Review: The Dark Net by Benjamin Percy

Title: The Dark Net
Author: Benjamin Percy
Pages: 272
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Supernatural
Source: Free ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Rating: 4 stars

Note: As stated under the Source (above), I received this book for free from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

Review: First, I want to say that it has been awhile since I read this book and I’ve been remiss in reviewing, so it sort of goes without saying (though, I guess I’m saying) that my review is based more on my feelings about the book because the fine details have floated away into the ether. Therefore, no summary. Thank goodness for Goodreads, right?

The most important point I would make is that I would read it again. Not like an annual reread. It isn’t a new favorite. But it was interesting enough – different enough – that I’d enjoy reading it again.

While I couldn’t recount the ins and outs of the story, I can tell you that the premise is current technology meets ancient demons. Good vs. evil with evil finding more modern ways to creep into our lives and dominate. The characters were likeable, the pace was good. I always enjoy a supernatural element. I find the more fantastical something is, the easier it is to let go and sink into the story because I’m not fighting preconceived notions based on my own reality. Fantasy = unknown reality. And there is so much room for creativity when there aren’t as many rules. So, yay for that!

There was a point towards the end where I felt it got a little out of hand. Or rather, it was a bit inconsistent. Kind of like going from a mainstream horror film to a B movie. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate B movies. I definitely do. It’s the transition from something supernatural but somewhat serious to something less so that bothered me. Not enough to make me put it down, and not enough to make me change my recommendation, but it’s worth noting. Mostly because it’s something that I recall six weeks after finishing it.

In a nutshell, it was entertaining, had story elements that I tend to appreciate, and was a fun enough read that I’d do it again. Considering it’s been six weeks since I finished it, I’d say that’s a decent enough recommendation.