The plot thickens in part two ( of three parts) of this gothic sensation novel. We see more of the mystery, which centers around the concealing of a mysterious person from the heroine. If you liked the French governess in Le Fanu's "Uncle Silas", you're in for a treat in volume 2. Being the center book of the trilogy, it ends with the fate of a main character in doubt. Hopefully volume 3 will be available soon.
Having read only part one, it's difficult to rate this book. It looks like it's of the same category as Le Fanu's "Uncle Silas" - a gothic sensation novel. It has the young woman in peril, unaware of the true nature of those who should be protecting her. It also has an isolated, crumbling estate with it's own supernatural curse. It looks good so far. On to part two!
I agree with Dinah's review. This book surprised me. I was expecting it to be maudlin and melodramatic, but for the most part it wasn't. It portrayed things about slavery (i.e. male slave owners sexually using female slaves) that wasn't publicly talked about at that time. The characters were well written, and the plot was fast-paced. The author made you feel what the slaves were going through, and showed that everyone - North and South - in American played a part in allowing slavery to continue. Alot of the author's rebuke was to her fellow Christians, who should've been doing more to stop slavery. (That's why she gets "preachy" in the plot.) I can see why this novel was so instrumental in bringing about slavery's demise. Recommended.
This short novel has the same title as the Arthur Machen story, but a much different message. Burnett takes a supernatural theme and turns it into a charming story of hope. Although you'll see the meaning behind the story's title long before the central character does, it's still worth reading for the beautiful writing.
I'd classify this story more as horror than SF. Arctic explorers encounter a creature that's part seal, part yeti, and part chupacabra. Fans of Dan Simmons book "The Terror" might like this story. Just a warning - there are descriptions of blood and gore in this story, so those averse to such things may want to avoid it.
A supernatural tale of possession by an evil force. This horror story slowly builds until you just can't put it down. Falkner does a good job with the characters, especially John's sister. She narrates much of the story in the form of a letter written to John's adult son. If you like the horror fiction of Edith Wharton or Shirley Jackson, I think you would like this book.
Well-written adventure tale about smugglers and a cursed diamond. The pacing of the plot is a bit uneven, but the story is interesting and the characters are people you will care about.
Understated SF/horror short story. Robots programed to do everything for "the good of the children" take their orders to the extreme level. Any horror elements are subtle and done "off-stage". This story would've made a good "Twilight Zone" episode.
Good short story collection that focuses on the seemingly unimportant people in society - the poor, the elderly, the plain-looking, the spinsters. The author treats these people with real compassion and empathy, making the characters come alive so that we see the worth and value in their quiet lives.
Cheryl’s book reviews