The Girl from the Well
The Girl from the Well #1
Horror, Thriller
Sourcebooks Fire
August 5, 2022
E-Arc
288 pages
"[A] Stephen Kinglike horror story...A chilling, bloody ghost story that resonates."-Kirkus
From the highly acclaimed author of the Bone Witch trilogy comes a chilling story of a Japanese ghost looking for vengeance and the boy who has no choice but to trust her, lauded as a "a fantastically creepy story sure to keep readers up at night"-RT Book Reviews
I am where dead children go.
Okiku is a lonely soul. She has wandered the world for centuries, freeing the spirits of the murdered-dead. Once a victim herself, she now takes the lives of killers with the vengeance they're due. But releasing innocent ghosts from their ethereal tethers does not bring Okiku peace. Still she drifts on.
Such is her existence, until she meets Tark. Evil writhes beneath the moody teen's skin, trapped by a series of intricate tattoos. While his neighbors fear him, Okiku knows the boy is not a monster. Tark needs to be freed from the malevolence that clings to him. There's just one problem: if the demon dies, so does its host.
Suspenseful and creepy, The Girl from the Well is perfect for readers looking for
Spooky books for young adults
Japanese horror novels
Ghost stories for teens
East Asian folklore
Praise for The Girl from the Well
"There's a superior creep factor that is pervasive in every lyrical word of Chupeco's debut, and it's perfect for teens who enjoy traditional horror movies...the story is solidly scary and well worth the read."-Booklist
"Chupeco makes a powerful debut with this unsettling ghost story...told in a marvelously disjointed fashion from Okiku's numbers-obsessed point of view, this story unfolds with creepy imagery and an intimate appreciation for Japanese horror, myth, and legend."-Publishers Weekly STARRED review
"It hit all the right horror notes with me, and I absolutely recommend it to fans looking for a good scare."-The Book Smugglers
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
First things first, I am a fan of Horror, Thriller, or Mystery movies, that’s why every weekend I have this habit of watching this kind of movie, especially in the afternoon while eating lunch. Hehe. Though I am not that brave enough or strong enough to watch these kinds of movies, I still love watching them.
Wait wait wait… Why am I telling you this? Well, I just want you to tell some background story before I proceed in my review. Hehe. Just kidding. The reason is that because I love watching this kind of movie, it is rare for me to read books in the same genre also. I have read some books before, but it does not give me any “chills” or it does not pass the “frightening” vibe for me.
But, when I saw The Girl from the Well in Netgalley because of its re-issue, I immediately requested it. It’s been on my to-be-read list, and I was thinking that time to finally read it.
So, what are my thoughts during and after I read it?
First, I will be completely honest with myself, when I started reading it, there was an adjustment period for me in the first few chapters. There were times that it was hard for me to be immersed in the story, I guess it’s because it was a “horror” genre book. Soon enough, I was able to adapt and enjoyed (I don’t know if ENJOY is the right term for a horror book. Haha) reading it.
Second, I love the concept or the story of this book. It was like The Grudge/The Ring movie, that’s why it was easy for me to imagine the scenes in the book. And there were times while I was reading the book, I felt chills, which was a sign for me that I was truly immersed and frightened.
Third, the characters were lovable, especially Okiku. I know you will laugh at this, but, I was rooting for Okiku and Tark. Haha! I love the character development of these two characters in the story. As for Callie, it was so-so for me.
Fourth, it was my first Rin Chupeco book, and I am now sure why most of my book friends are loving her works. I will now binge some of her works, I’m sure of it. 😊
And lastly, to those who want to experience CHILLS the same as me, please please read “The Girl from the Well”. If you like a ghost or horror with a Japanese setting like The Ring or The Grudge, I recommend this one!
