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Teddy
Teddy Dormer lives with a condition unlike any other: in order to sleep, he must not only inadvertently steal the ability for others around him to sleep, but he also experiences their worst nightmares, memories, and darkest secrets. This is a condition he has lived with his entire life, often with dire consequences, but he has a system that works for him. Teddy lives on the road, perpetually moving from place to place, never subjecting his presence on the same population for longer than a single night. However, at a small hotel in Texas, Teddy discovers through a young woman's dreams that she has been kidnapped. Driven by conscience, Teddy does what he must to find and free her from the clutches of evil. What he cannot anticipate, however, is how this singular deed will trigger a chain of events that will not only compel him to confront an evil from his past but will also lead him to an encounter with a force far beyond anything he has ever faced before - a force with the potential to change the world as it sees fit! Teddy is a novel about the dichotomy of the human condition, for even in the face of absolute madness, good may persevere and hope will endure.
- GenresHorrorParanormal
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2007
10 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 1, 2020
In his debut novel, indie author Michael David Anderson has interwoven the macabre and surreal with the skill of veteran horror writers like Stephen King and Dean Kootz while having film-worthy action and intrigue on par with the best of Chuck Hogan. Teddy is an interesting protagonist surviving as best he can under the weight of a supernatural ability that is one part gift and two parts curse, leaving him isolated and nomadic. What makes Teddy shine is that, despite the heavy toll of his power, he chooses to use this gift to save complete strangers. This altruism gives the novel an almost superhero quality but Anderson's storytelling keeps the tale rooted firmly (and to its benefit) on the ground and steeped in the shadows of nightmarish horrors. As an opener to a larger literary universe, Teddy presents a plethora of tantalizing questions and keeps you flipping each page in order to see how many of your hunches are right...only to be happily proven that you are wrong and the truth is something far grander and possibly darker than you imagined.
April 13, 2022
I really liked this book. The concept was original and I really liked the main character.
January 27, 2024
I decided to check this book out on Kindle Unlimited a few months back because the story concept intrigued me. Unfortunately I can't say that I enjoyed the book or found it entertaining. It seems that the author has some great ideas swimming around in his head but certainly struggles to transfer them to paper with grace and precision.
This might, in fact, be an editorial problem. Many of the sentences use exuberant, overly verbose language, which makes for a clunky read that doesn't flow well. The character dialogue at times sounds like some kind of attempt to parody a Gothic horror novel, like Shelly or Stoker; but in fact it's not a parody, it's just for some reason the voice the author has decided to use for the characters. This just makes each page a struggle to read.
If the author was to polish his writing and focus more on precision, clarity, and appropriate use of voice, then this might be a better book. A rather slipshod execution of an otherwise wonderful idea.
This might, in fact, be an editorial problem. Many of the sentences use exuberant, overly verbose language, which makes for a clunky read that doesn't flow well. The character dialogue at times sounds like some kind of attempt to parody a Gothic horror novel, like Shelly or Stoker; but in fact it's not a parody, it's just for some reason the voice the author has decided to use for the characters. This just makes each page a struggle to read.
If the author was to polish his writing and focus more on precision, clarity, and appropriate use of voice, then this might be a better book. A rather slipshod execution of an otherwise wonderful idea.
December 27, 2024
Wow! what a ride!
I really had no idea what I was getting myself into when starting this book, it being my first book in this genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But boy and I glad I opened it up!
This book took me all over the place, filling my mind with a thousand questions as I tried to put all the pieces together along with Teddy. To say I’m not left with more questions would be a lie, but it’s in the very best way that makes you want to grab the next book to get them!
This is definitely a book that you need to focus on and pay attention to every little detail, because I promise you, they are important. And by the end, you will surely be questioning yourself a lot and will have Teddy and his incredible story stuck in your head.
I think this story is definitely worth the read if you like books that will get your mind working to uncover the puzzle pieces. Because I do and I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to get to the next and find out more!
I really had no idea what I was getting myself into when starting this book, it being my first book in this genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But boy and I glad I opened it up!
This book took me all over the place, filling my mind with a thousand questions as I tried to put all the pieces together along with Teddy. To say I’m not left with more questions would be a lie, but it’s in the very best way that makes you want to grab the next book to get them!
