Cover Image: Birds in the Black Water

Birds in the Black Water

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Member Reviews

Overall really clever, well written and one I will be recommending. I am now going to purchase the rest of the authors books that I haven’t read yet. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early copy.

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Read a few chapters but the mystical/fantasy aspects that were entering the story did not appeal to me so I opted out of finishing it. It may appeal to others who enjoy those genres. .

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I find myself pondering this book. It was a journey into why people are always so hard on themselves. I have this same issue. I believe a lot, if not all comes from our environment. When children grow up thinking and feeling that are never ‘good’ enough, they can become adults who over compensate. I can attest to this feeling. I had a a parent that was less than stellar and I NEVER met her expectations. As a result I deal with many issues. So this book aptly described the constant issues one deals with as well as a wonderful way to change one’s thinking. Thank you to the author for writing this impressive book.

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This book lost me. I wish the Koels had more to do. However, I did like the idea of the Koels. The book was too melodramatically slow.

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Despite a slow start, I found myself captured by this author's blending of mental health issues with the paranormal. I definitely found Stephen King vibes, but Kodie VanDusen has achieved a unique and unusual book. Recommended reading.

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This book had me feel lots of emotions that I didn't expect I had. The way some mental health issues are dealt with is raw and sensible at the same time. I didn't expect some relationship issues I have with my mum being portrayed so well and clearly and I felt all the emotions of the characters. I would describe the writing style as soft if it could be described like that and very smooth. I don't know if I fully enjoyed the whole story as the first half of the book was really slow, but I'm happy I continued it because it changed my perspective on some personal issues.

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A debut novel that’s listed as horror, and described as a dark paranormal drama. There are several trigger warnings listed.

Neviah is a counsellor come spiritual advisor with an usual technique for treating clients. She has an ability to be able to tap into peoples memories, which aren’t exactly memories and referred to as the other side. It’s confusing, it’s frustrating.
Neviah is familiar with the black shadowy paranormal figures she knows as Koel’s.

Neviah is racked with guilt over a professional decision that landed Martha a client in protective custody. A young boy knocks on her door with a note explaining that he is Martha’s son. Neviah is desperate to locate Martha before time runs out and she loses her chance to right her wrongs.

It’s sub divided into 3 parts. I found the first part really hard to get into, it’s depressing and bleak. In one word it’s weird. Very weird. Neviah comes across as aggressive angry, depressed and self destructive. Her thought processes seem to jump all over the place, it’s hard to figure what’s real and what’s not in this world of hers. I’m not sure if the Koels are supernatural beings or if they are her own demons.

The time frame moves between the present and the past when Neviah first met Martha.

The themes explored in this novel are mental illness, grief and maternal instinct.

I didn’t like the characters, Elijah was an exception,and struggled to engage in the storyline, it was too maudlin for me.

I do enjoy the paranormal and a toe dip into horror, but this one wasn’t for me.

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