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Inferno Park
Carter was only twelve when he witnessed the disaster that killed more than a hundred people at Starland Amusement Park. Five years later, Carter’s hometown is no longer a busy Florida panhandle resort, but a slowly dying town full of empty motels and attractions rusting behind chains and padlocks.
Now something evil stirs in the ruins of the old amusement park...something with an alluring siren song drawing visitors into the dark mysteries of the forbidden world behind the gate. Something with an appetite for restless, yearning souls.
Carter reluctantly returns to the old park in the company of a new girl in town, who is obsessed with urban decay and pop-culture ruins, and discovers the evil at work. To stop it, and protect the children of the town, Carter will have to face his oldest and deepest fears.
Now something evil stirs in the ruins of the old amusement park...something with an alluring siren song drawing visitors into the dark mysteries of the forbidden world behind the gate. Something with an appetite for restless, yearning souls.
Carter reluctantly returns to the old park in the company of a new girl in town, who is obsessed with urban decay and pop-culture ruins, and discovers the evil at work. To stop it, and protect the children of the town, Carter will have to face his oldest and deepest fears.
501 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2014
133 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bryan
53 books1,034 followersJ.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 24, 2020
Summary
5 years after Carter witnessed a massive sinkhole open in the middle of Starland, killing over 100 people and giving the theme park it's Inferno Park nickname, he is still traumatized over what happened.
But when a pretty girl with a fascination for abandoned places moves to town she is able to convince him to sneak back into the park with her. What they don't know is that there is something inside and it's eager to trap any trespassers who enter.
As more and more kids from town go missing, Carter and Victoria must find a way to stop the evil hiding in the park.
Personal Opinion
Haunted theme park stories have always been one of my favorite kinds and Inferno Park is a really fun, amusement filled read.
J. L. Bryan did a great job bringing both the good and bad of Starland A.K.A. Inferno Park to life with his description writing. I really liked the creative and gory deaths as well.
The story itself has a strong start and ending while the middle is aimed more at building up the creepy suspense of the park.
I would definitely recommend to horror and abandoned theme park fans.
5 years after Carter witnessed a massive sinkhole open in the middle of Starland, killing over 100 people and giving the theme park it's Inferno Park nickname, he is still traumatized over what happened.
But when a pretty girl with a fascination for abandoned places moves to town she is able to convince him to sneak back into the park with her. What they don't know is that there is something inside and it's eager to trap any trespassers who enter.
As more and more kids from town go missing, Carter and Victoria must find a way to stop the evil hiding in the park.
Personal Opinion
Haunted theme park stories have always been one of my favorite kinds and Inferno Park is a really fun, amusement filled read.
J. L. Bryan did a great job bringing both the good and bad of Starland A.K.A. Inferno Park to life with his description writing. I really liked the creative and gory deaths as well.
The story itself has a strong start and ending while the middle is aimed more at building up the creepy suspense of the park.
I would definitely recommend to horror and abandoned theme park fans.
December 29, 2022
This one was alot of fun! The story focuses on Carter, whose childhood was built around the Starland amusement park in his town. When disaster strikes and hundreds of people are killed in a freak accident (including the girl that Carter finally got the nerve to talk to), the whole town dies. Carter’s family loses their livelihood and tourists no longer come through the town. A few years later, some local kids disappear and with the help of a friend that is new to town, Carter gets sucked back into the lore behind the old amusement park.
This book was fully creepy and atmospheric- I thought the author did a great job of describing the park and the happenings there while also inciting a sense of fear in the characters as they determine that something isn’t right. There are all kinds of scary things happening but also the characters are well developed so it’s more than just a book of horror.
Overall it was a fun ride and I stayed up late into the night to finish it. I appreciate the backdrop of the highway amusement parks that I also visited as a child.
This book was fully creepy and atmospheric- I thought the author did a great job of describing the park and the happenings there while also inciting a sense of fear in the characters as they determine that something isn’t right. There are all kinds of scary things happening but also the characters are well developed so it’s more than just a book of horror.
Overall it was a fun ride and I stayed up late into the night to finish it. I appreciate the backdrop of the highway amusement parks that I also visited as a child.
November 12, 2015
Amazing. Review to come.
October 24, 2019
Great book
I will never ride another rollercoaster without thinking of this book again. I loved this book, even the gruesome parts. I kept thinking at the start that it might be like Final Destination but it its so not like that at all. I highly recommend for any horror lover
I will never ride another rollercoaster without thinking of this book again. I loved this book, even the gruesome parts. I kept thinking at the start that it might be like Final Destination but it its so not like that at all. I highly recommend for any horror lover
December 18, 2014
I'm leaning toward 3.5 stars on this one - 3.75 even.
I almost didn't finish this book, all because of the crazy first chapter. Initially, I was really enjoying the setup. Carter, a 12-year-old with a first crush, lives in a seaside town full of gaudy Americana displays - things we used to see off of exit ramps during our long car rides to our summer vacation destinations. Giant, garish octopi, mermaids, flamingos and sharks. There is also a large amusement park, getting a bit long in the tooth, but still attractive to young kids willing to overlook the flaking paint. Then the "inciting incident" occurs and it is so over the top, so crazy, and so in your face, that I thought I'd switched to a different story. On top of that, Carter's reaction to what is probably the most horrific thing a young kid could witness seems much too reserved.
I almost stopped there. A friend prodded me to at least get through the second chapter. I did, and I'm glad I did.
Starting with Chapter Two, our story takes up five years later after the nastiness in Chapter One. Carter is still trying to put the past behind him, get through his last year of high school, and get away from his now dying town to start his life over. He meets a young lady, Victoria, and his life changes for the better - until something starts to prey upon the towns young people.
The creepiness of the next 3/4 of the books is well done. It's not a in-your-face shocking bloodbath like the first chapter. It's more subtle and atmospheric. It's obvious some evil has come to roost in the old amusement park, but exactly what it is and why it's there are a mystery for some time.
Fritz Leiber once wrote (and probably others too) that the moment you show the monster, your horror story loses its impact. The same was true for this book. Once a name was put upon the entity, I felt much of the creepiness evaporated. I think that if the "monster" had remained unlabeled, and had also not made appearances outside the amusement park, the story would have kept its momentum for much longer.
I'd strayed away from reading horror for some years now, mostly due to the disappointing nature of most of the writing. I took a chance on this one, and for the most part I felt the author did an exceptional job of telling a scary story without resorting to Hollywood slasher cliches. The ending was better than average too. You have to get past that first chapter, though, and put up with a certain amount of cheese in the defeat of the evil.
One more plus, and I'll shut up. The author did a fantastic job of researching classic roadside attractions and the history of amusement parks. The level of detail used to describe the area and the old businesses added quite a lot to my enjoyment of the story. Despite my dislike of the first part of the book and cheesy resolution, I would definitely consider picking up another book by J.L. Bryan.
I almost didn't finish this book, all because of the crazy first chapter. Initially, I was really enjoying the setup. Carter, a 12-year-old with a first crush, lives in a seaside town full of gaudy Americana displays - things we used to see off of exit ramps during our long car rides to our summer vacation destinations. Giant, garish octopi, mermaids, flamingos and sharks. There is also a large amusement park, getting a bit long in the tooth, but still attractive to young kids willing to overlook the flaking paint. Then the "inciting incident" occurs and it is so over the top, so crazy, and so in your face, that I thought I'd switched to a different story. On top of that, Carter's reaction to what is probably the most horrific thing a young kid could witness seems much too reserved.
I almost stopped there. A friend prodded me to at least get through the second chapter. I did, and I'm glad I did.
Starting with Chapter Two, our story takes up five years later after the nastiness in Chapter One. Carter is still trying to put the past behind him, get through his last year of high school, and get away from his now dying town to start his life over. He meets a young lady, Victoria, and his life changes for the better - until something starts to prey upon the towns young people.
The creepiness of the next 3/4 of the books is well done. It's not a in-your-face shocking bloodbath like the first chapter. It's more subtle and atmospheric. It's obvious some evil has come to roost in the old amusement park, but exactly what it is and why it's there are a mystery for some time.
Fritz Leiber once wrote (and probably others too) that the moment you show the monster, your horror story loses its impact. The same was true for this book. Once a name was put upon the entity, I felt much of the creepiness evaporated. I think that if the "monster" had remained unlabeled, and had also not made appearances outside the amusement park, the story would have kept its momentum for much longer.
I'd strayed away from reading horror for some years now, mostly due to the disappointing nature of most of the writing. I took a chance on this one, and for the most part I felt the author did an exceptional job of telling a scary story without resorting to Hollywood slasher cliches. The ending was better than average too. You have to get past that first chapter, though, and put up with a certain amount of cheese in the defeat of the evil.
One more plus, and I'll shut up. The author did a fantastic job of researching classic roadside attractions and the history of amusement parks. The level of detail used to describe the area and the old businesses added quite a lot to my enjoyment of the story. Despite my dislike of the first part of the book and cheesy resolution, I would definitely consider picking up another book by J.L. Bryan.
August 29, 2014
I've read a few of J.L Bryan's books, and I know he doesn't go easy on the detail, whether it be sparkly wings, or scary faerie beings, or even gory details, so when I began Inferno Park I knew it was going to be creepy, and I knew it wouldn't lack for detail......and when the detail came, it was bloody, it was gruesome, it was great!!!!!
Carter and his friend Jared, live in the resort town of Conch City, with the beach over the road, and Starland Amusement Park right at their door steps. One fateful evening their time is quickly, and brutally cut short by a sink hole, devastating the amusement park, and causing multiple injuries and deaths. From that moment on, Carter has never been the same, with daily nightmares and the run down park near by, it's hard to forget all the gruesome things he witnessed that day.
Inferno Park is told from Carter's point of view, we do however get to see others as the vast array of characters all explore the park for themselves, and we get a front row seat to some pretty spectacular scenes. One thing that quickly captured my attention was how the name of the book, Inferno Park, is linked with the the sad story of Starland Amusement Park itself, I thought this was a clever little piece of information.
When I initially began reading Inferno Park I ended up putting it down. A lot of others things got in the way of me enjoying this book so I waited until I was able to read it without being disturbed, and as soon as that time came, I devoured this book. Inferno Park is nothing like J.L. Bryan's others books, but I have to say this is by far my favourite one out of them all. I loved the attention to detail, from character descriptions, to the rusting flakes off the run-down rides. I honestly didn't know what to expect from reading Inferno Park, but I was not disappointed at all, even the cover of the book is amazing.
I know my review is vague, and I have purposefully not gone into detail about Inferno Park, I want YOU to read this book and be completely sucked into this world like I was, with no forewarning over what happens on the next page, or even the next chapter.
Carter and his friend Jared, live in the resort town of Conch City, with the beach over the road, and Starland Amusement Park right at their door steps. One fateful evening their time is quickly, and brutally cut short by a sink hole, devastating the amusement park, and causing multiple injuries and deaths. From that moment on, Carter has never been the same, with daily nightmares and the run down park near by, it's hard to forget all the gruesome things he witnessed that day.
Inferno Park is told from Carter's point of view, we do however get to see others as the vast array of characters all explore the park for themselves, and we get a front row seat to some pretty spectacular scenes. One thing that quickly captured my attention was how the name of the book, Inferno Park, is linked with the the sad story of Starland Amusement Park itself, I thought this was a clever little piece of information.
When I initially began reading Inferno Park I ended up putting it down. A lot of others things got in the way of me enjoying this book so I waited until I was able to read it without being disturbed, and as soon as that time came, I devoured this book. Inferno Park is nothing like J.L. Bryan's others books, but I have to say this is by far my favourite one out of them all. I loved the attention to detail, from character descriptions, to the rusting flakes off the run-down rides. I honestly didn't know what to expect from reading Inferno Park, but I was not disappointed at all, even the cover of the book is amazing.
I know my review is vague, and I have purposefully not gone into detail about Inferno Park, I want YOU to read this book and be completely sucked into this world like I was, with no forewarning over what happens on the next page, or even the next chapter.
April 24, 2015
Inferno Park was an incredibly exhilarating read and one I won’t soon forget! I’ve read J.L. Bryan’s “Jenny Pox”, and enjoyed it so much that I got this book without even looking at the book summary. I had high expectations when I started Inferno Park and was not disappointed. I was taken on a wild rollercoaster ride of terror through an abandoned amusement park where some of my worst nightmares found a stage.
The only complaints I have is that Inferno Park needs another quick round of editing to weed out the little grammar bugs, and also that I found the main characters somewhat lacking. They were not as well-rounded as the characters in “Jenny Pox”. Strangely though, I really liked some of the secondary characters.
For everything else I have only high praises. The world-building was done magnificently and I easily immersed myself in the eerie depths of Starland. The rides and attractions were creative and thrilling, and I could vividly imagine the sights and sounds as the decayed amusement park was brought to life again. Even the descriptions of the food at the concession stands had my mouth watering! My favorite chapters were the ones where characters went on rides or explored eerie attractions, and then...bam! It just doesn’t always end well. But because I’m an authentic horror fan, I enjoyed these chapters because the author skillfully managed to scare the bejeesus out of me. He uses inventive ways to end his characters that would shame George R.R Martin. That said, this is not a book for the squeamish reader.
Overall, I was delighted by this story and enjoyed it immensely. This is classic horror at its finest. I don’t think I’ll ever look at amusement parks the same way again!
The only complaints I have is that Inferno Park needs another quick round of editing to weed out the little grammar bugs, and also that I found the main characters somewhat lacking. They were not as well-rounded as the characters in “Jenny Pox”. Strangely though, I really liked some of the secondary characters.
For everything else I have only high praises. The world-building was done magnificently and I easily immersed myself in the eerie depths of Starland. The rides and attractions were creative and thrilling, and I could vividly imagine the sights and sounds as the decayed amusement park was brought to life again. Even the descriptions of the food at the concession stands had my mouth watering! My favorite chapters were the ones where characters went on rides or explored eerie attractions, and then...bam! It just doesn’t always end well. But because I’m an authentic horror fan, I enjoyed these chapters because the author skillfully managed to scare the bejeesus out of me. He uses inventive ways to end his characters that would shame George R.R Martin. That said, this is not a book for the squeamish reader.
Overall, I was delighted by this story and enjoyed it immensely. This is classic horror at its finest. I don’t think I’ll ever look at amusement parks the same way again!
February 19, 2016
I love J.L. Bryan’s Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper series, so I thought I’d try another title by him. Inferno Park is a tale of horror set at an abandoned amusement park where a catastrophe happened years in the past. Carter was just a kid when he witnessed the gruesome event, now at seventeen, he becomes friends with Victoria, a new girl in his school. Victoria is an amateur photographer who enjoys taking shots of abandoned and decaying places. Unfortunately, she and Carter (along with a number of kids in their town) soon discover that something sinister lurks within the old park and its evil is spreading.
I enjoyed the story, especially the parts related to the park itself. The descriptions were wonderful. Whether the author was describing the past glory days when the park was a thriving amusement attraction, or the current atmosphere of spookiness, horror, and decay, the scene setting was superb. I liked both of the lead characters and thought the secondary characters were also well developed. On the downside, some of the pacing dragged for me, and I actually enjoyed the first half of the book better than the second when the “evil” within the park was identified. Overall, a creepy read with good characters. 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the story, especially the parts related to the park itself. The descriptions were wonderful. Whether the author was describing the past glory days when the park was a thriving amusement attraction, or the current atmosphere of spookiness, horror, and decay, the scene setting was superb. I liked both of the lead characters and thought the secondary characters were also well developed. On the downside, some of the pacing dragged for me, and I actually enjoyed the first half of the book better than the second when the “evil” within the park was identified. Overall, a creepy read with good characters. 3.5 stars.
August 14, 2014
*throws everything off desk and waits for this book*
I'm not sure how much to say about this book. Everything is wound so tightly and people are so freaking uptight about spoilers that I'm almost scared to even talk about it.
Spoiler Free Review:
Conch City is a sea side town with a cheaper alternative to Disney World. It's main attraction is a horror themed roller coaster called Inferno Mountain. Carter is scared of the ride, the laughing devil's head seems to be taunting him when he goes to ride it. The amusement industry is Carter's life he's spent his life on the beach dealing with tourists at his parent's go cart track. That all changes when a disaster hits the park.
This book is packed full of creepy vibes. It had this outstanding ability to give me chills. From the moment the big bad thing happens the book is literally a roller coaster ride of bad stuff happening to Carter and his friends.
It also has this insane ability to stick with me. I remember details, and character names, and feelings and emotions well after I have finished the book. I keep turning certain scenes around in my brain. Scenes I desperately wish would go away by the way. I have swiss cheese holes in my brain stuff slips through really really easily, Inferno Park is glued in there.
If you like sweeping horror that creeps up on you then this book may just be for you. If you don't mind vomiting in your mouth a little bit this book might just be for you. If you like being scared this book might just be for you. If you don't like any of those things read the book.
I can't really place my finger on ONE thing that makes me stand up and say 'read this book!!!' I mean it's the whole freaking thing. The opening is cinematic in feel. The middle just builds on the feeling that I am watching a really great slow burning horror film, and then the bodies start dropping and I'm like...OH MY GAWD!
The plot is this ebb and flow where you think...oh no he just did that, but it's okay, because they are totally not going too.. oh their doing that. If I could, I probably would have read this book with my hands over my eyes at the scary parts. Cue foreshadowing music, cue creepy shadows, cue classic classic horror vibes.
The characters feel like real teenagers. They are not well adjusted, they make big dumb teenager decisions, they fumble and stumble their way through all the horrible crap happening to them. Carter and Victoria are characters I think every former geeky teen can identify with.
From the moment I saw that JL Bryan was releasing this book up until I turned to the last page I was excited about this book. I'm so happy that I spent the time with it that I did.
Oh, and don't read Inferno Park right before bed. Or while eating.
I'm not sure how much to say about this book. Everything is wound so tightly and people are so freaking uptight about spoilers that I'm almost scared to even talk about it.
Spoiler Free Review:
Conch City is a sea side town with a cheaper alternative to Disney World. It's main attraction is a horror themed roller coaster called Inferno Mountain. Carter is scared of the ride, the laughing devil's head seems to be taunting him when he goes to ride it. The amusement industry is Carter's life he's spent his life on the beach dealing with tourists at his parent's go cart track. That all changes when a disaster hits the park.
This book is packed full of creepy vibes. It had this outstanding ability to give me chills. From the moment the big bad thing happens the book is literally a roller coaster ride of bad stuff happening to Carter and his friends.
It also has this insane ability to stick with me. I remember details, and character names, and feelings and emotions well after I have finished the book. I keep turning certain scenes around in my brain. Scenes I desperately wish would go away by the way. I have swiss cheese holes in my brain stuff slips through really really easily, Inferno Park is glued in there.
If you like sweeping horror that creeps up on you then this book may just be for you. If you don't mind vomiting in your mouth a little bit this book might just be for you. If you like being scared this book might just be for you. If you don't like any of those things read the book.
I can't really place my finger on ONE thing that makes me stand up and say 'read this book!!!' I mean it's the whole freaking thing. The opening is cinematic in feel. The middle just builds on the feeling that I am watching a really great slow burning horror film, and then the bodies start dropping and I'm like...OH MY GAWD!
The plot is this ebb and flow where you think...oh no he just did that, but it's okay, because they are totally not going too.. oh their doing that. If I could, I probably would have read this book with my hands over my eyes at the scary parts. Cue foreshadowing music, cue creepy shadows, cue classic classic horror vibes.
The characters feel like real teenagers. They are not well adjusted, they make big dumb teenager decisions, they fumble and stumble their way through all the horrible crap happening to them. Carter and Victoria are characters I think every former geeky teen can identify with.
From the moment I saw that JL Bryan was releasing this book up until I turned to the last page I was excited about this book. I'm so happy that I spent the time with it that I did.
Oh, and don't read Inferno Park right before bed. Or while eating.
November 3, 2017
Promising start, a young teenage boy who lives in a Florida town that is almost entirely dependant of the tourists brought in by the local amusement park witnesses a terrible tragedy. A sinkhole opens up in the park, killing many people including the girl he had a crush on. Five years later, the town is dying, the park is boarded up and he befriends the new girl in school who is fascinated by urban decay and the park itself. Two younger boys, one is a bully, and the other is overweight sneak into the park at night and discover that there is something evil in there. The heavy kid is described as if being fat is the most vile thing on earth, while the bully is just a bully. I kinda lost interest there. Maybe I'll pick it up later, but the story was a bit draggy after the boys, and I found it stupid to see how vile the heavy kid was described.
October 30, 2018
Life in Conch City was good for Carter. He lived by the beach and Starland Amusement Park was but a stone’s throw away. But, good things come to a swift and tragic end when a sinkhole opens up under Starland. So many injuries, so much death. Carter survived but he’ll never be the same.
I went into this book cold. I didn’t read the blurb or skim any reviews. I just knew from that spectacular cover that I was in for a ride. The bestest, scariest kind of ride, where you squeeze your eyes shut, hold on tight as you can, and kiss your…Well, you know. Kind of like riding a rollercoaster, only so much more terrifying.
I’ve always thought a run down, abandoned amusement park would be the perfect setting for a horror story. I was once at our county fair and it was closing time. Most everyone was gone, the lights were going out one by one, faint laughter and shouts could be heard. I was alone but for a moment and I was terrified. I felt that while reading this book. Bryan breathed life into his characters, let me walk among them, and then let the evil seep in.
Having read the author’s Ghost Trapper series. I know he can write some dark stuff, but I guess I was lulled into letting my guard down. It was just some teens exploring the rusted hulk of a park. Ha! Shame on me for thinking like a teenager. You know how they think they’ll live forever. Well, the author puts a stop to that myth in such chilling ways. Amusement parks have so many attractions and games and I thought the author got really creative with how to use them for the best scares. And when I read the last page, the last word, I was left thinking, now that’s a horror story.
Grab your tickets. Choose a ride. But be warned. The ride ain’t over til it’s bloody well over.
I went into this book cold. I didn’t read the blurb or skim any reviews. I just knew from that spectacular cover that I was in for a ride. The bestest, scariest kind of ride, where you squeeze your eyes shut, hold on tight as you can, and kiss your…Well, you know. Kind of like riding a rollercoaster, only so much more terrifying.
I’ve always thought a run down, abandoned amusement park would be the perfect setting for a horror story. I was once at our county fair and it was closing time. Most everyone was gone, the lights were going out one by one, faint laughter and shouts could be heard. I was alone but for a moment and I was terrified. I felt that while reading this book. Bryan breathed life into his characters, let me walk among them, and then let the evil seep in.
Having read the author’s Ghost Trapper series. I know he can write some dark stuff, but I guess I was lulled into letting my guard down. It was just some teens exploring the rusted hulk of a park. Ha! Shame on me for thinking like a teenager. You know how they think they’ll live forever. Well, the author puts a stop to that myth in such chilling ways. Amusement parks have so many attractions and games and I thought the author got really creative with how to use them for the best scares. And when I read the last page, the last word, I was left thinking, now that’s a horror story.
Grab your tickets. Choose a ride. But be warned. The ride ain’t over til it’s bloody well over.
September 9, 2014
Four Stars: A creeptastic book that will make you sure you never feel the same about amusement parks again.
It is a balmy summer night. Thirteen year old Carter is perusing the town, enjoying those last, long summer nights of freedom before school starts. He is hoping to catch sight of the girl he is secretly crushing on. When Carter see Trish entering the Starlight Amusement Park, he doesn't hesitate, he buys a ticket and heads in. Carter loves the old amusement park. He pauses to drink in the sights and sounds. He breathes deeply and catches a whiff of salty ocean air swirling through the park, thick with the scents of cotton candy, fried food and buttery popcorn. The park is alive with lights, noise and magic. Little does Carter know that in a few minutes, this will happy place will become a scene of horror. Will Carter ever escape the Inferno Park?
What I Liked:
*Fair warning, this book isn't for the faint of heart. It is a dark, thrilling, gory, spooky story that will haunt you long after you have finished. I was thoroughly entertained, and I couldn't help but to draw comparisons to one of my all time favorite authors, Stephen King, while reading Inferno Park. This book totally has a King vibe with its creepy setting and terrifying villain. I assure you, once you finish this one, you will think twice before visiting an amusement park. Bryan does to amusement parks what King did to clowns. If you are a horror fan, don't miss this one.
*I loved the amusement park setting. Bryan painstakingly crafts two versions of the amusement park. The bright, happy, before park, vivid and alive, although it is showing the signs of wear, and then in contrast, the ruined, haunted park. I loved the attention to detail, and I especially appreciated how Bryan managed to engage all of my senses. He skillfully describes the sights, sounds, smells and thrills of an amusement park before turning into something extraordinarily creepy. It was awesome. Even though I am a huge fan of amusement parks, I will be thinking twice the next time I visit one, and you can sure as heck bet that I will NEVER visit one after hours.
*I liked how the book focused on the history of the small town. The reader learns how the park was born, saw it in its glory days, and then witnessed the gradual decline. Once the park slides into ruin, the fall out on the town is a rapid downward spiral. I enjoyed how carefully Mr. Bryan created this town and how he laid out its history. The demise of the town helped to intensify the eerie atmosphere.
*Carter is a likable hero. He is intelligent, unassuming and unafraid of hard work. Long before the accident in the park, Carter was afraid of the giant Devil Roller Coaster. Since the destruction, Carter has been haunted by nightmares. The park has affected Carter on so many levels, it haunts him and it destroyed his life as he knew it. When kids start to go missing, Carter is talked into visiting the park by a new girl in town. Even though he is frightened of the park, he agrees. Before long, Carter is drawn into a horrifying struggle. When the final stakes are on the table, Carter makes a stunning, altruistic choice. I loved his bravery and commitment.
*Victoria, Carter's partner in crime, is the perfect compliment. She is inquisitive to the point where it gets her in trouble, she is determined and stubborn and willing to try and make a difference. I loved that she didn't back down either once the horrible truth was revealed.
*Believe it or not, I liked that there wasn't a fully developed romance in this one. When the new girl, Victoria, comes to town and befriends Carter, I thought a relationship was in the works. Surprisingly, the two remain friends. I thought it was great that the book didn't delve into a romance, because somehow a fledgling romance in the face of evil seemed out of place.
*This one is non stop action and thrills. The first chapter alone will suck you in with the terrifying accident. There is suspense, mystery and plenty of chills to keep you entertained throughout.
*The climax is riveting. I wish I could go into details, but I won't. I will just say this: prepare for a hellish roller coaster ride! It is epic! Then once the adrenaline settles down, the book ends nicely and neatly with a spot of hope. No cliffhangers or unanswered questions. This is a stand alone!
And The Not So Much:
*As I mentioned, this book is not for the squeamish, fraidy cats. Just as Mr. Bryan spared no details creating the park and its atmosphere, he does the same with the fright and the gore. Some of the scenes are truly terrifying. I will say this, I didn't find the gore over the top or overly gristly, but it was certainly enough to scare me.
*I wished that there was more on the whole mom angle. I kept expecting something to develop on that end of the story, but it didn't. No big deal, but I was hoping that she would make another appearance.
*Don't read this before bed time or right before you go to an amusement park. You have been warned.
Inferno Park is a must read book for all fans of paranormal horror. With exceptional characters, suspense and outstanding world building, fans will be flocking for more. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. The haunted, decayed amusement park is the stuff of nightmares, and I suspect that after reading this one, you will be a bit hesitant the next time you visit an amusement park. I know I am, especially since the day after I read this book, the Colossus roller coaster at Magic Mountain caught on fire! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09.... If you are on the hunt for a terrifying, creeptastic book for the Fall season, this one is not to be missed. Mr. Bryan has rivaled Stephen King with this tale, and I don't say that lightly. Just get it.
Favorite Quotations:
"a ride is much more interesting when it includes the risk of serious injury or death, don't you agree?"
"That's where the fear lives, down inside you, not inside whatever it is that's scaring you."
"They say the devil resides within each person, watching and whispering."
A huge thanks to J.L. Bryan for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review and for haunting my sleep! All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
It is a balmy summer night. Thirteen year old Carter is perusing the town, enjoying those last, long summer nights of freedom before school starts. He is hoping to catch sight of the girl he is secretly crushing on. When Carter see Trish entering the Starlight Amusement Park, he doesn't hesitate, he buys a ticket and heads in. Carter loves the old amusement park. He pauses to drink in the sights and sounds. He breathes deeply and catches a whiff of salty ocean air swirling through the park, thick with the scents of cotton candy, fried food and buttery popcorn. The park is alive with lights, noise and magic. Little does Carter know that in a few minutes, this will happy place will become a scene of horror. Will Carter ever escape the Inferno Park?
What I Liked:
*Fair warning, this book isn't for the faint of heart. It is a dark, thrilling, gory, spooky story that will haunt you long after you have finished. I was thoroughly entertained, and I couldn't help but to draw comparisons to one of my all time favorite authors, Stephen King, while reading Inferno Park. This book totally has a King vibe with its creepy setting and terrifying villain. I assure you, once you finish this one, you will think twice before visiting an amusement park. Bryan does to amusement parks what King did to clowns. If you are a horror fan, don't miss this one.
*I loved the amusement park setting. Bryan painstakingly crafts two versions of the amusement park. The bright, happy, before park, vivid and alive, although it is showing the signs of wear, and then in contrast, the ruined, haunted park. I loved the attention to detail, and I especially appreciated how Bryan managed to engage all of my senses. He skillfully describes the sights, sounds, smells and thrills of an amusement park before turning into something extraordinarily creepy. It was awesome. Even though I am a huge fan of amusement parks, I will be thinking twice the next time I visit one, and you can sure as heck bet that I will NEVER visit one after hours.
*I liked how the book focused on the history of the small town. The reader learns how the park was born, saw it in its glory days, and then witnessed the gradual decline. Once the park slides into ruin, the fall out on the town is a rapid downward spiral. I enjoyed how carefully Mr. Bryan created this town and how he laid out its history. The demise of the town helped to intensify the eerie atmosphere.
*Carter is a likable hero. He is intelligent, unassuming and unafraid of hard work. Long before the accident in the park, Carter was afraid of the giant Devil Roller Coaster. Since the destruction, Carter has been haunted by nightmares. The park has affected Carter on so many levels, it haunts him and it destroyed his life as he knew it. When kids start to go missing, Carter is talked into visiting the park by a new girl in town. Even though he is frightened of the park, he agrees. Before long, Carter is drawn into a horrifying struggle. When the final stakes are on the table, Carter makes a stunning, altruistic choice. I loved his bravery and commitment.
*Victoria, Carter's partner in crime, is the perfect compliment. She is inquisitive to the point where it gets her in trouble, she is determined and stubborn and willing to try and make a difference. I loved that she didn't back down either once the horrible truth was revealed.
*Believe it or not, I liked that there wasn't a fully developed romance in this one. When the new girl, Victoria, comes to town and befriends Carter, I thought a relationship was in the works. Surprisingly, the two remain friends. I thought it was great that the book didn't delve into a romance, because somehow a fledgling romance in the face of evil seemed out of place.
*This one is non stop action and thrills. The first chapter alone will suck you in with the terrifying accident. There is suspense, mystery and plenty of chills to keep you entertained throughout.
*The climax is riveting. I wish I could go into details, but I won't. I will just say this: prepare for a hellish roller coaster ride! It is epic! Then once the adrenaline settles down, the book ends nicely and neatly with a spot of hope. No cliffhangers or unanswered questions. This is a stand alone!
And The Not So Much:
*As I mentioned, this book is not for the squeamish, fraidy cats. Just as Mr. Bryan spared no details creating the park and its atmosphere, he does the same with the fright and the gore. Some of the scenes are truly terrifying. I will say this, I didn't find the gore over the top or overly gristly, but it was certainly enough to scare me.
*I wished that there was more on the whole mom angle. I kept expecting something to develop on that end of the story, but it didn't. No big deal, but I was hoping that she would make another appearance.
*Don't read this before bed time or right before you go to an amusement park. You have been warned.
Inferno Park is a must read book for all fans of paranormal horror. With exceptional characters, suspense and outstanding world building, fans will be flocking for more. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. The haunted, decayed amusement park is the stuff of nightmares, and I suspect that after reading this one, you will be a bit hesitant the next time you visit an amusement park. I know I am, especially since the day after I read this book, the Colossus roller coaster at Magic Mountain caught on fire! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09.... If you are on the hunt for a terrifying, creeptastic book for the Fall season, this one is not to be missed. Mr. Bryan has rivaled Stephen King with this tale, and I don't say that lightly. Just get it.
Favorite Quotations:
"a ride is much more interesting when it includes the risk of serious injury or death, don't you agree?"
"That's where the fear lives, down inside you, not inside whatever it is that's scaring you."
"They say the devil resides within each person, watching and whispering."
A huge thanks to J.L. Bryan for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review and for haunting my sleep! All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 3, 2024
I loved the haunted amusement park idea and the descriptiveness of the park in both the decayed and illusion states was wonderful. This book struck me as multiple things, all of which I liked. There was a mystery to solve and the background research that goes into that, something I love in a story. There was a bit of a seven deadly sins aspect to some of the story. There was the slasher film trope of a group of kids that goes into the scary place, makes poor decisions and ultimately pay for it. On one hand I get that trope, and there was also a reason provided for why their decision making may not be what it should be, but at the same time I sat there saying OMG no, why would you do that. I guess it comes down to "let's hide behind the chainsaws instead of jumping into the running car." There was the big baddie that they had to defeat. It was a page turner and I just wanted to keep going. It ultimately fell short of five stars for me though because I never quite grasped why the main character was so untouchable, and more why his sidekick was untouchable. I also felt that after the huge buildup of how undefeatable the villain was, it wasn't really all that hard after all. Essentially the ending didn't live up to the rest of the book for me.
April 5, 2020
Another page turning book that gave no clue as to which way the story would go. As I read through the book I couldn't help but liken the main characters to the awful time the whole world is facing at this moment in time.
In the face of fear, losing his friend 5 years before to the Parks terrible tragedy, and other friends since, the evil was faced full on by Carter. His fear of the unknown evil instead of making him give up, spurred him on until he had finally turned his back forever on the evil and faced a better new future, one day at a time.
Whilst I was reading this book, we are living through the horrific Coronavirus - Covid 19, and together one day at a time, we will win. We might lose family and friends as we go, as Carter did, but the bright new day will come if we turn our back on the evil and look forward to a brighter future, one day at a time.
Thank you JL Bryan for writing a book that you would never have thought, would interpret the fear and sadness we have now in 2020.
In the face of fear, losing his friend 5 years before to the Parks terrible tragedy, and other friends since, the evil was faced full on by Carter. His fear of the unknown evil instead of making him give up, spurred him on until he had finally turned his back forever on the evil and faced a better new future, one day at a time.
Whilst I was reading this book, we are living through the horrific Coronavirus - Covid 19, and together one day at a time, we will win. We might lose family and friends as we go, as Carter did, but the bright new day will come if we turn our back on the evil and look forward to a brighter future, one day at a time.
Thank you JL Bryan for writing a book that you would never have thought, would interpret the fear and sadness we have now in 2020.
July 2, 2022
Okay. WHY hadn’t I ever heard of this before?? This was like reading a Rob Zombie movie, particularly House of 1000 Corpses…but set in an abandoned amusement park instead of the farmhouse and gas station.
It isn’t literary brilliance, but if you’re looking for something super fun, macabre and reminiscent of Stranger Things, well, look no further.
(It doesn’t have the nostalgia factor of ST but it still felt like that.).
I thought this would be more along the lines of IT by Stephen King, but it really isn’t like that at all.
This was a fun romp in a small-town roadside attraction, sort of like what you would see on I40 or Route 66. Haunted in all the best ways.
Freaking LOVED this and I want to find more from this author!
It isn’t literary brilliance, but if you’re looking for something super fun, macabre and reminiscent of Stranger Things, well, look no further.
(It doesn’t have the nostalgia factor of ST but it still felt like that.).
I thought this would be more along the lines of IT by Stephen King, but it really isn’t like that at all.
This was a fun romp in a small-town roadside attraction, sort of like what you would see on I40 or Route 66. Haunted in all the best ways.
Freaking LOVED this and I want to find more from this author!
February 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this
A very cool and original idea.
Placing it in a closed and damaged amusement park just adds to the spooky effect. I live near a closed and derelict park in Ohio called Chippewa Lake and grew up near another one in Cleveland called Puritus Park. It was always really creepy to me (even as a kid) seeing those old deserted buildings and the skeletons of the rides so many had enjoyed and made Summer memories on from years past. Now another of my childhood memories named Geauga Lake Park lies vacant and dead with a Home Depot in its old parking lot. Looking a lot like Inferno Park (minus the sink hole).
Once again, very clever idea for a book!
A very cool and original idea.
Placing it in a closed and damaged amusement park just adds to the spooky effect. I live near a closed and derelict park in Ohio called Chippewa Lake and grew up near another one in Cleveland called Puritus Park. It was always really creepy to me (even as a kid) seeing those old deserted buildings and the skeletons of the rides so many had enjoyed and made Summer memories on from years past. Now another of my childhood memories named Geauga Lake Park lies vacant and dead with a Home Depot in its old parking lot. Looking a lot like Inferno Park (minus the sink hole).
Once again, very clever idea for a book!
June 13, 2022
Absolutely fantastic book, great for summer or anytime!
This was a really really well thought out and well executed book. It reminded me of the old Stephen King books from the 70-80’s with a healthy dose of the book Needful Things, and elements of Nightmare on Elm Street. Best of all, the setting is an amusement park, 5 years after it closed, due to a terribly horrific accident killed over a 100 people.
