Another

My Thoughts on Another

"Another" had been on my radar for a while, given its reputation as a modern horror classic. Diving in, I found a story that lived up to the hype, even if it didn't completely blow me away. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a cursed class at North Yomi Middle School, Year 3 Class 3, where tragedy strikes every year. It's a compelling hook that kept me turning the pages.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn into the mystery surrounding the class and the strange atmosphere that permeates everything. The protagonist, Koichi Sakakibara, is a solid viewpoint character, and I appreciated how his outsider perspective allowed me to piece together the puzzle alongside him. There's a pervasive sense of dread and unease that the author builds masterfully, and I found myself genuinely invested in uncovering the secrets of Class 3.

What Works Well

The novel truly shines in its ability to create a captivating and suspenseful narrative. The way the curse unfolds, slowly revealing its complexities, is expertly done. I particularly enjoyed the gradual escalation of events, with each revelation adding another layer of intrigue. The characters, even those with minor roles, felt surprisingly fleshed out, adding depth to the overall story. The author does a great job of giving us little snippets of backstory, making even the more minor characters feel three-dimensional.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the central mystery, I have to admit the big reveal didn't completely shock me. Perhaps I've become desensitized to twists in the horror genre, but I found myself more engrossed in the journey than the destination. That being said, the emotional impact of the reveal, the confusion and sense of loss experienced by Koichi, resonated deeply and elevated the story beyond a simple whodunnit.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Another" is a well-crafted horror novel that delivers on its promise of suspense and mystery. While the twist might not be earth-shattering for seasoned readers, the journey is more than worth it. The atmosphere is thick with dread, the characters are engaging, and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good horror book, even if you don't usually read the genre. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.