laurelinwonder's review against another edition
5.0
I just read the final lines of this book, and I need some more time to digest. But, I want to go ahead and review this while it's fresh in my mind. This book, while written in 1971, is killer. You may think an old horror book won't be good (as some naysayers might), but this is clearly a source text for many films since it's publication. As well as a film version of this, which I have already bought. Think "The Good Son" and "Goodnight Mommy" on crack. I cannot say enough about this book, if you are a horror fan, and specifically a fan of say King, Lovecraft, Barker, etc. You really need to read this.
bibliophilelinda's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm...certainly is unusual to try and READ a horror story. I was bored out-of-my-mind for the first third of the book. The second third of the book got marginally more interesting. And, the last third of the book compelled me to re-read the whole book again. A couple unexpected surprises in the story made the novel so much better. Otherwise, eh...
pbanditp's review against another edition
3.0
Ambiguity reigns in the first two parts of this twisted story of young Niles and his twin brother Holland. As the family is bestowed with multiple tragedies you start to wonder what is real and how much will the family have to endure.
Unfortunately the first two parts were confusing and monotonous. I would not have finished if it wasn’t for the classic horror book club. We all helped each other power through. It was worth it in the end, but I won’t be recommending it anytime soon.
Unfortunately the first two parts were confusing and monotonous. I would not have finished if it wasn’t for the classic horror book club. We all helped each other power through. It was worth it in the end, but I won’t be recommending it anytime soon.
cesartorres's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
dbenceno's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rngilmer's review against another edition
5.0
Loved, loved, loved this book! It was so creepy and atmospheric and I didn't see the end coming until it was right on top of me! This is a keeper for sure!
lorj's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book so damn boring most of the way through. I've read that it's supposed to be an amazing suspenseful horror, but it just didn't have that effect on me. I did enjoy it though, hence the 3 stars. But I wouldn't really call it that horrifying.
estherbismarck's review against another edition
4.0
Empezó flojo y hasta pensé en abandonarlo en alguna ocasión, pero después hay un plot twist y la cosa se vuelve bastante turbia, y tiene un final apabullante.
bookshopgato's review against another edition
3.0
A family in boonies is plagued by disaster, but the culprit is within the unit. Twin boys, Niles and Holland, play and cause mischief with their family. However, bad things start happening until it escalates to a reckoning. There were scenes of animal cruelty that I thought were unnecessary. There is an unexpected twist towards the end of the book.
Rating: 3 / 5
Spoiler
It was interesting that his delusions were brought on by a game his grandmother had taught them.Rating: 3 / 5