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What lurks within Chaythe Asylum?
College professor Stephen Barlow needs cash. Badly. When a student asks him to head a new campus organization that centers around paranormal research, he puts his skepticism aside and signs on in the hopes of scoring a fat bonus.
Enter Chaythe Asylum—a long-shuttered and controversial institution where patients were allegedly subjected to unethical experiments. Closed in 1989 after a series of grisly murders, Stephen deems the old building as good a place as any to explore the possibility of the supernatural and arranges to take a tour with his students.
But it turns out that the asylum is not as abandoned as it seems. There is something sinister in the building. It has watched and waited for nearly three decades, and when Stephen and his students enter, they find themselves at the center of a nightmare 28 years in the making.
ASYLUM is the first novel in the Afterlife Investigations trilogy.
College professor Stephen Barlow needs cash. Badly. When a student asks him to head a new campus organization that centers around paranormal research, he puts his skepticism aside and signs on in the hopes of scoring a fat bonus.
Enter Chaythe Asylum—a long-shuttered and controversial institution where patients were allegedly subjected to unethical experiments. Closed in 1989 after a series of grisly murders, Stephen deems the old building as good a place as any to explore the possibility of the supernatural and arranges to take a tour with his students.
But it turns out that the asylum is not as abandoned as it seems. There is something sinister in the building. It has watched and waited for nearly three decades, and when Stephen and his students enter, they find themselves at the center of a nightmare 28 years in the making.
ASYLUM is the first novel in the Afterlife Investigations trilogy.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2017
525 people are currently reading
1226 people want to read
About the author
Ambrose Ibsen
58 books660 followersOnce upon a time, a young Ambrose Ibsen discovered a collection of ghost stories on his father's bookshelf. He was never the same again.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
August 25, 2017
Asylum: The Afterlife Investigations, Book 1
Written by: Ambrose Ibsen
Narrated by: Joe Hempel
I requested this audible book and the review is voluntary.
Wow, this is one creepy book. It starts out slowly, on purpose...giving you slow creepy things to digest. He adds things bit by bit, adding the suspense until you are at the action point. Then it is hell on wheels. Nothing is held back. Heart is pounding, sweat pouring, afraid to turn the page but you have to, you do! Then, when you think it is over...
You have to read this creepy book. I have read another of his books and loved it but after this one. I am now an offical fan.
The narration really was wonderful at laying the ground work for this too. Helping you feel and think what the main character was going through. Great with the voices, the fear, the noises, building up the tension. He was perfect to add to this already creepy book, he made it even creepier. He was making me panic with his panic. LOL.
A book for those that like haunted house stories!
Written by: Ambrose Ibsen
Narrated by: Joe Hempel
I requested this audible book and the review is voluntary.
Wow, this is one creepy book. It starts out slowly, on purpose...giving you slow creepy things to digest. He adds things bit by bit, adding the suspense until you are at the action point. Then it is hell on wheels. Nothing is held back. Heart is pounding, sweat pouring, afraid to turn the page but you have to, you do! Then, when you think it is over...
You have to read this creepy book. I have read another of his books and loved it but after this one. I am now an offical fan.
The narration really was wonderful at laying the ground work for this too. Helping you feel and think what the main character was going through. Great with the voices, the fear, the noises, building up the tension. He was perfect to add to this already creepy book, he made it even creepier. He was making me panic with his panic. LOL.
A book for those that like haunted house stories!
March 18, 2019
Wow, loved this read! Started out slow and (to be honest and blunt) I found the main character unlikable. But, I believe he is written unlikable so the author was successful there. To me, the story was very well written and believably scary. Two-thirds of the way in you couldn't pry the book from my hands because I had to know how it ended. Ended very satisfactorily and leading into the next in the series.
September 2, 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the narrator in exchange for an honest review. This is it.
I have listened to a few Ibsens in the past and enjoyed them. They are not overly complex, nor do they rely on gratuitous gore to be entertaining. Asylum is no exception.
This one starts out a little slowly. Stephen Barlow, an adjunct professor at the local university, gets the opportunity to sponsor a school club and make some extra dough which he desperately needs. The Moorlake Spiritual Society's purpose is to investigate anything otherworldly, anything paranormal. Lucky for Stephen he doesn't believe in that sh*t. Well...not until he gets some information that leads him to the Chaythe Asylum which was closed down after a series of heinous grisly murders. Time for him and his students to do a little investigating. Bad idea. He may be a believer soon.
Joe Hemple does a great job narrating this one as usual. His cadence, tone and pacing is spot on and he always does a great job at ratcheting up the tension along with the story.
I have listened to a few Ibsens in the past and enjoyed them. They are not overly complex, nor do they rely on gratuitous gore to be entertaining. Asylum is no exception.
This one starts out a little slowly. Stephen Barlow, an adjunct professor at the local university, gets the opportunity to sponsor a school club and make some extra dough which he desperately needs. The Moorlake Spiritual Society's purpose is to investigate anything otherworldly, anything paranormal. Lucky for Stephen he doesn't believe in that sh*t. Well...not until he gets some information that leads him to the Chaythe Asylum which was closed down after a series of heinous grisly murders. Time for him and his students to do a little investigating. Bad idea. He may be a believer soon.
Joe Hemple does a great job narrating this one as usual. His cadence, tone and pacing is spot on and he always does a great job at ratcheting up the tension along with the story.
April 3, 2019
This is just piece one. This first book is just digging into a past event that involves Stephen and perhaps two students he is sponsoring in a college club; Moorlake University Supernatural Society ( or something of that ilk). He is an adjunct in Lit and gets talked into it by his student Elizabeth. Sometimes they don’t give adjuncts enough work. He does it for the money he is promised at the end bc the guy does not believe in ghosts, spooks, the supernatural, the spiritual or anything of the sort.
Yeah, he is pretty bland. He drinks loads of coffee and smokes his favorite brand of cigarettes and just kinda exists day to day, it seems to me.
Well, now he has this little responsibility to the society or club and though he thinks it won’t involve him much it ensnares him more than he could ever imagine. Can you hear them ?
Yeah, he is pretty bland. He drinks loads of coffee and smokes his favorite brand of cigarettes and just kinda exists day to day, it seems to me.
Well, now he has this little responsibility to the society or club and though he thinks it won’t involve him much it ensnares him more than he could ever imagine. Can you hear them ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2022
I am so picky with my horror books and while this one I found slow, I enjoyed it.
The last 80 or so pages picked up pace and gave me a few chills. I also just liked the asylum plot.
It was also very well written and I am looking forward to reading some more by this author.
The last 80 or so pages picked up pace and gave me a few chills. I also just liked the asylum plot.
It was also very well written and I am looking forward to reading some more by this author.
June 22, 2017
Well it's broad daylight and I'm thoroughly creeped out.
August 30, 2017
This audiobook was provided by the narrator at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.
This was a thoroughly creepy book, good for a chill and a freak-out. My only regret is that I didn't wait until closer to Halloween to listen to it! Narration was very good and captured the atmosphere of the old abandoned asylum perfectly.
I'll definitely be reading/listening to the rest of the series!
This was a thoroughly creepy book, good for a chill and a freak-out. My only regret is that I didn't wait until closer to Halloween to listen to it! Narration was very good and captured the atmosphere of the old abandoned asylum perfectly.
I'll definitely be reading/listening to the rest of the series!
January 19, 2021
Creepy
A frightening story about a professor who decided to say yes to one of his student about her club she wants to start in college. It’s a paranormal club. Elizabeth, James, and Barlow take on an asylum for their first case. Professor Barlow is a skeptic until he isn’t.
A frightening story about a professor who decided to say yes to one of his student about her club she wants to start in college. It’s a paranormal club. Elizabeth, James, and Barlow take on an asylum for their first case. Professor Barlow is a skeptic until he isn’t.
September 1, 2017
I enjoyed this audio book very much. I have not listened to Joe Hempel before but I like his work. Usually I choose books with ladies voices, not sure why, but men reading the book books don't usually caught my interest very often but I didn't mind Joe telling me a story.
Enter Chaythe Asylum and that a look around! What a great story for me. I would think most old Asylums are pretty big and scary looking once they are old and run down. College professor Stephen Barlow was a very interesting character to me. I like him but not all the time. I think he is trying to be a good guy and a good teacher. I was drawn into this book with the story and all its character and I wanted to keep reading and this book didn't take me very long. "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
Enter Chaythe Asylum and that a look around! What a great story for me. I would think most old Asylums are pretty big and scary looking once they are old and run down. College professor Stephen Barlow was a very interesting character to me. I like him but not all the time. I think he is trying to be a good guy and a good teacher. I was drawn into this book with the story and all its character and I wanted to keep reading and this book didn't take me very long. "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
July 16, 2020
Summary:
Stephen Barlow, a college professor, is convinced to lead a paranormal themed organization by one of his students for some much needed extra cash. Despite being a skeptic, he gets swept up in the case of an apparently haunted asylum that's been abandoned for years.
On a night time tour, Stephen's doubts are shattered when he realizes his group is not alone inside the maze like asylum.
Personal Opinion:
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I will start off with the good things that I liked.
This was a bit slower paced, really taking the time to set the scene and get into the history of the asylum. The writing style flowed so well that I had no problem staying interested and binge reading.
I didn't find Stephen to be an overall relatable character as he tends to come off as a bit of a sarcastic jerk. I did, however, find him to be a very interesting character though and enjoyed seeing his change in beliefs as the story went on.
Also the description was spot on. Ambrose Ibsen always does an amazing job of bringing his settings to life in great and creepy detail.
Now for the not so great stuff that lead to a 3 star rating…
Even though I enjoyed the slower pace to begin with, I found the story seemed to be dragged out a bit long just for the sake of saving the good stuff until the end. Some parts, which I won't mention specifically to avoid spoilers, didn't really seem to add much to the story and could have been cut out to quicken the pace a bit.
Also I feel like with the slow build up, there should have been a bigger finish and cliffhanger to lead into the second book. I was a bit underwhelmed with how things turned out and it was not really what I expected.
Overall, this book alone did not do much to really freak me out and seemed to be lacking a bit.
I do plan to check out the next book in the trilogy and am hoping many of the unanswered questions from Asylum are answered.
Stephen Barlow, a college professor, is convinced to lead a paranormal themed organization by one of his students for some much needed extra cash. Despite being a skeptic, he gets swept up in the case of an apparently haunted asylum that's been abandoned for years.
On a night time tour, Stephen's doubts are shattered when he realizes his group is not alone inside the maze like asylum.
Personal Opinion:
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I will start off with the good things that I liked.
This was a bit slower paced, really taking the time to set the scene and get into the history of the asylum. The writing style flowed so well that I had no problem staying interested and binge reading.
I didn't find Stephen to be an overall relatable character as he tends to come off as a bit of a sarcastic jerk. I did, however, find him to be a very interesting character though and enjoyed seeing his change in beliefs as the story went on.
Also the description was spot on. Ambrose Ibsen always does an amazing job of bringing his settings to life in great and creepy detail.
Now for the not so great stuff that lead to a 3 star rating…
Even though I enjoyed the slower pace to begin with, I found the story seemed to be dragged out a bit long just for the sake of saving the good stuff until the end. Some parts, which I won't mention specifically to avoid spoilers, didn't really seem to add much to the story and could have been cut out to quicken the pace a bit.
Also I feel like with the slow build up, there should have been a bigger finish and cliffhanger to lead into the second book. I was a bit underwhelmed with how things turned out and it was not really what I expected.
Overall, this book alone did not do much to really freak me out and seemed to be lacking a bit.
I do plan to check out the next book in the trilogy and am hoping many of the unanswered questions from Asylum are answered.
November 27, 2018
Read more of my reviews at Cornerfolds.com!
While gearing up for Fraterfest I was searching for a good, scary ghost story to read and came across Asylum. It's no secret that Grave Encounters is one of my all-time favorite horror movies, so Asylum seemed right up my alley!
Stephen is the protagonist of this story. He's a college professor and a skeptic who takes on a paranormal research student club as a means to a few extra bucks. He agrees to spend an evening exploring Chaythe Asylum, which is rumored to be haunted, and finds more than he bargained for.
Although I really didn't find Asylum to be a very frightening read, the asylum setting was definitely creepy and enjoyable as a Halloween read. I didn't care much for the other characters, but Stephen was interesting and I'd be curious to see what he gets up to in future books. Since the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, I may have to pick it up soon!
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
While gearing up for Fraterfest I was searching for a good, scary ghost story to read and came across Asylum. It's no secret that Grave Encounters is one of my all-time favorite horror movies, so Asylum seemed right up my alley!
Stephen is the protagonist of this story. He's a college professor and a skeptic who takes on a paranormal research student club as a means to a few extra bucks. He agrees to spend an evening exploring Chaythe Asylum, which is rumored to be haunted, and finds more than he bargained for.
Although I really didn't find Asylum to be a very frightening read, the asylum setting was definitely creepy and enjoyable as a Halloween read. I didn't care much for the other characters, but Stephen was interesting and I'd be curious to see what he gets up to in future books. Since the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, I may have to pick it up soon!
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
October 24, 2024
Asylum is a very intriguing paranormal mystery that is chilling and alluring, and will leave you wanting to dive right into the second book!
I listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Joe Hempel (one of the best) and the story sucked me right in, both from a story and characters point of view. In particular, I identify well with one of the main characters, professor Stephen Barlow as I’m a hard die sceptic too.
I loved how the story was built, from the road accident to the school society formation (I can’t say more than that), all creating a credible plot. I also enjoyed the slow burning, building the perfect amount of suspense that any paranormal book should have, dotted with creepy and tense moments. Just enough to keep the reader wanting more.
Whilst most of this first book is about building the plot and introducing the reader to the characters, the action and mystery are enough that I was honestly upset when I reached the end of it. The cliffhanger is real and I can’t wait to continue this investigation together with the protagonists!
Thanks to the author for an audiobook code and this is my honest opinion.
I listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Joe Hempel (one of the best) and the story sucked me right in, both from a story and characters point of view. In particular, I identify well with one of the main characters, professor Stephen Barlow as I’m a hard die sceptic too.
I loved how the story was built, from the road accident to the school society formation (I can’t say more than that), all creating a credible plot. I also enjoyed the slow burning, building the perfect amount of suspense that any paranormal book should have, dotted with creepy and tense moments. Just enough to keep the reader wanting more.
Whilst most of this first book is about building the plot and introducing the reader to the characters, the action and mystery are enough that I was honestly upset when I reached the end of it. The cliffhanger is real and I can’t wait to continue this investigation together with the protagonists!
Thanks to the author for an audiobook code and this is my honest opinion.
October 6, 2021
He encontrado lo que esperaba al leer un libro titulado "Manicomio" en cuya portada se muestra a una muchacha siniestra armada con un cuchillo de carnicero. Entretiene.
June 27, 2017
Creepy!! Loved it. Looking forward to the second book.
July 15, 2020
I found this to be a decent 1980's style "Ghost Hunting' horror story which had a great storyline and contained lots of good detail, ideas and creativity. To spice the story up further, in order to back up the excellent narrative, perhaps more gruesomeness, gore and sickeningly, shocking, horrific outrages could have been inflicted upon the main characters in order to make it more of an enjoyable and satisfying read. Unfortunately, as the tale progressed, I felt that it became obvious that this episode was just the opening part of a longer story (Book 1 in a Trilogy) and I was actually left with too many outstanding questions unanswered, plus experiencing a slight feeling of disappointment that life in the old and ruinous Asylum did not quite live up to my initial hopes and expectations.
A smooth, natural and extremely enjoyable writing style from a very talented writer in this genre...just more blood curdling action and gross, heart stopping moments next time, please. As a horror fan, this is undoubtedly a basic requirement and part of our lifeblood when venturing into these dark and disturbing worlds of unmitigated fun. As for the story, well, that is most definitely to be continued another time...Rating: 3.3 stars.
A smooth, natural and extremely enjoyable writing style from a very talented writer in this genre...just more blood curdling action and gross, heart stopping moments next time, please. As a horror fan, this is undoubtedly a basic requirement and part of our lifeblood when venturing into these dark and disturbing worlds of unmitigated fun. As for the story, well, that is most definitely to be continued another time...Rating: 3.3 stars.
June 23, 2017
Once again Ambrose Ibsen nailed it!
As I do reviews on the books I read, I wonder if maybe I rate a bit high in general. I feel like I'm going to need to sit down and structure an actual criteria for reviewing that is more accurate, if you will. However, when I read one of Mr. Ibsen's books, I know I have hit the A-list of horror. In fact, he is one of the authors out there that cause me to rethink my rating protocol. This man can really and truly write some spine tingling horror! I actually feel a little King at times in his writing, and to me, that is an extremely high honor! So happy to have discovered this man and his books!
As I do reviews on the books I read, I wonder if maybe I rate a bit high in general. I feel like I'm going to need to sit down and structure an actual criteria for reviewing that is more accurate, if you will. However, when I read one of Mr. Ibsen's books, I know I have hit the A-list of horror. In fact, he is one of the authors out there that cause me to rethink my rating protocol. This man can really and truly write some spine tingling horror! I actually feel a little King at times in his writing, and to me, that is an extremely high honor! So happy to have discovered this man and his books!
March 3, 2019
Ambrose Ibsen, has become, with this one book, one of my all time favorites. The main character has such a strong personality that makes you laugh and cringe while at the same time hopelessly interested in how he will react to the various twists and turns he encounters. The back story to the Asylum is absolutely riveting and eerie. I am dying to get my hands on Book Two. You need to read this, seriously. READ IT NOW!
May 11, 2019
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. The story was lots of fun. Just the kind of ghostly fun I enjoy. creepy old building, non-believer slowly realizing that, yep, ghosts are real. :D
"Can you hear them?" god, that line gives me chills! :D
The story follows a group of ghost hunters, two college students, and their reluctant professor, as they investigate a creepy abandon insane asylum on the anniversary of a horrible incident.
Awesome. And SO creepy! I listened to part of this while driving alone at night. XD Not exactly the smartest thing I've ever done. XD It was the most exciting and scary part too. So, yeah, fun. but not smart. Once I got home, I rushed inside and turned on all the lights in my apartment.
If a scary story can make a woman who writes horror stories of her own that creeped out, I'll say it's done its job, wouldn't you? :D
It was a really good length too. not too long, not too short. And it ended at a perfect spot. A full story on its own, but it leaves us with such a well-done cliff hanger ending. I will definitely be reading/listening to book 2 soon. :D
I loved the narrator for the audiobook version. He did a wonderful job giving different characters distinct voices. Terrance had a great Southern drawl. And the radio DJ? The narrator gave him a perfect New England accent.
(I LOVE audiobooks! really adds to the storytelling!)
anyway! highly recommended for fans of horror! :D
"Can you hear them?" god, that line gives me chills! :D
The story follows a group of ghost hunters, two college students, and their reluctant professor, as they investigate a creepy abandon insane asylum on the anniversary of a horrible incident.
Awesome. And SO creepy! I listened to part of this while driving alone at night. XD Not exactly the smartest thing I've ever done. XD It was the most exciting and scary part too. So, yeah, fun. but not smart. Once I got home, I rushed inside and turned on all the lights in my apartment.
If a scary story can make a woman who writes horror stories of her own that creeped out, I'll say it's done its job, wouldn't you? :D
It was a really good length too. not too long, not too short. And it ended at a perfect spot. A full story on its own, but it leaves us with such a well-done cliff hanger ending. I will definitely be reading/listening to book 2 soon. :D
I loved the narrator for the audiobook version. He did a wonderful job giving different characters distinct voices. Terrance had a great Southern drawl. And the radio DJ? The narrator gave him a perfect New England accent.
(I LOVE audiobooks! really adds to the storytelling!)
anyway! highly recommended for fans of horror! :D
September 16, 2022
I guess I unfairly put a lot of expectations on this book and its setting, so the disappointment was too big when all I got was a rather watered down experience with little to no spooks.
The book managed to be somewhat more interesting during the beginning and middle, crashing down by the end and not really delivering anything worth me remembering.
I enjoy asylums a lot as a setting for horrible stuff to go down, but this was rather vague all over so... What can I say other than "meh."
The main characters are unlikable, I couldn't connect to anyone. I was annoyed most of the time and, as much as it pains me to say it, the main girl was so damn annoying all the time. I was hoping she'd kick the bucket first, alas.
All in all, pretty unsatisfactory read.
The book managed to be somewhat more interesting during the beginning and middle, crashing down by the end and not really delivering anything worth me remembering.
I enjoy asylums a lot as a setting for horrible stuff to go down, but this was rather vague all over so... What can I say other than "meh."
The main characters are unlikable, I couldn't connect to anyone. I was annoyed most of the time and, as much as it pains me to say it, the main girl was so damn annoying all the time. I was hoping she'd kick the bucket first, alas.
All in all, pretty unsatisfactory read.
June 28, 2017
Dragged a little. It took some time for the fun to begin. After that it was good.
October 24, 2017
You would think, being 101 years old and all, that it would be hard to scare me considering I've been reading supernatural tales since the womb, but Mr. Ibsen's story creeped me the hell out! Everything was on point in this book: beautifully balanced dialogue and description, suspenseful atmosphere, well-timed pace, relateable characters and a plot that kept me wanting more...one more chapter, one more page, one more discovery. As I neared the climax of the story, I kept debating whether to keep reading or just skip to the end, simply because the anticipation of what was going to happen was doing a number on my nerves. Like the trooper I am, I pushed through and kept reading, which totally worked out as I was rewarded with an ending I did not at all see coming. Sometimes surprises can be fun (except birthday parties; those are always hostile and never fun!).
Anyway, I have to tell you, as sad as I was to come to the end, I am equally excited to start the next book in the series!
Anyway, I have to tell you, as sad as I was to come to the end, I am equally excited to start the next book in the series!
September 8, 2017
A skeptical professor and two students investigate the paranormal in an old asylum and discover that something evil lies within. Something that has waited for 28 years for their arrival...
Although this kind of story has been done many times before, instead of feeling tired or cliched, Asylum was a surprisingly awesome read. Exquisitely creepy and subtle, the mystery of how the group is brought to the asylum and what the evil inside wants from them, made this a real page turner.
I'm immediately starting the 2nd book in this trilogy!
Although this kind of story has been done many times before, instead of feeling tired or cliched, Asylum was a surprisingly awesome read. Exquisitely creepy and subtle, the mystery of how the group is brought to the asylum and what the evil inside wants from them, made this a real page turner.
I'm immediately starting the 2nd book in this trilogy!
February 22, 2021
“”The dead,” she replied, her voice a breathy whisper. “If you sit and listen sometimes, you can hear the voices of the dead. They rise up from all around us, from cracks in the earth. That’s how the dead tell you their secrets.”
I wasn’t planning on writing a long review for this one… but after finishing it I just got many feelings and I do want to tell about them.
In this one we meet a newly started professor who gets roped into participating in a student club… one about ghosts and investigations in the beyond. I really loved that, that students made a club like that and that it was approved (at least I am guessing it is). I was curious to see what kind of things they would visit. Well… as you can see from the title, we knew it was going to be an asylum. I have to say that while I was liking the story, it took just way too damn long before we get to the asylum. Really, it wasn’t until 56% before we get to it. WAY TO DAMN LONG.
Elizabeth was the most horrendous character I have seen in a while. And I read a lot. Dang this girl was just horrible. She didn’t give a rats ass about anyone’s feelings. Kept stalking our professor and getting angry when he was doing something else with his life (oh no, heaven forbid that someone cares about something else or has a freaking life). I get that she is curious about the afterlife after what we learn has happened to her, but really? I was actually hoping a ghost would eat her. Later in the asylum bad things happen because this girl just wants to go her own way and fuck the rest of the people in her party. Her boyfriend is clearly uncomfortable about things but she doesn’t give a damn about that which just screams bad relationship to me. I could probably go on about this character, but frankly I am just tired of her. Yes, I am thinking of reading the next books, but only because I am curious about the thing from the asylum.
While I didn’t mind Stephen a whole lot… I did get tired of reading about his constant drinking (either coffee or alcohol), smoking, how he couldn’t really care for himself despite his age. I mean after the I don’t know how many night of alcohol I just was rolling my eyes. I am normally not that judging on people, but he kept talking how he had different jobs to be able to pay for his rent and such. Maybe he should cut back on alcohol and cigarettes? Make his own meals? 😛 At least to a more normal volume.
So yeah, I wasn’t always happy with the story. But, the asylum definitely made me rate this one higher than I thought I would. My initial rating around 40% would be 2-ish stars. But with the asylum happening… I rated it up to a 3 stars. Because that asylum, HOLY CRAP, that was just scary as hell. It was OK at some points (when Terrence was around)… but then there were other parts (the basement) that just had me curling under the covers and being afraid of everything in the dark. It was just so scary and well written. The chase, holy NOPE.
The ending was nice and ominous.
All in all, despite not so great characters, despite it taking WAY TOO DAMN LONG for us to get anywhere, I still loved parts of this. I am a bit sad as I have been reading quite a few Ambrose Ibsen books and so far I liked/loved them.. this is the first that is on the fence.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I wasn’t planning on writing a long review for this one… but after finishing it I just got many feelings and I do want to tell about them.
In this one we meet a newly started professor who gets roped into participating in a student club… one about ghosts and investigations in the beyond. I really loved that, that students made a club like that and that it was approved (at least I am guessing it is). I was curious to see what kind of things they would visit. Well… as you can see from the title, we knew it was going to be an asylum. I have to say that while I was liking the story, it took just way too damn long before we get to the asylum. Really, it wasn’t until 56% before we get to it. WAY TO DAMN LONG.
Elizabeth was the most horrendous character I have seen in a while. And I read a lot. Dang this girl was just horrible. She didn’t give a rats ass about anyone’s feelings. Kept stalking our professor and getting angry when he was doing something else with his life (oh no, heaven forbid that someone cares about something else or has a freaking life). I get that she is curious about the afterlife after what we learn has happened to her, but really? I was actually hoping a ghost would eat her. Later in the asylum bad things happen because this girl just wants to go her own way and fuck the rest of the people in her party. Her boyfriend is clearly uncomfortable about things but she doesn’t give a damn about that which just screams bad relationship to me. I could probably go on about this character, but frankly I am just tired of her. Yes, I am thinking of reading the next books, but only because I am curious about the thing from the asylum.
While I didn’t mind Stephen a whole lot… I did get tired of reading about his constant drinking (either coffee or alcohol), smoking, how he couldn’t really care for himself despite his age. I mean after the I don’t know how many night of alcohol I just was rolling my eyes. I am normally not that judging on people, but he kept talking how he had different jobs to be able to pay for his rent and such. Maybe he should cut back on alcohol and cigarettes? Make his own meals? 😛 At least to a more normal volume.
So yeah, I wasn’t always happy with the story. But, the asylum definitely made me rate this one higher than I thought I would. My initial rating around 40% would be 2-ish stars. But with the asylum happening… I rated it up to a 3 stars. Because that asylum, HOLY CRAP, that was just scary as hell. It was OK at some points (when Terrence was around)… but then there were other parts (the basement) that just had me curling under the covers and being afraid of everything in the dark. It was just so scary and well written. The chase, holy NOPE.
The ending was nice and ominous.
All in all, despite not so great characters, despite it taking WAY TOO DAMN LONG for us to get anywhere, I still loved parts of this. I am a bit sad as I have been reading quite a few Ambrose Ibsen books and so far I liked/loved them.. this is the first that is on the fence.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 27, 2019
*4.5 Stars!*
I've been trying to find a good scary book for a little while now, and I came across this trilogy. I'm so glad that I did!! The pace of this book was perfect to me, I know that a lot of reviewers had said that they thought that the beginning was kinda slow, but I was hooked from the first chapter.
I think that the author did a phenomenal job by creating the perfect tone to this book. This gave me the heebie-jeebies in broad daylight!
I couldn't stand Elizabeth, she just didn't listen. She wandered off on her own, tried to open doors they were told not to open, got lost, got them into the worst situation possible...but I guess there always has to be that one idiot, without them it wouldn't be a horror story, right?
The only reason that I gave it 4.5 stars is because I wish that it was just a touch scarier. Yes, it gave me the creeps in broad daylight, but when I went to bed that night I didn't think about it at all. To me, a 5 star horror book will sit with me for days and scare the living shit out of me.
But anywho, I can't wait to finish this trilogy. I'm dying to know how this story will end!
I've been trying to find a good scary book for a little while now, and I came across this trilogy. I'm so glad that I did!! The pace of this book was perfect to me, I know that a lot of reviewers had said that they thought that the beginning was kinda slow, but I was hooked from the first chapter.
I think that the author did a phenomenal job by creating the perfect tone to this book. This gave me the heebie-jeebies in broad daylight!
I couldn't stand Elizabeth, she just didn't listen. She wandered off on her own, tried to open doors they were told not to open, got lost, got them into the worst situation possible...but I guess there always has to be that one idiot, without them it wouldn't be a horror story, right?
The only reason that I gave it 4.5 stars is because I wish that it was just a touch scarier. Yes, it gave me the creeps in broad daylight, but when I went to bed that night I didn't think about it at all. To me, a 5 star horror book will sit with me for days and scare the living shit out of me.
But anywho, I can't wait to finish this trilogy. I'm dying to know how this story will end!
July 11, 2017
If you're looking for an engaging ghost story, this is it.
Having picked up, begun, and discarded so many duds, I feel like new authors are something of a crapshoot. I admit that I have become a bit jaded, and casting a minor level of side-eye in its direction, I picked up this kindle edition because the reviews were encouraging. The fact that it was $2.99 didn't hurt either.
This is an engaging ghost story told in first person by the protagonist, Stephen, with which it was easy to sympathize. There's action, introspection, mystery, tragedy, and a tiny bit of gore in the beginning just to wake you up.
The supporting characters are fleshed out just enough to serve their function as catalysts for action and the reason d'être for the situations Stephen finds himself in. Which is fine really, because the story isn't about them.
The story moves along at a good clip, and it's ability to hold the reader's interest makes it a good candidate for travel reading or being stuck at the DMV.
Having picked up, begun, and discarded so many duds, I feel like new authors are something of a crapshoot. I admit that I have become a bit jaded, and casting a minor level of side-eye in its direction, I picked up this kindle edition because the reviews were encouraging. The fact that it was $2.99 didn't hurt either.
This is an engaging ghost story told in first person by the protagonist, Stephen, with which it was easy to sympathize. There's action, introspection, mystery, tragedy, and a tiny bit of gore in the beginning just to wake you up.
The supporting characters are fleshed out just enough to serve their function as catalysts for action and the reason d'être for the situations Stephen finds himself in. Which is fine really, because the story isn't about them.
The story moves along at a good clip, and it's ability to hold the reader's interest makes it a good candidate for travel reading or being stuck at the DMV.
September 10, 2017
This is an interesting and creepy story that steadily draws you into the horror of an asylum with a cruel, twisted past. The authors writing and the great narration in the audiobook creates just the right atmosphere; they make you feel as if you are in the asylum with the characters, you live the terrifying occurrences right along with them and experience their growing anxiety and fear. It's a ghostly, chilling story that is enhanced by excellent narration. A delightfully creepy tale that will send shivers down your back, but it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting the next in the series.
June 12, 2019
Interesting premise and set up, for me it never went to the next level. I struggle with characters who have clear prescient warnings and yet choose to engage with or encounter what they've been warned against without any clear reason for doing so (other than following the plot the author has devised). Ibsen can definitely write and there were parts I enjoyed, but while some chords can be interesting when played alone it doesn't mean the song they're a part of works as a whole. For me, a miss, but might be the right read for those looking for a traditional haunting story that hits all the points you expect it to.
October 20, 2018
Not Scary But Still Worthy
I found this story engaging and pretty good overall.
The only reason it got docked a star is because of a lengthy lull after the group gets to the asylum. I expected the story to pick up, instead it drags with lots of descriptive scenery of the abandoned asylum.
Elizabeth becomes nearly intolerable as a character in her juvenile behavior which I can understand why but was perhaps overkill.
This is only for about 2 or 3 chapters past the halfway point, then the pacing picks up again.
All in all I enjoyed the story. The main, and supporting characters were very believable. And this story was wrapped up nicely, yet also gave me bread crumbs enticing me to read on.
I will likely read the rest off this series and other works by this author.
I found this story engaging and pretty good overall.
The only reason it got docked a star is because of a lengthy lull after the group gets to the asylum. I expected the story to pick up, instead it drags with lots of descriptive scenery of the abandoned asylum.
Elizabeth becomes nearly intolerable as a character in her juvenile behavior which I can understand why but was perhaps overkill.
This is only for about 2 or 3 chapters past the halfway point, then the pacing picks up again.
All in all I enjoyed the story. The main, and supporting characters were very believable. And this story was wrapped up nicely, yet also gave me bread crumbs enticing me to read on.
I will likely read the rest off this series and other works by this author.
February 24, 2025
Between a 2.5 and a 3 on this book, so i’ll be generous and round up. I had a hard time getting into this book. I wasn’t really invested in the characters, but i was at least hoping to get some questions answered. Unfortunately the book ends leaving me with more questions than answers. So, i’m debating continuing with the trilogy or leaving it be. I found Elizabeth to be soooo annoying. Just listen ffs. But yeah i went weeks without picking this book back up, so it took quite a while to finish this pretty short book.
July 14, 2017
Crazy creepy story!
So when I first started reading this book, it was just like any story; giving background information on characters, etc. But once the visit to the asylum was in motion, well it just got really creepy quickly! If ya really want the full experience: read it in the dark in the middle of the night, and see if your heart beats just a little harder at times!
So when I first started reading this book, it was just like any story; giving background information on characters, etc. But once the visit to the asylum was in motion, well it just got really creepy quickly! If ya really want the full experience: read it in the dark in the middle of the night, and see if your heart beats just a little harder at times!
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