A review by nikosreadsbooks
Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell

dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I give Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell 3.25 stars out of 5. While it may not be a perfect novel, it’s a worthwhile read and a commendable expansion of the original Reddit story that captivated readers online.

One of the novel's strengths or weakness depending on how you look at it is its commitment to slow-burn horror. The pacing might not appeal to everyone, as it takes its time building tension and atmosphere, but for readers who enjoy a gradual, creeping sense of dread, this approach works effectively. The payoff is satisfying when the action finally happens, and the earlier sense of unease makes the climactic moments even more impactful.

I particularly appreciated the portrayal of The Imposter creatures. Though I’m not typically a fan of supernatural entities, I found these creatures to be both chilling and engaging. Their presence is unsettling in the best way, and they left a lasting impression as some of the most creative elements in the book. The creatures brought a unique flavor to the story that was both creepy and surprisingly fun to read.

Overall, Stolen Tongues is a solid horror novel that I would recommend, even to those who have already read the original Reddit story. While it might not break new ground in the genre, it expands on the original material in ways that make it worth picking up. For fans of atmospheric, psychological horror, this is for you.