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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I think this read was a case of it not being on my wavelength. I loved the cover and simple, intriguing title for this, but probably should've dug into the synopsis a bit more.
I'm very much a reader who thrives on breadcrumb clues and steadily built tension, and whilst many reviews for this seem to mention a great deal of suspense, I just couldn't find nor feel it myself. The rapid change of POVs, alongside the content revealed right at the beginning of the book, didn't provide a great environment for tension. I don't think the 'twist' towards the end was surprising enough to make up for it, either.
It sort of reminded me of when horror games immediately reveal their gangly, many-toothed monster - the fright of it nosedives on every appearance after. And I think that's perhaps why so many sensory descriptions are repeated or given to us as reminders from beginning to end, to sort of off-set the fact we're spoiled with grizzly details right out of the gate. Not my cup of tea, sadly.
That being said, because this novella hits the ground running with its story and atmosphere, it's a constant assault of tangible, gross body horror as well as that creepy, uncanny valley feel. The horror hinges itself on being crude and visceral, both in terms of the senses and morally, so if you're a fan of that, a helping of humor, along with fast-paced prose, I reckon you'd enjoy it - just wasn't for me.
I'm very much a reader who thrives on breadcrumb clues and steadily built tension, and whilst many reviews for this seem to mention a great deal of suspense, I just couldn't find nor feel it myself. The rapid change of POVs, alongside the content revealed right at the beginning of the book, didn't provide a great environment for tension. I don't think the 'twist' towards the end was surprising enough to make up for it, either.
It sort of reminded me of when horror games immediately reveal their gangly, many-toothed monster - the fright of it nosedives on every appearance after. And I think that's perhaps why so many sensory descriptions are repeated or given to us as reminders from beginning to end, to sort of off-set the fact we're spoiled with grizzly details right out of the gate. Not my cup of tea, sadly.
That being said, because this novella hits the ground running with its story and atmosphere, it's a constant assault of tangible, gross body horror as well as that creepy, uncanny valley feel. The horror hinges itself on being crude and visceral, both in terms of the senses and morally, so if you're a fan of that, a helping of humor, along with fast-paced prose, I reckon you'd enjoy it - just wasn't for me.
This was a wild ride! Not was I was expecting but not in a bad way! Not for the squeamish at all!
This horror novella is very well written, but it made me feel very uncomfortable and anxious. I can't really say what it is that made me feel like this, probably the fact that the main character is a child? Horror is my favorite genre but I couldn't love this story... sorry Nana!
* I'd like to thank Mark Towse for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
* I'd like to thank Mark Towse for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The ending got three stars. The rest of the story was just… no. There were some long chapters which I ask not a fan of so that definitely didn’t help. This one’s about devil worshipping old people who sacrifice others to stay alive. I want a fan.
I went into this knowing absolutely nothing except what was in the synopsis and I would suggest you do the same. You know how when you’re young, old people seem REALLY old and gross to you? This book takes that and amplifies it. That’s the best way I can put it. No way could I have guessed where it was going.
This book is wild, gross, and disturbing. It’s full of weird and quirky characters who all have their own personalities. It’s amazing how they all had their space to shine in the span of 120 pages.
While I think Mark Towse has ruined cherry pie for me forever, I absolutely love his playful writing style. I had a blast reading this! It’s equal parts humorous, disgusting, and creepy. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys comedy horror.
This book is wild, gross, and disturbing. It’s full of weird and quirky characters who all have their own personalities. It’s amazing how they all had their space to shine in the span of 120 pages.
While I think Mark Towse has ruined cherry pie for me forever, I absolutely love his playful writing style. I had a blast reading this! It’s equal parts humorous, disgusting, and creepy. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys comedy horror.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It just wasn’t for me. It was vile, nauseating at times - and that was Important to the plot. But it fell short for me. The pacing was odd, far too fast and at times too nonchalant in the face of such odd circumstances. It was strangely perverse, too, towards a minor character. That was just uncomfortable to read.