Another

In the spring of 1998, Kouichi Sakakibara transfers to Yomiyama North Middle School. In class, he develops a sense of unease as he notices that the people around him act like they’re walking on eggshells, and students and teachers alike seem frightened. As a chain of horrific deaths begin to unfold around him, he comes to discover that he has been placed in the cursed Class 3 in which the student body head count is always one more than expected. Class 3 is haunted by a vengeful spirit responsible for gruesome deaths in an effort to satisfy its spite. To stop the vicious cycle gripping his new school, Kouichi decides to get to the bottom of the curse, but is he prepared for the horror that lies ahead…?

Original Publisher

kadokawa

English Publisher

yen press

Original Language

japanese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on Another "Another" had been on my radar for a while, given its reputation as a modern horror classic. Diving in, I found a story that lived up to the hype, even if it didn't completely blow me away. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a cursed class at North Yomi Middle School, Year 3 Class 3, where tragedy strikes every year. It's a compelling hook that kept me turning the pages. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn into the mystery surrounding the class and the strange atmosphere that permeates everything. The protagonist, Koichi Sakakibara, is a solid viewpoint character, and I appreciated how his outsider perspective allowed me to piece together the puzzle alongside him. There's a pervasive sense of dread and unease that the author builds masterfully, and I found myself genuinely invested in uncovering the secrets of Class 3. ### What Works Well The novel truly shines in its ability to create a captivating and suspenseful narrative. The way the curse unfolds, slowly revealing its complexities, is expertly done. I particularly enjoyed the gradual escalation of events, with each revelation adding another layer of intrigue. The characters, even those with minor roles, felt surprisingly fleshed out, adding depth to the overall story. The author does a great job of giving us little snippets of backstory, making even the more minor characters feel three-dimensional. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the central mystery, I have to admit the big reveal didn't completely shock me. Perhaps I've become desensitized to twists in the horror genre, but I found myself more engrossed in the journey than the destination. That being said, the emotional impact of the reveal, the confusion and sense of loss experienced by Koichi, resonated deeply and elevated the story beyond a simple whodunnit. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Another" is a well-crafted horror novel that delivers on its promise of suspense and mystery. While the twist might not be earth-shattering for seasoned readers, the journey is more than worth it. The atmosphere is thick with dread, the characters are engaging, and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good horror book, even if you don't usually read the genre. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.