Reviewed by annieb123 on
Takakush is the first book in a new paranormal suspense light horror series by Raine Reiter. Released 28th Dec 2020, it's 186 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I was expecting something vaguely comparable to Katherine Arden's Winternight trilogy. Takakush is Eastern European (specifically Lithuanian) folklore inspired, but this is definitely not cozy or warm and fuzzy - lots more sharp pointy teeth and claws in this one. The author has a good grasp on plotting and dramatic tension. The story is told in alternating PoV which I found a bit distracting, but the chapters are clearly delineated, so it's not untenable.
There is a strong instra-love romance subplot alongside the paranormal/horror as well as some graphic violence and death. I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions of the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest - clearly an area with which the author is familiar.
It was a little too creepy/gothic/violent for me particularly, but will be enthusiastically received by fans of the paranormal light horror genre. Three and a half stars; likely 4+ for fans of the genre.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 22 February, 2021: Finished reading
- 22 February, 2021: Reviewed