It’s hard to describe this book. It was rather disfunctional. I struggled to keep reading it. It’s a shame as the description had to premise to be a great read.

This was an intriguing thriller with plenty of twists and turns and plenty to think about! I wasn’t a fan of the fact that there were no chapters to break up the writing but it did flow quite well.

I was riveted from the start and what starts off as a case of being trapped soon turns into a dark, chilling, gruesome ordeal. I love thrillers like this book because it sets your own mind thinking of different possibilities and what you would do in the same circumstances.

No chapters?!? Thank goodness this wasn't that long. [I'm a fan of chapters]
The blurb to this was intriguing. The focus is on a cast of characters (that for the most part were unlikable) trying to escape an apartment. Why and who is targeting these people is a mystery. You can feel the heightened tension through colorful dialogue. But is this far-fetched story believable? Not really. All I can say, is that thank goodness it wasn't too long.

This book was creepy and engaging. Following a group of people living in an apartment building when they are locked in and terrorised by a group of unknown people. Beginning with not being able to get out of the building and not having internet connection the situation quickly deteriorates.

The situation becomes more and more sinister as, through flashbacks we see how the main character has ended up in the apartment building.

The reveal at the end was interesting and unexpected.

*thank you to Netgalley, Legend Press and Jakub Żulczyk for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*


2.5 stars.


Ahhh! This had so so SO much potential! I had such high hopes for this as the description of the story sounded absolutely amazing.

It began quite well. Enough going on to get me excited that it was going to go well. But, like a candle, it burned out pretty soon. It just dragged and I found myself often losing interest. I kept going though because I really wanted it to pick up but no.

Unfortunately this is a no from me but it wasn't a complete write off as there were small bits here and there that were well told. So overall, an ok read, at a stretch, but could have been much better in my opinion.

I had a really hard time getting into this title. This may have been an issue of not hitting me personally like the book was aiming to. Often I find en media res to be hard to swallow. Sometimes, if done a certain way, I can handle it. Here it felt confusing. I didn't really understand what was happening and it took me out of it right away. I'm going to give it a two because I appreciate the effort and creativity that went into it.

3.5 Stars
Agnieszka needs a way out of her loveless marriage and when she is left her grandmothers flat called 'the institute' she see's an opportunity to re-start her life and gain custody of her daughter. But one morning after she and her flat mates wake up they are trapped; the lift cables have been cut and there is no way out. What or who is behind this imprisonment and is there any way that they can make it out alive?

I really enjoyed this book and the premise was like a trapped room mystery which I love; the speed with which things start to unravel was compelling. I really enjoyed the mystery element and wish that the 'they' portion of the story had included more details as I was intrigued by the shadowy organisation an her Grandmother's history.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review

I think that the premise of the book has much promise, but the execution of it was lacking. I was drawn in by the comparison to Stephen King, and perhaps that was my first mistake. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was interesting. It often was disjointed and distracting. I was left wondering if the effect was one purpose or accidental. Was it a change due to translation? I don't know. But an apartment complex in lockdown is not new and I was hoping for a new take on it. This was god but fell a little flat.

This was a fast-paced, quick read. This book had a very claustrophobic and creepy feel to it. Recommend for anyone into horror.

I had been very interested in this Polish thriller/horror - but unfortunately, I find the writing being uneven. The story is torn between a social and historical commentary (quite boring) and ominous part (quite interesting). There are some red herrings thrown in, but they lead nowhere in reality, which is a pity, because some of them could create far interesting story than the one the last parts really play.
I see this novel as a missed opportunity - because, truly, do we really know what is going around, what is happening at the flats of our neighbours? No, we don’t - but maybe we should.

It’s been awhile since I last read a horror book, I would say this is in between horror and thriller. It was an ok read, I might have gone in with high expectations. Some parts of the book were a bit disturbing so not for the faint hearted. Would recommend for horror fans.

This novel is so good it almost made me late for work! It’s claustrophobic, creepy, horrific and incredibly addictive. It’s also hard to define and there are no easy explanations. The residents of an apartment in Krakow are trapped in their flat and can’t even communicate with the outside world. Who’s doing it and why? Agnieszka inherited the residence from her mysterious grandmother and she doesn’t heed the multiple warnings she receives. Once they are isolated, Agnieszka and her roommates slowly but surely start losing their minds, suspecting everyone and revealing their darkest sides. These are not likeable characters, but they do have redeeming qualities. They are also willing to do anything to break free. The horror is psychological and physical. Some parts are extremely disturbing (including some animal cruelty). This is not a pleasant book to read. It’s raw and violent and really messed up. It is also excellent.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ Legend Press!

Quick Synopsis: Agnieszka and her friends are trapped in their fifth floor apartment called The Institute. Windows and doors are sealed with no phone line and internet access. They are cut off from the outside world. And soon after, a note in gory red letters with the message, "This is our apartment" by 'they' was delivered to Agnieszka and her friends.

My thoughts: Oh boy, this book gives me so much anxiety! I can't imagine getting trapped in my own apartment without knowing what is really going on. There was so much suspense and tension especially when these friends begin to turn against each other. As far as suspense goes, the author delivered it so well!

This is a short book and I was really surprised just how well developed the characters are. Their backstories were really interesting and as I read them, I was like Agnieszka too trying to figure out the reason for this game they are in.

Overall, this is a great claustrophobic mystery thriller with a blend of horror that I enjoyed. This was my first book by this Polish author and I am looking forward to reading more of his books. It you're looking for a quick read, fast-paced and intense story, this may be the book for you!


Pub. Date: Out now!

***Thank you Legend Press, author Jakub Zulczyk and NetGalley for this gifted ARC copy to read and review.***

Riveting, unusual, horrific…. This was a wild one. I enjoyed it! Not your typical psychological thriller but an insane ride!

3.5/5 Interesting plot line, though I'm sure this would have been more engaging with greater knowledge of Polish history.

2.5/5

Overall the premise of this book was great and it started off well. It was dark, claustrophobic and thrilling, however I’m not sure that the translation worked well enough and the fact that there was no chapters to speak of made it really difficult to read.

This book needs some trigger warnings - there is some fairly graphic animal abuse/murder (cats), attempted sexual assault of a minor, alcoholism, racial slurs, homophobia, drug abuse, gore and torture. This could be upsetting for some. I’m not certain why profanity was used liberally throughout - words like wh*re, c*nt etc seemed to be peppered for shock value.

I really wanted to love this but in the end I really struggled. The ending felt quite obvious and rushed.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC. Opinions are entirely my own.

Well, this was a strange one. I’m not at all clear about what it was all about – only that it was dark and disturbing and creepy. A psychological drama, thriller, horror – all of these – as well as a story of a mother’s love for her daughter and her struggle to look after her. It’s a complex and convoluted tale, and I wondered if a Polish readership would enjoy it more than I did. Certainly there are a lot of references that I’m sure passed over my head. But in fact a lot of the Polish reviews on Goodreads give only 2* and I only wish I could read them. All that being said, I found the book compelling, if puzzling. Agnieszka, the protagonist, owns an apartment in Krakow. She’s there one day with some friends and inexplicably they find themselves locked in. The gate on the landing is locked and the lift doesn’t work. Then they find themselves without internet. And so it goes on as they become increasingly isolated and trapped, and decide “they” must be targeting them. “They” obviously have some sort of agenda. But who are “they”? What do “they” want? All very mysterious. And quite violent by the end. A very unsettling read, but for those who like this sort of thing, I recommend giving it a try. It’s certainly a novel that lingers in my mind.

A bit of a jumble that I really couldn’t be bothered unraveling. Unliveable characters and some horrible cruelty I could have done without. I’m no clearer by the explanation at the ending than I was before. Just not one for me.