This New Dark

by Chase Dearinger

Genres: Horror

284 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my usual type of reading and I wouldn’t have thought to read it except for its publisher. My trust was rewarded. This book is many things and all good things: beautifully written, with meaning and heart and thought. Yes, there are some violent, even a couple of gross, incidents, but none of it felt gratuitous or went on for too long (which is usually my problem with depicted violence) and, most importantly, it was integral to the story.

I would venture to say that if you like realistic Southern grit-lit, you’d also like this book with its not always realistic elements. It’s no more horrifying than what happens in so-called real life. In fact horror is an appropriate response to the bleak lives in this fictional Oklahoma town. And that most important element for me—the prose—is top-notch. The book’s last line is perfect.

[Taylor Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read “This New Dark” as a palette cleanser after reading a novel that didn’t live up to its horror hype. I am a huge fan of the genre and have to say, this book was not only a fun read but it is beautifully written. Chase Dearinger’s prose made it easy to feel transported into this dark world and feel completely in-step with each character. If you like a grim, almost magical story, this book is for you!

[Noah Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like today, the town of Seven Suns in ‘This New Dark’ feels eclipsed. Not by an eclipse involving the sun or moon, but one of dread and despair, blocking out anything positive. Chase Dearinger blends the horror, contemporary, and speculative fiction genres masterfully. Throughout this slow-burn novel, we follow several characters over the span of a grueling two days. It was easy to understand the perspective of each character. Their outlooks on life vary drastically, but also their points of view felt very distinct to their experiences. While I thoroughly enjoyed Dearinger’s writing style, I was very happy to finish this. It was one of the most bleak stories I’ve ever read. Also, this is a fantastic debut! I can’t wait to see what Chase Dearinger does next.

[Jodi Tronsgard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horror fiction is not my genre; however, the book was uniquely, brilliantly and skillfully written.

[Anna Reads Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

💀Dark Crime, Speculative, Southern Gothic

A transgressive horror set in the state of Oklahoma, we follow multiple POVs over the course of two days during a weird occurrence.

This book was dark, gritty, and just in general, bleak. It’s a slow burn, but once I was in with the writing style I was right there in the town and could visualise everything. The characters were interesting and topics were explored such as gay relationships, what it’s like to be a carer to a parent and a person brought up in the wrong society that falls into drugs. The issues it brought up were so realistically done, and I feel that if you are here for a character driven book you will love this.

What I gathered from this book is that the bleakness of the town is deeply ingrained in its people, and the author skilfully evokes empathy for the characters and their struggles. I would recommend to anyone that is into a character based read but also wanting great atmosphere and prose.

📚Books similar: All the Sinners Bleed by SA Crosby, Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter

📺 TV shows similar: True Detective (S1), Ozark

[Cameron B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive debut. I really enjoyed the story, and the descriptions of the eastern Oklahoma setting were very well done, transporting me to the fictional town of Seven Suns like it was a real place I'd visited before.

I am often worried about new writers trying to figure out their voice and writing style, but with this novel, Chase has established himself as a confident and distinct storyteller.

Can't wait for the next one.

[Benjamin Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read horror, but this book is both scary and beautifully written. The eastern Oklahoma setting is faithfully and richly depicted, and the characters are compellingly developed. Dearinger tells a good story while using the horror genre to explore the desperation and darkness of contemporary rural America.

[H.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful language and an evocative sense of place and characters.