A review by shereadytoread
Polybius by Collin Armstrong

dark tense

4.0

Before I finished this book I wasn't aware that it was based on an urban legend, but it does read like that. It's a solid read. I enjoyed the story. 

Weaknesses: 

• The main characters can be a little flat; there's not enough of a difference in style/mannerism/etc. that separates them. You could swap them in and out and it would still work. 
• The end of the story is more of an "epilogue" than an actual ending which makes it feel a little bit rushed

Strengths:

• I found the plot to be really interesting. If you are aware of the urban legend, you'll probably know the general of where things head
• The story builds tension and dread really well. It starts with small events that just seem off and continue to build in intensity throughout the story 
• Slight spoiler for general event but not detail or plot reveal:
  Having one of the main characters be affected but still part of the group was great call. It adds a lot of suspense to those moments where you are not sure if they will harm the group or react normally.
• It manages to be super violent without being extremely gory. There is definitely a little gore, but I think this is a book that a wider audience could really enjoy

I would love to see this book as a movie!

Disclosure: I was given an eARC by the publisher, but ended up checking out the print from my local library to finish it.