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A review by betweentheshelves
Beholder by Ryan La Sala
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