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Thrill
SOME RIDES SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN ...
Kyle Evans is a teenager who wants to be somebody. To achieve his goal, he joins a gang called Hell's Bells. While he thinks he's arrived, he only finds danger.
The club is obsessed with finding thrills and taking chances, but Kyle’s unaware that there’s a price to pay. Up for a dare, he accepts a challenge that lands him on the wrong side of the supernatural.
Kyle Evans is a teenager who wants to be somebody. To achieve his goal, he joins a gang called Hell's Bells. While he thinks he's arrived, he only finds danger.
The club is obsessed with finding thrills and taking chances, but Kyle’s unaware that there’s a price to pay. Up for a dare, he accepts a challenge that lands him on the wrong side of the supernatural.
- GenresHorror
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2014
417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 7, 2014
Thrill
By: Wendy Polocki
Pages. 296 Genre Horror
Reviewed by: tk
Courtesy of: librarything giveaway
Kyle Evans is 15 years old. He's angry, confused,
and wants to establish a new Kyle. He won't be the
guy being bullied anymore. He wants to become
Mr. Toughguy, the rebel, the seeker of thrills and
excitement, a guy that demands respect or else.
Kyle finds a group of misfit boys. They offer brotherhood,
security, drugs, alcohol and women. Who could ask for
more? Kyle soon finds out that everything comes with a price.
The dark side of Spooky Town will force Kyle to rethink
his recent new found freedom. Killing a man in the road, with
a stolen car is the least of his problems. A voodoo priestess
is looking for justice, and will provide the thrills these boys
have been seeking.
An exciting, action packed read. The characters, and their
personal issues are very realistic. However, I feel as though the
dark magic was thrown in to created more excitement and
suspense. The story would still have been outstanding without it.
It would have changed the genre to suspense instead of horror.
All in all a very good read. 4/5
By: Wendy Polocki
Pages. 296 Genre Horror
Reviewed by: tk
Courtesy of: librarything giveaway
Kyle Evans is 15 years old. He's angry, confused,
and wants to establish a new Kyle. He won't be the
guy being bullied anymore. He wants to become
Mr. Toughguy, the rebel, the seeker of thrills and
excitement, a guy that demands respect or else.
Kyle finds a group of misfit boys. They offer brotherhood,
security, drugs, alcohol and women. Who could ask for
more? Kyle soon finds out that everything comes with a price.
The dark side of Spooky Town will force Kyle to rethink
his recent new found freedom. Killing a man in the road, with
a stolen car is the least of his problems. A voodoo priestess
is looking for justice, and will provide the thrills these boys
have been seeking.
An exciting, action packed read. The characters, and their
personal issues are very realistic. However, I feel as though the
dark magic was thrown in to created more excitement and
suspense. The story would still have been outstanding without it.
It would have changed the genre to suspense instead of horror.
All in all a very good read. 4/5
August 13, 2014
***I received a free copy from Making Connections group on Goodreads for an honest review***
I enjoyed this book. My favorite lines: 1) “As he looked outside, he saw that Stripe was standing like the last surviving soldier at a massacre.” 2) “Since when is stereotyping a compliment?” 3) “You! You killed me, boy…and all for a thrill. Well, now you’ll have to pay.” 4) “The shameful confession was over.”
Kyle, a.k.a. Surf, was in high school and was tired of being an outcast. He left his best friend, Gavin, behind to hang out with the Hell’s Bells gang. Gavin was a computer geek–he was my favorite character. He was the most mature and reasonable one out of everyone in the story. Plus, Gavin was okay with himself. And, he was loyal–he never gave up trying to be Surf’s friend again.
Wax was in charge of the Hell’s Bells. They acted like they were a brotherhood, always having each other’s backs. But, they were just bullies willing to turn on anyone who would try to leave the group. I feared for Surf’s safety because deep down he was a good kid, just lost. Those guys were just vicious.
The story really picked up after the “60” game. The rules–no matter what, don’t go below 60 MPH on the road. Well, Surf ended up accidentally killing an old man. The old man’s daughter happened to be a priestess. Voodoo is no joke! She got her revenge!
Since I’m scared of dogs, I was truly frightened during Stripe’s scenes because he threatened and attempted to maul Surf.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
I enjoyed this book. My favorite lines: 1) “As he looked outside, he saw that Stripe was standing like the last surviving soldier at a massacre.” 2) “Since when is stereotyping a compliment?” 3) “You! You killed me, boy…and all for a thrill. Well, now you’ll have to pay.” 4) “The shameful confession was over.”
Kyle, a.k.a. Surf, was in high school and was tired of being an outcast. He left his best friend, Gavin, behind to hang out with the Hell’s Bells gang. Gavin was a computer geek–he was my favorite character. He was the most mature and reasonable one out of everyone in the story. Plus, Gavin was okay with himself. And, he was loyal–he never gave up trying to be Surf’s friend again.
Wax was in charge of the Hell’s Bells. They acted like they were a brotherhood, always having each other’s backs. But, they were just bullies willing to turn on anyone who would try to leave the group. I feared for Surf’s safety because deep down he was a good kid, just lost. Those guys were just vicious.
The story really picked up after the “60” game. The rules–no matter what, don’t go below 60 MPH on the road. Well, Surf ended up accidentally killing an old man. The old man’s daughter happened to be a priestess. Voodoo is no joke! She got her revenge!
Since I’m scared of dogs, I was truly frightened during Stripe’s scenes because he threatened and attempted to maul Surf.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
June 23, 2014
Thrill by Wendy Potocki
Kyle Evans is an awkward teenager who wants to fit in. One day he has had enough bullying and decides to join a school gang called Hells Bells. They do horrible things just for Thrills. Soon it gets out of hand and (Kyle)crosses a line and soon they are living a nightmare. For now he is dealing with supernatural powers that are quite angry and only he can try to find a way to stop the damage he has created.
Fast paced, well written horror story, filled with suspense. I liked Kyle, he doesn't have the "perfect" home life, and has only one close friend. His decision to join a group of "bad guys" not really knowing what he is getting into.
I highly recommend to those who love horror/thrillers/supernatural, I feel they will enjoy Thrill.
Kyle Evans is an awkward teenager who wants to fit in. One day he has had enough bullying and decides to join a school gang called Hells Bells. They do horrible things just for Thrills. Soon it gets out of hand and (Kyle)crosses a line and soon they are living a nightmare. For now he is dealing with supernatural powers that are quite angry and only he can try to find a way to stop the damage he has created.
Fast paced, well written horror story, filled with suspense. I liked Kyle, he doesn't have the "perfect" home life, and has only one close friend. His decision to join a group of "bad guys" not really knowing what he is getting into.
I highly recommend to those who love horror/thrillers/supernatural, I feel they will enjoy Thrill.
January 22, 2014
Some Amusement Park Rides are Better Left Unridden…
Kyle Evans is a sixteen year-old nerd with a chip on his shoulder, and I can’t say I blame him. He’s been bullied and picked on in school, and his home life isn’t that great either. Dad’s bungling his business has forced the family to move to a less desirable side of town, thus Kyle has to leave his only friend, Gar. He views his mother as a simpering idiot who allows his Dad to come home whenever he feels like it, and never questions why the man’s so late, or where he even is.
When school starts, Kyle’s first steps out of the geek-box are to dye his hair, and to dis his friend, Gar. Kyle wants to be somebody, not just an average punk who only has nerdy friends, so to further this aim he sets his sights on hanging out with the toughest, most feared gang of guys in the school, the Hell’s Bells.
Bad news, plus a really bad choice you made there, Kyle. I kind of wish I was in the story with him to warn him…because the choices you make now, kiddo, are the ones you will pay for, for the rest of your life.
This is one of those ‘Be careful what you wish for, because you’re so going to get it’ stories, and it doesn’t get much better than this. Ms. Potocki is a talented genius when it comes to the Horror genre (I’ve been a fan ever since reading her Black Adagio), so while I was expecting a wild ride when I began reading Thrill, nothing prepared me for the catastrophic events that lead the story where it must go, to be a thrill for the reader.
And thrilled I was. I also couldn’t sleep or put down the book. The story grabbed me in such a way it was difficult to leave the book alone, nor was it possible to turn off the light in my hallway. Still having issues with the dark...and still awaiting the dreaded chicken foot to show up on my stoop. Since I don’t do spoilers, this is as far as I will venture. Find out for your self, readers!
That being said, author Wendy Potocki has done it again, and I rate this story five stars, because she has done her job very well indeed. Thrill has all the makings of a great recipe for horror, the supernatural, and the undoing of some very bad thrill deeds. Thankfully, I won’t be receiving a chicken foot any time soon, since I don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve one…not lately, anyway!
But has Kyle? Find out! Put Thrill on your to read list – NOW!
Kyle Evans is a sixteen year-old nerd with a chip on his shoulder, and I can’t say I blame him. He’s been bullied and picked on in school, and his home life isn’t that great either. Dad’s bungling his business has forced the family to move to a less desirable side of town, thus Kyle has to leave his only friend, Gar. He views his mother as a simpering idiot who allows his Dad to come home whenever he feels like it, and never questions why the man’s so late, or where he even is.
When school starts, Kyle’s first steps out of the geek-box are to dye his hair, and to dis his friend, Gar. Kyle wants to be somebody, not just an average punk who only has nerdy friends, so to further this aim he sets his sights on hanging out with the toughest, most feared gang of guys in the school, the Hell’s Bells.
Bad news, plus a really bad choice you made there, Kyle. I kind of wish I was in the story with him to warn him…because the choices you make now, kiddo, are the ones you will pay for, for the rest of your life.
This is one of those ‘Be careful what you wish for, because you’re so going to get it’ stories, and it doesn’t get much better than this. Ms. Potocki is a talented genius when it comes to the Horror genre (I’ve been a fan ever since reading her Black Adagio), so while I was expecting a wild ride when I began reading Thrill, nothing prepared me for the catastrophic events that lead the story where it must go, to be a thrill for the reader.
And thrilled I was. I also couldn’t sleep or put down the book. The story grabbed me in such a way it was difficult to leave the book alone, nor was it possible to turn off the light in my hallway. Still having issues with the dark...and still awaiting the dreaded chicken foot to show up on my stoop. Since I don’t do spoilers, this is as far as I will venture. Find out for your self, readers!
That being said, author Wendy Potocki has done it again, and I rate this story five stars, because she has done her job very well indeed. Thrill has all the makings of a great recipe for horror, the supernatural, and the undoing of some very bad thrill deeds. Thankfully, I won’t be receiving a chicken foot any time soon, since I don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve one…not lately, anyway!
But has Kyle? Find out! Put Thrill on your to read list – NOW!
April 25, 2014
Kyle is tired of being a geek, so on the first day of school he ditches his best friend Garvin and adopts a bad attitude. A local gang by the name of Hell's Bells quickly picks him up, and Kyle is initiated in a world of sex, drugs, Russian roulette, and thrills. But one night, a cheap thrill turns into murder, and suddenly Kyle and his friends are being stalked by a supernatural beast.
The first half of this book almost lost me. Kyle was such a little jerk. Though he had moments where his former self shone through, I couldn't really care about a kid who went along with plots to beat up his father's former employer (who fired Kyle's dad for suspected embezzlement) and to trash his former best friend's computer equipment. It seemed like Kyle had learned how to be a dick from his father, who cheated on his wife with a stripper/whore and pissed away his family's entire savings, including Kyle's college fund and whatever he had embezzled to keep said stripper. Moreover, in the first half of the book, there were zero female characters portrayed positively: all the girls who hung around with the gang were drug whores, and Kyle's mother is a doormat/dishrag of a woman who listens when her husband tells her (after he loses his job) "No wife of mine will get a job!" Albeit, there are really no positive characters in this book, aside from Garvin and his mother, who as far as I can tell, are saints.
So I was pretty "thrill"-ed when the story turned supernatural and all these people started dying. The attack dog was super creepy (although PETA-people should be warned that there's a pretty violent dog beating scene). Sissy was not exactly portrayed in the best light but I found myself rooting for her. Every time another of the gang got killed I did a little mental fist pump.
The writing had a very "noir" feel to it and got right into all the gritty details of thug life. The pacing was great and the end of each chapter left me hanging on, and the book really raced by after the halfway point. After all, trying to kill someone via rollercoaster is pretty awesome.
The first half of this book almost lost me. Kyle was such a little jerk. Though he had moments where his former self shone through, I couldn't really care about a kid who went along with plots to beat up his father's former employer (who fired Kyle's dad for suspected embezzlement) and to trash his former best friend's computer equipment. It seemed like Kyle had learned how to be a dick from his father, who cheated on his wife with a stripper/whore and pissed away his family's entire savings, including Kyle's college fund and whatever he had embezzled to keep said stripper. Moreover, in the first half of the book, there were zero female characters portrayed positively: all the girls who hung around with the gang were drug whores, and Kyle's mother is a doormat/dishrag of a woman who listens when her husband tells her (after he loses his job) "No wife of mine will get a job!" Albeit, there are really no positive characters in this book, aside from Garvin and his mother, who as far as I can tell, are saints.
So I was pretty "thrill"-ed when the story turned supernatural and all these people started dying. The attack dog was super creepy (although PETA-people should be warned that there's a pretty violent dog beating scene). Sissy was not exactly portrayed in the best light but I found myself rooting for her. Every time another of the gang got killed I did a little mental fist pump.
The writing had a very "noir" feel to it and got right into all the gritty details of thug life. The pacing was great and the end of each chapter left me hanging on, and the book really raced by after the halfway point. After all, trying to kill someone via rollercoaster is pretty awesome.
March 26, 2014
How far would you go to be accepted? This story takes the reader inside one kid's desperate search for acceptance and his willingness to do anything for that acceptance....no matter what the costs.
Sixteen year old Kyle has been bullied for most of his life and when he transfers to a new high school has given himself permission to redefine who he is. His family life is troubling as his father is spending less and less time with them, and his mother is going through life totally clueless. Trying to fit in and be tougher, Kyle joins a 'thrill' club called Hell's Bells, a gang of shady characters that love the adrenaline rush and don’t take any crap from anyone. Seems to me, he went from being bullied to being a bully. Abandoning his true friends, he will do anything to fit in with this new group, and I mean anything. The initiation into this club had me holding my breath and screaming at him, NO NO NO STOP!....I mean what good is trying to get in the club if you end up dying the first day? Each game that is 'played' will make you cringe and your heart pound. You really can't believe that these kids don't value their lives and the lives of others. One night, one of their games goes extremely bad and an innocent man is killed; and this is where the true horror begins. Karma is a bitch my friends, and she is out for revenge!
This was the first time I have read anything from Wendy Potocki, and I must admit, I was extremely surprised with this book. It is not one for the faint of heart though as there are some gruesome scenes. From page one, the plot pulls you in and keeps you in its grasp the entire time. There was never a dull moment in this story. The characters have so much depth and are so well-developed you can't help but either feel sorry for them or really dislike them. Ms. Potocki truly has a talent for writing an absolutely frightening horror novel and I can't wait to read more from this outstanding author!
Sixteen year old Kyle has been bullied for most of his life and when he transfers to a new high school has given himself permission to redefine who he is. His family life is troubling as his father is spending less and less time with them, and his mother is going through life totally clueless. Trying to fit in and be tougher, Kyle joins a 'thrill' club called Hell's Bells, a gang of shady characters that love the adrenaline rush and don’t take any crap from anyone. Seems to me, he went from being bullied to being a bully. Abandoning his true friends, he will do anything to fit in with this new group, and I mean anything. The initiation into this club had me holding my breath and screaming at him, NO NO NO STOP!....I mean what good is trying to get in the club if you end up dying the first day? Each game that is 'played' will make you cringe and your heart pound. You really can't believe that these kids don't value their lives and the lives of others. One night, one of their games goes extremely bad and an innocent man is killed; and this is where the true horror begins. Karma is a bitch my friends, and she is out for revenge!
This was the first time I have read anything from Wendy Potocki, and I must admit, I was extremely surprised with this book. It is not one for the faint of heart though as there are some gruesome scenes. From page one, the plot pulls you in and keeps you in its grasp the entire time. There was never a dull moment in this story. The characters have so much depth and are so well-developed you can't help but either feel sorry for them or really dislike them. Ms. Potocki truly has a talent for writing an absolutely frightening horror novel and I can't wait to read more from this outstanding author!
January 20, 2014
Thrill by Wendy Potocki, a treat for lovers of horror fiction, follows teenager Kyle Evans through his involvement with Hell’s Bells, a gang of troubled youths. In their pursuit of adrenaline rushes, the gang takes increasingly greater risks to find the thrills they crave. Kyle’s troubled family situation and previous victimization by bullies combine to make him the perfect candidate for gang indoctrination. Torn between the love of his mother and the pressure of his new friends, Kyle turns his back on his upbringing and slides quickly into criminal activity. The story unfolds with a sense of creeping dread that escalates into horror. It’s only a matter of time before the gang messes with the wrong person. In doing so, they unleash a dark evil bent on revenge.
How far is a young man willing to go to gain peer approval and fit in? Thrill illustrates the disturbing answer to that question.
~K. Wodke, co-author of Betrayed by Wodke Hawkinson
Disclosure: I received an advanced review copy of this novel from the author. I was not paid for this review.
Rating system: I usually reserve 5 star ratings for trilogies and epic works such as LOTR. A 4 star rating on a novel reflects a high mark.
How far is a young man willing to go to gain peer approval and fit in? Thrill illustrates the disturbing answer to that question.
~K. Wodke, co-author of Betrayed by Wodke Hawkinson
Disclosure: I received an advanced review copy of this novel from the author. I was not paid for this review.
Rating system: I usually reserve 5 star ratings for trilogies and epic works such as LOTR. A 4 star rating on a novel reflects a high mark.
June 24, 2014
Although the story itself was good, I had a difficult time getting past the prose. The over use of flowery and figurative language was incongruous with the genre. When the author wrote dialog, the story flowed, but her descriptive paragraphs were off-putting. For example, these sentences described a roller coaster ride:
"Once freed, they shakily departed, exhilaration percolating behind their eyes.”
"Greedily gulping in air, they capsized again, launching into another vertical maneuver."
Really?
While she demonstrates a nice use of alliteration, and possibly a thesaurus, it interrupted the flow of the story. Perhaps if the story line did not center on gang violence and supernatural horror, her style would be more appropriate. It just seemed she was working so hard to have such a rich variety of sentence structure and impressive vocabulary that the story, and sometimes the meaning, suffered.
So truly I might just give this a 2.5, but her story and dialog deserve a 3.
A copy of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.
"Once freed, they shakily departed, exhilaration percolating behind their eyes.”
"Greedily gulping in air, they capsized again, launching into another vertical maneuver."
Really?
While she demonstrates a nice use of alliteration, and possibly a thesaurus, it interrupted the flow of the story. Perhaps if the story line did not center on gang violence and supernatural horror, her style would be more appropriate. It just seemed she was working so hard to have such a rich variety of sentence structure and impressive vocabulary that the story, and sometimes the meaning, suffered.
So truly I might just give this a 2.5, but her story and dialog deserve a 3.
A copy of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2014
You want a thrill ride, take this book for a ride, it's a thrill that chills you to the bones. A teen bullied all his life Kyle finds he has to move because his parents have to downsize.Kyle believes this is his chance to change his whole self, from his personality to his appearance, to try and fit in at his new school.. There are so many teens that can relate to Kyle's life. He meets Wax when he literally bumps into Kyle at his locker, Wax needs to know all, Kyle doesn't let Wax phase him. Wax likes Kyle and invites him to come meet up with his friends. Wax is the head of Hells Bells, a thrill club. Kyle finds he's really digging his new life and friends. Will it be worth losing old friends? Can Kyle pay for what comes with belonging to such a club? Get ready to take a ride with Kyle and his buddies at top speed with not a care of what happens to others. Bravo!!! You like horror, you'll love "Thrill Ride".
December 8, 2016
I became acquainted with Wendy Potocki's work after she organized the '31 days of Halloween' author showcase. I then read a bunch of great reviews on her books, so decided to start reading some. Thrill is the first one I purchased, but will not be the last. I have added Wendy Potocki to the short list of authors that I plan to read everything she publishes. Thrill is a real page-turner. I couldn't put it down. In this book, Wendy has a way of getting inside the heads of the teens and adult characters - the conversations, actions, and motives for everyone's actions are very believable. And I wish I could say more, but don't want to let slip any spoilers - I both loved and hated the ending. I did NOT see it coming, but also now that I read it, can't imagine the book ending any other way.
March 5, 2014
Kyle decided to join a gang called Hell's Bells. The members of Hell's Bells are Wax who is the leader, Carnie, Scotch,Tat, and Stripe. Like most gangs they are a family but Hell's Bells is also a thrill club and all the members are sociopaths living for their next thrill.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story is very good and I didn't figure out the ending - even at the end! The story started off a bit slowly for me but once I got 25% into it the story took off and I couldn't put it down. Thrill is a very good book and I recommend it for anyone who is looking for light horror that will leave you guessing until the end.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story is very good and I didn't figure out the ending - even at the end! The story started off a bit slowly for me but once I got 25% into it the story took off and I couldn't put it down. Thrill is a very good book and I recommend it for anyone who is looking for light horror that will leave you guessing until the end.
April 21, 2014
This book started out as a typical coming of age story, with the protagonist joining a gang in search of a new life, and a new Kyle. Typical teenage hijinks ensue, but one night, something happens to change them all.
I didn't like the ending. I thought the epilogue could have been left off, and the story would have been better for it. Sissy's justice, Kyle's repentance, the falling of his world, because of one wild night of teenage stupidity... Really, every teen should read this book.
All in all, this is a wonderful book with a dazzling cast of characters. A great story for any age.
4.5/5
I didn't like the ending. I thought the epilogue could have been left off, and the story would have been better for it. Sissy's justice, Kyle's repentance, the falling of his world, because of one wild night of teenage stupidity... Really, every teen should read this book.
All in all, this is a wonderful book with a dazzling cast of characters. A great story for any age.
4.5/5
July 8, 2014
Wendy Potocki has produced a skilfully written horror that will appeal to many. Kyle, a troubled and bullied teenager finds solace from a thrill-seeking gang that eventually leads to them becoming embroiled in a situation which is more dangerous than they could have foreseen. Kyle has sought respect from his peers in the gang, but will he go the extra mile in this journey into the unknown. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2015
Kyle Evans just wants to fit in. He is an awkward teenager. Tired of being bullied he joins a gang at school called Hells Bells. The gang does horrible things just for the thrills. Things get out of hand when Kyle crosses a line and they are soon living a nightmare. Kyle is dealing with super natural powers that are quite angry and only he can stop the damage he created. Filled with suspense fast paced and very well written horror story.
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