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Solom #2
The Narrow Gate
"Like Stephen King, he knows how to summon serious scares." - Bentley Little, The Burning "Scott Nicholson knows the territory. Follow him at your own risk." -- Stewart O'Nan, A Face in the Crowd SOLOM: THE NARROW GATE Book #2 in the Solom series After the violent death of Katy Logan's psychopathic husband, she inherits a farm in the Appalachian Mountain town of Solom. Determined to protect her teen daughter Jett and not surrender to fear, she builds a new life in the wake of the tragedy. However, the dark forces that drove her husband to madness still lurk in Solom, and a horseback preacher has returned from the grave with a sinister mission. Solom's slumbering spirits are stirring, the herds of goats are restless, and the townspeople are banding together to ward off the sinister force that threatens to destroy them. Katy and Jett discover an unexpected ally as they are drawn into the supernatural showdown, but is anyone--or anything--powerful enough to walk away from Solom's final battleground? ---------------- Scott Nicholson is the international bestselling author of more than 30 books, including THE RED CHURCH, McFALL, DRUMMER BOY, LIQUID FEAR, and SPEED DATING WITH THE DEAD. Look for the other books in the Solom series, THE SCARECROW and THE PREACHER.
- GenresHorror
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2014
28 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Scott Nicholson
211 books767 followersWith more than 800,000 books sold worldwide, Scott Nicholson is an international bestselling thriller writer. He won the Writers of the Future Award in 1999 and was a Stoker Award finalist in 2003. His Fear series was published by Amazon's Thomas & Mercer imprint and 47North released the supernatural thriller McFALL.
He's also published a number of supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy books and stories, including the AFTER, NEXT, and ARIZE post-apocalyptic series, as well as children's books, comics, and screenplays. His 2006 novel The Home is in development as a feature film.
He's also published a number of supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy books and stories, including the AFTER, NEXT, and ARIZE post-apocalyptic series, as well as children's books, comics, and screenplays. His 2006 novel The Home is in development as a feature film.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 23, 2019
This second book in the Solom trilogy was an iffy read and I had this at four stars, but the more I thought about it I decided to change my rating to three stars. I wasn't as impressed with the second book as I was with the first. Though there was a little more action, I wasn't as creeped out as I was in the first book.
I am not going into a long drawn out review on this book as I am just going to lay out some opinions on what I read. The characters Katy and Jett are still very much active in this book, but I didn't feel the connection in this book like I did in the last book. The characters have to go through basically the same scenario as they did in the first book and though I did enjoy reading the book I was never scared while reading it. The only difference in this book is that the preacher makes himself more known, but in my opinion he was not as scary in this book. The author brought him more into the limelight throughout this book, but I wish he had stayed more in the shadows as I would rather stay in the "mystery zone" with the preacher as there would have been more of a scare factor and there wasn't one for the second book.
The goats are back in this book as well along with the scarecrow and they were more scary then the preacher in my opinion. The book does kind of go off the rails near the end of the book and there were some things that happened in the last few chapters that didn't ring my bell, but I am thinking it might be that things will be wrapped up in the third book. Questions were left unanswered in this book and I really hope that the third book reveals all! Three stars for this one.
I am not going into a long drawn out review on this book as I am just going to lay out some opinions on what I read. The characters Katy and Jett are still very much active in this book, but I didn't feel the connection in this book like I did in the last book. The characters have to go through basically the same scenario as they did in the first book and though I did enjoy reading the book I was never scared while reading it. The only difference in this book is that the preacher makes himself more known, but in my opinion he was not as scary in this book. The author brought him more into the limelight throughout this book, but I wish he had stayed more in the shadows as I would rather stay in the "mystery zone" with the preacher as there would have been more of a scare factor and there wasn't one for the second book.
The goats are back in this book as well along with the scarecrow and they were more scary then the preacher in my opinion. The book does kind of go off the rails near the end of the book and there were some things that happened in the last few chapters that didn't ring my bell, but I am thinking it might be that things will be wrapped up in the third book. Questions were left unanswered in this book and I really hope that the third book reveals all! Three stars for this one.
November 21, 2019
Return to Solom
We return to Simon and the aftermath of book one. Jett and Katy are trying to piece their lives back together and move forward. Katy has decided to stay in Solom. The action begins right a way once his one and it doesn't stop. There is plenty of scared as well. However, I didn't like this book as much as i did book 1. Jett and Katy are constantly throwing the past in each other's faces and I really didn't like that. I'm not sure if I'll read book 3 or not.
We return to Simon and the aftermath of book one. Jett and Katy are trying to piece their lives back together and move forward. Katy has decided to stay in Solom. The action begins right a way once his one and it doesn't stop. There is plenty of scared as well. However, I didn't like this book as much as i did book 1. Jett and Katy are constantly throwing the past in each other's faces and I really didn't like that. I'm not sure if I'll read book 3 or not.
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
March 8, 2014
The Narrow Gate is the second book in Solom series. Katy Logan can't afford to move away from Solom. Katy and Jett her daughter are going to stay and see things through together. After the death of Katy maniac husband Gordon, things are peaceful for the next year. Evil still lurks for the townsfolk of Solom. When all of a sudden the horseback preacher is spotted. The preacher is showing himself to everybody in town. Strange things begin to happen. Everyone knows when the preacher appears someone must die. The townspeople are in a frenzy wondering who will be his next victim. It is said that if you are killed by the preacher, that you will comeback. I would highly recommend this book to readers of supernatural thrillers.
February 28, 2021
The Smiths Of Solom's Tribe Of Unnatural Goats and the Struggle Between Their Erstwhile Supernatural Shepherds
I enjoyed reading this second volume of the Solom series and the action and suspense propelled me to the end. The author makes it easy to visualize events as they occur and also exposes the sometimes dark and selfish perspectives of the living characters. I suspect the story would make a great movie.
I hope the next book allows more development of Katy, Jeff, and Mark's story, but I was glad to get to know some of the other Solomites better, including Odus, who had dropped out of the story before the end of the last volume. The involvement of the off-the-grid marijuana grower next door offered some of humor, always a nice contrast to scenes of horror and mayhem.
One quibble: the perspectives of the dead are still unclear. There were elements in this book that, rather than revealing the supernatural rules and motivations these revenants follow, instead left me hanging. But, it was a thrilling and worthwhile read and I hope that the origins of the cursed haunting the town has endured will be fully brought to light in the conclusion. I'm on to the next book!
I enjoyed reading this second volume of the Solom series and the action and suspense propelled me to the end. The author makes it easy to visualize events as they occur and also exposes the sometimes dark and selfish perspectives of the living characters. I suspect the story would make a great movie.
I hope the next book allows more development of Katy, Jeff, and Mark's story, but I was glad to get to know some of the other Solomites better, including Odus, who had dropped out of the story before the end of the last volume. The involvement of the off-the-grid marijuana grower next door offered some of humor, always a nice contrast to scenes of horror and mayhem.
One quibble: the perspectives of the dead are still unclear. There were elements in this book that, rather than revealing the supernatural rules and motivations these revenants follow, instead left me hanging. But, it was a thrilling and worthwhile read and I hope that the origins of the cursed haunting the town has endured will be fully brought to light in the conclusion. I'm on to the next book!
December 22, 2020
Though giving it 4 out of 5 I was thinking to settle for 3. But anyway it was decent enough for me to finish. Not going to write a longer review with it but stating some fact of the tale...
Like 1st book of this series the 2nd book not seen much scary to me and I really didn't get the vibe of horror or say frightening moments. Katy and Jett still in there and they struggling with the creatures. Scarecrow too has the presence of it so did the horseback preacher. There's lot more characters in this part and I had some hard time to connect them by recalling there activity through my mind. Otherwise it was ok read. The real fact as I already said I didn't get the fear, scary scene that been presented in the first book. The ending though I have to admit was really something to read. I liked that ending part of course. But if those principle characters (ghosts, unnatural things) have their presence very low in here than the story might be more interesting to read. Off to final book to finish it and hopefully this time I wouldn't be disappointed...
Like 1st book of this series the 2nd book not seen much scary to me and I really didn't get the vibe of horror or say frightening moments. Katy and Jett still in there and they struggling with the creatures. Scarecrow too has the presence of it so did the horseback preacher. There's lot more characters in this part and I had some hard time to connect them by recalling there activity through my mind. Otherwise it was ok read. The real fact as I already said I didn't get the fear, scary scene that been presented in the first book. The ending though I have to admit was really something to read. I liked that ending part of course. But if those principle characters (ghosts, unnatural things) have their presence very low in here than the story might be more interesting to read. Off to final book to finish it and hopefully this time I wouldn't be disappointed...
January 30, 2018
Meh...
This was an improvement over the first book in some ways but it seemed rather disjointed as it skipped from cliffhanger scene to cliffhanger scene. Maybe some readers enjoy that but I found it annoying.
Also there were some glaring errors. Towards the end of the book, a sheriff's Crown Victoria patrol car is described as having front wheel drive. Nope, not in this universe. That's a rear wheel drive car. There were a few other things throughout the book that were just plain wrong. But I didn't take notes on them - just flinched and kept reading.
This was an improvement over the first book in some ways but it seemed rather disjointed as it skipped from cliffhanger scene to cliffhanger scene. Maybe some readers enjoy that but I found it annoying.
Also there were some glaring errors. Towards the end of the book, a sheriff's Crown Victoria patrol car is described as having front wheel drive. Nope, not in this universe. That's a rear wheel drive car. There were a few other things throughout the book that were just plain wrong. But I didn't take notes on them - just flinched and kept reading.
February 27, 2014
It’s not often that a sequel exceeds its predecessor, but THE NARROW GATE does so in spades.
In this second installment, Nicholson introduces us to the entire community of Solom, baring its flaws and secrets, and characters that I was able to relate. Characters with different motivations always enhance a story and that includes the supernatural entities. The characters are well presented to the reader as lively, interesting, memorable people from the Appalachians, which Nicholson knows so well.
Jett and her mother from the first book are back having stayed in Solom after Gordon’s death, convinced that they were now safe from that evil influence and a need to maintain a presence on their inherited property. The goats were back to being goats and the headless ghost of Rebecka, apparently appeased with the death of her abusive husband Gordon, has taken a hike.
Nothing is so simple in Solom. Harmon, the Preacher is still around claiming a victim every so often and Solom has accepted the fact over the years. But Harmon doesn’t seem happy with just one victim and there seems to be a different reason for his return.
The tension begins early and builds throughout the book as Nicholson’s prose propels the reader to a satisfying climax involving the entire community, the Preacher, and the Scarecrow. Oh, you thought he was gone? Ha. What further horror can these two evil entities inflict on Solom that is worse than the murder of a Solom resident?
THE SCARROW is good, THE NARROW GATE is superb.
In this second installment, Nicholson introduces us to the entire community of Solom, baring its flaws and secrets, and characters that I was able to relate. Characters with different motivations always enhance a story and that includes the supernatural entities. The characters are well presented to the reader as lively, interesting, memorable people from the Appalachians, which Nicholson knows so well.
Jett and her mother from the first book are back having stayed in Solom after Gordon’s death, convinced that they were now safe from that evil influence and a need to maintain a presence on their inherited property. The goats were back to being goats and the headless ghost of Rebecka, apparently appeased with the death of her abusive husband Gordon, has taken a hike.
Nothing is so simple in Solom. Harmon, the Preacher is still around claiming a victim every so often and Solom has accepted the fact over the years. But Harmon doesn’t seem happy with just one victim and there seems to be a different reason for his return.
The tension begins early and builds throughout the book as Nicholson’s prose propels the reader to a satisfying climax involving the entire community, the Preacher, and the Scarecrow. Oh, you thought he was gone? Ha. What further horror can these two evil entities inflict on Solom that is worse than the murder of a Solom resident?
THE SCARROW is good, THE NARROW GATE is superb.
March 3, 2014
'I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review'
Katy and Jett are back in this Sequel to Solom: The Scarecrow. Katy can't afford for them to move out of Solom so she intends for her and Jett to stay in Gordon's house. Although a distant relative is fighting her for the house. Things have been fine for the past year since Gordon's death but all of a sudden strange things are happening. The horseback preacher is back. He has been stopping in to show himself to people one by one. Everyone is freaking out wondering who he is there to kill. Although some of them try to stay in denial. They think that if they deny it then he won't come after them. The goats are back at it. People are afraid to go out at night in case they run into the goats.
It is said that if you were killed by the horseback preacher that you will come back. So who is the other entity that shows up?
I Loved it! This book was just as good as the first one if not better. Katy and Jet were hoping that they were safe now that Gordon was dead. The goats are almost like a cult. If you like a good thriller then you definitely want to read these books. I highly recommend reading. Scott Nicholson's mind is just as twisted as Stephen King. Who is one of my favorites. And those twisted minds bring us some of the best books. I will be reading more of this authors books.
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
Katy and Jett are back in this Sequel to Solom: The Scarecrow. Katy can't afford for them to move out of Solom so she intends for her and Jett to stay in Gordon's house. Although a distant relative is fighting her for the house. Things have been fine for the past year since Gordon's death but all of a sudden strange things are happening. The horseback preacher is back. He has been stopping in to show himself to people one by one. Everyone is freaking out wondering who he is there to kill. Although some of them try to stay in denial. They think that if they deny it then he won't come after them. The goats are back at it. People are afraid to go out at night in case they run into the goats.
It is said that if you were killed by the horseback preacher that you will come back. So who is the other entity that shows up?
I Loved it! This book was just as good as the first one if not better. Katy and Jet were hoping that they were safe now that Gordon was dead. The goats are almost like a cult. If you like a good thriller then you definitely want to read these books. I highly recommend reading. Scott Nicholson's mind is just as twisted as Stephen King. Who is one of my favorites. And those twisted minds bring us some of the best books. I will be reading more of this authors books.
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
April 6, 2014
'I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review'
Katy and Jett are back in this Sequel to Solom: The Scarecrow. Katy can't afford for them to move out of Solom so she intends for her and Jett to stay in Gordon's house. Although a distant relative is fighting her for the house. Things have been fine for the past year since Gordon's death but all of a sudden strange things are happening. The horseback preacher is back. He has been stopping in to show himself to people one by one. Everyone is freaking out wondering who he is there to kill. Although some of them try to stay in denial. They think that if they deny it then he won't come after them. The goats are back at it. People are afraid to go out at night in case they run into the goats.
It is said that if you were killed by the horseback preacher that you will come back. So who is the other entity that shows up?
I Loved it! This book was just as good as the first one if not better. Katy and Jet were hoping that they were safe now that Gordon was dead. The goats are almost like a cult. If you like a good thriller then you definitely want to read these books. I highly recommend reading. Scott Nicholson's mind is just as twisted as Stephen King. Who is one of my favorites. And those twisted minds bring us some of the best books. I will be reading more of this authors books.
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
Katy and Jett are back in this Sequel to Solom: The Scarecrow. Katy can't afford for them to move out of Solom so she intends for her and Jett to stay in Gordon's house. Although a distant relative is fighting her for the house. Things have been fine for the past year since Gordon's death but all of a sudden strange things are happening. The horseback preacher is back. He has been stopping in to show himself to people one by one. Everyone is freaking out wondering who he is there to kill. Although some of them try to stay in denial. They think that if they deny it then he won't come after them. The goats are back at it. People are afraid to go out at night in case they run into the goats.
It is said that if you were killed by the horseback preacher that you will come back. So who is the other entity that shows up?
I Loved it! This book was just as good as the first one if not better. Katy and Jet were hoping that they were safe now that Gordon was dead. The goats are almost like a cult. If you like a good thriller then you definitely want to read these books. I highly recommend reading. Scott Nicholson's mind is just as twisted as Stephen King. Who is one of my favorites. And those twisted minds bring us some of the best books. I will be reading more of this authors books.
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
July 22, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book of the series, but the second instalment left me a little disappointed. The first 60% of the book was a very slow build up to what was happening as well as introducing several new characters. The last 40% of the book did make up for it, mostly due to the presence of both Katy and Jett.
More on the Horseback Preacher was revealed and it's nice to see that the author does not portray a typical horror book cliche.
More on the Horseback Preacher was revealed and it's nice to see that the author does not portray a typical horror book cliche.
February 21, 2014
This is the second book in the Solom series and just as the first book, I find the characters and town to be totally believable. I truly enjoy reading it and it is a fast read. Not a book to read at night. Unless you enjoy being scared and maybe dreaming about the characters. Which I did.
March 11, 2014
Good scary story
I really enjoy Scott's books, very good characters and plot. I especially like the Appalachian settings because if you have ever been back in those mountains at night, you know how isolated and creepy they can be. Looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoy Scott's books, very good characters and plot. I especially like the Appalachian settings because if you have ever been back in those mountains at night, you know how isolated and creepy they can be. Looking forward to the next book.
May 15, 2014
The Narrow Gate is the second book in the Solom series. Katy and Jett are still living in the Smith farmhouse a year later. Everything has been going good but fall is approaching which is when the horseback preacher returns.
This is a good fast paced book.
This is a good fast paced book.
December 28, 2014
OK sequel to Solom: The Scarecrow. It had its moments, but it just did not make me want to bother going back to Solom again.
Note: This is being reviewed a few months after having read it. I am playing catch-up on GoodReads.
Note: This is being reviewed a few months after having read it. I am playing catch-up on GoodReads.
May 27, 2014
Good book - I enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the third.
June 22, 2014
Very good...creepy. As good as the first in the series.
August 16, 2015
A good creepy story
I've read the first book of the Solom series and can't wait to read the last. I really like the characters and the storyline
I've read the first book of the Solom series and can't wait to read the last. I really like the characters and the storyline
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews