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Nightmare City
What should have been an ordinary morning is about to spiral into a day of unrelenting terror.
As a reporter for his high school newspaper, Tom is always on the lookout for an offbeat story. But from the moment he woke up this morning, his own life has been more bizarre than any headline could ever tell.
The streets of his town are suddenly empty and silent. A strange fog has drifted in from the sea and hangs over everything. And something is moving in that fog. Something evil. Something hungry. Closing in on Tom.
Tom’s terrified girlfriend Marie says the answers lie at the Santa Maria Monastery, a haunted ruin standing amidst a forest blackened by wildfire. But can he trust her? A voice that seems to be coming from beyond the grave is warning him that nothing is what it seems.
Only one thing is with his world collapsing around him, Tom has only a few hours to recover the life he knew—before he, too, is lost forever in this nightmare city.
As a reporter for his high school newspaper, Tom is always on the lookout for an offbeat story. But from the moment he woke up this morning, his own life has been more bizarre than any headline could ever tell.
The streets of his town are suddenly empty and silent. A strange fog has drifted in from the sea and hangs over everything. And something is moving in that fog. Something evil. Something hungry. Closing in on Tom.
Tom’s terrified girlfriend Marie says the answers lie at the Santa Maria Monastery, a haunted ruin standing amidst a forest blackened by wildfire. But can he trust her? A voice that seems to be coming from beyond the grave is warning him that nothing is what it seems.
Only one thing is with his world collapsing around him, Tom has only a few hours to recover the life he knew—before he, too, is lost forever in this nightmare city.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
44 people are currently reading
1448 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Klavan
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March 27, 2022
Nightmare City
by Andrew Klavan
This book was very unusual and I like that! It kept me guessing to what was happening and why at first. Then it had me guessing at other things! Very good! Good thriller!
by Andrew Klavan
This book was very unusual and I like that! It kept me guessing to what was happening and why at first. Then it had me guessing at other things! Very good! Good thriller!
January 18, 2014
If I could rate this higher, I definitely would.
This book was UNBELIEVABLE! The storyline was constantly twisting and on-going. At first it's all mystery and then as you put the pieces together it just is amazing.
I definitely admire the main character, Tom. The way he took on what he was dealing with was amazing and inspiring and encouraging and I could name on and on all these great things, but I'd just rather you all read it :)
It's official: Andrew Klavan is my favorite author! Andrew Klavan's characters always are relatable to me. But this book in particular made me "wake up" I guess you can say.
This book brought EVERYTHING into perspective for me. I realized a lot of things while reading it that I had completely missed and realized what can be done to fix them. There is a big misconception nowadays and even though I knew the truth already unlike a lot of people in this world now, I was STILL missing something. I have figured this out now.
I finished this book right before going to school. It definitely made my day. Funny thing is Im not upset that it's over. I want instead to do MY part better.
Now I know, some of this PROBABLY made no sense to you all, but if you read the book it should. So what are you waiting for??? :D
This book was UNBELIEVABLE! The storyline was constantly twisting and on-going. At first it's all mystery and then as you put the pieces together it just is amazing.
I definitely admire the main character, Tom. The way he took on what he was dealing with was amazing and inspiring and encouraging and I could name on and on all these great things, but I'd just rather you all read it :)
It's official: Andrew Klavan is my favorite author! Andrew Klavan's characters always are relatable to me. But this book in particular made me "wake up" I guess you can say.
This book brought EVERYTHING into perspective for me. I realized a lot of things while reading it that I had completely missed and realized what can be done to fix them. There is a big misconception nowadays and even though I knew the truth already unlike a lot of people in this world now, I was STILL missing something. I have figured this out now.
I finished this book right before going to school. It definitely made my day. Funny thing is Im not upset that it's over. I want instead to do MY part better.
Now I know, some of this PROBABLY made no sense to you all, but if you read the book it should. So what are you waiting for??? :D
February 13, 2018
*casually read a 300 page book in an hour* Yeah, not sure how that happened.
March 2, 2023
Scary, intense, moral and very satisfying and, of course, it's by Andrew Klavan so the writing is excellent.
June 6, 2017
♥ Find my reviews here: Literary Meanderings
- - -
Meet Tom Harding: High school senior. Reporter for the school paper. School pariah.
After writing a story to out the schools beloved football team and their use of performance-enhancing drugs, Tom hasn't a friend in sight. But Tom is a reporter. Tom has never met a mystery he didn't want to solve. He is a seeker of truth. Truth above all else, even at personal cost.
The biggest mystery of Tom's life comes early on a Saturday morning.
Upon waking up, Tom immediately begins to experience the bizarre. For one thing, his mother should be home bustling about the kitchen making breakfast... but she isn't. She isn't anywhere to be found. Then Tom sees the mist outside his home. A white, rolling fog accompanied by an eerie silence. And there is an absence of people. No one around—not his mother, his neighbors, no one... Tom is alone. Except, he isn't. Deep inside the white mist, Tom sees figures. Not-quite-human figures hulking and shuffling... coming for him.
And the craziest part of it all?
Upon going back into his home, Tom hears a voice; a voice he should not hear. It's Burt, his brother. Down in the basement, Burt is rambling on and on about a “mission” and a “game” ... “play the bigger game, remember the mission...”
The problem is that Tom's brother has been dead for six months.
- - -
Okay, listen up people: This book is freaking awesome!
I went into this read not knowing it was Christian Fiction. This is something that tends to hinder me from reading a book. My husband and I are constantly talking about this subject. Christian Fiction vs. what I read... which isn't Christian Fiction. But, he is a lover of all things Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Robert Liparulo, etc. He's forced many a book onto me, and I always end up loving them and admitting they weren't what I was expecting. So, after reading Nightmare City, I was again proven ignorant of Christian Fiction. It doesn't always have to be the preachy type of books I fear.
Moving on. Nightmare City is unlike any book I've read to date. It started out as one genre, and then morphed into something else. I will try not to be spoilery, but it's so hard due to the fact that the change in story dynamic is part of what I adored about this book!
From the very start, this book gripped me. It was eerie and scary. I don't recommend reading this book before bed time. You will totally end up with nightmares. I was creeped the heck out by the first half of this book. It's a perfect set-up. The silence, the dense fog, the creatures in the mist, the strange happenings—hearing his dead brother, seeing himself on the television, far-away, staticky phone calls—no rhyme or reason to anything.
And throughout all of this there is Tom, an amazing protagonist. Tom is completely lost and confused, but still has this burning desire to unravel the mystery before him. He takes chances and risks his own life to find the truth. He encounters a scant few people along his journey—some good, some bad—and never relents in his pursuit of answers.
When Tom finally finds these answers, it's nothing like what you'd expect. It's a shock and it turns the entire story upside down. You have to rethink your entire take on the first half of the book. I loved it! I LOVED that this book made me think so hard; made me feel so thoroughly surprised and dumbfounded. Think Mitch Albom, but scary, dark, and completely mysterious. This book will take you on a ride you won't soon forget.
So, this book has the setting, the characters, the horror, the mystery, and the intrigue.
Now let's talk about the message. In this scary, surprising novel lies a message. Truth is everything. You are never alone no matter how much it seems you are. Life is worth living, even when it's hard. You have to fight no matter what. Giving up is not an option. These are the things I took away from Nightmare City. And believe it or not, these things are very relevant to my current personal life situations. I am grateful to Andrew Klavan for writing this book and I am grateful for this message at a time in my life when I actually needed it.
Now, my one negative is that the dialogue was a little bit repetitive here and there. Minor detail, but it did irk me every now and then, and took away from my focus on the story.
All in all, Nightmare City is a brilliant story! It's dark and creepy. It's suspenseful and mysterious. It's hopeful and contains many messages and morals. I loved Tom Harding! He's a wonderfully endearing protagonist and a badass to boot. The mystery... oh the mystery. It was superbly done. Andrew Klavan is a master of details and a genius with plot. He easily meshes genres and keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone! It truly has a little something for all book lovers. :)
- - -
Book source: Publisher via NetGalley
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing
January 23, 2014
Full disclosure: I received a free copy through Goodreads' "giveaways".
I have to say, it wasn't the WORST book I've ever read. That's about the highest praise I can give it.
Over all, I was bored. I can't count how many times I rolled my eyes while reading this. It was bland and predictable at best, annoying and patronizing at worst. If you're looking for a good book, look elsewhere.
I have to say, it wasn't the WORST book I've ever read. That's about the highest praise I can give it.
Over all, I was bored. I can't count how many times I rolled my eyes while reading this. It was bland and predictable at best, annoying and patronizing at worst. If you're looking for a good book, look elsewhere.
February 25, 2015
I need more stars to rate this book... IT WAS AWESOME!!!
Why this kind of books don't last forever??
Why this kind of books don't last forever??
November 8, 2013
Disclaimer: I received a free, uncorrected e-galley in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked this novel. Then again, I tend to really like all the things that Andrew Klavan writes. Why? Well, for one, he's a fantastic writer. And two, he knows how to tell a story (well).
In the beginning we meet Tom, who's in high school and also on the school's newspaper. He wakes up thinking that it's just another, regular day, but he is very mistaken. Most of the people he knows and loves are missing and there's an inexplicable fog closing in. Thankfully, since Tom works on his school's newspaper, he sets out to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on, which of course leads the reader on a creeptastic, action-packed ride filled with twists and turns (and dark things).
I really liked this novel because I'm normally drawn to dark things, and Nightmare City has plenty of darkness. I think it's a great book for fans of R.L. Stine's Goosebump series who are looking for something a little older to read. However, I will say that Andrew Klavan has a tendency to write very wholesome YA main characters. For example, The Last Thing I Remember has a very do-the-right-thing main character named Charlie, who's also very patriotic when it comes to the U.S. Tom is very similar in that sense. He's wholesome, he wants to do the right thing, even if it isn't easy. This doesn't bother me but I know a few people that were irked at such a wholesome main character with not enough flaws. But if anything, I feel like the wholesome, do-the-right-thing mentality is a fantastic flaw because it puts both protagonists in tough and dangerous situations.
Like Klavan's previous book series, Nightmare City uses flashbacks and memories, similar to The Last Thing I Remember to tell the story. Andrew Klavan is a master of story-telling when it comes to flashbacks and memories, so I particularly liked the way he used this as a story-telling device. In addition to Klavan's story telling, I really enjoyed the pacing of the novel and his writing style. I'd recommend this book to anyone and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to see what Klavan writes next!
<3 Jolene, reviewing for Pen and Muse.
I really liked this novel. Then again, I tend to really like all the things that Andrew Klavan writes. Why? Well, for one, he's a fantastic writer. And two, he knows how to tell a story (well).
In the beginning we meet Tom, who's in high school and also on the school's newspaper. He wakes up thinking that it's just another, regular day, but he is very mistaken. Most of the people he knows and loves are missing and there's an inexplicable fog closing in. Thankfully, since Tom works on his school's newspaper, he sets out to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on, which of course leads the reader on a creeptastic, action-packed ride filled with twists and turns (and dark things).
I really liked this novel because I'm normally drawn to dark things, and Nightmare City has plenty of darkness. I think it's a great book for fans of R.L. Stine's Goosebump series who are looking for something a little older to read. However, I will say that Andrew Klavan has a tendency to write very wholesome YA main characters. For example, The Last Thing I Remember has a very do-the-right-thing main character named Charlie, who's also very patriotic when it comes to the U.S. Tom is very similar in that sense. He's wholesome, he wants to do the right thing, even if it isn't easy. This doesn't bother me but I know a few people that were irked at such a wholesome main character with not enough flaws. But if anything, I feel like the wholesome, do-the-right-thing mentality is a fantastic flaw because it puts both protagonists in tough and dangerous situations.
Like Klavan's previous book series, Nightmare City uses flashbacks and memories, similar to The Last Thing I Remember to tell the story. Andrew Klavan is a master of story-telling when it comes to flashbacks and memories, so I particularly liked the way he used this as a story-telling device. In addition to Klavan's story telling, I really enjoyed the pacing of the novel and his writing style. I'd recommend this book to anyone and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to see what Klavan writes next!
<3 Jolene, reviewing for Pen and Muse.
May 9, 2016
A book that reads like an old-school point-and-click computer game? Sounds strange, but it works very well.
October 27, 2023
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R18XH6P6...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Nightmare City was a very different read. I loved the writing style - when I was reading, the pages just flew by. Part of the story reminded me a little of Tom Pawlik's adult speculative book, Vanish, but only certain aspects and the two stories are not similar.
While I didn't particularly love any of the characters, I did like Tom and enjoyed reading his story and the things that happened to him. The one word that comes to mind when thinking of the story is weird - not weird in a bad way, but a good way. There were just so many parts to Nightmare City that were different from other books I've read!
There were some scenes in Nightmare City that were really suspenseful and I loved those! I also loved the last part of this book and how it was possible to guess who the villain was, but I didn't guess it.
All in all, Nightmare City was a really good read that I think teens (and adults!) who enjoy action/adventure novels with some supernatural/weirdness will enjoy. I recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Nightmare City was a very different read. I loved the writing style - when I was reading, the pages just flew by. Part of the story reminded me a little of Tom Pawlik's adult speculative book, Vanish, but only certain aspects and the two stories are not similar.
While I didn't particularly love any of the characters, I did like Tom and enjoyed reading his story and the things that happened to him. The one word that comes to mind when thinking of the story is weird - not weird in a bad way, but a good way. There were just so many parts to Nightmare City that were different from other books I've read!
There were some scenes in Nightmare City that were really suspenseful and I loved those! I also loved the last part of this book and how it was possible to guess who the villain was, but I didn't guess it.
All in all, Nightmare City was a really good read that I think teens (and adults!) who enjoy action/adventure novels with some supernatural/weirdness will enjoy. I recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
May 5, 2014
Okay so here's the deal: turn off all your house lights, open all your windows, flick your book light and make sure it emits a very faint light, pick up your Nightmare City copy and you'll immediately immerse yourself into Tom Harding's life as it is told chapter by chapter. Oh, and to add some spice to it, read it in first person out loud (even if the book is not the case at this time).
This book is so scary, jumping in terror won't cut it. And this book is so epic, you'll want to read again.
Klavan is officially my fave author. His writing style is stellar, his characters are super-real, and every event grips you to the very end and makes you wanna find out what happens next. It's THAT GOOD.
And if Tom Harding wasn't fictional, I'd so wanna give him a Medal of Honor and be his BFF. He's a truly courageous inspirational person even if he doesn't feel that way at times during the story.
I mean it, if you like Klavan's books and you haven't read this one, don't borrow it at the library, OWN it! I did and it's money well spent and a treasure.
This book is so scary, jumping in terror won't cut it. And this book is so epic, you'll want to read again.
Klavan is officially my fave author. His writing style is stellar, his characters are super-real, and every event grips you to the very end and makes you wanna find out what happens next. It's THAT GOOD.
And if Tom Harding wasn't fictional, I'd so wanna give him a Medal of Honor and be his BFF. He's a truly courageous inspirational person even if he doesn't feel that way at times during the story.
I mean it, if you like Klavan's books and you haven't read this one, don't borrow it at the library, OWN it! I did and it's money well spent and a treasure.
November 4, 2013
Weird & confusing & creepy. I guessed the twist right before it was revealed and that alone made me able to give this title 3 starts. Full review to follow for the blog tour.
February 9, 2020
This was really very enjoyable, not exactly what I'd anticipated but interesting and well written.
September 12, 2022
This book was amazing! It was descriptive when it was needed. The book made me think and it wasnt to much. There were goos twist in the book!
January 29, 2014
It seems like an interesting idea for a story (and might even make an interesting script), but was very predictable and a little cheesy. I’d guessed the ending two chapters into the book and found myself skimming through endless paragraphs of Tom feeling more fear or slapping the pavement with his sneakers. This would have been salvageable with a good editor but over all felt like it was a first draft.
I had difficulty with the writing style because I found it to be filled with clichés, repetitive descriptions, and sloppy sentences. Worse, the character is supposed to be in high school but does not think, act, or talk appropriately for his age (aside from the frequent changes in what era of English the author uses). What the hell kind of a high school “longs” for an attractive classmate and describes her “sweet beauty”? Just…no.
The dialogue is written in a very amateur way, with characters repeating themselves, using clunky sentence structures, and using each other's names way more than is realistic, making it tedious to read. (Hi Tom. What are you doing Tom? Go to the chapel Tom. Tom, answer the phone. There’s fog Tom.) It was the kind of dialogue that sounds ridiculous when read aloud or even imagined while reading it silently.
The characters themselves are boring and undeveloped or underdeveloped. Right, we get it, the girlfriend is a rich cheerleader who is blond and pretty and has a doctor for a dad and lives in a big white house and is so amazing. And the newspaper editor is cool, but unattractive, freckled, pug-nosed, etc. Characters like this write themselves because they have no identity or depth, and there are no surprises. You could basically say, “the newspaper editor looks like you’d think” and be done with it.
I’d be more charitable if this was a debut book, but someone who is repeatedly published should know better. Then again, Twilight is a best seller, so maybe not. That said, a two out of five star review seems far too harsh for a book that is ok but needs work. Yet, a three star reviews means (according to Goodreads' rating scale) that I liked it, which I did not.
I had difficulty with the writing style because I found it to be filled with clichés, repetitive descriptions, and sloppy sentences. Worse, the character is supposed to be in high school but does not think, act, or talk appropriately for his age (aside from the frequent changes in what era of English the author uses). What the hell kind of a high school “longs” for an attractive classmate and describes her “sweet beauty”? Just…no.
The dialogue is written in a very amateur way, with characters repeating themselves, using clunky sentence structures, and using each other's names way more than is realistic, making it tedious to read. (Hi Tom. What are you doing Tom? Go to the chapel Tom. Tom, answer the phone. There’s fog Tom.) It was the kind of dialogue that sounds ridiculous when read aloud or even imagined while reading it silently.
The characters themselves are boring and undeveloped or underdeveloped. Right, we get it, the girlfriend is a rich cheerleader who is blond and pretty and has a doctor for a dad and lives in a big white house and is so amazing. And the newspaper editor is cool, but unattractive, freckled, pug-nosed, etc. Characters like this write themselves because they have no identity or depth, and there are no surprises. You could basically say, “the newspaper editor looks like you’d think” and be done with it.
I’d be more charitable if this was a debut book, but someone who is repeatedly published should know better. Then again, Twilight is a best seller, so maybe not. That said, a two out of five star review seems far too harsh for a book that is ok but needs work. Yet, a three star reviews means (according to Goodreads' rating scale) that I liked it, which I did not.
November 8, 2013
This book was AMAZING!
At first, I was like, "Ohhhhh my word! Another story about another 'normal' teen discovering life isn't 'normal'. Sooooooo overdone!" But then I was swept away with the mc, Tom, and the storytelling!
The pacing was great! We got just enough of the intro so that I got a sense of who he'd become to that point in his "normal" life. Then the pacing just sky-rocketed. Mr. Klavan allowed a few breaks so we weren't trying to run the marathon at top speed the entire read, which was good.
Tom is just such a well-written character. He came off the page really well, and I felt as though he really had three dimensions to him. Great, great read. You should definitely grab this book and devour it.
At first, I was like, "Ohhhhh my word! Another story about another 'normal' teen discovering life isn't 'normal'. Sooooooo overdone!" But then I was swept away with the mc, Tom, and the storytelling!
The pacing was great! We got just enough of the intro so that I got a sense of who he'd become to that point in his "normal" life. Then the pacing just sky-rocketed. Mr. Klavan allowed a few breaks so we weren't trying to run the marathon at top speed the entire read, which was good.
Tom is just such a well-written character. He came off the page really well, and I felt as though he really had three dimensions to him. Great, great read. You should definitely grab this book and devour it.
November 8, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
What an amazing book. Andrew Klavan is one of the best writers ever!
December 11, 2017
Tom Harding, a senior in high school, wants the truth, but the truth gets dangerous when he exposes the town’s beloved football team for using steroids through his high school’s newspaper. He wakes up one morning alone, with fog surrounding his house. Tom tries to puzzle things together, but it does not make any sense. He later finds out his has been shot and this abyss in the form of his empty town is all in his head. He searches throughout the town to find out who shot him and why, but he struggles as the fog brings hungry creatures controlled by a silhouette of the person that shot him.
The book, Nightmare City, was enjoyable, so I give it 4 stars. It is not the best work by Andrew Khlavan, but it is still an incredible piece of work that depicts the struggles of a high school journalist with the intense action scenes. It was quite creepy and the plot was skewed, but it all came together at the end.
At one point of the book, Tom just woke up and sees that he is alone. He checks the whole house until he hears his brother, Burt, call out his name. He shakes with fear when he remembers that his brother has been dead for months.
One of the only challenges with this book was that the beginning was difficult to follow as nothing was explained.
I would have liked if the book picked up in the middle instead of only having it at the last 50 pages, so that the whole book was fun to read.
In the book, the main character, Tom, is a very brave person to stand up to football team. This character helps him later on, however, what would happen to a person who is cowardly and put in this situation?
What message is the author trying to convey with the big reveal at the end?
The book, Nightmare City, was enjoyable, so I give it 4 stars. It is not the best work by Andrew Khlavan, but it is still an incredible piece of work that depicts the struggles of a high school journalist with the intense action scenes. It was quite creepy and the plot was skewed, but it all came together at the end.
At one point of the book, Tom just woke up and sees that he is alone. He checks the whole house until he hears his brother, Burt, call out his name. He shakes with fear when he remembers that his brother has been dead for months.
One of the only challenges with this book was that the beginning was difficult to follow as nothing was explained.
I would have liked if the book picked up in the middle instead of only having it at the last 50 pages, so that the whole book was fun to read.
In the book, the main character, Tom, is a very brave person to stand up to football team. This character helps him later on, however, what would happen to a person who is cowardly and put in this situation?
What message is the author trying to convey with the big reveal at the end?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
Tim is a reporter for his local high school newspaper. He writes a story about steroid use among the football team players that may have helped win a championship game.
When the story begins Tom wakes to an empty house with voices shouting for him to please listen and do this and do that from what seems a distance. When he goes outside it is foggy and there are wraith like creatures moving towards him and eventually hurting him so he goes back inside.
Is he dead? This was my first horrified thought. Then I decided that it was sort of like a zombie outbreak or invasion of aliens. But things got odder and odder. I couldn’t look away, I couldn’t stop reading and I couldn’t quite figure it out. But I liked it, I liked it a lot!
I felt that way even through the ending. Then I saw how long I’d been glued to my chair reading this like it would be the most important book ever. The author has a talent for writing a story that completely draws in a reader and keeps them needing to know more. Try his book, TRUE CRIME, which was similar in that it held me in one spot anxious to know what comes next.
When the story begins Tom wakes to an empty house with voices shouting for him to please listen and do this and do that from what seems a distance. When he goes outside it is foggy and there are wraith like creatures moving towards him and eventually hurting him so he goes back inside.
Is he dead? This was my first horrified thought. Then I decided that it was sort of like a zombie outbreak or invasion of aliens. But things got odder and odder. I couldn’t look away, I couldn’t stop reading and I couldn’t quite figure it out. But I liked it, I liked it a lot!
I felt that way even through the ending. Then I saw how long I’d been glued to my chair reading this like it would be the most important book ever. The author has a talent for writing a story that completely draws in a reader and keeps them needing to know more. Try his book, TRUE CRIME, which was similar in that it held me in one spot anxious to know what comes next.
August 25, 2025
This book does not deserve the low rating it has, IMO. The plot is gripping right from the start, and even though I figured out what was happening very early on due to being very familiar with another story with a similar plot, I still loved going on the journey with our POV character, Tom.
I think this is a fantastic story that was told extremely well, and it has some incredible, deep spiritual truths woven throughout. There's even a subtle, perhaps unintentional, message of anti-suicide that is so important for teens (and adults) these days.
Overall, I think Andrew Klavan's Nightmare City is an excellent book that I highly recommend for older teens and adults. This is my second Klavan YA thriller, and it won't be my last.
I think this is a fantastic story that was told extremely well, and it has some incredible, deep spiritual truths woven throughout. There's even a subtle, perhaps unintentional, message of anti-suicide that is so important for teens (and adults) these days.
Overall, I think Andrew Klavan's Nightmare City is an excellent book that I highly recommend for older teens and adults. This is my second Klavan YA thriller, and it won't be my last.
July 28, 2021
Another thrilling ride from the mind of author Andrew Klavan! I can see why Stephen King said of him - "Andrew Klavan is the most original American novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich."
In his YA novels, Klavan shows that it is possible to write stories that are suspenseful and nail-biting yet clean and full of morally virtuous messages without being preachy.
In his YA novels, Klavan shows that it is possible to write stories that are suspenseful and nail-biting yet clean and full of morally virtuous messages without being preachy.
May 28, 2019
This book was so hard to put down it kept me guessing after each page and chapter I read!! Suspense, Drama and Mystery made this for a great Thriller.
Wish I could rate this 10 stars cause it was that good!! Definitely will be reading more of Andrews books in the future!!
Wish I could rate this 10 stars cause it was that good!! Definitely will be reading more of Andrews books in the future!!
October 10, 2023
What an interesting premise! I was intrigued from page 1 and read the whole thing straight through. It is a Christian story, but aside from promoting seeking truth, it was not at all pushy or preachy, so I enjoyed that. It was a solid mystery although fairly easy to figure out.
November 1, 2023
Slow start, but I eventually got into it. Tom wasn't the most likable character, but it was interesting watching him figure things out. The ending was okay.
March 30, 2022
Young adult novel that really held my interest (as a grandmother). It is a fast-paced, sometimes creepy tale about a boy who chooses the righteous path, despite worldly temptations, and personal cost. I recommend the book!
February 20, 2015
Synopsis:
Tom Harding only wants the truth. But the truth is becoming more dangerous with every passing minute.
As a reporter for his high school newspaper, Tom Harding was tracking the best story of his life—when, suddenly, his life turned very, very weird. He woke up one morning to find his house empty . . . his street empty . . . his whole town empty . . . empty except for an eerie, creeping fog—and whatever creatures were slowly moving toward him through the fog.
Now Tom’s once-ordinary world has become something out of a horror movie. How did it happen? Is it real? Is he dreaming? Has there been a zombie apocalypse? Has he died and gone to hell?
Tom is a good reporter—he knows how to look for answers—but no one has ever covered a story like this before. With the fog closing in and the hungry creatures of the fog surrounding him, he has only a few hours to find out how he lost the world he knew. In this bizarre universe nothing is what it seems and everything—including Tom’s life—hangs in the balance.
My Review:
4 Solid Stars.
Nightmare City was, for the most part, an exciting read. It kept me turning the pages, it left me thinking, it was creepy...but...and I hate to say this...something was just missing.
Now please don't get me wrong. I genuinely liked this book. But something. Was. Just. Missing. And it ate me up. I loved Klavan's Crazy Dangerous. A lot. It was utterly addicting. Nightmare City just didn't have the same "mph."
For one thing, the writing wasn't the greatest. It was jarring, choppy. At times, it distracted me from the story.
I definitely enjoyed the plot though. This book is a paranormal (to a certain extent) mystery thriller, and anyone one that sees my bookshelf can quickly establish I love paranormal fiction and mystery thrillers. So, yes, the plot definitely gets a thumbs up!
The last 30 or so pages, I was wondering where the story was going. It seemed that everything was resolved, the mystery was solved (I pretty much solved it halfway through the book, but it left me more proud--with myself, I guess--than frustrated)...everything seemed good. And then--BAM! More danger, more action! Even though it was brief, I was still on the edge of my seat.
I liked Tom. He was level-headed, smart, strong . And he was the only main character, so who else was I supposed to like? ;)
The romance is practically nonexistent. There's one kiss, some flirting, but nothing serious. Very clean!
Through the entire book, I had it set in my mind to give Nightmare City 3.5 stars. I didn't REALLY LIKE it, but I more than just LIKED IT. It was a little conflicting. But, thankfully, Mr. Klavan wrote a pretty darn good ending. So I'm being gracious and giving it 4 stars!
Altogether, a good, creepy story that'll leave you on the edge of your seat and relentlessly turning the pages (if you can get past the less-than-great writing).
Recommended!
Tom Harding only wants the truth. But the truth is becoming more dangerous with every passing minute.
As a reporter for his high school newspaper, Tom Harding was tracking the best story of his life—when, suddenly, his life turned very, very weird. He woke up one morning to find his house empty . . . his street empty . . . his whole town empty . . . empty except for an eerie, creeping fog—and whatever creatures were slowly moving toward him through the fog.
Now Tom’s once-ordinary world has become something out of a horror movie. How did it happen? Is it real? Is he dreaming? Has there been a zombie apocalypse? Has he died and gone to hell?
Tom is a good reporter—he knows how to look for answers—but no one has ever covered a story like this before. With the fog closing in and the hungry creatures of the fog surrounding him, he has only a few hours to find out how he lost the world he knew. In this bizarre universe nothing is what it seems and everything—including Tom’s life—hangs in the balance.
My Review:
4 Solid Stars.
Nightmare City was, for the most part, an exciting read. It kept me turning the pages, it left me thinking, it was creepy...but...and I hate to say this...something was just missing.
Now please don't get me wrong. I genuinely liked this book. But something. Was. Just. Missing. And it ate me up. I loved Klavan's Crazy Dangerous. A lot. It was utterly addicting. Nightmare City just didn't have the same "mph."
For one thing, the writing wasn't the greatest. It was jarring, choppy. At times, it distracted me from the story.
I definitely enjoyed the plot though. This book is a paranormal (to a certain extent) mystery thriller, and anyone one that sees my bookshelf can quickly establish I love paranormal fiction and mystery thrillers. So, yes, the plot definitely gets a thumbs up!
The last 30 or so pages, I was wondering where the story was going. It seemed that everything was resolved, the mystery was solved (I pretty much solved it halfway through the book, but it left me more proud--with myself, I guess--than frustrated)...everything seemed good. And then--BAM! More danger, more action! Even though it was brief, I was still on the edge of my seat.
I liked Tom. He was level-headed, smart, strong . And he was the only main character, so who else was I supposed to like? ;)
The romance is practically nonexistent. There's one kiss, some flirting, but nothing serious. Very clean!
Through the entire book, I had it set in my mind to give Nightmare City 3.5 stars. I didn't REALLY LIKE it, but I more than just LIKED IT. It was a little conflicting. But, thankfully, Mr. Klavan wrote a pretty darn good ending. So I'm being gracious and giving it 4 stars!
Altogether, a good, creepy story that'll leave you on the edge of your seat and relentlessly turning the pages (if you can get past the less-than-great writing).
Recommended!
November 8, 2013
For this review & more, visit Such A Novel Idea.
This was an interesting and facinating young adult book -- one of the most unique premises I've read in a LONG time. The strength of this book lies in the story -- the plot is strong and interesting and will keep you guessing until the very end. I found myself enthralled by the story, wondering just what was going to happen.
That being said, there were some weak spots in the book. When it came to characters and dialogue -- I just wasn't invested. I didn't seem to connect with the character, and when I should have been feeling gut-wrenched, I just didn't get the emotional response I should of. Some of the wording is awkward, especially in the dialogue, but I was invested in the story enough to want to keep reading. Because like I said it was such a unique way to present what was happening. I have NEVER seen it done this way and it is something I've seen in books and movies so much.
One other issue I had personally was I felt the book was in first person, yet written in third person, which was just confusing and probably accounts for a lot of the weirdness I felt with the words themselves.
The book starts off very confusing, which is great, because the main character is confused. I like when I can put myself in the mindset of the character, so I really enjoyed that. Then it hits hard and fast and had my heart jumping and my blood pumping. Once we find out what is going on, the book slows a bit. I felt it dragged some, but not much. Then it picked up again by part three and kept going all the way to the end. I was very, very satisfied by how it ended. It wasn't cheesy or cheapened and has a great message.
I actually really enjoyed the parts about Tom being a journalist. As a journalism major and former newspaper editor, I was thrown back into that world for just a moment. The scenes that Tom faced people upset for telling the truth and administrators threatening to censor were very real to life and well done. I actually learned a lot about the law when it comes to different levels of news writing, including high school, and Klavan stayed within those parameters well. That was a real bonus for me personally. And Tom made a GREAT reporter.
The book creeped me out and managed to thrill and have a touch of horror to it. The story really delivered a punch and left me happy. Because of that, I do think people will really enjoy the book. I know I did.
If you like this book, I recommend Solitary by Travis Thrasher. They have a lot of the same themes and creep factor, and the book really reminded me of that series as I was reading. And if you're already a fan of Solitary, definitely check this one out!
Rating 3/5
This was an interesting and facinating young adult book -- one of the most unique premises I've read in a LONG time. The strength of this book lies in the story -- the plot is strong and interesting and will keep you guessing until the very end. I found myself enthralled by the story, wondering just what was going to happen.
That being said, there were some weak spots in the book. When it came to characters and dialogue -- I just wasn't invested. I didn't seem to connect with the character, and when I should have been feeling gut-wrenched, I just didn't get the emotional response I should of. Some of the wording is awkward, especially in the dialogue, but I was invested in the story enough to want to keep reading. Because like I said it was such a unique way to present what was happening. I have NEVER seen it done this way and it is something I've seen in books and movies so much.
One other issue I had personally was I felt the book was in first person, yet written in third person, which was just confusing and probably accounts for a lot of the weirdness I felt with the words themselves.
The book starts off very confusing, which is great, because the main character is confused. I like when I can put myself in the mindset of the character, so I really enjoyed that. Then it hits hard and fast and had my heart jumping and my blood pumping. Once we find out what is going on, the book slows a bit. I felt it dragged some, but not much. Then it picked up again by part three and kept going all the way to the end. I was very, very satisfied by how it ended. It wasn't cheesy or cheapened and has a great message.
I actually really enjoyed the parts about Tom being a journalist. As a journalism major and former newspaper editor, I was thrown back into that world for just a moment. The scenes that Tom faced people upset for telling the truth and administrators threatening to censor were very real to life and well done. I actually learned a lot about the law when it comes to different levels of news writing, including high school, and Klavan stayed within those parameters well. That was a real bonus for me personally. And Tom made a GREAT reporter.
The book creeped me out and managed to thrill and have a touch of horror to it. The story really delivered a punch and left me happy. Because of that, I do think people will really enjoy the book. I know I did.
If you like this book, I recommend Solitary by Travis Thrasher. They have a lot of the same themes and creep factor, and the book really reminded me of that series as I was reading. And if you're already a fan of Solitary, definitely check this one out!
Rating 3/5
November 8, 2013
For this review & more, visit Such A Novel Idea.
This was an interesting and facinating young adult book -- one of the most unique premises I've read in a LONG time. The strength of this book lies in the story -- the plot is strong and interesting and will keep you guessing until the very end. I found myself enthralled by the story, wondering just what was going to happen.
That being said, there were some weak spots in the book. When it came to characters and dialogue -- I just wasn't invested. I didn't seem to connect with the character, and when I should have been feeling gut-wrenched, I just didn't get the emotional response I should of. Some of the wording is awkward, especially in the dialogue, but I was invested in the story enough to want to keep reading. Because like I said it was such a unique way to present what was happening. I have NEVER seen it done this way and it is something I've seen in books and movies so much.
One other issue I had personally was I felt the book was in first person, yet written in third person, which was just confusing and probably accounts for a lot of the weirdness I felt with the words themselves.
The book starts off very confusing, which is great, because the main character is confused. I like when I can put myself in the mindset of the character, so I really enjoyed that. Then it hits hard and fast and had my heart jumping and my blood pumping. Once we find out what is going on, the book slows a bit. I felt it dragged some, but not much. Then it picked up again by part three and kept going all the way to the end. I was very, very satisfied by how it ended. It wasn't cheesy or cheapened and has a great message.
I actually really enjoyed the parts about Tom being a journalist. As a journalism major and former newspaper editor, I was thrown back into that world for just a moment. The scenes that Tom faced people upset for telling the truth and administrators threatening to censor were very real to life and well done. I actually learned a lot about the law when it comes to different levels of news writing, including high school, and Klavan stayed within those parameters well. That was a real bonus for me personally. And Tom made a GREAT reporter.
The book creeped me out and managed to thrill and have a touch of horror to it. The story really delivered a punch and left me happy. Because of that, I do think people will really enjoy the book. I know I did.
If you like this book, I recommend Solitary by Travis Thrasher. They have a lot of the same themes and creep factor, and the book really reminded me of that series as I was reading. And if you're already a fan of Solitary, definitely check this one out!
Rating 3/5
This was an interesting and facinating young adult book -- one of the most unique premises I've read in a LONG time. The strength of this book lies in the story -- the plot is strong and interesting and will keep you guessing until the very end. I found myself enthralled by the story, wondering just what was going to happen.
That being said, there were some weak spots in the book. When it came to characters and dialogue -- I just wasn't invested. I didn't seem to connect with the character, and when I should have been feeling gut-wrenched, I just didn't get the emotional response I should of. Some of the wording is awkward, especially in the dialogue, but I was invested in the story enough to want to keep reading. Because like I said it was such a unique way to present what was happening. I have NEVER seen it done this way and it is something I've seen in books and movies so much.
One other issue I had personally was I felt the book was in first person, yet written in third person, which was just confusing and probably accounts for a lot of the weirdness I felt with the words themselves.
The book starts off very confusing, which is great, because the main character is confused. I like when I can put myself in the mindset of the character, so I really enjoyed that. Then it hits hard and fast and had my heart jumping and my blood pumping. Once we find out what is going on, the book slows a bit. I felt it dragged some, but not much. Then it picked up again by part three and kept going all the way to the end. I was very, very satisfied by how it ended. It wasn't cheesy or cheapened and has a great message.
I actually really enjoyed the parts about Tom being a journalist. As a journalism major and former newspaper editor, I was thrown back into that world for just a moment. The scenes that Tom faced people upset for telling the truth and administrators threatening to censor were very real to life and well done. I actually learned a lot about the law when it comes to different levels of news writing, including high school, and Klavan stayed within those parameters well. That was a real bonus for me personally. And Tom made a GREAT reporter.
The book creeped me out and managed to thrill and have a touch of horror to it. The story really delivered a punch and left me happy. Because of that, I do think people will really enjoy the book. I know I did.
If you like this book, I recommend Solitary by Travis Thrasher. They have a lot of the same themes and creep factor, and the book really reminded me of that series as I was reading. And if you're already a fan of Solitary, definitely check this one out!
Rating 3/5
December 1, 2013
This book, along with all of the others Andrew Klavan has written for Thomas Nelson, is written for a teen audience. I wish books like his had been around when I was a teenager, but that doesn't stop me from reading them now. The reading level he writes at is one most adults can enjoy also.
This book is totally different from his others. It is just as suspenseful, and maybe even more. The main character, Tom is dealing with all kinds of creepy events and creatures, and the reader figures something is going on, and that this isn't some bizarre fantasy book..... and as I figured, not all is as it seems. I did figure out what was going on before the author made it obvious, but I won't give that spoiler out.
In addition to its great entertainment value, the book teaches a great lesson anyone should be able to catch: We should always tell the truth, even when its not popular and can make people angry. Its never OK to cover up wrong.
This may be Klavan's best book for teens so far. Even though I caught on eventually as to what was going, the way he started the book and spun the story was a masterpiece of writing. There is a lot of descriptive writing, and he easily pulled me into the story and kept me in it until I read it to the finish.
Most of Klavan's books don't have much or any Christian content, but are totally clean and have what is called a Christian worldview. This book actually has more Christian content than most, along with the message of doing the right thing.
I'm an adult and loved the book, but I also have the rave reviews of three teenage girls who read it and loved it. So there you have it. It is definitely worth reading.
This book is totally different from his others. It is just as suspenseful, and maybe even more. The main character, Tom is dealing with all kinds of creepy events and creatures, and the reader figures something is going on, and that this isn't some bizarre fantasy book..... and as I figured, not all is as it seems. I did figure out what was going on before the author made it obvious, but I won't give that spoiler out.
In addition to its great entertainment value, the book teaches a great lesson anyone should be able to catch: We should always tell the truth, even when its not popular and can make people angry. Its never OK to cover up wrong.
This may be Klavan's best book for teens so far. Even though I caught on eventually as to what was going, the way he started the book and spun the story was a masterpiece of writing. There is a lot of descriptive writing, and he easily pulled me into the story and kept me in it until I read it to the finish.
Most of Klavan's books don't have much or any Christian content, but are totally clean and have what is called a Christian worldview. This book actually has more Christian content than most, along with the message of doing the right thing.
I'm an adult and loved the book, but I also have the rave reviews of three teenage girls who read it and loved it. So there you have it. It is definitely worth reading.
November 6, 2013
Okay people so you should never read a scary book before going to bed. Needless to say I made that crazy decision and lord have mercy this book was a mind F&^% and then to try and go to sleep after reading this crazy book lord I do not recommend that. But I have to say I love this book and what unfolded was total awesome sauce!
Tom Harding is a senior in high school and he is living the life of a senior. He is on the school newspaper as a reporter and is always chasing the next story. Then Tom stumbles upon a mystery of sorts but he is just not so sure. He goes to sleep one night and he is fine and the next thing he knows is he is waking up and his life is nothing like when he fell asleep. His family is missing and the neighbors are missing and there is this crazy fog and something sinister is creeping in the fog. What the hell is going on is all Tom can think because he was fine when he went to bed but when he woke up he woke up in a dream.
As time goes on and Tom tries to figure out what to do he has to use his reporters skills to figure what the heck is going on be fore the monsters in the fog get to him and kill him. Can Tom figure what is going on on time or will he be a causality of his nightmares...............
Tom Harding is a senior in high school and he is living the life of a senior. He is on the school newspaper as a reporter and is always chasing the next story. Then Tom stumbles upon a mystery of sorts but he is just not so sure. He goes to sleep one night and he is fine and the next thing he knows is he is waking up and his life is nothing like when he fell asleep. His family is missing and the neighbors are missing and there is this crazy fog and something sinister is creeping in the fog. What the hell is going on is all Tom can think because he was fine when he went to bed but when he woke up he woke up in a dream.
As time goes on and Tom tries to figure out what to do he has to use his reporters skills to figure what the heck is going on be fore the monsters in the fog get to him and kill him. Can Tom figure what is going on on time or will he be a causality of his nightmares...............
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