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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Creepy Ikea
A strange horror story focused on a low budget Ikea style store called Orsk. We are focused on Amy an employee whose prime motive at the beginning is to avoid her supervisor, Basil.
Something strange has been happening in the store at night and Basil takes the initiative and decides to investigate and persuades Amy and another employee to help. What at first seems like a boring overtime assignment soon depends into the horror story alluded to in the title. There is some dark humor and the book is interspersed with images and descriptions of fictitious furniture with odd Scandinavian sounding names. I didn't warm to the two central characters, Amy seemed too apathetic and Basil was too much of a jobsworth. It was certainly a departure from anything I had read before.
A strange horror story focused on a low budget Ikea style store called Orsk. We are focused on Amy an employee whose prime motive at the beginning is to avoid her supervisor, Basil.
Something strange has been happening in the store at night and Basil takes the initiative and decides to investigate and persuades Amy and another employee to help. What at first seems like a boring overtime assignment soon depends into the horror story alluded to in the title. There is some dark humor and the book is interspersed with images and descriptions of fictitious furniture with odd Scandinavian sounding names. I didn't warm to the two central characters, Amy seemed too apathetic and Basil was too much of a jobsworth. It was certainly a departure from anything I had read before.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Horrorstör stands out as one of the most inventive and entertaining horror novels I have encountered. Set inside an IKEA-esque furniture store, the story blends absurdity, satire, and genuine creepiness to create a uniquely unsettling atmosphere that transforms a familiar retail environment into a nightmare.
The book’s design is a work of art in itself. Presented as a faux furniture catalogue, complete with illustrations and progressively disturbing product entries, the physical copy amplifies the immersive experience. I highly recommend reading the physical edition if possible — the catalogue-style layout and “Nordic” furniture names shift from quirky to ominous as the plot unfolds, mirroring the descent into horror.
Grady Hendrix’s writing deftly balances humor and dread. The narrative’s offbeat wit and witty observations on retail life provide comic relief without diluting the tension. The audiobook version deserves special mention; the male narrator’s delivery of the faux advertisements elevates each chapter’s opening to a memorably eerie performance.
The characters, a mismatched group of store employees, bring a grounded, relatable element to the surreal chaos. Their interactions feel genuine, and the blend of personality quirks with supernatural terror enhances the story’s darkly comedic tone.
Though Horrorstör may not be the scariest horror novel you’ll ever read, it succeeds brilliantly as both a parody of retail horror and a gripping supernatural tale. It’s the kind of book that will keep you turning pages, occasionally chuckling, and occasionally glancing nervously over your shoulder.
“If you need help, just ORSK!” becomes a chilling catchphrase in the best possible way.
This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates horror with a sharp satirical edge and a creative presentation.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the most terrifying books I have ever read. I don't know if anyone has been in a store after hours, but lemme tell you, I will never do that ever again after reading this book.
Parts of it give like Silent Hill (movies) vibes. Which was terrifying to watch as a 10 year old. And I retreated back to those same feelings as 10 year old me. Like, I am sure my pulse is racing right now.
Parts of it give like Silent Hill (movies) vibes. Which was terrifying to watch as a 10 year old. And I retreated back to those same feelings as 10 year old me. Like, I am sure my pulse is racing right now.
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Absolutely ridiculous, often hilarious and uber creepy. It's an absurd horror masterpiece that turns an IKEA-esque store into a nightmare. Highly recommend listening to the audiobook version. Each chapter starts with an advertisement for a new piece of (progressively creepier) furniture available at the store, and in the audiobook version, the male narrator makes them an off-putting delight.