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Symphony of Screams
"In an asylum where terror eclipses compassion, one man must face the ultimate nightmare. The chilling truth behind these walls will haunt your every thought."
Step into the shadows of 1969, where Ethan's return to Talmage uncovers a psychiatric hospital steeped in unspeakable horrors. Behind its foreboding walls, the echoes of a deranged doctor's gruesome experiments scream through the darkness. This is no place for hope or compassion.
Whispers of horrific mutilations hit disturbingly close to home, compelling Ethan to uncover the connection between the asylum’s twisted corridors and the mysterious afflictions tormenting its patients. As he delves deeper into this nightmarish labyrinth, the line between reality and madness blurs, revealing layers of terror and deception.
With time running out, the psychological torment and relentless horrors show no signs of ending. Ethan must confront the twisted doctor, whose sinister manipulations extend far beyond the institution's aging walls, ensnaring everyone who dares to enter. Driven by a desperate need for revenge and to save the ones he loves, Ethan must face his darkest fears to make it out alive.
"Symphony of Screams" is a spine-chilling journey into the depths of psychological horror, exposing the stark realities of the human psyche. Enter an infamous psychiatric hospital where fear, loyalty, and darkness intertwine. Will Ethan survive the horrors within, or will he become another victim of this gruesome legacy?
These stories will contain gore and mature content, and are NOT for the faint of heart!!
Step into the shadows of 1969, where Ethan's return to Talmage uncovers a psychiatric hospital steeped in unspeakable horrors. Behind its foreboding walls, the echoes of a deranged doctor's gruesome experiments scream through the darkness. This is no place for hope or compassion.
Whispers of horrific mutilations hit disturbingly close to home, compelling Ethan to uncover the connection between the asylum’s twisted corridors and the mysterious afflictions tormenting its patients. As he delves deeper into this nightmarish labyrinth, the line between reality and madness blurs, revealing layers of terror and deception.
With time running out, the psychological torment and relentless horrors show no signs of ending. Ethan must confront the twisted doctor, whose sinister manipulations extend far beyond the institution's aging walls, ensnaring everyone who dares to enter. Driven by a desperate need for revenge and to save the ones he loves, Ethan must face his darkest fears to make it out alive.
"Symphony of Screams" is a spine-chilling journey into the depths of psychological horror, exposing the stark realities of the human psyche. Enter an infamous psychiatric hospital where fear, loyalty, and darkness intertwine. Will Ethan survive the horrors within, or will he become another victim of this gruesome legacy?
These stories will contain gore and mature content, and are NOT for the faint of heart!!
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2024
100 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 4, 2024
Can something be beautiful and disturbing at the same time? Because this book definitely was. The descriptions alone, I felt like I was standing in the dark in front of that Asylum, hearing every sound. I completely recommend this book
June 10, 2024
Kit Lewis' 'Symphony of Screams' is the quintessential mental asylum horror book, gathering every kind of nightmarish situation you can think of taking place in a place like this (with the exception of sexual abuse): people get kidnapped and forced to undergo horrific 'treatments,' namely both psychological and physical torture, from dental surgeries and unnecessary lobotomies to restrained isolation and bodily degradation, while insane doctors laugh and enjoy the visceral violence.
However, the book is not extreme horror: there's some gore and, of course, several triggering situations, but the images and the feelings, vivid and descriptive, have a point, and that is certainly not to shock or disturb for its own sake. This is, presumably, a portrayal of hell, rather than a proper portrait of mental institutions in the 1960s. Every little fictional detail contributes to the formation of a traumatizing, delusional logic, a intentionally horrific narrative rather than a faithful depiction of any barbaric procedures (though there is that as well!).
The book starts calmly, slowly setting the stage for later, as Ethan, the young protagonist, keeps noticing strange things happening around the local psychiatric hospital; once he decides to investigate, bringing along his two good friends, Mike and Sarah, all hell breaks loose and the story goes into overdrive, hitting the reader with one nasty twist after another. The terrifying scenes do not let up, as the author keeps conjuring, with well-chosen phrases, deeply upsetting images: visions of unfortunate victims lacking any possible avenues of escape from the deranged, psychotic doctor responsible for the place, the infamous Dr. Blackwell. At some point, the story calms down a bit, and what follows is a (admittedly, rather bizarre) journey of the main characters assimilating what has happened to them inside the asylum. And then there's that very strange, worrisome ending, when the lines between reality and fiction, innocence and guilt, totally blur and victimhood takes on an entirely unpredictable meaning! The ending will certainly raise a few eyebrows.
Although I personally found the writing a bit old-fashioned, the fast-pacing of the story and the relentless portrayal of 'asylum horror' hit all the right spots and kept me entertained. I recommend it as a story that kept me on pins and needles, with hardly a dull moment!
However, the book is not extreme horror: there's some gore and, of course, several triggering situations, but the images and the feelings, vivid and descriptive, have a point, and that is certainly not to shock or disturb for its own sake. This is, presumably, a portrayal of hell, rather than a proper portrait of mental institutions in the 1960s. Every little fictional detail contributes to the formation of a traumatizing, delusional logic, a intentionally horrific narrative rather than a faithful depiction of any barbaric procedures (though there is that as well!).
The book starts calmly, slowly setting the stage for later, as Ethan, the young protagonist, keeps noticing strange things happening around the local psychiatric hospital; once he decides to investigate, bringing along his two good friends, Mike and Sarah, all hell breaks loose and the story goes into overdrive, hitting the reader with one nasty twist after another. The terrifying scenes do not let up, as the author keeps conjuring, with well-chosen phrases, deeply upsetting images: visions of unfortunate victims lacking any possible avenues of escape from the deranged, psychotic doctor responsible for the place, the infamous Dr. Blackwell. At some point, the story calms down a bit, and what follows is a (admittedly, rather bizarre) journey of the main characters assimilating what has happened to them inside the asylum. And then there's that very strange, worrisome ending, when the lines between reality and fiction, innocence and guilt, totally blur and victimhood takes on an entirely unpredictable meaning! The ending will certainly raise a few eyebrows.
Although I personally found the writing a bit old-fashioned, the fast-pacing of the story and the relentless portrayal of 'asylum horror' hit all the right spots and kept me entertained. I recommend it as a story that kept me on pins and needles, with hardly a dull moment!
July 7, 2024
This book messed with my brain and I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what the author wanted!
Ethan is too curious about the asylum that’s in his town. Now he’s going to learn what happens when you’re curious.
It is disturbing, horrifying, gruesome, and sadistic. However, if you are a psychological horror fan, then this is for you!
Ethan is too curious about the asylum that’s in his town. Now he’s going to learn what happens when you’re curious.
It is disturbing, horrifying, gruesome, and sadistic. However, if you are a psychological horror fan, then this is for you!
August 4, 2024
I struggled through the first two chapters before deciding to DNF this book. Everything was exposition a la Poe without anything real ever happening. The few sentences where something was actually going on were forced, cliche, and way too simplistic and nowhere near realistic enough to feel scary, intriguing, or tense. I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t make it to the good parts. I read for fun and relaxation, so if it’s hard to find something I’m enjoying about a book, if opening it back up to try to get to the exciting parts feels like torture each day, it’s just not the book for me.
June 14, 2024
An old turn of the century asylum, a small remote town in North Western California and a young man’s curiosity to hearing screams in the night, sightings of shadows, blood covered figures running down the road.
What horrors are taking place in the asylum and why are the town residents so reluctant and afraid to try to stop it?
After he observes patients escaping and guards retrieving them, Ethan decides that he needs to dig deeper into the atrocities being committed within the walls of the asylum. Little does he know that the asylum would capture him as its next victim.
If you want a truly spooky and mind bending story that hits on the edge of truth, this would be it. It’s scary, unsettling, spooky, and gory. It has it all! Does Ethan survive? You’ll have to read it. If you want psychological horror at its best, this one is it.
Kit Lewis has done a phenomenal job in creating his debut novel. He is going to be one to watch for.
What horrors are taking place in the asylum and why are the town residents so reluctant and afraid to try to stop it?
After he observes patients escaping and guards retrieving them, Ethan decides that he needs to dig deeper into the atrocities being committed within the walls of the asylum. Little does he know that the asylum would capture him as its next victim.
If you want a truly spooky and mind bending story that hits on the edge of truth, this would be it. It’s scary, unsettling, spooky, and gory. It has it all! Does Ethan survive? You’ll have to read it. If you want psychological horror at its best, this one is it.
Kit Lewis has done a phenomenal job in creating his debut novel. He is going to be one to watch for.
June 15, 2024
This horror debut novel centers around a mental asylum, a doctor’s tortuous experiments on unwitting subjects, and a young adult determined to put an end to it! I love my asylum settings in books for all the creepy vibes they bring and this one does not disappoint - though it’s more the doctor who is creepy rather than the asylum itself! 😱 No hauntings in this one, book peeps!
I did enjoy this book but I felt the pacing in the earlier portion of the book was a little off. It started out slow, then almost seemed rushed for a bit, and then the rest of the book was at a good pace. I also feel Mike and Sarah needed a little more character development so I would feel more invested in them. Instead, I just wasn’t. 🤷🏼♀️ All in all though, this was a great debut read! 👏
Thank you to Kit Lewis for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I did enjoy this book but I felt the pacing in the earlier portion of the book was a little off. It started out slow, then almost seemed rushed for a bit, and then the rest of the book was at a good pace. I also feel Mike and Sarah needed a little more character development so I would feel more invested in them. Instead, I just wasn’t. 🤷🏼♀️ All in all though, this was a great debut read! 👏
Thank you to Kit Lewis for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 16, 2024
This book was written to methodically transform your involvement with this book as a slow descent into madness. Every page I read made me wither want to scream or put the book down. Every scene of Dr. Blackwell was worst than the previous. The author was able to ensure that the reader would despise Dr. Blackwell and question his reasons for becoming a doctor. I read this book purely on the premise that this book pertaining to a haunted asylum. The asylum was haunted but not in the way the reader would assume. The book was much more intense. I finished this book in a couple of hours due to how I needed to reach the end. This book definitely had an end I did not expect.i look forward to reading more books by this author.
August 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this!
The River Road Asylum has always peaked Ethan’s curiosity. Troubled by what he witnesses, he feels it’s necessary to expose the evil inside. However, his curiosities jeopardize the safety of himself, his friends, and family.
Meet Dr. Blackwell the monster with a sinister agenda and legacy.
Will any of them walk out of the asylum?
Who will survive?
Is it really over though??
What happens inside this asylum is appalling, terrifying, and painful! The horror that unfolds is phenomenally written! You will physically cringe!
I ate this book up!!
The River Road Asylum has always peaked Ethan’s curiosity. Troubled by what he witnesses, he feels it’s necessary to expose the evil inside. However, his curiosities jeopardize the safety of himself, his friends, and family.
Meet Dr. Blackwell the monster with a sinister agenda and legacy.
Will any of them walk out of the asylum?
Who will survive?
Is it really over though??
What happens inside this asylum is appalling, terrifying, and painful! The horror that unfolds is phenomenally written! You will physically cringe!
I ate this book up!!
June 12, 2024
Outstanding Horror Novel Debut
This book is a true page turner. The backstory is in 1969. A small town with a history of people suddenly disappearing, never to be seen again. The asylum in town isn’t discussed by the locals above very secretive whispers. Ethan is overly curious about the rumors of horrific abuse of patients. How far will his curiosity take him and at what cost. A fantastic story!
This book is a true page turner. The backstory is in 1969. A small town with a history of people suddenly disappearing, never to be seen again. The asylum in town isn’t discussed by the locals above very secretive whispers. Ethan is overly curious about the rumors of horrific abuse of patients. How far will his curiosity take him and at what cost. A fantastic story!
June 12, 2024
Wow! This book was a page-turner, and I felt like I was reading an early Stephen King book. The characters, the asylum, and the setting descriptions were so well done that I felt like I was there too, and I even felt anxious at times while I was reading, which is a sign of a great author! I am looking forward to reading more novels from Kit Lewis and I highly recommend this one for a thrilling and enjoyable read.
June 13, 2024
I loved this book! Its was different than the normal psychological horror! I was an arc reader on this book, a first for me and was pleased to read a book that had an original storyline that would keep you on your toes guessing what would happen next! CANNOT WAIT to read what's coming next from Mr. Lewis!!
July 16, 2024
All I can say is, what a ride! This book reminds me of an early Dean Koontz or Stephen Kind novel. There are a few triggers but my oh my what a roller coaster. Poor Ethan was really put through the wringer. I could not believe the ending either. Great read especially for a debut novel. Well done Kit Lewis.
June 30, 2024
What a crazy book. I was in love with it from start to finish. Was a bit gruesome but for all the right reasons. I’ve read asylum horror before but not like this. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
July 29, 2024
couldn't finish it
The writing style was awkward, almost pretentious. And the story was both predictable and way over the top. By the time I was a few chapters in, I found myself not really caring that much what happened.
The writing style was awkward, almost pretentious. And the story was both predictable and way over the top. By the time I was a few chapters in, I found myself not really caring that much what happened.
September 11, 2024
Review
I chose the rating as it is a good read and did keep me gripped. Nevertheless the we're alot of , repeating and lots of fancy words that at times didn't need it. Although I have recommended it to my friends and family
I chose the rating as it is a good read and did keep me gripped. Nevertheless the we're alot of , repeating and lots of fancy words that at times didn't need it. Although I have recommended it to my friends and family
November 14, 2024
Kit Lewis writes so that as you read you feel like you are transported into the book. This horror, painted such vivid pictures that I felt as if I were standing right next to them as everything was happening.
June 12, 2024
This debut from this author was absolutely amazing. it has been a long time since a horror novel has creeped me out but this one was able to in spades..I would highly recommend this book.
July 6, 2024
Well that was unexpected. If your looking for horror that will screw with your head than this is it. Wow.
Can’t wait to read more of this authors work.
Can’t wait to read more of this authors work.
October 30, 2024
Lost the plot
Started off ok, very atmospheric, its like its two different books, good first half, pretty. terrible second half. Given it 3 stars for the novelty.
Started off ok, very atmospheric, its like its two different books, good first half, pretty. terrible second half. Given it 3 stars for the novelty.
March 5, 2025
Book
Is totally insane.
Is totally insane.
Read
May 30, 2025Good writing but poor story. DNF.
February 28, 2025
I love how this book was different from other psychological horror books, I felt like this book had an original story line to it and I appreciate that it was a fantastic and spooky read. It was an entertaining read and kept me on my toes the entire time. I will definitely be reading more from this author
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews