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Arkham Horror #5
Feeders from Within
Something Sinister Plots Beneath the Streets of Arkham, Massachusetts. As ex-soldier Mark Harrigan suffers haunting visions that go well beyond shell shock, psychologist Carolyn Fern begins to suspect a dark influence at work. But when a young woman narrowly escapes her dangerous cult, what she reveals will tear all three of their lives apart, even as it intertwines their destinies forever. Now, with the fate of Arkham – and the world – at stake, these three strangers must come together to face unspeakable horrors from beyond...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 26, 2013
I'm continually impressed with the quality of writing coming out of Fantasy Flight authors.
One of the hard parts of Lovecraft horror is describing and using alternative races and worlds. Peter did a very good job with both, the characterizing of the race was good (complete with motivations) and he did an excellent job describing and creating an alternative world.
One of the hard parts of Lovecraft horror is describing and using alternative races and worlds. Peter did a very good job with both, the characterizing of the race was good (complete with motivations) and he did an excellent job describing and creating an alternative world.
July 9, 2013
Despite an unfortunate title and some overdone cover art (Mi-Go do not look that much like Cthulhu), the book "Feeders From Within" by Peter J. Evans is a worthy member of the "Arkham Horror" series of books based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft (and his devotees) and the popular Arkham Horror strategy board game.
My main gripe with the book, other than the minor problems like cover art and the title and far too many typos that got through the screening process? No coupon for a free (you pay shipping) promo card for the Arkham Horror or Elder Sign (and there never was one for Mansions of Madness) games.
Otherwise, this book is pretty darn good. The three main characters are right out of Arkham Horror: Mark Harrigan (the one-man army) a haunted veteran seeking revenge on beasties for his wife's untimely death, Diana Stanley (The "redeemed" cultist) who is on the run from the Silver Twilight Lodge bunch and one evildoer in particular, and Carolyn Fern (the psychologist) who knows something "weird" is afoot in Arkham and comes to investigate. There are a few small cameos from other stalwart Arkham citizens like Professor Armitage and Sherriff Engle, to name two.
A brutally murdered veteran and a cultist who confesses to the police are the catalysts for this tale. Someone or some...thing is preparing a great experiment in Arkham and using a weird blend of science and magic to do so. Three very different Investigators are drawn to the horrible mystery and realize that the entire fate of humanity may hang in the balance.
And so on. You get the idea...
There are a few small plot holes where the author was trying to do justice to the characters pre-written backstories as opposed to maintaining the verisimilitude of his current tale. SPOILERS FOLLOW: They're never clear, for example, why Harrigan's wife was chosen to host one of the "feeders from within." We're left to assume she was targeted because of her connection to Harrigan. But if that's true, why didn't "Mr. Stone" track down Harrigan and remove what he wanted from him a long time before he did?
The best thing about this novel are the characters. The author handles them well and gets us to care about the flawed heroes and their risky cause. He also makes sure we despise the villains, even though some of them are little more than victims themselves. I found the plot to be just about right in terms of complexity and embracing the Lovecraftian Mythos.
"Feeders From Within" does not seem to be the first book in a trilogy or a series, but the ending leaves the possibility open for more adventures with this particular trio. Because, as all fans of Lovecraft and Arkham Horror know, those evil Ancient Ones are patient and their dread servants are numerous.
As I always say with Arkham Horror books, if you're a fan of H.P. Lovecraft or of the Arkham Horror board game, this book is right up your alley. Otherwise, you might find your brain "lost in time and space" as you try to figure out this weird world of bizarre creatures and horrendous beings from other dimensions. You have been warned (heh).
My main gripe with the book, other than the minor problems like cover art and the title and far too many typos that got through the screening process? No coupon for a free (you pay shipping) promo card for the Arkham Horror or Elder Sign (and there never was one for Mansions of Madness) games.
Otherwise, this book is pretty darn good. The three main characters are right out of Arkham Horror: Mark Harrigan (the one-man army) a haunted veteran seeking revenge on beasties for his wife's untimely death, Diana Stanley (The "redeemed" cultist) who is on the run from the Silver Twilight Lodge bunch and one evildoer in particular, and Carolyn Fern (the psychologist) who knows something "weird" is afoot in Arkham and comes to investigate. There are a few small cameos from other stalwart Arkham citizens like Professor Armitage and Sherriff Engle, to name two.
A brutally murdered veteran and a cultist who confesses to the police are the catalysts for this tale. Someone or some...thing is preparing a great experiment in Arkham and using a weird blend of science and magic to do so. Three very different Investigators are drawn to the horrible mystery and realize that the entire fate of humanity may hang in the balance.
And so on. You get the idea...
There are a few small plot holes where the author was trying to do justice to the characters pre-written backstories as opposed to maintaining the verisimilitude of his current tale. SPOILERS FOLLOW: They're never clear, for example, why Harrigan's wife was chosen to host one of the "feeders from within." We're left to assume she was targeted because of her connection to Harrigan. But if that's true, why didn't "Mr. Stone" track down Harrigan and remove what he wanted from him a long time before he did?
The best thing about this novel are the characters. The author handles them well and gets us to care about the flawed heroes and their risky cause. He also makes sure we despise the villains, even though some of them are little more than victims themselves. I found the plot to be just about right in terms of complexity and embracing the Lovecraftian Mythos.
"Feeders From Within" does not seem to be the first book in a trilogy or a series, but the ending leaves the possibility open for more adventures with this particular trio. Because, as all fans of Lovecraft and Arkham Horror know, those evil Ancient Ones are patient and their dread servants are numerous.
As I always say with Arkham Horror books, if you're a fan of H.P. Lovecraft or of the Arkham Horror board game, this book is right up your alley. Otherwise, you might find your brain "lost in time and space" as you try to figure out this weird world of bizarre creatures and horrendous beings from other dimensions. You have been warned (heh).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2014
These books are a lot of fun. Essentially, Fantasy Flight Games has commissioned authors to write Lovecraft/Call of Cthulhu (the RPG) novels that take place in Arkham and the surrounding locales in Massachusetts. As a long time player of CoC, I absolutely love reading these adventure stories. The monsters, the characters, the plots…they are all great, and take me right back to the glory days of table top gaming with my friends in high school. I will read each and every one of these books; I love them! They make me want to get out my d20!
November 5, 2019
I started out reading the short Arkham Horror novellas that were published more recently with the incentive of the included game promo cards but they all fell a bit flat for me. They ranged from mediocre to tedious and I was thankful for their low page count.
In contrast, Feeders from Within was exactly what I was looking for in an Arkham Horror novel. It stands head and shoulders above the novellas and I'm hoping that the others in this original series of stories keep up the standard set by this one, despite this being the only one written by Peter J. Evans.
Peter does an amazing job of bringing very familiar characters to life and his depiction of Arkham and the horrors that lie within it are exactly how I picture it when playing the board game or, more recently, the card game.
The novel isn't afraid to live up to the "horror" aspect you would expect from the genre either. The disappointing novellas seemed to have been neutered by some FFG policy that the stories had to be kid friendly and their PG depiction of cults and monsters and the heroes struggle against them was cartoonish at times. Feeders from Within must have pre-dated those terrible decisions and while it's not a gritty, visceral horror novel, it is allowed to bring the best elements of the game to life. Unlikely heroes investigating strange occurrences and as they dig too deep they are forced to pick up weapons and fight back against the cults and secret societies and the monsters they have brought into the world. There are some memorable, graphic scenes that hit all the right notes of a horror novel without being over-the-top or gratuitous and our heroes find themselves in such peril that you genuinely don't expect them all to make it to the final pages.
I loved everything about this book. Great writing and a solid story that brought familiar names and locations from one of my favourite series of games to life. I hope the other authors in this "original" collection are able to capture it in the same way.
In contrast, Feeders from Within was exactly what I was looking for in an Arkham Horror novel. It stands head and shoulders above the novellas and I'm hoping that the others in this original series of stories keep up the standard set by this one, despite this being the only one written by Peter J. Evans.
Peter does an amazing job of bringing very familiar characters to life and his depiction of Arkham and the horrors that lie within it are exactly how I picture it when playing the board game or, more recently, the card game.
The novel isn't afraid to live up to the "horror" aspect you would expect from the genre either. The disappointing novellas seemed to have been neutered by some FFG policy that the stories had to be kid friendly and their PG depiction of cults and monsters and the heroes struggle against them was cartoonish at times. Feeders from Within must have pre-dated those terrible decisions and while it's not a gritty, visceral horror novel, it is allowed to bring the best elements of the game to life. Unlikely heroes investigating strange occurrences and as they dig too deep they are forced to pick up weapons and fight back against the cults and secret societies and the monsters they have brought into the world. There are some memorable, graphic scenes that hit all the right notes of a horror novel without being over-the-top or gratuitous and our heroes find themselves in such peril that you genuinely don't expect them all to make it to the final pages.
I loved everything about this book. Great writing and a solid story that brought familiar names and locations from one of my favourite series of games to life. I hope the other authors in this "original" collection are able to capture it in the same way.
October 23, 2020
Either these books get a little bit better as the line increases, or I'm just used to them. Maybe it's a little of both.
I prefer these standalone books to the series that were published with the Arkham Horror license, but I still don't think any of them are great books. Evans is a fine enough writer -- his characters are distinctive, his narrative is solid, and the plot is compelling -- but I get the feeling I won't remember a lot of details from this book a year from now. Given that I don't know the Lovecraft mythos well enough to know what the creatures were in this book (and I couldn't be bothered to look it up) probably tells you a lot about my feelings on it.
This is the last of the books I have based on Arkham Horror. I don't expect I'll read any more of them.
I prefer these standalone books to the series that were published with the Arkham Horror license, but I still don't think any of them are great books. Evans is a fine enough writer -- his characters are distinctive, his narrative is solid, and the plot is compelling -- but I get the feeling I won't remember a lot of details from this book a year from now. Given that I don't know the Lovecraft mythos well enough to know what the creatures were in this book (and I couldn't be bothered to look it up) probably tells you a lot about my feelings on it.
This is the last of the books I have based on Arkham Horror. I don't expect I'll read any more of them.
February 21, 2017
This was a decent dip into the Lovecraftian Mythos universe. I picked it up during the Asmodee Christmas sale for $1. Yep, $1. Definitely worth the read for that price! Something is up in Arkham, involving an insectile race that is bent on taking over the world, of course. Mi-Go, braincases, Tsathogua, and cultists abound with some interesting characters, Harrigan, Diane, Carolyn, and Mr. Stone...amongst others.
March 11, 2018
This was a great fun read set in Fantasy Flight Games’ Arkham Horror Universe. A cult is trying to infect humanity with a Dark God’s influence and three intrepid investigators from the board games band together against them. The characterizations are very good and sympathetic. The horror and gore are well written. Even one of the villains can be sympathized with. I’m looking forward to more books in this line.
May 19, 2018
This has been my favorite of the Arkham Horror novels thus far. A dire, obscene conspiracy lurks behind the facade of businesses and bootleggers in Arkham. A psychiatrist, troubled by the fate of a previous client, a former solider, who witnessed horrors that cannot be unseen, and a businesswoman turned reformed cultist find themselves unlikely heroes when the macabre menace of Lovecraftian terrors begins to seep into our world.
April 29, 2019
I found this book at Meeplemart for $2.95 and being an avid DnD player I thought tgat I couldn't go wrong.
It was an excellent book. It was fun to read. I liked Evans Sentence structure.
I was or am an avid reader of Raymond Chandler and know that both him and Dashiell Hammit made there big break in Black Mask magazine. This was a magazine that H P Lovecraft contributed articles to as well.
It was an excellent book. It was fun to read. I liked Evans Sentence structure.
I was or am an avid reader of Raymond Chandler and know that both him and Dashiell Hammit made there big break in Black Mask magazine. This was a magazine that H P Lovecraft contributed articles to as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Many of the Arkham Horror novels read like adventures for the Call of Cthulhu RPG, and this one is no different.
Employing the characters from the board games as protagonists, lends a familiarity to the book that is welcome.
The author does a good job of describing the alien and creepy nature of the mythos creatures.
Recommended.
Employing the characters from the board games as protagonists, lends a familiarity to the book that is welcome.
The author does a good job of describing the alien and creepy nature of the mythos creatures.
Recommended.
May 4, 2022
This is a fun, if slightly predictable book. If you enjoy Pulp novels that lean into their ridiculousness to entertain, this will suit you just fine.
The characters are pretty flat but they do propel the story along at a decent enough clip. I’m not mad I read this.
The characters are pretty flat but they do propel the story along at a decent enough clip. I’m not mad I read this.
April 29, 2020
Νice prose and interesting story
February 20, 2022
Great read.
Action packed, plenty of horror, interesting characters, and great turns of phrase. Highly recommended if you like the Cthulhu mythos
Action packed, plenty of horror, interesting characters, and great turns of phrase. Highly recommended if you like the Cthulhu mythos
August 7, 2022
I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to read more.
September 27, 2022
One of the better books of the “Arkham Horror” series…. Was there a 2nd made?!
December 25, 2021
This is an awesome book, especially if you are a fan of the Arkham Horror card game. Was a fun read. I had a hard time putting the book down because I enjoyed the development of the main characters. Diana Stantley is quite the rogue. :)
December 5, 2014
For any fan of an RPG series (or even TV or video game franchise), we all know the risks; oftentimes, in support of the newest whatever, someone pens (more likely types way too fast) out a cliche-laden, thoroughly poor adaptation and rakes in a few bucks. Please know...THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!!!
Peter Evans unveils the Mythos as if it were his very own; slow, expansive, and yet never cheapens a moment by doing what so many action/horror hybrids do, which is make "super characters."
All three of the protagonists are full-fleshed out, get their entire story embedded, and each play a fully active role. They grow (or in this case devolve), all add their unique personalities to the greater mystery at large, and combat the threat hanging over Arkham in a very similar way to how the board game unfolds when played. I don't know which came first--this book or the expansion--but both Mark Harrigan and Diana Stanley come with the Dunwich Horror expansion for Arkham Horror (Caroline Fern already having been included with the first game).
Clear and oftentimes beautiful prose, unpredictability, and a grueling crawl through the psyche of the mentally wounded make for an exciting read. As noted above, do not compare this wonderful book to the hundreds of shoddy game/movie/video game adaptations. This book can stand on its own legs!
Peter Evans unveils the Mythos as if it were his very own; slow, expansive, and yet never cheapens a moment by doing what so many action/horror hybrids do, which is make "super characters."
All three of the protagonists are full-fleshed out, get their entire story embedded, and each play a fully active role. They grow (or in this case devolve), all add their unique personalities to the greater mystery at large, and combat the threat hanging over Arkham in a very similar way to how the board game unfolds when played. I don't know which came first--this book or the expansion--but both Mark Harrigan and Diana Stanley come with the Dunwich Horror expansion for Arkham Horror (Caroline Fern already having been included with the first game).
Clear and oftentimes beautiful prose, unpredictability, and a grueling crawl through the psyche of the mentally wounded make for an exciting read. As noted above, do not compare this wonderful book to the hundreds of shoddy game/movie/video game adaptations. This book can stand on its own legs!
July 24, 2016
This is the third series of novels in the Fantasy Flight published Cthulhu Mythos inspired novels. And I truthfully enjoyed it more than any of the other series. If you have played the Arkham Horror, The Elder Sign, or the Edritch Horror board games you will recognize the main characters (as they are your playable characters in the game). Reading how three of these characters interact is an exciting mixture and was their points of view works in narration very well. The book primarily features the Mi-Go, some of their servants, and takes place in the 1920's. It does appear to be part own of a trilogy, however it could read just as a novel and it would end in a way that would be intriguing but complete.
June 30, 2023
Overall the book was well put together, with good characterization of each of the three main characters, and their interactions were very enjoyable. I appreciate the use of monsters and gods not used in Arkham Horror; it gave it a familiar but distinctly new feeling, and made the horror elements stand out without familiarity to soften them. There were a few times where I was confused about the physical space the characters were in due to some vague description, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm sad it isn't part of a series, I would love to read more of Carolyn, Diana, and Mark from this author.
June 8, 2018
Wasn't expecting much, but the book surprised me. It's tension and horror at the right amount.
June 10, 2013
Another solid pulp in the Arkham Horror line from FFG. No coupon for a free game add-on in the back of this one. Still decent. One of these days I'm going to make a list of all of the characters and match them with the characters / allies / others mentioned in the AH game and expansions.
October 1, 2014
Pretty good Mythos fiction. Probably a 4 if you are a fan of Lovecraft/the Arkham Horror world.
January 27, 2016
I read this because I enjoyed the Arkham board game. If you want to add another chapter to your Lovecraftian-universe then it's a great read.
August 8, 2016
Possibly the best of the FFG Arkham books that I have read so far. The story is compelling, feels like the game and includes the named characters in major roles!
January 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this one, Diana's portrayal is perfect. I felt the story was well written and didn't feel rushed at any part.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews