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yannic_rasmus's review
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The second Hendrix novel I've read so far. I just love the mix of horror and comedy so much, even though this book's horror aspect didn't catch me quite as much as his other work(s) did. Still, it was a really cool experience - especially given this amazing design! The story was fast-paced, the characters felt really authentic and the ending left me wanting to read more; I would definitely recommend it :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Medical trauma, Body horror, Self harm, and Confinement
Moderate: Excrement, Gore, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Blood, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Addiction, Abandonment, and Cursing
markieh's review
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.75
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
Before I start this, I want to say, if you have the chance to get the physical copy, do, because the design of the book alone is worth it. I grabbed the Kindle version from the Libby App, and it still had the elements, but I think it would have been better in print.
Overall Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This book is like if Saw had a baby and then graphically delivered that baby on a bed display in an Ikea. It's gross. I'm not usually bothered by gore and all that, but there were a few times I had to take a break from this one because it was 🤢. That's probably the main reason I didn't rate it higher.
The story itself is a masterclass in horror trope. You get the five stereotype personalities. The no man left behind attitude. A reluctant hero. A terrifying villain. Eldritch Location style building layout (Nothing is where it should be, and the paths change. The building also disappears from maps and view to the outside). And so much darkness. I mean, literal, the lights are out, our flashlights are dead, darkness. If jump scares while reading are a thing for you, I'd skip this.
All in all, I loved it once I got past the gore. I mean, I can only read about swimming in oily filth so many times. Also. There are a lot of 🐀. It got a little heavy handed in its "We are just cogs in a machine" narrative, but I think that was intentional.
The ending and epilogue made me feel like I was reading R.L. Stine all over again. It spoke to me. And bonus points for the chapter titles and beginning pages.
Before I start this, I want to say, if you have the chance to get the physical copy, do, because the design of the book alone is worth it. I grabbed the Kindle version from the Libby App, and it still had the elements, but I think it would have been better in print.
Overall Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This book is like if Saw had a baby and then graphically delivered that baby on a bed display in an Ikea. It's gross. I'm not usually bothered by gore and all that, but there were a few times I had to take a break from this one because it was 🤢. That's probably the main reason I didn't rate it higher.
The story itself is a masterclass in horror trope. You get the five stereotype personalities. The no man left behind attitude. A reluctant hero. A terrifying villain. Eldritch Location style building layout (Nothing is where it should be, and the paths change. The building also disappears from maps and view to the outside). And so much darkness. I mean, literal, the lights are out, our flashlights are dead, darkness. If jump scares while reading are a thing for you, I'd skip this.
All in all, I loved it once I got past the gore. I mean, I can only read about swimming in oily filth so many times. Also. There are a lot of 🐀. It got a little heavy handed in its "We are just cogs in a machine" narrative, but I think that was intentional.
The ending and epilogue made me feel like I was reading R.L. Stine all over again. It spoke to me. And bonus points for the chapter titles and beginning pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Torture, Blood, Gore, Death, and Murder
Minor: Addiction
alastaire's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Body horror, Confinement, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Vomit, Blood, Murder, Death, Gaslighting, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Classism, Sexual harassment, and Excrement
Minor: Animal death, Alcoholism, Biphobia, and Addiction
Mass murder, drowning, prison, ghosts
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