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It Came From The Lake
"If Stephen King were a splatterpunk—that's Rolfe." - Brian Keene, author of The Rising
A new creature feature from the Splatterpunk Award-nominated author of PARADISE, MAINE and THE BEAST OF BRENTON WOODS.
Belgrade, Maine is home to a secret protected by a Vietnam vet. When a runaway foster child and a local teen stumble into the area around the lake, the secret is not the only danger awaiting them.
Originally released as part of Crystal Lake Publishing's Dark Tide series, IT CAME FROM THE LAKE is now available in eBook and paperback!
A new creature feature from the Splatterpunk Award-nominated author of PARADISE, MAINE and THE BEAST OF BRENTON WOODS.
Belgrade, Maine is home to a secret protected by a Vietnam vet. When a runaway foster child and a local teen stumble into the area around the lake, the secret is not the only danger awaiting them.
Originally released as part of Crystal Lake Publishing's Dark Tide series, IT CAME FROM THE LAKE is now available in eBook and paperback!
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2024
4 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Rolfe
72 books629 followersGlenn Rolfe is a singer, songwriter, and author of over eighteen books. He has studied Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University, toured in a minivan with his punk rock friends, played the Hard Rock Cafe in Denver, hosted a radio show at Bates College, and dreams of surfing in the Pacific Ocean one day with his future pet goat.
He loves the books of Stephen King, Brian Keene, Ronald Malfi, Jack Ketchum, and Richard Laymon, the music of Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, Pre-Reputation Taylor Swift, Kiss, and Billy Joel, and soaking in the sun and eating pier fries at Old Orchard Beach.
His kids love him despite his weirdness, so who could ask for more?
He is hard at work on many more books and songs.
Stay tuned!
He is the author of When the Night Falls, Until Summer Comes Around, August's Eyes, Blood and Rain, The Window, and more. Stay tuned for his next thrilling Maine horror novel, The Siren of Groves Peak (2026)
Richard Chizmar, New York Times and USA Today Best Selling-Author of Gwendy’s Button Box, says of Rolfe’s Blood and Rain: “A wonderful throwback to the fun and bloody days of paperback horror glory!”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 30, 2024
If you have anything about the dangers that wait in the woods - maybe, just maybe don't go into the woods! Nuff said.
In Belgrade, Maine there is a lake. It's not like other lakes in the area, it’s one lurking in danger and dark secrets. The secret is protected by a Vietnam Vet but when two young teens venture into the woods near the lake.......
It Came From The Lake is a gripping, short fast read. Coming in at under 100 pages, it packs a nice punch. Easy to read in one sitting, this book will creep up on you while bringing on the chills and thrills. You may never look at a lake the same way again!
This book is dripping with atmosphere and danger. This book reminded me of the creature feature films my sister and I used to stay up and watch at midnight growing up.
This was my second book by Glenn Rolfe, and it will not be my last.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Alien Agenda Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
In Belgrade, Maine there is a lake. It's not like other lakes in the area, it’s one lurking in danger and dark secrets. The secret is protected by a Vietnam Vet but when two young teens venture into the woods near the lake.......
It Came From The Lake is a gripping, short fast read. Coming in at under 100 pages, it packs a nice punch. Easy to read in one sitting, this book will creep up on you while bringing on the chills and thrills. You may never look at a lake the same way again!
This book is dripping with atmosphere and danger. This book reminded me of the creature feature films my sister and I used to stay up and watch at midnight growing up.
This was my second book by Glenn Rolfe, and it will not be my last.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Alien Agenda Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 26, 2024
Somewhere in lovely Maine there is a manmade lake owned by a wealthy man who won't let anyone trespass on his property near the lake because something inhuman and hungry lives within the waters, at least that is how the local folklore has been told.
Only on this particular week there will be many unfortunate people including two young teens who will all make the grave mistake of going near the lake and they will find out there are more harrowing dangers than only the creature of legend.
This was a fun, horrific and fast paced book that you won't put down. The story grabbed my interest from the first page and the action never let up. There are a lot of different characters which made the book very entertaining and interesting.
I love creature feature books and this one didn't let me down. The ending may surprise some readers but most horror enthusiasts will. probably figure out what would happen as I did but it still made for an enticing ending. The book was the perfect length which made the story even more enjoyable.
I definitely recommend to all horror lovers who especially enjoy creature tales reminiscent of the old B movies of the 60's and 70's.
I want to thank the publisher "Alien Agenda Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 3 1/2 CREEPY FOLKLORIC 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Only on this particular week there will be many unfortunate people including two young teens who will all make the grave mistake of going near the lake and they will find out there are more harrowing dangers than only the creature of legend.
This was a fun, horrific and fast paced book that you won't put down. The story grabbed my interest from the first page and the action never let up. There are a lot of different characters which made the book very entertaining and interesting.
I love creature feature books and this one didn't let me down. The ending may surprise some readers but most horror enthusiasts will. probably figure out what would happen as I did but it still made for an enticing ending. The book was the perfect length which made the story even more enjoyable.
I definitely recommend to all horror lovers who especially enjoy creature tales reminiscent of the old B movies of the 60's and 70's.
I want to thank the publisher "Alien Agenda Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 3 1/2 CREEPY FOLKLORIC 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
January 30, 2024
Got this novella for review from Netgally.
It was short about 80+ pages but the story felt complete and was intruiging. The creature horror aspect was cool, but don't have much else to say.
It was short about 80+ pages but the story felt complete and was intruiging. The creature horror aspect was cool, but don't have much else to say.
March 23, 2024
A quick and fun read about a murderous lake monster. It’s action packed from the first paragraph.
January 30, 2024
A fun little creature feature novella. At just 86 pages this one packs a punch! As a kid who grew up reading Goosebumps, I have to admit this completely reminded me of a Goosebumps book (but the adult version with bloodshed and gore)! Perfect if you are looking for just a quick dash of horror with a lake monster to give you nightmares!
November 17, 2024
This is very atmospheric and draws you in. It's fast paced and I had a lot of fun reading it. The ending was awesome and I would highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Glenn Rolfe, Alien Agenda Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2024
IT CAME FROM THE LAKE [of course it did!] by Maine author Glenn Rolfe is a harrowing tale which immediately suspends disbelief in cryptozoological possibilities with its gripping, then terrifying, Reader's hook. Forget the "Poetic Justice," this is an implacable and unavoidable Horror situated at a quiet isolated forested Maine lake. Despite the local rumors and legends, almost nobody (except the caretaker) actually believes.
In trademark Rolfe fashion, following the initial terror, the Horror gets sneaky and subtle, while author Rolfe cleverly elicits our empathy for several innocent characters drawn into this unfolding incredible reality. Prepare for some sleepless nights after reading this startling novella!
[Previously published in the DARK TIDES Series. ]
In trademark Rolfe fashion, following the initial terror, the Horror gets sneaky and subtle, while author Rolfe cleverly elicits our empathy for several innocent characters drawn into this unfolding incredible reality. Prepare for some sleepless nights after reading this startling novella!
[Previously published in the DARK TIDES Series. ]
February 20, 2024
This is a fun little book - very Creature from the Black Lagoon-ish.
While the book is short, the author does a good job of building the characters into full and interesting people.
I was very concerned for our two kids and thoroughly enjoyed the read!
While the book is short, the author does a good job of building the characters into full and interesting people.
I was very concerned for our two kids and thoroughly enjoyed the read!
February 21, 2024
“He turned and found himself in the shadow of a grotesque impossibility.”
Glenn Rolfe in his new creature feature, tells the story of a young teenager and a foster child find themselves in the woods next to a lake in Maine. For years a Vietnam vet has been protecting the secrets of this lake and unfortunately for these two they are about to come head to head with these dark secrets.
This is a short but thrilling story. It has all the quirks of a creepy creature feature film. It was as though the reader was there with these kids experiencing the horrors that were awaiting them.
The author does great work in telling the tragic back stories of the characters involved which make the reader empathise with their situation.
Combining this with the terror thats always around the corner, this story was a fun read a lot of people would enjoy.
Many thanks to @netgall for a copy of this book.
Glenn Rolfe in his new creature feature, tells the story of a young teenager and a foster child find themselves in the woods next to a lake in Maine. For years a Vietnam vet has been protecting the secrets of this lake and unfortunately for these two they are about to come head to head with these dark secrets.
This is a short but thrilling story. It has all the quirks of a creepy creature feature film. It was as though the reader was there with these kids experiencing the horrors that were awaiting them.
The author does great work in telling the tragic back stories of the characters involved which make the reader empathise with their situation.
Combining this with the terror thats always around the corner, this story was a fun read a lot of people would enjoy.
Many thanks to @netgall for a copy of this book.
February 23, 2024
I love a good creature feature, and this one is short, gory, and I loved it. it was very easy and fast to read.
This story reminds me of Humanoids from the Deep, but less cheesy, this was more atmospheric, darker, I would say it reminds me of Creature from the Black Lagoon, but I have not seen the whole movie as yet (I know. I know. It is on my to watch list)
Like any good story, It left me wanting more, maybe some background about the monster, or some more of the monster POV, but I did love the ending!
It also made me realise there is not a lot of lake monster out there these days, so this was a pleasant change from, werewolf's and vampires, (which I also love) but I always like finding new and different creatures.
All in all, if you are craving a quick easy to read creature feature, then this will hit the spot.
This story reminds me of Humanoids from the Deep, but less cheesy, this was more atmospheric, darker, I would say it reminds me of Creature from the Black Lagoon, but I have not seen the whole movie as yet (I know. I know. It is on my to watch list)
Like any good story, It left me wanting more, maybe some background about the monster, or some more of the monster POV, but I did love the ending!
It also made me realise there is not a lot of lake monster out there these days, so this was a pleasant change from, werewolf's and vampires, (which I also love) but I always like finding new and different creatures.
All in all, if you are craving a quick easy to read creature feature, then this will hit the spot.
May 8, 2024
A fun and fast paced creature feature.
I'm a huge fan of this sub genre and thoroughly this quick read. Don't get me wrong, this story wasn't genre defining or setting any new trends, but its still an enjoyable read.
I'm a huge fan of this sub genre and thoroughly this quick read. Don't get me wrong, this story wasn't genre defining or setting any new trends, but its still an enjoyable read.
February 2, 2024
Owens' Lake has a monster, the "Nietzsche Anathema" a curse on the lake and all who dare to near it.
This short novella follows an array of characters as they interact with the cursed lake and it's monster: Leilani a teenage runaway, Maddox the P.I investigating the disappearance of prominent land owner Henry Owens, Francis the elderly veteran guarding his family's lake and it's curse, and Quincy a local boy who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This novella was an experience, like reading a B-movie horror flick where the characters are sleezy and cursing left and right. It Came From The Lake was a quick and fun read reminiscent of something like the show 'Are You Afraid Of The Dark' or 'The Haunting Hour' but for adults.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alien Agenda Publishing, and author Glenn Rolfe for allowing me access to an ARC of this novella.
This short novella follows an array of characters as they interact with the cursed lake and it's monster: Leilani a teenage runaway, Maddox the P.I investigating the disappearance of prominent land owner Henry Owens, Francis the elderly veteran guarding his family's lake and it's curse, and Quincy a local boy who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This novella was an experience, like reading a B-movie horror flick where the characters are sleezy and cursing left and right. It Came From The Lake was a quick and fun read reminiscent of something like the show 'Are You Afraid Of The Dark' or 'The Haunting Hour' but for adults.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alien Agenda Publishing, and author Glenn Rolfe for allowing me access to an ARC of this novella.
February 1, 2024
I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary.
The synopsis is on-point. This book went hard from the very first page, with the pacing afterward just right. The writing is straight to the point, and I didn't feel as though there was a lull in the story when there wasn't action. Kept my attention the whole way.
My only issue, a slight one, which I see from time-to-time, is when an author mentions a Glock firearm, and it having a safety. Glock does not have an external manual safety, like a Smith & Wesson, or Springfield would. The safety mechanism is in the trigger for a Glock.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the hell out of this book
The synopsis is on-point. This book went hard from the very first page, with the pacing afterward just right. The writing is straight to the point, and I didn't feel as though there was a lull in the story when there wasn't action. Kept my attention the whole way.
My only issue, a slight one, which I see from time-to-time, is when an author mentions a Glock firearm, and it having a safety. Glock does not have an external manual safety, like a Smith & Wesson, or Springfield would. The safety mechanism is in the trigger for a Glock.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the hell out of this book
March 4, 2024
This was a fast paced and quick read that was so easy to get lost and immersed into. I always love it when short books like these are so fantastically written that it feels like a full novel.
This gave me massive Stephen King vibes, particularly some of his older work and it felt quite nostalgic.
This was my first time reading from this author and I can’t wait to check out more of their work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alien Agenda Publishing for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This gave me massive Stephen King vibes, particularly some of his older work and it felt quite nostalgic.
This was my first time reading from this author and I can’t wait to check out more of their work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alien Agenda Publishing for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2024
Don't go near the lake.
This was a quick and atmospheric creature feature with a dash of gore. The introduction was immediately gripping. I had to know what was coming next. I enjoyed most of the characters and the way they meshed together throughout the story.
My only real criticism is that I wanted more exploration of the creature.
This was a quick and atmospheric creature feature with a dash of gore. The introduction was immediately gripping. I had to know what was coming next. I enjoyed most of the characters and the way they meshed together throughout the story.
My only real criticism is that I wanted more exploration of the creature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this horror novella! It Came from the Lake is a classic "creature feature", perfect for fans of campy, bloodstained B-Movies.
We follow a few different characters, a teenage runaway, a local kid visiting the lake, a traumatised veteran and a private detective. The characters were interesting, and set up ok considering the books length (although I would have been interested in a little more detail and backstory perhaps). I was very interested to see how their paths would cross as the story progressed.
Plot wise, there are a few unanswered questions for me. I'd be curious to know more about our "creature" and it's background also.
The pacing was fast, short punchy chapters that made this hard to put down. It started with a bang, and maintained it's intensity throughout. Would definitely be interested in reading from this author again!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing a review copy It Came from the Lake!
We follow a few different characters, a teenage runaway, a local kid visiting the lake, a traumatised veteran and a private detective. The characters were interesting, and set up ok considering the books length (although I would have been interested in a little more detail and backstory perhaps). I was very interested to see how their paths would cross as the story progressed.
Plot wise, there are a few unanswered questions for me. I'd be curious to know more about our "creature" and it's background also.
The pacing was fast, short punchy chapters that made this hard to put down. It started with a bang, and maintained it's intensity throughout. Would definitely be interested in reading from this author again!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing a review copy It Came from the Lake!
January 31, 2024
This is fairly good as a high school creative writing paper. The characters lacked depth, or even concrete details such as their age. The monster had a ridiculous name that makes no sense (cryptid names are usually to do with their location) and if he was always wandering the woods he wasn't much of a lake monster and seems like he'd have been hunted down years ago since he was killing people. There was zero explanation for why it was in a man-made lake, why the Owens family was apparently protecting it, or why it attacked people. Also, if getting reverse mouth to mouth caused people to become like the monster, where are all the other people it's taken? Why didn't Quincy change? This has real potential but definitely needs critical thinking applied to the plot and to be fleshed out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
A solid, old school creature feature. Reminiscent of Creature from the Black Lagoon and Humanoids from the Deep (except No SA in this book). We have 4 major players: Francis Owens, a Vietnam War vet turned recluse; Maddox, a PI who trails his target to the lake and 2 teens; Leilani, a Runaway and Quincy, a local who skipped out on school. All of their fates converge to cross paths with the Lake Monster. A quick, fun read under 100 pages. Was originally included in 1 of the Dark Tide volumes.
February 20, 2024
This was a wild ride of wild creature feature gush and gore in 86 page novella! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Absolutely loved the B horror movie feel to it
It has a new type of cryptid, so strap in if you're freaked out by them. Reminded me of the horror books I read as a kid but in adult form. Which is a breath of fresh air for a chnage.
I just reviewed It Came From The Lake by Glenn Rolfe. #ItCameFromTheLake #NetGalley
It has a new type of cryptid, so strap in if you're freaked out by them. Reminded me of the horror books I read as a kid but in adult form. Which is a breath of fresh air for a chnage.
I just reviewed It Came From The Lake by Glenn Rolfe. #ItCameFromTheLake #NetGalley
February 25, 2024
It came from the lake, this is a short story. But it really packed a punch! You got in depth information about characters and a fantastic storyline! I loveeee creature features and this was right up my alley! It gave me gory adult goosebump vibes. I see others have said the same! (I hope the author was going for something like this). This was such an enjoyable read, I’ll definitely check out other titles by this author!
February 24, 2024
3.75 🌟 rounded down for Goodreads
This was an entertaining and quick creature feature read. I loved the descriptions of the creature and the characters. The ending was good too and it was gory enough.
Not really much more to say about this one.
Read if you like cryptids and creepy woods settings.
Thank you Netgalley, Publishers and the author for my eARC of this book.
All opinions are my own and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
This was an entertaining and quick creature feature read. I loved the descriptions of the creature and the characters. The ending was good too and it was gory enough.
Not really much more to say about this one.
Read if you like cryptids and creepy woods settings.
Thank you Netgalley, Publishers and the author for my eARC of this book.
All opinions are my own and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
February 4, 2024
God I love me a creature feature and this one hits home.
It’s quick
It’s gritty
And the ending fits so well for this type of book!
It’s quick
It’s gritty
And the ending fits so well for this type of book!
February 9, 2024
'It Came From The Lake' was full of action and monsters (both aquatic and a couple of human varieties), right from the beginning!
Before I started reading, I wondered, with the book being as short as it is, if the story might feel like it was missing details or incomplete. I shouldn't have worried at all. This was a fast-paced story that tied all of the characters together one chapter at a time and wrapped everything up in a nice neat package by the end. The Lake Monster was described in perfect detail and reminded me of something from The X-Files.
This was a really fun read, I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a good monster story that's quick and easy to get through.
Before I started reading, I wondered, with the book being as short as it is, if the story might feel like it was missing details or incomplete. I shouldn't have worried at all. This was a fast-paced story that tied all of the characters together one chapter at a time and wrapped everything up in a nice neat package by the end. The Lake Monster was described in perfect detail and reminded me of something from The X-Files.
This was a really fun read, I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a good monster story that's quick and easy to get through.
March 5, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy of It Comes from the Lake! I had a great time reading this short book. It really reminded me of Stephen King in that every sentence oozed each individual character’s personality, which is so fun to read when done well and is necessary in a shorter-length book with many points of view. As a Mainer, I loved each little tidbit about my home state that made its way into this story. Leilani was one of my favorite characters and a nearly perfect final girl, and I honestly think I would read a book just about our short-lived characters Deana and Kevin and their story. I haven’t read much creature-horror, but this book was really fun, and delivered on the creep-factor for me! I look forward to reading more Glenn Rolfe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
Very atmospheric & dreadful! Love his writing style, he’s so good at setting a scene that it makes you feel present in the story! This is another short fun horrific tale from this author! Definitely I’ll read anything he puts out next!
February 10, 2024
I did enjoy this book. I liked the story itself, but I wish we had more information throughout the book. I also had issues with how often we changed characters during every chapter, but it all tied together nicely.
March 26, 2024
Right from the beginning, I knew this was going to be a doozy. Belgrade, Maine, is the home of a large manmade lake, owned by rich a$$hole Henry Owens. His brother, a Vietnam Vet named Francis, lives on the lake and keeps out trespassers, while covering up the incidents of their little friend. You see, it's not just furry little friends that wander the woods around the lake. There is something much bigger and nastier than most of the creatures, and he goes by the name "Nietzsche Anathema."
Who doesn't love a lake monster? Nessie, Champ, and Nietzsche. I must confess - I kept imagining the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Just me?
But ol' Nietzsche was much much nastier. This still felt like reading a wonderful B Horror Movie, and I loved it. The end was a lovely touch.
Who doesn't love a lake monster? Nessie, Champ, and Nietzsche. I must confess - I kept imagining the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Just me?
But ol' Nietzsche was much much nastier. This still felt like reading a wonderful B Horror Movie, and I loved it. The end was a lovely touch.
February 3, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars rounded up.
Even though It Came From The Lake is a short story, nothing is missing! The story is fast paced, easy to follow and thoroughly gripping. I loved the multiple POV’s and the eerie setting
My first from this author but I will definitely be checking out other titles
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Alien Agenda Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
Even though It Came From The Lake is a short story, nothing is missing! The story is fast paced, easy to follow and thoroughly gripping. I loved the multiple POV’s and the eerie setting
My first from this author but I will definitely be checking out other titles
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Alien Agenda Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
April 11, 2024
It Came From The Lake primarily follows two teens who stumble into danger in this creature feature. A short, easy read. I think it did well enough for its length with a decent atmosphere, kills, and description of the creature. The book changed POV frequently, and I found it hard to care about anyone. Overall a decent creature feature if you’re looking for a short book. Thank you to net galley for the arc.
February 22, 2024
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
"ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜʀɪʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇɴɪɴɢ ᴄᴀᴍᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ, ᴇᴄʜᴏɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴛʜʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴇᴇꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢ."
It Came From The Lake is a creature-feature horror short from Glenn Rolfe. I got through this book easily in a day, and it is a good pick for someone just looking for a quick read!
One of the strengths of this book was the creature - it had a unique premise, and I loved some of its behaviors. It was very creepy, and it certainly gave me a sense of dread when it was described on the page.
The ending was the strongest part of this book to me, including the fun twist at the very end - it gave a payoff for the buildup!
A few things didn't hit the mark for me. Some sentences felt forced and took me out of the moment, especially in the middle of the action-packed sequences. For example, "Qᴜɪɴᴄʏ ʀᴇᴀᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʀɪᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴡᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɴɢꜱ ᴍᴏᴠɪᴇꜱ ʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪꜱ ᴅᴀᴅ." It feels so out of place to be building this character during a fast-moving scene, and these moments really made me stumble during some of these critical pacing beats.
The POV jumping was fun, but I think sometimes confusing. The segments could have been longer to prevent whiplash as we were first learning about these characters. I do think Lelani's portion was the best executed in this way, where I felt like I knew her voice and background well from her first scene.
"ʟᴇɪʟᴀɴɪ ᴡᴀꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴜᴘ ᴀɴᴅ ɢɪᴠɪɴɢ ᴀ ꜱʜɪᴛ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴇᴡ ᴛᴇʀʀɪᴛᴏʀʏ. ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅɴ'ᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ."
A couple of things felt like misses to me - the way Leilani was portrayed racially felt out of touch, to put it lightly, and the same could be said about the mental health issues that Francis was dealing with. I know these things are less critically examined often in the Horror genre, but some moments felt really unneeded to drive the characters and their stories, even in an edgy or gritty context.
TW: Sexual Assault, Gore, Murder, Drug Mention, Abuse, Racism, PTSD
Quotes:
"ᴛʜᴇʏ ꜱᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ʜᴇʀᴇ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴏᴡᴇɴꜱ ʙᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏɴᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴄʀᴇᴀɢᴇ ꜱᴜʀʀᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢ ɪᴛ. ʟᴏᴛ ᴏꜰ ʟᴏᴄᴀʟꜱ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴅ ꜱʜɪᴛ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴄᴜᴍʙᴀɢ ʀɪᴄʜ ʙᴏʏ ᴀɴᴅ ʜɪꜱ ɢʀᴇᴇᴅʏ ᴡɪꜰᴇ ꜱᴄᴏᴏᴘᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴜᴘ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴜʏ ɪᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴇꜱᴇʀᴠᴇ ɪᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ."
"'ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ?' ᴍᴀᴅᴅᴏx ᴀꜱᴋᴇᴅ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ ɪɴ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀɢᴏᴛᴛᴇɴ.
ᴋʏʟᴇ ᴘᴜʟʟᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄɪɢᴀʀᴇᴛᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴄᴋ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴀʙʟᴇ. ʜᴇ ᴛᴡɪʀʟᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜɪꜱ ᴛʜᴜᴍʙ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀᴇꜰɪɴɢᴇʀ. 'ɪᴛ ʟɪᴠᴇꜱ ʙᴇɴᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴋᴇ'"
#ItCameFromTheLake #NetGalley
"ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜʀɪʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇɴɪɴɢ ᴄᴀᴍᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ, ᴇᴄʜᴏɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴛʜʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴇᴇꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢ."
It Came From The Lake is a creature-feature horror short from Glenn Rolfe. I got through this book easily in a day, and it is a good pick for someone just looking for a quick read!
One of the strengths of this book was the creature - it had a unique premise, and I loved some of its behaviors. It was very creepy, and it certainly gave me a sense of dread when it was described on the page.
The ending was the strongest part of this book to me, including the fun twist at the very end - it gave a payoff for the buildup!
A few things didn't hit the mark for me. Some sentences felt forced and took me out of the moment, especially in the middle of the action-packed sequences. For example, "Qᴜɪɴᴄʏ ʀᴇᴀᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʀɪᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴡᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɴɢꜱ ᴍᴏᴠɪᴇꜱ ʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪꜱ ᴅᴀᴅ." It feels so out of place to be building this character during a fast-moving scene, and these moments really made me stumble during some of these critical pacing beats.
The POV jumping was fun, but I think sometimes confusing. The segments could have been longer to prevent whiplash as we were first learning about these characters. I do think Lelani's portion was the best executed in this way, where I felt like I knew her voice and background well from her first scene.
"ʟᴇɪʟᴀɴɪ ᴡᴀꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴜᴘ ᴀɴᴅ ɢɪᴠɪɴɢ ᴀ ꜱʜɪᴛ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴇᴡ ᴛᴇʀʀɪᴛᴏʀʏ. ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅɴ'ᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ."
A couple of things felt like misses to me - the way Leilani was portrayed racially felt out of touch, to put it lightly, and the same could be said about the mental health issues that Francis was dealing with. I know these things are less critically examined often in the Horror genre, but some moments felt really unneeded to drive the characters and their stories, even in an edgy or gritty context.
TW: Sexual Assault, Gore, Murder, Drug Mention, Abuse, Racism, PTSD
Quotes:
"ᴛʜᴇʏ ꜱᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ʜᴇʀᴇ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴏᴡᴇɴꜱ ʙᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏɴᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴄʀᴇᴀɢᴇ ꜱᴜʀʀᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢ ɪᴛ. ʟᴏᴛ ᴏꜰ ʟᴏᴄᴀʟꜱ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴅ ꜱʜɪᴛ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴄᴜᴍʙᴀɢ ʀɪᴄʜ ʙᴏʏ ᴀɴᴅ ʜɪꜱ ɢʀᴇᴇᴅʏ ᴡɪꜰᴇ ꜱᴄᴏᴏᴘᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴜᴘ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴜʏ ɪᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴇꜱᴇʀᴠᴇ ɪᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ."
"'ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ?' ᴍᴀᴅᴅᴏx ᴀꜱᴋᴇᴅ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ ɪɴ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀɢᴏᴛᴛᴇɴ.
ᴋʏʟᴇ ᴘᴜʟʟᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄɪɢᴀʀᴇᴛᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴄᴋ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴀʙʟᴇ. ʜᴇ ᴛᴡɪʀʟᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜɪꜱ ᴛʜᴜᴍʙ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀᴇꜰɪɴɢᴇʀ. 'ɪᴛ ʟɪᴠᴇꜱ ʙᴇɴᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴋᴇ'"
#ItCameFromTheLake #NetGalley
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