PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I rarely accept offers to review books because I’m a busy lady and books are far more time-consuming than a movie. However, reading is something I truly enjoy and I figured while reviewing a few books, I may end up finding a gem. When I read the synopsis for Fred Venturini’s To Dust You Shall Return, it sounded right up my alley and I was excited to check out what mysteries would unfold.
Synopsis for To Dust You Shall Return
This novel takes place in the small town of Harlow, where no one is ever allowed to leave. It is there that Beth, a rebellious teenager with an inescapable fate hanging over her head, consults Chicago mob legend Curtis Quinn to overthrow the town’s supernatural ruler—the Mayor. It is up to the two of them to join forces in this propulsive, mystic-level narrative that early reviewers have described as John Wick meets The Wickerman. Its page-turning revelations and terrible secrets are sure to stick with even the most unperturbed readers long after its shocking conclusion.
Honestly describing this novel as John Wick meets The Wickerman is incredibly spot on. Harlow is like if The Hunger Games only had one district and the rest of the world carried on like normal. Harlow is like a black hole in Illinois that no one knows exists and if you’re unlucky enough to find yourself there, you’ll never leave again. It’s hard to fathom how Harlow escapes under the radar without the dark secrets and holds but that’s just one of the plethora of mysteries throughout the novel.
At first, To Dust You Shall Return, started a bit slow and went back and forth from different storylines and characters and I wasn’t understanding the importance of the introductions. Although I appreciated them individually, I was like “uh where is this all going?” That being said, patience is key and it doesn’t take long before everything starts to make sense, connect, and have a purpose. In the end, it all centers around Harlow and how to destroy it.
This novel is rich with detail and character development. I’m not sure who I loved more. Beth Jarvis is an incredible heroine who proves to everyone that it doesn’t matter your age, size, or sex all you need is the strength to stand up against evil and the will to risk it all for the greater good; something not many are willing to do. Curtis Quinn may not be your typical hero, but I can’t help but see him as such. He’s not perfect but who is? I loved his character development. He has a constant battle brewing inside him of who he should be. The man from his past, his current self that was changed and hardened by love, or are they two in the same?
The Mayor is the ultimate villain and much like any ruler, you almost despise his followers more than him. Although I’m sure fear led them to follow him blindly, it’s still incredibly frustrating. The Mayor’s story and character development was fascinating and I love the mystery centering around him. You’re constantly like, “Is he real or just a scary story told to scare the town into falling in line and not questioning anything?”
I couldn’t have asked for a more thrilling and satisfying ending. I never knew what to expect yet everything came together perfectly. Harlow’s mysteries begin to unfold and it’s hauntingly beautiful. To Dust You Shall Return is a gruesome, horrifyingly heartfelt tale of what one will do when given the power to rule, how love can set you free, and the hope that one person can bring despite all odds against him. I highly recommend reading To Dust You Shall Return (buy it – HERE), it’s one of my favorite books of the year and the story of Harlow will long stay with me.
