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Seductions
In the debut horror novel from the author of Live Girls , a small town in Northern California finds itself at the whims of an old and hungry evil.
Donald Ellis is in a bad place. On a forced leave of absence from work, his personal life has also collapsed. But he’s certain that something else is going on—something dreadfully wrong with his town. People are disappearing, leaving inexplicable traces of what might have happened to them. And then there are the dreams—horrifying nightmares seeping slowly into even more troubling daytime visions.
Then Freddie appears on his doorstep—a strangely powerful young woman who tells him that his intuition is right. A dark force has taken over his once-sleepy northern California home. Creatures are roaming the night, hungry for lust, thirsty for blood, and knowing exactly how to satisfy their cravings.
To fight an evil that hides in plain sight, Donald and Freddie will have to push the boundaries of their own sanity—and risk becoming a part of the very shadows they seek to destroy ...
Donald Ellis is in a bad place. On a forced leave of absence from work, his personal life has also collapsed. But he’s certain that something else is going on—something dreadfully wrong with his town. People are disappearing, leaving inexplicable traces of what might have happened to them. And then there are the dreams—horrifying nightmares seeping slowly into even more troubling daytime visions.
Then Freddie appears on his doorstep—a strangely powerful young woman who tells him that his intuition is right. A dark force has taken over his once-sleepy northern California home. Creatures are roaming the night, hungry for lust, thirsty for blood, and knowing exactly how to satisfy their cravings.
To fight an evil that hides in plain sight, Donald and Freddie will have to push the boundaries of their own sanity—and risk becoming a part of the very shadows they seek to destroy ...
285 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1984
12 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Ray Garton
180 books563 followersRay Garton is the author of several books, including horror novels such as LIVE GIRLS (which has a movie in the works), CRUCIFAX, E4 AUTUMN, and THE FOLKS; thrillers like TRADE SECRETS and SHACKLED; and numerous short stories and novellas. He's also written a number of movie and television tie-ins for young readers. He lives with his wife, Dawn, in California.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 1, 2023
Garton's first novel, published in 1984, definitely shows his promise as an author but still reads as a first novel for sure. Our lead, Donald Ellis, teaches English Lit in high school in the Napa Valley somewhere. The brief prologue narrates the horrible nightmare Donald keeps having for the last few weeks, keeping him from sleeping well. Rivers of blood pour through the streets laced with people fucking, sucking and eating one another.
Donald has a psychic gift (hello 80s horror!), basically some low level and intermittent ESP or something, which when the novel starts, is warning him of Bad Things. While we follow Donald around for some time, establishing an array of characters, people all over the nation are going missing, leaving only pools of blood. Since there are no bodies, the cops cannot treat them as homicides, but as you can imagine, they are very suspicious!
Seductions basically is a riff on the old succubus/incubus trope, but Garton definitely puts a new spin on it, but no more on this to avoid spoilers. The cover blurb bills this a novel of sensual terror and that aptly fits. Seductions also defied the bloat of era and weighs in at under 300 pages. I really liked this once it got underway and the mystery started to unfold. This would have been a 4 star read except for the abrupt and unsatisfying ending, which left me wanting much more. Still, well worth a read if you are fan of Garton or 80s horror in general 3.5 pools of blood!
Donald has a psychic gift (hello 80s horror!), basically some low level and intermittent ESP or something, which when the novel starts, is warning him of Bad Things. While we follow Donald around for some time, establishing an array of characters, people all over the nation are going missing, leaving only pools of blood. Since there are no bodies, the cops cannot treat them as homicides, but as you can imagine, they are very suspicious!
Seductions basically is a riff on the old succubus/incubus trope, but Garton definitely puts a new spin on it, but no more on this to avoid spoilers. The cover blurb bills this a novel of sensual terror and that aptly fits. Seductions also defied the bloat of era and weighs in at under 300 pages. I really liked this once it got underway and the mystery started to unfold. This would have been a 4 star read except for the abrupt and unsatisfying ending, which left me wanting much more. Still, well worth a read if you are fan of Garton or 80s horror in general 3.5 pools of blood!
June 15, 2017
Great read! Ray Garton with his first novel and a great eerie story. Gosh, you wouldn't want to meet any of those seductive creatures. Absolute classic of 80s horror. Clear recommendation and very spooky!
March 6, 2017
Plagued by graphic nightmares, Donald Ellis has a dreaded feeling that something terrible is about to happen. Donald is right.
Across the nation, strange disappearances are being reported. When the madness hits home, Donald notices a connection between the bizarre vanishings and his recurring nightmares. With the help of a young woman who shares his "gift" of foresight, Donald begins his own investigation. But as he learns more about the threat, that threat is also learning more about him, too....
Ray Garton is one of my favorite authors. His books never let me down and this one is no exception. I became immersed in the story from the very beginning. I liked the characters, with all their flaws and imperections. They are realistic and the dialogue between them is believable. I could see the story unfolding within my mind like a movie. Garton should definitely write and submit the screenplay for this one. It is original and highly entertaining.
Across the nation, strange disappearances are being reported. When the madness hits home, Donald notices a connection between the bizarre vanishings and his recurring nightmares. With the help of a young woman who shares his "gift" of foresight, Donald begins his own investigation. But as he learns more about the threat, that threat is also learning more about him, too....
Ray Garton is one of my favorite authors. His books never let me down and this one is no exception. I became immersed in the story from the very beginning. I liked the characters, with all their flaws and imperections. They are realistic and the dialogue between them is believable. I could see the story unfolding within my mind like a movie. Garton should definitely write and submit the screenplay for this one. It is original and highly entertaining.
September 28, 2014
A novel of sexual terror which predated such classics as Live Girls and The New Neighbor, this first hardcover edition features an original introduction by the author, and an afterword by horror legend Richard Laymon.
This is copy 148 of 500 signed and numbered copies.
This is copy 148 of 500 signed and numbered copies.
May 3, 2022
I've read Garton before--"Lot Lizards", "Live Girls"--so I wasn't really surprised to find this book was loaded with sex (and the cover illustration didn't leave much to the imagination)...but do you know, for a first novel, this is pretty darned good, and quite the interesting concept. We're talking subterranean critters who mimic humans and seduce them as a means to an end...make them docile and satisfied and then...eat them! Literally! Or in a way, anyway...all that's left when they're done is a lot of blood and some bodily fluid which may be saliva, or it may be something...something else. Picture a vagina with teeth and you'll be pretty close. Certainly puts an interesting spin on foreplay, hmmm?
Yes, it sounds kinda silly, but believe it or not, it's a damned entertaining read, it has characters that are well fleshed out, and some intriguing notions on the nature of Incubi and Succubi. It's never really explained where they come from, but this is Dark Fantasy, after all, and it doesn't really need a whole lot of detail. The story bears the action very well, and it all rushes toward a mostly satisfying if somewhat bittersweet (and ABRUPT) conclusion.
I enjoyed "Seductions", and it was savory, though it's not for everyone. My suggestion: give it the taste test. If the first twenty pages don't turn you off, dive right in.
Yes, it sounds kinda silly, but believe it or not, it's a damned entertaining read, it has characters that are well fleshed out, and some intriguing notions on the nature of Incubi and Succubi. It's never really explained where they come from, but this is Dark Fantasy, after all, and it doesn't really need a whole lot of detail. The story bears the action very well, and it all rushes toward a mostly satisfying if somewhat bittersweet (and ABRUPT) conclusion.
I enjoyed "Seductions", and it was savory, though it's not for everyone. My suggestion: give it the taste test. If the first twenty pages don't turn you off, dive right in.
March 25, 2021
In most horror books, people have sex in between all the blood, mayhem and killing. Here, the sex IS the blood, mayhem and killing. It seems that Succubi and Incubi are coming out of the ground to seduce unsuspecting victims and steal their life force and take the shape of what the person most desired. A high school teacher and his rather over weight student start to unravel the killings and try to do something about them.
The sex flows as freely as the violence in this "Novel Of Sensual Terror." Ray Garton's first book is one to remember. After reading it, I see that the author has always had a bit of malice to his writing. Even at the beginning. More reason why he is one of my favorites in this genre.
The sex flows as freely as the violence in this "Novel Of Sensual Terror." Ray Garton's first book is one to remember. After reading it, I see that the author has always had a bit of malice to his writing. Even at the beginning. More reason why he is one of my favorites in this genre.
August 26, 2015
Eh. I've been a fan of Mr. Garton since Live Girls and I have to say this one was a bit disappointing. For reasons I can't quite put my finger on, I found it rather stiff. There is one character that is introduced with little back story and comes across more as a male fantasy figure. Finally, the ending seemed rushed and Mr. Garton squeezes in a last minute explanation for the "monsters". It's too bad, because when he's got his groove on he is fantastic.
June 29, 2013
Through seductive sex,
does my kind kill.
Our powers take away your will.
For when we're done there's nothing left.
Just our saliva and a bloody mess.
No bones.
No organs.
No flesh.
by Nikki
Something like a succubus is killing people and only leaving behind blood, no body. Donald has visions and senses certain things before they happen. Anne, someone he works with and used to date thinks he's gone off his rocker when she sees him looking haggard. He's not getting any sleep because of the bad dreams of blood and sex and death. The players in this story never actually come up with a plan to defeat these shape-changing creatures and a major player died. There was no reason.
This story is really drawn out and Anne was a real b-i-itch that got on my nerves at every turn. She doubted him, went behind his back to a therapist, talked down to him, and was just altogether overbearing. You know how some characters are called supporting? Well, this was the most un-supporting character I've ever read about. The story was pretty much a to-be-continued, and if there is one, I doubt I'll read it.
does my kind kill.
Our powers take away your will.
For when we're done there's nothing left.
Just our saliva and a bloody mess.
No bones.
No organs.
No flesh.
by Nikki
Something like a succubus is killing people and only leaving behind blood, no body. Donald has visions and senses certain things before they happen. Anne, someone he works with and used to date thinks he's gone off his rocker when she sees him looking haggard. He's not getting any sleep because of the bad dreams of blood and sex and death. The players in this story never actually come up with a plan to defeat these shape-changing creatures and a major player died. There was no reason.
This story is really drawn out and Anne was a real b-i-itch that got on my nerves at every turn. She doubted him, went behind his back to a therapist, talked down to him, and was just altogether overbearing. You know how some characters are called supporting? Well, this was the most un-supporting character I've ever read about. The story was pretty much a to-be-continued, and if there is one, I doubt I'll read it.
March 28, 2015
A Solid 5-Star Masterpiece!
I don't know why this book isn't better known. I've read several Ray Garton books, and as far as I'm concerned this is among his best. Exciting story, excellent character development, believable dialogue. This book kept me entertained from the first page to the very last. After I finished it, I went back and checked the original copyright date and was surprised to see it was first published in 1984. Wow, even back then this guy could write a fantastic story! I'll be looking for more overlooked gems from this author. A+
I don't know why this book isn't better known. I've read several Ray Garton books, and as far as I'm concerned this is among his best. Exciting story, excellent character development, believable dialogue. This book kept me entertained from the first page to the very last. After I finished it, I went back and checked the original copyright date and was surprised to see it was first published in 1984. Wow, even back then this guy could write a fantastic story! I'll be looking for more overlooked gems from this author. A+
August 17, 2019
A teacher and a young woman with paranormal abilities investigate a series of bloody disappearances, and confront a seductive menace. This was a good story. However, there was too much chuckling used to describe people's reactions. The ending was good, but more sad than horrible.
May 30, 2016
It's ok-not a bad horror read.
April 25, 2020
First off, the most recent edition of this book is loaded with typos. Just a warning.
That, however, is not why I gave this book 3 stars. Seductions is not a bad book. Ray Garton can write, and as far as the prose go I found the book very enjoyable. His characters are fairly strong, and his descriptions of gore a top notch.
The reason I gave this book three stars is because the story just could not hold my attention. There were no real surprises, and played out pretty much as expected. It isn't a bad book, and I do plan on checking out more of Garton's work (Live Girls is supposed to be excellent), but this book was as middle of the road as could be.
That, however, is not why I gave this book 3 stars. Seductions is not a bad book. Ray Garton can write, and as far as the prose go I found the book very enjoyable. His characters are fairly strong, and his descriptions of gore a top notch.
The reason I gave this book three stars is because the story just could not hold my attention. There were no real surprises, and played out pretty much as expected. It isn't a bad book, and I do plan on checking out more of Garton's work (Live Girls is supposed to be excellent), but this book was as middle of the road as could be.
September 17, 2024
Ray Garton is an author I'm surprised I haven't tried reading sooner because honestly both Live Girls and The Loveliest Dead have been brilliant ('Nids was fun as well.)! So I wanted to try out his debut novel Seductions, the book that started it all.
Across the country people are vanishing, disappearing without a trace except for a few blood stains. In a small Californian town Donald Ellis is having nightmares of bizarre, nightmarish creatures and their chanting of sex and depravity, he doesn't know what it means but he knows it's a warning of events to come. Donald trying to figure out his dreams soon collapses into a spiral of despair as he tries to uncover a sinister reality among humanity for centuries. In the darkness, shapeshifting creatures are crawling out of their hiding places, offering sexual delights as their means of attack. Only one person can help Donald to bring this nightmare to an end.
Ray Garton's debut novel is fast-paced, violent, depressing, emotional, and heartbreaking. It's a very harsh and violent novel with a punch just when you think our characters may catch a break, something awful happens again to turn their lives upside down. Donald Ellis is a tragic character with a psychic ability that has been more of a curse than a gift. It's not only a horror novel about creatures from the dawn of time that prey upon their victims in cruel and violent ways but a moving love story that has you praying that everything will turn out okay.
Overall: A brilliant debut novel that tore my heart to shreds with its finale. 9/10
Across the country people are vanishing, disappearing without a trace except for a few blood stains. In a small Californian town Donald Ellis is having nightmares of bizarre, nightmarish creatures and their chanting of sex and depravity, he doesn't know what it means but he knows it's a warning of events to come. Donald trying to figure out his dreams soon collapses into a spiral of despair as he tries to uncover a sinister reality among humanity for centuries. In the darkness, shapeshifting creatures are crawling out of their hiding places, offering sexual delights as their means of attack. Only one person can help Donald to bring this nightmare to an end.
Ray Garton's debut novel is fast-paced, violent, depressing, emotional, and heartbreaking. It's a very harsh and violent novel with a punch just when you think our characters may catch a break, something awful happens again to turn their lives upside down. Donald Ellis is a tragic character with a psychic ability that has been more of a curse than a gift. It's not only a horror novel about creatures from the dawn of time that prey upon their victims in cruel and violent ways but a moving love story that has you praying that everything will turn out okay.
Overall: A brilliant debut novel that tore my heart to shreds with its finale. 9/10
May 3, 2024
🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷/5
The passing of Ray Garton was sad news for horror, but at least his works live on forever. I was just finishing up Seductions when the news hit. His story in the introduction told of his fondest memory meeting Robert Bloch, after Bloch had read Seductions himself. After letting Bloch know he was the author, Bloch simply told him “You’re not well.” What a flattering understatement.
Quick synopsis:
A teacher is plagued with terrible nightmares of unspeakable horrors. Just as students and townspeople are coming up missing, leaving only pools of blood behind. Meanwhile, enticing new strangers begin appearing in town with just one thing on their minds. Not even the virgins are safe in this raunchy sex romp that has much more than carnal cravings that need to be fed. Hide ya wife, hide ya kids, there’s succubi/incubi in town! As a bonus, Garton amps up the old trope by introducing another set of teeth to add to the bloodbath.
This was a fun read with spicy moments for those who like their blood flowing before it sprays everywhere. The best part is, more than a few times, the sexy fuck sessions end in a literal snap that-even though the reader should see coming- is “pleasantly” surprised by. Fun for all…except like kids…or prudes…or those who can’t tolerate blood and gore and amputations. Yeah, you know what-this may not be for many after all, but it was for me & many who chose read even after they saw that “subtle” cover. Recommend this horror classic, from the late horror great. RIP Ray Garton.
P.s. good news/bad news: there’s some illustrations too! 🫠
The passing of Ray Garton was sad news for horror, but at least his works live on forever. I was just finishing up Seductions when the news hit. His story in the introduction told of his fondest memory meeting Robert Bloch, after Bloch had read Seductions himself. After letting Bloch know he was the author, Bloch simply told him “You’re not well.” What a flattering understatement.
Quick synopsis:
A teacher is plagued with terrible nightmares of unspeakable horrors. Just as students and townspeople are coming up missing, leaving only pools of blood behind. Meanwhile, enticing new strangers begin appearing in town with just one thing on their minds. Not even the virgins are safe in this raunchy sex romp that has much more than carnal cravings that need to be fed. Hide ya wife, hide ya kids, there’s succubi/incubi in town! As a bonus, Garton amps up the old trope by introducing another set of teeth to add to the bloodbath.
This was a fun read with spicy moments for those who like their blood flowing before it sprays everywhere. The best part is, more than a few times, the sexy fuck sessions end in a literal snap that-even though the reader should see coming- is “pleasantly” surprised by. Fun for all…except like kids…or prudes…or those who can’t tolerate blood and gore and amputations. Yeah, you know what-this may not be for many after all, but it was for me & many who chose read even after they saw that “subtle” cover. Recommend this horror classic, from the late horror great. RIP Ray Garton.
P.s. good news/bad news: there’s some illustrations too! 🫠
September 14, 2020
Solid stuff. Couldn’t help thinking of the King book the outsider while reading. This book came first and had a bit mire if a sex angle. Book ends in a not happy way but I am okay with that. Hollywood endings are boring
June 19, 2019
I couldn't finish this book even though I like many of the other books by this author. Not sure why.
January 30, 2021
Wow - this guy can write! And he wrote this one, his very first novel, and the age 20!
February 24, 2021
I like Ray Garton, but this one just doesn't hang with classics such as Live Girls.
August 26, 2021
Great 80’s horror. Seductive creatures that take human form and prey on us. Twisted tale by Garton. Erotic horror at its finest.
December 30, 2022
Succubuses feeding off of horny teens. What more can a guy want?
May 12, 2023
Amazing and inspired. I really, really dig Ray Garton!
March 23, 2024
solid horror book, enjoyed it
March 27, 2015
Not One of His Greatest, but Still Works
This isn't the quality I usually encounter with Garton, but it's not a failure. The idea is spooky, and, as usual, he crafts realistic characters you have to care about. Worth a look.
This isn't the quality I usually encounter with Garton, but it's not a failure. The idea is spooky, and, as usual, he crafts realistic characters you have to care about. Worth a look.
January 10, 2016
Garton is a prolific writer of horror, often sexually charged. This is a book about a succubus. It wasn't as good as his best work and didn't draw me in as well as others.
As always, however, he has an easy descriptive style and the story flows. One of the few horror writers I read.
As always, however, he has an easy descriptive style and the story flows. One of the few horror writers I read.
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April 14, 2008Horror
June 25, 2008
Not impressed with this book - not very memorable at all.
August 10, 2014
This is my third reading of this fantastic book. No more need be said.
November 22, 2014
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Tim Potter- Dr. Horror, Ph.D
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Tim Potter- Dr. Horror, Ph.D
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews