4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Taking of Jake Livingston” By Ryan Douglass 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

Wow.. this was an emotionally charged horror that delved right into some complexities of identity, loss, and the supernatural. From the very first page, I was gripped by the intense atmosphere and the unique premise of the story. 

 

Jake Livingston is not your typical high school student. He grapples with being one of the the only black students at St. Clair Prep, but what sets him apart even more is his ability to see the dead. This extraordinary gift is both a curse and a source of isolation for Jake, as he navigates a world where he's constantly surrounded by lingering spirits. 

 

What struck me most about this book is its willingness to confront difficult themes and trigger warnings head-on. 

 

As the story unfolds, the narrative takes a chilling turn when Jake encounters Sawyer, a vengeful ghost with a sinister agenda. This encounter unravels the boundaries between the living and the dead, plunging Jake into a dangerous and horrifying struggle for survival. 

 

While undeniably a horror story, it is also much deeper than that with themes of identity, racism, and trauma. Jake's journey is not just a battle against supernatural forces but also an exploration of self-acceptance and finding one's place in a world that often feels hostile. 

 

I thought the character development was exceptional, particularly in Jake's growth as he grapples with his unique abilities and the challenges that come with them. The supporting cast also adds depth to the story, each character contributing to the overall richness of the narrative. 

 

I highly recommend it if you are looking for a horror novel with depth and substance. Just be sure to heed the content warnings.