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Winward
Wendy and Rubin are on their way off for a weekend trip to spend with friends in the small, out-of-the-way town of Winward, Colorado. But what should have been time spent reconnecting will instead become something much worse.
Something has happened in Winward. An act of violence which neither Wendy nor Rubin can fully comprehend. And immediately upon arriving in town, they are drawn into a sequence of events completely out of their control. Their lives are about to be turned inside-out, and for an act as innocent as crossing the town line.
The darkness of Winward lurks within.
Something has happened in Winward. An act of violence which neither Wendy nor Rubin can fully comprehend. And immediately upon arriving in town, they are drawn into a sequence of events completely out of their control. Their lives are about to be turned inside-out, and for an act as innocent as crossing the town line.
The darkness of Winward lurks within.
- GenresHorror
Audible Audio
Published July 10, 2018
3 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Chad A. Clark
37 books28 followersChad A. Clark is an author of dark-leaning fiction, born and raised in the middle of the United States. His road began in Illinois, along the banks of the Mississippi and from there he moved to Iowa, where he has lived ever since. From an early age, he was brined in the glory that is science fiction and horror, from the fantastical of George Lucas, Gene Roddenberry and Steven Spielberg to the dark and gritty tales of Stephen King and George Romero. The way from there to here has been littered with no shortage of books and movies, all of which have and continue to inform his narrative style to this day. Chad has written horror, science fiction and non-fiction. He has been published by Crystal Lake Publishing, Dark Minds Press, Shadow Work Publishing, EyeCue Productions, Darker Worlds Publishing and Sirens Call Publications. His books have received critical praise from the Ginger Nuts of Horror, Ink Heist, Confessions of a Reviewer, Horror DNA and This is Horror. For more, check out www.cclarkfiction.net
For more information, go to cclarkfiction.net
For more information, go to cclarkfiction.net
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 6, 2018
Review: WINWARD by Chad A. Clark
While I raced through this novella, all sorts of reference memories flocked in: Tom Deady' s WEEKEND GETAWAY, the B-film "Highway to Hell" with its psychotic cop, Twilight Zone, the original Outer Limits. All through that was the constant refrain "oh no oh no surely that won't happen" as if I myself was a character in a 1980's B-horror who doesn't know when to give up. The author warned me of the implacability in this story, and he sure didn't exaggerate: the "villain" is near to preternatural in his ability to be seemingly everywhere and to seemingly know everything. In this, I am reminded of Stoker' s Dracula.
The author who rocked my imagination with the ever-incredible CHILD AT THE END OF TIME has now given me another reason to sleep with all the lights on (or maybe not sleep at all).
While I raced through this novella, all sorts of reference memories flocked in: Tom Deady' s WEEKEND GETAWAY, the B-film "Highway to Hell" with its psychotic cop, Twilight Zone, the original Outer Limits. All through that was the constant refrain "oh no oh no surely that won't happen" as if I myself was a character in a 1980's B-horror who doesn't know when to give up. The author warned me of the implacability in this story, and he sure didn't exaggerate: the "villain" is near to preternatural in his ability to be seemingly everywhere and to seemingly know everything. In this, I am reminded of Stoker' s Dracula.
The author who rocked my imagination with the ever-incredible CHILD AT THE END OF TIME has now given me another reason to sleep with all the lights on (or maybe not sleep at all).
February 14, 2020
What a fun read Chad Clark has given us. “Winward” starts off fast and just keeps on going. You won’t be bored for a minute of this high-octane adventure. “Winward” is influenced by King’s “Desperation”. While having a similar plot, Chad Clark has his own voice and story to tell. I appreciate how lean and mean this story is. It’s well worth checking out if you are a fan of Laymon or King.
April 18, 2018
Unknowingly, this book simply appeared on my kindle this morning. I have no memory of ordering it, I paid for it over a month ago so I'm assuming it's a new release...
I'm stumped. Nothing in the description that I read today would lead me to do this- nothing stood out in the description that dramatically.
Regardless, I am glad it arrived. This is quite a story. Well written and dark. A bit violent too yet not overly so. A short read, an hour or so it sucked me in from the first pages and I put it down once to refill my coffee.
My only issue, I paid $1.28- it was released this morning and is free on KU....what a jip.
Seriously, good read in the style of Stephen King -if that's your bag it's well worth a look!
I'm stumped. Nothing in the description that I read today would lead me to do this- nothing stood out in the description that dramatically.
Regardless, I am glad it arrived. This is quite a story. Well written and dark. A bit violent too yet not overly so. A short read, an hour or so it sucked me in from the first pages and I put it down once to refill my coffee.
My only issue, I paid $1.28- it was released this morning and is free on KU....what a jip.
Seriously, good read in the style of Stephen King -if that's your bag it's well worth a look!
May 15, 2018
This book ,got a tight grip on me, and wouldn't let go. I read this book in exactly 3 hours. If you are a fan of Stephen king, you will definitely enjoy this 5 🌟 book. Rubin and Wendy embarks on a car trip, to the small town of Winward. To visit there college friends , upon arriving in Winward, they notice that something is off about this small town. What happens next is so shocking that your mind, can't grasp why is someone, you supposed to be able too trust, is the one who, scares you the most.
August 4, 2019
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
As I listened to the authors note at the end I was absolutely thrilled as it was revealed that a certain King book was inspiration for this book! Desperation was in my mind the entire time I was listening and I loved it!
This was terrifying, and well written!
Narration was pleasant and appropriate.
Five stars all the way around!
As I listened to the authors note at the end I was absolutely thrilled as it was revealed that a certain King book was inspiration for this book! Desperation was in my mind the entire time I was listening and I loved it!
This was terrifying, and well written!
Narration was pleasant and appropriate.
Five stars all the way around!
May 11, 2019
If you’re looking for a short and gripping read which keeps you dangling on the hook for a couple of hours, then Chad A. Clark’s Winward is worth taking a pop on. It’s one of those novellas best read in a single 150-page sitting and afterwards you’ll be wondering where the evening disappeared to. I’ve read other stuff by this author and I’ve picked up on his terrific endings. This latest tightly told story of a normal couple in peril keeps up that tradition right into its final moments. Clark’s intense horror/thriller novella does not feature the supernatural unlike much of his other writings; however, this author is equally proficient in tackling the horror and evil which comes from man.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
May 21, 2018
Chad Clark’s new book Winward is a gruesome, breathlessly tense thriller that gripped me to the finale. It’s also one of the paciest reads I’ve enjoyed for some time.
The story takes place against the desolate backdrop of the Colarado town of the title – a town with a huge, chilling secret. Little do the visiting couple Wendy and Rubin know, but they are about to find themselves at the centre of a whirlwind of violence that will put them and anyone else they meet in dire danger.
Author Chad knows how to keep the reader turning the page, because I breezed through this in just a couple of sittings. It’s intriguing from the offset, it’s disturbing, and it’s oddly believable.
Recommended.
The story takes place against the desolate backdrop of the Colarado town of the title – a town with a huge, chilling secret. Little do the visiting couple Wendy and Rubin know, but they are about to find themselves at the centre of a whirlwind of violence that will put them and anyone else they meet in dire danger.
Author Chad knows how to keep the reader turning the page, because I breezed through this in just a couple of sittings. It’s intriguing from the offset, it’s disturbing, and it’s oddly believable.
Recommended.
August 21, 2019
Audible:The story is similar to others.Strangers visit a town to find no one their.A cop shows up and takes them into custody...which is the worst thing that can happen.It is full of death and violence. Rebecca Ortese was a fine narrator. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 21, 2018
A taut little thriller that put me in the mind of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, without quite so much gore. When an innocent couple drives into a small town to visit a friend they become trapped in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a cold-blooded psychopath.
If you're in the mood for a quick pulse-pounder, Windward is the book for you.
If you're in the mood for a quick pulse-pounder, Windward is the book for you.
August 3, 2019
A couple arrive in a small town to find everybody missing
A fantastic thriller that reminds me of a old school slasher film
I’ve quickly become a fan of chads after listening to yesterday when we died earlier this year
Very entertaining and well narrated highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
A fantastic thriller that reminds me of a old school slasher film
I’ve quickly become a fan of chads after listening to yesterday when we died earlier this year
Very entertaining and well narrated highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
May 11, 2019
Excellent. High paced, keeps you enthralled.
February 6, 2024
A great little horror novella! The pacing is excellent - things kick off almost straight away, and it never really slows down. We get enough of a backstory for the main characters that they aren't two-dimensional, but not so much that it feels padded out.
There are minimal characters in this too, which focusses our attention, and I am generally very partial to a down to earth, human horror story.
This story is dark and intense, and would make a really great film.
There are minimal characters in this too, which focusses our attention, and I am generally very partial to a down to earth, human horror story.
This story is dark and intense, and would make a really great film.
August 7, 2019
The book starts off at a fast clip with tragedy striking right out the gate. Then the meat of the story opens up with a couple rolling into town looking for their college friends. They're inadvertently dragged into a crazy unbelievable encounter with a madman.
Pretty unique story. Fast paced. Just enough shock value to keep you interested and on your toes.
The narrator does a great job with the voices. No complaints there. Very matter of fact voice.
The finish of the story gives you a few twists and turns and feels very horror/slasher movie-esque. While it was short, I don't know that it needed to be any longer.
Pretty unique story. Fast paced. Just enough shock value to keep you interested and on your toes.
The narrator does a great job with the voices. No complaints there. Very matter of fact voice.
The finish of the story gives you a few twists and turns and feels very horror/slasher movie-esque. While it was short, I don't know that it needed to be any longer.
July 19, 2018
If you’re looking for a short and gripping read to keep you dangling on the hook for a couple of hours than Chad A Clark’s “Winward” is worth taking a cheeky pop on. It’s one of those novellas best read in a single 150 page sitting and afterwards you’ll be wondering where the evening disappeared to. I’ve read other stuff by this author and I’ve particularly noticed the high quality of his endings. This latest tightly told story of a normal couple in peril keeps up that tradition with nail-biting tension under the final moments. This horror/thriller novella does not feature the supernatural unlike much of his other writing, however, but Clark is equally proficient tackling the horror of man.
It all begins innocently enough, Wendy and Rubin are going to visit old friends in a remote part of Colorado, a small town called ‘Winward’. They haven’t seen this couple for a while and think a break might help them with some minor marriage problems. However, once they finally arrive at their destination they find the door suspiciously ajar. Thinking something is up, they enter the house and find one of their old friend’s shot dead in the upstairs bathtub. To reveal any more of the plot would spoil it, but Wendy and Rubin’s problems are just about to begin. Stick with this unfortunate couple and prepare for a tale of a suburban couple in peril told over a very short time-span.
This fast-paced punchy novella really whistled along after the discovery of the body. The few main characters are sketchily drawn with minimal backstories, this style this works well though, as when the action starts it’s unrelenting and simply described. Both Wendy and Rubin are normal, everyday, law-abiding citizens and when things start to go south their helplessness is palpitatingly real and you feel their isolation and horror. They’re trapped in the middle of nowhere, the town seems mysteriously deserted and they notice an abandoned diner. What’s going on? Clark holds back on the bloody violence and in some ways that makes everything else seem more realistic and amplified when it does happen. For instance, in a seemingly every day normal situation a sudden slap on the face comes across as particularly shocking.
Trooper Daniels, who is the third main character, is brutally unrelenting and a real scene stealer. Before long, his presence begins to dominate the novella and it slowly dawns on the couple what they are up against. One could argue we do not find out enough about this pivotal figure, on the other hand the author does explain his reasoning for this in his thorough end notes. I would still have liked to know more though. Other characters appear and the authors continues in drawing them sketchily, keeping the plot firmly centred in ‘the now’ with all the action taking place over a single night.
The sleepy rural town of Winward is a terrific location for a thriller, although it is not large it is geographically widely spread out, and there are few places or people for the two visitors to turn to once the problems begin to mount. The author’s description of Colorado are of wide open spaces, plains and emptiness, at the same time this location if perfect for a prowler to stalk its prey with the victim stuck in the headlights. However, I did wonder how plausible it was for the story to play out the way it did, especially with mobile phones and other technology, but I was happy enough to go with the flow.
Both the dynamics of the location and the direction the plot heads in reminded me slightly of the Australian horror film “Wolf Creek” which also beautifully manipulated huge open spaces, with victims being stalked on long deserted roads to hide, also featuring a serial killer to die for.
The horror genre is blessed with a seemingly endless conveyer-belt of quality novellas these days and Chad Clark has created a simply told tale which is a quality blend of horror and thriller which sits comfortably on the top tier.
It all begins innocently enough, Wendy and Rubin are going to visit old friends in a remote part of Colorado, a small town called ‘Winward’. They haven’t seen this couple for a while and think a break might help them with some minor marriage problems. However, once they finally arrive at their destination they find the door suspiciously ajar. Thinking something is up, they enter the house and find one of their old friend’s shot dead in the upstairs bathtub. To reveal any more of the plot would spoil it, but Wendy and Rubin’s problems are just about to begin. Stick with this unfortunate couple and prepare for a tale of a suburban couple in peril told over a very short time-span.
This fast-paced punchy novella really whistled along after the discovery of the body. The few main characters are sketchily drawn with minimal backstories, this style this works well though, as when the action starts it’s unrelenting and simply described. Both Wendy and Rubin are normal, everyday, law-abiding citizens and when things start to go south their helplessness is palpitatingly real and you feel their isolation and horror. They’re trapped in the middle of nowhere, the town seems mysteriously deserted and they notice an abandoned diner. What’s going on? Clark holds back on the bloody violence and in some ways that makes everything else seem more realistic and amplified when it does happen. For instance, in a seemingly every day normal situation a sudden slap on the face comes across as particularly shocking.
Trooper Daniels, who is the third main character, is brutally unrelenting and a real scene stealer. Before long, his presence begins to dominate the novella and it slowly dawns on the couple what they are up against. One could argue we do not find out enough about this pivotal figure, on the other hand the author does explain his reasoning for this in his thorough end notes. I would still have liked to know more though. Other characters appear and the authors continues in drawing them sketchily, keeping the plot firmly centred in ‘the now’ with all the action taking place over a single night.
The sleepy rural town of Winward is a terrific location for a thriller, although it is not large it is geographically widely spread out, and there are few places or people for the two visitors to turn to once the problems begin to mount. The author’s description of Colorado are of wide open spaces, plains and emptiness, at the same time this location if perfect for a prowler to stalk its prey with the victim stuck in the headlights. However, I did wonder how plausible it was for the story to play out the way it did, especially with mobile phones and other technology, but I was happy enough to go with the flow.
Both the dynamics of the location and the direction the plot heads in reminded me slightly of the Australian horror film “Wolf Creek” which also beautifully manipulated huge open spaces, with victims being stalked on long deserted roads to hide, also featuring a serial killer to die for.
The horror genre is blessed with a seemingly endless conveyer-belt of quality novellas these days and Chad Clark has created a simply told tale which is a quality blend of horror and thriller which sits comfortably on the top tier.
April 26, 2018
4 26 2018
We have all heard horror stories of "Small Town America." How some are backward communities, how things are not handled the way you would expect in larger towns. In this Story, Wendy and Rubin had no idea what they would be walking into when they decide to go and visit some old college friends after hearing of the death of Dianne's sister. Wendy & Rubin thought it would be a nice surprise to show up for the weekend to reconnect with Dianne and her hubby Russell. As soon as they hit town they began to feel uneasy, something is very very wrong in Winward.
What they find is a total and utter nightmare, where they seem to have no civil nor legal rights.Their only crime is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Trooper Daniels, won't even let them speak.It doesn't take long before Wendy and Rubin have no choice but to listen to the warning bells setting their nerves on edge going off within their mind. Their only hope is that in the morning someone more in control of their emotions will hear their side of the story. This is just a misunderstanding and they will see that straight away once they are allowed to speak...right?
Another terrifying tale from Mr.Clark. He can bring about such suspense and terror with just a few lines. His stories grab you from the first few sentences and leave you wanting to read more once his story has ended.
We have all heard horror stories of "Small Town America." How some are backward communities, how things are not handled the way you would expect in larger towns. In this Story, Wendy and Rubin had no idea what they would be walking into when they decide to go and visit some old college friends after hearing of the death of Dianne's sister. Wendy & Rubin thought it would be a nice surprise to show up for the weekend to reconnect with Dianne and her hubby Russell. As soon as they hit town they began to feel uneasy, something is very very wrong in Winward.
What they find is a total and utter nightmare, where they seem to have no civil nor legal rights.Their only crime is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Trooper Daniels, won't even let them speak.It doesn't take long before Wendy and Rubin have no choice but to listen to the warning bells setting their nerves on edge going off within their mind. Their only hope is that in the morning someone more in control of their emotions will hear their side of the story. This is just a misunderstanding and they will see that straight away once they are allowed to speak...right?
Another terrifying tale from Mr.Clark. He can bring about such suspense and terror with just a few lines. His stories grab you from the first few sentences and leave you wanting to read more once his story has ended.
March 6, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
Here, Wendy and Rubin decide to stop in Winward to visit their old friends. As soon as they arrive, something's wrong. They can't find their friends; it seems the town's deserted; and it's very isolated. Rubin decides to enter their friend's home and almost as soon as he does, Rubin realizes all is not right. Then Rubin discovers the body of his murdered friend - things are definitely not right. A trooper shows up - Rubin and Wendy breathe a sigh of relief but, perhaps all too soon.
This is a good well-written thriller which becomes scarier as you can completely relate to Wendy and Rubin. As their circumstances of being in a strange town where something is off, with no one to help and no way to leave begin to escalate - the pit in your stomach just keeps getting bigger and bigger. My only quibble - and it's minor - is I wish the true circumstances of what was happening in the town had not been revealed so early in the story as not knowing or being unsure of the truth is so much more scary.
I listened to this book - The narrator did a great job.
Here, Wendy and Rubin decide to stop in Winward to visit their old friends. As soon as they arrive, something's wrong. They can't find their friends; it seems the town's deserted; and it's very isolated. Rubin decides to enter their friend's home and almost as soon as he does, Rubin realizes all is not right. Then Rubin discovers the body of his murdered friend - things are definitely not right. A trooper shows up - Rubin and Wendy breathe a sigh of relief but, perhaps all too soon.
This is a good well-written thriller which becomes scarier as you can completely relate to Wendy and Rubin. As their circumstances of being in a strange town where something is off, with no one to help and no way to leave begin to escalate - the pit in your stomach just keeps getting bigger and bigger. My only quibble - and it's minor - is I wish the true circumstances of what was happening in the town had not been revealed so early in the story as not knowing or being unsure of the truth is so much more scary.
I listened to this book - The narrator did a great job.
September 5, 2022
I won this book on a Facebook contest and I really enjoyed it! Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering what in the world would happen next and a big plot twist that I was not expecting! This book was really great and the author totally thought outside of the box!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews