A review by peepbabby
Wicked Games by P.H. Nix
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
See I already didn't like swamps..... (a very squid games vibe of a book with masked men)
Harper Leigh, her boyfriend and their friends are invited to "a special House of Horrors grand opening" at a famed haunted house that tells them to "Be ready for the scare of your life." Harper does not want to go but she is forced to. When they arrive the door lock behind them and no one seems to care but Harper. They are thrust into these life or death games while being teased about why they are there forced to play to the death.
This is a very fast paced story and it something that the warnings need to be headed. This was such a well written story. All of the characters are so amazing. The way the switch ups happen and people reveal their shady secrets, are crafted in a way that catches you off guard, especially when combined with how fast the story is. So much happens and it is obvious that the story was carefully planned. My only critique is that since it is a novella, I felt that one of the characters feel into the back because his personality was that of a more reserved, but sensual person. I want to see more of the one she affectionately calls Jack. (His name is not coming to me off the top of my head. Erebus is so very funny. I love the funny ones. The last masked man (whose name is a bit of a spoiler) I love the men in denial. I can't pick one. Harper honestly, we loving rooting for her.
Harper Leigh, her boyfriend and their friends are invited to "a special House of Horrors grand opening" at a famed haunted house that tells them to "Be ready for the scare of your life." Harper does not want to go but she is forced to. When they arrive the door lock behind them and no one seems to care but Harper. They are thrust into these life or death games while being teased about why they are there forced to play to the death.
This is a very fast paced story and it something that the warnings need to be headed. This was such a well written story. All of the characters are so amazing. The way the switch ups happen and people reveal their shady secrets, are crafted in a way that catches you off guard, especially when combined with how fast the story is. So much happens and it is obvious that the story was carefully planned. My only critique is that since it is a novella, I felt that one of the characters feel into the back because his personality was that of a more reserved, but sensual person. I want to see more of the one she affectionately calls Jack. (His name is not coming to me off the top of my head. Erebus is so very funny. I love the funny ones. The last masked man (whose name is a bit of a spoiler) I love the men in denial. I can't pick one. Harper honestly, we loving rooting for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Toxic friendship and Gaslighting