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Adam Grant #2
Spiders
From the author of Thirteen: a fast-paced thriller for teens set in a world where ordinary kids are confronted by evil.
Adam may have survived once, but a cult still has him in its sights. And this time he may not escape with his life...
Abbie's dad is an undercover agent, tasked with exposing dangerous cults. He's normally able to maintain his distance, but this time Abbie's worried he's in too deep.
Megan was sure she and Adam were safe, but now he's gone missing on a school ski trip in Scotland and she's the only one who can help him . . .
The web is closing in around them . . .
Adam may have survived once, but a cult still has him in its sights. And this time he may not escape with his life...
Abbie's dad is an undercover agent, tasked with exposing dangerous cults. He's normally able to maintain his distance, but this time Abbie's worried he's in too deep.
Megan was sure she and Adam were safe, but now he's gone missing on a school ski trip in Scotland and she's the only one who can help him . . .
The web is closing in around them . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
28 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 9, 2024
This was not the one for me...
Already had some doubts after the first book, but since it's not that long I started anyway, well it took me quite some time to finish this one
It all feels so rushed or something, and I can't follow the story very clearly so unfortunately not a favorite for me
Already had some doubts after the first book, but since it's not that long I started anyway, well it took me quite some time to finish this one
It all feels so rushed or something, and I can't follow the story very clearly so unfortunately not a favorite for me
October 25, 2014
This book is a sequel.
The first book featuring the main character Adam is Thirteen. I'm not sure how I managed to miss this fact before I started reading but there you go. All I had seen was that it was 'from the author of...' so I just assumed it was a stand-alone. There are so many references to the events of Thirteen that I really do think you should read that one first because I was very frustrated that I didn't understand what they were talking about. It was my own fault though, I should have done my research. I picked this book up because I wanted an easy Halloween-ish read and as it's technically a kids book I thought this one would tick all the boxes.
The beginning is quite slow and a bit confusing. I found it quite hard to follow what was going on but it soon explains things and the story picks up pace. For a couple of chapters I was intrigued about where things were headed but I lost interest after a while. I read that this was marketed as YA but I'd say it's too young for that. The characters are 14/15 but they are quite young for their ages so I don't think more mature teens will find much to relate to. The story isn't developed enough to engage older readers, which isn't necessarily a fault as it is after all aimed at children. The issues it deals with are too dark for the age group but they are glossed over to make it suitable for younger readers. This makes it all a bit wishy-washy. The themes explored could have made for a great story but unfortunately they fell short of the mark.
I also found the writing style a bit awkward. I'm reluctant to say 'bad' but I found the descriptions quite hard to visualise and the whole thing was just lacking something. Perhaps as this is Middle Grade the language is just a bit too simple for older readers but whatever it was just didn't work for me. About 70% of the way through I suddenly realised I had forgotten what had happened and it took me a while to remember where I was and how everything had led to that point. At some points I was reading the same lines over and over again because it just wasn't registering in my brain.
Towards the end I couldn't help but think how rubbish Adam was in comparison to Abbie and Megan. He is supposed to be 'the chosen one' but he didn't really seem to add a lot to the story. The end was left wide open for a third instalment but I won't be in a hurry to read it.
This should have been a quick and easy read but it actually took me several days because I really didn't care enough to pick it up. I'd suggest that younger readers would get more out of it but compared to other books I have read at this level I really didn't think it was anything special.
The first book featuring the main character Adam is Thirteen. I'm not sure how I managed to miss this fact before I started reading but there you go. All I had seen was that it was 'from the author of...' so I just assumed it was a stand-alone. There are so many references to the events of Thirteen that I really do think you should read that one first because I was very frustrated that I didn't understand what they were talking about. It was my own fault though, I should have done my research. I picked this book up because I wanted an easy Halloween-ish read and as it's technically a kids book I thought this one would tick all the boxes.
The beginning is quite slow and a bit confusing. I found it quite hard to follow what was going on but it soon explains things and the story picks up pace. For a couple of chapters I was intrigued about where things were headed but I lost interest after a while. I read that this was marketed as YA but I'd say it's too young for that. The characters are 14/15 but they are quite young for their ages so I don't think more mature teens will find much to relate to. The story isn't developed enough to engage older readers, which isn't necessarily a fault as it is after all aimed at children. The issues it deals with are too dark for the age group but they are glossed over to make it suitable for younger readers. This makes it all a bit wishy-washy. The themes explored could have made for a great story but unfortunately they fell short of the mark.
I also found the writing style a bit awkward. I'm reluctant to say 'bad' but I found the descriptions quite hard to visualise and the whole thing was just lacking something. Perhaps as this is Middle Grade the language is just a bit too simple for older readers but whatever it was just didn't work for me. About 70% of the way through I suddenly realised I had forgotten what had happened and it took me a while to remember where I was and how everything had led to that point. At some points I was reading the same lines over and over again because it just wasn't registering in my brain.
Towards the end I couldn't help but think how rubbish Adam was in comparison to Abbie and Megan. He is supposed to be 'the chosen one' but he didn't really seem to add a lot to the story. The end was left wide open for a third instalment but I won't be in a hurry to read it.
This should have been a quick and easy read but it actually took me several days because I really didn't care enough to pick it up. I'd suggest that younger readers would get more out of it but compared to other books I have read at this level I really didn't think it was anything special.
Want to read
July 20, 2025I got this book through Goodreads First-Reads
What can I say about this book? First things first the cover art is brilliant! The writing down the side of the pages had me excited before I even started reading the book.
As for the book itself it is really good. I mean, I'm not one to read on the move but I was carrying it around with me everywhere. I finished the book in about two days and I really liked it. I liked the alternation between characters and the idea of the past coming back to haunt Adam.
Congratulations to Tom Hoyle on writing such a good book.
What can I say about this book? First things first the cover art is brilliant! The writing down the side of the pages had me excited before I even started reading the book.
As for the book itself it is really good. I mean, I'm not one to read on the move but I was carrying it around with me everywhere. I finished the book in about two days and I really liked it. I liked the alternation between characters and the idea of the past coming back to haunt Adam.
Congratulations to Tom Hoyle on writing such a good book.
December 29, 2014
This book was excellent.
According to the About the Author page at the back of the book, Tom Hoyle wanted to create "an action film on the page" with something exciting happening every chapter.
Well he's certainly succeeded in doing that.
While reading the book I kept imagining the scenes happening in a action movie- because some parts reminded me very much of one.
