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emmatuftin 's review for:
Pine
by Francine Toon
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pine has everything I hope for in a horror novel. The creep factor, twists and turns with characters, and a moody setting in the Scottish Highlands were all enhanced by Toon's sharp writing style. The scariest moments seemed to pop out of nowhere, just like a horror movie. The result was chilling. Multiple times, I found myself gripping the book too hard.
I definitely wanted MORE though. Some people may disagree, but I don't mind feeling this way at the end of a book. If anything, the unanswered questions make me want to reread the book again to see what I missed the first time.
One thing I want to understand is why I didn't connect with Lauren, the main character. She was intended to be the main character, but I found myself more interested and invested in the haunted, drunken father, Niall. Right up until the end, I was unsure of what he had done or not done in relation to the mysterious things happening in the small town. He was the most complex character and made the book a win for me.
SO, if you like a little spooky in your life, read this one in the dead of night, with your favorite candle flickering nearby. Bonus points if it's cold and snowy outside. Atmosphere is everything with this one.
I definitely wanted MORE though. Some people may disagree, but I don't mind feeling this way at the end of a book. If anything, the unanswered questions make me want to reread the book again to see what I missed the first time.
One thing I want to understand is why I didn't connect with Lauren, the main character. She was intended to be the main character, but I found myself more interested and invested in the haunted, drunken father, Niall. Right up until the end, I was unsure of what he had done or not done in relation to the mysterious things happening in the small town. He was the most complex character and made the book a win for me.
SO, if you like a little spooky in your life, read this one in the dead of night, with your favorite candle flickering nearby. Bonus points if it's cold and snowy outside. Atmosphere is everything with this one.