Book Review: Run on Red by Noelle W. Ihli
I stumbled upon Run on Red by Noelle W. Ihli on my digital shelves, and I have to say, it drew me in immediately. The allure of a horror-thriller centered around a terrifying night out promises to be riveting, right? With a premise that had my pulse quickening just from reading the synopsis, I was thrilled to dive in—even a little nervous, hoping it wouldn’t fall flat on its face. Spoiler alert: it didn’t!
Set against the backdrop of a rural country road, Run on Red is a thrilling ride with college students Laura and Olivia, who are simply looking forward to a bonfire night. Their adventure swiftly descends into a nightmare, marked by an eerie feeling that they are being tailed by someone with sinister intentions. As things escalate, tension rips through the pages, and I found myself gripping the book, fully immersed in their desperate fight for survival.
The essence of the narrative captures both familiar and deeply unsettling themes: the vulnerability of young women, the cruelty human beings can inflict on one another, and the nature of fear itself. What I appreciated most was the way Ihli skillfully wove character development throughout the tension. Laura’s friendship with the overly cautious Olivia offers a beautiful but understated exploration of their personalities. The two aren’t just running from danger; they’re also grappling with their internal struggles—and I loved seeing their raw courage emerge in the face of terror.
Ihli’s writing style is engaging, informal, and conversational, making you feel like you’re right there in the car with the characters. Olivia’s introspections and the duo’s interactions feel real and relatable. There were moments that made me think, “Oh, I would totally feel that way too!” The pacing is tightly wound, keeping me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t help but burn the midnight oil because I simply had to know what would happen next!
One of my favorite elements of the book is its take on "horror." This isn’t the kind of horror with spinning heads and demons lurking in the shadows; instead, it taps into the realistic, visceral fear of being pursued by other humans. It feels hauntingly possible, which is what I believe makes it genuinely terrifying. The fear feels tangible as Laura and Olivia confront their enemies and draw from a sense of tenacity that not only propels the plot but deepens our connection to them.
Sure, the ending struts a little on the side of the unrealistic, but honestly? That’s part of the thrill. It’s satisfying in a way that left me with a sense of conclusion tied up with a bow—a rarity in thrillers like this.
Run on Red is a gripping, heart-pounding read for anyone who loves a chase, enjoys exploring the darker corners of human nature, or simply wants to experience a well-executed horror-thriller. If you’re a fan of Sara Ennis and her Dollhouse series, I would argue this book will fit right into your favorites list.
In a world where our day-to-day feels increasingly mundane, Ihli’s narrative stands out as a stark reminder of the unyielding dread that can seep into our lives at any moment. It’s a reminder to be aware, to be vigilant—and, above all, to be ready to scream if need be!
So, grab your copy and prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions. Who knows, you might just find yourself holding your breath along with Laura and Olivia, feeling their fear and courage seep through the pages! A huge thank you to Dynamite Books, NetGalley, and Noelle W. Ihli for providing an advanced copy. You won’t want to miss this one!
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