Scan barcode
A review by adelesbooks
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Haunting Adeline - H. D. Carlton ⭐⭐⭐
Before I say anything, I have to URGE you to READ the trigger warnings. I don't have a problem with darker themes in books, but some things in this story made me pause.
With that said, starting this book in the evening was probably the worst idea I have ever had! I was freaked out from the first chapter, but oddly enough, I couldn't stop reading. As sometimes happens, I pulled an all-nighter and finished it by nine a.m. the next day.
I had mixed feelings about this novel. On the one hand, I couldn't put it down till I got through the whole book in one sitting. On the other hand, it was a bit much in certain parts. That alone speaks volumes since there isn't much that disturbs me in books.
I can't outright say I didn't like the characters because I was intrigued. But it is the same as the story. Some of their traits were unsettling.
One thing I found hard to follow was the subplots. Maybe it was just me, but there was so much going on all the time.
To summarize all this, I would say it was quite the experience. I don't know how else to put it. I gave Haunting Adeline three stars. Objectively it's a well-written story with an impressive idea.
AGAIN, CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING!!! Also, be aware there is a big cliffhanger at the end of the book, so read at your own risk.
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Stalking, Car accident, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment