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No spoilers ever!

Be sure to read the first in the series (Where Dark Things Grow) before starting this one to fully appreciate it!

Dare I say I enjoyed this second installment even more than the first? Because I absolutely did.

The author’s poetic background shines through, with immersive descriptions that sets a mood that’s both lush and unsettling in the best way.

As in the first book, “Where Dark Things Rise” explores the ever-present question of “which beast to feed.” Expect plenty of moral ambiguity and situations that invite introspection (and perhaps a bit of discomfort).

Religious fervor and cult dynamics are woven in, examining the power of belief and the danger of blind devotion.

The author revisits some original characters from the first book, along with some new faces. Picturing sweet Lilyfax as a doting grandma made me smile.

If you’re into horror, gothic fiction, dark fantasy, or just want a “mood read”, this one will definitely scratch that itch. It flirts with the edges of YA in tone but lands firmly in adult territory.

Highly recommended for fans of character-driven horror with a strong sense of place and a poetic, immersive style.

Also: major kudos for including a trigger warning index. As someone who’s been reading horror since my early teens, I don’t startle easily—but as a SA survivor, I recognize how valuable that kind of forethought can be for readers who need it.

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I went into Where Dark Things Rise not realizing it’s a sequel to Where Dark Things Grow — my bad! That said, it reads well as a standalone, though I suspect some details would’ve clicked better if I’d read book one first.

This is a story soaked in dread — not just from the supernatural threat of a shapeshifting wolf, but from the all-too-real horrors of religious hypocrisy, generational poverty, and the oppression of young women trying to escape it all. The setting is the true monster here. And as terrifying as the creature is, it never quite reached the fear I felt reading about the very human evil in the trailer park and its church.

I enjoyed the fast pace, the multiple POVs, and especially Gabe’s character. Mina started strong but made some questionable choices toward the end that left me torn. I also loved the subtle feminist themes, and yes — PapaLeo absolutely stole my heart.

The ending was a little too drawn out for me, but overall this book was way more gripping than I expected, and it definitely convinced me to pick up the first book.

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Where Dark Things Rise is simply compelling, from beginning to end: a gripping plot, absorbing characters, and top-notch storytelling. Readers of Where Dark Things Grow will love the call-backs to Clark's first novel, but Where Dark Things Rise is a fully stand-alone book, and new readers will find Mina and Gabe's story just as engaging as returning fans will.

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Overall, a pretty good piece. Interesting story, with a lot of backstory to explain things.
But it felt repetitive at times.
Maybe took the easy way out in some spots.

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The writing of this book was fantastic- very lyrical. However I felt like it took too long for the author to get to the point which made the entire book drag on. The story itself was pretty good but would've preferred a better timeline so to speak.

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Where Dark Things Rise is a haunting, lyrical descent into the shadows of both landscape and memory. From the first page, there’s a sense of something stirring just beneath the surface—grief, violence, love, and history all tangled together in ways that are both beautiful and unsettling.

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This book definitely keeps you hooked in and wanting to know more of the story. Genre is definitely YA supernatural thriller so if that’s your cup of tea this one’s for you!
The FMC Mina uses her power to find her friend and has the MMC Gabe join in her effort.
Very good read overall!

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This book had an interesting premise, a girl who can call on shadow monsters, uses her powers to help find her friend. I typically enjoy YA supernatural thrillers but this one was just meh to me.
I didn’t really feel for the characters. The female main character Mina I didn’t like. She peer pressured Gabe the male main character into acting and doing things he wouldn’t usually do. Gabe wasn’t great either, he allowed a drunk girl to get sexually assaulted even when Mina was like I need to help her. Instead of being like, yes let’s go, he told her the girl went willingly and she couldn’t help her. Uh what?!
The chapter narrators changed a decent amount of times so you didn’t get the depth you normally would from a single or two pov narrations. When the book went into a side characters narration (Leo’s) I couldn’t bring myself to care and skimmed a lot.
I think this may have been better received had a known this technically was a sequel/spin off beforehand.
The story was interesting but dragged. I enjoyed the last few chapters where her friend gets kidnapped and we get her pov but then we go back to an ending that is entirely too long and felt unnecessary.

Blurb:
Mina can call on shadow monsters, and they do her bidding. Local women and girls start going missing and when Mina’s friend goes missing she needs to use her monsters and her new friend Gabe to find her and defeat this new evil.

It took a little too long to get to the actual plot. I did finish this and it was decent so I’m giving it 3 stars.

Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing and NetGalley for the arc.

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This book was out of my usual genre, and honestly I don’t regret it! It kept me o on the edge of my seat,
I didn’t know what to expect because I’m not overly religious but it’s not often a book regarding pastors really pushes different views and sides regarding beliefs

The red wolf, Mina and even Erin’s stories keep me reading and I honestly couldn’t put it down

It may have been my first but certainly won’t be my last

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