A multi-generational family curse, paranormal and otherworldly beings, worlds within tombs where the dead are imprisoned in some sort of purgatorial afterlife, and a fair lot of spice… This was a very satisfied spooky read.
Willow has always led a vague, boring life until she meets a stranger in a graveyard on Halloween. Now she finds herself on the search for her missing father, leading her to her estranged family's estate. But life in the manor isn't all roses and sunshine- in fact, a blood curse has entrapped spirits to the manor, including the mysterious Edgar, who seems more interested in annoying her than helping her. Can she help free her family from the curse?
I wanted to read something slightly spooky and wasn’t disappointed. So I found out about A Grave So Cold through BookSirens. I wasn’t prepared to become so totally absorbed in Willow‘s universe and be left with a ton of questions! Gladly, this is the first volume and it was captivating. I really enjoyed the amount of suspense this story got.
Young and comparatively sheltered, Willow mostly stays at home and looks after her sick father while others of her age have left for college. That is, until Halloween when her father disappears, and she’s told to go home, an historic mansion where her mother was raised and where her family has resided for many decades. Willow discovers a dark family secret — a curse that confines their remaining spirits to the house and gives them an odd connection to the dead. The curse allows Willow and her ancestors to travel into so-called tombworlds, kind of alternate realities where troubled spirits, who haven’t yet passed, are stuck. Through the curse Willow is able to help these souls to pass over. I really enjoyed the intriguing, eerie, and very well-written sequences that took place in the tombworlds.
With just the perfect amount of knowledge throughout the plot, CM Tillman kept me glued to the pages. Because I could never be sure whether a new character was a friend or foe and what secrets they may be holding back, just as we all have our little (dark) secrets. The end of the book left me baffled, I haven’t seen this cliffhanger coming.
CAWPILE
Characters
Atmosphere
Writing
Plot
Intrigue
Overall:
Conclusion
While some characters still need a bit more developing and some minor editing changes need to be done, the concept of the book was very intriguing, and I could easily look over the tiny mistakes. So anyone who’s looking for a short and engaging read should definitely grab this novel. A Grave So Cold comes with some romance, mystery, and even horror. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I feel like I'm a million pages old. I've lived thousands of lives, loved, grieved and died many deaths. I've had a home in almost every corner of the earth and in many new worlds. I've made many friends and fought many enemies. ─ Good books aren't read, they're lived and at the end of each book we're left changed. In comparison, reality sometimes just seems grey. ─ They say we're the heroes of our own stories, or the villains. But it often seems very realistic, as if we readers are more like the tragic-comic supporting characters. ─ Goodreads Librarian | My book wish list. ;)
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A Grave So Cold by CM Tillman
