Member Reviews

I've read a few of Christopher's novels and have always liked his style. His characters come across as real people rather then stilted. A lot of authors write characters that feel like "characters." So I always like when an author has the ability to create characters that feel like people you could interact with in real life

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The Vines is a gripping horror story that I could not put down. Here Rice shows an affinity for all things suspense and horror. Without revealing too much, The Vines is a diverse horror story that stands firmly on its own. The lore Rice creates is original and truly scary set in a Southern Gothic style. 5 stars.

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The Vines is a thrilling and haunting novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Rice masterfully weaves together a complex and compelling story that is both suspenseful and emotional, with vividly drawn characters and a chilling atmosphere that will leave you breathless.

Rice was able to create such a vivid and immersive world that felt both realistic and terrifying. The characters are also incredibly well-developed, with complex backstories and motivations that make them feel like real people rather than just stock horror movie archetypes.

Overall, I highly recommend The Vines to anyone who loves a good horror story. Christopher Rice has truly outdone himself with this novel, delivering a gripping and spine-chilling tale. Whether you're a fan of horror or suspense, this book is sure to satisfy your cravings for a good scare.

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This book was requested when I was young and requested more books than I could possibly read. Sadly, I no longer have access to this book and my tastes have changed. Thus I will not be able to give feedback on this title.

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It was an enjoyable book, and although it is not my most favorite of Christopher Rice's, I'd definitely read it again, and buy it for others. Christopher Rice is a true talent, and I enjoy them immensely.

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The thing I love about horror is that it can encompass so many different things. This isn't gore or depravity, this is a supernatural horror that is grounded in very human passions and concerns and emotions. I found it a very original take, and the author did a great job.

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For the most part, I enjoy Rice's books and read of his new ones as they come along. I am just never really topped out by any of them. Worth the time and effort, yes - award winning - no.. The setting is very familiar to any one that reads the horror genre. beautiful plantation manner that has been restored, As the horror story line builds, I felt less and less involved. Was not too interested in the characters and truthfully not afraid of the monsters so much.

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Chris is one of the finest writers out there and this book is an excellent example of why. He's a poet as well as a great storyteller.

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As a thank, you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced readers copy I shall give an honest review of this novel. After having this on my TBR for a while now I can say I have read another Christopher Rice novel. The novel had many elements for which I am familiar with his work. After reading “A Density of Souls”, and “The Snow Garden” I have been wanting something new but familiar. In this novel, Rice continued to build suspense, and drama with elements he knows so well. The Vines featured high drama, the supernatural, and somewhat science fiction. His ability to weave these elements together proved to be an entertaining endeavor and one I recommend. This is far from his other works I have read but am looking forward to seeing Rice build on what has made him successful. I give this novel a solid three stars out of five.

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I like Christopher Rice and find his stories to be highly entertaining, it may not be for everyone, but it is really good for someone looking for a story. I can always tell when I like cause at the end I am disappointed that it is already over!

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(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

The dark history of Spring House, a beautifully restored plantation mansion on the outskirts of New Orleans, has long been forgotten. But something sinister lurks beneath the soil of the old estate.
After heiress and current owner Caitlin Chaisson is witness to her husband’s stunning betrayal at her birthday party, she tries to take her own life in the mansion’s cherished gazebo. Instead, the blood she spills awakens dark forces in the ground below. Chaos ensues and by morning her husband has vanished without a trace and his mistress has gone mad.
Nova, daughter to Spring House’s groundskeeper, has always suspected that something malevolent haunts the old place, and in the aftermath of the birthday party she enlists Caitlin’s estranged best friend, Blake, to help her get to the bottom of it. The pair soon realizes that the vengeance enacted by this sinister and otherworldly force comes at a terrible price.

*2.5 stars*

If there is ever an award given to books that don't live up to their potential, then this should surely be a nomination, if not winner. When you read a synopsis that promises killer plants and bugs that scare the crap out of you, you expect to have a tremendous time.

But it just didn't eventuate.

The premise and the build-up were quite interesting - it kept me reading while the story was being put together. But then, as the real "meat" of the story was unfolding, it fell apart into a bunch of clichés and regurgitated ideas that have been floating around for decades. I truly thought I was going to get an original story...

Didn't turn out that way.

Sad, really.


Paul
ARH

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An interesting mix of a novel that definitely maintains the suspense while failing slightly on the execution. None of the characters or situations really caught me, and while I kept turning the pages and enjoyed the conclusion, I did not come away from it with any kind of clear feeling as to what the author had been trying to do. Still, a decent entry in the horror/thriller cannon and a writer I would be willing to try again.

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I love Christopher Rice and found this book to be at the fun intersection of fantasy and horror. I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun, light read.

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Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. Unfortunately I am unable to give you a proper review. I apologize for the inconvenience.

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Liked the book, but I felt like it might have dragged a little bit. I half expected a Poison Ivy to show up.

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This is the first book I've read from Christopher Rice and sadly, it did not appeal to me.

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