Writer: Sue Rainsford
Publisher: Scribner
Released: January 21^st, 2020
Received: NetGalley
Warnings: Graphic descriptions and imagery
Rating:

I received a copy of Follow Me To Ground through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Follow Me To Ground is the debut novel of Sue Rainsford, and it is getting quite a bit of ink thanks to the dark and disturbing elements it carries. If this first novel is anything to go by, Rainsford is already an author worth keeping an eye on.

This is a haunting and chilling read – perfect for those that love the subtleties that can come with otherworldly horror.

Ada is not human, has never been human. She and her father are something else. They’re tolerated by the townspeople thanks to their ability to heal – even if their methods are somewhat alarming.

You see, they put people in the ground to heal them. It’s counter-intuitive to us humans but is truly second nature for beings such as Ada and her father. Or so it seems. Unfortunately, this is a lonely life, and Ada craves something more. But what would the cost be, should Ada dare to reach out?

“There is something Cures don’t know about their curing.

Their sickness isn’t gone.

It just goes elsewhere.”

Warnings: Follow Me To Ground is as beautifully descriptive as it is unique. But that means that sometimes the details can be overwhelming and alarming. Be aware that there are graphic descriptions of bodies and injuries in this novel.

Follow Me To Ground has to be one of the most delightfully rich and hauntingly written novels I’ve read in quite some time. There’s something so beautiful in Sun Rainsford’s writing, it’s impossible to look away.

Ada’s tale is both innately human and yet fiercely other at the same time. I love that dichotomy, even as I watched her walk down a path that no human could follow. It was a fascinating read, through and through.

Part of me can’t quite get over all of the details and implications in this novel. There were so many details and layers to this book that I’m not even certain that one read-through would be enough to spot them. I do know that I was enchanted, and was sad to see it end.

The unique storytelling methods used in this novel is what really brought it to a whole new level. Having so many people get a say in what and who Ada was…that was an interesting choice. It increased the intrigue, of that there is no doubt.

The healing shown in this novel was so different and creative. I would have happily read another hundred pages on that alone, given half the chance. There’s something organic yet distressing about the method. It was the perfect foundation for Ada’s plight.

I’m honestly a little bit blown away by Rainsford here. I’m absolutely going to have to keep an eye out for any and all novels that come from this author!