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nikosreadsbooks's reviews
12 reviews
The Tale of the Body Thief by Anne Rice
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
When the BODY THIEF permanently borrows the body. INSERT SURPRISED FURRETT
Pure gay chaos. Out of the entire Vampire Chronicles series so far, this one is easily the most lighthearted and honestly? I’m living for it. The tone shift from Queen of the Damned to this had me cackling.
Box of earth. I am officially calling my cat’s litterbox that from now on.
But the real MVPs of this book? Lestat and David. Their dynamic is just chef’s kiss. Their moments together carried this book from start to finish.
That said, I would have loved to get Raglan’s POV for just a hot second. Like, what was going through that man’s mind? Spill the tea, sir! But I get why we didn’t Anne already gave us so many POVs in Queen of the Damned that she knew we needed a break.
Would I recommend? 1000%. If you’re a fan of Lestat causing problems on purpose, this one is for you.
Pure gay chaos. Out of the entire Vampire Chronicles series so far, this one is easily the most lighthearted and honestly? I’m living for it. The tone shift from Queen of the Damned to this had me cackling.
Box of earth. I am officially calling my cat’s litterbox that from now on.
But the real MVPs of this book? Lestat and David. Their dynamic is just chef’s kiss. Their moments together carried this book from start to finish.
That said, I would have loved to get Raglan’s POV for just a hot second. Like, what was going through that man’s mind? Spill the tea, sir! But I get why we didn’t Anne already gave us so many POVs in Queen of the Damned that she knew we needed a break.
Would I recommend? 1000%. If you’re a fan of Lestat causing problems on purpose, this one is for you.
The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolute serve. Armand is my favorite, so I went into this ready to stan, and let me tell you, Anne ate and left no crumbs. Kudos to Anne!
This book scratches my depravity itch in the best way. While it’s not giving The Girl Next Door, it’s still plenty brutal and twisted when it needs to be. The prose? Chef’s kiss. It’s dark, it’s rich, it’s elegant.
Armand’s story is nothing short of iconic. From start to finish, it’s a compelling and beautifully told journey. And can we talk about the double meaning of his names? Amadeo and Armand? That’s not just writing—it’s peak literature.
I’m holding back because I don’t want to give y’all a full dissertation. Just know this: FIVE STARS, PERIODT.
Oh, and the random lore drop about Lestat going to hell and throwing hands with Memnoch? Anne said, “Here’s some chaos for you, but you gotta read another book to get the tea.”
This book scratches my depravity itch in the best way. While it’s not giving The Girl Next Door, it’s still plenty brutal and twisted when it needs to be. The prose? Chef’s kiss. It’s dark, it’s rich, it’s elegant.
Armand’s story is nothing short of iconic. From start to finish, it’s a compelling and beautifully told journey. And can we talk about the double meaning of his names? Amadeo and Armand? That’s not just writing—it’s peak literature.
I’m holding back because I don’t want to give y’all a full dissertation. Just know this: FIVE STARS, PERIODT.
Oh, and the random lore drop about Lestat going to hell and throwing hands with Memnoch? Anne said, “Here’s some chaos for you, but you gotta read another book to get the tea.”
Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Absolute serve from start to finish. The only reason I can’t give it the full five stars is because it did have moments where I felt like I was mentally speedwalking through a fog some parts were hard to follow. But everything I did understand? Ate. It. Up. No crumbs left. Plate is missing too.
The lore drops were such a treat, The story of the twins and Khayman? Amazing. Those bits of darkness scratched the itch for depravity.
The ensemble cast was the real moment, though. Seeing everyone come together? Cinema. Especially Armand and Daniel. Anne Rice, if you’re listening from those ghetto clouds, we deserved a whole spin-off series for those two. Even the newbies like Jesse and Eric were delightful additions.
Let’s talk about Akasha, though. Mother Akasha, She served the whole book. She mothered hard, unty with a c, devoured, and then mothered again.
Overall, this was my favorite book in the series so far. My ranking as of now:
1. Queen of the Damned
2. The Vampire Lestat
3. Interview with the Vampire
The lore drops were such a treat, The story of the twins and Khayman? Amazing. Those bits of darkness scratched the itch for depravity.
The ensemble cast was the real moment, though. Seeing everyone come together? Cinema. Especially Armand and Daniel. Anne Rice, if you’re listening from those ghetto clouds, we deserved a whole spin-off series for those two. Even the newbies like Jesse and Eric were delightful additions.
Let’s talk about Akasha, though. Mother Akasha, She served the whole book. She mothered hard, unty with a c, devoured, and then mothered again.
Overall, this was my favorite book in the series so far. My ranking as of now:
1. Queen of the Damned
2. The Vampire Lestat
3. Interview with the Vampire
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Listen, The Vampire Lestat is giving everything it needed to give. It's camp. It's drama. It's "he said/she said." Compared to Interview with the Vampire, which felt like getting cornered at a party by the saddest man alive this book is a shot of pure adrenaline straight to heart.
First off, Lestat being like, “Actually, I’m a misunderstood, glittering saint and Louis is just mad I wouldn’t let him mope in peace,” is the kind of petty rebranding that we should all aspire have. Even if I could see the twist coming actually seeing it still was brilliant.
Gabrielle is iconic she says "Screw societal norms," and runs off into the night to become one with nature. Lestat, your mom is cooler than you, and she knows it. The newer characters like Marius and Akasha? I'm ready for more going forward.
This book is a huge glow-up from IWTV and I’m hooked.
First off, Lestat being like, “Actually, I’m a misunderstood, glittering saint and Louis is just mad I wouldn’t let him mope in peace,” is the kind of petty rebranding that we should all aspire have. Even if I could see the twist coming actually seeing it still was brilliant.
Gabrielle is iconic she says "Screw societal norms," and runs off into the night to become one with nature. Lestat, your mom is cooler than you, and she knows it. The newer characters like Marius and Akasha? I'm ready for more going forward.
This book is a huge glow-up from IWTV and I’m hooked.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book was an absolute vibe. It’s a reread for me, but since I’d forgotten most of it, it felt like stepping into it for the first time again. One thing that hasn’t changed? My love for these characters. They’re iconic, timeless, and just a little extra in all the best ways.
The settings, characters, and plot are all dripping with quality. Standout moments for me? The eerie yet flamboyant Vampire Theater (that place was giving full camp), Louis’s angst and moral dilemmas, and, of course, Claudia’s brilliance. Those are what will stick with me when I think back on this book.
One thing I loved was how Rice approached the angst and romance. The blood and killing those intense moments of intimacy become their own kind of sensuality, a connection deeper than your typical smut. It’s like romance, but elevated and stripped down to raw desire.
I do have to mention the writing style, though it’s lush, almost too lush at times. For me, that made it a bit harder to stay fully engaged. I’d get so caught up in the poetic descriptions that I’d miss key details and have to backtrack. But I think that’s more of a me problem than a fault though.
The settings, characters, and plot are all dripping with quality. Standout moments for me? The eerie yet flamboyant Vampire Theater (that place was giving full camp), Louis’s angst and moral dilemmas, and, of course, Claudia’s brilliance. Those are what will stick with me when I think back on this book.
One thing I loved was how Rice approached the angst and romance. The blood and killing those intense moments of intimacy become their own kind of sensuality, a connection deeper than your typical smut. It’s like romance, but elevated and stripped down to raw desire.
I do have to mention the writing style, though it’s lush, almost too lush at times. For me, that made it a bit harder to stay fully engaged. I’d get so caught up in the poetic descriptions that I’d miss key details and have to backtrack. But I think that’s more of a me problem than a fault though.
The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I would rate The Girl Next Door 2.5 stars out of five. While the book has its strengths, I went in with high expectations based on the hype surrounding it, and unfortunately, those expectations were not fully met.
To begin with, I did enjoy what I read and recognized the book's merits. Ketchum's depiction of horror is incredibly gruesome and raw. The sense of dread he builds throughout the narrative is unparalleled. Just when you think the story has reached its most horrifying peak, Ketchum pushes it further, taking the brutality and emotional weight to new extremes. This ability to intensify the horror and maintain that tension is one of the novel's strongest qualities.
However, my main issue lies in the narrative perspective. The story is told entirely from one person's point of view, which, in my opinion, limits the depth and scope of the narrative. While David's perspective serves as a window into the events, it also feels restrictive. I found myself wanting to understand more about the other characters. For example, exploring Ruth’s psyche or Eddie's abuse would have deepened the sense of unease and perhaps given the story even more emotional impact.
The horror, while powerful, might have been more dynamic and nuanced with multiple points of view. A broader narrative approach would have allowed readers to experience the story from different emotional and psychological angles, enhancing the book’s ability to disturb and provoke thought.
Ultimately, I think The Girl Next Door is an effective horror novel in many ways, but it feels incomplete maybe it needed more time to cook. If it had incorporated additional perspectives, I believe the story could have been more impactful and deserving of a higher rating perhaps 3 stars. As it stands, the novel left me with a sense of missed potential.
To begin with, I did enjoy what I read and recognized the book's merits. Ketchum's depiction of horror is incredibly gruesome and raw. The sense of dread he builds throughout the narrative is unparalleled. Just when you think the story has reached its most horrifying peak, Ketchum pushes it further, taking the brutality and emotional weight to new extremes. This ability to intensify the horror and maintain that tension is one of the novel's strongest qualities.
However, my main issue lies in the narrative perspective. The story is told entirely from one person's point of view, which, in my opinion, limits the depth and scope of the narrative. While David's perspective serves as a window into the events, it also feels restrictive. I found myself wanting to understand more about the other characters. For example, exploring Ruth’s psyche or Eddie's abuse would have deepened the sense of unease and perhaps given the story even more emotional impact.
The horror, while powerful, might have been more dynamic and nuanced with multiple points of view. A broader narrative approach would have allowed readers to experience the story from different emotional and psychological angles, enhancing the book’s ability to disturb and provoke thought.
Ultimately, I think The Girl Next Door is an effective horror novel in many ways, but it feels incomplete maybe it needed more time to cook. If it had incorporated additional perspectives, I believe the story could have been more impactful and deserving of a higher rating perhaps 3 stars. As it stands, the novel left me with a sense of missed potential.
The Black Farm by Elias Witherow
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Black Farm is a gripping horror novel that I would confidently rate 4 out of 5 stars. It manages to be both entertaining and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on me, and I’m eagerly anticipating diving into the sequel.
One of the standout features of the novel is its plot. The premise alone is hauntingly original and incredibly intriguing. Having already read the original Reddit story that inspired the book, my expectations were set high, but Witherow successfully expanded the concept into a full-length novel that didn’t disappoint. The world-building is imaginative and dark, painting a vivid and horrifying picture of the Black Farm as a place teeming with cruelty, despair, and cosmic dread.
The novel’s combination of extreme horror and cosmic horror is one of its greatest strengths. A particular highlight for me was Nick’s harrowing experience with Muck. Even as someone who rarely feels unsettled by horror fiction, I found myself wincing at the sheer intensity of the scene. This level of visceral horror is rare, and it’s a testament to Witherow’s ability to craft moments that truly linger.
What makes The Black Farm work so well is that beneath the gore and shock, there’s a deeper layer of existential horror. The exploration of what happens to souls after death and the implications of the farm’s cruel, almost indifferent system give the story a cosmic horror edge. This balance between the physical and metaphysical elements of horror elevates the novel above typical gore fests, making it as thought-provoking as it is horrifying.
In conclusion, The Black Farm is a great piece of horror fiction. Witherow’s ability to combine extreme horror with cosmic dread creates a unique reading experience. I’m eagerly looking forward to the sequel and can’t wait to see how Witherow expands this twisted universe further. If it’s anything like the first, I’m sure it will be just as unforgettable.
One of the standout features of the novel is its plot. The premise alone is hauntingly original and incredibly intriguing. Having already read the original Reddit story that inspired the book, my expectations were set high, but Witherow successfully expanded the concept into a full-length novel that didn’t disappoint. The world-building is imaginative and dark, painting a vivid and horrifying picture of the Black Farm as a place teeming with cruelty, despair, and cosmic dread.
The novel’s combination of extreme horror and cosmic horror is one of its greatest strengths. A particular highlight for me was Nick’s harrowing experience with Muck. Even as someone who rarely feels unsettled by horror fiction, I found myself wincing at the sheer intensity of the scene. This level of visceral horror is rare, and it’s a testament to Witherow’s ability to craft moments that truly linger.
What makes The Black Farm work so well is that beneath the gore and shock, there’s a deeper layer of existential horror. The exploration of what happens to souls after death and the implications of the farm’s cruel, almost indifferent system give the story a cosmic horror edge. This balance between the physical and metaphysical elements of horror elevates the novel above typical gore fests, making it as thought-provoking as it is horrifying.
In conclusion, The Black Farm is a great piece of horror fiction. Witherow’s ability to combine extreme horror with cosmic dread creates a unique reading experience. I’m eagerly looking forward to the sequel and can’t wait to see how Witherow expands this twisted universe further. If it’s anything like the first, I’m sure it will be just as unforgettable.
Bad Man by Dathan Auerbach
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Was genuinely interesting and everything, just had trouble following and staying engaged with the book. No fault to the author.
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.
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.
The Third Parent by Elias Witherow, Thought Catalog
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Elias Witherow's The Third Parent earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book. It’s an unsettling read that pushes boundaries and isn’t afraid to lean into its brutal and shocking elements. While it may not be the easiest book to recommend to everyone, if you’re a fan of dark, twisted narratives or stories that shock you this one is definitely up your alley.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it builds on the original Reddit story. Witherow not only captures the eerie essence of Tommy Taffy but also takes the time to flesh out the story with new layers of depth. I was particularly impressed by how the novel gave Tommy a backstory.
I do have one minor gripe, though this is more a matter of personal preference than an actual flaw. I found myself wishing for a darker ending. While the conclusion is satisfying in its own right, I felt a bad ending would have been more impactful and consistent with the unrelenting tone of the rest of the book.
Overall, The Third Parent is a solid recommendation for fans of the original Reddit story or anyone looking for a horror novel that will leave them shaken.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it builds on the original Reddit story. Witherow not only captures the eerie essence of Tommy Taffy but also takes the time to flesh out the story with new layers of depth. I was particularly impressed by how the novel gave Tommy a backstory.
I do have one minor gripe, though this is more a matter of personal preference than an actual flaw. I found myself wishing for a darker ending. While the conclusion is satisfying in its own right, I felt a bad ending would have been more impactful and consistent with the unrelenting tone of the rest of the book.
Overall, The Third Parent is a solid recommendation for fans of the original Reddit story or anyone looking for a horror novel that will leave them shaken.