This was an ok horror. It was quite similar to something else I've recently read so I struggled to separate them.
But I'd be interested to read more from Daigle

I did not think I was going to like this book as much I do. About 30% in I was having a hard time getting into it, not because it was bad or anything, but because it was clear to me pretty early on that this was something different from what I’m used to. But that is the whole point of why I joined Net-galley! There are some trigger warnings that are important to mention due to their nature. From what I can recall, death and miscarriage.

I really liked this and I love love love the cover. This is a dark, chilling and unsettling horror novel that I enjoyed to read. Very good writing and character development, and the story had a slowly building tension that kept me involved. I liked the overall story and the idea of having every single main character struggling with their own emotional turmoil. This was definitely worth reading and certainly as creepy as the front cover suggested.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher.

Creepy and haunting. And a little bit disturbed. Just the way I love my books to be. Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and author for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was gripping and atmospheric from the start. It's chilling, creepy, horrific, and riveting. I was glued to the pages wanting to know what was happening and how things would turn out.
Thank you to NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

DNF - Unfortunately, the writing for this one just didn't grab me. It felt a bit slow and bogged down with a lot of talk about the past.

Really, really good. I'm a big fan of Adam Neville's book The Ritual, as well as the movie adaptation of it, and this gave me similar vibes. I don't mean that as in this is the same, just the cold, snowy feelings of hopelessness that it evokes... same vibes. All the characters were relatable, which is important in a story like this. Loved that bittersweet ending, as well. Looking forward to more from this author!

In "The Broken Places," readers are plunged into a chilling tale of survival and supernatural terror reminiscent of "The Ritual" and Dan Simmons' "The Terror." When Ryne Burdette inherits his family's old hunting cabin in the Yukon wilderness, he reluctantly agrees to a weekend trip with his best friends as a chance to heal from a tragic year. However, as they venture into the deep woods, they encounter strange phenomena and unsettling whispers that suggest something sinister lurking in the shadows. As a winter storm intensifies and the wilderness becomes increasingly hostile, the friends must confront the dark secrets of the Burdette family lineage to survive. With atmospheric prose and heart-pounding suspense, "The Broken Places" delivers a spine-tingling experience that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Prepare to be gripped by fear as you journey into the depths of the Yukon wilderness, where the true horrors lie hidden among the trees.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review*

A great thriller - I would recommend it!

Blaine Daigle's "The Broken Places" is a gripping and atmospheric tale that merges elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural, creating a narrative that holds echoes of both "The Ritual" and Dan Simmons' "The Terror." The story follows Ryne Burdette as he reluctantly inherits his family's old hunting cabin in the unforgiving Yukon wilderness, setting the stage for an eerie and unsettling journey into the unknown.

The novel excels in building a sense of foreboding from the very beginning, using the remote Yukon setting to create an atmosphere that is both isolating and haunting. Daigle's descriptive prose vividly portrays the harsh wilderness, making it a character in itself and heightening the tension as the characters delve into the mysteries that lurk in the shadows.

The characters, particularly Ryne and his best friends, are well-drawn, and their camaraderie adds depth to the narrative. As the winter storm closes in, and the natural order of the wilderness unravels, the author skillfully builds a sense of unease that steadily intensifies. The soft voices whispering through the trees and the strange behavior of the animals contribute to the overall atmospheric dread.

The incorporation of the Burdette family lineage and the dark secrets hidden in the shadows adds a layer of depth to the story. The narrative weaves through layers of horror, exploring the fine line between reality and the supernatural. The exploration of familial ties and the burden of ancestral history gives the horror elements a more profound resonance.

The pacing of the novel is well-structured, with the tension steadily escalating as the storm worsens and the friends find themselves entangled in the macabre truths of the Burdette lineage. The blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

While the story successfully builds a chilling and immersive atmosphere, some readers may find the resolution to be ambiguous, leaving certain questions unanswered. Additionally, the novel's intensity may be unsettling for those sensitive to horror themes.

In conclusion, "The Broken Places" is a compelling and chilling expedition into darkness. Blaine Daigle crafts a narrative that skillfully blends horror, mystery, and supernatural elements, creating an atmospheric and gripping tale that will leave readers haunted by the shadows of the Yukon wilderness. If you enjoy stories that delve into the darker realms of the human psyche and the mysteries of the natural world, this novel offers a thrilling and unsettling journey into the unknown.

Creepy moments. Somewhat entertaining. Felt difficult to connect to the characters. The pacing that information is revealed in the beginning felt clumsy.

A really great read with thrilling twists and turns. I never knew what to expect and it kept me Interested until the very end.

This is one of the creepiest books I’ve ever read. The dread built from the first page and didn’t let up until the ending.

The Broken Place took me a while to get into, but had a very compelling setting in the dark and snowy Yukon in a deep and isolated wood. This trio of friends working through grief and supporting each other have no idea what world they just stepped into when they went for a weekend at Ryne old family cabin.

With the feels of The Ritual, this has some folklore tied in. Strange things start happening on route to the cabin. And when it finally got its maw into you, it dragged you into the darkest places of the Burdette cabin.

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

Definitely a great horror read! Repetitive at times but was a really good book.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!

I enjoyed this book. It’s funny how it was able to stick with me. I started reading this book Back in March, got away from reading for quite some time yet I still had this book with me when I picked it back up to finish it.

Interesting ideas, chilling descriptions at times, but overall bogged down with repetitive description of the landscape and repetitive rehashing of the same information about the characters.

How many times were we told they were surrounded by spruce? That the snow kept falling? The grain scenario was done to death! It felt like it was trying too hard.

This is a shame because the overall concept is interesting. The horrific details should have hit home hard, but they didn’t quite land.

I wasn’t ever scared or creeped out by this book, I really wanted to be. I would most likely pick up another book by this author. I won’t rush though.

Worth having a look if you enjoy horror.

*Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book via Netgalley*

Blaine Daigle's "The Broken Places" is an exquisitely written and deeply moving novel that delves into the intricacies of human relationships, loss, and the process of healing. Daigle's storytelling prowess shines as he guides readers through a poignant exploration of characters grappling with their own inner turmoil and the broken pieces of their lives.

The novel introduces us to the protagonist, Emma, a woman who has experienced significant loss and heartbreak. Still reeling from the death of her husband, she finds herself at a crossroads, seeking solace in the midst of her shattered world. When she stumbles upon a mysterious journal that once belonged to her late husband, she embarks on a soul-searching journey to discover the truths and secrets concealed within its pages.

Blaine Daigle's writing is a testament to his talent for crafting beautiful, evocative prose. His words have a poetic quality that immerses readers in the emotional landscapes of the characters, making it easy to connect with their joys and sorrows. The narrative is a poignant tapestry woven with the delicate threads of love, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The characters in "The Broken Places" are authentic and multifaceted. Emma's grief is portrayed with such raw honesty that it is impossible not to feel her pain. The supporting characters, from her friends to those she meets along her journey, all add depth to the story and provide various perspectives on coping with loss and finding hope.

The structure of the novel, which alternates between the present and the past through the journal entries, is a brilliant narrative choice. It allows readers to understand the complexities of Emma's relationships and her late husband's experiences, making the story more engaging and emotionally resonant.

While the novel primarily focuses on themes of grief and healing, it also explores the power of forgiveness and the ways in which we can find strength in our most vulnerable moments. Daigle's ability to convey these themes with sensitivity and insight is one of the novel's strongest aspects.

"The Broken Places" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read that will resonate with anyone who has faced loss and struggled with the process of healing. Blaine Daigle's exceptional storytelling and beautifully crafted characters make this novel a genuine masterpiece. It's a testament to the human capacity for resilience and the enduring power of love and forgiveness. "The Broken Places" is a must-read for those seeking a profoundly moving and ultimately hopeful literary experience.

A solid horror tale. There were a few times I felt there was a little too much repetition happening. Yes, give me what is important to know, maybe remind me if it doesn't come up for a while in the story, but the third, fourth, fifth times its mentioned feel a little much. This story certainly is haunting and lays a great basis for the author to continue to grow!