About two years ago I read a debut from an author in Texas that was wholly original so when I saw that she had another book coming out I knew I had to read it. When I learned that this book was based on an Edgar Allen Poe poem I knew I REALLY had to read it. I haven't actually read anything by Poe other than The Raven, but he's super famous and his stuff is super dark, so I'm sure if it were modernized (old-time poetry/works tend to leave me going "what?") I would just love it. Being pretty much a Poe virgin I really enjoyed all of the epigraphs before each chapter. Mary's writing was really beautiful and horrifying all at once and for that I commend her (and I mean horrifying in the best way possible). The setting was just the most fascinating thing ever, think
Bates Motel only done 1000 times better. At first I was a little confused, which was the only part of the whole thing that I didn't enjoy one hundred percent. The book is told through two POV's although it's not the two main characters, it's Liam, the boy, and a Selkie girl who ends up playing a rather large role but is still off to the side most of the time. I have no idea if the myths in the book are at all correct but they were presented like they were. The only thing I wish would have been included was maybe Annabel's POV, but other than that it really was a terrific novel. The ending was somewhat ambiguous in my mind, but in that case I think it could be seen in one of two possible ways, and both wrap the story up nicely. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a standalone novel and I'm perfectly content with that. I can't wait to read Mary's next book, the next book in the Soul series and I highly recommend Mary's books to any of you who love a good love story with a horror-y twist to it.
Out June 27, 2013
5/5 dust spirits
*Thank you to Penguin for providing me with an ARC (via ALA Midwinter) in return for an honest review
You should read his Masque of the Red Death then read Bethany Griffin's books...you'll love them even more!!
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