Four and Twenty Blackbirds

"Four and Twenty Blackbirds" is the first Southern Gothic novel I have ever read. In fact, it is the first novel out of the that genre that I've even picked up. Upon the recommendation of a friend, I gave this book a chance - and I'm happy to say, it was well worth it! From a couple pages in, "Four and Twenty Blackbirds" grabs you and pulls you into the complicated life of Eden. Within pages, you care about what happens to this girl - a point sorely missed by many current novels, for what's the point of reading if you do not care about the protagonist, the situation, and have a desire to find out what's going on? Pleasantly, Ms. Priest avoids all these potential downfalls - everything that happens to Eden, and all twists and turns that evolve, become deeply important to the reader.. Why does she see ghosts? What's going on here? Ms. Priest pulls the reader into the hazy days of Chattanooga, through the muggy heat of Georgia, and deep into the depths of the Florida swamps... and as a reader, you're eager to follow. As previously mentioned, this was my first jump into this genre of novels. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was quite surprised at how much I loved the story (I'm generally a reader of the more Fantasy genres, like Weis/Hickman or Tolkien) and look forward with great interest to the next installment of Ms. Priest's work with Tor!

I ask for a lot out of a book. I want an interesting, imaginative, yet believable plot that can be difficult to piece together. I want the characters to be complex and yet authentic. I want the descriptions to transport me to the the setting, to make me smell, see, hear, feel, and taste everything that the characters do. I want the dialogue to read naturally, to sound like something a person might actually say, to not be forced or stilted. And if the book is supposed to be horror, I want the spookiness to creep up on me, to lull me into a false sense of security, thinking, "oh, this book couldn't possibly keep me up tonight," only to linger in my thoughts later, glancing nervously at the bedroom mirror as I try to doze off. I love reading Priest's blog, and I was delighted to find that this book meets all of my exacting criteria. I enjoy reading, but the inner critic always finds something to pick on. Here, my only regret was that I devoured the book much too quickly. Quick as I sped through it, though, the smell of swamp, and the whispering of ghostly presences have clung to me. There's a lot to think about in this book; you're not done with it after you've read the last page.

This is the best horror book I've read since Dan Simmons' "The Song of Kali." I like my horror to be pensive and quick, not something that will keep me awake from the horror of it all, but for the excitement and suspense of plot and character. The book takes place in a VERY beleivable South, making Chattanooga, TN a place I would like to visit and learn more about, and the swamps of Florida a place I don't mind staying well away from. Ann Rice could learn lessons from this woman. The story centers on Eden, a girl/woman who inherits the ability to see ghosts. She is a strong, willfull person who's interest in her birth and family increase as she sees more and more horrible visions and learns about her family's evil past. I read quite a bit, and am very impressed with Ms. Priest's work. This was a smooth, elegant, and highly entertaining book. I have bought two copies already, I was so excited to share. Thank you Ms. Priest.

For those looking for a wonderful dark addition to their literary collections, this is the book for you!The flow of visions of this piece of finely written fiction is perhaps one of the best of this past season. I couldn't put it down from the first page until the very last. It was an evening of pure joy as I reached its conclusion.Fine work, Ms. Priest! I look forward to your next book and all that you put forth for us undying fans to enjoy!

This book is simply one of the most pleasing books to read that I've laid my hands on. It works on all levels, its a crime novel, a horror novel, a thriller, suspense. Whichever genre of book that you enjoy there is something to enjoy here - with a fluid and easy writing style that makes you turn the pages - and means you won't put this book down until you're finished. The well developed characters lead you along a twisting and mysterious path, never quite letting you see the end, but letting you glimpse its shadow through the trees. This is the kind of book that wins awards. Three words - Buy This Book.