Tags
Dark Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, YA Fiction
Thanks to Edelweiss and Henry Holt for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
352 Pages
Synopsis: In a land where magic is outlawed, eight criminals led by seventeen-year-old Larkin, are sent on a mission to kill an ancient evil that plagues their kingdom. Descending into an underground realm filled with unspeakable horrors, Larkin and her party must use their forbidden magic to survive what lies in wait, teeth sharp and jaws deadly.
As she fights for her life, Larkin finds a light in Amias, a fellow outlaw with a notorious past. Soon Larkin and Amias realize their fates are entwined. The eight of them were chosen for a reason.
But as the dangers multiply and her band of felons are picked off one by one, Larkin must confront a terrible truth: they were never meant to return.
I need to start by saying Eight Will Fall will not be to everyone’s taste. To say that it’s dark is putting it mildly. I consider myself pretty hardened against blood and gore, but some of the scenes here had me cringing. Without giving way too many spoilers, let me just say that several instances of flaying are involved. Blech! Just thinking about it gives me the heebie jeebies! That said, the goriness isn’t gratuitous and it’s all part of the story. Which leads me to the phenomenal world building which is one of the most creative and original I’ve come across in recent memory. While the idea of “magic users” being ostracized by their society isn’t new, the entire magic system involving empaths isn’t something I’ve seen before. And, as Larkin and her team make their way deeper into the underground realm, I felt this growing sense of claustrophobia and outright dread that went beyond the monsters they encountered. Eek! Just thinking about it as I write this review is sending chills up my spine, and I read this book a week ago!
Larkin and her team are the type of flawed characters that I love. They start off perhaps not making the best decisions, but as the dangers they face increase, so does their friendship and trust among one another. Unfortunately, this makes it even more heartbreaking when some of them die. The romance between Larkin and Amias isn’t a major part of the story, but it was sweet and added to my constant state of anxiety as the author made it clear almost from the beginning that no one was safe.
The story itself grabbed me immediately and never let go. It’s action-packed and the fast pace is aided by a few surprising twists. I did think that although the bittersweet ending wrapped everything up nicely, it felt a little rushed. I read somewhere that this was originally planned as a duology before being scaled back to a standalone, so perhaps that explains why.
Overall, Eight Will Fall is a near perfect hybrid of dark fantasy and horror. Because of the more gory scenes I discussed earlier, I do not recommend this to anyone younger than sixteen. Otherwise, for those who like these two genres and have strong stomachs, I encourage you to try this. I guarantee it will be a memorable read.
suzan khoja said:
I have to try this one. Where did you get it?? What is edelweiss?? I am dying to try this out because you might find it weird but it is my genre. I have read books that might make you vomit. That’s the kind of horror addict i am. 🙈 thanks for the great review.🙂✌
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I was thinking of you while I was reading it. Now that it’s been published I’m not sure if you can request it, but perhaps you can get it from Amazon.
Edelweiss is another website for requesting eARCs that’s similar to NetGalley. It’s a bit trickier to use, but worth it. You can get there at https://www.abovethetreeline.com
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suzan khoja said:
I am glad horror and gore remind you of me. I will buy it. It does look interesting.
I made an account although I am confused and irritated at only requesting one publisher. 😕 but thank you so much for thinking of me. How are you feeling now?? All good??
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Edelweiss takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s worth it. It’s all good here.😊
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suzan khoja said:
I haven’t got anything yet but I hope I do. Although I must say it is very boring. I am glad you are fine. 🙂✌
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Waiting can be a bit frustrating.
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suzan khoja said:
I will wait. I hope to see more books like this. Loved this one. I am dying to buy it. But a new book is always expensive. I will order it in Jan with all my other books and will give you a big fat shout out for recommendation. 🙂✌😁💗
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beetleypete said:
I don’t mind a bit of gore, and flaying sounds good too! It might be a bit ‘young’ for me, even so. What do you think, Kim?
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
While the majority of character are 17ish, the story itself could be just enough to overcome that for you Pete.
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beetleypete said:
Thanks, Kim. 🙂
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Galit G. Balli said:
Oh wow, love the cover and it sounds interesting.
Great review 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Galit. The cover does suck you in.
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Galit G. Balli said:
Yeah, lol very.
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jowensauthor said:
Oh, this one sure sounds interesting!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s one of the best YAs I’ve read this year.
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confessionsofayareader said:
Great review! I tend to like darker books and I’ve been curious about this one. Hopefully I’ll be able to give it a try in the near future.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.
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confessionsofayareader said:
Thank you!
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fragglerocking said:
Ooh flaying! 😳😁
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Back away slowly my friend. This is not for you!
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fragglerocking said:
Haha but I’m coping with The Magicians and that’s gory!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is worse!
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fragglerocking said:
Okidokily I’m out! 🤣
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻
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Beware Of The Reader said:
This is one that got my caught my attention Kim and I am so glad it seems to live up to what I guessed to be a great story!
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Margie said:
You always do a great review but I do think I will pass on this book!
But, I have a friend that would love it!
She likes gory stuff!
Maybe I might just buy the book and send it to her for her birthday. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Margie! We can always love the same books. I hope your friend likes it if you gift it to her.🤞
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