!Spoilers, sorry!
For anyone who does not know about this novel; This is Christine Lynn Herman’s debut novel which is about a beast haunting a wood in a small town where the “founder” families are to be feared and the beast seems unstoppable until one of the founder families move back into the areas, however through the power of the founder ‘magic’ this founder family know nothing of their history.
The characters of the founder’s children remind me a lot of some of the character personalities in Riverdale, it seems to be a bit like the North and South side division between founders and locals. The founder’s are to be feared, but also respected for what they did and what they can do to ‘protect’ the people of this little town, Four Paths. The children seem to be willing to live up to the name that their families gave them years and years before. Justin and May are Hawthorn children, when the novel is set the Hawthorns are in control of Four Paths, however neither of them relish this power really. Isaac is a Sullivan, however he is the only Sullivan in the story we meet properly as the other Sullivan’s have died or left- in some ways he uses his name to insight fear to avoid confrontation as he does not a have strong hold on his temper when it comes to his heritage. Harper is a Carlisle, part of the founder family taking a stand against the control the Hawthorn’s have over the town. She however is an outsider and a founder child; her character allows you to view both sides of the town through one person. Her name doesn’t mean all that much to her for most of the novel which is an exception with the founder families. And finally there is Violet, she moves back into Four Paths with her mother. She knows nothing of her heritage and her family history with the town. Between all the founder children Violet learns about her history and her abilities while learning the dark history of the town.
The novel builds at a good pace and introduces the twists and turns of the novel slowly but powerfully. Although the things that go on in this town are far fetched, the division between Founder and locals are something which can be clearly seen in reality. Some of it could be classed a playground drama which does make this a fun novel to read, but there are some dark elements to this book. It has creepy atmosphere that will keep you enticed in the book; then you’ll be wanting more by the time you finish it- just like me. *Please release part 2 soon, Christine Lynn Herman. I need it*
The chapters, although seem long, are very fast paced. I read this book so quickly when I finally got over my humongous book-hangover from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This is a debut novel, however, it does not feel like one. It feels very much like an experienced authors writing, it is beautiful for a first time author!
However, I am struggling to rate this. I am thinking a 4 Star rating because I didn’t feel any emotional attachment to any of the character because of the flitting perspectives, but the writing is absolutely beautiful and I am so excited for the next book. I did love the story, but I did want to feel more for the characters, don’t get me wrong I did feel sympathy for them but I wasn’t holding my breath for any of them really.
I’m not sure what to pick up next; I have a choice of The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye OR A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab. I shall let you know what I choose on my Instagram for those of you who follow me on there.
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