Slow and did not keep my attention; absolute lack of tension and disjointed. Audiobook was well done and narrator a solid choice.

This was a good adaptation, but I think it relied too heavily on having prior knowledge of the movie. If I had gone in blind I think some of the details I was actively looking for got lost in the shuffle of the novelization.

Session 9 is a chilling exploration of madness, trauma, and the haunting legacy of institutional decay. Whether approached as a novel inspired by a cult horror film or a standalone psychological thriller, this narrative evokes a slow-burning dread that lingers long after the final page.

Set in an abandoned mental hospital slated for asbestos removal, the story follows a crew of workers whose personal demons begin to mirror the oppressive energy of the decaying building. At the core of the narrative are a series of recovered therapy tapes—sessions with a former patient suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder. These tapes serve as a sinister thread, connecting the present to a disturbing past that refuses to be forgotten.

The novel's effectiveness stems from its atmospheric qualities. The asylum functions as a living character, with its oppressive silence and whispering walls. The narrative captures a mounting sense of dread, utilizing psychological horror rather than graphic violence and exploring themes of repressed guilt, fractured identity, and the thin line between sanity and madness.

If you have seen the movie, you will enjoy the novel based on the movie. The book delves into more detail and will give you a better understanding of why the institution was abandoned and what happened there that has left its imprint on it.
Very well done.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So grateful to receive the opportunity to read this. This was one of my favourite movies when it was released throughly enjoyed reading a further delve into this psychological thriller.

Session 9! What a great horror story!
The novel (and movie) follow a crew of 5 who are contracted to remove asbestos from the Danvers State Hospital. They have one week to fix it up and make it suitable for conversion to a government facility. As Gordon finds and listens to recordings of sessions with a patient named Mary, things go from bad to worse with the whole crew,
It is a relative slow burn, with the majority of the creep factor in the sessions. The sessions reveal backstory of one of the patients before the hospital was closed in the 1980's. The more tension that rises with the crew, the closer we get to seeing the scary "Simon", From there, I couldn't put the book down.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to any horror readers. The book is very faithful to the movie, and yet, is so much better.
4⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the (Advanced Readers Copy) ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5/5 stars
Session 9 The Official Novelization, is based on the classic 2001 motion picture by acclaimed director Brad Anderson. Released 23 years after the film first haunted audiences, this new novel by horror and dark fantasy author Christian Francis arrives just in time for the spooky season, promising to deliver a wealth of fresh nightmares to a new generation. Francis, known for his gripping novelizations of Wishmaster, Titan Find/Creature and Vamp, delves deeper into the eerie madness that made Session 9 such a horror gem. Set against the backdrop of the real-life abandoned mental institution, the Danvers State Hospital, the film’s atmospheric dread is reimagined on the page in Francis’ adept hands. This novel expands on the film’s screenplay, offering fans new insights into the characters’ psyches and unveiling more twisted, dark secrets from within the sinister asylum.
“Bringing Session 9 into a literary form has been a huge honor for me,” said Francis. “Brad’s movie is a personal favorite since I sat in the cinema watching it back in ‘01, and I relished being able to expand on its themes and explore the horrors within. My novelization is not only a tribute to Brad’s amazing creation, but also an invitation to revisit the fear that it first inspired in audiences.”

well this book was something else. it was the first time I read something like this and I had a good time even though it didn't really read like a classic book.

If you're a fan of psychological horror movies you've probably heard of Session 9. A group of guys are hired to strip asbestos out of an old abandoned asylum. Gordon, the owner of the company, is having a tough time at home and feeling the pressure, needs this job desperately. Along with the rest of the crew, they set to work but soon tensions are rising, their curiosities get the best of them and strange things begin to occur.

I was a huge fan of the film so I knew I had to read the novelisation and it did not disappoint! It was like stepping into the film and if I hadn't known what was coming, I would've been scared out of my wits! It stays true to the plot, the characters and the atmosphere created throughout. I really enjoyed it and considering the plot wasn't new to me, it help my attention throughout!

If you're looking for a new horror to either read or watch, definitely consider this one!

Great book! It had all the fears of growing up. Make a choice. Turn the page or close the book. Enter the darkness if you wish!

Released 23 years after the original film this adaptation delves deeper into the characters' psyches and the hospital's haunting history, providing fresh insights while preserving the film's eerie ambiance - not an easy task. Impressive, enjoyable, but watch the movie first.

Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for allowing me the ARC of Session 9. I had seen this movie years ago and it has stuck with me as one of the top horror movies I have seen, so I was super excited to see it on here. I didn't remember all the details of what had happened in the story, so it was thrilling to have the surprise twists and turns again. Overall, I would give this book 5/5. It is spooky, it keeps you on your toes, and you are never quite sure what will come next. I would definitely recommend this to any thriller/horror fan!

I really wanted to like this as I absolutely love the film, but unfortunately it didn't really work for me. I found the prose overwrought and inelegant, and I didn't get into the story.

I will be completely honest, I was not expecting much with this book because it's a novelization, but WOW. This was nonstop thrilling. It gave me all of the feels with all of the story that I didn't feel like I got from the movie. And truly, I can't wait to rewatch this movie now. Thank you so much for this arc!

One of my favourite underrated horror films of the 2000s turned novelisation. This could have been made for me. I am so glad this exists and might encourage people to seek out the film as it deserves a lot more love.

This was such a great unexpected nostalgia trip.

The plot sounded scary, and in the beginning it was definitely giving a creepy vibe. However, nothing happened. It’s a very short read, but nothing happened until the very end. This was slow and a little difficult to follow the various characters. It definitely felt like a visual would have helped the story along, especially where the sessions themselves were concerned. Ultimately it's interesting, but didn't grab me or spook me.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley.

Welll yea, this one is insane! After reading the book I want to watch the movie but it's crazy to know that this book came AFTER the movie...like how?! Such a great job, I felt the creeps all throughout and still feeling them as I try to forget how I felt once I figured it all out. Definitely a great creepy horror book!

Really enjoyed the book, same as the movie. it captured that dreadful atmosphere and it kept entertained throughout.
Thank you so much to netgalley and publisher for the ebook.

3,5 rounded up to 4

I'm from the area where this story takes place and I've seen the movie version so I was intrigued by the book. It was definitely a great read, I wish I had read it back in the fall but I just didn't have the chance. Very suspenseful and creepy and a great overall story.

This was soooo goood! As good as the movie itself! Which made me run to go do a rewatch. The writing was great and flowed really well. Thank you for the arc!

this was a great novelization. definitely kept me engaged, i read it in a day! id say watch the movie and read the book, they are both great