Rita’s Reviews > The Haunting Season > Status Update
Rita
is on page 109 of 291
The Eel Singers by Natasha Pulley - 3.75/5
I loved the concept and the part of the story set in the fen. Spooky and unsettling. I didn't like some of the characterization of the Japanese main character (it's really obvious the author is NOT Asian), and the opening scene in the Japanese village in the UK. I found it unnecessary. Also the writing at times reminded me of The House in the Cerulean Sea (in a bad way lol)
— Mar 07, 2024 08:26AM
I loved the concept and the part of the story set in the fen. Spooky and unsettling. I didn't like some of the characterization of the Japanese main character (it's really obvious the author is NOT Asian), and the opening scene in the Japanese village in the UK. I found it unnecessary. Also the writing at times reminded me of The House in the Cerulean Sea (in a bad way lol)
Like flag
Rita’s Previous Updates
Rita
is on page 255 of 291
Confinement by Kiran Millwood Hargrave - 4/5
This one was so good, and I think it was made better by having been based off of a true story and post-partum depression. I liked the writing style and really felt the tension and anxiety of this story through and through. I've been wanting to read something by Kiran Millwood Hargrave for a while now so I'm glad this one was one of the better stories in this collection.
— Apr 01, 2024 12:34PM
This one was so good, and I think it was made better by having been based off of a true story and post-partum depression. I liked the writing style and really felt the tension and anxiety of this story through and through. I've been wanting to read something by Kiran Millwood Hargrave for a while now so I'm glad this one was one of the better stories in this collection.
Rita
is on page 219 of 291
The Hanging of the Greens by Andrew Michael Hurley - 3/5
While an enjoyable read in that I liked the writing style, I don't think it was a stand out for me. This story reads like A Christmas Carol meets The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. I liked the build-up and the mystery of the story, but I don't think the payoff was strong enough. Also, I don't know how I feel about alcoholism being equated to being possessed.
— Mar 25, 2024 11:12AM
While an enjoyable read in that I liked the writing style, I don't think it was a stand out for me. This story reads like A Christmas Carol meets The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. I liked the build-up and the mystery of the story, but I don't think the payoff was strong enough. Also, I don't know how I feel about alcoholism being equated to being possessed.
Rita
is on page 179 of 291
The Chillingham Chair by Laura Purcell
3/5? 2.5/5?
Interesting concept but not a story that I found particularly innovative. This story felt like an unfinished through or something that should have been expanded on beyond the scope of being a short story. It ended on what could have been a continuation in the story. I also didn't love the tone of the story, as it felt more camp rather than chilling.
— Mar 19, 2024 10:45AM
3/5? 2.5/5?
Interesting concept but not a story that I found particularly innovative. This story felt like an unfinished through or something that should have been expanded on beyond the scope of being a short story. It ended on what could have been a continuation in the story. I also didn't love the tone of the story, as it felt more camp rather than chilling.
Rita
is on page 143 of 291
Lily Wilt by Jess Kidd
3.5/5
Written in a more punchy style than the previous stories, this one reminded me of a penny dreadful or something from the Twilight Zone. Fun but not my favorite.
— Mar 11, 2024 11:08PM
3.5/5
Written in a more punchy style than the previous stories, this one reminded me of a penny dreadful or something from the Twilight Zone. Fun but not my favorite.
Rita
is on page 71 of 291
Thwaite's Tenant by Imogen Hermes Gowar - 4/5
TW: domestic abuse
This story was reminiscent of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and is probably a call back to that, considering the title of the story. It's much darker in tone than the first story, and deals with heavier topics. Feminism is so important and I think people today take it for granted, like women weren't granted divorce even if they were being abused? Wild.
— Mar 06, 2024 10:37PM
TW: domestic abuse
This story was reminiscent of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and is probably a call back to that, considering the title of the story. It's much darker in tone than the first story, and deals with heavier topics. Feminism is so important and I think people today take it for granted, like women weren't granted divorce even if they were being abused? Wild.
Rita
is on page 33 of 291
A Study in Black and White by Bridget Collins - 4/5
What a way to start off this collection! This story was wonderfully written and properly gave me chills. Her writing really satisfied my current craving for a gothic story. So looking forward to reading the two Bridget Collins novels I have after this!
— Mar 05, 2024 09:58PM
What a way to start off this collection! This story was wonderfully written and properly gave me chills. Her writing really satisfied my current craving for a gothic story. So looking forward to reading the two Bridget Collins novels I have after this!
