I really liked this book! I know what you are thinking… “really?!?!?” Ok, so hear me out. I have never heard of James Dashner. If you haven’t either, you may have heard of The Maze Runner which he wrote (and apparently I have not read if I did not know him…sorry, James Dashner). I was searching for a thriller book to read and came across this one. Since it was not too expensive, I bought it. Y’all, I could not put down this book. I will, though, go ahead and tell you it may not be for everyone. BUT…it is not a slasher, killer, “oh my stars” disgusting book. Yes, there is a serial killer. Yes, bodies are beheaded. BUT… very, very graphic details are not given. I do not do disgusting gore so this wasn’t too bad. Also, I would much rather read this than ridiculous sexually graphic scenes.
So, what did I like about this book? First, his writing style…I read several reviews where people hated his writing style. I thought it was very engaging. There are dual timelines that explain how the curse/mystery/story unfolds. I like dual timelines which may be why I liked his style for this book.
Second, I totally connected with the Southern culture in the book. I LOVED the Southern references. If you aren’t from the South, you probably didn’t get it or enjoy the references. He is always talking about box fans (the noise they make, the restful sleep you have when it is on…). Yes…yes…yes!!!!! My husband and I sleep with a box fan on ALL YEAR ROUND! In the winter, we cut it on but turn it around so it doesn’t blow cool air on us! If you are not from the South (Southern United States, that is) and if you ask any true Southerner about a box fan, you will get the same answer. We love them! The fried chicken…yep! The cicadas’ sound at night…yep! Sleeping in recliners when we go to a relative’s house…yep! We sometimes will fight over the couch or recliner when we go visit family.
Third, I loved the little bits of humor he dropped in the book (from the main author). His humor reminded me of Freida McFadden’s humor (only Freida Readahs will get that).
Now…I loved the book BUT there was one aspect I didn’t like. I emailed Dashner for clarification but have not heard back (cough, cough). The story line is based on a centuries old curse between two families. Although I have read and reread the history of the curse, I still DO NOT understand what the curse was or why they had to keep killing people. I have read several reviews where readers said the same thing. I am going to allow comments on this post. If you clearly understand the curse, please explain. LOL
I know this book will not be for everyone. However, if you like spooky and mysteries and thrillers (oh, and serial killers), I think you will enjoy this book! If you don’t, well, don’t bother. Oh…In the book, Baghead reminds me of Michael Myers from Halloween… the side tilt of the head…if you read the book and have watched Halloween, you will know what I am talking about. I had to get that out there.
Happy Reading! (and James Dashner, can you please email me back…gracious!)
