A review by brandocalrissian83
The Grip of It by Jac Jemc

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Oooof did I want to like this more.  I really did. In the end though Grip of It fails to expand on some solid themes and leaves some strange plot devices left hanging. 

Things I enjoyed: This is for all intents and purposes a very realist take on the ghost story or haunting tale. There are no jump out and get you moments , there is no ghosts with white sheets and chains but rather this very practical look of how two people deal with a very unusual situation. Jemc did an awesome job of intertwining the complexities of intimate relationships into this tale. The interactions between the husband and wife mirror those of a relationship falling apart regardless of ghosts or paranormal activity. 

Sadly the Grip of It flounders its plot with a lack of structure and flesh. We never get any true answers about the ghosts haunting this couple. Additionally a strange ancillary plot line is thrown in that could have paired nicely with the realistic portrait of a haunting instead was given a flimsy resolution that does not make much sense . 

Overall the themes here are solid and Jemc sets ups some truly creepy atmosphere but doesn’t deliver a fully fleshed tale.