Shunta76

gripping, wild ride

Revisado: 01-12-25

“Dearest” by Jacquie Walters is a chilling, fever-dream of a horror novel that intertwines postpartum depression, supernatural elements, and the fragile psyche of a new mother. The story follows Flora, a woman struggling with the isolation of single motherhood after giving birth to her daughter Iris. Her husband is deployed, and she’s left to navigate the harrowing landscape of postpartum life alone. To complicate matters, Flora is also estranged from her own mother, a relationship that seems destined to remain broken—until her mother, Jodie, unexpectedly reappears.

The novel's mood is unsettling from the start, weaving a sense of claustrophobic tension as Flora begins to experience disturbing phenomena: sleep paralysis, nightmares, and an overwhelming fear that she may accidentally harm her newborn. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as Flora begins to be haunted by both an imaginary friend from her childhood, Zephy, and a series of eerie events, including a mysterious, ancient birth tusk and her encountering beetles around the house.

Walters excels at capturing the emotional turbulence of postpartum depression. As someone who has experienced it firsthand, I found Flora’s journey heartbreakingly authentic, particularly the isolation she feels in her early days as a new mother. The weight of her situation is palpable, and I found myself feeling sympathy and sorrow for Flora as she grapples with both her mental health and her unraveling sense of reality. The novel’s atmosphere is simultaneously haunting and empathetic, particularly as Flora’s emotional fragility begins to blur with supernatural horror.

The plot is darkly unpredictable, with jaw-dropping twists that left me in awe. What starts as a story of a woman coping with postpartum depression gradually transforms into something far more sinister. The supernatural elements—both spectral and psychological—are masterfully integrated, making it impossible to distinguish what is real from what is not. This sense of disorientation keeps you on edge throughout the novel, questioning every character’s intentions and motivations.

The emotional beats of “Dearest” are raw and often heartbreaking. As a mother of three, the first part of the book resonated deeply with me, particularly Flora’s loneliness during a vulnerable time. By the middle of the novel, I found myself devastated for the entire family, as the true nature of Flora’s struggles—and the consequences of those struggles—came into sharp focus. And by the end, I was left in complete shock. The twists are both terrifying and thought-provoking, cementing “Dearest” as a standout in the horror genre.

For readers who enjoy a blend of psychological horror, supernatural thrills, and emotionally charged storytelling, “Dearest” is a must-read. Walters expertly balances the fragile state of motherhood with supernatural terror, creating a narrative that is both profoundly emotional and deeply unsettling. If you're a lover of horror or someone who has experienced the intense vulnerability of postpartum depression, this novel will strike a hauntingly personal chord.

“Dearest” is a gripping, wild ride that leaves an indelible impression.

If you’re in need of postpartum depression support from professional counselors, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

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A touching and important read

Revisado: 10-08-24

What a touching and important read! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was perfect for Cussy Mary. Set in 1936, the story follows Cussy, a pack horse librarian in Troublesome Creek, Kentucky, who delivers books to the folks in the Appalachian Mountains. They really look forward to her visits, and she brings so much joy to their lives.

Cussy has a tough life herself! She's nicknamed "Blueit" because of her blue skin, which comes from a hereditary blood disorder. She faces a lot of prejudice but remains kind and generous. I learned about the "blue-skinned" people in Kentucky in nursing school but did not know about the Pack Horse Librarians program funded by the U.S. government. The book was a great way to bring the two topics together in a deep and thought provoking tale!

While the story has its heavy moments with racism, discrimination, misogyny, physical/verbal/mental abuse, Cussy's kind heart really shines through, making it a beautiful and engaging listen. And there’s a lovely touch of romance that helps balance the heaviness of the book. A great read!

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Redefines what a haunted house can be!!

Revisado: 10-08-24

This book is definitely a wild ride that redefines what a haunted house can be. When two couples head to Alabama for a getaway, they end up in a creepy, abandoned house that traps them while a maniac killer stalks them. The house itself reveals their deepest fears and secrets, making it a chilling reflection of their struggles. With nonstop tension and surprising twists, this book keeps you hooked and makes you think about good and evil. If you’re into supernatural thrillers, this one’s definitely worth a read! PS: The movie is streaming on Prime and I rated it 4⭐️ as well!!

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The unique premise, philosophical themes, and compelling storytelling.

Revisado: 07-15-24

Fans of speculative fiction will be enthralled by this captivating tale set in this French-influenced lake town nestled between two versions of itself, one 20 years in the past and the other 20 years in the future.

In the story, you are only able to visit the past for bereavement purposes. This raises thought-provoking philosophical questions about the consequences of altering the past and its impact on the future. Through the eyes of a 16-year-old female protagonist, the story delves into complex moral dilemmas when she encounters visitors from the future on a bereavement visit. The beautiful and poetic writing style adds depth to the narrative as the protagonist grapples with whether to intervene or stay silent.

Part 2 of the book ramped up the tension, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The surprising yet satisfying ending ties up the story in a way that makes the stressful journey worthwhile.

I highly recommend this book for its unique premise, philosophical themes, and compelling storytelling.

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genetically modifying vampires

Revisado: 07-12-24

The premise of genetically modifying vampires in this book was intriguing, as it explored enhancing strengths and minimizing weaknesses in these creatures. The discrimination faced by the hybrid vampires in the story was a powerful parallel to racism seen in society, adding depth to the narrative. The tragic event presented at the beginning of the book provided momentum and drove the reader to invest in uncovering the perpetrators.

However, there were some drawbacks to the story. The portrayal of the female main character, Shori, as a 53-year-old vampire in a 10-year-old girl's body due to adult content was unsettling. Additionally, the plot twist was somewhat predictable, which may disappoint readers looking for unexpected twists.

Overall, while the book had its strengths, such as its thought-provoking themes and premise, the cons may limit its appeal to some readers.

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