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Thrall
Carter, Missouri looks like any other peaceful Ozark town, but beneath its tranquil surface lies a history as dark as the mines that built it. Seventy years ago, a brutal act of violence left scars that still fester, and now the town's buried secrets are clawing their way to the surface.
A road-worn rockstar, a salt-of-the-earth veterinarian, a drug-addled county sheriff, and two brothers tangled in their father’s sins are about to learn that some curses can’t be outrun.
Where they’re headed, the light doesn’t reach.
Where they’re headed, family bloodlines still bleed.
Where they’re headed, the THRALL awaits.
A road-worn rockstar, a salt-of-the-earth veterinarian, a drug-addled county sheriff, and two brothers tangled in their father’s sins are about to learn that some curses can’t be outrun.
Where they’re headed, the light doesn’t reach.
Where they’re headed, family bloodlines still bleed.
Where they’re headed, the THRALL awaits.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2024
127 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 17, 2024
An absolute gem of a book! Contemporary Ozarks creature horror done right. In fact, every little detail is done just right: the characters, the setting, the dialogue, the monsters, the plot, the ending... I never thought I'd be so excited about a creature feature book, I'm mostly fond of hauntings and demons. But "Thrall" drew me in very early, and before I knew it I was a hundred pages in already. It's not an entirely easy read, since neither the cast nor the supernatural elements are immediately apparent (and I'm not going to spoil what the nature of the threat is, nor what the name of the book means!). And I have to admit that world-shaking originality is not among its strengths. But the book is a definite page-turner! Thanks to the author's storytelling skills, it's impossible to put down. The story's opening is very strong and direct (a backroads car accident with unpredictable repercussions, mostly because it was not an accident at all!), the cast is very easy to relate to (even the bad guys; initially, a meth-addicted sherriff and two men, siblings, hillbilly crooks, but things get worse), the tale develops naturally out of the premises into a panorama of horror, gore, guilt and personal loss - what stands out, however, is how natural everything feels, the emotions authentic, the reactions absolutely convincing, and the ending ties everything together in a satisfying way (some questions remain, but they're the characters' questions as well - perhaps there'll be a sequel of sorts). In brief: five stars! No doubt about it.
November 10, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
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Hot Damn what a great read! If you've been following my reviews, you'll know this isn't my first time diving into a Richard Beauchamp book. His previous book And They Will Suffer was an excellent piece of historical horror with a bloodsucking twist. I've expounded elsewhere on how picky I can get when it comes to horror involving some form of "creatures of the night". Beauchamp had already shown in his previous novel, that he is able to craft a vampiric tale that is original, as well as being layered and engrossing. Color me surprised when I find that Thrall plays around in the same vast, dank, cave as the Beauchamps last novel, but make no mistake what is awoken in this book is darker and carries a deeper hunger. When an author can hit the mark with a story that gives "30 Days of Night" and "The Strain", you know it deserves attention.
Thrall is a muddy, bloody, guitar shredding nightmare ride of a novel. A reminder that communities around the united states are full of vile pockets of history, acts birthed from ignorance, racism, greed and pure hate. Acts of desperation can lead to generations of suffering. Beauchamp has a skill for bringing to life characters that carry all manner of baggage and scars from life. They find moments of humor, embrace catharsis, and wrestle with their own dark fears. All that while Fire, blood and death spread across the town like an infernal tableau.
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Hot Damn what a great read! If you've been following my reviews, you'll know this isn't my first time diving into a Richard Beauchamp book. His previous book And They Will Suffer was an excellent piece of historical horror with a bloodsucking twist. I've expounded elsewhere on how picky I can get when it comes to horror involving some form of "creatures of the night". Beauchamp had already shown in his previous novel, that he is able to craft a vampiric tale that is original, as well as being layered and engrossing. Color me surprised when I find that Thrall plays around in the same vast, dank, cave as the Beauchamps last novel, but make no mistake what is awoken in this book is darker and carries a deeper hunger. When an author can hit the mark with a story that gives "30 Days of Night" and "The Strain", you know it deserves attention.
Thrall is a muddy, bloody, guitar shredding nightmare ride of a novel. A reminder that communities around the united states are full of vile pockets of history, acts birthed from ignorance, racism, greed and pure hate. Acts of desperation can lead to generations of suffering. Beauchamp has a skill for bringing to life characters that carry all manner of baggage and scars from life. They find moments of humor, embrace catharsis, and wrestle with their own dark fears. All that while Fire, blood and death spread across the town like an infernal tableau.
November 18, 2024
This is a well written horror story with a cast of strong well developed characters. The author does a fantastic job weaving an intriguing story and brings it to life with his vividly painted scenes. He pulled me into the story and kept me turning the pages from start to finish with the believable characters and the terror he brings in the isolated backwoods town. If this is your genre I think you will love this book. I know I did.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
December 13, 2024
I am newish to reading ARC’s and I jumped into this one blindly because I’ve heard such amazing things about the author. Will, he did not disappoint! This book has it all; blood, guts, disappearances, and something seriously menacing happening in the caves of Carter County!
Personally, around the 75% mark the story started to lose me a little bit with all the details, but boy oh boy did that ending come in STRONG! Perfect way to end this harrowing story!
Personally, around the 75% mark the story started to lose me a little bit with all the details, but boy oh boy did that ending come in STRONG! Perfect way to end this harrowing story!
November 18, 2024
Metal band Blasphemer are taking the scenic route through the Missouri backroads on their way to the next city, shooting the shit and revelling in their post-gig buzz, when a truck suddenly and violently rams them off the road. The crash leaves them broken and battered, stranded with no transport, and their bassist Lou dragged away by rednecks. Drummer Jessie is the only one not missing, hospitalised, or dead, and quickly realises that something in the town of Carter is very wrong. Stuck in the Ozarks with only the help of a religious veterinarian named Susannah, and with a meth-addicted sheriff waiting for any excuse to throw her in jail, Jessie realises she has to fight to save her kidnapped bandmate—and maybe for her own survival, even her immortal soul.
I have seen the author describe this book as 30 Days Of Night meets Stephen King's Desperation, and this is a good description that doesn't quite do Thrall justice. If you're going to write a novel about creatures of the night, a saturated sub-genre in this day and age, you have to either bring something new to the table or at least execute it incredibly well to stand out—while this story uses many familiar tropes and legends, Beauchamp has crafted a read strong enough to set it apart from it's peers.
The appeal of Thrall, for me, is simple. The town of Carter is brought to life in vivid detail: the mining history, persecution of minority residents past and present, family secrets, and intertwining relationships are all introduced and fleshed out naturally throughout the narrative, and before you know it, you've created an image of the area in your mind. The central cast of characters are handled no less impressively. Redemptive arcs, closure, justice, grief, freedom, isolation, and terror—the characters are all put through the wringer, and the reader doesn't fare much better. I found myself completely invested in their various journeys, from the prologue that immediately grabbed my attention right through to the explosive climax.
This is my first time reading anything from Beauchamp, and it certainly won't be the last. There's an authenticity to his writing and the characters here—I've been in various bands for most of my adult life, and it's obvious that the author has lived this life too, adding an extra layer to the members of Blasphemer. Thrall was an unexpected success from my TBR; the concept intrigued me, but the execution of it delighted. If the synopsis has your attention, I'd highly recommend picking up a copy.
I have seen the author describe this book as 30 Days Of Night meets Stephen King's Desperation, and this is a good description that doesn't quite do Thrall justice. If you're going to write a novel about creatures of the night, a saturated sub-genre in this day and age, you have to either bring something new to the table or at least execute it incredibly well to stand out—while this story uses many familiar tropes and legends, Beauchamp has crafted a read strong enough to set it apart from it's peers.
The appeal of Thrall, for me, is simple. The town of Carter is brought to life in vivid detail: the mining history, persecution of minority residents past and present, family secrets, and intertwining relationships are all introduced and fleshed out naturally throughout the narrative, and before you know it, you've created an image of the area in your mind. The central cast of characters are handled no less impressively. Redemptive arcs, closure, justice, grief, freedom, isolation, and terror—the characters are all put through the wringer, and the reader doesn't fare much better. I found myself completely invested in their various journeys, from the prologue that immediately grabbed my attention right through to the explosive climax.
This is my first time reading anything from Beauchamp, and it certainly won't be the last. There's an authenticity to his writing and the characters here—I've been in various bands for most of my adult life, and it's obvious that the author has lived this life too, adding an extra layer to the members of Blasphemer. Thrall was an unexpected success from my TBR; the concept intrigued me, but the execution of it delighted. If the synopsis has your attention, I'd highly recommend picking up a copy.
December 31, 2024
From the very first chapter, THRALL is a wild ride. And then there’s the second chapter and, wow, that third chapter. Suffice to say that this book hooks you from the start with its wild cast of characters and doesn’t let go until the very end.
One thing I loved about this book was how the characters fit together despite their differences—a “satanic” metal band full of vegans, a deeply Christian vet who works overtime to serve her community, a meth-head sheriff who works overtime to cover his ass. Each of these characters are worth rooting for in their own way and come together in the end.
But, of course, the bloody action and violent mayhem is really the best part. Beauchamp does a fantastic job at making this book as crazy as he can, from the redneck brothers kidnapping Lou’s paralyzed body to insatiable “thrall” and their bellies full of blood. Things only get crazier and crazier as this story advances.
If you ever wondered what your favorite black metal band would do in the face of DELIVERANCE-style rednecks and a deadly Romanian curse, THRALL will have your answer.
One thing I loved about this book was how the characters fit together despite their differences—a “satanic” metal band full of vegans, a deeply Christian vet who works overtime to serve her community, a meth-head sheriff who works overtime to cover his ass. Each of these characters are worth rooting for in their own way and come together in the end.
But, of course, the bloody action and violent mayhem is really the best part. Beauchamp does a fantastic job at making this book as crazy as he can, from the redneck brothers kidnapping Lou’s paralyzed body to insatiable “thrall” and their bellies full of blood. Things only get crazier and crazier as this story advances.
If you ever wondered what your favorite black metal band would do in the face of DELIVERANCE-style rednecks and a deadly Romanian curse, THRALL will have your answer.
November 15, 2024
"It's not just a matter of getting lost, it's a matter of the earth itself waiting to eat you whole."
This is a fine folk horror novel that revolves around that very idea, the sort of unknowable horrors that dwell within the earth as much as within the human heart.
Set in a very authentic-feeling small town (Beauchamp is from the Ozarks himself), it can be read as the inevitable ultimate conclusion of retaliation for prejudice (a curse) as well as a monster feature, with an array of believable and diverse characters who ultimately have to work together.
It's never slow but once the various strands develop it develops quite a rollicking pace.
A couple of odd phrases though like "hope flooded out of him like diarrhea" jar.
This is the first work I've read by Richard Beauchamp and I'm looking forward to reading more.
This is a fine folk horror novel that revolves around that very idea, the sort of unknowable horrors that dwell within the earth as much as within the human heart.
Set in a very authentic-feeling small town (Beauchamp is from the Ozarks himself), it can be read as the inevitable ultimate conclusion of retaliation for prejudice (a curse) as well as a monster feature, with an array of believable and diverse characters who ultimately have to work together.
It's never slow but once the various strands develop it develops quite a rollicking pace.
A couple of odd phrases though like "hope flooded out of him like diarrhea" jar.
This is the first work I've read by Richard Beauchamp and I'm looking forward to reading more.
December 1, 2024
*Thrall - Richard Beauchamp*
⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Another absolute BANGER of a novel by the "Hillbilly Clive Barker"
Favorite Line: ..."boiling brain erupted from the hole like grey oatmeal from a dolphin's blow hole."
Few authors can capture both nature's beauty & absolute nasties with their words like RB.
This story takes the classic vampire trope and delivers them into the cavernous depths of the Missouri bottoms. Add into some homecooked meth, soul crushing heavy metal & horrific scenes of animal transformation and you end up with a perfectly rare, delicious take on the never ending tide of vampire novels.
Read this if you enjoy:
- Eloquently Described Carnage
- Blood... Lots of Blood
- The Descent + 30 Days of Night
- Heavy Breakdowns
- More Blood...
⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Another absolute BANGER of a novel by the "Hillbilly Clive Barker"
Favorite Line: ..."boiling brain erupted from the hole like grey oatmeal from a dolphin's blow hole."
Few authors can capture both nature's beauty & absolute nasties with their words like RB.
This story takes the classic vampire trope and delivers them into the cavernous depths of the Missouri bottoms. Add into some homecooked meth, soul crushing heavy metal & horrific scenes of animal transformation and you end up with a perfectly rare, delicious take on the never ending tide of vampire novels.
Read this if you enjoy:
- Eloquently Described Carnage
- Blood... Lots of Blood
- The Descent + 30 Days of Night
- Heavy Breakdowns
- More Blood...
May 6, 2025
A different kind of vampire story
This was a different take on vampires, but overall it was pretty good. Plenty of horror and gore. All of the main characters have plenty of flaws, so it was tough to like any of them. But in the end, the meth addicted sheriff was my favorite. Yeah he was an ahole but he started to come around at the end. At the beginning of act 3 the main characters leave several clearly infected people in a hospital, despite knowing what will happen to them and others. This was a huge red flag and insanely stupid. Not sure why the author decided to write it that way. The ending was a bit too metaphysical for my tastes but the majority of the book was really good.
This was a different take on vampires, but overall it was pretty good. Plenty of horror and gore. All of the main characters have plenty of flaws, so it was tough to like any of them. But in the end, the meth addicted sheriff was my favorite. Yeah he was an ahole but he started to come around at the end. At the beginning of act 3 the main characters leave several clearly infected people in a hospital, despite knowing what will happen to them and others. This was a huge red flag and insanely stupid. Not sure why the author decided to write it that way. The ending was a bit too metaphysical for my tastes but the majority of the book was really good.
January 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to provide the back cover blurb for Richard Beauchamp's magnum opus, THRALL!
This book is a visceral, go-for-broke, take no prisoners tour de force of punk and folk horror colliding into each other so hard you're going to need proverbial stitches from the literary wounds Beauchamp is about to inflict upon you.
I can't recommend this epic read from Grendel Press enough. It was one of the best books of 2024 for me and if you love pulpy, propulsive horror that never lets up, you can't miss this one. Richard Beauchamp is a writer after my own heart and sensibilities and I'm glad he's been killing it so hard lately.
This book is a visceral, go-for-broke, take no prisoners tour de force of punk and folk horror colliding into each other so hard you're going to need proverbial stitches from the literary wounds Beauchamp is about to inflict upon you.
I can't recommend this epic read from Grendel Press enough. It was one of the best books of 2024 for me and if you love pulpy, propulsive horror that never lets up, you can't miss this one. Richard Beauchamp is a writer after my own heart and sensibilities and I'm glad he's been killing it so hard lately.
March 2, 2025
Decent but Heavy Handed
The take on vampire lore was pretty fresh and unusual, and I appreciated that aspect of the book. I thought the depiction of rural Appalachia a bit heavy handed. Everyone was either racist, fanatically religious, or violently psychotic. There wasn’t really in middle ground. One of the protagonists was decently fleshed out however, even while being religious.
To me, the ending was too tidy and didn’t really make sense and the book was 100 pages too long. At the length it was, I would’ve liked to have more character development and what made them who they are and how the ending would possibly make sense.
The take on vampire lore was pretty fresh and unusual, and I appreciated that aspect of the book. I thought the depiction of rural Appalachia a bit heavy handed. Everyone was either racist, fanatically religious, or violently psychotic. There wasn’t really in middle ground. One of the protagonists was decently fleshed out however, even while being religious.
To me, the ending was too tidy and didn’t really make sense and the book was 100 pages too long. At the length it was, I would’ve liked to have more character development and what made them who they are and how the ending would possibly make sense.
December 14, 2024
This book often had me at the edge of my seat and the characters were very well developed and relatable. In the beginning, the story was well thought out and put together with a good hook and the lore was intriguing. However, the execution for this book is what kept me from giving it a higher star rating. I ripped through the first two-thirds of this book but the final third dragged a bit with a lot of self reflection and inner monologue from characters that really bogged down the final climax. For this reason, it was hard to imagine what was going on and it felt hastily thrown together.
December 21, 2024
The story is set in the low mountains of Ozark, Missouri. It started a little messy for me cause there are a lot of minor and major characters. It reads like a mini series. I really enjoyed it the more I read into the story. There is a small town that's affected by an event in the distant past. The townsfolk, animals, and neighboring towns are experiencing some really strange things going on. What is happening to the livestock? What's the connection to the nearby caves?
I enjoyed the story. This is the second story of this author's I have read.
I enjoyed the story. This is the second story of this author's I have read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
This was an incredible adventure from the first page to the last. The characters are so well written that you can cheer for the good and the bad guys together. A completely original take on human monsters such as zombies and vampires. Non stop action, especially in part three and wonderful art in the book as well. I am glad I picked this book up, I believe it will be a movie or a show one day, and has potential for a sequel or even a series if the author wants to hang out in Carter County, Missouri a little longer.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2024
Thrall by Richard Beauchamp presents an intriguing storyline with plenty of potential, though it could have been further developed to truly shine. The plot has moments of real engagement, but the graphic descriptions of violence felt a bit excessive for my taste. While fans of darker, more intense narratives may appreciate its gritty edge, I found myself wishing for a bit more balance in the storytelling.
December 3, 2024
Beautifully written and so intricately told, this story exceeded all expectations. Thrall was certainly enthralling.
A warning to some readers that this contains scenes of animal abuse. I almost certainly wouldn't have read it if I'd known that, yet this distressing part of the story was necessary for the story.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I'll certainly be looking out for more from this author in the future.
A warning to some readers that this contains scenes of animal abuse. I almost certainly wouldn't have read it if I'd known that, yet this distressing part of the story was necessary for the story.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I'll certainly be looking out for more from this author in the future.
February 6, 2025
This was absolutely fabulous. A fantastic mix of Punk, Appalachian Folklore, and horror.
I loved the crew of imperfect people that Richard brought together for this story. People that while you might not quite like them in the beginning, you begin to grow a little attached to in the end. While I loved all the characters, Lou might just have been my favorite with his attitude toward it all.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Richard's work after this wonderful intro
I loved the crew of imperfect people that Richard brought together for this story. People that while you might not quite like them in the beginning, you begin to grow a little attached to in the end. While I loved all the characters, Lou might just have been my favorite with his attitude toward it all.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Richard's work after this wonderful intro
November 24, 2024
this was a fantastic small town terror novel, it had that fear that I was looking for from a horror novel. The overall feel worked and was engaged with the story being told. Richard Beauchamp has a strong writing style and was glad I read this.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2025
Wild ride
Ok it was good, but the ending left me like what, I was worried about Buckie the whole time .So what happened in the end to him no mention of did he survive. Also I really don't care too much when writers put animals in their books. If you are going to write about animals please let them survive and no harm.
Ok it was good, but the ending left me like what, I was worried about Buckie the whole time .So what happened in the end to him no mention of did he survive. Also I really don't care too much when writers put animals in their books. If you are going to write about animals please let them survive and no harm.
January 30, 2025
A thrilling read
An engaging narrative; however, the excessive repetition detracted from the overall experience. Despite this, I found the story captivating and read it to its conclusion. The core theme effectively illustrates that, despite our perceived civility, humanity remains fundamentally primal.
An engaging narrative; however, the excessive repetition detracted from the overall experience. Despite this, I found the story captivating and read it to its conclusion. The core theme effectively illustrates that, despite our perceived civility, humanity remains fundamentally primal.
March 5, 2025
Thrall is a pulse pounding thrill ride blending heavy metal and rural America into a unique vampire tale. The character development, pace of the story, action, and descriptions of gore and horror all worked together to create vivid scenes in my mind, keeping me fully engaged in the story. I couldn't recommend this book enough!
May 13, 2025
If you need a book that will make you claustrophobic and fearing the monsters that lurk in the Ozarks, then this book is for you. Richard Beauchamp knows the land well and he shows it with his writing. He took a great cast of characters, metal and some gore and created one of the best vampire books I've read.
November 26, 2024
The town may look calm and peaceful but looks are different to the reality. They will all be pulled together as the secrets of the past may come to bite them all hard. They will not be able to runaway as it comes for them. A brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I could not wait to find out all the secrets
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I could not wait to find out all the secrets
November 25, 2024
Every horror readers wet dream. Fantastic!
November 27, 2024
Great Read!
Finally a book that kept my interest. It starts out with a bang and keeps going. Highly recommended! It's actually different!
Finally a book that kept my interest. It starts out with a bang and keeps going. Highly recommended! It's actually different!
December 2, 2024
A mismatched group bans together to fight something evil in their town.it is very old and very dangerous. What waitts in the dark for them?
December 18, 2024
A creepy and gory Horror set in the Ozarks.
I really enjoyed it.
I thought the characters were relatable, the story line entertaining and well paced.
I really enjoyed it.
I thought the characters were relatable, the story line entertaining and well paced.
January 22, 2025
Fun, Interesting Story
Wow, this author is really good. The writing is excellent and this hillbilly vampire extravaganza was hard to put down.
Wow, this author is really good. The writing is excellent and this hillbilly vampire extravaganza was hard to put down.
February 13, 2025
Creepy Good
This one goes deep and then some. Truly enjoyed this creepy twist on the vampire tales. Read like a movie and damn my imagination😂
This one goes deep and then some. Truly enjoyed this creepy twist on the vampire tales. Read like a movie and damn my imagination😂
April 14, 2025
Several families are cursed and it will follow them for generations.
I really enjoyed the book I just the ending explained a little more.
I really enjoyed the book I just the ending explained a little more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews