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Vicious Creatures
Ava Montgomery never wanted to return home. She fled Reachwood fourteen years ago after the discovery of Adam Albright’s body in the forest shattered her young life. But when a violent divorce sends her running back to her parents’ house with her troubled daughter Marjorie in tow, Ava discovers that not much has changed in the small Oregon town where she grew up.
It doesn’t take long for Ava to fall back in with her old crowd, most of whom stayed in town after high school. Each one of her childhood friends found fame and fortune after they graduated, including Victoria Gallagher—Ava’s high school best friend and ex-lover, now unhappily married to a wealthy husband from one of the founding families of Reachwood.
Meanwhile, Ava’s daughter becomes intrigued by the forest, fascinated by an urban legend about its secret power—and her curious questions bring Ava’s long-repressed memories of the traumatic events surrounding Adam’s death back to the fore. And then, when the body of a missing child is found in those same woods, that dark past begins to repeat itself.
After a knife is left on Ava’s doorstep and a threatening message appears on her front door, she wonders if her friends have something to do with the newest crime. They never told anyone how much they really know about what happened to Adam on the night he died; does one of them want to drive her out of Reachwood to keep that secret? As Marjorie becomes obsessed with the infamous murder, and old friendships and feuds reignite, Ava is drawn back into the forest to confront her own role in its violent history—before her daughter becomes its next prey.
It doesn’t take long for Ava to fall back in with her old crowd, most of whom stayed in town after high school. Each one of her childhood friends found fame and fortune after they graduated, including Victoria Gallagher—Ava’s high school best friend and ex-lover, now unhappily married to a wealthy husband from one of the founding families of Reachwood.
Meanwhile, Ava’s daughter becomes intrigued by the forest, fascinated by an urban legend about its secret power—and her curious questions bring Ava’s long-repressed memories of the traumatic events surrounding Adam’s death back to the fore. And then, when the body of a missing child is found in those same woods, that dark past begins to repeat itself.
After a knife is left on Ava’s doorstep and a threatening message appears on her front door, she wonders if her friends have something to do with the newest crime. They never told anyone how much they really know about what happened to Adam on the night he died; does one of them want to drive her out of Reachwood to keep that secret? As Marjorie becomes obsessed with the infamous murder, and old friendships and feuds reignite, Ava is drawn back into the forest to confront her own role in its violent history—before her daughter becomes its next prey.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2022
23 people are currently reading
4901 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 30, 2022
Thank you so much to Ashton Noone and Scarlet Press for my ARC of Vicious Creatures that came out in July. The story was about Ava, a girl who ran away after the discovery of a body in the forest that altered her life. Fourteen years later a divorce has her returning to her parents house with her daughter, and she discovers nothing has changed.
Ava starts to fall into old patters and starts to become obsessed with the nearby forest and the urban legends surrounding it. Her memories start to come back and when a knife is left on her doorstep, she wonders what is really going on. Ava starts to suspect that new crimes have a tie to old ones, and she has to confront her past before it confronts her first.
Thoughts: I loved both the cover and premise of this book, and they drew me in right away. The story was actually a bit cliche, but it was still entertaining and spooky. It started off fast, but really slowed down and I had a hard time keeping interest. I liked the time jumps and overall creepy feel, but in the end it felt flat for me. 3-stars
Ava starts to fall into old patters and starts to become obsessed with the nearby forest and the urban legends surrounding it. Her memories start to come back and when a knife is left on her doorstep, she wonders what is really going on. Ava starts to suspect that new crimes have a tie to old ones, and she has to confront her past before it confronts her first.
Thoughts: I loved both the cover and premise of this book, and they drew me in right away. The story was actually a bit cliche, but it was still entertaining and spooky. It started off fast, but really slowed down and I had a hard time keeping interest. I liked the time jumps and overall creepy feel, but in the end it felt flat for me. 3-stars
July 19, 2022
Let me start by saying - this was a book I didn't want to put down!
The premise is cool, I love the "getting back to the old small town now everyone's from a dodgy clique is grown up" - I'm all here for that!
What I did not like:
- the writing is repetitive, and some phrases are repeated a lot within a couple of pages, which is a little annoying. That first made me think there will be something about it, like applying lipstick - every woman in the family did it within two pages or so - but it never signifying anything.
- some of the possible story side-plots are never mentioned or discussed - like the ex-husband, he never plays any part, why the mother is such an insufferable meanie, what did exactly Victoria do and why? It seems like a lot of missed opportunities to round the plot up neatly. some of them would have felt cathartic, let me tell you, because don't let me get started on the Mother...
- there is no clear motive for any of the twists, in my opinion. I guess it is left up to the reader to figure out - but that did not satisfy me.
- Overall the pacing seems off - too much time is spent on seemingly unimportant things and not enough on the stuff that really intrigues me - like the timeline of the daughter getting so close so fast within the new school. sometimes reading the next paragraph I was not sure if it is the next day? next week? and then it says, they have been in the town for 2 months and it just didn't seem like it adds up how the timing is described until now.
The writing itself was enjoyable and there was clearly a reason why I didn't want to put the book down, but I find it hard to pinpoint that.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
The premise is cool, I love the "getting back to the old small town now everyone's from a dodgy clique is grown up" - I'm all here for that!
What I did not like:
- the writing is repetitive, and some phrases are repeated a lot within a couple of pages, which is a little annoying. That first made me think there will be something about it, like applying lipstick - every woman in the family did it within two pages or so - but it never signifying anything.
- some of the possible story side-plots are never mentioned or discussed - like the ex-husband, he never plays any part, why the mother is such an insufferable meanie, what did exactly Victoria do and why? It seems like a lot of missed opportunities to round the plot up neatly. some of them would have felt cathartic, let me tell you, because don't let me get started on the Mother...
- there is no clear motive for any of the twists, in my opinion. I guess it is left up to the reader to figure out - but that did not satisfy me.
- Overall the pacing seems off - too much time is spent on seemingly unimportant things and not enough on the stuff that really intrigues me - like the timeline of the daughter getting so close so fast within the new school. sometimes reading the next paragraph I was not sure if it is the next day? next week? and then it says, they have been in the town for 2 months and it just didn't seem like it adds up how the timing is described until now.
The writing itself was enjoyable and there was clearly a reason why I didn't want to put the book down, but I find it hard to pinpoint that.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
August 21, 2022
BOOK REVIEW 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The fabulous cover of this horror/thriller caught my eye the first time I saw it. So brilliantly creepy and haunting!
Ava’s story pulled me in and kept me entertained. She returns home, with her daughter—Marjorie, to her parent’s home while divorcing her abusive husband. Her mysterious hometown is filled with urban legends and Marjorie is instantly pulled in by the stories and fascinated with the strange forest.
One legend claims that the founding families, who mine the area, received their riches by leaving gifts in the forest. This gothic suspense is a perfect Halloween read! This tale takes place in Oregon (which I love) and is dark and captivating. The author’s writing is mesmerizing! A must-read for anyone who likes hauntingly eerie tales.
Thank you to the author and Penzler Publishers/Scarlet for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#ViciousCreatures #NetGalley #Scarlet #ashtonnoone #lovebooks #thrillerfiction #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #honestreview #ireadbooks #ireviewbooks #ilovereading #bookstagrammer #bookreviewer #gothicsuspense #inexchangeforreview #thrilleraddict #bookaddict #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills
The fabulous cover of this horror/thriller caught my eye the first time I saw it. So brilliantly creepy and haunting!
Ava’s story pulled me in and kept me entertained. She returns home, with her daughter—Marjorie, to her parent’s home while divorcing her abusive husband. Her mysterious hometown is filled with urban legends and Marjorie is instantly pulled in by the stories and fascinated with the strange forest.
One legend claims that the founding families, who mine the area, received their riches by leaving gifts in the forest. This gothic suspense is a perfect Halloween read! This tale takes place in Oregon (which I love) and is dark and captivating. The author’s writing is mesmerizing! A must-read for anyone who likes hauntingly eerie tales.
Thank you to the author and Penzler Publishers/Scarlet for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#ViciousCreatures #NetGalley #Scarlet #ashtonnoone #lovebooks #thrillerfiction #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #honestreview #ireadbooks #ireviewbooks #ilovereading #bookstagrammer #bookreviewer #gothicsuspense #inexchangeforreview #thrilleraddict #bookaddict #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills
April 24, 2022
I’ve been trying to be very selective with these sorts of thrillers, trying to introduce (self-made) quality control into a genre that seems to have none, due to its ubiquitous popularity.
And guess what? It paid off. This one was a very good read, even though it featured all of the genre presets.
Past secret – check. Present drama -check. Split time narrative – check.
But so, what? The Vicious Creatures owns it anyway. In its on way. Primarily due to the solidly engaging writing. The book draws you in almost immediately and doesn’t let go. Its charms are atmospheric and dark, much like the woods which surround the small town the story takes place in and feature so heavily as the setting in the novel.
Th woods hold secrets. The woods bestow favors. Once upon a time, an entire population of early settlers has gone into the woods and vanished. But then again, gold was found. And that gold has shaped the town by the woods. A town where three families have the most money and hold the most power in a sort of almost medieval way.
Is there something supernatural lurking in those woods? Or have the locals simply created their own mythology to go with their narratives?
It is as claustrophobic as any small town, though. Fifteen years ago, when the main protagonist, Ava, and all her friends were high school kids they did…well, lots of things most high school kids do. One died. One left. Now, Ava is back following a dissolution of a terrible marriage, with a teenage daughter in tow.
And just like that all the drama from fifteen years ago resurfaces. The kids may have become adults, they may have gotten all they wanted, albeit in that be careful what you wish for sort of way, but beneath the initial wealth and comfort, there is a strong undercurrent of trauma, discontent, and conflict. It was stewing and simmering for a while until Ava’s arrival unlocked the gates, lit the fires, etc.
So, now Ava is both stuck and torn between the past and the present. Someone is desperate for her to leave. Someone is determined not to let her go.
There’s a past romance that never quite sizzled out. Past resentments too. And so many variations of the truth, it’s difficult to know what to believe.
Taut, engaging, and profoundly entertaining, this thriller is a most auspicious debut. It may be slightly predictable or repetitive at times, but it's barely noticeable amid all the other awesomeness. Positively vicious at times, with very well-done supernatural undertones. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
And guess what? It paid off. This one was a very good read, even though it featured all of the genre presets.
Past secret – check. Present drama -check. Split time narrative – check.
But so, what? The Vicious Creatures owns it anyway. In its on way. Primarily due to the solidly engaging writing. The book draws you in almost immediately and doesn’t let go. Its charms are atmospheric and dark, much like the woods which surround the small town the story takes place in and feature so heavily as the setting in the novel.
Th woods hold secrets. The woods bestow favors. Once upon a time, an entire population of early settlers has gone into the woods and vanished. But then again, gold was found. And that gold has shaped the town by the woods. A town where three families have the most money and hold the most power in a sort of almost medieval way.
Is there something supernatural lurking in those woods? Or have the locals simply created their own mythology to go with their narratives?
It is as claustrophobic as any small town, though. Fifteen years ago, when the main protagonist, Ava, and all her friends were high school kids they did…well, lots of things most high school kids do. One died. One left. Now, Ava is back following a dissolution of a terrible marriage, with a teenage daughter in tow.
And just like that all the drama from fifteen years ago resurfaces. The kids may have become adults, they may have gotten all they wanted, albeit in that be careful what you wish for sort of way, but beneath the initial wealth and comfort, there is a strong undercurrent of trauma, discontent, and conflict. It was stewing and simmering for a while until Ava’s arrival unlocked the gates, lit the fires, etc.
So, now Ava is both stuck and torn between the past and the present. Someone is desperate for her to leave. Someone is determined not to let her go.
There’s a past romance that never quite sizzled out. Past resentments too. And so many variations of the truth, it’s difficult to know what to believe.
Taut, engaging, and profoundly entertaining, this thriller is a most auspicious debut. It may be slightly predictable or repetitive at times, but it's barely noticeable amid all the other awesomeness. Positively vicious at times, with very well-done supernatural undertones. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
October 12, 2022
Too much “why am I gay???!” from the main character and not enough murder. Girl it’s 2022 it’s okay to be a lesbian with a pill problem.
July 25, 2022
Did I step in poop?
I mean, I can’t really explain my latest book fortune . The gratitude is radiating from my body and alligator size tears have dropped down my cheeks.
I wrote my first email requesting a specific book and I don’t know about you but I find this to be SO awkward . It’s like walking into a store and asking for something for free. I just can’t wrap my head around it but, I did it.
I really really really wanted Vicious Creatures and now, I have it .
Vicious Creatures, is like nothing you will ever read. I was instantly captivated with the writing style and my little peanut size brain never lost interest even once. I was completely consumed and hung on every word. The plot was fully executed and there was a feeling of satisfaction after I had concluded.
The thriller world needs to take note, Ashton Noone, is a true storyteller and he is going to take our community by storm.
Big Thank You to Penzler Publishers for sending my this fan-freaking-tastic ARC ! My mind was completely blown and I can not wait to see what Ashton Noone, comes out with next.
I mean, I can’t really explain my latest book fortune . The gratitude is radiating from my body and alligator size tears have dropped down my cheeks.
I wrote my first email requesting a specific book and I don’t know about you but I find this to be SO awkward . It’s like walking into a store and asking for something for free. I just can’t wrap my head around it but, I did it.
I really really really wanted Vicious Creatures and now, I have it .
Vicious Creatures, is like nothing you will ever read. I was instantly captivated with the writing style and my little peanut size brain never lost interest even once. I was completely consumed and hung on every word. The plot was fully executed and there was a feeling of satisfaction after I had concluded.
The thriller world needs to take note, Ashton Noone, is a true storyteller and he is going to take our community by storm.
Big Thank You to Penzler Publishers for sending my this fan-freaking-tastic ARC ! My mind was completely blown and I can not wait to see what Ashton Noone, comes out with next.
July 5, 2022
This had great promise but was unfortunately not well executed. The setting is evocative, and the plotting is ok, but the characters and pacing really let it down. The writing is grindingly repetitive and the whole thing is far too long.
Points for the queer rep, however!
My thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
Points for the queer rep, however!
My thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
March 19, 2023
Spoilers ahead.
I originally gave this 3 stars but the more I though about it the more I found issues.
1. You're a lesbian, it's nothing to be ashamed about in 2022.
2. So much of this book is repetitive, we understand these 3 rich families rule the town.
3. There is a monster in the woods but we get no good back story on this, although the small information we are given seems perfect for a flashback to where it all started.
4. The woman she's in love with tells her daughter all about the forest in the hopes she will venture in there. The most dangerous place there is and yet she forgives her just like that and they end up together.
5. Her daughter steals pills, is drinking, smoking weed and lying. Even goes so far as to sabotage her mom's car to the point of needing an entire new engine. Yet she is allowed to go to a party two days later???
5. Ambrose. The story never wrapped up how she stayed in the same town as someone who has harassed and threatened her on more than one occasion. It was just magically OK?
This book is trash, don't waste your time.
I originally gave this 3 stars but the more I though about it the more I found issues.
1. You're a lesbian, it's nothing to be ashamed about in 2022.
2. So much of this book is repetitive, we understand these 3 rich families rule the town.
3. There is a monster in the woods but we get no good back story on this, although the small information we are given seems perfect for a flashback to where it all started.
4. The woman she's in love with tells her daughter all about the forest in the hopes she will venture in there. The most dangerous place there is and yet she forgives her just like that and they end up together.
5. Her daughter steals pills, is drinking, smoking weed and lying. Even goes so far as to sabotage her mom's car to the point of needing an entire new engine. Yet she is allowed to go to a party two days later???
5. Ambrose. The story never wrapped up how she stayed in the same town as someone who has harassed and threatened her on more than one occasion. It was just magically OK?
This book is trash, don't waste your time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2023
I never want to hear/read the word “foliage” again.
June 29, 2022
Vicious Creatures by Ashton Noone. Thanks to @scarletsuspense for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ava never wanted to go home to her small town and the forest made of urban legends but that’s where her and her daughter are after a violent marital episode. As Ava falls back with her childhood crowd, her daughter becomes interested by the forest and the legends behind it.
I really enjoyed this creepy tale. It’s certainly not the first “there’s something in the woods” story, but it’s entertaining and keeps the pages turning. There’s a hint of classism to the story that I wish was explored a bit more. Be aware that the pacing is not steady. It’s very exciting in the beginning, plateaus in the middle, and gets some more action towards the end. It’s worth sticking with it. There’s also a sapphic romance that was a pleasant surprise.
“I’d never thought to question it. Enough kids had disappeared here over the years to seem like evidence there was at least some truth to the urban legend.”
Vicious Creatures comes out 7/19.
Ava never wanted to go home to her small town and the forest made of urban legends but that’s where her and her daughter are after a violent marital episode. As Ava falls back with her childhood crowd, her daughter becomes interested by the forest and the legends behind it.
I really enjoyed this creepy tale. It’s certainly not the first “there’s something in the woods” story, but it’s entertaining and keeps the pages turning. There’s a hint of classism to the story that I wish was explored a bit more. Be aware that the pacing is not steady. It’s very exciting in the beginning, plateaus in the middle, and gets some more action towards the end. It’s worth sticking with it. There’s also a sapphic romance that was a pleasant surprise.
“I’d never thought to question it. Enough kids had disappeared here over the years to seem like evidence there was at least some truth to the urban legend.”
Vicious Creatures comes out 7/19.
July 28, 2022
Listened to the audiobook.
What the actual hell was that ending. It was so stupid. 3 stars because the rest of the book was very good.
What the actual hell was that ending. It was so stupid. 3 stars because the rest of the book was very good.
June 20, 2023
The story really has a potential but it was underwhelming and so dragging.
April 4, 2022
The cover and title of the book give out spine-chilling vibes and I went into the book with expectations of mystery suspense novel with a creepy storyline. Vicious Creatures did not disappoint from the opening prologue to the shock ending.
The novel is told through the view of protagonist Ava Montgomery. Ava has returned to her childhood home after fleeing her abusive soon to be ex-husband. With no where to go, the safest place she can think of for her and her teenage daughter Marjorie is to stay with her parents. Home, however, was the last place Ava ever wanted to return to.
The story goes back and forth from "Today" and "Fifteen Years Ago". What happened 15 years ago reveals the reasons why Ava never wanted to return home. We learn of the events of her teenage years, the eerie tales of the forest surrounding the community and what is happening in present day.
Ava's return home has been anything but welcome. Her mother is a horrible person who constantly puts her down and is anything but supportive, hostile messages start appearing on their door, old friends and acquaintances from her past aren't always friendly and her daughter is informed of rumors from her mom's past.
The novel is a steady pace read. The character building was great. I liked some characters, I disliked others so they definitely were written well. The supernatural story of the forest adds a great element to the story. I was torn thinking back and forth, is there something unexplainable going on or is there someone behind it as many children/teens have been victims of the forest.
In the end, there are some unanswered questions I have and still some unexplained deaths but overall, the book held my attention and I read it over two nights.
Four solid stars! Thank you to Net Galley and Penzler Publishers for providing me with an advanced digital read copy!
The novel is told through the view of protagonist Ava Montgomery. Ava has returned to her childhood home after fleeing her abusive soon to be ex-husband. With no where to go, the safest place she can think of for her and her teenage daughter Marjorie is to stay with her parents. Home, however, was the last place Ava ever wanted to return to.
The story goes back and forth from "Today" and "Fifteen Years Ago". What happened 15 years ago reveals the reasons why Ava never wanted to return home. We learn of the events of her teenage years, the eerie tales of the forest surrounding the community and what is happening in present day.
Ava's return home has been anything but welcome. Her mother is a horrible person who constantly puts her down and is anything but supportive, hostile messages start appearing on their door, old friends and acquaintances from her past aren't always friendly and her daughter is informed of rumors from her mom's past.
The novel is a steady pace read. The character building was great. I liked some characters, I disliked others so they definitely were written well. The supernatural story of the forest adds a great element to the story. I was torn thinking back and forth, is there something unexplainable going on or is there someone behind it as many children/teens have been victims of the forest.
In the end, there are some unanswered questions I have and still some unexplained deaths but overall, the book held my attention and I read it over two nights.
Four solid stars! Thank you to Net Galley and Penzler Publishers for providing me with an advanced digital read copy!
September 14, 2022
Loved the cover and premise of this book-- creepy forests always get me! However, the characters are all one sided and constantly behaving in weird fashions. The women are always applying lipstick or shivering, the kids are all smoking joints and doing drugs. This lady casually walks into a tomb at the cemetery to gaze at skeletons.
I was confused throughout the entire story and I'm still confused because things never wrap up and so many questions are left unanswered. So much potential here and it's all jumbled and blah..
The good: queer rep, creepy woods, urban legend feels.
The bad: in this book's world everyone is doing drugs, sex is just a tool, mothers are mean, eating disorders are a fact of life, violence is everywhere, and apparently gold mining is still very much a thing.
Eh. Pass on this unless you want to be underwhelmed.
I was confused throughout the entire story and I'm still confused because things never wrap up and so many questions are left unanswered. So much potential here and it's all jumbled and blah..
The good: queer rep, creepy woods, urban legend feels.
The bad: in this book's world everyone is doing drugs, sex is just a tool, mothers are mean, eating disorders are a fact of life, violence is everywhere, and apparently gold mining is still very much a thing.
Eh. Pass on this unless you want to be underwhelmed.
October 19, 2022
I hated every character in this book. They were, to a person, reprehensible human beings. A bunch of drunk druggies with absolutely no right to raising children who are turning out as repugnant as their sorry excuse for parents. The only reason it's getting two stars is because it's well written. The author has talent, but I would not read any future books by her if the characters are this odious.
April 3, 2022
Absolutely love the cover. It perfectly captures the tone. Official blurb:
Like the children mesmerized into the darkening woods where danger awaits, readers will be lured and hooked in the thickening mysteries of this thrilling debut by talented newcomer Ashton Noone.
Like the children mesmerized into the darkening woods where danger awaits, readers will be lured and hooked in the thickening mysteries of this thrilling debut by talented newcomer Ashton Noone.
September 9, 2022
Where was the editor? Enough is enough already. High enough, short enough, soft enough, hard enough, small enough... enough, enough, enough. Ugh! ENOUGH!
October 10, 2022
A fun thriller as a debut novel for author Ashton Noone. The book caught my attention while perusing through the library. The story follows a dual timeline plot of a girl/woman named Ava who is running from a past and a current life that everyone would like to forget. She gets brought back to her hometown, helping her parents move from her childhood home. She can’t help but be drawn to the forest where people disappear, but now she has her teenage daughter in tow. An absolutely creepy, mesmerizing novel if you are looking for something new! Loved this, and can’t wait for some more of Noone’s work.
August 3, 2022
This was a debut and so good!
Ava has escaped her abusive marriage and returned to her parent's house with her teenage daughter Marjorie. It isn’t a place that she ever wanted to come back to, but it is the only place she believes they will be safe from her violent ex. Fifteen years ago, Ava fled Reachwood under a cloud of suspicion and it seems her return may have woken old ghosts and resentments.
If you think Ava left all her issues behind, think again. She is damaged: physically, mentally, emotionally, and more than once, I questioned whether or not she was a reliable narrator. Her mother is a piece of work and the similarities to my mother gave me chills. I also wondered if Marjorie was better off with her, and almost every time, the author would provide a little more background about the ex. Then I would be like, yep, not perfect, but certainly the better choice.
Anyway, back to the main story which is told in the present and fifteen years ago when Ava was a senior in high school. Three wealthy families have controlled this town for generations and they might have made a deal with the devil or something that lives in the forbidden woods. Each generation has benefitted, but everyone who lives here knows that people who wander off the path in the forest disappear, and these families may have something to do with it.
So much I want to say leads to spoiler territory, but I will say I just kept reading because I had to know what was going on. Almost everything and nothing was wrapped up in a neat little package and you will find out what I mean when you read this book.
Just who exactly are the vicious creatures of this town? And have they had their last bite from Ava yet? A very engaging plot that I think people will interpret in different ways. I loved it! 4.5 stars.
Ava has escaped her abusive marriage and returned to her parent's house with her teenage daughter Marjorie. It isn’t a place that she ever wanted to come back to, but it is the only place she believes they will be safe from her violent ex. Fifteen years ago, Ava fled Reachwood under a cloud of suspicion and it seems her return may have woken old ghosts and resentments.
If you think Ava left all her issues behind, think again. She is damaged: physically, mentally, emotionally, and more than once, I questioned whether or not she was a reliable narrator. Her mother is a piece of work and the similarities to my mother gave me chills. I also wondered if Marjorie was better off with her, and almost every time, the author would provide a little more background about the ex. Then I would be like, yep, not perfect, but certainly the better choice.
Anyway, back to the main story which is told in the present and fifteen years ago when Ava was a senior in high school. Three wealthy families have controlled this town for generations and they might have made a deal with the devil or something that lives in the forbidden woods. Each generation has benefitted, but everyone who lives here knows that people who wander off the path in the forest disappear, and these families may have something to do with it.
So much I want to say leads to spoiler territory, but I will say I just kept reading because I had to know what was going on. Almost everything and nothing was wrapped up in a neat little package and you will find out what I mean when you read this book.
Just who exactly are the vicious creatures of this town? And have they had their last bite from Ava yet? A very engaging plot that I think people will interpret in different ways. I loved it! 4.5 stars.
August 14, 2022
2.5 stars.
June 10, 2023
The summary of the book really had me interested.
I feel like there’s something missing from the book. It’s good but it could have been better. It had a strong premise and good characters. It’s an interesting gothic read. I just wish it had more of something
I feel like there’s something missing from the book. It’s good but it could have been better. It had a strong premise and good characters. It’s an interesting gothic read. I just wish it had more of something
February 7, 2023
This was just an ok read for me. I never really got into the plot so it didn’t hold my interest for some reason, even though the writing was quite good. I didn’t care for any of the characters. With that said, the ending was successful and full of surprises. A worthwhile read that may appeal more to others.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Scarlet and Ashton Noone for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Scarlet and Ashton Noone for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 22, 2023
Ava is young mother who hesitantly returns to her small town after going through a difficult marriage. This opens up a Pandora's box of secrets in Reachwood Forest, including what really happened when a classmate was found dead 15 years ago.
Being born and raised in a small town with that same desire to leave and never return, this book definitely piqued my attention. Once I started reading it, it was difficult to put down. There are so many secrets, so many mysteries that were a challenge to keep up with, but I read with bated breath that each and every one would be answered! Which was why I was disappointed and confused when they weren't! There were some subplots that were barely explored and left unresolved such as the fact that Adam was really Marjorie's father so why wasn't anyone telling her and Aidan that they were cousins?! Was this "the truth" that Aidan had told Marjorie for her to beat him up? This "truth" was never really revealed. [I did find this "they're unsuspectingly dating their relative" trope really unnecessary and think it's an overused one that authors really need to drop!]
What did The Mother and the ex-husband see in the woods, especially for the ex-husband to never want to return to the town again? It wasn't revealed either what happened to the other missing children, why they went missing, or whether Victoria (or anyone else) could have been the cause for Emily to go missing. Nor was it explained the origins of the town and why all of the other founding families went missing except for those 3 families. And what the hades was in that forest for them to be sacrificing other people?! Was the forest the cause of Nathalie and Matthew being unable to leave
with all of the mentioned mishaps that kept them there or was someone intentionally keeping them there? It is never made clear if the forest does have some kind of power to grant wishes or if it is all in the minds of those who want to believe and will bend reality to match that fantasy.
If this book was not a preface to future books based on this same town, I'll be infuriated due to all of the missed opportunities to really develop the characters and the history of Reachwood Forest, including the town's classism! I feel that there could be another book based on Marjorie's point of view of what happened and the aftereffects of learning that she's an Albright. Another on the origins of the town and its founding families. Another focused on the backstory of Ava's parents that would explain why The Mother was an insufferable shrew and the dynamics of their relationship with each other (like how did those 2 end up together?!). And a part of me senses that the dad knew more than he let on...what did he really know?!
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, especially the premise of it, and hope that there will be future novels focused on other aspects of this town.
Being born and raised in a small town with that same desire to leave and never return, this book definitely piqued my attention. Once I started reading it, it was difficult to put down. There are so many secrets, so many mysteries that were a challenge to keep up with, but I read with bated breath that each and every one would be answered! Which was why I was disappointed and confused when they weren't! There were some subplots that were barely explored and left unresolved such as the fact that Adam was really Marjorie's father so why wasn't anyone telling her and Aidan that they were cousins?! Was this "the truth" that Aidan had told Marjorie for her to beat him up? This "truth" was never really revealed. [I did find this "they're unsuspectingly dating their relative" trope really unnecessary and think it's an overused one that authors really need to drop!]
What did The Mother and the ex-husband see in the woods, especially for the ex-husband to never want to return to the town again? It wasn't revealed either what happened to the other missing children, why they went missing, or whether Victoria (or anyone else) could have been the cause for Emily to go missing. Nor was it explained the origins of the town and why all of the other founding families went missing except for those 3 families. And what the hades was in that forest for them to be sacrificing other people?! Was the forest the cause of Nathalie and Matthew being unable to leave
with all of the mentioned mishaps that kept them there or was someone intentionally keeping them there? It is never made clear if the forest does have some kind of power to grant wishes or if it is all in the minds of those who want to believe and will bend reality to match that fantasy.
If this book was not a preface to future books based on this same town, I'll be infuriated due to all of the missed opportunities to really develop the characters and the history of Reachwood Forest, including the town's classism! I feel that there could be another book based on Marjorie's point of view of what happened and the aftereffects of learning that she's an Albright. Another on the origins of the town and its founding families. Another focused on the backstory of Ava's parents that would explain why The Mother was an insufferable shrew and the dynamics of their relationship with each other (like how did those 2 end up together?!). And a part of me senses that the dad knew more than he let on...what did he really know?!
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, especially the premise of it, and hope that there will be future novels focused on other aspects of this town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2022
Welcome to Reachwood Forest where the three founding gold mining families essentially rule over their little part of suburbia in the forest. After graduation, Ava ran far away from Reachwood Forest and the secrets it held… until she had no choice but to return with her daughter.
The story follows Ava and her daughter as they escape from Ava’s abusive relationship with her soon-to-be ex-husband. Ava’s assets are tied up in the divorce so they have no choice but to accept her parent’s offer to live with them in her childhood home to help them move out. Returning to Reachwood brings up a lot of memories for Ava that start affecting her daughter, Marjorie.
The opening line had me hooked. Then, as I continued reading, I was still hooked! The book switches between “today” and “fifteen years earlier”. The back-and-forth storyline is done well for the most part, there was one time where I had a hard time remembering where the previous “fifteen years earlier” chapter ended by the time I got back around to the next. It didn’t take away from the story for me, though!
As for the characters…
Ava is mostly likable. Marjorie is a moody 14-year-old girl, so… no more needs to be said about her character. Ava’s mom, who is only referred to as “Mother”, is terrible. The childhood friends that Ava visits when she returns are the same.
Vicious Creatures has a mostly tidy ending with a couple of things left unexplained. Overall, I truly enjoyed this debut novel from Ashton Noone!
trigger warning: eating disorder, domestic abuse, unhealthy mother-child relationship (Ava and her mom)
The story follows Ava and her daughter as they escape from Ava’s abusive relationship with her soon-to-be ex-husband. Ava’s assets are tied up in the divorce so they have no choice but to accept her parent’s offer to live with them in her childhood home to help them move out. Returning to Reachwood brings up a lot of memories for Ava that start affecting her daughter, Marjorie.
The opening line had me hooked. Then, as I continued reading, I was still hooked! The book switches between “today” and “fifteen years earlier”. The back-and-forth storyline is done well for the most part, there was one time where I had a hard time remembering where the previous “fifteen years earlier” chapter ended by the time I got back around to the next. It didn’t take away from the story for me, though!
As for the characters…
Ava is mostly likable. Marjorie is a moody 14-year-old girl, so… no more needs to be said about her character. Ava’s mom, who is only referred to as “Mother”, is terrible. The childhood friends that Ava visits when she returns are the same.
Vicious Creatures has a mostly tidy ending with a couple of things left unexplained. Overall, I truly enjoyed this debut novel from Ashton Noone!
trigger warning: eating disorder, domestic abuse, unhealthy mother-child relationship (Ava and her mom)
March 17, 2025
The premise of this spooky novel - mysterious forest swallows up lost children - is more intriguing than the execution.
I wanted to enjoy Vicious Creatures more than I did. I was excited by the blurb: Ava Montgomery returns to her hometown, rebellious daughter in tow, to escape her abusive ex-husband. But returning means confronting her old friends and what they did in the forest. Did they kill their friend Adam? Did the forest kill him? What’s going to happen to Ava’s daughter Marjorie, who won’t leave the woods alone?
There’s a possible murder, missing kids, romance - but the plot isn’t held up by the strength of its characters. I found the secondary players, with the exception of Marjorie, to be rather one-note. Even Ava’s ex Victoria, who gets a lot of love from Ava’s POV, can be summed up in two words: rich and unhappy. I wish more focus had been given to why she and Ava loved each other, rather than just repeatedly stating that they do.
The mystery is the strong point, and so I’m rounding up to three stars for the reveal at the end - not because I didn’t see it coming, but it because it made sense and I’m glad that’s where the author took the story. But overall I feel Vicious Creatures isn’t missing the plot - it’s missing the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the ARC.
I wanted to enjoy Vicious Creatures more than I did. I was excited by the blurb: Ava Montgomery returns to her hometown, rebellious daughter in tow, to escape her abusive ex-husband. But returning means confronting her old friends and what they did in the forest. Did they kill their friend Adam? Did the forest kill him? What’s going to happen to Ava’s daughter Marjorie, who won’t leave the woods alone?
There’s a possible murder, missing kids, romance - but the plot isn’t held up by the strength of its characters. I found the secondary players, with the exception of Marjorie, to be rather one-note. Even Ava’s ex Victoria, who gets a lot of love from Ava’s POV, can be summed up in two words: rich and unhappy. I wish more focus had been given to why she and Ava loved each other, rather than just repeatedly stating that they do.
The mystery is the strong point, and so I’m rounding up to three stars for the reveal at the end - not because I didn’t see it coming, but it because it made sense and I’m glad that’s where the author took the story. But overall I feel Vicious Creatures isn’t missing the plot - it’s missing the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the ARC.
December 16, 2022
This book felt like a very long episode of "Riverdale". I was never quite convinced that these were real people in a real place in the 21st century. The Gothic elements were laid on too thickly and the metaphors were underscored just in case you missed the symbolism.
Fact-check, assuming the present-day sections were supposed to take place around 2022, that would mean the high school flashbacks 15 years earlier would be around 2007. A key plot point is that a boy slept with the main character and then sent non-consensual nude pictures of her to their classmates. This wasn't technologically possible in 2007! Editors??
Fact-check, assuming the present-day sections were supposed to take place around 2022, that would mean the high school flashbacks 15 years earlier would be around 2007. A key plot point is that a boy slept with the main character and then sent non-consensual nude pictures of her to their classmates. This wasn't technologically possible in 2007! Editors??
June 13, 2024
Nothing more frustrating than a book that's almost good.
This book checked many boxes for me-- suspense, mystery, representation. But it fell flat in many places.
This author, for example, played up tons of drug abuse, but it became fairly obvious to me that she had no idea what she was talking about. What kind of high schooler is popping ecstasy and feeling almost nothing?
The plot left many gaping holes. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it almost felt like she didn't know how to end them.
In the end, I couldn't put this book down, but when I finished it, I was relieved it was over.
This book checked many boxes for me-- suspense, mystery, representation. But it fell flat in many places.
This author, for example, played up tons of drug abuse, but it became fairly obvious to me that she had no idea what she was talking about. What kind of high schooler is popping ecstasy and feeling almost nothing?
The plot left many gaping holes. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it almost felt like she didn't know how to end them.
In the end, I couldn't put this book down, but when I finished it, I was relieved it was over.
February 3, 2024
DNF
I'm sorry, I know this is Noone's first novel, but I just couldn't do it.
I found the language incredibly juvenile and repetitive - honestly, it felt like something you'd read in a high school English class.
The characters are various shades of unlikable across the board, there isn't enough of a creep factor to hold attention, the prose is vague and meandering to the point of distraction, and the relationships between Ava and her "friends" are just completely unrealistic. An entire group of high school friends marry each other and then stay together well into adulthood? Yeah, right.
I'm sorry, I know this is Noone's first novel, but I just couldn't do it.
I found the language incredibly juvenile and repetitive - honestly, it felt like something you'd read in a high school English class.
The characters are various shades of unlikable across the board, there isn't enough of a creep factor to hold attention, the prose is vague and meandering to the point of distraction, and the relationships between Ava and her "friends" are just completely unrealistic. An entire group of high school friends marry each other and then stay together well into adulthood? Yeah, right.
May 16, 2022
Vicious Creatures is a book that I REALLY thought I would love.
It looked to be an intriguing mystery that could be really creepy.
It WAS creepy. It WAS a mystery......but I was so disappointed.
About halfway through the book I started to get really bored. Like...."Holy moly when is something gonna happen?!" Bored.
There was so much potential here and it fell so flat for me. It was just not a satisfying read.
It looked to be an intriguing mystery that could be really creepy.
It WAS creepy. It WAS a mystery......but I was so disappointed.
About halfway through the book I started to get really bored. Like...."Holy moly when is something gonna happen?!" Bored.
There was so much potential here and it fell so flat for me. It was just not a satisfying read.
October 23, 2022
This one was OK. I didn't love it and didn't hate it. Honestly, it was a little forgettable. I did like the overall story. But I wanted more spooky creepiness. I never got it. It was engaging enough to finish, but not enough to have the overall story stay with me weeks later.
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