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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
“What is a ghost? Is it a shadow of our past clinging to our present? I believe it’s our addictions. The habits we form that end up consuming us if we allow them to take over.”
“Ghost Eaters” by Clay Chapman is not your typical horror novel. It is not gory, and the supernatural aspects are unlikely to make you want to sleep with a light on. But still it is grotesque, still it is frightening, and still it is grossly beautiful. While this book heavily discusses things like the supernatural and addiction, that is not what the book is about. Chapman uses these concepts as mediums—in essence, this book is about grief. Specifically about the horrifying and complex nature of grief and all of its consequences.
In his work, Chapman writes of an often unseen (or ignored) aspect grief, alluding to an inherent connection between addiction and grief. He writes of loss, of pain, and anger. At the same time, he portrays raw feelings of desire, of fear, and confusion. He writes of pill junkies, and for those who would do absolutely anything to see their loved one again, even when that means destroying themselves.
This book was far from perfect. At times, the storyline was quite convoluted. There seems to be several moving aspects that didn’t quite mesh together as the author intended. But I appreciate it nonetheless. Like Erin (the mc) and many other people in this world, I can emphasize with loss and irrational action, for I know what it feels like to be addicted to sadness, to crave grief, and to truly believe that moving on is utterly impossible.
3 ⭐️!!
“Ghost Eaters” by Clay Chapman is not your typical horror novel. It is not gory, and the supernatural aspects are unlikely to make you want to sleep with a light on. But still it is grotesque, still it is frightening, and still it is grossly beautiful. While this book heavily discusses things like the supernatural and addiction, that is not what the book is about. Chapman uses these concepts as mediums—in essence, this book is about grief. Specifically about the horrifying and complex nature of grief and all of its consequences.
In his work, Chapman writes of an often unseen (or ignored) aspect grief, alluding to an inherent connection between addiction and grief. He writes of loss, of pain, and anger. At the same time, he portrays raw feelings of desire, of fear, and confusion. He writes of pill junkies, and for those who would do absolutely anything to see their loved one again, even when that means destroying themselves.
This book was far from perfect. At times, the storyline was quite convoluted. There seems to be several moving aspects that didn’t quite mesh together as the author intended. But I appreciate it nonetheless. Like Erin (the mc) and many other people in this world, I can emphasize with loss and irrational action, for I know what it feels like to be addicted to sadness, to crave grief, and to truly believe that moving on is utterly impossible.
3 ⭐️!!
I was creeped out for most of this whole read. Fun concept and great ghosts. Definitely got some good facial expressions out of me haha
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Definitely not something I would pick up and read on my own, but it wasn't "the worst".
more of a overcoming addiction vs scary story.
more of a overcoming addiction vs scary story.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Solid read that was hard to put down. Characters are written in a way where you get complicated/changing feelings about them as the story progresses which really helps keep you invested in the book. Only major downside I had was the ending felt like 2 endings combined. Where one chapter would've been a great finish and another chapter could've been added as "alternate ending" with a minor tweak but instead were presented together (this can also be a more personal take on how I appreciate story conclusions).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship
Minor: Violence, Vomit
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
I finally got some time to finish my first Clay McLeod Chapman book, another grief horror book. (Why do I do this to myself? I swear!) This one is centered around younger adults with different priorities adding a different flavor to the grief of this story, as compared to my previous read, Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. Erin, Amara, Tobias, and Silas are on the cusp of adulthood. Not too far out from graduation, their college memories together are the dearest in their hearts. They are driven to a developmental decision point when one of them dies and these memories become all that is left of the friendship. How far does each one go to stay in these memories and preserve them just as they are or as the happiness they provide each one of them? A classic rite of passage story, learning who you and those closest to you really are.
I thought the subtle development of the characters was great. Following their growth and maturity (or lack thereof) you pick up these small hints and eyebrow raisers that come together in superb fashion at the end. I can see why this is a fan favorite.
I thought the subtle development of the characters was great. Following their growth and maturity (or lack thereof) you pick up these small hints and eyebrow raisers that come together in superb fashion at the end. I can see why this is a fan favorite.
3.75 ⭐️
This book had me engrossed in the first half and then totally lost me in the second half
This book had me engrossed in the first half and then totally lost me in the second half
First I was hooked, then after 150 pages it started to drag and I skimmed through the last 100 pages at the end … not my fav
This book was honestly probably the best I’ve read in years. It is disturbingly detailed, gruesome and mind bending in the best possible way. 8.5/10 The story is about Erin, who can’t seem to let go of her on and off boyfriend, who died after an OD only days after Erin breaks him out of rehab. To try and help, Erin’s friend, offers her “Ghost”, a new illicit drug with the promise of her being able to see her boyfriend again. The drug, the people around her, and her reality begins to unfold and prove that things aren’t always as they seem.