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The Nightmare Stone
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287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
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183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 5, 2012
When I received the request to review this book, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to like it at all. But I took a chance (because I hardly ever read horror/suspense type books).
I’m so glad I did.
I really enjoyed this book. The beginning was kind of a summary of things that were happening, but it worked for this book and I understood why Black wrote it this way. I was creeped out for most of the book (Score!), and I even laughed some. Because I didn’t read too many reviews before reading this book, I was pleasantly surprised when the true plot was presented to me. I won’t be the one to spoil it for you, but The Nightmare Stone is the spooky tale of how one of our most beloved classic fairy tales came to be. I won’t tell you which one so hopefully you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as me when you find out.
I found most of the characters likable, but my favorite was old lady Simpson and when I found out her background story, I liked her even more. There were parts of the book that seemed to drag for me and sometimes the dialogue and conversations ran a little long. Near the end of the book I felt the dialogue kept interrupting the action and that got a little frustrating, but the ending made up for it. Though kind of sad, it made me smile when I realized what it all meant.
I recommend this book to fans of suspense and horror, but also fantasy and fairy tales. It’s definitely not a book for kids or even young teens because of the language, but older teens and adults would probably really like this book. I know I did.
Visit DJ's Book Corner for more reviews!
I’m so glad I did.
I really enjoyed this book. The beginning was kind of a summary of things that were happening, but it worked for this book and I understood why Black wrote it this way. I was creeped out for most of the book (Score!), and I even laughed some. Because I didn’t read too many reviews before reading this book, I was pleasantly surprised when the true plot was presented to me. I won’t be the one to spoil it for you, but The Nightmare Stone is the spooky tale of how one of our most beloved classic fairy tales came to be. I won’t tell you which one so hopefully you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as me when you find out.
I found most of the characters likable, but my favorite was old lady Simpson and when I found out her background story, I liked her even more. There were parts of the book that seemed to drag for me and sometimes the dialogue and conversations ran a little long. Near the end of the book I felt the dialogue kept interrupting the action and that got a little frustrating, but the ending made up for it. Though kind of sad, it made me smile when I realized what it all meant.
I recommend this book to fans of suspense and horror, but also fantasy and fairy tales. It’s definitely not a book for kids or even young teens because of the language, but older teens and adults would probably really like this book. I know I did.
Visit DJ's Book Corner for more reviews!
July 16, 2012
I loved this book so much and I know I will be reading it again something that I don't often do I have very few books on my To read over and over again shelf but this will be one of them. not only that it is the first ghost/horror story to be put there
I loved how the author put a new twist on the beloved children's character peter pan, it worked so well with this story I am not sure I will ever be able to read peter pan to my son in the same way again. haha.
I really felt a real connection and empathy with the characters and the descriptions of the house and surroundings were well written and whether the story was told in the present day or the past it flowed seamlessly the author as clearly done his research.
the twists and turns kept me guessing through out I never once figured it out before I was told despite my best efforts. I went through many different emotions while reading I would advise tissues for anyone who reads it.
A brilliant well thought out chilling read that will make me question every shadow I see from now on and I look forward to reading more from this author
I loved how the author put a new twist on the beloved children's character peter pan, it worked so well with this story I am not sure I will ever be able to read peter pan to my son in the same way again. haha.
I really felt a real connection and empathy with the characters and the descriptions of the house and surroundings were well written and whether the story was told in the present day or the past it flowed seamlessly the author as clearly done his research.
the twists and turns kept me guessing through out I never once figured it out before I was told despite my best efforts. I went through many different emotions while reading I would advise tissues for anyone who reads it.
A brilliant well thought out chilling read that will make me question every shadow I see from now on and I look forward to reading more from this author
July 6, 2012
I enjoyed this book immensely and found it quite hard to put down. What an amazing talent to be able to make someone feel so many emotions through his writing. Near the end of the book my heart was beating faster and I was reading wide-eyed with anticipation. Thoroughly enjoyable read and a fantastic twist to a well-known story which I shall now have to read too!
September 23, 2012
Beautifully written book, totally captured my imagination from the first page. Love how it slowly built up the story without being too slow and boring. It was very descriptive that I was even taken back a 100 years! Totally inspired me to read the real story of Peter pan as I thought the Disney version was all there was. Over all an excellent first book by this author
December 16, 2012
Fantastic -- I had read the original Peter & Wendy when I was about eleven. This book brings back to me the day I discovered Pan. I was always a bit scared of him. The twist at the end was a total surprise. I know I will be looking for a nightmare stone for my own garden.
November 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. In honesty, I didnt think I was going to. Its not my usual type as I sway more to Epic Fantasy, YA/Urban and Paranormal. I was worried that it would not hold my attention while it set the scene and introduced us to the characters, but I am so glad I chose to keep reading because this book grabbed me and held me and took me on a wild ride of suspense and creepy shudders.
In the first section Finian Black introduces us to John and his family. John, after a compulsion leads him to buy an extra line on the lottery with numbers he is not too sure why he picked, wins the jackpot and he and his family buy an old grand house that isnt all it seems. We are led to believe there is something very wrong going on and the old previous ownder is mysterious and secretive. John suffers headaches and feels something within the house that leads him to learn more about its history. The old woman presents him with photos and a journal, along with a warning not to move the stone statue in the garden.
This brings us to the middle section, taking us back to a time when a young family lived in the house long before John and the old woman. This section I enjoyed the most. It revealed many secrets about the house and weaved a tale about a being named The Boy who steals away children and leads them to a magical land...and their deaths! I loved reading the story of mary and how she comes to be close friends with the rich childen she used to work for in the grand house. Her budding romance with James kept me interested.
The last section of the book is where things really get intense. The Boy is back and he wants revenge. The last scenes are set in the middle of a terrible storm. Finian Black is fantastic at creating suspense and keeping us on the edge of our seats. I didnt know how it was going to end....and when it did I was shocked! In my opinion this book deserves no less than a 4 star rating/review. Even if a reader does not enjoy the story the plot alone is worth it. Not to mention its finely edited, well structured and managed to move us through the past and present without confusion. I really liked this book and I look forward to reading more from Black.
Oh...and if you like Disney and fairytales? prepare to have a new fear for them. The Boy is a magical being we have known since we were children!
In the first section Finian Black introduces us to John and his family. John, after a compulsion leads him to buy an extra line on the lottery with numbers he is not too sure why he picked, wins the jackpot and he and his family buy an old grand house that isnt all it seems. We are led to believe there is something very wrong going on and the old previous ownder is mysterious and secretive. John suffers headaches and feels something within the house that leads him to learn more about its history. The old woman presents him with photos and a journal, along with a warning not to move the stone statue in the garden.
This brings us to the middle section, taking us back to a time when a young family lived in the house long before John and the old woman. This section I enjoyed the most. It revealed many secrets about the house and weaved a tale about a being named The Boy who steals away children and leads them to a magical land...and their deaths! I loved reading the story of mary and how she comes to be close friends with the rich childen she used to work for in the grand house. Her budding romance with James kept me interested.
The last section of the book is where things really get intense. The Boy is back and he wants revenge. The last scenes are set in the middle of a terrible storm. Finian Black is fantastic at creating suspense and keeping us on the edge of our seats. I didnt know how it was going to end....and when it did I was shocked! In my opinion this book deserves no less than a 4 star rating/review. Even if a reader does not enjoy the story the plot alone is worth it. Not to mention its finely edited, well structured and managed to move us through the past and present without confusion. I really liked this book and I look forward to reading more from Black.
Oh...and if you like Disney and fairytales? prepare to have a new fear for them. The Boy is a magical being we have known since we were children!
July 22, 2017
I finished this book in less than 3 days. Gripping supernatural thriller told through two lives which intertwine. Fantastic. Can't wait to read more of this authors books.
July 25, 2012
This book is extremely descriptive... This will be excellent for readers who like this. Personally, at times I found it a bit too much with a lot of effort being put in by the writer to create suspense and drama.
I do like stories with an edge, but again I prefer to let my imagination run wild and not be told something is creepy, or something is amiss. I found it an interesting idea, even if it blew away one of my favourite Disney characters... This might be the reason why it did not press all the buttons for me. It's like being told Dumbo is scary.
I am probably not the ideal reader for this book, but I wish Finian Black a lot of success. I am afraid that I am a sucker for romance, and this was definitely not a romance novel.
I suggest you read this if you like scary stories ... and I do think it would make an excellent movie! I would be jumping in a lot of scenes then!
Hope this review helps
Vanessa :)
I do like stories with an edge, but again I prefer to let my imagination run wild and not be told something is creepy, or something is amiss. I found it an interesting idea, even if it blew away one of my favourite Disney characters... This might be the reason why it did not press all the buttons for me. It's like being told Dumbo is scary.
I am probably not the ideal reader for this book, but I wish Finian Black a lot of success. I am afraid that I am a sucker for romance, and this was definitely not a romance novel.
I suggest you read this if you like scary stories ... and I do think it would make an excellent movie! I would be jumping in a lot of scenes then!
Hope this review helps
Vanessa :)
January 15, 2013
This was such a delightful book. The characters are written so deftly as to make you care about them almost immediately. I'm not going to detail the plot (I hate spoilers), but let me say that I was impressed with the unexpected turns, the story within the story, the paranormal season of dread and the genuine regard characters had for one another.
Even in the midst of outrageous evil, the human core shines through.
Do yourself a favor, though, and block out some time. You're going to want to finish this once you pick it up.
There is a very intriguing mix of time eras, with each situation containing enough rich detail to really place you in the context of the story.
The only con is, as an american, some british terms were unfamiliar to me, but if you have a kindle fire, you can highlight the words and get a definition right away. (like weir, lasher).
I look forward to more books from this author.
Even in the midst of outrageous evil, the human core shines through.
Do yourself a favor, though, and block out some time. You're going to want to finish this once you pick it up.
There is a very intriguing mix of time eras, with each situation containing enough rich detail to really place you in the context of the story.
The only con is, as an american, some british terms were unfamiliar to me, but if you have a kindle fire, you can highlight the words and get a definition right away. (like weir, lasher).
I look forward to more books from this author.
September 1, 2012
A sinister story from start to finish, of myth and 'magic' and sorrow; an altogether engaging read.
As one of the characters in the story will tell you; everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. The Disney version, of faries and adventure, all glossed over with the animated Disney glaze of magic and a happy ending. But what if Pan wasn't the benign laughing boy we all believe?
This story is a tale spanning several generations, all linked to a family and a beautiful old house. I would definitely recommend this to those who don't mind their thrillers becoming a little fantastical at times, and read with an open mind.
Overall, a great novel, written by a skilled and imaginative author, which I enjoyed very much.
As one of the characters in the story will tell you; everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. The Disney version, of faries and adventure, all glossed over with the animated Disney glaze of magic and a happy ending. But what if Pan wasn't the benign laughing boy we all believe?
This story is a tale spanning several generations, all linked to a family and a beautiful old house. I would definitely recommend this to those who don't mind their thrillers becoming a little fantastical at times, and read with an open mind.
Overall, a great novel, written by a skilled and imaginative author, which I enjoyed very much.
August 10, 2012
A really hard book to put down. A very gripping tale. I enjoyed every minute of it :)
December 5, 2012
We are proud to announce that this book has been honored with a 2012 B.R.A.G.Medallion - telling you that this book is well worth your time and money!
November 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, I will never think of Peter Pan the same way again!
June 11, 2014
This story is so intriguing, it is one of a few that I will read more than once!
June 19, 2018
Supernatural horror stories are not my usual reading matter. However I became engrossed in this tale featuring the enigma that is Peter Pan.
August 15, 2019
This supernatural/horror/fantasy tale is an interesting quirky take on the Peter Pan story. It's a fun and easy read with some chilling moments and nothing like the Disney version!
October 27, 2012
Author Finian Black has a terrific story with “The Nightmare Stone”, his debut novel. Which to me is a shock in a way, I say shock because with the level of imaginative and clever writing seen in this novel you would assume that he was a seasoned author with a multitude of books under his belt already.. But nope, this is in fact his “debut”.
Over the years I have grown to love ghost stories, where before I would say that looks good and would read it hopefully one of these days.
In The Nightmare Stone the beautiful, effortless meshing of a age old much loved fairytale along with mythology was amazing!!! (no I won‘t tell you which fairytale)
I absolutely loved the different time eras that were encompassed throughout the story. Placing yourself exactly as if you were at the scene was so easy for me.
There were so many different twists and turns woven into past and present memories, summarized for us as the story began, (I loved the way it was done) yet I was intrigued to realized it didn’t give everything away half through or in the begin as some do.
I found that right after I had finished The Nightmare Stone, within a short time I was watching the movie, and then I promptly pulled out my book of classic fairytales to read it, as I had as a child.
A haunting, creepy and suspenseful twist of a piece of our childhood, a beloved fairytale that we all remember.
I recommend this novel to teens and up.. You will thoroughly enjoy it, and be surprised at what you do find out.
Well done Author Finian Black, on this phenomenal take on a piece of our childhood memories. I look forward to what is to come as more of your words flow across the pages or screen once more.
Recommend: Teen and up
Rating: 4.5/5 angel stars
Angel Anne Reviews
Over the years I have grown to love ghost stories, where before I would say that looks good and would read it hopefully one of these days.
In The Nightmare Stone the beautiful, effortless meshing of a age old much loved fairytale along with mythology was amazing!!! (no I won‘t tell you which fairytale)
I absolutely loved the different time eras that were encompassed throughout the story. Placing yourself exactly as if you were at the scene was so easy for me.
There were so many different twists and turns woven into past and present memories, summarized for us as the story began, (I loved the way it was done) yet I was intrigued to realized it didn’t give everything away half through or in the begin as some do.
I found that right after I had finished The Nightmare Stone, within a short time I was watching the movie, and then I promptly pulled out my book of classic fairytales to read it, as I had as a child.
A haunting, creepy and suspenseful twist of a piece of our childhood, a beloved fairytale that we all remember.
I recommend this novel to teens and up.. You will thoroughly enjoy it, and be surprised at what you do find out.
Well done Author Finian Black, on this phenomenal take on a piece of our childhood memories. I look forward to what is to come as more of your words flow across the pages or screen once more.
Recommend: Teen and up
Rating: 4.5/5 angel stars
Angel Anne Reviews
December 27, 2012
The Nightmare Stone started off really well - I love a good Ghost story and the first few pages of this book really intruiged me. Unfortunately, the actual plot was not great, the suspense needed for a really good ghost story gradually fizzled out after those first few pages, and the writing style was poor.
I read this to the end purely to see if it got any better, but all the time thinking and hoping and wishing that it would soon come to a conclusion and I could move on to a better book!
The ending lacks any sort of structure, with the 'twist' that we were promised just being added in towards the end without any big reveal - it seemed to me that this was put in as an afterthought in the attempt at making the ending a bit more emotive, interesting, worthwhile. Insert another adjective as appropriate.
On the whole, this was very disappointing.
I would also like to point out that every stage of the narrative was utterly predictable as well as lacking any imagination. It's all very well and good to take another authors' characters and turn them into something new, but this takes a skill that this author clearly doesnt have.
I'm sure J M Barrie will be turning in his grave to think that such a mockery was made of his characters and the world that he had created. Still, as someone who has actually read Barrie's version of Peter Pan, I can say that I could see where the author was coming from. Barrie's descriptions of Pan do take on a rather dark persona, which, if put into the hands of a decent writer, could have been turned into something extremely sinister.
On a good point though, this book did make me want to read Pan again!
I read this to the end purely to see if it got any better, but all the time thinking and hoping and wishing that it would soon come to a conclusion and I could move on to a better book!
The ending lacks any sort of structure, with the 'twist' that we were promised just being added in towards the end without any big reveal - it seemed to me that this was put in as an afterthought in the attempt at making the ending a bit more emotive, interesting, worthwhile. Insert another adjective as appropriate.
On the whole, this was very disappointing.
I would also like to point out that every stage of the narrative was utterly predictable as well as lacking any imagination. It's all very well and good to take another authors' characters and turn them into something new, but this takes a skill that this author clearly doesnt have.
I'm sure J M Barrie will be turning in his grave to think that such a mockery was made of his characters and the world that he had created. Still, as someone who has actually read Barrie's version of Peter Pan, I can say that I could see where the author was coming from. Barrie's descriptions of Pan do take on a rather dark persona, which, if put into the hands of a decent writer, could have been turned into something extremely sinister.
On a good point though, this book did make me want to read Pan again!
October 28, 2012
very interesting weaving of fact and fiction. love the idea that past, present, and future (as other authors have also suggested) can exist simultaneously and have the power to influence each other. it is said that if we do not learn history we are doomed to repeat it... very interesting approach to this concept. j.m.Barrie is very influential as is his infamous work, and the references brought another dimension to this story. it is often believed that even the most unrealistic fiction is based in a factual foundation, and the things that dreams and nightmares are made of are no exception. this book takes a different look at the question "what really exists for us outside and beyond the mundane everyday reality in which we live"-is there a heaven, a neverland, a hell, or something else entirely? what really is reality and what is just a dream/nightmare that we need to wake up from? many characters struggle with the question, what should we truly believe? so too should we, that is up to us to decide.
August 7, 2012
Not normally my genre of book, so I should have stayed away. To be honest, as much as I tried, I was unable to finish this. I found the story unbelievable. Too many things were so far fetched right from the beginning there was no way i could believe in it. I did not relate to the characters at all.
I don't like giving up on books, but in this case I had too.
I don't like giving up on books, but in this case I had too.
June 10, 2013
An interesting little tale intertwining the supernatural with JM Barrie and his inspiration for Peter Pan! I enjoyed the flashbacks to the 1911 storyline and how it wove into the 2012 storyline. The lead character was a little hard to identify with at times but I think it made the ending a little more meaningful.
February 2, 2015
Nightmare Stone - Finian Black
Rating: 4 out of 5
Kindle edition
It is quite a bit dark in places, Haunting and Suspenseful and made me realize why I felt so spooked when I read Peter Pan by James Barrie as a child..Might have to read Peter Pan again, as well as a Bio on J.M Barrie. I really enjoyed it. The writing was a little lacking but the plot over came this weaknes
Rating: 4 out of 5
Kindle edition
It is quite a bit dark in places, Haunting and Suspenseful and made me realize why I felt so spooked when I read Peter Pan by James Barrie as a child..Might have to read Peter Pan again, as well as a Bio on J.M Barrie. I really enjoyed it. The writing was a little lacking but the plot over came this weaknes
November 20, 2012
A really interesting spooky story that takes place in England. And it's based on JM Barrie's Peter Pan. JM Barrie himself is in the book. The original basis of Peter Pan but with a sinister twist. I enjoyed this book.
April 2, 2013
Interesting take on the Peter Pan myth; have never read the original story, only the Disney version - will have to amend that. The prose was a little clunky for me at times, but the story was well worth getting through it.
September 9, 2012
first half v enjoyable & did not want to put it down..second half less so.
December 8, 2012
Really enjoyed this. Read this straight after 'The Little Stranger' which was meant to be creepy but failed dismally. This was much scarier and kept me hooked to the end.
March 8, 2013
Very good spooky story
September 12, 2013
OK as horrors go nice touch to include peter pan like I said ok
March 28, 2015
I enjoyed this book, a horror/mystery, sadly it took me a long time to finish as I was so busy otherwise I think I would have continued reading straight to the end.
November 21, 2016
When I started reading this book really didn't think I would like it. I was so wrong! Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews