Title: THE GROVE
Author: Elizabeth Guizzetti
Category/Genre: Horror
My Star Rating: 4/5
Blurb:
Trail Rule #5: Let Sleeping Gods lie…
Sitka’s Quay appears to be like every other coastal tourist town on Highway 101, but lurking below its southern grove of ancient spruce are three sleeping primordial gods. For an eon, their bloodthirsty dreams have radiated into the ground and restore anyone who walks within the Grove. The Keeper, Dayla Fischer, must remain in control of her magical abilities or fall into sickening madness, but lives a relatively quiet life with her husband, Oliver. That is, until the delusional, but charming Jonah Leifson comes to town with a plan to awaken the Three. Soon, children begin disappearing. With powerful suggestion spells and mind reading abilities, Jonah wins over other sorcerers, meth users, the police, and eventually even her husband. Though no one believes her and she doubts her own sanity, she must stop Jonah, before he wakes the Three and brings about the end of the world.
Amazon † Kobo † Barnes & Noble † iBooks
My Review:
While this book wasn't at all what I expected, it was a very intriguing and unique story. I wouldn't classify it as horror; fantasy or suspense, perhaps. Sure, there were a few spots that made you squirm but nothing really got my heart racing or my gag reflex going like a good old fashioned gory horror. The premise and story line saved this one for me, though. Intricate legends and a well thought-out plot kept my interest. The characters I loved (like Dayla and Willow) I really loved, and there characters I despised (Samantha, namely. Who turns their back on their BFF so quick?!) I really despised... which means I had a great connection with the whole cast one way or another. My main criticism: the head hopping. It was handled appropriately, with a header before each change indicating which character's head we were in, but there were just way too many POVs to keep up.
**I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review**
While this book wasn't at all what I expected, it was a very intriguing and unique story. I wouldn't classify it as horror; fantasy or suspense, perhaps. Sure, there were a few spots that made you squirm but nothing really got my heart racing or my gag reflex going like a good old fashioned gory horror. The premise and story line saved this one for me, though. Intricate legends and a well thought-out plot kept my interest. The characters I loved (like Dayla and Willow) I really loved, and there characters I despised (Samantha, namely. Who turns their back on their BFF so quick?!) I really despised... which means I had a great connection with the whole cast one way or another. My main criticism: the head hopping. It was handled appropriately, with a header before each change indicating which character's head we were in, but there were just way too many POVs to keep up.
**I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review**
About The Author
Much to her chagrin, Elizabeth Guizzetti discovered she was not a cyborg and growing up to be an otter would be impractical, so she began writing stories. Guizzetti currently lives in Seattle with her husband and two dogs. When not writing, she loves hiking and birdwatching.
She is the author and illustrator of independent comics: Faminelands and Lure and a comic book series Out for Souls& Cookies! Her debut novel, Other Systems, was a 2015 Finalist for the Canopus Award. She continues to write science fiction, horror, and fantasy. The Grove is her third novel.
Website: http://elizabethguizzetti.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/E_Guizzetti
Thank you for posting
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading the novel and posting a review. I'm glad you like it.
ReplyDelete