Genre: Horror and Adventure

Chapters: Four and still going. (Though I see eight excluding the acknowledgments chapter.)

Recommended Audience: 12+

Description: The Conways just moved into a house built three decades ago from a friend's offer. As they stayed there longer every day, they started to know some things that were hidden in the house. But the three teens found something ominous in the attic. They think it is a journal. A journal of the true owner of the house: Audrey Clay.

They found something in the journal, telling something about the game, "Jinx." They did not believe the whole thing and started to play the game. But soon, their parents left for something. They were alone at the house, and after days, they noticed that many things have been happening so wrong.

By playing the game, they realize that they have woken something up. The lady named Jinx but Jinx does not know her own weakness that will put her to stop killing people. The only way to make her stop was in Audrey's journal.

In order for the Conway siblings, they have to keep the journal away from Jinx, to keep her from knowing how to stop. "You don't play the game, the game plays you."

Nice russian reversal, haven't heard it in a while. It's been quite some since I was requested to do this. It's been...a month maybe since I've done a review but now I have returned from questionable websites to continue my services. Don't ask which ones, the answer will disappoint you. Sitting at 180 reads and 57 stars, I shall give this underappreciated story a chance in the spotlight. Let's play a game, and this time, I get to win.

1. Writing Style✍

The writing style reminded me of those old school books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, and other classics. The writing had a lovely sense of humor especially with the main character's viewpoints. I also loved the attention to detail with the character him but I'll discuss that later. It was just fun to read and it just fits so well with the character. And the text outside of the humor really set the tone well.

"Blood everywhere, pooling the ground beneath me. I was sitting on the floor, just crying. Things happened so fast. There was a blood in my face and clothes, but I did not care. I was so tired to move. I cannot move any muscle. I had no strength to move. I am defenseless."
(Chapter One Part One)

"I used to love them as a kid, but as many challenges come to life - like my situation right now - my eyes are being opened to reality. That there is no such thing as "happily ever after," things like those.
(Chapter One Part One)

"My breath fastened and my stomach, my pale, gross-looking stomach, was drawing in and out as I begged for respiration. I brought my hands to both of my sides of my head, running it through the white hair. Tears spilled from down my eyes."
(Chapter One Part Two)

"Then, across my feet, there was a knife. Its sharp end has blood too. I sent both my bloody hands to the sides of my hair, pulling it out. I sobbed and sobbed, shaking my head as I laughed hysterically and evilly.
(Chapter One Part Two)

If I had to say anything, it probably be to add some more intensity to really make the readers feel something, but overall it's great!

2. Plot📖

So the plot, in my opinion, is pretty standard in terms of other horror films and books. I've seen some horror movies use possessed or haunted games for the story, like Ouija and truth-or-dare, which I'll discuss later. So from the description, it's no surprise that it follows a similar story from other films.

Now I've read as many as five chapters because I wanted the readers of this review to experience the story for themselves and also, I plan on reading this in my spare time. So obviously I have no idea what happens next but allow me to give you a summary of what happened. So three siblings, Mavis, Mavy, and Malcolm get kicked out their aunt's house for breaking a vase. They get relocated to a new area which houses many serects of its own and from the description, it seems like the teens will stumble upon the dangerous game, Jinx. That's all I shall tell you.

As I've said, I like the idea but it is far from original, there are a few films who beat you to the punch, the film Truth-Or-Dare and Ouija board especially. Though I cannot wait to see how it all occurs when they begin playing.

3. Characters🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

The characters felt a little bit bland in my eyes, at the start of the few chapters I've read, you can see who is exactly narrating and to be honest, it didn't make much of a difference. I do praise the comedy and the classic arguments but they feel like carbon copies, just in a different gender. I guess...they weren't interesting to me. No dynamic distinctions, when making characters, personality is key for a character to become memorable and adored by the reader. I do hope that you will understand my opinion.

4. Environmental and Character Descriptions👁🏞

This is something I immediately spotted in terms of what needed to be improved. The beginning chapters just lack descriptions and though there are some sprinkled in here and there, I didn't find anything that really appealed to me.

Like when they arrived to the new house, things like the interior and floorboard were described but not in detail. If you have trouble coming up with decent descriptions, I would probably try closing your eyes, think out whatever it is that you want, and describe as specifically as possible.

Or just take the other route and look at a few other books I've reviewed, the choice is yours.

5. Originality💡

As I have stated previously, the story is very similar to other films and books before it. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though you do need to put some original thoughts into the story to avoid a cliche. Here's something to think about when I deciding originality, could literally anyone else have the same idea and how people could have that idea?

When I look at the originality, it definitely seems like there are quite a few people who could come up with the same idea, am I saying that the story is unoriginal, no. I am simply stating that it could use some touch-ups to make it a more original concept.

6. Overall Tone🎭

This book carries a heavy load of suspense, sadness, comedy, and of course horror and I love it. I do think that you can expand on these tones to make the story really pop.

And with that, let's see where your book falls, don't Jinx it!

Rating Score: 🌟🌟🌟 and a half

This story has potential and I can definitely feel it, you just have to tap into because your audience must see it as well. I trust that you will take my advice and use it to strengthen yourself. Good luck and if you require anything, you have the entire community of Wattpad for assistance and family.

Until next time.