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betweentheshelves's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Leave it to Ryan La Sala for the weird and strange and dark horror. Not always my jam, but I'm always intrigued with what he comes up with! It's sure to keep you guessing until the end, which is definitely what Beholder does. Starts of with a bang, and doesn't really let up until the end of the book.
I will say, I appreciated the way that this book examines art, and the obsession with aesthetics. The creature lurking behind mirrors, manipulating what people see. It's such an engaging concept. The characters are also well developed; I especially enjoyed the way Athan and Dom's relationship changed throughout the book.
Not a huge fan of the ending, but it is what it is! If you're a fan of weird, dark horror, Ryan La Sala is definitely for you.
I will say, I appreciated the way that this book examines art, and the obsession with aesthetics. The creature lurking behind mirrors, manipulating what people see. It's such an engaging concept. The characters are also well developed; I especially enjoyed the way Athan and Dom's relationship changed throughout the book.
Not a huge fan of the ending, but it is what it is! If you're a fan of weird, dark horror, Ryan La Sala is definitely for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Body horror, Emotional abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual content, Grief, and Toxic friendship
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
*Thanks to YA Midwest Fest, the publisher, and author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
A horror take on The Yellow Wallpaper? Um, yes freaking please!
What a horrific, wild ride! Beholder is a nightmare in a book with twists and turns and gore and blood.
This is my first Ryan La Sala book, and I was equally impressed and horrified.
I think this book beautifully captures the ideas of defining and dividing beauty. It looks at the frightful ways in which socioeconomics plays into beauty and what is determined beautiful…like power.
I also appreciate the intricate and loving way La Sala uses the mirrors to challenge readers think about no only what we see in the mirror, but what is actually reflected back for the world to see, as well.
A tiny part of the book in the beginning did feel like it dragged a bit. I was instantly drawn in my the first chapter and scene, but after Athan met Dom, things seemed
To slow down for a little bit. Once you hit about 25%, though, it quickly turns into a page-turner
The ending? Terrorizing. Haunting. I mean, what? And then the epilogue? Talk about heartbreaking.
I can’t wait to read more of their work and to recommend this to our teen readers!
A horror take on The Yellow Wallpaper? Um, yes freaking please!
What a horrific, wild ride! Beholder is a nightmare in a book with twists and turns and gore and blood.
This is my first Ryan La Sala book, and I was equally impressed and horrified.
I think this book beautifully captures the ideas of defining and dividing beauty. It looks at the frightful ways in which socioeconomics plays into beauty and what is determined beautiful…like power.
I also appreciate the intricate and loving way La Sala uses the mirrors to challenge readers think about no only what we see in the mirror, but what is actually reflected back for the world to see, as well.
A tiny part of the book in the beginning did feel like it dragged a bit. I was instantly drawn in my the first chapter and scene, but after Athan met Dom, things seemed
To slow down for a little bit. Once you hit about 25%, though, it quickly turns into a page-turner
The ending? Terrorizing. Haunting. I mean, what? And then the epilogue? Talk about heartbreaking.
I can’t wait to read more of their work and to recommend this to our teen readers!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
booksandcoffeewithlexi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Violence and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail