Lute

By: Jennifer Thorne

Narrated by: Victoria Blunt

Wicker Man meets Final Destination in Jennifer Thorne's atmospheric, unsettling folk horror novel about love, duty, and community.

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. And it's a day of nightmares, of grief, of reckoning. But it is also a day of community. Of survival and strength. Of love, at its most pure and untamed. When The Day ends, Nina—and Lute—will never be the same.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Nightfire.

©2022 Jennifer Thorne (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Lute is an understated masterpiece of folk horror by Jennifer Thorne, an exceptionally talented new voice in the genre....Thorne’s prose is elegant in its simplicity, embracing a quiet minimalism that only enhances its sense of horror. Lute is a stunning achievement for an author new to the genre. This is the type of novel that will haunt you for years to come."—John Mauro, Grimdark Magazine

"Equally horrifying as it is beautiful, Lute will slip under your skin, haunting you until you've turned the very last page. Folk horror at its finest."—Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author of The Grace Year

"Lute is as alluring as it is terrifying. Thorne’s prose is exquisite, her storytelling masterful, the setting a haunting character in itself. I wanted to savor every passage, but I was desperate to see who the island would claim next. I devoured this book.”—Elle Cosimano, author of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead

Lute

The island is a paradise. Not tropical but perfect all the same. The people of the island love the land and everything it offers them. But every seven years it comes at a price. Some most are willing to pay. Others not so much.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt for the characters that died, felt at peace with acceptance and rational philosophy of the main character Nina and marveled at how someone’s fear of death could turn them into a monster. Someone you don’t even recognize.

Worth a credit

The book is mildly entertaining, but I would hardly call it horror. Never once did I experience fear, although the townspeople were scared, their terror did not translate to me as I listened. .

Definitely a good listen

Very engaged, the ending I really actually liked. Felt right. I’m not sure if I would listen again. Felt like a good one and done but I would recommend

Very creative

Honestly I just enjoyed all of the story. It was original and intriguing from beginning to end. At times you think you know what may be going to happen, and then something else happens. I loved how the main character really explored her emotions and the reasons why she and others felt and acted the way they did. The narration was also excellent.

Slow to unwind- but what a finish!

A new author- could have had her editor tighten up the story- BUT- her language use if beautiful-and a smashing end!