N0S4A2 by Joe Hill

Genre: Horror/Fiction

Date of Publication: October 15, 2013

Memorable Quotation: “You look at birds all of your life without ever knowing what was a Sparrow and what was a Blackbird, but we all know a Swan when we see it. So it was with cars. Maybe you could not tell a Firebird from a Fiero but when you saw a Rolls- Royce, you knew it.” (pg.52)

If you liked these, you’ll like this: The film 'Wanted', Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

Lasting Impression: As Vic McQueen takes you on a wild ride in this fast-paced story, full of secret bridges, unique characters, and the illusive Christmasland, N0S4A2 may have you look at the holiday season differently for a long, long time!

Storyline: A+

Pace of Story: A-

Characters: A+

Ending: A

Overall Grade: A

*NOTE* I am adding a new section to my reviews, “If you liked these, you’ll like this.” I say in my reviews (or at least, I write a lot in my notes) how this book reminds me of this film, that book, etc. SO, to help peak your interest more, I will be putting in a section of what the book reminds me of (if anything). Give me your feedback! In the meantime, enjoy N0S4A2’s review!

This is probably one of the most visually-stimulating books I have read in a LONG time. What I mean by that is throughout the entire book, I could see everything that was happening, like a movie in my head. Although some aspects were a bit disturbing (which is expected from Hill) and other parts heartbreaking, the story overall packs a great punch and kept me glued to the pages as I rode along with Victoria McQueen through her journey.

The story centers around Vic “The Brat” McQueen and her Raleigh Tuff Burner bicycle (later on, her Triumph) and how she can cross the “Shorter Bridge” to find lost objects.  Eventually, she meets a warm-hearted junkie/librarian/champion scrabble player, Margaret Leigh, who warns her of Charles Manx, a child kidnapper and creator of Christmasland, and his 1938 Rolls Royce through the help of her scrabble pieces that can predict various things.

Eventually, as Leigh’s scrabble pieces predicted, fate leads Vic to Manx and the trouble only begins there.  Following the travels of Vic, Leigh, Manx, and other unforgettable characters, Vic is lead to Christmasland on a rescue mission. To become victorious, Vic will need the help of those who love her most, and only then will she find the strength to face Manx directly and give him what he deserves.

Hill does a great job with this novel on so many levels. The pace was good, although it is became too fast at times, reminding me of Vic on her bikes; at times going too fast, making things feel out of control, but once they slowed down, everything evened out.  I was also very impressed by the subtle, clever elements Hill integrated into the novel, especially the title (which I won’t spoil for you, you’ll have to read the book to understand, unless you wanted to say the title quickly *cough cough*).

Everything really fell into place with this novel. There were some structural and grammatical issues that bothered me and at first, I thought the ending was going to be a disappointment but after giving the ending more time to develop, it flourished and really tied everything up nicely, like a newly wrapped gift for Christmas.  

~Shelly-Beans