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"The Haunting of Barry Allen" (2016) by Clay and Susan Griffith


3.5/5

Ever since I've started reading Flash comics a couple years ago, I've pondered on the idea if DC has ever published a Flash novel (After all, they do so with Batman and Superman), but it wasn't until a month ago I found out that this book was already released. Of course, it ties into the show instead of the comic, but I decided to take what I could get. It's understandable that a Flash novel hasn't been published before now due to the stories and action heavily relying on visuals. However, I think Clay and Susan Griffith did great with what they had.

Based on the show somewhere in the middle of season 2 (though technically never happened due to time travel in a later episode), The Haunting of Barry Allen revolves around the Flash as his connection to the speed force is going on the fritz. Not only is he temporarily losing his speed, but he's also having hallucinations of loved ones he couldn't save. As if that wasn't bad enough, a few of his rogues are teaming up with a meticulous scheme to have complete control of Central City.

Though the novel is generally good in most parts, issues still exist. The first half of the novel takes its time with the concept of this story, but can also feel repetitive or awkwardly placed in moments. Once I got to the second half after Green Arrow's entrance, the story began to flow a lot better and there were a lot less unnecessary scenes going on. Though the story doesn't quite reach the amount of depth the best of the show has to offer, it get pretty close and the action sprinkled throughout was, for the most part, well-written and kept me entertained.

As far as media tie-in novels go, this was pretty good. All the characters are on point and the book keeps the same feeling as the show. Simply put, if you like the show and are struggling with the current hiatus, this book may be a good supplement until the next episode is released.

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