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Godland
An embittered farmer. A New York corporate raider. Two teenage high school girls. A failed small business owner. Past and present collide, secrets are revealed. These disparate people gather at a desolate Kansas farm for a hellish night not everyone will survive.
Godland is a dark psychological suspense horror thiller. A Midwestern nightmare. Farm noir.
Godland is a dark psychological suspense horror thiller. A Midwestern nightmare. Farm noir.
- GenresHorror
Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews
June 24, 2022
Is it nature or nurture that creates a psychotic personality? Not that anyone was nurtured in Edwin's family. Edwin is a farmer who lives by his own twisted interpretation of the bible. To him, this means he is free to hand out frequent beatings and other physical and mental abuse to his wife and children. And don't get me started on what he considers to be a woman's job.
How did these children turn out you ask?
Well, that is something you will find out as you meet their adult selves and discover what brings Peter and Matt back to the farm for a most horrifying family reunion.
This is a dark and disturbing read told from multiple points of view as we get into the heads of Edwin's grown sons. Inside of Peter's mind is an especially uncomfortable place to be. With a quick pace and loads of suspense, Godland kept me turning pages late into the night.
4 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Grinning Skull Press.
How did these children turn out you ask?
Well, that is something you will find out as you meet their adult selves and discover what brings Peter and Matt back to the farm for a most horrifying family reunion.
This is a dark and disturbing read told from multiple points of view as we get into the heads of Edwin's grown sons. Inside of Peter's mind is an especially uncomfortable place to be. With a quick pace and loads of suspense, Godland kept me turning pages late into the night.
4 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Grinning Skull Press.
February 28, 2017
Review: GODLAND by Stuart R. West
Author Stuart R. West is such a talent! As with his debut adult horror novel, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, he brings together disparate threads and personalities, multiple plot threads, and seamlessly constructs a new and illuminating tapestry. Also in both books, he strummed my emotions and triggered several buttons I'd overlooked. I spent the entirety of both novels furious at certain characters (multiply), spitting radioactive nails and mentally stomping their heads. That's how involving is Mr. West' s ability to draw in the reader and make us suspend disbelief. Caution: GODLAND troops on several taboos, so if you have sensitivities, just be warned.
Author Stuart R. West is such a talent! As with his debut adult horror novel, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, he brings together disparate threads and personalities, multiple plot threads, and seamlessly constructs a new and illuminating tapestry. Also in both books, he strummed my emotions and triggered several buttons I'd overlooked. I spent the entirety of both novels furious at certain characters (multiply), spitting radioactive nails and mentally stomping their heads. That's how involving is Mr. West' s ability to draw in the reader and make us suspend disbelief. Caution: GODLAND troops on several taboos, so if you have sensitivities, just be warned.
July 23, 2016
Welcome to Godland, population none… even if you get out alive you'll never be "right" again
Author Stuart R. West dives deep into the human psyche in this page turning novel. Dysfunctional family is an understatement when it comes to describing this clan. The patriarch, Edwin is a man who doles out physical and mental punishments to his children that we learn about through the main characters back story. The reveal by West is slow and gradual and will keep you turning pages to fully understand the motivations of Peter and Matt, Edwin's now adult sons. The cruelty these two boys (now grown men) must try to overcome makes for an interesting read.
Peter is a successful business man who will do whatever it takes to stay on top of his game and appearance. He hates Edwin and where he came from and leaves home and reinvents himself. Peter's loathe for his father doesn't stop him from becoming a man very much like Edwin- cold, heartless, bitter and calculating. At times Peter's human side shines through and just as you think the man has a chance at redemption Peter the sociopath fools you once again.
Matt is a struggling small business owner who manages to overcome a difficult childhood after finally escaping but struggles with his own inner demons and feelings of self worth. He divorces and in the process sadly loses a relationship with his daughter, Shannon. Matt's loathe for his father doesn't cloud his judgment or decision making but perhaps that's because in his heart he knows he's become a man his father would hate and that's satisfaction enough. At times Matt's actions may seem weak but this illustrates his compassion, concern and being human.
Peter’s and Matt’s worlds collide thanks to Edwin and a diabolic game he has conceived that brings his boys back home to the place he calls Godland.
Author Stuart R. West dives deep into the human psyche in this page turning novel. Dysfunctional family is an understatement when it comes to describing this clan. The patriarch, Edwin is a man who doles out physical and mental punishments to his children that we learn about through the main characters back story. The reveal by West is slow and gradual and will keep you turning pages to fully understand the motivations of Peter and Matt, Edwin's now adult sons. The cruelty these two boys (now grown men) must try to overcome makes for an interesting read.
Peter is a successful business man who will do whatever it takes to stay on top of his game and appearance. He hates Edwin and where he came from and leaves home and reinvents himself. Peter's loathe for his father doesn't stop him from becoming a man very much like Edwin- cold, heartless, bitter and calculating. At times Peter's human side shines through and just as you think the man has a chance at redemption Peter the sociopath fools you once again.
Matt is a struggling small business owner who manages to overcome a difficult childhood after finally escaping but struggles with his own inner demons and feelings of self worth. He divorces and in the process sadly loses a relationship with his daughter, Shannon. Matt's loathe for his father doesn't cloud his judgment or decision making but perhaps that's because in his heart he knows he's become a man his father would hate and that's satisfaction enough. At times Matt's actions may seem weak but this illustrates his compassion, concern and being human.
Peter’s and Matt’s worlds collide thanks to Edwin and a diabolic game he has conceived that brings his boys back home to the place he calls Godland.
December 20, 2014
Meet the Quails, the dysfunctional family from hell. The patriarch, Edwin, is abusive. Peter, one of the sons, is selfish and unscrupulous. Matt's life is a trail of broken relationships. And there's another family member, a physical monster, living with the father. Tired of farming in nowhere Kansas, Edwin decides to retire to Florida, but he needs money, something Peter has in abundance. Edwin cooks up a sick plan, a special kind of hunt. Bored with stocks, bonds, and sexual conquests, Peter jumps at the chance to hunt something challenging and new. Edwin makes a mistake when he captures the "game" for the hunt. A family reunion, more like explosion, is about to take place.
Godland won't be for everyone, but the action is fast paced and the characters well-drawn. There's plenty of suspense as the characters play cat-and-mouse with the roles of hunter and hunted changing. The stakes couldn't be higher. If you like horror/thrillers, take a trip to Godland.
Godland won't be for everyone, but the action is fast paced and the characters well-drawn. There's plenty of suspense as the characters play cat-and-mouse with the roles of hunter and hunted changing. The stakes couldn't be higher. If you like horror/thrillers, take a trip to Godland.
May 15, 2017
Edwin Quail is an old farmer who is pure evil. His family suffers many abuses over the years. His grown chi!dren and granddaughter return to the family farm, and end up in a game of cat and mouse.
November 3, 2014
Recently I read Stuart West's new horror/suspense book, Godland. I'm not usually a reader of horror so I was reluctant. But, this book grabbed me from the first sentence. I'm a big fan of first sentences. Here is the first sentence of Godland: "A blast sheared open the night sky." Seven little words, but what powerful words. From those words, the reader knows they are in for a roller-coaster ride like they've never experienced before.
West writes in short, quick sentences. His chapters are brief and have many breaks. He goes from the point of view of his main characters (Edwin, Peter, Matt, Shannon). He writes in a tight fashion. No words are wasted. Here's an example: "Hell, he practically owned New York City or at least most of it. And why not? He earned it." The quick terse writing style keeps the reader entranced. Because he jumps from four points of view, the reader never gets too close to any character. And, believe me, that's a good thing. West skillfully changes the point of view. He does not "head hop." There's a break whenever there's a change as a clear signal to the reader.
The characters in Godland are very complex. The reader will quickly recognize Edwin as a sociopath with a religious bent. Peter, his son, is a clear narcissist. Matt is a bit wimpy. There is really no one in whose mind one wants to remain. Shannon, the fifteen-year-old, is the most likable. Because everyone's lives are in danger, it's best we readers do not get too close to the main players.
And, what action! Once the story takes off, it really doesn't stop. It reminded me of when I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the sequel, The Girl Who Played with Fire. Reading those books on my device, I had no idea how much was left. When I scrolled to the last page and there was no more, I felt as if I needed to look under the bed for lost pages. That's how West leaves us. Flying through the book, unable to put it down, worrying about the outcome, and then poof, it's over.
If you like action, fast writing, ugly characters and a darn good read, then I suggest you read Godland.
West writes in short, quick sentences. His chapters are brief and have many breaks. He goes from the point of view of his main characters (Edwin, Peter, Matt, Shannon). He writes in a tight fashion. No words are wasted. Here's an example: "Hell, he practically owned New York City or at least most of it. And why not? He earned it." The quick terse writing style keeps the reader entranced. Because he jumps from four points of view, the reader never gets too close to any character. And, believe me, that's a good thing. West skillfully changes the point of view. He does not "head hop." There's a break whenever there's a change as a clear signal to the reader.
The characters in Godland are very complex. The reader will quickly recognize Edwin as a sociopath with a religious bent. Peter, his son, is a clear narcissist. Matt is a bit wimpy. There is really no one in whose mind one wants to remain. Shannon, the fifteen-year-old, is the most likable. Because everyone's lives are in danger, it's best we readers do not get too close to the main players.
And, what action! Once the story takes off, it really doesn't stop. It reminded me of when I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the sequel, The Girl Who Played with Fire. Reading those books on my device, I had no idea how much was left. When I scrolled to the last page and there was no more, I felt as if I needed to look under the bed for lost pages. That's how West leaves us. Flying through the book, unable to put it down, worrying about the outcome, and then poof, it's over.
If you like action, fast writing, ugly characters and a darn good read, then I suggest you read Godland.
June 3, 2015
If we could look behind closed doors, we might be surprised, even horrified, by what we see. Do we really know the family next door or the farmer in the country? Do we even care what they’re like, or is it simply easier to ignore those that might seem a bit different to us?
In Author Stuart R. West’s novel GODLAND, the reader meets a cast of characters that push the word “normal” to the limits. I’m not going to give anything away by describing each character, but the major players are people that you do not want as neighbors. There are a few characters that can be classified as “normal”, namely the teens Lindsay, Shannon and Gavin, well, as normal as teens are, but 300 pound Joshua, man-boy, 16 or 17 years old, will make you have nightmares or touch your heart or both. No, I can’t explain. You’ll have to read Joshua’s story to understand. For me, Joshua is the character that I wanted to help. I think you’ll understand why.
Mr. West is a master at creating characters that are so real you hope you never run into some of them on a dark street, or a daylight one for that matter. At least this reader has no desire to meet the real Edwin (father of Joshua) or his son. Are people really that warped? I guess so.
All I can say is read GODLAND with the lights on and even better with friends or family present to keep you in the real world. You certainly don’t want to get lost in GODLAND. I believe that the author has achieved his purpose of writing a story the reader will long remember and will avoid deserted country roads and lonely farm houses.
I won a copy of the novel from the publisher, MuseItUp Publishing
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In Author Stuart R. West’s novel GODLAND, the reader meets a cast of characters that push the word “normal” to the limits. I’m not going to give anything away by describing each character, but the major players are people that you do not want as neighbors. There are a few characters that can be classified as “normal”, namely the teens Lindsay, Shannon and Gavin, well, as normal as teens are, but 300 pound Joshua, man-boy, 16 or 17 years old, will make you have nightmares or touch your heart or both. No, I can’t explain. You’ll have to read Joshua’s story to understand. For me, Joshua is the character that I wanted to help. I think you’ll understand why.
Mr. West is a master at creating characters that are so real you hope you never run into some of them on a dark street, or a daylight one for that matter. At least this reader has no desire to meet the real Edwin (father of Joshua) or his son. Are people really that warped? I guess so.
All I can say is read GODLAND with the lights on and even better with friends or family present to keep you in the real world. You certainly don’t want to get lost in GODLAND. I believe that the author has achieved his purpose of writing a story the reader will long remember and will avoid deserted country roads and lonely farm houses.
I won a copy of the novel from the publisher, MuseItUp Publishing
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June 7, 2015
This book is so twisted and creepy. But it's very well done. When I started reading, I couldn't stop till I got to the end.
You meet a whole cast of these, mostly screwed up characters. Edwin, what the hell?! Seriously the most creepiest, scariest character. I'm putting him up next to the clown in a House of a 1000 Corpses. That guy gives me the creeps. I can't watch those movies. There are also likable characters. They all have a connection in some way. As weird and screwed up as that is.
I really liked Matt and Shannon. Shannon is one strong girl, she fought and fought. I love a good strong female character.
I think I've said this before but Stuart can weave a story so brilliantly. I wonder where he gets these ideas.
This book literally had me on the edge of my seat. It was insane!...Lissa
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You meet a whole cast of these, mostly screwed up characters. Edwin, what the hell?! Seriously the most creepiest, scariest character. I'm putting him up next to the clown in a House of a 1000 Corpses. That guy gives me the creeps. I can't watch those movies. There are also likable characters. They all have a connection in some way. As weird and screwed up as that is.
I really liked Matt and Shannon. Shannon is one strong girl, she fought and fought. I love a good strong female character.
I think I've said this before but Stuart can weave a story so brilliantly. I wonder where he gets these ideas.
This book literally had me on the edge of my seat. It was insane!...Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
October 13, 2014
Having read and enjoyed Stuart West's Young Adult books (Tex the Witch Boy series and Elspeth the Living Dead Girl), I decided to give one of Mr. West's "grown up" books a try. Though I haven't read horror/suspense in almost twenty years, this book reminded me of why it was once my favorite genre. I flew through this book, anxious to see what happened to each of the characters. I had some minor confusion about the timeline of one character's past (was Shannon 7, 8, 11, or 12 when her father left?), but that didn't impact my enjoyment of the story in the least. If you enjoy horror or suspense, you really should visit Godland.
September 16, 2014
Get ready for a hair-raising, leave-the-lights-on read! I had the privilege of reading West's book early and I honestly couldn't put it down. Mainly because I had to make sure the creepy guys didn't get away...and end up in my yard or something. West does a wonderful job bringing together an eclectic mix of characters caught in a horrific situation that will definitely give you chills. I loved how all of the stories intertwined with one another as the book progressed, and I'm sure you'll find yourself praying that Godland doesn't really exist.
October 11, 2014
This is a truly disturbing horror novel. I am a big fan of horror, but what got me about this one is that there are no supernatural elements. The horror comes from what human beings are capable of doing to each other.
If you are a fan of horror fiction then this book is for you. It's also plotted in such a way that leaves you not at all sure that any of the characters are going to make it out alive, so it will have you gripped to the end just to find out.
An accomplished and disturbing horror story from an author who is worth watching.
If you are a fan of horror fiction then this book is for you. It's also plotted in such a way that leaves you not at all sure that any of the characters are going to make it out alive, so it will have you gripped to the end just to find out.
An accomplished and disturbing horror story from an author who is worth watching.
October 11, 2014
I was gripped by this book immediately, engrossed in the strong characters and how they're all brought together in a horrifying climax. I've read all of Stuart West's novels, but this one is by far the strongest. I see a bestseller in Godland. Stuart West's writing is exquisite, powerful, and engaging. I'm expecting to read about major awards.
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February 13, 2016(5)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews