However, after few pages, I found the story to be quite flat. The concept of possession and dreams in horror books is actually not my cup of tea. Or why Jake can see ghosts and deem as powerful or Sawyer's equal. Especially when it suddenly involved Jake's ancestors. I don't think I truly understand the death world this book is trying to portray. The atmosphere of the novel was inconsistent because there wasn't much to latch onto at the start, and the author didn't provide enough information to grasp Jake's condition. The book is short which made it super easy to read and get it over with but the world-building is poorly wirtten. Undeniably so, there were also some other things that fell short and doesn't work for me. I specifically find the death loops intriguing. The horror in this book is not entirely my favourite (I'll tell more why) but I do appreciate the direction that the author is going for in this book. I find Jake's life experiences important in providing societal commentary and insight into how discrimination can isolate and depress young people (if I were to be critical about it, you know?)

Book cover first, plot later (lol).Īddressing the racism and microaggression faced by the main character for being both people of colour and gay. It what makes me want to read this book in the first place. It gives me a whole Frankenstein vibe for some reasons and I love the the colour palette. Let's just go on with what I like about the book first: I haven't read any horror books for some time now (I think the last time was from Madeleine Roux) so this feels like a breath of fresh air but I don't think I find myself enjoying this one as much. I finished in one sit and I enjoyed it a lot! I wish it would be a little longer! But I think my neighbors cannot tolerate more screams coming from me! So I think this book already gave me enough thrill for me today!

I don’t know how many times I jumped off from my couch and screamed! Honestly some chapters are way too much intense! The school shooting trauma, invasion of insects, the pain of being outcasted, shunned from society reflected so realistically! You get frightened, you get shaken, you feel sad! All of the sensitive issues including homophobia, violence, bullying, abuse are boldly approached.ĭark and complex part of the story overshadowed the slow burn romance but it was still effective, provocative, unique! It’s more thought provoking and challenging reading with such a frightening, jaw dropping scenes scare the living daylights out of you! But this one is focused on micro aggressions and black queer drama with more Get out meets Dear White People vibes. Jake Livingston’s story reminded me of Jamie Conklin, also black teenager, raised by single mother ( without rebellious brother) who can see ghosts and try so hard to keep it as secret.

The haunting of jake livingston