Wow, when I picked this up, I didn't think it would be 5 stars, but here I am.
Ransom Riggs does such a good job at creating an atmosphere in his books that feels so real. The pictures make you feel like this is based on a true story.
I haven't cared this much for characters in a while. I like that everything is not "too easy" for them. They truly work for their achievements and life rarely goes the way they planned it. Riggs makes sure to also write about the negative sides of being a "hero". The fear, the dread, the hopelessness that these characters feel. The nightmares and the trauma they suffer from after experiencing certain things. It all makes it easy to connect with and care for the characters because their emotions are very real and raw.
I was often sitting on the edge of my seat, flipping the pages as fast as I could.