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A review by ambenicole418
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Immediately, this book gets a 10/10 for concept and design. I mean this book about a haunted knock-off IKEA store is literally designed to look like an IKEA catalog!
However, the story was lacking a little for me. While I loved the characters and the storytelling, and the book definitely had a lot of good comedic moments, the story just didn’t grip me like I wanted it to. There was never a moment where I was on the edge of my seat and contemplating losing sleep so I can read more. This is a very personal thing though, and like I said I loved the characters, the ending, the humor, and the storytelling so just because it didn’t grip me doesn’t it won’t grip others. Another criticism I do have of the story is that there were 2 things that Mr. Hendrix left unexplained that I really wish he would’ve explored, minor spoilers ahead i.e. Carl’s blackouts and the help texts employees were receiving.
Unrelated, but I love how after reading Episode 13 I somehow immediately read ANOTHER book that features a couple that wants to do a ghost hunting reality tv series, where one of them approaches it from a scientific perspective while the other is a firm believer in ghosts. Also, let’s not forget that in both couples the guy’s name is Matt 😂. Matt and Trinity from this book was 💯% the more likable couple though!
However, the story was lacking a little for me. While I loved the characters and the storytelling, and the book definitely had a lot of good comedic moments, the story just didn’t grip me like I wanted it to. There was never a moment where I was on the edge of my seat and contemplating losing sleep so I can read more. This is a very personal thing though, and like I said I loved the characters, the ending, the humor, and the storytelling so just because it didn’t grip me doesn’t it won’t grip others. Another criticism I do have of the story is that there were 2 things that Mr. Hendrix left unexplained that I really wish he would’ve explored, minor spoilers ahead i.e. Carl’s blackouts and the help texts employees were receiving.
Unrelated, but I love how after reading Episode 13 I somehow immediately read ANOTHER book that features a couple that wants to do a ghost hunting reality tv series, where one of them approaches it from a scientific perspective while the other is a firm believer in ghosts. Also, let’s not forget that in both couples the guy’s name is Matt 😂. Matt and Trinity from this book was 💯% the more likable couple though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Self harm, Suicide, and Torture
Moderate: Death