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Creature Encounters #3
They Came from the Mall
Have you ever had the feeling of being watched by the mannequins at the mall?
A group of friends ventures into an abandoned mall in search of a thrill. The rumor has it Northridge Shopping Mall is haunted, and that's exactly what the group experiences shortly after arriving. Their things go missing, objects clatter in the distance, and the numerous mannequins seem to move - or perhaps, it's just their imagination?
What starts out as a fun exploration turns into a hellish night as the group fights for survival against Northridge Shopping Mall's forgotten inhabitants.
A group of friends ventures into an abandoned mall in search of a thrill. The rumor has it Northridge Shopping Mall is haunted, and that's exactly what the group experiences shortly after arriving. Their things go missing, objects clatter in the distance, and the numerous mannequins seem to move - or perhaps, it's just their imagination?
What starts out as a fun exploration turns into a hellish night as the group fights for survival against Northridge Shopping Mall's forgotten inhabitants.
- GenresHorrorHorror Thriller
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2022
152 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Boris Bacic
54 books467 followers"Boris is my favorite author on Nosleep, he's always killing it with his stories!"
"The security guard series is the best one ever!!"
"I love the subtle connection between each story."
"Like R.L. Stine, but better."
"I want to see this book as a Netflix mini-series!"
"No one can scare me like Boris."
Both traditionally and self-published, Boris is a prolific writer whose horror novels often find themselves on the #1 bestselling ranks. With the books he has published, he is quickly becoming a big name in the horror community.
His stories have been narrated by famous YouTube and podcast narrators, including MrCreepypasta, CreepsMcPasta, DrCreepen, etc. His book, Tales of a Security Guard, is currently in the works to become a short film.
"The security guard series is the best one ever!!"
"I love the subtle connection between each story."
"Like R.L. Stine, but better."
"I want to see this book as a Netflix mini-series!"
"No one can scare me like Boris."
Both traditionally and self-published, Boris is a prolific writer whose horror novels often find themselves on the #1 bestselling ranks. With the books he has published, he is quickly becoming a big name in the horror community.
His stories have been narrated by famous YouTube and podcast narrators, including MrCreepypasta, CreepsMcPasta, DrCreepen, etc. His book, Tales of a Security Guard, is currently in the works to become a short film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 3, 2022
This author makes me feel like he has peeked into my mind, saw all the obscure things that freak me out, and then wrote books about them.
I've been saying for a long time that mannequins are not normal. But I won't say much else.
This could have been 5 stars but for the fact that I hated the ending. I know some writers leave open-ended conclusions on purpose, however, I definitely prefer books to have a proper ending unless it's part of a series.
All in all, I may never go into a mall at night again.
I've been saying for a long time that mannequins are not normal. But I won't say much else.
This could have been 5 stars but for the fact that I hated the ending. I know some writers leave open-ended conclusions on purpose, however, I definitely prefer books to have a proper ending unless it's part of a series.
All in all, I may never go into a mall at night again.
June 18, 2022
THEY CAME FROM THE MALL - 5/5
By Boris Bacic
This is what I wanted from NIGHT OF THE MANNEQUINS by Stephen Graham Jones.
A brilliant story of unexplained things that go bump in the night. Now, I love dolls, the creepier they are the better. However there is just something not right about mannequins. I’m not sure if the faceless ones or the ones with facial features are worse. This story however, will help you make up your mind about how you feel about them.
Following a group of teenaged friends, what starts out as a day of fun and exploration - quickly turns into a night of terror. And boy, that ending - I was expecting something else, but that - that worked too!
By Boris Bacic
This is what I wanted from NIGHT OF THE MANNEQUINS by Stephen Graham Jones.
A brilliant story of unexplained things that go bump in the night. Now, I love dolls, the creepier they are the better. However there is just something not right about mannequins. I’m not sure if the faceless ones or the ones with facial features are worse. This story however, will help you make up your mind about how you feel about them.
Following a group of teenaged friends, what starts out as a day of fun and exploration - quickly turns into a night of terror. And boy, that ending - I was expecting something else, but that - that worked too!
May 11, 2023
So freaking amazing!! I was reading at night and was TERRIFIED!! I will never look at mannequins the same again.
The creepiness of the abandoned mall was a perfect backdrop for the story. A group of urban explorers realizing they aren’t alone in the darkness was an awesome premise.
Now THIS is a horror story!
The creepiness of the abandoned mall was a perfect backdrop for the story. A group of urban explorers realizing they aren’t alone in the darkness was an awesome premise.
Now THIS is a horror story!
October 30, 2023
I'm not a fan of those creepy manequins you see in stores and in malls everywhere so I knew this book is gonna hit home. But as creepy as it was to witness an invasion of the living creepy manequins, the human side of things, the teenage drama affected me more and it made me feel side. A very complex story that I enjoyed from beginning to the end.
September 12, 2022
When a group of friends goes urban exploring, they find much more than they bargained for.
It was supposed to be a fun little trip to an abandoned mall for a group of friends. Just a quick examination, with a camera, to make their video the best and most popular one ever. But they had no idea where their investigation would take them and what they would discover along the way.
This is one of the best horror books I’ve read in a long time. Not because it splatters so much blood my fingers feel sticky from turning pages like other horror books, but because of its pacing and tension. This book hooks you from the moment they step into the mall and doesn’t let go until the surprising end.
The author did an excellent job of placing the reader in the moment. I felt like I was exploring alongside them, and therefore I felt every bit of the taut atmosphere as they found themselves delving deeper into the mysteries of this abandoned mall.
With believable characters who each have their own motivations for being there, and tension that comes not only from the creatures hunting them, but from within the group itself, which tetters on the edge of falling apart at any moment.
Exploring the characters and their stories as they explore the mall is yet another way the tension is dialed to eleven in this tale of youthful exuberance giving way to the wisdom of experience. But will the wisdom come too late and at what price?
I’ll say there were more than a few times when I held my breath unknowingly as I read this book. I didn’t want to put it down for anything, even sleep.
An excellent read that will keep you up at night until you turn the final page.
Highly recommended.
It was supposed to be a fun little trip to an abandoned mall for a group of friends. Just a quick examination, with a camera, to make their video the best and most popular one ever. But they had no idea where their investigation would take them and what they would discover along the way.
This is one of the best horror books I’ve read in a long time. Not because it splatters so much blood my fingers feel sticky from turning pages like other horror books, but because of its pacing and tension. This book hooks you from the moment they step into the mall and doesn’t let go until the surprising end.
The author did an excellent job of placing the reader in the moment. I felt like I was exploring alongside them, and therefore I felt every bit of the taut atmosphere as they found themselves delving deeper into the mysteries of this abandoned mall.
With believable characters who each have their own motivations for being there, and tension that comes not only from the creatures hunting them, but from within the group itself, which tetters on the edge of falling apart at any moment.
Exploring the characters and their stories as they explore the mall is yet another way the tension is dialed to eleven in this tale of youthful exuberance giving way to the wisdom of experience. But will the wisdom come too late and at what price?
I’ll say there were more than a few times when I held my breath unknowingly as I read this book. I didn’t want to put it down for anything, even sleep.
An excellent read that will keep you up at night until you turn the final page.
Highly recommended.
May 21, 2023
"Why does something almost human make us so uncomfortable?”
A group of five teenage friends get together to explore an old abandoned mall in hopes of making a video for their YouTube channel that will gain them many more followers. Once inside they realize there are an unusual amount of mannequins around but don't pay much mind to it except to remark that it's creepy. As they explore further they start to realize that they are not alone.
As they explore we also come to know more about the characters and the drama that is unfolding in their lives and in their friend group.
This book was very creepy and everything was described in a way that really makes you feel like you are exploring the mall with the teens. Mannequins don't usually spook me or make me uncomfortable but this book definitely creeped me out a couple of times.
A group of five teenage friends get together to explore an old abandoned mall in hopes of making a video for their YouTube channel that will gain them many more followers. Once inside they realize there are an unusual amount of mannequins around but don't pay much mind to it except to remark that it's creepy. As they explore further they start to realize that they are not alone.
As they explore we also come to know more about the characters and the drama that is unfolding in their lives and in their friend group.
This book was very creepy and everything was described in a way that really makes you feel like you are exploring the mall with the teens. Mannequins don't usually spook me or make me uncomfortable but this book definitely creeped me out a couple of times.
March 28, 2023
Mehhhhhh
Ugh. This was so disappointing. I loved the first two books in the series, and I thought this one would be my favorite because I’m absolutely obsessed with creepy dolls that come to life and kill people. But this was just so drawn out and the teenage drama among the characters was completely pointless. The ending was also weak and unexplained. I’m going to keep reading this author though because I know he’s talented.
Ugh. This was so disappointing. I loved the first two books in the series, and I thought this one would be my favorite because I’m absolutely obsessed with creepy dolls that come to life and kill people. But this was just so drawn out and the teenage drama among the characters was completely pointless. The ending was also weak and unexplained. I’m going to keep reading this author though because I know he’s talented.
June 8, 2022
A group of friends find the abandoned mall they are investigating is full of mannequins.
These are n ordinary mannequins. Can the friends get out alive. Intense creepy read.
These are n ordinary mannequins. Can the friends get out alive. Intense creepy read.
May 30, 2025
Mans is very good at creating terrible characters you do not give a single shite about. I’ll give him that.
September 10, 2022
Want to freak a lady out? Fill the pages up with snakes, clowns, or mannequins. Lot of creepy mannequins in this read, but the YA age group didn't mesh for me. Kind of like orange juice and milk.
July 22, 2022
good but….
SPOILERS
Really good but I HATED the ending!! Left sooo many questions unanswered!! Like he was in a hurry to finish the book!
SPOILERS
Really good but I HATED the ending!! Left sooo many questions unanswered!! Like he was in a hurry to finish the book!
June 25, 2022
The crying mannequin’s hands lowered in one mute motion, revealing two white, gleaming orbs. She knew, even though she couldn’t see the pupils, that the eyes were transfixed on Andrew. Alice’s mouth opened, but she couldn’t inhale, let alone say something. Even as she watched the figure dashing toward Andrew, she couldn’t move.
Five teenagers felt the tugs of adventure as they made the decision to explore the abandoned Northfield Shopping Mall. A once lavish and popular shopping destination was left lonesome and in shambles as employees began disappearing in the early 1990's. As the security originally planted there began losing members it was time to bring in another group, someone more equipped to handle the nightmare that was beginning. The mannequins had the glowing, human appearance to them, yet within their eyes was a terrifying malice inside. Bent on murdering and reconstruction of new mannequins is something nobody ever would of envisioned. Now, with thousands of living and inanimate ones lining the halls and the abandoned shops, Those five teenagers will have to fight with everything left inside to stand the slightest of chances of survival. Alice, Andrew, Jon, Michael and Kendra made up the unlikely group, and together would face horrific losses in the deaths of three of the five members. With relationships at a shattering point, the truth of Alice's affair with Andrew would be revealed to Michael through an accidental recording on one of the cameras. With hatred brewing in his chest, he was a bomb set to explode with only a matter of time. Kendra and Alice were best friends and with visions of becoming a doctor, Kendra never expected to see her friend die with her abdomen carved out by a mannequin. Nor did she expect to be handed the positive pregnancy test as she laid dying on the floor.
For a moment, she was back in that cave again, the monstrous figure lurking just out of sight, licking its teeth, its mouth watering. You thought you could just leave me in that cave, didn’t you, Kendra? Well, you can’t get rid of me so easily. I’m back for you now. You thought I was gone, left to rot in that damp place, but I’m back again, back for you. Come closer. There’s no way out, anyway.
As the group struggled to stay together and navigate the decrepit mall alive,they would each learn the hard way of why they should've stayed far away. As the story continues, readers catch glipses into the abusive home life Michael lives and why he clung to Alice as hard as he did in their eight months together. With a single prick of a needle adjourned to the mannequin hand, Andrew begins becoming one himself as his entire arm goes numb and takes on a hardened and cold texture. As the group shrinks to three after Michael falls through the flooring on the second floor, they're losing more ground as Andrew is executed by guards as they stumble out of the mall. Now under a secret watch the two surviving teenagers have to come to terms with the tragedy and losses they faced.
Uncanny Valley. Lifelike objects make us feel uncomfortable, Kendra’s words knifed her thoughts.
Five teenagers felt the tugs of adventure as they made the decision to explore the abandoned Northfield Shopping Mall. A once lavish and popular shopping destination was left lonesome and in shambles as employees began disappearing in the early 1990's. As the security originally planted there began losing members it was time to bring in another group, someone more equipped to handle the nightmare that was beginning. The mannequins had the glowing, human appearance to them, yet within their eyes was a terrifying malice inside. Bent on murdering and reconstruction of new mannequins is something nobody ever would of envisioned. Now, with thousands of living and inanimate ones lining the halls and the abandoned shops, Those five teenagers will have to fight with everything left inside to stand the slightest of chances of survival. Alice, Andrew, Jon, Michael and Kendra made up the unlikely group, and together would face horrific losses in the deaths of three of the five members. With relationships at a shattering point, the truth of Alice's affair with Andrew would be revealed to Michael through an accidental recording on one of the cameras. With hatred brewing in his chest, he was a bomb set to explode with only a matter of time. Kendra and Alice were best friends and with visions of becoming a doctor, Kendra never expected to see her friend die with her abdomen carved out by a mannequin. Nor did she expect to be handed the positive pregnancy test as she laid dying on the floor.
For a moment, she was back in that cave again, the monstrous figure lurking just out of sight, licking its teeth, its mouth watering. You thought you could just leave me in that cave, didn’t you, Kendra? Well, you can’t get rid of me so easily. I’m back for you now. You thought I was gone, left to rot in that damp place, but I’m back again, back for you. Come closer. There’s no way out, anyway.
As the group struggled to stay together and navigate the decrepit mall alive,they would each learn the hard way of why they should've stayed far away. As the story continues, readers catch glipses into the abusive home life Michael lives and why he clung to Alice as hard as he did in their eight months together. With a single prick of a needle adjourned to the mannequin hand, Andrew begins becoming one himself as his entire arm goes numb and takes on a hardened and cold texture. As the group shrinks to three after Michael falls through the flooring on the second floor, they're losing more ground as Andrew is executed by guards as they stumble out of the mall. Now under a secret watch the two surviving teenagers have to come to terms with the tragedy and losses they faced.
Uncanny Valley. Lifelike objects make us feel uncomfortable, Kendra’s words knifed her thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
Mannequin doesn’t even look like a word anymore.
I have such a love/hate relationship with Bacic’s books. His writing style is atrocious, this one more than the other two I read. His characterization needs work. I don’t know if English is his first language, based on his stories it doesn’t seem like it is but he needs a new editor or translator because the one he has isn’t working.
The writing is bad. It’s so clunky and almost painful to get through and it reads like he’s attempting to use every word he got on his word-a-day calendar.
That being said: his horror elements work 9 times out of ten. He knows how to build suspense and have the hair on the back of your neck prick but then he tends to overstep and give too much information or overcomplicate a simple monster.
As far as this book goes, it was the weakest of the three I’ve read so far in writing. His characters were just irritating and the only one I had any sympathy for was Michael. Everyone else I was hoping would die.
The creatures were creepy, especially in the beginning when the group wasn’t entirely aware of what was going on. But by the halfway point it had gotten old. The repetitive use of the word mannequin just became a joke at some point and Alice and Andrew needed to get their comeuppance in the WORST way. The ending was decent. It was a touch shocking, abrupt in a good way, I was pleased.
And then, much like the first two, he over-explained. The epilogue wasn’t needed, it served no purposed, and was a waste of 4 pages. Less is sometimes more and that level of mystery would have been So Much Better.
And despite it all, I’m going to read the last two books in the series. Why? Who the hell knows.
I have such a love/hate relationship with Bacic’s books. His writing style is atrocious, this one more than the other two I read. His characterization needs work. I don’t know if English is his first language, based on his stories it doesn’t seem like it is but he needs a new editor or translator because the one he has isn’t working.
The writing is bad. It’s so clunky and almost painful to get through and it reads like he’s attempting to use every word he got on his word-a-day calendar.
That being said: his horror elements work 9 times out of ten. He knows how to build suspense and have the hair on the back of your neck prick but then he tends to overstep and give too much information or overcomplicate a simple monster.
As far as this book goes, it was the weakest of the three I’ve read so far in writing. His characters were just irritating and the only one I had any sympathy for was Michael. Everyone else I was hoping would die.
The creatures were creepy, especially in the beginning when the group wasn’t entirely aware of what was going on. But by the halfway point it had gotten old. The repetitive use of the word mannequin just became a joke at some point and Alice and Andrew needed to get their comeuppance in the WORST way. The ending was decent. It was a touch shocking, abrupt in a good way, I was pleased.
And then, much like the first two, he over-explained. The epilogue wasn’t needed, it served no purposed, and was a waste of 4 pages. Less is sometimes more and that level of mystery would have been So Much Better.
And despite it all, I’m going to read the last two books in the series. Why? Who the hell knows.
August 9, 2023
Another great story by Mr Bacic. The characters in this one were very well written and they each had their own story making them relatable (although my teenhood was a long time ago). The plot was unique, creepy, fun and yeah, creepy. The ending was a bit of a surprise (good). I was very entertained by this, and it reinforced my belief that malls are not places I want to be.
October 23, 2023
I think my biggest conundrum with this story was actually imagining the strength a mannequin has.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they can be creepy, but I'm not sure how a mannequin can have enough strength to drag a human that's actively kicking and screaming. Frankly, I'm not even sure what mannequin's are made of. Do they have metal rods in them? Are they all typically plastic? All of that seemed a bit up in the air in the story, and I think a better idea of what goes into making a mannequin could have been incorporated somehow into the story to give a better idea of how they would truly interact with a human.
Alongside that, this story wasn't particularly scary, but it was decently dramatic. It was as if the author wanted to make the story as dramatic and angsty as possible with an entire cast of teenagers and all matter of problems within their friend group. I will also note there were some scenes and quotes in the book that made me shake my head because the thoughts some of the girls had made me want to scream. It's 2023, quit having your female characters think they need to rely on men to get shit done. Yes, there are biological differences and all that, but come on, at least have some of the women seem smart enough to stand on their own.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they can be creepy, but I'm not sure how a mannequin can have enough strength to drag a human that's actively kicking and screaming. Frankly, I'm not even sure what mannequin's are made of. Do they have metal rods in them? Are they all typically plastic? All of that seemed a bit up in the air in the story, and I think a better idea of what goes into making a mannequin could have been incorporated somehow into the story to give a better idea of how they would truly interact with a human.
Alongside that, this story wasn't particularly scary, but it was decently dramatic. It was as if the author wanted to make the story as dramatic and angsty as possible with an entire cast of teenagers and all matter of problems within their friend group. I will also note there were some scenes and quotes in the book that made me shake my head because the thoughts some of the girls had made me want to scream. It's 2023, quit having your female characters think they need to rely on men to get shit done. Yes, there are biological differences and all that, but come on, at least have some of the women seem smart enough to stand on their own.
July 4, 2022
"Uncanny Valley . When something is close to looking human but isn't, we tend to become uncomfortable." This pretty much sums up my feelings about (some) dolls and mannequins. Boris Bacic has written a book showing all of the things that are creepy about mannequins!
A group of 5 teenage friends decides to explore an abandoned shopping mall that was the site of some mysterious disappearances. What they encounter in this mall is truly the stuff of nightmares! The author has written a tension filled horror story, but he also has done a great job in developing believable relationships between the characters.
I would have probably given the book 5 stars, but the backstory that was sprinkled throughout the book was a little cliched IMO. I would recommend this book for fans of the old horror movies of the 1950's and to anyone who just likes a good scare! And, I know that I will never look at mannequins in the same way again!
A group of 5 teenage friends decides to explore an abandoned shopping mall that was the site of some mysterious disappearances. What they encounter in this mall is truly the stuff of nightmares! The author has written a tension filled horror story, but he also has done a great job in developing believable relationships between the characters.
I would have probably given the book 5 stars, but the backstory that was sprinkled throughout the book was a little cliched IMO. I would recommend this book for fans of the old horror movies of the 1950's and to anyone who just likes a good scare! And, I know that I will never look at mannequins in the same way again!
January 1, 2023
My first read of 2023 and I honestly have no idea how I feel about it.
This story is perfect for those who enjoy exploration horror/thrillers & as the cover suggests, perfect for those who find things like dolls or mannequins creepy. For me, I don’t find them creepy or scary so this read didn’t have a massive affect on me but I can say it was very enjoyable. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I do love Boris Bacic’s writing style. The only downside is I can see why this story isn’t for everyone, there is a trope towards the end that I know is controversial and usually I hate it but I didn’t really mind it in this story. The ending was also questionable; definitely didn’t hate it, I was satisfied but I feel like it could have been better. I am currently reading another story by Bacic as I love his writing; he has the potential to be a favourite author for me or to be a disappointing one, it can go either way.
Would i recommend; yes, If this story interest’s you.
This story is perfect for those who enjoy exploration horror/thrillers & as the cover suggests, perfect for those who find things like dolls or mannequins creepy. For me, I don’t find them creepy or scary so this read didn’t have a massive affect on me but I can say it was very enjoyable. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I do love Boris Bacic’s writing style. The only downside is I can see why this story isn’t for everyone, there is a trope towards the end that I know is controversial and usually I hate it but I didn’t really mind it in this story. The ending was also questionable; definitely didn’t hate it, I was satisfied but I feel like it could have been better. I am currently reading another story by Bacic as I love his writing; he has the potential to be a favourite author for me or to be a disappointing one, it can go either way.
Would i recommend; yes, If this story interest’s you.
June 27, 2023
This is the second book I've read from Boris. The first one (Apartment 401) I enjoyed, but this, on the other hand, I didn't really.
I was taken in by the concept. It sounded like it could make a cool, creepy story, but unfortunately I didn't care much for the execution.
It's very drawn-out. Would have worked a lot better as a novella in my opinion.
80% of the story is just teens creeping around an abandoned mall, running away from mannequins, and the other 20% is some pointless teen drama weaved in for some filler.
I stuck with it hoping it would get better, but it was just one of those stories that never really finds its momentum and continues to dwindle along until you reach the final page.
A disappointing one. However, having enjoyed the previous novel I read from Boris I'll continue to check out his work in the future because I know he is a talented writer.
They Came from the Mall was just a swing and a miss for me, unfortunately.
I was taken in by the concept. It sounded like it could make a cool, creepy story, but unfortunately I didn't care much for the execution.
It's very drawn-out. Would have worked a lot better as a novella in my opinion.
80% of the story is just teens creeping around an abandoned mall, running away from mannequins, and the other 20% is some pointless teen drama weaved in for some filler.
I stuck with it hoping it would get better, but it was just one of those stories that never really finds its momentum and continues to dwindle along until you reach the final page.
A disappointing one. However, having enjoyed the previous novel I read from Boris I'll continue to check out his work in the future because I know he is a talented writer.
They Came from the Mall was just a swing and a miss for me, unfortunately.
January 30, 2024
Six words can sum this up for me, : Long on promise, short on delivery. The scares and creepy factor just weren't there for me this time. It has plenty of promise though, A) Abandoned Mall,( definitely creepy), B), Abandoned Mall is rumored to be haunted ,(even better). And C) Mannequins that came alive because they're possessed by the ghosts of past shoppers?,( now we're really talking). But sadly it was not to be. I guess because it started a group of teenagers, the author felt like he had to write like a teen himself with waaaay to many fuck bombs, The plot turns to meh really quick, none of the characters are particularly likeable, and the ending was...well lacking...The story itself was ok but overall I was disappointed
August 3, 2024
This is my first of Boris Bacic's creature features, and I think my first of his books and it won't be my last! Mannequins are already creepy when they have a face/head. This book is what I was expecting when I read Night of the Mannequins and was very disappointed by that book, so having actual mannequins this time made for a good book. I didn't feel like the characters were well-developed though and it made me not know much about any of them. It was hard to distinguish between them. Since we switch POV's alot, I feel it could have been a better chance to get to know them. Also, some of the mannequin moments just weren't that creepy. I didn't really feel an extreme sense of fear. Regardless, I did like the book and I love abandoned places and mall settings.
June 23, 2022
interesting plot, execution could be better
This plot had so much potential, it’s a shame that it wasn’t better executed. Multiple items that characters “lost” mysteriously reappear making it feel like the story was changed halfway and not fixed further back. The items were talked about in such detail that I actually knew when they reappeared that it was wrong and had to go back to prove it to myself.
On the other hand you have a beautiful way with feminine relationships, a lot of authors make them shallow and fragile so it’s nice that each book in the creature series had a strong female friendship
This plot had so much potential, it’s a shame that it wasn’t better executed. Multiple items that characters “lost” mysteriously reappear making it feel like the story was changed halfway and not fixed further back. The items were talked about in such detail that I actually knew when they reappeared that it was wrong and had to go back to prove it to myself.
On the other hand you have a beautiful way with feminine relationships, a lot of authors make them shallow and fragile so it’s nice that each book in the creature series had a strong female friendship
February 18, 2023
This was my first book by this author. I honestly was surprised I hadn't read his books before. I love horror stories especially ones about mannequins! I thought that this was a very good book. It had suspense, it had likeable and unlikable characters that were very reminiscent of modern day social media idiots. I am looking forward to reading more in the "They Came From" series.
The biggest "oof" moment in this book to me was, when shit hit the fan and the mannequins started their sinister flash mob and the main characters were trying to escape why didn't they go back to the upper floor area that had a balcony that led outside? Like a huge WTF moment to me.
The biggest "oof" moment in this book to me was, when shit hit the fan and the mannequins started their sinister flash mob and the main characters were trying to escape why didn't they go back to the upper floor area that had a balcony that led outside? Like a huge WTF moment to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. Boris is one of those authors that just captures the reader from the first page and you most likely won't set this novel down until the last page! I received this novel from the author. This is my true and honest review.
June 13, 2022
Bacic is one of those authors who seems to get better with every book that he writes, whereas many others begin to drop the ball.
They Came From the Mall betters nearly everything about the previous two entries in Bacic's latest series, drawing up interesting [if not entirely likable] characters and a narrative bettered by a genuinely fun monster. This book is everything that Stephen Graham Jones' awful Night of the Mannequins should have been: a scary thriller that preys on a very common fear.
They Came From the Mall betters nearly everything about the previous two entries in Bacic's latest series, drawing up interesting [if not entirely likable] characters and a narrative bettered by a genuinely fun monster. This book is everything that Stephen Graham Jones' awful Night of the Mannequins should have been: a scary thriller that preys on a very common fear.
June 15, 2022
Uncanny Valley is Real!
Mannequins, wax figures, avatars, bad face-lifts.....they're all spectacularly creepy! Uncanny Valley is that eerie feeling these thing's. give you - they never look QUITE right & something is always 'off,' which is delightfully disturbing. I love Boris Bacic's books; all of them are lots of fun & stay interesting throughout. When I saw his name & the awful mannequin on the cover, I had to have it before it even came out. Never disappoints & can't wait for the next one.
Mannequins, wax figures, avatars, bad face-lifts.....they're all spectacularly creepy! Uncanny Valley is that eerie feeling these thing's. give you - they never look QUITE right & something is always 'off,' which is delightfully disturbing. I love Boris Bacic's books; all of them are lots of fun & stay interesting throughout. When I saw his name & the awful mannequin on the cover, I had to have it before it even came out. Never disappoints & can't wait for the next one.
June 16, 2022
Going to the mall just got really creepy
This 3rd Creature Encounter is my least favorite of the series. IMHO, the story could have been much better if the author had included additional backstory information about the evil entity or organization behind the events that occurred at this mall. It is still a solid Twilight Zone-ish story that will keep you from rushing into a dark room for a while. I look forward to other writing by author Boris Bacic. If you have not done so, I encourage you to read the first two books in this series.
This 3rd Creature Encounter is my least favorite of the series. IMHO, the story could have been much better if the author had included additional backstory information about the evil entity or organization behind the events that occurred at this mall. It is still a solid Twilight Zone-ish story that will keep you from rushing into a dark room for a while. I look forward to other writing by author Boris Bacic. If you have not done so, I encourage you to read the first two books in this series.
January 24, 2023
Interesting
I loved the premise of this book. It took awhile for the horror to start but I enjoyed the description of the abandoned mall and the mood it set.
Unfortunately the editing is pretty bad. It felt like the author had an idea and had to put it to paper as quickly as he could so he didn't forget it. Wrong words, wrong punctuation, sentences that don't make sense. If the book was edited correctly I might read it again.
I was disappointed because I usually love this author's work.
I loved the premise of this book. It took awhile for the horror to start but I enjoyed the description of the abandoned mall and the mood it set.
Unfortunately the editing is pretty bad. It felt like the author had an idea and had to put it to paper as quickly as he could so he didn't forget it. Wrong words, wrong punctuation, sentences that don't make sense. If the book was edited correctly I might read it again.
I was disappointed because I usually love this author's work.
May 7, 2023
Hel! No! I will never look at mannequins the same ever again. This book is some nightmare inducing stuff. I was reading this at night, what a mistake. Every noise I heard had me looking in the hall to see what might be coming. The cat flew in the dog door (yes, she know how to use it.) and I thought the life I knew was over! This author has a way of writing that makes you feel hope and then such dramatic hopelessness that I wanted to go help the kids. Then I remembered there are mannequins and was glad I was reading a book. Excellent way to scare the bejeezus out of me!
June 4, 2022
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 10, 2023
This is the fourth book I've read by this author, and it's definitely another page turner! The creatures in this book are very off-putting and different from any creature feature I've read before. The story was very engaging and creepy. I do wish the story had been a bit longer with more questions answered. The ending felt abrupt with little closure. Still, the book was enjoyable. 4 out of 5 stars.
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