Title: The Twisted Dead
Author: Darcy Coates
Series: Gravekeeper #3
Much thanks to Darcy Coates, Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I ADORE this series. So far I like each book better than the last. I listened to the first two before reading Twisted just to refresh my memory. While Coates does an excellent job recapping and briefly explaining anything you need to know from previous books, you really should read Whispering and Ravenous before diving into this one. You’ll enjoy them and appreciate this one more.
Of all Coates’s works I’ve perused thus far (about half), none have felt so naturally written as this series does, as if Coates is truly at home in this story. I’m not sure if it’s because she allows herself more humor here or if it’s because she feels more comfortable writing these characters, but it just feels like she enjoyed writing these. And that enjoyment comes through to the reader, who in turn enjoys the book more. That’s my theory, at least.
Without having read other reviews, I imagine there are two chief complaints about this book: Zoe and the fact that they spend literally half or more of it running away.
As to the latter—their constant escaping did get old, and I was long ready to move on to something more productive plot-wise by the time that part was done, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. Could have been nipped and tucked, but I forgive it.
As for Zoe—I can understand if she rubs some people the wrong way, if some readers find her annoying or even abrasive. And every now and then her antics almost cross that line for me, too, particularly when she harps on poor boring Mason. But in my opinion, Coates knows when to tug on the leash to keep her from being too much. I love that girl; she is SO FUNNY. You’ll either find her comedic timing to be impeccable or horrible. She’s probably my favorite thing about the series, closely followed by Daisy, closely followed by everything else.
Aside from the long bout of escaping, I don’t have much to complain about. I loved the Crispin storyline, I loved the Ridgegrow storyline, I loved delving deeper into Artec and Keira’s past. I love the characters, the atmosphere, the mythology. I knocked this baby out in about twelve hours. Good times!
Wait, I did want to mention something. Harry. At first his gimmick was funny, the whole goth stereotype thing, but now, three books later, it’s not funny anymore. In fact, it feels irresponsible to continue laughing at him. I’m legitimately concerned about him—does he really want to be dead? Does he really enjoy nothing and no one except death? The 12 hours lying in the graveyard made me worry, but it was the 16 minute track of quiet sobbing that really got to me. At some point it crosses a line to be amused by his apparent—affected??—misery. I hope the next book addresses that. Also, I can’t decide if I ship him and Zoe. On one hand, they have a lot in common; on the other, I’m not feeling much chemistry between them. I’ll take it either way.
Speaking of chemistry, though—*fans face* ARE KEIRA AND MASON GOING TO KISS OR WHAT? HUG? SOMETHING? Half the tension in the book is just from the will-they-won’t-they thing they got going on. I can’t quite tell if Coates is avoiding it because she’s not comfortable writing romance or is deliberately driving shippers batshit. Grr.
Overall, highly recommended if you’re into fun paranormal mysteries. Also, while the characters are adults—presumably early/mid-twenties—adult themes are pretty scarce (which I both appreciate and resent) and it has a very YA vibe, so YA readers will probably enjoy it as well.
