Categotry Archives: Horror
The Dead House
The Dead House
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
September 15, 2015
Hardcover
432
Welcome to the Dead House.
Three students: dead.
Carly Johnson: vanished without a trace.
Two decades have passed since an inferno swept through Elmbridge High, claiming the lives of three teenagers and causing one student, Carly Johnson, to disappear. The main suspect: Kaitlyn, "the girl of nowhere."
Kaitlyn's diary, discovered in the ruins of Elmbridge High, reveals the thoughts of a disturbed mind. Its charred pages tell a sinister version of events that took place that tragic night, and the girl of nowhere is caught in the center of it all. But many claim Kaitlyn doesn't exist, and in a way, she doesn't - because she is the alter ego of Carly Johnson.
Carly gets the day. Kaitlyn has the night. It's during the night that a mystery surrounding the Dead House unravels and a dark, twisted magic ruins the lives of each student that dares touch it.
Debut author Dawn Kurtagich masterfully weaves together a thrilling and terrifying story using psychiatric reports, witness testimonials, video footage, and the discovered diary - and as the mystery grows, the horrifying truth about what happened that night unfolds.
Review:
“The Dead House” is a wonderfully inventive and creepy book centered around a girl who may or may not suffer from dissociative identity disorder. Part mystery and part horror, it is one of the best psychological young adult thrillers I have read in a long time.
The thing I most loved about the book is the way in which the story is told. There are journal entries, therapy transcripts, police interrogations, transcripts of video footage, and news articles. Since none of these are told from the point of view of someone who knows the full story, it places the reader in the role of a detective. All of the evidence is laid out to be examined. I found it very fun to try to decipher it all, even if it did lead to a sleepless night.
The main character(s), Kaitlyn and Carly, are wonderful and complicated. You can literally feel their fear and confusion in the diary entries. It’s actually quite disturbing. In a good way, of course. My only complaint is that the secondary characters seemed a little too flat. I liked them, but would have preferred to know a bit more about them.
Overall, “The Dead House” is a quick and engaging read that is sure to appeal to horror and thriller lovers from ages 14 and up. Its fast pacing makes it an excellent recommendation for reluctant readers. Highly recommended! Just be sure to keep the lights on.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Violence
The Suffering
The Suffering
The Girl from the Well, Book 2
Horror
Sourcebooks Fire
September 8, 2015
Hardcover
320
Breathtaking and haunting, Rin Chupeco's second novel is a chilling companion to her debut, The Girl from the Well.
The darkness will find you.
Seventeen-year-old Tark knows what it is to be powerless. But Okiku changed that. A restless spirit who ended life as a victim and started death as an avenger, she's groomed Tark to destroy the wicked. But when darkness pulls them deep into Aokigahara, known as Japan's suicide forest, Okiku's justice becomes blurred, and Tark is the one who will pay the price...
Review:
“The Suffering” is the perfect book for any young adult (or adult, for the matter) fan of horror, suspense, or Japanese folklore. While it is a companion to “The Girl from the Well”, please know that it can be read as a standalone. All that you need to know is covered throughout the book in a way that doesn’t interrupt the flow.
I absolutely love the character development of Tark and the water ghost, Okiku. I don’t know how the author, Rin Chupeco, does it, but somehow a ghost of a girl who died a couple hundred years ago is made relatable. Their relationship even manages to feel natural in spite of obvious challenges. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that the other supernatural characters introduced are no less intriguing.
The plot unfolds perfectly. There is a good balance between what feels like nonstop action in a story that is not rushed. All of the clues to the ending are dropped within the chapters leading up to the final revelation, and yet the ending still manages to be a surprise. Think “The Sixth Sense”. I was torn between banging my head at missing the twist and sheer admiration for the author managing to pull it off.
I cannot recommend this enough for reluctant readers around 8th grade and up who like action and don’t mind a little gore. It reads easily and sucks the reader in immediately. There is also very little in the way of romance (a couple of kisses), so for those who immediately shirk away from books that contain it this is perfect. Lots of action completes the reluctant reader test.
Also, I am delighted to say there is diversity in the main character of Tark, who is a Japanese-American. Almost all of the secondary characters are Japanese, as well. We need more diverse books! It’s always a pleasure to find a new one to add to that shelf.
In short, “The Suffering” is a satisfying horror novel that is creepy, causes jumps, and is also just plain fun. Highly recommended!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Extremely Mild Sexual Situations, Language, Mentions of Abuse, Brief Mentions of Rape, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
The Devil’s Only Friend (John Cleaver)
John Cleaver, Book 4
Fiction
Tor Books
2015-06-16
304
John Wayne Cleaver hunts demons: they've killed his neighbors, his family, and the girl he loves, but in the end he's always won. Now he works for a secret government kill team, using his gift to hunt and kill as many monsters as he can . . . . . . but the monsters have noticed, and the quiet game of cat and mouse is about to erupt into a full scale supernatural war. John doesn't want the life he's stuck with. He doesn't want the FBI bossing him around, he doesn't want his only friend imprisoned in a mental ward, and he doesn't want to face the terrifying cannibal who calls himself The Hunter. John doesn't want to kill people. But as the song says, you can't always get what you want. John has learned that the hard way; his clothes have the stains to prove it. When John again faces evil, he'll know what he has to do. The Devil's Only Friend is the first book in a brand-new John Wayne Cleaver trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Review:
John Wayne Cleaver is back in “The Devil’s Only Friend”, the first in somewhat of a sub-trilogy within the already established John Cleaver series by Dan Wells.
I’ll start off by saying that the entire John Cleaver series, though popular, is extremely underrated. I also think it’s unfairly compared to Dexter. Granted, Dexter is a wonderful series and he is a great character, but John Cleaver stands on his own as a psychopathic anti-hero. He doesn’t need anyone’s help to establish exactly who and what he is. And yes, I realize I am writing this like he is an actual person, but that is a true testament to how developed he is as a character. Mr. Wells has made him feel like a living, breathing person who may or may not want to kill you, but will most likely not. He’ll just make an intricate plan to do so in case he ever changes his mind.
“The Devil’s Only Friend” is the best of the series yet, and while I would encourage everyone to read the first three, if you feel like jumping in here the backstory is explained in enough detail to keep you from being confused, while also avoiding a dry rundown that will leave previous fans bored and waiting for the plot to get going. Which is great, because the plot is nothing short of amazing. Every single clue adds up to the ultimate conclusion, but I had about ten different theories on how it would go and still managed to be taken by surprise. This is a mystery written by a master. I wish I could go into more of the plot but almost anything I say besides it is blow-your-mind-good will lead to some sort of spoiler.
I feel the need to add this: For some reason unknown to me, many bookstores and libraries insist on shelving this entire series under “Young Adult”. Now, I’m not saying this cannot be read and appreciated by the older young adult set, but I’m also fairly certain that you will traumatize quite a few of them if you hand them a John Cleaver book thinking it’s “Dexter for Kids”. This is NOT a young adult book. This is a book for serious mystery and thriller fans who do not mind a lot of gore, horror, and psychotic thoughts.
In short: Great main character, excellent plot, not for the squeamish, everyone else should read all of the John Cleaver series. Of course, this is a review for “The Devil’s Only Friend”, so be sure to read that one, as well.
Five enthusiastic (albeit bloody) stars.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
This is an adult book about a teenaged psychopath. That should be all the warning necessary.
A Magic Dark and Bright (Asylum Series)
A Magic Dark and Bright
Asylum, Book 1
Bookish Group Press
February 5, 2015
Paperback
328
She meant to help a ghost...not unleash a curse. Amelia Dupree hasn’t seen the Woman in White since the night her brother died. The ghost seems to have disappeared from the woods surrounding Asylum, Pennsylvania—that is, until Charlie Blue moves into the creepy old MacAllister House next door. Amelia can’t help liking him, even though she spent her childhood thinking his grandmother was a witch. And she definitely can’t ignore the connection between his arrival and the Woman in White’s return. Then Amelia learns that the Woman in White is a prisoner, trapped between the worlds of the living and the dead. Devastated by the idea that her brother could be suffering a similar fate, Amelia decides to do whatever it takes to help the Woman in White find peace--and Charlie agrees to help her. But when Amelia’s classmates start to drown in the Susquehanna River, one right after another, rumors swirl as people begin to connect the timing of Charlie’s arrival with the unexplained deaths. As Charlie and Amelia uncover the dark history of Asylum, they realize they may have unleashed an unspeakable evil. One they have to stop before everything they love is destroyed.
Review:
When I was given the opportunity to review and arc of “A Magic Dark and Bright”, the first book in the Asylum series, I was expecting a few creepy feelings in the vein of the Fear Street Series. Here is what really happened:
I had insomnia, and for whatever reason decided that 2 am was a good time to start a ghost story. By 2:30 am I was convinced a visitor from the grave was looking at me from the yard and spent the next thirty minutes trying to convince myself I needed to peek out of the curtains. Then I decided that would be the type of the idea that is acted upon in the first three minutes of a slasher film, so chose instead to hide under the covers.
I was reading Stephen King in elementary school, so I wouldn’t exactly consider myself a horror genre wimp. This book really managed to hit a fear center for me. I don’t anticipate looking out of the window at night any time in the near future. The characters are compelling, it’s a quick and easy read, the imagery is perfectly creepy, and it doesn’t rely on gore for the fright. The only reason I made it four stars, instead of five, is that there were some timeline shifts that became a bit disorienting at points.
I recommend “A Magic Dark and Bright” for upper middle graders to adults, providing they enjoy being scared while reading. Make sure you have curtains in your bedroom. Shut them before reading. Trust me.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence, Language, Sexual Content, Intensely Creepy Stuff
The Memory Hit
The Memory Hit
Hachette Children's Books
June 4, 2015
Paperback
352
On New Year's Eve, Jess's life is unrecognizable: her best friend is in the hospital, her boyfriend is a cheater. A drug-dealing cheater it would seem, after finding a stash of Nostalgex in his bag.
Nostalgex: a drug that stimulates memory. In small doses, a person can remember the order of a deck of cards, or an entire revision guide read the day before an exam. In larger doses it allows the user detailed access to their past, almost like watching a DVD with the ability to pause a moment in time, to focus on previously unnoticed details and to see everything they've ever experienced with fresh eyes. As Leon, the local dealer, says 'it's like life, only better.' What he fails to mention is that most memories are clouded by emotions. Even the most vivid memories can look very different when visited.
Across town Sam Cooper is in trouble. Again. This time, gagged and bound in the boot of a car. Getting on the wrong side of a drug dealer is never a good idea, but if he doesn't make enough money to feed and clothe his sister, who will?
On New Year's Day, Jess and Cooper's worlds collide. They must put behind their differences and work together to look into their pasts to uncover a series of events that will lead them to know what really happened on that fateful New Year's Eve. But what they find is that everything they had once believed to be true, turns out to be a lie ...
Review:
“The Memory Hit” is an old-fashioned thriller for the young adult crowd. Think “Scream” type thrills with a drug-dealing setting.
If you’re looking for romance, “The Memory Hit” is not for you. There are some brief moments of it, mostly through memories, but that is all. One of my favorite things about the book is the fact that there is an abusive boyfriend who is not portrayed as some misunderstood hero and a girlfriend whose thoughts are shown both before and after she realizes he is abusive. Those portrayals are rare, and I like to point out any time a book treats abuse realistically and doesn’t in any way condone it.
The characters are well-developed in the way that you expect from a standalone thriller. There are strengths and weaknesses in all of them, with realistic reactions to some really terrifying things going on around them. There are several moments that had me jumping out of my seat and an overall atmosphere of general creepiness. Add in the mystery of “whodunnit” and it makes for a fun and fast read. Readers will feel thankful that nostalgex is not a real drug by the end of the story.
I recommend it to upper middle grade readers and up who enjoy a good scare and are looking for a quick read.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Very Mild Sexual Content, Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse
The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
Sunshine Girl, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Weinstein Books
2015-03-24
320
Based on the wildly popular YouTube channel, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl has been described as “ Gilmore Girls meets Paranormal Activity for the new media age.” YA fans new and old will learn the secrets behind Sunshine—the adorkable girl living in a haunted house—a story that is much bigger, and runs much deeper, than even the most devoted viewer can imagine…
Review:
I have to say that “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” is one of the most interesting horror novels I have ever read. It has an unexpected blend of ghosts, romance, teen angst, and plot.
I really enjoyed the characters and their arcs. Sunshine especially is a great and likable character who reacts to the extraordinary paranormal situations in a way that most of us would. That being disbelief quickly followed by fright. I won’t give away what else she goes through, but needless to say it isn’t something most of us would encounter. At least I hope not. I do like to sleep on occasion.
My first thoughts were this isn’t too scary, which quickly progressed to being afraid to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night (which is when I was foolish enough to read a horror story), and finally ended up with “my significant other needs to read this”. That last bit is the most telling, as she is what could be called a horror connoisseur. She likes terrifying things and “The Haunting of Sunshine” fits that requirement at many points.
Oddly enough, the book can be classified as clean as long as someone is ok with paranormal violence. There is no bad language, only the vaguest of sexual references, and no drinking or drug usage. Therefore, I can easily recommend “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” for any age provided they are comfortable with books by authors such as R.L. Stine. It’s a lot of good old-fashioned ghost story fun.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Ghosts, Violence, All-Around Creepiness
Seed
Juvenile Fiction
Running Press Kids
2015-03-10
336
All that Pearl knows can be encapsulated in one word: Seed. It is the isolated community that she was born into. It is the land that she sows and reaps. It is the center of her family and everything that means home. And it is all kept under the watchful eye of Papa S. At fifteen years old, Pearl is finally old enough to be chosen as Papa S.’s companion. She feels excitement . . . and surprising trepidation that she cannot explain. The arrival of a new family into the Seed community—particularly the teenage son, Ellis—only complicates the life and lifestyle that Pearl has depended upon as safe and constant. Ellis is compelling, charming, and worldly, and he seems to have a lot of answers to questions Pearl has never thought to ask. But as Pearl digs to the roots of the truth, only she can decide what she will allow to come to the surface. Lisa Heathfield’s suspenseful, scintillating debut features a compelling voice that combines blithe naïveté, keen observation, and sincere emotion.
Review:
Well, that escalated quickly.
Those are the words to most accurately described my feelings toward “Seed”, a book about a teenaged girl living on a cult compound with a fear of the outside world. The cult is well-developed and the creepiness of it (and believe me, it tips the creepy scale) is revealed in a way consistent with the view of Pearle, the narrator. Everything is presented naturally, without much explanation, but her observations adequately clue in the reader to what she cannot see.
The plot moves at a slow, though steady, pace. This is good, because things at Seed do not change quickly. In fact, they rarely change at all. The characters are well-developed and for the most part sympathetic. It’s very easy to feel sympathy for the innocents and hope they finally realize they are not in a good place. That is the first 99% of the book.
The last 1% of the book is a whirlwind that needed quite a bit more exploration. There were subplots introduced that had nothing to do with the conclusion and had no resolution. That space would have been much better used to make the actual conclusion more cohesive. I understand that there is a point where things would speed up rapidly, and the author is trying to convey this, but it was such a disorienting jumble that it cost an entire star in my rating.
If you like reading about cults, or things that make your skin crawl in general, then you may wish to give “Seed” a try as long as you go into it with the knowledge the very end may fall short of your expectations. It is most definitely for high schoolers and adults. The content is not explicit but very much present.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Strongly Implied Sexual Content, Brief Language, Violence, Abuse
Vampire Academy
Vampire Academy, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Penguin
2007
332
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.
Review:
Don’t read “Vampire Academy” if you’re looking for something to increase your brain-power. This is a book meant solely for entertainment purposes. It fulfills that purpose in a fun way.
I’m not normally one for vampire books, but this one grabbed me thanks to the main character of Rose. She is the protagonist that no mother would want her child bringing home as a friend. She drinks, fools around, curses, can be volatile, and is yet one of the most loyal book characters I have ever read.
I recommend this for a beach read or sometime when your brain just needs a break from thinking. The plot is somewhat ridiculous, but if you don’t dwell on that and focus on the humor it’s a good read.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Strong Sexual Situations, Underage Drinking, Animal Deaths
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