Reviews with content warning for Car accident - A Guide to the Dark

Obwohl es nicht ganz mein Genre ist, hat mir die Geschichte größtenteils gefallen. Vor allem, weil die Charaktere das Herz des ganzen bilden und real und nachvollziehbar wirken. Genau die richtige Mischung aus Herz mystery und minimalem Gruselfaktor. Ich mochte die Stimmen, obwohl die beiden Mädels recht ähnlich klangen und ich manchmal nicht sicher war, welche Person gerade erzählt. Ansonsten fand ich die verschiedenen Blickwinkel gut. + + + SPOILER + + +Nur der vom Raum hat nicht wirklich viel beigetragen und die super kurzen Abschnitte haben manchmal eher verwirrt. + + + SPOILER ENDE + + +
Ich würde gerne eine spin-off story von Layla und Mira hören, die keine Horrorelemente beinhaltet.

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booktribe's review against another edition

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When I first started this book, I was incredibly excited for it. It’s one of my most anticipated releases of 2023! And the beginning of the book was great! It started off very creepy and mysterious! The character development was good. The exploration of grief in this story was very impactful. I loved the mixed media format and how photographs were included in the novel. And the chapters from the motel room’s point of view were so creepy, I was excited to find out what was going on! But sadly, I had to DNF at 55%.

After the first few chapters, most of the time this did not feel like a mystery or horror book. There was way too much emphasis on a romantic subplot and it really took me out of the story and bored me. There was more pining than mystery. I don’t usually mind if there’s a little romantic subplot in my spooky books, but the two main characters pining took over the whole story. It was interesting at first but it just got exhausting when the story wasn’t moving forward, it was just all about romantic thoughts. It also seems like these characters don’t really care about their lives! At one point they learn about all the deaths in the room, they know there’s something sinister going on, and they still choose to stay there! That is very unrealistic to me. At about 49% into the story I decided to put it down for a week or so to focus on books that I was enjoying more. I eventually picked it back up to read more, got to 55%, and I just have no motivation to finish. I kind of care what happens at the end, but not enough to read 45% more pining instead of mystery. Maybe one day I’ll come back and try to finish, but not today.

Someone that knows going into the story that romantic thoughts are a heavy focus of this story and that it’s more character driven than plot driven might have a better time with it. I was just expecting paranormal mystery with little to no romance. But if you enjoy romantic plots in your spooky books, this could be a good read for you!

Thanks you Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

TW: death of a family member, car accident, drowning, parental neglect

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avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

I received an audio review copy from the publisher through Netgalley all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book a lot. However, I found Layla a bit difficult to like at times. She frustrated me in certain situations with her reactions. I had mixed feelings about the ending, since what was the cause of the problems in the room was never entirely clear, which was a bit frustrating, but the final part was also very good. I liked the diverse characters and the thoughts on immigrant parents and how they kind of get stuck in time. The romantic element was predictable. I wish the book had been longer, which is rarely a feeling I have in these types of books. Overall, a pretty good book!
The narration was excellent.

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goatsinspace's review against another edition

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2.75

This is an intriguing horror mystery that weaves together elements of the paranormal, grief, and friendship in a captivating young adult book. Set during a college tour road trip, the story follows two Arab-American best friends, Mira and Layla, as they find themselves stranded at an eerie motel in Indiana. Mira senses something amiss in Room 9, haunted by nightmares of her deceased brother. On the other hand, Layla, preoccupied with her feelings for Mira, doesn't notice anything suspicious. As they uncover the motel's dark history and learn about the deaths that occurred in that exact room, Mira becomes increasingly at risk of becoming the next victim.

One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of the complexities faced by Arab American teens with immigrant parents. The insight into their struggle to hold onto traditions in a foreign land while feeling disconnected from their mother country resonates deeply. The exploration of grief, stemming from the loss of a sibling and a parent, adds emotional depth to the narrative, although it may be challenging for some readers. It certainly was for me.

The use of black and white photos in the story enhances the eerie atmosphere and brings an artistic element to the book. The small-town setting contributes to the overall creep factor, adding to the mystery and suspense. It's important to note that A Guide to the Dark delves into darker themes and doesn't offer a happy ending. The horror elements and emotional depth make this a compelling yet unsettling read.

Overall, a thought-provoking and captivating tale that combines elements of ghostly mystery, horror, and coming-of-age struggles. It's a tough yet rewarding read that offers unique perspectives and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

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trippyotter's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Besties, Mira and Layla, thought they'd spend their spring break touring college campuses, but they soon find themselves stranded in a small town with a dark and mysterious secret.

With a plot straight from Psycho - with a paranormal twist - I was captured from the start. Each new peek into past events adds another layer of grief - and disbelief - but will the truth be able to save them from the horrors within?

The end, if anything, is the one keeping me from rating the book 5 stars. With everything we learned, we're still left with the "who." I use the term "who" loosely - as it's paranormal - but there's still a story or history into the "who" that's only hinted at and not necessarily explained.

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