Reviews

I didn't dislike this book, it was just 'eh.' I was planning originally throughout to give it a three-star rating but the big reveal at the end was something I worked out in the first couple of chapters and it felt like such a letdown.

The way the story was written with alternating chapter perspectives and how it all came together at the end, I really enjoyed but I felt like the characters were very 2D which really let down the story's potential. Also, I kind of feel Herbert has issues with weight and fidelity as that seemed to be a recurring theme - one that added nothing to the actual story plot.

Another disappointment was that the doll didn't play really any part of the story; as I was expecting a Chuckie feel to it since above the chapters there was a graphic of a doll and it was the first supernatural entity we were introduced to, but speaking of supernatural elements weren't really that intricate in the plot, as in the same story could have easily been written without the supernatural involvement with only slight changes.

Ok story, wouldn't recommend though or re-read in the future. However, I do not regret the time I spent with it.

b_for_book's review

Go to review page

2.0

2.5 stars. This book had so much promise - I heard great things and the the synopsis is awesome, sadly the book didn’t live up to any of those expectations. Firstly, there is almost no character development at all, we meet a character and then we don’t see them again! The few characters that do run through the story and weak and not really likeable and therefore I didn’t particularly care about their fate.

I felt as though nothing really connected in the storyline, it had lots of tangents and ‘ideas’ but I really didn’t feel like they were tied together, it was a series of happenings and you go from one to the next with no clear tie-in. One of the storylines that I really liked was the creepy doll but again that storyline came, creeped me out and seemed to just fizzle away, I honestly think if Herbert went with more of the doll plot, it would have made a better story.

I questioned the genre of this book, it honestly didn’t feel too much like a horror to me. Don’t get me wrong there are some creepy/gross parts but they are so far and few that this felt like a supernatural thriller with a bit of gore and shock.

The twist was average but by the time it got to it, I really didn’t care anymore. Sadly I wasn’t invested in this one and will describe it as forgettable. Still, it’s not put me off reading more Herbert, this one just want for me.

andrewhatesham's review

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

Content Warnings

flashahahhh's review

Go to review page

2.0

My least favourite Herbert novel to date, I never really got into it and, although it picked up a bit midway, the ending was disappointing. Perhaps down to a lack of the well written characters and chilling atmosphere the author usually does so well.

More...