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INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BOOK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ 47North
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 1st, 2025
Format:  Paperback, audiobook, and ebook
Print length ‏ : ‎ 358 pages
Genre:  Occult Horror / Dark Fantasy Horror Fiction 

MY PERSONAL OPINION OF “Voice Like a Hyacinth: A Novel” by Mallory Pearson

I got the book from the Free Monthly Picks given by Amazon Prime. It was the book that called my attention the most during the month of February.

It took me a while to get to the rhythm of the book because the book is about five best friends, and we are trying to understand each one of them. The main character is Jo Kozak who narrates the story.

Once the book hit the 25% mark it started getting darker, really fast and the pace picked up. I was able to understand more about their friendship, how fast it had developed, and how intertwined they were to each other. It was interesting to see them, as best friends, competing for the same “SOLO” spot which is the most important opportunity for art students. They do wish the best for each other and at the same time they wish their own success as well. Of course, rivalry, jealousy, envy, and sadness will be present during their last year and towards earning the “SOLO” spot.

The ritual and what comes after were dark and occult. I liked the way their innocence did not catch up quickly with the repercussions of their actions. There were parts that were dark and paranoid at the same time. It never felt really scary, but absolutely super freaky.

I was not able to put down the book for the last 35% of the book. The speed at which everything evolved was fascinating. And the end was absolutely brilliant.

It is important to mention that all 5 best friends are queer, so this is a subject throughout. I found it was actually a cool aspect of the novel itself and part of the understanding of the deep friendship the 5 of them had with each other.

PREMISE OF THE BOOK AS FOUND IN AMAZON / GOODREADS:

Art student Jo Kozak and her fellow classmates and best friends, Caroline, Finch, Amrita, and Saz, are one another’s muses—so close they have their own language and so devoted to the craft that they’ll do anything to keep their inspiration alive. Even if it means naively resorting to the occult to unlock their creativity and to curse their esteemed, if notoriously creepy, professor. They soon learn the horrible price to be paid for such a transgressive ritual.

In its violent aftermath, things are changing. Jo is feeling unnervingly haunted by something inexplicable. Their paintings, once prodigious and full of life, are growing dark and unhealthy. And their journey together—as women, students, and artists—is starting to crumble.

To right the wrong they’ve done, these five desperate friends will take their obsession a step too far. When that happens, there may be no turning back.

MY RATING: 4.4

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bibliography:

• We Ate the Dark: a novel.