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sea_caummisar's review
4.0
This sure was 'different'. From the very beginning, the author sets a perfect scene for something spooky to happen. The main character is quirky, yet likeable at the same time.
From bizarre events- a weird new neighbor, a rain storm, rats- to reading Betsy's perspective of reality is interesting ( to say the least).
From bizarre events- a weird new neighbor, a rain storm, rats- to reading Betsy's perspective of reality is interesting ( to say the least).
anna_reads_horror's review
4.0
Wow this was creepy as hell. Very much reminded me of 'We Spread' by Ian Reid.
aratecla_the_bookrat's review
4.0
I received the audiobook by the narrator Jennifer Pickens and this is my honest review.
First of all I loved the narration and how Jennifer Pickens really conveyed the characters and their points of view!
This is a weird dark story that left me with mixed feelings. I hated the main character Betsy, although I pitied her at times as well. Without revealing any spoilers, I hated this story because of the theme (very personal to me), but I also loved it as it is very well written and I have to praise the ability of the writer.
The author managed to create such a dark and eerie atmosphere that it draws you in from the start, and without actually explaining what is going on, we are left with Betsy's interpretation of the events, creating even more ambiguousness, and also leaving space to the reader's interpretation, which I thought was brilliant!
In this version there is also a novella wich goes in parallel with the main story but follows different characters.
As the title suggets, the darkness is the focus and this is so well depicted that as I was listening to the narration, all the events played in my head with a chiaroscuro lighting so as to amplify the experience. I do recommend this story and in particular the audiobook version as the narrator was brilliant!
First of all I loved the narration and how Jennifer Pickens really conveyed the characters and their points of view!
This is a weird dark story that left me with mixed feelings. I hated the main character Betsy, although I pitied her at times as well. Without revealing any spoilers, I hated this story because of the theme (very personal to me), but I also loved it as it is very well written and I have to praise the ability of the writer.
The author managed to create such a dark and eerie atmosphere that it draws you in from the start, and without actually explaining what is going on, we are left with Betsy's interpretation of the events, creating even more ambiguousness, and also leaving space to the reader's interpretation, which I thought was brilliant!
In this version there is also a novella wich goes in parallel with the main story but follows different characters.
As the title suggets, the darkness is the focus and this is so well depicted that as I was listening to the narration, all the events played in my head with a chiaroscuro lighting so as to amplify the experience. I do recommend this story and in particular the audiobook version as the narrator was brilliant!
masteryoda716's review
5.0
Jones composes layers in his stories and The Dark Side of the Room is no exception! Both the novella and short story included in the extended edition of this book pulled me toward the shadow and scared me from what lurked within all while tenderly touching on the memories one loses with age and time. Tyler Jones just has a way of writing characters you care about and empathize with and that's a skill that I value greatly in a storyteller. Wonderful book and perfect for spooky season but there's also depth and quality of writing that makes this a great read any time of year!
apagecastingwitch's review
4.0
This is a really powerful one. I know the deeper meaning will be lost to many, but this is actually pretty heartbreaking when you look past the *creepy exterior*. Betsy may be losing the memories she’s tried to hold close, but at least she has her cats!
Also: new found fear of rats. Cool.
Also: new found fear of rats. Cool.
pbanditp's review
4.0
The dark encroaches
Betsy has troubles remembering. Luckily, she has a room in her mind where all of her best memories are kept. But even in her mind, the darkness is invading, blocking out memories forever.
The dark also spills out into her real world. In her small apartment, with only her cats for company, she sees things from the corner of her mind. The dark is closing in and, in the shape of rats, the dark is consuming all that is important to her. This isn’t just in her head, her neighbors are also feeling the bite of the dark.
Quick story but a slow burn. Little pockets of tension build up to a big finale
Betsy has troubles remembering. Luckily, she has a room in her mind where all of her best memories are kept. But even in her mind, the darkness is invading, blocking out memories forever.
The dark also spills out into her real world. In her small apartment, with only her cats for company, she sees things from the corner of her mind. The dark is closing in and, in the shape of rats, the dark is consuming all that is important to her. This isn’t just in her head, her neighbors are also feeling the bite of the dark.
Quick story but a slow burn. Little pockets of tension build up to a big finale
storyphoria's review
4.0
What if the darkness in our minds crossed over to the real world only to begin consuming all we hold dear? It’s a strong story concept, but will it stick the landing?
While The Dark Side of the Room is a very different story than that in Criterium Jones’s writing style is consistently impactful and focused on bringing us along with wonderful characters facing the worst possible side of problems many wrestle with every day. Be it addiction problems, memory and dementia problems, or grief and loss, he has a way of taking these issues and twisting them into heartfelt and gut punching horror stories.
I highly recommend adding both The Dark Side of the Room and Criterium to your shelf if you are a fan of character and emotion driven horror novella’s.
Full review on the site soon at:
https://aicpod.com/category/blog/
And in audio form on the podcast in the near future on the AIC Stories feed.
While The Dark Side of the Room is a very different story than that in Criterium Jones’s writing style is consistently impactful and focused on bringing us along with wonderful characters facing the worst possible side of problems many wrestle with every day. Be it addiction problems, memory and dementia problems, or grief and loss, he has a way of taking these issues and twisting them into heartfelt and gut punching horror stories.
I highly recommend adding both The Dark Side of the Room and Criterium to your shelf if you are a fan of character and emotion driven horror novella’s.
Full review on the site soon at:
https://aicpod.com/category/blog/
And in audio form on the podcast in the near future on the AIC Stories feed.
misterkyle1901's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
readbydusk's review
4.0
A visceral and emotionally resonant horror story. Betsy is an unreliable narrator and the book makes some interesting character choices for her. She’s judgemental and has some harsh thoughts about the people in her building. She also has a bad history with her estranged daughter, though I wish this is explained further. But her loss of memories is quite harrowing, and despite not actually liking her, I did feel bad for Betsy.
I expected a straightforward psychological horror but surprisingly it went down a grislier path, with some gruesome scenes involving rats. The final third of the book ramps up the action in a shocking way. I'm not entirely convinced at the resolution, which left me wanting. But I really liked the book’s exploration of how memories play a huge part in shaping a person’s experience. It’s a haunting book about a flawed character whose life isn’t entirely hers, but she’s willing to fight for it until the end.
CW: graphic violence, animal death
book blog | twitter | instagram
I expected a straightforward psychological horror but surprisingly it went down a grislier path, with some gruesome scenes involving rats. The final third of the book ramps up the action in a shocking way. I'm not entirely convinced at the resolution, which left me wanting. But I really liked the book’s exploration of how memories play a huge part in shaping a person’s experience. It’s a haunting book about a flawed character whose life isn’t entirely hers, but she’s willing to fight for it until the end.
CW: graphic violence, animal death
book blog | twitter | instagram
thebookdad's review
5.0
Betsy Lupino is an elderly woman who lives in a dilapidated fourth storey apartment with her six cats. Her felines are all she has in this world due to the ongoing battle with an ever-growing darkness in her mind. Now, the devouring shadows have seeped into her reality and threaten to viscerally consume anyone and anything in its path.
I must be a sucker for punishment because I only just finished Criterium which was a gut wrenching emotional rollercoaster to then jump directly into Jones's newest novella. Much like Criterium, I was completely engrossed by the story. The Dark Side of the Room gives the reader's a very different experience from Jones's first book but in no way was I disappointed. It is thrilling, edgy and VISCERAL. The thing I like most about the author's writing is his amazing ability to write characters that are compelling and relatable. Zach Ayers from Criterium and now Betsy Lupino from The Dark Side of the Room are these unforgettable characters who are likeable and flawed. I think its characters like these that make the story resonate with readers and establishes a deep connection with each and every scene.
The Dark Side of the Room delves deep into the horror of a mind devoured by darkness. This book will leave readers with a creeping sense of dread that is all-consuming from start to finish. Tyler Jones is an extremely talented writer who crafts some of the most compelling stories I've read in the horror genre. His books will always have a place on my shelf.
The Dark Side of the Room by Tyler Jones
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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I must be a sucker for punishment because I only just finished Criterium which was a gut wrenching emotional rollercoaster to then jump directly into Jones's newest novella. Much like Criterium, I was completely engrossed by the story. The Dark Side of the Room gives the reader's a very different experience from Jones's first book but in no way was I disappointed. It is thrilling, edgy and VISCERAL. The thing I like most about the author's writing is his amazing ability to write characters that are compelling and relatable. Zach Ayers from Criterium and now Betsy Lupino from The Dark Side of the Room are these unforgettable characters who are likeable and flawed. I think its characters like these that make the story resonate with readers and establishes a deep connection with each and every scene.
The Dark Side of the Room delves deep into the horror of a mind devoured by darkness. This book will leave readers with a creeping sense of dread that is all-consuming from start to finish. Tyler Jones is an extremely talented writer who crafts some of the most compelling stories I've read in the horror genre. His books will always have a place on my shelf.
The Dark Side of the Room by Tyler Jones
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
HORROR FICTION NEWSLETTER
https://horrornewsletter.com/signup
IG: INSTAGRAM.COM/THE.BOOK.DAD
TW: TWITTER.COM/THEBOOKDAD
FB: FACEBOOK.COM/THEBOOKDAD
GR: GOODREADS.COM/ANDREWFOWLOW