Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks

3 reviews

thecrimsoncorsair's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I will give it up to Max Brooks. He did write a story with the most unlikable characters imaginable. So unlikable that I was actively rooting for all of their deaths for a good chunk of the book, and managed to make some (SOME) of them into pretty enjoyable people by the end. Except Mostar, she was da real mvp from the start. I was so annoyed by these characters that I was going to quit the book at the beginning, but I'm glad I kept going, because this was a hell of a book. Not great. And has very strong, libs need to man up and embrace them their killing side vibes. Like there was an entire spiel about the neighborhood not having any guns and how that was just so awful of those weak willed libs 🤢 but I loved the tension, and the survival aspects. And the growth of the main character. And I wish he wouldn't have left the ending so open ended. I hate open ended endings. But overall, this was a fun read. Brutal. Not anywhere as good as World War Z. But entertaining in its own way. I would say my only other issue that kinda squicked me out was the way he characterized the lesbian couple. I don't know I didn't like how he portrayed them in the beginning, and ofc one of them was domineering, controlling and seemingly abusive of her wife. It just really rubbed me the wrong way. As I stated though. Fun book, interesting read, didn't think I would like it as I've never particularly been interested in Bigfoot stuff. But he did a good job keeping you invested until the end of the novel. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kt2e56's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I am genuinely blown away by this book and it’s ability to get me so invested in what sounds like the most absurd premise ever. It’s unbelievably gory, super tense and suspenseful, and filled with some memorable characters (Mostar, my beloved MVP <3). Hell, it even made me start to love the main character and author of the “journal” we’re reading, Kate.
She goes from being a sniveling, whiny, judgmental asshole to a fucking unstoppable force and terrifying predator. That entire last speech from Kate’s brother gave me chills.
That’s another bit I liked about this book! How journal entries are broken up by interviews with folks who discovered the aftermath, along with some quotes, and other fascinating pieces of world-building. Anyway, this was fucking awesome. Definitely read it if you’re looking for something creepy without being too scary.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

mermaidsherbet's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...