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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Thank you to the author, publisher, narrator and Net Galley for providing a free advanced listen copy of this title in exchange for my review.
I think I've read all of Malfi's books now, and was very excited to see this on the upcoming list, and even more excited to be awarded this audio version. I think this is my first time listening to a Malfi book and I have to say - it was even more creepy! The reviews all comment on this book being like Stephen King's IT, and I get those vibes for sure, but I got a lot more of Dreamcatcher from this book, and Malfi is a lot grittier than King tends to be. When I see Malfi, I expect horror - maybe some gross bits, maybe some gore, certainly some jump scares. But while it's all the horror goodness ? you also have the kindness and character development to pull you in and then scare the socks off of you. Narration was very well done, again, it felt like the voice fit the characters, the time, the locations. Very good choice.
This story revolves around a group of childhood friends who are all the misfit types and their experiences with the Magic Man - and it stated feeling downright creepy to me from the first mention. I didn't know where it would go, but I knew it would be creepy! The development of the characters as adults was a bit expected, but still unique in their own ways. The flow felt right. And Dennis - poor, sweet Dennis. I'm sure the way his character is written will upset some, and it was a bit hard to hear, but I also really felt like it fit the rest of the story. And he was very essential for the story (I thought of "Duddits" from Dreamcatcher, though Dennis has a larger part to the story.
And the ending - I was not expecting that! It was so sad!!
I started and finished this within 36-48 hours. I couldn't stop - had to see what would happen next. So I'm going to go ahead and give it the 5 star rating I don't often hand out!
I think I've read all of Malfi's books now, and was very excited to see this on the upcoming list, and even more excited to be awarded this audio version. I think this is my first time listening to a Malfi book and I have to say - it was even more creepy! The reviews all comment on this book being like Stephen King's IT, and I get those vibes for sure, but I got a lot more of Dreamcatcher from this book, and Malfi is a lot grittier than King tends to be. When I see Malfi, I expect horror - maybe some gross bits, maybe some gore, certainly some jump scares. But while it's all the horror goodness ? you also have the kindness and character development to pull you in and then scare the socks off of you. Narration was very well done, again, it felt like the voice fit the characters, the time, the locations. Very good choice.
This story revolves around a group of childhood friends who are all the misfit types and their experiences with the Magic Man - and it stated feeling downright creepy to me from the first mention. I didn't know where it would go, but I knew it would be creepy! The development of the characters as adults was a bit expected, but still unique in their own ways. The flow felt right. And Dennis - poor, sweet Dennis. I'm sure the way his character is written will upset some, and it was a bit hard to hear, but I also really felt like it fit the rest of the story. And he was very essential for the story (I thought of "Duddits" from Dreamcatcher, though Dennis has a larger part to the story.
And the ending - I was not expecting that! It was so sad!!
I started and finished this within 36-48 hours. I couldn't stop - had to see what would happen next. So I'm going to go ahead and give it the 5 star rating I don't often hand out!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Literally like the IT movie part 2 with a dash of magic on it.
I love reading this and the horror aspect of it. I will definitely be reading more of thr authors books!!
I love reading this and the horror aspect of it. I will definitely be reading more of thr authors books!!
*Black Mouth* by Ronald Malfi is a gripping and atmospheric horror novel that skillfully blends elements of nostalgia and terror. The story follows a group of friends returning to their hometown, where dark memories and childhood fears resurface. Malfi's writing is evocative, painting vivid imagery that immerses you in both the beauty and dread of the setting. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles with the past are relatable and compelling.
The pacing is strong, with a perfect balance of suspense and emotional depth, making it hard to put down. The supernatural elements are chilling, and the exploration of friendship and trauma adds layers to the narrative. However, some plot points felt a bit familiar, which slightly diminished the overall impact for me. Overall, *Black Mouth* is an engaging and unsettling read that kept me hooked, earning a solid four stars!
The pacing is strong, with a perfect balance of suspense and emotional depth, making it hard to put down. The supernatural elements are chilling, and the exploration of friendship and trauma adds layers to the narrative. However, some plot points felt a bit familiar, which slightly diminished the overall impact for me. Overall, *Black Mouth* is an engaging and unsettling read that kept me hooked, earning a solid four stars!
One of the best books I’ve read this year.
In BLACK MOUTH, Ronald Malfi expertly crafts a world filled with stomach turning horrors and emotional tugs that just might leave you in tears. An incredible work of horror fiction. At one point I was cringing with dread and by the end of the book I was almost in tears as my friends resolved their conflict. Fans of Stephen King’s IT and Chuck Wendig’s THE HOUSE OF ACCIDENTS will likely love this book.
In BLACK MOUTH, Ronald Malfi expertly crafts a world filled with stomach turning horrors and emotional tugs that just might leave you in tears. An incredible work of horror fiction. At one point I was cringing with dread and by the end of the book I was almost in tears as my friends resolved their conflict. Fans of Stephen King’s IT and Chuck Wendig’s THE HOUSE OF ACCIDENTS will likely love this book.
This was an absolutely wild ride from start to finish. Seamlessly blending together local legends and generational curses, Slenderman mythos and classic literature, this novel is a propulsive page-turner and engaging character study.
Recovering alcoholic Jamie Warren receives a call from his hometown police, who have found his developmentally challenged brother Dennis wandering barefoot and half-naked, saying only "She. Is. Now. Dead." Upon learning of his mother's passing, Jamie is forced to return to Black Mouth and confront his traumatic childhood. We see a rich portrait unfold of two abused and neglected children, the adults who failed them, and those who would prey upon them. In a similarly creepy retelling of the Slenderman story, the Magician is an enigmatic man who soon takes the boys and their friends under his wing, leading to disaster.
Drawing many elements from Of Mice and Men, this novel does a great job at subverting them. Regardless of how you interpret the ending, Dennis is a gentle giant who possesses incredible power, and is ultimately able to confront great horrors, either supernatural or realistic. Instead of being a symbol of innocence, the recurring rabbit motif takes on a significantly darker tone and sets decades of events into motion.
Overall, an incredibly compelling thriller with lots of room for the reader's own interpretation. I couldn't put it down – highly recommended.
Recovering alcoholic Jamie Warren receives a call from his hometown police, who have found his developmentally challenged brother Dennis wandering barefoot and half-naked, saying only "She. Is. Now. Dead." Upon learning of his mother's passing, Jamie is forced to return to Black Mouth and confront his traumatic childhood. We see a rich portrait unfold of two abused and neglected children, the adults who failed them, and those who would prey upon them. In a similarly creepy retelling of the Slenderman story, the Magician is an enigmatic man who soon takes the boys and their friends under his wing, leading to disaster.
Drawing many elements from Of Mice and Men, this novel does a great job at subverting them. Regardless of how you interpret the ending, Dennis is a gentle giant who possesses incredible power, and is ultimately able to confront great horrors, either supernatural or realistic. Instead of being a symbol of innocence, the recurring rabbit motif takes on a significantly darker tone and sets decades of events into motion.
Overall, an incredibly compelling thriller with lots of room for the reader's own interpretation. I couldn't put it down – highly recommended.
THIS BOOK WAS SO STUPID AND ANNOYING. Go read all the 1 star reviews to find out why. Just not very original and lots of unnecessary violence and awful character descriptions. I'm giving it 2 stars because it was interesting enough for me to keep reading it until the end, but the ending sucked and I kind of wish I didn't. There goes 436pgs of my life I can never get back lol
dark
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes