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cuddlesome's review against another edition
5.0
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. I've always thought that the video game that this is based on had a really fun premise (cartoon studio with an ink monster in it and heavy Disney influence?! YES) but a shaky execution when it came to the gameplay and some of the story elements. You can all but feel the frustration bleeding off of people who play the game because they really want to know what happens but they don't want to have to endure the game's backtracking fetch quests and glitchy boss fights. I can't speak for the sequels, but the original BatIM seems like it has a lot of ambition that it struggles to match technically.
This book, obviously, was freed from the need to have video game elements in it and I thought that very much worked to the story's benefit. I enjoyed getting to know the narrator, Buddy, who feels like a realistic teen who's just trying his best and has understandable motivations. Even when he's doing the wrong thing you feel for him. I enjoyed all of the side characters, especially Dot and Buddy's grandfather. I even liked the anger-inducingly smug Joey Drew. You just love to hate him and how he takes advantage of people. The studio itself feels like a character, and settings aren't always something that stand out to me so I found that particularly impressive.
I felt a little surprised at how the story addressed the American cultural attitudes that were very distinctly 1940s in terms of discrimination against women, Jewish people, and the lower class. I don't know, I guess I just wasn't expecting it after the source material didn't make much mention of it. There are also brief, nondescript mentions of World War II and the Holocaust. I wonder how realistic it is that women would maintain their positions in an animation studio like this post-war when someone like Drew (who is out and out sexist multiple times) is in charge. I have to admit I don't know enough about the time period and specifically about animation studios to say, but it does make me want to know more about the history behind this story.
There were a few logic flaws but honestly they feel like nitpicking (Buddy's poor family makes no mention of the expensive suit that Drew gets him?) and the only other real complaint that I have is that the monster didn't appear more, but I can't say where they could have had him appear more than wouldn't have felt shoehorned.
I'd say this is perfect for teens who are a fan of the game who are okay with softcore horror; I don't know that it can be fully enjoyed without context but I think in a lot of ways it stands on its own. It's a slow build without a ton of payoff in terms of an "ending" but if it were to go on any longer it would just be rehashing the game, so it felt appropriate for it to end where it did.
This book, obviously, was freed from the need to have video game elements in it and I thought that very much worked to the story's benefit. I enjoyed getting to know the narrator, Buddy, who feels like a realistic teen who's just trying his best and has understandable motivations. Even when he's doing the wrong thing you feel for him. I enjoyed all of the side characters, especially Dot and Buddy's grandfather. I even liked the anger-inducingly smug Joey Drew. You just love to hate him and how he takes advantage of people. The studio itself feels like a character, and settings aren't always something that stand out to me so I found that particularly impressive.
I felt a little surprised at how the story addressed the American cultural attitudes that were very distinctly 1940s in terms of discrimination against women, Jewish people, and the lower class. I don't know, I guess I just wasn't expecting it after the source material didn't make much mention of it. There are also brief, nondescript mentions of World War II and the Holocaust. I wonder how realistic it is that women would maintain their positions in an animation studio like this post-war when someone like Drew (who is out and out sexist multiple times) is in charge. I have to admit I don't know enough about the time period and specifically about animation studios to say, but it does make me want to know more about the history behind this story.
There were a few logic flaws but honestly they feel like nitpicking (Buddy's poor family makes no mention of the expensive suit that Drew gets him?) and the only other real complaint that I have is that the monster didn't appear more, but I can't say where they could have had him appear more than wouldn't have felt shoehorned.
I'd say this is perfect for teens who are a fan of the game who are okay with softcore horror; I don't know that it can be fully enjoyed without context but I think in a lot of ways it stands on its own. It's a slow build without a ton of payoff in terms of an "ending" but if it were to go on any longer it would just be rehashing the game, so it felt appropriate for it to end where it did.
claresbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 out of 5 stars.
So, the concepts of the game have always made me a little uneasy. Body horror always does. But in game form, it's easy to disassociate from it.
This book, however, really sets you into the mind of this poor boy who has the worst imaginable fate and though the writing isn't the strongest (most likely because of the characteristics of Buddy) the overall story gives a really cool insight into the earlier parts of the Bendy story.
So, the concepts of the game have always made me a little uneasy. Body horror always does. But in game form, it's easy to disassociate from it.
This book, however, really sets you into the mind of this poor boy who has the worst imaginable fate and though the writing isn't the strongest (most likely because of the characteristics of Buddy) the overall story gives a really cool insight into the earlier parts of the Bendy story.
abortress's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
zoth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
krazykentreader's review against another edition
5.0
The best thing to read for Halloween and the best companion to the world of Bendy!
BEWARE THE INK DEMON!!
BEWARE THE INK DEMON!!
incrediblemre1447's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookwtch's review against another edition
4.0
Playing Bendy and the Ink Machine earlier this year, it quickly seeped its inky black way deep into my heart. It's such a unique, and visually appealing, game; taking place in an animation studio and world reminiscent of a vintage cartoon.
Dreams Come to Life follows the story of Buddy, an aspiring artist, who takes on an apprenticeship at Joey Drew Studios as a gofer. Being one step closer to his dream, and also making more to support his struggling family, things seem to be looking up for Buddy. That's quickly challenged, however, as things at the studio begin to seem off and Buddy descends deeper into the heart of the studio.
Being a prequel, and having played the game first myself, I'd say it doesn't really matter if you read it before or after. The book does a wonderful job explaining and keeping you up to speed with what's going on. Though, I did find it easier to relate to and feel for some of the side characters, such as Norman and Sammy, because I already had that initial relationship.
Okay. Maybe not Sammy. He's a jerk either way.
The atmosphere throughout the book is dark and suffocating. That's meant to be a compliment. You can feel yourself being consumed by it, which is fitting considering the subject matter. It kept me securely engaged.
And the ink splatters on pages!
A brilliant touch!
I appreciate little details like that.
Overall Dreams Come to Life is a perfect extension of the lore, and I truly hope there's more to come! Well done!
Dreams Come to Life follows the story of Buddy, an aspiring artist, who takes on an apprenticeship at Joey Drew Studios as a gofer. Being one step closer to his dream, and also making more to support his struggling family, things seem to be looking up for Buddy. That's quickly challenged, however, as things at the studio begin to seem off and Buddy descends deeper into the heart of the studio.
Being a prequel, and having played the game first myself, I'd say it doesn't really matter if you read it before or after. The book does a wonderful job explaining and keeping you up to speed with what's going on. Though, I did find it easier to relate to and feel for some of the side characters, such as Norman and Sammy, because I already had that initial relationship.
Okay. Maybe not Sammy. He's a jerk either way.
The atmosphere throughout the book is dark and suffocating. That's meant to be a compliment. You can feel yourself being consumed by it, which is fitting considering the subject matter. It kept me securely engaged.
And the ink splatters on pages!
A brilliant touch!
I appreciate little details like that.
Overall Dreams Come to Life is a perfect extension of the lore, and I truly hope there's more to come! Well done!
witchyficbindery's review against another edition
5.0
Read more of my reviews at Cornerfolds.com!
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I first saw Bendy and the Ink machine at Target. It was a Bendy doll and I had no idea what it was, but I had a hunch that he was from a video game. I googled it and ended up watching a full playthrough on YouTube, which is my preferred method of (not) gaming. I love seeing the story and gameplay, but I suck at playing the games myself. Bendy quickly became one of my favorites of all time so I couldn't wait to read this book!
Dreams Come to Life is a prequel to the game and revolves around Buddy. Buddy hates his job as a delivery boy but desperately needs the money, so when he's given the opportunity to work for Joey Drew Studios for double the salary he jumps at the chance. It doesn't take long before things start to seem a little off and continue to spiral from there.
I really enjoyed Buddy's character and experiencing the studio through his eyes before its demise. I also loved his relationship with Dot and found her to be a fun original character. Joey Drew was also a lot like how I imagined him from the video game, although a bit less sinister than I expected. Honestly, everyone in the studio made me feel just the right amount of uneasy, sometimes for no reason I could put my finger on.
Obviously, the best part of this book was seeing the studio from a different angle before it was covered in ink. I loved following Buddy around as he found each location from the game and figured out what was really happening. Dreams Come to Life definitely maintains the same creepy atmosphere you'd expect from Bendy and the Ink Machine.
Although this is a media tie in I do think it could be enjoyed by someone who's never played (or watched) the game. This is a super creepy mystery set in an animation studio that's reminiscent of Walt Disney Studios and anyone who is into horror or mystery would be able to enjoy it for those elements. It could also be a really fun introduction to the world for someone who might decide to delve deeper later. I'm not sure if more books are planned in this series but I really hope there are!
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I first saw Bendy and the Ink machine at Target. It was a Bendy doll and I had no idea what it was, but I had a hunch that he was from a video game. I googled it and ended up watching a full playthrough on YouTube, which is my preferred method of (not) gaming. I love seeing the story and gameplay, but I suck at playing the games myself. Bendy quickly became one of my favorites of all time so I couldn't wait to read this book!
Dreams Come to Life is a prequel to the game and revolves around Buddy. Buddy hates his job as a delivery boy but desperately needs the money, so when he's given the opportunity to work for Joey Drew Studios for double the salary he jumps at the chance. It doesn't take long before things start to seem a little off and continue to spiral from there.
I really enjoyed Buddy's character and experiencing the studio through his eyes before its demise. I also loved his relationship with Dot and found her to be a fun original character. Joey Drew was also a lot like how I imagined him from the video game, although a bit less sinister than I expected. Honestly, everyone in the studio made me feel just the right amount of uneasy, sometimes for no reason I could put my finger on.
Obviously, the best part of this book was seeing the studio from a different angle before it was covered in ink. I loved following Buddy around as he found each location from the game and figured out what was really happening. Dreams Come to Life definitely maintains the same creepy atmosphere you'd expect from Bendy and the Ink Machine.
Although this is a media tie in I do think it could be enjoyed by someone who's never played (or watched) the game. This is a super creepy mystery set in an animation studio that's reminiscent of Walt Disney Studios and anyone who is into horror or mystery would be able to enjoy it for those elements. It could also be a really fun introduction to the world for someone who might decide to delve deeper later. I'm not sure if more books are planned in this series but I really hope there are!