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netslummer's review against another edition
4.0
When Connor and his mother move back into her dead father's house, Connor starts to hear strange scratching noises and seeing dark humanoid shapes in his basement bedroom.
This was fun for sure. The dialogue between mother and son felt a bit too formal at times? But otherwise this was a fun quick read. Definitely check trigger warnings first.
This was fun for sure. The dialogue between mother and son felt a bit too formal at times? But otherwise this was a fun quick read. Definitely check trigger warnings first.
leeglenwright's review against another edition
4.0
I believe the phrase to use here is 'sucker-punched.'
Following the slow burn of the opening chapters, I was led to believe that I was reading a standard haunted house story when, around the halfway point, things took a sharp left turn into far more grotesque, disturbing territory. Yep, blindsided.
Short and to the point, 'Scratches' isn't without its flaws, but as an assured debut, it promises of great things to come and marks Joshua Marsella as one to watch out for in the future.
Following the slow burn of the opening chapters, I was led to believe that I was reading a standard haunted house story when, around the halfway point, things took a sharp left turn into far more grotesque, disturbing territory. Yep, blindsided.
Short and to the point, 'Scratches' isn't without its flaws, but as an assured debut, it promises of great things to come and marks Joshua Marsella as one to watch out for in the future.
sofeeeee's review against another edition
5.0
Wow this was a truly fantastic book, I really loved it I read the book in 1 day, was absolutely sold on it from page 1. The story and characters developed amazingly well and fluidly, the writer genuinly built an air of tension and fear so well that I was just eager to read more to see what was going. The writer did a fantastic job with this book and I really enjoyed his style. I 10/10 recommend this book to anybody that enjoys horror, I will now be moving on to the next book as I enjoyed this one so much.
bookishjasmn's review against another edition
5.0
This is my first book that I read of Joshua Marsella's, and I was hooked from the first chapter!
This book is well written to allow the reader to envision the scenes. The character development is phenomenal. I was upset it was such a short novel, I didn't want the writing to end.
I can tell I will be adding Mr. Marsella to my fave author list!
This book is well written to allow the reader to envision the scenes. The character development is phenomenal. I was upset it was such a short novel, I didn't want the writing to end.
I can tell I will be adding Mr. Marsella to my fave author list!
michael_benavidez's review against another edition
3.0
Running a little more than a hundred pages, it's a fast paced thriller horror from the perspective of an unfortunate boy.
I really did enjoy this book. It kept my interest all throughout. I felt for the main character, Connor, and truly was invested. The writing is very good, simple and direct, while allowing a hard guy punch for the scary bits.
I say all that because I don't want y'all to get the wrong idea. I liked the book and can't wait to see as his writing progresses.
I just can't help but feel the story may have benefited from being a tad bit longer? At least to really amp up the scare factor, and make the ultimate discovery a harder punch. Especially with the mom/son relationship. It's done good enough, but I felt some bits were kinda fast tracked to get to the good bits. And I think the main reason I say this, is for that ending. No spoilers, of course, but I did feel it came as a slight out of nowhere sucker punch, that would have worked great if we got a bit more Connor and mom and scratches.
That said, there's good stuff in this, and I really can't stress the potential I see in the writing. Definitely going to wait for his next
I really did enjoy this book. It kept my interest all throughout. I felt for the main character, Connor, and truly was invested. The writing is very good, simple and direct, while allowing a hard guy punch for the scary bits.
I say all that because I don't want y'all to get the wrong idea. I liked the book and can't wait to see as his writing progresses.
I just can't help but feel the story may have benefited from being a tad bit longer? At least to really amp up the scare factor, and make the ultimate discovery a harder punch. Especially with the mom/son relationship. It's done good enough, but I felt some bits were kinda fast tracked to get to the good bits. And I think the main reason I say this, is for that ending. No spoilers, of course, but I did feel it came as a slight out of nowhere sucker punch, that would have worked great if we got a bit more Connor and mom and scratches.
That said, there's good stuff in this, and I really can't stress the potential I see in the writing. Definitely going to wait for his next
georgesreads's review against another edition
4.0
Finished today with a bang! This was a great horror novella, with a great story! I must admit I love the paranormal so this was right up my ally!
Connor and his mother have moved into Connor’s grandfathers house, after the old man died under mysterious circumstances. Connor has set up his bedroom in the cool basement during the July heatwave, but even with his posters and night light, he can’t feel at home due to the unnerving events that take place during the night. A creepy figure, radios turning on and off.. scratches on the wall??
Connor and his mother have moved into Connor’s grandfathers house, after the old man died under mysterious circumstances. Connor has set up his bedroom in the cool basement during the July heatwave, but even with his posters and night light, he can’t feel at home due to the unnerving events that take place during the night. A creepy figure, radios turning on and off.. scratches on the wall??
mikefromarkansas's review against another edition
4.0
If you like horror, read this book. Creepy, disgusting, disturbing are a few descriptive words that come to mind. You can read this Novella in one sitting. I’ll try not to give too much away but if I was Connor, one night in the basement would have been enough. Why did he go back? I loved when I realized why the book is called Scratches. Now I have to read the prequel and knowing what a monster George is I’m nervous. And what’s going on with Connor at the end? Creepy! I highly recommend. (Check the trigger warnings).
I met the author Joshua Marsella on TikTok. He was kind enough to provide me an ebook and I voluntarily give this review.
I met the author Joshua Marsella on TikTok. He was kind enough to provide me an ebook and I voluntarily give this review.
stitching_ghost's review against another edition
4.0
An uncomfortable tale of child abuse and loneliness meets one of things that refuse to stay still or in the dark. A quick read with compelling characters the only thing I didn't like about it was the way Connor talked which didn't seem quite right even for a somewhat parentified kid such as himself.
smkean's review against another edition
4.0
A quick and hauntingly creepy read. Scratches doesn't waste any time when it comes to making you feel unease. You can tell Connor has it rough and when strange things start happening in their new home, it just gets worse for him. The family dynamic is tense and I had a pretty good guess as to what some of the secrets might have been, but still ended up pretty shocked. I was legitimately creeped out at a few parts, the visuals were wonderfully gruesome. Also, I have to say the scratching definitely made me shiver the most. A great debut!
beelzebean13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25