This was a rough read.
I had high hopes after reading Boys in the Valley and I'm disappointed to say Gothic fell short for me.

I found none of male characters likable (save for Ben) and literally all of the characters felt super one dimensional and like they were injected specifically to fulfill one singular idea or stereotype.
The plot and premise of the story get lost in magic and warlocks and demons and I'm not quite sure just how we're meant to feel any sympathy for anyone who comes into contact and meets a grim end via this desk(except maybe thay museum worker). While on the topic of the plot, the whole thing never really came together in my mind. Tyson writes the books whispered into his ear by the evil spirits of the desk, people read the books and do awful things thus powering an ancient evil demonic spirit and eventually it allows the demon to manifest in the real world? Nah, not vibing with that as a premise, sorry. Especially when the story ENDS before this demon does anything!!!!

Gothic feels like a set-up novel in the same way Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One film feels. Like you run around in circles for 2 hours and nothing much actually happens.

Is this a book I will read again? No.
But it was still a worthwhile read. Perhaps others will enjoy this book where I didn't.

In Gothic, Philip Fracassi has given horror fans a work of pure joy. This novel is everything that you love about horror: Possession. Unintended consequences. Violence. And all done masterfully by an author who is recognized as a rising star in the genre.
The novel follows a past-his-prime author whose professional and personal lives are struggling as he copes with the reality of becoming a has-been, struggling not only to reclaim his former glory, but to simply pay his mortgage. Seeking to inspire the creative within her partner, Sarah gives Tyson a gift, hoping that it will be the muse, the change, that he needs to continue doing what he loves.
Unbeknownst to Sarah, the extravagant present has a dark history, and a power, which will work within Tyson to create a muse that neither of them can control. The chaos and madness that ensues will leave bodies and blood in its wake.
Will anyone survive?
This is one hell of an enjoyable novel. It reminded me of reading King or of watching the latest slasher film. It is both unique and comfortable in the darkest of ways. I would highly recommend this novel as I feel that it will be remembered as the book that Fracassi released right before his talent was truly unleashed.

"UN-BREEEAAK MY HEAAART! SAY YOU'LL LOVE ME AGAAAINN!"

This book is awesome

Fun, riveting read! It was a little slow in the beginning but the pace quickly picked up around the 30% mark. Would definitely like to read more by Phillip Fracassi!

If I knew nothing going into this book and you had taken out the references to social media and cell phones, I would have sworn Gothic was written in the late 70s/early 80s horror heyday of Paperbacks From Hell fame.  But happily, this book was much better written than a lot of the sludge you have to wade through from that era to find the jewels (outside of the classics, of course).  Gothic revels in all of the dark and gaudy pulpiness of those bygone days with the added benefit of great characterizations and eloquently written passages, and does not hold back on the gory details. 

Things get dark in this book, but I found it more fun than scary.  Despite comparisons of the character of Tyson Parks to Jack Torrance, the sinister desk in Gothic is certainly no Overlook Hotel, but I would recommend this book for other fans of those old paperbacks for sure.  This is my second Fracassi book, after Sacculina, and I highly enjoyed them both.  I look forward to reading more of his work soon.