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Nightmare at Emerald High: A Christian Thriller
Malcolm Drake is one year away from the end of high school when a tantalizing scholarship offer comes his way. Malcolm and several other classmates eagerly join a program called Alternative Science that promises to open their minds to new ways of thinking and of course, help them win that scholarship. Little do they know that this program would change their lives forever. The class is riddled with eerie séances, encounters with spirit guides and a slow desensitization of the teens towards everything evil until they become completely entangled in the world of the occult.
With the program being run by the town's most influential people, the kids have a hard time getting out. Things take a turn for the worst when Malcolm is summoned to his school where he is bound and drugged in an effort to convince him to remain in the program. Will good prevail over evil?
With the program being run by the town's most influential people, the kids have a hard time getting out. Things take a turn for the worst when Malcolm is summoned to his school where he is bound and drugged in an effort to convince him to remain in the program. Will good prevail over evil?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2011
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Joana James
12 books17 followersJoana James is a young Christian author from the island of Saint Lucia in the Caribbean. She is an I.T. professional by day but in her free time she escapes from the logical world of technology into the artistic world. She is an avid reader and she loves reading books more than she loves writing them. As a testament to that, her kindle is her favourite piece of technology. Music is her best friend and that manifests itself through her love for dance and singing.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 15, 2012
Malcolm Drake is one year away from the end of high school when a tantalizing scholarship offer comes his way. Malcolm and several other classmates eagerly join a program called Alternative Science that promises to open their minds to new ways of thinking and of course, help them win that scholarship. Little do they know that this program would change their lives forever. The class is riddled with eerie séances, encounters with spirit guides and a slow desensitization of the teens towards everything evil until they become completely entangled in the world of the occult.
This young adult read really hit home with me as I know of several of my son's friends who got involved with wiccan practices during high school. The story kept me gripped throughout and unfortunately, I can see something like this happening in today's high schools as curriculum is slipped in under different guises. Parents have to be very conscious of everything there children are being taught in public schools.
This young adult read really hit home with me as I know of several of my son's friends who got involved with wiccan practices during high school. The story kept me gripped throughout and unfortunately, I can see something like this happening in today's high schools as curriculum is slipped in under different guises. Parents have to be very conscious of everything there children are being taught in public schools.
February 12, 2012
From the blurb:
Malcolm Drake is one year away from the end of high school when a tantalizing scholarship offer comes his way. Malcolm and several other classmates eagerly join a program called Alternative Science that promises to open their minds to new ways of thinking and of course, help them win that scholarship. Little do they know that this program would change their lives forever. The class is riddled with eerie séances, encounters with spirit guides and a slow desensitization of the teens towards everything evil until they become completely entangled in the world of the occult.
The blurb sounded interesting which is why I accepted this request. The execution was also interesting, to say the least.
The book begins with a dream in which Malcolm is being chased by an unknown menace through the basement hallways of his school. According to Malcolm, he's been having these dreams fairly regularly but this night the dream is changing. Upon waking up, we are giving information about his home life (his hard-working father who holds down two jobs, their strained relationship, his mother's leaving with/for another man) and then move into Malcolm going to school.
More info dump follows as we accompany Malcolm into class where he falls asleep and is laughed at upon waking from yet another chasing dream. We are given the impression that he doesn't have any friends and rather hangs out by himself.
Then we are introduced to the hidden room in the basement where Malcolm has built himself a computer from old parts and a cozy hideaway to do his homework and research. One afternoon, he witnesses a group of men harassing and threatening his principal with a gun. Scared, he hides inside his room until the men leave but is then caught by the principal who tells him not to mention this to anyone.
We continue on with the introduction of the scholarship the blurb mentions, which is going to take the form of a summer program that will award the money at the end. Malcolm is chosen for the program and after a while, becomes very uncomfortable with it, when things happen that shouldn't have.
He's not the only one; his group of his classmates/sudden friends all contact their parents and Malcolm's pastor, and the religious undertones of the book become ever stronger and quite frankly, a little preachy.
The character development is lacking and in some cases non-sensical. The plot itself is also a wee bit far-fetched - we are to believe that in this town, the people in power are all involved in this occult group and that nobody can be trusted.
The writing is very uneven. In some areas, it reads as if it were intended for Middle School level. It reads juvenile in its simplicity which is then interrupted by long, run-away sentences that are difficult to decipher.
Half-way through the book, it becomes clear that this is basically a good vs. evil scenario, and that all evil can be overcome simply with the power of prayer.
The author tries to portray the struggles of Malcolm and his father to deal after the betrayal of his mother, and how they've both lost faith in the Church and God.
This I can believe.
It was much harder for me to believe that even in a smaller town, it would be possible for an occult organisation with sinister intentions to not be required to provide more information than a basic website when offering a summer program that leads to a scholarship. In most states, curricula are set at state and/or county level, not by the individual principal.
Please note that I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The initial electronic version I received was riddled with errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar to the point where, after reading the first chapter, I contacted the author to alert her to this. She then sent a new copy that was a little better. I would suggest to the author and her proof or copy editor to review the latest version a few more times to catch the remaining issues.
For someone in the Middle school age group, this might be an enjoyable read. For me, it wasn't.
Malcolm Drake is one year away from the end of high school when a tantalizing scholarship offer comes his way. Malcolm and several other classmates eagerly join a program called Alternative Science that promises to open their minds to new ways of thinking and of course, help them win that scholarship. Little do they know that this program would change their lives forever. The class is riddled with eerie séances, encounters with spirit guides and a slow desensitization of the teens towards everything evil until they become completely entangled in the world of the occult.
The blurb sounded interesting which is why I accepted this request. The execution was also interesting, to say the least.
The book begins with a dream in which Malcolm is being chased by an unknown menace through the basement hallways of his school. According to Malcolm, he's been having these dreams fairly regularly but this night the dream is changing. Upon waking up, we are giving information about his home life (his hard-working father who holds down two jobs, their strained relationship, his mother's leaving with/for another man) and then move into Malcolm going to school.
More info dump follows as we accompany Malcolm into class where he falls asleep and is laughed at upon waking from yet another chasing dream. We are given the impression that he doesn't have any friends and rather hangs out by himself.
Then we are introduced to the hidden room in the basement where Malcolm has built himself a computer from old parts and a cozy hideaway to do his homework and research. One afternoon, he witnesses a group of men harassing and threatening his principal with a gun. Scared, he hides inside his room until the men leave but is then caught by the principal who tells him not to mention this to anyone.
We continue on with the introduction of the scholarship the blurb mentions, which is going to take the form of a summer program that will award the money at the end. Malcolm is chosen for the program and after a while, becomes very uncomfortable with it, when things happen that shouldn't have.
He's not the only one; his group of his classmates/sudden friends all contact their parents and Malcolm's pastor, and the religious undertones of the book become ever stronger and quite frankly, a little preachy.
The character development is lacking and in some cases non-sensical. The plot itself is also a wee bit far-fetched - we are to believe that in this town, the people in power are all involved in this occult group and that nobody can be trusted.
The writing is very uneven. In some areas, it reads as if it were intended for Middle School level. It reads juvenile in its simplicity which is then interrupted by long, run-away sentences that are difficult to decipher.
Half-way through the book, it becomes clear that this is basically a good vs. evil scenario, and that all evil can be overcome simply with the power of prayer.
The author tries to portray the struggles of Malcolm and his father to deal after the betrayal of his mother, and how they've both lost faith in the Church and God.
This I can believe.
It was much harder for me to believe that even in a smaller town, it would be possible for an occult organisation with sinister intentions to not be required to provide more information than a basic website when offering a summer program that leads to a scholarship. In most states, curricula are set at state and/or county level, not by the individual principal.
Please note that I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The initial electronic version I received was riddled with errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar to the point where, after reading the first chapter, I contacted the author to alert her to this. She then sent a new copy that was a little better. I would suggest to the author and her proof or copy editor to review the latest version a few more times to catch the remaining issues.
For someone in the Middle school age group, this might be an enjoyable read. For me, it wasn't.
March 12, 2012
A Terrifying Alternative to Science
Malcolm Drake has so much to bear as a sixteen year old high school student. His mother left for another man, taking all their savings. His father has worked long hours playing financial catch-up and been too weary to see his son grow up. Bullies force him to find a hiding place deep in the school's basement to eat and study. Still, he's managed to stay out of trouble and keep his grades high.
Malcolm has deeper issues in his past, however, that won't leave him alone. Haunting dreams of relentless chases through the darkness leave him exhausted in the mornings. A visiting minister called out a prophecy about Malcolm when Malcolm didn't even know God. Besides, he fled the church because his mother became involved with a deacon and choir director. Malcolm's father also abandoned the scene of his heartbreak and humiliation. Church keeps pulling Malcolm back, though, and people are praying for him and his father even after ten years' absence.
A chance for a scholarship pulls Malcolm into an elite science class. He feels strangely drawn to tell the youth pastor about this opportunity since his father is seldom home. Transcendental Meditation is one of the lighter items on the strange "science class" menu. Is it just ancient wisdom applied to solve today's problems? Or did a chance scene of violent intimidation witnessed from Malcolm's hiding place give him a hint about the real agenda of the scholarship committee?
This story gives one teenager a lot to deal with. But Malcolm's not alone as he comes to grips with deciding what he has to do about all the pressure and danger in his life. He has a protection he doesn't even know about. Because even when you think you've left God behind, you might just find that God's people, and God Himself, still have your back.
Malcolm Drake has so much to bear as a sixteen year old high school student. His mother left for another man, taking all their savings. His father has worked long hours playing financial catch-up and been too weary to see his son grow up. Bullies force him to find a hiding place deep in the school's basement to eat and study. Still, he's managed to stay out of trouble and keep his grades high.
Malcolm has deeper issues in his past, however, that won't leave him alone. Haunting dreams of relentless chases through the darkness leave him exhausted in the mornings. A visiting minister called out a prophecy about Malcolm when Malcolm didn't even know God. Besides, he fled the church because his mother became involved with a deacon and choir director. Malcolm's father also abandoned the scene of his heartbreak and humiliation. Church keeps pulling Malcolm back, though, and people are praying for him and his father even after ten years' absence.
A chance for a scholarship pulls Malcolm into an elite science class. He feels strangely drawn to tell the youth pastor about this opportunity since his father is seldom home. Transcendental Meditation is one of the lighter items on the strange "science class" menu. Is it just ancient wisdom applied to solve today's problems? Or did a chance scene of violent intimidation witnessed from Malcolm's hiding place give him a hint about the real agenda of the scholarship committee?
This story gives one teenager a lot to deal with. But Malcolm's not alone as he comes to grips with deciding what he has to do about all the pressure and danger in his life. He has a protection he doesn't even know about. Because even when you think you've left God behind, you might just find that God's people, and God Himself, still have your back.
March 16, 2012
Malcolm Drake is a sixteen year old teenager, who has lived with his father since his mother left. Since his wife’s betrayal Malcolm’s father had become a bitter man and spends little time with Malcolm choosing instead to throw himself into his work.
Things are not going great for Malcolm at school either and he has managed to find a sanctuary in a room inside a classroom inside the school to escape from bullies. One day while Malcolm is hiding out in his secret sanctuary he sees and overhears a group of people come into the adjoining classroom, appearing to be threatening the principal. Scared that he will be discovered and loose his sanctuary Malcolm stays put and listens. The group want the principal to include a new program on the school curriculum an alternative science class.
When Malcolm’s class are told that the Institute of Youth Enlightenment and Development is willing to provide four students the opportunity to receive full scholarships if they take part in the program. This interests many of the students whose families could barley afford a university education for their children.
All students and Malcolm are at first enthusiastic about the program. The students embrace the concepts that they are taught. But when they classes get stranger and they experience supernatural things that are bordering on the occult. What exactly is Malcolm getting involved with?
This is a story that holds you in suspense right to the end of the story. It is a thoroughly good read from beginning to end. There is a nice flow in the writing as it goes along captivating the reader and keeping your interest through out the story. I look forward to reading more of Joana James work.
Things are not going great for Malcolm at school either and he has managed to find a sanctuary in a room inside a classroom inside the school to escape from bullies. One day while Malcolm is hiding out in his secret sanctuary he sees and overhears a group of people come into the adjoining classroom, appearing to be threatening the principal. Scared that he will be discovered and loose his sanctuary Malcolm stays put and listens. The group want the principal to include a new program on the school curriculum an alternative science class.
When Malcolm’s class are told that the Institute of Youth Enlightenment and Development is willing to provide four students the opportunity to receive full scholarships if they take part in the program. This interests many of the students whose families could barley afford a university education for their children.
All students and Malcolm are at first enthusiastic about the program. The students embrace the concepts that they are taught. But when they classes get stranger and they experience supernatural things that are bordering on the occult. What exactly is Malcolm getting involved with?
This is a story that holds you in suspense right to the end of the story. It is a thoroughly good read from beginning to end. There is a nice flow in the writing as it goes along captivating the reader and keeping your interest through out the story. I look forward to reading more of Joana James work.
August 8, 2012
This was an interesting thriller about good and evil. The story revolves around Malcolm Drake, a 16-year-old high school student, who participates in a new 'alternative-science' program that is brought into the school, which ends up being more like a cult.
Malcolm is being raised by his father, his mother left them when he was younger. The father-son relationship is strained. Malcolm is left alone most of the time while his father works 2 jobs to make ends meet. I found this to be an interesting take from the male point of view. The hurt and anger felt from the mother's absense was real, and I was happy to see their relationship change during the story.
Pastor Daniel is another main character. He is having recurring nightmares that involve Malcolm. Unsure what they mean, he eventually realizes they're a sign of something evil taking place. when Malcolm suddenly starts showing up at church, the Pastor learns about what is going on at the school. I found the Pastors involvement to be critical in the story. While not being 'preachy' he used his belief to comfort and pray and to help bring an end to the 'evil' taking hold in this town.
As a young adult novel, I felt this was a good lesson that not all things are not what they appear to be. The experience with the cult brought pleasure and enjoyment to the members, but they knew it wasn't 'right'. Being a christian novel, the book used the power of prayer to guide them, yet it was 'open minded' enough for those who aren't really religious.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a 'clean' thriller that touched on some unusual activities. It kept my interest the whole way through. My only complaint is the ending was to abrount.
Malcolm is being raised by his father, his mother left them when he was younger. The father-son relationship is strained. Malcolm is left alone most of the time while his father works 2 jobs to make ends meet. I found this to be an interesting take from the male point of view. The hurt and anger felt from the mother's absense was real, and I was happy to see their relationship change during the story.
Pastor Daniel is another main character. He is having recurring nightmares that involve Malcolm. Unsure what they mean, he eventually realizes they're a sign of something evil taking place. when Malcolm suddenly starts showing up at church, the Pastor learns about what is going on at the school. I found the Pastors involvement to be critical in the story. While not being 'preachy' he used his belief to comfort and pray and to help bring an end to the 'evil' taking hold in this town.
As a young adult novel, I felt this was a good lesson that not all things are not what they appear to be. The experience with the cult brought pleasure and enjoyment to the members, but they knew it wasn't 'right'. Being a christian novel, the book used the power of prayer to guide them, yet it was 'open minded' enough for those who aren't really religious.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a 'clean' thriller that touched on some unusual activities. It kept my interest the whole way through. My only complaint is the ending was to abrount.
June 19, 2014
In the end, it was a nice read.
Story line held my attention, characters were believable for the most part (I always find it hard to believe high school children say words like "darn" and "freak" in place of the words they usually spew out. BUT for a book labeled "A Christian Thriller" it was absolutely befitting.), and there was a definite sense of conviction within the text. I felt the author truly believed what she was writing, therefore, I believed it too.
All in all a solid story, comfortable writing style, and consistent story flow. Good job Ms. James.
Would recommend this for children, commonly the pre-teen variety. Especially those with strong religious convictions or parents with such. Also, a nice read for an adult into YA or Christian thrillers.
I'll be honest and say Nightmare at Emerald High is not my usual read. That being said, this review is based mostly on the book content itself and less on my personal tastes. (Not gonna knock a book just because it's not my usual cup o' tea.)
Story line held my attention, characters were believable for the most part (I always find it hard to believe high school children say words like "darn" and "freak" in place of the words they usually spew out. BUT for a book labeled "A Christian Thriller" it was absolutely befitting.), and there was a definite sense of conviction within the text. I felt the author truly believed what she was writing, therefore, I believed it too.
All in all a solid story, comfortable writing style, and consistent story flow. Good job Ms. James.
Would recommend this for children, commonly the pre-teen variety. Especially those with strong religious convictions or parents with such. Also, a nice read for an adult into YA or Christian thrillers.
I'll be honest and say Nightmare at Emerald High is not my usual read. That being said, this review is based mostly on the book content itself and less on my personal tastes. (Not gonna knock a book just because it's not my usual cup o' tea.)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews