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danii_settles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
riestenberger's review
3.0
I had high hopes going into this book because it was recommended to me by someone whose opinion I highly respect, plus how could you go wrong with King's son?
However, with him being King's son I couldn't stop seeing the similarities to his work, mostly [b:It|830502|It|Stephen King|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1334416842s/830502.jpg|150259]. Obviously some of the references were on purpose, but the plot overall reminded me way too much of It. I liked the concept of in-scapes but I wish it had been explained why some people had them and how they worked differently for those that did have them.
However, with him being King's son I couldn't stop seeing the similarities to his work, mostly [b:It|830502|It|Stephen King|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1334416842s/830502.jpg|150259]. Obviously some of the references were on purpose, but the plot overall reminded me way too much of It. I liked the concept of in-scapes but I wish it had been explained why some people had them and how they worked differently for those that did have them.
mommaslonglegs's review against another edition
5.0
This was an epic horror/thriller. Joe Hill did an excellent job with the pacing and descriptions of characters and scenes. There is so much additional content in this that builds such a complete world and complex characters. It would have been a great story if it was half the size but the bold choice of making this a 19 hour horror epic was stellar.
Very dark and intense but personally loved it.
Very dark and intense but personally loved it.
bookish2024's review against another edition
4.0
If you have a chance to listen to this on audio read by Kate Mulgrew, do it! It’s a great listening experience.
punkbuddha37's review against another edition
4.0
A very creepy novel, with some extremely disturbing moments mixed in with Gaiman like urban fantasy. Not his best work (that would be heart shaped box) but well worth reading
bhalstead04's review against another edition
5.0
what a fun ride! fantastic book. I was on the nice list :)
heathergstl's review against another edition
2.0
UGH! So disappointed! I WANTED to like this so much!! In the end I bailed, I just couldn't take it any more!
lauraborkpower's review
4.0
Although Joe Hill dedicated this novel to his mother, it's really just a big fat wonderful ode to his father.
Everything that King does wonderfully -- storytelling, plotting, pacing -- Hill gets right, and so much more. This book is carefully and perfectly paced, and Hill's characterization (of every character) is thoughtful and consistent. It feels folksy and New England-y like Stephen King's best work, but it never feels like it needs an editor (which I feel some of King's later work really does...). Hill has poured so much care and attention into this book; and I guess it doesn't really matter who it is or should be dedicated to. It's just a great story.
Kate Mulgrew does an excellent narration, too. She is pure Americana, rough and raspy, and a great hero and even better villain. Also, the audiobook has a really nice afterword by Hill himself, where he talks about the writing of this book and about audiobooks, and he gives some audio recommendations.
Everything that King does wonderfully -- storytelling, plotting, pacing -- Hill gets right, and so much more. This book is carefully and perfectly paced, and Hill's characterization (of every character) is thoughtful and consistent. It feels folksy and New England-y like Stephen King's best work, but it never feels like it needs an editor (which I feel some of King's later work really does...). Hill has poured so much care and attention into this book; and I guess it doesn't really matter who it is or should be dedicated to. It's just a great story.
Kate Mulgrew does an excellent narration, too. She is pure Americana, rough and raspy, and a great hero and even better villain. Also, the audiobook has a really nice afterword by Hill himself, where he talks about the writing of this book and about audiobooks, and he gives some audio recommendations.
ababs's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it. It was easy to get lost in their Inscape! I love how smoothly it navigated between a fictional world and our world. I especially appreciated the plight of the librarian after losing everything in the flood of 2008, being an Iowan myself. The characters were relatable, and I felt invested in what happened to them. The villain was just human enough... he couldn't be redeemed, but you could see how his path lead him there.