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theliteraryhooker's review
4.0
Not taking down my review, but note that I no longer support Matt Hayward in any way, and will not be reading/reviewing works he is involved with going forward.
**Full review HERE at The Literary Hooker. Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Guys, this book is a fucking trip! It's been a while since I've had this much fun with a book. It's hilarious, it's gross, it's creepy, it's touching...this book gave me a lot of very conflicting feels and I loved every second!
The writing in this book is awesome. So often, collaborative projects end up feeling a little clunky because the authors' styles just don't fully mesh, but this book is seamless. Ford and Hayward clearly jive, because at no point could I pick out a section and say "oh yeah, this is where things switched off." I also loved, LOVED all the little witticisms and descriptions thrown in, they definitely had me chuckling more than once. The story is completely unique, and while I had a couple of points where I had to remind myself not to think too hard about the specifics and just enjoy the ride, for the most part everything weaves together in a rewarding way. I wish we'd spent a bit more time with the Crimson Sisters, and I would have liked a little more detail on the mechanics of the wishes, but honestly this book is so much fucking fun that I can look past the areas that lack a bit of detail.
This book is a seriously fun read. I was hooked from the very first page and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it. It has a couple tiny weak points, but really the story as a whole is strong, original and just SO. DAMN. FUN. Highly recommend grabbing this one if you need a bit of a creepy laugh in your life (and really, who doesn't?)!
**Full review HERE at The Literary Hooker. Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Guys, this book is a fucking trip! It's been a while since I've had this much fun with a book. It's hilarious, it's gross, it's creepy, it's touching...this book gave me a lot of very conflicting feels and I loved every second!
The writing in this book is awesome. So often, collaborative projects end up feeling a little clunky because the authors' styles just don't fully mesh, but this book is seamless. Ford and Hayward clearly jive, because at no point could I pick out a section and say "oh yeah, this is where things switched off." I also loved, LOVED all the little witticisms and descriptions thrown in, they definitely had me chuckling more than once. The story is completely unique, and while I had a couple of points where I had to remind myself not to think too hard about the specifics and just enjoy the ride, for the most part everything weaves together in a rewarding way. I wish we'd spent a bit more time with the Crimson Sisters, and I would have liked a little more detail on the mechanics of the wishes, but honestly this book is so much fucking fun that I can look past the areas that lack a bit of detail.
This book is a seriously fun read. I was hooked from the very first page and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it. It has a couple tiny weak points, but really the story as a whole is strong, original and just SO. DAMN. FUN. Highly recommend grabbing this one if you need a bit of a creepy laugh in your life (and really, who doesn't?)!
jenlor1's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tracyreads's review
5.0
“…that thought was soon drowned out by something much more frightening; something that made the walls of prison seem like a good idea. That child’s notes kept their word.”
This book rocks. End of review. I kid, of course, but as with any book that I truly enjoy, it’s hard to write a review that doesn’t fangirl all over the place or give away entirely too much of the novel. Have no fear of spoilers, but I cannot guarantee there won’t be some moments of cheerleading.
As mentioned in the synopsis above, this novel mainly focuses on Joe Openshaw and his slow reintroduction into society after a stint in prison, thanks largely to a wicked heroin addiction. He is flawed, resilient, and engaging. His relationship with his father is touching and REAL. There are problems, devastation, and a true sense of a father/son relationship. This is the part that dug its claws into my heart, and probably one of the reasons I’m still thinking about this book a week after reading it.
The remaining cast of characters aren’t just props, however. They are fully realized and we learn more about them organically as the story naturally progresses. There are no tedious info dumps or poorly done flashbacks. Even the characters with the smallest part to play add a richness to the novel.
“You can’t get through this damned life without carrying some kind of debt. Some’s forced on you and others you take on yourself. But sooner or later, payment comes due.”
As with some of my favorite novels, horror or not, this story provides a deeper meaning to it all. How far is too far to get what you want? Where is the line between right and wrong/love and hate? I liked the integration of this – it’s not gimmicky or “over done”; it just is. As a collaboration, this factor alone shows the writing chops of both Ford and Hayward.
BUT WAIT! This isn’t all gloom and doom and deep, emotional thoughts. There are parts of this book that made me CRY WITH LAUGHTER. I had to put the book down and wipe my face. So much so that I had to take a moment to message Matt and Bob and share my joy. I DO NOT normally do this – but who could I tell??? I knew I was one of the first to read it and there was no way I’d risk spoiling something this hilarious for anyone else. They were, thankfully, gracious about my message – I enjoyed sharing it with them. I cannot wait for all of my bookish friends to read this and hear their reactions.
To close, this book drew me in and made me laugh. Made me cry with happiness and sadness. Made my heart race with anxiety. And kept me guessing until the very end. This is a must read and is solidly in my top 10 books for 2019. You’re going to love it.
This book rocks. End of review. I kid, of course, but as with any book that I truly enjoy, it’s hard to write a review that doesn’t fangirl all over the place or give away entirely too much of the novel. Have no fear of spoilers, but I cannot guarantee there won’t be some moments of cheerleading.
As mentioned in the synopsis above, this novel mainly focuses on Joe Openshaw and his slow reintroduction into society after a stint in prison, thanks largely to a wicked heroin addiction. He is flawed, resilient, and engaging. His relationship with his father is touching and REAL. There are problems, devastation, and a true sense of a father/son relationship. This is the part that dug its claws into my heart, and probably one of the reasons I’m still thinking about this book a week after reading it.
The remaining cast of characters aren’t just props, however. They are fully realized and we learn more about them organically as the story naturally progresses. There are no tedious info dumps or poorly done flashbacks. Even the characters with the smallest part to play add a richness to the novel.
“You can’t get through this damned life without carrying some kind of debt. Some’s forced on you and others you take on yourself. But sooner or later, payment comes due.”
As with some of my favorite novels, horror or not, this story provides a deeper meaning to it all. How far is too far to get what you want? Where is the line between right and wrong/love and hate? I liked the integration of this – it’s not gimmicky or “over done”; it just is. As a collaboration, this factor alone shows the writing chops of both Ford and Hayward.
BUT WAIT! This isn’t all gloom and doom and deep, emotional thoughts. There are parts of this book that made me CRY WITH LAUGHTER. I had to put the book down and wipe my face. So much so that I had to take a moment to message Matt and Bob and share my joy. I DO NOT normally do this – but who could I tell??? I knew I was one of the first to read it and there was no way I’d risk spoiling something this hilarious for anyone else. They were, thankfully, gracious about my message – I enjoyed sharing it with them. I cannot wait for all of my bookish friends to read this and hear their reactions.
To close, this book drew me in and made me laugh. Made me cry with happiness and sadness. Made my heart race with anxiety. And kept me guessing until the very end. This is a must read and is solidly in my top 10 books for 2019. You’re going to love it.
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