Review of Hill of Souls

mmm17 · Post by **mmm17** » 12 Dec 2021, 07:18

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hill of Souls" by Richard Davids.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

How do you feel about the notion that people may get stuck in a limbo of sorts when their lives (or their deaths, for that matter) involve tragic circumstances, misunderstandings, and unsolved affairs? In Hill of Souls, a novel by Richard Davids, this fascinating theme permeates the storyline.

The story begins in the sixteenth century when a boy named Oweyn Skinner, an unfortunate poacher, finds himself in a cave. Caught in a perfect mantrap by Squire Fairweather, Oweyn gets killed by the evil man, despite the efforts of his friend Joseph Methias to help him. The plot then shifts to the present time, and a family in a campervan arrives in Combe Haven in Devon, a small and picturesque place by the sea, for the Easter Holidays. During their sojourn at Malil Cottage, the children find an ancient wooden box in a stream, and a great adventure unfolds.

I appreciated that the central characters of this tale were members of a family. John, Helen, and their children, Jen and Davie, were well-developed, and I felt that their interactions gave the plot a dynamic and heartening quality. Each member of the family (father, mother, son, and daughter) realizes that there’s a historical jigsaw puzzle in their hands, and they dive into it together. How a functional and healthy family operates was a fascinating subplot here, and it was what I liked the most about the book.

Additionally, the plot was a noteworthy aspect in and of itself, and I enjoyed the author’s writing style. Finding the wooden box was just the beginning of a series of mystifying events that the protagonists had to deal with, including strange memories, dreams, visions, and close encounters with the dead. I particularly enjoyed how the author wove coming-of-age elements into a mystery plot. Young Davie, for instance, drew many lessons from investigating what was behind the gold ring and the letter, written in 1546, that they found inside the infamous box. But I cannot give away any other details lest I spoil the mystery.

The mixture of relatable characters and a well-woven plot makes for an entertaining read. It is also a fast read written with levity. It seemed professionally edited, and I enjoyed reading it. There was nothing I disliked about this book, and therefore, I gladly give it the highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy good mysteries, especially if they appreciate coming-of-age elements. I believe the book is suitable for all audiences, for it doesn’t have any profanity or sexual content.

******
Hill of Souls
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Leon Robert · Post by **Leon Robert** » 14 Dec 2021, 21:09

I on truly love the plot of the book it's amazing it's fascinating and it's mysterious I'll say oweyn is a fascinating character and also the book it's so interesting I would go read the book myself and adknowledge and give it the highest rating aswell

Shivansh_Reviews · Post by **Shivansh_Reviews** » 14 Dec 2021, 23:46

The plot of the book is quite intriguing. I always enjoy book wih some adventures in them and this one seems promising to me. Thanks for the review.

Post by **Lucy Vera** » 16 Dec 2021, 23:24

The author's writing style, the book's themes and the character development in the story are well detailed. It'll surely be a nice book. Thanks for the review.

Luchris_klaus · Post by **Luchris_klaus** » 17 Dec 2021, 16:59

Oweyn is an interesting character and the author has a fascinating writing style. I would love to read the book. Thanks for your review.

Immaculate06 · Post by **Immaculate06** » 21 Dec 2021, 11:34

Oweyn is an intriguing character and the book is quite adventurous. I love the plot of the book. Thanks for your review.

LilySisyphus · Post by **LilySisyphus** » 07 Jul 2022, 08:40

I love how you described the plot of the book! You made it seem that the past was the cause of everything that was happening which greatly encourages readers to figure out what happened along with the family. I like reading mystery novels and puzzling out the plot so this review made me want to read Hill of Souls!

Onakoya · Post by **Onakoya** » 07 Jul 2022, 08:41

The author's writing style seems understandable and it has a very good plot. Good job on the review.

Perla Chavez · Post by **Perla Chavez** » 07 Jul 2022, 08:54

Your review along with the first few pages of the book are all I need to know I will be loving this books, mysteries are definitely one of my favorite type of book, and one can never say no to a great character dynamic. So glad I get to read this book!

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 07 Jul 2022, 08:59

Thanks for your review. I'm sick of classical books that focus on couples, so it's good to know that the protagonists of this tale are members of a family.

Amberly Ayra · Post by **Amberly Ayra** » 07 Jul 2022, 09:08

I liked the review, it is very clear. However, I think there are quite long sentences. I think you have to think a little more about the comfort of new readers.
The review certainly shows how interesting this book is, it knows how to capture the details that motivate you to continue reading. Thank you very much for sharing this review with us.
Regards.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 07 Jul 2022, 09:27

It is interesting to me that an entire family can become so absorbed by the mystery.

wmeki510 · Post by **wmeki510** » 07 Jul 2022, 09:35

This review is thorough, interesting, and catchy. It's great to learn that Davids discusses the theological postulations about the limbo in this book. I look forward to learning how this played out and the fate of Oweyn.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 07 Jul 2022, 09:41

I love a good ghost story, and honestly, I do wonder "how a functional and healthy family operates." Maybe it's a little sad that I don't know that. Anyway, it seems like a great read, especially for younger readers.
Thank you!