My god this book. I cant form words i cant wait to get this in paperback and audio its phenomenal and worth every penny. Its different, unique just worth getting

This was a creepy, atmospheric slow burn of a novel. It was an effective blend of horror and fantasy where the focus is on the suspense and unease of the impending deaths, not a blood-soaked slasher vibe.

Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

First off, what a beautiful and haunting cover! Lute by Jennifer Marie Thorne is an atmospheric blend of fantasy and horror. The story revolves Nina, who is from Florida, but is now moving to the island of Lute. Lute is blessed with good fortune while the surrounding areas are ravaged by war. Nina has heard the rumors that seven people are sacrificed every seven years, but she doesn't believe them. But what if the rumors are true?

Here is an enchanting excerpt from the opening chapter:

"“Oh, you stop. There are far worse jobs.” The light in his eyes dims a little.
This is the way we reference the war, in asides, quiet gratitude, and humility, sharing postcards and emails we’ve gotten from those off fighting, well-tended vegetable gardens, and meticulous ration books. Never directly. But maybe that’s just how people behave around me because of my American accent, the voice of the enemy. Don’t mention the war.
Or maybe it’s more that we can’t face the full reality of it, the images we get in the news—all those occupied countries, cities gone dark in military curfew or reduced to rubble, bloated bodies washing up on the shores of practically every continent, refugee camps growing and burning down and growing again, rows upon rows of draped soldiers ready for sorting and sending home.
While here on Lute, everything is perfectly fine."

Overall, Lute is a folk horror novel that will appeal to fans of Netflix's Equinox or Midsommar. The book feels a bit Scandinavian, a bit folksy. One highlight of this book is the atmosphere. I love fantasy/horror novels that do a good job of establishing a creepy, spooky landscape. I definitely felt that here. Another highlight of this book is the main character, Nina, who is a great protagonist. I felt myself rooting for her as the story continued. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of folk horror, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in October!

Lute by Jennifer Marie Thorne is one intriguing story!
I totally enjoyed this well-written novel. It is engaging from the very first page to the last. The story is so weird and yet unique at the same time. Everything about this book is interesting, from the book cover to the plot and even the characters.
The plot itself is also extremely interesting.
A total enjoyable read.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Tor Nightfire,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

3 stars
Meh. This wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it was enjoyable enough. It was kind of a slow burn, and mostly atmospheric. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to read an arc though.

I really enjoyed this! It was final destination meets midsommar.

We follow the Lady of the Island of Lute. Her husbands family has lived on the island a long time, and they have, occasionally bizarre and off putting, traditions. The most bizarre of all are the events of “the Day,” an event that comes on the summer solstice, once every seven years.

This isn’t an isolation story, the people are free to come and go as they please, except on the Day.

This story is best when you know less.

There was some wonky formatting on the page after the dedication on my eARC, but hopefully that gets ironed out before the release.

Thanks to NetGalley for my eARC!

As far as content warnings, there are repeated mentions of child death, mentions of emotional abuse, suicide attempt.

First off, this cover is gorgeous. This book follows Nina and her experience during her first The Day, something that happens every seven years on the island of Lute where seven people die in one day. Their sacrifice ensures that the island benefits. I've seen this plot line done before, it didn't feel too original, but it did have me hooked. I just wanted to finish it to see who survives or dies by the end. It's also easy to root for the main character, feel her frustration with her husband, and the love she has for her children. This is a adult horror book, but it also felt historical fiction because they kept talking about a war. I really liked the atmosphere and how alive the island felt.

3/5 Stars

This Review is Spoiler Free

Lute is a hypnotic, atmospheric novel where the Island of Lute itself is more character than setting. Very much a slow burn, I have to say this wasn't exactly what I was expecting from the synopsis, but I still enjoyed reading it.

Nina, or Lady Treadway, as she's called on the Island of Lute, is about to experience what the locals have referred to as "The Day." Every 7 years...something happens. Despite her husband's attempts to shepherd their family to safety, they remain stuck.

Nina didn't believe the legends of what happened on the island, chocking it all up to superstitions. But that begins to change as the horrors of The Day unfold.

While I liked this one, I will say that it didn't really wasn't what I was hoping it would be. Far more atmosphere than true horror. I was expecting more of a blend - along the lines of Midsommar or the Wicker Man (which this book was pitched in comparison to). Definitely worth the read, but expect more atmosphere than horror.

*I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and views in this review are my own.