The Fall

by Bethany Griffin

Madeline and her twin brother Roderick have the Usher name, the Usher house - and the Usher disease. Something is wrong with the family's blood - and it seems to have spread to the house itself. Sometimes Madeline even thinks that the house is alive...When Roderick is sent away to school, the house seems to want revenge on the one member of the Usher family left behind: Madeline herself. A gorgeous, eerie, darkly Gothic tale, THE FALL is guaranteed to intrigue and enthrall its readers, winning legions of new fans for the talented Bethany Griffin. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor, Becca Fitzpatrick and Cassandra Clare.

• ISBN10: 0062107852
• ISBN13: 9780062107855
• Publish Date: 7 October 2014 (first published 2 October 2014)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 432
• Language: English

Reviews

[meowstina]

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not familiar with the Poe story that is the inspiration for this novel, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment or involvement of this new retelling. Madeline’s first person perspective successfully portrays an eerie and haunted story that is full of both paranormal and personal fears.
The chapters alternate between Madeline’s perspective at various ages, telling the story of the potentially alive Usher house and the curse it bestows on its residents. Madeline reveals all she has found out about the house, her family, and past residents, and when she reaches adolescence she yearns to find a way out. The house won’t let her go so easily, though.

The pacing of the story is what really kept me hooked. Most of the chapters are very short, flitting between past and present, but always revealing new insight into the Usher house and its curse. It’s both creepy and intriguing, and always left me wanting to read more. There’s not a lot of suspense, it’s more curiosity that keeps the pages turning. There are a few problems with how conclusions are reached and a few minor mysteries left unsolved, but overall I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a dark and interesting read.