Reviews

And Then I Woke Up by Malcolm Devlin

Only show reviews with written explanations

annathechaoticreader's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective tense fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Favourite Quote: "Maybe we’ll all have to get used to the uncertainty. Maybe that’s what frightens me. The way you can get used to anything if you’ve got nothing better to gravitate toward."

Its probably obvious by the star rating but I absolutely ADORE this book! I'm not usually a fan of zombies but the way Malcolm Devlin handles them was so unique and impactful that I was hooked! It is probably one of my favourite novels of all time. Yes there were zombies (kinda?) but the real horror was in the human psyche and left me questioning my own sense of reality. A truly unique and beautifully written horror novel that will be living in my head rent free!

Read this if you like:
- flowery, purple prose
- cerebral horror
- body horror
- short books/novellas
- zombies
- viruses
- commentary on social media/propaganda
- 1st person narrative

I think this is an excellent example of a successful horror novel that is scary without using triggering subjects simply for shock value! And Then I Woke Up is proof that a story can be terrifying WITHOUT relying on random shocking/triggering scenes, objectifying language, racism, homophobia/transphobia, etc.

I also think that this would be a good pick if you're new to horror!

Lastly, I don't typically like audiobooks but Graham Mack did a fantastic job at bringing our MC to life without sounding cheesy and overacted (the Aussie accent definitely helps)!

And for the annotation girlies, I gotchu! I wish I had the physical copy because there were so many good lines and themes, I think ya'll would eat with this book! Plus we LOVE a pink cover!

rensparks's review against another edition

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5.0

“Night means darkness, darkness means introspection, introspection dredges up all kinds of monsters and my god, do those bastards keep us busy until dawn.”

“I was never ambitious, but I was practical. As a kid, I pretty much lived in the library. I read voraciously, because words on a page felt committed in a way words said out loud were not”

“I never asked for this. I have never claimed to be special; I only want my life to be normal, easy. A world I can face each day without being overwhelmed with anxiety.”

“And then I wake up and this, this is what happened.
And then I wake up.
And then.”