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Insylum
The Last Ones In...Never Come Out
A.J. changed in boot camp, coming out all straight-backed and short-haired. His best friend Nate hardly recognizes him anymore, especially when it comes to the way he acts. His priorities. Now he’s about to ship out to Afghanistan, and despite the rift growing between them, the two decide to have one last hurrah—at Insylum, the extreme traveling funhouse they’ve been waiting for a chance at for years.
They're last in line on the last night of the show. They are the last two to go in.
And they may never come back out.
Warning: Some tentacular activity. (Also body horror. And maggots.)
Insylum comes out June 9, 2015. Pre-order now on Amazon.
A.J. changed in boot camp, coming out all straight-backed and short-haired. His best friend Nate hardly recognizes him anymore, especially when it comes to the way he acts. His priorities. Now he’s about to ship out to Afghanistan, and despite the rift growing between them, the two decide to have one last hurrah—at Insylum, the extreme traveling funhouse they’ve been waiting for a chance at for years.
They're last in line on the last night of the show. They are the last two to go in.
And they may never come back out.
Warning: Some tentacular activity. (Also body horror. And maggots.)
Insylum comes out June 9, 2015. Pre-order now on Amazon.
122 pages, Unknown Binding
First published June 7, 2015
7 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 27, 2016
This is the case of "not for me because I can't focus;the author's way of writing is not that interesting".
Maybe the plot is good, maybe it's really scary for others, but I was bored reading this. I can't even focus and understand what the hell is going on.
All I know is that Nate and AJ went to see the Insylum because Aj will be leaving next day to be drafted. It's not a fun house because it's not fun. It's a horror house.
I din't finish this one. I'm not sorry.
June 10, 2015
Review copy
Every year, as Halloween gets closer, Haunted Attractions become big business around the country. People pay lots of money to be scared to death.
In her new novel, Insylum, author Z. Rider tells us of one such attraction that has taken the show on the road and made it a year round enterprise. Supposedly, it's the most intense experience imaginable. Lifelong friends A.J. and Nate decide to pay the price on the last night before A.J. is deployed to Afghanistan.
Insylum is incredibly dark, unrelenting, and at times disgusting, as the writer pushes all the right buttons to make this reader squirm again and again. Let me just say, maggots creep me out, and yes, there are maggots.
I must admit I love a good Haunted Attraction and so far, I've been able to drag my wife along when I take the family to one of these fun-houses, I'm going to have to make sure she doesn't read Insylum or I'll never get her to another one.
Much like the best of the haunted hayrides, houses, and corn mazes that pop up every Autumn, Insylum is not for the faint-hearted, but it is for those who love to have the crap scared out of them.
From Dark Ride Publishing Insylum is now available in paperback and Kindle formats through Amazon.com. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can read it at no additional charge and if you have Amazon Prime, you read this one for FREE by making it your next selection through the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
Recommended.
Every year, as Halloween gets closer, Haunted Attractions become big business around the country. People pay lots of money to be scared to death.
In her new novel, Insylum, author Z. Rider tells us of one such attraction that has taken the show on the road and made it a year round enterprise. Supposedly, it's the most intense experience imaginable. Lifelong friends A.J. and Nate decide to pay the price on the last night before A.J. is deployed to Afghanistan.
Insylum is incredibly dark, unrelenting, and at times disgusting, as the writer pushes all the right buttons to make this reader squirm again and again. Let me just say, maggots creep me out, and yes, there are maggots.
I must admit I love a good Haunted Attraction and so far, I've been able to drag my wife along when I take the family to one of these fun-houses, I'm going to have to make sure she doesn't read Insylum or I'll never get her to another one.
Much like the best of the haunted hayrides, houses, and corn mazes that pop up every Autumn, Insylum is not for the faint-hearted, but it is for those who love to have the crap scared out of them.
From Dark Ride Publishing Insylum is now available in paperback and Kindle formats through Amazon.com. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can read it at no additional charge and if you have Amazon Prime, you read this one for FREE by making it your next selection through the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
Recommended.
July 15, 2015
The second work from author Z. Rider that I have read, Insylum represents a significant improvement over her first published novel, Suckers. Unlike that novel, Insylum is fast-paced and delivers what it promises - whilst still consisting of well-written prose that brings its main characters to life.
Dealing with two long-time friends who decide to hit a touring haunted attraction on the last night before one of them ships out to Afghanistan, Rider wastes no time in setting up a strained dynamic between the young men. They are then quickly signed off and within the asylum themed attraction, only to discover the rumours about the place may not have been exaggerated...
The strongest scenes in Insylum are early on as Rider's protagonists quickly come across some nightmarish scenes, with one, the Cherry Bomb Babe, being an especially frightening creation. Another later scene depicts one of the characters restrained and having less than desirable things done to his person, and this also plays exceptionally well. In between however, some of the scenes become repetitive and a bit over-drawn, detracting from the intensity of the read (for me).
Rider writes Nate, the main character, from the first person perspective and A.J., his best friend, from the third person. This was at first jarring for me, but by the end of the short novel, I understood why she made the decision to present the novel in this way.
Perhaps my biggest issue with Insylum, then, was now predictable the ending was. Her choice to open the book in the way she does almost gives the game away before it has even started, and I was unable to forget the information implied in that scene as I read through the main narrative. Perhaps opening with the Nate and A.J. in line for the ride would have been the better way to go, as the novel's main strength comes from trying to decide whether the young men are the victims of a heinous crime or a just trapped in a very elaborate haunted attraction that is far more extreme than most. As such, whilst I enjoyed Insylum, my final grade reflects how much being fairly certain of what was happening robbed the book of much of its intensity.
For the record, I'll certainly be back for more from Z. Rider if she keeps releasing horror novels.
3 Jawless Pursuers for Insylum.
The preceding was based on a free copy of the book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dealing with two long-time friends who decide to hit a touring haunted attraction on the last night before one of them ships out to Afghanistan, Rider wastes no time in setting up a strained dynamic between the young men. They are then quickly signed off and within the asylum themed attraction, only to discover the rumours about the place may not have been exaggerated...
The strongest scenes in Insylum are early on as Rider's protagonists quickly come across some nightmarish scenes, with one, the Cherry Bomb Babe, being an especially frightening creation. Another later scene depicts one of the characters restrained and having less than desirable things done to his person, and this also plays exceptionally well. In between however, some of the scenes become repetitive and a bit over-drawn, detracting from the intensity of the read (for me).
Rider writes Nate, the main character, from the first person perspective and A.J., his best friend, from the third person. This was at first jarring for me, but by the end of the short novel, I understood why she made the decision to present the novel in this way.
Perhaps my biggest issue with Insylum, then, was now predictable the ending was. Her choice to open the book in the way she does almost gives the game away before it has even started, and I was unable to forget the information implied in that scene as I read through the main narrative. Perhaps opening with the Nate and A.J. in line for the ride would have been the better way to go, as the novel's main strength comes from trying to decide whether the young men are the victims of a heinous crime or a just trapped in a very elaborate haunted attraction that is far more extreme than most. As such, whilst I enjoyed Insylum, my final grade reflects how much being fairly certain of what was happening robbed the book of much of its intensity.
For the record, I'll certainly be back for more from Z. Rider if she keeps releasing horror novels.
3 Jawless Pursuers for Insylum.
The preceding was based on a free copy of the book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2018
This novella was pretty intense. It started off meh and went to OMG in just a few pages. Solid 4 stars.
If you like gore this is the story for you. I was shocked a woman wrote this lol. I don’t know why I think woman can’t write really disgusting horror, but they so can.
This story is about two childhood friends who decide to go to a “funhouse” except it’s technically not “fun” it’s more of a horror fest that you walk through for a few hours.
Both boys are 19 and think this traveling sideshow will be pretty lame, but they’ve been wanting to go for the last two years... so the story starts with them waiting to enter the horror-house.
When they get inside it seems a little gimmicky. Further down the hallway they aren’t that sure. When they are good and lost, they are begging the universe that this is just a show and that they’ll survive.
The creep-factor is real!! The tube scene was enough for me to squirm. I mean the chapter is called tick. It’s just nasty.
The ending was a bit ambiguous. I’m on Nate’s side. They did it.
I don’t want to spoil the book, just know that two guys go into this interactive “fake” asylum and get the scare of their lives.
If you like gore this is the story for you. I was shocked a woman wrote this lol. I don’t know why I think woman can’t write really disgusting horror, but they so can.
This story is about two childhood friends who decide to go to a “funhouse” except it’s technically not “fun” it’s more of a horror fest that you walk through for a few hours.
Both boys are 19 and think this traveling sideshow will be pretty lame, but they’ve been wanting to go for the last two years... so the story starts with them waiting to enter the horror-house.
When they get inside it seems a little gimmicky. Further down the hallway they aren’t that sure. When they are good and lost, they are begging the universe that this is just a show and that they’ll survive.
The creep-factor is real!! The tube scene was enough for me to squirm. I mean the chapter is called tick. It’s just nasty.
The ending was a bit ambiguous. I’m on Nate’s side. They did it.
I don’t want to spoil the book, just know that two guys go into this interactive “fake” asylum and get the scare of their lives.
