Shivaree

By: J. D. Horn

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

As the Korean War ends, practical and well-mannered army nurse Corinne Ford returns stateside to live in the Mississippi town of Conroy with her new fiancé, Private First Class Elijah Dunne. She wonders if their love is strong enough to overshadow their differences, but upon her arrival to Elijah's backwoods stomping grounds, she understands that culture shock is the least of her worries.

After four good ol' boys are attacked in the night while seeking to terrorize a local black family, decades of buried secrets begin to rise. From Conroy's most powerful citizen - known as "the Judge" - to the man Corinne intends to marry, no one is innocent. Yet the deepest secret of all involves the beautiful, cruel, and dead Miss Ruby. The former belle of Conroy, and Elijah's lost love, is neither forgotten nor truly gone. But her death is only the beginning of a slow vengeance that won't stop until its hunger is satisfied.

©2015 J. D. Horn (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

shivaree

I enjoyed this book very. This is my kind of book. The author is a very good man

Very Interesting!!

Would you listen to Shivaree again? Why?

Yes, I enjoyed the whole book....it kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Shivaree?

When the Judge died...

What does Angela Dawe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I liked her voice and how she gave all the characters their own voice and attitude.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Ruby had the Doctor held, awaiting the Judge to wake up saying he would be hungry. whether or not the Doctor killed himself before that happened. I liked him until Ruby told us what he had done to Dillon.

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed all J. D. Horn's books....

Ugh narrator

Having trouble getting through this terrible narrator. Every sentence sounds like an emergency and something terrible is gonna happen. Every. Single. Sentence. Groan..

whoa

wow. the whole town? where did Ruby go?? will there be a part 2?? Don't invite folk in....

Some parts were better than others

This was an okay read for me. I have had this book for a long time but never got around to reading it for one reason or another. I decided to give the audiobook a try and think that it was a good choice. I really didn't know a lot about the book before I got started with it and ended up rather surprised by the subject matter. It was a good surprise. This was a book that I ended up liking some parts much more than others but am glad I picked it up.

This book is set right after the Korean War in the small town of Conroy. The book does include quite a few points of view and I found it a bit hard to keep up at times. Once I realized there was a vampire in the book, I felt a bit of a thrill since I had no idea this book would include anything out of the ordinary. I liked that the vampire in this story isn't sparkly or sexy. This is a dark evil kind of vampire.

I wasn't really too much of a fan of the characters in this book. The only two characters that appealed to me at all was Corinne and Ruth. There were some pretty horrible characters in this book. Elijah's mom was dreadful on really every level. The judge was equally horrible but had control over much of the town. Really everyone besides and Corinne and Ruth were just awful but I do think that was as the author intended it to be.

Despite not liking most of the characters, I was curious about how everything would work out in the story. There are a lot of hidden secrets in the town of Conroy and it was very eye-opening when they were revealed. There were parts of the story that really had me at the edge of my seat but I felt that the book was rather uneven at times.

Angela Dawe did a great job with the narration. This book had a large cast of characters and I thought she did a great job with all of them. I thought that she added a lot of excitement to the story and I found it quite easy to listen to the book for hours at a time. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to more of her work.

I am glad that I gave this book a try. I think that a lot of readers will enjoy this story a bit more than I did. I would definitely read more from J.D. Horn in the future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Amazon Publishing - 47th North via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from Kindle Unlimited.

dissonance between the story and narrator

good story set in 1950s deep south, but the narrator just ruins the tone/feel of the story. The tempo and volume from the 'narrator to character' is too pronounced and distracting. And that is just one issue.

Wish I'd read this instead of listened to it.

Daek but great tale

Dark, but would love to hear more about the characters, the town and the story.

Southern Gothic Horror

I really enjoyed this book. It was a classical horror novel with a modern twist. Imagine Salem's Lot crossed with The Witching Hour as told by Flannery O'Connor.

A Fantastic Read and Performance!

I didn't want this story to end! Thanks for an excellent book and a most excellent vocal delivery!

#abrknpoet reviewed Shivaree

"Shivaree" by J.D. Horn is a captivating and atmospheric novel that combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and Southern Gothic. Set in the deep South, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, family secrets, and a touch of romance. While it has its strengths, it also suffers from a few drawbacks.

Positives:
One of the strongest aspects of "Shivaree" is the author's ability to create a rich and immersive setting. Horn's descriptive prose effortlessly transports readers to the sultry and enchanting world of the Southern United States, bringing the vivid landscapes and vibrant culture to life. From the humid bayous to the grand plantations, the book's setting is almost a character in itself, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

The characters in "Shivaree" are well-developed and diverse, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist, in particular, is a compelling and relatable character. Her journey of self-discovery and exploration of her magical abilities is engaging and keeps readers invested throughout the narrative. The supporting cast also shines, with their complex relationships and hidden agendas adding layers of intrigue and suspense.

Horn's writing style is both elegant and accessible, making "Shivaree" an enjoyable read. The pacing is generally well-maintained, with a balance between slower, introspective moments and fast-paced action sequences. The author's skillful storytelling keeps readers on their toes, as the plot twists and turns, revealing shocking secrets and unexpected alliances.

Negatives:
While "Shivaree" has many strengths, it does have a few weaknesses that may impact some readers' enjoyment. The plot, at times, becomes convoluted and hard to follow. The introduction of numerous subplots and side characters can be overwhelming, leading to a lack of focus in certain sections of the book. Some readers may find themselves losing track of the main storyline amidst the tangled web of events.

Additionally, the book occasionally suffers from pacing issues. Certain sections feel rushed, while others drag on, slowing down the overall momentum of the narrative. These fluctuations can disrupt the reader's engagement, leading to a less immersive experience.

Another minor drawback is the romantic subplot, which, while intriguing, lacks the same level of development as the main storyline. This may leave some readers wanting more depth and emotional connection between the characters involved.

In conclusion, "Shivaree" by J.D. Horn is an enchanting and atmospheric novel that transports readers to a captivating world filled with magic and mystery. While it has its flaws, such as convoluted plotting and occasional pacing issues, the book's strong setting, well-developed characters, and engaging storytelling make it a worthwhile read for fans of Southern Gothic and urban fantasy.