Monday, June 23, 2014

Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz + Giveaway

**Thank you Disney Hyperion for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

What’s your worst nightmare?

For Ivy Jensen, it’s the eyes of a killer that haunt her nights. For Parker Bradley, it’s bloodthirsty sea serpents that slither in his dreams.

And for seven essay contestants, it’s their worst nightmares that win them an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at director Justin Blake’s latest, confidential project. Ivy doesn’t even like scary movies, but she’s ready to face her real-world fears. Parker’s sympathetic words and perfect smile help keep her spirits up. . . at least for now.

Not everyone is so charming, though. Horror-film fanatic Garth Vader wants to stir up trouble. It’s bad enough he has to stay in the middle of nowhere with this group—the girl who locks herself in her room; the know-it-all roommate; “Mister Sensitive”; and the one who’s too cheery for her own good. Someone has to make things interesting.

Except, things are already a little weird. The hostess is a serial-killer look-alike, the dream-stealing Nightmare Elf is lurking about, and the seventh member of the group is missing.

By the time Ivy and Parker realize what’s really at stake, it’s too late to wake up and run.


My Thoughts:

Okay maybe it's just me because I don't typically read a ton of horror but good GRIEF this book FREAKED ME OUT!!!! I mean at the point where I literally went to bed the night I finished with the bathroom light on so my bedroom wouldn't be dark like a 5 year old might do! Yes it was that creepy to me, I'm not ashamed! 


I was really concerned how this book would go when I saw that it switched POVs between all seven characters (well really it ends up being 6). I was worried that I would get confused and not be able to remember what was what, but it was done flawlessly. Each chapter is titled and each character really has their own voice so it's easy to know who you are reading about.

Besides this being a horror book it also tapped into some deep issues almost all of the characters have. Garth really creeped me out most of the book, he is just a really weird dude.He also was a bit of a butt at times, but with his back story I can see where it comes from. Ivy is so sweet and her back story made me feel so bad for her. Parker is a great guy who aspires to be a film producer, and he was definitely a charmer. Natalie is strange, strange, strange. I did find out why and I can't blame her for being that way but....STRANGE. Shayla is a bit self-absorbed and she doesn't really get past that, but it's not overly annoying so it's easy to look past. Frankie was a cool guy and the type of person that you could easily be buds with and he was really sweet to Natalie so he got extra cool points in my book. We don't really get to know Taylor too well in this book so I can't really judge much about her.

When everyone shows up for their "fun-filled horror" weekend things really start getting down to business. This is definitely not a slow-paced book and it kept me on my toes. It was really hard to put down and I was biting my nails and hearing random noises in my house that I know are normal but still freaked me out! There were twists and turns at every page and I was kept guessing the entire time on what would happen with everyone. I felt like I was seriously in this world. In one part when everyone goes to their own individualized place I got very nervous and anxious because I wasn't sure what would happen. *nail biter*


So I was left with a ton of unanswered question, some HUGE twists, and a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. I had to immediately tweet Laurie and ask her WILL THERE BE A SEQUEL??? And yes folks there will be!! THANK GOODNESS!! So when it comes out, I'm going to curl up in a ball with all my lights on and pray I don't get too crazy terrified! 

The only con I had was the little bit of romance in the book between two characters seemed kind of fast for me, BUT at the same time in the circumstances I could *kind of* understand it, but I don't' know, still bothered me some! Definitely would recommend this book to horror lovers! Maybe you won't be as big of a baby about it as I was! LOL 

My Rating:
♥♥♥♥1/2

Giveaway:

*US Only
*Must be 13+
*All entries will be checked,
if caught cheating you will be disqualified

*Ends Midnight July 7

GOOD LUCK!





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11 comments:

  1. Okay, okay, okay, I wanted to read this book before, but now it is an extreme want. I am not big on horror either, not because I don't like it, The Exorsist and It were unbelievably good, but because I never usually think about it. Does there seem to be a lot more YA horror coming out lately, or am I just starting to notice it more? I am reading Amity right now and it is pretty much blugh so far, yeah.

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  2. The name Garth Vader seriously had me laughing.
    I love horror, so I'm glad to see that this is a creepy one.
    I will definitely add it to my TBR. I hope it scares me!
    Great review!

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  3. I was already looking forward to this book and now I'm even more excited for it.

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  4. This book sounds soooo amazing!!!! OH MY GOLLY GUMDROPS!!!! Awesome job with your review! I will definitely be picking it up when it comes out :)

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  5. This books sounds really good, I enjoy reading scary books from time to time. Sounds like it was a real good scare.

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  6. I don't typically read horror, but I love venturing out of my comfort zone as a blogger. I mean I fell in love with Anna Dressed in Blood and other books that were totally out of my typical reading! So I definitely want to get my hands on this. I enjoy a good scare (Sometimes), as long as there are some warm dogs and a hubbie close by :-)

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  7. I cant wait to read this. Im into to scary but they never are quite scary enough. i like scary but i dont want blood and gore just creep factor

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  8. Is it bad that all I can think of is... I WANT... I WANT... I WANT.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway. Both these books are on my to-read list.

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  9. I've been looking forward to reading this book for awhile now and I can't wait to read it. I love books that are filled with suspense and a little bit of horror.

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  10. I am only in the mood for scary every so often, but this sounds like a really good one (and for some reason, I prefer scary in the summer!)

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  11. I got this one on Netgalley and I've been reading the Reddit No Sleep board lately, so I'm definitely getting myself worked up to read it. Horror and scary is something I used to avoid completely after I traumatized myself as a kid by reading The Shining, but I'm getting more and more into it again.

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I would love to hear from you! I try to always comment back :)