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Nightmares From the Gray
Something is lurking in the underbelly of Knollwood Pines, waiting to be summoned…
When a life-threatening accident renders sixteen-year-old Ronnie Hendrix comatose, he dreams of his hometown in flames and a giant axe at the center of it. After he recovers, Ronnie, sick and tired of being bullied, begins writing in a notebook, detailing the ritualistic deaths of those responsible for his accident. In the notebook, their sacrifices lead to the ceremonial summoning of Karnalaxe, a demon large enough to wield the weapon from his nightmare.
Ronnie finds his revenge on the page, never intending to hurt the bullies himself. But soon after he returns to school, the notebook is stolen.
The following day, one of the bullies is found dead in the same manner described in the notebook. Afraid that he will be framed for the murder, Ronnie tries desperately to uncover who’s behind it, until the Neverwells, a masked cult with mind-altering abilities, take credit for the murder on social media, believing they can summon Karnalaxe by following Ronnie’s plan.
With the help of his punk rocker best friend, a jock, and a powerful young witch, Ronnie races to stop the remaining rituals while uncovering the secrets of his birthright. His journey leads Ronnie to his estranged father, a mysterious telepath who might be his only chance at stopping the Neverwells.
Careful what you conjure...
When a life-threatening accident renders sixteen-year-old Ronnie Hendrix comatose, he dreams of his hometown in flames and a giant axe at the center of it. After he recovers, Ronnie, sick and tired of being bullied, begins writing in a notebook, detailing the ritualistic deaths of those responsible for his accident. In the notebook, their sacrifices lead to the ceremonial summoning of Karnalaxe, a demon large enough to wield the weapon from his nightmare.
Ronnie finds his revenge on the page, never intending to hurt the bullies himself. But soon after he returns to school, the notebook is stolen.
The following day, one of the bullies is found dead in the same manner described in the notebook. Afraid that he will be framed for the murder, Ronnie tries desperately to uncover who’s behind it, until the Neverwells, a masked cult with mind-altering abilities, take credit for the murder on social media, believing they can summon Karnalaxe by following Ronnie’s plan.
With the help of his punk rocker best friend, a jock, and a powerful young witch, Ronnie races to stop the remaining rituals while uncovering the secrets of his birthright. His journey leads Ronnie to his estranged father, a mysterious telepath who might be his only chance at stopping the Neverwells.
Careful what you conjure...
328 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2024
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Joey Powell
8 books42 followersJoey Powell lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, child, and many animals. He spends the majority of his days as a professional techie and the majority of his nights sifting through an ever-growing stack of books. In addition to being a devout consumer and creator of things spooky and weird, Joey has acted in several award-winning short films. Find him on Instagram as @wowcooljoeywrites.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 17, 2024
If Guardians of the Galaxy had a baby with Stranger Things and that baby happened to wield magic and manifest a dark, coming of age tale of adventure and sacrifice… it might be this book.
This is a publishing debut from a wildly creative writer that I can assure you is worth your time.
This book is pushed as a young adult novel but it’s such an amalgamation of fantasy with horror elements that at times make it difficult to try and fit into a box. This is one where at the end of the day, a great story is a great story.
You have a likable protagonist and a story littered with supporting characters that are just as likable. The main character’s sidekick, Leslie, is my personal favorite character in this book and by the end my take away was that everyone deserves a Leslie in their life.
A story rich with magic and other worldly elements, I was concerned going in that because I’m not a fantasy reader that I would get bored of the rule setting that fantasy has to do. This book was a breeze to understand those things as the writing was strong. Similes and descriptive writing was excellent. I enjoyed many of the dynamics and relationships between characters and there were some scenes that oozed personality that made me smile at times, and then other reveals that made me upset and a little shocked that Powell went there in this story… but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like that 😈
The acknowledgements made some of the things in this book hit harder after too as I let this book marinate after finishing.
This is a publishing debut from a wildly creative writer that I can assure you is worth your time.
This book is pushed as a young adult novel but it’s such an amalgamation of fantasy with horror elements that at times make it difficult to try and fit into a box. This is one where at the end of the day, a great story is a great story.
You have a likable protagonist and a story littered with supporting characters that are just as likable. The main character’s sidekick, Leslie, is my personal favorite character in this book and by the end my take away was that everyone deserves a Leslie in their life.
A story rich with magic and other worldly elements, I was concerned going in that because I’m not a fantasy reader that I would get bored of the rule setting that fantasy has to do. This book was a breeze to understand those things as the writing was strong. Similes and descriptive writing was excellent. I enjoyed many of the dynamics and relationships between characters and there were some scenes that oozed personality that made me smile at times, and then other reveals that made me upset and a little shocked that Powell went there in this story… but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like that 😈
The acknowledgements made some of the things in this book hit harder after too as I let this book marinate after finishing.
January 29, 2024
This book was quite a wild ride. So much fun. Took me longer to get really going with it but that was from my own book hangover from my last read. But the last half of this book I flew through.
Nightmares from the Gray starts off with a terrible accident. I’d call it a hazing incident gone awry when Ronnie Hendrix falls off his town’s water tower. Shockingly he survives, relatively unscathed. During his time recuperating he channels his frustrations and hatred for the bullies that led him to the accident into writing and drawing out their detailed ritualistic deaths in a leather journal. Never meaning for anyone to see it and never being serious about wanting these events to actually happen, Ronnie now returns to school only for the bullying to continue.
Along the way a cult gets ahold of his notebook and believes it’s the key to summoning a powerful demon. With the bullies starting to drop like flies, Ronnie discovers that magic and witches exist and that he’s connected to their history more than he could imagine.
This sets off a chain of events that leads Ronnie, his punk rocker best friend Leslie, a powerful teenage witch Malleck, and one of the jocks that was there the night of the water tower incident, into a fight against otherworldly forces.
There are so many nods to shows that give similar vibes like Stranger Things, Paper Girls, It. But it was still original and refreshing. It kept surprising me, kept me guessing, it wasn’t predictable.
Powell brings nightmares to life on the pages of this book. He surreally captures that feeling of having a dream or nightmare. Several times I was like whoa I feel like that’s exactly what a dream feels like.
His characters you will love or love to loathe. I felt a real connection to these teenagers. Like they would be my group of friends in high school. A mixed bag of “square pegs”.
I really recommend this to anyone who likes a bit of coming of age horror/dark urban fantasy.
Nightmares from the Gray starts off with a terrible accident. I’d call it a hazing incident gone awry when Ronnie Hendrix falls off his town’s water tower. Shockingly he survives, relatively unscathed. During his time recuperating he channels his frustrations and hatred for the bullies that led him to the accident into writing and drawing out their detailed ritualistic deaths in a leather journal. Never meaning for anyone to see it and never being serious about wanting these events to actually happen, Ronnie now returns to school only for the bullying to continue.
Along the way a cult gets ahold of his notebook and believes it’s the key to summoning a powerful demon. With the bullies starting to drop like flies, Ronnie discovers that magic and witches exist and that he’s connected to their history more than he could imagine.
This sets off a chain of events that leads Ronnie, his punk rocker best friend Leslie, a powerful teenage witch Malleck, and one of the jocks that was there the night of the water tower incident, into a fight against otherworldly forces.
There are so many nods to shows that give similar vibes like Stranger Things, Paper Girls, It. But it was still original and refreshing. It kept surprising me, kept me guessing, it wasn’t predictable.
Powell brings nightmares to life on the pages of this book. He surreally captures that feeling of having a dream or nightmare. Several times I was like whoa I feel like that’s exactly what a dream feels like.
His characters you will love or love to loathe. I felt a real connection to these teenagers. Like they would be my group of friends in high school. A mixed bag of “square pegs”.
I really recommend this to anyone who likes a bit of coming of age horror/dark urban fantasy.
January 12, 2024
Pretty impressed with this debut novel! I’ve been more into horror lately so when I was offered the chance to read this YA horror fantasy, I took it. This book is good for horror readers who don’t mind it being YA.
I liked the idea behind the story line. I mean a cult using a teenager’s journal to try to summon a demon? Sounded intriguing to me! Sometimes I did have a hard time keeping the magical lingo straight and remembering everything about the “rituals”. But for the most part I kept up well with the storyline.
I had a love/hate relationship with the characters but the awful ones were needed to make the story what it was. I did like the character arcs of some, watching them change and grow throughout the story.
Overall I liked the book and give kudos to the author!
Thanks to @twinsandtalent and Joey Powell for the free book in exchange for an honest review!
I liked the idea behind the story line. I mean a cult using a teenager’s journal to try to summon a demon? Sounded intriguing to me! Sometimes I did have a hard time keeping the magical lingo straight and remembering everything about the “rituals”. But for the most part I kept up well with the storyline.
I had a love/hate relationship with the characters but the awful ones were needed to make the story what it was. I did like the character arcs of some, watching them change and grow throughout the story.
Overall I liked the book and give kudos to the author!
Thanks to @twinsandtalent and Joey Powell for the free book in exchange for an honest review!
October 14, 2023
This is a great book to read for the season of spooky things. It's also an excellent choice for younger (although probably not too young) readers.
The story is an amazing blend of supernatural, sci-fi, and coming of age that lets your imagination run wild as you're reading. Basically it's about a boy who falls from a tower that should have killed him. But he's barely injured, although pissed off at the people who caused it. He writes his really dark disturbing thoughts in a notebook, detailing how these people should die. He's not a bad guy and wishes no harm but it's a way to get his feelings out.
But when the wrong person gets a hold of this notebook, the people mentioned start being killed just like like he had written. With the help of a few other characters, they'll have to find a way to get that notebook back and stop a ritual that could end humanity as a whole.
There's a lot more going on in this fast paced novel. The characters are mainly teens (16-17 years old) and they behave and talk like teens that age would. There's a big supernatural influence throughout that makes up the main narrative but it's better if you read about that for yourself since it would get to "spoilery" otherwise. But, trust me, it's very unique and involves bringing a huge demonic creature into our world.
This book isn't excessively bloody or gory but there are some scenes that really amp up the "holy shit" factor! I think this book can be enjoyed by adults and teens alike. I highly recommend it.
The story is an amazing blend of supernatural, sci-fi, and coming of age that lets your imagination run wild as you're reading. Basically it's about a boy who falls from a tower that should have killed him. But he's barely injured, although pissed off at the people who caused it. He writes his really dark disturbing thoughts in a notebook, detailing how these people should die. He's not a bad guy and wishes no harm but it's a way to get his feelings out.
But when the wrong person gets a hold of this notebook, the people mentioned start being killed just like like he had written. With the help of a few other characters, they'll have to find a way to get that notebook back and stop a ritual that could end humanity as a whole.
There's a lot more going on in this fast paced novel. The characters are mainly teens (16-17 years old) and they behave and talk like teens that age would. There's a big supernatural influence throughout that makes up the main narrative but it's better if you read about that for yourself since it would get to "spoilery" otherwise. But, trust me, it's very unique and involves bringing a huge demonic creature into our world.
This book isn't excessively bloody or gory but there are some scenes that really amp up the "holy shit" factor! I think this book can be enjoyed by adults and teens alike. I highly recommend it.
January 18, 2025
Thank you so much to twinsandtalent and Joey Powell for a copy of the book. The review is my own honest opinion.
Rating: 4.5
Please make sure to check your triggers, you'll encounter a few in this YA horror.
What an absolute wild ride this has been, with heavy metal as the theme music. Action packed, you get no real pause in this book as one event after another happens. Then an explosion of a grand finale in the end, as if the story wasn't amped up already. I was on the edge of my seat urging myself to read faster, to see how things end.
This book hit a lot of my favorite types of tropes: crazy cults, supernatural elements, and a band of unlikely misfit teens similar to the teens in Stranger Things or IT. The writing was very good in this, and this is Powell's debut novel! And what vivid imagery. I would talk more on this, as I absolutely love a certain setting detailed in the story, but I also don't want to give spoilers. You'll just have to read this yourself.
I'm real curious what else Joey Powell has in store for us in the future! I'll be keeping my eye on this author.
Rating: 4.5
Please make sure to check your triggers, you'll encounter a few in this YA horror.
What an absolute wild ride this has been, with heavy metal as the theme music. Action packed, you get no real pause in this book as one event after another happens. Then an explosion of a grand finale in the end, as if the story wasn't amped up already. I was on the edge of my seat urging myself to read faster, to see how things end.
This book hit a lot of my favorite types of tropes: crazy cults, supernatural elements, and a band of unlikely misfit teens similar to the teens in Stranger Things or IT. The writing was very good in this, and this is Powell's debut novel! And what vivid imagery. I would talk more on this, as I absolutely love a certain setting detailed in the story, but I also don't want to give spoilers. You'll just have to read this yourself.
I'm real curious what else Joey Powell has in store for us in the future! I'll be keeping my eye on this author.
March 26, 2024
Liked ✅
- Female Characters
- Descriptive writing
- Manari people
- Gore
Thoughts 💭
What a read! The female characters in this book were ALL awesome! They all encompassed their own individual badassness. Malleck and Leslie were easily my favourites. Leslie gave off Eddie Munson/Stranger Things vibes and I loved it. The writing style as a whole was my cup of tea. I found the descriptive writing phenomenal, it was so easy for me to visualize everything that was happening.
There were so many layers to this novel. As I mentioned above the female characters were on point! The Manari people and ‘witch’ abilities were an awesome way to add more to the book. There were relationships that I was rooting for and relationships that I was glad ended in blood. This book is what I would consider my first official dealing with the Horror genre, although it also falls into YA. I found it the perfect amount of gore to sprinkle on top of an already enjoyable book. I had a blast reading through Ronnie’s journey, getting to know some awesome characters and dipping into YA Horror!
- Female Characters
- Descriptive writing
- Manari people
- Gore
Thoughts 💭
What a read! The female characters in this book were ALL awesome! They all encompassed their own individual badassness. Malleck and Leslie were easily my favourites. Leslie gave off Eddie Munson/Stranger Things vibes and I loved it. The writing style as a whole was my cup of tea. I found the descriptive writing phenomenal, it was so easy for me to visualize everything that was happening.
There were so many layers to this novel. As I mentioned above the female characters were on point! The Manari people and ‘witch’ abilities were an awesome way to add more to the book. There were relationships that I was rooting for and relationships that I was glad ended in blood. This book is what I would consider my first official dealing with the Horror genre, although it also falls into YA. I found it the perfect amount of gore to sprinkle on top of an already enjoyable book. I had a blast reading through Ronnie’s journey, getting to know some awesome characters and dipping into YA Horror!
December 19, 2023
Joey Powell sets the bar high with this fantastic debut.
The story starts with a gripping chapter in which we find our protagonist, Ronnie, in an intense situation courtesy of some supposed 'friends'. What happens next takes you on one hell of an imaginative ride reminiscent of a cross between Stranger Things and Stephen King, when Stephen King's on top form.
The story itself is very well written with a strong, clear voice, vivid imagery and characters you can really get behind (and some you'll love to hate). Horror and fantasy flavours aside, the story touches on some genuine human struggles that really hit home on a personal level.
Being a lifelong 'weirdo', I personally identified quite strongly with the main band of characters, and I'm fairly certain anyone else who's ever felt like a square peg will too.
Before anyone starts reading, leave your expectations at the door cos' Powell does a fantastic job of subverting them in a way that keeps you guessing. And while being safe for young adult readers and adults alike, there are some surprisingly brutal scenes included.
This book is solid proof that indie authors/publishers can and do put out work that rivals - or in this case, surpasses - that of traditional publishers.
King better watch his back, Powell is coming for the crown.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
The story starts with a gripping chapter in which we find our protagonist, Ronnie, in an intense situation courtesy of some supposed 'friends'. What happens next takes you on one hell of an imaginative ride reminiscent of a cross between Stranger Things and Stephen King, when Stephen King's on top form.
The story itself is very well written with a strong, clear voice, vivid imagery and characters you can really get behind (and some you'll love to hate). Horror and fantasy flavours aside, the story touches on some genuine human struggles that really hit home on a personal level.
Being a lifelong 'weirdo', I personally identified quite strongly with the main band of characters, and I'm fairly certain anyone else who's ever felt like a square peg will too.
Before anyone starts reading, leave your expectations at the door cos' Powell does a fantastic job of subverting them in a way that keeps you guessing. And while being safe for young adult readers and adults alike, there are some surprisingly brutal scenes included.
This book is solid proof that indie authors/publishers can and do put out work that rivals - or in this case, surpasses - that of traditional publishers.
King better watch his back, Powell is coming for the crown.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
December 19, 2023
Ronnie Hendrix survives a fall from a water tower and whilst in a coma he dreams his town of Knollwood Pines is on fire, in the centre a giant axe covered in barbed wire awaiting its owner, a demon called Karnalaxe. Angry at the bullies who tormented him he draws their violent end in his notebook which is stolen and now his bullies are dying exactly has he drew them. With his friends, Leslie, Preston and Malleck he fights to defeat the a cult called the Neverwells from summoning the demon.
This is YA fantasy horror that plays like a game of dungeons and dragons. the magic is fascinating, the imagery grotesque and the murders savage and ritualistic. Ronnie can think things into existence, Preston is the jock, once one of the bullies who feels guilty for his part in Ronnie’s accident, Leslie is Ronnie’s best friend, a punk girl who speaks her mind and Malleck is a powerful witch who can manipulate matter. They are fantastic characters and their dialogue is snappy and often hilarious.
This was a great adventure that would be a fabulous movie or series, and for anyone who loves cults, rituals and magic this is a must read.
This is YA fantasy horror that plays like a game of dungeons and dragons. the magic is fascinating, the imagery grotesque and the murders savage and ritualistic. Ronnie can think things into existence, Preston is the jock, once one of the bullies who feels guilty for his part in Ronnie’s accident, Leslie is Ronnie’s best friend, a punk girl who speaks her mind and Malleck is a powerful witch who can manipulate matter. They are fantastic characters and their dialogue is snappy and often hilarious.
This was a great adventure that would be a fabulous movie or series, and for anyone who loves cults, rituals and magic this is a must read.
November 9, 2023
A highly creative, action packed, wild ride!
This was my first Powell read, and it won't be my last.
Powell creates a highly imaginative and vivid world, taking the reader deep into another place and time. The best books are the ones that take you somewhere else.
The opening scene grabs the reader by the gut and thrusts them into a wild ride right from the start. The plight of Ronnie, the main character, is endearing. He's loveable from the first page. He has a dark side, and as he struggles to get grips on what he is capable of, the reader is unable to let go.
Powell has an amazing imagination. I found myself completely lost in the vivid images materialing from the words on the page.
The story is beautifully written and a real page turner.
This was my first Powell read, and it won't be my last.
Powell creates a highly imaginative and vivid world, taking the reader deep into another place and time. The best books are the ones that take you somewhere else.
The opening scene grabs the reader by the gut and thrusts them into a wild ride right from the start. The plight of Ronnie, the main character, is endearing. He's loveable from the first page. He has a dark side, and as he struggles to get grips on what he is capable of, the reader is unable to let go.
Powell has an amazing imagination. I found myself completely lost in the vivid images materialing from the words on the page.
The story is beautifully written and a real page turner.
November 19, 2023
Thank You Joey Powell and BookSirens
This is a great book for the older teen that loves a heroic magic story. The novel is Action Packed from the first page. It is so well written that it was hard to find a resting part. The main character is beginning bullied in school. The first chapter tells of a accident that should have been worst. The accident opens a port hold to an alternative world. The main character writes his thoughts in a notebook that suddenly start to become real. Find out how the situation is resolved. There is not a dull moment in this book. This book is higher then 5 stars
I love the cover art on the front of this book.
This is a great book for the older teen that loves a heroic magic story. The novel is Action Packed from the first page. It is so well written that it was hard to find a resting part. The main character is beginning bullied in school. The first chapter tells of a accident that should have been worst. The accident opens a port hold to an alternative world. The main character writes his thoughts in a notebook that suddenly start to become real. Find out how the situation is resolved. There is not a dull moment in this book. This book is higher then 5 stars
I love the cover art on the front of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2023
This book was my first horror read and has left me excited to read more from the genre. It had just the right amount of horror to keep me on my toes, and I never wanted to put down the book. The pacing was perfect, the action never stopped and it never felt rushed. Now I just need the author to right more!
November 20, 2023
Oh what a fun ride this one was!! I finished it in one sitting, I was that hooked!! ❤️
This is a YA horror fantasy with a bit of a Stranger Things vibe to it 🙌 Absolutely loved every single one of our young MCs! ❤️ Highly recommend this book!!
Thank you to Joey Powell for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!! Loved it so much I preordered the paperback! ❤️ Can’t wait to read more from you in the future! 👏👏
This is a YA horror fantasy with a bit of a Stranger Things vibe to it 🙌 Absolutely loved every single one of our young MCs! ❤️ Highly recommend this book!!
Thank you to Joey Powell for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!! Loved it so much I preordered the paperback! ❤️ Can’t wait to read more from you in the future! 👏👏
October 11, 2023
This book gave me such fall horror vibes! I’m a big fan of Stranger Things and IT (and all 80s horror for that matter) and this book has so many of those elements. Great characters you actually want to root for and care about and I actually read the whole book in 2 days since I needed to see how it ended. This is a great breakout book from this new author and I look forward to reading more of his work!
January 23, 2024
I liked the overall concept of the story, but I felt like the characters were very cookie cutter - as in they perfectly fit their stereotypes. I also thought it was weird that Leslie is the only person who had their ethnicity identified? Especially because it was never talked about again and there was nothing identifying her ethnicity added to her character? Like it didn't explain anything. I also feel like too many people just easily looked past Ronnie's notebook and didn't find it concerning at all?? Like you're telling me his bullies found a notebook of him detailing how their coach is m*rdered and don't go telling EVERYONE? I'd say Malleck is my favorite character and I could see an opportunity for a prequel featuring her as the main character and her experience growing up with magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
A well written, entertaining, young adult horror, containing bullying, revenge, murder and witchcraft. Recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily .
November 29, 2023
Good read. A bit bloody but held my interest throughout, it wasn't hard to figure out what was really going on with the notebook but the rest kept you in suspense. I did like his friends and how they (mostly) held together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2023
First of, I recommend this book to all, I loved this story. The world building and plot were so gripping and imaginative that it just pulls you in from the start. The characters are engaging and from start to finish it has you turning the pages until you finish and need more. There were twists along the way which got you holding your breath for certain characters, and the ending was absolutely perfect. Friendship, secrets, lies, revelations, demons and more...this book has everything you need.
October 19, 2023
A thrilling fantasy book that is a must read!! You won’t be able to put this one down.
January 8, 2024
After a horrible accident, Ronnie spends some time comatose and in a strange, dark and foreboding almost parallel world to ours. When he wakes up, entirely fine to the shock of medical professionals, he's back to school where things aren't exactly peachy.
Things quickly spiral when bullies do be bullying and he loses his notebook filled with the horrible deaths of said bullies. Not the worst thing ever...... until the scenes from within start happening in real life.
I honestly didn't known what to expect with this book, but it had a little something for everyone. There was a solid plot throughout, but we touch on horror, dark fantasy, coming of age and just a really well rounded adventure. I don't think the "young adult" feel to the book was too present and at no point did I feel like the story was watered down(something that often gives me the ick with YA books)
I loved the flow, the writing and the plot overall but where I think Powell shines is definitely with the characters. If anything I actually think Ronnie was the weakest of the bunch..... which isn't a dig, I just think the others were really well put together and I didn't feel like was reading a bunch of NPC's at all.
A truly wonderful debut and an author that I will happily pick up again in the future.
Things quickly spiral when bullies do be bullying and he loses his notebook filled with the horrible deaths of said bullies. Not the worst thing ever...... until the scenes from within start happening in real life.
I honestly didn't known what to expect with this book, but it had a little something for everyone. There was a solid plot throughout, but we touch on horror, dark fantasy, coming of age and just a really well rounded adventure. I don't think the "young adult" feel to the book was too present and at no point did I feel like the story was watered down(something that often gives me the ick with YA books)
I loved the flow, the writing and the plot overall but where I think Powell shines is definitely with the characters. If anything I actually think Ronnie was the weakest of the bunch..... which isn't a dig, I just think the others were really well put together and I didn't feel like was reading a bunch of NPC's at all.
A truly wonderful debut and an author that I will happily pick up again in the future.
September 25, 2024
I think this is a great story with strong themes. Joey Powell is a fantastic writer and is good at pulling at emotions, and at dropping in glimpses of comedic relief. This definitely felt very Stranger Things-esque, but set in more modern times.
The theme with his mother raising him to be good is strong. The friendship between him and Leslie is strong. The Gray World is explained well, pieces of info that are left open get tied up eventually, and in general it’s a fully realized story.
There are a few things that I’d like cleared up, however, like Preston and the pictures, why Malleck’s parents aren’t magic, and a few other parts I felt slightly confused by (like Manari Nu.) Most of my issues with it are minor, but still important to note.
Now this is the controversial part: I don’t know if this is horror. I think this may be more of a YA Fantasy with some horror elements. It definitely gets dark, but only in small parts (like when Davion is cutting out Ronnie’s lungs). I’m not saying that in an insulting way, but more that I don’t think it fits into one particular “mold” or genre. It’s a good book regardless! (And it’s metal af 🤘)
All that said, this is a great story and I’m excited to read more of Joey Powell in the future!
The theme with his mother raising him to be good is strong. The friendship between him and Leslie is strong. The Gray World is explained well, pieces of info that are left open get tied up eventually, and in general it’s a fully realized story.
There are a few things that I’d like cleared up, however, like Preston and the pictures, why Malleck’s parents aren’t magic, and a few other parts I felt slightly confused by (like Manari Nu.) Most of my issues with it are minor, but still important to note.
Now this is the controversial part: I don’t know if this is horror. I think this may be more of a YA Fantasy with some horror elements. It definitely gets dark, but only in small parts (like when Davion is cutting out Ronnie’s lungs). I’m not saying that in an insulting way, but more that I don’t think it fits into one particular “mold” or genre. It’s a good book regardless! (And it’s metal af 🤘)
All that said, this is a great story and I’m excited to read more of Joey Powell in the future!
October 13, 2025
NIGHTMARES FROM THE GRAY is a modern horror story that not only comments on the world we find ourselves in today, but brings back all the nostalgic feels with the best ‘kids band together to fight evil’ story I’ve read in years. This book resides at the spiritual crossroads of Hawkins, Indiana and Derry, Maine and man, oh man, I am here for it.
At the heart of NIGHTMARES is Ronnie, our scrawny, artistic hero. In a bid to join the ranks of the popular football jocks, Ronnie accepts a dare to climb the town water tower. It ends badly with Ronnie in a coma, caught in a nightmarish vision of burning skies and resurrected evil. When he finally wakes up, Ronnie turns to his sketchbook, drawing elaborate rituals for revenge not only on the jocks who left him for dead, but on the world itself.
To say more would be to spoil it, so I'll just say this: I highly recommend this to anyone who likes their horror smart and tightly-paced. This is the best horror book I’ve read in ages.
At the heart of NIGHTMARES is Ronnie, our scrawny, artistic hero. In a bid to join the ranks of the popular football jocks, Ronnie accepts a dare to climb the town water tower. It ends badly with Ronnie in a coma, caught in a nightmarish vision of burning skies and resurrected evil. When he finally wakes up, Ronnie turns to his sketchbook, drawing elaborate rituals for revenge not only on the jocks who left him for dead, but on the world itself.
To say more would be to spoil it, so I'll just say this: I highly recommend this to anyone who likes their horror smart and tightly-paced. This is the best horror book I’ve read in ages.
January 13, 2024
🔥📓🖊️ Review ⛓️🩸🪓
Title: Nightmares for the Gray
Author: Joey Powell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thoughts:
This was pretty fast paced and a fun coming of age horror read. This did read more as a YA horror book so I'm rating it as such.
There are some brutal moments that I really enjoyed but not a lot of gore. It's got spooky season vibes throughout which honestly would make a great fall read.
This is a story about a teen that has something happen to him where he should be dead and lives. Then he journals about the people he wants revenge on.... so the dialogue reads with a lot of teenage boy angst. This is why it reads more like a YA to me. 🖤
I did plow through this book though because it kept me well engaged.
Title: Nightmares for the Gray
Author: Joey Powell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thoughts:
This was pretty fast paced and a fun coming of age horror read. This did read more as a YA horror book so I'm rating it as such.
There are some brutal moments that I really enjoyed but not a lot of gore. It's got spooky season vibes throughout which honestly would make a great fall read.
This is a story about a teen that has something happen to him where he should be dead and lives. Then he journals about the people he wants revenge on.... so the dialogue reads with a lot of teenage boy angst. This is why it reads more like a YA to me. 🖤
I did plow through this book though because it kept me well engaged.
February 9, 2024
“Because the bullies don’t win. Not this time. Not if we fight back.”
Journals are supposed to be private, safe from prying eyes and judgment. They’re safe places to vent frustrations and feelings without the worry of hurting others… or so Ronnie thought. After being bullied into an accident that lands him in the hospital, Ronnie draws pictures of the boys who tormented him dying in gruesome, ritualistic murders. Soon, his drawings start coming true, and he has to figure out how to stop them.
Joey Powell’s Nightmares From the Gray is horror with heart. It’s a coming-of-age story that doesn’t pull any punches in the gruesome department. There are some fantasy-esque elements I wasn’t expecting, but I ended up really loving the depth they added to the story. I also can never resist a book with cult elements and demons, and Nightmares From the Gray does not disappoint in those departments. This was such a fun read, and I highly recommend it. I dare you not to fall in love with this motley crew of misfits.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Journals are supposed to be private, safe from prying eyes and judgment. They’re safe places to vent frustrations and feelings without the worry of hurting others… or so Ronnie thought. After being bullied into an accident that lands him in the hospital, Ronnie draws pictures of the boys who tormented him dying in gruesome, ritualistic murders. Soon, his drawings start coming true, and he has to figure out how to stop them.
Joey Powell’s Nightmares From the Gray is horror with heart. It’s a coming-of-age story that doesn’t pull any punches in the gruesome department. There are some fantasy-esque elements I wasn’t expecting, but I ended up really loving the depth they added to the story. I also can never resist a book with cult elements and demons, and Nightmares From the Gray does not disappoint in those departments. This was such a fun read, and I highly recommend it. I dare you not to fall in love with this motley crew of misfits.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2024
Say what you will, but I think a giant with a goat head and a big axe named Karnalaxe is pretty cool. I don’t want to be his friend though after reading Nightmares from the Gray. Maybe get him to pose for my made up metal bands merch tho? Anyhoodles, Joey Powell attacked this material like he was Wes Craven in charge of making a version of NMOES or Shocker for teens and absolutely nailed it. Book reads like a horror movie made in the late 90’s; unique characters, wildly new premise, a ton of moving pieces. Honestly kind of like if The Breakfast Club was made by Behemoth. K thx.
October 19, 2023
A thrilling blend of horror and fantasy that kept me guessing till the end. Full of chills, thrills, and gnarly imagery. In NFTG, a group of high schoolers are thrust into a wild journey of alternate dimensions, monsters, cults, and witchcraft culminating in an epic climax. The characters have great depth and it’s a fun group to spend time with. I’m excited to read this one again. If you like horror, fantasy, action, and stories that really move, pick this up!
October 27, 2024
What an absolutely epic ride! This book definitely gave me some Stranger Things vibes but with more of a witchy magic twist. I absolutely adored the characters and found myself rooting for Ronnie and the gang so intensely I thought I might combust at times. 😅
As YA horror goes, this is definitely a hit and I think anyone that loves horror (or even wants to dip their toe in the genre) would enjoy this as much as I did.
As YA horror goes, this is definitely a hit and I think anyone that loves horror (or even wants to dip their toe in the genre) would enjoy this as much as I did.
December 1, 2025
This was a rather enjoyable debut YA novel. Reminded me of the Point Horror books I read back in the early 1990's, and that was a fun trip down memory lane. Those who want more 'Stranger Things' vibes will also enjoy this book.
Some of the summoning lingo was a bit difficult to follow, but overall it was a good read.
Some of the summoning lingo was a bit difficult to follow, but overall it was a good read.
February 11, 2024
I read through the story. There’s great detail and characterization. While it’s not my particular thing, I know there are readers out there who are going to really enjoy it.
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