Book Review: "Altered Estates" by Chris Mathison

Rating: ★★★★

Altered Estates by Chris Mathison takes readers on a mind-bending journey through a magnificent English estate, blending elements of futuristic technology with the charm of an old-world manor. The story follows scenarist Kris Robinson as he explores the sprawling estate after the effects of groundbreaking drugs induce temporary amnesia. What ensues is a psychedelic trip filled with hidden Easter eggs and mysterious encounters that challenge the boundaries of perception.

One of the standout features of this book is its unique narrative style, written in the second person point of view. Mathison's writing is superb, capturing the essence of a live-action role-playing game in literary form. The fusion of futuristic elements with the classical setting of the manor creates a truly immersive reading experience.

Throughout the story, readers are treated to a myriad of literary scenes, each more captivating than the last. From cosmic circus parades to animated statues, the author weaves a tapestry of surreal moments that keep readers engaged and intrigued. The inclusion of famous figures like Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and Timothy Leary adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, making it a delight for fans of literary references.

While Altered Estates is a captivating read, it does have its drawbacks. The length of the book may be off-putting to some readers, as it requires a significant time investment to fully immerse oneself in the intricate plot. Additionally, the complexity of the story can be challenging to follow at times, requiring careful attention to detail to unravel its mysteries.

In conclusion, Altered Estates is a compelling and imaginative novel that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. With its blend of psychedelic themes, intricate puzzles, and rich literary references, it offers a reading experience unlike any other. While it may not be suited for those seeking a quick read, for readers willing to invest time and attention, this book promises a truly unique and rewarding journey through the looking glass.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This is a real experience. I play video games and I read books. This book somehow brings the two media together. It feels like the start of something really interesting, It also reminded me a bit of the “Choose your own Adventure” books which were popular when I was a child, but with a degree of sophistication more suited to an immersive experience. I would love to try this as an audio book, if that would be somehow possible.

The premise of this book intrigued me, and it usually fits within my wheelhouse of books I read. For some reason, though, the execution did not live up to what I anticipated. I appreciated the second-person perspective, however every time I started reading again, it took me a bit to get into the book (and I am a reader/gamer). Overall, the book fell flat for me.

I appreciate NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.

I'm sorry but this was not the book for me. It is way too descriptive. I understand that it is supposed to be a video game in a book, however I don't think it works as a format. My husband is a gamer and there is a reason he is a gamer. He doesn't read books. I fail to see how it could appeal to a large enough audience. I got to 25% through the book and I felt like the story had hardly started. This would exasperated the majority of book readers. I applaud the author in trying something different but it needed to be trimmed down significantly.