The Stats
Title: Small Angels
Author: Lauren Owen
Narrated By: Tamsin Kennard,Eleanor Yates,Rebecca Lee,Daphne Kouma
Publisher: Random House (02 August, 2022)
Time: 14 Hours 01 Minutes
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Gothic, Magical Realism, Horror, Paranormal
Trigger Warnings: Death, Violence, Abuse, Manipulation, Language
Read if you like: Scary Stories
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Horror (2022)
Book of the Month August 2022 Selection
The Review
“Small Angels” by Lauren Owen is a captivating gothic ghost story that weaves a dark and atmospheric tale of love, history, and the supernatural.
The story revolves around the ominous Mockbeggar Woods, a place where whispers are heard, secrets are kept, and where the past and present collide in an eerie dance.
The narrative unfolds around the impending wedding of Chloe and Sam, which takes place at the eerie Small Angels church on the outskirts of Mockbeggar Woods. As the story progresses, the village’s unsettling history and the enigmatic Gonne family come to the forefront. The alternating perspectives of Lucia, Chloe, and Kate bring depth and dimension to the story, providing insight into the complex relationships and dark secrets that bind the village and the woods.
The vivid descriptions in the book are a testament to Lauren Owen’s skill as a writer. The portrayal of Mockbeggar Woods as a living, breathing entity that hungers for human drama is both eerie and captivating. The characters come to life with their flaws, fears, and desires, and the forest’s malevolent presence is ever-present, adding to the sense of impending doom.
The dual timeline and multiple points of view add to the richness of the narrative, slowly revealing the history of Harry’s murder, the Gonnes family’s role in safeguarding the village, and the potential threat that Chloe faces. While the middle of the book may feel a bit slower, the pacing ultimately builds to a dramatic and intense climax that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
“Small Angels” is not a book to be rushed but savored, much like the dark, gothic atmosphere it creates. It’s a tale of heartache and strength, of promises and secrets, and it’s a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Lauren Owen’s storytelling skills shine in this gripping, atmospheric novel, making it a must-read for those who love gothic tales with a hint of the supernatural. This is a book that will haunt you and leave you with a sense of lingering unease, making it perfect for a chilly autumn night by the fire. “Small Angels” is a beautifully dark and absorbing tale that is sure to captivate fans of the gothic genre.
Short Review (AKA TLDR)
“Small Angels” demands not haste but rather a slow, deliberate savoring, much like the eerie, gothic ambiance it meticulously crafts. Within its pages, readers will discover a story of profound emotion, resilience, concealed pledges, and buried mysteries. Lauren Owen’s artful storytelling shines in this enthralling, atmospheric novel, positioning it as essential reading for enthusiasts of the gothic genre with a taste for the supernatural. This is a book that will linger in your thoughts, its ghostly presence persisting long after the final page is turned. With its lingering unease and otherworldly charm, “Small Angels” is an ideal companion for a crisp autumn evening by the fireside. This beautifully dark and absorbing narrative is certain to enrapture dedicated fans of gothic fiction.
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