A review by r_bookish_rambles
No Road Home by John Fram

dark emotional 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

 

I truly haven't felt this palpable level of suspense while reading in a very long time, and I was hooked in from the very beginning. I thought at first that the vibes were similar to Get Out but I soon realized this was better than anything I could compared it to. An easy 5 stars. 

Nothing is what you think it is through the entire book, and that is a compliment. I loved watching everything unravel both metaphorically and in actuality as the plot progressed. There is just something about a thriller having a central theme of religion that adds that extra level of unease in the very best way possible. It was unexpected how much grief, loss, and queer acceptance showed to be such powerful themes as well, but again everything fit perfectly together. I was also pleased to find that there is a paranormal aspect that readers also get to decipherer. Though the plot may feel busy and hard to follow it is the complete opposite. The confusion I felt was not due to lack of writing talent but because it was meant to confuse until everything was revealed. 

This has easily surpassed to be my favorite thriller of 2024