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hannanni41's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Violence, and Body horror
Moderate: Classism, Confinement, and Blood
Minor: Deadnaming
bsmucker's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a fan of The Magnus Archives, I was eager to support Jonny Sims and looking forward to more of his amazing work. That being said, Thirteeen Storeys felt more like a PG-13 rated short story collection written for a broader audience.
The way that Jonny Sims manages to build toward and deliver a payoff through an Agatha Christie-style reveal is one of the most satisfying aspects of his work (again, see The Magnus Archives, which I truly regard as one of the best pieces of fiction I've ever experienced). The ending of this book is no different, but it felt a bit laborious getting there. Each story ended predictably in service of the overarching narrative, but it made the weaker stories feel more like"Come on, just get to the character receiving their invitation already!"
Again, I cannot express enough admiration for Jonny Sims and his talent, but, even though Thirteen Storeys delivered a satisfying conclusion, the individual stories felt more like chapters out of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Jonny's earned my support because I eagerly anticipate more of his work, but don't expect the same level of suspense, mystery, and horror as The Magnus Archives if you, like me, are looking for anything to fill the void it has left.
The way that Jonny Sims manages to build toward and deliver a payoff through an Agatha Christie-style reveal is one of the most satisfying aspects of his work (again, see The Magnus Archives, which I truly regard as one of the best pieces of fiction I've ever experienced). The ending of this book is no different, but it felt a bit laborious getting there. Each story ended predictably in service of the overarching narrative, but it made the weaker stories feel more like
Again, I cannot express enough admiration for Jonny Sims and his talent, but, even though Thirteen Storeys delivered a satisfying conclusion, the individual stories felt more like chapters out of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Jonny's earned my support because I eagerly anticipate more of his work, but don't expect the same level of suspense, mystery, and horror as The Magnus Archives if you, like me, are looking for anything to fill the void it has left.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Chronic illness, Violence, Addiction, and Cannibalism
ambers's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm a big fan of this author's brand of horror, so while I admit the slow pace and the whole "the real horror is capitalism" underpinning (with a deeply cathartic finale in regards to our rich bitch landlord) may not work for everyone, I LOVED this book. I should also add I listened to the audiobook version, which really added a lot to it. For example - a trans character who is, I believe, voiced by a trans actor!
Each chapter is both self contained and connected to the main plot/the other chapters, which is a lot of fun to engage with. The characters are all unique and well-written, although I did have my favorites. I actually kept some notes on my phone while I listened too, which helped a lot for recall. This book also made me talk out loud to myself, multiple times - sometimes because something horrified me, and sometimes, as strange as it sounds, because something delighted me (maybe I'm easy to win over, but I was THRILLED to have a character mention his binder, and I distinctly recall reacting out loud to that one).
I do see some comments saying there were parts that were difficult to get through, and while I see where they're coming from, I don't personally agree. I loved the slow burn to the ending, and I found it suitably creepy throughout. I would definitely recommend this to horror fans, especially if they enjoy blatant leftie theory in their horror (I certainly do).
Each chapter is both self contained and connected to the main plot/the other chapters, which is a lot of fun to engage with. The characters are all unique and well-written, although I did have my favorites. I actually kept some notes on my phone while I listened too, which helped a lot for recall. This book also made me talk out loud to myself, multiple times - sometimes because something horrified me, and sometimes, as strange as it sounds, because something delighted me (maybe I'm easy to win over, but I was THRILLED to have a character mention his binder, and I distinctly recall reacting out loud to that one).
I do see some comments saying there were parts that were difficult to get through, and while I see where they're coming from, I don't personally agree. I loved the slow burn to the ending, and I found it suitably creepy throughout. I would definitely recommend this to horror fans, especially if they enjoy blatant leftie theory in their horror (I certainly do).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Murder, Gore, Violence, Cannibalism, and Classism
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: War, Deadnaming, Addiction, and Transphobia
doubledevour's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, Death, Classism, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Cannibalism, Body horror, Vomit, and Blood
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Colonisation
Minor: Police brutality and Transphobia
loop_laurens's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Yet another example of the author's masterful storytelling.
The individual stories wrap together in impeccable ways, each subtly linked to the others until they cumulate in the grand conclusion. Despite being the focus for only a single chapter, each character feels like a real person with a multifaceted personality and connections to the people and places around them that cement them as the kind of people you find in any city apartment. Each of their decent into the supernatural is perfectly paced and tailored to their character, and the final chapter brings them together for an engaging, narratively satifying conclusion.
The individual stories wrap together in impeccable ways, each subtly linked to the others until they cumulate in the grand conclusion. Despite being the focus for only a single chapter, each character feels like a real person with a multifaceted personality and connections to the people and places around them that cement them as the kind of people you find in any city apartment. Each of their decent into the supernatural is perfectly paced and tailored to their character, and the final chapter brings them together for an engaging, narratively satifying conclusion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Death, and Violence
Minor: Cannibalism
ilucam's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It's hard to talk about this book without talking about The Magnus Archives, given that Sims was writing both at the same time, and the writing style, themes, and tone of the novel reflect those found in the podcast. To me, Thirteen Storeys feels like a long, slow burning narrative that would actually feel at home as a recurring plot point in TMA, and perhaps that's how it started.
I enjoyed the central conceit of this novel, and watching each character unravel while piecing together the events in the timeline kept me engaged and listening long into the night. With that said, there were some (not many) parts that felt too long, or meandering, or overly descriptive, that could have used some tightening up.
As other reviewers have said, the moral expressed in the last chapter isn't subtle, and the final monologues both in-world and to the readers really don't leave much room for interpretation. I suspect this is deliberate, given Sims's experience with audiences (mis)reading his work each week for five years, but it did slightly ruin the enjoyment that comes from filling in those gaps myself.
The mix of characters here feels very natural and representative of who might live in such a building. The subtle and not-so-subtle nods to race, gender, orientation, and backgrounds really help develop compassion for most of them. It feels like Sims, when creating these characters seriously asked himself, "why couldn't this person be X?" which is great.
The voice cast on the audiobook was pretty solid, but some actors felt inexperienced, and maybe could have used some more direction to help lines fall more naturally.
Thirteen Storeys is a solid bit of story-telling, with some proper WTF spooky moments.
I enjoyed the central conceit of this novel, and watching each character unravel while piecing together the events in the timeline kept me engaged and listening long into the night. With that said, there were some (not many) parts that felt too long, or meandering, or overly descriptive, that could have used some tightening up.
As other reviewers have said, the moral expressed in the last chapter isn't subtle, and the final monologues both in-world and to the readers really don't leave much room for interpretation. I suspect this is deliberate, given Sims's experience with audiences (mis)reading his work each week for five years, but it did slightly ruin the enjoyment that comes from filling in those gaps myself.
The mix of characters here feels very natural and representative of who might live in such a building. The subtle and not-so-subtle nods to race, gender, orientation, and backgrounds really help develop compassion for most of them. It feels like Sims, when creating these characters seriously asked himself, "why couldn't this person be X?" which is great.
The voice cast on the audiobook was pretty solid, but some actors felt inexperienced, and maybe could have used some more direction to help lines fall more naturally.
Thirteen Storeys is a solid bit of story-telling, with some proper WTF spooky moments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Cannibalism, and Violence
Minor: Transphobia
contralistation's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Cannibalism and Violence
miss_sunshine's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Cannibalism, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, Child death, Colonisation, Genocide, Medical content, and Toxic friendship
hhhale's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Cannibalism
amyspag's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I almost DNFd this book twice, it wasn't what I expected at all from the synopsis. I'm still not 100% on the rating because I keep flip flopping between this being fairly slow and hard to get into and it intriguing me. This book is quite gory at times and as I was expecting a standard thriller this took me by suprise, it's way more of a horror. I think horror fans would eat this up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Cursing, Cannibalism, and Blood