Little mermaid but with Cults
Thanks to NetGalley for arc
3.5⭐️
A fishy story for the cult horror people
Gives the vibes of the movie Dagon ( 2001) with a mix of The Summoning by Kelley
The pacing was a bit sloppy, along with the plot. The back and forth red herrings
But other than that, the horror was great, the other characters were amazing ( Tash being the best)
The concept is an interesting story but just not executed well.
As a fan of cult horror and folklore-inspired stories, I found CLAIRE ROSE an intriguing read even though it had some pacing and plot flaws. The novel's strength lies in its atmospheric horror and character depth, especially with Tash who adds solid dimension to the story. The feeling of being watched, hinted by the chilling phrase "They've been waiting for you", creates an immersive tension that horror enthusiasts appreciate. The narrative reminded me vividly of the atmospheric style in the movie Dagon (2001), which is beloved for blending nautical myth with horror, making it a great recommendation if you enjoy cosmic and cult horror. What makes cult horror unique is its exploration of obsessive beliefs and eerie rituals, both of which CLAIRE ROSE taps into well, though some plot twists felt like red herrings. While the pacing was uneven at times, this also added to the suspense and unpredictability, keeping me on edge about who or what to trust. If you enjoy reading stories that combine folklore elements with horror, and appreciate character-driven narratives, CLAIRE ROSE offers an interesting perspective. The aquatic cult setting is a refreshing take away from the typical cult horror backdrop. For readers who liked The Summoning by Kelley, this novella presents a similar eerie vibe but with its own distinct flavor. Overall, despite some execution flaws, the concept and chilling ambiance make it worth exploring, especially for fans curious about a fishy, cult-centric horror tale.
