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A review by ashylibrarian
Beholder by Ryan La Sala
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