The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

Dates Read: 10/13/23 - 10/20/23

    Five writers eagerly embark on a month-long retreat led by Roza Vallo, a renowned feminist horror author. Among them is Alex, an aspiring writer thrilled by the opportunity. However, upon arrival at the remote Blackbriar Estate, they learn they must create an entire novel from scratch, with a seven-figure publishing deal awaiting the best one.

    As the women start dying, the retreat takes a terrifying turn. Trapped and haunted, Alex must battle her own fears and complete her novel amidst the deadly chaos. It becomes clear that more than just a publishing deal is at stake—Alex must confront her inner demons to survive.

    I had an absolute blast with this book! It's wonderfully chaotic and unhinged in the best possible way. The premise of female writers competing to craft the best novel in a limited timeframe really drew me in—I'm a sucker for stories centered around writers. The complex friendship between Alex and Wren fascinated me, adding depth and intrigue to the plot. The book's atmosphere was captivating, immersing me in its snow-covered setting and mounting sense of dread.

    I commend the author for taking bold risks; it takes guts to write something this daring. The writing style, initial setup, atmosphere, and character development were all top-notch. This story was incredibly difficult to put down, lingering in my thoughts even when I wasn't reading. The snow-covered backdrop, the gradual build-up of tension leading to sheer panic, and the gripping drama among the characters—all these elements made the book a compelling read. The author skillfully weaved various plot points together, although the ending felt a tad overloaded. Nonetheless, I appreciated the story's quirky character, enhanced by its outlandish plot twists.

    While some scenes felt peculiar and could have been omitted, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. Despite its complexity, I found the story engaging, and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more from Bartz.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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