I read this book last year in the hope that I would have reviews it then. However, as time goes by, I completely forgot about it.
Scary Stuff!
I just want to make clear as well this is not part of my 50 book challenge of 2015 as I read it last year. however I still want to review it as I'm quite liked it.
So this is my review of horror start by Grady Hendrix.
The thing about this book was its ability to go from very normal and subtle to amplified horror and shock. I think that's what I liked about it was the buildup to the main event and that's why this worked well. The design is also really well done. It is laid out like a actual IKEA book/ catalog,this includes diagrams and makes reference to ikea. Although it should be made clear this book is not actually about ikea itself and is a mockup of a shop like Ikea which is named Orsk.
When I first began reading this book I enjoyed how relatable it was to the reader and you could actually picture yourself in a shop like this. the reader is taken on a very calm journey which soon escalates further and the reader thinks nothing when Amy is asked to stay on for a few hours in the evening. It almost seems too harmless which arouses suspicions further. Which is why when the story picked up pace and things began to go wrong I felt more tense and anxious for the characters. With a story like this I don't want to give away too much as that's why it works so well as you don't expect some of the surprises.
However, one of my main concerns for this book was a lack of character development, I didn't feel like I could connect with the character Amy as there wasn't enough back story behind her, despite her being the main protagonist. As well as the other characters, there was nothing behind them and I didn't feel the urge to protect them.
This is a difficult book to review as so much of it is carried on the design of it which contributes to the story greatly, it did however give me chills and kept me awake at night. I don't know if I would suggest it to other people, as it's a difficult one to judge. Yet, I know some people would like it. It's not for a younger audience though as it has mature content. For a book that kept me awake at night it does surprisingly well in its presentation.
Rating: 4/10 (Based on design, story and presentation. Would have been higher with more character development and less chilling moments!)
Love,
TSITR.
