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A review by kba76
The Gathering by C.J. Tudor
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
C.J. Tudor has done it again. A horror story that both thrills and terrifies, while still inspiring compassion for those involved. An easy 5 stars to award!
Deadhart, Alaska, is a small rural community which is also home to a colony of vampires. A young teenager is found with his throat torn out. Early indications are that vampires are responsible, so many in the town are calling for a cull of the colony. Our main character, Barbara Atkins, is a vampire specialist and detective. She is tasked with investigating the crime and deciding whether to authorise the cull.
Unfortunately, upon her arrival things are not so clear cut. There are many townsfolk with a vested interest in what happens. The similarities to a killing decades earlier are not lost on Barbara and someone seems to want to stop her making a decision.
Before we know it we’re immersed in a world where nobody can be trusted. Secrets are revealed and long-held grudges are brought into the open.
From start to finish this is a story that demands your attention. I had to force myself to read slowly and take breaks just so I could savour it. The ending also indicates strongly that there may be more to come. I really hope so!
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication. And thanks to the author for creating a story that was so captivating.
Deadhart, Alaska, is a small rural community which is also home to a colony of vampires. A young teenager is found with his throat torn out. Early indications are that vampires are responsible, so many in the town are calling for a cull of the colony. Our main character, Barbara Atkins, is a vampire specialist and detective. She is tasked with investigating the crime and deciding whether to authorise the cull.
Unfortunately, upon her arrival things are not so clear cut. There are many townsfolk with a vested interest in what happens. The similarities to a killing decades earlier are not lost on Barbara and someone seems to want to stop her making a decision.
Before we know it we’re immersed in a world where nobody can be trusted. Secrets are revealed and long-held grudges are brought into the open.
From start to finish this is a story that demands your attention. I had to force myself to read slowly and take breaks just so I could savour it. The ending also indicates strongly that there may be more to come. I really hope so!
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication. And thanks to the author for creating a story that was so captivating.