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justinkhchen's review
4.0
3.75 stars
Makes absolutely no sense, but at the same time wildly imaginative and even emotionally stirring, Kill the Mall is spot-on with referencing David Lynch in its blurb—it has the same kind of hazy, surrealist narrative that can be difficult to decode, and oblique to what is its ultimate message, but I can't deny there are scenes so vividly depicted, they will forever ingrained in my brain.
One undeniable strength of Kill the Mall is the excellent writing; it's provocative, unpredictable, and filled with sarcasm and wit (example: we have a character who works in the lost & found department called D. Lee (delete)). Even when I'm at a loss regarding the plot, there's still the scene-chewing prose keeping my attention intact. While I would not categorize this novel as horror, there are grotesque scenarios here that might top some of the horror novels I've read recently (mostly deal with a large quantity of hair not behaving as we would expect).
Kill the Mall is like an art piece I admire, but can't quite 'get'—I vaguely sense the theme of loneliness and capitalism, but I'm left scratching my head as to why an empty mall, a tailless pony, a swimming pool of souls, and animated hair is assembled to present this narrative. I appreciate its artistic expression, but definitely only suitable for a niche audience.
Makes absolutely no sense, but at the same time wildly imaginative and even emotionally stirring, Kill the Mall is spot-on with referencing David Lynch in its blurb—it has the same kind of hazy, surrealist narrative that can be difficult to decode, and oblique to what is its ultimate message, but I can't deny there are scenes so vividly depicted, they will forever ingrained in my brain.
One undeniable strength of Kill the Mall is the excellent writing; it's provocative, unpredictable, and filled with sarcasm and wit (example: we have a character who works in the lost & found department called D. Lee (delete)). Even when I'm at a loss regarding the plot, there's still the scene-chewing prose keeping my attention intact. While I would not categorize this novel as horror, there are grotesque scenarios here that might top some of the horror novels I've read recently (mostly deal with a large quantity of hair not behaving as we would expect).
Kill the Mall is like an art piece I admire, but can't quite 'get'—I vaguely sense the theme of loneliness and capitalism, but I'm left scratching my head as to why an empty mall, a tailless pony, a swimming pool of souls, and animated hair is assembled to present this narrative. I appreciate its artistic expression, but definitely only suitable for a niche audience.
veechronicles's review
3.0
wtf
edit: met pasha malla and he is iconic, his brain obviously works in weird ways, but in the best way possible. he also read us the first part of the second book in this work-in-progress trilogy and i was loving it, especially the accent lol
edit: met pasha malla and he is iconic, his brain obviously works in weird ways, but in the best way possible. he also read us the first part of the second book in this work-in-progress trilogy and i was loving it, especially the accent lol
alanffm's review
1.0
Kill the Mall makes no sense and is not worth engaging with.
This novel has no consistency or plot. It's not coherent and feels more like the weird retelling of a nightmare or schizoidic episode.
It tries to be a horror novel at some points and a comedy at others--but ultimately fails at both. So much of what *almost* makes this novel scary is borrowed from other forms of media: largely film and video games from the late 1990's and early 2000's. The Grudge The Ring Silent Hill and Resident Evil all seem to have influenced Malla's writing.
I haven't read a book this bad in quite some time. If you are interested in surreal literature you are better off looking elsewhere.
This novel has no consistency or plot. It's not coherent and feels more like the weird retelling of a nightmare or schizoidic episode.
It tries to be a horror novel at some points and a comedy at others--but ultimately fails at both. So much of what *almost* makes this novel scary is borrowed from other forms of media: largely film and video games from the late 1990's and early 2000's. The Grudge The Ring Silent Hill and Resident Evil all seem to have influenced Malla's writing.
I haven't read a book this bad in quite some time. If you are interested in surreal literature you are better off looking elsewhere.
caaassie's review
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
writer_matt's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
seeseamus's review
3.0
Goosebumps for the Quirk-Cringe Soul. Not without charm, despite itself. 2.5 stars.
bergamotandbooks's review
1 STAR
Douglas Adams meets David Lynch in this witty yet horror-tinged fable about one of North America's scariest inventions--the local mall.
.
.
.
I will keep this short, as I really don't think I was the target audience for this book. I SO wanted to love it (it sounded super weird and cult classic-y) but I really struggled to get into the writing style. KILL THE MALL reminded me of something Grady Hendrix might write but definitely struggled from imposter syndrome. Or maybe I just didn’t “get it” ...who knows.
Although there were many parts that I enjoyed, it never quite took off for me. However I applaud the cover designer because (as a self-professed cover snob) it is GORGEOUS.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my ARC copy.
Douglas Adams meets David Lynch in this witty yet horror-tinged fable about one of North America's scariest inventions--the local mall.
.
.
.
I will keep this short, as I really don't think I was the target audience for this book. I SO wanted to love it (it sounded super weird and cult classic-y) but I really struggled to get into the writing style. KILL THE MALL reminded me of something Grady Hendrix might write but definitely struggled from imposter syndrome. Or maybe I just didn’t “get it” ...who knows.
Although there were many parts that I enjoyed, it never quite took off for me. However I applaud the cover designer because (as a self-professed cover snob) it is GORGEOUS.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my ARC copy.
amn028's review
Not going to rate this as obviously was not a book for me.
I was pulled in by the mention of it being in the vein of Douglas Adams. I should have stopped as soon as I figured out who the nemesis was, but plodded through. On top of this, the verbosity of the main character enraged me. Several pages (I stopped counting) of just synonyms and word building to describe one person.
If you like a ridiculous nemesis, a verbose unlikable main character and boring chaos, this book may appeal to you.
I was pulled in by the mention of it being in the vein of Douglas Adams. I should have stopped as soon as I figured out who the nemesis was, but plodded through. On top of this, the verbosity of the main character enraged me. Several pages (I stopped counting) of just synonyms and word building to describe one person.
If you like a ridiculous nemesis, a verbose unlikable main character and boring chaos, this book may appeal to you.