Title: Asylum
Author: K.A. Tucker
First published December 12, 2011
252 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780986915543 (ISBN10: 0986915548)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
In the peaceful and idyllic land of Boskydells, Tuck Underbank lives a comfortable life as a Warrow. But when an unnatural and bone-chilling winter descends upon the land, and the evil forces of Modru threaten to engulf the world, Tuck and his group of Thornwalkers set out to aid the High King.
However, a massive and all-encompassing blizzard known as the Dimmendark is quickly spreading, threatening to drown all in its path. Despite their tiny size and fickle nature, the Warrows are recruited into the military forces.
But with the shortage of warriors, the High King is unable to fend off the approaching horde of monstrous creatures. As the battle takes a turn for the worse, the friends are separated, and their fate hangs in the balance.
Will they be able to reunite and save their land from the dark tide that threatens to swallow them whole?
Editoral Review
Asylum by K.A. Tucker is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Tucker, a New York Times bestselling author, is known for her ability to weave intricate and suspenseful stories that keep readers guessing until the very end.
Asylum is no exception. Set in a remote mental institution in upstate New York, Asylum follows the story of Tanya, a young woman who has been wrongly committed to the facility.
As she struggles to prove her sanity and uncover the truth about her incarceration, Tanya is drawn into a web of deception, danger, and death. The setting of the novel is expertly crafted, with Tucker painting a vivid picture of the crumbling asylum and its eerie surroundings.
The characters are similarly well-developed, with Tanya being a sympathetic and relatable protagonist despite her traumatic experiences. The other characters in the novel, including the sinister staff members and the other patients, are suitably creepy and unpredictable.
One of the strengths of Asylum is Tucker’s ability to create an atmosphere of suspense and unease throughout the novel. From the opening pages, readers are drawn into the mystery of Tanya’s confinement, and the tension only mounts as the plot thickens.
Tucker’s writing is polished and engrossing, with a pace that keeps readers turning the pages at a breakneck speed. In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the twists and turns of the plot to be a bit too predictable.
While there are certainly surprises along the way, there are also some plot points that are fairly predictable for fans of the thriller genre. Additionally, some readers may find the premise of the novel to be somewhat derivative of other works in the genre.
Overall, however, Asylum is a well-crafted and engaging read that is sure to satisfy fans of suspenseful fiction. Tucker’s skillful storytelling and her ability to create a sense of dread and unease make this novel a standout in the crowded field of psychological thrillers.
Readers looking for a gripping and atmospheric read should add Asylum to their list. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Asylum is a compelling and suspenseful novel that will leave readers breathless. While there are some minor flaws, the overall quality of the writing and the strength of the characters and setting make up for any shortcomings.
Highly recommended for fans of the thriller genre.
