A review by stephanieluxton
The Grip of It by Jac Jemc

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I think this book had a lot of potential and I liked how it started but it quickly went from being spooky and mysterious (with a similar vibe to house of leaves) to feeling tedious. This book is a prime example of an author telling rather than showing. It was written in a way that felt detached rather than immersive. I think this style would have worked better if it was written in verse or as a long poem. I didn't hate the book. I found the writing to be very pretty at times. I just feel like a lot of incredible ideas were introduced and then not fully explored. It all felt anticlimactic.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Mental illness and Sexual content

Minor: Addiction, Child death, Alcohol, and Murder

The characters move into the house to start over after a gambling addiction. There's one or two sex scenes. Child death and murder are talked about but not seen in detail. Mental illness is a theme throughout the book as the characters wonder if they're haunted or going crazy. Characters drink alcohol socially throughout the book.