Meet New Books
Book Cover

Winterset Hollow

Save:
Find on Amazon

Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham is a unique and captivating blend of fantasy, horror, and dark fiction. The story follows John Eamon Buckley and his friends as they visit the estate of Edward Addington, the author of their beloved childhood book, 'Winterset Hollow.' What starts as a seemingly innocent trip takes a dark turn as the characters find themselves in a world where reality blurs, and whimsical characters from the book come to life, intertwining horror and fantasy in a chilling tale. The author's writing style is described as detailed, refreshing, and almost musical, creating a world that is both charming and horrifying, leaving readers captivated with every turn of the page.

Characters:

Characters range from nerdy humans to complex animals, with some exhibiting psychopathic tendencies, all contributing to a richly woven narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a musical and poetic quality, offering a unique and stylized voice that enhances the storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot captivates readers with its unexpected dark turns and themes of retribution, weaving a gripping narrative that challenges initial perceptions.

Setting:

The setting combines a charming yet horrifying world, rooted in a nostalgic childhood literary backdrop.

Pacing:

Pacing initially starts slow, but quickly ramps up, making it a gripping, fast-paced read that captivates as the story unfolds.

Notes:

The story begins as a nostalgic trip connected to a beloved children's book.
It features a dark twist where beloved animal characters turn terrifying and murderous.
The book combines elements of horror with philosophical themes about life and family.
It is compared to classics like The Wind in the Willows and Winnie the Pooh, but with a gruesome edge.
The narrative style is described as poetic and sometimes overwritten, adding richness to the storytelling.
There's a shocking plot twist revealed about a third of the way through the book.
The characters include a human-sized rabbit and a frog who is a gourmet cook.
Despite a slow start, the story rapidly develops into an intense and gripping read.
The protagonist's journey evokes strong emotions, leaving readers surprised by the depth of the narrative.
The book includes poetic elements that enhance the storytelling experience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, gore, animal cruelty, and themes of existential dread.

From The Publisher:

Everyone has wanted their favorite book to be real, if only for a moment. Everyone has wished to meet their favorite characters, if only for a day. But be careful in that wish, for even a history laid in ink can be repaid in flesh and blood, and reality is far deadlier than fiction . . . especially on Addington Isle.

Winterset Hollow follows a group of friends to the place that inspired their favorite book-a timeless tale about a tribe of animals preparing for their yearly end-of-summer festival. But after a series of shocking discoveries, they find that much of what the world believes to be fiction is actually fact, and that the truth behind their beloved story is darker and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It's Barley Day . . . and you're invited to the hunt.

Winterset Hollow is as thrilling as it is terrifying and as smart as it is surprising. A uniquely original story filled with properly unexpected twists and turns, Winterset Hollow delivers complex, indelible characters and pulse- pounding action as it storms toward an unforgettable climax that will leave you reeling. How do you celebrate Barley Day? You run, friend. You run.

Jonathan Edward Durham was born near Philadelphia in one of many rust-belt communities where he read voraciously throughout his youth. After attending the College of William & Mary, where he received a degree in neuroscience, Jonathan waded into the professional world before deciding he was better suited for more artistic pursuits. He now lives in California where he writes to bring a unique voice to the space between the timeless wonder of his favorite childhood stories and the pop sensibilities of his adolescent literary indulgences.

Ratings (3)

Liked It (3)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (5)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.