The Divided

by Suzanne Burrows

Cursed one hundred and fifty years apart, Amy and Eliza do not know they are linked but their souls have been at war for a long time.

After her attempt to escape from Westsalter Asylum fails, Eliza, a Victorian orphan must endure life amidst a terrifying existence of incarceration, while demon worshipers, Viola and Baxter, are intent on dragging her into their experiments..

Modern-day Amy needs to change her life. A reunion with her estranged sister, Rachel, at Green Haven Hotel does not go as planned. A malevolent force resides inside the building and has its sights on Amy. When Rachel’s husband’s arrival widens the divide between the sisters, they realise that if they want to survive the haunting; they need to help each other.

They have only one question.

Will they survive?

296 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2020

Reviews

[Keziah Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a terrific, interesting exploration of the horror genre that left me thirsty for a second book. This story is all about two different worlds, in two different time periods, with strange twists and turns and well written descriptions that made me want to get to know each and every character within the story. This is where it began to fall a little short for me as a reader; the characters all had interesting backgrounds and some with very interesting personalities with nothing explored any further than simple descriptions, leaving them either wooden or forever shrouded in mystery. The only characters explored at all were the two main characters, one of which has very little personality but the other is deeply interesting and explored in depth AS the proper main character. The other character explored is literally erased more than 3/4ths through the story with no explanation as to why until the very end with a very half hearted explanation as to why. There also were also gaps within the timeline and flow of the book that made me wonder what I had missed within the story itself and it was never revisited later on. With that said, the descriptions were phenomenal, and made me feel as though I were in a cozy little 500 year old hotel on the English sea-side and deep within the confining walls of an ancient mental institution with ancient evils and human cruelty lurking around every corner. I genuinely felt for the main character who lived within these walls and thirsted to know why she all of a sudden forgot about a seemingly important plot point as the story drifted through the paranormal and through time itself into a another main character who wanted us to feel bad that she couldn't stop sleeping with her sister's husband.
I gave this book 4 stars because I want it to do well. I want another from this author because it was an excellent premise and I would like to know what happens in the future as this was left on such a high stakes cliffhanger. I implore anyone to pick up this novel, you will not want to put it down.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. Wish I hadn’t started it at night but who needs to ever sleep again? Can’t recommend it enough.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a horror-fantasy enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book! Not a book to read in the dark.

[Vivienne Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not generally a fan of the gothic horror genre, and this was a bit of a slow burn for me as I found the opening sequences in the Victorian asylum were difficult to get past. Worth sticking with, though, and I agree with other reviews on here, that as the plot developed and the modern sequences appeared it did gather momentum with a satisfyingly twisty plot.

It strikes me as something that would make a great adaptation for tv and I'd certainly watch it (with my fingers over my eyes!)

[Mrs D J Rugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

Well written great characters . Really enjoyed this debut novel interesting storyline with great ideas. Looking forward to reading more

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novel! Although it took me a little bit of time to get into it, I finished the last 3/4 of this book in 2 days. The divided is a horror story that switches between 2 characters: Eliza, a young orphan abandoned in an asylum in the 1860s, and Amy, on vacation with her sister to rekindle their damaged relationship in the present. As you progress through the book, these two timelines slowly start to become connecting and I loved how the story unfolded. A must read for all lovers of ghost stories.

I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.

[Ciella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story line, I enjoyed the time differences. It's a little of a slow burn first few chapters and picks up the pace when all the excitement is happening. A great short read for the weekend. ☺️

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Wow, what a page turner and disappointed that it has finished. There has to be a second book. Thank you!

[Monika Armet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told from the perspectives of two women: Eliza’s and Amy’s. The former is set in the past, the latter in the present.

Amy travels to Kent to Green Haven Hotel for a two-week holiday to try and improve the relationship with her estranged sister, Rachel. The hotel held a special place in their mother’s heart who honeymooned there. It was their mother’s dying wish that the sisters would meet there after her death.

At the beginning, their relations feel strained, but soon their relationship is put to the test and the two sisters must reunite despite their differences. Amy begins to experience paranormal phenomena including auditory and visual hallucinations. It appears that the hotel is haunted and the ghosts want something from Amy…

Weaved in between Amy’s account is the story of Eliza, who arrived at what she thought was an orphanage, but in fact was a mental asylum. The asylum is run by cruel Miss Viola Reston and her brother Mr Baxter Reston, who perform menacing experiments in the basement. Soon, Eliza is drawn to work alongside them, but is she a willing participant or an innocent party? How are Eliza and Amy connected?

You’ll have to read this book for yourselves to find out. I loved it from the start to finish. I was fascinated to read Eliza’s story and it was my favourite part of the book. Eliza as a character grew from a shy and meek creature to a fearsome woman.

I also enjoyed reading Amy’s and Rachel’s story and why their relationship became strained in the first place. I found all the characters believable and exceptionally well described.

There are a couple of delicious twists in the book that made me exclaim out loud!

Overall, it is a great horror story that will send shivers running up and down your spine.

[Fae Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want a book two, but it's been four years, I don't think we're getting one, and that makes me frustrated and a little unsatisfied. But it was also really good!
I was confused while the timeline switched in-between and it wasn't until the end that I understood what happened. My brain is still trying to understand everything and it together. Really well done, Suzanne Burrows.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzanne Burrows was new to me but I read the blurb for The Divided and along with the striking cover I was hooked!
Moving from past to present we follow Amy and Eliza. Born 150 years apart,but linked together somehow, this is their story.

A horror novel that grabbed me right away. Suzanne Burrows has written a book that turns and twists all the way, leaving the reader not knowing what's next. I found it so intriguing and I was invested in the characters too. This meant I just kept turning the pages.

I found the detailed, vivid descriptions of the settings had me visualising these places. The mental institution that Eliza was committed too with all the evil and cruelty that came with being there. I was as scared as she was. It really crept me out. Such an atmospheric and chilling story that I recommend you read in the daytime!
I felt lucky to be able to read this and am looking forward to the next book.

Thanks to Suzanne Burrows for her patience and the copy of the book!