vickybrewster's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
grendels_mother's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
verkisto's review
2.0
Before starting this book, I knew there was going to be a twist in it. I hadn't heard of the author before, so when I saw something suggesting this was a good, tight read, I checked a few reviews to see what they had to say, and nearly all of them talked about the shocking twist. So, yes, I was predisposed to expect it, but I think even if I had gone into the story blind, I would have been expecting some kind of twist. It was evident the way Arnopp wrote the story that something wasn't all that it seemed.
To his credit, Arnopp did surprise me. Despite expecting the twist, I didn't figure it out before its reveal. It wasn't even a cheat, either, since the story as he wrote it supports the direction it takes. It reminded me of the twist in Shyamalan's The Visit, not that it's similar in any way, but in the way it takes you by surprise, and in the way it doesn't conclude with that twist, but instead takes you a little further into the story once it's revealed.
For all that, though, the twist seemed a little ridiculous. I'm not saying it's implausible, or unsupportable, but it didn't have the kind of impact I expected, given how well Arnott sets up the tension of the story. It was a kind of "That's it?" moment, and then a shake of my head as it concluded. Like Stephen King's reveal of Pennywise's true form, the truth of this story didn't live up to the setup.
There's really just one main character in the story, though Arnopp brings in a potential love interest for him. She's barely defined, and not much of a character, despite being necessary for the main character's development. It would have been different if he had realized her character more, but as it is, she's there simply as a means to motivate the main character, and winds up being window dressing.
Arnopp's previous credits include several screenplays, which shows in this novella. He tells more than he shows, and the pacing is a bit clunky, as it seems to progress too slowly at first, though it does pick up near the end. In fact, I think this story would work well as a short movie, since plot-wise, the story succeeds fairly well.
Ultimately, the story is all plot, without sufficient character development. In some cases, this is OK (Dean Koontz's Icebound is one of those stories, and I remember tearing through that book in one sleepless night), but here, it feels like a detriment. It's not a bad story (judging by the number of four- and five-star reviews, it certainly isn't), but maybe I'm not the right audience for it. Still, it was only 99 cents, and I've read a lot worse than this for more money than that.
To his credit, Arnopp did surprise me. Despite expecting the twist, I didn't figure it out before its reveal. It wasn't even a cheat, either, since the story as he wrote it supports the direction it takes. It reminded me of the twist in Shyamalan's The Visit, not that it's similar in any way, but in the way it takes you by surprise, and in the way it doesn't conclude with that twist, but instead takes you a little further into the story once it's revealed.
For all that, though, the twist seemed a little ridiculous. I'm not saying it's implausible, or unsupportable, but it didn't have the kind of impact I expected, given how well Arnott sets up the tension of the story. It was a kind of "That's it?" moment, and then a shake of my head as it concluded. Like Stephen King's reveal of Pennywise's true form, the truth of this story didn't live up to the setup.
There's really just one main character in the story, though Arnopp brings in a potential love interest for him. She's barely defined, and not much of a character, despite being necessary for the main character's development. It would have been different if he had realized her character more, but as it is, she's there simply as a means to motivate the main character, and winds up being window dressing.
Arnopp's previous credits include several screenplays, which shows in this novella. He tells more than he shows, and the pacing is a bit clunky, as it seems to progress too slowly at first, though it does pick up near the end. In fact, I think this story would work well as a short movie, since plot-wise, the story succeeds fairly well.
Ultimately, the story is all plot, without sufficient character development. In some cases, this is OK (Dean Koontz's Icebound is one of those stories, and I remember tearing through that book in one sleepless night), but here, it feels like a detriment. It's not a bad story (judging by the number of four- and five-star reviews, it certainly isn't), but maybe I'm not the right audience for it. Still, it was only 99 cents, and I've read a lot worse than this for more money than that.
dakegra's review
5.0
What a corking short story Mr Arnopp has cooked up for us. Deliciously dark and twisty, It's hard to write more without spoiling it, and you want to go in as I did, fresh and untainted by any expectations.
Suffice it to say that The Beast in the Basement is a glorious dark novella.
Don’t spoil it for anyone.
Only discuss it with people that have also read the book.
Tell others to read it too.
This is me telling you to read it. And if The Beast in the Basement is anything to go by, Mr Arnopp is an author to watch very *very* closely indeed. Just make sure the door to the basement is firmly locked.
You have checked, haven't you...?
Suffice it to say that The Beast in the Basement is a glorious dark novella.
Don’t spoil it for anyone.
Only discuss it with people that have also read the book.
Tell others to read it too.
This is me telling you to read it. And if The Beast in the Basement is anything to go by, Mr Arnopp is an author to watch very *very* closely indeed. Just make sure the door to the basement is firmly locked.
You have checked, haven't you...?
emmycd's review
4.0
I decided to give Arnopp another go as I wasn't terribly impressed with 'A Sincere Warning About The Entity In Your Home'. I'm rather glad I did.
'Beast in the Basement' is a novella that focuses on Steve, a reclusive writer, who lives in a lovely cottage in the country. Steve is struggling to finish the final book in a series. Oh, and there is a beast in his basement.
Although not grabbed from the start by this book, the thrill and intensity built up gradually until I could no longer put it down. The amount of twists in this is shocking and I spent that last 25% of the book shouting "No way!" several times (much to my husband's annoyance).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
'Beast in the Basement' is a novella that focuses on Steve, a reclusive writer, who lives in a lovely cottage in the country. Steve is struggling to finish the final book in a series. Oh, and there is a beast in his basement.
Although not grabbed from the start by this book, the thrill and intensity built up gradually until I could no longer put it down. The amount of twists in this is shocking and I spent that last 25% of the book shouting "No way!" several times (much to my husband's annoyance).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
kayliecelery's review
4.0
This was a really well thought out and written book. I enjoyed every minute of it and all the twists along the way.
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