PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Bugs of any kind give me a creepy, crawly feeling. Spiders are at the top of that list with their spindly legs and webbing. So, it goes without being said that The Boy with the Spider Face gave me the creepy crawlies. The first novella from AJ Franks presents the reader with a boy who is different from his community. He dives into what makes us different and how monsters are created.
Jeff Pritchet is not like other teenage boys; he has a spider face that makes others target him. All Jeff wants is a friend, so when Aarav Jain comes to his neighborhood, he seems hopeful to not be lonely anymore. The unique pair find hatred from both sides as Jeff discovers another side of him… if pushed, he can be venomous.
The Boy with the Spider Face is fast-paced. I was able to read it in one sitting. The premise of the novel is universal. A kid who is different gets bullied. He finds a friend but xenophobia and homophobia take over. Jeff’s parents don’t like people like the Jains, and Aarav’s father does not accept Jeff.
We see the transformation for young Jeff as the hatred seeps in. The ending of the novella is a little bit cliché but it works. I really like the use of the scientific words when describing Jeff’s spider biology. Jeff is a relatable character that everyone can see themselves in.
I had hoped there would be more explanation why Jeff has a spider face. It could have been expanded, but then again, it allows the reader to come up with their own background. There could have been more character development for Aarav, and there could have been more explanation on why he moved so many times.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Boy with the Spider Face. It is a fast-paced read about the monstrous transformation of a young boy. It shows how hatred can corrupt and change the most innocent. The novella can be purchased digitally and in print. Check it out!
