What do you think?
Rate this book
Consumption
For fans of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Sarah Langan comes a thrilling new vision of American horror. In Heather Herrman’s heart-pounding debut novel, evil is ready to feed—and it’s got one hell of an appetite.
In the wake of tragedy, John and Erma Scott are heading west in search of a new life. So when car trouble strands them in sleepy Cavus, Montana, they decide to stay for a while, charmed by the friendly residents and the surrounding ambiance. Here, they hope, is the healing balm that their marriage needs.
Then John and Erma find themselves in a fight not just to save their marriage, but their very lives. For this is no ordinary town. Its quiet streets conceal a dark and bloody secret that has slumbered for centuries. Now, that secret is awake . . . and it’s hungry.
Like a slow infection, evil is spreading through Cavus. Soon John and Erma—along with the local sheriff, an undocumented immigrant, a traumatized teenage girl, and an old man with terrible secrets of his own—must join together to battle an all-consuming force that has set its sights on its prey: the entire human race.
In the wake of tragedy, John and Erma Scott are heading west in search of a new life. So when car trouble strands them in sleepy Cavus, Montana, they decide to stay for a while, charmed by the friendly residents and the surrounding ambiance. Here, they hope, is the healing balm that their marriage needs.
Then John and Erma find themselves in a fight not just to save their marriage, but their very lives. For this is no ordinary town. Its quiet streets conceal a dark and bloody secret that has slumbered for centuries. Now, that secret is awake . . . and it’s hungry.
Like a slow infection, evil is spreading through Cavus. Soon John and Erma—along with the local sheriff, an undocumented immigrant, a traumatized teenage girl, and an old man with terrible secrets of his own—must join together to battle an all-consuming force that has set its sights on its prey: the entire human race.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2015
70 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 24, 2015
John and Erma are on their way to start a new life. They've had recent marriage problems and hope to start anew. Then they start through a small town by the name of Cavus, Montana. They have car trouble and are picked up by the local sheriff who tells them that their luck is shot because everyone is getting ready for the "Squirrel festival" and no one will have time to fix their car. He takes them to his aunt's house until their car can be fixed.
*town that won't let you leave-you know this shit is not going to end well*
You then get to "meet" some of the town's characters and realize this is not Kansas, Dorothy. The sheriff's former deputy had recently quit his job after losing his wife and his teenage daughter Star knows that something isn't right with dear old dad lately. Then there is that body of the woman at the kitchen table with her face ate off.
Erma and John decide that the town is charming and it's helping them to put their past aside so they decide to attend the town's squirrel festival. They can leave later, they think.
The town has a population of black squirrels that date back to the town's beginnings where the whole town was killed except for one girl and all the squirrels.
Now along with this part of the story weaved in between chapters you are given some of the back story about what weirdness is going on. For the biggest part of the book the reader is just teased with bits and pieces. People either eating or being made eat parts of dirt?
Weirdo running around in a ratty yellow raincoat.
Those are just some of the happenings in this sleepy little town.
Now for why I'm rating it 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I like my horror to at least be in a realm of possibility for some reason. If it's not possible at least be weird enough to keep my fickle mind entertained. This book came close but no cigar. I got frustrated with it and just wanted the ending to hurry up. It was pretty predictable but it's not the worst I've ever read. All in all I would recommend if you are in the mood for some people eating nom noms.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
*town that won't let you leave-you know this shit is not going to end well*
You then get to "meet" some of the town's characters and realize this is not Kansas, Dorothy. The sheriff's former deputy had recently quit his job after losing his wife and his teenage daughter Star knows that something isn't right with dear old dad lately. Then there is that body of the woman at the kitchen table with her face ate off.
Erma and John decide that the town is charming and it's helping them to put their past aside so they decide to attend the town's squirrel festival. They can leave later, they think.
The town has a population of black squirrels that date back to the town's beginnings where the whole town was killed except for one girl and all the squirrels.
Now along with this part of the story weaved in between chapters you are given some of the back story about what weirdness is going on. For the biggest part of the book the reader is just teased with bits and pieces. People either eating or being made eat parts of dirt?
Weirdo running around in a ratty yellow raincoat.
Those are just some of the happenings in this sleepy little town.
Now for why I'm rating it 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I like my horror to at least be in a realm of possibility for some reason. If it's not possible at least be weird enough to keep my fickle mind entertained. This book came close but no cigar. I got frustrated with it and just wanted the ending to hurry up. It was pretty predictable but it's not the worst I've ever read. All in all I would recommend if you are in the mood for some people eating nom noms.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
October 16, 2015
Welcome to Cavus, Montana. A charming little town with friendly residents and an intriguing history. Once upon a time the Indians that lived close by called this land bad and refused to settle there, but that was a long time ago and sure there have been some odd events now and then. Like young Lucy that apparently ate her husband and then disappeared and, of course, the well-known mining accident that claimed all the residents except one person. But that was a long time ago, this is a sweet ordinary town. And, now the yearly festival his here and it's bound to be an exceptional event…
John and Erma are traveling across the country to start anew and happen to get stranded in the town because of car problem. But it's such a charming town with friendly people so they decided to go to the festival and when the car is fixed continue travel. But something is really wrong in the town, people are acting strange and could it be something true to the old saying that the land is cursed?
Reading this book was like riding a rollercoaster. Everything starts slowly and suddenly it's free fall and it you just have to cling to the handles and just enjoy the ride. Well, it's a bit different when it comes to this book since riding a rollercoaster wagon doesn't include gore, blood, and horror.
John and Erma are traveling across the country to start anew and happen to get stranded in the town because of car problem. But it's such a charming town with friendly people so they decided to go to the festival and when the car is fixed continue travel. But something is really wrong in the town, people are acting strange and could it be something true to the old saying that the land is cursed?
Reading this book was like riding a rollercoaster. Everything starts slowly and suddenly it's free fall and it you just have to cling to the handles and just enjoy the ride. Well, it's a bit different when it comes to this book since riding a rollercoaster wagon doesn't include gore, blood, and horror.
I really liked the interesting back-story with the mining accident. I just knew that there must have been something more than just an accident and I eagerly turned the pages to learn what the hell is wrong with the people and the city, what really happened in the past?
This is a book for people with a strong stomach. The story can be a bit nasty and there are children involved in this story and if you have a problem with that should you probably not read it. I actually could take it better than I usually do, but I think that's because it's not a thriller, but a horror book. I find crime closer the reality actually worse than things that are paranormal. But as a horror book it's really good, well written and interesting and there are no parts that bog down the story. In other words a really good horror book!
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley and from TLC Book Tours in return for an honest review!
This is a book for people with a strong stomach. The story can be a bit nasty and there are children involved in this story and if you have a problem with that should you probably not read it. I actually could take it better than I usually do, but I think that's because it's not a thriller, but a horror book. I find crime closer the reality actually worse than things that are paranormal. But as a horror book it's really good, well written and interesting and there are no parts that bog down the story. In other words a really good horror book!
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley and from TLC Book Tours in return for an honest review!
November 6, 2024
"Don't fight it. Just admit it. Admit your sins, man. They're beautiful. You're beautiful, you humans with your dirt and your filth and your sins. It's the trying to cover them that's wrong."
Hmmm maybe 3.5 stars? I can't make up my mind about this. I very much enjoyed the mind-fuckery aspects and the growing sense of dread that built throughout the first half. I thought the switching perspectives, especially John and Erma, and the way they all eventually collided was really smartly interwoven. It was also weird as fuck sometimes, which I usually appreciate.
Breathe, two, three, four. Imagine yourself on a river. A motherfucking river with two dead bodies and a corpse with a tail. Hallelujah.
All of the weirdness was clearly building to something. All the creepy and tantalizing hints of the the badness that was to come promised to be dark and icky. Feeders...shudder. I couldn't wait to find out what was going on!
Humans were born to consume, to be consumed by their desires.
I was disappointed when the Feeders felt very derivative of zombies. I'm all for a some zombie chomping action, but there had been such great creepiness and mystery building, then it all dissolved into a people feast.
Overall, I'd call Consumption good horror, but not great. It's entertaining and worth finishing if you start, but unfortunately it didn't deliver on the grand suspense that was built at the beginning.
Hmmm maybe 3.5 stars? I can't make up my mind about this. I very much enjoyed the mind-fuckery aspects and the growing sense of dread that built throughout the first half. I thought the switching perspectives, especially John and Erma, and the way they all eventually collided was really smartly interwoven. It was also weird as fuck sometimes, which I usually appreciate.
Breathe, two, three, four. Imagine yourself on a river. A motherfucking river with two dead bodies and a corpse with a tail. Hallelujah.
All of the weirdness was clearly building to something. All the creepy and tantalizing hints of the the badness that was to come promised to be dark and icky. Feeders...shudder. I couldn't wait to find out what was going on!
Humans were born to consume, to be consumed by their desires.
I was disappointed when the Feeders felt very derivative of zombies. I'm all for a some zombie chomping action, but there had been such great creepiness and mystery building, then it all dissolved into a people feast.
Overall, I'd call Consumption good horror, but not great. It's entertaining and worth finishing if you start, but unfortunately it didn't deliver on the grand suspense that was built at the beginning.
May 26, 2015
Review copy
Something terrible happened before the fire that destroyed Cavus, Montana, in 1937. Now, it's happening again.
There was a lot I liked about Consumption. For example, the story of how John and Erma met and fell in love was magical; wonderfully crafted, ultimately believable, which made what happened next so heartbreaking.
I also liked the story of Lucy McClarin, told through her journal, the circus, and what happened in 1937.
Then there's the Black Squirrel Festival and finally, the Feeder and its influence over the people in this small Montana town.
For the longest time, it seems something big is about to happen, but it just remains hidden. There are moments of brilliance in Heather Hermann's writing and at times what is happening in Cavus is truly disturbing. As a reader, you just need to be patient with this story, when it all comes together, it does so with a big bang, and it all works rather well.
Overall, this is quite an imaginative horror story. I love the words the author has for her mother in the acknowledgments, "Mom, if it helps you can pretend this is just a children's book for adults." That it is.
Consumption is available as an e-book from Hydra, an imprint of Random House.
Recommended.
Something terrible happened before the fire that destroyed Cavus, Montana, in 1937. Now, it's happening again.
There was a lot I liked about Consumption. For example, the story of how John and Erma met and fell in love was magical; wonderfully crafted, ultimately believable, which made what happened next so heartbreaking.
I also liked the story of Lucy McClarin, told through her journal, the circus, and what happened in 1937.
Then there's the Black Squirrel Festival and finally, the Feeder and its influence over the people in this small Montana town.
For the longest time, it seems something big is about to happen, but it just remains hidden. There are moments of brilliance in Heather Hermann's writing and at times what is happening in Cavus is truly disturbing. As a reader, you just need to be patient with this story, when it all comes together, it does so with a big bang, and it all works rather well.
Overall, this is quite an imaginative horror story. I love the words the author has for her mother in the acknowledgments, "Mom, if it helps you can pretend this is just a children's book for adults." That it is.
Consumption is available as an e-book from Hydra, an imprint of Random House.
Recommended.
May 28, 2015
Review: CONSUMPTION by Heather Herrman
CONSUMPTION is pure unrelenting horror, finally a "new" twist; very scary and definitely not the routinized "vamps-werewolves-serial killers-zombies" tropes. CONSUMPTION has an almost-Lovecraftian overtone (I won't spoil the suspense by pointing out where it surfaces). Most amazing, this novel provided something I've not experienced in a long time: a brooding atmosphere that perturbed me and put me on edge from the very first page, not despair but the imminent intuition that "something is so very wrong in this town." Heather Herrman proves herself to be an "author to watch."
CONSUMPTION is pure unrelenting horror, finally a "new" twist; very scary and definitely not the routinized "vamps-werewolves-serial killers-zombies" tropes. CONSUMPTION has an almost-Lovecraftian overtone (I won't spoil the suspense by pointing out where it surfaces). Most amazing, this novel provided something I've not experienced in a long time: a brooding atmosphere that perturbed me and put me on edge from the very first page, not despair but the imminent intuition that "something is so very wrong in this town." Heather Herrman proves herself to be an "author to watch."
September 6, 2020
Anytime you are driving cross-country and your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, don't trust the small town that tries to help you. It never ends well. In Cavus, Evil is feeding on the townspeople, but it is hiding behind their innocent faces.
Fantastically creepy story! Bottom line... don't take food (or drink) from strangers, don't trust little girls you don't know, and don't trust anyone who is afraid of dogs.
Halloween Bingo 2020 - first book - Terror in a Small Town
Fantastically creepy story! Bottom line... don't take food (or drink) from strangers, don't trust little girls you don't know, and don't trust anyone who is afraid of dogs.
Halloween Bingo 2020 - first book - Terror in a Small Town
April 17, 2015
3.5 "Evil is an asshole in a yellow slicker" Stars
There are certain books, that while you are reading them, you wonder to yourself, “Hmmm, what the fuck am I reading??” and then there are others that you think, “WHAT.IN.THE.FUCK am I reading???”…well, for me, my feelings while reading Consumption fell right in between those two reactions…it was more of a, “Hmmm…this is weir..WHOA! What in the fucking hell??” Even though it seems like it would be a scary read, it really wasn’t for me, I wasn’t scared in the least, but I was disturbed. Very, very disturbed.
About midway through this book, I was fairly certain that I hated it, but I kept reading it because, unknown to me at the time, Ms. Herrman had planted the seed of a little sicko in my head within those first few chapters and it was morbidly curious as to what would happen next, what other atrocities would be done and it needed to know how this book would end. Imagine my surprise as well when I found myself actually fucking tearing up during reading this…TWICE! Here’s the thing, though Consumption is a profoundly disturbing tale and is filled with horrible things, beneath all the terrible and wrongness, there is a pretty beautiful lesson to be learned. Now, not everyone will walk away from this seeing some hidden meaning, hell, for all I know, there isn’t really one and my mind just conjured one up to make sense of everything that I just read (minds can be a very powerful thing!), but hidden agenda or not, I don’t think a single person can walk away from this one and not at least wonder, when it comes to the battle between good and evil, what side would you be an agent for?
This book is dark and disturbing and in some instances downright weird and for me, while reading this my moral compass was going absolutely haywire. There were a few tense moments in which I was sure lightening was going to strike me dead where I lay for reading some of the content within this book and I was uncomfortable as hell during a lot of it, but I always say, if someone is brave enough to write it, then I’ll be brave enough to read it. I was brave enough to read it. Just barely though.
Overall, this book is NOT for everyone and if you are the slightest bit squeamish about violence, death or impiety, then you need to stay away from this one, there is a healthy dose of all that and more throughout this read. If you enjoy darker reads that showcase the darker side of humanity, evil and nothing is off-limits to you, then this is your book. I have read a few Stephen King and Joe Hill novels – the KINGS (no pun intended) of dark and disturbing - and I can say that while not as dark and scary as some of the books I have read from them, Ms. Herrman’s Consumption can be thrown in with that lot and that is saying something.
Happy reading, until next time…
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Hydra for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
There are certain books, that while you are reading them, you wonder to yourself, “Hmmm, what the fuck am I reading??” and then there are others that you think, “WHAT.IN.THE.FUCK am I reading???”…well, for me, my feelings while reading Consumption fell right in between those two reactions…it was more of a, “Hmmm…this is weir..WHOA! What in the fucking hell??” Even though it seems like it would be a scary read, it really wasn’t for me, I wasn’t scared in the least, but I was disturbed. Very, very disturbed.
About midway through this book, I was fairly certain that I hated it, but I kept reading it because, unknown to me at the time, Ms. Herrman had planted the seed of a little sicko in my head within those first few chapters and it was morbidly curious as to what would happen next, what other atrocities would be done and it needed to know how this book would end. Imagine my surprise as well when I found myself actually fucking tearing up during reading this…TWICE! Here’s the thing, though Consumption is a profoundly disturbing tale and is filled with horrible things, beneath all the terrible and wrongness, there is a pretty beautiful lesson to be learned. Now, not everyone will walk away from this seeing some hidden meaning, hell, for all I know, there isn’t really one and my mind just conjured one up to make sense of everything that I just read (minds can be a very powerful thing!), but hidden agenda or not, I don’t think a single person can walk away from this one and not at least wonder, when it comes to the battle between good and evil, what side would you be an agent for?
This book is dark and disturbing and in some instances downright weird and for me, while reading this my moral compass was going absolutely haywire. There were a few tense moments in which I was sure lightening was going to strike me dead where I lay for reading some of the content within this book and I was uncomfortable as hell during a lot of it, but I always say, if someone is brave enough to write it, then I’ll be brave enough to read it. I was brave enough to read it. Just barely though.
Overall, this book is NOT for everyone and if you are the slightest bit squeamish about violence, death or impiety, then you need to stay away from this one, there is a healthy dose of all that and more throughout this read. If you enjoy darker reads that showcase the darker side of humanity, evil and nothing is off-limits to you, then this is your book. I have read a few Stephen King and Joe Hill novels – the KINGS (no pun intended) of dark and disturbing - and I can say that while not as dark and scary as some of the books I have read from them, Ms. Herrman’s Consumption can be thrown in with that lot and that is saying something.
Happy reading, until next time…
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Hydra for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2015
When I read a blurb on a book that compares it to Stephen King, I cringe a little. Sometimes it seems like every horror author wants to be Stephen King. I cant blame them. I want to be Stephen King. But those public relation drones in the advertising division of that mainstream publishing company wants you to be Stephen King because that is where the big bucks are. If I ever do write the great American horror novel, I plan to have a provision in my contract that says, "DO NOT COMPARE ME WITH STEPHEN KING!"
But the blurb on Heather Herman's novel, Consumption does compare her to Stephen King...and Joe Hill...and the lesser known but in the same ball park Sarah Langan. That will probably be fortunate or unfortunate depending on the reader. But there is no doubt that Consumption is dependent on a formula for mainstream horror. We have a couple with issues going into a situation that will make or break them. There is a nondescript small town with a mysterious event about to take place, in this case the Black Squirrel Festival. We have a cast of dozens, all with their own level B issues. And finally, a dark and seemingly invulnerable terror. I've seen this all before. Yet Consumption starts out promising. There is a slow but nice build-up. We get some tragic happenings that foreshadow worst to come. For the first half of the novel, I was envisioning a scenario that raises the book out of the formula and into something different.
What went wrong? For starters our promised monsters called the Feeders didn't impress. Essentially they are a take-off on zombies; smart, hard to identify but still zombie-like nonetheless. With the nice build-up I expected more. Then there is the cast of dozens. No one really stood out. John and Erma seem to be the most obvious protagonists with their relationship issues and the faint glimmer of hope that we see at the beginning. But nothing really develops from there and we are thrown into a soup of extras all vying for the brass ring. When we finally find the catalyst that knows what is going on we have crossed the point of no return and are headed for "don't care."
Yes, Consumption is formula but that doesn't mean it can't work. Robert McCammon's first few books were all formula yet there was something about the writing that jumped out at you and made it live. I just don't see that here. While Hermann had a great idea and can write very well, the story overall becomes weighed down with too much filling, not enough uniqueness and not enough awe. It is mildly entertaining but eventually forgettable. There are some good, maybe even great things in it but just not enough for me to recommend it.
But the blurb on Heather Herman's novel, Consumption does compare her to Stephen King...and Joe Hill...and the lesser known but in the same ball park Sarah Langan. That will probably be fortunate or unfortunate depending on the reader. But there is no doubt that Consumption is dependent on a formula for mainstream horror. We have a couple with issues going into a situation that will make or break them. There is a nondescript small town with a mysterious event about to take place, in this case the Black Squirrel Festival. We have a cast of dozens, all with their own level B issues. And finally, a dark and seemingly invulnerable terror. I've seen this all before. Yet Consumption starts out promising. There is a slow but nice build-up. We get some tragic happenings that foreshadow worst to come. For the first half of the novel, I was envisioning a scenario that raises the book out of the formula and into something different.
What went wrong? For starters our promised monsters called the Feeders didn't impress. Essentially they are a take-off on zombies; smart, hard to identify but still zombie-like nonetheless. With the nice build-up I expected more. Then there is the cast of dozens. No one really stood out. John and Erma seem to be the most obvious protagonists with their relationship issues and the faint glimmer of hope that we see at the beginning. But nothing really develops from there and we are thrown into a soup of extras all vying for the brass ring. When we finally find the catalyst that knows what is going on we have crossed the point of no return and are headed for "don't care."
Yes, Consumption is formula but that doesn't mean it can't work. Robert McCammon's first few books were all formula yet there was something about the writing that jumped out at you and made it live. I just don't see that here. While Hermann had a great idea and can write very well, the story overall becomes weighed down with too much filling, not enough uniqueness and not enough awe. It is mildly entertaining but eventually forgettable. There are some good, maybe even great things in it but just not enough for me to recommend it.
March 12, 2015
Many horror books are purported to be the next thing fans of Stephen King should be sure to read. Almost every time such claims turn out to be false. Almost.
But not this time. Heather Herrman shares King's ability to create characters that seem alive and that we come to care about. Consumption is in many ways like King's second book - Salems Lot in concept and reminds me of Carrie in execution. A small town hides a dark secret. One that preys on its habitants time and time again. This time, the darkness is poised to escape out of the isolated town of Cavus, Montana and out into the rest of the world unless a small band of disparate people join together to form a dysfunctional family to protect each other's back and face the Feeder.
Herrman writes with a deft hand handling character, setting and - all important in a horror story - pacing. This is a real page turner with nary a dull section. The real strength of the book are the weaknesses each of the protagonists are embued with. It makes them more alive and makes their struggle to overcome evil all that more engrossing. We are pretty sure what the outcome will be but Herrman keeps us on the edge of our seats guessing how it will all come to pass until the very end.
Heather Herrman is a writer I definitely plan to keep an eye on.
But not this time. Heather Herrman shares King's ability to create characters that seem alive and that we come to care about. Consumption is in many ways like King's second book - Salems Lot in concept and reminds me of Carrie in execution. A small town hides a dark secret. One that preys on its habitants time and time again. This time, the darkness is poised to escape out of the isolated town of Cavus, Montana and out into the rest of the world unless a small band of disparate people join together to form a dysfunctional family to protect each other's back and face the Feeder.
Herrman writes with a deft hand handling character, setting and - all important in a horror story - pacing. This is a real page turner with nary a dull section. The real strength of the book are the weaknesses each of the protagonists are embued with. It makes them more alive and makes their struggle to overcome evil all that more engrossing. We are pretty sure what the outcome will be but Herrman keeps us on the edge of our seats guessing how it will all come to pass until the very end.
Heather Herrman is a writer I definitely plan to keep an eye on.
April 14, 2015
Fast paced, quick-witted and unpredictable.
As one can expect with any Hydra book, this one definitely has some gross out factor, so if that bothers you in a horror book, then you may want to pass. As for the rest of us, who don't mind some well placed gore and darker visions of humanity, I say read it.
There are some classic horror moments here. Couple stranded on the side of the road, dog who almost becomes dead dog in the first few chapters, and those lead into an all out brawl of good vs. evil later in the story.
The author did a good job of introducing her characters and making them vulnerable to the odds against them pretty early in the story. She also didn't wait forever for the darker aspects of the book to come out. I think Stephen King was a pretty fair comparison. She certainly has the characters internal thoughts and introspection down, just as he does.
For a debut novel, I was really surprised by how smoothly this story flowed and how complex the back story for the evil at work was. I think if you are a fan of horror, then this is an author you should keep an eye on.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
As one can expect with any Hydra book, this one definitely has some gross out factor, so if that bothers you in a horror book, then you may want to pass. As for the rest of us, who don't mind some well placed gore and darker visions of humanity, I say read it.
There are some classic horror moments here. Couple stranded on the side of the road, dog who almost becomes dead dog in the first few chapters, and those lead into an all out brawl of good vs. evil later in the story.
The author did a good job of introducing her characters and making them vulnerable to the odds against them pretty early in the story. She also didn't wait forever for the darker aspects of the book to come out. I think Stephen King was a pretty fair comparison. She certainly has the characters internal thoughts and introspection down, just as he does.
For a debut novel, I was really surprised by how smoothly this story flowed and how complex the back story for the evil at work was. I think if you are a fan of horror, then this is an author you should keep an eye on.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2015
I got this book from Netgally as an advanced read:
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story line was intriguing and the characters came alive as I was reading. I read this book late into the night when I should have been sleeping because I had to know what was happening. As I learned more about the characters, I wanted to them to make it through the story. The twists of the story kept me guessing and the writing was very good. I am glad I found this story!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story line was intriguing and the characters came alive as I was reading. I read this book late into the night when I should have been sleeping because I had to know what was happening. As I learned more about the characters, I wanted to them to make it through the story. The twists of the story kept me guessing and the writing was very good. I am glad I found this story!
March 2, 2015
4.5 stars, really.
To be honest, I requested this book on NetGalley because it said for fans of Stephen King and Joe Hill, and those are two of my favorite writers. Also, they're kind of big shoes to fill. Luckily, Heather Herrman does not disappoint.
John and Erma Scott are on a trip across the United States in order to start over. While their marriage is falling apart, they both deal with it in different ways. But then they come across quaint Cavus, Montana, and they're suddenly fighting for something bigger than just their marriage. An evil sickness, older than time itself, is spreading through this town, and the infected are trying to make sure that it moves outside the borders, all across the world. John and Erma are quickly joined by an unforgettable band of characters: Riley, the local sheriff who just wants to make a wonderful home for his young daughter; Javier, an undocumented immigrant that lives for his mother and sister; Star, a teenage girl trying to deal with the death of her mother and the mentally checking out of her father; and Pill, an old man that knows way more about Cavus than he's letting on.
When I first started this book, it reminded me a little of Desperation by Stephen King, but then it took its own unique twist. Where, at first, I was so concerned with Erma and John being okay with each other, soon I was concerned with them just surviving the little town. Every character that the author added suddenly became both a survivor and a carrier in my eyes. I did know who to trust and who was already infected. The sickness that invades Cavus is relentless and terrifying, because anyone can contract it and all it takes is a little mistake.
One of my favorite things in this novel was that no one was exempt from getting this disease. The old, young, men, women, children, they were all susceptible. The author also didn't shy away from describing what happens to them. It's not gory, but very disturbing. For example, one of the teenagers that contracts the disease suddenly becomes a completely sexual being and rather forcefully hits on poor, bewildered Javier. Then she starts eating candles. It's insane, but in the best way possible. I found myself laughing at certain parts, and then becoming absolutely horrified with myself for laughing, because it's not funny. It's shocking and surprising, and I think I had to laugh if I didn't want to curl up under my blanket and hide for the rest of the book.
To be honest, I requested this book on NetGalley because it said for fans of Stephen King and Joe Hill, and those are two of my favorite writers. Also, they're kind of big shoes to fill. Luckily, Heather Herrman does not disappoint.
John and Erma Scott are on a trip across the United States in order to start over. While their marriage is falling apart, they both deal with it in different ways. But then they come across quaint Cavus, Montana, and they're suddenly fighting for something bigger than just their marriage. An evil sickness, older than time itself, is spreading through this town, and the infected are trying to make sure that it moves outside the borders, all across the world. John and Erma are quickly joined by an unforgettable band of characters: Riley, the local sheriff who just wants to make a wonderful home for his young daughter; Javier, an undocumented immigrant that lives for his mother and sister; Star, a teenage girl trying to deal with the death of her mother and the mentally checking out of her father; and Pill, an old man that knows way more about Cavus than he's letting on.
When I first started this book, it reminded me a little of Desperation by Stephen King, but then it took its own unique twist. Where, at first, I was so concerned with Erma and John being okay with each other, soon I was concerned with them just surviving the little town. Every character that the author added suddenly became both a survivor and a carrier in my eyes. I did know who to trust and who was already infected. The sickness that invades Cavus is relentless and terrifying, because anyone can contract it and all it takes is a little mistake.
One of my favorite things in this novel was that no one was exempt from getting this disease. The old, young, men, women, children, they were all susceptible. The author also didn't shy away from describing what happens to them. It's not gory, but very disturbing. For example, one of the teenagers that contracts the disease suddenly becomes a completely sexual being and rather forcefully hits on poor, bewildered Javier. Then she starts eating candles. It's insane, but in the best way possible. I found myself laughing at certain parts, and then becoming absolutely horrified with myself for laughing, because it's not funny. It's shocking and surprising, and I think I had to laugh if I didn't want to curl up under my blanket and hide for the rest of the book.
March 21, 2015
Consumption is a great twist on the apocalyptic zombie genre, because it adds a philosophical aspect to ‘consuming’ folks. These ‘Walkers’ not only eat flesh, but the soul of a human being. This carnage of flesh eating monsters is contained within the small town, Cavus. If this apocalypse is contained within its Plato cave, then the world will be saved a soul, or two.
This plot line of saving, introduces a number of would-be heroes, and heroines. The first two are Erma and John, a couple on the road to mending their marriage. The oppositional dynamics of loss and need drew me to these two characters; I found myself rooting for them, and not just Cavus. For example, they both wanted a family, but one of them was terribly afraid to start one, and that fear was swallowing them both. I would have liked to have seen more of Erma and John, but as mentioned there were too many other characters sketched in, but not truly developed as well as the first two, Erma, and John.
There was Star, a typical, troubled teen and her potential boyfriend, Javier. Neither of these characters moved past surface feelings of anger and loss. I didn’t find myself rooting as hard for them as Erma and John, despite the fact that Star and Javier had tremendous loss in the book. Other characters included, Riley, your stereotypical sheriff with baggage, his daughter, Izzy and his crazy Aunt Bunny. The last two good folks introduced was Jessi and Pill, a married couple in direct contrast to Erma and John. I wish I’d seen more of them, and sooner.
The bad guy, Grady was so evil you couldn’t bleach him good. There was no dual nature to Grady. He was plain bad, and not very interesting; however, he served his purpose making Consumption follow-through to a pleasing, if not bloody favored ending. I would recommend this book to adults who like a fast read with writing similar to that of Joe Hill, but horror closer to Stephen King’s ideal where evil is evil and there’s no in-between.
This plot line of saving, introduces a number of would-be heroes, and heroines. The first two are Erma and John, a couple on the road to mending their marriage. The oppositional dynamics of loss and need drew me to these two characters; I found myself rooting for them, and not just Cavus. For example, they both wanted a family, but one of them was terribly afraid to start one, and that fear was swallowing them both. I would have liked to have seen more of Erma and John, but as mentioned there were too many other characters sketched in, but not truly developed as well as the first two, Erma, and John.
There was Star, a typical, troubled teen and her potential boyfriend, Javier. Neither of these characters moved past surface feelings of anger and loss. I didn’t find myself rooting as hard for them as Erma and John, despite the fact that Star and Javier had tremendous loss in the book. Other characters included, Riley, your stereotypical sheriff with baggage, his daughter, Izzy and his crazy Aunt Bunny. The last two good folks introduced was Jessi and Pill, a married couple in direct contrast to Erma and John. I wish I’d seen more of them, and sooner.
The bad guy, Grady was so evil you couldn’t bleach him good. There was no dual nature to Grady. He was plain bad, and not very interesting; however, he served his purpose making Consumption follow-through to a pleasing, if not bloody favored ending. I would recommend this book to adults who like a fast read with writing similar to that of Joe Hill, but horror closer to Stephen King’s ideal where evil is evil and there’s no in-between.
March 8, 2015
I received this book as a Net galley ARC and it did not disappoint. The novel's beginning is truly clever as it might have you thinking, this is about greedy land barons and the lengths they will go to for riches. In a way it is, but not the riches your and I would think, it is so much more. This book reminds me of a cross between Stephen Kings "The Regulators" and the movie "Fallen".
We meet two of the main characters as they are on a cross-country trip and get a glimpse into their lives and what they view as the beginning of the end to their marriage. Having the need to stop due to mechanical problems, they soon realize what they thought was insurmountable is actually peanuts compare to what's going on in small town USA. It's as if they've stepped off the side of the high-way and into the Twilight Zone. The author feeds (no pun intended) the reader just enough through out the book to have you really thinking what in the world is going on? As the book progresses, you feel as if you know what's happening, but like a horrific nightmare, you block out reality as this can't possible be happening, it's the only way for you to stay sane.
Humanity's sins and avarice's are put on display and you wonder how the small band of warriors can overcome such odds. It's been done before, but do these individuals have what it takes, in order to stop the horror from escaping.
The story flows and your interests never wanes as the book leads up to the Festival's Feast, the simplicity of the overall plan is mind-boggling as man's greed is all that they really need to succeed. A thrilling ride from my first read with this author, one that will definitely be added to my must read!!!
We meet two of the main characters as they are on a cross-country trip and get a glimpse into their lives and what they view as the beginning of the end to their marriage. Having the need to stop due to mechanical problems, they soon realize what they thought was insurmountable is actually peanuts compare to what's going on in small town USA. It's as if they've stepped off the side of the high-way and into the Twilight Zone. The author feeds (no pun intended) the reader just enough through out the book to have you really thinking what in the world is going on? As the book progresses, you feel as if you know what's happening, but like a horrific nightmare, you block out reality as this can't possible be happening, it's the only way for you to stay sane.
Humanity's sins and avarice's are put on display and you wonder how the small band of warriors can overcome such odds. It's been done before, but do these individuals have what it takes, in order to stop the horror from escaping.
The story flows and your interests never wanes as the book leads up to the Festival's Feast, the simplicity of the overall plan is mind-boggling as man's greed is all that they really need to succeed. A thrilling ride from my first read with this author, one that will definitely be added to my must read!!!
February 28, 2015
I liked the first half of the book, but I loved the second half. During the first half, the point of view skipped around quite a bit. At times, it wasn't exactly clear to me which character was talking. It was also hard in the beginning to see how all the characters and stories will come together.
I really started to enjoy the book about half way through, when we were introduced to Jessi's diary. The story of the circus coming to town was really interesting. After that, everything started coming together and the story became action packed.
This book spoke of the age old battle between good and evil. How both are inside of us, and how easy it is to let the evil out.
I really started to enjoy the book about half way through, when we were introduced to Jessi's diary. The story of the circus coming to town was really interesting. After that, everything started coming together and the story became action packed.
This book spoke of the age old battle between good and evil. How both are inside of us, and how easy it is to let the evil out.
May 26, 2015
Consumption is an engaging, imaginative and frightening read. It's small town horror, but there's nothing small about the novel. It's packed with a plethora of fleshed out characters and action. It moves along nicely. never getting bogged down with stuff the reader doesn't care about. The "creatures" are nasty and quite vicious and I loved the back story about them and the town. Consumption is an all around solid book and has just the right amount of story, character, blood and guts to satisfy a wide range of readers, from hardcore horror fans to dark thriller readers who enjoy the supernatural/creature feature.
May 20, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dark horror, worthy of all-night reading to see what happens! With mostly well-developed characters, Ms. Herman has written an original story of the effects of an age-old evil on a small Montana town.
Although I was a little doubtful at first, I found myself getting immersed in this book. We must remember that there are other horror writers worth a read! Recommended.
Dark horror, worthy of all-night reading to see what happens! With mostly well-developed characters, Ms. Herman has written an original story of the effects of an age-old evil on a small Montana town.
Although I was a little doubtful at first, I found myself getting immersed in this book. We must remember that there are other horror writers worth a read! Recommended.
May 12, 2015
Better than any horror movie! The story is believable, the characters are well-drawn and likeable, and the plot drives a growing intensity of feeling. It is extremely well-written and develops great mental imagery, along with continued vague provocations that whet the reader's appetite for more.
February 14, 2016
This book would have rated so much higher if something at all had happened in the first 75% of the book. Now I'm a reader who loves detail and back stories, but this book felt like it went no where. Saying that, once it did get into the story, it was very good. 3 stars
April 3, 2016
https://anaslair.wordpress.com/2015/0...
It took me a while to get into the book. First of all, it took me a while to figure out there were two characters besides the body on the floor, because I found the names so similar, Grady and Graham.
Other than that, I thought it was just me not being able to focus but there was definitely something about the prose, which continued later on. It's that thing where the author tries to give you clues to what will come later but it is just too confusing and you know you should be paying attention and remember all this for later because it sounds mysterious and important, but there isn't anything to hold on to just yet, you know?
Then I started getting into the story and slowly wanting to know what happened to the characters, even though I could not relate to them much because there wasn't much background on who they were. But I think anyone, even single people like me, can relate and sympathize with a struggling marriage.
I enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere immensely, how some people sounded sane but you just knew something was wrong with others. And there were ones who were just naturally kooky, part of their charm, like Anita. Ah, gossipy Anita. She made me smile.
The monsters scared the hell out of me, especially because part of them was still human. They sounded so horrific and yet so real. There was gore but also psychological horror and it was all very palpable and gripping. Definitely my favourite part of the book - not knowing if the character was infected and, if so, what would come out of their mouth next.
However, some things brought the enjoyment and therefore the rating down for me.
I have to start by stressing that I was not a fan of the blurb comparing this book to Stephen King's work. First of all, SK is unique. He is my favourite author, always has been and probably always will be. I still have not found anyone whose capability to weave a supernatural story out of the mundane, as well as the writing style, amongst many other things, even remotely resembles his. Maybe Peter Straub or Neil Gaiman come close but sorry, not Heather Herrman. Yes, I get a vibe of something like Desperation, but still, come on, it's Stephen King we are talking about here.
And it's not even about this horror genius alone - this has happened to me very recently with Luckiest Girl Alive, which got compared to Gillian Flynn's work. Luckily, I had never read anything by said author, but I noticed this made several reviewers lower their rating. You see, while this may seem like a genius marketing strategy, I for one think not, and obviously others agree. It makes the author sound amateurish and have feelings of grandeur while trying to compare themselves to such established authors - not to mention that the reader will constantly be comparing the two in their mind as they read, and therefore end up not appreciating the book for what it is.
Now, regarding the story itself, here are the main issues I had with Consumption:
I felt misled a couple of times, like right at the beginning.
While I loved the way the author kept me on edge, particularly at the end of the chapters, I was disappointed that there were sometimes no resolutions to what she set up. I get that we need to wait - that's what suspense is all about - but leaving things unfinished is very disheartening.
I don't want to say I finished the book with more questions than answers but it was still enough to feel cheated out of a full experience.
Erma and John, particularly Erma. Quite frankly, she annoyed the heck out of me most of the time I was reading about her. Main moments when she seriously pissed me off:
The horror/paranormal premise.
I felt there wasn't much character development overall. We were told some stuff about each of them but I never really related to any of them.
Kids adding an extra 'ed' at what felt like every single simple past tense felt fake and got annoying pretty fast.
All in all, there was plenty of good things in this book. It is a good horror book, with some innovative aspects, while others were not new at all, like the whole getting stranded in the middle of nowhere due to car issues beginning.
Some things were predictable, others not so much, and some were just plain shocking - usually the case when children are involved.
It's an entertaining read; I just feel that it could have been a lot better polished in key aspects. At some point, I wasn't that interested anymore because I was never very engaged in the story. I guess I like my horror with a bit more work in plot and character. Obviously, that is not a requirement for everyone, so I do recommend it to horror fans.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It took me a while to get into the book. First of all, it took me a while to figure out there were two characters besides the body on the floor, because I found the names so similar, Grady and Graham.
Other than that, I thought it was just me not being able to focus but there was definitely something about the prose, which continued later on. It's that thing where the author tries to give you clues to what will come later but it is just too confusing and you know you should be paying attention and remember all this for later because it sounds mysterious and important, but there isn't anything to hold on to just yet, you know?
Then I started getting into the story and slowly wanting to know what happened to the characters, even though I could not relate to them much because there wasn't much background on who they were. But I think anyone, even single people like me, can relate and sympathize with a struggling marriage.
I enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere immensely, how some people sounded sane but you just knew something was wrong with others. And there were ones who were just naturally kooky, part of their charm, like Anita. Ah, gossipy Anita. She made me smile.
The monsters scared the hell out of me, especially because part of them was still human. They sounded so horrific and yet so real. There was gore but also psychological horror and it was all very palpable and gripping. Definitely my favourite part of the book - not knowing if the character was infected and, if so, what would come out of their mouth next.
However, some things brought the enjoyment and therefore the rating down for me.
I have to start by stressing that I was not a fan of the blurb comparing this book to Stephen King's work. First of all, SK is unique. He is my favourite author, always has been and probably always will be. I still have not found anyone whose capability to weave a supernatural story out of the mundane, as well as the writing style, amongst many other things, even remotely resembles his. Maybe Peter Straub or Neil Gaiman come close but sorry, not Heather Herrman. Yes, I get a vibe of something like Desperation, but still, come on, it's Stephen King we are talking about here.
And it's not even about this horror genius alone - this has happened to me very recently with Luckiest Girl Alive, which got compared to Gillian Flynn's work. Luckily, I had never read anything by said author, but I noticed this made several reviewers lower their rating. You see, while this may seem like a genius marketing strategy, I for one think not, and obviously others agree. It makes the author sound amateurish and have feelings of grandeur while trying to compare themselves to such established authors - not to mention that the reader will constantly be comparing the two in their mind as they read, and therefore end up not appreciating the book for what it is.
Now, regarding the story itself, here are the main issues I had with Consumption:
I felt misled a couple of times, like right at the beginning.
While I loved the way the author kept me on edge, particularly at the end of the chapters, I was disappointed that there were sometimes no resolutions to what she set up. I get that we need to wait - that's what suspense is all about - but leaving things unfinished is very disheartening.
I don't want to say I finished the book with more questions than answers but it was still enough to feel cheated out of a full experience.
Erma and John, particularly Erma. Quite frankly, she annoyed the heck out of me most of the time I was reading about her. Main moments when she seriously pissed me off:
The horror/paranormal premise.
I felt there wasn't much character development overall. We were told some stuff about each of them but I never really related to any of them.
Kids adding an extra 'ed' at what felt like every single simple past tense felt fake and got annoying pretty fast.
All in all, there was plenty of good things in this book. It is a good horror book, with some innovative aspects, while others were not new at all, like the whole getting stranded in the middle of nowhere due to car issues beginning.
Some things were predictable, others not so much, and some were just plain shocking - usually the case when children are involved.
It's an entertaining read; I just feel that it could have been a lot better polished in key aspects. At some point, I wasn't that interested anymore because I was never very engaged in the story. I guess I like my horror with a bit more work in plot and character. Obviously, that is not a requirement for everyone, so I do recommend it to horror fans.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2015
Originally posted on Peeking Between the Pages: http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...
I am a true fan of horror. Always have been and always will be. Consumption by Heather Herrman, which released today, fed that love of mine to perfection. Consumption is a fantastic debut novel that offers up a pulse pounding thrill ride through its pages. Evil is definitely lurking and it kept me glued to this classic horror story until the very last page!
John and Erma are trying to piece their lives back together and start a new life somewhere after going through a particularly hard time. Their road trip doesn’t go quite as planned when they find themselves stranded on the side of the road due to car trouble. Finding help seems impossible until the local sheriff shows up and while he’s very helpful they find that they will still have to spend the night in Cavus. Cavus seems like a really charming town though and the people are friendly and ultimately John and Erma decide to stay a bit longer. Maybe this is a good place for the two of them to mend their broken marriage…
NOT! It doesn’t take long for both John and Erma to notice some strange things going on around them. Things that can’t be explained. There is something seriously wrong with the people in town. Turns out there is an evil that has been waiting for years to escape again … and it’s feeding on the people of Cavus. If it continues to thrive what will be the fate of the world it wishes to control?
John and Erma find themselves, along with the sheriff, two teenagers, and an old man with the weight of the town’s secrets on his shoulders, in the fight of their lives. The problem … who can be trusted? And that includes each and every one of them too.
It is said that Consumption is being compared to Stephen King and Joe Hill and I think that’s a fair comparison. I was riveted to this story from beginning to end especially as all the horrors began to unfold and I enjoyed every minute. If you’re a horror fan then Consumption is a book you’ll want to read and Heather Herrman an author to watch! Highly recommended!
I am a true fan of horror. Always have been and always will be. Consumption by Heather Herrman, which released today, fed that love of mine to perfection. Consumption is a fantastic debut novel that offers up a pulse pounding thrill ride through its pages. Evil is definitely lurking and it kept me glued to this classic horror story until the very last page!
John and Erma are trying to piece their lives back together and start a new life somewhere after going through a particularly hard time. Their road trip doesn’t go quite as planned when they find themselves stranded on the side of the road due to car trouble. Finding help seems impossible until the local sheriff shows up and while he’s very helpful they find that they will still have to spend the night in Cavus. Cavus seems like a really charming town though and the people are friendly and ultimately John and Erma decide to stay a bit longer. Maybe this is a good place for the two of them to mend their broken marriage…
NOT! It doesn’t take long for both John and Erma to notice some strange things going on around them. Things that can’t be explained. There is something seriously wrong with the people in town. Turns out there is an evil that has been waiting for years to escape again … and it’s feeding on the people of Cavus. If it continues to thrive what will be the fate of the world it wishes to control?
John and Erma find themselves, along with the sheriff, two teenagers, and an old man with the weight of the town’s secrets on his shoulders, in the fight of their lives. The problem … who can be trusted? And that includes each and every one of them too.
It is said that Consumption is being compared to Stephen King and Joe Hill and I think that’s a fair comparison. I was riveted to this story from beginning to end especially as all the horrors began to unfold and I enjoyed every minute. If you’re a horror fan then Consumption is a book you’ll want to read and Heather Herrman an author to watch! Highly recommended!
May 24, 2015
The small, old mining town of Cavus, Montana holds a dark past that stems from an ancient evil. Most of the town does not know the true events that led up to the fire that killed all of the residents of Cavus except one girl named Jessi and the now famous black squirrels. Jessi’s husband, Pill now keeps the secret of what truly happened all those years ago, and he sees the signs of the evil coming back… just in time for the town’s annual Black Squirrel festival. Some members of the town notice that something is just not right with their friends, family and neighbors, but for most it is already too late. The Feeder has found a way to spread itself quickly and efficiently through the town’s brand new beet sugar plant.
Consumption is a classic type of horror story with a slow burning plot and an interesting monster. From the prelude, where we first meet the monster, The Feeder, as it likes to be called, I was intrigued. I liked that this is a smart monster that takes over people and changes them little by little, bringing out their darker side and a hunger for human flesh. I liked that all of the characters who noticed the changes were underdogs: John and Erma Scott are trying to move on with their lives in the face of tragedy by moving across the country, Star, a teen going through a rough time, Javier, and immigrant determined to make more of his life, and Pill, an older man whom everyone discounts. While there are a lot of characters introduced, the characters stories are rich enough that they are easily distinguishable and the writing weaves the subtle horror aspects throughout each of their stories and eventually bringing them together. Some of my favorite parts were of the Feeder’s past, when it inhabited Lucy in 1908, and Jessi’s journal about its reappearance in 1930’s. The ending was very strong for me, exciting and suspenseful as the Feeder showed its full potential and those left over decided how they would act.
Consumption is a classic type of horror story with a slow burning plot and an interesting monster. From the prelude, where we first meet the monster, The Feeder, as it likes to be called, I was intrigued. I liked that this is a smart monster that takes over people and changes them little by little, bringing out their darker side and a hunger for human flesh. I liked that all of the characters who noticed the changes were underdogs: John and Erma Scott are trying to move on with their lives in the face of tragedy by moving across the country, Star, a teen going through a rough time, Javier, and immigrant determined to make more of his life, and Pill, an older man whom everyone discounts. While there are a lot of characters introduced, the characters stories are rich enough that they are easily distinguishable and the writing weaves the subtle horror aspects throughout each of their stories and eventually bringing them together. Some of my favorite parts were of the Feeder’s past, when it inhabited Lucy in 1908, and Jessi’s journal about its reappearance in 1930’s. The ending was very strong for me, exciting and suspenseful as the Feeder showed its full potential and those left over decided how they would act.
June 18, 2015
Erma and John have been struggling for some time, but an offer of a job in Maine could be the fresh start they both need. Unfortunately, their cross country drive takes a detour when their car breaks down in Cavus, Montana. The town is gearing up for their annual Black Squirrel Festival, leaving Erma and John at the mercy of the sheriff's uncle for car repairs. They're supposed to be good to go the following day but decide to stay and enjoy the festivities instead. It's a decision that could cost them more than the return fee on their moving van.
Cavus is home to an ancient evil. An evil that has long dwelled beneath the land's surface, waiting patiently for a chance to return. And now it's awoken just in time for Cavus's big fete. Many of the locals are already under its thrall and holdouts like Erma, John, and a few others are in their sights. Now it's only a matter of time until the town falls prey to this terrible entity.
Heather Hermman had some good ideas in her debut but I don't think they were fully fleshed out to my satisfaction. Parts of the story felt disjointed, strung together in a way that didn't quite translate as a smoothly flowing story. It also took some time to get a true picture of what was happening in Cavus. Fortunately the story does pick up significantly. It was Lucy's tale in particular that got me. It made for a great backbone to the story, but it was so long in coming that I fear many readers will have given up before then.
As a first book, Consumption does show promise. Given my own fondness of the genre, it's a bit selfish of me to say that I hope Hermman has more in store for us down the line.
Cavus is home to an ancient evil. An evil that has long dwelled beneath the land's surface, waiting patiently for a chance to return. And now it's awoken just in time for Cavus's big fete. Many of the locals are already under its thrall and holdouts like Erma, John, and a few others are in their sights. Now it's only a matter of time until the town falls prey to this terrible entity.
Heather Hermman had some good ideas in her debut but I don't think they were fully fleshed out to my satisfaction. Parts of the story felt disjointed, strung together in a way that didn't quite translate as a smoothly flowing story. It also took some time to get a true picture of what was happening in Cavus. Fortunately the story does pick up significantly. It was Lucy's tale in particular that got me. It made for a great backbone to the story, but it was so long in coming that I fear many readers will have given up before then.
As a first book, Consumption does show promise. Given my own fondness of the genre, it's a bit selfish of me to say that I hope Hermman has more in store for us down the line.
May 30, 2015
3.5 stars
The publisher likens Heather Herrman's debut novel, Consumption, to the work of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Sarah Langan, and the comparison is apt. Consumption is a classic horror story and, thus, predictable, but the characters are interesting and the story is well-paced. I might even have been inclined to give it 4 stars, were it not for a confusing timeline at the beginning (revolving around the interactions of Star, her father, and Riley) and a few abruptly dropped plot threads. For example, .
Verdict: a fun, quick summer read from a new author worth watching.
I received a free copy of Consumption through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The publisher likens Heather Herrman's debut novel, Consumption, to the work of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Sarah Langan, and the comparison is apt. Consumption is a classic horror story and, thus, predictable, but the characters are interesting and the story is well-paced. I might even have been inclined to give it 4 stars, were it not for a confusing timeline at the beginning (revolving around the interactions of Star, her father, and Riley) and a few abruptly dropped plot threads. For example, .
Verdict: a fun, quick summer read from a new author worth watching.
I received a free copy of Consumption through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2015
If you enjoy reading Stephen King, you'll like this novel. As in his work, Consumption has horror and suspense along with complex characters and relationships. Truthfully, Consumption reminded me a lot of Stephen King' s Desperation. But I really liked that book, so I didn't mind that this one was quite similar.
February 22, 2016
This was a very good book; I enjoyed it immensely! Not hardly a dull moment of reading! There was also a good bit of interesting back story, which I usually don't like, but it was pretty interesting. I would definitely recommend it!
December 23, 2015
Really not my type of book yet written well enough to carry me to the last page. Best I can describe it is a mixture of romance, gruesome horror, and fiction cleverly conceived to attract fans of this particular fantasy. By that measure it is of course a story that lingers in my mind.
November 13, 2017
I truly did not really read too much about this book before I started it and did not know what I was getting into.
It was creepy af. I finished it at midnight and then couldn’t sleep! 😩
But it was a good story, kind of King-esque as far as plot. Weird people, characters could have been developed a little more and the ending could have been more elaborate.
When the group got together with Pill, I felt like it just went too fast with not a lot of explanation.
All in all a good creepy read. Perfect for a night of thunder and darkness.
It was creepy af. I finished it at midnight and then couldn’t sleep! 😩
But it was a good story, kind of King-esque as far as plot. Weird people, characters could have been developed a little more and the ending could have been more elaborate.
When the group got together with Pill, I felt like it just went too fast with not a lot of explanation.
All in all a good creepy read. Perfect for a night of thunder and darkness.
October 8, 2020
4.5 Skulls! I'm going to ruin the 69 reviews, but it's worth it to hype up this book. I'm a big horror movie fan and I'm also a big book worm so I decided to finally give it a go and combine the two, landing myself randomly on this book from the library. Wow though; it's different, it's horror, it's gory, it's everything I ever loved about B-rated horror films but in a stellar book format. I hope this helps attract more horror enthusiasts to the book, I'd love to see it pop up more in suggested searches!
August 13, 2018
Extensive boring build up with pointless gratuitous sex (stop trying to shock or disgust people and pretend it's compelling writing) and violence that led to a predictable conclusion. I didn't care about any of these characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews