016
9 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 31, 2019
Dark Flowers, a YA/horror book was a solid 4 stars. The book centers around two friends-Eliza and Millie, both orphans at St. Agatha’s School for Girls. Even with a few kind nuns that help run the school, life is difficult at St. Agatha’s. Eliza dreams of nothing else but escaping to a new life but things only get worse when Eliza and Millie encounter silver and black fairies. Their world seems magical and enchanting-at first that is.
Dark Flowers is a dark read that is well-written and certainly entertaining. I enjoyed the world that the author created and felt that the characters were well developed. Highly recommended to fans of horror, YA and fantasy books. Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Flowers is a dark read that is well-written and certainly entertaining. I enjoyed the world that the author created and felt that the characters were well developed. Highly recommended to fans of horror, YA and fantasy books. Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
What a dark little read...
This book is very dark yes, and I wouldn't necessarily aim it as a children's book (YA). I think the target audience is a little young for some of the things that are discussed as well as presented in this book.
But this book is definitely binge-worthy and is a creepy little read for anyone looking for such things. It's well-written and well-thought-out. I do recommend it.
This book is very dark yes, and I wouldn't necessarily aim it as a children's book (YA). I think the target audience is a little young for some of the things that are discussed as well as presented in this book.
But this book is definitely binge-worthy and is a creepy little read for anyone looking for such things. It's well-written and well-thought-out. I do recommend it.
March 31, 2019
Are you one of those people who think fairies are adorable, tiny, mysterious beings that come and sprinkle their whimsical fairy dust all over the place making everything smell like cotton candy?
"Oh, they are so tiny and so harmless, right?"
Well then, I have some rather unfortunate news for you regarding fairies! They could be possibly the root of all evil!
So precisely what do I think the book has going on for itself?
A lot!
The design of the book is thrilling. Or should I say, the story is suspenseful where you don't know where the book is going? When the girls get themselves out of one mess, they find themselves in another. From the start of the book to the end of the book, the novel is an overall exciting read.
At the start, the book begins with a tale of how an orphan attempted to escape but had gotten attacked and devoured by alligators never to be seen again. It set it up for the main plot of Eliza and Millie getting the hell out of that orphanage.
The introduction fo the head nun and the closet was another obstacle that causes some oh-nos. You didn't' want the girls to get caught by her. It was made very clear that the nun loved to do nothing more than making the orphans lives a living hell.
The first run-in with the fairies was pretty awesome! Not exactly how I thought a fairy would be. So evil and devilish. More of them later on.
The book has a dark feeling, and it tremendously added to the story.
I am pretty sure that Caytlyn Brooke created this world with that explicit intention in mind. To produce a dreary, depressing, and not so friendly place for the orphans to live.
If it wasn't her intention, perhaps it's because of the feeling I had in my mind about how I thought an old orphanage would look if it were run by a bunch of crusty old nuns.
Ok! Ok! I'm sure all nuns aren't crusty, but as I mentioned before, the head nun was. Saying that she was mean is an understatement!
I know a significant influence of my picturing how the orphanage was came from an old movie called Annie from 1982. In that movie, the orphanage was dark, the kids unhappy, and it was run by an old hag called Miss Hannigan. Do you remember it? Look it up only if you like musicals.
The other thing that added to the darkness was the orphanage's surroundings. It was in the middle of nowhere with swamp damp swamps and old forests all around it. The perfect environment for dark and evil things to live!
Later on in the book, I figured out that it wasn't written about the past, but it was more modern than I thought with the mentioning of cars and a modern day hospital.
The two girls have a strong bond. I liked how it showed that they had to stick together to survive, or so they thought at least.
Millie and Eliza. One was shy, quiet, and seemed like just an all-around good kid. The other one, a bit more loud, outgoing, and some could classify her as a trouble maker. Opposites attract I suppose!
One part of the story that I thought was well done concerning their friendship was on adoption day. Eliza found out that Millie was going to be adopted. There was a flow of feelings and emotion going through Eliza's head, and she just didn't want to let go of Millie and their friendship.
It was magical. Although it wasn't good magic, you had your fill of dark fairy magic!
The fairies were nasty little beings, I loved how Caytlyn created them. They weren't the traditional type of fairy. They were nasty. I'm not going to get into everything they did, but let's just say, you wouldn't want to meet them in a forest by the swamp while escaping an orphanage at night.
Some of the most eery details that I enjoyed was the evidence of the fairies the silver dust, the creepy signing, and their mass numbers. Oh yes, their mass numbers, they tiny devils travel in hordes and give off a new meaning of power in numbers.
My Verdict About the Book?
Read it!
If you are a fan of YA or a fan of dark fantasy, then this book is for you. It has everything that makes up a great story. Strong characters, a smooth well thought out storyline, and when you think the book
I would recommend this book! Give it a read, you won't be sorry you did!
"Oh, they are so tiny and so harmless, right?"
Well then, I have some rather unfortunate news for you regarding fairies! They could be possibly the root of all evil!
So precisely what do I think the book has going on for itself?
A lot!
The design of the book is thrilling. Or should I say, the story is suspenseful where you don't know where the book is going? When the girls get themselves out of one mess, they find themselves in another. From the start of the book to the end of the book, the novel is an overall exciting read.
At the start, the book begins with a tale of how an orphan attempted to escape but had gotten attacked and devoured by alligators never to be seen again. It set it up for the main plot of Eliza and Millie getting the hell out of that orphanage.
The introduction fo the head nun and the closet was another obstacle that causes some oh-nos. You didn't' want the girls to get caught by her. It was made very clear that the nun loved to do nothing more than making the orphans lives a living hell.
The first run-in with the fairies was pretty awesome! Not exactly how I thought a fairy would be. So evil and devilish. More of them later on.
The book has a dark feeling, and it tremendously added to the story.
I am pretty sure that Caytlyn Brooke created this world with that explicit intention in mind. To produce a dreary, depressing, and not so friendly place for the orphans to live.
If it wasn't her intention, perhaps it's because of the feeling I had in my mind about how I thought an old orphanage would look if it were run by a bunch of crusty old nuns.
Ok! Ok! I'm sure all nuns aren't crusty, but as I mentioned before, the head nun was. Saying that she was mean is an understatement!
I know a significant influence of my picturing how the orphanage was came from an old movie called Annie from 1982. In that movie, the orphanage was dark, the kids unhappy, and it was run by an old hag called Miss Hannigan. Do you remember it? Look it up only if you like musicals.
The other thing that added to the darkness was the orphanage's surroundings. It was in the middle of nowhere with swamp damp swamps and old forests all around it. The perfect environment for dark and evil things to live!
Later on in the book, I figured out that it wasn't written about the past, but it was more modern than I thought with the mentioning of cars and a modern day hospital.
The two girls have a strong bond. I liked how it showed that they had to stick together to survive, or so they thought at least.
Millie and Eliza. One was shy, quiet, and seemed like just an all-around good kid. The other one, a bit more loud, outgoing, and some could classify her as a trouble maker. Opposites attract I suppose!
One part of the story that I thought was well done concerning their friendship was on adoption day. Eliza found out that Millie was going to be adopted. There was a flow of feelings and emotion going through Eliza's head, and she just didn't want to let go of Millie and their friendship.
It was magical. Although it wasn't good magic, you had your fill of dark fairy magic!
The fairies were nasty little beings, I loved how Caytlyn created them. They weren't the traditional type of fairy. They were nasty. I'm not going to get into everything they did, but let's just say, you wouldn't want to meet them in a forest by the swamp while escaping an orphanage at night.
Some of the most eery details that I enjoyed was the evidence of the fairies the silver dust, the creepy signing, and their mass numbers. Oh yes, their mass numbers, they tiny devils travel in hordes and give off a new meaning of power in numbers.
My Verdict About the Book?
Read it!
If you are a fan of YA or a fan of dark fantasy, then this book is for you. It has everything that makes up a great story. Strong characters, a smooth well thought out storyline, and when you think the book
I would recommend this book! Give it a read, you won't be sorry you did!
June 11, 2018
Caytlyn Brooke puts you square in the middle of the mind of thirteen-year-old Eliza, a seemingly innocent girl who values friendship and doing the right thing. This one starts off putting me in the mind of Stephen King’s Carrie with its tone, setting, and darkness and youth protagonist and then immediately takes a Beautiful Mind turn. The beauty of Brooke’s narrative from beginning to end is the first-person POV, a brilliant decision in the writing process. Because Eliza is the quintessential unreliable narrator, like A Beautiful Mind’s John Nash, we’re never quite sure what’s real and what’s not, which makes for an interesting and unpredictable ride.
This is a short novel that resides in the YA genre, but its mystery, horror, and supernatural thriller appeal is sure to satisfy the most discriminating reader of a “good story.” Brooke crafts a big story in a little book by placing a compact group of well-developed characters into a few well-described settings and then rounds it out by combining the elements of action, authentic dialogue, vivid imagery in single passages, giving the narrative a flow that feels almost cinematic. From St. Agatha with the nuns to the asylum with the guards to the swamp with the fairies, you can see, hear, and feel the world Brooke has created. Dark Flowers is quite an accomplishment for a first novel, and I’m looking forward to Brooke’s sophomore effort.
This is a short novel that resides in the YA genre, but its mystery, horror, and supernatural thriller appeal is sure to satisfy the most discriminating reader of a “good story.” Brooke crafts a big story in a little book by placing a compact group of well-developed characters into a few well-described settings and then rounds it out by combining the elements of action, authentic dialogue, vivid imagery in single passages, giving the narrative a flow that feels almost cinematic. From St. Agatha with the nuns to the asylum with the guards to the swamp with the fairies, you can see, hear, and feel the world Brooke has created. Dark Flowers is quite an accomplishment for a first novel, and I’m looking forward to Brooke’s sophomore effort.
July 29, 2022
Dark Flowers was a thrilling read that kept me on the edge of my toes!
This isn’t my usual genre, so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but I found myself needing to know more about Eliza and Millie. I loved the fairy element as well and how the author described them. I felt like I was there with the two girls the whole time experiencing everything they were feeling.
I don’t want to spoil anything but I loved the ending! It was twisted and creepy and so well done! The author has a great writing style and the pacing was very nice.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would definitely read more by this author!
This isn’t my usual genre, so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but I found myself needing to know more about Eliza and Millie. I loved the fairy element as well and how the author described them. I felt like I was there with the two girls the whole time experiencing everything they were feeling.
I don’t want to spoil anything but I loved the ending! It was twisted and creepy and so well done! The author has a great writing style and the pacing was very nice.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would definitely read more by this author!
January 1, 2017
The end ing of this book made me feel very unsatisfied Maybe its because the twist is revealed in the first half instead of in the second half.
I will admit i am not an expert on the care of juvenile offenders but i find it impossible to believe a girl who stabbed another girl with scissors would be allowed to return to an environment where there are vulnerable young girls who would be endangered
The book also suffers from some bad formatting as passages that are meant to be in italics arent causing the writing to become confusing.
I will admit i am not an expert on the care of juvenile offenders but i find it impossible to believe a girl who stabbed another girl with scissors would be allowed to return to an environment where there are vulnerable young girls who would be endangered
The book also suffers from some bad formatting as passages that are meant to be in italics arent causing the writing to become confusing.
March 6, 2018
Review based on **Audio** ARC (Advanced Review Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review).
I think this could have been a great book, but the various issues left it at good for me. It is touted as Young Adult Horror, and I think perhaps, if I had been reading it myself or if the narrator had been better, it might have pulled that off. Unfortunately, although the actions were horrific at times (very dark things happen), the tone of the book as read was very light and almost instructional. I felt like a Sunday School Church teacher had been trying to teach a lesson to fifth graders rather than someone reading a horror novel to me. It was quite disconcerting, particularly in the context of the book at times. When someone is committing an act of horror, but it's being talked about as if you were being offered "coffee and bars," it's jarring.
There were also issues with the recording -- it skipped at times, repeated little snippets at times, and, as others have already mentioned, omitted an entire portion of the book in the middle. Frustrating. On top of that, the reader mispronounced a variety of words -- the one that stuck out the most was pronouncing "bared" (as in, "bared teeth") as if it were barred. Oops. That definitely also threw me. In addition, because of the format it was sent in, it kept restarting the chapter (and sometimes the whole book), so I had to keep track of where I was at all times in terms of chapter & minutes/seconds in order to not have as much interruption.
