Quick Take

There is a right way and a wrong way to summon her. Jess had done the research. Success requires precision: a dark room, a mirror, a candle, salt, and four teenage girls. Each of them--Jess, Shauna, Kitty, and Anna--must link hands, follow the rules . . . and never let go. A thrilling fear spins around the room the first time Jess calls her name: "Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. BLOODY MARY." A ripple of terror follows when a shadowy silhouette emerges through the fog, a specter trapped behind the mirror. Once is not enough, though--at least not for Jess. Mary is called again. And again. But when their summoning circle is broken, Bloody Mary slips through the glass with a taste for revenge on her lips. As the girls struggle to escape Mary's wrath, loyalties are questioned, friendships are torn apart, and lives are forever altered.A haunting trail of clues leads Shauna on a desperate search to uncover the legacy of Mary Worth. What she finds will change everything, but will it be enough to stop Mary--and Jess--before it's too late?

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Mary: The Summoning (Bloody Mary, #1)

Introduction

"Mary: The Summoning" by Hillary Monahan is a thrilling horror novel that takes readers on a journey into the world of the legendary Bloody Mary. The story follows a group of teenage girls who attempt to summon Mary, only to find themselves trapped in a web of terror and revenge. With its gripping plot and atmospheric writing, this book has captured the attention of readers and garnered rave reviews. In this article, we will delve into the book's analysis, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommending it.

About Hillary Monahan

Hillary Monahan is the author of "Mary: The Summoning," a YA horror retelling of the Bloody Mary myth. She has a background in writing and has published several other works, including "The Awesome" under the name Eva Darrows. Monahan's writing style is known for its ability to create a sense of dread and suspense, making her a popular choice among horror fans.

Analysis of Views

Atmosphere and Setting: Readers praised Monahan's ability to create a chilling atmosphere and set the scene for the story. The old town of Solomon's Folly, with its creepy buildings and dark history, added to the overall sense of unease and fear. The descriptions of Mary's haunting presence and her ability to manipulate mirrors and shiny surfaces were particularly effective in eliciting a sense of dread.
Character Development: While some readers felt that the characters were not fully developed, others appreciated the depth given to them. Shauna, the main character, was particularly well-received for her resilience and determination to uncover the truth behind Mary's past. The dynamics between the characters, particularly the friendship between Shauna and Jess, were highlighted as a strong point in the story.
Horror Elements: "Mary: The Summoning" did not disappoint in delivering horror elements that kept readers on edge. The book included gruesome scenes, blood-curdling screams, and moments of pure terror that left readers gripping their books tightly. The climax of the story was particularly intense, with unexpected twists and turns that kept readers guessing until the very end.
Pacing: The book's pacing was praised for its ability to maintain a steady pace throughout. Readers appreciated the steady build-up of tension and the gradual reveal of Mary's backstory, which added depth to the overall story. The pacing allowed for moments of relief between horror scenes, giving readers a chance to catch their breath before plunging back into the terror.
Climax: The climax of the book was widely regarded as one of its strongest elements. Readers were left breathless by the twists and turns that unfolded, leading to a satisfying conclusion that left them wanting more. The climax provided closure while also leaving room for future installments in the series.

Reasons for Recommendation

Atmosphere and Setting: Fans of horror and suspense will appreciate the chilling atmosphere and setting that Monahan creates in "Mary: The Summoning." The old town of Solomon's Folly provides an ideal backdrop for a horror story, with its creepy buildings and dark history adding to the overall sense of unease.
Character Development: While some readers felt that the characters could have been developed further, others appreciated the depth given to them. Shauna, in particular, was praised for her resilience and determination to uncover the truth behind Mary's past. The dynamics between the characters added depth to the story and made readers invested in their fates.
Horror Elements: If you enjoy horror novels that deliver chilling scenes and moments of terror, "Mary: The Summoning" is definitely worth checking out. The book delivers on its promise of delivering horror elements that will keep you on edge from start to finish.
Pacing: The book's pacing was widely praised for its ability to maintain a steady pace throughout. Readers appreciated the gradual build-up of tension and the gradual reveal of Mary's backstory, which added depth to the overall story.
Climax: The climax of the book was widely regarded as one of its strongest elements. Readers were left breathless by the twists and turns that unfolded, leading to a satisfying conclusion that left them wanting more. The climax provided closure while also leaving room for future installments in the series.

Reasons for Not Recommending

Lack of Character Development: Some readers felt that certain characters could have been developed further, particularly Jess, who was seen as a deceitful character with questionable motives. While some readers appreciated her role in driving the plot forward, others felt that she lacked depth and was not fully fleshed out as a character.
Predictability: While some readers found the plot twists and turns unexpected, others felt that certain aspects of the story were predictable. Some readers felt that certain events were telegraphed from early on in the book, which took away from their overall enjoyment of the story.
Length: Some readers felt that the book could have been shorter or more concise in its storytelling. While many enjoyed the pacing and build-up of tension, others felt that certain parts of the book dragged on or could have been condensed for a more streamlined reading experience.
Lack of Resolution: While some readers appreciated the satisfying conclusion to the story, others felt that certain plot points were left unresolved or open-ended. Some felt that certain questions were left unanswered or that certain characters' fates were left uncertain, which left them feeling unsatisfied with the overall resolution of the story.

Conclusion

"Mary: The Summoning" by Hillary Monahan is a thrilling horror novel that delivers chills, suspense, and moments of terror throughout its pages. With its atmospheric setting, well-developed characters, and gripping plot twists, this book has captured the attention of readers and garnered rave reviews. While some readers felt that certain aspects could have been improved upon, such as character development or pacing, overall "Mary: The Summoning" is a must-read for fans of horror fiction looking for a thrilling ride filled with chills and suspense.