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lilybear3's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
1.75
I wish the story had lived up to the title and the cover art. I had a lot of issues with the writing and the characters.
I felt like the writing was trying too hard to be profound and have those memorable one-liners. Nothing interesting/scary happens until halfway through the book. The story up until then had revolved around the friend drama (it doesn't stop there, it's constant to the point of annoying). For me, lack of communication in a story makes me furious so the lack of realistic dialogue wasn't great. For example,Why didn't Cat yell at Faiz, "if you cut your heart out, you will die and you won't get to be with Talia"? Basic commication avoided.
Onto the characters: they are insufferable. The only one I sort of cared for was Lin. The ending was not what I would've liked.Killing Phillip to get Talia back was a horrible trade offer, she was not worth saving. While I'm here, I did like how the yokai hung around the characters, that imagery is very cool
None of the characters were connected to this environment, so we had a group of tourists/non-native Japanese go to the house for funsies because she wanted to get married in a haunted house. It just doesn't make sense, even for a fictional story.
I had no expectations going into this, the cover made it look scary and eerie but there was so much drama between the friends and not enough spooky that I lost interest quickly.
I felt like the writing was trying too hard to be profound and have those memorable one-liners. Nothing interesting/scary happens until halfway through the book. The story up until then had revolved around the friend drama (it doesn't stop there, it's constant to the point of annoying). For me, lack of communication in a story makes me furious so the lack of realistic dialogue wasn't great. For example,
Onto the characters: they are insufferable. The only one I sort of cared for was Lin. The ending was not what I would've liked.
None of the characters were connected to this environment, so we had a group of tourists/non-native Japanese go to the house for funsies because she wanted to get married in a haunted house. It just doesn't make sense, even for a fictional story.
I had no expectations going into this, the cover made it look scary and eerie but there was so much drama between the friends and not enough spooky that I lost interest quickly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Gore, Grief, Self harm, Death, Toxic friendship, Blood, Confinement, Murder, and Cursing
b_lownds127's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was... I'm not entirely sure. I feel I was remiss in not looking up more Japanese folklore before reading because many references would then have made sense as I listened rather than me looking them up afterwards. The books is very short and I didn't feel connected to the characters, but also, in a "Cabin-In-The-Woods" kind of way, the characters were typecast on purpose - filling specific roles. I was not anticipating the ending, but then again, I was not anticipating anything because the book moved so quickly and the language was so overtly over-descriptive I felt a bit lost. Over all, I liked, though I did not understand it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Body horror, Confinement, Gore, Blood, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
kyrstin_p1989's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The last 30 pages were interesting and unexpected. Everything else was convoluted and boring and hard to follow. Lots of words I had to look up, some Japanese and others just really obscure English words.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Classism, Abandonment, Torture, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, Death, Gore, Grief, Infidelity, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
dustghosts's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
girl help the horror recs are letting me down
+ when it wasn’t too forced, the writing— particularly figurative language and sense descriptions— could be quite beautiful
+ i loooove a horror story with house-as-character, and there were times when this came off particularly eerie. i wish this had been pushed a little more, given depth, something more complicated thanmoldy books “tricking you” into (or just letting you get away with, depending on how you interpret this) killing an old friend against whom you have a grudge
+ i do think khaw captures a certain kind of former-to-forced friendship really well in this group, with twisty histories between them and palpable built up resentments
o the author often uses Japanese words and terminology that will require non-speakers to do some research. i don’t personally think this is a con, but other reviewers have mentioned it and it is worth being prepared for. not everything has to be made easy for an english-speaking audience.
- none of these characters, however, come across as particularly likeable, complex, or clever, nor do they have much development for better or for worse— and I think you need at least one of those if you want my investment. instead they all seem pared down to the most basic of their traits, and the descriptions of those wind up feeling repetitive, like we’re rarely if ever learning anything new about the characters— just finding new ways to describe the same traits that our narrator has only disdain for.
- bizarre treatment of mental illness here— the POV character has had a struggle that reads true-to-life and is still dealing with the repercussions of that in a way that’s a little painful (not necessarily in a bad way) and similarly realistic. but the way thatthe rest of the characters seem to fall apart in an abrupt mockery of ~madness~ at the climax of the story is kind of wild and doesn’t feel well-justified or true.
- pacing is a problem. at times it drones (I found it really difficult to get into), at times it skips forward too fast, at times it seems unmatched to the urgency of what’s actually happening in the scene.
- I would like to give some benefit of the doubt that some of this has to do with characterization of the narrator (cat is someone who considers herself smarter than most of the people in the room, while at the time still being a little discombobulated and learning how to person again). however. overall, I think it could have used another editing pass— often the writing seems staccato, too many half-sentences and incomplete thoughts stacked against each other. when it isn’t that, it’s often overly verbose to the point of being inaccessible, hard to parse, metaphors made too specific so as to be ineffective (distracting or abstracted, vs evocative).
- while the length made this an easy read, combined with the pacing issues, it also made everything from the climax to the end feel stilted— either too easy or not as impactful as it could be given some room to breathe. the “front” of the book feels heavier than the meat of the haunting, like we’re being set up for the characters to face something much more challenging and frightening than what actually happens.
- to that end? I feel that the resolution was too easy, too loosely-justified, and honestly a bit too blasé for what could have been the tragedy of it. and that has to do with aaaall of those other flaws. in general, the book doesn’t have any real concept of hierarchy of information— what’s important to the writer, the characters, the house, or to the reader?
+ when it wasn’t too forced, the writing— particularly figurative language and sense descriptions— could be quite beautiful
+ i loooove a horror story with house-as-character, and there were times when this came off particularly eerie. i wish this had been pushed a little more, given depth, something more complicated than
+ i do think khaw captures a certain kind of former-to-forced friendship really well in this group, with twisty histories between them and palpable built up resentments
o the author often uses Japanese words and terminology that will require non-speakers to do some research. i don’t personally think this is a con, but other reviewers have mentioned it and it is worth being prepared for. not everything has to be made easy for an english-speaking audience.
- none of these characters, however, come across as particularly likeable, complex, or clever, nor do they have much development for better or for worse— and I think you need at least one of those if you want my investment. instead they all seem pared down to the most basic of their traits, and the descriptions of those wind up feeling repetitive, like we’re rarely if ever learning anything new about the characters— just finding new ways to describe the same traits that our narrator has only disdain for.
- bizarre treatment of mental illness here— the POV character has had a struggle that reads true-to-life and is still dealing with the repercussions of that in a way that’s a little painful (not necessarily in a bad way) and similarly realistic. but the way that
- pacing is a problem. at times it drones (I found it really difficult to get into), at times it skips forward too fast, at times it seems unmatched to the urgency of what’s actually happening in the scene.
- I would like to give some benefit of the doubt that some of this has to do with characterization of the narrator (cat is someone who considers herself smarter than most of the people in the room, while at the time still being a little discombobulated and learning how to person again). however. overall, I think it could have used another editing pass— often the writing seems staccato, too many half-sentences and incomplete thoughts stacked against each other. when it isn’t that, it’s often overly verbose to the point of being inaccessible, hard to parse, metaphors made too specific so as to be ineffective (distracting or abstracted, vs evocative).
- while the length made this an easy read, combined with the pacing issues, it also made everything from the climax to the end feel stilted— either too easy or not as impactful as it could be given some room to breathe. the “front” of the book feels heavier than the meat of the haunting, like we’re being set up for the characters to face something much more challenging and frightening than what actually happens.
- to that end? I feel that the resolution was too easy, too loosely-justified, and honestly a bit too blasé for what could have been the tragedy of it. and that has to do with aaaall of those other flaws. in general, the book doesn’t have any real concept of hierarchy of information— what’s important to the writer, the characters, the house, or to the reader?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Toxic friendship, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Death, Gaslighting, and Vomit
Moderate: Body shaming, Confinement, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
lupitabaeyongo's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, Death, Alcohol, Confinement, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
mommarex1221's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Murder, Blood, Body horror, and Death
Minor: Confinement
akira_outofthegravity's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
When this book is good- it’s good. When it’s bad it’s mediocre at best. And unfortunately there is more bad than good.
There’s very little in the way of plot development or character development. And very little in the way of plot. I wanted to like this book so much but I just don’t. It’s not scary, it’s not compelling, the writing is nice but most of the characters are whiny- including our narrator Cat.
She is the epitome of Not Like Other Girls + the pinnacle of Tumblr Depression. Is Talia rude as hell? Yes, but Cat is so judgemental of her it’s insane. Faiz begins as a semi relatable and sweet guy but just becomes unbearable once the story begins to ramp up. Lin is the most bearable but that’s also because he has the least personality of the bunch. While Khaw has a talent for writing it’s wasted on this story. It reads like a first draft which is a shame because it could be really spooky. The “sacrifice” they make is really well written, and I enjoyed the emotions of it. But also it was way too meta. Like we know Cat is bi, and she’s supposed to die first, we know it’ll “subvert our expectations”. The minute a piece of horror work becomes too “clever” I clock out.
Too bad the characters suck, the writing is pretty juvenile, and the pacing is way off.
Edit: after reading a few reviews I have changed my mind. This book is worse than I thought. I think I wanted to love this book with its creepy cover and title, but the ending is so dumb. Everything about this book is dumb. Khaw’s writing although beautiful in parts is so fucking bloated. They have clear skill and talent- so use it!!! Also I hope they fire their editor.
There’s very little in the way of plot development or character development. And very little in the way of plot. I wanted to like this book so much but I just don’t. It’s not scary, it’s not compelling, the writing is nice but most of the characters are whiny- including our narrator Cat.
She is the epitome of Not Like Other Girls + the pinnacle of Tumblr Depression. Is Talia rude as hell? Yes, but Cat is so judgemental of her it’s insane. Faiz begins as a semi relatable and sweet guy but just becomes unbearable once the story begins to ramp up. Lin is the most bearable but that’s also because he has the least personality of the bunch. While Khaw has a talent for writing it’s wasted on this story. It reads like a first draft which is a shame because it could be really spooky. The “sacrifice” they make is really well written, and I enjoyed the emotions of it. But also it was way too meta. Like we know Cat is bi, and she’s supposed to die first, we know it’ll “subvert our expectations”. The minute a piece of horror work becomes too “clever” I clock out.
Too bad the characters suck, the writing is pretty juvenile, and the pacing is way off.
Edit: after reading a few reviews I have changed my mind. This book is worse than I thought. I think I wanted to love this book with its creepy cover and title, but the ending is so dumb. Everything about this book is dumb. Khaw’s writing although beautiful in parts is so fucking bloated. They have clear skill and talent- so use it!!! Also I hope they fire their editor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Murder, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
ecn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It’s hard to even review this book since it was so short and quick. A lot happened but it almost seemed like reading a book by skipping every few chapters. I wanted a lot more info and development but the overall story and premise was so interesting (which is why I wanted more!). This almost felt like a story out of “scary stories to read in the dark,” which, in my mind, is a great place for a horror book/story to try and land.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Gore, Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Murder, Torture, and Toxic friendship
rosesofthespring's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Vomit, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Excrement, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Self harm, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Medical content, and Medical trauma
gem114's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I don't normally pick up horror, but I enjoyed this book. It was almost too short, but it didn't feel rushed. I listened to the audiobook, and I felt a little lost at times with the various names used to refer to the ghosts/spirits. Other than that, I enjoyed it as an audiobook and would recommend the format. The narrator did a great job, and overall, it felt like you were being told a spooky story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Suicide attempt