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Sorrow Spring
Chilling and uncanny folk suspense in a novel of twisted sisterhood and dark secrets. She thought arriving there was bad enough.
Then she tried to run away…
1978. When teenager Rina Pine is dumped by her hippy mother in the parochial village of Sorrow Spring, and forced to live with her aged aunt, Agatha Pine, she doesn’t think things can get any worse.
There she finds a community beholden to the past, and a village in the grip of a close-knit circle of older women who worship the local spring and its patron saint, all under the leadership of the formidable Agatha.
But when a child goes missing and a young mother is killed, Rina is drawn into the dark and sinister truth flowing through the sacred waters that give the place its name. Rina is about to learn what it truly means to be a daughter of Sorrow Spring…
Then she tried to run away…
1978. When teenager Rina Pine is dumped by her hippy mother in the parochial village of Sorrow Spring, and forced to live with her aged aunt, Agatha Pine, she doesn’t think things can get any worse.
There she finds a community beholden to the past, and a village in the grip of a close-knit circle of older women who worship the local spring and its patron saint, all under the leadership of the formidable Agatha.
But when a child goes missing and a young mother is killed, Rina is drawn into the dark and sinister truth flowing through the sacred waters that give the place its name. Rina is about to learn what it truly means to be a daughter of Sorrow Spring…
- GenresHorror
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 7, 2024
In 1978 Prosperina Fuschia Pine, known as Rina, is dumped by her mother Lily in the village of Sorrow Springs to live with her aged and taciturn Aunt Agatha. It’s a strange place to say the least and Rina is frightened on more than one occasion by what she sees. As she is still quite young and naive much of what she learns is incomprehensible to her.
In 2019 Rina’s niece Cate begins a search for an aunt she knows nothing about. Is her father Emesh confused or does Rina actually exist? What will she discover?
I find this to be slow at the start and it takes a while for me to get into it. What happens to Rina and what Cate learns is interesting, taking the storytelling into strange sisterhood territory, known as The Sistren. There are traditions, omens, rooks aplenty, folklore and more earthly interventions. A strong sense of the sinister does come across which Rina’s Aunt Agatha definitely adds to. For a lot of the plot line there’s a feeling that something dreadful is going to happen and it usually does.
Although I like the premise, I think the novel is way too long and if I’m honest, a certain amount of boredom sets in chiefly because it’s all pretty much the same theme. What I absolutely can’t get my head around is the HUGE amount of dialogue especially in the 1978 timeline. There’s way too much in my opinion. The 2019 narrative flows much better and there’s a good mystery here. As for the ending, well, that’s a rapid turnaround in thinking and I’ll say no more!
Overall, it’s a mixed bag read for me with some good parts where I’m engaged and enjoying it and other sections which drag.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
In 2019 Rina’s niece Cate begins a search for an aunt she knows nothing about. Is her father Emesh confused or does Rina actually exist? What will she discover?
I find this to be slow at the start and it takes a while for me to get into it. What happens to Rina and what Cate learns is interesting, taking the storytelling into strange sisterhood territory, known as The Sistren. There are traditions, omens, rooks aplenty, folklore and more earthly interventions. A strong sense of the sinister does come across which Rina’s Aunt Agatha definitely adds to. For a lot of the plot line there’s a feeling that something dreadful is going to happen and it usually does.
Although I like the premise, I think the novel is way too long and if I’m honest, a certain amount of boredom sets in chiefly because it’s all pretty much the same theme. What I absolutely can’t get my head around is the HUGE amount of dialogue especially in the 1978 timeline. There’s way too much in my opinion. The 2019 narrative flows much better and there’s a good mystery here. As for the ending, well, that’s a rapid turnaround in thinking and I’ll say no more!
Overall, it’s a mixed bag read for me with some good parts where I’m engaged and enjoying it and other sections which drag.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
Sorrow Spring by Olivia Isaac-Henry is a gripping thriller that transports readers into the unsettling and ominous world of Sorrow Spring - an isolated community held captive by its past, led by a close-knit circle of older women, known as the Sistren.
Plot Overview:
The novel unfolds through a dual timeline. In 2019, we follow Cate, who embarks on a reluctant journey at her father Emesh's request, searching for her estranged aunt Rina - whom no one believes even exists due to the lack of items like a birth certificate, passport or even photographs. Despite her doubts, Cate agrees to the road trip, hoping to ease her ailing father's mind. The second timeline takes us back to 1978, where we follow Rina's experience when she is mysteriously sent to live at Sorrow Spring with her Aunt Agatha, who also happens to be the leader of the Sistren. As soon as Rina arrives, the village's sinister atmosphere begins to creep in, with its traditions, folklore, and eerie omens intensifying the sense of dread.
Writing and Atmosphere:
From the very beginning, Isaac-Henry masterfully weaves a palpable sense of mystery and unease throughout the novel. The eerie setting of Sorrow Spring is the perfect backdrop for the strange and disturbing events that unfold. The author skilfully incorporates twists and a touch of gore, which amplifies the sinister tone of the story. However, at 430 pages, the novel's length and occasional pacing issues pulled me out of the story on more than one occasion.
Characters:
The characters in Sorrow Spring are well-crafted, each bringing their own unique personality to the table. Their complex relationships add depth to the story, creating a sense of tension and leavers the readers not knowing who can be trusted, which certainly kept me on edge! Agatha, in particular, stands out as a poignant character who embodies the village's dark and twisted traditions, adding to the overall atmosphere of the book. The dynamic between Cate and Rina’s storylines works well, and their respective journeys are central to the narrative, driving the story forward as the layers of mystery are gradually peeled back.
Final Thoughts:
Sorrow Spring by Olivia Isaac-Henry is a chilling thriller that excels in creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The dual timeline and well-crafted characters keep the reader engaged, though the novel's length and pacing could have been tighter. Despite these minor drawbacks, the story’s twists, the palpable sense of dread, and the dark secrets of Sorrow Spring make it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers. If you enjoy a mix of the occult, folklore, mystery, and a touch of horror, Sorrow Spring is a book worth exploring.
Plot Overview:
The novel unfolds through a dual timeline. In 2019, we follow Cate, who embarks on a reluctant journey at her father Emesh's request, searching for her estranged aunt Rina - whom no one believes even exists due to the lack of items like a birth certificate, passport or even photographs. Despite her doubts, Cate agrees to the road trip, hoping to ease her ailing father's mind. The second timeline takes us back to 1978, where we follow Rina's experience when she is mysteriously sent to live at Sorrow Spring with her Aunt Agatha, who also happens to be the leader of the Sistren. As soon as Rina arrives, the village's sinister atmosphere begins to creep in, with its traditions, folklore, and eerie omens intensifying the sense of dread.
Writing and Atmosphere:
From the very beginning, Isaac-Henry masterfully weaves a palpable sense of mystery and unease throughout the novel. The eerie setting of Sorrow Spring is the perfect backdrop for the strange and disturbing events that unfold. The author skilfully incorporates twists and a touch of gore, which amplifies the sinister tone of the story. However, at 430 pages, the novel's length and occasional pacing issues pulled me out of the story on more than one occasion.
Characters:
The characters in Sorrow Spring are well-crafted, each bringing their own unique personality to the table. Their complex relationships add depth to the story, creating a sense of tension and leavers the readers not knowing who can be trusted, which certainly kept me on edge! Agatha, in particular, stands out as a poignant character who embodies the village's dark and twisted traditions, adding to the overall atmosphere of the book. The dynamic between Cate and Rina’s storylines works well, and their respective journeys are central to the narrative, driving the story forward as the layers of mystery are gradually peeled back.
Final Thoughts:
Sorrow Spring by Olivia Isaac-Henry is a chilling thriller that excels in creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The dual timeline and well-crafted characters keep the reader engaged, though the novel's length and pacing could have been tighter. Despite these minor drawbacks, the story’s twists, the palpable sense of dread, and the dark secrets of Sorrow Spring make it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers. If you enjoy a mix of the occult, folklore, mystery, and a touch of horror, Sorrow Spring is a book worth exploring.
July 24, 2024
Sorrow spring centres around Rina, a 12 year old girl. Her mum brings her to live with her aunt in Sorrow Spring and doesn't come back for her. Felling abandoned and alone, she quickly notices all is not what it seems. With whispered conversations, locked doors, and strange disappearances, Rina is determined to find out what is going on and why she has been brought here.
A slow-burn, dual timeline that switches from 1978 and 2019. I struggled to get into this story. i found the pacing way too slow for me. For that reason, my attention to it wavered in the middle part. Nothing really comes together until the last third. Maybe if it was shorter, it may have compelled me to want to keep reading more, I don't know. From the beginning, you do get the sense of something sinister looming in the distance. I just wanted it to be darker, more creepy, with more suspense, to grip and draw me into it.
I did like the story in general. It's cloaked in mystery, folklore, and rituals. A creepy, close-knit village, where outsiders are not welcome. A group of women known as the Sistren keep the community safe from harm. Shrouded in secrecy that goes back years and years.
It's worth reading for the folklore and seeing what years of traditions can do to people and the lengths they will go to. I just wanted more.
Thank you, Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, for my ARC.
My opinions are my own.
A slow-burn, dual timeline that switches from 1978 and 2019. I struggled to get into this story. i found the pacing way too slow for me. For that reason, my attention to it wavered in the middle part. Nothing really comes together until the last third. Maybe if it was shorter, it may have compelled me to want to keep reading more, I don't know. From the beginning, you do get the sense of something sinister looming in the distance. I just wanted it to be darker, more creepy, with more suspense, to grip and draw me into it.
I did like the story in general. It's cloaked in mystery, folklore, and rituals. A creepy, close-knit village, where outsiders are not welcome. A group of women known as the Sistren keep the community safe from harm. Shrouded in secrecy that goes back years and years.
It's worth reading for the folklore and seeing what years of traditions can do to people and the lengths they will go to. I just wanted more.
Thank you, Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, for my ARC.
My opinions are my own.
July 14, 2024
(i) "Who are they –some sort of cult? According to the docuseries I’ve watched, these are found in the backwaters of vast American states, not cosy villages in the English shires." (/i)
Sorrow Spring. A tiny little village on the outskirts of Birmingham, UK with a lot of unfriendly inhabitants and a lot of secrets.
2019 - Cath is on a mission to find her father's long lost sister, a sister who she has only just found out existed after her father's stroke. A sister who she learns was given away, in a village called Sorrow Spring. Why has her father never mentioned Aunt Rina before? And why had her grandmother given her away? And where has she been all these years?
Cath braves the hostile villagers to dig deeper about her aunt Rina's whereabouts, but starts to wish she hadn't when she starts uncovering secrets that aren't meant to come to light.
1978 - Prosperina Fuschia Pine is removed from her commune in the middle of the night and her mum takes her on a car journey to a village in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. Supposedly only for 2 weeks. The visit starts ominously when the car runs over a cat as they arrive, and a crazed local dives out of the woods at them. Is this a sign of bad things to come? Prosperina could never imagine. The secrets run deep into local folklore here. The legend of St. Faran rules this village, with images etched into the church windows, an annual re-enactment of the events that occurred and villagers that believe that the local spring has healing properties that must be defended at all costs. Prosperina soon learns that there's more to this than just an annual dress up though when she follows her aunt creeping about in the dead of night, wearing silvery robes and meeting with the others in front of the spring... She must get out as soon as possible...
A dual time line runs through this book, which works well in making the reader try to preempt what has happened to Cath in the future.
Full of mystery and folklore, this captures the feeling of those creepy little villages you often encounter in the countryside where everyone knows each other's secrets and outsiders are unwelcome.
Sorrow Spring. A tiny little village on the outskirts of Birmingham, UK with a lot of unfriendly inhabitants and a lot of secrets.
2019 - Cath is on a mission to find her father's long lost sister, a sister who she has only just found out existed after her father's stroke. A sister who she learns was given away, in a village called Sorrow Spring. Why has her father never mentioned Aunt Rina before? And why had her grandmother given her away? And where has she been all these years?
Cath braves the hostile villagers to dig deeper about her aunt Rina's whereabouts, but starts to wish she hadn't when she starts uncovering secrets that aren't meant to come to light.
1978 - Prosperina Fuschia Pine is removed from her commune in the middle of the night and her mum takes her on a car journey to a village in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. Supposedly only for 2 weeks. The visit starts ominously when the car runs over a cat as they arrive, and a crazed local dives out of the woods at them. Is this a sign of bad things to come? Prosperina could never imagine. The secrets run deep into local folklore here. The legend of St. Faran rules this village, with images etched into the church windows, an annual re-enactment of the events that occurred and villagers that believe that the local spring has healing properties that must be defended at all costs. Prosperina soon learns that there's more to this than just an annual dress up though when she follows her aunt creeping about in the dead of night, wearing silvery robes and meeting with the others in front of the spring... She must get out as soon as possible...
A dual time line runs through this book, which works well in making the reader try to preempt what has happened to Cath in the future.
Full of mystery and folklore, this captures the feeling of those creepy little villages you often encounter in the countryside where everyone knows each other's secrets and outsiders are unwelcome.
September 8, 2024
Sorrow Spring by Olivia Isaac-Henry is a tense slow burning tale with strong folk horror vibes that make it perfect reading as we head towards the darker evenings of Winter. With clever use of dual timelines the author creates a wonderfully atmospheric story designed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the truth about what happened in the small village of Sorrow Spring in 1978 is finally revealed.
In 1978 teenage Rina is abandoned by her mother in the remote village of Sorrow Spring , left to live with her elderly and rather peculiar aunt. From the beginning something seems off, and as she learns more about the mysterious sisterhood of village women and their strange rituals she becomes more and more concerned. When a local boy she has befriended goes missing and she witnesses another ritual that truly horrifies her she desperately tries to escape.
In 2019 Cate has been asked by her father to try to find out what happened to his sister Rina who disappeared thirty years before. As she tries to unravel the secrets and mysteries of the past she may learn more than she ever bargained for, and could bring terrible danger to her doorstep.
While much of the book is focussed on Rina's timeline, I was intrigued to see how the author would bring both timelines together, and I think it was largely successful, even if it felt a little rushed, especially in comparison to the much slower pace of the rest of the book. I liked how the author wove elements of medical technology that were in the news in the time period she was describing into the story, and thought it worked well as a contrast to the religion and folklore based mythology.
This is a book for folk horror fans who like a slower paced story and are willing to let it unfold and take them in unexpected directions.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
In 1978 teenage Rina is abandoned by her mother in the remote village of Sorrow Spring , left to live with her elderly and rather peculiar aunt. From the beginning something seems off, and as she learns more about the mysterious sisterhood of village women and their strange rituals she becomes more and more concerned. When a local boy she has befriended goes missing and she witnesses another ritual that truly horrifies her she desperately tries to escape.
In 2019 Cate has been asked by her father to try to find out what happened to his sister Rina who disappeared thirty years before. As she tries to unravel the secrets and mysteries of the past she may learn more than she ever bargained for, and could bring terrible danger to her doorstep.
While much of the book is focussed on Rina's timeline, I was intrigued to see how the author would bring both timelines together, and I think it was largely successful, even if it felt a little rushed, especially in comparison to the much slower pace of the rest of the book. I liked how the author wove elements of medical technology that were in the news in the time period she was describing into the story, and thought it worked well as a contrast to the religion and folklore based mythology.
This is a book for folk horror fans who like a slower paced story and are willing to let it unfold and take them in unexpected directions.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
June 13, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this ARC. My thoughts are my own.
To be honest, when I started this book, I wasn't too sure what was going to happen....a few chapters in, and I couldn't put it down.
It's not an author I've heard of before, so I was a bit nervous if it was going to be my cup of tea.
How to describe this book horror, supernarural,mystery, folk lore/historical is a mixture of everything.
Nothing is given away about where the story is heading.....a girl is dumped off at her Aunts house in a village....no explanation of why and if her mum's going to return....we like the child are left wondering what's going on and how could a mum do this..
Slowly buy surely the story unravels...and just when you think everything has been explained another twist hits you.
If you like a book with twists and turns, this is your book ....I hope this gets the publicity it deserves as it was such a grabbing book that will definitely be looking into more books by this author.
To be honest, when I started this book, I wasn't too sure what was going to happen....a few chapters in, and I couldn't put it down.
It's not an author I've heard of before, so I was a bit nervous if it was going to be my cup of tea.
How to describe this book horror, supernarural,mystery, folk lore/historical is a mixture of everything.
Nothing is given away about where the story is heading.....a girl is dumped off at her Aunts house in a village....no explanation of why and if her mum's going to return....we like the child are left wondering what's going on and how could a mum do this..
Slowly buy surely the story unravels...and just when you think everything has been explained another twist hits you.
If you like a book with twists and turns, this is your book ....I hope this gets the publicity it deserves as it was such a grabbing book that will definitely be looking into more books by this author.
August 30, 2024
NO SPOILERS
Olivia Isaac-Henry’s Sorrow Spring is an atmospheric masterpiece that will grip you from the very first page and won’t let go.
Fans of classic cult horror such as The Wicker Man or eerie stories reminiscent of The Midwich Cuckoos will find this book so utterly captivating. It’s a perfect spine-chilling blend of gothic horror and thriller that although burns slowly, will keep you hooked to the end.
From the second you step into the strange and haunting village of Sorrow Spring, you feel like you’ve been plunged into a world that feels timeless and unsettling.
The small, tight-knit community at the heart of the story is heavily steeped in mystery, and it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to this place than meets the eye.
With every chapter, the sense of dread intensifies as the village’s secrets slowly start to unravel, which left me feeling both intrigued and on edge. (With shivers)
What truly makes Sorrow Spring shine is Isaac-Henry's way of creating an eerie atmosphere. Those gothic undertones, combined with a suffocating sense of isolation, set the perfect backdrop for a story that is filled with suspense, occult happenings, and a touch of gory horror. The tension builds steadily until you reach the ending that is as unexpected as it is satisfying.
This one is a must-read for anyone who loves creepy cult stories, eerie landscapes, and dark, mysterious plots. It’s the kind of book that begs to be read on a stormy October night, the rain smashing down outside as you turn page after page, unable to stop. You will be left with unsettling sense of unease that lingers long after the final page, Sorrow Spring is a perfect autumn read for fans of horror and thrillers alike.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Olivia Isaac-Henry’s Sorrow Spring is an atmospheric masterpiece that will grip you from the very first page and won’t let go.
Fans of classic cult horror such as The Wicker Man or eerie stories reminiscent of The Midwich Cuckoos will find this book so utterly captivating. It’s a perfect spine-chilling blend of gothic horror and thriller that although burns slowly, will keep you hooked to the end.
From the second you step into the strange and haunting village of Sorrow Spring, you feel like you’ve been plunged into a world that feels timeless and unsettling.
The small, tight-knit community at the heart of the story is heavily steeped in mystery, and it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to this place than meets the eye.
With every chapter, the sense of dread intensifies as the village’s secrets slowly start to unravel, which left me feeling both intrigued and on edge. (With shivers)
What truly makes Sorrow Spring shine is Isaac-Henry's way of creating an eerie atmosphere. Those gothic undertones, combined with a suffocating sense of isolation, set the perfect backdrop for a story that is filled with suspense, occult happenings, and a touch of gory horror. The tension builds steadily until you reach the ending that is as unexpected as it is satisfying.
This one is a must-read for anyone who loves creepy cult stories, eerie landscapes, and dark, mysterious plots. It’s the kind of book that begs to be read on a stormy October night, the rain smashing down outside as you turn page after page, unable to stop. You will be left with unsettling sense of unease that lingers long after the final page, Sorrow Spring is a perfect autumn read for fans of horror and thrillers alike.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
July 12, 2024
This feels a bit of a sleeper book. The blurb sounded interesting enough, but it falls well short of what awaits. It does lean more into the occult than I expected, but as a fan of that I was more than happy, and it managed it while keeping some very good thrilleresque twists. The ancient rites are flavour for the story rather than a crutch it leans, it remains a thriller first and foremost. And the story is strong and enjoyable, but the book truly shines with the characters. They bring such atmosphere to this story! When the big events happens the characters bristle with personality. These are powerful women who could stare down any threat and the writing captures that so well.
A good read for anyone who enjoys strong female characters and some good rituals in hooded robes!
A good read for anyone who enjoys strong female characters and some good rituals in hooded robes!
July 24, 2024
Rina has grown up in a commune with her mum and brother, but when she comes of age her mother sends her to live with Aunt Agatha in Sorrow Springs. It's 1978 but Sorrow Springs female residents are still following paganistic rituals and the legend of St Faran. It's soon made clear to Rina that she's the next leader of the Sistren. But their believes are abhorrent to Rina and she vows to make her escape. But once you're in Sorrow Spring its impossible to leave.
On the whole I enjoyed this novel, its certainly atmospheric with a strong leaning to paganism and sacrificial offerings. I can't help feeling it was a little to long though and I found it slow and slight repetitive in places. However it was a solid read with strong if not dubious characters
On the whole I enjoyed this novel, its certainly atmospheric with a strong leaning to paganism and sacrificial offerings. I can't help feeling it was a little to long though and I found it slow and slight repetitive in places. However it was a solid read with strong if not dubious characters
September 7, 2024
Many thanks to netgalley, the author and Harper Collins for approving my request to read this book.
I've not heard of this particular author before but the books title and cover really caught my eye and the synopsis really grabbed my attention.
Sorrow Spring centres around a young girl called Rina who is left by her mother to live with her aunt in an eerie village which is shrouded in mystery and intrigue and a very strange, close knit community.
Dark, brooding, atmospheric and deliciously creepy this book was right up my street and I thoroughly enjoyed how it all unravelled. I also thought it was well written and I loved the character development throughout.
I will definitely be recommending this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
I've not heard of this particular author before but the books title and cover really caught my eye and the synopsis really grabbed my attention.
Sorrow Spring centres around a young girl called Rina who is left by her mother to live with her aunt in an eerie village which is shrouded in mystery and intrigue and a very strange, close knit community.
Dark, brooding, atmospheric and deliciously creepy this book was right up my street and I thoroughly enjoyed how it all unravelled. I also thought it was well written and I loved the character development throughout.
I will definitely be recommending this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
September 15, 2024
Atmospheric read.
Two time lines - 1978 and 2019.
In 1978, Prosperina (Rina) Pine is taken by her mother from her commune life and left to live with her Aunt in the village of Sorrow Spring. Rina doesn't like her new life, thinks it's temporary and can't wait to return to her immediate family. However, she soon learns Sorrow Springs is a place she can't leave, her bloodline means there's a destiny she needs to fulfil.
In 2019, Catherine Pine is asked by her dying father to find his long lost sister Rina, a sister Catherine never knew her father had.
Sorrow Springs is a town of secrets and mystery. The story is a slow reveal that keeps you keen to keep reading to find out what is going on in this strange little village.
Two time lines - 1978 and 2019.
In 1978, Prosperina (Rina) Pine is taken by her mother from her commune life and left to live with her Aunt in the village of Sorrow Spring. Rina doesn't like her new life, thinks it's temporary and can't wait to return to her immediate family. However, she soon learns Sorrow Springs is a place she can't leave, her bloodline means there's a destiny she needs to fulfil.
In 2019, Catherine Pine is asked by her dying father to find his long lost sister Rina, a sister Catherine never knew her father had.
Sorrow Springs is a town of secrets and mystery. The story is a slow reveal that keeps you keen to keep reading to find out what is going on in this strange little village.
September 18, 2024
This well written atmospheric folk tale had me gripped right from the start!
In 1978, twelve year old Rina is taken by her mother away from the commune where she grew up with her brother and is left with an older aunt that she has never met in the isolated village of Sorrow Spring.
Mystery and horror unfurls and I enjoyed the tense slow burn that Olivia Isaac-Henry delivers. The character development was incredibly well done and it’s a great page turner full of twists and drama that left me unable to put it down!
Thank you Harper Collins for the ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and fully recommend it to those who enjoy a dark and gripping read.
In 1978, twelve year old Rina is taken by her mother away from the commune where she grew up with her brother and is left with an older aunt that she has never met in the isolated village of Sorrow Spring.
Mystery and horror unfurls and I enjoyed the tense slow burn that Olivia Isaac-Henry delivers. The character development was incredibly well done and it’s a great page turner full of twists and drama that left me unable to put it down!
Thank you Harper Collins for the ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and fully recommend it to those who enjoy a dark and gripping read.
June 26, 2024
Prosperina Fuchsia Pine, or Rina, is twelve years old and living on her commune with her mother, Lullaby, and brother, Emesh. Until her mother takes her to, and leaves her with, her Aunt Agatha in the village of Sorrow Spring.
This novel creates a very sinister feel to the village, in the vein of The Wicker Man, you know something is going on under the surface. There’s a sense of foreboding and danger.
I enjoyed the book to start with, but I did find it overlong and my interest waned later on.
This novel creates a very sinister feel to the village, in the vein of The Wicker Man, you know something is going on under the surface. There’s a sense of foreboding and danger.
I enjoyed the book to start with, but I did find it overlong and my interest waned later on.
August 17, 2024
There is a lot to like about this book but I am sorry to say that I struggled to finish it as I found it to be very slow. It does have its good points though and this is mainly in the excellent writing and characters it was just that the story fell quite flat for me. I liked the folklore side of the story and the duel timelines and I liked the setting but I think the book was perhaps a little too long but I’m sure that others will enjoy it more than I did.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 10, 2024
This is a slow burner of a read that gradually builds up the suspense and tension around the folklore of this small community. The story twists and turns as you see all sides of the characters and are not sure who to believe other than that there is definitely something not right about the comings and goings of some of the villagers. The suspense and uncertainty Kees going right until the end, Definitely a creepy autumn read.
August 26, 2024
A creepy mystery that's perfect for autumn! The truth behind Sorrow Spring is slowly revealed, through both Rina's and Cate's stories, past and present, and the story keeps you guessing until the end. Full of occult happenings and a legend that should have remained in the past, it's a great read for long, rainy days. Recommended.
August 28, 2024
3.75 rtc
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