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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
"Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak is a captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book offers an unconventional and enjoyable narrative filled with mysteries that carry a creepy, supernatural vibe. However, one of the standout features of the book is its reliance on illustrations, which add an indispensable layer to the story. If you choose to read this one, I would highly recommend reading the print version over the audio one, as the illustrations enhance the overall experience.
The book cleverly weaves a web of clues that keep readers engaged, and while you might attempt to solve the mysteries within, the unexpected twist will likely catch you off guard. Nonetheless, it's important to note that "Hidden Pictures" occasionally stretches believability to a great extent, challenging readers to suspend their disbelief. This may be, in part, why it is so difficult to predict the twist.
One aspect that warrants a fair warning is that some readers have perceived the book as having a right-wing agenda, with elements that could be interpreted as racist or transphobic. While I, as a reader, am typically sensitive to such issues and prefer to escape political rhetoric when reading fiction, I did not feel that the book had a particular agenda. Instead, I interpreted it as portraying flawed characters who exhibit these traits, reflecting the imperfect individuals we encounter in society. In hindsight and after reading some other reviews, I can certainly understand how the inclusion of such characters and themes, and the manner in which aspects of the story were portrayed, may be perceived as problematic or objectionable to some.
In the end, I did enjoy the book. The narrative, the pictures, and the unexpected twists make it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a blend of the supernatural with their mysteries.
The book cleverly weaves a web of clues that keep readers engaged, and while you might attempt to solve the mysteries within, the unexpected twist will likely catch you off guard. Nonetheless, it's important to note that "Hidden Pictures" occasionally stretches believability to a great extent, challenging readers to suspend their disbelief. This may be, in part, why it is so difficult to predict the twist.
One aspect that warrants a fair warning is that some readers have perceived the book as having a right-wing agenda, with elements that could be interpreted as racist or transphobic. While I, as a reader, am typically sensitive to such issues and prefer to escape political rhetoric when reading fiction, I did not feel that the book had a particular agenda. Instead, I interpreted it as portraying flawed characters who exhibit these traits, reflecting the imperfect individuals we encounter in society. In hindsight and after reading some other reviews, I can certainly understand how the inclusion of such characters and themes, and the manner in which aspects of the story were portrayed, may be perceived as problematic or objectionable to some.
In the end, I did enjoy the book. The narrative, the pictures, and the unexpected twists make it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a blend of the supernatural with their mysteries.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked how fast paced this was, I finished it pretty quickly. I’m a bit upset the research from the beginning of the book isn’t elaborated much at the end, also didn’t like how some topics were mentioned. The general plot was fun to uncover.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
started off promising with potential for a meaningful thread about addiction, but sadly fell into a lazy thriller trope trap towards the end.
Audio. 2.5
I’m a bit confused.… Mallory participated in a psychological test at the beginning of the book. It really wasn’t embraced in the storyline at all. Yes, she heard a buzzing in her head which made her feel like someone was watching. This could have simply been intuition. Why bother to add the testing upfront?
Also, really?! How could she not have known. (You’ll see).
I’m a bit confused.… Mallory participated in a psychological test at the beginning of the book. It really wasn’t embraced in the storyline at all. Yes, she heard a buzzing in her head which made her feel like someone was watching. This could have simply been intuition. Why bother to add the testing upfront?
Also, really?! How could she not have known. (You’ll see).
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pitched as a subversive ghost story.
Was fun in the first 70% and an easy read.
Somehow got to smooth brained anti-trans rhetoric as a lazy and unearned twist.
Was fun in the first 70% and an easy read.
Somehow got to smooth brained anti-trans rhetoric as a lazy and unearned twist.