This is definitely a book that you need to focus on and pay attention to every little detail, because I promise you, they are important. And by the end, you will surely be questioning yourself a lot and will have Teddy and his incredible story stuck in your head.
I think this story is definitely worth the read if you like books that will get your mind working to uncover the puzzle pieces. Because I do and I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to get to the next and find out more!
December 5, 2024
Horror Meets String Theory
This experimental horror novel intrigued me with the dual universes. I found that I really had to pay attention or I would get lost. I also found the main character's ability alluring. There are some amazing scenes in this book. I loved the shootout and the bar scene. Just amazing. This novel attempted to pull off quite a bit, and succeeded for the most part. The ending did give me reader whiplash between the two worlds. Overall, I enjoyed it!
This experimental horror novel intrigued me with the dual universes. I found that I really had to pay attention or I would get lost. I also found the main character's ability alluring. There are some amazing scenes in this book. I loved the shootout and the bar scene. Just amazing. This novel attempted to pull off quite a bit, and succeeded for the most part. The ending did give me reader whiplash between the two worlds. Overall, I enjoyed it!
June 20, 2014
I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel, thank you!
This book is definitely one in which you have to pay attention, or you can get confused pretty easily. Once I got into the flow of it however, I was able to keep track of things and follow along with the different "realities." (I appreciated that the author indicated A or B at the beginning of each section, it certainly helped me!) I like supernatural stories, and this story had its fair share.
Teddy reminds me of Dean Koontz's character, Odd Thomas, who also has an extraordinary "issue," and both characters just want to help people as much as they can while keeping a low profile. I found myself wanting to help Teddy somehow and I kept trying to come up with ways that he could sleep peacefully, as well as those around him. Unfortunately, I haven't figured one out yet.
I enjoyed the book, and I especially liked all the little "shout-outs" sprinkled throughout the story.
I would recommend this book for readers who like supernatural mysteries and drama.
The author indicated that Teddy's adventures are not over yet, and I look forward to reading more.
This book is definitely one in which you have to pay attention, or you can get confused pretty easily. Once I got into the flow of it however, I was able to keep track of things and follow along with the different "realities." (I appreciated that the author indicated A or B at the beginning of each section, it certainly helped me!) I like supernatural stories, and this story had its fair share.
Teddy reminds me of Dean Koontz's character, Odd Thomas, who also has an extraordinary "issue," and both characters just want to help people as much as they can while keeping a low profile. I found myself wanting to help Teddy somehow and I kept trying to come up with ways that he could sleep peacefully, as well as those around him. Unfortunately, I haven't figured one out yet.
I enjoyed the book, and I especially liked all the little "shout-outs" sprinkled throughout the story.
I would recommend this book for readers who like supernatural mysteries and drama.
The author indicated that Teddy's adventures are not over yet, and I look forward to reading more.
March 9, 2016
Author Michael David Anderson is right out of the gate with a unique story that seems so unbelievable but depicts such great detail you lose your grasp on reality and quickly spiral into the Hell of Teddy Dormer's struggle... aka his life. You relate to him quickly but because, despite his rare, and as far as we know impossible, condition, Teddy's a nice, like-able guy. But it's this trait, along with his gift...or curse... that he's faced with circumstances most would prefer turn head from, even in movies. I realize this is an introductory novel from Anderson but it rates with the likings of others I've enjoyed: Dean Koontz comes to mind! But Anderson did so in his own style and captivated my attention. Even if you are the casual reader, I suggest starting this book when you have a few hours to read - you will not want to put it down! Much more of a review gives spoilers. I can say, though, a place must be made for TEDDY on your bookshelves. Now!
July 29, 2014
Full disclosure: I backed this novel on Pubslush, and I've known Mike for a while and generally enjoy his writing.
That being said, this is a fantastic first novel. It has some problems (some phrases tend to get overused, and there are a couple of parts where the pacing feels really stilted), but I was hooked from the beginning. I don't want to go too in-depth because I don't want to spoil anything, but man, is this a wild ride.
That being said, this is a fantastic first novel. It has some problems (some phrases tend to get overused, and there are a couple of parts where the pacing feels really stilted), but I was hooked from the beginning. I don't want to go too in-depth because I don't want to spoil anything, but man, is this a wild ride.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews