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sphinx76's review against another edition
4.0
Readable. Interesting. Hard to put down. However, the end made me feel like I didn't have closure. It was unfinished. Personally, I felt like this book was Stephen King or Dean Koontz caliber. So close to 5 stars...
emilynyx's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this. I encourage everyone to read it. I don’t give five star ratings out lightly, but this one… yes!!!!
diana_filmbooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
As I finished reading The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig, I was left utterly speechless. This novel is a masterful blend of literary fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, weaving a complex and gripping tale that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
The story revolves around the Graves family as they move back to Nate’s childhood hometown, and from the very beginning, it’s clear that something sinister is lurking just beneath the surface. Nate is grappling with the revelation that his father is dying and that he is inheriting the family home, while keeping a dark secret from his wife Maddie and son Oliver. Maddie herself holds onto a childhood trauma that she’s never shared with anyone, and as they settle into the old family home, these long-buried secrets begin to resurface, triggering a chain of events that are both chilling and mesmerizing.
What starts off as a seemingly ordinary family drama quickly morphs into a dark fantasy, horror story as the Graves family finds themselves embroiled in a battle for their very souls. With elements of multiverse building and a touch of cosmic horror, Wendig crafts a narrative that is both deeply human and profoundly otherworldly. The pacing is relentless, the tension palpable, and the characters are so vividly drawn that they practically leap off the page.
However, I must caution that this book comes with heavy trigger warnings for abuse and assault. Wendig doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and his unflinching portrayal of trauma adds an extra layer of emotional depth to an already powerful story.
In summary, The Book of Accidents is a tour de force that will appeal to fans of horror, fantasy, and intricate world-building. Chuck Wendig has created a masterpiece that is both thought-provoking and utterly enthralling. This is a book that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping, genre-defying read.
The story revolves around the Graves family as they move back to Nate’s childhood hometown, and from the very beginning, it’s clear that something sinister is lurking just beneath the surface. Nate is grappling with the revelation that his father is dying and that he is inheriting the family home, while keeping a dark secret from his wife Maddie and son Oliver. Maddie herself holds onto a childhood trauma that she’s never shared with anyone, and as they settle into the old family home, these long-buried secrets begin to resurface, triggering a chain of events that are both chilling and mesmerizing.
What starts off as a seemingly ordinary family drama quickly morphs into a dark fantasy, horror story as the Graves family finds themselves embroiled in a battle for their very souls. With elements of multiverse building and a touch of cosmic horror, Wendig crafts a narrative that is both deeply human and profoundly otherworldly. The pacing is relentless, the tension palpable, and the characters are so vividly drawn that they practically leap off the page.
However, I must caution that this book comes with heavy trigger warnings for abuse and assault. Wendig doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and his unflinching portrayal of trauma adds an extra layer of emotional depth to an already powerful story.
In summary, The Book of Accidents is a tour de force that will appeal to fans of horror, fantasy, and intricate world-building. Chuck Wendig has created a masterpiece that is both thought-provoking and utterly enthralling. This is a book that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping, genre-defying read.
hoffkin_donuts's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like there are plenty of horror books that explore family generational trauma - this book being no exception - but few do it in a way that includes multi-dimensional travel. Don't let that scare you away from this book though, there are plenty of great horror scenes to be had. Some of the scarier ones even pertain to current events, making this all the more horrifying.
ycristina84's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
The writing is masterful, reminded me so much of Stephen King and what I love about his writing. It reminded me so much of The Outsider by SK but done about 300 times better. Not as scary, but much more nuanced and complex. The story is truly so bizarre and creepy and weird…but in the best way. The characters are likable, rich and layered.
This is a story of trauma and how it affects us, the story of what love can do for that pain, the story of family and breaking cycles of abuse. But also about demons, alternate universes, and what it means when we say “hurt people hurt people”.
It’s a big story, with many winding paths, but I enjoyed every minute even when I had no idea what was happening or where it was going. Trust the journey and just go for the ride, you’ll enjoy where you end up. The last third of the book wasn’t as solid as the other parts, but it still ended beautifully. Highly recommend for anyone that likes a little sci fi with their scary, and badass mothers who curse like sailors.
The writing is masterful, reminded me so much of Stephen King and what I love about his writing. It reminded me so much of The Outsider by SK but done about 300 times better. Not as scary, but much more nuanced and complex. The story is truly so bizarre and creepy and weird…but in the best way. The characters are likable, rich and layered.
This is a story of trauma and how it affects us, the story of what love can do for that pain, the story of family and breaking cycles of abuse. But also about demons, alternate universes, and what it means when we say “hurt people hurt people”.
It’s a big story, with many winding paths, but I enjoyed every minute even when I had no idea what was happening or where it was going. Trust the journey and just go for the ride, you’ll enjoy where you end up. The last third of the book wasn’t as solid as the other parts, but it still ended beautifully. Highly recommend for anyone that likes a little sci fi with their scary, and badass mothers who curse like sailors.
mondyboy's review against another edition
The novel has all the scaffolding of a ghost / haunted house story: A family of three switches from the city to the country, moving into a rundown house owned by the husband’s estranged, abusive father. But the plot centres less on the house and more on a formation of haunted rocks and the spookiest of spooky tunnels nearby, both the source of supernatural shenanigans. The family also have their peculiarities. The mother, Maddie, sculpts objects that have this tendency of coming alive; the son, Oliver, can visualise a person’s pain, and the father, Nate, well, there’s nothing magical about him, but he’s still coming to terms with years of abuse at the hands of his father. There’s more. Much, much more. A serial killer, alternate realities, a demon possessing a young man. It’s not short on plot. You can question whether it all holds together (the serial killer subplot never worked for me), but you can’t question Wendig’s ambition and boldness. It’s a mess. But it’s a fun mess.
tjt78's review against another edition
5.0
Gosh, I loved this one! Unique, feeling, well written, well narrated. I'm a bit sad it's over.
erica_klein's review against another edition
5.0
Not exactly science fiction but sort of. More of a classic Stephen King only with diverse and more fleshed out characters, strong women, and intense gore. An entertaining read, easy to get into the story, fun and satisfying.
alexandramariealley's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
geeky_erin's review against another edition
4.0
Not my typical fare - a bit reminiscent of the old-school Stephen Kings novels I used to enjoy, though. Could feel the tension building as I read and I loved Oliver. Best to go in without knowing much about anything, I think.
CW: pain, child abuse, child murder, domestic violence, murder, suicide, electric chair
CW: pain, child abuse, child murder, domestic violence, murder, suicide, electric chair