Bendy and the Ink Machine: Dreams Come to Life transports readers into the eerie yet captivating world of Joey Drew Studios. This novelization of the popular video game series also serves as an indirect prequel to all games in the series. The story follows Buddy, a delivery boy from the Lower East Side of New York, who dreams of becoming an artist. He meets Joey Drew, the owner of an animation studio, and becomes an apprentice. The studio's colorful cast, including composer Sammy Lawrence and intern Dot, inspires Buddy to believe dreams do come true. However, after-hours issues at Joey Drew Studios cause trouble, and Buddy and Dot team up to investigate, even tracking down Mister Drew himself.
What stands out most about the book is its ability to expand upon the lore of the Bendy universe. It delves into the backgrounds of familiar characters and introduces new ones, providing a richer and more immersive experience for fans of the game. It also provides a different angle of the studio that isn’t seen in the games. The writing is atmospheric and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the eerie studio and its nightmarish inhabitants.
Despite the fact that this book is meant to be closely associated with the games and tie in with their story, people who haven’t played the games could still definitely enjoy the book for the horror and mystery elements. The book doesn’t rely too much on readers having a ton of knowledge about the games, making it a great way for new fans to be introduced to the world of Bendy and the Ink Machine.
Fans of the Bendy franchise will appreciate how “Bendy and the Ink Machine: Dreams Come to Life" builds upon the storyline established in the games while offering new insights and twists. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare and appreciates a well-crafted narrative that explores the darker side of creativity and ambition. Overall, it's a thrilling read that captures the essence of Bendy and the Ink Machine while delivering a fresh and engaging story.