Hybristophilia: A Novel by Luigi Pascal Rondanini Book Review

Goodreads

3/5 ⭐⭐⭐

Hybristophilia is a psychological legal thriller that delves into trauma, redemption, and the dark allure of hybristophilia (attraction to criminals).

The story follows Jason White, a young man accused of killing his abusive father, as he navigates a media frenzy, courtroom drama, and obsessive admirers captivated by his story. Told through multiple third-person perspectives, the book explores complex themes like family trauma, psychological manipulation, and the justice system.

While the premise is intriguing and the exploration of hybristophilia adds a unique flair, the book could have benefited from more editing to address grammatical errors and uneven pacing. That said, the layered story and thought-provoking themes kept me engaged.

If you're curious about a unique psychological phenomenon set against a courtroom backdrop, this book is worth a try!

The Groundskeeper's Daughter by Holly Knightley Book Review

 

Goodreads

3/5 ⭐⭐⭐

The Groundskeeper’s Daughter is a short and spooky Christmas novella that combines murder mystery, romance, and the supernatural.

✨ Holiday Vibes
✨ Murder Mystery
✨ First-Person POV
✨ Twists & Turns 
✨ Quick Read

Molly returns home to Smith and Stone Cemetery for the holidays and accidentally disturbs the ghost of Old James. When James' living relative, Jay, arrives, the two must work together to solve a centuries old murder and stop the ghost from killing again.

The story offers some fun twists and a unique mix of eerie suspense and holiday vibes. However, the novella felt a bit rushed, and Molly and Jay’s romance sparks quickly, perhaps too quickly (She fell in love in just one day!). I wish the characters and plot had been explored in more depth, as the premise had a lot of potential. That being said, the fast pacing kept me hooked, and I finished it in just two sittings.

If you’re looking for a quick, spooky holiday read with a touch of romance, this is worth adding to your Christmas list.

Many thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of The Groundskeeper's Daughter in exchange for an honest review.

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould Book Review

Goodreads

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stranded in the Idaho woods, a group of troubled teens must face both external horrors and their own inner demons in this haunting survival story. What the Woods Took hooked me from the start and didn’t let go. This is survival horror at its best, with high stakes, deep emotions, and a touch of romance.

✨ Young Adult

✨ Survival Horror

✨ Third-Person POV

✨ Enemies to Lovers

✨ LGBTQ+

✨ Locked Room (Wilderness)

The story begins with Devin being abducted from her foster home in the middle of the night and transported to a wilderness therapy program. Alongside four others, they must survive a 50-day trek through the forest. But when their counselors go missing, the group is left stranded, fighting for survival.

Devin’s fierce determination made her a standout protagonist, while the other teens, especially Ollie, whose quiet strength perfectly balanced Devin’s fire, added depth to the story. The enemies to lovers dynamic with Sheridan was natural and compelling, layered with tension and growth. 

The atmosphere was perfect. Claustrophobic, eerie, and immersive. The creatures, known as mimics, were terrifying and I strongly believe them to be representing the campers’ unresolved traumas and inner demons. I do wish the mimics had been explored a bit more.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lindsey Dorcus, who masterfully captured the characters’ emotions and the creeping dread of the woods.

What the Woods Took is a powerful story of survival, growth, and facing your demons. If you’re a fan of locked room mysteries, survival horror, and stories with complex characters, this is a must read!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ALC of What the Woods Took in exchange for an honest review.