Hide by Kiersten White
#twentyninthbookof2022 #arc

CW: death, murder, sacrifice, demonic beasts, guns

A hide and seek competition in an abandoned amusement park for a huge prize. Sounds incredible, and too good to be true. And, of course, it is.

I loved the concept of the story. I was engaged with the backstory of the competition. It was intriguing even if we never really completely understand why it happens. There is a supernatural element that comes into it that I kind of liked. I didn’t love the constant jumps between perspectives. There were too many for me. Plus two characters shared the same name. It got confusing. I’m sure that was partly the point, but I didn’t love it and thought it unnecessary.

I like that there was no epilogue wrapping things up. I rather enjoyed the abrupt nature of the ending and the not knowing what happens next.

I saw a photo of the park map that’s going to be the end papers of the finished hardcover and it’s pretty fun. I wish that had been included in the arc.

#theamazementpark

Thank you to @netgalley and @delreybooks for the advance copy. (Pub date 05/24/22)

I had been eagerly awaiting this book, and unfortunately for me, it was not the book I was expecting. This novel will have widespread appeal, but it employs a genre/trope that I don't like and so I was disappointed once I got midway through and figured out what was going on. Spoilers (but not major ones) below:
[
I was expecting a straightforward mystery/adventure/thriller. What I got was half thriller, half paranormal supernatural gobbledygook.
To start out with, there are WAY too many characters (fourteen!) to keep straight. They are first and often identified by their "identities"-ie "intern" "writer" etc. Then we get names and identities sometimes used interchangeably. When I got to the middle of the book, I wished I would have kept a chart from the beginning, but in the end many of the characters were totally throwaway so it didn't really matter.
Secondly, when we find out why they are really there...ugh, I just rolled my eyes and plowed through to the end to see if things would be redeemed, but unfortunately they really weren't.
In all honesty, when I got to the end this is more of a supernatural horror book than the adventure I thought I was getting. The only clue is a little bold sentence at the end of the blurb, I should have paid closer attention.
Also, in the author's note she mentions something about this being a treatise about race/class/whatever. Nah, it doesn't even come close to going there.
(hide spoiler)]
Overall, many people may enjoy this book, it just was not for me due to subject matter that I don't care to read.

I am a big fan of this author, so I was definitely interested in this one as soon as I heard about it. I loved the premise, and can totally see it as a horror movie that I would go experience on the big screen. While it takes place in an abandoned amusement park, really that is not what the place they are has always been, and it really isn’t even the amusement park that is the horror of the story. There is something killing there, older than the park, and probably older than even the land itself.

The way the characters are brought into this contest is interesting and again fits perfectly with the horror movie that this book would be a perfect script/storyline for. A lot of the actual horror might be from what is bringing these people together into this spot, compared to what actually happens to them. The horror and violence of the deaths or disappearances however they may actually be as we read them, is left off page, for the most part. We get a bit of it at the end along with some descriptions. So this would be a more suspenseful type of horror movie, the monster that is supposed to be in the park would need more screen time in a movie in my opinion.

But once the action got going I really enjoyed it a lot. My only issue, I really hate the whole 3rd person omniscience POV in stories. It makes it hard for me to know who we are following at the time, so that made it hard for me to get in the story, and meant at times I also had to double back a few paragraphs because they way I read I missed who exactly we were following at the moment. Other than that, a great horror story! And I really like the way the ending went, even if it didn’t completely tie up all the loose ends and solve the whole thing. In a way, the perfect way a horror movie could leave open for a sequel.

Fourteen young adults are invited to participate in a game of hide-and-seek, a game with dangers they can't even begin to imagine but with a prize they all desperately want.

The main character (though that's debatable, as we head-hop a lot in this story) is Mack, a troubled young woman with a horrific past. She sees the contest as a way to start over in life, to get just enough to get by on, to fund a life of quiet isolation.

Fourteen people--seven men, seven women, all secretly connected in ways they know nothing about. The location: an abandoned amusement park in the middle of nowhere.

It doesn't take long for Mack and the others to realize that this is not some reality TV show they've signed up for: this is life and death.

A pact with the devil (or something evil, at least, it'd never explained in detail) by seven families long ago mean that the beast must be fed. Fourteen people, every seven years.

Only this year, the sacrifices fight back.

This book starts out with a very Hunger Games type of feel and ends up feeling more like the story of the Minotaur in the labyrinth. It's a good book, better as you get further into it, but there are some little things that would have pushed it from good to great. There's something in the level of backstory for each character: for some it seems too much and for others not enough. While the things which happen are horrible, I felt more of a fun-silly-90's-teen-horror-movie sort of reaction to this than any actual horror. The ending is somewhat ambiguous.

But that's just me nitpicking. All in all a decent little story.

Fantasy thriller set in an abandoned amusement park, it is basically an “escape room” tale. 14 players in a high stakes game of hide and seek played over 7 days. The main characters are reasonably well developed, but in a book that in plot theory depends on family origin stories other characters were not. Likewise the origin of the menace within in the park is not deep enough. This is disappointing because the writing is very good.

I've always found the game of hide-and-seek to have eerie undertones. There's just something spooky about hiding out somewhere and waiting for someone to come and get you. The anticipation of getting caught that leaves your stomach a little fluttery and the feeling of someone watching you that causes the hair on your neck to stand up when you're looking for someone. It's like your body is sure that they're hiding right behind you. Hide combines the familiar nature of a childhood game with the hair-raising fear of a supernatural hunt.

This book was largely plot-driven. With such a large cast of characters, I found that while I was able to connect with some of them, many came and went through the story. This surface-level knowledge, for me, added an air of mystery because of the way it feels like the characters are connected but there's no way of really knowing how. I think some people will find that this may detract from their enjoyment of the book, but for me, this was a large reason why I liked it so much.

A high stakes competition in an isolated amusement park and a group of seemingly random people who find themselves fighting for their lives when an innocent game turns deadly. With a faint underlying social critique I devoured this book in a matter of days, only pausing when it got dark because I was too spooked to continue. While it isn't a very graphic horror novel, it is hair-raising and intense. It will leave you feeling a rollercoaster of emotions as the contestants begin to realize what's going on and have to re-evaluate their own intentions for their peers and themselves. It's a slow build mystery that leaves you quickly turning the pages trying to understand what's really going on. Add in the supernatural aspects and I was completely hooked.

Hide was masterfully crafted and a thrill from beginning to end. It was everything I want from a horror suspense novel and I highly recommend it!

There are things that HIDE did exceedingly well - namely playing with the thriller/horror question and actually giving the answer we deserve rather than trying to keep everything contained and hopelessly knotted in the small box labeled “reality as we know it”.

But one of the things I really didn’t like was the sheer number of uncharitable thoughts that characters randomly have. And we’re following as many as 15 characters over the course of the book, and each of them have some really unfortunate opinions. These thoughts are throwaway comments hidden away inside of a character’s internal monologue, unchallenged except maybe by a character’s own shame or ignorance. They run the gamut from racist to sexist to homophobic to ableist to ageist to religious propaganda to just plain old meanness. And even when some of these thoughts escape (for example, a white woman calling a BIPOC woman racist) they aren’t directly challenged and are, again, throwaway lines to - what? - reinforce that all the characters are less than good people? Even our golden retriever character has some cringe ignorant thoughts in his POV sections.

That really left a pretty sour taste in my mouth through most of the book. The villain characters might be the ones who go on racist tirades or whatever, but even the “good guys” have their problematic biases unchecked. It has the feeling of trying to be “woke” without actually taking a moment to discuss or analyze the point being made.

The horror elements were good. There was good tension. Too many characters to really keep track of, but that’s kind of inevitable. The exposition in the diary entries felt like way too much telling, but I guess we had to get answers somehow.

I really did not intend to start this book, the synopsys was intriguing so I gave it a chance and boy was I in for a ride *pun intended*. Loved the setting, the stories of the characters (a smaller number would have been a little easier to keep track of them), the background of the main characters...I was so exasperated with some of the character, the sheer arogance displayed by some, I could not believe it. The worldbuilding was great and the idea with the abandoned amusement park is wonderful, loved the visuals.

Potential spoilers ahead:

I’ll start by saying I was excited to read White’s first Adult Book. And that it had a horror element made it that much more intriguing to me.

This book however just didn’t do it for me. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I feel like spending more time character building would have really helped.

As for the main plot. The concept itself is good. Wish the horror moments with the beast were more plentiful and more insidious. I wasn’t really scared at any point reading this book.

The back and forth between character perspectives was difficult for me to follow. I wasn’t a fan of the ending aside from Linda’s presumed end.

Overall, I wanted to give this one at least a 3 but I also have to be honest. With some changes this could have been one of the best books of the year.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC.

This had the set up to be everything I wanted in a horror book. A creepy atmosphere and a challenge where something doesn’t seem right. But that’s where the dream died. Don’t get me wrong, I finished and thought the book was good but that’s it. It was just good. I don’t know if it’s because I watch too many horror films but the plot was very predictable. I figured out what was happening pretty close to the beginning. While I had other theories, one was pretty much on point. Now, it didn’t make me stop the book but I wish it would have been something different. However, I absolutely loved the environment that was created. White definitely illustrated a perfect ideal horror scenario. She also went into details to give the imagery without going overboard. I just wish the story and the pacing were equally as strong.

The characters didn’t really do anything for me either. While there were 14 points of views, and yes, that is a lot – I thought she did the transitions very well. The chapters were broken up by days and not by characters which was a great decision. It would have broken up things too much if she were to change chapters every time a point of view changed. I only got confused a couple of times because there were two Ava’s and they both referred to each other as the other Ava. Along with that, I honestly did not like almost all of the characters. The only one’s I ended up connecting with were Brandon and Beautiful Ava. Now, I can see a lot of people not liking Beautiful Ava but I felt like she was one of the more truer people in the book. She knew her flaws and even though she didn’t do anything to fix them, she didn’t pretend like they weren’t there. Everyone else was just very “tropey”. I know that was probably the point but it missed me and I just didn’t like it.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Hide by Kiersten White just didn’t do it for me. I love the atmosphere that was created and thought it was very well described but the main plot and pacing fell flat for me. I didn’t feel any emotions while reading it and didn’t really care once it ended. Fourteen point of views can be a lot to handle but I thought that White did it very well. The transitions were smooth and I was able to follow along for the most part. It definitely fed into the chaotic feel of the competition. However, I just didn’t like or connect with the characters. I think this is going to be a great introduction for those who have followed White from Young Adult to Adult and maybe have never been exposed to horror before.

Fourteen people are asked to spend seven days hiding. The prize is $50,000 and the chance this might become a reality TV show. Everyone has a reason to win and not just the money. Mack feels she is better at hiding than anyone. She is alive because she was able to hide as a kid. When people keep disappearing, Mack wants to know what is going on. Will anyone make it out alive? What is happening?

Hide is a stand-alone supernatural thriller that had me wondering what was going to happen. I thought I had an idea, but that was easily smashed as the story unfolded. White has created a storyline that was a fun escape without dragging it out. It wasn’t too short and definitely not too long. I enjoyed this book, but am glad it is not a series (because it isn’t needed).

I have two positive things to say about this book. One, it’s very readable - I finished it in one day. Two, there is a surprisingly decent wlw relationship that I enjoyed (surprisingly because of the horror genre).

Sadly, that’s kind of it for the positives. The narrative starts out extremely bizarre, with a tone so serious and somber that it feels absurd for the context of a hide and seek contest. I was kind of side-eyeing that, but also getting my hopes up for a plot that would eventually fit this tone.

What actually happened was: the plot slowly built up over the first half (good), sped full throttle into a wall at exactly the halfway mark (basically everything is very clear to the reader and there is no mystery left; I kept checking the percentage around this point because I couldn’t figure out how the plot could continue for much longer), and then sputtered and stalled there for the rest of the book. I kept reading because I was sure there would be more backstory, or at least a satisfying conclusion, but instead it was one of those endings where I turn the page to see what happens next and lo, it is the Acknowledgments page.

Also, I’m not sure if this was written before or after the recent Hide and Seek horror movie, but the plots are EXTREMELY similar.

As far as recommendation, I would say, grab it for a beach read or a rainy day when you want to relax and don’t want anything super heavy or lengthy.

This was a terrifying page-turner, and I read it at breakneck speed. Though the ending felt a bit abrupt, I loved the flashback diary entries that slowly reveal the extent of the horror. I was reminded of Stephen King's short story "Jerusalem's Lot," and that's a pretty big compliment in my book.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

A spine-tingling game of Hide and Seek. HIDE has been compared to Squid Game for a reason. I simple child's game is to be played by 14 people in order to win a cash prize. What could be more fun than this childhood game played by almost everyone?

When Mack signed up for the Hide and Seek challenge, little did she know her skill for hiding from a tragic and bloody incident would be a precursor to having an advantage in the game. The chilling story will leave you chilled and maybe even a little reluctant to play the game ever again.

Hide by Kiersten White is a hair-raising horror set in a cryptic setting that encapsulates your deepest fear and runs away with it. This is a breathless adventure that will pique your interest and raise your blood pressure!

Mack is living in a homeless shelter when she is offered the chance to win a $50,000 cash prize. The chosen fourteen contestants must play hide and seek in a huge abandoned amusement park for one week without being found. Every day, two contestants are eliminated until only one remains. Mack thinks this seems like a straightforward way to earn money. With plenty of hiding places in an empty amusement park how difficult can it be? Mack is confident she will win the game and walk away with the prize until her teammates begin to disappear. As the game progresses, Mack realizes the prize for winning this mysterious hide-and-seek game is her life.

Hide is a masterfully crafted horror story with major atmospheric vibes. Is there a spookier place than a huge antique abandoned amusement park with creepy overgrown vines? I shutter just thinking about it. In order to fully enjoy this book, readers need to suspend realism and just flow with the story. It is definitely not a book everyone will like, but horror fans will be entertained by the supernatural elements of it. Hide is a book that readers who enjoy the stimulating element of fear will not soon forget! (4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫)

Hide by Kiersten White is available on May 24th.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for the honor of reading this bone-chilling book. It is thrilling and spooky in the most delightful way!

Hide by Kiersten White gives an absolutely horrifying new meaning to the game Hide & Seek. For Mack, it sounds too good to be true – 50, 000 dollars and all she had to do is win an epic game of Hide and Seek. Her skill at hiding has already saved her life once and now she’s living dollar to dollar and in a shelter, what’s she got to lose?

When she arrives at the abandoned park where the competition is to be held, she and the 13 others participating begin to notice that the competition might not be on the up and up. First off, where’s the cameras to document their progress? Why isn’t there more staff? And what’s up with the weird town?

This is horror at it’s finest but there’s an insidious and sinister element present that really makes this hard to put down/stop listening to. I was worried about the characters that I had grown attached to, especially Mack, LeGrand and Ava. The atmosphere is almost tangible and as the contestants start to disappear, the sense of dread becomes heightened. That feeling becomes a knowing and figuring out what’s wrong is just freaking intense and chilling!

Narration: Emma Galvin is spectacular; she gave just the right amount of emotion to this twisty horror and played each role perfectly! Well done!

My thanks to @DelReyBooks and @PRHAudio for the gifted DRC and ALC

The challenge is to spend a week hiding in an abandoned amusement park without getting caught and the prize is a lot of money. Mack is sure she can win since that’s the reason she is alive now. One of fourteen competitors, but slowly they start to disappear. Can they come together to survive?
This book starts out with a map which I wish more books did. The opening chapter had me hooked. The cover is beautiful with a unique look. This was an interesting horror book with a great plot. The setting was an interesting one which you don’t see often. The biggest issue with this book is all the side characters which had a lot of unnecessary backstories, and it gave a lot to remember. Overall, this is a great horror/ thriller novel.

Thank you to Del Rey Books & Netgalley for the e-ARC of Hide in exchange for an honest review!

I am 100% here for this premise! & even more so when I started reading it and discovered what was REALLY going on in this amusement park. This is one of those things that can’t really be discussed without giving spoilers, but I will say that it is Stressful, but in the most exhilarating way possible. I adored some of the characters, especially Golden Retriever Energy Brandon! There’s a Sapphic romance & an action-packed finale. Kiersten White’s adult debut is definitely worth being hyped up!

I don’t read much horror anymore. But I was a big fan of this author’s YA Paranormalcy series, so I quickly snagged a copy of her adult debut to read. The premise: a game of hide and seek for a big cash prize. Obviously this is a horror novel, so there’s something darker lurking than just a potential reality show.

I really enjoyed getting to know Ava, Mack, and LeGrand as characters. Most of the other characters were pretty flat, but in a book with a body count like this, you can’t get too attached to many of them. The setting of the creepy, run-down amusement park set up like a maze was a great setting for a book about hiding. What I liked about this book was that, yes, the characters were literally hiding from what they come to realize is a monster. But they are also all hiding things about themselves. Mack is hiding from her tragic past, which another competitor helpfully recounts after recognizing her from a true crime podcast. LeGrand is hiding from his abusive religious father. Ava is hiding from a tragedy in her past and losing her love as well as much of her physical strength. And none of them realize the truth about their distant families.

I liked how the characters, despite the competition, came together to figure out what was happening in this rotten town, and came up with a plan to solve the problem and escape. I liked the monster, and the references to the story of the minotaur. And I always love a creepy town that relies on weird rituals to keep being successful. The ending was abrupt and open, but I like that the reader is given the opportunity to image what happened next. All in all, this was a fun horror read.

Come out, come out, wherever you are...

A week long hide and seek competition in an abandoned amusement park seems a bit strange but it’s easily overlooked when you consider the grand prize of $50,000.
Fourteen competitors are chosen and one in particular, Mack, is in it to win it. She’s an expert at hiding thanks to her haunting past.
There are few rules: You get a 30 minute window to hide at the start of each day, you must stay hidden from dawn until dusk - zero allowances (nope, no bathroom breaks), and 2 competitors will be eliminated each day.
Mack quickly realizes this competition isn’t a silly reality show contest but something much more sinister…

I don’t want to give anything else away! This book was just plain fun; it sounds odd to say considering the plot, but it made me nostalgic for the middle grade/YA horror stories I read as a kid from authors like R.L. Stine (same vibes). While this is geared toward adults, it’ll be a good fit in YA as well. Creepy with a dark back story, Hide is definitely an entertaining contemporary horror story that I couldn’t put down!

Thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Hide is scheduled for release on May 24, 2022.