The descriptions of death are not overly graphic, there is no sex in the book either, and the swearing is kept to a startling minimum, instead it is a fantastic book, an excellent story, with enjoyable characters, told by a very talented author.
This was a really really well thought out and well executed book. It reminded me of the old Stephen King books from the 70-80’s with a healthy dose of the book Needful Things, and elements of Nightmare on Elm Street. Best of all, the setting is an amusement park, 5 years after it closed, due to a terribly horrific accident killed over a 100 people.
The descriptions of death are not overly graphic, there is no sex in the book either, and the swearing is kept to a startling minimum, instead it is a fantastic book, an excellent story, with enjoyable characters, told by a very talented author.
July 12, 2021
This is definitely a fun read, reminiscent of Goosebumps or “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” I would have found this terrifying as a kid. As an adult, horror based mostly on gore is predictable and not really scary per se. What I was hoping to see was more psychological horror and “creepiness,” and while there was some of that, it wasn’t enough. The ending was not entirely satisfying and somewhat confusing too.
August 15, 2022
delightfully fun and scary read
What’s worse than surviving a horrifying disaster that took many lives? Finding out five years later that the location is back and claiming more lives. If you like a good ghost story with a touch of the bloody then this book is for you. I found myself riveted especially as I reached the thrilling final conflict. I refuse to give any more details so as not to spoil it. Just trust me and read it. I think you’ll be glad you did.
What’s worse than surviving a horrifying disaster that took many lives? Finding out five years later that the location is back and claiming more lives. If you like a good ghost story with a touch of the bloody then this book is for you. I found myself riveted especially as I reached the thrilling final conflict. I refuse to give any more details so as not to spoil it. Just trust me and read it. I think you’ll be glad you did.
July 17, 2022
Couldn't keep this book down!
I can see this being made into a major motion picture....and I'd definitely go see it in theaters! Good characters and substance. An abandoned amusement park because of a tragic accident and the aftermath of a saddened town....kind of like the real stories scattered around the US.
I can see this being made into a major motion picture....and I'd definitely go see it in theaters! Good characters and substance. An abandoned amusement park because of a tragic accident and the aftermath of a saddened town....kind of like the real stories scattered around the US.
December 19, 2022
Don't judge a book by its cover
I really enjoyed this. I didn't have big expectations but it is a well written story with little "filler" that seems to pad out other kindle books. Good characters and just the right amount of scary. The scenes describing Hell are truly inspired. Worth the read.
I really enjoyed this. I didn't have big expectations but it is a well written story with little "filler" that seems to pad out other kindle books. Good characters and just the right amount of scary. The scenes describing Hell are truly inspired. Worth the read.
January 9, 2024
One of his best!
This book was fantastic. I won’t go into details of the story because I don’t want to spoil anything. But if you are a fan of his Ellie Jordan books, you will find this one much darker and more twisted. Which isn’t a bad thing. Several times I found myself on the edge of my seat. It’s a hard book to put down. Absolutely worth the read.
This book was fantastic. I won’t go into details of the story because I don’t want to spoil anything. But if you are a fan of his Ellie Jordan books, you will find this one much darker and more twisted. Which isn’t a bad thing. Several times I found myself on the edge of my seat. It’s a hard book to put down. Absolutely worth the read.
November 17, 2018
Loved it
Gotta say this book is worth the read. I love the anding and i usually hate happy endings. This book is not dark as edward lee or matt shaw. Light but with little darkness in the book. This is just beating the devil with a little dantes internal. 10 devils out of 10
Gotta say this book is worth the read. I love the anding and i usually hate happy endings. This book is not dark as edward lee or matt shaw. Light but with little darkness in the book. This is just beating the devil with a little dantes internal. 10 devils out of 10
January 29, 2019
Awesome book! I love old amusement parks! Add it being abandoned and haunted, and you have a great book. Someone should read this and make an amusement park exactly as described! Only not really haunted lol
July 10, 2019
Excellent
I'm a sucker for creepy carnivals. I'm a sucker for abandoned things. This had both of them elements. This was a great story. It was detailed enough, but not draawwwn out. I couldn't stop reading at times. An excellent choice for horror fans !
Well done Mr. Bryan
I'm a sucker for creepy carnivals. I'm a sucker for abandoned things. This had both of them elements. This was a great story. It was detailed enough, but not draawwwn out. I couldn't stop reading at times. An excellent choice for horror fans !
Well done Mr. Bryan
June 17, 2022
wow
This is such a wonderful and inspiring book, great character design, world building and the plot development. It had you hooked from the first chapter and had quite a few good scary bits in there to give you nightmares. Fantastic find, glad I got to read it
This is such a wonderful and inspiring book, great character design, world building and the plot development. It had you hooked from the first chapter and had quite a few good scary bits in there to give you nightmares. Fantastic find, glad I got to read it
September 19, 2022
Loved It!
I normally don't leave reviews, but this was a fun and great read. The descriptions put visual pictures in my mind. I loved the setting of an amusement park. It was long but worth it.
I normally don't leave reviews, but this was a fun and great read. The descriptions put visual pictures in my mind. I loved the setting of an amusement park. It was long but worth it.
Read
October 20, 2022Now here's a horror book worth reading. I really enjoyed this one. It has all the elements that make for great story telling. The author let's you use your imagination and uses just enough detail to spark your images without all that graphic gore and nonsense. Great read.
November 26, 2022
This read was great fun! My favorite part of the book is the atmosphere that the writer was able to create. I could almost smell the popcorn and see the flashing lights at this creepy amusement park. The atmosphere was fantastic!
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