What do you think?
Rate this book
The Clearing
After twenty years in the Marine Corps, Major Frank Cutlip comes home to the quiet hills of his beloved Pennsylvania to take up a new life as the sheriff of Allegheny County.
Professor Beth Lowe took up a post at Paxton University because she became enamored with western Pennsylvania’s charms, a more enduring love than she thought she would ever feel for a man.
When Beth’s dog is savaged by wolves, their peaceful lives are shattered, and their fates entwined. On the brink of death, the dog not only survives but grows larger… and more vicious. A thousand-year cycle of carnage is reaching its climax once more, and the peaceful wooded hills will soon be smeared with blood.
Sheriff Cutlip leads his community in a hunt for the hidden terror, but then his own brother is bitten, his blood corrupted by the ancient evil. The sheriff must confront terrible choices, and he can’t do so alone
The Clearing — a novel of ordinary people thrown together in extraordinary circumstances
Professor Beth Lowe took up a post at Paxton University because she became enamored with western Pennsylvania’s charms, a more enduring love than she thought she would ever feel for a man.
When Beth’s dog is savaged by wolves, their peaceful lives are shattered, and their fates entwined. On the brink of death, the dog not only survives but grows larger… and more vicious. A thousand-year cycle of carnage is reaching its climax once more, and the peaceful wooded hills will soon be smeared with blood.
Sheriff Cutlip leads his community in a hunt for the hidden terror, but then his own brother is bitten, his blood corrupted by the ancient evil. The sheriff must confront terrible choices, and he can’t do so alone
The Clearing — a novel of ordinary people thrown together in extraordinary circumstances
- GenresHorrorWerewolvesFiction
228 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2013
3 people are currently reading
1597 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Rydder
3 books84 followers I was born in 1957 in a small town in Western Pennsylvania that had — and still has — one traffic light. There wasn’t a whole lot to do there, and we had few neighbors, so I learned to play quite a bit of make-believe – soldiers, cowboys and Indians, that kind of thing. At the same time, I loved to read and watch old movies.
On Saturdays, my dad played in a country western band, and I stayed up to wait for him. It was during that stretch that I discovered the horror movie. You know the ones I mean. Karloff, Chaney, Lee. The masters, right?
Fast forward 40 years. I’m now a senior designer and Cad manager for an civil engineering firm near Saratoga Springs, New York with my lovely wife, our pug Luke, and our hound Lady.
Since childhood, I’ve loved to create. I played trumpet, sang, even dabbled in genealogy. Nothing quite did it for me. Over the years, I’d composed quite a few term papers and theses (there are a few ex-teenagers in this world who owe their English grades to yours truly), and unfailingly earned an “A”.
My wife knew this, and one day just suggested that I try writing. What the hey, I thought. So I sat down and found a writing site called Hubpages. Nice little site, and I started getting the basics of writing a little from some of the inhabitants. I wrote a short story, and everyone liked it. So, I wrote another one.
Except it kept growing, and I kept getting more ideas, and it lengthened to 20 thousand words, then 30, then 40. By the time I sat back, I had the rough draft of my first novel, except back then it was called “Werewolves and Flapjacks”. Somewhere along the way I decided to submit my work to publishers. The result was my debut thriller ‘The Clearing’.
On Saturdays, my dad played in a country western band, and I stayed up to wait for him. It was during that stretch that I discovered the horror movie. You know the ones I mean. Karloff, Chaney, Lee. The masters, right?
Fast forward 40 years. I’m now a senior designer and Cad manager for an civil engineering firm near Saratoga Springs, New York with my lovely wife, our pug Luke, and our hound Lady.
Since childhood, I’ve loved to create. I played trumpet, sang, even dabbled in genealogy. Nothing quite did it for me. Over the years, I’d composed quite a few term papers and theses (there are a few ex-teenagers in this world who owe their English grades to yours truly), and unfailingly earned an “A”.
My wife knew this, and one day just suggested that I try writing. What the hey, I thought. So I sat down and found a writing site called Hubpages. Nice little site, and I started getting the basics of writing a little from some of the inhabitants. I wrote a short story, and everyone liked it. So, I wrote another one.
Except it kept growing, and I kept getting more ideas, and it lengthened to 20 thousand words, then 30, then 40. By the time I sat back, I had the rough draft of my first novel, except back then it was called “Werewolves and Flapjacks”. Somewhere along the way I decided to submit my work to publishers. The result was my debut thriller ‘The Clearing’.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 13, 2013
The Clearing sees a staple of Eastern European folklore transplanted into small-town America. A pack of ravenous werewolves is wreaking havoc across Western Pennsylvania; at it‘s head ‘The Elder’, the thousand year old carrier of an ancient virus. Anyone bitten and infected by one of the pack is of course transformed into a werewolf.
Carnage ensues as a motley group of lawmen, farmers and other local worthies try to destroy the werewolves without themselves becoming bitten and infected.
It takes a skilled author to convince his readers to believe the unbelievable, and in The Clearing, Thomas Rydder does that from the outset.
The setting is well described, the characters varied and believable, the ongoing love story between Sheriff Frank Cutlip and university teacher Beth Lowe a much needed counterpoint to the surrounding mayhem.
Strangely, I found some of the most effective passages to be those written from the point of view of the werewolves. This adds hugely to the story, although what it says about Mr. Rydder I’m really not sure. If I ever get around to asking him I’ll make sure it’s not during a full moon.
Certainly, the change of continent from Transylvania to Pennsylvania has helped bring the old legend into the 21st century. In fact this is a book that I could very easily envisage in film; although not 3-D. Please. I don’t think my nerves could handle that.
All in all, ‘The Clearing’ is a memorable book from a talented author, of whom I think we’ll be hearing a lot more in the future.
Carnage ensues as a motley group of lawmen, farmers and other local worthies try to destroy the werewolves without themselves becoming bitten and infected.
It takes a skilled author to convince his readers to believe the unbelievable, and in The Clearing, Thomas Rydder does that from the outset.
The setting is well described, the characters varied and believable, the ongoing love story between Sheriff Frank Cutlip and university teacher Beth Lowe a much needed counterpoint to the surrounding mayhem.
Strangely, I found some of the most effective passages to be those written from the point of view of the werewolves. This adds hugely to the story, although what it says about Mr. Rydder I’m really not sure. If I ever get around to asking him I’ll make sure it’s not during a full moon.
Certainly, the change of continent from Transylvania to Pennsylvania has helped bring the old legend into the 21st century. In fact this is a book that I could very easily envisage in film; although not 3-D. Please. I don’t think my nerves could handle that.
All in all, ‘The Clearing’ is a memorable book from a talented author, of whom I think we’ll be hearing a lot more in the future.
February 21, 2013
This is an excellent read. If you like a fast paced adventure and werewolves then this one’s definitely a winner. Beth and Lizzie get a new dog, named Flapjack, and so the adventure begins. Flapjack turns out to be no ordinary dog. After escaping and being bitten, Flapjack makes an amazing recovery. How could this happen? After some livestock problems in the area soon the Sheriff is involved. I don’t want to give too much away about this well written book. It certainly deserves a read.
March 3, 2013
A must read debut novel I was gripped from start to finish the storyline line has more twists and turns that a road through a mountain pass but this is one journey you won't want to break off.
March 1, 2013
What a refreshing take on the werewolf story! This was a beautifully orchestrated combination of fantasy, suspense, and action. Thomas Rydder did a wonderful job of creating this suspense thriller. The characters were portrayed with great depth and feeling. You truly connected to them and routed with them through their challenges, hunts, and dilemma’s. I found it very refreshing the way the werewolves were portrayed and evolved… I thought the weaving of that fantasy into the thriller aspect very well done. There were enough ebbs and flows to the pace to keep the plot moving smooth, a lot of personal trauma and growth with all the characters, and a satisfying and positive resolution. A great read, and one that I would recommend to anyone.
March 2, 2013
The Clearing is an intriguing horror novel, with a number of surprising twists, that draw the reader into a believable, rural, small town, as an interesting stage, where the struggle between werewolves, as agents of malevolence, and the resident protagonists of the town, takes place. The author’s powers of description are a strong point, as he manages to capture the nature of his characters and share their innermost thoughts in a realistic way, as they move through life-shaping events. The sections where the thoughts and feelings of the werewolves are explored are particularly powerful, as Rydder creates intense personalities for these mythical bad guys. Although the focus changes between scenes and characters, the narrative is well structured, so the reader is never lost, even when Rydder’s characters seem like they are about to lose everything. Highly recommended for horror lovers and those whose imaginations are fired by the full moon.
I received a free Beta copy of The Clearing from the publisher of this novel, Greyhart Press, for the purpose of fair and honest critique.
I received a free Beta copy of The Clearing from the publisher of this novel, Greyhart Press, for the purpose of fair and honest critique.
August 16, 2013
The Clearing by Thomas Rydder is an excellent horror novel by this first-time author. He has deftly re-invented the tired old werewolf genre giving it a new twist - whatever the wolves leave alive after an attack will become a werewolf or werecreature might be a better word. The small rural Pennsylvania town of Hemingway is the setting for this exciting tale and Thomas has lovingly described the area with deep affection. Every scene is vivid, almost like a movie and this book would make one hell of a movie. The two main characters, Frank the Sheriff and Beth the local entomologist are believable and make a great team as they investigate the strange events - missing pet - slaughtered cattle - missing human - that lead to the incident at the Clearing. I actually had that cosy feeling I get when I read a Stephen King novel that sends me to a small town under siege from supernatural creatures. Thomas is most adept at keeping the pace rattling along and knows when to slow down for us to catch breath.
This is a FIVE STAR HORROR and would not look out of place next to any Stephen King novel, so all I can recommend is get off your butts and download it now.
This is a FIVE STAR HORROR and would not look out of place next to any Stephen King novel, so all I can recommend is get off your butts and download it now.
February 8, 2013
A quick read with lots of action. There's some romance too. All the sex is implied (I'm not complaining), but Rydder doesn't skimp on violence (again, not complaining). It's also worth noting that Mr. Rydder is donating 25% of this book's royalties to the Feline Freedom Coalition.
The writing is a little choppy but it doesn't detract from the story. This book is reminiscent of a horror flick you'd take a date to on sultry Friday/Saturday nights.
The story relies heavily on pre-Christian ideas about werewolves, which was a nice change from the norm. Rydder's concept about werewolves is one I haven't seen a million times before, but I was able to guess what would happen next because of character POV changes that gave away too much information. I would have liked the story more if it was told from one character's POV, preferably Frank's because Beth appears to be unstable. When we first meet her, she's pretty stellar - raising her dead sister's kid and working as an Etymologist at a local school; then, we see her from Frank's POV and she appears bat-crap crazy. She was traumatized from stuff that happens in the story but I kind of want to read the sequel just so I can find out if she's really nuts or not. And if her method of catching men is how one does it...well, turns out I've been doing it wrong.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
The writing is a little choppy but it doesn't detract from the story. This book is reminiscent of a horror flick you'd take a date to on sultry Friday/Saturday nights.
The story relies heavily on pre-Christian ideas about werewolves, which was a nice change from the norm. Rydder's concept about werewolves is one I haven't seen a million times before, but I was able to guess what would happen next because of character POV changes that gave away too much information. I would have liked the story more if it was told from one character's POV, preferably Frank's because Beth appears to be unstable. When we first meet her, she's pretty stellar - raising her dead sister's kid and working as an Etymologist at a local school; then, we see her from Frank's POV and she appears bat-crap crazy. She was traumatized from stuff that happens in the story but I kind of want to read the sequel just so I can find out if she's really nuts or not. And if her method of catching men is how one does it...well, turns out I've been doing it wrong.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
August 12, 2016
The Clearing is a werewolf story without the usual shape shifting. The werewolves remain in wolf form throughout the book. While the wolves are extremely big, they did not seem terribly menacing. They just want to hold a succession ceremony. There was a perfunctory romance between a female entomology professor and the male sheriff. After the professor meets the sheriff, she does nothing more in the book except make him sandwiches. She did not need to be part of the story. The book ends with the glimmer of a possible sequel to this story. I will not be reading it. I received a free electronic version of this book with the expectation that I would review it.
March 14, 2013
Wow, An action packed thriller in the werewolf world! This was a fresh take on werewolves. It was your typical small town where everyone knows everyone and their business. An ordinary innocent thing such as a pet adoption turns into an extraordinary thing. The characters were awesome. I especially liked Beth and Frank. The book kept me turning the pages. It had danger, suspense, intrigue and love. Yes, there was also love between Sheriff Frank Cutlip and a teacher named Beth Lowe.The story was captivating with a great plot. I loved it.
March 7, 2013
Review Copy
A relatively new voice in horror, Thomas Rydder delivers in a big way in The Clearing, his first full-length novel.
Beth and her adopted daughter, Lizzie, live in the quiet community of Hemingway in Western Pennsylvania. And there's the newest member of their little family, a shelter dog which Lizzie named Flapjack.
Rydder does a great job of characterizing the close relationship between Lizzie and Flapjack. But then things begin to change as Flapjack starts hearing creatures within his brain, calling to him to join them, to leave the comforts of his life and to lead the brotherhood.
I guess it's no secret that The Clearing is a Werewolf story, especially since the writer actually wanted to call it "Werewolves and Flapjacks" which I kinda like as a title.
Without giving too much away, The Clearing, is a very well-written horror story. One which takes ordinary people and places them in extraordinary situations. There is a body count that includes characters that you might not expect to be torn to shreds. And for romantics, there is a budding romance between Beth and Sheriff Frank Cutlip.
When the Sheriff's brother, Adam is bit and turns, the quest becomes a race to somehow save Adam and destroy the pack.
That's just an outline, there are so many twists and turns and discoveries along the way that it made The Clearing an excitingly original page-turning adventure I just didn't want to put down. Even though the book is fine as a stand-alone novel, I understand a sequel is in the works and that's one I'll be on the lookout for.
The Clearing was released on March 1st from Greyhart Press. Be sure to check out their FREE ebook program.
A relatively new voice in horror, Thomas Rydder delivers in a big way in The Clearing, his first full-length novel.
Beth and her adopted daughter, Lizzie, live in the quiet community of Hemingway in Western Pennsylvania. And there's the newest member of their little family, a shelter dog which Lizzie named Flapjack.
Rydder does a great job of characterizing the close relationship between Lizzie and Flapjack. But then things begin to change as Flapjack starts hearing creatures within his brain, calling to him to join them, to leave the comforts of his life and to lead the brotherhood.
I guess it's no secret that The Clearing is a Werewolf story, especially since the writer actually wanted to call it "Werewolves and Flapjacks" which I kinda like as a title.
Without giving too much away, The Clearing, is a very well-written horror story. One which takes ordinary people and places them in extraordinary situations. There is a body count that includes characters that you might not expect to be torn to shreds. And for romantics, there is a budding romance between Beth and Sheriff Frank Cutlip.
When the Sheriff's brother, Adam is bit and turns, the quest becomes a race to somehow save Adam and destroy the pack.
That's just an outline, there are so many twists and turns and discoveries along the way that it made The Clearing an excitingly original page-turning adventure I just didn't want to put down. Even though the book is fine as a stand-alone novel, I understand a sequel is in the works and that's one I'll be on the lookout for.
The Clearing was released on March 1st from Greyhart Press. Be sure to check out their FREE ebook program.
March 27, 2013
This book had potential and the overall storyline was good. I just had some problems with the writing. The scenes seemed choppy. The characters did not seem to act realistically. Now, it was a book about the supernatural, so who knows how a character should react to such things, but a sheriff and a smart professor were doing things that just made no sense to me. Overall the characters were likable and I was able to finish the book. I just know that when I put a book down and don't really care if I pick it back up again, there is something missing. Another reviewer mentioned it would make a good young adult book, and I completely agree with that. Again, it is good story with okay characters but there is something missing with short, choppy scenes with poor transition between them.
I was given a free copy in exchange for my review.
I was given a free copy in exchange for my review.
June 22, 2017
I liked the book overall. I confess to not liking the horror genre very much, but this was a decent read. Werewolves threaten a small Pennsylvania town and the Sheriff, a veteran who moved there thinking he would have a life of peace finds himself in a fight for survival. Not just his own personal survival, but the survival of all humans in the community.
There are some good passages that raise goosebumps. The beginning was a bit slow. If you like the genre, give it a try.
There are some good passages that raise goosebumps. The beginning was a bit slow. If you like the genre, give it a try.
April 24, 2013
the book was good and interesting, had an easy flow to it. some of the plot was predictable but there were a few twist to the story. if the second book comes out i wold read it. he dose give you insight to the characters backgrounds.
received for free as a good read give away
received for free as a good read give away
March 26, 2013
A werewolf story with a different concept. I enjoyed the story. It has that Dean Koontz.Stephen King feel to it. It was nice to have the old time horror book for a change.
October 5, 2021
Si este libro hubiera sido una pelicula me hubiese encantado. Como libro me pareció un poco denso, empezó muy interesante pero después todas las veces que el sheriff le explicaba lo que habia transcurrido a alguien más cuando una como lectora ya lo sabia, bueno, digamos que tuve que pasar varias páginas. El romance se me hizo un poco forzado tambien. Pero es un libro único, contando que se nos muestra la perspectiva de los animales como personajes, eso me gustó. No se si existe una pelicula basada en este libro o no, pero deberian hacerla.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
This new take on the Werewolf legends is quite refreshing from the usual, grotesque take that our culture has been leaning towards. I love how the story is told from so many perspectives. You really get to know and understand each of the characters.The story builds up well and pulls you in. It was well worth the read. By the end, I found myself slightly annoyed by Beth's near-childish personality, but it wasn't enough to deter me from enjoying the book. She just had characteristics that annoy me in reality. But on the whole, this is a good book worth reading.
October 23, 2020
Woah! I love finding lesser known novels that are well-written, offer exciting lore, and keep you on your toes. If you like kind of creepy, thrilling books, read this one!!
December 13, 2020
Absolutely amazing novel.
November 7, 2021
Flat characters, dumb dialogue, chunky writing. Did not like.
August 8, 2021
Easy to follow along, descriptive, and fast pace. There was no dry moment. Great book to get out of a reading rut.
March 15, 2013
Originally posted at: A Girl that Likes Books
I received this book as part of the LybraryThing Early Review and here is my review.
What's the book about?
Beth Lowe is an entomology professor in Hemingway, Pennsylvania. She has recently adopted her niece Lizzie since her sister died. Lizzie is having a bit of a trouble adapting and in order to smooth things out Beth gets her a dog, Flapjack. However after a couple of weeks the dog is attacked and viciously hurt. After this attack Flapjack's behaviour and appearance changes gradually but surely. At the same time weird cattle attacks take place in the little town of Hemingway.
What was different of this book?
This was a fast fun read. What I would say was very different for me was the fact that while reading this book I had the clear feeling of watching a TV movie. Kind off what I think a horror movie made by Hallmark would look like. The imagery was very vivid but the development of the story as well as the dialogs seemed somehow straight out of a script.
What about the main character?
I'm not sure if Beth was the main character but let's take her as the main thread that unifies the story. I liked her at first, she is a scientist, so I felt easy empathy for her. She is doing her best to be Lizzie's mom. Is not that I stopped liking her but the whole relationship that develops in less than a month was so rushed that I started wondering what happened to the character I thought existed at first. I think this is the reason I had the Hallmark feeling all along.
The 10% moment
By this time Flapjack was bitten and Beth is starting to get the feeling he is not completely fine. There has been hints to the fact that behind the pack of wolves there is more than just your typical "werewolf" story.
Final thoughts
It was a fun read and a fast one for that matter. Once again I have the feeling that I was reading a movie. I enjoyed the fact that the story was well researched; some of the legends involve were new to me and the scientific in me couldn't help but to double check: everything added up. However, I don't think it was that different to a regular werewolf st
I received this book as part of the LybraryThing Early Review and here is my review.
What's the book about?
Beth Lowe is an entomology professor in Hemingway, Pennsylvania. She has recently adopted her niece Lizzie since her sister died. Lizzie is having a bit of a trouble adapting and in order to smooth things out Beth gets her a dog, Flapjack. However after a couple of weeks the dog is attacked and viciously hurt. After this attack Flapjack's behaviour and appearance changes gradually but surely. At the same time weird cattle attacks take place in the little town of Hemingway.
What was different of this book?
This was a fast fun read. What I would say was very different for me was the fact that while reading this book I had the clear feeling of watching a TV movie. Kind off what I think a horror movie made by Hallmark would look like. The imagery was very vivid but the development of the story as well as the dialogs seemed somehow straight out of a script.
What about the main character?
I'm not sure if Beth was the main character but let's take her as the main thread that unifies the story. I liked her at first, she is a scientist, so I felt easy empathy for her. She is doing her best to be Lizzie's mom. Is not that I stopped liking her but the whole relationship that develops in less than a month was so rushed that I started wondering what happened to the character I thought existed at first. I think this is the reason I had the Hallmark feeling all along.
The 10% moment
By this time Flapjack was bitten and Beth is starting to get the feeling he is not completely fine. There has been hints to the fact that behind the pack of wolves there is more than just your typical "werewolf" story.
Final thoughts
It was a fun read and a fast one for that matter. Once again I have the feeling that I was reading a movie. I enjoyed the fact that the story was well researched; some of the legends involve were new to me and the scientific in me couldn't help but to double check: everything added up. However, I don't think it was that different to a regular werewolf st
March 11, 2013
(This review may contain spoilers).
(I received this book as part of the 'read...review...repeat' offer by Greyhart Press Publishers).
I did quite enjoy reading this book. There were some interesting, well-developed characters in it, but I do have to say that there were a couple of characters who I couldn't tell one from another. There seemed to be very little development of them and I got very confused during the final fight scene, because I forgot who Robert was. Also, upon their first appearance, I kept getting Adam and Frank mixed up.
The concept behind the book, while not an entirely original one, was certainly handled in an interesting way. The fact that any creature bitten by the wolf would then turn into one of the werewolves - not just humans - was a very unique one.
I did think that the romance was kind of tacked on and felt really rushed. For someone who was supposedly only interested in her daughter, it didn't take long for Beth to shack up with the Sheriff. Also, a lot of the development of their relationship was glossed over - with Lizzie, too. Having her out of the picture for so long missed out on some great character development; and the epilogue didn't mention Lizzie at all, as if she'd just been conveniently shoved out of the picture. Given that Beth did adopt her, I think she should have had a mention at the very least. To be honest, I did think that the romance was the worst part of the book and really should have been left out - or developed better.
I also noticed several errors. For instance, italics were suddenly dropped in dreams/flashbacks; and in at least one of those, there was nothing to denote speech. Whole passages of time were skipped over in the space of a paragraph - and new paragraphs were used at the wrong points. For instance, a person would say something - and then the next paragraph would be that person performing an action, instead of keeping speech and action of the same person in the same paragraph.
I would probably be interested in reading the sequel, since there's apparently one in the works, but I hope that the above-mentioned errors aren't used in the next one.
(I received this book as part of the 'read...review...repeat' offer by Greyhart Press Publishers).
I did quite enjoy reading this book. There were some interesting, well-developed characters in it, but I do have to say that there were a couple of characters who I couldn't tell one from another. There seemed to be very little development of them and I got very confused during the final fight scene, because I forgot who Robert was. Also, upon their first appearance, I kept getting Adam and Frank mixed up.
The concept behind the book, while not an entirely original one, was certainly handled in an interesting way. The fact that any creature bitten by the wolf would then turn into one of the werewolves - not just humans - was a very unique one.
I did think that the romance was kind of tacked on and felt really rushed. For someone who was supposedly only interested in her daughter, it didn't take long for Beth to shack up with the Sheriff. Also, a lot of the development of their relationship was glossed over - with Lizzie, too. Having her out of the picture for so long missed out on some great character development; and the epilogue didn't mention Lizzie at all, as if she'd just been conveniently shoved out of the picture. Given that Beth did adopt her, I think she should have had a mention at the very least. To be honest, I did think that the romance was the worst part of the book and really should have been left out - or developed better.
I also noticed several errors. For instance, italics were suddenly dropped in dreams/flashbacks; and in at least one of those, there was nothing to denote speech. Whole passages of time were skipped over in the space of a paragraph - and new paragraphs were used at the wrong points. For instance, a person would say something - and then the next paragraph would be that person performing an action, instead of keeping speech and action of the same person in the same paragraph.
I would probably be interested in reading the sequel, since there's apparently one in the works, but I hope that the above-mentioned errors aren't used in the next one.
May 9, 2013
The Clearing of Thomas Rydder's novel is the place of battle. A stretch of Pennsylvania backwoods where a group of determined men squares off with a pack of savage, supernatural wolves. It's a proving ground of sorts that epitomizes a the plot of the novel, a blend of tactical combat and a chess match played out between the sturdy Sheriff Frank Cutlip and the monstrous leader of the wolf pack.
And there's a lot at stake. The Sheriff stands to lose his brother and possibly watch his home town descend into chaos. The wolves, on the other hand, are pressed for time. They must complete a sinister, primal ritual or face losing their powers. The struggle between man and wolf can only become lethal.
There are many shades of lethal however, and The Clearing’s has an old fashioned, thrill ride sensibility to it, like climbing onto one if those iconic wooden roller coasters from the early 1900’s and holding on tight while your teeth rattle.
In fact, the entire book has an old-fashioned sensibility to it. It is colored with an undertone of Americana and nostalgia, part John Wayne/ John Ford and part Norman Rockwell magazine cover, it evinces a strong feeling of a more innocent past.
The men of The Clearing - to a man- display valor and honor. They are gritty, handy with guns, and gentle to women. This might be one small downside to the novel, they’re all cut from the same cloth, and I kept hoping at least one of them would be a jerk or a coward. Or maybe even a cowardly jerk. The women are resourceful and super helpful. Romance falls decidedly into the sphere of the chaste. In terms of horror, it reminds me more of the horror novels of the 1960's, novels that used suspense and tight plotting to scare. And while there is violence and blood, The Clearing is refreshingly free of the post-90's preoccupation with micro-reporting pain, torture and cruelty. Nor does The Clearing exhibit the kind of smarmy, sarcastic tone of so many horror stories about teenagers.
Overall, I found The Clearing to be a vintage roller-coaster ride, a solid, well-told tale of wolves and men, and I look forward to more work from Thomas Rydder.
And there's a lot at stake. The Sheriff stands to lose his brother and possibly watch his home town descend into chaos. The wolves, on the other hand, are pressed for time. They must complete a sinister, primal ritual or face losing their powers. The struggle between man and wolf can only become lethal.
There are many shades of lethal however, and The Clearing’s has an old fashioned, thrill ride sensibility to it, like climbing onto one if those iconic wooden roller coasters from the early 1900’s and holding on tight while your teeth rattle.
In fact, the entire book has an old-fashioned sensibility to it. It is colored with an undertone of Americana and nostalgia, part John Wayne/ John Ford and part Norman Rockwell magazine cover, it evinces a strong feeling of a more innocent past.
The men of The Clearing - to a man- display valor and honor. They are gritty, handy with guns, and gentle to women. This might be one small downside to the novel, they’re all cut from the same cloth, and I kept hoping at least one of them would be a jerk or a coward. Or maybe even a cowardly jerk. The women are resourceful and super helpful. Romance falls decidedly into the sphere of the chaste. In terms of horror, it reminds me more of the horror novels of the 1960's, novels that used suspense and tight plotting to scare. And while there is violence and blood, The Clearing is refreshingly free of the post-90's preoccupation with micro-reporting pain, torture and cruelty. Nor does The Clearing exhibit the kind of smarmy, sarcastic tone of so many horror stories about teenagers.
Overall, I found The Clearing to be a vintage roller-coaster ride, a solid, well-told tale of wolves and men, and I look forward to more work from Thomas Rydder.
September 28, 2013
I love how the author takes a Marine and puts him into the role of Sheriff in the seemingly quiet hillside of Pennsylvania. Of course I have a special fondness for anyone in the armed forces and for law enforcement officers, and I have always loved nature and reading about werewolves.
In this very interesting novel, the peaceful woods of Pennsylvania where the Sheriff lives is soon to be alive with an ancient evil. An eerie howl split the nigh air that seemed to go on forever. It wasn't the sound of coyotes. This howl was stronger and very frightening. A full moon lurked behind scuttling clouds as monstrous wolves emerged from the woods and formed a loose circle around a lone dog. Viselike jaws clamped onto his neck. He was lifted into the air as a matchless power pierced his skin, then his soul. First a dog, then a human...
This is a story about werewolves, a small community where everyone knows everyone, a love story between two remarkable people and a choice that has to be made in the hunt for a terrible horror that is no longer hidden away in the once quiet hills.
Jeannie Walker Award Winning Author
In this very interesting novel, the peaceful woods of Pennsylvania where the Sheriff lives is soon to be alive with an ancient evil. An eerie howl split the nigh air that seemed to go on forever. It wasn't the sound of coyotes. This howl was stronger and very frightening. A full moon lurked behind scuttling clouds as monstrous wolves emerged from the woods and formed a loose circle around a lone dog. Viselike jaws clamped onto his neck. He was lifted into the air as a matchless power pierced his skin, then his soul. First a dog, then a human...
This is a story about werewolves, a small community where everyone knows everyone, a love story between two remarkable people and a choice that has to be made in the hunt for a terrible horror that is no longer hidden away in the once quiet hills.
Jeannie Walker Award Winning Author
October 27, 2013
Tired of the same old werewolf-shifter slut-screws-the-wolf-pack cliche?
How about a refreshingly horrific take on the werewolf genre:
Escaping his own personal tragedy of a divorce, Sheriff Cutlip has built an easy life in a sleepy Pennsylvania mountain county. He likes it that way, simple, uncomplicated, which is why he took the job.
All that changes in the span of a few weeks.
Beth Lowe lives out at the edge of the forest covered mountains, raising her niece as a daughter after the death of Beth's sister and husband. Beth's quiet existence is shattered by the presence of an ancient, monstrous evil.
Her dog has been attacked, and within hours, days, it begins to change into something large and vicious.
In the hunt for these elusive beasts in the forest, Sheriff Cutlip's brother is attacked, bitten severely.
What began as a simple threat to livestock, becomes an intensely personal battle for survival of their community.
THE CLEARING harkens back to the good ole days of classic horror, where werewolves slaughter men who stand in their way. Something reminiscent of The Howling or American Werewolf in London.
You won't find any muscle-bound shifters dragging women off to the wolf pack gang-bang, but you will find a well written thriller with true-to-life characters facing horrific circumstances.
How about a refreshingly horrific take on the werewolf genre:
Escaping his own personal tragedy of a divorce, Sheriff Cutlip has built an easy life in a sleepy Pennsylvania mountain county. He likes it that way, simple, uncomplicated, which is why he took the job.
All that changes in the span of a few weeks.
Beth Lowe lives out at the edge of the forest covered mountains, raising her niece as a daughter after the death of Beth's sister and husband. Beth's quiet existence is shattered by the presence of an ancient, monstrous evil.
Her dog has been attacked, and within hours, days, it begins to change into something large and vicious.
In the hunt for these elusive beasts in the forest, Sheriff Cutlip's brother is attacked, bitten severely.
What began as a simple threat to livestock, becomes an intensely personal battle for survival of their community.
THE CLEARING harkens back to the good ole days of classic horror, where werewolves slaughter men who stand in their way. Something reminiscent of The Howling or American Werewolf in London.
You won't find any muscle-bound shifters dragging women off to the wolf pack gang-bang, but you will find a well written thriller with true-to-life characters facing horrific circumstances.
October 5, 2013
This is NOT your typical werewolf story! Intelligently written, dealing with the human aspect rather than the monster. I felt a lot of thought was put in to developing the characters, so that you find yourself rallying for them, wanting to know what's to happen next.
The story revolves around Beth Lowe, a single mom to her orphaned neice and Sheriff Frank Cutlip. While Beth and her neice are catching fireflies one evening they are startled by a loud howl. Beth sends her neice inside but her dog runs off towards the howl. Later the dog is found near death with bite marks around his neck. This is the point where the story truly begins.
Beth calls the sheriff's department to report that her dog has been attacked, in the meanwhile a couple of other reports come in of cattle being attacked and their throats ripped out. What is going on? That's what Sheriff Cutlip and his brother Adam aim to find out.
I really enjoyed the story and I think you will too. This is only the beginning! To see more from Thomas Rydder check out http://greyhartpress.com/
The story revolves around Beth Lowe, a single mom to her orphaned neice and Sheriff Frank Cutlip. While Beth and her neice are catching fireflies one evening they are startled by a loud howl. Beth sends her neice inside but her dog runs off towards the howl. Later the dog is found near death with bite marks around his neck. This is the point where the story truly begins.
Beth calls the sheriff's department to report that her dog has been attacked, in the meanwhile a couple of other reports come in of cattle being attacked and their throats ripped out. What is going on? That's what Sheriff Cutlip and his brother Adam aim to find out.
I really enjoyed the story and I think you will too. This is only the beginning! To see more from Thomas Rydder check out http://greyhartpress.com/
December 2, 2013
The clearing; I have to confess I didn’t like it very much at the beginning but then when I started to understand the ideas and how the book is made I like it very much.
I’m used to see from the character eyes how they felt and the actions in the story is doing but in the Clearing its completely something else the author is describing everything from his eyes, his telling us how Beth Frank Adam the Elder Lizzie are acting and its also the simplicity of the story that really made me interested to read this book and to wish for another because I think that a story like that is defiantly not finished.
I feel like I need to know what will happen to Adam? What will happen to Lizzie? What will happen to Frank and Beth and of course was there any effect to their baby from Franks Bite because I believe that there is a lot more to tell in this story.
So I hope to see the date on the second book of the Clearing soon.
I’m used to see from the character eyes how they felt and the actions in the story is doing but in the Clearing its completely something else the author is describing everything from his eyes, his telling us how Beth Frank Adam the Elder Lizzie are acting and its also the simplicity of the story that really made me interested to read this book and to wish for another because I think that a story like that is defiantly not finished.
I feel like I need to know what will happen to Adam? What will happen to Lizzie? What will happen to Frank and Beth and of course was there any effect to their baby from Franks Bite because I believe that there is a lot more to tell in this story.
So I hope to see the date on the second book of the Clearing soon.
March 9, 2013
I was immediately bored at the start of this book. It began to pick up and flesh out the characters and I started to enjoy it more. I felt like I was spoon fed and led by the hand most of the time. I knew each twist in the book long before it was brought to light. I did read the book all the way through, and it was worth reading all the way through. If this was designated as a YA book, I believe teens will give this book a 5 star rating. It's also age appropriate(content) for teens, which is a plus for libraries thinking of purchasing this book. One major issue with this book that really got my panties in a bunch is how the character Beth morphed from an independent, educated woman, to a rural housewife who knows her place in the kitchen in just a few pages. Overall, this is a good book, not great, but not bad. Thomas Rydder has some short stories that I enjoyed as well.
March 6, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars
A recommended experience of the 5 star variety!
March 6, 2013
By O. G. Tomes
Format:Kindle Edition
Amazon Verified Purchase
Instantly, I was captivated by the characters, then Thomas Rydder hit hard with twists, intrigue, suspense, love and blood. A straight to the point ride from every direction. His scenes play out before your eyes and as sharp as the fangs of the werewolves he creates in this 'monstrous' tale woven with his own unique take on this ancient lore. I would love to see this as a film and do the whole 'drive-in nostalgia' thing on a hot summer night with a full moon shining in a clear night sky, of course.
A recommended experience of the 5 star variety!
March 6, 2013
By O. G. Tomes
Format:Kindle Edition
Amazon Verified Purchase
Instantly, I was captivated by the characters, then Thomas Rydder hit hard with twists, intrigue, suspense, love and blood. A straight to the point ride from every direction. His scenes play out before your eyes and as sharp as the fangs of the werewolves he creates in this 'monstrous' tale woven with his own unique take on this ancient lore. I would love to see this as a film and do the whole 'drive-in nostalgia' thing on a hot summer night with a full moon shining in a clear night sky, of course.
April 22, 2013
It's been a while since I last read a werewolf story and this was a good one. I was pleased to see that it didn't try and explain the existence of werewolves, it just got on with the story. Although it did provide some historical context which helped reinforce the ancient evil.
Another aspect I liked was that the characters just got on with it. In that regard it reminded me of Dog Soldiers (one of my favourite werewolf films). They freaked out (as you would), but got on with the job.
The writing is good and the story is well paced, pulling you along until the last page.
There is apparently a sequel on its way, which is good news as this was an excellent read.
Another aspect I liked was that the characters just got on with it. In that regard it reminded me of Dog Soldiers (one of my favourite werewolf films). They freaked out (as you would), but got on with the job.
The writing is good and the story is well paced, pulling you along until the last page.
There is apparently a sequel on its way, which is good news as this was an excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews