A review by ristretto
Beholder by Ryan La Sala

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Right from the beginning, Beholder, grabs you with an intense intro that sets the tone. Once it has you in its web it pulls you  deeper and deeper into this world of dark aesthetics, the occult, and macabre underground art scenes. We become entangled in the mysteries and secrets of the compelling main characters of Athan and Dom. At times chilling and horrific, at times emotional and bittersweet, this is such a fantastic read.

I really loved this world of dark aesthetics and the story felt really unique and fresh and was such an interesting concept. The twists and turns as we go deeper and deeper both in the world of the story and the secrets and pasts of our main characters are so well done and keep the tension going as we are eager to continue forward even as the sense of impending dread keeps rising. I felt there was a really good balance of the building of the relationship of Athan and Dom as they work together and get to know each other with some really lovely and lighter hearted moments contrasted against the chilling and horrific scenes encountered as things progress. The ideas of aesthetic and perception explored were also super interesting. 

If you are looking for something fresh, an adventurous chilling read that will draw you in from the start, look no further. 

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.