The Haunted E-Book by JL Bryan

Title: The Haunted E-Book
Author: JL Bryan
Series: Stand Alone 
Source: From author
Format: Digital Edition
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Dee escapes her dreary librarian job and unfaithful boyfriend by reading romance and fantasy on her Kindle. She tries The Haunted E-book, the story of a 19th century tramp printer whose ghost awakens whenever someone reads a book he created. The ghost stalks his readers and threatens them with death if they stop reading the book. Though she doesn’t usually like ghost stories, Dee can’t stop herself from reading it.

Reading is the finest route that someone can take to briefly escape from the nagging sound of reality. A journey that an avid readers willingly walk through in order to get to another world where he or she no longer needs to be the player but settle for a role as a mere observer. Though what if this supposedly short journey morphs into a winding nightmare that one cannot disembark from? What if during that journey, you unleash something that could torment your life and those that you love?

That is what happens to Dee, a young librarian from a very small town, whose life has not been the one that she once hoped for. She hardly gets lucky with her career and even with her romantic relationship but things start to go down further ever since she stumbles upon a book called “The Haunted E-Book”, written by an unknown author. Without realising it, her life is now controlled by this unknown spirit that threatens to kill her if she ever stops reading the book. There is no stepping down from this heart-pounding rollercoaster ride, where the reader has now become part of the pawns played by this sinister anonymous author. Will Dee be able to uncover the truth behind this mysterious book and comes out of this creepy, nightmarish journey alive?

There is no doubt that that JL Bryan is one versatile author. He did a remarkable job with his previous book, Jenny Pox (click title to see my review), and despite moving on to something completely different, he managed to nail it yet again. When I first skimmed through The Haunted E-Book, I thought I would be confused by its multitier plots, where there is story within story, but once I start reading, everything just flowed smoothly. This proved that Bryan has an outstanding talent in manoeuvring the story skilfully and also developing and arranging the plot neatly that it makes it much easier for readers to follow. Another thing that I truly appreciate is that the author tied every single lose ends together at the ending. I understand the purpose of each character in the book better and also learn the secret that revolves around the book and also its writer.

The strength of The Haunted E-Book definitely lies in its mystifying villain and also its creepy plots. I like that the author does not overload the readers with all information at once but rather reveal things little by little and this surely increase the level of suspense in the book. The thing that I like most in The Haunted E-Book is actually the history of the villain himself, his job as a tramp printer and also the person he really was when he was still alive. I seriously wish that this history part is written in a much greater length because I feel that this is the most crucial part as it gives more dimensions to the book. Nonetheless, it still provides readers with some great details that are needed to answer some of the questions that they might have whilst reading. Bryan also portrays the main character in the book, Dee, in a very interesting way. She seems broken on the surface but her tenacity and will to keep going is truly inspiring. What fate that befell her in the end? Well, that is for me to know and for you to find out!

In the nutshell, The Haunted E-Book is one interesting book that will keep readers turning the page until they find the answers to all of their questions. This book is indeed not for one with a faint heart and I don’t think it is suitable for young readers either due to its graphical nature as well as some of its mature contents. Though if you are one that is looking for something different and will creeps you out, this is definitely for you. Last but not least, to all readers – beware while reading – cause you don’t know what you’re going to unleash and let roaming the world after this... *evil laugh*

Favourite Quote: A weave of words, when woven well. Captures souls in a devil's spell. The heart I hunt, the mind's my prey, and you will believe all I say. Open my book, let me in, and I never shall leave you again - The Unknown Author


*This review is taking part in Cym Lowell's Book Review Party Wednesday

22 comments:

  1. I wondered how long it would be before someone wrote a book featuring a kindle or similar. Not a book for me I'm afraid to say, it's far too scary, but thanks for a great review anyway.

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  2. Oh my gosh, I think I'll like this book. I want to read it! Gonna check out the price on Amazon.

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  3. Oh I remember reading about this one on GoodReads! Caught my interest just from the title....and the bookish plot sounded fun (well, chilling, but fun) too. Love your intro, well said....and the part about how the author doesn't overload readers with details, definitely appreciated and probably one reason why the tiered plot didn't get overly complicated. Definitely have to add to my wish list....thanks for the great review! Happy reading... ^_^

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  4. Great review. Sounds fun.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  5. I love scary books; this one might hit pretty close to home, however, avid reader that I am! But I think I would make myself suffer through the fright! Thanks for a great review!

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  6. I love that first paragraph of your review, wow, nice :D

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  7. You guys...I just finished the book and I have to say. AWESOME. This guy knows how to write. He kept it interesting and there was SO much research you could tell went into the project. With fantasies and horrors, you already have to suspend your reality a bit, and it was great that everything else was so real...you could literally picture it happening in real life. I'm not gunna lie, I got kind of creeped out about halfway through and got jumpy expecting Jonah (the ghost) to come attack me(maybe because I was home alone for the first time in months and it was just past midnight)lol...I even took a break to make sure the "J" In J.L. Bryan didn't secretly stand for Jonah...If you even THINK you might like this book, give it a try...it's worth the money you spend and more :D

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  8. Shy, a fabulous review. If I wasn't already interested in reading this book I would be after reading this review. I love the premise and adore a good creepy novel. Can't wait to read it/

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  9. WOW! I want to read this one, I love creepy. Fantastic review Shy, you sold me on this one :)

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  10. Ok, I seriously would never have given this a second thought before reading your review, but you sold it on me for sure! It sounds eerie, and twisty, and that's my favourite type of read! Fantastic review, Shy! :)

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  11. @hense1kk: I even took a break to make sure the "J" In J.L. Bryan didn't secretly stand for Jonah...

    I seriously am glad that THAT thought did not cross my mind whilst reading the book. I'm sure I will be pretty spook if I did!

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  12. I believe Stephen King wrote a Kindle related story called Ur a few years back, though I haven't read it yet. This one, however, sounds much more saturated in the concept of e-books and the supernatural. I spied it on Amazon last week and debated getting it or not. I still might, thanks to this review.

    Discovered this via Cym Lowell's blog.

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  13. Wow. I'm like so feeling your review. This sounds very cool and exciting and different.

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  14. I tweeted! http://twitter.com/cymlowell/status/30476094779953152

    Thanks for linking up! Are you on Facebook?
    http://www.facebook.com/cymlowell

    -CYM

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  15. Great review Shy! I have a couple of creepy books with me now and I think I'll read it when I find the safest time to read. Yikes!

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  16. Thanks for the review. I can't wait to read it myself!

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  17. I love creepy books, even if they do give me nightmares sometimes. Can't wait to read this one.

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  18. Ooh, looking forward to reading this =)

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  19. I loved "The Haunted Ebook"! It was very scary...which is a good thing! *shivers*

    lauralynnelliott@yahoo.com

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  20. What an idea. Ghost haunted through a gadget. Cool.I like the way you reveal the plot.
    Hope will read this book soon

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  21. Thanks to everyone for your nice comments about Shy's review!

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  22. I love reading on my Kindle but this book my change the way I read from now on, Thanks for the review. greatly done.

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