Hi all!
Before I begin, I just wanted to let you all know I’ve created a couple of bookish templates on my Instagram: @my_bookish_universe – so go check them out if you like! Here’s an example of one I created on an app called Canva.
Today I am back to review another new release – Ghostland by Duncan Ralston – which was published on November 8th 2019. I was permitted to read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) thanks to NetGalley. This horror story follows former best friends, Ben and Lillian, who decide to check out Ghostland (a spooky amusement park) on opening day together. But when a computer virus sets the ghosts free and the park goes into lockdown, the pair find themselves trapped in an endless nightmare. With their video game knowledge and expertise on all things horror, Ben and Lillian must stay alive for as long as possible or become Ghostland’s newest exhibits. As always, I am going to provide my honest thoughts and let you know whether I think it’s worth checking out or not. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES RIGHT
Everything! This book is by far the best I’ve ever read and reviewed on NetGalley. I was hooked from the very beginning. I was also extremely impressed with the amount of detail. There was an actual glossary at the back outlining every different type of ghost, plus some history on the famous spectres mentioned throughout. The author has even created a website completely dedicated to the park itself. You can check it out here. The story begins when Ben and Lillian are young children and then flashes forward to present day where they are struggling to reclaim their friendship after a tragedy that occurred in the past. With any horror, it has to have a good story to keep my interest and this one ticked every box. I read some of it at night and was legitimately scared. Because it was so fleshed out, I was able picture myself inside the amusement park; running and hiding from the ghosts. There are a lot of twists, plenty of action, gore and a wide-open ending, which leads me to believe that a sequel is in the works. I hope it is! If you love a good scare, amusement parks, video games, tales about friendship and survivalism, this is for you.
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WRONG
You would probably assume I have nothing negative to say about this book…but that’s not true. There are two things I took a slight issue with, but they were very minor.
1.) Lillian’s therapist Allison, accompanies her to the park because she is curious about the Recurrence Field technology used to bring the attractions to ‘life.’ I don’t know what it’s like in America, but here in Australia your therapist would never join you on an excursion. To do so would break a law or two I would imagine?
2.) The ending was a little bit rushed and confusing, so I would like to re-read it just to fully understand it.
OVERALL STAR RATING
I gave this book 5/5 stars. It’s definitely going on my top reads of 2020 list.
If you are interested, you can order a copy here.
I hope you enjoyed this honest review. Let me know your thoughts down below. I appreciate all feedback. Thanks for reading!
Peace & Love xoxo
Disclaimer: This post contains a link to my Book Depository Affiliate. I am not being paid or sponsored for this post/products – all my thoughts/opinions are my own
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