Once

I really enjoyed Once. It's one of those books that feels different from the start, and I found myself completely drawn into its dark, almost fairy tale-like atmosphere. Herbert James creates a world that's both beautiful and unsettling, and I never quite knew what was coming next.

The atmosphere was easily my favorite part of the book. It's eerie without relying on constant scares, and there's this underlying sense that something isn't quite right the entire time. I love books that can create that kind of mood, and this one definitely delivered. It felt like stepping into a twisted fairy tale where the rules keep changing.

The pacing is a little slower in places, but I didn't mind it because it gave the story time to build its world and develop the characters. As everything started coming together, I found myself more and more invested, and I wanted to see how it would all play out.

What I appreciated most was that it wasn't a typical horror novel. It blends fantasy, folklore, and darker themes in a way that feels unique. There were a few moments that caught me completely off guard, and I liked that the story wasn't afraid to take risks.

Overall, Once was an engaging read with a creepy atmosphere and a story that stayed with me after I finished. If you enjoy books that blur the line between fantasy and horror and don't mind a slower, more atmospheric read, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.