Book Review: Lute

LUTE | Jennifer Marie Thorne
10.04.2022 | Tor Nightfire
Rating: 5/5 stars

On the idyllic island of Lute, every seventh summer, seven people die. No more, no less.

Lute and its inhabitants are blessed, year after year, with good weather, good health, and good fortune. They live a happy, superior life, untouched by the war that rages all around them. So it’s only fair that every seven years, on the day of the tithe, the island’s gift is honored. Nina Treadway is new to The Day. A Florida girl by birth, she became a Lady through her marriage to Lord Treadway, whose family has long protected the island. Nina’s heard about The Day, of course. Heard about the horrific tragedies, the lives lost, but she doesn’t believe in it. It’s all superstitious nonsense. Stories told to keep newcomers at bay and youngsters in line. Then The Day begins. 

If you haven’t heard about Lute, but you’re a fan of Final Destination and Wicker Man, you need it on your radar now! Seriously, whoever came up with that comparison was incredibly accurate. 

Here’s the deal: You know nothing about Lute and its traditions. You’re an outsider just like Nina and together we’re all going to find out. I loved this style of discovery and revelation. There are some nightmarish scenes in this book as the island hunts for its seven sacrifices, but there’s also a lot to be said about strength, survival, and being downright clever. Thorne’s writing style instantly sucked me in with a great cast of characters to strengthen this read to a five star winner for me! I want to gush about everything that happened, but this is very much a book you should go into knowing as little as possible. 

This book is perfect for spooky season and year round folk horror chills!

A huge thank you to Tor Nightfire for my gifted copy!