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Cedar Mills
Seeking to understand the recent deaths and disappearances in their town, a disgraced homicide detective and a group of grieving high schoolers unwittingly join forces. But what this ragtag bunch of answer-seekers find will not only force them into a fight to save themselves and their town, but all of humanity as we know it... Welcome to Cedar Mills.
Praise for Cedar Mills...
“Plunges right into the action and never lets up!” -Readers' Favorite
“The kind of horror novel that stays with you.” -Independent Book Review
“A great example of writing characters. VIOLENT.” -Shots of Horror
"The pace of Cedar Mills is perfect. Gripping from the very first page." -Occult Library Co
“Dylan James has gathered all the classic ‘cliché’ horror and sci-fi tropes and adapted them to fit his own unique plotline.” -Book Nerdection
“A terror filled read with a horrifying creature, lots of blood and gore, and a well paced narrative.” -Horror Reads
“A fun romp in the swamp for anyone who loves creature horror.” -World LiteraTour
“Cedar Mills is great popcorn entertainment that’s well-written, effectively presented, and a fun read! (or as fun as getting mauled to death can be…)” -The Book Grind
Praise for Cedar Mills...
“Plunges right into the action and never lets up!” -Readers' Favorite
“The kind of horror novel that stays with you.” -Independent Book Review
“A great example of writing characters. VIOLENT.” -Shots of Horror
"The pace of Cedar Mills is perfect. Gripping from the very first page." -Occult Library Co
“Dylan James has gathered all the classic ‘cliché’ horror and sci-fi tropes and adapted them to fit his own unique plotline.” -Book Nerdection
“A terror filled read with a horrifying creature, lots of blood and gore, and a well paced narrative.” -Horror Reads
“A fun romp in the swamp for anyone who loves creature horror.” -World LiteraTour
“Cedar Mills is great popcorn entertainment that’s well-written, effectively presented, and a fun read! (or as fun as getting mauled to death can be…)” -The Book Grind
- GenresHorror
318 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Dylan James
2 books12 followersDylan James is the author of a dozen plus short stories and poetry publications, appearing in Horror Tree’s Trembling With Fear, Moria Literary Magazine, and more.
His nonfiction novel Brothers peaked at #3 on Barnes & Noble’s History Bestsellers.
His horror fiction novel Cedar Mills (Savage Realms Press) was published in 2025.
His nonfiction novel Brothers peaked at #3 on Barnes & Noble’s History Bestsellers.
His horror fiction novel Cedar Mills (Savage Realms Press) was published in 2025.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 9, 2025
I am incredibly grateful to both Dylan James and Savage Realms Press for the opportunity to read and review Cedar Mills. Being selected to explore this captivating story before its official release has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to Dylan James and the team at Savage Realms Press for their generosity and for making this advanced reading experience possible.
This book was actually pretty iconic! Think about if Scooby-Doo involved more mature topics such as death and the monsters aren’t just men in masks… That’s my take on it and I loved it!
Each chapter reveals a whole new layer to the story and it made my spine literally tingle. This was such a good read!
The pace of Cedar Mills is perfect, things are happening page in and page out but it was not rushed in any way. It has the perfect amount of thrills and also backstory.
I really loved this book and I can only hope there will be a second instalment in the Cedar Mills universe!
Cedar Mills is well written and gripping from the very first page! I am very much looking forward to reading more from Dylan James!
This book was actually pretty iconic! Think about if Scooby-Doo involved more mature topics such as death and the monsters aren’t just men in masks… That’s my take on it and I loved it!
Each chapter reveals a whole new layer to the story and it made my spine literally tingle. This was such a good read!
The pace of Cedar Mills is perfect, things are happening page in and page out but it was not rushed in any way. It has the perfect amount of thrills and also backstory.
I really loved this book and I can only hope there will be a second instalment in the Cedar Mills universe!
Cedar Mills is well written and gripping from the very first page! I am very much looking forward to reading more from Dylan James!
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August 4, 2025Thank you so much for taking the time to check out Cedar Mills!
If this novel is new to you or looks interesting, check out Chapter 1 here at: https://dylanjamesauthor.com/cedarmil...
Being from a small publisher, all support truly means the world to us.
Sincerely,
Dylan James
If this novel is new to you or looks interesting, check out Chapter 1 here at: https://dylanjamesauthor.com/cedarmil...
Being from a small publisher, all support truly means the world to us.
Sincerely,
Dylan James
July 17, 2025
Cedar Mills opens with a bang…literally. The first chapter is a blood-soaked fever dream of betrayal, brotherhood, and a monstrous ambush that immediately sets the tone for what could be a gripping small-town horror story. The setup has all the right ingredients: a motorcycle gang with dark secrets, a traumatized ex-cop with a violent past, and a group of plucky high school misfits about to stumble into something they definitely shouldn’t.
But here’s the thing, it doesn’t quite stick the landing.
The book feels like it’s juggling three different genres: gritty biker crime drama, slice-of-life teen coming-of-age, and classic creature feature horror. Each thread on its own is solid, and the writing style is fast-paced and cinematic, but the frequent tonal shifts made it hard to fully invest. It’s like watching The Goonies, Sons of Anarchy, and The Ritual get mashed together and told with the voice of someone who really wants to make all three work.
Some characters shine (Tom the ex-cop is compelling and tragic), while others feel like tropes in need of a little more depth (Paige is one “ugh whatever” away from becoming a caricature). The book teases big horror energy, especially with the terrifying creature reveal in chapter one, but it doesn’t always maintain that tension through the quieter sections.
Still, there’s undeniable heart here. The story is ambitious, the dialogue flows naturally, and the town of Cedar Mills feels lived-in and eerie in just the right ways. It’s not perfect, but it has potential—especially if the rest of the story builds on the seeds planted early on.
Final verdict: Worth checking out if you’re into monster horror with a side of high school drama and outlaw tension. Just go in knowing it’s more of a slow build than a full-throttle screamfest.
But here’s the thing, it doesn’t quite stick the landing.
The book feels like it’s juggling three different genres: gritty biker crime drama, slice-of-life teen coming-of-age, and classic creature feature horror. Each thread on its own is solid, and the writing style is fast-paced and cinematic, but the frequent tonal shifts made it hard to fully invest. It’s like watching The Goonies, Sons of Anarchy, and The Ritual get mashed together and told with the voice of someone who really wants to make all three work.
Some characters shine (Tom the ex-cop is compelling and tragic), while others feel like tropes in need of a little more depth (Paige is one “ugh whatever” away from becoming a caricature). The book teases big horror energy, especially with the terrifying creature reveal in chapter one, but it doesn’t always maintain that tension through the quieter sections.
Still, there’s undeniable heart here. The story is ambitious, the dialogue flows naturally, and the town of Cedar Mills feels lived-in and eerie in just the right ways. It’s not perfect, but it has potential—especially if the rest of the story builds on the seeds planted early on.
Final verdict: Worth checking out if you’re into monster horror with a side of high school drama and outlaw tension. Just go in knowing it’s more of a slow build than a full-throttle screamfest.
August 8, 2025
Thanks to the author and Savage Realms Press for the eARC! This one sounded like it shared a sinister world with my own novel, so I was super intrigued. I really wanted to review by release day, and I was close, but I had some stuff come up.
Chapter one opens in the past, the kind of set up that may be labeled a prologue in SFF. It shows an event that would stain the town of Cedar Mills for years to come. It immediately feels like a tightly focused creature feature, which is one of my favorite horror subgenres. Then it shifts, giving the reader a mixture of POVs from high school kids to a disgraced detective. It’s a little strange at first, but the author ends up making it work.
This felt like the inverse of my own writing, where I mentioned supernatural but didn’t dive in, this one does it all. It’s a full on supernatural story that steps its toes into crime fiction. It’s a cool take on blending horror subgenres. That’s where this story really shined: the horrors. The creature, known as 43, whose description brought to mind Creature from the Black Lagoon, is a semi-aquatic badass—one that loves stabbing government agents in the head with its claws. And I even liked how the author gives us the full explanation of what it is by the end, spinning into an almost full blown scifi horror.
The trigger happy agents in this reminded me of the supernatural devision from When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy. Their no-loose-ends mentality actually causing more trouble by the end. The inclusion of innocent teenagers also added in a well done layer of emotion and heart to the novel. Regardless of any interwoven romance, four teen friends getting thrown into the deep end was an interesting take that felt kind of like its own thing. These weren’t slasher movie teens that feel and even look like adults, these were starry-eyed and screaming kids, grieving and just trying to make it out alive.
Great action, a scary beast, and a beating heart in the background, making this one a solid read!
Chapter one opens in the past, the kind of set up that may be labeled a prologue in SFF. It shows an event that would stain the town of Cedar Mills for years to come. It immediately feels like a tightly focused creature feature, which is one of my favorite horror subgenres. Then it shifts, giving the reader a mixture of POVs from high school kids to a disgraced detective. It’s a little strange at first, but the author ends up making it work.
This felt like the inverse of my own writing, where I mentioned supernatural but didn’t dive in, this one does it all. It’s a full on supernatural story that steps its toes into crime fiction. It’s a cool take on blending horror subgenres. That’s where this story really shined: the horrors. The creature, known as 43, whose description brought to mind Creature from the Black Lagoon, is a semi-aquatic badass—one that loves stabbing government agents in the head with its claws. And I even liked how the author gives us the full explanation of what it is by the end, spinning into an almost full blown scifi horror.
The trigger happy agents in this reminded me of the supernatural devision from When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy. Their no-loose-ends mentality actually causing more trouble by the end. The inclusion of innocent teenagers also added in a well done layer of emotion and heart to the novel. Regardless of any interwoven romance, four teen friends getting thrown into the deep end was an interesting take that felt kind of like its own thing. These weren’t slasher movie teens that feel and even look like adults, these were starry-eyed and screaming kids, grieving and just trying to make it out alive.
Great action, a scary beast, and a beating heart in the background, making this one a solid read!
September 4, 2025
I received a free copy and am leaving this review as an ARC reader voluntarily:
The Good:
Dylan James comes out swinging with a disorienting and brutal attack on a biker gang, setting up to kick off the story many years later
Cedar Mills is a relatable small town, and the wide cast of characters fit the setting perfectly. Many twists and turns leave you on your heels and the fast chapters make binge reading very easy. To say I was caught off guard by the twist and pure scope of this novel would be understating it.
Oh, and the monster is cool as hell.
The Not-So-Good: (note: I received an unfinished copy so some of this may be fixed)
Cedar Mills is a great story that got caught up doing too much. If I had to put it somewhere, this is more in line with a crime thriller than horror, though there are definitely some solid horror elements.
The writing was fine, really my biggest gripe. It was rough in spots (possibly due to it being an early copy) but I think with some edits this has comps with early Dean Koontz.
If you like 3rd omniscient POV and a wide cast of characters (sprinkle in some good ole monster horror and government conspiracy) this will be the perfect fun read!
3.5/5 ⭐️ (Rounded up to 4-stars for Goodreads)
Thank you to Dylan James for providing me the eARC! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for your next work!
The Good:
Dylan James comes out swinging with a disorienting and brutal attack on a biker gang, setting up to kick off the story many years later
Cedar Mills is a relatable small town, and the wide cast of characters fit the setting perfectly. Many twists and turns leave you on your heels and the fast chapters make binge reading very easy. To say I was caught off guard by the twist and pure scope of this novel would be understating it.
Oh, and the monster is cool as hell.
The Not-So-Good: (note: I received an unfinished copy so some of this may be fixed)
Cedar Mills is a great story that got caught up doing too much. If I had to put it somewhere, this is more in line with a crime thriller than horror, though there are definitely some solid horror elements.
The writing was fine, really my biggest gripe. It was rough in spots (possibly due to it being an early copy) but I think with some edits this has comps with early Dean Koontz.
If you like 3rd omniscient POV and a wide cast of characters (sprinkle in some good ole monster horror and government conspiracy) this will be the perfect fun read!
3.5/5 ⭐️ (Rounded up to 4-stars for Goodreads)
Thank you to Dylan James for providing me the eARC! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for your next work!
January 4, 2026
This was a great book to get me out of my reading slump! It was an easy, engaging read and entertaining throughout. The story felt like a blend of sci-fi with thriller/mystery elements, which I really loved.
July 22, 2025
A derelict grist mill off the beaten path, a string of grisly deaths with no known perpetrator, and an earth-shattering roar in the night. High school senior Jake and his fellow school newspaper club friends find themselves caught in the middle of a dangerous predicament following a local tragedy that has eerie similarities to a familiar scene of mass carnage twenty-five years ago. When their paths cross with a disheveled personal investigator, the tension and mystery of what’s out in the forest only grows as suspicious outside agents soon show up in town in full force. Dylan James’ novel Cedar Mills is an engaging suspenseful horror story that feels like a modernized take and ode to classic monster in the night horror tales. Featuring a diverse cast of characters with interwoven backstories, creative ideas mixed together in refreshing ways, and sharply pitched action scenes (pun fully intended), Cedar Mills is fast-paced and fun read akin to a Friday night stay-at-home horror movie marathon.
With a strong opening chapter and a perfectly pitched introduction to the unknown out in the Midwest forests, from the get-go Cedar Mills has a great sense of pace that balances its action vs ambiance, elements crucial to making a horror story like this work. While not only serving as a great title, the town of Cedar Mills and the focal grift mill are strong visual draws throughout the book that feel lived-in and detailed. The “who dunnit/what’s out there” vibe is also compelling, particularly when it’s unclear what the perpetrator is, whether it be a person, a beast, nobody knows. While character movements and high-energy scenes capture the reader’s attention, it’s the slow foreboding scenes that are my favorite that draw out the suspense well.
In addition to having good action, Cedar Mills also feels quick and easy to read courtesy of its short and concise chapters. The novel is written in the third person omniscient point of view, rapidly shifting between character perspectives and locations which helps a lot to keep the story engaging. While Jake and his friends don’t do quite as much investigating themselves as expected, it is instead the reader that has the opportunity to investigate through the eyes of at least ten different characters. The sheer number of characters that range in backgrounds, ages, and affiliations also keeps things refreshing while also providing a wide variety of narrative flavors, hence my comparison of the book to a movie marathon. As the novel progresses, so too does the scope of the story; what starts off as a simple slasher in the night becomes far more involved fast. Cedar Mills’s premise is ambitious and regardless of where one thinks the story is going, it will nonetheless still be surprising due to Jame’s creative fusion of different horror tropes and elements.
Though highly entertaining, I occasionally felt like the story was casting a bit too wide of a net that led to certain narrative elements feeling disconnected. While James’s take on the familiar horror trope is different, the reveal of the Cedar Mills threat felt a bit like it came out of left field for me. There are a few clues alluding to the origin of the mill and its surrounding mysteries, but I would’ve liked additional foreshadowing hinting toward the nature of the threat earlier for the reveal to have its full dramatic impact; the reveal was more confusing and eyebrow-raising than surprising, which likely isn’t the desired reaction. The novel also felt like it was spreading itself a bit too thin across its huge cast of characters with some of the flashbacks or backstory tangents feeling off-topic or meandering. While the variety and narrative flavor was nice, I would've preferred it if the story focused on only a few characters in more detail to connect to them more, especially as characters start violently dying. The book covers a lot of different characters and perspectives but apart from the pseudo main characters Jake and Tom, none of the rest feel like they have the time and attention to be developed beyond rough character tropes. The third person omniscient presentation also often hindered the overall suspense when the reader is given all the characters’ thoughts and intentions leaving little to the imagination, particularly in confrontational scenes between Jake and opposing groups (some of the adult agent characters’ dialogue also seemed a bit casual or unprofessional given their role).
With its snappy pacing and compelling premise, Cedar Mills is an easy novel to get into, and marathon read. A nice balance of horror, suspense and mystery, the story is entertaining without being overly convoluted or dense. While a bit uneven in content, Cedar Mills is great popcorn entertainment that’s well-written, effectively presented, and a fun read! (or as fun as getting mauled to death can be…)
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author and Savage Realms Press.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
With a strong opening chapter and a perfectly pitched introduction to the unknown out in the Midwest forests, from the get-go Cedar Mills has a great sense of pace that balances its action vs ambiance, elements crucial to making a horror story like this work. While not only serving as a great title, the town of Cedar Mills and the focal grift mill are strong visual draws throughout the book that feel lived-in and detailed. The “who dunnit/what’s out there” vibe is also compelling, particularly when it’s unclear what the perpetrator is, whether it be a person, a beast, nobody knows. While character movements and high-energy scenes capture the reader’s attention, it’s the slow foreboding scenes that are my favorite that draw out the suspense well.
In addition to having good action, Cedar Mills also feels quick and easy to read courtesy of its short and concise chapters. The novel is written in the third person omniscient point of view, rapidly shifting between character perspectives and locations which helps a lot to keep the story engaging. While Jake and his friends don’t do quite as much investigating themselves as expected, it is instead the reader that has the opportunity to investigate through the eyes of at least ten different characters. The sheer number of characters that range in backgrounds, ages, and affiliations also keeps things refreshing while also providing a wide variety of narrative flavors, hence my comparison of the book to a movie marathon. As the novel progresses, so too does the scope of the story; what starts off as a simple slasher in the night becomes far more involved fast. Cedar Mills’s premise is ambitious and regardless of where one thinks the story is going, it will nonetheless still be surprising due to Jame’s creative fusion of different horror tropes and elements.
Though highly entertaining, I occasionally felt like the story was casting a bit too wide of a net that led to certain narrative elements feeling disconnected. While James’s take on the familiar horror trope is different, the reveal of the Cedar Mills threat felt a bit like it came out of left field for me. There are a few clues alluding to the origin of the mill and its surrounding mysteries, but I would’ve liked additional foreshadowing hinting toward the nature of the threat earlier for the reveal to have its full dramatic impact; the reveal was more confusing and eyebrow-raising than surprising, which likely isn’t the desired reaction. The novel also felt like it was spreading itself a bit too thin across its huge cast of characters with some of the flashbacks or backstory tangents feeling off-topic or meandering. While the variety and narrative flavor was nice, I would've preferred it if the story focused on only a few characters in more detail to connect to them more, especially as characters start violently dying. The book covers a lot of different characters and perspectives but apart from the pseudo main characters Jake and Tom, none of the rest feel like they have the time and attention to be developed beyond rough character tropes. The third person omniscient presentation also often hindered the overall suspense when the reader is given all the characters’ thoughts and intentions leaving little to the imagination, particularly in confrontational scenes between Jake and opposing groups (some of the adult agent characters’ dialogue also seemed a bit casual or unprofessional given their role).
With its snappy pacing and compelling premise, Cedar Mills is an easy novel to get into, and marathon read. A nice balance of horror, suspense and mystery, the story is entertaining without being overly convoluted or dense. While a bit uneven in content, Cedar Mills is great popcorn entertainment that’s well-written, effectively presented, and a fun read! (or as fun as getting mauled to death can be…)
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author and Savage Realms Press.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
July 16, 2025
This novel is a terror filled read with a horrifying creature, lots of blood and gore, and a well paced narrative. In other words, I enjoyed the story immensely. But there's one nagging issue which I'll talk about shortly.
Set in the titular town, people have gone missing from around the river for hundreds of years. We'll find out though that they didn't actually go missing, but were visciously torn apart and sometimes eaten by an alien monstrosity. Not only that, but there's a very deep state government agency who is not only covering everything up but actually keeping this creature alive and under surveillance.
Tom is a PI who loves his solitude but when a group of high school kids find themselves in the middle of this agency's secrets and friends are brutally killed by the creature, they and Tom will go on the run to discover secrets. But this will not be without consequences.
The action in this book is fantastic and the kills are as brutal as they should be for a book like this. It's fast paced and a unique monster.
My only issue is all of the exclamation! Marks! Everywhere! On almost every page! Everytime someone says even the most casual thing! Even when they whisper! Exclamation marks!!
Overuse of these became distracting after awhile and while I loved the story, it's a flaw which needs editing. But I still recommend it because it's a good creature feature and the story is solid.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Set in the titular town, people have gone missing from around the river for hundreds of years. We'll find out though that they didn't actually go missing, but were visciously torn apart and sometimes eaten by an alien monstrosity. Not only that, but there's a very deep state government agency who is not only covering everything up but actually keeping this creature alive and under surveillance.
Tom is a PI who loves his solitude but when a group of high school kids find themselves in the middle of this agency's secrets and friends are brutally killed by the creature, they and Tom will go on the run to discover secrets. But this will not be without consequences.
The action in this book is fantastic and the kills are as brutal as they should be for a book like this. It's fast paced and a unique monster.
My only issue is all of the exclamation! Marks! Everywhere! On almost every page! Everytime someone says even the most casual thing! Even when they whisper! Exclamation marks!!
Overuse of these became distracting after awhile and while I loved the story, it's a flaw which needs editing. But I still recommend it because it's a good creature feature and the story is solid.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
July 28, 2025
this was a very intriguing read. the story is amazing and captivating right from the start. i would absolutely recommend this book to fans of sci-fi horror or anyone looking to get into sci-fi! i had barely read any sci-fi myself prior to this, and this book was a fantastic start that made me want to read more.
the characters were very well done. i really cared about these characters and felt genuinely invested in what happened to them. their struggles, emotions, and motivations felt real, and i appreciated how layered some of them became as the story progressed. you root for them through the eerie moments, and their personal stakes add real weight without ever feeling overdone.
the plot was so interesting and truly kept me wanting to continue reading. the story’s suspense is off the charts. it starts small and slowly builds to a relentless tension that had me guessing at every turn. just when i thought i was settling in, a new twist would hit and pull me back under. the pacing is tight, the dread is constant, and i can’t stop thinking about the ending.
the only qualm i had was the two times women were judged on their appearances, and i also think there were a few too many exclamation points. other than that, i have no more criticisms. i genuinely enjoyed reading this book and hope others have as much fun as i did!
thank you so much to Dylan James, along with Savage Realms Press, for reaching out and providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
my blog!
the characters were very well done. i really cared about these characters and felt genuinely invested in what happened to them. their struggles, emotions, and motivations felt real, and i appreciated how layered some of them became as the story progressed. you root for them through the eerie moments, and their personal stakes add real weight without ever feeling overdone.
the plot was so interesting and truly kept me wanting to continue reading. the story’s suspense is off the charts. it starts small and slowly builds to a relentless tension that had me guessing at every turn. just when i thought i was settling in, a new twist would hit and pull me back under. the pacing is tight, the dread is constant, and i can’t stop thinking about the ending.
the only qualm i had was the two times women were judged on their appearances, and i also think there were a few too many exclamation points. other than that, i have no more criticisms. i genuinely enjoyed reading this book and hope others have as much fun as i did!
thank you so much to Dylan James, along with Savage Realms Press, for reaching out and providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
my blog!
October 23, 2025
This is a good one! It is a story that utilizes some old tropes, but that doesn't take away from the quality a reader will encounter when they pick this one up. It is most certainly appropriate for the season (Halloween). I would recommend this book for those who enjoy horror, science fiction, and government conspiracy tales. There are also other elements to this such as a strong young adult feel.
While there are plenty of twists and turns, I have to admit the ending was completely unexpected for me and had me smiling for days after I read it.
Mainly, I just found this to be a very captivating story that included great character development. The world-building was great, and I was deeply engaged all the way to the end.
The sleepy little town of Cedar Mills is like many Midwest towns. It has a high school where kids contemplate their futures and prepare for post-high school plans like going to college or entering the workforce. But the town also has a history, and it is a dark history. When one young man strikes out on his own to investigate an old building buried deep in the woods, he doesn't make it out of the woods. Local law enforcement is not allowed to investigate, so the task of getting answers falls to the boy's best friends and a demoralized ex-cop. What they find is a bottomless pit of horror and a decades-old government cover-up that has been under the noses of the people of Cedar Mills the whole time.
One of the main strengths of Cedar Mills is the great characters we get to know as the tale unfolds. They are all believable people in an unbelievable situation. The point of view in the story switches from character to character where their back stories unfold.
High school student Jake Evans is the best friend of the deceased teenager. He has a plan to go to college, and he should be a successful student. He is loaded with tenacity, and he's pretty smart. But he needs more professional help to solve the mystery. That is where Tom Dalton comes in. Tom is an ex-cop turned private investigator. He looks like an old hippie and is often underestimated. He knows how to get the job done.
There are other supporting characters in Cedar Mills, some of whom provide the main characters’ motivation for their actions.
Then there are the evil and scary characters. One such is a monster that can dismember people with almost no effort!
My favorite plot point and a main theme in this tale is how long the conspiracy has been going on and how oblivious everyone seems to be until the death of the young man who wants to do an interesting story for his school newspaper. Even after the boy's brutalized body is found, it takes Jake, Tom, and the other kids to form a kind of new family. Jake blames himself for the tragedy and is driven by his need for retribution and to provide closure to those suffering losses.
What I take away from Cedar Mills is to remember that everything should be questioned, no matter how unpleasant the answers may be. The real monster in this story is that people were willing to just move on instead of learning where it all began.
Cedar Mills is a great sci-fi/horror story that will chill the reader to the bone. It is also simply a fun story written with traditional tropes with an updated style. The author does a great job creating visuals with words. The woods on the outskirts of town are spooky enough without the roaming monster, but the horror really ramps up when the entity makes an appearance. There are some trigger warnings to be considered before picking up this book. There are scenes of extreme gore and graphic violence. There are also graphic descriptions of murders and children's deaths. With those things in mind, I would recommend this to those readers who enjoy a story that is built around suspense and horror with an element of sci-fi.
Oh, and did I mention an incredible (at least for me) plot twist at the end? Yeah, there's that too.
While there are plenty of twists and turns, I have to admit the ending was completely unexpected for me and had me smiling for days after I read it.
Mainly, I just found this to be a very captivating story that included great character development. The world-building was great, and I was deeply engaged all the way to the end.
The sleepy little town of Cedar Mills is like many Midwest towns. It has a high school where kids contemplate their futures and prepare for post-high school plans like going to college or entering the workforce. But the town also has a history, and it is a dark history. When one young man strikes out on his own to investigate an old building buried deep in the woods, he doesn't make it out of the woods. Local law enforcement is not allowed to investigate, so the task of getting answers falls to the boy's best friends and a demoralized ex-cop. What they find is a bottomless pit of horror and a decades-old government cover-up that has been under the noses of the people of Cedar Mills the whole time.
One of the main strengths of Cedar Mills is the great characters we get to know as the tale unfolds. They are all believable people in an unbelievable situation. The point of view in the story switches from character to character where their back stories unfold.
High school student Jake Evans is the best friend of the deceased teenager. He has a plan to go to college, and he should be a successful student. He is loaded with tenacity, and he's pretty smart. But he needs more professional help to solve the mystery. That is where Tom Dalton comes in. Tom is an ex-cop turned private investigator. He looks like an old hippie and is often underestimated. He knows how to get the job done.
There are other supporting characters in Cedar Mills, some of whom provide the main characters’ motivation for their actions.
Then there are the evil and scary characters. One such is a monster that can dismember people with almost no effort!
My favorite plot point and a main theme in this tale is how long the conspiracy has been going on and how oblivious everyone seems to be until the death of the young man who wants to do an interesting story for his school newspaper. Even after the boy's brutalized body is found, it takes Jake, Tom, and the other kids to form a kind of new family. Jake blames himself for the tragedy and is driven by his need for retribution and to provide closure to those suffering losses.
What I take away from Cedar Mills is to remember that everything should be questioned, no matter how unpleasant the answers may be. The real monster in this story is that people were willing to just move on instead of learning where it all began.
Cedar Mills is a great sci-fi/horror story that will chill the reader to the bone. It is also simply a fun story written with traditional tropes with an updated style. The author does a great job creating visuals with words. The woods on the outskirts of town are spooky enough without the roaming monster, but the horror really ramps up when the entity makes an appearance. There are some trigger warnings to be considered before picking up this book. There are scenes of extreme gore and graphic violence. There are also graphic descriptions of murders and children's deaths. With those things in mind, I would recommend this to those readers who enjoy a story that is built around suspense and horror with an element of sci-fi.
Oh, and did I mention an incredible (at least for me) plot twist at the end? Yeah, there's that too.
December 12, 2025
This is probably my favorite read of the year!
Cedar Mills was an incredible surprise from start to finish. I picked it up expecting a familiar blend of horror and sci-fi, but what I found was a story that feels alive, tense, and layered in a way that kept me glued to the pages. The town itself almost feels like a character—quiet, unassuming, and hiding far more than anyone wants to admit. The atmosphere is so vivid that you can practically feel the chill of the woods pressing in.
The characters are where this book really shines. Jake, Tom, and the rest of the group are written with such authenticity that I found myself genuinely invested in their fears, mistakes, and determination. They’re messy, complicated people trying to make sense of something monstrous, and that made every chapter hit a little harder.
The deeper the story digs into the town’s past—its secrets, its losses, its buried truths—the more gripping it becomes. The conspiracy at the heart of Cedar Mills is unsettling in a way that feels believable, and when the layers finally peel back, the reveal is both shocking and satisfying. And the ending? It caught me completely off guard and left me thinking about it long after I closed the book.
This is the kind of horror–sci-fi blend I love: emotional, suspenseful, and full of surprises. It does get graphic in places, so readers should know that going in, but if you enjoy stories that mix small-town mystery with creeping dread and unexpected heart, Cedar Mills deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Cedar Mills was an incredible surprise from start to finish. I picked it up expecting a familiar blend of horror and sci-fi, but what I found was a story that feels alive, tense, and layered in a way that kept me glued to the pages. The town itself almost feels like a character—quiet, unassuming, and hiding far more than anyone wants to admit. The atmosphere is so vivid that you can practically feel the chill of the woods pressing in.
The characters are where this book really shines. Jake, Tom, and the rest of the group are written with such authenticity that I found myself genuinely invested in their fears, mistakes, and determination. They’re messy, complicated people trying to make sense of something monstrous, and that made every chapter hit a little harder.
The deeper the story digs into the town’s past—its secrets, its losses, its buried truths—the more gripping it becomes. The conspiracy at the heart of Cedar Mills is unsettling in a way that feels believable, and when the layers finally peel back, the reveal is both shocking and satisfying. And the ending? It caught me completely off guard and left me thinking about it long after I closed the book.
This is the kind of horror–sci-fi blend I love: emotional, suspenseful, and full of surprises. It does get graphic in places, so readers should know that going in, but if you enjoy stories that mix small-town mystery with creeping dread and unexpected heart, Cedar Mills deserves a spot at the top of your list.
July 2, 2025
Don’t be fooled by Cedar Mills being a small town—it hides a big, terrifying secret.
I had an instant connection with all the characters in the book. There was quite a large cast, but the author wrote their personalities so well that it was easy to differentiate them from one another. The mystery was palpable and pulled me right in. It stayed intriguing all throughout, and when the characters finally faced the creature, it became another heart-stopping moment—you’ll find yourself rooting for all of them to survive. I love stories set in small towns, especially when something horrible is happening beneath the surface.
The story behind the creature wasn’t what I expected, but I think the author explained it really well. Personally, I wish it leaned more into folk horror and had a bit more carnage—just my own preference, haha!
Overall, I had a great time reading this. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had an instant connection with all the characters in the book. There was quite a large cast, but the author wrote their personalities so well that it was easy to differentiate them from one another. The mystery was palpable and pulled me right in. It stayed intriguing all throughout, and when the characters finally faced the creature, it became another heart-stopping moment—you’ll find yourself rooting for all of them to survive. I love stories set in small towns, especially when something horrible is happening beneath the surface.
The story behind the creature wasn’t what I expected, but I think the author explained it really well. Personally, I wish it leaned more into folk horror and had a bit more carnage—just my own preference, haha!
Overall, I had a great time reading this. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2025
Cedar Mills opens up with an intense bloodbath as a motorcycle gang is torn to shreds by a mysterious creature. Twenty-five years later, high school senior Jake finds himself in the wake of his best friend’s death which is oddly suspicious. When government agents show up to take over the investigation, Jake and his friends join forces with a retired homicide detective to find out what’s really out there lurking in the forest.
The pacing never lets up right from the beginning. Chapters interchanging between character perspectives are short and concise which helps keep the story engaging. Cedar Mills is full of action that will keep horror readers interested.
I was intrigued from the moment carnage ensued, and to be honest I wish there was more. The plot is full of turns that you would never expect. Cedar Mills was a fun creature feature you don’t want to miss out on.
Thank you to NetGalley and Savage Realms Press for this ARC opportunity. This is an honest and voluntary review.
The pacing never lets up right from the beginning. Chapters interchanging between character perspectives are short and concise which helps keep the story engaging. Cedar Mills is full of action that will keep horror readers interested.
I was intrigued from the moment carnage ensued, and to be honest I wish there was more. The plot is full of turns that you would never expect. Cedar Mills was a fun creature feature you don’t want to miss out on.
Thank you to NetGalley and Savage Realms Press for this ARC opportunity. This is an honest and voluntary review.
August 16, 2025
2.5 stars rounded to 3. This is one of those books one enjoys with a guilty conscience. I did like the kills and the plot, but the execution is lacking, due to flaws usually found in debut novels (though this isn't a debut novel, strictly speaking): uneven pacing, as the author is trying to find space to cram in too much information; a large cast, undifferentiated in voice and locution; enthusiastic writing (with a barrage of exclamation marks, which really gets annoying) that never decides on one type of presentation (crime drama, young adult mystery, adult coming-of-age horror, creature feature, survival horror, all blended rather uncomfortably together); and so much stereotypical employment of familiar tropes! I think that some years down the line, the author will come back to this book and re-edit from the ground up, hitting on precisely those notes the awesome first chapter promises. It has so much potential!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2025
Cedar Mills is a must read for creature feature lovers!
Even though its (mostly) set in the near present day, Cedar Mills gave me the slasher 90s vibes I crave! Centering around a small town myth in the midst of autumn, your classic ragtag group of teens investigate the circumstances around their friend's unexpected death. They're told it was a simple and unfortunate bear attack, but none of the evidence adds up. They soon team up with a lone wolf investigator before they get entangled with a secret organization, turning into a cat and mouse chase. After you get to know each and every character, Dylan James hits you with intense and vivid deaths from left to right! The ending was chef's kiss! I can't wait to read the next book, I NEED to learn more about the creature and their origins. I personally was rooting for the creature, but it's because I love all species over humans hahah! I grew so attached to the creature and the hidden secret/reveal made me love them even more!
This book is perfect for the upcoming fall vibes!
Even though its (mostly) set in the near present day, Cedar Mills gave me the slasher 90s vibes I crave! Centering around a small town myth in the midst of autumn, your classic ragtag group of teens investigate the circumstances around their friend's unexpected death. They're told it was a simple and unfortunate bear attack, but none of the evidence adds up. They soon team up with a lone wolf investigator before they get entangled with a secret organization, turning into a cat and mouse chase. After you get to know each and every character, Dylan James hits you with intense and vivid deaths from left to right! The ending was chef's kiss! I can't wait to read the next book, I NEED to learn more about the creature and their origins. I personally was rooting for the creature, but it's because I love all species over humans hahah! I grew so attached to the creature and the hidden secret/reveal made me love them even more!
This book is perfect for the upcoming fall vibes!
June 19, 2025
I was given a review copy of Cedar Mills through Savage Realms Press. I felt inclined to write a review because of how truly good this novel is. Although horror, this novel consists of other genre/layers including young adult, rural suspense, science fiction, and even detective. It's diverse and while it plays around with common tropes, it's entirely unique in how it subverts them. In the "creature feature" world, this novel stands out with a plot that hasn't been done before.
The horror in Cedar Mills is visceral. The characters are strong and feel genuine. The plot is full of twists and turns that not only feel real but will also keep you on your toes. I didn't think I'd finish Cedar Mills in a week but it kept me moving and I was dying to learn what happened next. A very fun, enjoyable read. Dylan James was not an author I'm familiar with but I'm looking forward to see what else he does!
The horror in Cedar Mills is visceral. The characters are strong and feel genuine. The plot is full of twists and turns that not only feel real but will also keep you on your toes. I didn't think I'd finish Cedar Mills in a week but it kept me moving and I was dying to learn what happened next. A very fun, enjoyable read. Dylan James was not an author I'm familiar with but I'm looking forward to see what else he does!
July 11, 2025
I reached out and was able to read Dylan James "Cedar Mills"
Every town has its secrets. Cedar Mills has one that most people don't want to talk about, that is if they know what that secret is. Years ago, an incident happened to a motorcycle club that had everyone baffled. No one talked about it till a high school student working on the schools newspaper wanted to do a story on the gruesome mystery. The old Grist Mill turned out to be more than what everyone thought it was.
Sometimes we try to rely on those who are supposed to protect us from things we don't understand, but sometimes they will hide secrets from us for their own gain.
This book was absolutely fantastic. I had to find out what happened next. The world building and characters were expressed so vividly that you felt what they were going through right along side them. And the ending... was definitely not I expected.. at all.
I highly recommend this book. It has action, twists, everything you want in a great book!!!
Every town has its secrets. Cedar Mills has one that most people don't want to talk about, that is if they know what that secret is. Years ago, an incident happened to a motorcycle club that had everyone baffled. No one talked about it till a high school student working on the schools newspaper wanted to do a story on the gruesome mystery. The old Grist Mill turned out to be more than what everyone thought it was.
Sometimes we try to rely on those who are supposed to protect us from things we don't understand, but sometimes they will hide secrets from us for their own gain.
This book was absolutely fantastic. I had to find out what happened next. The world building and characters were expressed so vividly that you felt what they were going through right along side them. And the ending... was definitely not I expected.. at all.
I highly recommend this book. It has action, twists, everything you want in a great book!!!
August 27, 2025
I thought that Cedar Mills was a really fun read and wanted to make sure my review didn't spoil it for anyone. It's a good length for this kind of book and I liked how it followed different characters in different chapters.
It definitely felt like there were stakes to what was happening and that the characters were really in danger. Sometimes in monster stories once you learn more about the creature it seems kind of stupid, but I thought the monster in this book got cooler as the story revealed more about it.
The reason it's not 5 stars is because some of the characters felt flat and the wording would take me out of the immersion sometimes, but it wasn't hard to get back into the story and other characters like Tom and Jake were well fleshed out.
I would recommend the book
I received a free advance copy to review
It definitely felt like there were stakes to what was happening and that the characters were really in danger. Sometimes in monster stories once you learn more about the creature it seems kind of stupid, but I thought the monster in this book got cooler as the story revealed more about it.
The reason it's not 5 stars is because some of the characters felt flat and the wording would take me out of the immersion sometimes, but it wasn't hard to get back into the story and other characters like Tom and Jake were well fleshed out.
I would recommend the book
I received a free advance copy to review
June 13, 2025
Cedar Mills is such a captivating read. I struggle with finding suspense and thriller novels that keep me entertained. This was not the case with this book, I couldn’t put it down. The evolution and story arcs of the characters are written so intricately that you feel you’re investigating with them. While also being so heavily invested in their next steps. The details of the antagonist allow you to picture the horrifying creature. Each chapter will leave you on edge of your seat, and ultimately completely shocked at the epic ending. Highly recommend!!
September 8, 2025
AIM FOR THE HEAD! It's almost time for the spooky season and reading this book will set the tone for Halloween. OMG I loved this book. This story goes above my expectations of what a creature feature is. From the group of teens trying to uncover something that doesn't sit right with them about their friends death to the mysterious creature I couldn't put this down. I loved the eerie feeling this book gave me when I read it at night. If you're looking for something to start your spooky season this book is it.
September 15, 2025
Rating 4,5/5.
💙😱 A very gripping surprise!
October 1998:
In the woods of Cedar Mills, Jarrett lies sprawled on the ground, his face in the mud.
Two men pick him up and drag him further...
*********
A stunning mystery/horror thriller novel that recounts an incredible and mysterious event.
The reader is drawn into an astonishing read full of twists and turns!
- Who?
- How?
- Why?
Let yourself be tempted by this captivating and frightening read.
I highly recommend it !
💙😱 A very gripping surprise!
October 1998:
In the woods of Cedar Mills, Jarrett lies sprawled on the ground, his face in the mud.
Two men pick him up and drag him further...
*********
A stunning mystery/horror thriller novel that recounts an incredible and mysterious event.
The reader is drawn into an astonishing read full of twists and turns!
- Who?
- How?
- Why?
Let yourself be tempted by this captivating and frightening read.
I highly recommend it !
October 20, 2025
Think creature feature mixed with small town horror, a disgraced ex-cop and highschoolers and you have this high-octane tale. Dylan brings us to Cedar Mills, where people have been horribly killed and it's up to a group of high school students and Tom, a P.I. to team up to solve the mystery of what's happening. It's gory, gruesome, fun, and action packed. The characters are well drawn and jump off the page. The plot all works together as it weaves backstory and current events. I look forward to seeing what else Dylan has written and what he has coming out next.
January 5, 2026
This was a fun and lazy type of read, quick writing and entertaining story. Some characters felt stale in comparison with a few who really stood out. Tom, Jake, and Jarrett particularly were great characters and well written. The final battle sequence in this book was well done too. Guns, gore, and a monster who took no crap. A bit of a genre bender overall. This book was many things at once and remained entertaining.
August 17, 2025
This one grabbed me from the first page. A stunning creature feature with an action packed entertaining story, tense and atmospheric with great characters, a decades long government conspiracy brutally hidden, gruesome graphic killings, and a real savage monster. Loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2025
In the best tradition of small-town Americana horror, Dylan James’s Cedar Mills raises the question of what lies beneath the surface of the stories we’ve been told, and the ones we choose to (re)tell.
Full review: https://independentbookreview.com/202...
Full review: https://independentbookreview.com/202...
October 21, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read this year! It starts off with action, slows down, and builds back up. Setting a creepy atmosphere that goes in stages throughout. The twists you don’t expect throughout the book adds to it. The ending was wonderful and unexpected. Horror with a deadly ancient creature and tinges of sci-fi, it makes it hard to put it down.
December 1, 2025
I usually read about 3-4 books at a time and this one took the cake leaving my other books neglected!
This sci-fi creature feature kept me entertained and engaged. It got pretty brutal at the end which was fantastic!
This sci-fi creature feature kept me entertained and engaged. It got pretty brutal at the end which was fantastic!
January 12, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mood was established on page one and kept me engaged throughout the book. I especially liked getting to know all of the characters, who were interesting and well developed. I will definitely read more books by this author.
July 7, 2025
The town of Ceder Mills has a problem. An unlikely group is trying to save it.
July 24, 2025
An action packed read and everything you want in a novel. Great read.
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