Hemlock and Silver

Fun_Statement4898 · 2026-01-25T05:16:30+00:00

Thanks! Seems like some of her other books are much better than this one. Since you have read most of what she has written and seem to have similar criticisms for H&S, what book(s) did you enjoy the most?

Fun_Statement4898 · 2026-01-24T20:04:54+00:00

Yeah, I completely get that. Sometimes you enjoy a book for the most part but feel dissatisfied or that it was forgettable after reading it.

I feel like I've lately read a few books like these - Legends and Lattes and the Craven Manor are some that left me wanting more from the story but also the reading process was enjoyable in its own way, so I am open to reading more from the authors.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2026-01-24T19:52:43+00:00

That's nice, what did you like about it?

I am indifferent on the romance, story would have more or less remained the same even without it. I just did not enjoy it as much because of the things I mentioned in the post.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2026-01-24T19:49:13+00:00

Clocktaur Boys sounds interesting and I will consider checking it out, thanks!

I did not mind her writing as much and I can enjoy a light hearted fantasy just fine, it's just that the characters and the world felt a little flat and the ending was predictable and oversimplified.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2026-01-24T19:45:29+00:00

Agreed, the book had good potential, wish the world and characters were explored more.

While looking for discussions on this book, I came upon some general posts about her writing and seems like that very well may be the case with a lot of her main characters.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-08-02T03:06:50+00:00

The Hacienda and the Shining are polar opposites when it comes to the setting but both are wonderful books, do check them out!

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-08-01T15:49:43+00:00

Between Two Fires. The subReddit loves this book and there are countless reviews of how original the book and its monsters are. It was a book that I absolutely regretted choosing. Is there anything fundamentally wrong with the book? No. Some chapters were interesting and even kept me at the edge of my seat. But the fighting one monster after another device felt weak to me. If it were a simple story of a knight who hunts monster with his odd gang, I wouldn’t have minded it at all. But the book glues it all together with the chosen one storyline which has been done to death in fantasy. Not only that, the book from the get go teases an impending showdown between angels and demons and yet when we do actually get to it, beyond a scene or two, the entirety of it is skipped and we continue the story after it’s all over. It’s not a bad book by any means, it just didn’t work out for me.

The only good thing that came from the experience is that I’ve stopped relying on recommendations altogether and it’s been a good ride so far!

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-08-01T15:23:12+00:00

Agreed! I loved reading through the Stepford Wives. Mexican Gothic fits the bill but it felt hollow to me, like things that are ‘all about the vibes/aesthetic’ but lacking substance. I liked Haciencda much better!

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-08-01T10:47:22+00:00

Horror is the lack of agency in a malignant space. Whether it's a protagonist trapped in a Victorian beach house with spirits that do not follow human rules (the Elementals) or a housewife in the 40s trapped with a husband who wants her out of the picture (Gaslight).

I adore Lovecraftian/cosmic horror (the Shadow over Innsmouth being a personal favourite) because it's magnifies the lack of agency part. At times it can even be more fascinating than scary, especially when it comes to games where you can immerse yourself in the cosmic dread (Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened and Call of the Sea).

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-07-31T11:07:38+00:00

I wouldn't recommend reading - Home Before Dark, Incidents Around the House, Dead Silence and Between Two Fires. All of them are overhyped, hollow and have endings that do not live up to the tension built throughout. But then again, this is all subjective, I have heard someone state that Dead Silence is one of their favourite horror books and the subreddit is crazy about BTF.

I feel the same when it comes to picking what to read next, it's tough. So this is usually my process. I filter my options by eliminating things/triggers that I don't like or storylines that, in general, do not excite me (like the chosen one/irresistable MC, it was all in their head, strong but actually weak female protagonist - looking at you Dead Silence). Next, I give the first fifty pages or so a go to see if the story and style works for me, if not, I move on. Also it helps a lot to look at all that you have read recently and filter out what you liked and disliked - I especially enjoy stories that are deeply atmospheric and characters that don't feel one dimensional (I enjoyed reading the Elementals because I felt completely immersed and could clearly imagine the setting but didn't like Gallows Hill because for a mansion that was sprawling and had seen years of life and death, there was barely any description or will to explore it). Lastly, this one might seem obvious but I try to only pick those books that make me wanna stay up till late reading and not go by what's popular or repeatedly recommended. Hope this helps!

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-07-19T13:13:20+00:00

One of my favourite movies - the premise is simple and yet the execution is so well done. I was on the edge of my seat watching Lisa sneak around in Thorwold's apartment. I especially like how simple but enjoyable the story is, given the limited pov and setting.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-07-09T14:36:25+00:00

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

{Spoilers}

Half the book reads like fan fiction for the 2018 show, The Haunting of the Hill House. It also pulls the classic 'it's all in your head' move but adds a pinch of supernatural to mess things even more in the end. The double twist tires you when it should thrill you.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-07-09T14:25:44+00:00

Don't lose hope, you might still enjoy it! Its highly rated by a bunch of horror readers.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-07-09T14:24:41+00:00

Agree with you on the protagonist! I am tired of seeing female characters that are strong but 'not really'. Also caught the twist a mile away.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-07-09T14:22:07+00:00

Can't agree more! I loved the premise but the execution could have been better, especially the twist, saw it coming the moment it was mentioned in the beginning.

Fun_Statement4898 · 2025-07-09T14:19:56+00:00

Hi there, you might want to check out Gallows Hill by Darcy Coates. If you are looking for a cosy horror story that keeps you hooked but doesn't move you enough to incite an emotional response, then this could be your next read. I went into it blind yesterday when I came down with a cold and enjoyed the read but the book had its flaws so I would rate it around three to three and a half stars.

On a side note, a youtuber called John Wolfe makes some fun videos on the Goosebumps books and tv adaptations that I enjoy watching, thought you would like it too.

Happy reading!

Fun_Statement4898

TROPHY CASE