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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond - book sitting on wooden flooring. Book cover of Black Out the Stars by Christopher Bond, cover illustrated by Todd Kiesling. The design showcases a dark, atmospheric pond and sky filled with swirling fog and scattered stars. The title is prominently displayed in bold, white, pink and purple lettering, contrasting against the deep purple and black hues of the background.

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

[Book Review] The Sorrows by Jonathan Janz

April 29, 2020      Erica Robyn      9 Comments

The Sorrows by Jonathan Janz Book Photo by Erica Robyn Reads

The Sorrows by Jonathan Janz is suspenseful tale about two composers on a quest to become inspired. When they rent a month long stay at a castle on an island in the middle of nowhere in order to finish composing works for a horror flick, they had no idea what horrors were actually in store for them.

Full disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on The Sorrows by Jonathan Janz

First things first, I cannot believe that it took me THIS LONG to read a Jonathan Janz book. I have others on their way to me, so I’m hoping to dive into those soon!

My goodness… where to begin with this review! This is very much a book that you just need to dive right into, so I will keep this very light.

This novel had an awesome mix of likable and unlikable characters, each of which were very compelling in their own ways. Claire was my personal favorite and I couldn’t help but root for her and hope that everything was going to work out in her favor.

The writing style was wonderful;

  • The dialogue was very realistic,
  • The descriptions were vivid,
  • The action was perfectly choreographed,
  • The relationships between each of the characters was interesting,
  • The pacing kept me hooked,
  • And the overall plot was super captivating!

I’ll leave the rest of the discovery up to you!

My Favorite Passage from The Sorrows

He’d shut the window. He knew he had. Christ, had he been able, he would have nailed two-by-fours over it.
And now it’s open.

My Final Thoughts on The Sorrows

Going into this one dark was SO much fun as I had no idea where it was going. Of course, I had some guesses after looking at the cover… but what actually happened? Terrifying and heartbreaking!

If you enjoy horror with splashes of sex-related scenes, then this one will be a hit for you!

Just a heads up for those that need trigger warnings, there is some sexual assault that occurs or is thought about by a couple of characters.


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Thanks for reading!

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review
  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barb @ Booker T's Farm says

    April 29, 2020 at 1:00 pm

    I really enjoy Janz’s writing and he does seem to always have a few horrific sex scenes thrown in for good measures. I think I’ve read at least three of his books and he’s pretty much an auto-read for me now.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 30, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      I cannot wait to read more! I ordered three after Corona Con 😀

      Reply
  2. Angela says

    April 29, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    Sounds like it has a lot of elements to make it a winning story!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 30, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      For sure! 🙂

      Reply
  3. ShootingStarsMag says

    April 30, 2020 at 8:12 am

    I really should go into more books blind!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 30, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      <3 It's so much fun!

      Reply
  4. chucklesthescot says

    May 3, 2020 at 8:09 am

    I haven’t read this author either but he is on my radar!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      May 3, 2020 at 9:43 am

      I can’t wait to see what you think!

      Reply

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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