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Migrators
Do not speak of them. Your words leave a scent. They will come.
Somewhere in the middle of Maine, one of the world's darkest secrets has been called to the surface. Alan and Liz just wanted a better life for themselves and their son. They decided to move to the country to rescue the home of Liz's grandfather, so it would stay in the family. Now, they find themselves directly in the path of a dangerous ritual. No one can help them. Nothing can stop the danger they face.
To save themselves and their home, they have to learn the secrets of the MIGRATORS.
Somewhere in the middle of Maine, one of the world's darkest secrets has been called to the surface. Alan and Liz just wanted a better life for themselves and their son. They decided to move to the country to rescue the home of Liz's grandfather, so it would stay in the family. Now, they find themselves directly in the path of a dangerous ritual. No one can help them. Nothing can stop the danger they face.
To save themselves and their home, they have to learn the secrets of the MIGRATORS.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2013
79 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Ike Hamill
54 books188 followersIke Hamill writes fast-paced horror novels with strong, relatable characters. His books have gained a steady following amongst readers who enjoy his blend of sci-fi, paranormal, occult, and suspense. Whether focused on a small family trying to survive the move to a haunted house, or following a band of angry rebels determined to withstand an apocalypse, his stories draw the reader into the lives of real people in crisis. Readers are always sad to leave the characters behind when the book is finished.
Reviewers compare Ike to Dean Koontz and Stephen King—two of his favorite authors. His narrative often jumps between interwoven stories, presenting readers with a fresh perspective and keeping them guessing until the last chapter. Most of Ike’s readers are repeat customers. Pick up one of his books to learn why.
Reviewers compare Ike to Dean Koontz and Stephen King—two of his favorite authors. His narrative often jumps between interwoven stories, presenting readers with a fresh perspective and keeping them guessing until the last chapter. Most of Ike’s readers are repeat customers. Pick up one of his books to learn why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 17, 2023
Free today and I think this week.
Excellent horror!
Ike manages to always scare the poo outta me!
Sunday, July 16, 2023.
Excellent horror!
Ike manages to always scare the poo outta me!
Sunday, July 16, 2023.
June 24, 2020
I was actually really enjoying this until about the last 20% or so. I felt like it could have ended after he woke up in the hotel. Everything after that just felt a little tacked on.
January 5, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have with all the other Ike Hamill books I've read. I would recommend Migrators to anyone who enjoys books about the unknown.
The book started slowly but was written well enough that it held my attention until it got into the meat of the story. There was a huge creep factor for me. At one point while reading it, I was scared enough to turn more lights on and pull the covers tighter around me.
All in all, this was a very entertaining book.
The book started slowly but was written well enough that it held my attention until it got into the meat of the story. There was a huge creep factor for me. At one point while reading it, I was scared enough to turn more lights on and pull the covers tighter around me.
All in all, this was a very entertaining book.
February 2, 2025
A great premise that was poorly executed.
**Characters**
Alan seemed like a good portrayal of an ordinary guy, which was not a bad thing. It fit the story and he was likeable enough. His wife Liz and son Joe were also believeable characters and added enough to the story that they did not seem useless. Bob was probably my favourite character, witty, funny abd a good friend.
Other side characters felt like they had just been thrown in as a plot device and even though they were technically needed, they felt flat and undeveloped.
**Plot**
When the story finally got going, and man did it take a LONG time to get going, the plot was actually interesting. These Migrators were a mystery and I wanted to know everything about them, why they were there? Where did they come from? Why were they affected by this so called ritual?
Well none of this was really explained and frankly it frustrated me big time. We get snippets here and there and nothing really explains anything and in the end, it made no sense as to what the whole point of it was.
**Overall thoughts**
The story dragged on for way too long. A lot of it could have been condensed or even cut out. 90% of the book was following mundane tasks of Alan restoring his house, doing chores and fretting over his son. It wasnt needed. I feel if more time was dedicated to filling out the concept of the Migrators, the ritual (it was not even really mentioned except in snippets and a half ass attempt that made no sense) and how and why the Migrators were able to do the things they could do (without spoiling too much).
This book had so much potential but fell flat.
2 out of 5 stars
**Characters**
Alan seemed like a good portrayal of an ordinary guy, which was not a bad thing. It fit the story and he was likeable enough. His wife Liz and son Joe were also believeable characters and added enough to the story that they did not seem useless. Bob was probably my favourite character, witty, funny abd a good friend.
Other side characters felt like they had just been thrown in as a plot device and even though they were technically needed, they felt flat and undeveloped.
**Plot**
When the story finally got going, and man did it take a LONG time to get going, the plot was actually interesting. These Migrators were a mystery and I wanted to know everything about them, why they were there? Where did they come from? Why were they affected by this so called ritual?
Well none of this was really explained and frankly it frustrated me big time. We get snippets here and there and nothing really explains anything and in the end, it made no sense as to what the whole point of it was.
**Overall thoughts**
The story dragged on for way too long. A lot of it could have been condensed or even cut out. 90% of the book was following mundane tasks of Alan restoring his house, doing chores and fretting over his son. It wasnt needed. I feel if more time was dedicated to filling out the concept of the Migrators, the ritual (it was not even really mentioned except in snippets and a half ass attempt that made no sense) and how and why the Migrators were able to do the things they could do (without spoiling too much).
This book had so much potential but fell flat.
2 out of 5 stars
April 6, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this story. I enjoyed reading it. Every bit of it. It was very well written, and character development was top drawer. I really "cared" about the family and what was happening to them, and wanted them to thrive in every way.
My problem is with the "migrators" themselves. They made no sense to me, not even as an imaginary being. And in a sense, to me they were secondary to the family in this story, which is probably why I was able to enjoy it as much as I did, even though I found them unbelievable. They were just a little wrinkle in the bigger picture.
My problem is with the "migrators" themselves. They made no sense to me, not even as an imaginary being. And in a sense, to me they were secondary to the family in this story, which is probably why I was able to enjoy it as much as I did, even though I found them unbelievable. They were just a little wrinkle in the bigger picture.
May 13, 2020
Set in my favorite state of Maine, Ike has almost turned me off of visiting there in the fall, my favorite time of year. How could anyone want to be there when the Migrators are on the loose! Another good scary story with ghosts and creepy crawlies and more. The rocking chair would have sent me packing! Was ready for a turn with Bob, but was happy that he was a real friend to the end. Ready for my next Hamill book. Love that he often offers his books for free, but they are worth paying for.
August 28, 2020
Small community with secrets
Less horror than some of his later works. It’s still a well developed story, with fresh material. The characters were real and personable. Not all scenes were explained through the telling of the story. I’m a little disappointed when main characters use a broom or hammer for self defense. I agree with the premise of the book that there are things out there; that we just haven’t been exposed to.
Less horror than some of his later works. It’s still a well developed story, with fresh material. The characters were real and personable. Not all scenes were explained through the telling of the story. I’m a little disappointed when main characters use a broom or hammer for self defense. I agree with the premise of the book that there are things out there; that we just haven’t been exposed to.
December 14, 2020
Original and complete
Ike Hamill does it again. Another unique story that takes you along into his creative imagination. I love how Alan is tossed from a nonbeliever to being on board with the crazy. Wife Liz always made me think she knew more than she let on and her quick acceptance of the "ceremony" just reinforced that for me. Good solid characters, believable dialogue. All in all a good story.
Ike Hamill does it again. Another unique story that takes you along into his creative imagination. I love how Alan is tossed from a nonbeliever to being on board with the crazy. Wife Liz always made me think she knew more than she let on and her quick acceptance of the "ceremony" just reinforced that for me. Good solid characters, believable dialogue. All in all a good story.
October 31, 2019
Great imagery, ok story
The descriptions of the farmhouse and the foliage were incredible, but the story itself was a bit lackluster. The characters were well developed and pleasant, the ‘horror’ was the least interesting part of the book. Overall the story was not particularly gripping or enthralling.
The descriptions of the farmhouse and the foliage were incredible, but the story itself was a bit lackluster. The characters were well developed and pleasant, the ‘horror’ was the least interesting part of the book. Overall the story was not particularly gripping or enthralling.
March 7, 2018
A very interesting read, indeed.
The main characters were well developed and extremely likeable.
The pace of the storyline was neither too slow nor too fast.
Mr Hamill is, indeed an adept storyteller.
The main characters were well developed and extremely likeable.
The pace of the storyline was neither too slow nor too fast.
Mr Hamill is, indeed an adept storyteller.
Read
September 23, 2019Migrators
Wow. WOW! I think that I will never live near a river or pond in October, ever! An excellent story with an enemy that terrifies me, and I rarely feel like that!
- Taborri Walker, author of the Earth Maid series on Amazon.com
Wow. WOW! I think that I will never live near a river or pond in October, ever! An excellent story with an enemy that terrifies me, and I rarely feel like that!
- Taborri Walker, author of the Earth Maid series on Amazon.com
May 30, 2020
Like a rollercoaster
Slow to start then WHAM! I thought this book was never going to get scary like the first book of his I read, but then it really did and the pace kept going from there. Very novel concept. Interesting characters.
Slow to start then WHAM! I thought this book was never going to get scary like the first book of his I read, but then it really did and the pace kept going from there. Very novel concept. Interesting characters.
April 14, 2022
Love this series
The only criticism I have are the editing errors. Wrong words used at times, etc. He instead of The, similar issues. Ike should use a good proofreader.
Good story line, very brave characters.
The only criticism I have are the editing errors. Wrong words used at times, etc. He instead of The, similar issues. Ike should use a good proofreader.
Good story line, very brave characters.
November 25, 2017
very good
February 3, 2018
Loved it!
Fast paced and interesting. I couldn't put it down. Loved the detailed descriptions of the migrators a d their back story
Fast paced and interesting. I couldn't put it down. Loved the detailed descriptions of the migrators a d their back story
April 14, 2018
Suspenseful
I liked the book it kept me entertained and captured from the beginning of it. I would recommend this book!
I liked the book it kept me entertained and captured from the beginning of it. I would recommend this book!
Read
March 4, 2020Good middle school book
This would be good for early middle school. I would have liked more back story. It lagged at times. Good quick read
This would be good for early middle school. I would have liked more back story. It lagged at times. Good quick read
March 20, 2021
Monster in Maine
Great read. Hard to put down . A family moves into a secluded old home to find ghosts and creatures in the marshes know as migrators.
Great read. Hard to put down . A family moves into a secluded old home to find ghosts and creatures in the marshes know as migrators.
August 6, 2021
Very good
This guy come up with the most interesting monsters. A regular family has to survive the most unusual threats. Great read
This guy come up with the most interesting monsters. A regular family has to survive the most unusual threats. Great read
Read
April 28, 2025DNF
October 29, 2014
I really wasn't expecting the book to turn out like it did; but it wasn't at all disappointing!
I enjoyed that the point of view was that of the father, Alan, since I am a parent and can relate to that. Alan and Liz and their son move to Liz's grandfather's house in Maine. The house and the property is full of stories and traditions according to Liz, and the area itself has it's own story; one of which no one will talk about.
Migrators starts off slow, I will admit it was a little hard to get into. But when Alan and his neighbor take a boat onto the lake, what they stumble upon really got me excited to finish the book. The local police cover up what they find in a hurry, and all the while, strange things pile up and Alan is on his own trying to put the puzzle together. In the midst of everything, it's hard to tell whether they are dealing with ghosts or something else, and the ending is very climatic and takes you by surprise.
Ike Hamill draws out the suspense at a pace that almost loses you, but then when something happens, it really grips you. The imagery was simple, yet enough for what I was imagining in my head to creep me out and create a full picture. I kind of like how there were "boring" parts, because life is not always eventful. It makes you think that something like this can happen to anyone; to you.
Overall I liked Migrators, and would read more from Ike Hamill.
I enjoyed that the point of view was that of the father, Alan, since I am a parent and can relate to that. Alan and Liz and their son move to Liz's grandfather's house in Maine. The house and the property is full of stories and traditions according to Liz, and the area itself has it's own story; one of which no one will talk about.
Migrators starts off slow, I will admit it was a little hard to get into. But when Alan and his neighbor take a boat onto the lake, what they stumble upon really got me excited to finish the book. The local police cover up what they find in a hurry, and all the while, strange things pile up and Alan is on his own trying to put the puzzle together. In the midst of everything, it's hard to tell whether they are dealing with ghosts or something else, and the ending is very climatic and takes you by surprise.
Ike Hamill draws out the suspense at a pace that almost loses you, but then when something happens, it really grips you. The imagery was simple, yet enough for what I was imagining in my head to creep me out and create a full picture. I kind of like how there were "boring" parts, because life is not always eventful. It makes you think that something like this can happen to anyone; to you.
Overall I liked Migrators, and would read more from Ike Hamill.
April 18, 2014
A great story told at the author's own pace. I've seen some other reviews suggesting that it's slow to start, but I think this is a little unfair. We spend a lot of time getting to know Alan and his family, and it's a lot of fun to hang out with them as they settle into their newly acquired farmhouse in rural Maine. It's an absorbing world, and I loved the detail, the description and the characters.
I felt as though I could reach out and touch the countryside, the old barn and the wonderful farm truck. I was rooting for Alan to restore the broken outboard motor he finds so that he could get out and explore the waterways too.
If I was going to level any kind of criticism at this book (and it's a very minor point) it would be about the setting of expectations in a couple of places. The neighbour Bob is painted in a slightly sinister light the first couple of times that we meet him. I fully expected that he would turn out to be bad news. As it is, he turns into Alan's buddy, and is an extremely interesting character. I felt ever so slightly as if I'd been led up a blind alley, but I quickly got over that and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
Once we come across the horror elements of this novel we're treated to something unique and really scary. Even better than that, the ending is not the one you'd predict; it's extremely satisfying.
I felt as though I could reach out and touch the countryside, the old barn and the wonderful farm truck. I was rooting for Alan to restore the broken outboard motor he finds so that he could get out and explore the waterways too.
If I was going to level any kind of criticism at this book (and it's a very minor point) it would be about the setting of expectations in a couple of places. The neighbour Bob is painted in a slightly sinister light the first couple of times that we meet him. I fully expected that he would turn out to be bad news. As it is, he turns into Alan's buddy, and is an extremely interesting character. I felt ever so slightly as if I'd been led up a blind alley, but I quickly got over that and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
Once we come across the horror elements of this novel we're treated to something unique and really scary. Even better than that, the ending is not the one you'd predict; it's extremely satisfying.
March 14, 2016
Apart from one detail late in the book that seemed a little too convenient, I absolutely loved Migrators. It’s a fascinating horror tale, and I got totally sucked in wanting to know what would happen next. The migrators become quite terrifying as the plot builds, but it turns out there are reasons why the whole town hasn’t simply dried up and blown away.
Alan and Bob are interesting characters. Alan is bound and determined not to believe in the supernatural, but not in a ‘he’s being an idiot’ kind of way. It made sense to me, which is fantastic, because skepticism in a horror novel often reeks of stupidity. I enjoyed the characters. Alan and Bob strike up an interesting friendship. I think Joe could have been filled in a bit more, but he wasn’t flat. I was fond of Liz–the conflict of wanting to preserve the family home vs. updating/fixing it is not an easy one, and she had such fascinating memories and tales from her family. I enjoyed that aspect of the story.
The pacing grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go. It built up steadily to its nail-biting climax. I take notes as I read books that I plan to review, and at some point with Migrators my notes trail off because I was too involved to remember to take them!
Original review at my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/03/r...
Alan and Bob are interesting characters. Alan is bound and determined not to believe in the supernatural, but not in a ‘he’s being an idiot’ kind of way. It made sense to me, which is fantastic, because skepticism in a horror novel often reeks of stupidity. I enjoyed the characters. Alan and Bob strike up an interesting friendship. I think Joe could have been filled in a bit more, but he wasn’t flat. I was fond of Liz–the conflict of wanting to preserve the family home vs. updating/fixing it is not an easy one, and she had such fascinating memories and tales from her family. I enjoyed that aspect of the story.
The pacing grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go. It built up steadily to its nail-biting climax. I take notes as I read books that I plan to review, and at some point with Migrators my notes trail off because I was too involved to remember to take them!
Original review at my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/03/r...
July 8, 2014
Migrators was the first book I've read by Ike Hammill and I can definitely say I liked it. The plot is well-paced. It constantly left me guessing just what was going on, while throwing in enough WTF moments to let you know there is obviously something. The characters are likeable and believable, and you could see this happening to pretty much any family.
I read the whole book in two sittings, as it kept me turning the pages. The writing style sort of reminded me of Steven King, but I think that had more to do with the fact it's a horror story set in Maine than anything else.
I'm going to read some other of Hammill's works and see if they are on the same level. If they are, I'm a fan.
I read the whole book in two sittings, as it kept me turning the pages. The writing style sort of reminded me of Steven King, but I think that had more to do with the fact it's a horror story set in Maine than anything else.
I'm going to read some other of Hammill's works and see if they are on the same level. If they are, I'm a fan.
September 14, 2014
It was a very slow start, I almost gave in at 20%. But then a rotten penis happened and I decided to continue.
Spoilers
I liked the idea, the story. But I wouldn't mind seeing more of the migators themselves. And I did not really see how they could go from the thing in the river to shadows? And the whole light thing in the cabin was a bit too much. I loved the part with the rocking chair and also how the author has described the dead animals with their meatless bones. It was a nice twist with the tumor and how the migrators could be used for good. I am giving 3 stars because it was to slow in the beginning and because i wanted more thrilling and gorey scenes. But all in all a good read.
Spoilers
I liked the idea, the story. But I wouldn't mind seeing more of the migators themselves. And I did not really see how they could go from the thing in the river to shadows? And the whole light thing in the cabin was a bit too much. I loved the part with the rocking chair and also how the author has described the dead animals with their meatless bones. It was a nice twist with the tumor and how the migrators could be used for good. I am giving 3 stars because it was to slow in the beginning and because i wanted more thrilling and gorey scenes. But all in all a good read.
January 4, 2015
It's actually kind of sad but I think I enjoyed the non horror parts of the book, the ho hum activities of the family settling in, than the actual horror. There was good rising action with what they saw at the water bank, and Buster's story and what happened to him and the cover ups, but the actual night the migrators attacked and everything following with the ritual and the ancestor bones and the "demons" was just odd and anticlimactic to me. The build up was much more interesting and a tiny bit spooky but overall no scares and I wasn't too impressed with the second half of the book or anything else it entailed. Alan was stupidly hard headed about the supernatural events CLEARLY happening and that was frustrating. Overall, it wasn't really good but not exactly bad....just okay.
December 12, 2014
What an imagination.....
I truly enjoyed this book and think it would make a great movie. This book was very subtle and it kinda sneaks up on you. The characters are so well developed you feel like they are well known neighbors. The plot is well laid out and keeps you interested as it builds to a stunning end. I was caught off guard at the end...such a great end. This book let's you imagine the little town and it clique of residents. You will be able to picture a beautiful fall day in Maine walking through the woods. However, you will be feeling twitchy the entire time, knowing something is just....wrong. I would recommend this book to Young adults and adults. This is simply put, a great read. KUDOS Mr. Camille on a job well done
I truly enjoyed this book and think it would make a great movie. This book was very subtle and it kinda sneaks up on you. The characters are so well developed you feel like they are well known neighbors. The plot is well laid out and keeps you interested as it builds to a stunning end. I was caught off guard at the end...such a great end. This book let's you imagine the little town and it clique of residents. You will be able to picture a beautiful fall day in Maine walking through the woods. However, you will be feeling twitchy the entire time, knowing something is just....wrong. I would recommend this book to Young adults and adults. This is simply put, a great read. KUDOS Mr. Camille on a job well done
January 27, 2015
A New Twist on Home Remedies
Migrators is a spooky story with a serious twist on "Home remedies". Alan and Liz move from the big city with their young son taking over the family home formerly owned by Liz's grandfather. What they don't realize is they aren't just getting the old home with its various ghostly happenings they have moved right into the path of an age old secret, a dark secret that will kill them all if the don't figure it out! Ike Hamill has written a wonderfully spooky story with just enough twists and turns to keep you turning the page. If you like a good old fashioned mystery with just a touch of the paranormal I highly recommend you read this book.
Migrators is a spooky story with a serious twist on "Home remedies". Alan and Liz move from the big city with their young son taking over the family home formerly owned by Liz's grandfather. What they don't realize is they aren't just getting the old home with its various ghostly happenings they have moved right into the path of an age old secret, a dark secret that will kill them all if the don't figure it out! Ike Hamill has written a wonderfully spooky story with just enough twists and turns to keep you turning the page. If you like a good old fashioned mystery with just a touch of the paranormal I highly recommend you read this book.
April 25, 2014
The first book I have read from this author, and I have to say, I will be looking for more. A good build up of the characters before some odd things start to happen. At one point (not wanting to give this away), I was beginning to wonder if the book had two stories it was trying to tell, and began to wonder what was going on, but it all came together in the end, and while I could see what was coming, coming, it was still a satisfying ending. Could easily be made into a movie that I would go see to get the Director's take on the titled, Migrators, and what they do within the book.
April 10, 2014
I managed to suffer through just over 20% of this book, because I hate to give up on a book too soon, but in that part of the book, absolutely nothing happened. A guy took pictures, did laundry, installed a generator, talked to his wife and kid, gave a neighbor a paint brush...snore...zzzzzz...there was no conflict, no plot, no humor, and no redeeming qualities at all. It was a free download, but I still feel ripped off, having used several minutes of my life on this piece of garbage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews