The Ojanox IV: Lonesome Mountain

The Ojanox #4

by Daemon Manx

The Dramatic Series Conclusion – Lonesome Mountains finds a rag-tag group of survivors pitted against an unstoppable evil.

The town of Garrett Grove has come under attack. Cut off from the rest of the world, they are forced to make their final stand. But at what cost?

"The Ojanox harkens back to the horror boom of the '70s and '80s, in a very good way. Manx has a knack for creating characters you'll love (or hate) and putting them through the ringer. His dialogue is sharp and storytelling gripping and fast paced. Now that I'm hooked, I need to read the rest!" – Duncan Ralston, Author of Woom and Ghostland


"In The Ojanox, Daemon Manx creates a community and cast of characters you feel like you know personally, like you’ve known them all your life. And when you lose one of those characters, you’ve lost one of your own. Manx makes you care and makes you hurt. The Ojanox is a masterclass on characterization." ~ Patrick C. Harrison III, Author of 100% Match and Grandpappy

“Written with beautifully descriptive scenes, The Ojanox places you directly into the quaint, small town of Garrett Grove during the Halloween season where everything is pleasant…until it isn’t. An ancient, dark entity is accidently excavated and escapes into the world with chilling results. The Ojanox is a fresh, original, plot-driven page turner that I couldn’t put down. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to Part Two of this excellent series.” – Jeani Rector, Editor of The Horror Zine

The year is 1979. A small New York town prepares to welcome the fall season in all the expected young children bicker and boast over Halloween costumes, secret lovers meet in clandestine corners, and a tortured soul plots wicked deeds. All the while, hidden just out of view, patient and hungry… an ancient evil lurks.

Welcome to Garrett Grove, an unassuming community nestled within the foothills of the Watchung Mountains. The very definition of “Everytown, USA”, it is a largely self-contained municipality, most of the residents on a first-name basis. An almost postcard-perfect location.

But something is happening to the children of Garrett Grove.

Genres: Horror

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Daemon Manx is an author with a backstory. He is a recovering addict who spent nearly a decade in the prison system, where he focused on recovery and learned to perfect his horror writing craft. He has been featured in magazines in the US, the UK, and Germany and, in 2021, was nominated for a Splatterpunk award for his book Abigail. Daemon is the author of the Ojanox series, endorsed by Scream Queen actress, Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp). He was a bonus round winner on the gameshow Wheel of Fortune in 1999 and is infamously known for a motor vehicle accident involving President Ronald Reagan’s limousine. After struggling with addiction and incarceration, Daemon now uses his story to illustrate the positive outcome of sobriety and offer a glimpse at what life can be like when one receives a second chance.

Reviews

[Paul Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

vicious and intense

Wonderful ending to this massive story.
The Ojanox is really one book split into four because 1000 page books can be intimidating. Have no fear, the story will scare you, but the commitment to the books should not.
Honestly, each book flew by. I recommend either reading straight through or sprinkle in a couple short books in between. I waited about 6 months between book 2 and 3 and I had to think back to remember who some characters were. This book is about the town of Garrett Grove and a lot of the people that live in it therefore there are a lot of characters. They get whittled down quite a bit which lead me to exclaim on multiple occasions “Really Daemon? I liked that character!!”
The Ojanox is full of characters and side plots that really makes you fell like part of the town. Just be glad that you aren’t.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started the Ojanox series, I was hooked - and the finale? Remarkable! Perfect in every way. What most impressed me, was the author's huge heart for his characters: despite the carnage, despite the destruction and the constant despair, Daemon Manx never misses a chance to give his readers reasons to root for all of these people, both the good and the bad.

In the first half of the volume, you can easily see how everyone's trapped by a tragic backstory, the adults by bitterness and regrets for past decisions and missed chances, the kids by fear for an uncertain future and the loss of their friends and family. Amidst all this chaos, this sadness, when you can’t help but want things to turn out okay for everyone, the horror hits even harder: prepare for twists and turns which will keep you constantly guessing, as you realize that noone is safe, noone is guaranteed to be spared from the forthcoming onslaught.

The second half of the book gets wilder, more intense and more exciting: Garrett Grove's last survivors launch a thrilling counter-attack, coming up with a couple of plans which seem to bring back hope. No cheap gore or jump-scares for Dameon Manx: a lot of thought and tons of imagination have been gone to this ending, with amazing attention to every little detail (from the workings of dynamite and fire hydrants to the psychology of guilt and memory loss). The resolution is absolutely satisfying, and manages to whet the appetite for more, instead of simply providing closure. I for one would gladly meet some of the kids again (perhaps much older); and discover the chilling implications of the two epilogues.

If you're into haunting dark fiction, thoughful stories with characters and plotlines which linger with you long after you've finished, I highly recommend this 4-volume series. It’s a must-read for the spooky season, a complex tale not just creepy but emotionally gripping too.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Garrett Grove, a humble community nestled in the foothills of the Watchung Mountains. This is the quintessential representation of “Everytown, USA,” a largely self-sufficient municipality where most residents know each other by their first names. It's an almost picture-perfect setting.

However, something unsettling is occurring among the children of Garrett Grove.

Robin’s Review
5 Star Rating
5 Skull Dread Rating


Set in 1979, Garrett Grove is a serene, charming New York town, embodying the essence of small-town America. Yet, beneath its picturesque exterior lurks a hidden threat. As Halloween draws near, children eagerly prepare their costumes, lovers meet in secret, and an ancient evil begins to awaken. Garrett Grove may never be the same again.

From the very first moment I delved into The Ojanox series, I was completely captivated. The finale exceeded my expectations, and I've formed a deep bond with the characters, feeling as comfortable with them as an old pair of slippers.

At the start of the book, I found myself holding my breath, wondering what would happen next. The horror becomes even more intense when you realize that no one is truly safe. The plot is filled with unexpected twisty turns that left me gasping for air, making me forget to even breathe. Each page turned with a sense of dread and anticipation, leading to the last showdown. Sheriff Carl and the remaining survivors launch an attack while others attempt to escape across the lake.

Lonesome Mountain offers intricate world-building and immersive prose, while Mr. Manx enhances the story with relatable everyday language and profound backstories. As the fourth and final installment in The Ojanox Series, Lonesome Mountain wraps up with a satisfyingly twisty turn that lingered in my mind long after I finished reading it leaving me wanting more. It’s a must-read for the spooky season—a complex tale that’s as emotionally engaging as it is terrifying.

A perfect finale to an unforgettable series, and I genuinely feel sorrowful to see it end.

The Ojanox I: Scream in the Dark (The Ojanox Series Book 1)
The Ojanox Il: Ashes to Ashes (The Ojanox Series Book 2)
The Ojanox III: All Fall Down (The Ojanox Series Book 3)
The Ojanox IV: Lonesome Mountain (The Ojanox Series Book 4) Releasing October 1, 2024

[Rob Errera · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the four books of The Ojanox series, an ancient evil befalls the tiny town of Garrett Grove. A dig at the local quarry unearths an evil entity that possesses the town's citizens one-by-one. The possession leads to a lot of body horror and allows Manx to exploit dozens of classic horror tropes, from vampires and zombies, to werewolves and giant bugs. If you've got a creepy "ick," chances are you will find your phobia lovingly represented in the pages of The Ojanox.
The Ojanox's plot owes much to Stephen's King’s “'Salem' Lot," "It," and "The Regulators," among other works, but the characters and setting are purely Manx, and the story, while familiar, is well told. Manx jumps atop the retro-horror wave and rides that sucker effortlessly to the shore of late-1970s nostalgia. The Ojanax has all the feel-good fuzzies that make Stranger Things so popular, as well as the thrills and chills behind retro-horror blockbusters like Pearl, Maxxxine, and Late Night with The Devil.
It all boils down to good storytelling skills. Create realistic, relatable characters and let them react naturally to situations both banal and extraordinary. Manx introduces a big cast while keeping the action focused on our heroes; Sheriff Primrose, a trio of intrepid fourth-graders, and their parents. The Ojanox is a malignant force responsible for missing civilizations throughout history and Garrett Grove is next on the menu. By the close of Vol III: All Fall Down, The Ojanox is nearly finished with its meal. But I have a feeling the Sheriff and his young friends have just desserts in store in Vol IV: Lonesome Mountain which comes out today. That means you can, and should, read the complete Ojanox series right now.
Start reading today and you'll be hooked by tonight.
It's that good.

[Indie Horror Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ojanox 4: Lonesome Mountain

I highly recommend The Ojanox series, including Lonesome Mountain!

Daemon Manx is a master weaver of stories. In the Ojanox series, he created a small town that felt authentic. Through his attention to detail and his way with words, it was very immersive. He drew in my mind’s eye the town, mountain, quarry, roads etc., and I did not need a map to follow along with the story. Each character was so original and deftly developed, that I did not find myself muttering “wait, who is this and where are they”, which I usually need to do with a larger group of characters. I came to know each one, and cheered them on, worried for them, and felt their fear, confusion, and determination. Inevitably I had my heart crushed when some met their end, and was surprised by some of the characters’ developments and acts of courageousness. The plot was woven together seamlessly over the entire series and the conclusion in Lonesome Mountain made this more apparent. The events in Lonesome Mountain started out like a locomotive and moved along mercilessly until it hit ‘Crazy Train’ status.

I don’t want to give anything away, so I will just tell you this: sit down in your reading spot, buckle up, and always keep both hands on the book lest you throw it across the room, or drop it in surprise. There will be much damage, devastating loss, heart wrenchingly tender moments, appropriately placed gore, and unexpected twists and turns along the way. So enjoy the ride!! And when you have read the last word, take a selfie of your hair blown back for documentation purposes, because this kind of horror series doesn’t come along very often.

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

And here we are.......the end. What an ending it is. I read this book in one afternoon. I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this series. On the one hand I was glad that it ended but I was also not ready to see the characters that I had come to love leave.

This book opens after a huge onslaught from the Ojanox. The hospital and the school are devastated. So many lives lost. As Sheriff Carl prepares to see who is left, he is approached by one of the townspeople who has an idea to get out. The bridge into town and the road that winds around the mountain have both been taken out. The suggestion: take the row boats and try to make it across the lake. We also see Janis, seriously injured and it's a question on whether she'll make it or not. After all the people that would fit in the boat get going, Sheriff Carl and Don along with Stephanie decide to take a few others and attack where they believe the base of the entity is: the abandoned sanitorium.

They make their way up there, the entity know they are coming, most of them anyway and he sends out his soldiers. They are attacked from all sides. And this is where we have a plot twist that I literally never saw coming! The writing here!! Fantastic!

The story is so good. I cannot say that enough. The writing, the characters, the depth of which this story was put together, it would be amazing to see it as a movie. The book ended just as I was hoping, and I had an inkling of exactly what they last few lines might include and I was right. I wonder if somehow, someway, we'll see the Ojanox again. Or maybe just maybe, the kids, the heroes, Troy, Wendy and Janis.

[Diana | Indie Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ojanox IV: Lonesome Mountain marks the thrilling conclusion to Daemon Manx epic series that delivers a pulse-pounding finale. In this final installment, the town of Garrett Grove faces an ancient and relentless force that seeks to annihilate everything in its path. As the town braces for destruction, readers are taken on a wild ride, where the stakes are higher than ever, and the tension never lets up.

What makes this book and the series so compelling is the author's ability to create characters you genuinely care about. From the beginning, you feel connected to the residents of Garrett Grove, experiencing their fear, hope, and determination as they fight to survive. The town is equally vivid. Garrett Grove feels like a real town, filled with both beauty and menace, a perfect setting for the chaos that unfolds. The author's storytelling continues to shine in this book. The pacing ensures that there’s never a dull moment. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked until the very end.

What stands out most in this final book is how Manx delivers a chilling yet satisfying ending. It answers some lingering questions, and it also leaves a lasting impact. This really should be made into a tv miniseries because it's that good.

The Ojanox series is one of the most gripping series I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Manx has truly outdone himself with this entire thing. If you haven’t yet discovered Garrett Grove, its people and its dark past, now is the time to add this series to your TBR.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy can this author write a story! Each of these books in this series has only gotten better and the story is so easy to follow. I have read each book in about 1-2 days. That is how engaged one becomes in the story and how each character will flourish or fall to the Ojanox. There have been so many losses and it was so emotional for me the reader to lose characters I have come to love. I wanted to join the fight with Carl and his bunch of tired out townspeople to take on the Entity. I cannot really shoot a gun but I could probably distract the monsters allowing the stronger people to promote the plan. The plan Billy came up with to trick the Entity was so ingenious. The plan seemed to be going well until, as luck would have it, things began to fall apart. But that was okay because these characters had heart and persistence which are great characteristics to have if one has to take on some ancient enemy. Thanks again Daemon Manx for the thoroughly enjoyable series. 💀💀💀💀💀

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending! The final installment was so good that I read it in one sitting, I couldn't stop. That was one fine ending, Mr. Manx. After all, he did warn me it was going to get crazy. The Ojanox is one evil SOB. This has the feeling of a mini-series with a wonderful ending.

Not to mention, the ending leaves the idea that there might be a spinoff and this won't be the last of the Ojanox. My favorite characters were Troy and Carl by a long shot.

You need to read this series this Halloween. It's more than just a story about creatures, it's a complex tale filled with tragedy and heartwarming moments mixed in. This might be one of my favorite series that I've read, like ever.

I can't wait to see what's next from Daemon!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ojanox IV: Lonesome Mountain was a stunning conclusion to the series. As the events that began to plague the small town of Garret Grove just over a week ago continue to escalate, the remaining townspeople come together to make a last, desperate stand against the dark, ravenous entity that has already consumed so much. I’m both happy that I finally read this and sad that it’s all over, and I think the reason I held off for so long was out of fear of what might happen to my favorite characters. All I can say is that tears were shed for many reasons, a stunning twist was revealed, and for me, the final installment to the Ojanox series was brilliantly executed.

[Lisa Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great final installment to a series I enjoyed a lot. The action and carnage were pretty constant throughout the book. I would recommend to not get too attached to anyone because no one is safe in this book and you never know when one of your favorite characters is going to meet an untimely end. Unfortunately by the 4th book in the series, I was already pretty attached to a lot of the characters. I really enjoyed my time in Garrett Grove, and I look forward to what Manx does next.

[Steve Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epic conclusion to the Ojanox saga brings the tale of Garrett Grove to a satisfying though tragic end. Twists and turns come at you faster than a motorbike run down Lonely Mountain, leaving you out of breath and wondering if anyone will make it out alive. There are plenty of surprises left as Daemon Manx brings the tale to a close. A must read if you've read the rest of the series. And if you haven't, then you should!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The small mountain town of Garrett Grove is hiding a dark secret that's about to be accidentally unleashed.

It starts the week before Halloween. The citizens are busy decorating, planning, and living their normal day to day lives. Along with their regular activities, strange things begin to occur. A mysterious illness begins affecting the children of the town. The morgue loses a corpse not long after it's placed on the autopsy table. People get the strange feeling that they're being watched. None of them have any clue about the terrors they're about to experience.

HOLY. CRAP. What a fantastic ending to an incredible series. My jaw was on the floor for pretty much the entire book.

[Denise Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyable read.

I loved the series and would recommend it for anyone who who likes scary stories and kid heroes.
The story pulls you in as you can easily identify with the grade school friendships and the the anticipation of Halloween fun.
The characters are engaging and you come to feel like you know these people and their community dynamics of small town living.
Could be a Netflix show.
Brings to mind Stranger Things.

[Jordan Encee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great things come for those who wait

So at the beginning of the first two book, I thought it was really slow. I found it a bit uninteresting. However, when as things exalted the became more.

These characters feel so lively and a bit too h0nry 😂 but beyond that everyone has story and horrors they had committed before or during the Ojanox event.

So for those who want to read it please do because this ending was amazing and earned.

[Michelle Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect culmination of events to close out this series. Each individual book on its own kept my attention rapt bjt then when you combine them and you get the little bits that you thought might have been overlooked are coming back at the end every I is dotted, Every t is crossed.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the individual book
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the series as a whole

[Jason Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 and the final part to The Ojanox series!
I feel like I’ve been a resident of Garrett Grove over the last few months. No spoilers here, but what a series! Daemon Manx’s 4 part series is a kick ass ride from start to finish.
Read The Ojanox series, especially now being that it’s set around Halloween!

[Svea Neitzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last one in the Ojanox series. I loved spending four months with characters who I cared about. I was so worried about the kids! This book concludes the complex, emotional  fight between the evil Ojanox and our heroes.  This might be the end, but I'm hoping we'll meet them again soon. This retro-horror series will hook you!

[S. Policar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It happens way too often where a quartet maintains pace, vibe, and engagement, only for the last book either fully or in part end well short of what was promised. That isn't the case with this last book in The Ojanox quartet. Like the others, it came out the gate hard, only this one kept gaining momentum until an ending you won't want to miss out on.

I give this book 5 of 5 Paws.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t do horror, but I met Daemon Manx in person and he convinced me to read this series, it did not disappoint! This book was about a community in Garret Grove that had to face evil. It is so well written that you felt like you were in the story, it made you cheer for the characters, scared you death and then let you exhale the breath you didn’t realize you were holding!!

[Wendy Nastasi]

I cannot give you any info on the very satisfying end to this series. I want you to experience it for yourself. I wish I could read this entire series for the first time over and over again. This series is going to catch fire. Thank you Daemon Manx

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaargh it’s finished!
But what a read. I’m sad it’s over now, but I’ve loved every minute of the journey.

From the start & book 1. Creeping up and peering over their shoulders into book 2 & 3. Then this book 4.
Excellent real crawling up your spine freaky horror!
I missed these.

[Melissa Wilander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolly good read

Thank you so much for writing this & for not doing in the dog! I truly appreciate how well written and on the edge of my seat, what's going to happen next suspense that I find missing in many reads! Bravo!

[Danielle Buchino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series was amazing. The author develops the characters so well that you feel invested in what happens to them. You won’t see the ending coming.

[Andrea Stott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic books

I love these books so much and I am so sad this is the last one. It is such a perfect Halloween read. Don't miss this one.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finality

Thank you Mr Manx for a riveting read. I would hope that the people who give out awards discover The Ojanox. A new type of horror novel has hit the streets.

[Jyl Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect ending to my new favorite series.

[Jodi Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow just wow

This will take some time to digest, what a great read. Unbelievable and I was so drawn in and pondered when I wasn’t reading, so many intricacies and weaving of the story.

[Stephanie Rumbarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book 10 stars! That ending 🤯 SO good! Also I'm horrible at writing reviews 🤷🏻‍♀️😆

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ojanox

Garrett's Grove has survived the horrible attacks by the creatures in their town. The sun is up, and the survivors must ban together to try and stop the evil invading the town. Can it be stopped? Pulse pounding read full of tension. Will cause you to gasp in fright and cry for the characters.