A hungry ghost escapes from a dark realm into the human world, where it enters the unconscious body of a woman named Sam. When Sam appears to miraculously awaken from her accident-induced coma, her lesbian lover, alcoholic ex-husband, and well-meaning family must come together to try and stop the ghost from devouring everything Sam once loved. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Boston, a mysterious new kitten has just been born who holds the key to understanding what has happened to Sam.
Will Sam’s loved ones be able to put things back in their proper place, or will the ghost destroy them first?
Title:The Hungry Ghost | Author: Dalena Storm | Publisher: Black Spot Books | Pub. Date: 2019-6-11 | Pages: 200 | ISBN13: 9781732935754 | Genre: Horror | Language: English | Triggers: Car Crash | Rating: 4 out of 5 | Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
The Hungry Ghost Review
This is one of the few books that I have specifically reached out to the publisher for a hard copy of. I normally stick with review requests submitted to the site, nabbing something from Netgalley, etc. In this case, though, as soon as I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I reached out immediately.
The Hungry Ghost wasn’t everything I had hoped it would be, but it was still a good read. At 200 pages, I fairly flew through it, and finished it in two sittings.
The pace was excellent. The Asian mythology involved added enough of an unusual edge that I had to know how the story would resolve. It had – as the cover promised – cats involved. Who doesn’t like a story with cats? (Unless it’s an undead cat a la Pet Sematary. Then maybe not. ) Also, this is a book with bisexual main character! Yes! Finally some representation.
I did not like any of the characters. Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing – characters don’t have to be likable – but I do wish there was at least one of the mains that I could have rooted for. Sam’s ex made me want to slap him. The other involved party was just whingy and, yes, also annoying. The only one I really cared for was Sam’s mom. Mostly because she seemed like a good, loving mom and that made me happy. The rest of Sam’s family was annoying.
I have thought all day about how to do this review, because the first thought that popped into my head after finishing it happened to be a horrible pun and I was determined not to state it. However, I can’t think of another way to put it so… The Hungry Ghost left me hungry for more to the story. It’s like the second day of a diet and you’re sitting across from someone eating a double-stack while you’re having a tasty salad. Yeah, the salad is tasty and good for you and quite enjoyable in it’s own right, but not as tasty as that totally unnecessary double-stack that helped put twenty pounds on your ass.
Mind you I’m on day two of a diet and just read a book called The Hungry Ghost, so I’m a little food-oriented at the moment. Anyways…
Dalena Storm’s debut novel is a plot-driven tale that doesn’t let your attention wander. If you’re a fan of reality-bending stories, chances are you’ll enjoy this.
Lilyn G is the founder of Sci-Fi & Scary, and leader of the Coolthulhu Crew. She does book and film reviews for both genres the site focuses on. Her tastes run towards creature features, hard science fiction, and lots and lots of action. She also has a soft spot for middle-grade fiction that rears its head frequently.
She is also the co-founder of Ladies of Horror Fiction.
Feel free to chat her up on Twitter as long as you aren’t hitting her up to review your book.
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