Not sure if it’s a common difference between UF and secondary world stuff I normally read, because of Bronwyn being Bronwyn, or unique to this series/author. It’s perfect for slumps.Īnother observation, there is a lot more sex in this book than I’m normally used to. I found that it really helped with immersion.Īnd it reads fast. Since music is of great importance to the Tufa, the book is also full of bits of lyrics, some original, some old folk songs that are listed again in the back. I love slow worldbuilding reveals and this one did not disappoint. The worldbuilding helped a lot – it’s set in the rural Appalachia, which was new to me, and the mystery of who the Tufa are and what they can do in particular kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters, especially not Bronwyn (except for her need for independence), because I have never thought much about sex or romance and it’s on her mind all the time, but it somehow didn’t bother me too much. Her story is intertwined with the stories of a news reporter discovering his Tufa heritage, and a young preacher recently moved to town where nobody goes to church (the Tufa keep their own ways).

In addition to that, her family is haunted by death omens and a haint who desperately wants to speak to her. Nor can she remember how to play her mandolin, and since music is vital to the Tufa, this is a bit of a problem. She doesn’t feel like one – in fact, she doesn’t even remember what happened. The Bronwynator had left the building.įormer wild child Bronwyn Hyatt returns from deployment, injured and a hero. Instead, she was on her ass in bed, her leg assimilated by the Borg and her head numb and fuzzy. She wanted to spray-paint something rude on the water tower in nearby Mallard Creek. She wanted to drive like a maniac, and pick fights with other boys’ girlfriends, and with other boys. She wanted that boy to put his hands all over her. I don’t even remember who first recommended it to me and why did I TBR it. After a few disappointments in a row, this was badly needed.

I almost forgot what it was like to be completely immersed in a book – or to read a book in one day because you could just not let it go.

The Hum and the Shiver by Alex Bledsoe