The other day I finished Horrid by Katrina Leno. It would have been the perfect book for October/Halloween (had I finished the book then) it was just spooky enough.
SPOILERS AHEAD! The book’s based on “There Was a Little Girl” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. To me, the first two hundred pages were medium-paced, and the last hundred of the pages were fast-paced. I thought the writing was good. In my opinion, the pacing was just right for how Ruth’s secret was revealed.
What I liked about the book:
The plot twist when we find out from Jane’s friends, that Jemima isn’t her aunt that died at eight but her older sister.
The roses being mentioned throughout the book when Ruth and Jane get to North Manor to the last sentence of the book. The roses are said to be thriving even in the chilly October weather, ranging from red, pink, and orange. Days later, Ruth was ‘pruning’ them down to the soil but, they grew back later doubling, in size but black now. Given, the fact that Jemima was, buried under the rose bushes adds to their creepiness.
Ruth, Jemima, and Jane, eating things they aren’t supposed to. Ruth ate her hair when she was younger, Jemima eating rose petals, and Jane eating book pages all when they were angry.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The ending because Melanie was buried in the same spot as Jemima.
It would have been cooler if Jemima had shown up sooner than the end of the book, I would have like Jane to confront her because, at some point, she would have come to her senses and realize what she did.
I’m giving the book 4 stars because it is a good book even if I didn’t like the ending. Also, I’m sorry if this isn’t the best review I have been writing this throughout the day when I’ve had time but did most of it on my phone.
alostperson 