This may very well be one of the shortest book reviews I’ve ever written. And, technically, it’s not a book review because I honestly can’t say much about it without risking ruining any number of surprises and secrets. I’m always on the lookout for books that are “different.” And Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero qualified for that list. With a capital Q.
Have you read House of Leaves? Did you find its occasional weird formatting to be part of the fun of reading it? Supernatural Enhancements tells a story with a mix of different storytelling methods — video and audio transcripts, first-person narration, journals, and actual images of postcards, sketches, and more.
Have you read S.? With its story wrapped in a story, and the fun mix of over 20 pieces of inserted ephemera and two-party dialogue in the margins, it offered up plenty of mystery and embedded puzzles. Supernatural Enhancements also has a couple different stories going at once, and while its ephemera are not removable, the images included in the book are just fun and help make the story feel a bit more real.
Here’s what I can tell you about Supernatural Enhancements without ruining ANY surprises. 353 pages. Axton House. A dead relative. A newly arrived inheritor and tag-along friend. A handful of codes. A mysterious organization. Strange dreams. A dog adoption certificate. An outdoor hedge maze. A once a year gathering at the house. Code names. Secret rooms. Twist endings. (Yeah… more than one.)
I read the entire thing in two sittings — it is eerie and fun and full of surprises. I wouldn’t be surprised to discover a movie or mini-series developed once word of this one gets out. (And there’s another point — read it BEFORE word spreads and discussions start.)
That’s it. Take a chance or miss out.
Couldn’t agree more! Took me three sittings, but I loved every minute of it! It went quick! Too quick. I am tempted to read it again!