This gave me a sort of Inkheart vibe. Also, personifying the books as dead created a darker atmosphere.

As a nitpick, there’s a typo in the first paragraph: “fell of its hinges…”

Thanks for finding the typo. I’ve never read the Inkheart, although I am very familiar with it. I don’t have much of plan for the story expect sequels with a friend, so we’ll see!