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Spill
If you’d always felt invisible, how far would you go to be seen?
When seventeen-year-old Amy Shipley crosses the threshold of the abandoned house on Flinders Lane, she unwittingly unleashes the curse of a nineteenth-century bloodletter. Haunted by a charming ghost with a dark obsession, she is pushed down a path that leads to blood and pain.
But it’s a path where she is finally seen. Where she no longer feels alone.
Unable to ignore Amy’s descent into self-destruction, former boy-next-door Flynn Powell embarks on a mission to save the girl he’s fallen for. But walking that path opens old wounds, forcing him to question whether he’s the hero she really needs.
While Flynn battles his troubled past, Amy is thrust deeper into a seductive world of secrets and lies. In the fight to save their love, more than blood is going to be spilled, and it might just cost Amy her life.
If you like captivating mystery, characters with real issues and a tender romance that will melt your heart, you’ll love Amy and Flynn’s story.
When seventeen-year-old Amy Shipley crosses the threshold of the abandoned house on Flinders Lane, she unwittingly unleashes the curse of a nineteenth-century bloodletter. Haunted by a charming ghost with a dark obsession, she is pushed down a path that leads to blood and pain.
But it’s a path where she is finally seen. Where she no longer feels alone.
Unable to ignore Amy’s descent into self-destruction, former boy-next-door Flynn Powell embarks on a mission to save the girl he’s fallen for. But walking that path opens old wounds, forcing him to question whether he’s the hero she really needs.
While Flynn battles his troubled past, Amy is thrust deeper into a seductive world of secrets and lies. In the fight to save their love, more than blood is going to be spilled, and it might just cost Amy her life.
If you like captivating mystery, characters with real issues and a tender romance that will melt your heart, you’ll love Amy and Flynn’s story.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2021
1 person is currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Pickering
8 books36 followersMelanie Pickering writes urban gothic thrillers with mystery, romance, and a supernatural twist. Library Assistant by day, writer by night, she lives in Australia in a ninety-year-old home that is quite possibly haunted. She loves dark chocolate and hasn't met a macabre fact she doesn't like.
Her new dark cozy series, Deadly Possessions, follows psychic art historian Emily Sloane and her dangerously charming boss as they uncover the cursed secrets behind a trail of deadly antiques.
Find out more and sign up for her VIP List here: https://melaniepickering.com/newslett...
You can also follow her here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/Melanie-Pic...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniepick...
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Her new dark cozy series, Deadly Possessions, follows psychic art historian Emily Sloane and her dangerously charming boss as they uncover the cursed secrets behind a trail of deadly antiques.
Find out more and sign up for her VIP List here: https://melaniepickering.com/newslett...
You can also follow her here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/Melanie-Pic...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniepick...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniepicke...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melan...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 19, 2021
Normally I tend not to read books like this because I am a mental health professional however, the Ghost story in the beginning drew me in. The book starts off with a group of friends that go ghost hunting in an old/active train tunnel. This is where the group has their first encounter with doing something dangerous. Dangerous acts are what leads Amy to find out that if she self-harms in a haunted house she can communicate with the ghost in the building. This book does have triggers for anyone that could have been a cutter/self-mutilator. That aside I did read this book in 2 sittings, it was pretty enjoyable. I would 100% read another book with these characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2021
So. much. teenage. angst! This was superbly written, tense and fast-paced, with an original storyline and characters you want to be friends with. Sensitive subject matter is delicately dealt with, and it all felt REAL (in the best possible way). I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
December 23, 2021
When Amy goes ghost hunting with friends, they visit an old house once said to inhabit a nineteenth-century bloodletter. Accidently cutting herself during the hunt, Amy sees the ghost and realizes her blood is the key to being able to talk to him. This kicks off an obsession for her and she begins self-harming so she can visit the ghost. Why she needs to do this is never really made clear, and the creepy ghost parts of the story quickly fall away to the real heart of the book, which is Amy's relationship with Flynn. Flynn is a former neighbor she's been in love with for months, and although they're friends at school, Amy has never had the courage to tell Flynn how she feels. Unbeknownst to her, he feels the same way and has noticed Amy acting differently. He sees in her a pain he knows all too well as someone who used to self-harm. He reaches out to Amy and they start a relationship, which is then marred by upheaval in Flynn's home life, and Amy's obsession with hurting herself to visit the ghost. While it's more romance and teen-angst than a horror story, Spill is well-written with likable characters, and it touches on themes of mental health, domestic abuse, and young love in respectful ways that will appeal to readers of YA fiction.
December 7, 2021
Thank you to Readthebook Tours and Melanie for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have lately began truly appreciating authors who go out of the way to write stories that don't follow the norm and provide their readers with a new and intriguing experience. Pickering has achieved just that with this haunting and thrilling novel.
As we follow Amy (our female MC) on her discovery of the abandoned house on Flinder's Street to the mystery she unravels, you can't help but feel addicted to the steady pacing that holds through, compliments by a strong plot. The characters hold their own and you build a bond with each of them as you are thrown into their adventure.
I would like to mention that the book does cover self harming which I understand can be a mental health trigger. This would be the only thing I would encourage readers to consider prior to picking up this enthralling read.
I have lately began truly appreciating authors who go out of the way to write stories that don't follow the norm and provide their readers with a new and intriguing experience. Pickering has achieved just that with this haunting and thrilling novel.
As we follow Amy (our female MC) on her discovery of the abandoned house on Flinder's Street to the mystery she unravels, you can't help but feel addicted to the steady pacing that holds through, compliments by a strong plot. The characters hold their own and you build a bond with each of them as you are thrown into their adventure.
I would like to mention that the book does cover self harming which I understand can be a mental health trigger. This would be the only thing I would encourage readers to consider prior to picking up this enthralling read.
October 7, 2021
This is a great ghost story for YA took me right back to reading point horror when I was a teen. There are some hard hitting topics about self-harming and warning to anyone who is triggered by that probably best not to read this book.
The story was great though and I couldn't help but get involved like Amy to find out the truth about Marcel and his sister Valentina. The ending was really good too rounding off with a what happened to our ghosts rather than leaving their story completely untold.
The teenage love story between Amy and Flynn is very much how most teenage relationships start out and blossom.
I enjoyed Pickerings writting style was easy to get into the story and keep me captivated/entertained till the end. Look forward to reading more books by this author.
I receive a free arc copy of this book from booksirens and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
The story was great though and I couldn't help but get involved like Amy to find out the truth about Marcel and his sister Valentina. The ending was really good too rounding off with a what happened to our ghosts rather than leaving their story completely untold.
The teenage love story between Amy and Flynn is very much how most teenage relationships start out and blossom.
I enjoyed Pickerings writting style was easy to get into the story and keep me captivated/entertained till the end. Look forward to reading more books by this author.
I receive a free arc copy of this book from booksirens and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 5, 2021
The book was just beautiful. The aura of mystery that pulled Amy Shipley along with us fellow readers to the abandoned house on Flinder’s Street. Sheer slow delight bubbled in me while reading this with it’s beautifully crafted characters and, of course, Flynn Powell. The novel has this quality of just pulling the readers with its angst filled beautifully paced writing that keeps you reading continuously like it had me. This does have some trigger warnings but if you can handle them, it’s an amazing novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2021
Brilliant debut
A masterful exploration of the complexity of youth, disadvantage and young love, set to a backdrop of inner city Melbourne and a ghostly past. The result was pure magic that kept me reading into the wee hours. Brilliant!
A masterful exploration of the complexity of youth, disadvantage and young love, set to a backdrop of inner city Melbourne and a ghostly past. The result was pure magic that kept me reading into the wee hours. Brilliant!
October 2, 2021
I really enjoyed getting to know Amy and Flynn, I enjoyed the dark atmosphere of the house and the bloodletter curse. It was a great read for a dark and stormy night and it was written well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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October 22, 2021Hmm. I don't know about this. I think there was an idea of a good book in here but it got buried in a lot of details that didn't end up making sense.
This dynamic could have been really interesting: a girlfriend who's "obsessed" (we'll get to that later) with a ghost that she can only access by cutting herself and a mentally ill boyfriend who has a history of cutting. That's intriguing. There's a lot to explore there.
But then Amy never actually strikes me as mentally unwell? She keeps saying she's obsessed, and Flynn keeps treating her cutting herself like it's the worst thing ever, but cutting isn't bad because of the wounds you get -- it's bad because of the emotional turmoil that drives it. Sure, it's not great to give yourself a bunch of scars and such, but ultimately, having the scars is not the issue. There's a lot of worse physical injuries you could get than a slash on the palm or the back of the leg. Flynn's cutting is a much bigger deal than Amy's because his reason behind it is the need to feel something and the depression he's trying to relieve. That's an actual issue.
With Amy, we know exactly why she's cutting and, to me at least, it's perfectly rational. She wants to see the ghost, and to do that, she needs her blood. No mental instability. Just a real cause and effect.
Now, did I understand why she wanted to see the ghost? No. That motivation was pretty unclear to me. I guess she wanted him to feel seen because she herself felt unseen, but I was confused as to why she even felt unseen. She had friends. A mom who loved her, and she even got along pretty well with her mom's boyfriend. A coach who thought she was good enough to teach summer sessions. She even had not one but two guys who were in love with her. This does not strike me as someone who's super invisible.
Also, this is a super specific nitpick but I did NOT understand why Flynn thought Amy would be upset to find out that the ghost had died at the end. HUH? He's a ghost. No shit he's dead. Why on earth should it upset her that he died on his way to England??
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This dynamic could have been really interesting: a girlfriend who's "obsessed" (we'll get to that later) with a ghost that she can only access by cutting herself and a mentally ill boyfriend who has a history of cutting. That's intriguing. There's a lot to explore there.
But then Amy never actually strikes me as mentally unwell? She keeps saying she's obsessed, and Flynn keeps treating her cutting herself like it's the worst thing ever, but cutting isn't bad because of the wounds you get -- it's bad because of the emotional turmoil that drives it. Sure, it's not great to give yourself a bunch of scars and such, but ultimately, having the scars is not the issue. There's a lot of worse physical injuries you could get than a slash on the palm or the back of the leg. Flynn's cutting is a much bigger deal than Amy's because his reason behind it is the need to feel something and the depression he's trying to relieve. That's an actual issue.
With Amy, we know exactly why she's cutting and, to me at least, it's perfectly rational. She wants to see the ghost, and to do that, she needs her blood. No mental instability. Just a real cause and effect.
Now, did I understand why she wanted to see the ghost? No. That motivation was pretty unclear to me. I guess she wanted him to feel seen because she herself felt unseen, but I was confused as to why she even felt unseen. She had friends. A mom who loved her, and she even got along pretty well with her mom's boyfriend. A coach who thought she was good enough to teach summer sessions. She even had not one but two guys who were in love with her. This does not strike me as someone who's super invisible.
Also, this is a super specific nitpick but I did NOT understand why Flynn thought Amy would be upset to find out that the ghost had died at the end. HUH? He's a ghost. No shit he's dead. Why on earth should it upset her that he died on his way to England??
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 21, 2022
I don’t read high school romance a lot but I did like this one.
I liked Amy’s character. She was interesting. I think her self-discovery helped me like her better. Flynn’s life before Amy was hard with his mom staying in these horrible abusive relationships with her boyfriend's that treated Flynn like a punching bag. I liked their relationship but I wanted more. It wasn't fully there for me. It felt like something was missing but they were still so cute together.
I liked the way the fantasy aspect of the book was set up. I found it interesting that for Amy to see the ghost she has to make herself bleed. I wish that I could see more of the ghosts, especially Valentina since it was only about 4-5 times. Overall I liked the teenage angsty romance and can’t wait to read more from this author. I also loved the Australian language and setting it was just so interesting to see that in a book.
*received an ARC for an honest review*
I liked Amy’s character. She was interesting. I think her self-discovery helped me like her better. Flynn’s life before Amy was hard with his mom staying in these horrible abusive relationships with her boyfriend's that treated Flynn like a punching bag. I liked their relationship but I wanted more. It wasn't fully there for me. It felt like something was missing but they were still so cute together.
I liked the way the fantasy aspect of the book was set up. I found it interesting that for Amy to see the ghost she has to make herself bleed. I wish that I could see more of the ghosts, especially Valentina since it was only about 4-5 times. Overall I liked the teenage angsty romance and can’t wait to read more from this author. I also loved the Australian language and setting it was just so interesting to see that in a book.
*received an ARC for an honest review*
October 26, 2021
The book was a little young for me and would be better for a younger reader, but it was well written and kept me interested for the most part. There were a few parts here and there that went a bit slow for me, but I like that it dealt with real issues. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2021
A solid and respectable 3.5/5
This is a pretty gritty YA angsty teenage love story with ghosts. It does not shy away from the topic of self harm, so be warned. I actually found its willingness to "go there" kind of refreshing.
Amy and Flynn are high school besties who are realising they want something more. But at the same time, Amy discovers the ghost of a Victorian blood-letter and his sister, who she can only visit by making herself bleed. She finds herself inexplicably drawn to these ghosts, even though it might cost her everything...
This is definitely a teen love story with a side of ghosts, rather than vice versa. I have to admit, I'd have loved the balance to have tipped a little more in the other direction. The concept of only being able to set the ghosts by making yourself bleed was really unique and the old timey practice of blood-letting is so intriguing with so much potential. Unfortunately we only saw the ghosts 3-4 times and Amy barely exchanges a few sentences with Marcel, so her obsession is hard to understand. He literally never asks her a thing about herself so how would seeing them make her feel "seen"?
On that note, Amy has a solid friend group, a good relationship with her mother and her mother's boyfriend, two hot dudes in love with her, and she kicks ass at parkour, so she doesn't strike me as someone who feels "invisible" or "not seen". "We moved a few times" as a sad backstory really didn't work for me with her characterisation as a confident, popular girl. I think we needed a lot more work on that aspect to be believable. It felt to me like the author had one intention for the story, and then this character walked on the page completely different so the author tried to make her original idea fit on her, but it just doesn't. Amy is a lot more "seen" in her blessed life already than she ever is with the ghosts.
The book spends a lot more time on the human relationships than the ghost story, which is a bit of a shame honestly, but on the other hand, I did quite enjoy that part of the story. The characters were quite well drawn and engaging. I think I was just expecting more of the ghost aspect.
I honestly felt more chemistry between Flynn and Sandy than been him and Amy, and kind of secretly shipped them lol.
Despite my picky quibbles, I did actually find this story quite enjoyable to read. It kicks off straight into action, the writing flows well and the dialogue felt like quite authentic late teen chatter. It has some unique ideas and doesn't tiptoe around hefty topics (or swear words for that matter!). I think if you're as interested in the young love as the ghosts, you'll have a good time with this one.
This is a pretty gritty YA angsty teenage love story with ghosts. It does not shy away from the topic of self harm, so be warned. I actually found its willingness to "go there" kind of refreshing.
Amy and Flynn are high school besties who are realising they want something more. But at the same time, Amy discovers the ghost of a Victorian blood-letter and his sister, who she can only visit by making herself bleed. She finds herself inexplicably drawn to these ghosts, even though it might cost her everything...
This is definitely a teen love story with a side of ghosts, rather than vice versa. I have to admit, I'd have loved the balance to have tipped a little more in the other direction. The concept of only being able to set the ghosts by making yourself bleed was really unique and the old timey practice of blood-letting is so intriguing with so much potential. Unfortunately we only saw the ghosts 3-4 times and Amy barely exchanges a few sentences with Marcel, so her obsession is hard to understand. He literally never asks her a thing about herself so how would seeing them make her feel "seen"?
On that note, Amy has a solid friend group, a good relationship with her mother and her mother's boyfriend, two hot dudes in love with her, and she kicks ass at parkour, so she doesn't strike me as someone who feels "invisible" or "not seen". "We moved a few times" as a sad backstory really didn't work for me with her characterisation as a confident, popular girl. I think we needed a lot more work on that aspect to be believable. It felt to me like the author had one intention for the story, and then this character walked on the page completely different so the author tried to make her original idea fit on her, but it just doesn't. Amy is a lot more "seen" in her blessed life already than she ever is with the ghosts.
The book spends a lot more time on the human relationships than the ghost story, which is a bit of a shame honestly, but on the other hand, I did quite enjoy that part of the story. The characters were quite well drawn and engaging. I think I was just expecting more of the ghost aspect.
I honestly felt more chemistry between Flynn and Sandy than been him and Amy, and kind of secretly shipped them lol.
Despite my picky quibbles, I did actually find this story quite enjoyable to read. It kicks off straight into action, the writing flows well and the dialogue felt like quite authentic late teen chatter. It has some unique ideas and doesn't tiptoe around hefty topics (or swear words for that matter!). I think if you're as interested in the young love as the ghosts, you'll have a good time with this one.
October 26, 2021
Actual rating : 4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this one, I was wanting a good ghost story. I do think that a content warning at the beginning of the novel would be nice as there are some semi-graphic descriptions of self-harm and some suicide ideation. The author did a fantastic job of showing the addictive nature of self-harm through both Flynn and Amy in their own rights.
I do wish the living characters got some more time, and I absolutely enjoyed every minute Valentina and Marcel were on the page. I enjoyed learning their past, and I wanted to know more about them just as much as Amy did. I also heavily related to Amy and her obsession to find the truth, I get the same way when something interests me.
I did kinda ship Amy with Luka more than I did Flynn though, oops. But she and Flynn were still absolutely adorable.
I received a advanced copy of this book for free, and I am happily reviewing this voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this one, I was wanting a good ghost story. I do think that a content warning at the beginning of the novel would be nice as there are some semi-graphic descriptions of self-harm and some suicide ideation. The author did a fantastic job of showing the addictive nature of self-harm through both Flynn and Amy in their own rights.
I do wish the living characters got some more time, and I absolutely enjoyed every minute Valentina and Marcel were on the page. I enjoyed learning their past, and I wanted to know more about them just as much as Amy did. I also heavily related to Amy and her obsession to find the truth, I get the same way when something interests me.
I did kinda ship Amy with Luka more than I did Flynn though, oops. But she and Flynn were still absolutely adorable.
I received a advanced copy of this book for free, and I am happily reviewing this voluntarily.
October 21, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
its a great ghost story for a Youngadult book. it took me back to the point when i was in school and read Paul van Loon with the serie the creepy bus. i found that horror at the time.
it has triggers about selfharmin.
its a great ghost story for a Youngadult book. it took me back to the point when i was in school and read Paul van Loon with the serie the creepy bus. i found that horror at the time.
it has triggers about selfharmin.
December 10, 2021
This is a dark, gothic, urban YA wonder!
Flynn is perfect book boyfriend material - loyal, sensitive, protective, sweet and a little tortured.
The blood-letting ghost aspect of the story is so original and haunting.
And it's set in Melbourne! You definitely need to read it...
Flynn is perfect book boyfriend material - loyal, sensitive, protective, sweet and a little tortured.
The blood-letting ghost aspect of the story is so original and haunting.
And it's set in Melbourne! You definitely need to read it...
February 20, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved this book. The story was well written and you were constantly wondering if Amy was self harming to see Marcel. So glad it ended on a good note and not a bad one. I love the story of Amy and Flynn and then Luka was thrown in there along with Marcel. I wasn’t sure I would like the book at first but it was very interesting.
November 4, 2022
There was so much teenage angst and i loved it! i also especially love how there was mental health awareness whilst still carrying on with the ghost story. Really enjoyed this book!!
October 20, 2023
From the moment I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. Brilliantly written and every time I thought I had Amy or Flynn figured out, there was a twist. Gothic YA romance at its absolute best 🖤🖤
August 17, 2022
A beautifully written story filled with intrigue, angst and young love as Amy and Flynn grapple with the seen and unseen, finding their way to each other through the undulations of self-discovery and self-assurance, devotion, obsession and trust. Secondary characters add the perfect depth to Amy and Flynn's journey and the description of setting makes me wish a torchlight tour of the building really exists!
July 31, 2022
This was a very interesting and intriguing story, I enjoyed reading this.
October 4, 2021
Received as an ARC for an honest review:
First off, in my copy of the book the disclaimer came at the end and I really believe that it should come at the beginning. So, here is your trigger warning. If you or anyone you know is at risk of self harm, please know you are not alone. Please reach out for help, there are plenty of sources out there for you.
Now that that is out of the way, let's talk about Amy. At first, it was hard for me to get a read on her. Was she a good girl, was she a rebel, etc. What is Amy's deal? Ultimately I came to conclude that Amy can become obsessed with things, sometime going to the extreme to find truth. Maybe it stems from a desire to be seen and heard, but either way her obsession becomes dangerous once she decides to uncover the truth behind the legend of Butcher's House.
Once Amy realizes that her blood is the gateway needed to find out the truth, the self destruction begins. Her self harm and secrets make it to where Amy feels isolated with no one and no where to turn. Will she keep going to discover the truth behind the legend, even if it means her own death?
Enter Flynn. Flynn himself is dealing with the untimely death of his father and then witnessing the subsequent spiral of his mother. Living in an unsafe home environment, for Flynn Amy is everything good and bright in the world, he just wishes that he was good enough to deserve her. Battling his own demons and self destructive tendencies, can Flynn become the hero that Amy needs? Or will he allow his past to affect his future?
Overall I liked this book, but didn't love it. At times I wanted certain things to be clarified that weren't which made me reread paragraphs to make sure that I hadn't somehow skipped over something. Regardless, the book is fast paced for the most part and the world building it okay.
In the end I would say that I liked this book, but I wouldn't go around gushing about it and telling everyone that they need to read it.
First off, in my copy of the book the disclaimer came at the end and I really believe that it should come at the beginning. So, here is your trigger warning. If you or anyone you know is at risk of self harm, please know you are not alone. Please reach out for help, there are plenty of sources out there for you.
Now that that is out of the way, let's talk about Amy. At first, it was hard for me to get a read on her. Was she a good girl, was she a rebel, etc. What is Amy's deal? Ultimately I came to conclude that Amy can become obsessed with things, sometime going to the extreme to find truth. Maybe it stems from a desire to be seen and heard, but either way her obsession becomes dangerous once she decides to uncover the truth behind the legend of Butcher's House.
Once Amy realizes that her blood is the gateway needed to find out the truth, the self destruction begins. Her self harm and secrets make it to where Amy feels isolated with no one and no where to turn. Will she keep going to discover the truth behind the legend, even if it means her own death?
Enter Flynn. Flynn himself is dealing with the untimely death of his father and then witnessing the subsequent spiral of his mother. Living in an unsafe home environment, for Flynn Amy is everything good and bright in the world, he just wishes that he was good enough to deserve her. Battling his own demons and self destructive tendencies, can Flynn become the hero that Amy needs? Or will he allow his past to affect his future?
Overall I liked this book, but didn't love it. At times I wanted certain things to be clarified that weren't which made me reread paragraphs to make sure that I hadn't somehow skipped over something. Regardless, the book is fast paced for the most part and the world building it okay.
In the end I would say that I liked this book, but I wouldn't go around gushing about it and telling everyone that they need to read it.
October 16, 2021
The story revolves around Amy, her reality and the history of a blood-letter she is mysteriously connected to. There are elements of romance between Amy and Flynn, as well as the horror and gore that surround the blood-letting.
Overall the story was very interesting and I was definitely drawn in - especially towards the end. I truly understood Amy's obsessive behaviour towards the blood-letting and finding out the truth behind the rumours.
I feel that this book could be improved upon if the characters of Amy and Flynn were aged up ever so slightly, giving them more free reign in their escapades. It honestly felt like these characters were already 19 or 20, and some of the high school elements didn't fit with their characters.
This story is meant to take place over 2 weeks, but the pacing of the story didn't give me that idea. Until the timeline was mentioned at the end of the book I thought the incidence at the beginning of the story and the end occurred with at least a month in between.
The pacing also effects the emotion of the story. There were times when I knew I was meant to be feeling the sorrow of a character, or their pain and I just couldn't because the emotions weren't drawn out across the scene, more like stagnant elements within them. There was even times that I knew I was meant to be scared by events but was not.
Overall I do believe this is a great ya horror, that covers some deep and occasionally distressing topics. People should definitely give it a try, especially when looking for an Australian horror that is more urban than country. It's a shame that this wasn't the book for me.
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall the story was very interesting and I was definitely drawn in - especially towards the end. I truly understood Amy's obsessive behaviour towards the blood-letting and finding out the truth behind the rumours.
I feel that this book could be improved upon if the characters of Amy and Flynn were aged up ever so slightly, giving them more free reign in their escapades. It honestly felt like these characters were already 19 or 20, and some of the high school elements didn't fit with their characters.
This story is meant to take place over 2 weeks, but the pacing of the story didn't give me that idea. Until the timeline was mentioned at the end of the book I thought the incidence at the beginning of the story and the end occurred with at least a month in between.
The pacing also effects the emotion of the story. There were times when I knew I was meant to be feeling the sorrow of a character, or their pain and I just couldn't because the emotions weren't drawn out across the scene, more like stagnant elements within them. There was even times that I knew I was meant to be scared by events but was not.
Overall I do believe this is a great ya horror, that covers some deep and occasionally distressing topics. People should definitely give it a try, especially when looking for an Australian horror that is more urban than country. It's a shame that this wasn't the book for me.
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2021
okay. I like me some ghosts. I like breaking and entering in abandoned buildings.
I like the idea of time jumping.
I just wish the boy was less awful.
I also feel like the ghost story wrap up was rushed. I want more info!
I like the idea of time jumping.
I just wish the boy was less awful.
I also feel like the ghost story wrap up was rushed. I want more info!
November 28, 2021
In the past couple of years I’ve noticed a growing trend. Ghost hunting, I know it’s nothing new. Searching for answers of the unknown is always interesting. The author keeps the story going with a nice pace. The characters are well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews