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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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Pub date September 1, 2021

ISBN 978-1625862082

Price $15.99 (USD) Paperback, $6.13 Kindle edition

Author interview

Durham makes good use of elements borrowed from both fantasy and horror in his pulse-pounding debut. When Eamon, Caroline, and Mark decided to take a trip to the island where Eamon and Caroline’s favorite book, Winterset Hollow, was written, they had no idea they were signing up for a dangerous trip down the memory lane. As treacherous truths behind Winterset Hollow’s origin begin to unravel, the friends find themselves entangled in a dark web of sinister secrets. They must do everything in their power if they want to get out alive. As his various characters’ paths converge, Durham plunges readers into a layered world of horror, fantasy, and fairy-tale, which he develops with a keen understanding of typical human concerns such as friendship, sacrifice, duty, and loyalty. By throwing his motley crew of characters into horrendous situations and moving each one’s story along, he keeps the pages flying. The premise is promising, and the pacing expert. Bolstered by vivid, darkly intriguing descriptions, Durham’s high-intensity storytelling shines while his assured, intelligent prose allows readers to stay invested. Fans of intricately crafted, sophisticated horror-tinged fairy tales won’t want to miss this one.

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