Blind Fear Review Spotlight

Blind Fear is the third book in Nick Clausen’s Under the Breaking Sky series and the horror continues in this dystopian-style survival novel.

Blind Fear picks up where book two left things off – with a variety of characters scattered across the city fighting for survival. There are four types of people right now – the blind, the immune, the dead, and those wondering...where will I land on this twisted spectrum? The crack in the sky is getting stronger. It’s conjuring twisted images to compel those who have resisted looking, and those who are immune to falter. What is it? What does it want? Those are questions that will continue to plague not just the characters in this story, but you the reader as well.

This book has quite a few compelling elements in it that really draw the reader into it. Each chapter continues to alternate between new and old characters. Don’t get too comfortable with one character, because the next chapter will take you to another’s fight for survival. I have to applaud the author for how he begins to show the amount of strain that this whole situation is putting on some of the characters. But the author also gives something that I’ve been curious about and hoping for – a glimpse at the dark side behind the curtain. No, the author doesn’t take us behind/into the crack, he takes us someplace else. The author gives you a glimpse at what is happening to those who are found to be “immune.” But just a tiny taste.

When it comes to the pacing of this story, it’s okay. The story moves along at a good pace, but I felt that this book was a bit bland by comparison to the previous others. I wanted more edge-of-your-seat moments in this book. I’m not saying that there aren’t some thrilling moments, but there really isn’t much to pull you to the edge of your seat and keep you there. I know that every horror story can’t be thrills and chills constantly, that causes the story to become repetitive, but I wanted a bit more oomph with this book.

At this point in the series, I’m ready for more. I’m ready for more information about the crack in the sky. I’m ready to know what exactly it is. Where it came from, how it came to be. What exactly is its purpose? The author does drop little hints along the way, hinting at something big that is coming. However, until we get some bigger clues, and yes, some flat-out explanations we’re going to continue to be in the dark. This book’s lack of new information concerning the crack is really the most disappointing aspect concerning it. It’s disappointing to approach this book with such anticipation only to be disappointed in that specific factor.

This book does end on another cliffhanger, but it’s a mild one due to the specific character selected for it to end on. I would have ended with the previous character the author focused on because it would have left at least an anticipatory element.

When you get down to it Blind Fear is a mixed bag of a story. It has its good moments when the drama is heightened and you’re wondering – what is going to happen next?? Then it has its low moments where you’re waiting for answers that never really come and a bit more drama in key moments. As it is, this book feels lacking. It really feels like there is something missing, but you just can’t put your finger on it. This author, Nick Clausen, is a phenomenal writer, but it really feels like he ran out of steam in spots.

I’m choosing to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I like the various dynamics sprinkled throughout. I wanted a few more follow-ups on certain characters that you’ll be left twisting in the wind behind. The focus on the blind really amps up the twisted nature of what is going on. It really shines a light on how you just don’t know what is going on. I would have liked more of the facility, and the horrors that lie within, but all you’re going to get is a tiny taste. I’m really hoping for more in the next book. More answers, more drama, more twisted. I’m ready to start learning the truth, and hopefully, that will be coming soon.

If you have read this series to this point and are eager to continue your journey, I encourage you to do so. Things are getting interesting but just be prepared for the pacing. It’s slower as there are fewer living, but there will be moments to get thrills behind. If you enjoy a good dystopian novel where the world is falling apart then this might be a good series to check out.