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The Others of Edenwell
Norfolk, 1917. Unable to join the army due to a heart condition, Freddie lives and works with his father in the grounds of the Edenwell Hydropathic, a wellness retreat in the Norfolk brecks. Preferring the company of birds - who talk to him as one of their own - over the eccentric characters who live in the spa, bathing in its healing waters, Freddie overhears their premonitions of murder.
Eustace Moncrieff is a troublemaker, desperate to go to war and leave behind his wealthy family. Shipped to Edenwell by his mother to keep him safe from the horrors of the trenches, he strikes up a friendship with Freddie at the behest of Doctor Chalice, the American owner of the Hydropathic.
As the two friends grow closer and grapple with their demons, they discover a body, and something terrifying stalking the woods. The dark halls of the spa are breached, haunted by the woodland beast, and the boys soon realise that they may be the only things standing between this monster and the whole of Edenwell.
Eustace Moncrieff is a troublemaker, desperate to go to war and leave behind his wealthy family. Shipped to Edenwell by his mother to keep him safe from the horrors of the trenches, he strikes up a friendship with Freddie at the behest of Doctor Chalice, the American owner of the Hydropathic.
As the two friends grow closer and grapple with their demons, they discover a body, and something terrifying stalking the woods. The dark halls of the spa are breached, haunted by the woodland beast, and the boys soon realise that they may be the only things standing between this monster and the whole of Edenwell.
441 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2023
13 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 25, 2023
While reading The Others of Edenwell, and especially after finishing it, I kept thinking the same thing: why isn’t this book getting more attention?! With its wartime setting, beautifully atmospheric description and slow-burn queer romance combined with elements of folk horror, this is a novel that feels ripe for obsessive fandom. If I was in charge of marketing it, I’d be targeting fans of Natasha Pulley and In Memoriam. This is a book that takes its time to set the scene: the Edenwell retreat comes to life in full colour; its staff are more than just background characters; it’s a whole world. There are so many threads here – from Freddie’s relationship with his dad and Scole’s secret to the creeping terror of ‘the German’ and the chatterings of the corvids – yet all are seamlessly woven together in what is both an elegaic war novel and a haunting ghost story. Read it now before it becomes the cult hit it deserves to be.
October 14, 2023
“There are three types of men
Those who hear the call and obey
Those who delay
And – The Others
To which do you belong?
Parliamentary recruiting committee”
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It doesn’t seem to have had the hype that some others in this genre have had, but on the whole it’s better. It is more a historical novel with a gothic/horror edge to it. It is set in 1917 in Norfolk in the First World War. The setting is what was known as a Hydropathic (water therapy) in the Norfolk Breckland. The main protagonist is Alfred Ferry (Freddie), seventeen year old son of the grounds keeper. He has a heart condition and so cannot be called up. He also is able to communicate with birds, especially the rooks, magpies and jackdaws in the woods around the Hydropathic. There is a presence stalking the woods: that’s the horror part. It’s not obvious and develops slowly over the novel. There is also a mixed selection of staff and residents. Into this comes Eustace Moncrieff, also seventeen, sent by an overprotective mother. Eustace and Freddie develop a relationship. Into the equation come wounded soldiers for recuperation. It’s actually a lot better than I’ve made it sound.
The scene setting and characterisation are very good. There is a bit of unobtrusive romance (M/M), the tension is developed well and builds over the novel. The relationship to the war is complex for all the characters. There is a bit of art, archaeology, poetry as well as a well told story.
Those who hear the call and obey
Those who delay
And – The Others
To which do you belong?
Parliamentary recruiting committee”
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It doesn’t seem to have had the hype that some others in this genre have had, but on the whole it’s better. It is more a historical novel with a gothic/horror edge to it. It is set in 1917 in Norfolk in the First World War. The setting is what was known as a Hydropathic (water therapy) in the Norfolk Breckland. The main protagonist is Alfred Ferry (Freddie), seventeen year old son of the grounds keeper. He has a heart condition and so cannot be called up. He also is able to communicate with birds, especially the rooks, magpies and jackdaws in the woods around the Hydropathic. There is a presence stalking the woods: that’s the horror part. It’s not obvious and develops slowly over the novel. There is also a mixed selection of staff and residents. Into this comes Eustace Moncrieff, also seventeen, sent by an overprotective mother. Eustace and Freddie develop a relationship. Into the equation come wounded soldiers for recuperation. It’s actually a lot better than I’ve made it sound.
The scene setting and characterisation are very good. There is a bit of unobtrusive romance (M/M), the tension is developed well and builds over the novel. The relationship to the war is complex for all the characters. There is a bit of art, archaeology, poetry as well as a well told story.
June 22, 2024
Never judge a book by its title because “The Others of Edenwell” may well sound like a ghost story, but really, it’s a coming-of-age story, a historical mystery riddled with local superstitions, with a little dribble of horror (last 100 pages)
There is perhaps too much going on. It feels like the author had loads of ideas for this story and thought I must get them all in at all costs, where perhaps leaving a couple of things out might have made the story a tad more cohesive. However, any ploddyness with the story is made up for by the excellent characters of Freddie, Eustace and the truly awful bully Scole. Also, Freddie's relationship with nature, particularly the birds, is beautifully done by the author.
Overall, very decent, 3.5 rounded up because the ending was very satisfying.
There is perhaps too much going on. It feels like the author had loads of ideas for this story and thought I must get them all in at all costs, where perhaps leaving a couple of things out might have made the story a tad more cohesive. However, any ploddyness with the story is made up for by the excellent characters of Freddie, Eustace and the truly awful bully Scole. Also, Freddie's relationship with nature, particularly the birds, is beautifully done by the author.
Overall, very decent, 3.5 rounded up because the ending was very satisfying.
June 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book immensely, despite it being quite different from what I expected. Though there are evil entities lurking in the margins, so much of the book is spent building atmosphere and tracing the growing bond between the two very central characters. This is done subtly and with great heart.
It’s a novel set in the late Edwardian period, and it borrows much of the style and focus of the literature of the time. Art, creativity, interior psychology and the supposed ‘condition of England’ are at the forefront. It results in a slippery, sometimes obscure story, in which the nature of the threat is loose and the history of the land exerts a half glimpsed influence on the present. It may be frustrating for readers seeking a more conventional spook story, but if you are a fan of Edwardian or Modernist fiction, this brings all of that era’s elusive style to bear in telling a tale of ephemeral horror. Imagine E.M. Forster wrote Pet Semetary, or early Joyce tackled folk horror.
Great, chewy, troubling stuff.
It’s a novel set in the late Edwardian period, and it borrows much of the style and focus of the literature of the time. Art, creativity, interior psychology and the supposed ‘condition of England’ are at the forefront. It results in a slippery, sometimes obscure story, in which the nature of the threat is loose and the history of the land exerts a half glimpsed influence on the present. It may be frustrating for readers seeking a more conventional spook story, but if you are a fan of Edwardian or Modernist fiction, this brings all of that era’s elusive style to bear in telling a tale of ephemeral horror. Imagine E.M. Forster wrote Pet Semetary, or early Joyce tackled folk horror.
Great, chewy, troubling stuff.
July 26, 2023
The Others of Edenwell was a really interesting, immersive read and I enjoyed it.
I have to point out though that it was for completely different reasons than I had anticipated. This isn’t a criticism of the author as I think the book she’s written was a really cool idea and excellently executed; the marketing however may throw people off, likely something the author hasn’t had much control over.
The Others of Edenwell is pitched to potential readers as a high stakes horror in which our main characters are trying to protect the residents of Edenwell against this horror, a woodland beast. This supernatural creature is not a constant threat that we spend the book on edge about and as such I’d probably describe the genre as a historical fiction or historical drama first and foremost. Although the horror elements are very creepily written and imagined, they are too few and far between to be able to confidently label this book as a horror as the main genre. I hope in time most readers will know this before considering reading so they’re not disappointed, as this is a really good book. It also means the book may actually appeal to a wider audience and readers who don’t like pure horror novels!
Verity M. Holloway obviously has a great deal of knowledge about wartime Britain during The First World War and this knowledge combined with a lovely, flowing writing style makes this book incredibly immersive. A huge amount of work and thought has gone into making it feel authentic and this shines through so strongly.
If you’re waiting for the story to feel tense and horrifying, it will feel like a slow burn as it’s not the sort of horror or thriller read where you’re constantly on the edge of your seat. Towards the end the creature makes a final appearance, and as with most of the book, the characters go to it rather than it coming to them. To appreciate the book, I’d recommend going into it ready to enjoy the brilliantly crafted setting and colourful characters and enjoy a wartime drama, with the added sparkle of a scary creature in the woods, rather than expecting to be scared on every page. And that’s 100% fine – it actually suits the overall tone for this to be the case here. You’ll just enjoy it more if you know this to begin with.
Freddie and Eustace are two young men, boys really, who develop a close friendship and it’s really enjoyable to witness this relationship develop and the struggles of the two characters. They and a number of different characters at the Edenwell retreat are ‘others’ – men who haven’t joined the war effort abroad. As we know from history and is showcased well here are the attitudes, guilt and atmosphere around everyone’s contribution to the war effort. People’s perceptions are impacted in a large part by this and the war permeates every part of life and conversation. In my second year of my history degree, I almost exclusively studied wartime Britain – society, culture, politics, propaganda, you name it – and I’m massively impressed with just how brilliantly Holloway has captured everything and can’t stress this enough.
I also loved finding out that Edenwell was in fact a real place; it’s a real shame it was demolished. It’s made me wish I could explore the surrounding woods for sure!
If you’re interested in the period or interested in wartime Britain during the First World War I have no doubt at all you’ll enjoy this. I think it was a great idea to make a historical drama with the added horror elements. If you’re ok with the historical fiction (that doesn’t actually feel like fiction because it’s so well written) being the majority of the book – the great character development, brilliantly brought to life setting and well researched history – with a side helping of creepy supernatural horror, you’ll find so much to love here and I’d really recommend it.
For the right type of reader, and there’ll be many, The Others of Edenwell has so much to offer. I’m really glad I read it.
Thankyou to Olivia from Titan Books and the author for a copy of this really interesting book in exchange for my honest review. Much appreciated!
I have to point out though that it was for completely different reasons than I had anticipated. This isn’t a criticism of the author as I think the book she’s written was a really cool idea and excellently executed; the marketing however may throw people off, likely something the author hasn’t had much control over.
The Others of Edenwell is pitched to potential readers as a high stakes horror in which our main characters are trying to protect the residents of Edenwell against this horror, a woodland beast. This supernatural creature is not a constant threat that we spend the book on edge about and as such I’d probably describe the genre as a historical fiction or historical drama first and foremost. Although the horror elements are very creepily written and imagined, they are too few and far between to be able to confidently label this book as a horror as the main genre. I hope in time most readers will know this before considering reading so they’re not disappointed, as this is a really good book. It also means the book may actually appeal to a wider audience and readers who don’t like pure horror novels!
Verity M. Holloway obviously has a great deal of knowledge about wartime Britain during The First World War and this knowledge combined with a lovely, flowing writing style makes this book incredibly immersive. A huge amount of work and thought has gone into making it feel authentic and this shines through so strongly.
If you’re waiting for the story to feel tense and horrifying, it will feel like a slow burn as it’s not the sort of horror or thriller read where you’re constantly on the edge of your seat. Towards the end the creature makes a final appearance, and as with most of the book, the characters go to it rather than it coming to them. To appreciate the book, I’d recommend going into it ready to enjoy the brilliantly crafted setting and colourful characters and enjoy a wartime drama, with the added sparkle of a scary creature in the woods, rather than expecting to be scared on every page. And that’s 100% fine – it actually suits the overall tone for this to be the case here. You’ll just enjoy it more if you know this to begin with.
Freddie and Eustace are two young men, boys really, who develop a close friendship and it’s really enjoyable to witness this relationship develop and the struggles of the two characters. They and a number of different characters at the Edenwell retreat are ‘others’ – men who haven’t joined the war effort abroad. As we know from history and is showcased well here are the attitudes, guilt and atmosphere around everyone’s contribution to the war effort. People’s perceptions are impacted in a large part by this and the war permeates every part of life and conversation. In my second year of my history degree, I almost exclusively studied wartime Britain – society, culture, politics, propaganda, you name it – and I’m massively impressed with just how brilliantly Holloway has captured everything and can’t stress this enough.
I also loved finding out that Edenwell was in fact a real place; it’s a real shame it was demolished. It’s made me wish I could explore the surrounding woods for sure!
If you’re interested in the period or interested in wartime Britain during the First World War I have no doubt at all you’ll enjoy this. I think it was a great idea to make a historical drama with the added horror elements. If you’re ok with the historical fiction (that doesn’t actually feel like fiction because it’s so well written) being the majority of the book – the great character development, brilliantly brought to life setting and well researched history – with a side helping of creepy supernatural horror, you’ll find so much to love here and I’d really recommend it.
For the right type of reader, and there’ll be many, The Others of Edenwell has so much to offer. I’m really glad I read it.
Thankyou to Olivia from Titan Books and the author for a copy of this really interesting book in exchange for my honest review. Much appreciated!
March 16, 2024
Very well written and full of strong period detail, but the horror element is undercooked and it felt like we really needed to spend more time with some of the characters to let them fully find their place in the story.
November 13, 2023
This is a very slow burn horror novel, very character-driven, and it worked really well. As well as the monster in the woods there was a human villain who I hated with a passion. This book was sometimes difficult to read because of the shitty things happening to people, but there was a beautiful friendship between the two main characters with lots of queer yearning, though it never quite tipped over into a romance. The horror itself remained nebulous and unknowable and it retained the creepy factor all the way to the ultimate payoff at the end.
November 19, 2025
4 1/2 stars, rounded up to five, because - goddammit - this book, these two boys slowly, tenderly pulled me in to rip me apart at the end. Oh yeah, and there was a monster and wartime and birds and art, too.
October 6, 2024
A beautiful and atmospheric read! I fell in love with Freddie and Eustance's friendship and longed for their happy ending...
A wonderful slow burn of a book that was written in the most beautiful way, I had no idea what was lurking in the woods! But was thrilled, entertained, and delighted with every page leading up to the reveal.
A wonderful slow burn of a book that was written in the most beautiful way, I had no idea what was lurking in the woods! But was thrilled, entertained, and delighted with every page leading up to the reveal.
July 26, 2023
Loved it! So good! more people need to read this masterpiece of a chilling story!
August 13, 2023
What a gorgeous novel. There's not enough sumptuously written, gothically tinged historical dramas being written at the moment and the world is poorer for it.
The atmosphere created by the stunning writing in this book is sublime, as are the characters. The world of an isolated hospital during the First World War is wonderfully realised.
The pacing didn't quite work though. The supernatural elements are intriguing, but not explored nearly as well as they could be. There is also a lot of action seemingly stuffed into the last quarter of the book, whereas if it has been more evenly spaced out the story would have flowed better. There were moments when the narrative felt bogged down.
The descriptions of Freddy's artwork at the beginning of the chapters was a lovely touch, but it would have been even better if someone had been commissioned to create the artworks to include in the book.
The atmosphere created by the stunning writing in this book is sublime, as are the characters. The world of an isolated hospital during the First World War is wonderfully realised.
The pacing didn't quite work though. The supernatural elements are intriguing, but not explored nearly as well as they could be. There is also a lot of action seemingly stuffed into the last quarter of the book, whereas if it has been more evenly spaced out the story would have flowed better. There were moments when the narrative felt bogged down.
The descriptions of Freddy's artwork at the beginning of the chapters was a lovely touch, but it would have been even better if someone had been commissioned to create the artworks to include in the book.
April 8, 2025
I was originally going to rate this book lower, but the ending was so heartbreaking it deserved a better rating.
When I picked up this book I expected a classic ghost story. It was so much more than that. I loved the war setting and I loved the character development and the relationship between Freddie and Eustace. It was so precious AND devastating at the same time.
My main complaint is that the pace was quite slow and I felt slightly bored a few times. In saying that, the ending makes up for that in my opinion. I did not expect I would be shedding so many tears.
My only other complaint is that the horror element was underwhelming with very little scenes featuring paranormal events or dedicated to this part of the plot. A couple of passages did radiate a good eerie atmosphere, but it was such a small part of the book.
Overall, even though it took me forever to finish it, I’m so glad I pushed through and got to the ending. It all was very worth it.
When I picked up this book I expected a classic ghost story. It was so much more than that. I loved the war setting and I loved the character development and the relationship between Freddie and Eustace. It was so precious AND devastating at the same time.
My main complaint is that the pace was quite slow and I felt slightly bored a few times. In saying that, the ending makes up for that in my opinion. I did not expect I would be shedding so many tears.
My only other complaint is that the horror element was underwhelming with very little scenes featuring paranormal events or dedicated to this part of the plot. A couple of passages did radiate a good eerie atmosphere, but it was such a small part of the book.
Overall, even though it took me forever to finish it, I’m so glad I pushed through and got to the ending. It all was very worth it.
December 20, 2023
A character drama defined by wartime experience, coloured throughout by othering of sexuality, class, and race, everything overcast with a background of folk horror, and with the author unafraid—and able—to delve fearlessly into horror for a climax that may seem overdone, but which works perfectly in bringing the various threads of the narrative together, capped with a fine and emotive ending.
November 4, 2023
For a long time I was going to give this book a 3 out of 5 because whilst I found it a bit dull and muddled, it was inoffensive.
But then the last 2 chapters really annoyed me. The author paced this book so badly. Nothing happens for most of it, and then suddenly too much happens, making things confusing. As to the actual story, well... it has queer longing but it's so uninterested in exploring those feelings. Then the characters are all pretty one dimensional, despite a length of over 400 pages.
Also Eustace's traumas and backstory were a bit... bizarre. None of it really made sense to me. And Freddie was just the neurodivergent poor boy with access to some sort of supernatural disney-princess talking to the animals ability who despite being supposedly gifted at his art is such a dull little character whose main emotions are confusion and sadness.
The whole thing felt like there was some good ideas there but the author wasn't able to focus their writing. There was also no tangible threat for most of the book. For something that should be creepy or claims to be, it was incredibly uninterested in creating tension & merely slipped into downton-abbey-esque period drama for large chunks.
But then the last 2 chapters really annoyed me. The author paced this book so badly. Nothing happens for most of it, and then suddenly too much happens, making things confusing. As to the actual story, well... it has queer longing but it's so uninterested in exploring those feelings. Then the characters are all pretty one dimensional, despite a length of over 400 pages.
Also Eustace's traumas and backstory were a bit... bizarre. None of it really made sense to me. And Freddie was just the neurodivergent poor boy with access to some sort of supernatural disney-princess talking to the animals ability who despite being supposedly gifted at his art is such a dull little character whose main emotions are confusion and sadness.
The whole thing felt like there was some good ideas there but the author wasn't able to focus their writing. There was also no tangible threat for most of the book. For something that should be creepy or claims to be, it was incredibly uninterested in creating tension & merely slipped into downton-abbey-esque period drama for large chunks.
October 28, 2024
Haunting slow burn of a novel, set in East Anglia during the First World War.
Wonderfully drawn characters that slowly develop through the story. The relationship between Eustice and Freddie is particularly well done. There’s also and An edge of the surreal with birds and haunting figures.
A great autumn read.
Wonderfully drawn characters that slowly develop through the story. The relationship between Eustice and Freddie is particularly well done. There’s also and An edge of the surreal with birds and haunting figures.
A great autumn read.
November 24, 2023
I almost DNF's this story but Im glad that I carried on. I, however, wouldnt really class this as a typical horror, despite having some jumpy moments. I found this story to be a character study more about how people are affected by war and what effect past traumas have on current situations. It was very beautifully written.
March 21, 2024
holy shit, i'll think about eustace and freddie forever
January 29, 2025
One of the most beautiful books I've had the pleasure to read.
I was quite sold from the start due to the cover and summary and my interest for World War I, but I didn't expect to fall in love that deeply with the small world of Edenwell. It captivated me from start to finish, and while the horror element stays relatively minor in the face of personal and interpersonal drama, it is nonetheless a chilling book, that knows how to raise difficult questions with subtlety. The plot is strong and so is the writing, which allows for tender moments between all the grief and sorrows the story has to offer. As a reader with an academic background in history and art history, I particularly appreciated the references to (very real) British propaganda and the short descriptions of (fictional) artworks opening many chapters.
Ultimately, my favourite aspect of the novel is its main character Freddie. His relationship to Eustace is of course one of the key elements of it, and I enjoyed it a lot as it was in my opinion subtly crafted and tender. But Freddie on his own touched me even more. Here's a boy who talks to birds and only knows to share his thoughts and feelings by drawing with what odds and ends he can get his hands on. A boy with a 'weak heart' who can't go to war; a boy with a strong heart, on the contrary, who made me more emotional than any other protagonist I've ever met, and to whom I shall always be grateful.
This is the one and only book that got me to weep. I strongly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves intrigued by the cover, or the summary, or this review. I hope it can get the recognition it deserves.
I was quite sold from the start due to the cover and summary and my interest for World War I, but I didn't expect to fall in love that deeply with the small world of Edenwell. It captivated me from start to finish, and while the horror element stays relatively minor in the face of personal and interpersonal drama, it is nonetheless a chilling book, that knows how to raise difficult questions with subtlety. The plot is strong and so is the writing, which allows for tender moments between all the grief and sorrows the story has to offer. As a reader with an academic background in history and art history, I particularly appreciated the references to (very real) British propaganda and the short descriptions of (fictional) artworks opening many chapters.
Ultimately, my favourite aspect of the novel is its main character Freddie. His relationship to Eustace is of course one of the key elements of it, and I enjoyed it a lot as it was in my opinion subtly crafted and tender. But Freddie on his own touched me even more. Here's a boy who talks to birds and only knows to share his thoughts and feelings by drawing with what odds and ends he can get his hands on. A boy with a 'weak heart' who can't go to war; a boy with a strong heart, on the contrary, who made me more emotional than any other protagonist I've ever met, and to whom I shall always be grateful.
This is the one and only book that got me to weep. I strongly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves intrigued by the cover, or the summary, or this review. I hope it can get the recognition it deserves.
February 13, 2024
Initially, I was going to give this book four stars, even though I had some issues with the story.
The pacing is off. It's a slow burn and the majority of the book is very slow-paced. But then we get closer to the ending and suddenly everything happens all at once.
The second thing is the ending. I wanted to be surprised, but there are no plot twists. Almost as soon as you start reading, you know exactly the kind of ending you're going to get.
The book and the language being used are also quite difficult to read, oftentimes being confusing, but that didn’t affect my opinion of the story. It was beautifully written and I enjoyed it a lot, especially the very subtle and tender relationship between the two main characters (M/M), which I think would’ve been nice if it was explored more as the story is more of a drama than horror.
What ultimately made me give the story three stars is...
Well, the ending. It ruined the whole story for me. It's too sad and too predictable, and it’s been a day and I’m still kind of upset about it. But at least Scole got what he deserved. I was more repulsed by his character than the actual monster, if I'm being honest.
The pacing is off. It's a slow burn and the majority of the book is very slow-paced. But then we get closer to the ending and suddenly everything happens all at once.
The second thing is the ending. I wanted to be surprised, but there are no plot twists. Almost as soon as you start reading, you know exactly the kind of ending you're going to get.
The book and the language being used are also quite difficult to read, oftentimes being confusing, but that didn’t affect my opinion of the story. It was beautifully written and I enjoyed it a lot, especially the very subtle and tender relationship between the two main characters (M/M), which I think would’ve been nice if it was explored more as the story is more of a drama than horror.
What ultimately made me give the story three stars is...
Well, the ending. It ruined the whole story for me. It's too sad and too predictable, and it’s been a day and I’m still kind of upset about it. But at least Scole got what he deserved. I was more repulsed by his character than the actual monster, if I'm being honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2023
I wanted to like it so much. The cover is beautiful, the synopsis promised great things. Sadly, I didn't managed to care for the characters and reading felt quite long, even though the prose is nice. Things were quite slow and tensionless for me, the friendship between the two narrators was just starting to grow but it didn't pull me in enough for me to continue. DNF'd at 30%, even if I was tempted to pursue.
June 18, 2023
3.5 stars
There's a subtle sense of things not being quite right from the beginning of this book, like something you catch out of the corner of your eye.
The sensation builds, along with the feeling of claustrophobia... its all too intense.
Then, it will be like nothing happened, leading me to wonder if I'd read it right.
A little bit creepy. A lot good.
There's a subtle sense of things not being quite right from the beginning of this book, like something you catch out of the corner of your eye.
The sensation builds, along with the feeling of claustrophobia... its all too intense.
Then, it will be like nothing happened, leading me to wonder if I'd read it right.
A little bit creepy. A lot good.
July 22, 2023
The author does a grand job of building a gothic atmosphere and the relationship between the two lads is really well done.
Enjoyable as it is, it wasnt what i was expecting, its a slow burn that doesnt pay off in respect of how the book is being marketed, its a drama not a horror.
A good atmospheric drama.
Enjoyable as it is, it wasnt what i was expecting, its a slow burn that doesnt pay off in respect of how the book is being marketed, its a drama not a horror.
A good atmospheric drama.
September 15, 2023
I don't like slow burns, so I struggled with this book at times. Every time it looked like it was going to pick up the pace, it slowed down again. But at the same I enjoyed the atmosphere and the mystery. It eventually got me where I was meant to be and the end left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I recommend it.
June 25, 2024
I bought this as it sounded like a ghost story set in 1917, which is one of my favourite eras. However, this wasn’t really supernatural at all.
This was a novel about a man who talks to birds, as described on the cover, but it’s also about gay love between two men in 1917.
I didn’t enjoy or finish this novel.
This was a novel about a man who talks to birds, as described on the cover, but it’s also about gay love between two men in 1917.
I didn’t enjoy or finish this novel.
January 27, 2024
I picked this book up on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. It was very tenderly written but also had some pretty creepy moments. I felt the writing was a tiny bit difficult to follow in some places and the payoff wasn’t exactly the most satisfying thing in the world but I still enjoyed my time with this book
May 27, 2024
Very interesting and atmospheric slow-burn story, in a well-written & neat package. There wasn't anything amiss, everything was so carefully put together. I really liked that!
This novel was one of those creepy and subdued ones which I love.
This novel was one of those creepy and subdued ones which I love.
September 14, 2024
This was a slowish start that built up to a marathon ending! Enjoyable read - had to re read a couple of sections to really understand what was happening. I enjoyed the characters - even the awful ones - and I liked the element of fantasy that the story is built on.
January 6, 2024
Review to come
January 23, 2024
A brilliant, heartbreaking, and masteful book. This was a delight to read 🫶🏻 This book needs to be talked about!
April 12, 2024
DNF. Too English.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews