Book Review: Fellside: A Skeptic's Journey into the Supernatural...And I Loved It
Fellside: A Skeptic's Journey into the Supernatural...And I Loved It!
I'll be upfront about it – I've always been the type of guy who rolls his eyes at ghost stories, scoffs at séances, and dismisses tales of the supernatural faster than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. So when I picked up M.R. Carey's 'Fellside,' I did it with a hefty dose of skepticism. But, believe it or not, I wound up devouring this book faster than a pizza delivery on a Friday night.
Let's get this straight: I'm not the kind of person who readily believes in spirits, ghosts, or any of that paranormal mumbo-jumbo. And 'Fellside' is all about spirits, ghosts, and some eerie otherworldly stuff happening in a women's prison. Yet, Carey's writing is so compelling that I found myself eagerly turning pages, not to get spooked, but to uncover the mysteries behind it all.
The protagonist, Jess, finds herself behind bars for reasons she can't quite remember, and that's when things start to get weird. There's an ethereal, otherworldly presence that's as persistent as an annoying telemarketer, and even a cynic like me couldn't deny the creepiness that ensues. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the story, and Carey manages to keep the story grounded enough for skeptics like me to stay engaged.
The plot is a labyrinth of twists and turns, enough to make a conspiracy theorist jealous. It's like trying to navigate a maze with a blindfold on, and just when you think you've got it all figured out, Carey pulls the rug out from under your feet. You'll be on the edge of your seat, not because you're scared (well, maybe a little), but because you're genuinely intrigued and dying to know what happens next.
Carey's characters are as complex as a Rubik's Cube, and you'll find yourself sympathizing with them, even when they make questionable decisions. There's depth to each character, which is impressive given the supernatural backdrop. And, believe it or not, I was rooting for Jess, hoping she'd find answers amidst the spectral chaos.
Sure, the supernatural elements in 'Fellside' might not convert me into a true believer, but they did make for one heck of a thrilling read. Carey's writing is sharp, the suspense is palpable, and the storytelling is as engrossing as any good crime drama.
In the end, 'Fellside' managed to captivate my cynical heart and make me appreciate the supernatural, even if I'm still not entirely convinced. So, for all my fellow skeptics out there, don't let the ghostly premise scare you off. Dive into 'Fellside,' and you might just find yourself enjoying the eerie ride as much as I did, without needing to call the Ghostbusters.
