It’s autumn in the town of Harrow, but something besides the season is changing there.
Because in that town there is an orchard, and in that orchard, seven most unusual trees. And from those trees grows a new sort of apple: strange, beautiful, with skin so red it’s nearly black.
Take a bite of one of these apples, and you will desire only to devour another. And another. You will become stronger. More vital. More yourself, you will believe. But then your appetite for the apples and their peculiar gifts will keep growing—and become darker.
This is what happens when the townsfolk discover the secret of the orchard. Soon it seems that everyone is consumed by an obsession with the magic of the apples . . . and what’s the harm, if it is making them all happier, more confident, more powerful?
Even if something else is buried in the orchard besides the seeds of these extraordinary trees: a bloody history whose roots reach back to the very origins of the town.
But now the leaves are falling. The days grow darker. It’s harvest time, and the town will soon reap what it has sown.
Thank you Del Rey books for the free book!
🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂
One-word review: Horrific
Emojis: 🍎🧟♀️🌳🪓
Rating: 4 🌟s
My thoughts:
I feel like Black River Orchard is the first truly horror book I’ve read by Chuck Wendig, and fortunately, it’s not the type of horror that scares me. On the flip side, though, I don’t care for this story style. But I do love Wendig’s writing style and his ability to tell a compelling and immersive story. I must admit, though, that I missed the more sci-fiish twists I’ve enjoyed in his other tales.
I loved the attention to detail and the descriptive language used. The atmosphere is just so pervasive because of it. The ominousness of the apples is never a question. The only question in my mind was how did they become that way. Was it a play on the biblical story of Eve and the apple from the Tree of Knowledge? Did it have something to do with Native Americans who originally lived on the land? Or was it some other nefarious reason?
The characters are all so vividly developed – full of layers and nuances – from the teens to the oldest members of this community on the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. They all feel authentic rather than like stereotypes of their prospective roles. And all have a moral grayness, making them endlessly fascinating and capable of falling prey to the evil lurking in their midst.
I found the backstory interesting, though the story may have gone a tad too far into the absurd. This is why this style of horror story doesn’t scare me. I have trouble suspending disbelief due to the twists and turns it takes. But if you enjoy Stephen King’s novels and similar ones, this is just the type of tale you will love, and it’s perfect for this time of year. You may even think twice before bobbing for apples.
22 responses to “Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig #BookReview #horror”
Sounds great, I do like a horror sometimes, great review 😊
Wendig is a wonderful writer.
Fab review sounds really creepy!
Totally creepy
It was such an offbeat bizarre, wasn’t it? I’m glad you enjoyed it, awesome review!
It is. I don’t think I’ll ever look at an apple the same again. 🤣
I’m such a weenie when it comes to this genre and this sounds über ominous! Great review, Tessa💜 Glad you enjoyed.
It definitely is. If this kind of horror scares you, then this story will.
Great review! Sounds too scary for me but I love the cover!
It does have a great cover.
I’m not much into horror these days, but this one still has me intrigued. Your references to the story being immersive and the descriptive language makes it a candidate for my TBR. Great review, Tessa!
There’s a lot about this one I could see you liking. There’s a great deal of folklore type backstories concerning the apples.
It’s definitely calling to me despite the horror slant, LOL!
A good read, especially if you like horror.
That’s exactly right.
🥰
I still have an ARC of this one, just haven’t gotten to it yet. No surprise there, lol. Glad you enjoyed it, Tessa!
I think you will like it.
I enjoy the story more if there is a good backstory and looks like it’s excellent in this. Amazing review!
[…] Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig #BookReview #horror […]
I’ve heard so many great things about this book! Adding it to my list! Great review, Tessa! And lovely blog!
https://simplyangelarenee.blogspot.com/
[…] Tessa Talks Books (4/5 Stars) […]