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Danvers Asylum
Welcome to Danvers State Insane Asylum, home to some of the most demented men and women in the country.
Doctor Eugene Charles, head of the asylum and manager of its inner workings, has seen his share of insanity in the eyes of every patient residing behind the walls of his asylum, but the newest addition to his facility will redefine the meaning of true insanity, once and for all.
John Stephenson, an American writer of horror, is about to publish his latest shocking creation, and the haunting, subliminal messages that go along with them. His books are the works of a madman, and the hidden verses within them will change the lives of whoever reads them...including yours.
Doctor Eugene Charles, head of the asylum and manager of its inner workings, has seen his share of insanity in the eyes of every patient residing behind the walls of his asylum, but the newest addition to his facility will redefine the meaning of true insanity, once and for all.
John Stephenson, an American writer of horror, is about to publish his latest shocking creation, and the haunting, subliminal messages that go along with them. His books are the works of a madman, and the hidden verses within them will change the lives of whoever reads them...including yours.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2011
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 27, 2011
As I look at the cover of this novella and read the blurb, I can’t help but wonder what horrors this asylum hold, just what lies in the pages. This first novella of Chrystian Marrero promises to be an exciting, terrifying read, and I’m eager to begin.
Chrystian paints a vivid picture as though he was there, and the writing perspective at the start feels as if you’re reading it from the perspective of the rookie guard, or maybe a reporter following their steps, a very interesting effect.
The contempt for the inmates is almost palpable, as well as the fear and nervousness, and excitement upon discovering who the new inmate is. The story then goes so far as to almost exude the anxiety felt by the guards at what would happen if 2 yet-to-be-named characters found out they knew the identity of that guy.
And this is just the prologue!
The rest of the story does not fail to live up to the imagery built in the prologue.
The sinister excitement felt by the doctor is contagious, and I feel myself pulled in to his mind, seeing, hearing and feeling what he is experiencing.
As John settles in to his room, curiosity is piqued, and makes the reader eager to hear more about the asylum, and what makes this new inmate so special, why the doctor is so eager for him to be institutionalized, and why the mysterious Edgar is second-guessing this unexplained plan.
One truly feels for John, trapped against his seemingly sane will, in a place he doesn’t belong. As he strains to pinpoint sounds, Chrystian’s skill had me holding my breath with John, straining to listen, as if I would hear what John heard.
As the story develops, thanks to the gossiping guards, one feels all the more sorry for John, and contempt for the wicked doctor increases.
However, once the tale delves in to John’s writing, it makes you wonder, is he truly sane and locked up due to a whim of an evil man? Or is there something sinister lurking deep within, yet to be seen?
John’s novels, Inside A Madman’s Delusions and Evil At Tydeman’s Hotel are touched upon, and, in doing so, Chrystian creates the desire to read them, and discover for ones self just what it is about them that causes such reactions. Thankfully, he obliges, and as the doctor discovers the horrors within, so does is the reader taken along for the shocking ride.
As secrets slowly unravel, larger ones emerge, and the desire to continue reading grows. The horrific scenes described in this novella certainly don’t totally overwhelm, as Chrystian has the talent to sneak in a slight chuckle from time to time, just enough to ease tension of not yet knowing the whole story, but not so much as to detract from the horror and suspense woven in to every word.
The characters in this novel are relatable in one way or another, and this is very important for the success of any story. The constant little surprises keep the curiosity high, and allow the mind to try to guess what lies between the lines.
The twists and turns keep you guessing, and keep the mind well and truly hooked. The fact that Chrystian has kept the character list quite small is wonderful, as there is no trying to remember how someone fits in to the story. As for the characters themselves, they each have a slight history that is explained in such detail, you feel like you almost know each of them.
As for how it ends? Well, you’ll just have to read it and find out, won’t you?
Very few novels/novellas draw me in quite as Chrystian has managed to do with Danvers Asylum. The horrifying scenes have been written so deftly that they’re clear in the mind’s eye, and you want to make them stop playing, but you just can’t take your eyes off the page. Fantastically horrifying, this is a must read for horror and suspense fans!
Chrystian paints a vivid picture as though he was there, and the writing perspective at the start feels as if you’re reading it from the perspective of the rookie guard, or maybe a reporter following their steps, a very interesting effect.
The contempt for the inmates is almost palpable, as well as the fear and nervousness, and excitement upon discovering who the new inmate is. The story then goes so far as to almost exude the anxiety felt by the guards at what would happen if 2 yet-to-be-named characters found out they knew the identity of that guy.
And this is just the prologue!
The rest of the story does not fail to live up to the imagery built in the prologue.
The sinister excitement felt by the doctor is contagious, and I feel myself pulled in to his mind, seeing, hearing and feeling what he is experiencing.
As John settles in to his room, curiosity is piqued, and makes the reader eager to hear more about the asylum, and what makes this new inmate so special, why the doctor is so eager for him to be institutionalized, and why the mysterious Edgar is second-guessing this unexplained plan.
One truly feels for John, trapped against his seemingly sane will, in a place he doesn’t belong. As he strains to pinpoint sounds, Chrystian’s skill had me holding my breath with John, straining to listen, as if I would hear what John heard.
As the story develops, thanks to the gossiping guards, one feels all the more sorry for John, and contempt for the wicked doctor increases.
However, once the tale delves in to John’s writing, it makes you wonder, is he truly sane and locked up due to a whim of an evil man? Or is there something sinister lurking deep within, yet to be seen?
John’s novels, Inside A Madman’s Delusions and Evil At Tydeman’s Hotel are touched upon, and, in doing so, Chrystian creates the desire to read them, and discover for ones self just what it is about them that causes such reactions. Thankfully, he obliges, and as the doctor discovers the horrors within, so does is the reader taken along for the shocking ride.
As secrets slowly unravel, larger ones emerge, and the desire to continue reading grows. The horrific scenes described in this novella certainly don’t totally overwhelm, as Chrystian has the talent to sneak in a slight chuckle from time to time, just enough to ease tension of not yet knowing the whole story, but not so much as to detract from the horror and suspense woven in to every word.
The characters in this novel are relatable in one way or another, and this is very important for the success of any story. The constant little surprises keep the curiosity high, and allow the mind to try to guess what lies between the lines.
The twists and turns keep you guessing, and keep the mind well and truly hooked. The fact that Chrystian has kept the character list quite small is wonderful, as there is no trying to remember how someone fits in to the story. As for the characters themselves, they each have a slight history that is explained in such detail, you feel like you almost know each of them.
As for how it ends? Well, you’ll just have to read it and find out, won’t you?
Very few novels/novellas draw me in quite as Chrystian has managed to do with Danvers Asylum. The horrifying scenes have been written so deftly that they’re clear in the mind’s eye, and you want to make them stop playing, but you just can’t take your eyes off the page. Fantastically horrifying, this is a must read for horror and suspense fans!
June 23, 2011
Danvers Asylim is a dark and edgy horror story, a horrific tale of suspense with a touch of mystical mayhem and a whole lot of bloody domestic murders. Me, I can read anything, dark and shocking, fine with me. In fact, I enjoy a story like this one that is extremely unique and slightly bizarre because I don’t know what to expect next out of the creative mind of the author. And, in this story there was an order to the chaos, showing a plot line that was well thought out.
Of course, with a paranormal mystery to boot, I am a happy reader. Evil books and books inside books, I just love the concept. But, in this story, Chrystian Marrero went a step beyond that, making the voice of the book a character itself. Engaged in the story, I had to ask myself if I would be tempted to read such a book if it existed. And, I fear for the answer! LOL
A deeply psychological tale of a disturbed mind, one possessed by a sinister element, a voice directs the story, creates the setting, becomes a character in its own right and controls the other characters like puppets. I really appreciated the use of the text of the character's novels inside the story which were called into question in the murders, and the creative way the voice spoke in code through them. Yes, this probably makes no sense, but to say more would be to give away too much, and I wouldn’t want to kill the suspense, because this story didn’t exactly go as I was guessing it would – a good thing. As well, the literary tone used to the tell the tale lent itself to the haunting mental horror of this detailed plot.
Knowing I have a lot of different readers who read the reviews on my blog, as far as recommendation goes, if words like dark, horror, suspense, bloody, demented, violent, etc don’t bother you, then I say go for it! Having said above that I read anything, and now having finished this story, let me admit that there were parts in this story that made even me squirm.
Of course, with a paranormal mystery to boot, I am a happy reader. Evil books and books inside books, I just love the concept. But, in this story, Chrystian Marrero went a step beyond that, making the voice of the book a character itself. Engaged in the story, I had to ask myself if I would be tempted to read such a book if it existed. And, I fear for the answer! LOL
A deeply psychological tale of a disturbed mind, one possessed by a sinister element, a voice directs the story, creates the setting, becomes a character in its own right and controls the other characters like puppets. I really appreciated the use of the text of the character's novels inside the story which were called into question in the murders, and the creative way the voice spoke in code through them. Yes, this probably makes no sense, but to say more would be to give away too much, and I wouldn’t want to kill the suspense, because this story didn’t exactly go as I was guessing it would – a good thing. As well, the literary tone used to the tell the tale lent itself to the haunting mental horror of this detailed plot.
Knowing I have a lot of different readers who read the reviews on my blog, as far as recommendation goes, if words like dark, horror, suspense, bloody, demented, violent, etc don’t bother you, then I say go for it! Having said above that I read anything, and now having finished this story, let me admit that there were parts in this story that made even me squirm.
February 9, 2020
This is a well written horror story. The book grabbed me from the beginning and kept me drawn in. A really hard book to put down and I recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2020
Welcome to Danvers State Insane Asylum, home to some of the most demented men and women in the country.
Doctor Eugene Charles, head of the asylum and manager of its inner workings, has seen his share of insanity in the eyes of every patient residing behind the walls of his asylum, but the newest addition to his facility will redefine the meaning of true insanity, once and for all.
John Stephenson, an American writer of horror, is about to publish his latest shocking creation, and the haunting, subliminal messages that go along with them. His books are the works of a madman, and the hidden verses within them will change the lives of whoever reads them...including yours.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Doctor Eugene Charles, head of the asylum and manager of its inner workings, has seen his share of insanity in the eyes of every patient residing behind the walls of his asylum, but the newest addition to his facility will redefine the meaning of true insanity, once and for all.
John Stephenson, an American writer of horror, is about to publish his latest shocking creation, and the haunting, subliminal messages that go along with them. His books are the works of a madman, and the hidden verses within them will change the lives of whoever reads them...including yours.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2012
One of the worst books I read in 2011. Full of lack of logic, zero action and zero researched facts. Marrero writes in a time period he knows nothing about, October 1990, and a country he has never visited, the United States. The editing is so awful that the author's home town is misspelled as Coroza; (yes, that's with a ";") instead of Corozal, and not only does it appear that way in the book, but also on several review sites and the author's bio on Barnes & Noble. I almost can't believe that the editor of the book took credit for editing it on Amazon, or that the owner of the company that published this stinker thinks it's a work of art.
I would say it's so bad that it has to be read to be appericiated, but unfortunately with a selling price of $6.99 you would have to be very rich and frivalous to put money down on this one. I hope that Mr. Marrero is more dilligent in his medical studies than he is in his writing, otherwise I sincerely hope never to end up in a ER in Puerto Rico.
I would say it's so bad that it has to be read to be appericiated, but unfortunately with a selling price of $6.99 you would have to be very rich and frivalous to put money down on this one. I hope that Mr. Marrero is more dilligent in his medical studies than he is in his writing, otherwise I sincerely hope never to end up in a ER in Puerto Rico.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews