When I read Hollyhock Asylum I was immediately interested in the book and when I read that Morgan was searching for what happened to her sister Hadleigh before she died I quickly requested this book on NetGalley. Originally, I thought it would be a murder mystery that takes places in an asylum similar to The Clinic, but Chris Panatier created a story that looked at mental health, trauma, grief, sibling bonds and trauma and an insight on the institutes that hold those suffering from various issues.

This book not only created an interesting mystery to find out what led to Hadleigh's death but also opened a dialogue on the idea behind mental health facilities and how they are regulated and watched. Throughout history this was a common issue with mental health facilities. This book also touched on reasoning behind people being sent for help would range from actual mental health issues to "women issues".

This book is a mix of mystery and leads to horror as the story continues - Morgan enters the Hollyhock Asylum under the disguise of Charlotte Turner, a troubled housewife. It quickly becomes evident that there is something wrong with this facility and Morgan mind begins to take on two personalities to deal with all the horrors she has been enduring. Over time Charlotte starts becoming the main personality with the intent to become the dominant personality by getting rid of Morgan. The path that they follow leads to a lot of horrific practices and Morgan starts to see what Hadleigh had to go through while in the asylum.

The atmosphere that was created is absolutely horrific and caused me to become uncomfortable and that showed Panatier's ability to write a genuine horror scene. The mix of police interviews and the events unraveling was a brilliant way to tell this story. It also allows the reader to question what was true and what might have been kept from the reader with the unreliable narrators. recommend this book for those that like a little mystery with a horror with a lingering questioning about what was actually read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the e-ARC for an honest review!

This book was absolutely brilliant. It grabs you tight and it won't let you go. Panatier managed to mix horror and mystery perfectly. The addition of mixed media was fantastic, and gave the story a more realistic viewpoint for the reader to get immersed in. Great writing, good atmosphere, and I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future.

This is one of those books that you need to sit on for a few days and just let it settle after you read. The take on how people manage grief and loss and just the emotional rollercoaster that you go through is so well represented here.
I hadn't read Panatier's books before but I was so impressed with the way the narrative was handled. You really empathize with Morgan as she navigates Hollyhock and the nightmare that it is. The foreboding atmosphere and mental mindf**k left me mulling over events days after reading them. Absolutely fantastic storytelling. Can not recommend this enough.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Chris Panatier, and Angry Robot for the eARC of The Redemption of Morgan Bright in exchange for an honest review.

It took me so long to read this because I never wanted it to end. You can only ever read something for the first time once, and I knew this would be a book I would wish I could read for the first time again. This book was brilliant, it was gorgeous, so so creative. For people who love gothic cultish asylum horror, love the vibes of Midsommar but with the setting of A Cure for Wellness. Butterflies, flowers, herbs, persimmons, ash. This book made me gasp, it shocked me, I loved it from the very first chapter. I prayed it wouldn't let me down and it never did, through all the wild twists and turns and times my brain felt too smooth to comprehend, I was never let down. I need this book in my possession pronto.

Here are my gathered trigger warnings:
mental asylums, misogyny, child death, miscarriage, forced pregnancy, rape, forced institutionalization, mental illness, stigma, homophobia

I am always looking for a good asylum story and this book hit the spot. The way the author set the scene was really great. I think the way D.I.D was portrayed really fit this story well. It was creepy, spooky, and gave all the vibes you might feel if you were trapped in the same situation of the main characters.

The Redemption of Morgan Bright, set in an unspecified future date (my guess was somewhere around 2100) when women's rights were being rescinded, was a tense, disturbing read.
The setting of an all-female mental hospital with information about real (outdated, barbaric) practices sprinkled throughout definitely upped the creep factor.
The book itself read a little choppy in parts, not due to the constant change in narration or timeline, but it just sometimes felt like I had missed an important moment when I was reading it.

I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.

This novel is told in different formats with interspersed police interviews. I thought this was a fantastic way to tell this story. We have an unreliable narrator so having the context of the police interview and the other perspectives was so helpful and insightful. Our main character can’t trust what’s happening and we get some great reveals through the way the book is written.

This is an extremely unnerving book. It is based around an asylum for women. This centre has a bad history and some disturbing deaths have occurred. In the state this takes place, husbands can have their wives committed for domestic hysteria (which is horrifying). We see some harrowing treatment applied which increase in intensity and unpleasantness as we go through the book. We follow our narrator through her experience at the asylum and her attempts to uncover the strange occurrences taking place there. However she’s at war with herself and often make harmful decisions.

This was a seriously creepy story. It’s a weird and macabre mystery and was a thrilling read. It was entertaining and gripping but I would recommend checking content warnings as there was some unnerving moments.

Up now on Goodreads and live on the blog on 15 April:

What drew me to The Redemption of Morgan Bright was the gorgeous cover (the colours, the flowers, the pupa!), the intriguing title (who is Morgan Bright and why does she need redemption?) and the even more intriguing blurb (honestly, they had me at asylum), and the author, whose debut The Phlebotomist has been on my list for quite a while (thanks to Jo’s review here) and I figured I might as well start with The Redemption of Morgan Bright and work my way back if I liked it. Dear reader, I will definitely work my way back!

Usually around the 50% mark of a proof, I have made up my mind about it, and random sentences of what I might say in my review start popping up in my mind. With this one I never got anything beyond “what the hell is going on”, “what in the fuckity fuck” and “how on earth will I review this one”. Well, I finished it and I still feel that way 😅

The Redemption of Morgan Bright had me questioning everything. The tagline mentions The Truth, but what was the truth and who was telling the truth? I couldn’t be sure. I was kept in the dark for the longest time, and at times I felt sort of lost and confused. While that can be massively annoying, for this story and in this setting it was perfect and I have no doubt I was meant to feel exactly this way.

One thing I did, and do, know, though? The writing was so evocative I saw the whole thing play out before my mind’s eye. Even the bits I really would have preferred not to 😬

While reading, it was clear that the author did his research, and I also much appreciate him clarifying past and present events that inspired and helped shape this book. I’ve also added the books he mentions in his acknowledgments to my list.

If you enjoy speculative fiction that is slightly but magnificently off-key and really rather unsettling with it, I would urge you to give The Redemption of Morgan Bright a try. Even more so should you happen to have a thing for asylum settings and psychiatry practices.

The Redemption of Morgan Bright is out in digital formats and paperback on 23 April.

Massive thanks to Agry Robot and NetGalley for the digital proof. All opinions are my own.

This was absolutely WTF fiction, and I THINK I enjoyed it, but it's hard to say. The writing was very well done, and I felt like I was in a fever dream much of the time. I think that was intentional, so props to Panatier for that. This book wasn't perfect, but it definitely left a mark, and I am still thinking about it days after finishing, which is good. There are some serious trigger warnings, as this does lean toward asylum horror, and it leaves a lot of questions unanswered. If you can handle that, this is definitely a thought provoking journey through grief, guilt, and love.

This was not for me, but it's well written and maybe it'll be for you. The found footage type narrative was interesting if a bit to follow, but I like non-traditional narratives.

That being said, I didn't find the book remotely scary. It was weird, for sure, but not scary. I felt like it was a showcase of trauma and grief but for no real reason and I found it to be sad and upsetting more than anything else.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘳

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5

❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️

This is such a different story. It is kind of confusing, and took a bit for me to understand what was going on. This is unlike any other book I’ve read, I’m not even sure how to put it all in words. Overall it’s such a good story. It was creepy, suspenseful, and unique. Recommend for those who enjoy stories that make you think.

Holy freaking smokes, what a twisted, tortured, brilliantly devious tale. I could barely put it down. Two sisters. An old asylum, reborn. A haunted piece of earth. I love every bit of this: the unreliable narrators, the switches in perspective and point of view, the way the mystery is unravelled both in ways we see and ways we do not see until the end. Wonderfully written and thoroughly gripping.

The synopsis for The Redemption of Morgan Bright explains that a woman checks herself into an asylum to solve the mystery of her sister’s death. When I first started to read it, I was super confused because what was happening wasn’t really following that synopsis. Stick with it though!

Around 25% we start understanding what’s going on. The story is complex but a very unique idea that I enjoyed. Reminds me of Nellie Bly meets Rosemary’s Baby in a sense.

There are a couple main themes represented such as treatment of women, mental illness, sisterhood, and reproductive rights. I love that the author goes on to explain how he was inspired to write the book and that “forced birth is horror.” The book is an exaggerated way to tell that but an important message.

This is my first read from Chris Panatier and I would definitely read more. Thank you to NetGalley, Angry Robot and Chris Panatier for the opportunity to read The Redemption of Morgan Bright. I have written this review voluntarily.

This book was a wild ride! It really took me on a confusing journey but I kind of liked it. It kept me questioning and it all felt very much like a fever dream.

I feel so sorry for Morgan, she felt like a back seat passenger throughout this book, and she did all of this for her sister who by the end of the book definitely didnt seem like she deserved such loyalty.

I don't understand why more people aren't talking about The Redemption of Morgan Bright by Chris Panatier. This book was a horror masterpiece and Chris deserves all the praise for creating such a unique type of horror book.

We follow Morgan Bright, who blames herself for her sister Hadleigh's mysterious death on the road leading away from Hollyhock. After planning and creating a false identity for over a year, Morgan decides to check herself into Hollyhock Psychiatric Hospital as a woman named Charlotte Turner suffering from domestic psychosis. Upon arrival, something is very off about Hollyhock and things take an odd turn as Charlotte steps in.

I thought I had the ending figured out very early on, but of course I was wrong. This is the kind of book that keeps you guessing all the way to the end and even then, I still don't know exactly what I read! Chris has an interesting way to build a story. The Redemption of Morgan Bright is told through witness accounts, police interrogations, text messages, and newspaper clippings causing it to be a tad hard to follow at times, but a very fun puzzle to solve.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was anticipating and haven't stopped thinking about it. Overall I think this was a great read and will be recommending it to anyone and everyone who will listen to me talk about it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Angry Robot, and Chris Panatier for the ARC of this wonderful book.

This was a weird, wild ride. It has so many elements that I love in a story - haunting, mental asylums with crazy practices, and even some very mentally ill characters. I enjoyed this book and was super confused the majority of the time but it all came together in such a weird way.

For anyone who liked American Horror Story Asylum, you MUST read this.

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the this ARC.

I found this such an uncomfortable read. I loved the beginning. I found it difficult to follow, but in a way that felt intentional as it was the switching between the characters and their experiences. This made it interesting. However, I wasn’t a massive fan of the ending (no spoilers).

I felt compelled to finish reading it, but it was definitely a unique story. Not sure I would want to read comparable books in the future (or at least not for a while).

Definitely intriguing and content warnings to be taken seriously.

In Chris Panatier's intriguing psychological thriller, "The Redemption of Morgan Bright," readers are taken on a journey of guilt, identity, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. The novel centers around the mysterious death of Hadleigh Keene, whose sister, Morgan, blames herself for the tragedy. A year later, Morgan, consumed by guilt and determined to find answers, creates a false identity as Charlotte Turner and infiltrates Hollyhock Asylum, the place where Hadleigh died. As Charlotte, Morgan delves into the unsettling world of Hollyhock, where peculiar routines and strange occurrences raise suspicions. The line between reality and illusion blurs as Morgan's assumed identity takes on a life of its own, blurring the boundaries of her true self. Through alternating chapters and perspectives, including police interviews and text messages, the narrative unravels the terrifying reality of Hollyhock, Hadleigh's past, and the secrets that haunt Morgan. Panatier skillfully weaves together the past and present, gradually revealing the events leading up to Hadleigh's death. The reader is kept on the edge as Morgan's investigation deepens, uncovering disturbing truths about the asylum and its staff. The novel delves into the complexities of guilt, grief, and the desperate search for redemption. Morgan's character is well-developed and relatable. Her struggle with guilt and her determination to find closure for her sister's death drives the narrative forward. The supporting characters, though briefly encountered, add depth to the story, each contributing to the overall atmosphere of mystery and unease. The pacing of the novel is steady, building suspense as Morgan uncovers more disturbing details. Panatier's writing style is immersive, effectively capturing the unsettling ambiance of Hollyhock and the turmoil within Morgan's mind. The narrative shifts between past and present, creating a sense of urgency and keeping the reader engaged. Overall, "The Redemption of Morgan Bright" is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Panatier skillfully blends psychological suspense and mystery, creating a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of guilt and the lengths one will go to find redemption. The novel's exploration of identity and the blurring of reality and illusion adds depth to the story, making it a haunting and memorable read.

First of all I love the cover and back matter, and those are what drew me in. An asylum setting is always a winner as far as I'm concerned.
The novel is part epistolary, with excerpts of transcriptions, text messages and historical documents related to the asylum itself which provide valuable insight into what lies beneath the actual story.
One of my favourite movies is A Cure For Wellness, and this has a similar vibe in that the story is NOT your straightforward/predictable tale of someone with mental health issues but something far deeper that includes supernatural elements and keeps the reader guessing. Which brings me on to my next point...if you're expecting the former (i.e. a simple scary story set in an asylum) then you might be disappointed, because this is anything but. The Redemption of Morgan Bright is far more complex. I would describe it as 'a trip of a tale that depicts the nightmarish fervour of the treatment of DID in a uniquely handled way, leaving the reader uncertain of the outcome right to the end.'
There were moments during the reading where I needed to pause and consider the character's plight as well as other things, such as how compliant we are as a species in our interactions with those in authority, how conditioned and unquestioning. It's a terrifying thought, and at times it made me feel claustrophobic.
Of course, the main character is an unreliable narrator, and if you're the kind of reader who requires every question answered and every box ticked it might not be the one for you. However, if you enjoy a challenge and a story that leaves you to consider the reality (if such a thing exists) of what happened, then I highly recommend you read it.
A final note before I finish: An aspect I particularly enjoyed was the use of metaphorical imagery throughout. It provided a surreal mood to the writing, which I personally enjoy.

My thanks to the author and publisher (Angry Robot) for providing an ARC of this novel via Netgalley.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, Angry Robot, for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review of The Redemption of Morgan Bright. This is a beautifully written and emotionally involved story revolving around grief, guilt, and sibling bonds. The story purposefully keeps you confused and guessing what could possibly be occuring within the walls of Hollyhock. I found the horror and suspense to be much more intriguing than the sci-fi/paranormal themes brought into the last quarter of the book. It felt a little out of place and is why I removed a couple stars from my rating. I felt this could have been a great book for horror or thriller lovers, but the sci-fi theme makes me hesitate to recommend it to that group. Alternatively, I feel that true sci-fi lovers will not appreciate the majority of this book because you do not see those pieces until the end. This was a well written book, but it seems like one that won't appeal to everyone.