In The Rage Room, S.I. Almanza introduces us to Matt, a character whose life is akin to a ticking time bomb, shaped by a deeply traumatic past. His narrative is one of resilience, struggling to reconcile his troubled upbringing with his present. He was born to a mother whose gentle soul was enslaved by addictive substances, an unfortunate situation that eventually claimed her life. His father, a figure of arrogance and abuse, was the source of further torment. The narrative is further punctuated by the mental health struggles of his younger sister, Jodie, whose battle with severe depression ultimately leads to her tragic suicide. This series of catastrophic events leaves Matt in solitude, grappling with the specters of his past.

Matt’s professional life as a housing officer shines as a beacon of success, a stark contrast to his haunted personal life. However, his encounter with an enigmatic elderly man on a routine train ride shatters this facade, revealing the turbulent undercurrents of his life. This pivotal event triggers a series of revelations about Matt’s latent violent tendencies and the sinister secrets that lie beneath his surface.

In my assessment, Matt’s downfall can be attributed to the unbearable loneliness and his reluctance to seek assistance. Despite being plagued by auditory hallucinations and nightmarish dreams, he found himself unable to confide in anyone. His emotional wounds remained untreated, further fueled by his isolation. Even though his colleague Hayley offered him affection, his pride and past experiences kept her at a distance.

While the narrative is primarily focused on Matt, it would have enhanced the depth of the story to have a richer exploration of the secondary characters. Initially, the suspense of the story was captivating, yet over time, the direction of the narrative became somewhat ambiguous. Matt’s character, however, maintains an air of mystery throughout, with each page unveiling a new facet of his complex personality.

The Rage Room is commendable for its innovative character development and plot structure. Almanza’s talent for crafting vivid descriptions brings the narrative to life, engaging readers in the unfolding drama. For avid readers and fans of psychological thrillers, The Rage Room is an engaging read, combining creative writing with suspenseful storytelling. Almanza’s work will keep you at the edge of your seat, eager to unravel the enigma that is Matt.

Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0C3BMNGV1