Andreya's Asylum

I started this novel intending to read a few pages before bed. I couldn’t put this book down. I read until I couldn’t keep my eyes open and the Kindle was precariously close to becoming one with the floor. Then I woke myself up and read some more. Joe Hill’s talent is undeniable. NOS4A2 was good. The Fireman is brilliant. To be honest, I was very much not thrilled at the thought of reading about a fireman but jealous enough that my friends had it that I wanted to read it too. After all, it’s Joe Hill. The Fireman was not at all what I was expecting and this was abundantly clear from the first few pages.

            The thing I love the most about Joe Hill’s books is his characterization. What is one of the hardest parts in writing for most authors seems to come naturally to Hill. Every one of his characters has their own unique personality and Joe Hill doesn’t just describe them, he makes them real. I loved Harper, his main character, as if she were my best friend. I loathed her husband as much as I can loathe someone in real life. The Fireman made me smile and laugh out loud. The end of the book feels like a loss, because these people that he made me feel have come to an end. There are very few authors who don’t just make me want to know the ending, but who make me want the story to continue, and Joe Hill is one of them.

            I feel that this book could have been a tad shorter without losing anything important. That said, its length did not detract from my enjoyment of it. My only criticism is that I don’t think that Nick, even in an apocalyptic situation, sounded like a 9-year-old, his character seemed much, much older. Otherwise this book exceeded my expectations and I loved every minute of it.

I received an e-ARC copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

© 2016 by Andi Rawson of Andreya's Asylum