Review: Very thrilling ride! I wish it was longer!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 2, 2011
House Trap is about a teenager girl named Rachel. She is an overachiever, goes above and beyond in all she does. Unfortunately, this doesn't make much time for her family or to make friends. So one day while in math class, given she has the best grades, she is forced to tutor a rude and popular girl at school named Alicia. Rachel, of course, doesn't want to tutor her, but has no choice. Everything goes fine until Rachel leaves to use the bathroom. This is when all hell breaks loose. Alicia's home is under attack and even though it has the House Trap, a security system meant to trap intruders inside, it also traps the girls and Alicia's siblings in with the intruders.I was emailed a few days ago by the author to review this book. After reading the description, I was more than glad to dive in. But I had no idea how heart pounding this was going to be. I honestly didn't see this as a book, but more like a movie. Being trapped in a house with men who are intent on killing you, yeah, the adrenaline was staggering to say the least.I liked that the bulk of this book was about escaping with the children alive. We get a look into the life of Rachel and see that she doesn't make time for anyone or anything. All she wants to do is go to her dream college, Dartmouth. She ignores and snaps at her mom and brother. But while in that house, knowing there's a good chance her life will end, you see her missing them and regretting the way she has been so bitter towards them. And that was such a lesson for her, actually I think that was the lesson of the book. Change your ways now because you don't know what will happen tomorrow.I loved the plot of the book. It felt real and put me in that mindset, "What would I have done?" It was so suspenseful and thrilling; I just couldn't put this down. I mean, for all intents and purposes, I felt like I was reading an autobiography. That is how authentic this book felt. I applaud Mauthor for writing it in a way that forces his readers to put themselves in the characters shoes. It is truly brilliant.The only complaints I have are that I would have liked more background story. We get a taste, but a little more would have been nice, especially where Alicia's dad was concerned. We knew who he was (tiny spoiler here, so I won't say), but I wish we could know what he was thinking after everything happened. Seeing his life's work being questioned and brought to light; I definitely was dying to know what he was thinking. What would his next step be? Would he keep going with his project or start over again? I am very curious. Also I have to note there were about a handful of grammar issues here and there. But if you are like me, you will be so engulfed in the story, they won't be a bother.This book fell in my lap and well it is going to stay there. It wasn't underdone or overdone, it was right on point. It felt so real and it was so thrilling. And for a short story, that just makes it all the more impressive. We get a few twists that make the book even more exhilarating. If you want a suspenseful, fast-paced thriller, I would highly recommend you check this out. It is only for a dollar, but trust me, it will be the greatest thing $.99 could buy. It is a steal as far as I am concerned.