Here are my top five books of the year, each selected for their unique impact on me. As someone who primarily enjoys thrillers and horror, my reading choices reflect my taste for suspense and the thrill of being scared. I wouldn’t classify myself as a sophisticated reader—my ratings tend to reflect how much I enjoyed the storytelling rather than any literary merit. I have a soft spot for "popcorn thrillers" and delightfully corny horror stories. So, if you plan on joining me in my reading adventures, just be warned. LOL.
1. We Used to Live Here
"Once they're in, they never leave."
Author: Marcus Kliewer
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Pages: 312
Format: Audible
Published: 06/18/2024
Summary:
A young, queer couple who flip houses, Charlie and Eve, score a killer deal on an old house. One day, there's a knock on the door. A man stands with his family, claiming to have lived there years before and asking if it would be alright to show his kids around. When the strangers enter their home, uncanny and inexplicable things happen, including a ghostly presence in the basement. Even more weird, the family can't seem to take the hint that their visit should be over.
Review:
I haven't encountered a book that genuinely terrified me as much as this one did. Right from the beginning, the unsettling atmosphere and eerie tone were skillfully woven into the narrative. A few scenes were so intense that my heart felt like it sank into my stomach as I journeyed through the plot. I found myself experiencing the same confusion and terror as the protagonist, Eve. The idea of realizing that your own reality is slowly crumbling and shifting into a timeline where nobody recognizes you, where your identity is in question, felt like a waking nightmare. What truly struck me was the unpredictable nature of the story. When I thought I grasped the story's direction, the plot would twist in unexpected ways. Even days later, I find myself thinking of this story and its haunting themes. I still have so many questions. This book has definitely left an indelible mark on me, proving to be one of the most unsettling reads I've ever experienced.
Interestingly, the story's original version began as a Reddit post on the r/nosleep subreddit. Before the full-length novel was published, Netflix acquired the film rights to an original movie starring Blake Lively. I hope the film will be good, but who knows? The style of the book is also different, as the story is supplemented with a series of transcripts that document the Old House, its phenomena, and conspiracy theories. There is even a Morse code message that reads, "The old man with the scar has lived in the cabin for centuries and goes by many different names." Furthermore, using unconventional capitalized letters, one document spells out: "The old gods see all." You can see why this book kept me up at night.
2. Horror Movie
"The mask is ugly, grotesque, and familiar, and we cannot stop staring at it because all monsters are mirrors."
Author: Paul Tremblay
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Page: 277
Format: Audible
Published: 06/11/2024
Summary:
In June 1993, a group of young guerilla filmmakers spent four weeks making "Horror Movie," a notorious, disturbing, art-house horror flick. Only three scenes were ever released to the public, but "Horror Movie" has grown a rabid fanbase. Three decades later, Hollywood is pushing for a big-budget reboot.
Review:
"Horror Movie" took me a while to get used to its format. However, I was instantly hooked on the story after a few chapters. It only took me two days to listen to this book in its entirety. The format of reading the script, exploring the real-life behind-the-scenes events, and the current context kept me fully engaged. I became very curious about the underlying narrative of the horror movie and the incidents that occurred during its filming. The perspective of the actor who played the Thin Kid in the unreleased film was intriguing, especially since the film garnered a cult following within the horror community. I read one reader's review that said an unreleased film gaining such a fanbase was unrealistic, and I suspect this person has little knowledge of the real-life horror community. The narrator is the only surviving member of the original production, which brings to mind the Poltergeist. I wish the author had done more with this angle, though. The ending was foreshadowed, but I was still pleasantly surprised even knowing Cleo's fate (though I have questions about why she wanted to go out that way). The Thin Kid's journey is particularly fascinating to me. I would definitely watch this horror movie. The reviews on Goodreads are polarizing, but I just can't understand how readers don't find this story interesting. I guess, to each their own.
3. Fourth Wing
"Fascinating. You look all frail and breakable, but you're really a violent little thing, aren't you?"
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Romantasy, Young Adult
Page: 517
Format: Audible
Published: 05/02/2024
Summary:
"Fourth Wing" follows Violet Sorrengail, the daughter of a high-ranking general who has always dreamt of joining the Scribe Quadrant. However, her mother insists she must become a dragon rider despite her physical disabilities, leading Violet to attend Basgiath War College. To become a dragon rider, she must overcome deadly challenges while grappling with her attraction to Xaden Riorson, her enemy and respected wing leader. As tensions rise, Violet's life becomes unexpectedly linked to his, complicating her journey.
Review:
For context, I was browsing Audible for a new book, and I thought I'd try a fantasy novel since many seem to be trending online this year. I wasn't familiar with Booktok and their insatiable (and nasty) appetite for what they call "spicy' content, which is just smut. As an innocent bystander looking for a book that's not a thriller or horror, I fell into the trap without warning. I now realize that many recommended fantasy novels contain explicit smut content. Don't judge me. Thank you.
Like I said previously, I usually enjoy true crime, thrillers, and horror books, but I wanted to explore something different. After finishing the book, I was surprised by how polarizing the reviews were. I can acknowledge that this book borrows elements from sources like "Game of Thrones," "Red Queen," "Hunger Games," and other works with which I am not as familiar. However, I found the story intriguing. I love the concept of riders bonding with dragons they can communicate with. I especially enjoyed Violet's bond with Tairn, the fiercest black dragon in the land. His grumpy and cynical personality warms my heart.
Additionally, I liked the romance between Violet and Xaden. However, my main criticism is the overly detailed *surprise surprise* spicy chapters. I don't need that much explicit detail or cringe-worthy lines like those found in some of these chapters. Xaden is so corny in these scenes, and I want to die while reading. Regardless, sometimes, I wish people would just let others enjoy things, good or bad. I mean, let's be honest... "Red Queen" replicates "Hunger Games," but I still love that series. So it's funny when readers point out that "Fourth Wing" is like "Red Queen," another series that heavily adapts elements from other fantasy books.
I understand this story is recycled and cheesy, but I appreciate cheesy things. After all, people love "Twilight." Someone compared this book to what they call "fast food fiction," which I love. I read Iron Flame right after and have Onyx Storm pre-ordered for January. Yes, I will be continuing this series. LOL. So far, Amazon has acquired the Fourth Wing, so a TV adaptation will be in the works. I'm still waiting for a "Red Queen" series, so we will see if this comes to fruition.
4. Clown in a Cornfield
"The corn itself could have been waving hello, or it could have been breathing."
Author: Adam Cesare
Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Thriller
Page: 346
Format: Audible
Published: 08/25/2020
Summary:
Quinn Maybrook and her father moved to tiny, boring Kettle Springs for a fresh start. But ever since the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory shut down, Kettle Springs has been on the decline. It's not until Frendo the Clown, the Baypen mascot, goes homicidal that it is decided this midwestern town needs to be saved by getting rid of the rotten crop of kids who live there now.
Review:
"Clown in a Cornfield" delivered a wild, over-the-top slasher experience reminiscent of a B-horror movie. Set during a chaotic local event, it features a masked killer clown wreaking havoc, mixing imaginative and gruesome kills with a campy sense of humor. The story hits familiar slasher tropes - teens, a mysterious killer, clowns, and a creepy setting - but instead of reinventing the wheel, it embraces the absurdity. A surprising twist toward the end added unexpected depth and kept me engaged for the majority of the plot. The book read like I was watching a slasher film; its vivid scenes are chaotic, bloody, and fun. I never read a true slasher in book form, so it was delightful for a horror fan who loves anything that is both campy and entertaining. Yes, the book can be cheesy, but it is still a fun read. As I was reading this book, I thought if executed right, it would make a great horror flick, and lo and behold, the film will be released on Shudder next year. Fingers crossed, they do this justice! I will likely read the sequels of this novel in 2025, as I'm curious about where this story will go from here.
5. Influencer
"I'm fascinated by the little tragedies you can find anywhere, in the most normal of people, if you poke around inside for any length of time."
Author: Adam Cesare
Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Thriller
Page: 368
Format: Audible
Published: 10/01/2024
Summary:
One by one, Crystal Giordano loses her misfit friends to the rich new kid in town, Aaron Fortin. Crystal instantly recognizes that Aaron isn't who he says he is and that he harbors dark secrets behind his social media personality.
Review:
Surprisingly, I found myself far more engrossed in this story than "Clown in a Cornfield," even though "Clown in a Cornfield" has a better plot. Aaron's character stands out as a pretentious psychopath, a figure who has managed to cultivate a substantial following on social media while keeping his true identity shrouded in secrecy. His arrogance and manipulative nature make him an exceptionally unlikable character, and as the narrative unfolds, his fate becomes increasingly satisfying to witness. Aaron operates under the delusion that he is the most intelligent person in any room, believing he can effortlessly manipulate those around him to participate in his twisted games. However, he meets his match in Crystal Giordano, a character who pushes back against his cunning tactics and gives him a well-deserved challenge. The dynamics between the characters in this psychological thriller kept me thoroughly committed; I was fully invested in their journeys and conflicts. I'm curious what else Adam Cesare has up his sleeves!
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