A review by ageshow
Point Pleasant, by Jen Archer Wood
5.0
Although a fan of horror, the supernatural, and crytozoology, just any story with these elements would not be enough to please me without having the most important element for a good story: character development. What I love about Jen Archer Wood's Point Pleasant is that it is rooted in character development and the relationships between the characters she's created.
Ben is the kind of character that digs inside you and settles. In a time when it seems like protagonists are thought to be perfect (or with a few acceptable, quirky flaws), Wood introduces us to flawed human beings who, despite some bad choices or decisions in life, are still ultimately human and deserving of love. Not only that, the narrative doesn't necessarily reward bad decisions. Instead, the author gives an honest account of the choices people make and the consequences that follow.
Of course, this novel shouldn't be looked at simply as a romance or character driven story. It also deftly mixes the drama with the Mothman legend. As the reader gets to know the characters, the terrifying presence of other worldly beings lurk in the background. Seemingly with ease, Wood creates a tension that actually had a physical effect on me. At times, I felt goosebumps and actually had to look away from the words and make sure nothing else was in the room with me while reading. I'm rarely affected by scary stories, so I really enjoyed the affect this novel had on me!
I'd love to take the novel apart chapter by chapter and give analysis and observations about the setting, characters, and plot, but I don't want to ruin a single thing about this work. Go read it! You'll be glad you did!
Ben is the kind of character that digs inside you and settles. In a time when it seems like protagonists are thought to be perfect (or with a few acceptable, quirky flaws), Wood introduces us to flawed human beings who, despite some bad choices or decisions in life, are still ultimately human and deserving of love. Not only that, the narrative doesn't necessarily reward bad decisions. Instead, the author gives an honest account of the choices people make and the consequences that follow.
Of course, this novel shouldn't be looked at simply as a romance or character driven story. It also deftly mixes the drama with the Mothman legend. As the reader gets to know the characters, the terrifying presence of other worldly beings lurk in the background. Seemingly with ease, Wood creates a tension that actually had a physical effect on me. At times, I felt goosebumps and actually had to look away from the words and make sure nothing else was in the room with me while reading. I'm rarely affected by scary stories, so I really enjoyed the affect this novel had on me!
I'd love to take the novel apart chapter by chapter and give analysis and observations about the setting, characters, and plot, but I don't want to ruin a single thing about this work. Go read it! You'll be glad you did!