Reviews

Horns by Joe Hill

greenidmnstr's review

2.0

I'm kind of sad that this book wasn't better because I really liked the idea. Unfortunately, the beyond basic and too frequent use of simile, the unnecessary puns, and all-too-obvious plot set ups just didn't allow for any redemption. The ridiculously sloppy editing didn't help either. The only moment in this novel where I actually felt interested was at the begging when people began to divulge their secrets and sins to Ig. After that, it started to get really boring really fast. Overall it felt incomplete, rushed, and cheap--like the author had an idea and some scenes in mind but really no sensible way of connecting everything before the deadline.

Edit: I'm right now reading Wolves of The Calla and came across the mention of the "Bookstore of the Mind." Get your own material, Joe.

stepriot's review

3.0

There is something tragic about a brilliant premise and beginning in the wrong hands. The editor should have cut 90% of the background stories and just stuck with the wonderfully weird nature of the tale. A quarter of the way through the book you already know all the information you need to in order to establish the truth. The background information made the better sections feel like a YA novel playing dress up in its parent's work clothes.

telennify's review

It cannot capture me at all

sine_qua_non's review

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

misstwosense's review

4.0

I loved this one. Unlike "Heart Shaped Box", this one wrapped up much more concisely. Also, in "Horns" there is a huge dose of humor which had me laughing out loud. The story feels fresh and original and there is a good undercurrent of real human emotion in it.

indogswetrust's review

4.0

Great book. Really enjoy everything I have read from Mr. Hill.

bnadams's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

radiohex's review against another edition

dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

radiohex's review against another edition

dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

lurker_stalker's review against another edition

4.0

After reading and mostly enjoying NOS4A2, I decided to give Horns a shot when I saw the audio version was available at my local library. I'm very happy I did. The story was interesting and didn't go the way I had expected in quite a few places. Hell, I even got a little misty in one place.

My only real complaint is the POV switch that happens pretty late in the book and only lasts a few chapters. I didn't care for that at all. I understand that Hill wanted us to get some info and insight into one of the characters but it didn't feel right after having the only one POV up until that point.

Beside that, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the narration. I liked it more than I did NOS4A2. Now I need to watch the movie to see how it compares.