The Keepers of Metsan Valo by Wendy Webb
Publication Date: 5th Oct 2021
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Nordic folklore-based
3.8 Stars
Metsan Valo is an ancient family house on Lake
Superior. After her Mummo’s (grandmother) death, Anni Halla goes back to the
house to meet the rest of the family and know about Mummo’s will. Anni and
Theo, her twin brother, grew up in Metsan Velo, listening to stories about
forests, vaki (forest spirits), and the pact between the Halla family and vaki.
As the family arrives, one after another, tension
fills the house, and mysterious events take place around them. The caretakers,
Martin and Meri, talk in circles and don’t make much sense. Why are the woods
angry? Who wants to harm the family that’s still grieving the loss of their
beloved elder?
Even before Anni can find answers, a tragedy
strikes, followed by another. Things are spiraling out of control, and Anni has
no idea how to find a way out. Can she believe in her Mummo’s tales and find a
solution before it is too late?
This is my first book by the author, and I
thoroughly enjoyed her prose. It is evocative and strong. The setting is my
ever favorite- an old home in a forest full of secrets. The hint of paranormal
suspense and the setting are the main reasons I requested this book.
The characters are well-written, and some of them
have a surreal touch. This complements the storyline very well. The
relationship between the twins felt warm, loving, and comforting. The family
drama is controlled and sorted (a little too easily solved, maybe).
I liked how Anni is neither overly eager to believe
in the folklore. But at the same time, she doesn’t hesitate to consider the
possibility. It added to her character and made her quite real.
The suspense builds during the first half and
continues in the second. The consistent increase in suspense led me to believe
that there would one a major climax (a showdown of sorts) to match the rise.
That’s where I was disappointed. The climax drifted and settled without any
drama. I kept waiting for it, and the ends were already being tied and tidied.
That one scene I felt was crucial to the central
plot was mentioned in less than a page (more as an afterthought)! What started
as a 4 + book ended up less than 4. Still, the book has closure and even a
happy ending. And I could finish it in two days (though I read past my reading
time).
I’ve added 2-3 previous books of the author to my
TBR just to enjoy her prose and the paranormal elements. Some reviewers
mentioned this book is different from the previous ones, and that got me
curious. Let’s see how I feel about them.
Overall, The Keepers of Metsan Velo is a lovely book
if you like the same elements as I do. However, don’t expect much in terms of
unfolding the suspense and acting on it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Lake Union
Publishing.
#TheKeepersofMetsanValo #NetGalley
P.S: I’m off to read more about vaki and Nordic
folklore.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIf you have read past your reading time, then it must have been a good book.
ReplyDeleteI like the cover design of the book.
True, it was a good book. The cover is perfect for the story.
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog. :)