Thursday, August 28, 2014

Blog Tour: The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco


Standalone
272p.
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Published: 8/5/14
Source: NetGalley and Publisher for review
You may think me biased, being murdered myself. But my state of being has nothing to do with the curiosity toward my own species, if we can be called such. We do not go gentle, as your poet encourages, into that good night.

A dead girl walks the streets. 
She hunts murderers. Child killers, much like the man who threw her body down a well three hundred years ago. 
And when a strange boy bearing stranger tattoos moves into the neighborhood so, she discovers, does something else. And soon both will be drawn into the world of eerie doll rituals and dark Shinto exorcisms that will take them from American suburbia to the remote valleys and shrines of Aomori, Japan.
Because the boy has a terrifying secret - one that would just kill to get out.
My thoughts:
Total confession here: I really like dark books, but I'm a total wimp when it comes to horror. For some reason I can handle it better in books, but this one was very creepy and even made me want to read this book in the light.

I really enjoyed the different culture and mythology in this one. The ghosts in this story are like humans in terms of good and evil. They choose their nature as we do when we are alive. For the ghosts, however, their horror they extend toward others is shown on how they look to the outer world. Humans are able to hide their evil much better.

We get an unusual narrative within these pages. We follow Okiku the ghost from the well. The narrative can be odd at times since she is interested in the living but totally detached. In this way we also become interested in the characters of the book but do not become attached to them. This is deliberate and I liked how different it felt. Usually I have to have some sort of attachment to characters but because this was purposeful, I didn't have problems with it at all.

I give this horror book 4 stars. If you want something unusual and different do try this book. If you are a fan of horror movies like The Ring, then I think this book is for you.



Author Bio: Despite uncanny resemblances to Japanese revenants, Rin Chupeco has always maintained her sense of humor. Raised in Manila, Philippines, she keeps four pets: a dog, two birds, and a husband. She’s been a technical writer and travel blogger, but now makes things up for a living. The Girl from the Well is her debut novel. Connect with Rin atwww.rinchupeco.com.

22 comments:

  1. This one ended up on my wishlist precisely because it's so dark and different, and because of the trailer, which I really like. If I choose to read horror, then I want it to be really scary, and this definitely seems to be. Like you, it's easier in books for me too.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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    1. I don't know why it is easier.. but so far... :) Hope you enjoy it!

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  2. I am also a big wimp when it comes to horror, though I consistently go back to it, even when it gives me nightmares. I really enjoyed the unique perspective of this one, and also found it quite spooky. Glad you enjoyed it too! :-)

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    1. This one was quite spooky for me. :) Hope you enjoy it if you get it.

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  3. I also love love books like them from time to time and I confess that I'm really curious about this one and I love the cover lol. So knowing that you enjoyed it makes me want to read it even more!

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  4. "Usually I have to have some sort of attachment to characters but because this was purposeful, I didn't have problems with it at all."

    Couldn't have said it better Melissa, I felt the exact same way! I wasn't overly attached to anyone, but I was fascinated by everything that was happening. Such a creepy story. *shudders*

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    1. She wasn't attached, so it made absolute sense b/c it was her POV. :) It was shuddering!

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  5. Eeee, this one sounds creepy, and I doubt I'll ever read it. I do love the sound of the culture and mythology you've mentioned, though, and now I'm torn! Lovely review, Melissa.

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    1. I think you might like the culture presented but yea.. quite creeptastic! LOL

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  6. This one sounds both intriguing and spooky! I'll have to check it out. :)
    Edge of Your Seat Stories

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  7. I keep hearing this one is majorly creepy and nigthmore enducing so I think i'll save it for October when i'm in the mood to be scared and creeped out LOL! Lovely review :)

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    1. Yes, quite creepy and I do think this would be perfect for Oct!

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  8. This one sounds so weird to me. I'm not sure about it. I'm also a bit afraid that it might be TOO creepy/scary for me, I'm such a chicken!

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    1. It was almost too much for me, so I'm not sure if it was too much for you. :) It was weird but in a good way. :)

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  9. Sounds creepy and good :D Not that I am big on horror but still

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  10. I am always hesitant on reading horror novels because most of the time YA horror isn't truly scary, and it's only marked as such because maybe it has a few ghosts or goblins or a moderately scary scene. This, however, sounds like true horror and I am so excited to read it! Thanks for sharing Melissa, and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3

    ~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf

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  11. I am a total wuss too! lol I have some creepy ones saved for when someone is staying the night/visiting and I can read them and have someone else in the house so I don't totally freak myself out. lol Glad you enjoyed it Melissa!

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  12. I don't do a lot of horror, but glad to hear you enjoyed in its creepy glory :)

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  13. I have this, and think I should give it a try. Wonderful review Melissa.

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  14. I have been seeing this book around a lot lately. Will have to check it out.

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