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Mountain Home
Lyn works at an isolated roadside diner. When a retired combat veteran stages an assault there her world is turned upside down. Surviving the sniper’s bullets is only the beginning of Lyn's nightmare. Navigating hostilities, she establishes herself as the disputed leader of a diverse group of people that are at odds with the situation and each other. Will she - or anyone else - survive the attack?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Bracken MacLeod
69 books396 followersBracken MacLeod is the Bram Stoker, Splatterpunk, and Shirley Jackson Award nominated author of the novels, Mountain Home, Come to Dust, Stranded, and Closing Costs, as well as three short fiction collections including LET NOT YOUR SORROW DIE, coming this fall from Bad Hand Books. He's a former litigator who used to represent victims of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and racial discrimination.
He lives outside of Boston with his wife and son, where he is at work on his next novel.
He lives outside of Boston with his wife and son, where he is at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 20, 2015
Very impressed with this novella. I can't recommend it enough. This is an author to be reckoned with. Great book!
February 15, 2018
4.5 stars, rounded up because the ending was amazing and I appreciated the author's insight into this new edition via the author’s note at the end.
In the first book I read by this author, Come To Dust, what I loved most was the plot and the state of the world that he wrote about. In this book, I loved the characters the most. The two main characters, Lyn the protagonist and Joanie the antagonist, are both very well developed: you feel Joanie's pain and understand her motives, while you root for Lyn despite her not fitting the archetype of a hero (and not always acting like a hero should). Some of the secondary characters were not as well developed, such as the secondary antagonist Beau who was almost cartoonish in his cowardice, racism, and sexism, but he was still believable in the story.
The book is very action-packed and tense for the duration, which made it a very enjoyable read. There were a couple times when I was slightly confused about the timeline, but it was nothing major, and I think if I went back and reread, I'd put the pieces together a bit better than upon my first read. I also wish there had been a bit more detailed about Kreewatan.
For the first half of the book, I had planned to give it 4 stars, but upon staying up way too late to finish it, I realized it's good enough for 4.5. The author's note at the end was super interesting and I love the discussion of what things to cut vs the things the author really felt were important to include in this "restoration" edition. I agree with the author in that the two big changes for this edition (that were originally included before it was published) definitely made the book better. I look forward to reading his other works!
In the first book I read by this author, Come To Dust, what I loved most was the plot and the state of the world that he wrote about. In this book, I loved the characters the most. The two main characters, Lyn the protagonist and Joanie the antagonist, are both very well developed: you feel Joanie's pain and understand her motives, while you root for Lyn despite her not fitting the archetype of a hero (and not always acting like a hero should). Some of the secondary characters were not as well developed, such as the secondary antagonist Beau who was almost cartoonish in his cowardice, racism, and sexism, but he was still believable in the story.
The book is very action-packed and tense for the duration, which made it a very enjoyable read. There were a couple times when I was slightly confused about the timeline, but it was nothing major, and I think if I went back and reread, I'd put the pieces together a bit better than upon my first read. I also wish there had been a bit more detailed about Kreewatan.
For the first half of the book, I had planned to give it 4 stars, but upon staying up way too late to finish it, I realized it's good enough for 4.5. The author's note at the end was super interesting and I love the discussion of what things to cut vs the things the author really felt were important to include in this "restoration" edition. I agree with the author in that the two big changes for this edition (that were originally included before it was published) definitely made the book better. I look forward to reading his other works!
July 24, 2013
Mountain Home is Bracken MacLoed's debut novel, but you'd never know it.
Bracken has created an intricate story with great characters and interesting plot lines that will keep you turning the page. The suspense starts at the very beginning and Bracken manages to sustain the tense emotion throughout the entire book.
Mountain Home covers the plight of a group of characters that are put to the test when a local diner is caught under sniper fire. Some of the characters are out for themselves, whereas others feel the need to help everyone survive. Each individual learns more about themselves and the others when the pressure is on. Not only do the patrons of the diner have to contend with being under fire by an unknown sniper, there's also something sinister lurking around in the forest.
Hard hitting and well-written, Mountain Home is a definite addition to your horror/thriller collection. Bracken has knocked it out of the park with his first novel and I eagerly await his next one.
Bracken has created an intricate story with great characters and interesting plot lines that will keep you turning the page. The suspense starts at the very beginning and Bracken manages to sustain the tense emotion throughout the entire book.
Mountain Home covers the plight of a group of characters that are put to the test when a local diner is caught under sniper fire. Some of the characters are out for themselves, whereas others feel the need to help everyone survive. Each individual learns more about themselves and the others when the pressure is on. Not only do the patrons of the diner have to contend with being under fire by an unknown sniper, there's also something sinister lurking around in the forest.
Hard hitting and well-written, Mountain Home is a definite addition to your horror/thriller collection. Bracken has knocked it out of the park with his first novel and I eagerly await his next one.
September 24, 2014
Mountain Home is a superb hard core thriller. Mr Macleod has a real gift for character and setting - the people in this story feel painfully real. Likewise, the mill they are put through, while extreme, has the awful ring of authenticity to it. The book evokes Stephen King's The Mist, Rambo, and the action movie genre in general, but has far deeper, realer and richer characterisation than that genre usually musters. This is not thrills for thrills sake, but rather an intense exploration of people under enormous pressure, facing slim odds. It's a story of blood, survival, and the costs of violence. Intelligent and thoughful, without ever veering into pretension, with a crisp, clean prose style, I am mightily impressed with this book, and look forward to more work from this clearly talented author.
July 13, 2015
Rezi: http://chrissies-kleine-welt.de/?p=2079
Man nehme ein abgelegenes Restaurant in den Bergen Idahoes und eine durch Kriegsverbrechen gebeutelte Veteranin, bei der ein letzter Tropfen das Fass zum Überlaufen bringt. Fertig ist ein Amoklauf einer an Waffen ausgebildeten Spezialistin, die Besucher und Mitarbeiter des Lokals unter Beschuss nimmt. Bereits zu Beginn legt sie ordentlich los und niemand im Fadenkreuz wird verschont. Als sich die letzten Überlebenden verschanzen können beginnt eine Belagerung, die an den Nerven der Protagonisten zerrt.
Bracken MacLeods großes Thema in diesem Buch ist definitiv das Kriegstraumata und deren Folgen. Dem Leser wird eine Amokläuferin präsentiert, deren Beweggründe man verstehen, deren Leiden man schrecklich finden kann. Was passiert mit Soldaten, die nach ihrem Einsatz nicht entsprechen betreut und therapiert werden, die man nach ihrem Traumata keinen Frieden finden lässt? Ein winziger Grund genügt um das Fass zum Überlaufen zu bringen. Ein sehr interessanter Ansatz, der nach meinem Geschmack nur leider nicht vollkommen zu Ende geführt wurde.
Gefangen im Restaurant ist unter anderem die Protagonistin Lyn, die immer Verständnis für Joanies Situation hatte und die sich nun inmitten eines verschreckten Pulks von unterschiedlichen Charakteren wiederfindet und um ihr Überleben kämpft. Leider gelingt es in meinen Augen nur mäßig die verschiedenen handelnden Personen realistisch und nicht stereotypisch zu schildern. Gewürzt wird dieses Sammelsurium noch mit einer indianischen Sage.
Das Mountain Home Kitchen bietet in meinen Augen einen sehr interessanten Ansatz mit einem rasanten Anfang, der dann jedoch an Geschwindigkeit verliert und teilweise etwas vor sich hindümpelt. Fans von blutigem Actionhorror werden nicht ausreichend befriedigt, gleichzeitig sind der Charakterausbau und die Tiefe der Geschichte im Ansatz zwar vorhanden, hätten aber meiner Meinung nach noch vertieft gehört, so dass aus diesem blutigen Tanz der Rache ein tiefgreifendes Antikriegsdrama hätte werden können. So hat Bracken MacLeod einen soliden Debütroman abgeliefert, der viel Potential verspricht, aber auch Luft nach oben lässt.
Man nehme ein abgelegenes Restaurant in den Bergen Idahoes und eine durch Kriegsverbrechen gebeutelte Veteranin, bei der ein letzter Tropfen das Fass zum Überlaufen bringt. Fertig ist ein Amoklauf einer an Waffen ausgebildeten Spezialistin, die Besucher und Mitarbeiter des Lokals unter Beschuss nimmt. Bereits zu Beginn legt sie ordentlich los und niemand im Fadenkreuz wird verschont. Als sich die letzten Überlebenden verschanzen können beginnt eine Belagerung, die an den Nerven der Protagonisten zerrt.
Bracken MacLeods großes Thema in diesem Buch ist definitiv das Kriegstraumata und deren Folgen. Dem Leser wird eine Amokläuferin präsentiert, deren Beweggründe man verstehen, deren Leiden man schrecklich finden kann. Was passiert mit Soldaten, die nach ihrem Einsatz nicht entsprechen betreut und therapiert werden, die man nach ihrem Traumata keinen Frieden finden lässt? Ein winziger Grund genügt um das Fass zum Überlaufen zu bringen. Ein sehr interessanter Ansatz, der nach meinem Geschmack nur leider nicht vollkommen zu Ende geführt wurde.
Gefangen im Restaurant ist unter anderem die Protagonistin Lyn, die immer Verständnis für Joanies Situation hatte und die sich nun inmitten eines verschreckten Pulks von unterschiedlichen Charakteren wiederfindet und um ihr Überleben kämpft. Leider gelingt es in meinen Augen nur mäßig die verschiedenen handelnden Personen realistisch und nicht stereotypisch zu schildern. Gewürzt wird dieses Sammelsurium noch mit einer indianischen Sage.
Das Mountain Home Kitchen bietet in meinen Augen einen sehr interessanten Ansatz mit einem rasanten Anfang, der dann jedoch an Geschwindigkeit verliert und teilweise etwas vor sich hindümpelt. Fans von blutigem Actionhorror werden nicht ausreichend befriedigt, gleichzeitig sind der Charakterausbau und die Tiefe der Geschichte im Ansatz zwar vorhanden, hätten aber meiner Meinung nach noch vertieft gehört, so dass aus diesem blutigen Tanz der Rache ein tiefgreifendes Antikriegsdrama hätte werden können. So hat Bracken MacLeod einen soliden Debütroman abgeliefert, der viel Potential verspricht, aber auch Luft nach oben lässt.
June 11, 2013
Sometimes things pile up around you and the stink and the pain of it is too much to bear. It smothers you with helplessness and frustration and the only thing you can do is to start kicking. Thus it is with Joanie Myer and Lynnea Lowry in Bracken MacLeod’s book “Mountain Home.” The problem with creating victims is that sometimes in the process, you rip away enough of the outside to allow the strength they keep buried inside to break out. Some of us have a great deal to lose and some of us have so little that the one little thing we have, a view of the mountains from our front porch, becomes so huge we will slaughter anyone who threatens to take it away.
MacLeod never writes women as helpless or needy. His women will knock you down and shred your skin on the way to the floor. They are ferocious and heroic but most of all we love them for their ability to show us kindness and love when deserved. Joanie is a warrior with battle scars that are deep and still bleeding. Lyn is an artist with family scars that are equally painful. Each of these women has a destination in mind and each of them will stand in the other’s way of reaching her goal. They respect each other and they understand. “This is how Joanie feels,” thinks Lyn.
Some things do not deserve forgiveness; the rape of a woman, the betrayal of a family, the torture of the vulnerable, the cowardice of someone who could have helped and turned their back instead. These things require accountability. In the process, sometimes the innocent suffer. You won’t walk away from this book without emotional scars. Sometimes it hurts. It will make you take stock of your own values. Placed in a situation where you were called to reach into your deepest resources, could you do it…would you?
MacLeod never writes women as helpless or needy. His women will knock you down and shred your skin on the way to the floor. They are ferocious and heroic but most of all we love them for their ability to show us kindness and love when deserved. Joanie is a warrior with battle scars that are deep and still bleeding. Lyn is an artist with family scars that are equally painful. Each of these women has a destination in mind and each of them will stand in the other’s way of reaching her goal. They respect each other and they understand. “This is how Joanie feels,” thinks Lyn.
Some things do not deserve forgiveness; the rape of a woman, the betrayal of a family, the torture of the vulnerable, the cowardice of someone who could have helped and turned their back instead. These things require accountability. In the process, sometimes the innocent suffer. You won’t walk away from this book without emotional scars. Sometimes it hurts. It will make you take stock of your own values. Placed in a situation where you were called to reach into your deepest resources, could you do it…would you?
June 2, 2013
Mountain Home gives you equal parts thrill ride and poetic horror. MacLeod excels at creating a story rich with a number of versatile characters that make the story happen; their stories don't happen to them. Characters that feel real in every sense, with interactions and dialogue that is some of the strongest I've read in the genre. Bracken MacLeod blew me away with sickeningly intense action,characters that make you feel...pity,fear, numbing anger, worry. I relish a book that can give me a story with this sort of urgency, and doesn't sacrifice the human element to force excitement. Mountain Home is a must read, and one I plan to pick up again.
January 25, 2015
I could have sworn I posted this already, but it looks like it disappeared...
This review was printed in Shroud 14: The Quarterly Journal of Speculative Fiction and Poetry.
“A bullet has no conscience to consult as it flies from the barrel of a gun. It doesn’t feel the wind or the sun or the rain as it speeds toward its target. It penetrates the innocent and the guilty with equal intent and creates victims with the same enthusiasm with which it saves them from the bullets of others. No feelings of regret or elation occur to it as it tears skin, breaks bone, rips through organs, and frees blood to flow over them all. A bullet is the ultimate punctuation: more final than a period, more forceful than an exclamation, and never a question. A bullet is only potential and, after fired, it settles into eternity as a dead heap with no future. And the gunman’s hand, having writ in fire and smoke and blood, moves on to send another round to follow along.”
—From Chapter Two: Joanie Goes to War
Bracken MacLeod’s first novel is very much like the bullet he so flawlessly describes—confident, pointed, unapologetic, savage—hitting its target with precision. It is a powerful, tense, and extremely real story delivered in prose that makes the writing disappear and the events unfold before the reader more like a film than a book.
The supernatural element is one I found to be both intriguing and somewhat elusive, though not underdeveloped. It dwells on the outskirts of the novel, mirroring its involvement in the plot.
The violence is extreme, graphic, and cruel—MacLeod immediately shocks us with it in the Prologue—but the sensitivity with which he develops his characters and the message his story sends makes the stark, explosive violence all the more compelling.
The gradual unveiling of Joanie Myer’s motives is like a fine wine being allowed to breathe—something not to be rushed. And while the circumstances which led to her actions are not nearly as enjoyable as the end result, they certainly lend credibility to her brutal rampage. For MacLeod to elicit sympathy from the reader for a character who acts with such cold, calculated precision is no small feat—but he does it. All the while, he is simultaneously weaving a tumultuous plot with the other characters, including our protagonist, Lyn—a dynamic and unfailingly human young woman who in many ways is doing what Joanie is doing—taking a stand. As much as we feel for the victims, and root Lyn on, there is no mistaking the tragedy at the root of Joanie’s assault on the diner—or her being worthy of the compassion only we and Lyn are ultimately able to afford her. The essence of truth at the heart of this novel is spoken in five words by one of my favorite characters as he reveals the inevitable doom which faces us all as we resist a force of nature such as Kreewatan: “You survive if you can.”
This debut is truly impressive, and if not for the presence of a highly symbolic “spirit of destruction . . . an animistic atom bomb”, it would not be classified as horror. The writing borders on the fringes of genres much like the creature lingers on the periphery of the woods—and the plot. MacLeod nailed this, and will have a huge audience already in place for his next literary venture. Unlike his bullet, MacLeod’s potential has been released, and most certainly has a future.
This review was printed in Shroud 14: The Quarterly Journal of Speculative Fiction and Poetry.
“A bullet has no conscience to consult as it flies from the barrel of a gun. It doesn’t feel the wind or the sun or the rain as it speeds toward its target. It penetrates the innocent and the guilty with equal intent and creates victims with the same enthusiasm with which it saves them from the bullets of others. No feelings of regret or elation occur to it as it tears skin, breaks bone, rips through organs, and frees blood to flow over them all. A bullet is the ultimate punctuation: more final than a period, more forceful than an exclamation, and never a question. A bullet is only potential and, after fired, it settles into eternity as a dead heap with no future. And the gunman’s hand, having writ in fire and smoke and blood, moves on to send another round to follow along.”
—From Chapter Two: Joanie Goes to War
Bracken MacLeod’s first novel is very much like the bullet he so flawlessly describes—confident, pointed, unapologetic, savage—hitting its target with precision. It is a powerful, tense, and extremely real story delivered in prose that makes the writing disappear and the events unfold before the reader more like a film than a book.
The supernatural element is one I found to be both intriguing and somewhat elusive, though not underdeveloped. It dwells on the outskirts of the novel, mirroring its involvement in the plot.
The violence is extreme, graphic, and cruel—MacLeod immediately shocks us with it in the Prologue—but the sensitivity with which he develops his characters and the message his story sends makes the stark, explosive violence all the more compelling.
The gradual unveiling of Joanie Myer’s motives is like a fine wine being allowed to breathe—something not to be rushed. And while the circumstances which led to her actions are not nearly as enjoyable as the end result, they certainly lend credibility to her brutal rampage. For MacLeod to elicit sympathy from the reader for a character who acts with such cold, calculated precision is no small feat—but he does it. All the while, he is simultaneously weaving a tumultuous plot with the other characters, including our protagonist, Lyn—a dynamic and unfailingly human young woman who in many ways is doing what Joanie is doing—taking a stand. As much as we feel for the victims, and root Lyn on, there is no mistaking the tragedy at the root of Joanie’s assault on the diner—or her being worthy of the compassion only we and Lyn are ultimately able to afford her. The essence of truth at the heart of this novel is spoken in five words by one of my favorite characters as he reveals the inevitable doom which faces us all as we resist a force of nature such as Kreewatan: “You survive if you can.”
This debut is truly impressive, and if not for the presence of a highly symbolic “spirit of destruction . . . an animistic atom bomb”, it would not be classified as horror. The writing borders on the fringes of genres much like the creature lingers on the periphery of the woods—and the plot. MacLeod nailed this, and will have a huge audience already in place for his next literary venture. Unlike his bullet, MacLeod’s potential has been released, and most certainly has a future.
June 2, 2013
Mountain Home. The words elicit wonderful images of a quiet vista. This was what was on the mind of one damaged Iraqi war veteran, until this gets threatened by some power hungry locals.
What a cool novel. I devoured it. 'Tour De Force' is an overused term, but fits perfect for this thriller. Mountain Home starts with a small pulse and great characters, and then it pounds harder and harder with each scene. The characters play off each other wonderfully as they are trapped in the diner, and the jigsaw pieces come together and are then blow apart.
The novel has the exhiliration of a rapid fire, first-person shooter video game, but it is told with empathy and emotion. The author has a remarkable ability to switch point of views and perspectives, and captures the tiny unspoken intricacies of life. Dash in a spice of mythological folklore, and you have an incredible novel.
What a cool novel. I devoured it. 'Tour De Force' is an overused term, but fits perfect for this thriller. Mountain Home starts with a small pulse and great characters, and then it pounds harder and harder with each scene. The characters play off each other wonderfully as they are trapped in the diner, and the jigsaw pieces come together and are then blow apart.
The novel has the exhiliration of a rapid fire, first-person shooter video game, but it is told with empathy and emotion. The author has a remarkable ability to switch point of views and perspectives, and captures the tiny unspoken intricacies of life. Dash in a spice of mythological folklore, and you have an incredible novel.
June 3, 2013
I thought I'd read for an hour or two and then go to bed. Ha! Five hours later, I'm cathartically wrung out - in the best way possible - after having experienced an intense and harrowing journey. The pacing is perfect, with an incredible mix of action and back story that really gets you into the psyches of the major characters. You see so clearly through their eyes that the lines between hero and villain are wiped away, leaving behind raw human experience and a glimpse into the darker sides of each one.
Read this book - but not if you have somewhere to be!
Read this book - but not if you have somewhere to be!
July 21, 2013
Like other reviewers, I read this in one sitting, only pausing to plug in my dying ipad. Compelling characters drive this story and the action holds you in suspense. You won't want to put it down.
December 13, 2018
Excellent pace and characterisation. Shortish length was just right to keep everything going along nicely.
April 27, 2014
There is something extraordinary about Mountain Home. It's not that it's well-written, or compelling, or features characters that elicit strong reactions from the reader. It also isn't that the antagonist becomes sympathetic as her backstory is filled in - despite the despicable actions she resorts to. Neither is it the growth in the main character over the few hours in which this story take place. It's not even that Mountain Home throws the reader head-first into proceedings and never let's up on the relentless pace, as there is barely a wasted word in this lean and mean short novel.
No, despite being all of these things and more, Mountain Home is extraordinary for a different reason. It's extraordinary because it's written by a first-time novelist.
To think that Bracken MacLeod can already be so developed as a story-teller and a wordsmith by the time he releases his first longer-form story causes me to both shudder with giddy excitement for what might next emerge from his word processor, and curse his good name for making me wonder if my own meagre output as a writer will ever be good enough to see light of publishing day.
My criticisms of this short novel about the day a returned service woman snaps and takes vengeance on a business and its managers who have done her wrong are small, but worth noting. Firstly, some of the minor characters barely get sketched in and really exist only as bullet-fodder. A couple of others are over-the-top in how selfishly evil they could be. Then there is the end that goes beyond the label of "abrupt" - even if it does maintain the punchy, in-out, mentality MacLeod seems to have adopted with this tale.
In short, if you're looking for a high-tensioned thriller with a smattering of the supernatural thrown in for good measure, do not go past this debut novel. It really is that good.
4 to 4.5 Headshots for Mountain Home.
No, despite being all of these things and more, Mountain Home is extraordinary for a different reason. It's extraordinary because it's written by a first-time novelist.
To think that Bracken MacLeod can already be so developed as a story-teller and a wordsmith by the time he releases his first longer-form story causes me to both shudder with giddy excitement for what might next emerge from his word processor, and curse his good name for making me wonder if my own meagre output as a writer will ever be good enough to see light of publishing day.
My criticisms of this short novel about the day a returned service woman snaps and takes vengeance on a business and its managers who have done her wrong are small, but worth noting. Firstly, some of the minor characters barely get sketched in and really exist only as bullet-fodder. A couple of others are over-the-top in how selfishly evil they could be. Then there is the end that goes beyond the label of "abrupt" - even if it does maintain the punchy, in-out, mentality MacLeod seems to have adopted with this tale.
In short, if you're looking for a high-tensioned thriller with a smattering of the supernatural thrown in for good measure, do not go past this debut novel. It really is that good.
4 to 4.5 Headshots for Mountain Home.
March 10, 2015
I could have easily read MOUNTAIN HOME in one sitting, but life and other things got in the way. As it is, I can't even tell you the last time I devoured a book so quickly. MOUNTAIN HOME is that good.
MOUNTAIN HOME focuses on two women -- Lyn, a waitress at a roadside diner who's longing to leave Idaho for a better life; and Joanie, a retired Air Force sniper who stages a brutal attack on the diner. Throughout a series of flashbacks, we discover what happened to Joanie and how she ended up becoming a damaged woman. It seemed from other reviews that some felt the flashbacks were jarring and could have been taken care of sooner rather than dispersed through the book. I respectfully disagree with that -- I don't feel like it threw off the pacing of the story; rather, I think they were well-placed and gave the right amount of reveal at the right time.
This book is fast-paced and well-written. I would have loved to have seen it go on a little longer, mostly to see what happened to those who survived.
But wow, what a hell of a debut. Looking forward to reading more of Bracken MacLeod's work.
MOUNTAIN HOME focuses on two women -- Lyn, a waitress at a roadside diner who's longing to leave Idaho for a better life; and Joanie, a retired Air Force sniper who stages a brutal attack on the diner. Throughout a series of flashbacks, we discover what happened to Joanie and how she ended up becoming a damaged woman. It seemed from other reviews that some felt the flashbacks were jarring and could have been taken care of sooner rather than dispersed through the book. I respectfully disagree with that -- I don't feel like it threw off the pacing of the story; rather, I think they were well-placed and gave the right amount of reveal at the right time.
This book is fast-paced and well-written. I would have loved to have seen it go on a little longer, mostly to see what happened to those who survived.
But wow, what a hell of a debut. Looking forward to reading more of Bracken MacLeod's work.
October 16, 2013
Very impressive debut. A literary thriller if there ever was such a genre. I was fortunate enough to chat with Bracken at a convention months ago during a panel about violence in horror and asked the entire panel if there was any value in terrorism and random pointless violence in the genre and he said something along the lines of that being what his novel was about. Curious, I downloaded it and just got around to reading it. I think it's a perfect example of existentialism in horror fiction, a story where the violence is meaningless and people's lives are ruined, but you find purpose in their stories. It's heartbreaking, intense, dark, and beautifully written. Why not five stars? I would've liked to have seen what happened to some of the characters at the end and think it could've gone a little longer. That is a testament to how good it is though- I wanted more.
May 29, 2014
Overall, I was in love with this concept from the opening moments of insane violence. What stood out most was MacLeod's crafting of an incredibly likeable and intensely tragic villain in Joanie Myer. Outstanding work leaving me with sympathy for a person with a blood lust like hers.
The rest of the cast is strong, and ultimately kept the book engaging. Everyone had their own voice and motivations.
Minimal critiques with a few moments that felt a little drawn out. Didn't particularly need the very final moment, but it still tied up a loose end.
Bottom line: purchase Mountain Home. It's an intense and well built story.
Also, while you're at it. Preorder MacLeod's upcoming "White Knight". Based on this debut, I've got a feeling it's going to be a corker.
August 2, 2014
Bracken MacLeod's excellent debut novel centres around Lyn, a waitress at a secluded roadside diner called Your Mountain Home Kitchen. Across the road to the diner lives Gulf war veteran Joanie Myer. The diner's owner wanted to buy Joanie's house, but she wouldn't sell, so the diner was built to spoil Joanie's picturesque view, and hopefully drive her out. But some people don't give up that easy! Some things can escalate, and people under pressure can snap. In a way "Mountain Home" reminded me of Morrell's "First Blood" and Ketchum's "Cover", but only cos they all involve veteran's who deal with problems the only way they know how. MacLeod is a talented writer who is definitely one to watch. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2013
Bracken MacLeod’s Mountain Home is a thrilling tale that took me places I never expected. With an explosive storyline that keeps you on your toes, the real surprise turned out to be his characters; real, growing, and full of vitality that you both love and love to hate. Joanie and Lyn’s intertwined stories are inspiring and horrifying, and after reading Mountain Home, it is astounding to consider the impact just one person can have. Read this novel, but be prepared. This is a tale of personal passage—of gateways to change, for better or worse.
June 18, 2013
MOUNTAIN HOME is a thrilling debut from Bracken MacLeod. The shock and awe of the first few pages will have you hooked. Parts siege, character study, revenge thriller, real-world horror reminiscent of Jack Ketchum, a hint of supernatural and more, all wrapped into a tightly paced package. And while the plot is superb, it’s the characters and setting that bring it home for me, pun intended. MacLeod crafts real and relatable characters that you’ll find yourself caring about, all the way to the bitter end. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2014
Mountain Home to me, was a book that I had to let "sink in." Even though I finished the book months ago, I still find myself thinking about it. Mountain Home is Bracken MacLeod's debut novel and I have do doubts with the quality of the writing, story telling and characterization they'll be many more. It's everything you would expect from an action thriller novel, step in and get taken on a hell of a ride. Quick, fast, great pacing and action packed.
August 29, 2017
Fast paced and admirably cruel, Mountain Home is a spare tale that periodically explodes into violence leaving the reader with horrified whiplash and wondering if that character we just got to know was just mercilessly disposed of.
June 5, 2013
I would have had this read in one sitting if it weren't for pesky annoyances like work getting in the way. It was that good. And not only that but you have to know how this all turns out once you're hooked. And hooked you are from the get go.
I'm reading it again. You should too.
I'm reading it again. You should too.
August 16, 2018
MacLeod's debut is an unrelenting push for tension--looking back, even the down moments have wires running under them, twanging with more and more urgency as he drags the reader to an inevitable but still wholly satisfying conclusion.
June 2, 2013
I blurbed this book! I thought it was a very accomplished debut novel from an author who not only has something to say but the skill with which to say it. Here's hoping for more!
March 22, 2014
Tense and paced like a train barreling toward dynamite. But the end felt this way, too. And the supernatural element was more deserving of some fleshing out. Still, I ripped through it.
August 31, 2018
A powerful novel with a great cast of characters. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2018
It has been such a long time since a read has completely grabbed and shaken me.
Two years ago I had the pleasure of first meeting Bracken MacLeod at the Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival in Haverhill MA. I was a relative newbie to the local author scene so to speak. My main reading at the time were the big hitters - King, Barker, McCammon, Simmons, Masterton, Straub etc. The real reason I attended was to meet another author that had grabbed my attention but the day opened my eyes to a whole new world of authors I had not heard of, and as a result my library has grown exponentially. But enough of that...we are here about a book, correct? I will attempt to keep this as spoiler free as I can.
Mountain Home drew me into its delightfully wicked embrace from the first page and held me until (what I view as) its bitter end. Unlike my younger years where I could have two to three reads going at the same time, these days it takes me up to a week to finish a novel. Sadly I was done with this gem in under two days...and it would've been quicker if life didn't intrude.
Every novel is plot driven, but Mountain Home is of a different breed. Bracken has breathed life into every character - even the "bit players" - and as Chet Williamson mentioned in his brilliant introduction, I wanted to read on to find out what the characters were going to do next as opposed to the direction the plot was heading.
Plot-wise the story is fast paced and tight, with a hint of the supernatural sewn in...the characters diverse and endearing yet at the same time resembling folk I'm sure we all know personally. In many ways Mountain Home is reminiscent of Roadwork; the antagonist Joanie Myer, being a good person seeking a path to self-healing and peace, pushed past her limit by abuse, degradation and torment. Flash back moments flow seamlessly and add the required depth to the plot and her character.
"You can put out fires, but that doesn't get rid of fire"
The fire with which Bracken MacLeod writes should never be extinguished. This guy deserves the praise that this riveting novella has received - his first published story which has earned acclaim from some of the most noteworthy authors in the business. I have no doubt in my mind that there are BIG things on the horizon for him.
Get your copy of Mountain Home via http://www.haverhillhouse.com/
Two years ago I had the pleasure of first meeting Bracken MacLeod at the Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival in Haverhill MA. I was a relative newbie to the local author scene so to speak. My main reading at the time were the big hitters - King, Barker, McCammon, Simmons, Masterton, Straub etc. The real reason I attended was to meet another author that had grabbed my attention but the day opened my eyes to a whole new world of authors I had not heard of, and as a result my library has grown exponentially. But enough of that...we are here about a book, correct? I will attempt to keep this as spoiler free as I can.
Mountain Home drew me into its delightfully wicked embrace from the first page and held me until (what I view as) its bitter end. Unlike my younger years where I could have two to three reads going at the same time, these days it takes me up to a week to finish a novel. Sadly I was done with this gem in under two days...and it would've been quicker if life didn't intrude.
Every novel is plot driven, but Mountain Home is of a different breed. Bracken has breathed life into every character - even the "bit players" - and as Chet Williamson mentioned in his brilliant introduction, I wanted to read on to find out what the characters were going to do next as opposed to the direction the plot was heading.
Plot-wise the story is fast paced and tight, with a hint of the supernatural sewn in...the characters diverse and endearing yet at the same time resembling folk I'm sure we all know personally. In many ways Mountain Home is reminiscent of Roadwork; the antagonist Joanie Myer, being a good person seeking a path to self-healing and peace, pushed past her limit by abuse, degradation and torment. Flash back moments flow seamlessly and add the required depth to the plot and her character.
"You can put out fires, but that doesn't get rid of fire"
The fire with which Bracken MacLeod writes should never be extinguished. This guy deserves the praise that this riveting novella has received - his first published story which has earned acclaim from some of the most noteworthy authors in the business. I have no doubt in my mind that there are BIG things on the horizon for him.
Get your copy of Mountain Home via http://www.haverhillhouse.com/
December 23, 2018
i'm giving this one 3 stars, even though i was quite disappointed with the structure of the tale... MacLeod can write, i have loved his other works muchly so, but this one is a bit off... it is his first so there's that... great beginning, epic beginning, then it just bogs down for the most part in time stamps of the present in the diner (do we need to know it is however-many minutes later, etc. every time? i get it, the author used a non-linear structure for the book itself, but i think place headings would have sufficed since thee were three - i think - distinct places for the plot; maybe just use two people as the focus instead of locating things here or there??)... Joanie's story is powerfully done, and should have been the bulk of the narrative, instead there is the dullness of the diner and what transpires inside/outside... dialogue tires me out, and this book, for as short as it is, has waaaaaay too much for me and i feel it just unnecessarily drags out simple/dull/mundane moments... Joanie and Lyn could have been the whole story (my earlier point about people over place)... but strong as fuck females and a willingness be nasty and violent and harsh makes this book work, sort of...
February 27, 2018
I read it in one night!
I couldn't put it down. A tight thriller with a supernatural edge that passes the Bechdel Test. If it weren't midnight I'd be downloading & reading another novel by Bracken MacLeod. This novel perfectly nailed human behavior and what choices we make when sh#t hits the fan.
I couldn't put it down. A tight thriller with a supernatural edge that passes the Bechdel Test. If it weren't midnight I'd be downloading & reading another novel by Bracken MacLeod. This novel perfectly nailed human behavior and what choices we make when sh#t hits the fan.
January 1, 2018
Holy Crap!
This is the first time a book has had me speechless! From beginning to end it's a rollercoaster ride of emotion.
An author I'm so happy to have discovered, and one I will read more from as soon as I can.
This is the first time a book has had me speechless! From beginning to end it's a rollercoaster ride of emotion.
An author I'm so happy to have discovered, and one I will read more from as soon as I can.
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