The Foster Child by Jenny Blackhurst I reviewed with thanks as part of a eArc provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Imogen Reid returns to her home town and bad memories after her mother dies. Her husband is hoping for a new start and a new baby. She’s just started a new job after she was let go from her old one. Immediately, she’s introduced to Ellie Atkinson, a foster child whose family died in a fire. Straight away, she’s exposed to the small town mentality that Ellie isn’t right, she’s a witch and strange things happen around her. Imogen is desperate to help Ellie as both part of her job and also on a personal level. However, things are starting to happen to those who upset Ellie and even Imogen is starting to wonder if there is something supernatural occurring.
I nearly didn’t read this book. Right away at the beginning, the dialogue and writing felt clunky. The way the children were speaking to one another felt wrong and contrived. I felt though that if I didn’t read it all, it wouldn’t be fair to give it a review. I’m glad a persevered as I started to enjoy it as the book picked up pace, the writing began to flow as did the dialogue better than before. There were some glaring plot holes but I hope as this is a review copy these will be picked up with editing. I thought the characters were well developed. I really liked Imogen and had sympathy for Ellie. There was a build of tension that made me keep reading. The author gave nods to the authors that may have influenced the story line. The ending was good, decent twists and turns. I tell you what though if you’re thinking of having children this will put you off because they’re bloody horrible in this book! So, I enjoyed the actual story. I just found the writing somewhat cliche and clunky, this took away from my enjoyment ultimately.
So 3/5 with so much potential.
Once Upon The Wytching Hour 