Title: Welcome to the Dark House
Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz
Pub Date: July 22nd, 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Page Count: 357
I had seriously mixed feelings with this one. Like, for one, was I supposed to be scared? Sorry, but a bunch of horror movies have beaten you to the punch, Welcome to the Dark House. - Nova @ Out of Time
This idea seemed really exciting for me when I picked it up. I'd heard great things about it and I wanted to love it... but I didn't. I don't typically read horror because it doesn't interest me as much as it should. Also, the record still stands: I've never been genuinely scared of anything read in a book. That's why interesting plots matter more than ever. Sadly, this book lacked any real thrill and honestly, I've seen this story line in a bunch of movies.
The writing was amazing when I first started. I was blown away by the easy feeling of Ivy's point of view. For some reason, I really connected to her.
Unfortunately, this story jumped between like six different point of views. I think I would've liked it more if it had been just Ivy, or maybe even two characters. [Although, I do understand why it was done. Every character has a story to tell.]
And on that note, I really did like the personalities of the characters. Some stood out more than others but they were all very distinct. Characters like Natalie and Parker had a lot to offer but others only slowed down the plot *cue eyeroll* And, like other things in this book, they didn't work either. Rather than the fears of the characters [like what the summary said this book focused on,] this book played victim to drama and cheesy scenes.
It went from promising, to a huge flop back to shaky [and somewhat fleeting] interest. I really liked the beginning, especially the way it was written. I had a lot of interest in the main character, Ivy. She had depth and mystery to her, which made me want to get to know her. Also, the first page summary? That completely hooked me in, which is also why I'm so disappointed.
Midway through the story, the different characters start to meet and that's where everything fell apart. About a third of the story was unnecessary drama and pointless events that dragged the story to hell. I didn't care about their little romances, I just wanted some actually creepy stuff! But like the story summary says, by the time it happened, things we already too late. The thrills were rushed, things seemed written last minute, rather than planned and the [shaky and rushed] ending was not enough to save what I think was a disaster.
Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz
Pub Date: July 22nd, 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Page Count: 357
What’s your worst nightmare?
For Ivy Jensen, it’s the eyes of a killer that haunt her nights. For Parker Bradley, it’s bloodthirsty sea serpents that slither in his dreams.
And for seven essay contestants, it’s their worst nightmares that win them an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at director Justin Blake’s latest, confidential project. Ivy doesn’t even like scary movies, but she’s ready to face her real-world fears. Parker’s sympathetic words and perfect smile help keep her spirits up. . . at least for now.
Not everyone is so charming, though. Horror-film fanatic Garth Vader wants to stir up trouble. It’s bad enough he has to stay in the middle of nowhere with this group—the girl who locks herself in her room; the know-it-all roommate; “Mister Sensitive”; and the one who’s too cheery for her own good. Someone has to make things interesting.
Except, things are already a little weird. The hostess is a serial-killer look-alike, the dream-stealing Nightmare Elf is lurking about, and the seventh member of the group is missing.
By the time Ivy and Parker realize what’s really at stake, it’s too late to wake up and run.
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I had seriously mixed feelings with this one. Like, for one, was I supposed to be scared? Sorry, but a bunch of horror movies have beaten you to the punch, Welcome to the Dark House. - Nova @ Out of Time
This idea seemed really exciting for me when I picked it up. I'd heard great things about it and I wanted to love it... but I didn't. I don't typically read horror because it doesn't interest me as much as it should. Also, the record still stands: I've never been genuinely scared of anything read in a book. That's why interesting plots matter more than ever. Sadly, this book lacked any real thrill and honestly, I've seen this story line in a bunch of movies.
The writing was amazing when I first started. I was blown away by the easy feeling of Ivy's point of view. For some reason, I really connected to her.
Unfortunately, this story jumped between like six different point of views. I think I would've liked it more if it had been just Ivy, or maybe even two characters. [Although, I do understand why it was done. Every character has a story to tell.]
And on that note, I really did like the personalities of the characters. Some stood out more than others but they were all very distinct. Characters like Natalie and Parker had a lot to offer but others only slowed down the plot *cue eyeroll* And, like other things in this book, they didn't work either. Rather than the fears of the characters [like what the summary said this book focused on,] this book played victim to drama and cheesy scenes.
It went from promising, to a huge flop back to shaky [and somewhat fleeting] interest. I really liked the beginning, especially the way it was written. I had a lot of interest in the main character, Ivy. She had depth and mystery to her, which made me want to get to know her. Also, the first page summary? That completely hooked me in, which is also why I'm so disappointed.
Midway through the story, the different characters start to meet and that's where everything fell apart. About a third of the story was unnecessary drama and pointless events that dragged the story to hell. I didn't care about their little romances, I just wanted some actually creepy stuff! But like the story summary says, by the time it happened, things we already too late. The thrills were rushed, things seemed written last minute, rather than planned and the [shaky and rushed] ending was not enough to save what I think was a disaster.
NOVA! I haven't been here since forever, man! It's a shame that you liked this one less and less as the book progressed. I haven't heard too many great things for this one so I think I'll pass!
ReplyDeleteLovely review, hun <33
MEL!!!!! I MISS YEW
Delete[also you're the one who inspired me to do the <333 thing just saying]