Atmospheric Enjoyment

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Well I really liked this one y'all. It took me a little bit to get into the rhythm and the slow build of the narrative but once I did I was flying between audio and book. I highly recommend both formats. The audio was perfect for the Louisiana slang and atmospheric chill. The novel was perfect for those moments you sink into and feel the heart of the prose.

The bayou is full of strange things. Psychics, dark magic, darker secrets and a missing girl. Let's not forget good 'ol Willie Nelson, resident massive gator. Greycie is back home and her estranged bff has gone missing. All she knows is that there are visions plaguing her dreams of her friend's possible last moments. The deeper she digs the more mystery and legend rise to the surface.

Sain created a beautifully crafted paranormal thriller of local lore, bayou magic and cryptic family pasts in a small town. I loved the realistic reactions of the characters and Greycie's struggles as she finds herself amongst the loss. What drags to the surface is not only shocking but has a depth that clutches at your heart. One of the most atmospherically sinister yet heartfelt novels I've read in a while. I did figure out the culprit sooner than expected but it didn't take away from that ending.

The dashes of magical realism that intertwine with the Louisiana backdrop made the setting memorable and cultural. I was pleasantly surprised how much existed and how well its all fit together. I personally love these twists in my books. The audio narration brought out the accents for many of the characters and richly added authenticity to the cast. There are two POVs in this book; Greycie and the visions. I enjoyed the dreamswept tunnel-like narration of the vision sequences. Overall, an easy to follow and auditory pleasure to listen too.

This is perfect for fans of YA paranormal thrillers with a whisper of fantasy. Thank you to Penguin Teen for the gifted digital copy and to Bookishfirst for the opportunity to win a copy. All thoughts are my own. You'll want this for your TBR. True rating 4.5/5.

Content mention: child abuse