Brother

Surprised at how much I enjoyed this, I couldn't put it down. Although slightly predictable, with a few plot holes, overall it's well-written. I really connected with the main character, Michael, and the impossible position he was trapped in. The rest of the family is not quite as intricately rendered - it would have been interesting to understand more of the mother's back story, for instance. I loved how the horrifying truth was slowly revealed. And although I guessed part of it, I didn't get the whole thing, and the reveal was no less satisfying. Definitely looking forward to reading Seed!

This was properly creepy. The scary hick family in the woods has been a classic trope of American horror, but I don't think I have seen it done this well. The intriguing part here is we get to view it from a member within the family (Michael). He is very much a part of the horror they inflict upon the hapless people they imprison, but he does not gain much pleasure from it. Seeing the sadistic games that his family plays, the true history of himself unwinds in a horrific way. One of the creepiest books I have read!

Enjoyed it so much that I'm currently watching Chained, the movie the author says inspired her to write the book.