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.