Spoiler Free Review:

Lute is very much an atmospheric story and a classic folk tale at that. The story embeds the reader into a world where no one is safe, and no one is wholly reliable. This is a slow burn story but one that enhances the readers' emotions. It reminds me of a gothic story, where the best moments are not necessarily the scares or the mystery answers but from the characters, their relationships, and the readers involvement in the story. There is a slow, almost sleepy drowsy feeling to the way the story unfolds, and as the answers come to light, they only intensify the feelings and the outcome.

The story takes place during WWII and on an island that is a character in and of itself. The sea breeze, the still grass, the towering trees, and the community all add to the tension and mystery within the pages.
Beyond the mystery and the horror, this story is ultimately one of friends, family, community, health, love, respect, devotion, and humanity. It is a fun read and one that will stay with the reader for a time.
Lute is the perfect read for those foggy fall days when the world goes quiet, and life seems to sill for just a moment. I can’t wait to get a hard copy to read repeatedly, especially this fall season!

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Tor/Nightfire Publishers and I am leaving an honest review.

The atmosphere in this novel was sublime--the vibes were creepy and uneasy and I was absolutely here for it. It was a bit of a slow burn, which typically isn't my thing but I was so enthralled by this plot, characters and world that I was unwilling to get off the ride. I rarely find such a successful blend of horror and fantasy, but this just worked so well. I loved this, I cannot wait to purchase this physically for my own library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this novel. I am rating this book based the stars due to lack of time to leave a full review.

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.