Hello everyone! How was your Monday, I hope it wasn’t typical…and that you did not consume too much tea or coffee. Is that even a thing? It must be like books, no such thing as too much. I do not have much to say about my day…I did the typical things, play with my two boys. They are the best.
So…let me move on to the book. Shall we?
The Book of Hidden Things 
Author: Francesco Dimitri
Published: June 19th, 2018
Publisher: Titan Books
Book Length: 385 Pages
Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥
Buy the book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository (Use my referral ID: TheBibliophagist), Kobo
**Disclaimer: I received this novel for free in exchange for my honest review.**
A visit to his house increases the friends’ worry; Art is farming marijuana. In Southern Italy doing that kind of thing can be very dangerous. They can’t go to the Carabinieri so must make inquiries of their own. This is how they come across the rumors about Art; bizarre and unbelievable rumors that he miraculously cured the local mafia boss’s daughter of terminal leukemia. And among the chaos of his house, they find a document written by Art, The Book of Hidden Things, that promises to reveal dark secrets and wonders beyond anything previously known.
The cover has a lot of small details. Many of them linking to events that take place in a specific place int he story. I do have to say that I dislike the image of a dog being hanged on the front cover. Yes, there is animal death/sacrifice in this novel but there is no reason to flaunt it. Many people are put off by that. This could cause many readers to never pick up the book. Other than that, I do enjoy the color scheme and the touch of singed paper as a backstop for the title.
I want to first say this…this should not be marketed as a fantasy novel. It has aspects of fantasy sure, but very few. This is more of a psychological thriller than fantasy. I was a little upset by this. When going into this, I expected fantasy and was disappointed, though I do enjoy a good thriller. That being said, it was not an awful book.
I enjoyed the characters and the idea of a pact to meet every year after high school is a wonderful idea. Personally, I learned the hard way that friends lose touch after graduating. But, life moves on. The fact that these four people were still so loyal to one another was wonderful. They could have brushed off Art not making it, but chose to look into it instead.
What little fantasy there was, I really enjoyed. The realm of hidden things sounds like a wonderful setting. The world building for that was beautifully done. I would love to see more from the hidden things and their side of the world. That…that would be a wonderful story. I have never been to Italy, but the way locations were described and language was used, I felt like I was there. It seemed authentic, which is what I would expect from an Italian writer who sets their story in Italy.
If you follow me on Twitter (if you are not…why? …go! Do it now!), you know it took me a while to get into this book. Once I did though, I was hooked. I finished the last 300 pages in one day. Like I said, I do enjoy a good thriller…I just was not expecting it to be one. The pace was fantastic. Events kept me on the edge of my seat and engaged. Every time I had to put the book down I could not wait to pick it up again.
Throughout the book you find yourself questioning what is going on. Once Art comes into the story you really are challenged. This story makes you think, especially the ending. It almost reminds me of the movie Inception. The ending leaves you wanting more. You crave to know the truth and are given an inkling, but your idea is given no affirmation.
Overall, it was a good read. If you enjoy thought-provoking thrillers, be sure to pick this one up. It will keep your attention and make you question the truth behind Art and the hidden things. The last thing…there was some gay representation here at the end which is great for those of you who love books with more diverse characters. It clearly showed it as a taboo in the beginning but more acceptance was shown near the end.
Would you read this novel? Buy it or borrow it? If you have read it, what did you think? Do enjoy thrillers? Have you ever read a book marketed in one genre that clearly fits in another? What book has been on your nightstand lately?
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Thank you for your review. I look forward to these as it helps me decide if it’s a book I would enjoy reading.
For this book I might have to pass on it as I need a more hooking first part of the book. I can deal with a slower parts here and there but a book needs to slap me in the face right at the beginning and tell me, “hey grunt dont you dare stop reading me!”
I am currently in a reading slump that I hope I can bust out of soon because there have been tons of book that you have showed me that I’m looking forward to reading.
Again thank you for the review and enjoy your day!
Thank you! I hate giving up on a book so I try to push through. Now that I am blogging though, I realize my time is valuable and I might have to start doing such a cruel thing.
I hate giving up on books too. Luckily I have not had to do that to often but it has happened.
I dont read to blog but i feel that i read to escape reality for a little while so I dont want to waste my time with a book that is not going to do that for me. It is cruel but necessary sometimes.