Reviews

Dreams Come to Life (Bendy, Book 1), Volume 1 by Adrienne Kress

kayberlyn's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

abortress's review against another edition

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

5.0

zoth's review

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

3.25

krazykentreader's review against another edition

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5.0

The best thing to read for Halloween and the best companion to the world of Bendy!

BEWARE THE INK DEMON!!

liany_p3rez's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

4.0

incrediblemre1447's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

bookwtch's review against another edition

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4.0

Playing Bendy and the Ink Machine earlier this year, it quickly seeped its inky black way deep into my heart. It's such a unique, and visually appealing, game; taking place in an animation studio and world reminiscent of a vintage cartoon.

Dreams Come to Life follows the story of Buddy, an aspiring artist, who takes on an apprenticeship at Joey Drew Studios as a gofer. Being one step closer to his dream, and also making more to support his struggling family, things seem to be looking up for Buddy. That's quickly challenged, however, as things at the studio begin to seem off and Buddy descends deeper into the heart of the studio.

Being a prequel, and having played the game first myself, I'd say it doesn't really matter if you read it before or after. The book does a wonderful job explaining and keeping you up to speed with what's going on. Though, I did find it easier to relate to and feel for some of the side characters, such as Norman and Sammy, because I already had that initial relationship.

Okay. Maybe not Sammy. He's a jerk either way.

The atmosphere throughout the book is dark and suffocating. That's meant to be a compliment. You can feel yourself being consumed by it, which is fitting considering the subject matter. It kept me securely engaged.

And the ink splatters on pages!
A brilliant touch!

I appreciate little details like that.

Overall Dreams Come to Life is a perfect extension of the lore, and I truly hope there's more to come! Well done!

witchyficbindery's review against another edition

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5.0

Read more of my reviews at Cornerfolds.com!

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

I first saw Bendy and the Ink machine at Target. It was a Bendy doll and I had no idea what it was, but I had a hunch that he was from a video game. I googled it and ended up watching a full playthrough on YouTube, which is my preferred method of (not) gaming. I love seeing the story and gameplay, but I suck at playing the games myself. Bendy quickly became one of my favorites of all time so I couldn't wait to read this book!

Dreams Come to Life is a prequel to the game and revolves around Buddy. Buddy hates his job as a delivery boy but desperately needs the money, so when he's given the opportunity to work for Joey Drew Studios for double the salary he jumps at the chance. It doesn't take long before things start to seem a little off and continue to spiral from there.

I really enjoyed Buddy's character and experiencing the studio through his eyes before its demise. I also loved his relationship with Dot and found her to be a fun original character. Joey Drew was also a lot like how I imagined him from the video game, although a bit less sinister than I expected. Honestly, everyone in the studio made me feel just the right amount of uneasy, sometimes for no reason I could put my finger on.

Obviously, the best part of this book was seeing the studio from a different angle before it was covered in ink. I loved following Buddy around as he found each location from the game and figured out what was really happening. Dreams Come to Life definitely maintains the same creepy atmosphere you'd expect from Bendy and the Ink Machine.

Although this is a media tie in I do think it could be enjoyed by someone who's never played (or watched) the game. This is a super creepy mystery set in an animation studio that's reminiscent of Walt Disney Studios and anyone who is into horror or mystery would be able to enjoy it for those elements. It could also be a really fun introduction to the world for someone who might decide to delve deeper later. I'm not sure if more books are planned in this series but I really hope there are!

hollyberries's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad 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? Yes

4.0

skyllion's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

sammy really drank ink huh. not sure i'll ever get over that

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