Fir (Red Eye)

I just finished this book last night, and it was a bittersweet ending. I like that it leaves it open for you to interpret. I think the story telling was clever, and I didn't have a problem following along at all. The only thing I didn't like was how hashtag edgy the narrator tried to be? Like, I get it, you're a moody teenager. But I didn't particularly like people like that when I was a teenager, either. She does go through a nice character arc, and is much more tolerable by the end. Other than that, I love how vague this book is. It gives you every answer you want while not giving you any answers at all. I like that it is both a supernatural and psychological thriller at the same time. The blending of the two was done in a really nice way.

kind of hard to get into and a bit disjointed. the main character left a lot to be desired. which sucks because we were only in his head.

SummaryWhen Mr and Mrs Stormberg decide to move to a logging plantation, their only child is less than thrilled.The family soon discovers that not only does the house have a disturbing past, but there's something in the woods that doesn't want them there.Personal OpinionFir had a cool concept, but never really seemed to fully take off. I did enjoy it although it could have been improved with some more spooky action throughout the story.The location, mass amounts of snow and mental health issues that were involved were a bit similar to The Shining. Plus the 'protectors' of the forest were a cool touch.Something very uncommon happened in this book though. The MC's name, age and gender was never revealed. I imagined a teen girl around 15 or 16 while reading.Overall, this one wasn't as freaky as some of the others in the series, but was still an alright winter read.

Part Scandi-noir thriller, part chilling horror, with a side of ancient lore and subtle hint of environmental-awareness... I could not put this book down.I think the greatest strength in this book, and the aspect I enjoyed the most, is the setting. It's just breathtaking. The atmosphere just builds and builds in intensity until suddenly you look up, and it's snowing outside, and for a moment you're terrified. You can hear the trees. Did a wolf just howl? Is that a spot of blood on the snow?Don't read this book when it's snowing.I also loved the family dynamics, the resentment that slowly grows between the characters. It felt natural, it added to the horror. It added to the atmosphere and made it harder to figure out what was real and what wasn't.There is a sense of surrealism to the story, and everywhere you look are unreliable characters described by an unreliable narrator. This is my ultimate catnip in a book.I did want more when I reached the end of the book, but ultimately I was happy with the ending and how it was left slightly open. I still don't know what was real and what was not. Was it all in their heads? WHAT HAPPENED?I'm one of those people who will say that I "don't like horror". But the Red Eye collection? Wow. Even if you "don't like horror" pick it up.

I have bought and read this book as it is one of the finalists of the Hampshire Book Awards 2018. A strong, atmospheric, very creepy YA horror. The well-researched and interesting setting allow the reader to view the events of the book through the lens of local folklore and remain unsure as to whether events are the actions of malevolent supernatural forces or the perceptions of a child slowly descending into isolation-caused madness. Whilst it may be a little scary and a touch on the graphic side at times for younger children, I would recommend it as an engaging and above all spooky children’s book.

Starts off good, but builds to a rubbish ending. Seriously the ending is rushed, and too blunt, ( I almost missed it, its that blunt). Shame really as there is scope for various tangents to explore, good suspense built up and then such a flat ending that leaves you cheated.

I bought this for my 11 year old child and decided to read it first to check how scary it is. I found it quite creepy while I was reading it, but it isn't going to give me nightmares. We live in Norway and I have enough trouble as it is persuading him to come on hikes and ski trips into the northern forests. I don't think I'll be giving him this book any time soon, put it that way. Will possibly experience extra adrenaline myself on cabin trips...