June 14, 2015
This one was chosen for the cover. I mean, who can resist the tantalizing tentacles. And then, despite the fact that I've been less passionate about genre lately, despite the fact that this was a completely unknown author AND a female (sexist, I know, but I'm just not that crazy about female authors, genre and otherwise, with plenty of notable exceptions), despite the somewhat cheesy name and the ending that smacked dangerously of and then he woke up...this turned out to actually be a pretty awesome story. The main attraction of the Insylum attraction is how well it's written, how well the characters and their relationship (an epic bromance of I Love You Man proportions) is realized. Then, of course, there is the horror itself, top shelf superbly vivid macabre imagery, gore supreme, all profoundly disturbing and told in present tense to enhance the reading experience. The titular creation is a bombastically tricked out haunted house with uber realistic special effects...or a place where madness grabs hold and sucks you in. Like...well, like a tentacle. Read it if you dare. Most auspicious introduction. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2015
A.J. and Nate are out for their last hurrah before A.J. is deployed to Afghanistan. To celebrate, they go to a new scare funhouse that they've waited years to attend. The online reviews say they can do anything to you in there and that the last people in don't come back out. They are, of course, the last two people to go in. My immediate reaction..
They have to change their clothes in get in well worn hospital shirts, pants, and paper slippers. Then the fun begins. There are some crazy real looking asylum rooms with crazy real looking people in them. The guys are semi scared, but mask it by acting tough and laughing. They truly panic when they are soon separated and each suffer their own fates.
This novel is very fast-paced and takes place in one night. I read the first chapter and set it aside. Tonight, I picked it up and read the rest in one sitting. I was on the edge of my seat and I annoyed the hell out of the boyfriend during several scenes when I haphazardly tossed my glasses off.
This novel is NOT for anyone squeamish. And I don't mean there's a little violence and gore. I mean one part literally made me nervous and I dealt with some lingering anxiety after putting the novel down. Remember that I warned you.
They have to change their clothes in get in well worn hospital shirts, pants, and paper slippers. Then the fun begins. There are some crazy real looking asylum rooms with crazy real looking people in them. The guys are semi scared, but mask it by acting tough and laughing. They truly panic when they are soon separated and each suffer their own fates.
This novel is very fast-paced and takes place in one night. I read the first chapter and set it aside. Tonight, I picked it up and read the rest in one sitting. I was on the edge of my seat and I annoyed the hell out of the boyfriend during several scenes when I haphazardly tossed my glasses off.
This novel is NOT for anyone squeamish. And I don't mean there's a little violence and gore. I mean one part literally made me nervous and I dealt with some lingering anxiety after putting the novel down. Remember that I warned you.
May 29, 2015
I received this book from Dark Ride Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The official release date is June 9th 2015.
AJ is about to head off to Afghanistan, but the night before he leaves, he and his best friend, Nate, visit a fun house called Insylum at a local carnival on its last night in town. It's suppose to be an extreme haunt that you have to sign a waiver to even enter and the two of them have been looking forward to visiting the place for years. What they think is harmless fun, turns into a wide awake nightmare that leaves them fighting for their lives.
If you are looking for a straight horror book, that is short, bloody and graphically disgusting? Then INSYLUM is for you! At 136 pages, it's a fast read, thats straight to the point and some horror fans will enjoy the story that's told. I only say some because there aren't a lot of scares in this book, or atmosphere, it's pretty much torture porn through and through, a constant barrage of gore, torture and gross out moments. Not only that, but the story is paper thin, almost entire relying upon gore throughout its short length.
The book wastes no time getting to its main plot and quickly turns into a bloody nightmare for our two protagonists, AJ and Nate. As is the case with most horror stories, the lead characters make stupid decisions which lead to them being in an even worse situation than they began in and INSYLUM is no exception. There were a few times where AJ and Nate could have easily gotten away, or at least to a safer place than they were in, but no, let's stay back and look at this bloody bathtub some more. Sure guys....that's smart!
There's nothing here that's going to blow your socks off, but those into constant gore for gores sake, might enjoy this book. I give it 2/5
AJ is about to head off to Afghanistan, but the night before he leaves, he and his best friend, Nate, visit a fun house called Insylum at a local carnival on its last night in town. It's suppose to be an extreme haunt that you have to sign a waiver to even enter and the two of them have been looking forward to visiting the place for years. What they think is harmless fun, turns into a wide awake nightmare that leaves them fighting for their lives.
If you are looking for a straight horror book, that is short, bloody and graphically disgusting? Then INSYLUM is for you! At 136 pages, it's a fast read, thats straight to the point and some horror fans will enjoy the story that's told. I only say some because there aren't a lot of scares in this book, or atmosphere, it's pretty much torture porn through and through, a constant barrage of gore, torture and gross out moments. Not only that, but the story is paper thin, almost entire relying upon gore throughout its short length.
The book wastes no time getting to its main plot and quickly turns into a bloody nightmare for our two protagonists, AJ and Nate. As is the case with most horror stories, the lead characters make stupid decisions which lead to them being in an even worse situation than they began in and INSYLUM is no exception. There were a few times where AJ and Nate could have easily gotten away, or at least to a safer place than they were in, but no, let's stay back and look at this bloody bathtub some more. