“Penpal” by Dathan Auerbach is a novel based on a series of stories posted on r/nosleep forum on Reddit in 2011. The post went viral, as we would say today, and Auerbach continued to post more stories, eventually choosing to expand the Reddit stories into a full-length novel.
To finance the book’s publication, Auerbach chose to raise funds via a Kickstarter campaign, which raised 15946 dollars. He then published the book under his own imprint. As you can see, this book could be a really good idea. I already read one of the books that started as a Reddit post and really enjoyed it!
Link: https://patibednorz.com/when-reddit-wants-your-book-felix-blackwell-stolen-tongues
But… this is a book that unfortunately fell flat for me in almost every aspect.
From the very beginning, I found the storytelling disjointed and lacking in coherence. The premise, which revolves around childhood memories and the dark secrets that come to light, had the potential to be intriguing, but the execution was simply disappointing. The characters felt underdeveloped and one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with their experiences or care about their fates. I often found myself losing interest, as they didn’t evoke any real emotion. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, which detracted from the overall immersion in the narrative.
Additionally, I expected a horror story to have some genuinely chilling moments, but instead, the ‘scares’ felt forced and predictable. The pacing was slow at times, leaving me frustrated as I waited for the plot to pick up. The intertwining of the past and present wasn’t crafted well enough, and the final revelations felt more like a letdown than a twist.
Overall, “Penpal” did not live up to the hype I had heard about it. I found it to be a boring attempt at horror that failed to engage me. While I can appreciate the effort that went into writing it, I cannot recommend this book to others. It’s a missed opportunity that left me wishing for a more satisfying read. Where are all the good books?
- Atmosphere and tension: This is the backbone of horror- how well the book builds a creepy, unsettling vibe. Does the setting (dark woods, haunted house, possessed people) pull you in? Does the book keep you on edge, dreading what’s next? A great horror book makes the air feel thick with unease. 0
- Characters and Relatability: Are the protagonists fleshed out enough to care about? Do their fears or flaws resonate? Weak characters can tank a story- nobody roots for a cardboard cutout. The best horrors make you feel their terror as if it’s your own. 0
- Plot Coherence and Pacing: Does the story hold together logically, even in its madness? Are twists earned, not just cheap shocks? Pacing matters too- too slow, and it drags: too fast, and the fear does not sink in. A tight, well-structured plot keeps the horror gripping. 0
- Fear factor and Impact: How much does it actually scare you? This varies by reader—some want visceral gore, others subtle dread—but the book should leave a mark, whether it is nightmares or lingering chills. It’s about emotional punch, not just jump-scares on paper. 0
- Writing Quality and Styles: Clunky prose or overdone cliches can kill the mood. Does the language flow, painting vivid images without bogging down? The best horror writers wield words like weapons, sharp and deliberate, ampifying the story’s power. 0
I don’t think I can give 0/5 stars, so let’s make it 1/5