A Chemically Imbalanced Confined to the third floor of an old psychiatric ward located in a hospital on the verge of shutting down, Mason Phillips walks the same hall alongside others that have afflictions that range from obsessive compulsive disorder to schizophrenia. Based on the belief that he does not need help for what ails him mentally, he finds solace in a young woman that sleeps in the room across the hall. Enamored with a woman that he knows nothing about, Mason is faced to converse with other patients about their addictions and phobias as he tries to come to terms with his past and understand others. Sometimes the people that seem different can be the ones that understand the most.
Bryan W. Dull writes books, which, if you really knew him, makes perfect sense as that’s all he has done since sixth grade; spinning a yarn at a moment’s notice. He is best known for writing horror and suspense stories with his first novel, Solstice, being his first experiment into publishing; it was a bet to do it, by the way. In 2016, he tried his hand at something different and published a personal story, Pill Hill. Now, Bryan W. Dull is becoming known for being a literary voice of hope…with some scares mixed into it occasionally. He lives in Fort Wayne, IN with his wife and daughter, and plans on writing more stories that have something to say in this strange world that we live in.
To start off, I am a reader of Paranormal, but I always give books a try. This is an unusual story that this writer usually doesn’t write, but he did a fantastic job with it. The characters, scenes, and plot of the story was just so well written and fast paced and extremely interesting and intriguing.
Wow, what a phenomenal story about addictions and other afflictions. This book actually had me addicted. I had to know was more about Mason and the other characters he came in contact with. It was an amazing journey through many lives that I learned about throughout the entire story. I loved how everything revolved through the eyes of Mason and that he believed he didn’t have a problem and shouldn’t be there. It’s amazing how he found comfort and feelings for his neighbor, because at first he seemed to not want anyone near him. This is a spectacular story full of tough subjects that most people fear to even touch or talk about.
The storyline is so vivid in my head after a couple of months of finishing this book. The scenes in the book felt as if I was watching a movie about the characters and their thoughts, especially Mason’s and what I experienced through his eyes. The story flows really well and keeps you wanting to read it all at once. I absolutely love this author’s work and this is by far my favorite story of his yet.
The cover is amazing too. I love the colors and how it hits the nail on the head with the story and Mason. It’s a great story that I would recommend to all adults. I give this book a 5 book review and beyond.
The author provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
I’m going to start this review off by saying this: I received an unedited copy of this book to beta. Within a week of getting the story, life happened. Very unexpected things that had to come first and unfortunately I could no longer beta. I couldn’t get back to this book until just a little bit ago, although I tried many times to start and finish it.
That being said, I have read books that are poorly edited. So reading an unedited book I thought would be challenging. NOT THIS BOOK. I couldn’t put it down once I got through the first chapter (that is where I kept stopping when I’d get back to it).
Mason is a young man who agrees to partake in an experiment at a once closed down mental facility. Nobody in the group is afflicted with the same thing, but in a way, they are all some what alike. At least that’s what I got. I don’t want to go much more into it than that as I feel that you need to experience this story yourself.
The story was a roller coaster ride of emotions that caught me up at every turn. The qualities of the characters are almost hard to not relate to, even though they’re all patients in a mental facility.
The writing was superb, the characters were built up very well and the story flowed flawlessly. It was so good that I can’t even wait to read the short story Mr. Dull wrote based off of one of the characters in the book.
I give this book 5 stars and cannot wait to read what Bryan Dull writes next.
Attention: This story is meant for adult readers due to the nature of the story.
Quite a different read from this author, it touches reality. Bryan W. Dull has done it again! Beautifully written a story of addictions, afflictions, and real life like problems that may affect many people in today's society.
What is Addiction? The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
The world building is consistent, realistic, and believable. Imagine being locked up in all old psychiatric wing, it would be a frightening and lonely experience to or for me. Fast paced, with that I gotta find out what will happen next intensity, will keep the pages flipping.
The characters are so well portrayed I felt like I was in the room with them. Madison Phillips is a very intriguing character. His inner dialogue cracked me up, snarky at times, but funny just the same.
I was gifted an e-copy of this book for review purposes only. No renumeration was involved.
Mason is intrigued by the girl across the hall. What's her name and her story? What's she doing at Pill Hill? Hell, Mason wonders that same thing about himself. As you bury yourself deeper into Pill Hill you'll feel what he feels and see through his eyes. The friends he makes will become close to your heart. This book is a whirlwind of emotion that cuts deep into your heart of hearts. It's one of those stories that is relatable to so many and that's why it's a great read. Bryan writes in a way that pulls you into his characters' worlds. This book is definitely a two thumbs "upper".
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from beginning to end. I don't think I have words to adequately describe this book.
Mr. Dull writes his characters as if he is in their heads, seeing through their eyes. The character building and traits are simply amazing. They are very life-like, and relatable.
The story has ups and downs like any great story. I honestly believe Bryan has the makings of the next Stephen King. He is brilliant. If he isn't on your list of reads, I highly recommend picking up this book and all of his others.
The whole story concept is intriguing. An experimental form of psychotherapy. A group of volunteers with various issues agree to spend a month in a mental ward in hopes of being cured. I was totally engrossed in the whole process. The fact that the therapist had flaws and the backdrop of the impending meteor event made it all seem more real.
However this book is in definite need of a proofreader/editor. The number of wrong words and typos detracts from it.
Not something I would normally read, but after reading the highlights on Amazon I was intrigued by the authors admission of his own mental struggling. The ending was way too predictable but I found the characters and their interaction real and refreshing.