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michaellouisdixon's review against another edition
5.0
In this debut novella we are treated to an engaging thriller that feels like it could really happen today. I'm looking forward to reading more of Michael David Wilson's work.
eldritchfossil's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
captainherder's review against another edition
2.5
I liked the bones of the story but that's kind of all you get. The concept is pretty cool but it feels like a first draft. The constant references to music artists was annoying as fuck, felt like dating one of those music snob guys who goes 'omg you've never heard of Dying Fetus' thinking he's so special for listening to niche artists.
avis's review against another edition
1.0
Warning- this one's gonna be a little harsh, but it's my honest thoughts.
I'm editing my review after reading a lot more horror books. I'm a fan of psychological horror, and i can tolerate sexual horror. This book was just bad. Not only did it fail to be remotely scary, it fetishizes young Asian women to a degree that dropped this down to a one star. But it gets worse- It's appeal hinges on a ridiculous suspension of disbelief, it's ending was lackluster, uninspired and cliche, and it just was awful. I really dislike this short story.
The only praise i have is the cover which is actually just gorgeous and the reason I picked it up in the first place, the prose was pretty good by my standards, and the audiobook narrator who did a great performance.
I'm editing my review after reading a lot more horror books. I'm a fan of psychological horror, and i can tolerate sexual horror. This book was just bad. Not only did it fail to be remotely scary, it fetishizes young Asian women to a degree that dropped this down to a one star. But it gets worse- It's appeal hinges on a ridiculous suspension of disbelief, it's ending was lackluster, uninspired and cliche, and it just was awful. I really dislike this short story.
The only praise i have is the cover which is actually just gorgeous and the reason I picked it up in the first place, the prose was pretty good by my standards, and the audiobook narrator who did a great performance.
catra121's review against another edition
4.0
I wasnt quite sure what I was getting into with this one. It was a compelling read...once i started i didnt want to put it down. It's a quick read and i can honestly say I've never read anything quite like it. So i definitely enjoyed it...but I'm not sure i feel completely satisfied with the ending and how it wraps up which is what keeps it from being a 5 star read for me. I still really enjoyed the journey...just not in love with the destination.
bookish_satty's review against another edition
4.0
Really scared me because it's so realistic. Can happen to anyone of us. Didn't like the ending though. Was hoping for a different outcome.
ahilbert3000's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
nothingamonth's review against another edition
2.0
Oof. I found this in a used bookstore and I'm not surprised its original owner didn't want to keep it. The first half of the novel is slowly paced and littered with pop culture references, as though the author has learned small details like that can root a story in reality, but is way too heavy-handed here. It comes off a little unironically American Psycho.
Secondly, the novel's friggin' build-up and climax occurs in narration during the epilogue(!). Literally the entire interesting part of a mystery, SOLVING IT, happens somewhere else, and the narrator just relates it to the audience.
Third, that ending, bro. Tacky use of suicide. I suppose having your characters nonsensically throwing themselves off buildings is one way to end this stinker.
Secondly, the novel's friggin' build-up and climax occurs in narration during the epilogue(!). Literally the entire interesting part of a mystery, SOLVING IT, happens somewhere else, and the narrator just relates it to the audience.
Third, that ending, bro. Tacky use of suicide. I suppose having your characters nonsensically throwing themselves off buildings is one way to end this stinker.