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Memoriam
A full moon night. A mountain notorious for human disappearances. And a young rebel without a cause. What could go wrong?
It's 1954 and Johnny, a vain 19-year-old greaser, just wants to live fast and die young. Every month, he and his gang head to Flattop Mountain, a strange, flat-peaked place infamous for countless urban legends. Johnny’s glad the tales keep stiffs away—it gives his pack a secluded spot to have a rollicking good time.
But on October 13th, they are not the only ones on Flattop Mountain. There are things lurking in the woods, and they have an ancient score to settle. Now, with these ravenous forces closing in, Johnny is his friends’ only hope.
Will he succeed in keeping his friends alive, or are Johnny and his gang destined to become another legend of Flattop Mountain?
It's 1954 and Johnny, a vain 19-year-old greaser, just wants to live fast and die young. Every month, he and his gang head to Flattop Mountain, a strange, flat-peaked place infamous for countless urban legends. Johnny’s glad the tales keep stiffs away—it gives his pack a secluded spot to have a rollicking good time.
But on October 13th, they are not the only ones on Flattop Mountain. There are things lurking in the woods, and they have an ancient score to settle. Now, with these ravenous forces closing in, Johnny is his friends’ only hope.
Will he succeed in keeping his friends alive, or are Johnny and his gang destined to become another legend of Flattop Mountain?
515 pages, ebook
Published October 13, 2024
14 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Ray
7 books370 followersJeremy Ray graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a MFA in Dramatic Writing. He is the recipient of the Max K. Lerner Playwriting Fellowship for his play Boiling Point and the Shubert Playwriting Fellowship for his play Sisters of Transformation. His work has been performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and his screenplays have placed in the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Competition, The Academy Nicholl Fellowship, and the ScreenCraft Drama Contest.
However, he is most fond of prose. He spends his free time devouring books like the bookworm he is.
🐛🐛🐛𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀? 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 ...
https://litelink.at/jeremyraystories
However, he is most fond of prose. He spends his free time devouring books like the bookworm he is.
🐛🐛🐛𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀? 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 ...
https://litelink.at/jeremyraystories
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 29, 2024
2.5 ⭐ CW: (provided by the author) alcohol and drug use, animal harm, blood, gore, body horror, bullying, cannibalism, child abuse, clowns, death, death of a child, death of a parent, domestic, violence, forced pregnancy, gun violence, homophobia, infanticide, kidnapping, miscarriage, misogyny, parricide, pregnancy, racism, self-harm, sexual assault, slut shaming, snakes, strong language, theft, underage drinking, vandalism, violence
Memoriam by Jeremy Ray is a horror set in the 1950s. I received a free e-book copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I've been really into horror lately, but this wasn't it for me.
We follow Johnny, a 19 year old, vain greaser who fancies himself a rebel. Every full moon he and his friends go up to Flattop Mountain to drink stolen booze, but this particular night, things get weird. Johnny is also plagued by nightmares and visions that seem to get worse as the night goes on. Before they only ended with his death, now his visions show his friends' deaths. When they get to Flattop Mountain, they discover a circus they have never heard of is happening. Things are lurking in the woods, what's in the tent isn't what they expect. It's more than just creepy clowns.
This book was just way too long. Honestly, it should been 200 pages shorter. It just felt like the author kept adding things and gave it a "and then this happened and this happened--oh and another thing!" Vibe. The story lacked direction and purpose. I like my horror to have some sort of allegory, but this just seemed to be some wild, gorey shit. The pacing was really off in the middle as well. It got really slow and had more tell than show elements. So many of the chapters were just dialogue.
There was an attempt at some interesting world-building aspects with the trolls and their creation story, but I just felt like it didn't pay off for the story. If that hadn't been there at all it wouldn't have affected the story. The author did say at the beginning of the book that the story was born out of a dream he had, and that he wanted to keep all the elements from it in there, but he probably should have edited it down a bit more.
It was a bit disappointing considering I absolutely loved his story The Houseplant. If you're looking for a very weird and gorey read with lots of clown imagery, I guess this might work for you. This book is out now, but only until December 31st.
Memoriam by Jeremy Ray is a horror set in the 1950s. I received a free e-book copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I've been really into horror lately, but this wasn't it for me.
We follow Johnny, a 19 year old, vain greaser who fancies himself a rebel. Every full moon he and his friends go up to Flattop Mountain to drink stolen booze, but this particular night, things get weird. Johnny is also plagued by nightmares and visions that seem to get worse as the night goes on. Before they only ended with his death, now his visions show his friends' deaths. When they get to Flattop Mountain, they discover a circus they have never heard of is happening. Things are lurking in the woods, what's in the tent isn't what they expect. It's more than just creepy clowns.
This book was just way too long. Honestly, it should been 200 pages shorter. It just felt like the author kept adding things and gave it a "and then this happened and this happened--oh and another thing!" Vibe. The story lacked direction and purpose. I like my horror to have some sort of allegory, but this just seemed to be some wild, gorey shit. The pacing was really off in the middle as well. It got really slow and had more tell than show elements. So many of the chapters were just dialogue.
There was an attempt at some interesting world-building aspects with the trolls and their creation story, but I just felt like it didn't pay off for the story. If that hadn't been there at all it wouldn't have affected the story. The author did say at the beginning of the book that the story was born out of a dream he had, and that he wanted to keep all the elements from it in there, but he probably should have edited it down a bit more.
It was a bit disappointing considering I absolutely loved his story The Houseplant. If you're looking for a very weird and gorey read with lots of clown imagery, I guess this might work for you. This book is out now, but only until December 31st.
October 18, 2024
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Jeremy Ray in exchange for an honest review. Even though this was a gift, that doesn’t influence my opinions because Jeremy Ray has been an instant favorite of mine since I discovered him in 2020!
What a ride! Jeremy’s writing is visceral. He knows how to tell a great story full of dread and horror. The characters feel so real because they have depth. I really felt like I was part of the friend group. Jeremy mostly writes horror, but he's good at genre-jumping, so don't expect to get a one-punch-book with this one. He writes his own path instead of being trapped into genre boxes. I felt like I was in this story because Jeremy has such a way with words. His writing is so immersive! The sights, smells, sounds, and everything else were so vivid! There are plenty of twists along the way as well. This is the perfect spooky season read!
What a ride! Jeremy’s writing is visceral. He knows how to tell a great story full of dread and horror. The characters feel so real because they have depth. I really felt like I was part of the friend group. Jeremy mostly writes horror, but he's good at genre-jumping, so don't expect to get a one-punch-book with this one. He writes his own path instead of being trapped into genre boxes. I felt like I was in this story because Jeremy has such a way with words. His writing is so immersive! The sights, smells, sounds, and everything else were so vivid! There are plenty of twists along the way as well. This is the perfect spooky season read!
December 28, 2024
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Jeremy Ray in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have been a fan of Jeremy Ray since 2021 when I read The Houseplant! I was lucky enough to have been chosen to be a beta reader last year for this book and I loved being able to read the finished novel!
Jeremy Ray is one of the most talented authors I know! He has written stories in different genres and they were all so wonderfully unique!
This is a horror story, I am not a big fan of horror when it comes to books, but I really, really enjoyed this one! There were some really gruesome scenes, believe me, but the whole story, it’s so uniquely and well written, that I had to read it! The characters were all wonderful and there was so much depth to them! The way the story progresses is really mind blowing! You felt like you really were a part of the story! It was also very moving at times! Loved it and I wholeheartedly recommend it!!!
I have been a fan of Jeremy Ray since 2021 when I read The Houseplant! I was lucky enough to have been chosen to be a beta reader last year for this book and I loved being able to read the finished novel!
Jeremy Ray is one of the most talented authors I know! He has written stories in different genres and they were all so wonderfully unique!
This is a horror story, I am not a big fan of horror when it comes to books, but I really, really enjoyed this one! There were some really gruesome scenes, believe me, but the whole story, it’s so uniquely and well written, that I had to read it! The characters were all wonderful and there was so much depth to them! The way the story progresses is really mind blowing! You felt like you really were a part of the story! It was also very moving at times! Loved it and I wholeheartedly recommend it!!!
December 14, 2024
Soo I'm so sorry Jeremy I totally thought I'd posted my review earlier 🙈
I Beta read this originally and I'm so proud that it's finally out in the wild!!
I love Jeremy's writing style and creepiness he brings to his stories ... I have ARC read several of his stories.... and I love the atmospheric vibes he does so well!
This is honestly an extremely creepy book 😅 I loved it! The circus/Mountain Top/Woods setting, the constant toing and froing as to whether this was all in his head ... nah its not in his head ... yeah this is definitely in his head had me having whip lash 🤣🤣 it constantly kept me guessing!!
I also loved the side characters too!
This is a very gory read so please bare that in mind!
If you want a good creepy, gory story that will make you not want to put the book down .... this is for you! (Also I have my name in my first ever book!! 😍)
💫THIS BOOK IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO BUY UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR .... so if you want to read it, you need to buy it now before it's too late!
I Beta read this originally and I'm so proud that it's finally out in the wild!!
I love Jeremy's writing style and creepiness he brings to his stories ... I have ARC read several of his stories.... and I love the atmospheric vibes he does so well!
This is honestly an extremely creepy book 😅 I loved it! The circus/Mountain Top/Woods setting, the constant toing and froing as to whether this was all in his head ... nah its not in his head ... yeah this is definitely in his head had me having whip lash 🤣🤣 it constantly kept me guessing!!
I also loved the side characters too!
This is a very gory read so please bare that in mind!
If you want a good creepy, gory story that will make you not want to put the book down .... this is for you! (Also I have my name in my first ever book!! 😍)
💫THIS BOOK IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO BUY UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR .... so if you want to read it, you need to buy it now before it's too late!
November 18, 2024
Memoriam by Jeremy Ray
Thank you to Jeremy for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've spent a lot of time getting to know the characters in this novel as I was chosen to beta read the book earlier in the year so from my early reading and many notes it's interesting to see how it has evolved into the finished product.
At just over 500 pages this horror novel will immerse you into the life of Johnny and his friends back in October 1954. Johnny is well known for getting into trouble. At nineteen he runs with a small gang and fashions himself after James Dean with a live fast & die young attitude.
One of the gangs favourite pastimes is to steal alcohol and then meet up to drink on Flattop Mountain. This wooded plateau provides a quiet space as the locals stay well away due to tales of disappearances and fear of monsters.
One fateful day Johnny talks his girlfriend Billy Jean and her friend Thomas into accompanying him to meet Fang, Maude, Simon and Sally on the mountain top.
What Johnny doesn't tell them is that he's been having visions or nightmares involving an angel of death warning him not to go.
After an adventure to get some alcohol that becomes much more tense than imagined they arrive at Flattop Mountain to find it full of people all ready to enter a mysterious circus.
If you have a fear of clowns then prepare to also develop a fear of anything to do with a circus as the horror & terror soon ramps up. Can Johnny help save his friends or are they doomed to become another scary legend?
Jeremy really gets into the heads of the characters and makes them real which certainly adds to the emotion when bad stuff happens to them and, oh boy, things go wrong real quick.
There's a slow build up and then we're into full on horror territory and then the novel slows down in the second half somewhat with added monster mythology, character study, and story twists and turns.
An October nightmare with a surprisingly emotional end.
Thank you to Jeremy for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've spent a lot of time getting to know the characters in this novel as I was chosen to beta read the book earlier in the year so from my early reading and many notes it's interesting to see how it has evolved into the finished product.
At just over 500 pages this horror novel will immerse you into the life of Johnny and his friends back in October 1954. Johnny is well known for getting into trouble. At nineteen he runs with a small gang and fashions himself after James Dean with a live fast & die young attitude.
One of the gangs favourite pastimes is to steal alcohol and then meet up to drink on Flattop Mountain. This wooded plateau provides a quiet space as the locals stay well away due to tales of disappearances and fear of monsters.
One fateful day Johnny talks his girlfriend Billy Jean and her friend Thomas into accompanying him to meet Fang, Maude, Simon and Sally on the mountain top.
What Johnny doesn't tell them is that he's been having visions or nightmares involving an angel of death warning him not to go.
After an adventure to get some alcohol that becomes much more tense than imagined they arrive at Flattop Mountain to find it full of people all ready to enter a mysterious circus.
If you have a fear of clowns then prepare to also develop a fear of anything to do with a circus as the horror & terror soon ramps up. Can Johnny help save his friends or are they doomed to become another scary legend?
Jeremy really gets into the heads of the characters and makes them real which certainly adds to the emotion when bad stuff happens to them and, oh boy, things go wrong real quick.
There's a slow build up and then we're into full on horror territory and then the novel slows down in the second half somewhat with added monster mythology, character study, and story twists and turns.
An October nightmare with a surprisingly emotional end.
November 21, 2024
Jeremy Ray's debute novel Memoriam is Rollercoaster of a story, in every good way
Johnny Grano, a greaser with a taste for danger, is haunted nightly by the Angel of Death, a green cat eyed beauty with a scarlet smile.
Johnny's nightmares become reality when the Lunar Circus, an odd circus, comes into the tired, sleppy little town of Whispering Hill. What will Johnny's do to save his friends and Billy Jean, the girl who owns his heart.
I was so honored to have the opportunity to beta read Memoriam, and I have to say this story is absolutely AMAZING! Memoriam made me feel so many different emotions. The characters are written so well that you can't not feel for them.
Every character in this story is so intriguing. The characters I loved I felt so tied to, and I felt personally invested in their fate. At the same time, some of the characters I absolutely couldn't stand, and some I hated. Gave me a new perspective on life in different ways.
Memoriam is a story I will never forget. It's a story that's very beautiful and heartbreaking! It will forever touch my heart!
Johnny Grano, a greaser with a taste for danger, is haunted nightly by the Angel of Death, a green cat eyed beauty with a scarlet smile.
Johnny's nightmares become reality when the Lunar Circus, an odd circus, comes into the tired, sleppy little town of Whispering Hill. What will Johnny's do to save his friends and Billy Jean, the girl who owns his heart.
I was so honored to have the opportunity to beta read Memoriam, and I have to say this story is absolutely AMAZING! Memoriam made me feel so many different emotions. The characters are written so well that you can't not feel for them.
Every character in this story is so intriguing. The characters I loved I felt so tied to, and I felt personally invested in their fate. At the same time, some of the characters I absolutely couldn't stand, and some I hated. Gave me a new perspective on life in different ways.
Memoriam is a story I will never forget. It's a story that's very beautiful and heartbreaking! It will forever touch my heart!
November 13, 2024
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! My first horror/thriller story that I actually loved! After reading the trigger warnings for this one, I honestly didn't think I'd be able to read it. But once I was into it, I couldn't put it down. I have never been able to finish a 500 page book in two days, like ever but let me tell you I was carrying my kindle around with me everywhere I went to make sure I didn't miss a moment.
What a ride! What a thrilling ride! Jeremy has such a way with words. His world descriptions and character building is so good, I felt like I was part of this story. I felt like I had a front row ticket to the circus, to the aftermath and in that car ride coming off the mountain. My heart was pounding at moments, my eyes were tearing. I was so immersed in this story, I could feel every emotion.
The MC was written so well. I could understand exactly the type of human he was. He's sense of rebellion and strength combined. The tie in with the other 'creature' was so well written. It was so believable that at time I was questioning myself on whether I was reading a fiction.
I actually have to point out that this is one of the few books that I couldn't predict what was going to happen next and I absolutely loved that about it. It's a real page turner and the thrill definitely had me hooked.
All I'm saying is if I wasn't scared of the circus before, I sure as hell am now! Thanks Jeremy 😂 please please please do yourself a favour and grab a copy of this book. Memoriam will only be available until the end of 2024.
Wow! My first horror/thriller story that I actually loved! After reading the trigger warnings for this one, I honestly didn't think I'd be able to read it. But once I was into it, I couldn't put it down. I have never been able to finish a 500 page book in two days, like ever but let me tell you I was carrying my kindle around with me everywhere I went to make sure I didn't miss a moment.
What a ride! What a thrilling ride! Jeremy has such a way with words. His world descriptions and character building is so good, I felt like I was part of this story. I felt like I had a front row ticket to the circus, to the aftermath and in that car ride coming off the mountain. My heart was pounding at moments, my eyes were tearing. I was so immersed in this story, I could feel every emotion.
The MC was written so well. I could understand exactly the type of human he was. He's sense of rebellion and strength combined. The tie in with the other 'creature' was so well written. It was so believable that at time I was questioning myself on whether I was reading a fiction.
I actually have to point out that this is one of the few books that I couldn't predict what was going to happen next and I absolutely loved that about it. It's a real page turner and the thrill definitely had me hooked.
All I'm saying is if I wasn't scared of the circus before, I sure as hell am now! Thanks Jeremy 😂 please please please do yourself a favour and grab a copy of this book. Memoriam will only be available until the end of 2024.
January 2, 2025
4.5 stars
In October of 1954, Johnny and his friends head up Flattop Mountain, like they always do - to share stories of their recent troublemaking. Life isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Johnny is set on getting all the thrills he can. People do some terrible things, and Johnny and his friends are no exception, but do the monsters of urban legends exist? Ones who dazzle and feast on humans? They're about to find out.
Memoriam is so creatively crafted. Certain descriptions of creatures were so unsettling, I'm not sure if I'd like to see an adaptation or not! I really enjoyed spending time with the characters, and learning their complexities. Connection and the desire for it can be so overwhelming - especially if you no longer have it - and I think this story shines in highlighting those moments. I read part of this book sitting in a store, trying to hide tears, so it got me good. Chills and tears gets a big thumbs up from me. This was Jeremy's first full-length novel, and I can't wait for his next one.
A big thank you to @jeremyraystories for providing me with an ARC!
Trigger Warnings:
Violence, blood & gore, abuse, death, alcohol, homophobia, language, etc.
In October of 1954, Johnny and his friends head up Flattop Mountain, like they always do - to share stories of their recent troublemaking. Life isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Johnny is set on getting all the thrills he can. People do some terrible things, and Johnny and his friends are no exception, but do the monsters of urban legends exist? Ones who dazzle and feast on humans? They're about to find out.
Memoriam is so creatively crafted. Certain descriptions of creatures were so unsettling, I'm not sure if I'd like to see an adaptation or not! I really enjoyed spending time with the characters, and learning their complexities. Connection and the desire for it can be so overwhelming - especially if you no longer have it - and I think this story shines in highlighting those moments. I read part of this book sitting in a store, trying to hide tears, so it got me good. Chills and tears gets a big thumbs up from me. This was Jeremy's first full-length novel, and I can't wait for his next one.
A big thank you to @jeremyraystories for providing me with an ARC!
Trigger Warnings:
Violence, blood & gore, abuse, death, alcohol, homophobia, language, etc.
April 7, 2026
In the 1950s, a gang of friends heads to Flattop Mountain, a place of urban legends, to horse around and have a good time. That was the case until one fateful night, when they saw something odd in the woods. You won’t believe what it turned out to be.
This is Jeremy Ray’s first full-length novel. I am a big fan of his short stories, so I was excited to read Memoriam.
It is a very unusual story. Creepy and unnatural in stature, bringing real life and urban legend together as one.
This is a long story. I felt it moved a bit slowly at times and could have been told more concisely. Yet, if you are a fan of horror, this is a unique read that makes you a tad nervous when the dark of night creeps in.
There are lots and lots of trigger warnings. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many in one book. That mixture blends to make a truly unique story.
There are lots and lots of trigger warnings. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many in one book. That mixture blends to make a truly unique story.
Thank you to Jeremy Ray for providing this ebook for me to read and review.
November 4, 2024
If you have read Jeremy's other books, then you are in for a real treat with this full-length novel. Horror readers will enjoy this book. It is a book that could be turned into a movie. This book will stay with you even after you have finished the last page!
When the Angel of Death visits you and tells you that there is still time to save them, you really ought to heed the Angel's warning. Yes, I am talking to you Johnny. Yet, if Johnny did that, we would not have a story to read. Boy what a story too.
Johnny, Billy Jean, Thomas, and the rest of the group head to Flattop Mountain like they always do. Only this time they are not alone. There is an evil circus in town and the carnies are hungry!
When the Angel of Death visits you and tells you that there is still time to save them, you really ought to heed the Angel's warning. Yes, I am talking to you Johnny. Yet, if Johnny did that, we would not have a story to read. Boy what a story too.
Johnny, Billy Jean, Thomas, and the rest of the group head to Flattop Mountain like they always do. Only this time they are not alone. There is an evil circus in town and the carnies are hungry!
February 20, 2025
Unfortunately not for me but Jeremy is (as always) a very talented author
December 28, 2025
I received a copy from the author as I liked his short stories. However, this was not for me. Their was too much weirdness and all-over-the-place things happening.
November 20, 2025
Wow! When I started this book, I had no idea where it was going to go, but I definitely couldn't have anticipated how crazy things would get.
It was almost like reading two, or three, different books all in one. The 50s love story of the beginning, the circus, and then everything that happens after.
It was long and took me a while to get through, but I really enjoyed the mind-bending journey it took me on. It was a unique book that I'm sure I'll remember for a long time to come.
It was almost like reading two, or three, different books all in one. The 50s love story of the beginning, the circus, and then everything that happens after.
It was long and took me a while to get through, but I really enjoyed the mind-bending journey it took me on. It was a unique book that I'm sure I'll remember for a long time to come.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews