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A review by gothbaby
Hide by Kiersten White
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really enjoyed Hide until I didn't.
I knew there would be some sort of paranormal aspect to the book when Mack first hears what is seeking them inside the amusement part. Because of that, I was immediately a little turned off a it is not my preferred kind of horror.
I found the book lacking in its horror, thriller, and even suspense. I did not feel any kind of excitement or need to know what was going to happen. The deaths were underwhelming (and no, I do not mean that I wish they had been gory or horrific but rather fitting of the horror genre. I wanted to be as scared as the characters) and it all felt very bland. I did not feel anything while the characters hid because there was little to no atmospheric suspense. I will say: the author's acknowledgement at the end gives some insight to why but it does not make it any less underwhelming as a horror novel.
This book reminded me a lot of the film Cabin in the Woods and while I enjoyed it, I was a little disappointed when the plot was revealed halfway through. As soon as my suspicions were confirmed, I stopped enjoying the concept and simply finished it to say that I did.
There were some beautiful bits of writing that I wish had been more significant in the grand scheme of things.The ambiguity of some deaths felt like the chapters were simply unfinished and the diary entries felt like a lazy way to wrap up the book.
I wasn't impressed nor would I reread this, unfortunately. The racism and homophobia were just as much a reason as the unimpressive plot.
I found the book lacking in its horror, thriller, and even suspense. I did not feel any kind of excitement or need to know what was going to happen. The deaths were underwhelming (and no, I do not mean that I wish they had been gory or horrific but rather fitting of the horror genre. I wanted to be as scared as the characters) and it all felt very bland. I did not feel anything while the characters hid because there was little to no atmospheric suspense. I will say: the author's acknowledgement at the end gives some insight to why but it does not make it any less underwhelming as a horror novel.
This book reminded me a lot of the film Cabin in the Woods and while I enjoyed it, I was a little disappointed when the plot was revealed halfway through. As soon as my suspicions were confirmed, I stopped enjoying the concept and simply finished it to say that I did.
There were some beautiful bits of writing that I wish had been more significant in the grand scheme of things.
I wasn't impressed nor would I reread this, unfortunately. The racism and homophobia were just as much a reason as the unimpressive plot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Murder, Death, Homophobia, and Racism