Book Review: The Bird Eater by Ania Ahlborn

First of all, there’s a dog called Barney in The Bird Eater, so we’re off to a great start in this review! The book is commendable for that reason alone.


“You couldn’t live with the devil and expect to come out whole.”
Ahlborn writes some of the most readable, yet highly addictive horror stories. When you pick up one of her books time flies by and before you know it, you’ve devoured 100 pages. Usually 100 spooky, chilling pages - it is always a pleasure!

I really enjoy those stories wherein we are watching a character struggling with their inner demons. Their life has been flipped upside down by some tragic event, they turn to alcohol or drugs and push away everyone that is close to them. Our protagonist, Aaron, is already losing his grip before he returns to his childhood home, and what he encounters there only pushes him further toward the edge. He is tormented by a strange boy that won’t leave him alone, and piles of dead birds keep appearing in the house....

As is always the case with Ahlborn, I love how she unravels the story and slowly drops creepy little pieces of information into the narrative. You’re constantly kept on your toes and left wondering - is it the grief and addiction driving him crazy? Or is it something more sinister?

I always say that Ahlborn doesn’t disappoint with her endings, and this one is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this disturbing book and would highly recommend to any horror fan! 4 stars.

Johann
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