Title: Asylum
Author: Amy Cross
First published January 1, 2012
653 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.86
Overview
Welcome to the Lakehurst Psychiatric Hospital, where the patients are never released and the staff is hiding a dark secret. Annie Radford finds herself trapped within the hospital walls after shooting her brother.
Her treatment is led by a mysterious old man living in the attic, who has devised experimental new treatments for her. However, it soon becomes apparent that Nurse Winter and her staff are hiding something truly horrifying.
As Annie tries to survive, she uncovers Nurse Winter’s own story – a promising medical student who heard voices that had a plan of their own. From the basement to the attic, Lakehurst is full of secrets.
What is the mystery that lurks at the heart of the hospital? What are the living human brains kept in jars for?
This book is not suitable for children or young readers, as it contains violence and adult language.
About the Author
Amy Cross is a talented author who dabbles in a variety of genres, including horror, paranormal, and fantasy. Her impressive collection of published works includes spine-chilling novels such as The Farm, Annie’s Room, The Island, Eli’s Town, and Asylum.
Editoral Review
Asylum by Amy Cross is a gripping psychological horror novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Cross is an accomplished author known for her dark and chilling tales, and Asylum is no exception.
The novel was first published in 2012 and has since become a cult classic in the horror genre. The story centers around Dan Crawford, a college student, who finds himself living in a converted mental asylum for the summer.
The building is steeped in history, and the students soon discover that there are dark secrets hidden within its walls. As they investigate, they uncover a chilling conspiracy that involves a sinister doctor, experimentation on the mentally ill, and a terrifying ghostly presence that haunts the building.
The novel is written in a gripping and suspenseful style, with Cross masterfully building tension throughout the book. The pacing is excellent, and the plot twists keep the reader guessing until the very end.
The characters are well-developed and the setting is vividly described. Cross does an excellent job of taking the reader into the eerie world of the asylum, with its crumbling walls, decaying staircases, and long-forgotten secrets.
Asylum is not just a typical horror story, however. Cross also explores themes around mental illness and the unethical treatment of the mentally ill.
The novel speaks to contemporary issues around mental health, and the stigma that is often attached to it. While Asylum is a thoroughly gripping and entertaining read, it does have some weaknesses.
The ending, while satisfying, may not be to everyone’s taste. Some may argue that it is predictable or even cheesy.
Additionally, some readers may find the horror aspects of the novel too intense. Overall, Asylum by Amy Cross is an excellent horror novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The writing is top-notch, and the characters are engaging. If you are a fan of horror or thrillers, this is a must-read.
I highly recommend Asylum to anyone who enjoys a good psychological horror story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you thinking long after you have finished reading.
I give this book a score of 4.5 out of 5, based on the quality of writing, character development, plot structure, and themes explored.
