Scan barcode
megandherbook's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
For years four horror authors have been getting together for drinks once a month. But each time they get together they seem less like friends and more like jaded competitors. Each wanting to be respected by their peers and labeled the scariest/best writer of them all. So when one of the authors has access to a machine that will allow them to all really live within each others horror novels they realize this is their best chance to see once and for all who is the scariest horror author.
This is a fairly quick read and it is so perfect. They hit on numerous different horror genres and each one has some scary moments. The characters are both lovable and also annoying - they’re the type where one minute you’re cheering them on and the next you’re rolling your eyes. The way the foundation that is laid by using each authors ego makes the conclusion of this book so understandable yet I did not see it coming.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Cancer, Gore, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Child death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic friendship, Violence, Abortion, Body horror, Death, Murder, and Sexism
connorjdaley's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of the authors sent me a review copy of this and I’m glad he did! Just released so check it out!
Four horror writers want to find out which of them is the best. They attempt to do this by using Arcranium, a developing software that allows people to unlock their full potential. It’s like a super advanced, fully immersive AR/VR that lets you experience everything as if it were real.
I loved the set up of four friends meeting at a bar to discuss their writing, careers, and reception. Over time the friendships wane with their growing jealousy and insecurities. Each of them is a different kind of horror writer, each with their own ideas of what’s the best kind of scare.
With this being a novella, it reads like one giant climax. Going in and out of their stories is the only short reprieve, but each is high intensity from the get go. Part of me absolutely loved this factor, while on the other hand, if it was lengthened to a novel, it would have been really cool for each story to have the space to fully play out as their perspective genre shifts. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all, but for the more atmospheric styles, time to grow is important.
Personally a 5/5*. Tons of screaming, cursing, bleeding, and horror.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Gore, Cursing, Grief, Murder, Death, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Toxic friendship, Body horror, Cancer, Blood, Violence, and Vomit
More...