You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a fantastic read. Very clever, INCREDIBLY unlikeable protagonist but a lot of the depth and fun comes from that character, and goddammit I was rooting for him at the end. I love the setup of the book, the slow reveals are dolled out expertly and the ending gave me goosebumps while also crushing my soul a little bit. Absolutely recommended
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm not even sure where to begin. This was a completely unexpected story. The summary sounded fairly interesting and "spooky" enough for a Halloween read, but I clearly didn't anticipate where it would go at all. (And I am so glad that it didn't go the way of [b:A Head Full of Ghosts|23019294|A Head Full of Ghosts|Paul Tremblay|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1415678368s/23019294.jpg|42563937].)
I figured out one big plot point early on, but I wasn't quite sure *how* it actually happened. I can't say much here without giving it away, but I guess I knew where we were going, just not what route we were taking. It was a great ride, though.
The main character helped to remind me that no matter how unlikable our protagonist, it can still make for a great story/read. I've read a few with such awful leads that I frankly didn't care what bad things happened to them. Jack Sparks is a bastard, to be sure, but I did find myself caring what happened to him (and those poor people around him) and how his story would end.
There's some beautiful writing in this, lots of comical moments, and some very creepy bits as well. Some lines I found memorable:
"...people's enduring belief in conveniently invisible devils makes the work of science so much harder. It slaps a leash on progress and encourages backward thinking."
"My jeans remain unsoiled. My heebies are jeebie-less. There are no willies up me."
"'There is no "I" in "team".'
'No,' I reply. 'But there is a "u" in "cunt".'"
I could have easily breezed through this in a day if I didn't have real life to attend to, and it was hard to put down each time. I think that makes for a pretty great book, and I'd easily rate it 4 1/2 stars.
I figured out one big plot point early on, but I wasn't quite sure *how* it actually happened. I can't say much here without giving it away, but I guess I knew where we were going, just not what route we were taking. It was a great ride, though.
The main character helped to remind me that no matter how unlikable our protagonist, it can still make for a great story/read. I've read a few with such awful leads that I frankly didn't care what bad things happened to them. Jack Sparks is a bastard, to be sure, but I did find myself caring what happened to him (and those poor people around him) and how his story would end.
There's some beautiful writing in this, lots of comical moments, and some very creepy bits as well. Some lines I found memorable:
"...people's enduring belief in conveniently invisible devils makes the work of science so much harder. It slaps a leash on progress and encourages backward thinking."
"My jeans remain unsoiled. My heebies are jeebie-less. There are no willies up me."
"'There is no "I" in "team".'
'No,' I reply. 'But there is a "u" in "cunt".'"
I could have easily breezed through this in a day if I didn't have real life to attend to, and it was hard to put down each time. I think that makes for a pretty great book, and I'd easily rate it 4 1/2 stars.
adventurous
dark
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
This was quite the surprise in both a good and bad way. Good because it kept me hooked. I finished this on audiobook and I ended up listening to it in a couple of days because this story certainly keeps you well engaged.
I love books about exorcisms and love horror movies with that supernatural vent so I was all on board when I read about this book. I think also that what makes it work is the tone and the other snarky commentaries that prove Jack Sparks is so full of it-BS, arrogance, fear, and misguided convictions. The other voices around him make him more bearable in his quest for rationality and science that is hiding deep insecurities and almost a monstrous being inside.
Some of the horror comes from Jack Sparks and his detachment from reality and the inner workings of his mind. And how he sees things as they go on around him.
It was thoroughly entertaining and how the pieces came together was very well done, so overall, a pretty good book to while away an evening. But not so enjoyable if you're not into those full of themselves debunker types.
I love books about exorcisms and love horror movies with that supernatural vent so I was all on board when I read about this book. I think also that what makes it work is the tone and the other snarky commentaries that prove Jack Sparks is so full of it-BS, arrogance, fear, and misguided convictions. The other voices around him make him more bearable in his quest for rationality and science that is hiding deep insecurities and almost a monstrous being inside.
Some of the horror comes from Jack Sparks and his detachment from reality and the inner workings of his mind. And how he sees things as they go on around him.
It was thoroughly entertaining and how the pieces came together was very well done, so overall, a pretty good book to while away an evening. But not so enjoyable if you're not into those full of themselves debunker types.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The true horror in this book is Jack Sparks. never hated a character as much. There are some truly brilliant moments but it does drag on a little in a places which is why it's a 4 not a 5.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The book started strong and o was hooked
But it dragged on and on and on and I could barely finish.
But it dragged on and on and on and I could barely finish.