2 Book Lovers Reviews
Well, Halloween is almost upon us; the nights are longer, there is a chill in the air, we can sense the monsters just lurking around the corner. It is a great time of year to read horror. Over the years I’ve read some great books, ones that have stuck with me and still scare me today. If you’re looking for a great book to get you into the season, here are some of my favorites.
Wolf Land – Jonathan Janz
There has been a bit of a drought in the horror genre for the classic monsters. Sure, if you go looking you will find vampires and werewolves all over the place, but these books generally treat the monster as something more human than beast, a tortured soul looking for a mate to ease the torment that the character has experienced in their interminable life. Wolf Land is old school horror, the type of story that would have terrified and enthralled me as a youngster sitting by the campfire. These monsters are true monsters – bloodthirsty beasts that operate solely on base emotions.
It - Stephen King
What I loved most about the book was King’s patience. He took me on a long leisurely stroll through the lives of the characters; he took his time to develop all of my new friends: Bill, Eddie, Stan, Richie, Bev, Mike and Ben. He even took his time developing my new arch enemy, Henry Bowers. There was no rush to get to the end, toward the final confrontation. You’re on Route 66, you’ll get there when you get there…enjoy the ride.
The Ritual – Adam Nevill
For a story to hit me just right, the characters must be exceptional. They can’t just be people that I read about. Nevill’s characters became a part of my life, I felt a connection, a familiarity with them. He created realistic characters and placed them in an exceptional situation. I was lost in the woods with them and screamed for them to: Stop, turn around, RUN!
The Terror – Dan Simmons
I came across The Terror through the horror books online, but as far as I’m concerned, it is far more historical in nature. It is the untold story of what happened during the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, as they explored the Northwest Passage. Sure, there is a monster, but I find the brutality of nature to be far more horrific than any supernatural creature could ever be. The Terror became a battle between man’s hubris and the brutal power of Mother Nature.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires – Grady Hendrix
Hendrix has added a little unfamiliar to this familiar setting, a vampire. Yes, I have read my fair share of vampire books. Like zombies, vampires have been done so many times in so many different ways. The key to making it work for me is the author’s approach: make the monster new, unique, something I’ve never seen before or make it about the people and how the monster makes them act and react.
Revelator – Daryl Gregory
Just reading the synopsis, you know that this story is going to go off the rails (in a good way): prices will be paid, and scars will be reopened. Revelator does not disappoint. The story is told from Stella’s point of view, and she has a ton of secrets – be patient they will all come out. I think that going with the one perspective is what really makes this work: Stella tells us what Stella wants us to know when we deserve to know it. This kept the mystery building as the shocks got bigger and bigger.
Do you have any book recommendations for me? I'd love to hear them!
Happy Reading!
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