Review By: Stephanie Kenific
Published: 2023
Genre(s): Horror
Audience: Grades 9–12, Adult
Content Warnings: Disturbing images, Body horror, Violence, Strong language
Goodreads Link: Beholder
Summary:
Athan Bakirtzis has a family secret: he can rewind mirrors to see what they have witnessed. When a massacre breaks out at a Manhattan penthouse party, his ability draws him into a terrifying world of dark magic and occult societies. As he navigates grief, danger, and obsession, Athan begins to realize that something sinister has always been watching him—from behind his reflection.
Review:
When Athan (like Nathan without the N) attends a glamorous party in a Manhattan penthouse, he can’t wait to get away from the mindless revelry. He flees to the bathroom, where he is stopped by a shorter teenager wearing a butterfly bandana who urges him to get inside and bar the door, not coming out no matter what he hears. Then the screaming starts. Athan avoids the massacre thanks to his savior’s warning but is still forced to go on the run to avoid suspicion.
Athan’s family possesses a hereditary power to rewind mirrors, revealing the recent past—but something dark lives within those reflections. As Athan reconnects with the mysterious Dom, he discovers a secret society, the Patrons, responsible for gruesome violence and manipulation.
Like The Honeys, Beholder offers inventive supernatural horror with queer representation and emotionally complex characters. However, the plot is messy, with confusing action sequences and underdeveloped antagonists. The imagery is striking but graphic, and the pacing uneven. This book may appeal to dedicated horror fans, but it is not ideal for readers new to the genre.
