
Published by Subterranean Press on April 9, 2017
Genres: Horror
Pages: 112
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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What if you could fix the worst parts of yourself by confronting your worst fears?
Dr. Jennifer Webb has invented proprietary virtual reality technology that purports to heal psychological wounds by running clients through scenarios straight out of horror movies and nightmares. In a carefully controlled environment, with a medical cocktail running through their veins, sisters might develop a bond they’ve been missing their whole lives—while running from the bogeyman through a simulated forest. But…can real change come so easily?
Esther Hoffman doubts it. Esther has spent her entire journalism career debunking pseudoscience, after phony regression therapy ruined her father’s life. She’s determined to unearth the truth about Dr. Webb’s budding company. Dr. Webb’s willing to let her, of course, for reasons of her own. What better advertisement could she get than that of a convinced skeptic? But Esther’s not the only one curious about how this technology works. Enter real-world threats just as frightening as those created in the lab. Dr. Webb and Esther are at odds, but they may also be each other’s only hope of survival.
With her new novella Final Girls, bestselling, award-winning author Mira Grant has conjured a heart-stopping, gut-wrenching story filled with as many twists as it is versions of reality. Grant offers a chilling exploration of how surviving horrors might define us all.
This is a stand alone novella by horror writer Mira Grant. I’m a huge Mira Grant fan ever since I started reading the Newsflesh series back in 2015. The thing I love most about Mira Grant is her characters. She’s great a writing diverse and complex characters. Now, since this is a novella, the characters are smaller in number and bit less complete, but I still really liked them.
Dr. Jennifer Webb has developed a new type of therapy using virtual reality. She puts you in these pods with some psychedelic drugs and run you through different scenarios depending on what you need help with.
Esther Hoffman is a journalist who gives new meaning to skeptic. Her father was a victim of regression therapy. Some girl accused him kidnapping and child abuse, which was later proved that the girl was manipulated and didn’t remember correctly. She was not attacked by Mr. Hoffman, but his life was ruined anyway and later killed himself.
Esther is convinced into the pod to test out the system for herself, because that is the only way to really write about the system objectively. Things start off okay, but something happens and it goes all wrong.
This was a pretty interesting story which has a lot of creepiness to it. Fans of Black Mirror will enjoy this story. I highly recommend Mira Grant’s stories if you are at all a fan of horror.
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Excellent review, Melanie! Horror is not one of my normal genres but you’ve made this sounds so interesting and I’m always open to new experiences ?
Her horror is a bit different than some of the other horror authors I’ve read. I think it has a little bit more of a UF feel to it (kinda like a UF series with more horror to it). I think it is because she also writes UF under the name Seanan McGuire.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I loved her mermaid series and I want to read this too. Great review!
The mermaid is a great series. I can’t wait for the next one. Her zombie series is my favorite.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I haven’t tried her books as Mira Grant but so curious!
I haven’t tried her other name yet. But the library just ordered me one of those on audio, so I will be trying them this year.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Wow, this one sounds seriously creepy. Glad you enjoyed it, Melanie!
She writes some really creepy stories. I love them. 🙂
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I have read very little from this author and I don’t think I have ever read any of her Mira Grant titles. This sounds really good. I will have to add it to my tbr list. Great review!
I still need to try her other pen name. I’ve asked the library to get the first audiobook in her most popular series to try. I love all the Mira Grant titles.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
While I’m not a fan of horror, this is an interesting concept. I want to know what happens to Esther! PS. That cover is uber-creepy!
Isn’t it creepy? I love it. 🙂
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Oh I like that this is a stand alone novella. I’ve not read or listened to any of her books yet. I need to do that. 🙂 Thank you!!
I love her work. This is the first standalone that I’ve read from her. I love her zombie series, Newsflesh.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
That sounds pretty good. I haven’t read this author before.
She also writes UF under the name, Seanan McGuire. I’ve yet to try her work under that name, but I’ve asked the library to buy the first book of the series on audio.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Well that is one freaky cover! Eeeeeeek
The story was kinda creepy too. 🙂
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart