Hide

This book is kind of a mess, in terms of everything but pacing and plot. Considering how many authors struggle with those things, Hide succeeds aptly.

Overall, the book is much less clever and lyrical than it thinks it is, and the way it handles its characters and narrative feels kind of detached. Is it third person or omniscient? The prose tries to do the Stephen King thing of telescoping in and out of different perspectives, but doesn't quite manage the balance King's prose gives. The characterization starts out strong, but ends up thin. The satire is kind of forgotten mid-way through the book, if not earlier. Anyone with a glancing knowledge of mythology will immediately spot the twist.

For all of that, it's engaging? I read it all in under less than 24 hours, which can't be said for most books. It's the perfect length, and unlike many horror novels (which in my opinion have a tendency to just kind of stop and go 'well the horror's over, now, everyone smile!') actually earns its ending. For what the book is trying to say, it does an admirable job.

Mack is a young woman, friendless, homeless, consumed with guilt and nowhere to turn. Against her better judgement, she enters into a reality show-like competition of Hide and Seek in which she and 13 other competitors will hide for a week in an abandoned amusement park. The last to be found will win fifty thousand dollars. Everyone wants the money but some need it more desperately than others. Some are hoping this will be a stepping stone to fame and wealth, others just hope it will lead to a more normal life.
The synopsis intrigued me, but even though I knew there would be 14 competitors in this deadly game I was not entirely prepared to meet them all. It's a lot to keep track of, but fear not, many of them are throwaway characters that are only here to be killed off, while others are there in case you need someone to hate in order to know who you're rooting for.
I did wonder why it had to be a week and what they would do if thirteen competitors were found before then, but that is sort of explained later.
I was expecting a slasher in the woods story, but that is not exactly what I got.
It becomes increasingly clear to the contestants that there is something off about this competition but with no means of contacting help all they can do is try to survive.
There are frequent changes in point of view which was sometimes confusing but these become fewer as more contestants are eliminated.
I loved the setting, and descriptions of the run down park, with creepy skeletal remains of rides and concession stands, but sometimes the descriptions of finding a hiding spot and basically staying there all day gave me the urge to skim.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 out of 5 where half stars are not an option.

My thanks to Del Rey Books for the advance copy.