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A review by nikosreadsbooks
The Third Parent by Elias Witherow, Thought Catalog
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Elias Witherow's The Third Parent earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book. It’s an unsettling read that pushes boundaries and isn’t afraid to lean into its brutal and shocking elements. While it may not be the easiest book to recommend to everyone, if you’re a fan of dark, twisted narratives or stories that shock you this one is definitely up your alley.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it builds on the original Reddit story. Witherow not only captures the eerie essence of Tommy Taffy but also takes the time to flesh out the story with new layers of depth. I was particularly impressed by how the novel gave Tommy a backstory.
I do have one minor gripe, though this is more a matter of personal preference than an actual flaw. I found myself wishing for a darker ending. While the conclusion is satisfying in its own right, I felt a bad ending would have been more impactful and consistent with the unrelenting tone of the rest of the book.
Overall, The Third Parent is a solid recommendation for fans of the original Reddit story or anyone looking for a horror novel that will leave them shaken.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it builds on the original Reddit story. Witherow not only captures the eerie essence of Tommy Taffy but also takes the time to flesh out the story with new layers of depth. I was particularly impressed by how the novel gave Tommy a backstory.
I do have one minor gripe, though this is more a matter of personal preference than an actual flaw. I found myself wishing for a darker ending. While the conclusion is satisfying in its own right, I felt a bad ending would have been more impactful and consistent with the unrelenting tone of the rest of the book.
Overall, The Third Parent is a solid recommendation for fans of the original Reddit story or anyone looking for a horror novel that will leave them shaken.