A review by inkwellimps
The Fear Institute by Jonathan L. Howard

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

There are moments in this book towards the end that are 5/5, but for the vast majority of the book, I wasn't fond of the plot or the secondary characters (the trio of traveling companions Cabal has are considerably less interesting than Horst in book 1 or Leonie Barrow in book 2). This book sees Cabal adventure through a Lovecraftian dreamscape, which is not so much my thing. Johannes Cabal's character is endearing enough to carry me through the book as a reader, but seeing his clever solutions to problems and sarcasm where the only parts I really enjoyed for the first 80% of the book.

The last 20% however... The ending is very, very convoluted, but a fun ride that does not slow down. There is a scene in the last act that just plays perfectly to crush my heart, and the ending is very investing.
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