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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This had a lot of my buzzwords in it - a writer going to live in a mysterious house, serial killer, Manson-like cult, dual timelines, haunted house, parent/child relationship. And its Ania Ahlborn - I was very impressed with Brother and expected spooky times but it never quite got there for me. It hovered close, but this felt more thriller than horror.
It’s official, the words “See you soon” have a new threatening nature thanks to this chilling novel by wordsmith Ania Ahlborn. Within These Walls follows a true crime writer who is enticed to live in the house where a infamous and reclusive cult leader convinced his followers to take their own lives. There are clear call backs to the Manson family, and Jonestown that Ahlborn runs with and crafts a slow-burn, epic conclusion horror novel.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I did not finish this book. I started reading it 2 weeks ago and have read bits at a time...and made it to page 227 - about halfway. In the meantime, I've read 5 other books...and done my best to avoid this one sitting on my nightstand.
The premise really drew me in - but since the villain - the mystery man who was allegedly able to drive a group of people to give up their lives for him STILL has not made any sort of appearance - there's just not much to keep me going. Even the main character, Lucas Graham, doesn't seem all that interested in the cult leader whose home he is living in - he's just there for the money and to revive his sagging career.
There is no dramatic tension, nothing to hold my attention making me want to read on. I finish almost every book I start - but I finally realized that this one feels too much of a chore and I am letting it go.
The two stars are because having not finished it - I don't know enough to give it a lower score - and maybe it's just me.
The premise really drew me in - but since the villain - the mystery man who was allegedly able to drive a group of people to give up their lives for him STILL has not made any sort of appearance - there's just not much to keep me going. Even the main character, Lucas Graham, doesn't seem all that interested in the cult leader whose home he is living in - he's just there for the money and to revive his sagging career.
There is no dramatic tension, nothing to hold my attention making me want to read on. I finish almost every book I start - but I finally realized that this one feels too much of a chore and I am letting it go.
The two stars are because having not finished it - I don't know enough to give it a lower score - and maybe it's just me.
The horror is peppered a little through the book which I was a bit sad about as I wanted more. The ending however was fantastic and bumped it up to 4 stars for me.
Terrible, repetitive writing. Absolutely do not care about anyone. The inner dialogue of everyone so far has been painful. Completely out of patience for Lucas and Audra both. I usually will finish a book out of pure stubbornness but I can't with this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Car accident, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment