Review: Horns, by Joe Hill

Author: Joe Hill

Audience: Adult

First Impression:

Hooked! The voice of the writing and Hill's style only enhanced the text and left me wanting to learn more about Ig Parrish and his "problem".

Plot/Style/Voice/Characters:

If there's one thing Hill does and does well, it's characterization. Coupled with some excellent metaphors and descriptions, his style ranks right up there with the big boys...not bad for his second novel.

The plot centers around Iggy Parrish; his struggle to deal with the murder of his girlfriend, Merrin, and the changes within himself. One interesting aspect of this novel was the multiple directions Hill told the story from. You learn bits and pieces of the puzzle from various characters, each with his or her own personal perspective. It adds a great twist and is a tactic not often taken by authors.

Best Part:

My personal opinion...the differing perspectives of what truly took place concerning Merrin's murder. It just added that something extra to keep me hooked.

Irritations:

Here's the kicker. My one irritation with the novel as a whole...the ending. Ok, yes, many people complain about endings; however, Horns just ran out of steam and lost my interest with approximately four chapters left to go. I don't know if Hill lost his train of thought, or if he decided to change things up at the last minute; either way it earned Horns a 3-Book rating. Shame, up until those last few chapters, the novel was running a solid 4+.

Wrap-Up Reaction:

Overall, Horns is not a book to avoid, neither is Joe Hill as an author. I hope others will find the ending less "silly" than I did.