Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

I really enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. I liked the characters! Great writing style and I liked the storyline. This book kept me guessing. I finished it in one sitting.

This was absolutely insane, no phun intended. It had those eerie, creepy vibes from the very beginning and my heart kept beating faster and faster. When I realized what was going on my jaw dropped and I felt nauseous. This was such a wild ride. Bingeable and nervewrecking. You’re ment to feel confused and frustrated. Enjoy the ride.

This book managed to stay true to the move and still be entertaining and worth the read.

I enjoyed the subtle eeriness of the book and I found the way that they switched so quickly between characters to be delightful when I was worried that it would be jarring. I liked that they kept the atmosphere of not really knowing what was going on or who to believe at any given time and I think they did a wonderful job intertwining the sessions within the rest of the story.

Overall, I would recommend this book both to people who have seen the movie and those who have not. (Go watch the movie, too, though!!)

‘Session 9: The Official Novelization’ by Christian Francis is everything a fan of the original film could hope for—and more. Francis skillfully transports the terror and atmospheric dread of the 2001 cult classic into written form, and the result is utterly gripping. As someone who loved the eerie tension of the movie, I was thrilled with how the novel deepens the story, offering chilling new insights into the characters and the disturbing history of the Danvers State Hospital. The way Francis expands on the original screenplay is masterful, breathing new life into the horror while remaining faithful to the essence of the film. This book is a must-read for horror fans, whether you're familiar with the movie or discovering its dark secrets for the first time. Prepare to be haunted all over again. Perfect for spooky season!

A terrific book. Once I started I could not put it down. Session 9 is one of the most underrated horror movies of all time. To be honest, I wasn't sure how a novelization would work since the movie is so atmospheric and the setting plays such a huge part. However, the book does an outstanding job of effectively painting a picture of the setting and atmosphere. This book is a worthy companion to the movie for anyone that has already seen the movie and, at the same time, is a terrific read for anyone that hasn't yet seen the movie. Highly recommended.

This was a wonderfully done novelization for a movie that I really enjoyed. It did everything that I was looking for from a good novelization, it added to the story and fleshed it out better. I thought Christian Francis has a strong writing style and it told the story perfectly. It was suspenseful and glad it was what I wanted from this type of book.

If you liked the televised version, you will love this.
It stayed spot on, and somehow to my shocked, managed to keep that same creepy vibe.

I've watched it x so I had to snag this to see how it stacked up.
Books are always better but this one, I wasn't sure how it would translate over, and I'm impressed.

Creepy and gripping, and a side bonus is you learn more then you did if you watched it, which, I am always wanting more when something is really good.

Good news is, you don't have to watch or read first imo to enjoy either one!

I really liked the film of this novelization, so when I saw that this had been written, I just knew I had to read it!

Abandoned insane asylum - check
Creepy, foreboding atmosphere - check
Tension between friends/colleagues - check

Session 9 is about an abatement crew sent in to clear asbestos from the abandoned Danvers state institute, with a slight back story of patient Mary Hobbes thrown in for good measure.
What could go wrong?

It's a perfect read for spooky season just around the corner.

Thank you to the publisher for granting early access to this book via Netgalley.

With the backdrop of a real abandoned mental hospital. Session 9 is briliantly creepy and even though I watched and enjoyed the classic film years ago this book made me want to watch it again

It is fantastically creepy, the eerie setting made the hairs on my neck stand up and with twists and shocks this book is enough for the upcoming Halloween season.

It is well written and I loved it ...

I watched the film years ago but couldn’t remember the ending so when I saw this was a written novelization, I jumped at the chance to experience this for the first time again. And boy did it deliver!

Absolutely creepy. Set in an abandoned insane asylum over the course of about a week, a cleaning crew is sent in to clean asbestos from the building but an eerie foreboding ambiance surrounds the building. With added details to the characters and setting it sets a tension fueled pace and the more I read the more I had questions about what was going on under the surface until it finally clicks. The ending really delivered, and now I have to go watch the movie. This was great and so perfect for spooky season.

I have not seen the film so I didn't have anything to compare this book to. There was a great storyline with a very creepy, almost immersive setting. I will definitely be checking out the movie now!

Very interesting book, having not seen the film I got a good image of what it's about. Suspense kept me reading til the end. Great view of characters. Although didn't quite get the ending, I feel this could be explained better but maybe the film does it, will give it a watch now. Overall good book.

This book kept me interested throughout it. The twist toward the end was so unexpected. Absolutely recommended. The characters you got to know really well as it went. Great storyline.

I'll be adding a review to tik toc soon

This was a fantastic adaption of the movie which follows the renovation of an abandoned sanatorium where strange happenings take place.
Session 9 is such a great horror movie and this novelisation did not disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story unfolded, how the tension increased with each paragraph and how the characters and setting were clearly explored prior to the events unfolding.
I think the movie still wins out on creep factor only because of the vocalisation of Mary's personalities.
This would be a great addition for horror connoisseurs or those looking for a Fall read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an ARC of this book, this is my honest review.

Like, oh my gosh, this book was an absolute ride! 💀 From the very first page, it’s giving you all the spooky vibes—like, that creepy abandoned asylum? Yes, please! It’s totally perfect for the spooky season, and I was legit holding my breath half the time. The tension just keeps building, and by the time you piece together what's really happening, your jaw is on the floor, babes.

What I loved the most? The way the author deepens the story from the movie. The film was already like, totally iconic, but the book brings in all these new layers of horror and character insights that made me obsessed! 😱 And seriously, the Danvers State Hospital? Still terrifying! The way it is described makes it feel like a character itself—so dark and eerie. I couldn’t put this one down, it’s like a horror binge-fest in book form!

Honestly, even if you haven't seen the movie, you'll be glued to this book. But also, you should totally watch it after reading because, like, trust, it’s such a vibe! It’s definitely 5 stars from me, and I’ll be recommending it to all my horror-loving besties! 👻🎃

Thank you SO much to NetGalley for the chance to read this gem in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was left speechless after finishing this book.

The setting, a mental asylum, immediately caught my attention. Learning that the book is actually a novelized version of a film made me eager to finish it quickly so I could watch the movie right after.

The story is well-written and descriptive without being overly lyrical. It’s straightforward but vividly paints the images in your mind. The author skillfully immerses you in the narrative, from setting up the atmosphere to helping you imagine the smells and sounds.

I didn’t expect to learn so much about the details of cleaning a building for renovation, but the book taught me that part, lol. Those sections of the story were a bit much for me, but I understand their importance.

I loved how the story transitioned between characters, especially in the final 50 or so pages. I can only imagine how this is portrayed in the film (again, I haven’t seen it yet). I also appreciated how each character’s struggles were conveyed—not in an overly wordy way, but in a way that still made you understand what they were going through. It was succinct but effective.

I didn’t love the ending, particularly how things turned out for Gordon. I expected him to have done it to himself, but who knows? Maybe he did…did he? Am I just missing something? Lol.

This is a perfect read for the Halloween season!

If you're hesitant about reading this book, take my advice and go for it! I found it immensely enjoyable, which feels odd to admit given its disturbing nature. The story's rich detail immerses you completely. Having not seen the film, I had no preconceived notions and now feel compelled to watch it for comparison. It's a relatively quick read that can be completed in a single sitting. Just when you believe you've solved the puzzle... you haven't! Prepare for an ending that will astonish you!

Well...this is everything my little horror heart needed! I have been on the hunt for the perfect spooky/horror book and this hit every mark on my check list! I never saw the movie but I think that's what the book that much better for me. I absolutely loved the creepy factor and this is one of my top horror reads!

This is one of my top movies, so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of the novelization. This did not disappoint, just as creepy and unsettling as the movie. I think it's time for a rewatch.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest review.

This book was a thrilling nonstop ride. I admit that despite being a big horror fan I never got around to seeing the movie Session 9, so I had no idea what to expect. This exceedingly well paced horror is not to be missed.

In this novel we see a 5 man asbestos abatement crew trying to get the now closed Danvers mental institution ready so it can be reworked into a new government building. The job starts off normal enough until one of the crew happens upon tapes from a patients sessions in the hospital. Things quickly descend into chaos.

I'm not gonna lie, I had my hand covering my mouth the last 20 percent of this book. It was horrific, scary, and shocking. I will be thinking about this ending for a while. This book really nails the horror atmosphere and truly delivers. If you're looking for a good horror novel this Halloween then session 9 needs to be on your TBR.

I haven’t seen this movie since it first reached video. I remember being 12ish and being super creeped out watching this with my dad. I had pretty high expectations for the novelization.

Luckily, this delivered. I honestly have zero recollection of the film so that helped me not feel like I was doing an accuracy analysis. The pacing is great. There’s this ominous vibe right from the jump that only intensifies as the book continues. The characters were flawed but each had their merits.

The ending was great. Went from 0 to 100 pretty quickly and we’re given some fantastically creepy scenes. My only gripe with the novel which may have turned it into a five star read was that I really felt like this could have gone MUCH deeper. Novelizations give so much room for expansion and this didn’t go as far as it could’ve. Some of the characters motivations are still a bit murky and we’re left with much less backstory than we could’ve been given. I would’ve loved to see more buildup around the side characters and also gone into more detail with the mental deterioration.

Overall, it was a still a great read. I loved the vibe of the story and definitely will be looking for more novelizations. It’s a well paced story with major creepy vibes.

Talk about atmospheric horror!!!! The main character is Gordon who gets hired to do a major clean up of an old abandoned asylum. When he does the initial walk through with Bill he senses that something is off about the asylum but he is desperate for the job so he puts those thoughts aside.
The chapters go through each day of the week from the start of the work and each of the crew members experiences their own creepy and "off" moments but again they shrug it off and don't think much of it.
What I loved about the book is that you can just feel the tension and horror build up and you expect for them to just realize that something isn't right and to leave!!!
I absolutely loved the ending which was so chilling. This book had me at the edge of my seat. This is the perfect read now that the spooky season is upon us!!!!
Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever wanted a book to be more like a movie?? Completely absorb you into the its world and let the real world fall away - THAT IS THIS BOOK!
What a world you fall in to - dark, eerie, creepy to the max. It kept my heart beating faster, my skin crawl and goosebumps to erupt all over my body in some places. I devoured this book in a day! Loved the writing style, the characters and the world... I need more!

Excellent novelization. I haven't seen this film in a while but from what I reme!here's while reading it was pretty damn good switch to book form which is so difficult to pull off. I was spooked from the start and plunged into the eerie, chilling world of this story.

I confess I have not seen the Movie Session 9, so after reading this I decided to at least peek at the trailer. I don't know that there are too many instances where a book is based off of a movie. The mind is such a powerful thing and I'll admit that the book helped me create a building far more sinister and the characters more colorful.
Brad Anderson had created a really creepy situation for a crew of asbestos cleaning professionals to find themselves in. The situational set up of a desperate crew to even take on such a building with it's history. The coined characters were very apparent with the jerk boss, the junkie and so on. The eerie build, where you know some seriously creepy stuff is going to go down, was fun and engaging. The gore was pretty spot on for the theme. The ending was slightly layered and pretty heart wrenching.
Now, take in Christian Francis' vision of this story and you can add layers of overall serious spooky factor and horrifically palpable nightmare scenes come true. You know something isn't right, something is very off. The basal feel of unease helped this novella give quite a venomous bite.

Electroshock therapy and invasive psychosurgery became one-size-fits-all solutions for noncompliant patients for the sake of ease. 7%

Every step they had taken into the asylum felt like a step into another world, a world where hope was not part of the building's fabric. 16%

'The other patients, they've been here so long, they've forgotten what the outside world looks like. I'm scared I might end up like them.' 37%

It sounded as if hell itself had a voice. All within the small body of Mary Hobbs. 84%

"I know you, demon!" the old woman shouted. 96%

"I live in the weak and the wounded." 98%

This book was a WILD ride. I was literally biting my nails while getting through it! I’m hard to spook especially with books but I couldn’t read this at night because of how terrifying this actually was to me! Another perfect spooky season read!

4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“I live in the weak and the wounded.”

In Session 9, Gordon Fleming, desperate for money, takes a rushed asbestos removal job at an abandoned mental hospital. His crew includes Mike, a law school dropout fascinated by the asylum's history; Phil, who struggles with a recent breakup; Hank, a gambling addict; and Gordon's nephew Jeff, who fears the dark. While working, Gordon hears a mysterious voice, and Mike discovers therapy tapes of a former patient, Mary Hobbes, who had dissociative identity disorder. As Mike listens to the tapes, the men start experiencing eerie events and Gordon becomes increasingly unstable.

Session 9 is a film that I stumbled upon as a teen when it was first released, and to this day it scares the hell out of me. Overall, Christian Francis did really well with this novelization. Having already seen the movie several times, I will say that there is no new information or noteworthy differences from the screenplay with the exception of the epilogue. To me, the inclusion of this epilogue felt unnecessary and disjointed. Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t understand why this “twist” was added when it has no meaningful connection to Mary Hobbes. Overall, I was glad that Francis preserved the film in this way and hope to see it on many shelves!

4.5*

A crew are brought in to rid the old Danvers State Hospital of asbestos and get far more than they bargained for!

Based on the 2001 movie of the same name, Session 9 is a quick, creepy read and one that is ideal for Spooky October. The building itself is as much of a character as Gordon and crew and is perfectly captured in all its eerie, dilapidated glory in the author's writing.

The book also captures so many tropes that work well for me in horror - The setting of an abandoned asylum with a cast of characters that have a lot of genuine tension between them that helps create a truly creepy and foreboding atmosphere.

Overall the pace of the book was quick but nothing in comparison to the final quarter with the quick changes between character profiles building to an awful and haunting crescendo.

I've never seen the movie this book is based on but based on the storyline here it's something I would watch in a heartbeat based on this book.

A highly effective psychological horror/thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a digital review copy of "Session 9" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

"Session 9" has been one of my favorite horror movies for some time now, and I've often wondered what a novelization of the film would be like. Well, I now have my answer, and I'm in no way disappointed! The book expands slightly on the screenplay, not only by providing further details (on the two female patients mentioned in the movie), and omitting certain lines (e.g., Jeff's "Who's Yanni?" in the first scene we see him interacting with Hank), but also by adding some twists of its own (principally, bringing one of the aforementioned female patients into the crew's story). The novel is neither as subtle as the movie, nor as atmospheric, but it manages to tell a scary story of its own, in style and fine pacing. The one huge difference (aside from the presence of the female patient) is the minimal understanding of "Simon" which the novel provides: in my interpretation of the movie, I always thought that Simon was a demon, not an alter personality, and Mary was possessed. The novel weakens this line of thought by separating out the two plotlines which would allow for such a reading. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since it complements the movie wonderfully, and will make one eager to revisit the film and the original story.

Based on the 2001 film by acclaimed director Brad Anderson, this book is set in Danvers State Hospital, an abandoned mental institution. The local council are looking to renovate the place to use as offices & the company chosen for the job consists of boss Gordon, supervisor Phil, & workers Mike, Hank, & Jeff. Desperate for the work & needing to get it completed quickly for a hefty bonus, the group spend hours at the place but it seems as if they're not the only ones there with a strange figure dogging their footsteps. Slowly each man starts to realise that something is not right with the others, but is it in their heads or is something sinister at work?

First of all I've never seen the film but I've definitely put it on my TBW (To Be Watched) list. It was a fairly short read but packed with tension & the constant drip of dread. I really liked how the issues between the men were subtly played on until the trust between them was fractured. The mostly psychological horror suddenly explodes into violence towards the end & it's almost shocking. I don't want to say any more so as not to give anything away but it was a perfect read for October. Creepy, atmospheric & I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. 4.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, BooksGoSocial, for the opportunity to read an ARC..

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this arc in exchange for an honest review. This book was thrilling and horrifying and lived up to the movie. This was a heart pounding ride.

This is a creepy, atmospheric novelisation of a movie I never knew existed. A great cast of characters and a plot that keeps the reader engrossed right up to the final page. I will probably go seek out the movie now.

"I live in the weak and the wounded."


Christian Francis's novelisation is of the 2001 psychological horror film based on an asbestos abatement crew that take on a job at an abandoned mental asylum, Danvers State Hospital, and uncover the dark secrets and terrors that plague the building.


As this crew begin to work one of the members finds video cassettes of recorderd session of one of the patients of the hospital who struggled with multiple personalities. The interesting thing about this movie was seeing how mental illness is protrayed. The debate on wether it was solely psychological elements or supernatural that caused the horrors they face.


The hospital itself is a huge creepy structure. When the story goes between the cassettes and the experiences the crew are having it makes it all the more disturbing to piece together what the truth is. What makes it even more harrowing is the history behind the treatment of the patients here, how they were experimented on and essentially how different the treatment of mental health was back then from the present day.


Both the film and book give a dark insight into mental asylums of the past in telling this story.

Having seen the movie Session 9, I was really excited to see where the novelization would take things. I can honestly say I’m so glad I read this, and I truly wish more authors and directors would collaborate on projects like this. We often see books turned into movies, but the reversal of that process is something so intriguing and deserves more exploration—especially within the horror and science fiction genres.

The author did exactly what they set out to do, expanding on the original film while keeping its chilling essence intact. I’d highly recommend watching the movie either while reading the book or directly before or after. It helps you understand the creative choices made in the novel and adds another layer to the fear factor. In many ways, the book feels even scarier, and that’s a testament to how well the author translated something so visual into text without losing the eerie atmosphere.

I especially enjoyed how well the book expanded on the characters, the lore, and the setting. It’s no small feat to take something inherently visual, like a film, and capture that same feeling on the page, but Francis did a fantastic job. While some might say it’s not super scary, I think the fear is subtle—just like the movie. It’s the idea of being in an abandoned mental hospital, knowing the crimes that took place there, and feeling the weight of all that isolation and solitude. Those moments of dread were enough for me.

Just like in the movie, I kept finding myself saying, "Why would they do that? They know they’re all gonna die!" 😂 It was such a fun and thrilling read, and I’d love to see more novelizations like this in the future. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for a chance to read this.

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. A suspenseful and horrific short horror story surrounding the hazmat clean up of an abandoned sanitarium. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First, I loved this movie. As long as this book had the creepiness of the original movie I was going to be happy. It did and I was. But there’s more. The book built on the movie and each can stand without the other. This is the kind of novelization should be done more often.

I'm not a huge fan of books that are adapted from movies. They tend to feel disconnected in a really disjointed way.

However, I recalled loving this movie as a teenager and wanting more of its mind-wobbly sense of dread. Like, the movie was the surface dread, but it always felt like there should be a deeper intenseness involved.
So, when I saw that there was a novel adaption of the film, I jumped in head first.
I got exactly what I was hoping for. Instead of relying on what the actors could convey (which don't get me wrong, they were phenomenal), I got to read what was going on with the characters on a different level, as the madness slowly starts to set in.

It's just as atmospherically spooky as I recalled the movie, but amped up a little. I'm very glad that I read this, and I'm probably due for a rewatch.

I was very intrigued by this novelization since the movie is good and spooky but I admit the author made a great job at capturing the essence of the film, making this story on page as atmospheric and creepy as it was on the screen.

Danvers State Hospital is an historic building, that truly is a part of the town. It also is a nightmarish place were patients and inmates were tortured and operated on, Danvers was no place of healing, it was a death sentence, a place of horror and suffering. So, of course, now the town wants to reclaim the valuable edifice and land and re-use it as and official building. Here enter our protagonists, an asbestos abatement crew, that get to job by quoting the cheapest price and promising finishing the job the quickest. Everything starts fine enough, nothing worse than just a big ol' building that's a bit awful but everything goes off the rails when one of the crew members finds a tape of a pacient session in the hospital...

While reading you can feel the characters desperation and how oppressive and sinister the place is, it truly is a good read for all readers that enjoy a nice spooky read.

This is one of those rare cases where the movie exist first and if you’ve seen the movie you semi know what you’re getting yourself into. That said the book builds more upon the world, characters, etc in a more in depth unique way that felt almost more person as my mind developed the picture vs being shown it. This is a long winded way of saying if you like the movie read the book!

Creepy, eerie, dark - everything horror should be. The movie was good, as oft the case, the book is even better. If you like a good scare, you found it.

Thanks BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an ARC. Session 9 is the novelization of the movie. I really enjoyed this novelization as it provided me with the option to paint my own picture of what the characters looked like. Session 9 is one of my favorite movies, and it was a fun way to experience this movie again in a new format. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to read something that makes them feel a little unsettled.

Session 9, based on Brad Anderson’s 2001 cult horror film, is a haunting return to the eerie Danvers State Asylum.
The story follows an asbestos abatement crew tasked with clearing out the asylum, with a chilling backstory involving patient Mary Hobbes. Francis captures the tension and dread brilliantly, immersing you in the unsettling atmosphere of the decaying asylum. His writing is straightforward yet descriptive, allowing you to vividly picture every eerie detail without being overly flowery. The smells, the sounds, the creeping unease—they all come to life through Francis' skillful prose, making this a gripping, atmospheric read that’s hard to put down. Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit!

Session 9 is a seminal horror film for the 21st Century and this novelization does a great job of telling the story in written form. It also digs deeper into the background of the hospital and the backgrounds of the asbestos cleanup crew. Still has a seriously strong power to creep you out.

I was SO excited when I stumbled an arc for Session 9, one of my favorite movies of all time, I have even been to the original site many times. I wasn't sure if the author would do this movie justice with a novelization, but I am happy to say that this was AMAZING. Not only did the author do an incredible job on the writing, but I loved getting a more detailed perspective of the story. One of my favorite things about the book was the blurb in the beginning from the director of the movie talking about how he got the idea for Session 9. This was truly one of my favorite reads this year and I hope to see the book and movie get more recognition! A psychologically thrilling masterpiece.

I'm not a huge fan of books that are adapted from movies. They tend to feel disconnected in a really disjointed way.

However, I recalled loving this movie as a teenager and wanting more of its mind-wobbly sense of dread. Like, the movie was the surface dread, but it always felt like there should be a deeper intenseness involved.
So, when I saw that there was a novel adaption of the film, I jumped in head first.
I got exactly what I was hoping for. Instead of relying on what the actors could convey (which don't get me wrong, they were phenomenal), I got to read what was going on with the characters on a different level, as the madness slowly starts to set in.

It's just as atmospherically spooky as I recalled the movie, but amped up a little. I'm very glad that I read this, and I'm probably due for a rewatch.

I thoroughly appreciated the subtle yet haunting tone of the book. The seamless transitions between characters were a pleasant surprise, as I initially had concerns about potential disruption. The persistent air of uncertainty and uncertainty surrounding the events and characters was masterfully maintained, and the incorporation of sessions throughout the narrative was skillfully executed. Overall, the storytelling was exceptional.

I've seen the movie, and while it was quite good, I have to say the book was so much more chilling. While the movie starts off quite slow, and builds until the really creepy things happen later on (outside the chilling tapes being played), Francis drops you directly into the horror with no pretense. With imagery that evokes a place even more horrifying than the asylum in American Horror Story: Asylum, it is, unfortunately, not too far off from how some asylums ended up shuttering their doors. Even though I was wrapped up in a warm blanket reading this, the further in I got, the more of an icy chill crept down my spine. What started as a fairly good psychological horror movie was transformed into an addicting read. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a spooky season read.

Thank you Netgalley, Christian Francis, Brad Anderson, Stephen Gevedon and Booksgosocial for the eArc of Session 9.

Who can resist a claustrophobic horror that set in an asylum?! Session 9 book is based on the film on the same title. Having not seen the film ( I'm want to now!) I was very intrigued with this premise. A lot of the time films/series have been based on books so it's interesting that this one is visa versa. It didn't disappoint me either. The atmosphere is very creepy indeed. As most of the book is basically set in and just outside this abandoned asylum. You quickly get a sense of the surroundings and the rooms/tunnels/ corridors that the MC walk around.

Even though there isn't a lot of character building for the MC's, I don't think it's needed. You get a good sense of who these men are, the work they are doing and how working in this sort of place plays with your mind and your psyche. You start to see their personalities start to be effected almost immediately. Strange things starts to happen and as the story unfolds, so the horror of what the patients at this asylum went through. The finale pay off was executed brilliantly and actually left my skin crawling!

if you like that creepy, atmospheric, foreboding horror. This is one for you!

4 stars

I so enjoyed reading Session 9 by Francis,Anderson and Gevedon, especially after watching the movie of the same name and being unable to understand the part that the institution played. The lighting and music added an extra creep-factor, as well as the opening tension of the workers in the movie, but the book is more demonstrative of subtle undercurrents that are vital to the story. I usually recommend reading the book first, but in this case, and when I first watched the movie there was no book, it was fascinating to follow each character as they struggled to complete a dangerous job in an impossibly short time, while all keeping secrets that became deadly. If you are looking for a great Halloween read and/or flick, this would be perfect; one you won’t soon forget.

This was so much better than the film. I had so much fun reading this. Thank you so much, Netgalley!

Christian Francis’ Session 9 novelization is a spine-chilling expansion of Brad Anderson’s 2001 cult classic film, promising a fresh wave of horror for both long-time fans and new readers alike. Released over two decades after the original movie, Francis reimagines the eerie tale of a cleaning crew uncovering dark secrets in the infamous Danvers State Hospital. As a horror author with a track record of effective novelizations (Wishmaster, Vamp), Francis is well-equipped to bring Anderson’s atmospheric dread to the page.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how Francis delves deeper into the characters’ psychological unraveling. Fans of the film will recognize the familiar tension and dread, but Francis offers additional layers that provide further insight into each crew member’s descent into madness. His skillful prose captures the oppressive, decaying presence of the hospital itself, making the setting feel even more alive and haunting on the page.

What truly elevates Session 9 as a novelization is the expansion of the film’s themes. Francis doesn’t simply retell the story; he digs into the nuances of fear, trauma, and guilt that underpin the characters’ interactions and their growing paranoia. This new exploration, coupled with Francis’ eerie descriptions, gives the story fresh life while staying faithful to Anderson’s original vision.

For readers who love psychological horror, Session 9 provides the perfect blend of slow-burn tension and mind-bending twists. Francis successfully captures the unsettling ambiguity of the film, leaving readers questioning reality just as much as the characters do. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or a newcomer to the story, this novelization offers a deeply atmospheric and haunting experience that lingers long after the final page.

Overall, Session 9 is a must-read for horror enthusiasts looking to revisit the dread and psychological intensity of one of the genre’s hidden gems. Francis’ respect for the source material, combined with his dark, immersive writing, makes this novelization a fitting tribute to a beloved horror classic.

Session 9: The Official Novelization by Christian Francis offers a fresh take on Brad Anderson’s chilling 2001 horror classic. Perfectly timed for Halloween, this adaptation is a must-read for horror fans.

Francis, known for his brilliant novelizations, immerses readers in the eerie world of Danvers State Hospital, building on the film's original atmosphere of dread. His vivid writing adds new depth, offering a closer look at the characters' thoughts and fears. By expanding on the screenplay, he creates a gripping psychological horror that delves deeper than the film, making for an even more unsettling experience.

The novel unearths dark secrets buried within the asylum, pulling readers into a nightmarish spiral that lingers long after the final page. Each chapter builds on the tension, introducing fresh horrors that will grip both fans of the film and newcomers to the story.

In Session 9, Francis expertly honours the iconic film while creating something that stands strong on its own. This book is essential for any horror enthusiast, a journey into madness that will stay with you long after the lights go out.

Although I found this slightly slow to get started, it definitely picked up the pace! Creepy and atmospheric, the build up to the final crescendo was well done and very effective. Spooky and insidious, without being deliberately overdone or too gruesome, definitely a good one for horror fans, whether you have seen the original movie or not!

This is a very well done novelization of one of my favorite horror films. It manages to capture the wonderfully creepy atmosphere and palpable dread that the movie delivers.

The story follows an asbestos abatement crew whose current project is cleaning up an abandoned insane asylum. As the novel progresses the crew learns more about the hospital's sordid history and that many bad memories still live within its walls.

There are a few minor grammatical issues and a couple mixups with speakers names that could use a bit of quick editing. Also there is one plot addition which wasn't in the movie, that I don't necessarily care for, but it didn't diminish the effectiveness of the story. Overall it was an unsettling and enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it to those who like horror that quietly creeps under your skin.

Session 9 exceeded my expectations, and I absolutely loved it! As a huge fan of the film, I wasn’t sure how the book would compare, but it completely blew me away. The atmosphere was even more intense, and the way the book delves deeper into the characters' minds and the chilling history of the abandoned asylum is masterful. It’s gripping from start to finish, with tension building on every page. The eerie setting and psychological horror were taken to a new level, making the book even better than the film. I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended for horror fans.

🐱 Favourite quote:

"It lives in the weak and the wounded."


🐈 My thoughts:

I confess I haven't seen the film, but the promise of a creepy, abandoned asylum was enough to convince me to read the book.

I read this in less than 24 hours, and I really enjoyed it. It is fast-paced and kept me hooked from the beginning. I loved the eerie atmosphere, and the gory details are spot-on. I felt spooked a couple of times.

The details about the extreme medical procedures, the patients' backgrounds, and their misfortunes made this book even creepier. Human nature never ceases to surprise me.

I definitely recommend it! Will have to put my big girl pants on and watch the film now.

I just recently started reading movie novelizations. I’ve seen Session 9, but not for a long time so I didn’t remember a lot of the details. I really enjoyed reading about Danvers Asylum and all the awful things that happened there.

An asbestos team is hired to clean abandoned Danvers Asylum so that it can be repurposed as a town hall. Things start getting weird fairly fast. The head of the asbestos crew, Gordon, seems desperate for the job and his vibe is off. One of the crew members disappears and the others are seeing and hearing strange things. Is the place haunted? Is the asbestos messing with their heads?

Short and brutal read.

I first saw the movie years ago and loved it. As a therapist myself it was so interesting and engaging. When I saw the it was now in a book form, I couldn’t wait to revisit the story! The author did a fantastic job drawing the reader in, describing it so detailed and keeping me wanting to read the next chapter. I highly recommend this creepy read!

I'd like to thank the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. It was atmospheric, creepy, and unsettling, as well as the perfect almost Halloween read. The tension building was very effective. While I generally am more entertained than creeped out by scary books and movies, this one had me on edge a few times with nerves, waiting to see what happened next.

Creepy, eerie, something that keeps you on the edge of your seat, everything i want in a horror book.
I have not seen the film, but i will definitely check it out.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC read!

I have not seen the film but i really enjoyed this book any way. It's a ride! Creepy, disturbing and it has a very eerie feeling to it. I received a free eARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

Session 9 The Official Novelization, is based on the classic 2001 motion picture by acclaimed director Brad Anderson. Released 23 years after the film first haunted audiences, this new novel by horror and dark fantasy author Christian Francis arrives just in time for the spooky season, promising to deliver a wealth of fresh nightmares to a new generation. 

Wow, this was one fun read!
I admit I am not familar with the movie of the same name, but I haven't watched many of the more modern horror movies.

Session 9 has such a slow creeping sense of dread and eeriness. You knew working in an old abandoned insane asylum was going to be trouble especially with everyone on the crew having some issue or other but the way Francis slowly drew you in, making you care about each of them before hitting you with the real scares.

He kept you just enough off balance to make it impossible to put this book down until you found out what happened and what was going to happen. That is true skill.
Definitely a novel that you can devour in one setting. And I know I'll be looking to stream the movie tonight, because it is the perfect scare for this season.

I highly recommend Session 9 for all lovers of good horror novels, and no need to have seen the movie to enjoy this treat.

Thanks to @netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Session 9 is an uncomfortably effective novelization of the fear that permeated Brad Anderson's cult-classic film of 2001, set in the abandoned Danvers State Hospital and detailing a team of asbestos removal workers whose personal tensions and hidden secrets are amplified by the foreboding atmosphere of the decaying institution. What begins as a slow burn of psychological unease ramps up into a thrilling horror tale that will leave readers reeling.

Francis is doing a great job with transferring the eerie tension of the movie into the written version, also expanding on the character's backgrounds and the haunted history of the hospital. The extra depth gives new insights for those who have watched the movie, yet is still not alienating to those who haven't seen the original. The subtle breakdown in trust amongst the crew-Gordon, Phil, Mike, Hank, and Jeff-is done well; this escalates gradually to a breaking point. Such an interplay between psychological aspects and the supernatural creates constant ambiguity: do horrors emanate from inner demons, or are they brought about by external forces?

There is a pervading sense of dread throughout the novel, as Francis brings his atmospheric prose and a keen sense of pace into play. The tension builds up like it would in a pressure cooker, and once the psychological horrors become shocking violence, it is startling and devastating at the same time. The last twists will go well to keep veterans guessing; for its part, it's a nauseatingly brilliant and heartbreaking finale.

For those that have seen the film, the novelization adds another layer of appreciation found within subtle changes and expansions to create a fuller experience. To a newcomer, it's an excellent introduction into this world of Session 9 that's so damn frightening.

Creepy, atmospheric, and unforgettable, Session 9: The Official Novelization is perfect for fans of both psychological and supernatural horror. Return to Danvers State Hospital, or step into its sinister corridors for the very first time. A must-have read come spooky season, get ready for a bingeable, nerve-racking ride that will leave you second-guessing what's real long after the final page.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. I had never seen the film that this novel came from, but I loved it all the same! I actually really want to see the film now. This was definitely all parts creepy and spooky. The perfect book for any horror lovers.

While I can’t bring myself to watch horror movies, my go-to alternative—my solution, if you will—is horror books. Hand me one, and I’m all in! So, when I came across the novelization of the legendary horror film Session 9, it immediately caught my attention. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but the chills this book gave me were absolutely real.

Five men, an abandoned mental institution, dark basements—what could possibly go wrong? When Gordon and his team finally land a lucrative job offer, they all share the same goal: finish the job in a week and secure a $25,000 bonus. But while their enthusiasm is high, the task proves daunting. Completing a project in one week that would usually take three or four seems like an impossible feat, but no one complains. After all, the money is worth it—or so it seems at first.

As they get to work, something begins to feel off. Gordon is unraveling, Phil is battling substance abuse, Jeff is still inexperienced, Hank is obsessively hunting for anything shiny, and Mike? Mike stumbles upon a box of patient tapes. These recordings reveal sessions between a doctor and a young girl, Mary, who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. As Mike listens to the tapes, a harrowing and terrifying story begins to emerge. But are any of them ready for what’s about to come to light?

When asked, “What makes a great horror story?” I often find it hard to put into words. It’s one of those you’ll know it when you feel it things. And in this case, the book absolutely delivers. Although it’s based on the film, it doesn’t feel like it’s living in the movie’s shadow. In fact, even without having seen the film, I can confidently say the book stands strong on its own. The sheer unease and dread it creates are undeniable.

The descriptions of the institution paint a grim and chilling picture in cold, dark tones that no light—nor the living souls inside—can warm. The endless, shadowy corridors and oppressive basements practically scream danger, yet no one seems to hear. The men catch fleeting glimpses of dark, shifting shapes that appear to be watching them, always moving—sometimes closer, sometimes farther—but the icy dread they exude reaches out to the reader from the pages. And that, in my opinion, is what makes a horror story truly great.

The book is written in a way that mirrors the cinematic experience. While it’s divided into chapters, they feel more like scene breaks than traditional sections, keeping the narrative taut and fast-paced. The story hops between the perspectives of different characters, sometimes moving quickly, sometimes slowing down to build suspense. I particularly enjoyed the moments when multiple eerie events occurred simultaneously in different parts of the institution. It felt like short, alternating camera shots, capturing the growing tension in vivid detail. The pacing and structure were masterfully done, heightening the atmosphere at every turn.

One of the most compelling aspects of the narrative is its restraint. The reader only sees what the characters see—there’s no omniscient narrator giving away secrets. You’re left to interpret the events for yourself, guided only by what unfolds in front of you. It’s just you, the men, and the institution’s dark, suffocating tunnels. Are you ready for this?

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves horror that’s atmospheric, unsettling, and expertly crafted. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience.

Thank you so much, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for this fantastic reading experience and for the ARC copy!

Review in Estonian: https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024/11/14/session-9-the-official-novelization-christian-francis/

If you’re a fan of slow-burn psychological horror, Session 9: The Official Novelization takes the unsettling atmosphere of the cult classic film and amplifies it on the page. Christian Francis delivers a chilling expansion of the original story, peeling back the layers of terror to explore the fractured psyches of the characters and the sinister history of Danvers State Hospital.

Francis does an excellent job translating the film’s eerie visuals and creeping dread into prose. The decaying walls of Danvers seem to seep through the pages, and the novel’s atmosphere is oppressive in the best way. What makes this version truly shine is the deeper dive into the characters’ thoughts and motivations, providing fresh insights that even fans of the film will appreciate. Gordon’s spiral into madness feels more raw and tragic, and the subtle tensions among the asbestos-removal crew are even more palpable.

The novelization also brings new layers to the asylum itself. Francis taps into its twisted history, offering chilling glimpses of its haunted past that were only hinted at in the movie. These additions enrich the story without straying too far from the source material, making it a must-read for fans of the film.

That said, the pacing occasionally mirrors the film’s deliberate crawl, which works well for atmosphere but may test the patience of readers who prefer more action-driven horror. Still, this slow unfurling of dread is part of what makes Session 9 so unique—it’s not about jump scares but the creeping realization that something is deeply, deeply wrong.

4 stars for a gripping, faithful adaptation that deepens the story’s psychological and supernatural horrors. Whether you’re revisiting Danvers or experiencing its horrors for the first time, this novelization is an invitation to step inside and lose yourself in the madness. Just make sure you leave the lights on.

A crew of workman begin a job clearing asbestos from an abandoned mental asylum. They think they have cashed in as it's a well paid job if they finish quickly. The job starts out like any other but things unravel quickly into madness !

This book was dark and eire. A very sinister setting an abandoned asylum over taken by mould and decay so creepy. I was on the edge of my seat reading this and could not put it down ! Would definitely recommend I have never watched the film will now be on the lookout for it.

Thank you to Netgalley, Booksgosocial and Christian Francis for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lot of fun.

While it seemed a bit overwritten at first, it smoothed into an exciting and readable groove.

I enjoyed this one and would love another in the same vein.

Thank you to Christian Francis, Brad Anderson, Stephen Gevedon, Netgalley, and Echo On publications for this ARC. Overall the story was a thrilling ride from start to finish. I completed the book in less than 24 hours. You could definetly tell it was a book adaptation from a movie, with choppy transitions that would make more sense in film. It really had you rooting for Gordon, and I was so intrigued by the twist ending. There was a lot of meaningful foreshadowing implanted throughout the book.
The only thing that left me pondering (which could be me not paying enough attention to the year Mary Hobbes was admitted), was that she was diagnosed with DID. This diagnosis was changed to be DID in the 1980s. If that lines up with Mary PERF, but with the timeline it seemed off.
Overall it was fast paced, thrilling, enjoyable, and an easy read!
Now i’m off to watch the movie!

ARC provided by BooksGoSocial in exchange for an honest review.

Session 9 - The Official Novelization by Christian Francis is an unsettling and chilling dive into the psychological horror of the cult-classic film. Based on the screenplay by Brad Anderson and Stephen Gevedon, this novelization offers an even deeper exploration of the eerie, claustrophobic world of the Danvers State Hospital, a place where the line between reality and madness begins to blur.

Francis does a fantastic job capturing the tension and creeping dread that the film is known for. The atmosphere in the novel is thick with unease, and Francis amplifies the scares by exploring the sinister history of the abandoned hospital. The hospital itself feels almost like a character in the book, its dark corridors, decaying walls, and echoing silence contributing to the growing sense of paranoia that permeates every page. There’s a constant feeling of being watched, and as the characters descend further into their own fears and delusions, the novel makes you question what’s real and what’s imagined.

The scares in Session 9 are subtle but incredibly effective. Francis takes his time building the psychological tension, with moments of terror that slowly crawl under your skin. The vivid descriptions of the characters’ deteriorating mental states, the eerie sounds echoing through the hospital, and the hallucinations they begin to experience all serve to heighten the dread. There are moments when the characters’ fears manifest as haunting visions, strange voices, and unnerving occurrences—each one designed to make your heart race and your mind wonder if they are indeed experiencing supernatural horrors or if it’s all in their heads.

The novelization also adds more depth to the characters’ inner turmoil, allowing readers to experience their breakdowns in more visceral detail. Their personal struggles, secrets, and guilt weigh on them heavily as they confront something far worse than the haunting of the hospital—something far darker within themselves. Francis skillfully intertwines their unraveling psyches with the mounting supernatural threats, making every page a suspenseful and terrifying ride.

For fans of the original film, this novelization is a must-read, offering new layers to the psychological and supernatural horrors that left audiences shaken. The scares here are relentless, with a constant undercurrent of tension that will keep you on edge long after you finish the book.

This novelization of "Session 9" is a chilling and thrilling read, which feels like a love-letter to the original material. It's just as atmospheric, and maybe more, than the original film, which created a sense of dread that you aren't able to shake off the entire read. The general story can be a bit difficult to follow in the film, but Francis does a great job at making the plot a little more understandable and easy to follow. The imagery is just as chilling here, which made for such a fun and spooky read.

this was a great novelization. definitely kept me engaged, i read it in a day! id say watch the movie and read the book, they are both great