Sundial - Catriona Ward

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Let me start with saying that "The Last House of Needless Street," in so many brutal, incredible ways, left an irrevocable impact on me and immediately set an unparalleled standard for the horror genre. 

In some ways, "Sundial" was reminiscent of Catriona Ward's first novel. It's packed with poignant, magnetic writing that is strewn with complex, deeply-intriguing characters in which a darkness simmers just below their surface. There's scene-setting, incredible suspense, and an undertone of dread that occupies significant space in the story.

And yet, "Sundial" is a literary horror masterpiece all its own. Set in the Mojave Desert, it is the atmospheric, chilling, and profound story of family, particularly sisters, and how our roots stay with us even when we try our hardest to start anew. 

Everything that Ward weaves into her pages is intentional and ingenious. There are so many slow fuses lit at the start of this novel that culminate explosively in the most unthinkable ways. Trust me when I say that even for the most accomplished horror reader, this book is not headed where you think it's headed. 

This book is about family and identity, and will settle deep in your bones and stay with you long after you've finished it. Ward demonstrates yet again that she remains in a league all her own when it comes to horror; this story captivated me and terrified me all at once. If you can handle a true piece of horror, this is absolute must-read for 2022. For anyone unfamiliar with Ward's books, I'd always recommend going in blind (for both Last House and Sundial) and letting the story take over. 

I'm predicting now that this will end up in my Top 10 Reads of 2022!

Rating: 5 stars, 
Publication Details: Out Now, Tor NightFire 

Huge thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing my review copy!

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