My Goodreads review: Winterset Hollow

[ankh_hpl]

Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This one should actually have a split rating: 3 stars for some of the writing (disorienting changes of viewpoint, mostly), & 5 stars for the nonstop torrent of interesting ideas.

It's nearly impossible to review without committing Spoiler, but I'll just say that it is one of the most mind-warping little things I've read in some time. A healthy suspension of disbelief is required for the first few chapters, but those willing to play along with the concept are in for a dark, action-filled thrill ride. There's a hint of Alice in Wonderland, a very Mirror Mirror version of Winnie the Pooh's comfy little world, and some increasingly cynical observations about "civilized" mankind. Oh, and blood. Quite a lot of blood.

Durham takes his time setting up the main plot of this novel, but -- for me, at least -- it's worth following along carefully. Nearly all the early threads, no matter how obscure, do get woven into the narrative by the end. Recommended for lovers of dark books about books, fantasy fans who don't mind going deep into the shadows, & anyone looking for a very different take on beloved childhood reading.



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