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adamyeti's reviews
59 reviews
Big Bad by Chandler Baker
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Perfectly paced and incredibly tense all the way through. This is probably my favorite story from the collection—which is high praise! I loved the different perspectives that the story was told from, especially the children's. This is one of the most effective short stories that I've read. It didn't feel like an abbreviated version of a longer story, like many others.
Chandler Baker is another new author for me, and I will definitely be checking out more of her work.
Chandler Baker is another new author for me, and I will definitely be checking out more of her work.
In Bloom by Paul Tremblay
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Most of this story reads like the beginning of a novel. About 50% of it is pure exposition, and 80% is the setup. The ending stops short, which can be a clever "some things are scarier unseen" moment, but when the majority of the story was simply building to this moment, depriving us of the moment itself provides no benefit. As this story stands, you could add directly on to the end and make it much more effective.
I didn't hate it like some, but it is full of potential that just does not get tapped.
I didn't hate it like some, but it is full of potential that just does not get tapped.
The Pram by Joe Hill
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is an awesome, fast, effective story about grief, guilt, and desparation. I wasn't interested in this one based on the synopsis, but after reading so many glowing reviews, I had to give it a shot. I sincerely recommend that you do the same.
It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malerman
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This could have easily been 200 pages! It felt like a much longer journey than the typical short story. The dread induced during the climax felt like the culmination of a longer book. I'm really impressed with how well this was all packed into 50 pages.
I did expect a bit extra at the end, as it seemed like something else was being set up, but despite that, this was still a 4.5 at least.
I did expect a bit extra at the end, as it seemed like something else was being set up, but despite that, this was still a 4.5 at least.
Best of Luck by Jason Mott
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm having trouble pinpointing what it was, but something about this story just didn't quite click for me. I think some cosmic body horror just feels more goofy than scary to me.
However, I really liked the ending to this story, which is why I bumped it up to 4 stars. It was also a really well encapsulated story for how short it is.
However, I really liked the ending to this story, which is why I bumped it up to 4 stars. It was also a really well encapsulated story for how short it is.
Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What an incredibly effective short story. Halfway through it almost teared up. By the end I felt sick to my stomach.
This was a very interesting take on a fear that would dare to say everyone has had at some point.
My wife is a big Grady Hendrix fan, but this was my first exposure to him. Now l'm more confident about reading one of his full-length novels!
This was a very interesting take on a fear that would dare to say everyone has had at some point.
My wife is a big Grady Hendrix fan, but this was my first exposure to him. Now l'm more confident about reading one of his full-length novels!
Silent Key by Laurel Hightower
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Silent Key is a supernatural horror-mystery about a recently widowed ex-detective trying to reclaim her life and save her daughter from forces beyond her understanding.
I greatly enjoy Laurel Hightower's writing. Although the pace of this story is slow, I don't feel that a page was wasted along the way. As we learn more about the occurrences that surround Cam's family, even more questions arise. One of this novel's biggest strengths is the development of most of the main characters, particularly the protagonist. Although the ultimate climax lacked the satisfaction that I was looking for and failed to surprise me, it was meaningful--doubly so for those who have struggled to overcome the lingering affects of unhealthy relationships. I just hoped for more of a twist or big reveal than what was given.
At no point in my reading did I take issue with anything regarding the plot, prose, or otherwise. However, this just was not the type of story that really gripped me. This feels like more of a personal preference issue rather than a critical one, so I would still recommend it to others. If you enjoy slower-paced mysteries with a horror edge to them, definitely try this one out. If you are looking for themes surrounding the trauma of losing family members, infidelity, and the balancing act of protecting those you love, I would make the same recommendation.
I greatly enjoy Laurel Hightower's writing. Although the pace of this story is slow, I don't feel that a page was wasted along the way. As we learn more about the occurrences that surround Cam's family, even more questions arise. One of this novel's biggest strengths is the development of most of the main characters, particularly the protagonist. Although the ultimate climax lacked the satisfaction that I was looking for and failed to surprise me, it was meaningful--doubly so for those who have struggled to overcome the lingering affects of unhealthy relationships. I just hoped for more of a twist or big reveal than what was given.
At no point in my reading did I take issue with anything regarding the plot, prose, or otherwise. However, this just was not the type of story that really gripped me. This feels like more of a personal preference issue rather than a critical one, so I would still recommend it to others. If you enjoy slower-paced mysteries with a horror edge to them, definitely try this one out. If you are looking for themes surrounding the trauma of losing family members, infidelity, and the balancing act of protecting those you love, I would make the same recommendation.
That Night in the Woods by Kristopher Triana
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have come to the conclusion that Kristopher Triana will never disappoint me. There is something about his writing that just clicks with me and draws me in. His ability to build and sustain suspense throughout a book is incredible.
This book centers around a group of childhood friends who, now as adults, return to their hometown and reconnect for the first time to try and get some answers about the last fateful night that they spent together. From the description, this did not sound like a book that I would normally be interested in, but when I saw the author, I didn't give it a second thought. The story alternates through each character's perspective, which I really liked. I really felt that each of them had their own voice, and I was able to thoroughly understand who they were and what their motivations were.
As a reader, the main driver in this book was the suspense and mystery around what happened that night and what is happening now. With each answer I got, more questions would arise, and nothing was set into plain view until the end. Nothing felt predictable to me, but everything made sense, with just enough breadcrumbs and hints along the way to make you curious, but not spoil anything, which is a feat in itself for a book like this.
I felt a bit disappointed about what I thought was the big reveal at first, but as I read on and learned more, I came back around and felt more satisfied. Also, this is the first book that has made me audibly gasp, so that has to count for something too right?
Things get pretty intense toward the end, but most of the book focuses on suspense instead. Though it is bloody at times, you are spared the grotesque details for the most part, making this a more accessible read for those who tend to avoid splatterpunk and extreme horror. It is very dark, however, so be prepared to deal with some heavy stuff.
This book centers around a group of childhood friends who, now as adults, return to their hometown and reconnect for the first time to try and get some answers about the last fateful night that they spent together. From the description, this did not sound like a book that I would normally be interested in, but when I saw the author, I didn't give it a second thought. The story alternates through each character's perspective, which I really liked. I really felt that each of them had their own voice, and I was able to thoroughly understand who they were and what their motivations were.
As a reader, the main driver in this book was the suspense and mystery around what happened that night and what is happening now. With each answer I got, more questions would arise, and nothing was set into plain view until the end. Nothing felt predictable to me, but everything made sense, with just enough breadcrumbs and hints along the way to make you curious, but not spoil anything, which is a feat in itself for a book like this.
I felt a bit disappointed about what I thought was the big reveal at first, but as I read on and learned more, I came back around and felt more satisfied. Also, this is the first book that has made me audibly gasp, so that has to count for something too right?
Things get pretty intense toward the end, but most of the book focuses on suspense instead. Though it is bloody at times, you are spared the grotesque details for the most part, making this a more accessible read for those who tend to avoid splatterpunk and extreme horror. It is very dark, however, so be prepared to deal with some heavy stuff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
What Good Girls Do by Jonathan Butcher
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have never had my heart race from a book as much as it did while I was reading this. The initial encounter between the two main characters is painfully suspenseful, and the wild unpredictability of "The Girl" keeps you permanently on edge.
The chapters from The Girl's point of view, especially early on, add so much depth to what could otherwise feel like an unexplainable rampage. Her lack of incredibly basic knowledge, coupled with her only frame of reference being obscenely sexual language added another thick layer of repulsion and discomfort to even the most basic descriptions.
I think this may be the fastest that I have ever read a book. The only thing that will delay you is if you need to take breaks to recompose yourself. This story evokes some of the most complex feelings about trauma, abuse, and society. If you can handle the intensity of it, you should absolutely read this.
The chapters from The Girl's point of view, especially early on, add so much depth to what could otherwise feel like an unexplainable rampage. Her lack of incredibly basic knowledge, coupled with her only frame of reference being obscenely sexual language added another thick layer of repulsion and discomfort to even the most basic descriptions.
I think this may be the fastest that I have ever read a book. The only thing that will delay you is if you need to take breaks to recompose yourself. This story evokes some of the most complex feelings about trauma, abuse, and society. If you can handle the intensity of it, you should absolutely read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
The Masque of Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This one wasn't for me. The time spent setting the stage was not worth the payoff, in my opinion.