But the story was good. Although there were elements that felt "debut" and amateur, mostly, I think it was a well-thought-out teen horror. The creep-factor is strong, there is definitely gore and psychotic or sociopathic behavior, and supernatural elements. At times it felt a little undirected (for example, some things that I felt would go somewhere ended up not really being relevant to the story), but I nevertheless really wanted to know what happened next, and how it all resolved. For me, there weren't really any great surprises, but I thought it could have been a great, quick read. I would read something else by this author. Unfortunately, however, I would try to avoid listening to this reader again.
overall, THREE of five stars.
I think this could have been a great book, but the various issues left it at good for me. It is touted as Young Adult Horror, and I think perhaps, if I had been reading it myself or if the narrator had been better, it might have pulled that off. Unfortunately, although the actions were horrific at times (very dark things happen), the tone of the book as read was very light and almost instructional. I felt like a Sunday School Church teacher had been trying to teach a lesson to fifth graders rather than someone reading a horror novel to me. It was quite disconcerting, particularly in the context of the book at times. When someone is committing an act of horror, but it's being talked about as if you were being offered "coffee and bars," it's jarring.
There were also issues with the recording -- it skipped at times, repeated little snippets at times, and, as others have already mentioned, omitted an entire portion of the book in the middle. Frustrating. On top of that, the reader mispronounced a variety of words -- the one that stuck out the most was pronouncing "bared" (as in, "bared teeth") as if it were barred. Oops. That definitely also threw me. In addition, because of the format it was sent in, it kept restarting the chapter (and sometimes the whole book), so I had to keep track of where I was at all times in terms of chapter & minutes/seconds in order to not have as much interruption.
But the story was good. Although there were elements that felt "debut" and amateur, mostly, I think it was a well-thought-out teen horror. The creep-factor is strong, there is definitely gore and psychotic or sociopathic behavior, and supernatural elements. At times it felt a little undirected (for example, some things that I felt would go somewhere ended up not really being relevant to the story), but I nevertheless really wanted to know what happened next, and how it all resolved. For me, there weren't really any great surprises, but I thought it could have been a great, quick read. I would read something else by this author. Unfortunately, however, I would try to avoid listening to this reader again.
overall, THREE of five stars.
October 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I knew from the moment I read the blurb that I would like it, but I loved it even more than expected! It's dark, intense and had me on the edge of my seat. I love fantasy books so am very surprised I hadn't come across this one sooner.
I was drawn in from the start and hooked throughout. I had no idea how it would end but I was not expecting that!! I love a book with a good twist and this one certainly delivered.
The book has a bit of everything. An orphanage, a mental hospital, nuns, fairies, violence; together it makes a great story!
I was drawn in from the start and hooked throughout. I had no idea how it would end but I was not expecting that!! I love a book with a good twist and this one certainly delivered.
The book has a bit of everything. An orphanage, a mental hospital, nuns, fairies, violence; together it makes a great story!
October 22, 2019
*I was sent this book as an ebook from #BHC Press through #netgalley for a honest review. This does not effect my review in any way.
I don’t think I would necessarily classify this book as YA, as some of the content is a little dark for that age group.
But it was still an amazing read, it had me on the edge of my seat for sure, so much so that I finished in a day.
I am however not sure I will think of fairies the same way ever again.
A perfect read for this time of year for sure.
I don’t think I would necessarily classify this book as YA, as some of the content is a little dark for that age group.
But it was still an amazing read, it had me on the edge of my seat for sure, so much so that I finished in a day.
I am however not sure I will think of fairies the same way ever again.
A perfect read for this time of year for sure.
November 21, 2016
If you're looking for the perfect spooky book to curl up with as a snowstorm swirls outside, look no further. Dark Flowers is the perfect dark version of a fairy-tale: complete with a brutal headmistress, orphans in distress, a psychiatric hospital and not-so-nice fairies.
The main character is Eliza, who, along with her friend Millie, lives at St. Agatha's School for Girls, a depressing orphanage run by a sadistic headmistress. Eliza vows not only to escape through the Louisiana swamps that surround the grounds, but bring Millie with her. But their attempt is thwarted when the girls encounter alluring fairies, who invite them to share in their realm. But Eliza has a bad feeling about them. And based on what happens next, she was right.
This book kept me turning pages until I hit the end. I couldn't wait to see what happened. I don't want to give away too many details, because the fun is in reading the twists yourself, but as the girls get closer to uncovering the secrets of the swamp fairies, things get scary - fast.
And while the story uses some tried-and-true techniques to keep the readers on their toes - dreams, whispered voices, scary children - the story feels fresh and new. It never at any point feels tired or reductive. That's what makes it so great; I had no idea what was going to come next or how it was going to work out.
The ending is also satisfying, wrapping things up nicely, answering all the major questions. But it's definitely got this open-ended feeling, like in the movie Psycho, where you are left wondering, "Oh God, what's next?!"
I'm really trying not to give anything away because it really is that good, there's a new shock around every turn and you'll stay up all night finishing it. You won't regret picking this one up.
Absolutely recommend.
The main character is Eliza, who, along with her friend Millie, lives at St. Agatha's School for Girls, a depressing orphanage run by a sadistic headmistress. Eliza vows not only to escape through the Louisiana swamps that surround the grounds, but bring Millie with her. But their attempt is thwarted when the girls encounter alluring fairies, who invite them to share in their realm. But Eliza has a bad feeling about them. And based on what happens next, she was right.
This book kept me turning pages until I hit the end. I couldn't wait to see what happened. I don't want to give away too many details, because the fun is in reading the twists yourself, but as the girls get closer to uncovering the secrets of the swamp fairies, things get scary - fast.
And while the story uses some tried-and-true techniques to keep the readers on their toes - dreams, whispered voices, scary children - the story feels fresh and new. It never at any point feels tired or reductive. That's what makes it so great; I had no idea what was going to come next or how it was going to work out.
The ending is also satisfying, wrapping things up nicely, answering all the major questions. But it's definitely got this open-ended feeling, like in the movie Psycho, where you are left wondering, "Oh God, what's next?!"
I'm really trying not to give anything away because it really is that good, there's a new shock around every turn and you'll stay up all night finishing it. You won't regret picking this one up.
Absolutely recommend.
May 27, 2020
Wow, what can I say...Dark Flowers is jaw-droppingly unique! After initially reading the blurb, I could never have anticipated the direction of this storyline. That is one of the reasons this is a great book. There are some disturbing themes worth mentioning: mental illness, child abuse, brainwashing, memory loss, orphaned children in care. I found it to be a very dark thriller-fantasy, true to real-life but with a touch of fairytale.
The opening quotation by John Lennon set the tone for the book, it is profoundly beautiful: "I believe in everything until it is disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's all in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?"
I rode a rollercoaster full of emotions, my imagination running wild whilst reading Dark Flowers into the early hours. I could not put it down. Fuelled by adrenaline I needed to know what was happening! I was deliciously devastated and shocked at the books surprisingly dark ending. This is a story that will stay with me and I thoroughly recommend!
The opening quotation by John Lennon set the tone for the book, it is profoundly beautiful: "I believe in everything until it is disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's all in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?"
I rode a rollercoaster full of emotions, my imagination running wild whilst reading Dark Flowers into the early hours. I could not put it down. Fuelled by adrenaline I needed to know what was happening! I was deliciously devastated and shocked at the books surprisingly dark ending. This is a story that will stay with me and I thoroughly recommend!
October 21, 2019
This was such a creepy book. I'm not sure why it's never talked about, but I loved it. Apparently, this was published in 2016. Where was I? Where was the whole book community?
This has all of my favorite topics. A creepy foster home ran by nuns, fairies, an unreliable narrator, and a mental institution. The author just didn't hold back, either. The whole book I was second-guessing whether or not I should believe our main character, Eliza, or the side character, Millie, or neither of them. There was just so much back and forth, but it didn't feel drawn out. This was definitely on the shorter side, but I think that suited this book well. It wasn't long enough to where I got bored by all the second-guessing, but it wasn't too short, and so I felt completely satisfied by the end of it all.
It's hard to delve too deeply into what this is about, since I feel like it'd spoil the book. I went into it completely blind and I think everyone should do the same. Let's just say these fairies aren't what you'd usually expect. On my notes, after they first appeared, I wrote 'vampire fairies?' which I think sums up my thoughts nicely.
Overall, this book is pretty gory (all my trigger warnings are listed out below) and it's focused around two elementary-aged children, so if that sounds like something that would bother you, I wouldn't recommend it. Otherwise, I absolutely would. Especially for a nice spooky book to read around the Halloween season.
trigger warnings: child abandonment, cutting, blood, gore, violence, murder, child abuse
This has all of my favorite topics. A creepy foster home ran by nuns, fairies, an unreliable narrator, and a mental institution. The author just didn't hold back, either. The whole book I was second-guessing whether or not I should believe our main character, Eliza, or the side character, Millie, or neither of them. There was just so much back and forth, but it didn't feel drawn out. This was definitely on the shorter side, but I think that suited this book well. It wasn't long enough to where I got bored by all the second-guessing, but it wasn't too short, and so I felt completely satisfied by the end of it all.
It's hard to delve too deeply into what this is about, since I feel like it'd spoil the book. I went into it completely blind and I think everyone should do the same. Let's just say these fairies aren't what you'd usually expect. On my notes, after they first appeared, I wrote 'vampire fairies?' which I think sums up my thoughts nicely.
Overall, this book is pretty gory (all my trigger warnings are listed out below) and it's focused around two elementary-aged children, so if that sounds like something that would bother you, I wouldn't recommend it. Otherwise, I absolutely would. Especially for a nice spooky book to read around the Halloween season.
trigger warnings: child abandonment, cutting, blood, gore, violence, murder, child abuse
dnf
May 17, 2018DNF ~50%
No rating, as I'm DNFing because of a problem with the ARC, not the story.
I won an audio ARC through Library thing. I found the writing and the narration stiff. I would have stuck with it though, but chapter five was 2.5 minutes long, while all the others are 20-40, and it cut off abruptly. It's obvious that something was missing. Not only something, but something important. (I think maybe a climactic scene.) I listened to several chapters past the gap and there was apparently an attack, a hospitalization, and characters were introduced. I can pick all of this up from references, but I have no idea what actually happened and it all left me confused and unhappy. So, It might have been a 3 star listen by the end (I can't imagine it being any more), but I'm going to stop now. The 20-30+ minutes of missing narration did me in. I understand it's an ARC, so those with finished copies shouldn't have this problem.
No rating, as I'm DNFing because of a problem with the ARC, not the story.
I won an audio ARC through Library thing. I found the writing and the narration stiff. I would have stuck with it though, but chapter five was 2.5 minutes long, while all the others are 20-40, and it cut off abruptly. It's obvious that something was missing. Not only something, but something important. (I think maybe a climactic scene.) I listened to several chapters past the gap and there was apparently an attack, a hospitalization, and characters were introduced. I can pick all of this up from references, but I have no idea what actually happened and it all left me confused and unhappy. So, It might have been a 3 star listen by the end (I can't imagine it being any more), but I'm going to stop now. The 20-30+ minutes of missing narration did me in. I understand it's an ARC, so those with finished copies shouldn't have this problem.
November 26, 2019
I have always known that if something is good there's always a bad version. Fairies are made to be such beautiful creatures, it's difficult to think that someone would think them evil, right? Yeah right! Even the prettiest child can have the tendency to be bad. In Dark Flowers, Millie believes fairies exist, but only when she and Eliza run away from the orphanage do they find the fairy realm, and get into more trouble than staying at St. Agatha would have ever brought upon them.
This was one of those difficult to put down dark fantasy novels. It kept me guessing what was fact and what was truly Eliza's imagination. It is an amazing debut novel and I can't wait to read more from this author.
This was one of those difficult to put down dark fantasy novels. It kept me guessing what was fact and what was truly Eliza's imagination. It is an amazing debut novel and I can't wait to read more from this author.
June 14, 2022
One of the first indie books I bought and merely because of the synopsis. This story did not disappoint me at all. First off...it has children who turned out to be unsettling (for reasons you'll come to understand) but that's already a scary point for me. I feel so much for Eliza, the MC of the story. She is a thirteen year old residing at St. Agatha's after several unsuccessful stints in foster homes. She befriends a sweet younger girl named Millie, and they make plans to run away from the horrid orphanage for good...until something strange happens one fateful day that changes the course of their lives. Now, I won't give any spoilers to this story, but there were things that happened that I didn't see coming and it was an incredible read. Creepy, disturbing and rather gruesome at times, it's definitely one to check out, especially if creepy kids and fairies are your jam.
October 22, 2019
*I was sent this book as an ebook from #BHC Press through #netgalley for a honest review. This does not effect my review in any way.
I don’t think I would necessarily classify this book as YA, as some of the content is a little dark for that age group.
But it was still an amazing read, it had me on the edge of my seat for sure, and I am not sure I will think of fairies the same way ever again.
A perfect read for this time of year for sure.
I don’t think I would necessarily classify this book as YA, as some of the content is a little dark for that age group.
But it was still an amazing read, it had me on the edge of my seat for sure, and I am not sure I will think of fairies the same way ever again.
A perfect read for this time of year for sure.
June 7, 2022
sinister dark tale
There’s something dark about Eliza’s life. She yearns to be free of the orphanage, plots to escape with her friend Millie but something quite sinister shadows the two girls. A dark little story that doesn’t reveal itself until the end. Loved it
There’s something dark about Eliza’s life. She yearns to be free of the orphanage, plots to escape with her friend Millie but something quite sinister shadows the two girls. A dark little story that doesn’t reveal itself until the end. Loved it
September 18, 2024
This was a great fae horror. I wish there were more books written with the fae portrayed in a terrifying manner. I really enjoyed reading. this I finished it in a night. It was a good time. It was like an awesome Goosebumps episode if Goosebumps was PG 13.
December 27, 2019
This was a really good fantasy/horror book, I really liked it not my usual read but nice for a change. Killer fairies who would of thought? I would definitely read more books from this Author.
October 17, 2024
Haunting, beautiful, and dark "Dark Flowers" delves into the the world of fairies with a perspective I've never considered. These fae aren't Tinkerbell. Every moment is poignant and relevant in this book. Caytlyn Brooke spins a dark web of mystery and friendship amongst pre-teen girls in an orphanage where hope seems to be lost and the girls abandoned by the world. Caytlyn's prose invokes vivid mental images within the readers' minds that are just as much their own characters as the actual characters. Fairies and children collide in a roller coaster of dark magic that is both hopeful and frightening.
Fast paced and suspenseful, the end caught me by complete surprise. It haunted me for days afterwards, a fact that forced me to go back and read a it second time a week later. Dark Flowers will call to you, long after you turn the last page.
Once again, Caytlyn Brooke proves why she should be at the top of every fantasy reader's list!
Fast paced and suspenseful, the end caught me by complete surprise. It haunted me for days afterwards, a fact that forced me to go back and read a it second time a week later. Dark Flowers will call to you, long after you turn the last page.
Once again, Caytlyn Brooke proves why she should be at the top of every fantasy reader's list!
July 21, 2018
3.5/5.0
“Dark Flowers” is a dark fantasy that has all the things needed for a great horror novel.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Dark Flowers” is a dark fantasy that has all the things needed for a great horror novel.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 28, 2020
2.5 stars
That was seriously creepy and disturbing.
That was seriously creepy and disturbing.
March 29, 2020
This debut novel by Caytlyn Brooke really delivers. Her writing skills exceed what you would expect for someone her age. I enjoyed reading Dark Flowers and would recommend it for YA readers but only if they appreciate dark horror stories. Some readers will find the subject matter disturbing. The book has a great ending with a twist I didn't see coming. I'm not going to say much more because I don't want to provide a spoiler.
October 16, 2019
A wonderfully twisted story.
I don’t usually read these types of books but I am glad that I did this time, from start to finish I was entranced with the characters. I love a writer that can take the Fairy/mythical and show that dark side of it instead of the usual happy-go-lucky.
I love the way this is written and I was pleasantly shocked with the ending, I will differently be keeping my eye on this author.
I don’t usually read these types of books but I am glad that I did this time, from start to finish I was entranced with the characters. I love a writer that can take the Fairy/mythical and show that dark side of it instead of the usual happy-go-lucky.
I love the way this is written and I was pleasantly shocked with the ending, I will differently be keeping my eye on this author.
October 16, 2019
I have a deep love for boarding school books. Something about teens locked up together always makes for an interesting story - and this one does not disappoint. Genre-bending and extremely satisfying, I could not put this down. Eliza is a brilliant, troubled and real young teen trying to find her place in a world of secrets and magic. Great for fans of VC Andrews!
July 14, 2021
BOOK HANG OVER! I don't even know how to put this review into words! And any book that can leave me speechless, is one damn good book!
This book will have u yelling at it. It'll have u confused, happy, sad. Thinking bad stuff about the wrong person the whole time! Then it explains EVERYTHING & still 2 days later u will be in shock!
REALLY GOOD BOOK!
This book will have u yelling at it. It'll have u confused, happy, sad. Thinking bad stuff about the wrong person the whole time! Then it explains EVERYTHING & still 2 days later u will be in shock!
REALLY GOOD BOOK!
January 7, 2018
Debut novels don’t get much better than this! Dark Flowers is a fairy story with a deliciously dark twist.
We’re introduced to Eliza as she manages to get herself thrown in solitary at St. Agatha’s which is a school/orphanage for girls. Straight away we get a sense that Eliza is mischievous and fun. She doesn’t enjoy her life at St. Agatha’s and as we learn more about the threadbare blankets, cruel tortures, and loveless lifestyle we feel for her and understand her need to rebel all the more.
She has one friend, Millie, who is the opposite in temperament and the yang to Eliza’s yin. They work well as a team. Fearing that one day Millie will be adopted and they will be separated, Eliza decides to run away with her friend through the swamps that surround the school.
It’s at this point Eliza and Millie meet the fairies. Cast all your ideas about soft smiles, fairy dust, and magic charms out of your head – Brooke’s fairies are straight out of a horror movie. Silver and black with sharp teeth and a lust for blood.
Following their meeting with the strange creatures in the swamp, the girls flee and return to the school. Millie begins to act differently and attacks a fellow student with a pair of scissors. More violence follows and as the plot uncurls we shadow Eliza as she tries everything to save her friend.
I fully understand how Dark Flowers won the Silver Medal in the 2017 Literary Classics Awards for YA Paranormal/Horror. It’s a terrifying page-turner with a wonderful storyline that will keep you up at night.
We’re introduced to Eliza as she manages to get herself thrown in solitary at St. Agatha’s which is a school/orphanage for girls. Straight away we get a sense that Eliza is mischievous and fun. She doesn’t enjoy her life at St. Agatha’s and as we learn more about the threadbare blankets, cruel tortures, and loveless lifestyle we feel for her and understand her need to rebel all the more.
She has one friend, Millie, who is the opposite in temperament and the yang to Eliza’s yin. They work well as a team. Fearing that one day Millie will be adopted and they will be separated, Eliza decides to run away with her friend through the swamps that surround the school.
It’s at this point Eliza and Millie meet the fairies. Cast all your ideas about soft smiles, fairy dust, and magic charms out of your head – Brooke’s fairies are straight out of a horror movie. Silver and black with sharp teeth and a lust for blood.
Following their meeting with the strange creatures in the swamp, the girls flee and return to the school. Millie begins to act differently and attacks a fellow student with a pair of scissors. More violence follows and as the plot uncurls we shadow Eliza as she tries everything to save her friend.
I fully understand how Dark Flowers won the Silver Medal in the 2017 Literary Classics Awards for YA Paranormal/Horror. It’s a terrifying page-turner with a wonderful storyline that will keep you up at night.
January 10, 2017
This was such a fun and creepy book! It's very hard to put down because you want to keep reading to find out what happens next! The book benefits from a small cast of main characters because you really get a good feel for what they're all going through, and the changes that the story puts them through. Excellent descriptions make you feel like you're right there with Eliza as she tries to escape and save Millie and herself; and the ending makes you want to go back and read it again for missed details!
February 6, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you're like me, nothing but the page-turners makes it into my library! Dark Flowers definitely is a page-turner! The characters and the plot build upon themselves until you are so immersed in the book, you feel real emotions for the characters. Frustration, fear, jealousy, some joy but less of it because this is a creepy and thrilling book! The author holds nothing back. Happy ending in a way, but this isn't your average fairy-ever-after book. Highly recommend!!
November 22, 2016
Go Good
This was so dark and twisted. I could not put this book down. Very good. I only heard about this book a few days ago from a radio station wink 106 and could not wait to dive in. Wish I could have made it to the book signing in Elmira NY as I'm only 45 min drive.
This was so dark and twisted. I could not put this book down. Very good. I only heard about this book a few days ago from a radio station wink 106 and could not wait to dive in. Wish I could have made it to the book signing in Elmira NY as I'm only 45 min drive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews