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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Listened to the audio. This was my first full Joe Hill (I read In the Tall Grass which was a collab with his dad), and while it definitely won't be my last, I don't think it'll ever be one of my favorites. Overall the story was fine, the writing was fine, the narration was well done (except for the annoying and tacky "rock music" in between some chapters). I just had a hard time staying invested in the story. At times I thought it kind of rambled on, with not much direction. The second half the book definitely moved quicker, but I found myself not very invested in the characters. They weren't very likeable from the very beginning, but in the end I did find myself liking them more. I wish this happened sooner so I felt more invested in the story. I'd recommend this if you're into weird and creepy ghost stories. I didn't find it very scary at all.
This is the best horror novel I have read in a long time. It includes a lot to think about (ghosts, depression, good versus bad), a number of surprises, and some really compelling characters. Plus, it mentions a lot of bands that I really dig, has some really cool dogs, and has just the right amount of gore.
I've already started recommending this book to people I know.
So, what else should I read by Joe Hill? That's my next question.
I've already started recommending this book to people I know.
So, what else should I read by Joe Hill? That's my next question.
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I haven't read a book this creepy and messed up since I was probably a teenager, and I have to say I loved it. Evil spirits out to get you, animal familiars, and a little love story on the side - what's not to love?
mysterious
medium-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
Even though it did have a few slow points, I thought those points were all integral to the whole story. When reading horror, I am hopeful that the author is descriptive enough that I can imagine the scenes in my mind, and I found that to be true of Joe Hill’s writing! It was a good horror novel; the characters, setting and every chapter stayed true to the story and fit as the story winds down! I liked it!!
It was creepy in a good horror movie kind of way. The ghostly activity was spot on I LOVED the animal spirit stuff and it was spooky but also drew you in so you liked the characters even the ageing rock star who was definitely a bit of a dick.
When I was about a quarter of the way through I started to think it read very like a Stephen king novel so I looked it up and it’s his son. Still a very good author in his own right obviously but it definitely has echoes of a similar style of writing.
I will definitely be read more of his books.
When I was about a quarter of the way through I started to think it read very like a Stephen king novel so I looked it up and it’s his son. Still a very good author in his own right obviously but it definitely has echoes of a similar style of writing.
I will definitely be read more of his books.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
There is a lot going on, but still okay
I really enjoyed the beginning and the ending. Everything else felt drawn out and repetitive, which is probably why it took me four months to finally finish it!
It was beauuuutiful, the collector band member being stalked ish by the old man and using his connections with his past, helped each other to overcome this hideous ghost story.