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The Tree Man
Can two kids alone stop a monstrous evil?
Women and children have been mysteriously disappearing from Evan’s town. And now Evan may know why. He was climbing a tree in the woods when he saw a decrepit old man toss a helpless woman into the mouth of a hideous tree-like creature.
Evan knows he can’t stop the man and the creature by himself, but he also knows no one will believe a kid with such a wild story. Only his best friend, Peter, can help him confront this terrifying evil. But if they aren’t careful, they will soon be missing too.
Women and children have been mysteriously disappearing from Evan’s town. And now Evan may know why. He was climbing a tree in the woods when he saw a decrepit old man toss a helpless woman into the mouth of a hideous tree-like creature.
Evan knows he can’t stop the man and the creature by himself, but he also knows no one will believe a kid with such a wild story. Only his best friend, Peter, can help him confront this terrifying evil. But if they aren’t careful, they will soon be missing too.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
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95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 17, 2018
Thunderstorm Limited Edition
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June 1, 2018This hardcover edition is signed by David Bernstein and is unnumbered, yet limited to 33 copies.
January 27, 2014
This is the first David Bernstein I have read. It certainly won't be my last. This maybe a short read, but it packs a massive punch. Evan - the boy at the centre of the story - is a likeable character and I was rooting (sorry about the pun) for him all the way. The tree, on the other hand, sent me diving behind the settee (always a good sign). The suspense, atmosphere and tension kept me turning the pages and I literally couldn't put it down. Loved the ending - didn't see that coming. Not in that way. Excellent horror storytelling! Would make a great film too.
January 17, 2014
Find this review and others like it at Ravenous Reads.
Full disclosure: A free copy of this novella was received in exchange for a fair review.
"I'm in the goddamn club, aren't I?"
So said Rudy in the 80s classic horror/comedy, The Monster Squad, and reading David Bernstein's new novella immediately reminded me of that treasured piece of cinema from my childhood. Two young teenage friends coming together to fight a monster and its keeper, knowing no adults would ever believe them until it was too late, so taking it upon themselves to triumph over evil? Sign me up.
Of course, I figured it would move toward a fairly predictable conclusion, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Bernstein turned my expectations on their head in crafting a short tale that was darker than I had anticipated, and cleverer than I gave it credit. Most plot-related issues were eventually addressed and in most instances accounted for, though occasionally credibility is stretched thin by the protagonist going to such lengths not to mention the threat to anyone. Bernstein's prose is also tight and assured, with very little in the way of padding.
After giving it some thought, the only other complaint I can make is that the end felt too abrupt (though I see what the author was aiming for), and as is always the way with anything that pleasantly surprises, The Tree Man just wasn't long enough. In fact, it's not even the advertised 84 pages, since a good 15 of those are actually samples from Bernstein's other works.
To say too much more would be to do The Tree Man a disservice, but if you ever imagined what it would be like to take on the darkness with just your buddy, a chainsaw and a shotgun (Evil Dead stylez!) then this little gem of a story is for you.
Very highly recommended.
4.5 Urine Soaked Pairs of Pants for The Tree Man.
Full disclosure: A free copy of this novella was received in exchange for a fair review.
"I'm in the goddamn club, aren't I?"
So said Rudy in the 80s classic horror/comedy, The Monster Squad, and reading David Bernstein's new novella immediately reminded me of that treasured piece of cinema from my childhood. Two young teenage friends coming together to fight a monster and its keeper, knowing no adults would ever believe them until it was too late, so taking it upon themselves to triumph over evil? Sign me up.
Of course, I figured it would move toward a fairly predictable conclusion, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Bernstein turned my expectations on their head in crafting a short tale that was darker than I had anticipated, and cleverer than I gave it credit. Most plot-related issues were eventually addressed and in most instances accounted for, though occasionally credibility is stretched thin by the protagonist going to such lengths not to mention the threat to anyone. Bernstein's prose is also tight and assured, with very little in the way of padding.
After giving it some thought, the only other complaint I can make is that the end felt too abrupt (though I see what the author was aiming for), and as is always the way with anything that pleasantly surprises, The Tree Man just wasn't long enough. In fact, it's not even the advertised 84 pages, since a good 15 of those are actually samples from Bernstein's other works.
To say too much more would be to do The Tree Man a disservice, but if you ever imagined what it would be like to take on the darkness with just your buddy, a chainsaw and a shotgun (Evil Dead stylez!) then this little gem of a story is for you.
Very highly recommended.
4.5 Urine Soaked Pairs of Pants for The Tree Man.
April 17, 2014
As I (all-too) rapidly approach my 40s, I'm constantly drawn to haunting stories of childhood, not because I had anything less than a normal upbringing, but because the imagination and splendor of children, combined with the seemingly frightening adventures of flitting around a cemetery at night or visiting the local "haunted house" or simply walking through the dark woods on the way home from school are fond memories that conjure up wonderful memories that seem almost fantastical or fairty-tale-like. And that's what's on display in David Bernstein's THE TREE MAN.
A realistic story of children thrust into an unreal situation filled with witches, monsters, and mad men. And one ferocious beast. It's also the story of families and friendship, of heartache and loss. A quick, fun, campfire read with an ending you'll never see coming.
A realistic story of children thrust into an unreal situation filled with witches, monsters, and mad men. And one ferocious beast. It's also the story of families and friendship, of heartache and loss. A quick, fun, campfire read with an ending you'll never see coming.
January 20, 2014
An old man who weaves magic and calls beasts from the underworld? A tree that serves a horrible need? A magically veiled forest? I say to this, YES! Sign me up for that book and spike my coffee.
The Tree Man, by David Bernstein, is a modern, magical tale seeped in nature and the supernatural that has an ending you won't see coming. This isn't your normal fairytale conclusion that is all tied up with a bow! It's a classic tale of good versus evil, though really it's not classic as all as it comes undone in a creative and original way.
Bernstein's novella starts out quick and I found myself immersed and flipping Kindle pages as fast as I could. I was just as entranced as the young boy protagonist at the scene that unfolded before him to start off the story. Further, at the chapter changes, I am overly intrigued by the mystical supernatural of old world arts. The old man is an ancient wizard and he's almost done with his long duty of feeding the tree. OOOooooooo....right?? RIGHT!
As the novella continues, it takes on an everyday feel as the boy deals with his overwhelming emotions and hides his desire to "do the right thing even though it's scary" from his family. He sets out with his friend to become a hero of sorts. This story becomes about every day boys fighting evil with the impulsive abandon of youth. What unfolds is an emotional wreck of good writing filled with twist and turns that remind us that every day boys and girls sometimes encounter scenarios beyond the realm of common belief.
It took me a few minutes after the book ended to grasp what had happened. I actually had to go back and read part of it to make sure I understood correctly. That wasn't a bad thing by any means, it just means that it ended unexpectedly beyond the normal predictability. And any book that causes me to pause and think is well-written in my book.
I'd say The Tree Man was like one of my favorite ancient fairy tales by Perrault, mixed with the likes of a European legend of the forest and a pinch of mythology, that inadvertently becomes entangled into suburbia. I gave this novella 5 stars for its pure ingenuity and surprise twists that led to an unexpected ending.
*I was given a complimentary copy in return for an honest evaluation. See more at www.hookofbook.wordpress.com
The Tree Man, by David Bernstein, is a modern, magical tale seeped in nature and the supernatural that has an ending you won't see coming. This isn't your normal fairytale conclusion that is all tied up with a bow! It's a classic tale of good versus evil, though really it's not classic as all as it comes undone in a creative and original way.
Bernstein's novella starts out quick and I found myself immersed and flipping Kindle pages as fast as I could. I was just as entranced as the young boy protagonist at the scene that unfolded before him to start off the story. Further, at the chapter changes, I am overly intrigued by the mystical supernatural of old world arts. The old man is an ancient wizard and he's almost done with his long duty of feeding the tree. OOOooooooo....right?? RIGHT!
As the novella continues, it takes on an everyday feel as the boy deals with his overwhelming emotions and hides his desire to "do the right thing even though it's scary" from his family. He sets out with his friend to become a hero of sorts. This story becomes about every day boys fighting evil with the impulsive abandon of youth. What unfolds is an emotional wreck of good writing filled with twist and turns that remind us that every day boys and girls sometimes encounter scenarios beyond the realm of common belief.
It took me a few minutes after the book ended to grasp what had happened. I actually had to go back and read part of it to make sure I understood correctly. That wasn't a bad thing by any means, it just means that it ended unexpectedly beyond the normal predictability. And any book that causes me to pause and think is well-written in my book.
I'd say The Tree Man was like one of my favorite ancient fairy tales by Perrault, mixed with the likes of a European legend of the forest and a pinch of mythology, that inadvertently becomes entangled into suburbia. I gave this novella 5 stars for its pure ingenuity and surprise twists that led to an unexpected ending.
*I was given a complimentary copy in return for an honest evaluation. See more at www.hookofbook.wordpress.com
July 28, 2020
What a fantastic story! It's dark, it's twisted, and it's engrossing. I loved the characters and character interactions. I loved and hated the unpredictability. It's a fun read, but not necessarily for the squeamish.
This story steps outside the evil tree stereotypes, but if you enjoy the evil tree premise, you will enjoy this one.
Fast and fabulous. Highly recommended.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
This story steps outside the evil tree stereotypes, but if you enjoy the evil tree premise, you will enjoy this one.
Fast and fabulous. Highly recommended.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 22, 2014
Horror author David Bernstein starts off 2014 on a strong note with his latest offering, The Tree Man, a new novella-length fiction offering from Samhain. Our story begins with a strange old man who is dragging the body of a screaming woman into the woods. Watching all of this unfold is a young boy, Evan. Soon enough, Evan witnesses things that no 13 year-old should, including a strange tree creature that eats humans. Evan has no doubt that this old man is the bad guy, some kind of sorcerer or conjurer. We switch to the old man’s point of view and learn that there’s a specific reason why he feeds this particular tree monster, and that appearances can be deceiving.
Back at home, Evan is grateful to be away from what he’s just witnessed, but it doesn’t take long before he gets his best friend, Pete, mixed up in what the old man is doing. That turns out to have more devastating consequences than either one of them could imagine. What’s worse is that just as Evan thinks he’s on the right track, he finds out that he could not be more wrong about the entire situation, but sadly for him, he realizes the truth too late.
It’s a creative tale from Bernstein, who uses some inventive magic and world-building elements to establish the mythos here. The Tree Man is a short, punchy and enjoyable tale from Bernstein that his fans should definitely eat up.
(Originally appeared on Darkeva's Dark Delights here)
Back at home, Evan is grateful to be away from what he’s just witnessed, but it doesn’t take long before he gets his best friend, Pete, mixed up in what the old man is doing. That turns out to have more devastating consequences than either one of them could imagine. What’s worse is that just as Evan thinks he’s on the right track, he finds out that he could not be more wrong about the entire situation, but sadly for him, he realizes the truth too late.
It’s a creative tale from Bernstein, who uses some inventive magic and world-building elements to establish the mythos here. The Tree Man is a short, punchy and enjoyable tale from Bernstein that his fans should definitely eat up.
(Originally appeared on Darkeva's Dark Delights here)
February 16, 2014
Gripping, fast paced and horrifying.
The only fault I could find was it was too short
I felt it ended very abruptly
But a great scary story with a fantastic twist that isn't entirely easy to see.
The only fault I could find was it was too short
I felt it ended very abruptly
But a great scary story with a fantastic twist that isn't entirely easy to see.
January 5, 2022
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Chalk one up for Kindle suggestions on this one! Having finished a handful of Brian Berry novels, Kindle suggested The Tree Man. The synopsis sounded intriguing so I gave it a shot. Am I ever glad I did! What an awesome story. Two young boys vs evil. Small town horror, creature feature, and supernatural haunt all rolled into one very smooth flowing, wonderfully written tale.
I cannot wait to dig into more work by David Bernstein!
Chalk one up for Kindle suggestions on this one! Having finished a handful of Brian Berry novels, Kindle suggested The Tree Man. The synopsis sounded intriguing so I gave it a shot. Am I ever glad I did! What an awesome story. Two young boys vs evil. Small town horror, creature feature, and supernatural haunt all rolled into one very smooth flowing, wonderfully written tale.
I cannot wait to dig into more work by David Bernstein!
May 20, 2014
Nutshell: A small town kid finds himself the only one able to defend the town against a horrible evil. But the path is treacherous and fraught with danger, and if he proceeds unwisely then many innocent people may die.
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5. I didn't feel any, really. There wasn't anything that detracted from the atmosphere but there wasn't anything that built it up well either.
Characters: 3 out of 5. I really liked Evan's friend and brother. Both of them seemed a little more fleshed-out and realistic for his ages (sometimes it seemed like Evan had taken English lessons from a melodrama actor) and I especially liked how it was obvious that Evan's brother did care about the kid but was also, you know, a big brother who liked to have some fun too. And Evan couldn't quite see it.
Plot: 3 out of 5. The plot is pretty... okay, but the ending makes it worth reading and the story is short enough that you won't take too long to get there. I don't think that I'd read it again, but I don't feel bad about the time that I spent reading it the first time.
Writing Style: 3 out of 5. The opening sentence may be intriguing but it's too clunky, too run-on. It gets better, but there's never anything spectacular about the writing and there's always the occasional haphazardly-constructed sentence that feels really weird to read.
Worldbuilding: 4 out of 5. I would have given it a 3 out of 5 but for an element that I can't really talk because we're above the spoiler line here. Dang it. One thing that kind of sucked for me was the "spell of Revulsion of Void." Something about the name, or maybe the way it was phrased, made me feel very Dungeons and Dragons just then, which wasn't something that carried through the rest of the story. It was jarring, to say the least (and, because riffing on DnD is often done by hacks and this came early on, it made me worry for the story to come). The author also gets points for the idnoid's description and modus operandi, if not for its name (which also felt derivative enough that I'm glad I was reviewing this story because I wouldn't have kept going if I hadn't felt obligated to finish it, and it turned out that these were only initial hiccups).
Details, details: [here there be spoilers]
Chapter two tells us a little bit too much about the old man, too early.
Crisis Universe, this kids' cartoon program that Evan and his friend watch, sounds really fun, actually, for all the corniness. Alien monsters fighting humans who have had their brains implanted in robots because of a muscle-and-bone destroying plague that the aliens are spreading? I want to see this in all of its Saturday Corny glory. Even with my criticisms of this book in mind, I would definitely drop dollars down for the author to write some Crisis Universe stories.
I like how quickly the old man went down.
I really, really like how Genre Savvy Evan gets, and how this screws him over in the end. I am totally gonna be that kid, if I ever wind up in a horror movie. There is nothing worse than not knowing the rules to a horror movie when you find yourself inside one, except for knowing the rules... but not that this is the genre-redefining movie that breaks them all.
I didn't expect what would happen to him, is all I'm gonna say.
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5. I didn't feel any, really. There wasn't anything that detracted from the atmosphere but there wasn't anything that built it up well either.
Characters: 3 out of 5. I really liked Evan's friend and brother. Both of them seemed a little more fleshed-out and realistic for his ages (sometimes it seemed like Evan had taken English lessons from a melodrama actor) and I especially liked how it was obvious that Evan's brother did care about the kid but was also, you know, a big brother who liked to have some fun too. And Evan couldn't quite see it.
Plot: 3 out of 5. The plot is pretty... okay, but the ending makes it worth reading and the story is short enough that you won't take too long to get there. I don't think that I'd read it again, but I don't feel bad about the time that I spent reading it the first time.
Writing Style: 3 out of 5. The opening sentence may be intriguing but it's too clunky, too run-on. It gets better, but there's never anything spectacular about the writing and there's always the occasional haphazardly-constructed sentence that feels really weird to read.
Worldbuilding: 4 out of 5. I would have given it a 3 out of 5 but for an element that I can't really talk because we're above the spoiler line here. Dang it. One thing that kind of sucked for me was the "spell of Revulsion of Void." Something about the name, or maybe the way it was phrased, made me feel very Dungeons and Dragons just then, which wasn't something that carried through the rest of the story. It was jarring, to say the least (and, because riffing on DnD is often done by hacks and this came early on, it made me worry for the story to come). The author also gets points for the idnoid's description and modus operandi, if not for its name (which also felt derivative enough that I'm glad I was reviewing this story because I wouldn't have kept going if I hadn't felt obligated to finish it, and it turned out that these were only initial hiccups).
Details, details: [here there be spoilers]
Chapter two tells us a little bit too much about the old man, too early.
Crisis Universe, this kids' cartoon program that Evan and his friend watch, sounds really fun, actually, for all the corniness. Alien monsters fighting humans who have had their brains implanted in robots because of a muscle-and-bone destroying plague that the aliens are spreading? I want to see this in all of its Saturday Corny glory. Even with my criticisms of this book in mind, I would definitely drop dollars down for the author to write some Crisis Universe stories.
I like how quickly the old man went down.
I really, really like how Genre Savvy Evan gets, and how this screws him over in the end. I am totally gonna be that kid, if I ever wind up in a horror movie. There is nothing worse than not knowing the rules to a horror movie when you find yourself inside one, except for knowing the rules... but not that this is the genre-redefining movie that breaks them all.
I didn't expect what would happen to him, is all I'm gonna say.
January 27, 2014
A tree gobbles up people in The Tree Man, a darkly humorous novella by David Bernstein. Young Evan accidentally spies a suspiciously spry old man feeding the tree a woman; the tree swallows her into its maw in one whole piece. Being a plucky 13-year-old, Evan decides to rid the world of such an abomination.
Evan picks up his friend Pete, a chainsaw, some gasoline, and needless to say, it doesn't go at all according to plan. Evan makes mistakes that have fatal consequences, and he has to live with them... at least for a while.
It's a classic setup: a kid learns there are supernatural horrors, and he fights them. And that's about it; The Tree Man is no in-depth character study (any hints of such are mostly shrugged off to keep the plot moving), but a story that propels itself forward on a nice, bold premise and some brisk action. The approach wouldn't be enough in a novel, but in a short, quick novella it rocks. To put it succinctly, The Tree Man reads like a fairy tale with chainsaws and shotguns.
The story's denouement could be straight out of EC Comics' Tales from the Crypt stories, with a gleeful twist that leaves the reader both shocked and chuckling.
Read all my reviews at mikareadshorrorfiction.com
Evan picks up his friend Pete, a chainsaw, some gasoline, and needless to say, it doesn't go at all according to plan. Evan makes mistakes that have fatal consequences, and he has to live with them... at least for a while.
It's a classic setup: a kid learns there are supernatural horrors, and he fights them. And that's about it; The Tree Man is no in-depth character study (any hints of such are mostly shrugged off to keep the plot moving), but a story that propels itself forward on a nice, bold premise and some brisk action. The approach wouldn't be enough in a novel, but in a short, quick novella it rocks. To put it succinctly, The Tree Man reads like a fairy tale with chainsaws and shotguns.
The story's denouement could be straight out of EC Comics' Tales from the Crypt stories, with a gleeful twist that leaves the reader both shocked and chuckling.
Read all my reviews at mikareadshorrorfiction.com
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