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Temple Of The Blind #1
The Box
When Albert Cross finds a mysterious wooden box waiting for him in the driver’s seat of his locked car, he has no idea that it will lead him on an extraordinary and terrifying adventure. With the help of his lab partner, Brandy, he begins unraveling the puzzle of the box, but each clue they solve leads only to more questions as they piece together a map of the complex, subterranean system that lies beneath Briar Hills, Missouri…and the strange and deadly labyrinth hidden deep within. Will they be able to discover the meaning behind the box? Or will the endless darkness and the things that lurk unseen within these walls swallow them forever?
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2011
176 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Brian Harmon
62 books170 followersBrian Harmon is an independent author of horror fiction, suspense and dark adventure. He grew up in Missouri and currently lives in Southern Wisconsin with his wife, Guinevere, and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 5, 2011
Any time I read a book about a box, or where there is a mystery box involved, I hope that the author is not tyring to recreate or ripoff Clive Barker's Hellraiser mythology. Thankfully, that is not the case here. Also, whenever I read a book about a box, I hope that Gwenyth Paltrow's head is not inside. On second though, I hope it is inside, because that means she will never make another movie again. (If you do not understand this reference, go see the move Seven. Now.) Alas, her head was not inside the box.
But I digress...
I will start off by saying, so there is no confusion, that I enjoyed this book and fully intend on reading the rest of the series. It is an easy 4 out of 5 stars, and would be 4.5 if that was an option
I read Brian Harmon's The Box over the course of a day or two. It started out a little slow, but, in my mind, the best horror stories always start out slow. If you jump into a story without proper world building, something important is always left out. Fortunately, it doesn't stay slow for long, as the mystery of the Box is quickly introduced. Now, I am a child of the eighties and nineties, and the first thing I was reminded of as the two main characters, Albert and Brandy, begin to explore the mystery of the box was the movie The Goonies (if you haven't seen The Goonies, go see it. Now). Though Albert and Brandy are older than the characters in the movie, and though there are only two characters at this point instead of six, this is what I felt. At its most basic, The Box is a story of two people blindly exploring a mysterious, creepy world introduced to them by the Box simply because it is human nature to want to understand and unravel the mysteries set before them. Before they know it they find themselves set upon by both their own emotions and doubts as well as the denizens of the world they have discovered. Their challenges are both psychological and physical and drive them to the brink of sanity.
In the end... well, that is one of my two problems with the book. First, since this is only part one of a six book series, and since it is only a 50,000 word long novella and not a full book, this particular volume was created as a starting point. As a teaser. There is adventure, and it is a good ride, but nothing is accomplished. Sure, there is character evolution, a very important ingredient, but there is no real end. It's like reading the Wizard of Oz and the movie stopping when they reach the Emerald City; the ride has been fun, but the end is not there. Don't get me wrong... there is an end to the story, and a logical end to it, but it felt like the end of part one of a longer book. But that's the point, I guess, to novelized novellas/books... to give the reader reason to buy the next. Again, don't get me wrong, the reader gets their money's worth from the book. I didn't feel cheated. Just don't expect an end that wraps everything up nicely. Many more questions are created than answered when the book finally ends.
And my second issues, and this is minor, is that I wish that the author had given more of the mythology surrounding the world he created. Everything is faceless and nameless, both literally and figuratively, and while the writing is excellent and the story is intense, evoking all sorts of emotions (like horror is supposed to), I wish more of the history and mythology had somehow been explored more so this vivid, disturbing world could be defined a little more.
So, in conclusion (yeah, I know, sounds like a term paper), The Box was a great read. Tense, fun, creepy, with likable main characters and enough mysteries to keep you turning the pages. I look forward to the rest of the series.
But I digress...
I will start off by saying, so there is no confusion, that I enjoyed this book and fully intend on reading the rest of the series. It is an easy 4 out of 5 stars, and would be 4.5 if that was an option
I read Brian Harmon's The Box over the course of a day or two. It started out a little slow, but, in my mind, the best horror stories always start out slow. If you jump into a story without proper world building, something important is always left out. Fortunately, it doesn't stay slow for long, as the mystery of the Box is quickly introduced. Now, I am a child of the eighties and nineties, and the first thing I was reminded of as the two main characters, Albert and Brandy, begin to explore the mystery of the box was the movie The Goonies (if you haven't seen The Goonies, go see it. Now). Though Albert and Brandy are older than the characters in the movie, and though there are only two characters at this point instead of six, this is what I felt. At its most basic, The Box is a story of two people blindly exploring a mysterious, creepy world introduced to them by the Box simply because it is human nature to want to understand and unravel the mysteries set before them. Before they know it they find themselves set upon by both their own emotions and doubts as well as the denizens of the world they have discovered. Their challenges are both psychological and physical and drive them to the brink of sanity.
In the end... well, that is one of my two problems with the book. First, since this is only part one of a six book series, and since it is only a 50,000 word long novella and not a full book, this particular volume was created as a starting point. As a teaser. There is adventure, and it is a good ride, but nothing is accomplished. Sure, there is character evolution, a very important ingredient, but there is no real end. It's like reading the Wizard of Oz and the movie stopping when they reach the Emerald City; the ride has been fun, but the end is not there. Don't get me wrong... there is an end to the story, and a logical end to it, but it felt like the end of part one of a longer book. But that's the point, I guess, to novelized novellas/books... to give the reader reason to buy the next. Again, don't get me wrong, the reader gets their money's worth from the book. I didn't feel cheated. Just don't expect an end that wraps everything up nicely. Many more questions are created than answered when the book finally ends.
And my second issues, and this is minor, is that I wish that the author had given more of the mythology surrounding the world he created. Everything is faceless and nameless, both literally and figuratively, and while the writing is excellent and the story is intense, evoking all sorts of emotions (like horror is supposed to), I wish more of the history and mythology had somehow been explored more so this vivid, disturbing world could be defined a little more.
So, in conclusion (yeah, I know, sounds like a term paper), The Box was a great read. Tense, fun, creepy, with likable main characters and enough mysteries to keep you turning the pages. I look forward to the rest of the series.
July 28, 2016
"The Box" by Brian Harmon is a perfect mixture of horror and adventure story, spiced up with a bit or erotica. Even though it's definitely intended for mature audience, there is nothing vulgar about it, no gratuitous violence or explicit obscenity. It's really written with taste and style.
The plot of The Box is deceivingly simple, but it's told in such a fascinating way, that it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first paragraphs to the very end. The characters are well defined, behave and talk very naturally, and are so likeable, that it's impossible not to root for them, which in fact makes the story even more scary.
I especially like the fact, that the author does not try to explain everything, leaving a lot to the reader's imagination. Even the ending reveals only as much as needed to give the story a closure, but not enough to spoil the atmosphere of mystery. That's probably the reason why immediately after with reading The Box, you desperately want to read a sequel.
The plot of The Box is deceivingly simple, but it's told in such a fascinating way, that it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first paragraphs to the very end. The characters are well defined, behave and talk very naturally, and are so likeable, that it's impossible not to root for them, which in fact makes the story even more scary.
I especially like the fact, that the author does not try to explain everything, leaving a lot to the reader's imagination. Even the ending reveals only as much as needed to give the story a closure, but not enough to spoil the atmosphere of mystery. That's probably the reason why immediately after with reading The Box, you desperately want to read a sequel.
January 28, 2014
Brian Harmon is my new Favorite horror/thriller author!
I have a hate/love for this author. I love his work, but I hate how he is able to keep me on edge and completely paranoid...yet still curious... throughout his books. Okay, so I don't actually hate, lol. I discovered Harmon through his book "Rushed" (on my kindle so no underline or italics) and have been addicted ever since.
This book is not similar to "Rushed", but still has the keep-you-hanging-by-the-edge-of-your-underwear feel. The beginning, though somewhat slow and too descriptive in unimportant characters, hooks your curiosity right away with the box and then, shortly after,the key to the box. I swear I felt like I was reading "Hellraiser", and feared the simple box.
However, the real adventure begins when the characters start following the box's content into a frightening underground world.
Not to give any spoilers, I highly recommend this book. It has a great plot and pulls you into the story. The scenes and the actual ideas in this book are original and horrifying at times. I would recommend it for a more mature audience as there is sexual content (sparingly, but it weaves into the plot).
My last and final words are to the author himself...ahem... CURSE YOU FOR YOUR CLIFFHANGERS!!! Kidding, of course.
I have a hate/love for this author. I love his work, but I hate how he is able to keep me on edge and completely paranoid...yet still curious... throughout his books. Okay, so I don't actually hate, lol. I discovered Harmon through his book "Rushed" (on my kindle so no underline or italics) and have been addicted ever since.
This book is not similar to "Rushed", but still has the keep-you-hanging-by-the-edge-of-your-underwear feel. The beginning, though somewhat slow and too descriptive in unimportant characters, hooks your curiosity right away with the box and then, shortly after,the key to the box. I swear I felt like I was reading "Hellraiser", and feared the simple box.
However, the real adventure begins when the characters start following the box's content into a frightening underground world.
Not to give any spoilers, I highly recommend this book. It has a great plot and pulls you into the story. The scenes and the actual ideas in this book are original and horrifying at times. I would recommend it for a more mature audience as there is sexual content (sparingly, but it weaves into the plot).
My last and final words are to the author himself...ahem... CURSE YOU FOR YOUR CLIFFHANGERS!!! Kidding, of course.
October 25, 2014
This was a very well written original story filled with mystery, suspense and intrigue. The characters were realistic and fit together well in this unusual tale about a mysterious box.
I don't give spoilers so it is difficult to say too much, however, this is a horror with a difference, something to trigger many questions and wonder about the capabilities of humankind. I will say that I was surprised at the unexpected turn of events and its explicit nature but it did fit in with the story.
Very well done, so good that I am now reading book 2.
I don't give spoilers so it is difficult to say too much, however, this is a horror with a difference, something to trigger many questions and wonder about the capabilities of humankind. I will say that I was surprised at the unexpected turn of events and its explicit nature but it did fit in with the story.
Very well done, so good that I am now reading book 2.
October 8, 2018
It gets weird
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. A mystery, strange puzzle box, a map to an unknown location, and secret tunnels. It’s a very India jones or Nicolas cage national treasure type of story. Then it got weird and there was a bunch of unnecessary sex and nudity which lost me. More disappointing was you don’t get to the bottom of the mystery in this book.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. A mystery, strange puzzle box, a map to an unknown location, and secret tunnels. It’s a very India jones or Nicolas cage national treasure type of story. Then it got weird and there was a bunch of unnecessary sex and nudity which lost me. More disappointing was you don’t get to the bottom of the mystery in this book.
December 3, 2021
Very fun novel that almost felt like a "horror" version of Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider. Anyone who loves getting a sense of adventure out of a horror novel should read this ASAP.
I've got to admit that I got a bit bored halfway through the story, but the ending made it so that I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series.
I've got to admit that I got a bit bored halfway through the story, but the ending made it so that I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series.
February 11, 2020
You know, if i wanted to read half of a book, or a third of a book, i'd read what i chose, then toss the rest away. I don't want to pick up a book that appears to be a stand alone novel only to find 300 pages later that the author didn't have enough creativity to write an ending. Maybe the ending is after the next book..... or the next. Nope. Fool me once shame on you. What really pisses me off about this book is that it was pretty good. Was. Till the end, which wasn't an end.
April 19, 2015
:-(
A bit disappointing. Quite far fetched. Got tired of the repeated use of the word labyrinth. A writer should be able to replace it with some acronyms.
A bit disappointing. Quite far fetched. Got tired of the repeated use of the word labyrinth. A writer should be able to replace it with some acronyms.
May 15, 2020
1.5 out of 5.
This is what happens when you don’t read the full
Synopsis of a book before you download it.
Mystery 👍
Puzzles 👍
Secrets 👍
Subterranean tunnels 👍
clothes stolen and therefore wandering around stark
Bollock naked 😳
Statues that make you strip off and get jiggy with it till you pass out 😳
So it was my fault, I didn’t read what this was about and to be fair it does everything it said it would do. That’s the only reason I carried on reading.
Even before the naked tunnel explorations took place this was a basic, clumsy story.
The conversations only revolve around ‘the box’ or what they are doing. The only deviation is things like:-
That dress looks nice
Thanks
You look pretty in it
Thanks
I was thinking about the box....
I think there’s also a drinking game to be had. Every time one of the two (there’s only two) characters says ‘I don’t know’, drink.
The other thing is the horror / tension elements. They are written up to be bone chilling and scary but nothing happens.
Like when the ball bag of a main character is going into the tunnels and is terrified of the evil nasty creatures with teeth and claws that will eat the flesh from his bones........ but there isn’t anything there, nothing happens and everything’s fine.
This is the same all the way through. Pages and pages about all these terrible things that could happen. But nothing ever does. It’s boring.
Oh and statues with massive 🍆’s . Seriously???
There’s also a really disappointing ending.
And apparently there’s 5 more books of this (you see lots of these) bollocks in this series!!!
I’m off to carefully read the synopsis of my next book.
This is what happens when you don’t read the full
Synopsis of a book before you download it.
Mystery 👍
Puzzles 👍
Secrets 👍
Subterranean tunnels 👍
clothes stolen and therefore wandering around stark
Bollock naked 😳
Statues that make you strip off and get jiggy with it till you pass out 😳
So it was my fault, I didn’t read what this was about and to be fair it does everything it said it would do. That’s the only reason I carried on reading.
Even before the naked tunnel explorations took place this was a basic, clumsy story.
The conversations only revolve around ‘the box’ or what they are doing. The only deviation is things like:-
That dress looks nice
Thanks
You look pretty in it
Thanks
I was thinking about the box....
I think there’s also a drinking game to be had. Every time one of the two (there’s only two) characters says ‘I don’t know’, drink.
The other thing is the horror / tension elements. They are written up to be bone chilling and scary but nothing happens.
Like when the ball bag of a main character is going into the tunnels and is terrified of the evil nasty creatures with teeth and claws that will eat the flesh from his bones........ but there isn’t anything there, nothing happens and everything’s fine.
This is the same all the way through. Pages and pages about all these terrible things that could happen. But nothing ever does. It’s boring.
Oh and statues with massive 🍆’s . Seriously???
There’s also a really disappointing ending.
And apparently there’s 5 more books of this (you see lots of these) bollocks in this series!!!
I’m off to carefully read the synopsis of my next book.
December 16, 2023
4 stars but honestly it’s 4.5 stars.
I love it! There’s not much ghosts or supernatural or monsters going on but the story itself gives you dread and the vibe of creepiness. As i was reading it, I had to stop a couple of times just to breathe and make sure to calm myself down because the fear of the unknown was hitting me really hard.
I was honestly drawn it at the first few pages when the object of mystery was presented and how it got to the main characters hand. Having the object suddenly showed up out pf nowhere in the guys car was what nailed in my curiosity and made me devour the book!
Most of the premise of the story was just them walking around in a dark tunnel of unknown depth underground but even with that limited setting it was really good.
I also love how the story has the main characters as smart and well rounded people was a real breathe of fresh air for me. They raised some really good questions about what their faith would be in that tunnel or why they went down pr what compelled them to go down.
The only thing I fond lacking is that the lore behind the tunnel was never discussed so it left me hanging. Not only that the explanation for the tunnel, the “man” that came up to them when they exited the tunnel, and how they got those puzzle and key was never explained so it really left me with more questions than answers. I guess I’m gonna have to read the rest if I want my questions answered 😅
I love it! There’s not much ghosts or supernatural or monsters going on but the story itself gives you dread and the vibe of creepiness. As i was reading it, I had to stop a couple of times just to breathe and make sure to calm myself down because the fear of the unknown was hitting me really hard.
I was honestly drawn it at the first few pages when the object of mystery was presented and how it got to the main characters hand. Having the object suddenly showed up out pf nowhere in the guys car was what nailed in my curiosity and made me devour the book!
Most of the premise of the story was just them walking around in a dark tunnel of unknown depth underground but even with that limited setting it was really good.
I also love how the story has the main characters as smart and well rounded people was a real breathe of fresh air for me. They raised some really good questions about what their faith would be in that tunnel or why they went down pr what compelled them to go down.
The only thing I fond lacking is that the lore behind the tunnel was never discussed so it left me hanging. Not only that the explanation for the tunnel, the “man” that came up to them when they exited the tunnel, and how they got those puzzle and key was never explained so it really left me with more questions than answers. I guess I’m gonna have to read the rest if I want my questions answered 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2024
This was a truly original book with fantastic description, in the vein of a modern H P Lovecraft. A university student finds a mysterious box waiting for him in his car - which was locked, so no one could have delivered the item - while a fellow student is left the key. They unite to open the box and discover a map to an underground location accessed only by a sewage pipe. They naturally go to investigate. When they do, they discover behind a false wall an ancient city replete with deadly traps and disturbing statues. They are met with a series of emotion rooms and can't make it past the fear room, where for whatever reason the images inspire terrible ideas in their minds and they are so panicked, they decide to turn back.
That's where I got frustrated. After all that edge-of-your-seat drama, the end was, 'They turned back.' You never found out what was at the end of the underground system. It was so anticlimactic - and unnecessary, because in a sequel, they decide to have another go and make it to the end...but only after repeating most of book 1 in a less interesting way. The author should find a way to combine the two books. I guarantee he'd get better reviews, then.
That's where I got frustrated. After all that edge-of-your-seat drama, the end was, 'They turned back.' You never found out what was at the end of the underground system. It was so anticlimactic - and unnecessary, because in a sequel, they decide to have another go and make it to the end...but only after repeating most of book 1 in a less interesting way. The author should find a way to combine the two books. I guarantee he'd get better reviews, then.
October 5, 2019
An unparalleled, unprecedented, enthralling fantasy!
A beautiful story of a monumental adventure of two youngsters, classmates in the university. It begins with a mysterious box left in Albert's car with Brandy's name etched on it and the key to the box left in Brandy's car with Albert's name on it.
What follows when Albert and Brandy try to resolve the mystery forms the basis of this fascinating book that keeps the reader going until the book is finished. The storyline is very smooth, the two characters are very down to earth and loveable.
A very enjoyable reading experience!
A beautiful story of a monumental adventure of two youngsters, classmates in the university. It begins with a mysterious box left in Albert's car with Brandy's name etched on it and the key to the box left in Brandy's car with Albert's name on it.
What follows when Albert and Brandy try to resolve the mystery forms the basis of this fascinating book that keeps the reader going until the book is finished. The storyline is very smooth, the two characters are very down to earth and loveable.
A very enjoyable reading experience!
October 30, 2019
Frustratingly addictive
The premise of the story is exciting. Two college students receive pieces of a puzzle that they must solve together. After the predictable back and forth, which I could have done without, they embark on their mission to solve it. What comes next is a jumanji-like adventure, underground. The language and angst in the first half of the book was off - putting, but the second half of the story more than makes up for it. By the end I needed to know what happened next... but it ends unresolved. And that's my frustration. Obviously there's a big push to continue the series, but I'm not a fan of this technique.
The premise of the story is exciting. Two college students receive pieces of a puzzle that they must solve together. After the predictable back and forth, which I could have done without, they embark on their mission to solve it. What comes next is a jumanji-like adventure, underground. The language and angst in the first half of the book was off - putting, but the second half of the story more than makes up for it. By the end I needed to know what happened next... but it ends unresolved. And that's my frustration. Obviously there's a big push to continue the series, but I'm not a fan of this technique.
October 11, 2025
I have loved Brian Harmon's writing for years and I'm still praying he finishes the Rushed series. I finally started The Temple of the Blind series and I'm so glad I did. Brian keeps you rapt and chomping at the bit to find out what's going to happen, and I never expect what happens to be what happens (if that makes sense). He balances plot, twists, character development and fun in such a delicate, perfectly stitched together way. I can't count how many times my heart started racing for Albert and Brandy while reading this. It was such a ride and I can't wait to sink my teeth into the rest of the series!
November 11, 2020
This book was a total surprise and a fantastic one at that. Little did Albert and Brandy know they would have one of the most epic adventures of their young lives due to a strange box that mysteriously shows up for one and a plain key for the other. These two items bring Albert and Brandy together for a night they will never soon forget. This book written so well by writer Brian Harmon that I literally finished the story in one setting. It’s too exciting to put down.
September 2, 2023
Well Written Mystery
Albert and Sarah are respectively given a box and a key through mysterious means. Solving some of the riddles takes them into the steam tunnels deep under their campus into a maze of tunnels that might be older than humanity.
Well written with no typos, the story keeps you fascinated as the mystery deepens. However, for this reviewer, the sex scenes were a distraction and rather graphic.
Albert and Sarah are respectively given a box and a key through mysterious means. Solving some of the riddles takes them into the steam tunnels deep under their campus into a maze of tunnels that might be older than humanity.
Well written with no typos, the story keeps you fascinated as the mystery deepens. However, for this reviewer, the sex scenes were a distraction and rather graphic.
October 23, 2017
Unanswered questions
I'm kind of disappointed we didn't find out what was in the other side of the fear room or if brandy ever said yes to the date. And what about the coins and the man?!! So many unanswered questions. Good read overall.
I'm kind of disappointed we didn't find out what was in the other side of the fear room or if brandy ever said yes to the date. And what about the coins and the man?!! So many unanswered questions. Good read overall.
October 25, 2019
I loved it
I love this book. Pretty fast paced after it got started. The main characters were believable and had many good traits. I wonder if there will be a sequel, if so I will probably read it too.
I love this book. Pretty fast paced after it got started. The main characters were believable and had many good traits. I wonder if there will be a sequel, if so I will probably read it too.
November 11, 2019
Frightening!
I love the setting, very creepy! Do yourself a favor and don't read this book at night. I actually had a nightmare myself. Looking forward to the other books on the series.
I love the setting, very creepy! Do yourself a favor and don't read this book at night. I actually had a nightmare myself. Looking forward to the other books on the series.
March 3, 2020
I have a new writer among my list of favorite suspense novelists, his name is Brian Harmon. I love the way this story is told, although I left with questions which I guess is a good thing. I will certainly be reading more of his novels in the future. Highly recommend this book!
July 12, 2020
Wow, amazing story of someone following their grasp for adventure. Some of the trails they went through would have me turning back to get the heck out of there. A nail bitter at times. A great story that captures you from the beginning.
December 5, 2020
I have a new writer among my list of favorite suspense novelists, his name is Brian Harmon. I love the way this story is told, although I left with questions which I guess is a good thing. I will certainly be reading more of his novels in the future. Highly recommend this book!
January 26, 2018
Great Book
Very good. Hope there is a sequel! I hope to see if they go back or if the ancient coins bring on another adventure
Very good. Hope there is a sequel! I hope to see if they go back or if the ancient coins bring on another adventure
October 13, 2019
It was just okay....Not really a book or series I would read again. Very slow in many places.
April 1, 2020
Waste of time
Well I did read the whole book. There is never any closure to the story. If it was left that way to make me buy book 2 it didn't work. I'm done with this author.
Well I did read the whole book. There is never any closure to the story. If it was left that way to make me buy book 2 it didn't work. I'm done with this author.
April 7, 2020
The story was unique in the beginning. With each page it became more and more mundane.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
kinda content that i am not a fan of...such as nudity. but he is a good author and writes really well that i did finish the book without delay
March 14, 2017
This was a good book.
I think this was a very good book. I could not put it down from the start. Everything was great, just the sex scenes were a bit much but done well. I usually stop reading and delete the book, but I kept reading Brian had me stuck in the book. I think you will like this if you are older than 16.
Ruby
I think this was a very good book. I could not put it down from the start. Everything was great, just the sex scenes were a bit much but done well. I usually stop reading and delete the book, but I kept reading Brian had me stuck in the book. I think you will like this if you are older than 16.
Ruby
October 30, 2015
Albert and Brandy are chem lab partners but otherwise just acquaintances. After Albert finds a mysterious wooden box in his locked car and Brandy finds the key to the same mysterious box in her car, they set out on an adventure to solve the clues provided in hopes of figuring out why these things were left for them and by whom. Nothing is ever straight forward and they find themselves searching throughout the night in an underground system of tunnels and strange chambers, each with its own perils. Will they figure out who left the box and key? Will they even survive the night? You'll have to read it to find out.
I'm giving this book a 6 out of 10.
The story was good. There were points when they were inside the tunnels when I was right there with them, terrified and confused by all that they encountered. The way the relationship developed between the two from mere strangers to partners that depend on each other for safety and sanity was very realistic and not overly romanticized. I hesitate to give a higher score for a couple of reasons. I found it a little timid. There's a part in the book, when they enter a room that is later referred to as the 'sex room.' Filled with stone statues depicting every possible sexual act, the room has a control over the pair. They are overcome with a lust that neither can control. A lot happened and it was very well written. However, I would have liked the author to dive deeper into the emotional and psychological after effects of it. Then again, perhaps the way he approached it was more realistic. Also, some of the other rooms that were encountered were worthy of the same attention as the sex room and I felt that they weren't given enough attention. I wanted to feel the various emotions more intensely.
Also, while I was given a pretty good sense of who Albert and Brandy were, I think the author could have provided a bit more description so that you could genuinely understand the decisions that they made in the book, as if to say, 'well naturally, he/she would react that way.' Still though, it was good and definitely got me interested in reading the rest of the series. I think I'm just very harsh with my ratings maybe. 6 out of 10 for me means that a book is good. I'd tell the story to a friend but wouldn't necessarily buy it as a gift for someone.
Review by Eliza Blythe @ Escapology Reviews
I'm giving this book a 6 out of 10.
The story was good. There were points when they were inside the tunnels when I was right there with them, terrified and confused by all that they encountered. The way the relationship developed between the two from mere strangers to partners that depend on each other for safety and sanity was very realistic and not overly romanticized. I hesitate to give a higher score for a couple of reasons. I found it a little timid. There's a part in the book, when they enter a room that is later referred to as the 'sex room.' Filled with stone statues depicting every possible sexual act, the room has a control over the pair. They are overcome with a lust that neither can control. A lot happened and it was very well written. However, I would have liked the author to dive deeper into the emotional and psychological after effects of it. Then again, perhaps the way he approached it was more realistic. Also, some of the other rooms that were encountered were worthy of the same attention as the sex room and I felt that they weren't given enough attention. I wanted to feel the various emotions more intensely.
Also, while I was given a pretty good sense of who Albert and Brandy were, I think the author could have provided a bit more description so that you could genuinely understand the decisions that they made in the book, as if to say, 'well naturally, he/she would react that way.' Still though, it was good and definitely got me interested in reading the rest of the series. I think I'm just very harsh with my ratings maybe. 6 out of 10 for me means that a book is good. I'd tell the story to a friend but wouldn't necessarily buy it as a gift for someone.
Review by Eliza Blythe @ Escapology Reviews
July 27, 2014
After finishing the first two books in the "Rushed" series, I was looking forward to trying out Harmon's "Temple of the Blind" series. Unfortunately, "The Box" is not as compelling as the "Rushed" novels. While the lack of humor that infuses the other books is not a problem, it was not surprising to find that "The Box" was written earlier than "Rushed," as the writing is not as tight. In the end, I felt the journey was kind of pointless, as the characters travel the peril-laden caves, but give up before reaching the end. And then they turn around and within a couple of chapters, fairly easily backtrack to the beginning. They didn't really learn much about the reason for the strange journey--besides great treasure could have been theirs--or about each other--despite some forced "intimate" moments, Looking ahead at the rest o the series, the books seem unbalanced in size, and possibly in scope (as some reviews indicate). While it might be worth it in the end, it seems like the series might fare better and be more balanced if it were structured into three longer books instead. While this one didn't grab me enough to invest in the rest of the series at the cost of five books, I am looking forward to Harmon's thirds installment in the "Rushed" series instead.
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