But this book was also very original because, as in Thirteen, Spiders explored the madness of cults. There aren't many books aimed at young adults about this sometimes quite confronting subject. But I enjoy reading about cults and how the people in them have so much faith in what they have been told.
The character development and plot was exceptionally good. And the cover was the best I've seen all year. Hopefully Mr Hoyle will continue writing this tremendous series.
According to the About the Author page at the back of the book, Tom Hoyle wanted to create "an action film on the page" with something exciting happening every chapter.
Well he's certainly succeeded in doing that.
While reading the book I kept imagining the scenes happening in a action movie- because some parts reminded me very much of one.
But this book was also very original because, as in Thirteen, Spiders explored the madness of cults. There aren't many books aimed at young adults about this sometimes quite confronting subject. But I enjoy reading about cults and how the people in them have so much faith in what they have been told.
The character development and plot was exceptionally good. And the cover was the best I've seen all year. Hopefully Mr Hoyle will continue writing this tremendous series.
September 24, 2016
This is a great book with lots of twists and turns that can really get your heart going!
April 15, 2020
Adam wants to be normal, fit in, but is thrown into a world of kidnappings, an end-of-the-world cult and vivid nightmares. Adam likes good looking girls, but Abbie is something else. Clever, quick and fiercely independent.
Deaths happen. Adam is nearby. Is he being framed for the bashing of a school friend? Why does disaster seem to follow him? Adam must move quickly if he is to find answers and survive the nightmare.
This exciting story grips the reader from page one and deals with teenage friendships, loyalty and truth finding with subtlety. Hoyle maintains the pace throughout the story.
Highly recommended 13+
Deaths happen. Adam is nearby. Is he being framed for the bashing of a school friend? Why does disaster seem to follow him? Adam must move quickly if he is to find answers and survive the nightmare.
This exciting story grips the reader from page one and deals with teenage friendships, loyalty and truth finding with subtlety. Hoyle maintains the pace throughout the story.
Highly recommended 13+
January 26, 2025
This story has a fast action pace, with strong teenage lead characters who literally have to face their demons in order to save their lives. It has a clever plot, and if you read book one in the series, you’ll no doubt feel empathy for Adam as he once again faces a cult who think he is special. I have only given three stars as the writing was not as considered as the first book in the series (much less vivid in its descriptions), and I personally wanted more detail regarding the Valdhinians and why talented children rather than talented adults were been selected as leaders for the Golden Planet.
August 29, 2021
I take back what I said about the books being cliché, this is an extremely well written book and has good aspects of thriller, and action and has an excellent plot line. Nice follow up from Thirteen the first book in the series, Spiders being the sequel. Can’t wait to read the next book.
November 23, 2015
Good book, very exiting and nail-biting at points.
August 26, 2021
The funny story regarding this book is that it is the second in a book series but i did know until it was too late, so i ended up reading one first and then going back to read the first one. This might raise the question to some people regarding did it make a difference to me, like did it impact on me as a reader and i must say i did not feel like i missed out in anything by reading this book first now yes their was some references to the first book but not knowing what they were related too was not a particular issue for to be honest with you.
I must say i think they picked a great setting for this book which is in this old castle which is very creepy and unsettling, which is the vibe that i picked up most in this book which was helped by the setting with the setting only heightening this vibe for me as the reader. The first chapter of this book was a great case for this, when the thief's comes and then strange things just keeps happening first example noise and voices which was spine chilling in my eyes so it set a precedent for the rest of the book which i think it did follow according to me.
I must say one of my minor issues with this book was the writing style which was actually was one of the positive in the first book, so it was surprising that his writing style for this book did not rub me up the right way all the time. I think the writing did a great job with setting a vibe which i stated above but i think at times the author made it hard to visual what was going on at same times, with me getting confused by some of his description of events, locations or places and that was issue that was present through out the book for me in minors ways or major ways depending on where i was in the novel, so that was big disappointment to me.
This book brought back old gang from the first book who are still a joy to read about with me loving seeing their interactions with each other as a group, and their interactions with each other when they are on their own with you being able to see the strength of the independent relationships they have with each other outside of the group. They are good solo but they are better when they are a unit and fighting the same fight, which was proved at the end when they were like spys going out sorting out all that bomb work with them having a big part in saving the day.
The book also brought back their soulmate which are adam and megan who have gone and defined what they are to each other, and what they mean to each other which is this being obvious result because come on like who did not see that coming. It was great to see them together in that way seeing that the love they have for each other is very deep and rich, and yeah they might still be young but first loves always burn bright. It was great to see that they are still a great team, who have so much trust in each other that they never doubt each other which is a perfect receipt when you got do some crime fighting like these two people end up doing half the team so they have a great sense of unity about them which is evidenced in the way they rely on each other
We were introduced to a new character in this book who was shared leading role with adam, but i must say she had the more interesting story which was partly due to how her father is connected to this cult. I liked meg from the start to be honest with you with me loving how sassy which is evidenced in the bit of attitude she has about herself, but i am here for it because come on someone has to back up adam and call out these people with me loving how she was so clear headed and saw through this bullshit that these weird people were going on about. She was an fantastic character in my eyes, with me rooting for her to win and rooting for her to pull her dad away from these people seeing that she already has lost one parent.
Megan dad story line was very interesting to me with me not being able to catch the hints that he was going go to the dark side, now i could an interest for reason that i could understand and sympathize with. The point where he went to the dark side left me shocked to the core because of the extent he would go to just to prove that he was able for the job, with his behaviour only getting worst as the book going okey yes he had one glimmer of hope when he rescued megan from the window and from that manic at the end but sorry he was ready to do an unthinkable thing to her, and was able to watch the torture that went through so he went beyond the point of no return for me. It might sound evil but if only that shot would been fatal
I must say i think they picked a great setting for this book which is in this old castle which is very creepy and unsettling, which is the vibe that i picked up most in this book which was helped by the setting with the setting only heightening this vibe for me as the reader. The first chapter of this book was a great case for this, when the thief's comes and then strange things just keeps happening first example noise and voices which was spine chilling in my eyes so it set a precedent for the rest of the book which i think it did follow according to me.
I must say one of my minor issues with this book was the writing style which was actually was one of the positive in the first book, so it was surprising that his writing style for this book did not rub me up the right way all the time. I think the writing did a great job with setting a vibe which i stated above but i think at times the author made it hard to visual what was going on at same times, with me getting confused by some of his description of events, locations or places and that was issue that was present through out the book for me in minors ways or major ways depending on where i was in the novel, so that was big disappointment to me.
This book brought back old gang from the first book who are still a joy to read about with me loving seeing their interactions with each other as a group, and their interactions with each other when they are on their own with you being able to see the strength of the independent relationships they have with each other outside of the group. They are good solo but they are better when they are a unit and fighting the same fight, which was proved at the end when they were like spys going out sorting out all that bomb work with them having a big part in saving the day.
The book also brought back their soulmate which are adam and megan who have gone and defined what they are to each other, and what they mean to each other which is this being obvious result because come on like who did not see that coming. It was great to see them together in that way seeing that the love they have for each other is very deep and rich, and yeah they might still be young but first loves always burn bright. It was great to see that they are still a great team, who have so much trust in each other that they never doubt each other which is a perfect receipt when you got do some crime fighting like these two people end up doing half the team so they have a great sense of unity about them which is evidenced in the way they rely on each other
We were introduced to a new character in this book who was shared leading role with adam, but i must say she had the more interesting story which was partly due to how her father is connected to this cult. I liked meg from the start to be honest with you with me loving how sassy which is evidenced in the bit of attitude she has about herself, but i am here for it because come on someone has to back up adam and call out these people with me loving how she was so clear headed and saw through this bullshit that these weird people were going on about. She was an fantastic character in my eyes, with me rooting for her to win and rooting for her to pull her dad away from these people seeing that she already has lost one parent.
Megan dad story line was very interesting to me with me not being able to catch the hints that he was going go to the dark side, now i could an interest for reason that i could understand and sympathize with. The point where he went to the dark side left me shocked to the core because of the extent he would go to just to prove that he was able for the job, with his behaviour only getting worst as the book going okey yes he had one glimmer of hope when he rescued megan from the window and from that manic at the end but sorry he was ready to do an unthinkable thing to her, and was able to watch the torture that went through so he went beyond the point of no return for me. It might sound evil but if only that shot would been fatal
November 12, 2023
The funny story regarding this book is that it is the second in a book series but i did know until it was too late, so i ended up reading one first and then going back to read the first one. This might raise the question to some people regarding did it make a difference to me, like did it impact on me as a reader and i must say i did not feel like i missed out in anything by reading this book first now yes their was some references to the first book but not knowing what they were related too was not a particular issue for to be honest with you.
I must say i think they picked a great setting for this book which is in this old castle which is very creepy and unsettling, which is the vibe that i picked up most in this book which was helped by the setting with the setting only heightening this vibe for me as the reader. The first chapter of this book was a great case for this, when the thief's comes and then strange things just keeps happening first example noise and voices which was spine chilling in my eyes so it set a precedent for the rest of the book which i think it did follow according to me.
I must say one of my minor issues with this book was the writing style which was actually was one of the positive in the first book, so it was surprising that his writing style for this book did not rub me up the right way all the time. I think the writing did a great job with setting a vibe which i stated above but i think at times the author made it hard to visual what was going on at same times, with me getting confused by some of his description of events, locations or places and that was issue that was present through out the book for me in minors ways or major ways depending on where i was in the novel, so that was big disappointment to me.
This book brought back old gang from the first book who are still a joy to read about with me loving seeing their interactions with each other as a group, and their interactions with each other when they are on their own with you being able to see the strength of the independent relationships they have with each other outside of the group. They are good solo but they are better when they are a unit and fighting the same fight, which was proved at the end when they were like spys going out sorting out all that bomb work with them having a big part in saving the day.
The book also brought back their soulmate which are adam and megan who have gone and defined what they are to each other, and what they mean to each other which is this being obvious result because come on like who did not see that coming. It was great to see them together in that way seeing that the love they have for each other is very deep and rich, and yeah they might still be young but first loves always burn bright. It was great to see that they are still a great team, who have so much trust in each other that they never doubt each other which is a perfect receipt when you got do some crime fighting like these two people end up doing half the team so they have a great sense of unity about them which is evidenced in the way they rely on each other
We were introduced to a new character in this book who was shared leading role with adam, but i must say she had the more interesting story which was partly due to how her father is connected to this cult. I liked meg from the start to be honest with you with me loving how sassy which is evidenced in the bit of attitude she has about herself, but i am here for it because come on someone has to back up adam and call out these people with me loving how she was so clear headed and saw through this bullshit that these weird people were going on about. She was an fantastic character in my eyes, with me rooting for her to win and rooting for her to pull her dad away from these people seeing that she already has lost one parent.
Megan dad story line was very interesting to me with me not being able to catch the hints that he was going go to the dark side, now i could an interest for reason that i could understand and sympathize with. The point where he went to the dark side left me shocked to the core because of the extent he would go to just to prove that he was able for the job, with his behaviour only getting worst as the book going okey yes he had one glimmer of hope when he rescued megan from the window and from that manic at the end but sorry he was ready to do an unthinkable thing to her, and was able to watch the torture that went through so he went beyond the point of no return for me. It might sound evil but if only that shot would been fatal
I must say i think they picked a great setting for this book which is in this old castle which is very creepy and unsettling, which is the vibe that i picked up most in this book which was helped by the setting with the setting only heightening this vibe for me as the reader. The first chapter of this book was a great case for this, when the thief's comes and then strange things just keeps happening first example noise and voices which was spine chilling in my eyes so it set a precedent for the rest of the book which i think it did follow according to me.
I must say one of my minor issues with this book was the writing style which was actually was one of the positive in the first book, so it was surprising that his writing style for this book did not rub me up the right way all the time. I think the writing did a great job with setting a vibe which i stated above but i think at times the author made it hard to visual what was going on at same times, with me getting confused by some of his description of events, locations or places and that was issue that was present through out the book for me in minors ways or major ways depending on where i was in the novel, so that was big disappointment to me.
This book brought back old gang from the first book who are still a joy to read about with me loving seeing their interactions with each other as a group, and their interactions with each other when they are on their own with you being able to see the strength of the independent relationships they have with each other outside of the group. They are good solo but they are better when they are a unit and fighting the same fight, which was proved at the end when they were like spys going out sorting out all that bomb work with them having a big part in saving the day.
The book also brought back their soulmate which are adam and megan who have gone and defined what they are to each other, and what they mean to each other which is this being obvious result because come on like who did not see that coming. It was great to see them together in that way seeing that the love they have for each other is very deep and rich, and yeah they might still be young but first loves always burn bright. It was great to see that they are still a great team, who have so much trust in each other that they never doubt each other which is a perfect receipt when you got do some crime fighting like these two people end up doing half the team so they have a great sense of unity about them which is evidenced in the way they rely on each other
We were introduced to a new character in this book who was shared leading role with adam, but i must say she had the more interesting story which was partly due to how her father is connected to this cult. I liked meg from the start to be honest with you with me loving how sassy which is evidenced in the bit of attitude she has about herself, but i am here for it because come on someone has to back up adam and call out these people with me loving how she was so clear headed and saw through this bullshit that these weird people were going on about. She was an fantastic character in my eyes, with me rooting for her to win and rooting for her to pull her dad away from these people seeing that she already has lost one parent.
Megan dad story line was very interesting to me with me not being able to catch the hints that he was going go to the dark side, now i could an interest for reason that i could understand and sympathize with. The point where he went to the dark side left me shocked to the core because of the extent he would go to just to prove that he was able for the job, with his behaviour only getting worst as the book going okey yes he had one glimmer of hope when he rescued megan from the window and from that manic at the end but sorry he was ready to do an unthinkable thing to her, and was able to watch the torture that went through so he went beyond the point of no return for me. It might sound evil but if only that shot would been fatal
December 30, 2021
same old same old-but a maybe little better.
The only person i thought had their wits on was abbie.The story of how she became a part of the cult-that makes sense."Tom" really tried selling the reason why they couldn't go to the police or anybody else.Also where are their parents during all of this,i think it was asa's parents that called him back during something but other that not a sound.One of the redeeming parts was when"Tom"included more of adam's friends in all this it made it somewhat more interesting-i think.
Also why is the book called Spiders?Abbie's fear is spiders and for adam its bats.(Bats-are you for real that is so random.)BUT STILL WHY IS THE BOOK CALLED SPIDERS??
The reason i give this book 3 stars is not because i love it but because i don't hate it.This book is okay but also a lil better than okay.
The plot was the same(cults trying to get adam because he was born in the *new millenium*)
In the first book the cult wanted to kill anybody born in the new millenium before he/she turned 14-because then they would be an adult(huh?).13 kids were born during that time and 12 were already killed leaving adam the last person to be born in the new millenium 13/14 years ago.So obviously this cult is out to get adam-perfect!!!
That happens,now in the second book a second cult is out to get adam because they need the best 13 kids(under 16 this time i think) to travel with them to the "golden planet" and then rule over them there.These kids are the best at what they do like playing the piano,math and whatnot.
The only person i thought had their wits on was abbie.The story of how she became a part of the cult-that makes sense."Tom" really tried selling the reason why they couldn't go to the police or anybody else.Also where are their parents during all of this,i think it was asa's parents that called him back during something but other that not a sound.One of the redeeming parts was when"Tom"included more of adam's friends in all this it made it somewhat more interesting-i think.
Also why is the book called Spiders?Abbie's fear is spiders and for adam its bats.(Bats-are you for real that is so random.)BUT STILL WHY IS THE BOOK CALLED SPIDERS??
The reason i give this book 3 stars is not because i love it but because i don't hate it.This book is okay but also a lil better than okay.
February 18, 2018
Now I'm working once more in the school library, it was time time to start reading the YA books surrounding me. This one caught my eye because of the tiny spiders running up and down the sides of the book and I hate spiders so I decided to read it.
I cottoned on part way that it was a follow-on book but that did not stop me from enjoying it in its own right. The main character, Adam Grant, is once more being hunted by a cult who believe he is the chosen one. He is kidnapped in Scotland, escapes and eventually ...
No spoilers here, but it is a well-paced, fast-actioned story perfect for teens who enjoy a thriller with a touch of mystery. Nice to see that even though it contains your typical Yr 10 boys' humour, it does not result in me having to warn about strong language or explicit content; its strength is in the story and not 'shock' factor.
And there are spiders ... or are there?
I cottoned on part way that it was a follow-on book but that did not stop me from enjoying it in its own right. The main character, Adam Grant, is once more being hunted by a cult who believe he is the chosen one. He is kidnapped in Scotland, escapes and eventually ...
No spoilers here, but it is a well-paced, fast-actioned story perfect for teens who enjoy a thriller with a touch of mystery. Nice to see that even though it contains your typical Yr 10 boys' humour, it does not result in me having to warn about strong language or explicit content; its strength is in the story and not 'shock' factor.
And there are spiders ... or are there?
January 6, 2021
I liked the general storyline, but I had a few issues with this book. There were a lot of typos or sentences that were difficult to understand. With how intricate the storyline is, I felt like the book could have been a lot longer and include more detail. It felt like parts were skipped over that could have added more to the story or like the story had more behind it. I did really enjoy the storyline and the relationships in the story specifically. The plot twists surprised me, and I liked how certain characters changed so drastically. The character progression was done extremely well. I just think the actual story telling could have had more to it in terms of details and stretching out the escape scene/ hero scene
December 3, 2014
You guys, if it wasn't for the fact I got this book for the purpose of reviewing it, I'd say I have no words for it - it was exactly what I needed when I read it, it was the almost perfect story for the night before Halloween and it honestly cemented my love for Tom Hoyle's work entirely. Thirteen was one hell of a ride and was nothing like I'd read before, and Spiders followed that suit, with a thrilling plot, fantastic characters and an extra shiver inducing factor that really took this book to the next level, it was superb.
Spiders was very alike Thirteen in that it covered the same feature, that of a cult, crazy weird manic cult, looking to get hold of Adam to, in this case, encourage a good fortune and take them to a promised land, yet it felt so much darker, so much more tense and so much more intriguing. Instead of there being a definite level of action like Thirteen, there was much more plot, many more twists and so much more, I'll say horror, but I am a bit of a wuss. Not that there wasn't any action, no, believe you me, there was plenty of action here to entertain even the most bored of readers, no, what Spiders did that Thirteen didn't do as well was linked every aspect beautifully; the characters interacted and were much more involved than previously, even more characters being introduced and the relations between them was fantastic, the actual depth and darkness involved in the plot was so much bigger and better than before, and the overall feel to Spiders was creepier, scarier and dare I say, freakier, but in the most wonderful of ways. Spiders was in so many ways so very wrong in such brilliant ways, making me shiver, making my skin tingle and sending goosebumps up my neck, there wasn't a moment were this book didn't have me going 'OH MY GOD!'
I do have to feel for Adam, the poor boy gets no rest and from the looks of the ending to Spiders, it appears there won't be any rest in the future which is good for me and bad for Adam.. As if one cult trying to kill him wasn't enough, he only went and found himself in the same predicament as before, yet this time, due to his experiences and his development, his actions and his general character felt a lot more realistic and his himself felt a lot more real in Spiders. While he'd only aged a year, he felt and sounded so much more mature than he was, but he was definitely still very much a teenage boy, exploring his puberty, exploring the natural waves of being a teenager, all the while, escaping what can only be classed as stark raving bonkers people. His connection and relationship with Megan was just as good in Spiders - Hoyle had explored their connection in more of a romantic light in this novel and while Megan wasn't as involved as she had been previously, I couldn't help but enjoy and adore Adam and Megan's moments together, and Asa's overall enjoyment of them being a couple. Adam and Abbie, well, they were a whole different ball game; their trust in one another, considering the predicament was absolutely astonishing, they're quick level of understanding and loyalty was amazing and Abbie herself was such a wonderful character to meet and I enjoyed getting to know and exploring her charcater more through Hoyle's writing. I only wish I knew more about her life after the events of Spiders, I'd definitely like for her and Adam to meet again, as with her strength, her power and her passion, her independence and leadership and Adam's general logic, quick thinking and dedication to other people, they make a very good team and have a very good, well created friendship.
Hoyle's talent however lies within his storytelling and his descriptions. There's no denying, these books are for a younger than I am audience but Hoyles level of writing is so fantastic, anyone in the target audience reading his novels is in for a treat. His skills at crafting not just simple and well imagined scenes, but also the horrors that lie in the corner, the fear that hangs in the air and the lack of trust that flows between the characters and their background companions is absolutely fantastic, it's almost too good. The writing is simple and flows so well, but Spiders had this air of eerie and tense feelings, he explored peoples fears so much more than I had expected, had me questioning my own fears and created so many shiver inducing moments that literally had me snuggled into my bedding, it's really too good for words. Hoyle's work in this genre is so good, I'd put it on a level with Blakes Anna Dressed in Blood and Antigoddess, and I love her work with the horror and the gruesome; the darkness Hoyle creates in his novels is really that good and the creep and horror factor is something you need to read for yourself to understand.
I really don't think I could have enjoyed Spiders anymore than I did, and the only thing that lets it down is that I skipped a few small paragraphs and didn't feel as though I'd missed anything but this is a very minor issue, almost ignorable, but I've gotten pickity in my reviews and ratings and if it doesn't feel perfect, it isn't. Don't be wary though, Spiders and it's prequel Thirteen may sound a little young and a little daring, but even the most scared of readers, such as I, will enjoy Hoyle's work, and I seriously cannot recommend it enough. Spiders was as almost perfect as almost perfect gets and I advise everyone give this novel a go, other than maybe people scared of spiders, those scenes are really that good.
4.5 stars. SO ALMOST 5.
Spiders was very alike Thirteen in that it covered the same feature, that of a cult, crazy weird manic cult, looking to get hold of Adam to, in this case, encourage a good fortune and take them to a promised land, yet it felt so much darker, so much more tense and so much more intriguing. Instead of there being a definite level of action like Thirteen, there was much more plot, many more twists and so much more, I'll say horror, but I am a bit of a wuss. Not that there wasn't any action, no, believe you me, there was plenty of action here to entertain even the most bored of readers, no, what Spiders did that Thirteen didn't do as well was linked every aspect beautifully; the characters interacted and were much more involved than previously, even more characters being introduced and the relations between them was fantastic, the actual depth and darkness involved in the plot was so much bigger and better than before, and the overall feel to Spiders was creepier, scarier and dare I say, freakier, but in the most wonderful of ways. Spiders was in so many ways so very wrong in such brilliant ways, making me shiver, making my skin tingle and sending goosebumps up my neck, there wasn't a moment were this book didn't have me going 'OH MY GOD!'
I do have to feel for Adam, the poor boy gets no rest and from the looks of the ending to Spiders, it appears there won't be any rest in the future which is good for me and bad for Adam.. As if one cult trying to kill him wasn't enough, he only went and found himself in the same predicament as before, yet this time, due to his experiences and his development, his actions and his general character felt a lot more realistic and his himself felt a lot more real in Spiders. While he'd only aged a year, he felt and sounded so much more mature than he was, but he was definitely still very much a teenage boy, exploring his puberty, exploring the natural waves of being a teenager, all the while, escaping what can only be classed as stark raving bonkers people. His connection and relationship with Megan was just as good in Spiders - Hoyle had explored their connection in more of a romantic light in this novel and while Megan wasn't as involved as she had been previously, I couldn't help but enjoy and adore Adam and Megan's moments together, and Asa's overall enjoyment of them being a couple. Adam and Abbie, well, they were a whole different ball game; their trust in one another, considering the predicament was absolutely astonishing, they're quick level of understanding and loyalty was amazing and Abbie herself was such a wonderful character to meet and I enjoyed getting to know and exploring her charcater more through Hoyle's writing. I only wish I knew more about her life after the events of Spiders, I'd definitely like for her and Adam to meet again, as with her strength, her power and her passion, her independence and leadership and Adam's general logic, quick thinking and dedication to other people, they make a very good team and have a very good, well created friendship.
Hoyle's talent however lies within his storytelling and his descriptions. There's no denying, these books are for a younger than I am audience but Hoyles level of writing is so fantastic, anyone in the target audience reading his novels is in for a treat. His skills at crafting not just simple and well imagined scenes, but also the horrors that lie in the corner, the fear that hangs in the air and the lack of trust that flows between the characters and their background companions is absolutely fantastic, it's almost too good. The writing is simple and flows so well, but Spiders had this air of eerie and tense feelings, he explored peoples fears so much more than I had expected, had me questioning my own fears and created so many shiver inducing moments that literally had me snuggled into my bedding, it's really too good for words. Hoyle's work in this genre is so good, I'd put it on a level with Blakes Anna Dressed in Blood and Antigoddess, and I love her work with the horror and the gruesome; the darkness Hoyle creates in his novels is really that good and the creep and horror factor is something you need to read for yourself to understand.
I really don't think I could have enjoyed Spiders anymore than I did, and the only thing that lets it down is that I skipped a few small paragraphs and didn't feel as though I'd missed anything but this is a very minor issue, almost ignorable, but I've gotten pickity in my reviews and ratings and if it doesn't feel perfect, it isn't. Don't be wary though, Spiders and it's prequel Thirteen may sound a little young and a little daring, but even the most scared of readers, such as I, will enjoy Hoyle's work, and I seriously cannot recommend it enough. Spiders was as almost perfect as almost perfect gets and I advise everyone give this novel a go, other than maybe people scared of spiders, those scenes are really that good.
4.5 stars. SO ALMOST 5.
June 26, 2022
Nowhere near as good as the first book; the first was believable and terrifying as the cult members could have easily been people out in the street. This seemed far too far fetched with the hallucination poison.. plus the last 1/4 was very rushed and didn’t make sense to me, especially with Abbie and her dad’s conclusion.
The ending was pretty much a repeat of the ending of book 1, giving the same “I’m going to get you!” cliche, just this time from Oliver.
The ending was pretty much a repeat of the ending of book 1, giving the same “I’m going to get you!” cliche, just this time from Oliver.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2017
A fast paced thriller- I would recommend to any fans from gone and cherub series. It's the second book after thirteen. Again Adam is in the world of evil but everyone thinks his safe again, Adam and Abbie have to save the world but for Adam again the police won't help, the web is closing in rapidly they only have 48 hours to save the world...
October 22, 2024
I only read this second installment as I'd bought it with the first book. It's OK - very action packed but again, a little far-fetched. Definitely some a younger person would enjoy but as an adult I didn't find it scary or realistic. I don't feel it was a waste of time reading it though, just an easy, short read to keep me mildly entertained.
February 7, 2025
I am glad that this book could be read as a stand alone book even though it's the second in the series. I enjoyed the last 100 - 120 pages or so of this book. Which has managed to read most of those pages in one sitting last night. I was confused at the beginning of the book with it constantly changing pov with what seemed like no link to each other until about halfway through the book.
July 8, 2020
A good sequel to Thirteen which explores similar themes of the problems of cults and how children and/or teenagers are often disregarded by adults.
It was quite fun to read as it was quite action-packed and the characters were compelling and believable.
It was quite fun to read as it was quite action-packed and the characters were compelling and believable.
July 17, 2023
WOW, this book featured a roller roller coaster of gripping, yet tragic events. Adam Grant yet again saves the world from a power-hungry cult looking to rule the world. This book will keep you hooked from the first to last page. This is Spiders By Tom Hoyle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2018
A great follow up
May 4, 2020
Following from Thirteen, still a strange concept but an interesting one none the less.
February 11, 2025
3.5 stars
Read
June 30, 2025DNF
October 22, 2014
For more reviews check out talesfromideath.blogspot.com
I received this book through GoodReads FirstReads
This one surprised me, upon starting it, I had really no idea what it was about. The book jacket boasts an awesome design, with coloured page edges bearing the inscription “The web is closing in”, but really gives nothing away about the books contents.
So I was pleased upon reading the first few chapters to find a mysterious tale which elicited some real suspense. It was genuinely gripping and, even though it’s aimed at younger readers, I found myself unable to put it down.
Spiders is the sequel to Hoyle’s first novel Thirteen, though thankfully, knowledge of the first book isn’t really required. The few references to the original story give enough info on the overarching plot that I never really felt lost.
The story follows Adam, the young protagonist of Thirteen who, after escaping a cult, has settled back down to a normal life until, on a school ski-trip he learns the truth, that the cult are not the only ones who are after him.
The book also introduces new character Abbie, who follows her father, and undercover police officer as he is tasked with infiltrating a mysterious group who have been holding meetings in a remote Scottish castle.
Here’s where we run into the first problem with the book, Abbie is a far superior character to Adam, yet is given second billing. As the book wore on I found it impossible to warm to Adam who seems to lack anything in the way of personality. While Adam is away skiing for half the book, Abbie has already infiltrated the castle, uncovered the truth of the cult that runs it and has begun to formulate a plan to take them down.
She’s an intelligent and courageous female lead and when the focus shifts to Adam, a character who wouldn’t feel out of place in the most bland of boybands, you’ll find yourself wishing that the story will return to Abbie as soon as possible.
The about the author page, makes mention that Tom Hoyle is the pseudonym of a high school headmaster, who began writing this series as an attempt to get his students off their iphones and into books. It says he intended to write a book with as much action as any Hollywood film, with a surprise every few pages and I must say he’s succeeded.
As I mentioned in the intro, I found this book to be genuinely suspenseful. The mysterious castle, the sinister hooded figures of the cult, the hallucinations (or are they hallucinations?) brought on by the drugs they put in the food. It all builds to a creepy atmosphere that I can see resonating well with its intended audience.
However, when Hoyle said he wanted a surprise every few pages, he wasn’t kidding. Each chapter is little more than four to six pages long, and when every one of them ends with a “DUN DUN DUUUUUNNNN” moment, it gets predictable very quickly.
The slow, suspenseful pace of the book also wears out as the book reaches its climax and the story becomes much more action driven and a little harder to read. I’m not a huge fan of action scenes in general but the ones contained here put me off the book quite a bit as they were pretty hard to follow.
The book isn’t perfect, but when it works it works really well. It’s billed as a YA novel but it’s really for the 12-14 age group and I can see it doing really well there. It’s creepy and suspenseful, Abbie is an awesome character and the villain, while a little clichéd, is interesting. Had this series been available when I was younger, I’d have lapped it up and even now I’d happily check out the first book in the series and, as long as the author focuses more on Abbie than Adam in the inevitable follow up, I’d happily pick up the next book too.
I received this book through GoodReads FirstReads
This one surprised me, upon starting it, I had really no idea what it was about. The book jacket boasts an awesome design, with coloured page edges bearing the inscription “The web is closing in”, but really gives nothing away about the books contents.
So I was pleased upon reading the first few chapters to find a mysterious tale which elicited some real suspense. It was genuinely gripping and, even though it’s aimed at younger readers, I found myself unable to put it down.
Spiders is the sequel to Hoyle’s first novel Thirteen, though thankfully, knowledge of the first book isn’t really required. The few references to the original story give enough info on the overarching plot that I never really felt lost.
The story follows Adam, the young protagonist of Thirteen who, after escaping a cult, has settled back down to a normal life until, on a school ski-trip he learns the truth, that the cult are not the only ones who are after him.
The book also introduces new character Abbie, who follows her father, and undercover police officer as he is tasked with infiltrating a mysterious group who have been holding meetings in a remote Scottish castle.
Here’s where we run into the first problem with the book, Abbie is a far superior character to Adam, yet is given second billing. As the book wore on I found it impossible to warm to Adam who seems to lack anything in the way of personality. While Adam is away skiing for half the book, Abbie has already infiltrated the castle, uncovered the truth of the cult that runs it and has begun to formulate a plan to take them down.
She’s an intelligent and courageous female lead and when the focus shifts to Adam, a character who wouldn’t feel out of place in the most bland of boybands, you’ll find yourself wishing that the story will return to Abbie as soon as possible.
The about the author page, makes mention that Tom Hoyle is the pseudonym of a high school headmaster, who began writing this series as an attempt to get his students off their iphones and into books. It says he intended to write a book with as much action as any Hollywood film, with a surprise every few pages and I must say he’s succeeded.
As I mentioned in the intro, I found this book to be genuinely suspenseful. The mysterious castle, the sinister hooded figures of the cult, the hallucinations (or are they hallucinations?) brought on by the drugs they put in the food. It all builds to a creepy atmosphere that I can see resonating well with its intended audience.
However, when Hoyle said he wanted a surprise every few pages, he wasn’t kidding. Each chapter is little more than four to six pages long, and when every one of them ends with a “DUN DUN DUUUUUNNNN” moment, it gets predictable very quickly.
The slow, suspenseful pace of the book also wears out as the book reaches its climax and the story becomes much more action driven and a little harder to read. I’m not a huge fan of action scenes in general but the ones contained here put me off the book quite a bit as they were pretty hard to follow.
The book isn’t perfect, but when it works it works really well. It’s billed as a YA novel but it’s really for the 12-14 age group and I can see it doing really well there. It’s creepy and suspenseful, Abbie is an awesome character and the villain, while a little clichéd, is interesting. Had this series been available when I was younger, I’d have lapped it up and even now I’d happily check out the first book in the series and, as long as the author focuses more on Abbie than Adam in the inevitable follow up, I’d happily pick up the next book too.
January 28, 2015
*I won a copy of Spiders via Goodreads First Reads*
I really need to mention this first: Spiders is the sequel to Tom Hoyle’s debut novel, Thirteen. I don’t see it highlighted too much on Goodreads, and I just wanted to mention that both books ARE linked, and I feel reading Thirteen before Spiders is essential. This review is completely spoiler free for both books, but just a little warning if you want read the books in the future and be influence-free!
Personally, I thought Spiders was SO much better than Thirteen! Cults, and their dangers, are not talked about enough and I love that this series highlights the harsh realities of these ‘organisations’. The topic doesn’t come around too often in Young Adult books, and I loved the way it was explored here. With Spiders being written in the third person, we get to see events unfold from both sides of the story. Back when I was in school, we did several different studies on various cults operating in Ireland, and I thought the way the topic has been handled in Spiders was chillingly accurate. The blind belief that the followers have is just plain unsettling, and I really think the author did an excellent job of conveying this. The control that Bolleskine has over his followers is so well portrayed. It’s believable, and yes, I’ll say it again, chilling. But, oh gosh, it’s so good!
I’m so glad I can say I genuinely liked all the characters in Spiders. I don’t feel there is a ‘main character’ as we are so used to seeing – it’s more focused on all the characters as a whole, and how each character relates to the particular plot element that we are being shown. I really felt for Adam, though! After everything that happened with Coron and The People in the first book, to be thrown in and facing it all again was so hard on him and his friends. The characters are a little older here; I remember fifteen being mentioned, so I’m assuming most of his friends are around the mid-teen stage. I think the new characters that were introduced provided a fantastic breath of fresh air – in particular Bolleskine and Abbie – and their presence added to the story and helped to enhance the existing characters personalities.
I remember mentioning in my review of Thirteen that the writing style felt a bit too stark and clinical for my liking, and I didn’t really connect with the characters, either. I felt Spiders was a lot more appealingly descriptive that its predecessor, and while the distance still remains, the actual style had a warmth to it this time – it still had the clinical crafting, but the ragged edges were smoothed out, leaving a really intriguing story behind.
I think I enjoyed the build up to the ending, more than the actual ending (if that makes any sense!) I much preferred Abbie’s role in the conclusion over Adam’s… but that’s all I’m going to mention about it – avoiding spoilers and all! The book ends on a similar note to Thirteen, as this part of the story concludes nicely, but the last chapter leaves a few crumbs to set up for a sequel. I’m going out on a limb and assuming there will be a continuation to the story in the future, and I really hope there will be! I’m definitely looking forward to it!
This review, and others, can also be found on my blog - Journey Through Fiction
May 29, 2017
This book is so disturbing. Seriously. This book has affected me, and not entirely in a good way. It was so messed up, with so many psychological impacts on the reader. Tom Hoyle can write an impressive horror if he wants, and he definitely wanted to in this book. The recommended age is 7 years plus but I wouldn't want my younger brother reading this. Therefore I would say that the book would be better for people 10 years and above, depending on reading maturity.
January 7, 2015
Earlier on last year I read Thirteen, the first book in this series, and thought it was all right. It had a good premise, it had well thought out action scenes and it was very intriguing, not just because of the very luminous and well designed book cover.
This book also had a very well designed book cover. But that was the only good thing about it.
Yes. The ONLY good thing.
I stupidly asked for this for Christmas after I saw the cover in a shop, and it turned out to be one of the worst mistakes I'd made in 2014.
This sequel stars Adam and his annoying posse of undeveloped friends who also were in Thirteen, along with a new dull character named Abbie. I didn't mind the original cast of characters in the first novel, but that was only because the author had a good premise and plot to base them in.
They now all have to stop an evil cult who mistakes Adam for the Chosen One and wants to kill him (just like in the first book), along with making very awkward conversation that sounds like it was written by a ten year old. Yep, the author has made the mistake trying to replicate modern teen conversation that sounds 'cool', only succeeding in making me cringe at the pages.
Now I wouldn't mind this as much if the author was any other person, but it says in the Author section at the back of the book that the real Tom Hoyle is a headmaster. AT A SCHOOL WITH KIDS. So he must have some idea of how teenagers speak!
It also says at the back that he wanted to create 'an action film on the page', and he's certainly succeeded in doing that. The chapters are very short and underdeveloped, exactly like an action film, except the action (and most of the rest of the book) is breezed over with very little description at all. Some of the scenes go along the lines of, 'He walked into the room, and it was dark'.
I also wouldn't mind this if this book was aimed at children, but it's not. It's a YA book, so why it's written in such a childish way I haven't a clue. There were actually a few pages in this book where I had no idea what was going on because they were so badly written.
And that's the thing. This book feels rushed into being. I bet Tom Hoyle spent a long time writing and planning the first novel as it had such a good concept, and when that did so well he thought he had to churn out a sequel for the following year in order to meet demand.
The plot also makes no sense. It ridiculously tries to tie things back to the first book, even when the villain from Thirteen never mentioned these people at all, and also tries to copy it in so many ways that it ends up being a boring rehash of the original. Thirteen worked well on its own, not as a series. What would have been best for this author to do would have been to leave Thirteen as a good standalone book and go back to what he does best, which is head teaching. It will probably give him a lot more money than the amount of Spiders copies sold.
Unfortunately though, there will probably be a third book, and when it comes out, I won't be making the same mistake of buying it.
This book also had a very well designed book cover. But that was the only good thing about it.
Yes. The ONLY good thing.
I stupidly asked for this for Christmas after I saw the cover in a shop, and it turned out to be one of the worst mistakes I'd made in 2014.
This sequel stars Adam and his annoying posse of undeveloped friends who also were in Thirteen, along with a new dull character named Abbie. I didn't mind the original cast of characters in the first novel, but that was only because the author had a good premise and plot to base them in.
They now all have to stop an evil cult who mistakes Adam for the Chosen One and wants to kill him (just like in the first book), along with making very awkward conversation that sounds like it was written by a ten year old. Yep, the author has made the mistake trying to replicate modern teen conversation that sounds 'cool', only succeeding in making me cringe at the pages.
Now I wouldn't mind this as much if the author was any other person, but it says in the Author section at the back of the book that the real Tom Hoyle is a headmaster. AT A SCHOOL WITH KIDS. So he must have some idea of how teenagers speak!
It also says at the back that he wanted to create 'an action film on the page', and he's certainly succeeded in doing that. The chapters are very short and underdeveloped, exactly like an action film, except the action (and most of the rest of the book) is breezed over with very little description at all. Some of the scenes go along the lines of, 'He walked into the room, and it was dark'.
I also wouldn't mind this if this book was aimed at children, but it's not. It's a YA book, so why it's written in such a childish way I haven't a clue. There were actually a few pages in this book where I had no idea what was going on because they were so badly written.
And that's the thing. This book feels rushed into being. I bet Tom Hoyle spent a long time writing and planning the first novel as it had such a good concept, and when that did so well he thought he had to churn out a sequel for the following year in order to meet demand.
The plot also makes no sense. It ridiculously tries to tie things back to the first book, even when the villain from Thirteen never mentioned these people at all, and also tries to copy it in so many ways that it ends up being a boring rehash of the original. Thirteen worked well on its own, not as a series. What would have been best for this author to do would have been to leave Thirteen as a good standalone book and go back to what he does best, which is head teaching. It will probably give him a lot more money than the amount of Spiders copies sold.
Unfortunately though, there will probably be a third book, and when it comes out, I won't be making the same mistake of buying it.
April 5, 2015
Hard one to judge, eh.
Spiders is hard to review, though I knew what it was about I was still confused, it's written in third person so we have a range of different perspectives that it's a jumble of just names at first and never one for long to get comfortable with until the ball started rolling.
It's weird and twisted, as I expected since we're dealing with a cult religion that warps views and distorts the lines between real and real, targets vulnerable people and convince them that this is the right way, that doing something completely dangerous that'll cause a mass murder and that they're hero's as they drink poison or jump in front of a train or put a gun in their mouth. You can question insanity, but how can you question someone that's completely insane that they truly believe what they're saying and doing is right? Spiders explores that ruthlessly and as honestly as it could, it didn't sugar coat things and I appreciated that. A few issues with the plot and believability on the teenagers and authority figures, but that side of things was great, and that's what kept me reading.
My problem with Spiders though, is not the execution, but the characters involved, and when it comes to the cult characters, that's a good thing, I'm not insane, people. But even the characters you're supposed to connect to and feel sorry for and root for, I just...didn't get that. No connection, didn't really care who got caught or what happened to them really and they all blurred into one and it probably didn't help that it switched all the time from one to another without warning. Then there's some things that happen that are chapters worth of something that didn't make a difference to the story and came back that made it pointless. It could've easily been skipped over and sorted out another way, so it felt more of a filler to make it longer than adding to the story, and considering it's not a lengthy story to begin with, that's a no no for me. Spiders is also missing an atmosphere, we're in a cult story, people are abducted, seeing their fears as a way of conveying the evils of the world, and in some cases, literally life or death, there was no sense of urgency or the intense scenes you'd expect, which ruined the flow of it for me, especially those final scenes.
Spiders while made good on its promise of the inner workings of a cult and how it moves lacked atmosphere, character connection and intenseness you'd expect from a story like this.
~~A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.~
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Review originally posted on Studio Reads
Spiders is hard to review, though I knew what it was about I was still confused, it's written in third person so we have a range of different perspectives that it's a jumble of just names at first and never one for long to get comfortable with until the ball started rolling.
It's weird and twisted, as I expected since we're dealing with a cult religion that warps views and distorts the lines between real and real, targets vulnerable people and convince them that this is the right way, that doing something completely dangerous that'll cause a mass murder and that they're hero's as they drink poison or jump in front of a train or put a gun in their mouth. You can question insanity, but how can you question someone that's completely insane that they truly believe what they're saying and doing is right? Spiders explores that ruthlessly and as honestly as it could, it didn't sugar coat things and I appreciated that. A few issues with the plot and believability on the teenagers and authority figures, but that side of things was great, and that's what kept me reading.
My problem with Spiders though, is not the execution, but the characters involved, and when it comes to the cult characters, that's a good thing, I'm not insane, people. But even the characters you're supposed to connect to and feel sorry for and root for, I just...didn't get that. No connection, didn't really care who got caught or what happened to them really and they all blurred into one and it probably didn't help that it switched all the time from one to another without warning. Then there's some things that happen that are chapters worth of something that didn't make a difference to the story and came back that made it pointless. It could've easily been skipped over and sorted out another way, so it felt more of a filler to make it longer than adding to the story, and considering it's not a lengthy story to begin with, that's a no no for me. Spiders is also missing an atmosphere, we're in a cult story, people are abducted, seeing their fears as a way of conveying the evils of the world, and in some cases, literally life or death, there was no sense of urgency or the intense scenes you'd expect, which ruined the flow of it for me, especially those final scenes.
Spiders while made good on its promise of the inner workings of a cult and how it moves lacked atmosphere, character connection and intenseness you'd expect from a story like this.
~~A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.~
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Review originally posted on Studio Reads
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