Published by Random House - Ballantine Genres: Contempory, Fiction, Horror, Mystery
Format: ARC, eBook
Have you ever wished you had read the Author’s note first???? I sure wish I had turned to the back of the book and read that note. I might have enjoyed this book just a tad bit more. This pains me, I had such high hopes for this book, but nope, not for me. I enjoyed the beginning; I thought the book was off to a great start and then….
Thirty years ago, a tragic accident shut down production of Mister Magic, a popular children’s show. Fans of the show still remember the lessons they learned while watching, but none of them can find anything about the show online. There are no videos, no interviews, and no proof the show existed except for their memories. But a tragedy did occur, and the five surviving child stars moved on, recalling bits and pieces (and one nothing) about the show they starred in.
Now, the five members of the circle of friends are back to where they once filmed. There is a sense that the place has been waiting for them. Now that they are back, what will happen? Where is Mister Magic? Who is Mister Magic?
This sounded so juicy and creepy. I had high hopes and when I began, I enjoyed the book. I loved Hide and expected to love this book as well. I don’t even know how to describe this book except to say that it is strange, creepy, bizarre, and odd. For most of the book, I wasn’t sure what was going on. I kept thinking “what am I missing?” Plus, I didn’t care for any of the characters. Personally, when I am reading a book in the horror genre, I need to care about at least one of the characters so that when something happens to them; I care, I feel, and I am moved in some fashion. But with this, it was too bizarre and strange.
Just when I thought I had a handle on things and had things figured out, something was revealed, and I realized I wasn’t even in the ballpark. Not even close!
Many readers are enjoying this book and I encourage you to read their reviews as well. When I did read the Author’s note, things made more sense to me but even then, I am not sure that knowledge would have saved this book for me. I wasn’t feeling the magic. We can’t love them all. There is an audience for this book and I believe this will be a book with a huge range of opinions on it.
I do have to note that the author was highly original, creative, and descriptive. This book was well written but a little too trippy for me. As I loved Hide, I will be reading the next book she writes. This one just wasn’t for me.
Original, creative, well written, but sadly not the book for me.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Del Rey and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.