'Winter Wake' by Rick Hautala is a chilling tale set in Maine, where a family moves to an island to care for the father who recently suffered a stroke. Secrets from the past resurface, leading to strange friendships, hints of danger, and outright threats. The novel unfolds slowly but vividly, blending psychological and supernatural elements, culminating in a breathtaking finale where characters fight for survival amidst ghostly encounters and family tensions.

Characters:

Characters are multifaceted, combining relatable traits with deeper issues stemming from past events.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging yet not at its peak, blending both supernatural and psychological elements effectively.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around family dynamics and haunting experiences that unfold with a dark secret from the past.

Setting:

The story is set on a Maine island, providing an atmospheric backdrop crucial to the narrative.

Pacing:

Pacing begins well but experiences slower moments; however, it builds to an impressive conclusion.

Notes:

The story involves a family moving to a small town in Maine to care for an elderly relative.

There is strong animosity between characters Frank and John due to past events.

Julia is portrayed as a likable character, while her husband John is depicted as petty and easily offended.

Frank, the grandfather, is initially likable but has a cantankerous edge.

Brianna, the thirteen-year-old daughter, is considered the best character, relatable to many readers.

Ghostly elements are present but the real creepiness comes from family tensions and secrets.

There's a mysterious connection to a past character named Abby.

Many island residents experience strange delusions, including ghostly organ music and giant rats.

The novel blends psychological and supernatural themes, making for an engaging read.

Hautala considered this his favorite work, despite a drop in popularity compared to other well-known authors like Stephen King.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings are applicable due to themes of grief, loss, and potential mental health issues that may resonate with some readers.

From The Publisher:

EARLY GRAVE

Glooscap Island, off the coast of Maine … shrouded in fog … ringed by icy gray water. Here the Carlson family comes home to a tortuously intensifying nightmare-first in the guise of a beautiful but calculating woman, then in the shape of a vengeful wraith with glistening bones … coils of black hair … cold, staring eyes … and a horrifying command of this living world.

Born in violent death not even the long past could bury … molded by a hatred that feeds on the dark, she will haunt John, Julia, and their daughter Bri, in pursuit of the ultimate retribution. For hers is an unholy call of blood for blood that nothing can stop … except the one terrifying price no main … and, especially, no woman … can ever pay.

What can you read after
Winter Wake?

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Winter Wake

Rick Hautala

About:

Characters:

Writing/Prose:

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Notes:

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

From The Publisher:

What can you read after Winter Wake?

What can you read after
Winter Wake?