A Good and Happy Child by Justin Evans

Published: 2007
Pages: 320
Genre: Thriller

As an adult, George Davies can't bring himself to hold or be around his child. His fed-up wife sends him to a therapist, and together they delve into his disturbed childhood. George believed he was possessed by a demon, and this served as the link to his late father. But was this really the issue? Were the hallucinations and visions real?

Wow, what a weird/disturbing/thought-provoking book. To be honest, I had no previous knowledge of what this book was actually about. Sure, I knew it involved a man who was severely affected by his experiences as a child. Sure, I knew his father died mysteriously. But demons? Exorcisms? I didn't see that coming. All of it was surprisingly interesting, and it even scared me a bit.

This is a psychological thriller at its finest. The book isn't action packed by any means, and I wouldn't consider it a classic, fast-paced thriller. A Good and Happy Child is more of a subtle thriller - one that slowly creeps up on you. One thing that I really, really liked was how you couldn't fully trust the point of view of the narrator. George was truly a messed up child, and was having serious hallucinations that (might) have caused him to injure many people in many ways. As the reader, how could I be sure that he was mentally ill? Or was it the demon? I loved being unsure. The episodes that George was having of his "friend", and when his "friend" was telling him to do things, were so frightening. I'm telling you now - reading this book at midnight was not a comforting experience!

As for the writing, I wasn't overly impressed. I mean, Evans' style was a tad dry, but it fit perfectly with the book. There were the occasional moments when I savoured his descriptions and really got what he was saying, but they weren't happening all the time. It didn't matter, though, because I was so caught-up in the story that I barely noticed how his writing affected me. He did manage to invent some pretty interesting characters, especially in George. I loved his character, despite its strangeness. I kept forgetting how he was only eleven years old, because his intelligence and maturity was beyond his years. His thoughts and experiences were so haunting.

Don't worry - you don't have to be religious or believe in demons to take this book seriously. I can't tell you what happens, but there are so many events that got my heart beating faster. Nothing is settled in this book, nothing is finalized. It's all open to interpretation, and the ending is totally up to you.

The Sisterhood by Emily Barr

Published: 2008
Pages: 439
Genre: Fiction

Helen has always felt incomplete. While searching through her mother's possessions one day, she discovers the picture of her sister, Liz, that she never knew she had. This leads her to go on a search to find her sibling and bring her distant family together once again. But Liz has been looking at Helen strangely, asking awkward questions. Does she suspect something?

Chilling, sinister, creepy, thrilling, and unpredictable - I'm not simply rhyming off a random list of adjectives! Those are all words that I'd use to describe The Sisterhood. I wasn't expecting this type of book at all.

Truth be told, before I started this book I had no idea what it was about. There's a modest little blurb on the back cover, but it doesn't really explain what the plot consists of. That's what initially drew me to this book; it seemed mysterious. This feeling continued throughout the book, and it's what fuelled me to keep reading. I wanted to discover the secrets. I wanted to be the insider. I wanted more.

I didn't find The Sisterhood to be particularly suspenseful. Rather, it was intriguing and it sucked you in completely. The whole atmosphere was dark and dreary, leading you to feel that there will be a huge twist in the plot coming up soon. I was waiting for that moment the whole time, and was finally satisfied at the end. It was unpredictable yet very believable, and totally makes sense!

The characters are authentic and interesting. I love how the book alternates between three people: two in the present and one in the past. The two in the present are obviously Liz and Helen, and I enjoyed their point-of-views the most. Helen is a total stalker; she watches Liz from afar and is obsessed with her to the point where I was starting to feel nervous myself! The Sisterhood is very well structured and the characters (especially Helen) were extremely eerie.

Overall, this is a relatively slow-moving book but, ironically, there's always something important going on. It's definitely a psychological thriller that will force you to skim the book again once you've reached the end. The Sisterhood is a haunting book jam-packed with originality!

Recommendation: You don't have to love thrillers to enjoy this book. There's no action or car chases - The Sisterhood toys with your mind. I recommend this to anyone who's looking to read a unique and engrossing book.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

Published: 2003
Pages: 369
Genre: Mystery/Thriller

In 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels visits Shutter Island, home to Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane, with his new partner Chuck Aule. They've been sent to investigate the escape of Rachel Solando, a dangerous murderess. As they discover more and more disturbing information surrounding this institution, it becomes clear that nothing at Ashecliffe is remotely what it seems.

Wow. I still (even after previously seeing the movie) cannot wrap my mind around this shocking ending. This is certainly the biggest twist in a novel that I've read in my entire life, and I'm dying to tell you what happens. But, you'll have to read it for yourself. And let me tell you - you're going to be blown away.

The whole atmosphere of Shutter Island is creepy, eerie and disturbing. I think that seeing the movie before reading the book had a huge impact on me. I've never experienced this before - I was able to remember each scene in my head while I was reading and watch it unfold. If you're one of those people who are frustrated when movie producers change too much of the story, I recommend Shutter Island to you. The movie was practically identical to the novel, often right down to the same words spoken by the same characters.

But this is a book review, so I shall continue with my thoughts! Dennis Lehane's writing wasn't bad at all, but it's nothing to get excited over either. I have to admit that I was reading extremely fast and not fully absorbing all his words. (I was anticipating the ending too much for my own good!) But like I said before, his descriptions weren't that effective on me simply because I've seen the movie. If I didn't see the movie before I read the book, I'm not sure the novel would have had the same effect on me.

Recommendation: This book should be read by everyone, even if you're not a mystery or thriller lover. I say this purely because of the ending. I can't get over it! It's incredible and unlike anything I've ever read. I wouldn't call this a literary masterpiece by any means, but you honestly forget about Lehane's flaws once you finish the last page.

As an ending to this post, I'd like to include a quote that I found on the back of the novel from Washington Post Book World that sums up this book pretty well:

"Shutter Island...is brilliantly conceived and executed...Its shocking outcome kept me awake deep into the night as I began to grasp what the author had done to my innocent mind."

Illusion by Edmond Cheng

Published: 2009
Pages: 77
Genre: Mystery/thriller

The story begins with a couple throwing an unconscious man into the sea at late hours in Hong Kong. No one seems to witness this incident and we do not even know their identities. The couple just thinks their mission is complete. We follow Thomas as he tries to solve the mystery and is tangled in a web of deceit, lies, and illusions.

I gladly received a PDF copy of this novella from the author, Edmond Cheng. It's a short story that is part of a larger book called Unearthed, and is published by Midnight Showcase Fiction.

Illusion obviously isn't as long as a regular novel, so it's hard to review it in the same way. It's most likely harder for the author to focus on character development when they have to delve into the action right away! In this aspect, I believe Illusion suffered - because of the nature of a novella, action and adventure are usually the priorities. I didn't feel the usual connection with the characters. Taking it all into consideration, though, I think Cheng made a good effort!

I really enjoyed the plot line. I found it to be creative and very inventive. I was asking myself an endless list of questions and was repeatedly having my theories proved wrong! In the entertainment department, Illusion delivers. I could picture this as a successful action movie.

As for the writing, it was usually very well structured and filled with an ample amount of adjectives. However, at some points in the story the dialogue between characters didn't flow as smoothly as it should and felt a tad unnatural. If you can overlook this small flaw, Cheng's writing is enjoyable to read.

Taking everything into account, Illusion was a solid novella. I loved the creativity that clearly went into creating his story, and it was certainly displayed at every twist! To me it seems that Cheng could benefit from more experience as an author to tighten up his writing skills, but there is definitely potential here!

Recommendation: If you enjoy mystery, action, deceit, and lots of suspense, give Illusion a quick read - it's short enough to be able to finish in one day, yet packs enough punch to keep you entertained.

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

Published: 1998
Genre: Fiction, thriller
Pages: 430

When the NSA's invincible code-breaking machine encounters a mysterious code it cannot break, the agency calls in its head cryptographer, Susan Fletcher, a brilliant and beautiful mathematician. What she uncovers sends shock waves through the corridors of power. The NSA is being held hostage... not by guns or bombs, but by a code so ingeniously complex that if released it would cripple the U.S. intelligence. Caught in an accelerating tempest of secrecy and lies, Susan Fletcher battles to save the agency she believes in. Betrayed on all sides, she finds herself fighting not only for her country but also for her life, and in the end, for the life of the man she loves. (from backcover)

Digital Fortress is not a book I would have chosen on my own. Basically, I read this one out of desperation - I had no unread books in the house and needed to satisfy my craving. So, I borrowed this one from a friend who hasn't yet read it.

If you haven't read any books by Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code, anyone?) you might not fully understand me when I say how terribly bland his writing is. I wouldn't call this guy an author - I'd classify him as a literary entertainer. It seems like he's totally unaware that adjectives exist, or that you are indeed permitted (and encouraged) to make your readers feel emotion while reading your novel. Brown's writing is so flat and linear that you should never pick up one of his novels expecting to dazzled by his way with words. I'd like to include a passage from Digital Fortress to give you an example of what I mean. But really, the whole book could be used as one big example to prove my point.

Since I never only talk about the bad points of a novel, I will be fair and say what I did enjoy. I must admit, this was an addicting book. Obviously it wasn't because I enjoyed Brown's writing, but because the storyline had so many cliffhangers and unanswered questions, making you want to keep reading and find out the truth. One chapter leads to the next, which leads to the next, which leads to you spending hours on end turning the pages. The only complaint I have about the plot is that, at times, it seemed a bit too theatrical. Dangerous car chases while shooting at your enemy through the window? Yeah, that kind of action belongs in a movie, not a poorly written book. However, if you enjoy mystery and suspense, you will devour this book in a matter of hours without a doubt.

As I said before, I consider Dan Brown to be an entertainer over an author. He's great at creating an exciting and intriguing plot that, if you can ignore his mediocre writing style, is sure to keep you interested.

Final verdict: Borrow this one from the library if you're someone who enjoys a bit of action and suspense - it's sure to keep you entertained for a few hours. Do not read it expecting to have a new favourite author, though. You'll be disappointed.

Full Tilt by Neal Shusterman

Published: 2004
Pages: 201
Genre: YA fiction

Blake and Quinn are teenage brothers, but are exact opposites. Blake is the smart and sensible one, while Quinn is risky and fearless. While at the local theme park with some friends, the boys receive a mysterious piece of paper from a girl reading: "An invitation to ride. 10 Hawking Road. Midnight to Dawn." Confused but interested, they leave to go home. Later that night, Quinn is rushed to the hospital, apparently unconcious. However, Blake has a different theory - him and his friends follow the directions on the invitation and enter this obscure and perplexing phantom carnival. To rescue Quinn, they're taken on a thrilling and deadly adventure on seven rides, in hopes to make it out alive.

I recently re-read Full Tilt, the reason being because I had vivid memories of loving it years before when I first purchased it. The second time around, however, was not the same memorable experience as before! Let me elaborate.

I'll start off with the general plot. I found it to be cheesy and unoriginal, almost as if the author wrote it with the intention of turning it into a Disney movie. Seven rides that mimic your deepest fears? Originality? Not quite. Perhaps this concept might have worked if it was writen properly, who knows?

The characters have no depth; to me, they seemed fake and not very believable. It's clear that Shusterman attempted to depict them as people that the average teen could relate to, but instead they all turned out as the classic, stereotipical teenager - complete with the junky first car, nose piercing, and annoying younger brother.

Okay, enough about the negatives. Let's focus on some of the positive aspects of this novel. For one, Full Tilt was short. I don't mean this in a sarcastic way at all; rather, in a good way. If you're searching for a quick, easy read to kill some time, this might be your answer. It's not overly boring and will probably keep your interest while it lasts. But please, look into this book with the knowledge that you will most likely not find it engaging or creative.

Final verdict: Not worth the read.