Title: Secrets We Hunt
Author: Dana Isaly
First published January 8, 2022
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.5
Overview
The past always finds a way to catch up with you, no matter how hard you try to outrun it. Nastasya has been alive for centuries, but life never seems to get any simpler.
After leaving behind her wild and reckless days, she seeks solace and redemption at River’s Edge, a sanctuary for lost immortals. There, she discovers her family’s legendary history, rediscovers her magical abilities, and meets Reyn, the man she dubbed ‘the Viking god.’ However, just as she begins to settle into her new existence, Nastasya learns that her old friends may have returned to town.
Reuniting with her former best friend, Innocencio, Nas wonders if she’ll ever be free of her dark heritage. Is Incy a dangerous, power-hungry villain, or is he the only one who truly understands the depths of Nas’s darkness?
Nas is determined to uncover the truth about herself, no matter what the cost.
Editoral Review
The Secrets We Hunt, written by Dana Isaly and published by Atria Books on January 8th, 2022, is a thrilling debut novel that delves into the psychological complexities of a small town and the secrets that drive its inhabitants to their breaking point. The novel falls under the genre of psychological thriller, with a strong focus on character development and the exploration of themes surrounding trauma, identity, and self-discovery.
The story is set in the small town of Orion, New York, where the disappearance of a young girl sends shockwaves through the community. As the investigation unfolds, the secrets and lies of the townspeople are brought to the surface, with devastating consequences for all involved.
The novel is narrated through multiple perspectives, each providing a unique viewpoint on the events that unfold. The characters are complex and well-crafted, with their trauma and experiences shaping their actions and behaviors.
Isalys writing style is engrossing and evocative, creating a palpable atmosphere of tension and unease. The pacing is steady, with each chapter building upon the last, leading to a satisfying and shocking conclusion.
The themes explored in the novel are timeless and relevant, touching upon issues of trauma, identity, and the desire for human connection.
While the novel is not without its flaws, most notably the occasional reliance on coincidences to move the plot forward, overall, the Secrets We Hunt is a compelling read that is sure to resonate with fans of the psychological thriller genre.
The novel, while suspenseful, avoids many of the tropes associated with the genre, instead focusing on the characters and their motivations.
The Secrets We Hunt is an impressive debut, and Isaly is a writer to watch in the years to come.
For readers looking for a haunting and atmospheric thriller that explores the depths of the human psyche, this novel is not to be missed. The Washington Post gives it high marks for its character development, engrossing writing style, and timely themes, making it a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive reading experience.
Overall, we give it 4 out of 5 stars.