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A Christmas Horror Story
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house…
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.
With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he’s a little…different to the St Nick you might be expecting.
And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like…but it’s you he’s after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.
With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he’s a little…different to the St Nick you might be expecting.
And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like…but it’s you he’s after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 26, 2014
This was a super creepy Christmas horror tale.
The Child Eater has got to be one of the scariest holiday monsters I've ever encountered. With his sack full of children and the knives on his belt jingling, this is a monster with teeth.
Highly recommended for fans of scary holiday stories!
The Child Eater has got to be one of the scariest holiday monsters I've ever encountered. With his sack full of children and the knives on his belt jingling, this is a monster with teeth.
Highly recommended for fans of scary holiday stories!
March 13, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Awaiting their mother to come home on Christmas eve, Katy, Jake and Emily are visited by something that is definitely not Santa Claus. Der Kinderfresser or the Child Eater, has terrorised children for centuries and is looking to make a meal out of the children before Christmas Day.
This read really surprised me, I was expecting some cutesy pie Christmas story but what I got was a nasty little slice of xmas horror that was creepy and very unsettling.
The mythology of the child eater was also done really well, the author using stories from different time periods to create menace and give some background to the monster.
Katie, Emily and Jake are also extremely likeable and you really root for them to escape the monsters clutches. The author did a great job in creating such believable characters in such a short read.
I would highly recommend this read and am very interested in picking up some more work from this author.
Awaiting their mother to come home on Christmas eve, Katy, Jake and Emily are visited by something that is definitely not Santa Claus. Der Kinderfresser or the Child Eater, has terrorised children for centuries and is looking to make a meal out of the children before Christmas Day.
This read really surprised me, I was expecting some cutesy pie Christmas story but what I got was a nasty little slice of xmas horror that was creepy and very unsettling.
The mythology of the child eater was also done really well, the author using stories from different time periods to create menace and give some background to the monster.
Katie, Emily and Jake are also extremely likeable and you really root for them to escape the monsters clutches. The author did a great job in creating such believable characters in such a short read.
I would highly recommend this read and am very interested in picking up some more work from this author.
December 10, 2016
I really am a new fan to the writing of Sebastian Gregory. His talent for mixing a good story with a good dose of creepy horror that is not too over the top is just brilliant. Fun books, but fun in a scary kind of way.
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house…
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.
With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he’s a little…different to the St Nick you might be expecting.
And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like…but it’s you he’s after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
Santa is coming to town, and all the children are excited!
In the middle of the night many can hear him trying to come down the chimney and then decide to go and look, and peek and maybe help. BIG BAD MISTAKE! This is not the type of Santa that you want to sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. This guy makes The Grinch look highly festive and passionate about goodwill to all men.
It's a quick, fun and scary read with a few interesting surprises. Well done Sebastian Gregory for yet another brilliant book from a wonderful writer with imagination.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house…
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.
With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he’s a little…different to the St Nick you might be expecting.
And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like…but it’s you he’s after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
Santa is coming to town, and all the children are excited!
In the middle of the night many can hear him trying to come down the chimney and then decide to go and look, and peek and maybe help. BIG BAD MISTAKE! This is not the type of Santa that you want to sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. This guy makes The Grinch look highly festive and passionate about goodwill to all men.
It's a quick, fun and scary read with a few interesting surprises. Well done Sebastian Gregory for yet another brilliant book from a wonderful writer with imagination.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2015
(review copy)
2.5
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
A Christmas Horror Story was a little Christmas novella – not sweet and festive but creepy and cunning and a good book to scare young kids away from waiting up for Santa. After all, what would happen if one day it wasn’t Santa coming down the chimney, if Santa was replaced by a sick, sinister monster instead? I saw the excitement for this book when it was released and I spotted lots of reviews from people who loved it. So I was looking forward to reading it. Whilst I can say that the concept of this story really appealed to my twisted senses, the story itself just didn’t work out for me. I don’t think it was badly written and I can even see its charm but I did find it a bit lacking and a bit more non-descript than you’d expect a book about a child-eating monster at Christmas to be.
Katie, Emily and Jack are three siblings, excited for Christmas and, the day before Christmas Eve, are left waiting for their mum to return home from work. Little do they know that waiting around the corner is a fate much nastier than the hoped-for Christmas fairytale as a Christmas beast is on its way and it’s searching for its next human meal. The characters were fairly interesting. Katie tries to be the more responsible one and finds herself looking after the other two but my favourite was Jake who was a bit quieter, a bit more contemplative but a bit wiser than you would expect.
My issue with this book was that even though I knew it was leading up to some action, the majority of every chapter didn’t come across as that interesting to me. I don’t want to sound harsh but a lot of the first half of this book I found quite dull. The content in each chapter felt flat to me and I might not have even kept on reading to the end, despite the books short length, had it not been for the fact that the author cleverly wrapped up each chapter with a spooky sentence or two that dragged me right into the story. The first time he did that I was intrigued, the second time I was again in anticipation but by the third chapter I realised that it was what it was, an eerily-worded sentence towards the end of a chapter which pretty much led to nothing. Towards the middle of chapter five, the story picked up a bit and I liked it more but for me, it took far too long to get going considering it was only about an hour-long read.
What I did like about this book was the monster. You know, just from the cover there is something about him and I loved how he was always portrayed to have a big menacing smile on his face. The creature was known as The Child Eater and he was mighty cool. He never did give up on his ploy to eat those children and his mentality amused me. I was definitely on the monsters side. Those kids to have nice, bountiful Christmases or that monster to have a few humanlike meals… I know which one I was rooting for! The antics of the monster was the fun part of this novel and he brought the humour. Maybe I’m being a bit miserable and scrooge-like with my rating for this book but I couldn’t shift that disappointed feeling that a book I thought I was going to love mostly just failed to live up to expectations. I guess I’ll understand if I find a lump of coal in my Christmas stocking this year...
November 27, 2014
REVIEW: A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY
Delightfully wicked, and implacable, as are all the best horror tales, A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY presents The Dark Side of Christmas Gifting. This alternative to Santa cares not whether you've been bad or good. After six hundred years of practice, he's sneaky, he's swift, and he's unstoppable. He's Der Kinderfressen: The Child Eater.
Delightfully wicked, and implacable, as are all the best horror tales, A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY presents The Dark Side of Christmas Gifting. This alternative to Santa cares not whether you've been bad or good. After six hundred years of practice, he's sneaky, he's swift, and he's unstoppable. He's Der Kinderfressen: The Child Eater.
December 9, 2014
My Review:
What a brilliantly dark story, very well written. Prepare to meet a horrible creature who for years has come along the night before Christmas and to steal children. He lands on the roof and searches for a way in to get hold of his prey and whisk them away. We flit between the past and present day as we watch him on his travels. His mark is a lump of coal which he leaves.
We start in the present day where we meet Katie, Emily and Jake who are at home on the night before Christmas Eve. Their Mother is a nurse and is caught up at work with bad weather forecast. However they remain hopeful that she is will make it home in time. Their Father died a year ago after being involved in an accident. Since then Jake has carried round a book called Tome of the Dark and Mysterious and appears to cherishing almost like a bible.
We move between present day and the past, which includes a visit to 1944 and the Second World War, and also an orphanage in 1833. Both visits take place on Christmas Eve and as we hear the jingle of the Christmas bells approach as a reader I was left in no doubt that rather than Santa being on his way, something darker and more evil was about to arrive.
We follow all the children in their desperate attempt to escape this horrible creature. But much of the book revolves around Katie, Emily and Jake. As eldest sister Katie has to burden alot of responsibility for keeping them safe, but my little hero is Jake whose book and knowledge may just be what saves them from a nasty fate.
I have previously read The Boy in the Cemetery by Sebastian, which I loved. So when this book came out I knew I wanted to read it, and it hasn't let me down. I love his writing style which flows naturally and builds the tension as it comes to a climax. The books are very descriptive and I felt I could visualise this horrible creature which was on the prowl. I almost finished the whole thing in one sitting because I became so engrossed and just wanted to know what happens.
I fear I may still be a big kid at heart because I did actually come away wondering if there could be any element of truth to the story. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. This book wouldn't be for someone of a nervous disposition, or younger people. But it would be a good read for older teens, and adults too.
A great alternative to all the Christmas romance books out there. The story of this Christmas beast could stick and feature in word of mouth stories for years to come. We have had the Grinch, but this creature is far more sinister and I could easily read more about him.
I will be checking that I don't get a lump of coal in my stocking this year....if I do you will hear me scream in terror!
I would also like to comment on the cover, which is just brilliant. Carina really do come up with some of the finest book covers out there.
Thank you to Carina who provided a copy in return for an honest review.
What a brilliantly dark story, very well written. Prepare to meet a horrible creature who for years has come along the night before Christmas and to steal children. He lands on the roof and searches for a way in to get hold of his prey and whisk them away. We flit between the past and present day as we watch him on his travels. His mark is a lump of coal which he leaves.
We start in the present day where we meet Katie, Emily and Jake who are at home on the night before Christmas Eve. Their Mother is a nurse and is caught up at work with bad weather forecast. However they remain hopeful that she is will make it home in time. Their Father died a year ago after being involved in an accident. Since then Jake has carried round a book called Tome of the Dark and Mysterious and appears to cherishing almost like a bible.
We move between present day and the past, which includes a visit to 1944 and the Second World War, and also an orphanage in 1833. Both visits take place on Christmas Eve and as we hear the jingle of the Christmas bells approach as a reader I was left in no doubt that rather than Santa being on his way, something darker and more evil was about to arrive.
We follow all the children in their desperate attempt to escape this horrible creature. But much of the book revolves around Katie, Emily and Jake. As eldest sister Katie has to burden alot of responsibility for keeping them safe, but my little hero is Jake whose book and knowledge may just be what saves them from a nasty fate.
I have previously read The Boy in the Cemetery by Sebastian, which I loved. So when this book came out I knew I wanted to read it, and it hasn't let me down. I love his writing style which flows naturally and builds the tension as it comes to a climax. The books are very descriptive and I felt I could visualise this horrible creature which was on the prowl. I almost finished the whole thing in one sitting because I became so engrossed and just wanted to know what happens.
I fear I may still be a big kid at heart because I did actually come away wondering if there could be any element of truth to the story. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. This book wouldn't be for someone of a nervous disposition, or younger people. But it would be a good read for older teens, and adults too.
A great alternative to all the Christmas romance books out there. The story of this Christmas beast could stick and feature in word of mouth stories for years to come. We have had the Grinch, but this creature is far more sinister and I could easily read more about him.
I will be checking that I don't get a lump of coal in my stocking this year....if I do you will hear me scream in terror!
I would also like to comment on the cover, which is just brilliant. Carina really do come up with some of the finest book covers out there.
Thank you to Carina who provided a copy in return for an honest review.
January 16, 2015
My Review:
Once again Sebastian Gregory has left me speechless but in a good way. I might be a little scared of christmas at the moment but what an amazing story, 160 pages of wow, I couldn’t put this book down. The main Characters are lovable, I need to find out what happened to Katy, Jake and Emily at all times. I needed them to be ok and even as the book was coming to the end I was still a nervous wreck. The end? I have no words for it. I am not 100% sure what happened but it left me wanting a lot more but was a complete ending. This book is amazing, creepy, fantastic and horrifying all rolled in one. I loved his writing style and he can tell a scary story pretty well that my heart was beating a lot faster then it should and I had to stop reading this at night before bed.
Please note that this book has a few German phrases but a little visit to Google translator and you will be fine ;) I now know a little German, a few creepy sayings but if I want to scare a few German people I am all set lol.
I read Sebastian Gregory other book (The Boy in the Cemetery) and I need to say this, I have found an amazing new author. I can’t wait to read more stuff from him. I look forward to seeking out all his books and devouring them like I did this one and the other one.
I knew almost from the beginning this was going to be a 4 star and I added the .5 as the book got closer to the end only because the story never stopped, it was constant action and suspense and I loved it.
Haven’t read a book of his yet? Not sure what you are wait for Looking for a fun cheerful Christmas book, this is not it, just remember think happy thoughts when you read it, no scary Santa Clauses or Weihnachtsmann or Der Kinderfresser just HAPPY Christmas thoughts…damn it!!!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
Once again Sebastian Gregory has left me speechless but in a good way. I might be a little scared of christmas at the moment but what an amazing story, 160 pages of wow, I couldn’t put this book down. The main Characters are lovable, I need to find out what happened to Katy, Jake and Emily at all times. I needed them to be ok and even as the book was coming to the end I was still a nervous wreck. The end? I have no words for it. I am not 100% sure what happened but it left me wanting a lot more but was a complete ending. This book is amazing, creepy, fantastic and horrifying all rolled in one. I loved his writing style and he can tell a scary story pretty well that my heart was beating a lot faster then it should and I had to stop reading this at night before bed.
Please note that this book has a few German phrases but a little visit to Google translator and you will be fine ;) I now know a little German, a few creepy sayings but if I want to scare a few German people I am all set lol.
I read Sebastian Gregory other book (The Boy in the Cemetery) and I need to say this, I have found an amazing new author. I can’t wait to read more stuff from him. I look forward to seeking out all his books and devouring them like I did this one and the other one.
I knew almost from the beginning this was going to be a 4 star and I added the .5 as the book got closer to the end only because the story never stopped, it was constant action and suspense and I loved it.
Haven’t read a book of his yet? Not sure what you are wait for Looking for a fun cheerful Christmas book, this is not it, just remember think happy thoughts when you read it, no scary Santa Clauses or Weihnachtsmann or Der Kinderfresser just HAPPY Christmas thoughts…damn it!!!
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my review
Hope you have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
December 9, 2014
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house
For a creature is stirring, sly as a mouse,
He skulks on the roof, down the chimney with care,
Keep the fire burning for the Child Eater's here. ...
He has a thin face and little round belly,
Slurping down children as if they were jelly
Then out on the lawn there'll arise such a clatter.
Parents spring from the bed to see what is the matter.
Away to the window they'll fly like a flash.
Tear open the shutters and throw up the sash
The Child Eater springs to his feet, gives them a whistle,
And disappears into the woods and the thistle.
Until next year it drives out of sigh,
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY by Sebastian Gregory is an intensely dark Christmas folkloric tale. WARNING! This is NOT your normal feel good, happy Christmas story! Look elsewhere if you are looking for a Christmas story that delivers a warm fuzzies feeling. This is not the book you're looking for! LOL! I thought the author's dedication was a bit different: "for naughty children everywhere." Now I know it was an inkling of the wild ride that would commence beginning on the next page.
I would definitely not recommend this book to young children as it might induce some serious nightmares, but older teens may enjoy it - unless they're still scared of the dark. :-) Whatever, before you open the book, make sure your doors and windows are securely fastened! It's a short read at only 160 pages and you will most certainly want to read this in one sitting.
My full review has been posted to Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 Wine Glasses!
For a creature is stirring, sly as a mouse,
He skulks on the roof, down the chimney with care,
Keep the fire burning for the Child Eater's here. ...
He has a thin face and little round belly,
Slurping down children as if they were jelly
Then out on the lawn there'll arise such a clatter.
Parents spring from the bed to see what is the matter.
Away to the window they'll fly like a flash.
Tear open the shutters and throw up the sash
The Child Eater springs to his feet, gives them a whistle,
And disappears into the woods and the thistle.
Until next year it drives out of sigh,
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY by Sebastian Gregory is an intensely dark Christmas folkloric tale. WARNING! This is NOT your normal feel good, happy Christmas story! Look elsewhere if you are looking for a Christmas story that delivers a warm fuzzies feeling. This is not the book you're looking for! LOL! I thought the author's dedication was a bit different: "for naughty children everywhere." Now I know it was an inkling of the wild ride that would commence beginning on the next page.
I would definitely not recommend this book to young children as it might induce some serious nightmares, but older teens may enjoy it - unless they're still scared of the dark. :-) Whatever, before you open the book, make sure your doors and windows are securely fastened! It's a short read at only 160 pages and you will most certainly want to read this in one sitting.
My full review has been posted to Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 Wine Glasses!
December 6, 2014
Holy moly, I LOVED this book! I can't wait to read more of Gregory's work.
Review --> http://littlemisstrainwreck.com/2014/...
Review --> http://littlemisstrainwreck.com/2014/...
December 11, 2021
A nightmarish tale to warm your cold, dead heart during the Christmas season.
December 27, 2014
More reviews at Mrs. ReaderPants.
REVIEW: For middle schoolers looking for creepy Christmas stories (not an easy task!), A Christmas Horror Story is sure to be a hit. This is well-written, creepy fun that will be especially popular among fans of Gaiman's Coraline, Black's Doll Bones , and even Stine's Goosebumps series. I especially love all the flashbacks to previous victims of the Evil German-speaking Santa-thing (called der kinderfresser, or The Child Eater).
I also loved the new version of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," der kinderfresser-style! Super-cool!
The short length (66 pages) and appealing title and cover art will make this a popular choice with reluctant readers.
Unfortunately, this book is currently only available in e-book format. Not good for libraries (like mine) that don't have Overdrive or e-book lending! At least it's cheap--currently less than $5 on Nook and Kindle. It is not currently available via Follett or FollettShelf. So sad!
THE BOTTOM LINE: A must for all libraries serving middle school and high school students. It may be okay for some elementary readers as well, but elementary librarians are advised to read it themselves before circulating to young patrons.
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: I would have no problems selling this one to my students if I can get my hands on a printed copy. My library is currently exploring Overdrive as an option for our students, and if I can get it there, I absolutely will! Another option is to buy a copy and load it onto one of my library ipads.
READALIKES: The Boy in the Cemetery (Gregory); Coraline (Gaiman); Skeleton Man (Bruchac)
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 5/5
Creativity: 5/5
Characters: 4/5--not a character-driven story, but the three main characters do have distinct personalities
Engrossing: 5/5--it's short, and I read it in one sitting
Writing: 5/5--strong writing with lots of grisly descriptions
Appeal to teens: 5/5
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
Language: very mild--2 hells
Sexuality: none
Violence: medium--the der kinderfresser kidnaps, kills, and eats children
Drugs/Alcohol: none
February 18, 2015
From the author who brought the Asylum of Fairytale Creatures has written a novella for those who love not only Christmas tales but also Horror Stories. For lots of little children around the world they won't be visited by the Santa we all love and know and the one who leaves us presents, but by the evil santa known in folk tales as Krimpus , he steals children and punishes those and leaves them with lumps of coal. This quick novella has several different tales of Krimpus throughout the years , in different centuries , different towns and different countries. This year children , no matter where you are - no one is safe from the Krimpus MWHAHAHAHA.
December 13, 2014
3.5 stars- This was a good tale, which could have been much better with editing and some additions to keep the reader in the mood of the story.
February 26, 2015
A Christmas story with a sinister twist! Perfect! My only concern was why was I rooting for the bad guy?
December 10, 2016
Dear Santa,
Please don't let the child eater come visit me this year. He's a scary M F'er
Please don't let the child eater come visit me this year. He's a scary M F'er
December 20, 2019
Sebastian Gregory's Christmas horror novella is not without moments of charm, but the opening scene in which a medieval German girl is snatched up by the ChildEater is the highlight of the book. Props to Gregory for not using the Krampus, and for digging up a much more obscure Germanic horror figure to make central, but most of the story feels derivative of many other Christmas terrors, especially the "Krampus" film.
December 23, 2014
Originally posted on Becca's Books ~ http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
I'd like to begin by saying a huge thank you to the fabulous publishers Carina UK for providing me with an eBook copy of A Christmas Horror Story by Sebastian Gregory in exchange for an honest review, and also a huge thank you to the bloody brilliant Sebastian, for quite simply, having such a weird and wonderful mind. His stories are immense, and A Christmas Horror Story only highlighted this fact.
After reading Seb's The Boy in the Cemetery, I knew that I'd found something special. Reading that was like being transported into another world entirely. A dark and dreary world full of disease, slime and creatures lurking in every corner. The Boy in the Cemetery truly opened my eyes to Sebastian Gregory's seriously creepy style and fantastic ability to create worlds beyond your own imagination, and so, when I learnt of A Christmas Horror Story, I was more than ready to experience 'the Seb effect' for a second time.
There's a dark side to me. Amid my love for romance and hearts and flowers and pretty love stories, I also have a love for the strange and unusual. I have no idea where it comes from, probably my reading of Point Horror books during school, or my watching of numerous Goosebumps episodes, but nevertheless, it's there, and Sebastian Gregory seems to sing right to it. Despite the stories that he writes being completely fictional and involving mythical, fairy-tale like beings, I'm open-minded and very enthusiastic when it comes to reading them. I guess I'm still quite childish (I still have days where I have Goosebumps marathons) and enjoy allowing my imagination to be taken a crazy journey, and Seb does this for me.
When the cover for A Christmas Horror Story was revealed, I was overjoyed. It was exactly how I had imagined it to be. It has that traditional look about it. There's no glitz or glamour, it's not completely over the top, yet it still gives you a slight chill down the spine. Adding the title to that, and you've got yourself a proper Christmas horror story that is sure to make you think twice about welcoming Santa into your home on Christmas Eve. It's simple yet so, so effective, and I just couldn't wait to get started!
The story itself was written brilliantly. Seb takes us to different Christmas Eves in time, all involving different children but all with the same outcome, until finally landing and remaining with Katie, Emily and Jake. With their mother working at the hospital and a snowstorm snatching away electricity and any chances of communication, the three are left alone at home. Little do they know that what awaits them on Christmas Eve is not a jolly Santa in red buttoned suit with a sack full of presents, but something far, far more sinister.
Seb's characters were fantastic. Although we're introduced to quite a few children before Katie, Emily and Jake's story really takes off, each of their unique meetings manages to stay with you. The three main children that we stick with are a close-knit bunch of siblings, Katie being the oldest and taking sole responsibility of their safety and well-being. Their relationship was a typical one expected of siblings, sometimes bickering, other times teasing, but most importantly, Katie is prepared to risk her own life for Emily and Jake, and it was beautiful. I felt that the bond between the three was a strong one, and with their mother away working and their father having passed away a year before, it was truly unbreakable, and they refused to do anything except stick together. I had so much respect for Katie's character, and without sounding like I'm blowing my own trumpet, she kinda' reminded me of myself. The youngest of the three, Jake, was quieter than the others, and had a ritual before going to bed, where he told Katie to shut the shutters on the windows and ensure that all the doors within their home were locked. Katie, like the protective big sister that she was, did this willingly, wanting to know that her little brother felt safe. It was adorable! The fact that Jake didn't feel safe without these measures being taken added an element of eeriness to the story, as if he knew something that they didn't, and it was incredibly chilling!
I loved the uniqueness of this story. The fact that it wasn't a typical Christmas story of love and gifts and Christmas trees. It had that wow factor that makes it stick in your mind long after you've finished reading it. The creature which replaces Santa Claus is not one to be wished for, and Seb's descriptions of it, much like in The Boy in the Cemetery, were absolutely fantastic. Seb knows how to creep you out and make you think twice about tip-toeing across the landing when the lights are out. He knows how to get right within your imagination and provide you with images that aren't so cute or appealing. For his different approach to writing and amazing style, I absolutely love this author and his work. Seb is the person that I go to when I need a break from my usual genre. His work is out of this world.
Becca's Books is rating A Christmas Horror Story by Sebastian Gregory with FIVE CUPCAKES! A creepy, twisted turn on a traditional Christmas Eve, with horror slipping down the chimney rather than presents! Thanks so much Seb and Carina UK! You're brilliant!
I'd like to begin by saying a huge thank you to the fabulous publishers Carina UK for providing me with an eBook copy of A Christmas Horror Story by Sebastian Gregory in exchange for an honest review, and also a huge thank you to the bloody brilliant Sebastian, for quite simply, having such a weird and wonderful mind. His stories are immense, and A Christmas Horror Story only highlighted this fact.
After reading Seb's The Boy in the Cemetery, I knew that I'd found something special. Reading that was like being transported into another world entirely. A dark and dreary world full of disease, slime and creatures lurking in every corner. The Boy in the Cemetery truly opened my eyes to Sebastian Gregory's seriously creepy style and fantastic ability to create worlds beyond your own imagination, and so, when I learnt of A Christmas Horror Story, I was more than ready to experience 'the Seb effect' for a second time.
There's a dark side to me. Amid my love for romance and hearts and flowers and pretty love stories, I also have a love for the strange and unusual. I have no idea where it comes from, probably my reading of Point Horror books during school, or my watching of numerous Goosebumps episodes, but nevertheless, it's there, and Sebastian Gregory seems to sing right to it. Despite the stories that he writes being completely fictional and involving mythical, fairy-tale like beings, I'm open-minded and very enthusiastic when it comes to reading them. I guess I'm still quite childish (I still have days where I have Goosebumps marathons) and enjoy allowing my imagination to be taken a crazy journey, and Seb does this for me.
When the cover for A Christmas Horror Story was revealed, I was overjoyed. It was exactly how I had imagined it to be. It has that traditional look about it. There's no glitz or glamour, it's not completely over the top, yet it still gives you a slight chill down the spine. Adding the title to that, and you've got yourself a proper Christmas horror story that is sure to make you think twice about welcoming Santa into your home on Christmas Eve. It's simple yet so, so effective, and I just couldn't wait to get started!
The story itself was written brilliantly. Seb takes us to different Christmas Eves in time, all involving different children but all with the same outcome, until finally landing and remaining with Katie, Emily and Jake. With their mother working at the hospital and a snowstorm snatching away electricity and any chances of communication, the three are left alone at home. Little do they know that what awaits them on Christmas Eve is not a jolly Santa in red buttoned suit with a sack full of presents, but something far, far more sinister.
Seb's characters were fantastic. Although we're introduced to quite a few children before Katie, Emily and Jake's story really takes off, each of their unique meetings manages to stay with you. The three main children that we stick with are a close-knit bunch of siblings, Katie being the oldest and taking sole responsibility of their safety and well-being. Their relationship was a typical one expected of siblings, sometimes bickering, other times teasing, but most importantly, Katie is prepared to risk her own life for Emily and Jake, and it was beautiful. I felt that the bond between the three was a strong one, and with their mother away working and their father having passed away a year before, it was truly unbreakable, and they refused to do anything except stick together. I had so much respect for Katie's character, and without sounding like I'm blowing my own trumpet, she kinda' reminded me of myself. The youngest of the three, Jake, was quieter than the others, and had a ritual before going to bed, where he told Katie to shut the shutters on the windows and ensure that all the doors within their home were locked. Katie, like the protective big sister that she was, did this willingly, wanting to know that her little brother felt safe. It was adorable! The fact that Jake didn't feel safe without these measures being taken added an element of eeriness to the story, as if he knew something that they didn't, and it was incredibly chilling!
I loved the uniqueness of this story. The fact that it wasn't a typical Christmas story of love and gifts and Christmas trees. It had that wow factor that makes it stick in your mind long after you've finished reading it. The creature which replaces Santa Claus is not one to be wished for, and Seb's descriptions of it, much like in The Boy in the Cemetery, were absolutely fantastic. Seb knows how to creep you out and make you think twice about tip-toeing across the landing when the lights are out. He knows how to get right within your imagination and provide you with images that aren't so cute or appealing. For his different approach to writing and amazing style, I absolutely love this author and his work. Seb is the person that I go to when I need a break from my usual genre. His work is out of this world.
Becca's Books is rating A Christmas Horror Story by Sebastian Gregory with FIVE CUPCAKES! A creepy, twisted turn on a traditional Christmas Eve, with horror slipping down the chimney rather than presents! Thanks so much Seb and Carina UK! You're brilliant!
December 24, 2019
Der Kinderfresser? WHERE IS KRAMPUS?!
Seriously, though, this book is not very good. How can a book about a child eating Christmas monster be boring? Somehow this book finds a way. I forced myself to finish it...thankfully, it's not very long.
Now it's back to my stocking full of coal...
Seriously, though, this book is not very good. How can a book about a child eating Christmas monster be boring? Somehow this book finds a way. I forced myself to finish it...thankfully, it's not very long.
Now it's back to my stocking full of coal...
December 21, 2018
That was fun and I didn't want it to end. 3.5 stars
October 20, 2023
Goosebumps series is way better.
January 8, 2015
A Christmas Horror Story
By Sebastian Gregory
The blurb
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house...
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.
With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he's a little... different to the St Nick you might be expecting.
And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like... but it's you he's after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
Every white Christmas has a dark side.
Don't miss A Christmas Horror Story, the gruesomely festive new story from Sebastian Gregory.
WHAT I SAY
I'd like to say again that Carina UK had done it again with this fab cover for this fab book
Their covers alway make me want to read their books . The cover a bit creepy i felt what do you think ?
.
Sebastian, got a weird and wonderful mind he can be very deep at times which like .
A Christmas Horror Story it a very creepy read i was hooked from the first few pages and so will you be it just a fab read it just hooks you into this fab wried plot
The story it written brilliantly. The book talks about different Christmas Eves all involving different children but all with the same outcome, what could that be ,a happy one ? It christmas time so i hope so
The last family are the main characters Katie, Emily and Jake. Emily and jake mum works at the hospital and a very bad snowstorm come . They now have no electricity and they have no way of any communication with their mum all phone are down the three are left alone at home. What will they do now ?
Do they know what going to happen on Christmas Eve ?
no i say they are stuck the snow so deep but santa will be here soon so that keeps them happy but something far, far more sinister is on it way were have their christmas presents gone ? why there got coal ?
What going on ? Omg the snow so deep what they going to do ? The are just stuck in the house . What can happen they are safe in home or are they ?
Seb's characters are fantastic you will love them all . They feel so real we meet a few children before we get two the three main characters i liked them all the main characters are Emily jake and Katie .
Katie is the oldest and she has the responsibility of her younger brother and sister they seem so close which was nice they seem to get on so well which was nice to read about . Their relationship was just like all family one minute getting on then one minute some thing upsets them . They hate each other just like all kids .
Jake was the youngest he was such a nice boy he loved to read what was he reading ?
Emily was a bit more lively i thought a very happy girl i did feel maybe she order jake around at bit but in her way she was looking after him which was nice to read about . Katie looks after then both she had i felt took charge since their dad had die in a accident . She help her mum out as she worked so hard at the hospital . The seem a very close family which was so nice to hear . You just want to hear of a happy christmas with lots of gift for this lovely happy family unit . Each night they have to double check all door and window are locked before jake get into bed he like to make sure they are safe
The style of writing is so different to any other book i have read i just love the way Sebastian write his descriptions are spot on the plot just absolutely fantastic. It make you think about the plot long after you finish the book He knows how to get your imagination going and your mind .
As a children i would of hated this book as i did not like santa to come in my room i would put a chair near my door so he could not get in
i did let sophie she 11 read it too she said it was very creepy but she like it she said it would make a good christmas dvd what do you think she said it was very creepy but she enjoy it as santa not real away lol
It just a wonderful read like all Sabastian books i have read them all now i have loved them all he just so different to any other writer i just love his style and the way his mind works he just hooks me into his plots their are very different
Please read for your self i think you will enjoy as much as we did
5 dolls
read enjoy keep for next year
I like to thank net gallery & Carina uk for letting me review this fab book
Please check it out a must read christmas book
Publication Date -8th December 2014
Publisher - Carina UK
Source - eBook (Provided via NetGalley)
By Sebastian Gregory
The blurb
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house...
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.
With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he's a little... different to the St Nick you might be expecting.
And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like... but it's you he's after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
Every white Christmas has a dark side.
Don't miss A Christmas Horror Story, the gruesomely festive new story from Sebastian Gregory.
WHAT I SAY
I'd like to say again that Carina UK had done it again with this fab cover for this fab book
Their covers alway make me want to read their books . The cover a bit creepy i felt what do you think ?
.
Sebastian, got a weird and wonderful mind he can be very deep at times which like .
A Christmas Horror Story it a very creepy read i was hooked from the first few pages and so will you be it just a fab read it just hooks you into this fab wried plot
The story it written brilliantly. The book talks about different Christmas Eves all involving different children but all with the same outcome, what could that be ,a happy one ? It christmas time so i hope so
The last family are the main characters Katie, Emily and Jake. Emily and jake mum works at the hospital and a very bad snowstorm come . They now have no electricity and they have no way of any communication with their mum all phone are down the three are left alone at home. What will they do now ?
Do they know what going to happen on Christmas Eve ?
no i say they are stuck the snow so deep but santa will be here soon so that keeps them happy but something far, far more sinister is on it way were have their christmas presents gone ? why there got coal ?
What going on ? Omg the snow so deep what they going to do ? The are just stuck in the house . What can happen they are safe in home or are they ?
Seb's characters are fantastic you will love them all . They feel so real we meet a few children before we get two the three main characters i liked them all the main characters are Emily jake and Katie .
Katie is the oldest and she has the responsibility of her younger brother and sister they seem so close which was nice they seem to get on so well which was nice to read about . Their relationship was just like all family one minute getting on then one minute some thing upsets them . They hate each other just like all kids .
Jake was the youngest he was such a nice boy he loved to read what was he reading ?
Emily was a bit more lively i thought a very happy girl i did feel maybe she order jake around at bit but in her way she was looking after him which was nice to read about . Katie looks after then both she had i felt took charge since their dad had die in a accident . She help her mum out as she worked so hard at the hospital . The seem a very close family which was so nice to hear . You just want to hear of a happy christmas with lots of gift for this lovely happy family unit . Each night they have to double check all door and window are locked before jake get into bed he like to make sure they are safe
The style of writing is so different to any other book i have read i just love the way Sebastian write his descriptions are spot on the plot just absolutely fantastic. It make you think about the plot long after you finish the book He knows how to get your imagination going and your mind .
As a children i would of hated this book as i did not like santa to come in my room i would put a chair near my door so he could not get in
i did let sophie she 11 read it too she said it was very creepy but she like it she said it would make a good christmas dvd what do you think she said it was very creepy but she enjoy it as santa not real away lol
It just a wonderful read like all Sabastian books i have read them all now i have loved them all he just so different to any other writer i just love his style and the way his mind works he just hooks me into his plots their are very different
Please read for your self i think you will enjoy as much as we did
5 dolls
read enjoy keep for next year
I like to thank net gallery & Carina uk for letting me review this fab book
Please check it out a must read christmas book
Publication Date -8th December 2014
Publisher - Carina UK
Source - eBook (Provided via NetGalley)
December 11, 2014
Title - A Christmas Horror Story
Author - Sebastian Gregory
Summary -
"...Greta?" whispered Mama, her hand covering her quivering and fretful lips.
From the dark and the embers and the silver slivers of light they saw their daughter-sweet succulent Greta, young and tender and plump. She stood by the fireplace and from it an elongated arm with black scales and lengthened fingers wrapped around the tiny girl's waist.
"Mama? Papa?" Greta replied with tears in her eyes. And with a terrible movement, as fast as darkness murders light, the arm disappeared up the chimney stack and away taking Greta with it, leaving only a cloud of wet soot where she once stood..."
Forgotten by time, over centuries as people grew to wise and old for the old stories. He is forgotten by modern man. But the people of old knew him and warned their children to be good. Not for the presents that old Saint Nick might bring. But what the other one would bring, what would come next, after you received your lump of dusty coal.
"...If Katie heard her brother and sister she did not acknowledge the. She stood frozen, staring at the birds, their thousand dead black eyes staring back.
"They're all facing the same way, look, as if flying from the forest," Katie murmured.
"Katie, wake up. Jake is terrified. We have to leave," shouted Emily.
It snapped Katie from her trance. She looked at Emily, slightly confused, and then at Jake. His face was a mask of wide-eyed, over-imaginative fear.
"Something scared them to death," Katie said..."
There is something else traveling the cold night before Christmas. Visiting the homes of those who did not behave. Visiting the children who are disobedient and rebellious. A creature that feeds on those. A creature that visits once a year, on the night before Christmas.
Review -
"...On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house
For a creature is stirring, sly as a mouse
He skulks on the roof, down the chimney with care
Keep the fire burning for the Child Eater's here..."
From the tales of Krampus to the true tales of the Brother's Grimm, fairy tales were not meant to entertain, but to teach and correct. With fear and blood and all that makes for the perfect Holiday treat.
A Christmas Horror Story is just that. Three young children left alone on Christmas Eve, their single mother pulling a double shift at the local hospital, come face to face with a creature as old as time. A creature forgotten and not feared in this modern world. But it will be, as it fills its black bag with children to feed to its boiling cauldron. The Child Eater is here.
This is a wonderful short tale, as brisk as it is complete. Spanning centuries, the story weaves its way to modern day and the plight of Katie and her siblings. The Child Eater is perfectly described. A true childhood monster that as we grow up; we convince ourselves could never exist, but in the dark of night, still make sure there is nothing under our bed. Or crawling down the chimney.
Sebastian Gregory has written a terrific little tale. Pick it up. Read it to your kids and watch their cute little faces go pale. After all, if they can believe there's a Santa, why not a Child Eater?
A really good little read.
Author - Sebastian Gregory
Summary -
"...Greta?" whispered Mama, her hand covering her quivering and fretful lips.
From the dark and the embers and the silver slivers of light they saw their daughter-sweet succulent Greta, young and tender and plump. She stood by the fireplace and from it an elongated arm with black scales and lengthened fingers wrapped around the tiny girl's waist.
"Mama? Papa?" Greta replied with tears in her eyes. And with a terrible movement, as fast as darkness murders light, the arm disappeared up the chimney stack and away taking Greta with it, leaving only a cloud of wet soot where she once stood..."
Forgotten by time, over centuries as people grew to wise and old for the old stories. He is forgotten by modern man. But the people of old knew him and warned their children to be good. Not for the presents that old Saint Nick might bring. But what the other one would bring, what would come next, after you received your lump of dusty coal.
"...If Katie heard her brother and sister she did not acknowledge the. She stood frozen, staring at the birds, their thousand dead black eyes staring back.
"They're all facing the same way, look, as if flying from the forest," Katie murmured.
"Katie, wake up. Jake is terrified. We have to leave," shouted Emily.
It snapped Katie from her trance. She looked at Emily, slightly confused, and then at Jake. His face was a mask of wide-eyed, over-imaginative fear.
"Something scared them to death," Katie said..."
There is something else traveling the cold night before Christmas. Visiting the homes of those who did not behave. Visiting the children who are disobedient and rebellious. A creature that feeds on those. A creature that visits once a year, on the night before Christmas.
Review -
"...On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house
For a creature is stirring, sly as a mouse
He skulks on the roof, down the chimney with care
Keep the fire burning for the Child Eater's here..."
From the tales of Krampus to the true tales of the Brother's Grimm, fairy tales were not meant to entertain, but to teach and correct. With fear and blood and all that makes for the perfect Holiday treat.
A Christmas Horror Story is just that. Three young children left alone on Christmas Eve, their single mother pulling a double shift at the local hospital, come face to face with a creature as old as time. A creature forgotten and not feared in this modern world. But it will be, as it fills its black bag with children to feed to its boiling cauldron. The Child Eater is here.
This is a wonderful short tale, as brisk as it is complete. Spanning centuries, the story weaves its way to modern day and the plight of Katie and her siblings. The Child Eater is perfectly described. A true childhood monster that as we grow up; we convince ourselves could never exist, but in the dark of night, still make sure there is nothing under our bed. Or crawling down the chimney.
Sebastian Gregory has written a terrific little tale. Pick it up. Read it to your kids and watch their cute little faces go pale. After all, if they can believe there's a Santa, why not a Child Eater?
A really good little read.
July 23, 2017
READ THE ORIGINAL REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://thebookaddictsblog.blogspot.pt...
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
This is not the first book I read by this author, so I thought I knew what I was getting into... (I mean, after The Boy in the Cemetery I honestly believed Sebastian Gregory's stories wouldn't surprise me and creep the hell out of me anymore).
Well, want to guess how wrong I was?
Sebastian Gregory's writing and storytelling style never fails to amaze me and this was no exception. This was straight up christmas horror and I would love to see this turn into a Tim Burton movie. I think it would be one of those movies you watch on repeat every christmas to scare your little siblings. (How is this not happening yet?)
From page one until that very last moment in gave me chills and I kept looking out the window to see the shadows pass. I believe what made this just the right amount of scary and fun was the way the different time periods were weaved together, keeping us guessing and gasping at the sound of the bells.
I really enjoyed reading about the main characters, Katy, Emily and Jake, and I kept rooting for them, all the way, even though my heart was telling me nothing I could say or hope for could give this a happy ending.
On that note, that ending left me there just wanting to cry and sob and re read it and threw my phone at the wall, it was just so heartbreaking and wonderful, just like the entire story.
After all this, this book was so different from every other christmas story that it's hard to explain why you should read it, but you definitely should!
I think Sebastian Gregory is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I desperately want more. When given the chance, I will read everything that man writes and you probably should, too.
'On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house
For a creature is stirring, sly as a mouse,
He skulks on the roof, down the chimney with care,
Keep the fire burning for the Child Eater's here. ...
He has a thin face and little round belly,
Slurping down children as if they were jelly
Then out on the lawn there'll arise such a clatter.
Parents spring from the bed to see what is the matter.
Away to the window they'll fly like a flash.
Tear open the shutters and throw up the sash
The Child Eater springs to his feet, gives them a whistle,
And disappears into the woods and the thistle.
Until next year it drives out of sigh,
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.'
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
This is not the first book I read by this author, so I thought I knew what I was getting into... (I mean, after The Boy in the Cemetery I honestly believed Sebastian Gregory's stories wouldn't surprise me and creep the hell out of me anymore).
Well, want to guess how wrong I was?
Sebastian Gregory's writing and storytelling style never fails to amaze me and this was no exception. This was straight up christmas horror and I would love to see this turn into a Tim Burton movie. I think it would be one of those movies you watch on repeat every christmas to scare your little siblings. (How is this not happening yet?)
From page one until that very last moment in gave me chills and I kept looking out the window to see the shadows pass. I believe what made this just the right amount of scary and fun was the way the different time periods were weaved together, keeping us guessing and gasping at the sound of the bells.
I really enjoyed reading about the main characters, Katy, Emily and Jake, and I kept rooting for them, all the way, even though my heart was telling me nothing I could say or hope for could give this a happy ending.
On that note, that ending left me there just wanting to cry and sob and re read it and threw my phone at the wall, it was just so heartbreaking and wonderful, just like the entire story.
After all this, this book was so different from every other christmas story that it's hard to explain why you should read it, but you definitely should!
I think Sebastian Gregory is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I desperately want more. When given the chance, I will read everything that man writes and you probably should, too.
'On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house
For a creature is stirring, sly as a mouse,
He skulks on the roof, down the chimney with care,
Keep the fire burning for the Child Eater's here. ...
He has a thin face and little round belly,
Slurping down children as if they were jelly
Then out on the lawn there'll arise such a clatter.
Parents spring from the bed to see what is the matter.
Away to the window they'll fly like a flash.
Tear open the shutters and throw up the sash
The Child Eater springs to his feet, gives them a whistle,
And disappears into the woods and the thistle.
Until next year it drives out of sigh,
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.'
December 12, 2014
All Kidding Aside, This Is A Scary Book
Sebastian Gregory has a fine track record as a writer of scary tales. His The Asylum for Fairy-tale Creatures is a reworking of some old Grimm tales and familiar fairy tale characters and is clever, gruesome, elegant, violent and unsettling. The Boy in the Cemetery is a children-in-peril ghost story with a number of gripping scenes and a dark undercurrent. This offering is a bit lighter, but it is not a jokey ghosty holiday-themed lark. The prologue alone, which opens the story by describing the abduction and disappearance of a little girl on Christmas Eve in 1514 is dark and dreadful.
In short, this isn't David Lubar Campfire Weenies material or even R.L. Stine "Goosebumps" kiddy thrills. This is effective, dark and unsettling. For what it's worth, I would suggest reading the sample that is available on the Amazon site. It stops short of the abduction but is loaded with enough creepy, dark, unnerving atmosphere that you'll get a sense of the author's style.
And this author has style to burn. There is no plodding, by-the-numbers story telling or predictable plotting. This is carefully made, slow building, tension filled, dark story telling with a palpable underlying sense of menace and dread. Children alone, threatened by a dark unknown evil creature, battling to survive - that's what you get here. There are no comic figures or humorous distractions. The characters are well-defined; the reader becomes invested in their welfare and then lurches along with them from peril to peril.
At least for me, and not to sound like a bluenose, this is a tough book to figure in terms of the appropriate reader age. There's no sex, torture, gore or that sort of thing. But there's no let up on or relief from the dark dread that grows throughout the story. The writing is sophisticated and there are a lot of small observations, throw-away lines, and bits of dialogue that are sharp and finely tuned. There is no silliness - no zombie hamsters or ghostly pratfalls. This is an old fashioned, efficient, moody, scary story. That's a good and rare accomplishment as long as you go into it with your eyes open, (or maybe with your eyes tightly closed).
Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
Sebastian Gregory has a fine track record as a writer of scary tales. His The Asylum for Fairy-tale Creatures is a reworking of some old Grimm tales and familiar fairy tale characters and is clever, gruesome, elegant, violent and unsettling. The Boy in the Cemetery is a children-in-peril ghost story with a number of gripping scenes and a dark undercurrent. This offering is a bit lighter, but it is not a jokey ghosty holiday-themed lark. The prologue alone, which opens the story by describing the abduction and disappearance of a little girl on Christmas Eve in 1514 is dark and dreadful.
In short, this isn't David Lubar Campfire Weenies material or even R.L. Stine "Goosebumps" kiddy thrills. This is effective, dark and unsettling. For what it's worth, I would suggest reading the sample that is available on the Amazon site. It stops short of the abduction but is loaded with enough creepy, dark, unnerving atmosphere that you'll get a sense of the author's style.
And this author has style to burn. There is no plodding, by-the-numbers story telling or predictable plotting. This is carefully made, slow building, tension filled, dark story telling with a palpable underlying sense of menace and dread. Children alone, threatened by a dark unknown evil creature, battling to survive - that's what you get here. There are no comic figures or humorous distractions. The characters are well-defined; the reader becomes invested in their welfare and then lurches along with them from peril to peril.
At least for me, and not to sound like a bluenose, this is a tough book to figure in terms of the appropriate reader age. There's no sex, torture, gore or that sort of thing. But there's no let up on or relief from the dark dread that grows throughout the story. The writing is sophisticated and there are a lot of small observations, throw-away lines, and bits of dialogue that are sharp and finely tuned. There is no silliness - no zombie hamsters or ghostly pratfalls. This is an old fashioned, efficient, moody, scary story. That's a good and rare accomplishment as long as you go into it with your eyes open, (or maybe with your eyes tightly closed).
Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
January 23, 2015
'A Christmas Horror Story' by Sebastian Gregory is a dark, twisted tale of Christmas. I enjoyed it even into the dark days of Winter.
Beware of the thing that comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve. It's not who you are expecting as three snowbound children are about to learn.
Katy, Emily and Jake are home alone when their mom is stuck at work. They've recently lost their dad, so Christmas is looking pretty bleak. Add to that the strange book of tales that little brother Jake is reading about a Child Eater that stalks his prey on Christmas Eve. Before long the kids are running for their lives. Will they survive until Christmas? Should we all brick up our chimneys and hide?
It's a quick read, but Der Kinderfresser is is one of the most gruesome Christmas monsters I've run across. Sebastian Gregory writes a great page-turner and I like his style of intersecting childhood and terror. He did it well here and in 'The Asylum for Fairy-tale Creatures' (which I also loved). I didn't feel like this was a set story in which I could predict what was going to happen. That kept the tension high for me while reading.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Carina UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this frightfully wonderful ebook.
Beware of the thing that comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve. It's not who you are expecting as three snowbound children are about to learn.
Katy, Emily and Jake are home alone when their mom is stuck at work. They've recently lost their dad, so Christmas is looking pretty bleak. Add to that the strange book of tales that little brother Jake is reading about a Child Eater that stalks his prey on Christmas Eve. Before long the kids are running for their lives. Will they survive until Christmas? Should we all brick up our chimneys and hide?
It's a quick read, but Der Kinderfresser is is one of the most gruesome Christmas monsters I've run across. Sebastian Gregory writes a great page-turner and I like his style of intersecting childhood and terror. He did it well here and in 'The Asylum for Fairy-tale Creatures' (which I also loved). I didn't feel like this was a set story in which I could predict what was going to happen. That kept the tension high for me while reading.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Carina UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this frightfully wonderful ebook.
December 22, 2014
3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!
A Christmas Horror Story is an alternative Christmas Eve tale for children. It focuses on teenager Katie and her siblings Emily and Jake as they battle against the evil Child Eater (think of the Child Catcher combined with the judder man but one who eats kids). The Child Eater is like something from one of the Brothers Grimm stories; under the guise of Santa he abducts children on Christmas eve.
The story is very different from most children (and in fact most adult) Christmas stories, but I think this is why I liked it. I'm a big fan of A Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline and although A Christmas Horror Story isn't modern gothic like they are, it fits in with the idea of combining horror and children's stories.
The plot covers several timezones so we get to see more examples of the Child Eater at work. The creepy bad guy combined with the fighting spirit of the kids made me smile. I appreciated the clever twist on the Father Christmas story and think children will be equal parts intrigued and terrified of meeting him.
Remember to keep the fire burning...!
I received a copy from the publisher Carina UK (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!
See my blog Zili in the Sky for more reviews
A Christmas Horror Story is an alternative Christmas Eve tale for children. It focuses on teenager Katie and her siblings Emily and Jake as they battle against the evil Child Eater (think of the Child Catcher combined with the judder man but one who eats kids). The Child Eater is like something from one of the Brothers Grimm stories; under the guise of Santa he abducts children on Christmas eve.
The story is very different from most children (and in fact most adult) Christmas stories, but I think this is why I liked it. I'm a big fan of A Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline and although A Christmas Horror Story isn't modern gothic like they are, it fits in with the idea of combining horror and children's stories.
The plot covers several timezones so we get to see more examples of the Child Eater at work. The creepy bad guy combined with the fighting spirit of the kids made me smile. I appreciated the clever twist on the Father Christmas story and think children will be equal parts intrigued and terrified of meeting him.
Remember to keep the fire burning...!
I received a copy from the publisher Carina UK (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!
See my blog Zili in the Sky for more reviews
December 17, 2014
Bern, 1514. Six-year-old Greta has been extra good all year in the hope of receiving a new doll from Santa Claus. When Greta hears jingle bells on Christmas Eve, she hops out of bed to let Santa in. Unfortunately, the creature who greets her doesn't have a sack full of toys....he has a sack full of children.
England, 2014. Sixteen-year-old Katie is taking care of her younger siblings while her mother is held up at work. All three begin to have strange dreams about the creature who took Greta - and signs begin to appear that he has made a return, and he's coming for the children.
This book is full of cliches - power goes out, parents absent, snow storm, one kid who thinks they know it all - but it's a brilliant little read because of all that. I was a huge fan of Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and Point Horror as a child. It's been a long time since I came across a modern day version of any of those - I have a son who will be delighted with this book. It was a perfect little chiller to pass an hour, and it's one I'll be digging out again this time next year.
I'm really glad to have discovered this author, I think there's a huge gap in the book world for something scary but suitable for 13/14 year olds.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Carina UK for providing me with a copy. Opinion 100% mine.
England, 2014. Sixteen-year-old Katie is taking care of her younger siblings while her mother is held up at work. All three begin to have strange dreams about the creature who took Greta - and signs begin to appear that he has made a return, and he's coming for the children.
This book is full of cliches - power goes out, parents absent, snow storm, one kid who thinks they know it all - but it's a brilliant little read because of all that. I was a huge fan of Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and Point Horror as a child. It's been a long time since I came across a modern day version of any of those - I have a son who will be delighted with this book. It was a perfect little chiller to pass an hour, and it's one I'll be digging out again this time next year.
I'm really glad to have discovered this author, I think there's a huge gap in the book world for something scary but suitable for 13/14 year olds.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Carina UK for providing me with a copy. Opinion 100% mine.
December 20, 2014
Full review at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress... (Dec 22)
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Santa Claus is rivalled by a child-eating Child Eater who adds insult to injury by leaving coal in the stocking of his intended victimes before eating them.
I love a good seasonal terror-fest as much as the next monster and this little gem really ups the ante in the look-over-your-shoulder-because-that’s-not-Santa-behind-you stakes. I thoroughly enjoyed this atmospheric little tale about three siblings, who, being left alone on Christmas Eve due to their mother’s working schedule, come under threat of the Child Eater – a festive imposter of legend who (rather obviously) eats children while calling out (less obviously) in German in a sinister monster voice.
I won’t go into too much detail because the story is so short to begin with, but the two best parts of this for me were the very ambiguous ending and the continuation of the Child Eater’s legend throughout history. If you are a fan of things that eat children then this little tale will be the perfect bite-sized festive horror experience.
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Santa Claus is rivalled by a child-eating Child Eater who adds insult to injury by leaving coal in the stocking of his intended victimes before eating them.
I love a good seasonal terror-fest as much as the next monster and this little gem really ups the ante in the look-over-your-shoulder-because-that’s-not-Santa-behind-you stakes. I thoroughly enjoyed this atmospheric little tale about three siblings, who, being left alone on Christmas Eve due to their mother’s working schedule, come under threat of the Child Eater – a festive imposter of legend who (rather obviously) eats children while calling out (less obviously) in German in a sinister monster voice.
I won’t go into too much detail because the story is so short to begin with, but the two best parts of this for me were the very ambiguous ending and the continuation of the Child Eater’s legend throughout history. If you are a fan of things that eat children then this little tale will be the perfect bite-sized festive horror experience.
December 27, 2014
Now this is my kind of Christmas story!!
What a creepy little tale of a "Child Eater", that comes at Christmastime and takes children from their homes. A scary creature that makes jingle bell sounds and entices the children to come to him, thinking he is St. Nick. He captures them and stuffs them in his bag and takes them away.
Katie, Emily and Jake are home alone, as their mother is working at the hospital. A snowstorm delays her and the children realize the something sinister is after them. It's the "Child Eater"!! Will they escape? No spoilers, you will have to read to find out.
A very good book. I enjoyed reading it, especially during Christmas. :-)
I will read more from this author.
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What a creepy little tale of a "Child Eater", that comes at Christmastime and takes children from their homes. A scary creature that makes jingle bell sounds and entices the children to come to him, thinking he is St. Nick. He captures them and stuffs them in his bag and takes them away.
Katie, Emily and Jake are home alone, as their mother is working at the hospital. A snowstorm delays her and the children realize the something sinister is after them. It's the "Child Eater"!! Will they escape? No spoilers, you will have to read to find out.
A very good book. I enjoyed reading it, especially during Christmas. :-)
I will read more from this author.
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
http://lisasandberg88.wordpress.com/
http://thezeroshour.com/
https://m.facebook.com/lisa.sandberg8...
https://m.facebook.com/thezeroshour?r...
http://1988lisa1988.tumblr.com/
Twitter - @1988Lisa1988
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A1NU...
December 25, 2014
Three children, Kate, Emily, and Jake are home on Christmas Eve. They are waiting for their mother to come home from work but a snow storm keeps mom from getting home. They hear funny noises that scares them. However the child eater is trying to get in the house as he is hungry. Does the child eater get them?
In these modern times, the myth of the child eater is not known to us. The child eater has been around since the 1500's. The story goes to 1514 at a home, then 1944' --the Second World War and 1833 at an orphanage. One is left with an ending that makes you wanting--I won't say more as I don't want to reveal it.
The story is a haunting, fantastic, creepy, wonderful horror story! It is written well as I could see the scenes described. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I must admit that I am glad that as a child not to have known this story. Don't miss out, do read it.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
In these modern times, the myth of the child eater is not known to us. The child eater has been around since the 1500's. The story goes to 1514 at a home, then 1944' --the Second World War and 1833 at an orphanage. One is left with an ending that makes you wanting--I won't say more as I don't want to reveal it.
The story is a haunting, fantastic, creepy, wonderful horror story! It is written well as I could see the scenes described. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I must admit that I am glad that as a child not to have known this story. Don't miss out, do read it.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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