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Come Back to the Swamp
Working on completing her ecology graduate degree, Bernice is doing invasive species research in Cleary Swamp when she is confronted by a mysterious hag who says she is the swamp’s caretaker. When Bernice discovers that the hag is actually a woman named Rebecca Hallett who disappeared in the swamp decades before she attempts to remove the strange old woman from Cleary Swamp, but little does Bernice know that Rebecca has a mystical bond to the area—one that possesses a human host and bonds them to it. One magical hallucinogenic powder cocktail and a space opera spirit journey later, Bernice’s life has changed forever. The swamp wants her for its new caretaker, and it won’t take no for an answer.
Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2018
About the author
Laura Morrison
2 books15 followersLaura Morrison lives in the Metro Detroit area with her husband, daughters, cats, and vegetable garden. She has a bachelor’s degree in applied ecology and environmental science from Michigan Technological University. Before she was a writer and stay-at-home mom, she battled invasive species and researched turtles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 25, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up
Come Back to the Swamp is a 111 page novella set in a swamp, featuring Bernice, a student working on her graduate degree in ecology when she comes across an old woman claiming that she IS the swamp. Yep. You read that right. This story isn't something I would normally read, sort of a cross between supernatural and mild horror. It reads like an episode of Tales From the Crypt, unnerving with some humor thrown in. Overall good writing with a novel plot.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher Black Spot Books in exchange for an honest review.
Come Back to the Swamp is a 111 page novella set in a swamp, featuring Bernice, a student working on her graduate degree in ecology when she comes across an old woman claiming that she IS the swamp. Yep. You read that right. This story isn't something I would normally read, sort of a cross between supernatural and mild horror. It reads like an episode of Tales From the Crypt, unnerving with some humor thrown in. Overall good writing with a novel plot.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher Black Spot Books in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2018
4 creepy but fun stars for Come Back to the Swamp!
A little bit spooky and really quirky, this novella was a whole lot of fun. We follow Bernice, a grad student who is spending the summer working on clearing invasive plant species out of the local swamp. One day as she toils away, Bernice is suddenly accosted by this clearly-not-all-okay-in-the-head old lady who quite forcibly demands that Bernice cease and desist doing harm to the swamp. Freaked out, Bernice flees, only to feel foolish later when she's chastised by her advisor.
Returning to her work the following day, Bernice once again meets the woman and so begins a battle of wills. But who will win in the end? Who cares most about what happens to the swamp? This is a really quick read that pulled me in and made me care about the characters, though at certain points I wasn't sure which character I was rooting for. I had no idea that a book about a swamp could be so fun!
This story came along at just the right time for me -- it was an ideal palate cleanser after some of the less than fab reads I've had lately. Thanks so much to Black Spot Books and the author, Laura Morrison, for putting this ARC in my hands when I needed it the most!
A little bit spooky and really quirky, this novella was a whole lot of fun. We follow Bernice, a grad student who is spending the summer working on clearing invasive plant species out of the local swamp. One day as she toils away, Bernice is suddenly accosted by this clearly-not-all-okay-in-the-head old lady who quite forcibly demands that Bernice cease and desist doing harm to the swamp. Freaked out, Bernice flees, only to feel foolish later when she's chastised by her advisor.
Returning to her work the following day, Bernice once again meets the woman and so begins a battle of wills. But who will win in the end? Who cares most about what happens to the swamp? This is a really quick read that pulled me in and made me care about the characters, though at certain points I wasn't sure which character I was rooting for. I had no idea that a book about a swamp could be so fun!
This story came along at just the right time for me -- it was an ideal palate cleanser after some of the less than fab reads I've had lately. Thanks so much to Black Spot Books and the author, Laura Morrison, for putting this ARC in my hands when I needed it the most!
June 21, 2018
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but this was well written and entertaining in a strange sort of way. More of a low-level creepiness than outright horror-fantasy, the tension was apparent throughout this short book, and it might make me think twice before I go traipsing off into the swamp or forest.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but this was well written and entertaining in a strange sort of way. More of a low-level creepiness than outright horror-fantasy, the tension was apparent throughout this short book, and it might make me think twice before I go traipsing off into the swamp or forest.
April 19, 2018
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Bernice is doing invasive species research in Cleary Swamp for her graduate degree in ecology when she is confronted by a strange woman who claims to be the swamp. When Bernice uncovers that the old woman is a missing person named Rebecca Hallet who disappeared ages ago, she tries to get her some help. However, Rebecca has a supernatural connection to the swamp itself. The swamp knows that Rebecca's body isn't going to last much longer and it needs a new caretaker host, and it doesn't want to let Bernice go.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Laura Morrison's novella, but I'm glad I took the opportunity to try Come Back To The Swamp. Ecology isn't really my subject, but what we get of the science is quite readable either way. My favorite aspect of this story is easily Bernice herself. She's a fan of classic sci-fi, Lord of the Rings, and bluegrass music. I don't know about you, but she sounds like someone I'd want to make friends with. She's also very level-headed and isn't not willing to take whatever Rebecca/ the swamp says at face value. I appreciated that she does her best to put together the pieces behind what's going on with Rebecca and the swamp. Tonally, I also liked how this story comes across - it's very creepy and disconcerting - and how the tension builds up as the story is reaching the conclusion. Finally, I only have one complaint - the story is too short. I wish we got to see more of these characters and the swamp. There's so much more I want to see that we just get a taste of here.
Overall, Come Back To The Swamp by Laura Morrison comes with high praise from me. There are so many great things about this story from intriguing characters, great writing, and supernatural elements that leave you wanting more. If only this story was longer so we could stay with everyone for longer. I am definitely interested in trying more from this author in the future.
Bernice is doing invasive species research in Cleary Swamp for her graduate degree in ecology when she is confronted by a strange woman who claims to be the swamp. When Bernice uncovers that the old woman is a missing person named Rebecca Hallet who disappeared ages ago, she tries to get her some help. However, Rebecca has a supernatural connection to the swamp itself. The swamp knows that Rebecca's body isn't going to last much longer and it needs a new caretaker host, and it doesn't want to let Bernice go.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Laura Morrison's novella, but I'm glad I took the opportunity to try Come Back To The Swamp. Ecology isn't really my subject, but what we get of the science is quite readable either way. My favorite aspect of this story is easily Bernice herself. She's a fan of classic sci-fi, Lord of the Rings, and bluegrass music. I don't know about you, but she sounds like someone I'd want to make friends with. She's also very level-headed and isn't not willing to take whatever Rebecca/ the swamp says at face value. I appreciated that she does her best to put together the pieces behind what's going on with Rebecca and the swamp. Tonally, I also liked how this story comes across - it's very creepy and disconcerting - and how the tension builds up as the story is reaching the conclusion. Finally, I only have one complaint - the story is too short. I wish we got to see more of these characters and the swamp. There's so much more I want to see that we just get a taste of here.
Overall, Come Back To The Swamp by Laura Morrison comes with high praise from me. There are so many great things about this story from intriguing characters, great writing, and supernatural elements that leave you wanting more. If only this story was longer so we could stay with everyone for longer. I am definitely interested in trying more from this author in the future.
June 22, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Seven Jane
New to audiobook, Laura Morrison’s Come Back to the Swamp is the spooky, swampy, supernatural solution to your June novella-audiobook needs!
Half space-opera, half ecological manifesto, Morrison weaves fantasy, science fiction, and a chilling atmosphere into a punch-packing novella that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story follows ecology-grad student Bernice as she discovers a strange old woman orbiting the swamps of Cleary Swamp, a local research site where Bernice is studying invasive species. Convinced the woman is a former civil rights activist named Rebecca who disappeared in the swamp decades earlier, Bernice believes the woman is as in need of salvation as the swamp itself, which has become riddled with things like Asiatic ivy that don’t belong. Bernice takes it upon herself to relocate the woman into safer territory. What she doesn’t realise, however, is that Asiatic ivy isn’t the only invasive species in Cleary Swamp—and the Swamp has had enough.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
New to audiobook, Laura Morrison’s Come Back to the Swamp is the spooky, swampy, supernatural solution to your June novella-audiobook needs!
Half space-opera, half ecological manifesto, Morrison weaves fantasy, science fiction, and a chilling atmosphere into a punch-packing novella that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story follows ecology-grad student Bernice as she discovers a strange old woman orbiting the swamps of Cleary Swamp, a local research site where Bernice is studying invasive species. Convinced the woman is a former civil rights activist named Rebecca who disappeared in the swamp decades earlier, Bernice believes the woman is as in need of salvation as the swamp itself, which has become riddled with things like Asiatic ivy that don’t belong. Bernice takes it upon herself to relocate the woman into safer territory. What she doesn’t realise, however, is that Asiatic ivy isn’t the only invasive species in Cleary Swamp—and the Swamp has had enough.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
November 14, 2018
This was a nice, atmospheric start to my October reading! Come Back to the Swamp is a novella clocking in at around 110 pages, which makes it a perfect one-sitting story if you’re looking to settle in and get immersed. Our main character, Bernice, is a nerdy student who is working to remove invasive plant species from her local swamp as part of her ecology degree. But one afternoon as she hacks away at a particularly stubborn plant, she is confronted by an angry and disheveled old woman who claims that she is the swamp, and she doesn’t appreciate being assaulted, thank you very much. When Bernice tries to brush her off, she realizes that the woman is unnaturally strong and fast (and could probably kick her ass), so she retreats. Weirded out but determined to get back to work, she returns the next day, but again, as soon as she starts chopping at plants, the old lady appears and starts yelling at her to leave. Worried that the woman may be homeless and mentally ill, Bernice begins to do some research on how to help her. But what she finds is far more disturbing.
To go into detail about what happens next would be to ruin what is, after all, a short story. But what I can tell you is that as a SFF fan I found much to enjoy in Bernice’s character and the strange, tense journey she is forced into. It’s one part smart and witty urban fantasy, but with a building tension not unlike Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart. The swamp is ever present in Bernice’s thoughts, and when a classmate gets tangled up in events, things become increasingly dangerous for both of them.
I found Come Back to the Swamp to be a well written, creative and atmospheric story, and a great example of the novella format. Bite sized, self contained and thoroughly enjoyable, like a modern day episode of The Twilight Zone. The ending features a jump forward in time that some may find a little abrupt, and the open ended nature of the story and moral ambiguity of the choices made might not satisfy everyone. However, if you like your characters a little grey, I think you’ll be well pleased.
To go into detail about what happens next would be to ruin what is, after all, a short story. But what I can tell you is that as a SFF fan I found much to enjoy in Bernice’s character and the strange, tense journey she is forced into. It’s one part smart and witty urban fantasy, but with a building tension not unlike Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart. The swamp is ever present in Bernice’s thoughts, and when a classmate gets tangled up in events, things become increasingly dangerous for both of them.
I found Come Back to the Swamp to be a well written, creative and atmospheric story, and a great example of the novella format. Bite sized, self contained and thoroughly enjoyable, like a modern day episode of The Twilight Zone. The ending features a jump forward in time that some may find a little abrupt, and the open ended nature of the story and moral ambiguity of the choices made might not satisfy everyone. However, if you like your characters a little grey, I think you’ll be well pleased.
March 23, 2021
*I received a free ARC of this novel, with thanks to the author, Black Spot Books – Vesuvian Books and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This novella is a quick read that combines B-movie horror with a more serious ecological message.
Bernice is battling invasive non-native species’ in the middle of Cleary Swamp when she stumbles across a mysterious old woman. The woman claims to BE the swamp, but Bernice’s research into the area’s history suggest that she may be a local woman who has been missing for years. The problem is that, not only could both options be true, but the swamp is looking for its next protector and Bernice fits the bill nicely. Can she resist the supernatural pull of the swamp?
The obvious theme here, which doesn’t just underpin the story but pretty much overwhelms it, is the balance between humans and nature, and the danger of invasive non-native species (or colonisers) taking over natural species and destroying the native environment. It did occur to me that this message was a little undermined by the necessity for a human caretaker/avatar! Surely the swamp should be able to protect itself with natural defences rather than needing a token human ‘saviour’?
That aside, this was a fun, short, creepy read. The characterisations of Bernice and her friend Kevin are engaging and the setting is immersive and atmospheric. I actually felt there was enough in this idea to fill a full novel, and would have liked more development about the history of the swamp, its supernatural elements, and Bernice’s eventual involvement in its story.
I could definitely see this making a really good horror film!
'Armed with her trusty steel hedge clippers, Bernice sallied forth to do battle with the invasive species threatening to overtake Cleary Swamp. The biodiversity of the swamp would not get shot to hell on her watch. No, sir. As long as she had any say, this wetland would be a haven for swamp rose mallow and shumard oak.
Too bad she didn’t have a say in the welfare of Cleary Swamp for much longer; she was soon to get her master’s degree and move on to a different university for her PhD. After that, the invasives would be free to commence their bloody (chlorophyll-y) march across the wetland, their roots feeding off the dead bodies of the poor natives lacking the evolutionary defences to compete. Brutal. Sad. Perhaps inevitable.'
– Laura Morrison, Come Back to the Swamp
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This novella is a quick read that combines B-movie horror with a more serious ecological message.
Bernice is battling invasive non-native species’ in the middle of Cleary Swamp when she stumbles across a mysterious old woman. The woman claims to BE the swamp, but Bernice’s research into the area’s history suggest that she may be a local woman who has been missing for years. The problem is that, not only could both options be true, but the swamp is looking for its next protector and Bernice fits the bill nicely. Can she resist the supernatural pull of the swamp?
The obvious theme here, which doesn’t just underpin the story but pretty much overwhelms it, is the balance between humans and nature, and the danger of invasive non-native species (or colonisers) taking over natural species and destroying the native environment. It did occur to me that this message was a little undermined by the necessity for a human caretaker/avatar! Surely the swamp should be able to protect itself with natural defences rather than needing a token human ‘saviour’?
That aside, this was a fun, short, creepy read. The characterisations of Bernice and her friend Kevin are engaging and the setting is immersive and atmospheric. I actually felt there was enough in this idea to fill a full novel, and would have liked more development about the history of the swamp, its supernatural elements, and Bernice’s eventual involvement in its story.
I could definitely see this making a really good horror film!
'Armed with her trusty steel hedge clippers, Bernice sallied forth to do battle with the invasive species threatening to overtake Cleary Swamp. The biodiversity of the swamp would not get shot to hell on her watch. No, sir. As long as she had any say, this wetland would be a haven for swamp rose mallow and shumard oak.
Too bad she didn’t have a say in the welfare of Cleary Swamp for much longer; she was soon to get her master’s degree and move on to a different university for her PhD. After that, the invasives would be free to commence their bloody (chlorophyll-y) march across the wetland, their roots feeding off the dead bodies of the poor natives lacking the evolutionary defences to compete. Brutal. Sad. Perhaps inevitable.'
– Laura Morrison, Come Back to the Swamp
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
October 13, 2018
"There's only so. much struggling one can do when being pulled through a swamp by a crazy, single-minded, super-strong, old lady swamp cyborg, or whatever she was." This quote is the perfect introduction to "Come Back To The Swamp." Self-deprecating and matter-of-fact, the book is all the more compelling for the inevitability of its conclusion, leaving the reader to wonder how many of her own voices have already drawn her into a swamp from which there is no return. An excellent excursion into a nightmarish world which waits just on the verge of civilization and against no which no resistance can be made.
April 7, 2020
I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A short unnerving story about swamp magic and a legacy passed down through chance.
I liked the idea of the swamp magic and how it was passed from one person to the other, but I found the story to be a little lacking in detail, I needed a bit more substance. I wanted to know more about the previous swamp witch, I wanted to feel more for the main characters and I wanted more history about the swamp.
Fans of short, easy to read, suspense books will probably enjoy this.
A short unnerving story about swamp magic and a legacy passed down through chance.
I liked the idea of the swamp magic and how it was passed from one person to the other, but I found the story to be a little lacking in detail, I needed a bit more substance. I wanted to know more about the previous swamp witch, I wanted to feel more for the main characters and I wanted more history about the swamp.
Fans of short, easy to read, suspense books will probably enjoy this.
June 29, 2021
It has a good concept, it just became a bit repetative after a while and wasn't as creepy as I would've liked.
August 10, 2018
Over the last five years, I have read a lot of novellas. It's a form that I have grown to love. Come Back to the Swamp does everything a good novella should do: It focuses on a small number of characters, in this case mostly one. Its story is tight, without extraneous material. It ends with a feeling that this incident, this important story in the character's life is ended, even if there is more to this world you want to know about.
Come Back to the Swamp is the story of Bernice, a Masters student in environmental studies, working for the summer on removing invasive species from Cleary Swamp. In the process, she meets an old-woman who claims, ludicrously, to actually be the swamp, and becomes fixated on Bernice, determined to get rid of her, or to show her the secrets of the swamp. All Bernice wants is to get rid of some nasty vines and go home and watch her favorite tv series.
Laura Morrison balances many things in this story: Science vs science fiction. Logic vs emotion. Thriller vs comedy. You'll laugh one minute, and jump out of your bus seat the next.
And as a novella, it's a quick read, and one that leaves you feeling ultimately satisfied. Unless you're reading it in a swamp.
Come Back to the Swamp is the story of Bernice, a Masters student in environmental studies, working for the summer on removing invasive species from Cleary Swamp. In the process, she meets an old-woman who claims, ludicrously, to actually be the swamp, and becomes fixated on Bernice, determined to get rid of her, or to show her the secrets of the swamp. All Bernice wants is to get rid of some nasty vines and go home and watch her favorite tv series.
Laura Morrison balances many things in this story: Science vs science fiction. Logic vs emotion. Thriller vs comedy. You'll laugh one minute, and jump out of your bus seat the next.
And as a novella, it's a quick read, and one that leaves you feeling ultimately satisfied. Unless you're reading it in a swamp.
February 14, 2020
Morrison has a knack for description that completely drew me into the story and her background in Bernice’s field lent an interesting technical aspect to the storyline. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects, and I believe fans of speculative fiction would enjoy diving into this creepy, swampy story.
The biggest issue I had was I didn’t care for Bernice very much, particularly after her interactions with Kevin. I fully admit though, that I tend to have an issue with very little tolerance for annoying character moments when I’m listening and I tend to be more forgiving when reading but Bernice went from irritable to beyond acceptable quickly.
Overall, this was a well-written story that is appropriately creepy and foreboding. The inevitable conclusion creeping closer was an interesting choice. The narrator, Chelsea Stephens, did a fantastic job bringing the spooky aspects of Cleary Swamp to life. I would have enjoyed Come Back to the Swamp even more if Bernice had been more likeable.
**I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this audiobook to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The biggest issue I had was I didn’t care for Bernice very much, particularly after her interactions with Kevin. I fully admit though, that I tend to have an issue with very little tolerance for annoying character moments when I’m listening and I tend to be more forgiving when reading but Bernice went from irritable to beyond acceptable quickly.
Overall, this was a well-written story that is appropriately creepy and foreboding. The inevitable conclusion creeping closer was an interesting choice. The narrator, Chelsea Stephens, did a fantastic job bringing the spooky aspects of Cleary Swamp to life. I would have enjoyed Come Back to the Swamp even more if Bernice had been more likeable.
**I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this audiobook to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 7, 2018
Come back to the swamp by Laura Morrison.
Working on completing her ecology graduate degree, Bernice is doing invasive species research in Cleary Swamp when she is confronted by a mysterious hag who says she is the swamp’s caretaker. When Bernice discovers that the hag is actually a woman named Rebecca Hallett who disappeared in the swamp decades before she attempts to remove the strange old woman from Cleary Swamp, but little does Bernice know that Rebecca has a mystical bond to the area—one that possesses a human host and bonds them to it. One magical hallucinogenic powder cocktail and a space opera spirit journey later, Bernice’s life has changed forever. The swamp wants her for its new caretaker, and it won’t take no for an answer.
This was a really good read. Chilling and eerie as it is set in a swamp would love to see this as a movie. Would be good with the swamp scenes. That's what I love Best about this book. 4*
Working on completing her ecology graduate degree, Bernice is doing invasive species research in Cleary Swamp when she is confronted by a mysterious hag who says she is the swamp’s caretaker. When Bernice discovers that the hag is actually a woman named Rebecca Hallett who disappeared in the swamp decades before she attempts to remove the strange old woman from Cleary Swamp, but little does Bernice know that Rebecca has a mystical bond to the area—one that possesses a human host and bonds them to it. One magical hallucinogenic powder cocktail and a space opera spirit journey later, Bernice’s life has changed forever. The swamp wants her for its new caretaker, and it won’t take no for an answer.
This was a really good read. Chilling and eerie as it is set in a swamp would love to see this as a movie. Would be good with the swamp scenes. That's what I love Best about this book. 4*
June 18, 2018
REVIEW: COME BACK TO THE SWAMP by Laura Morrison
A darling, hopeful, and inspiring story, COME BACK TO THE SWAMP is a story of Cleary Swamp near Detroit, and the amazing adventures of a graduate student in Ecology. Bernice is determined on a Ph.D. track in environmental sciences, and part of her work is to try to eradicate invasive, non-native species. But in the swamp Bernice encounters a wild woman who insists she stop, because she is the swamp. Only a short time passes before the woman announces that Bernice is the swamp' s choice to replace her. Give up everything she's planned? Bernice thinks not, but this wild woman and the swamp definitely possess other, implacable, ideas.
I totally enjoyed this story. Suspension of disbelief was facile and nearly immediate (although not so for Bernice!)
A darling, hopeful, and inspiring story, COME BACK TO THE SWAMP is a story of Cleary Swamp near Detroit, and the amazing adventures of a graduate student in Ecology. Bernice is determined on a Ph.D. track in environmental sciences, and part of her work is to try to eradicate invasive, non-native species. But in the swamp Bernice encounters a wild woman who insists she stop, because she is the swamp. Only a short time passes before the woman announces that Bernice is the swamp' s choice to replace her. Give up everything she's planned? Bernice thinks not, but this wild woman and the swamp definitely possess other, implacable, ideas.
I totally enjoyed this story. Suspension of disbelief was facile and nearly immediate (although not so for Bernice!)
April 24, 2020
3.5 STARS. AUDIO BOOK REVIEW. I knew from the initial and thorough analogy that had main character Bernice fighting an invasive species of weeds as if she were fighting in battle that I was going to enjoy this story. And to take it next level, it isn't just any battle she's fighting, she compares her Japanese barberry battle to Arigorn's battle to save Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings) and even names her hedge clippers Andúril and Sting! Bernice speaks my language with things being "dorky" and technology being stupid. The result is just minutes in to the story, author Laura Morrison has created a character in whom I am fully invested.
Coming in at about three and a half hours on audio (140 pages in print), Come Back to the Swamp is a light, fun, and fantastical reading escape novella. There are really only three characters to keep up with, and the majority of the story is told from Bernice's point of view, so the story is ideal if you have to listen while multi-tasking. Bernice is both irritating and endearing in her flaws and self-realization of them, which makes her real and relatable.
The premise that the swamp selects a human host with which to bond is fascinating. That any harm done to any element within the ecosystem -- like chopping down vines -- manifests itself by causing physical pain to the host is a bigger picture reminder that there are consequences to human behaviors. Also enjoyable is that in Come Back to the Swamp, it is the swamp that ultimately controls the humans, and not the reverse.
As the book's description references, there is a "hallucinogenic... space opera spirit journey" that occurs in the story, and this is the story's shortcoming. There is so much that could have been done with those elements, but instead of providing a few more pages of explanation, it's brevity and disjointedness is discombobulating and creates gaping holes and questions. It felt like an attempt at a quick out -- that in having something so outlandish to account for a time period, readers wouldn't need answers.
Thankfully, as the story distances itself from that strange episode, the plot gets back on track and is engaging once again. And while there are logistical questions that don't get answered, those become less important as the story builds to its resolution. The epilogue gives a satisfying, though mildly confusing explanation (here, reading text might have made it easier to understand) and ends with just a touch of eeriness as a bonus for the ending. I would definitely explore other titles by this author because of her gift for characterization and imaginative plots.
ABOUT THE NARRATION: Narrator Chelsea Stephens provides an outstanding performance of the story. Whether voicing a male or a female, a hag or nature itself, she keeps each voice unique and uniquely expressive. Her delivery is even and her pacing perfect so that I was able to listen to the audio at regular speed. The audio has no technical issues and provides for a smooth, enjoyable listening experience.
Thank you to Audiobookworm Productions and the author for providing me an audio download in exchange for my honest opinion -- the only kind I give. This full review and other special features on Hall Ways Blog.
Coming in at about three and a half hours on audio (140 pages in print), Come Back to the Swamp is a light, fun, and fantastical reading escape novella. There are really only three characters to keep up with, and the majority of the story is told from Bernice's point of view, so the story is ideal if you have to listen while multi-tasking. Bernice is both irritating and endearing in her flaws and self-realization of them, which makes her real and relatable.
The premise that the swamp selects a human host with which to bond is fascinating. That any harm done to any element within the ecosystem -- like chopping down vines -- manifests itself by causing physical pain to the host is a bigger picture reminder that there are consequences to human behaviors. Also enjoyable is that in Come Back to the Swamp, it is the swamp that ultimately controls the humans, and not the reverse.
As the book's description references, there is a "hallucinogenic... space opera spirit journey" that occurs in the story, and this is the story's shortcoming. There is so much that could have been done with those elements, but instead of providing a few more pages of explanation, it's brevity and disjointedness is discombobulating and creates gaping holes and questions. It felt like an attempt at a quick out -- that in having something so outlandish to account for a time period, readers wouldn't need answers.
Thankfully, as the story distances itself from that strange episode, the plot gets back on track and is engaging once again. And while there are logistical questions that don't get answered, those become less important as the story builds to its resolution. The epilogue gives a satisfying, though mildly confusing explanation (here, reading text might have made it easier to understand) and ends with just a touch of eeriness as a bonus for the ending. I would definitely explore other titles by this author because of her gift for characterization and imaginative plots.
ABOUT THE NARRATION: Narrator Chelsea Stephens provides an outstanding performance of the story. Whether voicing a male or a female, a hag or nature itself, she keeps each voice unique and uniquely expressive. Her delivery is even and her pacing perfect so that I was able to listen to the audio at regular speed. The audio has no technical issues and provides for a smooth, enjoyable listening experience.
Thank you to Audiobookworm Productions and the author for providing me an audio download in exchange for my honest opinion -- the only kind I give. This full review and other special features on Hall Ways Blog.
June 11, 2020
Half space-opera, half ecological manifesto, Morrison weaves fantasy, science fiction, and a chilling atmosphere into a punch-packing novella that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story follows ecology-grad student Bernice as she discovers a strange old woman orbiting the swamps of Cleary Swamp, a local research site where Bernice is studying invasive species. Convinced the woman is a former civil rights activist named Rebecca who disappeared in the swamp decades earlier, Bernice believes the woman is as in need of salvation as the swamp itself, which has become riddled with things like Asiatic ivy that don’t belong¬. Bernice takes it upon herself to relocate the woman into safer territory. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that Asiatic ivy isn’t the only invasive species in Cleary Swamp—and the Swamp has had enough.
Suffice it to say, Bernice’s extraction of Rebecca…doesn’t go as planned. After a stint into a spore and pollen drug-induced state during which she enjoys a warp speed odyssey on the set of her favorite operatic sci-fi tv show, Space Mantis, Bernice awakens with a new clarity and understanding of the swamp’s needs. Though certainly jarring for Bernice, it’s hard not to miss Morrison’s deeper message, a fitting allegory to the sort-of “awakening” many environmentally-conscience folks might have: sometimes—despite our best intentions to the contrary—we are the invasive species. When it comes to preserving the order of the natural world, sometimes it’s humans that simply don’t belong.
Swamps and spooks aside, what makes Come Back to the Swamp such an engaging and resonant story is Morrison’s interpretation of main protagonist. A bit of an idealist, Bernice is snarky, headstrong, and courageous, and her inner monologue is so on point it’s hard not to feel instantly connected. Although we only get a few pages of Bernice, she’s an easy character to champion, empathize with, and—eventually—commiserate for. Likewise, narrator Chelsea Stephens is the perfect voice to bring Morrison’s words to life. She is just as able to capture Bernice’s snark and the Swamp’s ominous warnings as she is to convincingly voice the inner musings of the bobcats Bernice worries might roam the swamplands. Together, this audiobook is three hours of pure listening pleasure, and a story readers will want to return to time and time again.
Gripping, evocative, and as ripe with messaging on the consequences of ecological devastation as it is loaded with sci-fi references, subtle calls to environmental activism, and enough chilly moments to have you looking over your shoulder on your next hike out into the woods, Come Back to the Swamp will have readers (and listeners!) looking over their shoulders the next time they go walking alone out into the wild.
Suffice it to say, Bernice’s extraction of Rebecca…doesn’t go as planned. After a stint into a spore and pollen drug-induced state during which she enjoys a warp speed odyssey on the set of her favorite operatic sci-fi tv show, Space Mantis, Bernice awakens with a new clarity and understanding of the swamp’s needs. Though certainly jarring for Bernice, it’s hard not to miss Morrison’s deeper message, a fitting allegory to the sort-of “awakening” many environmentally-conscience folks might have: sometimes—despite our best intentions to the contrary—we are the invasive species. When it comes to preserving the order of the natural world, sometimes it’s humans that simply don’t belong.
Swamps and spooks aside, what makes Come Back to the Swamp such an engaging and resonant story is Morrison’s interpretation of main protagonist. A bit of an idealist, Bernice is snarky, headstrong, and courageous, and her inner monologue is so on point it’s hard not to feel instantly connected. Although we only get a few pages of Bernice, she’s an easy character to champion, empathize with, and—eventually—commiserate for. Likewise, narrator Chelsea Stephens is the perfect voice to bring Morrison’s words to life. She is just as able to capture Bernice’s snark and the Swamp’s ominous warnings as she is to convincingly voice the inner musings of the bobcats Bernice worries might roam the swamplands. Together, this audiobook is three hours of pure listening pleasure, and a story readers will want to return to time and time again.
Gripping, evocative, and as ripe with messaging on the consequences of ecological devastation as it is loaded with sci-fi references, subtle calls to environmental activism, and enough chilly moments to have you looking over your shoulder on your next hike out into the woods, Come Back to the Swamp will have readers (and listeners!) looking over their shoulders the next time they go walking alone out into the wild.
April 20, 2020
What an oddly wonderful bit of fiction! This urban fantasy tale starts off so normal and quickly becomes a little odd and then transforms into wickedly engaging. I really liked the main character. She’s a college student out to study the native plants in a certain test plot of the swamp. Part of her duties are to remove invasive species. My inner biologist immediately connected with Bernice.
Then up pops this elderly woman who looks likes she’s been living rough in the swamp. She claims to actually be the swamp, aware of all the meddling Bernice and her science team are up to. But Bernice is tenacious and won’t be put off so easily. But her stubborn streak puts her and a team mate in a world of hurt.
I loved the little forays into a scifi TV show that Bernice is quite fond off. As she slides further into the mystery of the swamp, her imagination gives her a taste of fantasy, exploring her favorite TV show as a fellow space traveler. This part was really a small part of the book but it gave me several laughs.
The ending did surprise me. I really expected things to end a certain way and instead we get a bit more adventure and two more twists I wasn’t expecting. Very engaging story! 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Chelsea Stephens was a great pick for Bernice, as well as the elderly swamp lady. I really liked how insistent she sounded for the swamp lady, and later, for the swamp itself. Her male voices were masculine and the pacing was good. Each character had their own unique voice. There were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Black Spot Books. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Then up pops this elderly woman who looks likes she’s been living rough in the swamp. She claims to actually be the swamp, aware of all the meddling Bernice and her science team are up to. But Bernice is tenacious and won’t be put off so easily. But her stubborn streak puts her and a team mate in a world of hurt.
I loved the little forays into a scifi TV show that Bernice is quite fond off. As she slides further into the mystery of the swamp, her imagination gives her a taste of fantasy, exploring her favorite TV show as a fellow space traveler. This part was really a small part of the book but it gave me several laughs.
The ending did surprise me. I really expected things to end a certain way and instead we get a bit more adventure and two more twists I wasn’t expecting. Very engaging story! 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Chelsea Stephens was a great pick for Bernice, as well as the elderly swamp lady. I really liked how insistent she sounded for the swamp lady, and later, for the swamp itself. Her male voices were masculine and the pacing was good. Each character had their own unique voice. There were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Black Spot Books. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
April 28, 2020
Bernice is a Master's degree student, spending her summer with plants in the a swamp and daydreaming of her favorite sci-fi tv show. She is fighting the unwinnable fight of trying to rid the swamp of an invasive species when an old, mud-caked woman appeared. She claims to be the swamp, and she want's something from Bernice. What follows is a fast paced ride filled with terror, thrills, and mystical powers. Laura Morrison weaves a thrilling story from start to finish, and takes us all along for the ride.
Personal thoughts -
I enjoyed this book, it was a nice, light read at only about 140 pages. Laura did a great job at creating really likable, compelling characters. You can tell that she has a strong passion for the areas botany and swampland preservation by the way she describes the setting. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with any passions that line up with that, otherwise it is a nice, thrilling ride as you see Bernice deal with everything that comes her way in the story!
I will say that I do feel that there were moments were the story started to feel a little repetitive or stale, with things being repeated multiple times in a row. It took me out of the story for a few moments, but since this story is a nice, short length I wasn't too upset.
Final thoughts -
An enjoyable read by a passionate author is something I can always get behind. Throw in some nice scares and a chilling atmosphere and I felt right at home. There wasn't anything that really blew me away, but I wasn't bored either, so if the story or setting interests you in any way, I would highly encourage picking this book up!
Thank you to Netgalley for my review copy of the book.
Personal thoughts -
I enjoyed this book, it was a nice, light read at only about 140 pages. Laura did a great job at creating really likable, compelling characters. You can tell that she has a strong passion for the areas botany and swampland preservation by the way she describes the setting. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with any passions that line up with that, otherwise it is a nice, thrilling ride as you see Bernice deal with everything that comes her way in the story!
I will say that I do feel that there were moments were the story started to feel a little repetitive or stale, with things being repeated multiple times in a row. It took me out of the story for a few moments, but since this story is a nice, short length I wasn't too upset.
Final thoughts -
An enjoyable read by a passionate author is something I can always get behind. Throw in some nice scares and a chilling atmosphere and I felt right at home. There wasn't anything that really blew me away, but I wasn't bored either, so if the story or setting interests you in any way, I would highly encourage picking this book up!
Thank you to Netgalley for my review copy of the book.
March 16, 2020
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Come Back to the Swamp was a very quick read, closer to a short story than a novella. Despite this, Bernice and Kevin were sympathetic characters, and their development helped drive the story forward. The swamp setting was unique, and one I enjoyed, though the magical link and powers of its caretaker was left somewhat underexplained. Likewise, the story’s antagonist was not given as much motivation or backstory as I would have liked; and the lack of twists or depth in Come Back to the Swam p’s plot did make the story less exciting than it could have been.
That’s not to say that there wasn’t tension. I enjoyed seeing Bernice and Kevin interact, and I liked the dilemma Bernice faced later in the novel as she came to terms with everything that had changed over the course of the story. I wasn’t overly fond of the conclusion of this story, but it was satisfying. I wish that more world building had happened to provide more motivation for Bernice and Rebecca alike, but given the short length of this story it was well constructed and fun. The ridiculous nature of some of the situations faced, the swamp setting and the surprisingly heart-warming moments in this story all reminded me of Molly Harper’s Mystic Bayou series, and I think anyone who enjoyed that series will enjoy Come Back to the Swamp, available August 4th, 2020.
Come Back to the Swamp was a very quick read, closer to a short story than a novella. Despite this, Bernice and Kevin were sympathetic characters, and their development helped drive the story forward. The swamp setting was unique, and one I enjoyed, though the magical link and powers of its caretaker was left somewhat underexplained. Likewise, the story’s antagonist was not given as much motivation or backstory as I would have liked; and the lack of twists or depth in Come Back to the Swam p’s plot did make the story less exciting than it could have been.
That’s not to say that there wasn’t tension. I enjoyed seeing Bernice and Kevin interact, and I liked the dilemma Bernice faced later in the novel as she came to terms with everything that had changed over the course of the story. I wasn’t overly fond of the conclusion of this story, but it was satisfying. I wish that more world building had happened to provide more motivation for Bernice and Rebecca alike, but given the short length of this story it was well constructed and fun. The ridiculous nature of some of the situations faced, the swamp setting and the surprisingly heart-warming moments in this story all reminded me of Molly Harper’s Mystic Bayou series, and I think anyone who enjoyed that series will enjoy Come Back to the Swamp, available August 4th, 2020.
July 22, 2018
-ARC Review, was given a copy to review by the publisher in exchange for a honest review-
9.5/10
I walked in reading this book with very few expectations; I have never read anything by this author before, but I was interested in the book because of the interesting premise and the fact that the author happens to be an environmental scientist and obviously knows a thing or two about the subject that this book covers. This book offers sharp witticisms and well-written passages that joins together as a whole that ultimately brings out a fascinatingly creepy and intriguing setting that the author obviously seemed to have an invested interest in exploring further.
This book had been an amazing read for me during the last couple of days, as I finished it in one sitting due to the amazing writing and the intrinsic value offered by the book as it concluded on a philosophical note that brought the character development within the story full circle.
Would recommend to junior-to-high-school level readers interested in Urban Fantasy dealing with the themes surrounding the environment and/or well-written fiction with a platonic relationship between the female protagonist and the male protagonist with flavoured geeking out over Lord of the Rings sprinkled in here and there. This book was an enriching read that offer an interesting setting where the events took place and is bound to fascinate.
9.5/10
I walked in reading this book with very few expectations; I have never read anything by this author before, but I was interested in the book because of the interesting premise and the fact that the author happens to be an environmental scientist and obviously knows a thing or two about the subject that this book covers. This book offers sharp witticisms and well-written passages that joins together as a whole that ultimately brings out a fascinatingly creepy and intriguing setting that the author obviously seemed to have an invested interest in exploring further.
This book had been an amazing read for me during the last couple of days, as I finished it in one sitting due to the amazing writing and the intrinsic value offered by the book as it concluded on a philosophical note that brought the character development within the story full circle.
Would recommend to junior-to-high-school level readers interested in Urban Fantasy dealing with the themes surrounding the environment and/or well-written fiction with a platonic relationship between the female protagonist and the male protagonist with flavoured geeking out over Lord of the Rings sprinkled in here and there. This book was an enriching read that offer an interesting setting where the events took place and is bound to fascinate.
June 3, 2020
Come Back to the Swamp by Laura Morrison is one of those novella that you can just imagine on the screen. The story is simple. Bernice, a graduate student is in the swamp trying to help clear out non-native plants when she runs into an old woman who claims she is the swamp. Using superhuman strength and speed, she drives Bernice out of the swamp. This starts a chain of events that really does feel like an episode of the new Creepshow or Twilight Zone TV series.. There are so many classic elements of suspense and horror that there is no denying the skills that Morrison possesses to make this story strong and keep the reader’s interest. There are many ways that this story could have been told in a way that makes it impossible to get into, but in this case, the writing and the pace feel just right. The way that this feels slow and deliberate throughout builds the tension and the ending is satisfying. Overall the entire story is entertaining, and I loved the way that it progressed. There is not much else to say about this novella. I enjoyed the time I spent reading it, and I will be excited if I learned that it is being adapted into a movie or TV show. I will definitely be recommending this to my horror reading friends.
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2020
Bernice is an ecology grad student doing research in a swamp. She is cutting away branches on an invasive species when she hears a voice. She stops cutting and looks around. Seeing no one, she continues cutting when an old crazy looking woman appears saying stop cutting, you’re hurting me. Bernice tells her no I am not, I am just cutting these branches. The old woman tells her that she is the swamp and it hurts her when Bernice cuts the branches. Becoming scare, she decides to leave and call her superior to tell her about the experience she had in the swamp. The superior isn’t very sympathetic but finally offers another grad student (male) to go with her to the swamp. Bernice decides not to take the offer. When she goes back to the swamp, she is told by the old woman, that if she comes back again, she will be sorry. Why? What will the old woman do? Will Bernice go back?
This creepy story is well written. I wondered at first what the old lady was going to do. My favorite part was Bernice as she made decisions about what to do and followed through with it. The ending surprised me but I thought it was perfect. This is not a story to be missed!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This creepy story is well written. I wondered at first what the old lady was going to do. My favorite part was Bernice as she made decisions about what to do and followed through with it. The ending surprised me but I thought it was perfect. This is not a story to be missed!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
June 19, 2018
Ebook/ARC/Paranormal: I got this short story from the publisher in lieu of an honest review. It is an easy read that I started and finished in a few hours one afternoon while waiting for the refrigerator repairman.
This book starts out more like a horror book than science fiction as the situation is paranormal, much like my favorite book, The Ruins. Once you accept that, it is what it is, the story goes smoothly. Since I was given an ebook, I couldn't cheat and peek at the ending because I really did worry about the main character's safety. Bernice is spiraling down during the book. While things level out for a moment, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I did want more, but this was a short story. I wanted more background on the swamp woman. I did understand the psychology of each character's motivation, I kept on thinking of what the swamp's metaphor was or I was looking for foreshadowing of what the ending was.
As for it being a short story, I think this story would be better as part of a anthology collection, not a standalone.
This book starts out more like a horror book than science fiction as the situation is paranormal, much like my favorite book, The Ruins. Once you accept that, it is what it is, the story goes smoothly. Since I was given an ebook, I couldn't cheat and peek at the ending because I really did worry about the main character's safety. Bernice is spiraling down during the book. While things level out for a moment, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I did want more, but this was a short story. I wanted more background on the swamp woman. I did understand the psychology of each character's motivation, I kept on thinking of what the swamp's metaphor was or I was looking for foreshadowing of what the ending was.
As for it being a short story, I think this story would be better as part of a anthology collection, not a standalone.
June 1, 2020
Come back to the Swamp was a novella about a graduate student, Bernice, researching invasive species at Clearly Swamp. A fateful encounter with an old lady who tells her she is the hand of the swamp gives Bernice the opportunity to become the caretaker of the swamp itself. I found the magical realism angle of becoming one with the swamp and saving it interesting. Considering that Bernice was researching invasive species and the old lady had the power but not the motivation to get rid of them made me curious about what had called the old lady to the swamp. The repetitive sentence structures and certain unnecessary details were a little distracting from the plot. Bernice and Kevin's character could have been more fleshed out.
Overall, the novella was engaging and fast-paced. It made me think about the calling of nature and different ways in which care for nature can be manifested.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a complimentary review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, the novella was engaging and fast-paced. It made me think about the calling of nature and different ways in which care for nature can be manifested.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a complimentary review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2021
This is a short piece of fiction that packs a punch. It has an ominous atmosphere and conveys a lot of background information to complete the tale, but for me, I did not feel that sense of completion, although I should have.
We have our lead protagonist trying to save a swamp from invasive species when she encounters an odd woman. What happens next is basically the entire story. We have a total of three or four characters featuring in the book as a whole which is a rare occurrence. I cannot really say anything more except that the writing is smooth, and it did not feel like a complicated scenario, although there are magical realism feels to the main plotline. Also, it can be read by people of any age, given the simplicity of the delivery. I felt like it could even be categorized as mildly horror-based, although no one else has labelled it as such on Goodreads.
I received this book as an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
We have our lead protagonist trying to save a swamp from invasive species when she encounters an odd woman. What happens next is basically the entire story. We have a total of three or four characters featuring in the book as a whole which is a rare occurrence. I cannot really say anything more except that the writing is smooth, and it did not feel like a complicated scenario, although there are magical realism feels to the main plotline. Also, it can be read by people of any age, given the simplicity of the delivery. I felt like it could even be categorized as mildly horror-based, although no one else has labelled it as such on Goodreads.
I received this book as an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
June 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this story, you get a real feeling for how much the author enjoyed writing it and their love for the subject matter.
It's an almost familiar narrative, the swamp needs a human caretaker and will go to extraordinary lengths to make sure it gets what it needs. While that is definitely creepy, you don't get the feeling that the swamp is 'evil' - it's just a force of nature doing what it has to to survive.
I felt that the characters could do with a bit more fine tuning, they don't seem to have much depth beyond their immediate panic and I think that it could make all the difference to the story. Bernice fights against the swamp's desire to make her its caretaker, but as far as we know she hasn't really got much else on to keep her busy...
I really hope that the author has more stories where this came from because I am a convert to the genre of supernatural ecology now!
It's an almost familiar narrative, the swamp needs a human caretaker and will go to extraordinary lengths to make sure it gets what it needs. While that is definitely creepy, you don't get the feeling that the swamp is 'evil' - it's just a force of nature doing what it has to to survive.
I felt that the characters could do with a bit more fine tuning, they don't seem to have much depth beyond their immediate panic and I think that it could make all the difference to the story. Bernice fights against the swamp's desire to make her its caretaker, but as far as we know she hasn't really got much else on to keep her busy...
I really hope that the author has more stories where this came from because I am a convert to the genre of supernatural ecology now!
April 8, 2020
Audiobook Review April 2020
Story 4 Stars
Performance 5 Stars
Overall 4 Stars
COME BACK TO THE SWAMP reminded me of a spooky, intriguing episode of the Twilight Zone. The novella is bizarre and twisted, but with a message - beware of your ecological footprint. While not preachy, the author makes known her ecological views as she seamlessly weaves science and magic together. I love the supernatural aspect of the story. Adding a voice to the swamp was an interesting and thought provoking point of view. I will certainly think twice before spraying Roundup on my weeds and will be looking over my shoulder for a forest woman to appear and yell at me.
Chelsea Stephens did a spectacular job of being the voice of the swamp and truly bringing this book to life. I previously read the book but having experienced the audio version was amazing.
Story 4 Stars
Performance 5 Stars
Overall 4 Stars
COME BACK TO THE SWAMP reminded me of a spooky, intriguing episode of the Twilight Zone. The novella is bizarre and twisted, but with a message - beware of your ecological footprint. While not preachy, the author makes known her ecological views as she seamlessly weaves science and magic together. I love the supernatural aspect of the story. Adding a voice to the swamp was an interesting and thought provoking point of view. I will certainly think twice before spraying Roundup on my weeds and will be looking over my shoulder for a forest woman to appear and yell at me.
Chelsea Stephens did a spectacular job of being the voice of the swamp and truly bringing this book to life. I previously read the book but having experienced the audio version was amazing.
May 7, 2020
I loved how the author wove the mysteries of Cleary Swamp into a tale full of magic. Her thought provoking message about the defiling of our ecosystem was perfectly nestled into the plot without distracting from the characters. It was done in a truly unique and creative way showing off the authors' accomplished writing skills. I thoroughly enjoyed the creepy swamp hag the most. Trying to figure out her back story and visualizing her supernatural strength and abilities made the book for me. Just hearing the narrator speak as "the swamp" gave me goose bumps for hours. This novella had the perfect amount of details, but I would love if there ends up being a follow up or a prequel featuring the swamp hag. I could easily get addicted to more from Cleary Swamp.
I listened to the audio book version of this book and have to give high praise to the narrator, Chelsea Stephens.
I listened to the audio book version of this book and have to give high praise to the narrator, Chelsea Stephens.
August 24, 2018
This is a very quick read (just over 100 pages) with elements of mild eerie horror and science fiction. The main character Bernice is spunky and likeable and her reactions to the unbelievable situation are completely relatable adding a bit of humor. The swamp and creepy old woman feel like nightmare fuel and I won't be venturing into one anytime soon, I like how this played out, it was unpredictable but not overly twisty. The ending was kind of nicely satisfying. The dialogue might seem a bit silly at times but it fits the relaxed personalities of the characters. Honestly this could have been five stars for a short story but the way the main characters name was repeated over and over seemed unnecessary but may not be a distraction for everyone. Overall an enjoyable quick read.
April 15, 2018
COME BACK TO THE SWAMP reminded me of a spooky, intriguing episode of the Twilight Zone. The novella is bizarre and twisted, but with a message - beware of your ecological footprint. While not preachy, the author makes known her ecological views as she seamlessly weaves science and magic together. I love the supernatural aspect of the story. Adding a voice to the swamp was an interesting and thought provoking point of view. I will certainly think twice before spraying Roundup on my weeds and will be looking over my shoulder for a forest woman to appear and yell at me.
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