The Dark Inside by Rupert Wallis

 
The Dark Inside
Written by Rupert Wallis
Contemporary and Paranormal
Published July 2014
384 Pages
Thank you to Simon and Schuster
The House on the Hill has been abandoned for as long as James can remember. So when he discovers Webster, a drifter, hiding there, he's instantly curious about the story behind the homeless man. What is he running from?
Afflicted by a dark curse, Webster is no longer who he used to be. But there is said to be a cure and it might just be that by helping Webster, James will find some solace of his own. Together they embark on a journey, not knowing that what they discover will impact them both in ways they never imagined...

A gripping and haunting story about loss and hope, perfect for fans of Patrick Ness and David Almond.
Thirteen year old James is counting down the days until her turns eighteen, the only hope he has to be free of his abusive stepfather. But for now, his only solace is the run down and abandoned house on the hill, until he finds what seems to be a battered homeless man. With concern for the man's life, James mistakenly tells his stepfather, who has been emotionally absent since the woman who connected the two died a year prior. But when two men arrive in town offering gold for information to the homeless man's whereabouts, James feels he needs to warn him. The men are from a carnival, where Webster was being held captive. But Webster is no ordinary man, and both he and James flee the town of Timpston in search for something more. 

With the carnival travelers on their trail, both are trying to find somewhere to call home and find their feet in a world that neither seems to know anything about. Webster, a returned war veteran is broken, but harbours an incredible secret that will put both his and James' life in danger. On their journey to outrun the men, James is determined to find the key to lifting the curse that has been placed upon his new friend, in turn providing hope to Webster, who feels as his is just biding his time until he's recaptured and killed. 

Along the way, they encounter others that are not only willing to help, but open their lives and home to the travelling duo. It seems that hope is contagious, and James and Webster know that they wont be able to run forever and will be forced to confront what they are both trying to avoid.

My Thoughts


The Dark Inside is an incredibly difficult book to review without revealing the storyline that is a strange mix of contemporary and fantasy. It follows the life of James, thirteen years old and still mourning the loss of a car accident which killed his mother. It's now only he and his stepfather, who wavers between neglecting the boy in his care, or physically abusing him, often by way of belt or fists. His dream of escape comes in the form of Webster, a man on the run from recapture. What results is a road trip where both James and Webster learn about not only one another, but those they meet by chance along the way to self discovery and freedom, whatever the cost.

I absolutely adored the contemporary storyline, how two seemingly broken travel companions provided a sense of hope to others and brightened the lives of strangers, but the fantasy aspect was not only strange, but often left me bewildered and having to reread over passages. I just didn't get it. I'm not sure if the paranormal elements included were supposed to be realistic, or seen more symbolic of how the characters are feeling. Then again, I might be reading far more into the intricate storyline, that may be seen as a fable. But upon finishing, it feels as though I've missed something, either a moral or life lesson. The ratings it's received so far have been mostly glowing. I must admit, I'm really not sure how I feel about this one.

I enjoyed aspects such as the characters, the message of hope that it portrayed and how the storyline flowed from gritty contemporary to dream like fantasy. But others, not so much. I don't quite understand why what would have been a solid four star contemporary coming of age, was brought down by the inclusion of a paranormal curse, what is essentially an evil witch and her minion and a boy who finds himself fleeing far more than the abuse he experienced at home.

I have no idea how to rate The Dark Inside, as I'm just not sure what it was. But I urge you to grab a copy, because I need someone to talk about this one with. It had left me feeling a broad spectrum of emotions that I just can't seem to put into words... Except for the ending that completely broke me.

10 comments

  1. I'd love to help you out, Kelly, but this seems strange to me. Lol. Is it really out of the blue? Because I'm not into that. I felt like they sometimes just put in too much. I don't really know why. But I guess it can make sense with that title. It was taken literally? Haha. And broke you? In a good way or bad way?

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    1. In a good way, sort of. The book takes you on an emotional journey and really grips you by the end. I think it's more so that I don't generally mix well with fantasy, but I think you'd actually enjoy this one, it's an intelligent read.

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  2. I was tempted to request this, but I wondered if it'd be too MG feeling since the narrator is only like 13? (Is it?) But ohhh, isn't it annoying when books can't settle on a genre. It's like they want a finger in all the cookie jars. PICK AND STICK, BOOKS.

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    1. It's definitely not middle grade, but a really intelligent read. I think parts were deliberately left unsaid so the reader can draw their own conclusions. It's just me that didn't fully engage with the storyline. Give it a go, the other early reviews have all been blown away and by a debut author as well.

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  3. Great review Kelly, it kind of reminds me of White Space by Ilsa J Bick with the kind of dream world and everything. I'll prepare myself for an unusual and a different ride, thanks for the thoughts!

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    1. I tried to read White Space, but couldn't really get into it sadly. If you enjoyed that, no doubt you'll love this one Jeann. Looking forward to your review.

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  4. Oh wow. On the one hand, I find the premise really intruiging and this seem like a book that will have you thinking about it days after reading it. On the other, the book sounds like it has TOO much of everything if that makes any a sense. I will def check this out Kelly, but I will keep your review in mind and prepare myself for an emotional and somewhat draining ride. Lovely review!

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    1. Thanks Amir, it'll definitely keep you on your toes. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  5. I remember seeing on you Aussies getting a copy of this one so I immediately added it to my TBR list. I am definitely more curious now because PARANORMAL CURSES. ZOMG. I am a little worried about the child abuse aspect because it is a very touchy issue but hopefully, things will work out for me when I get around to reading this book.

    Lovely review, Kelly Bear!! :)

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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    1. Thanks Rashika.
      It barely touches on James' life before it whisks off into his adventure, so you're safe from any graphic descriptions, but James and his will to escape. I think you'll really enjoy this one, the symbolism, the quirk and dark storyline.

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