Reviews

Oooof did I want to like this more. I really did. In the end though Grip of It fails to expand on some solid themes and leaves some strange plot devices left hanging.

Things I enjoyed: This is for all intents and purposes a very realist take on the ghost story or haunting tale. There are no jump out and get you moments , there is no ghosts with white sheets and chains but rather this very practical look of how two people deal with a very unusual situation. Jemc did an awesome job of intertwining the complexities of intimate relationships into this tale. The interactions between the husband and wife mirror those of a relationship falling apart regardless of ghosts or paranormal activity.

Sadly the Grip of It flounders its plot with a lack of structure and flesh. We never get any true answers about the ghosts haunting this couple. Additionally a strange ancillary plot line is thrown in that could have paired nicely with the realistic portrait of a haunting instead was given a flimsy resolution that does not make much sense .

Overall the themes here are solid and Jemc sets ups some truly creepy atmosphere but doesn’t deliver a fully fleshed tale.

edgarallanfoe's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

if you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to lose your mind to a dull, near imperceptible scratching sound while everyone you love slowly becomes unrecognizable, give this a whirl.

the house hums, the trees claw toward the back stoop, and the old man is still looking at us through his window across the street. great haunted house book

jgrow1's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark fast-paced

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

3.5

valentinavivaas's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Este libro fue tan irrelevante.

Lleno de clichés de casas embrujadas, personajes tan vacíos que había ocasiones en que tenía que chequear dos veces cuál de las perspectivas (esposo o esposa) estaba leyendo, y por supuesto: un final anticlimático donde ninguna de nuestras preguntas son contestadas.

¿Para qué los autores plantean situaciones en sus libros que después no tienen ni idea de cómo resolver? Mantener la atención del lector a costa de hacerlo sentir que perdió el tiempo al final, cuando ningún misterio es resuelto.

Y no me malentiendan, un final abierto no es malo.

Este libro fue malo y ya.

Al menos planteaba ideas buenas aunque mal desarrolladas.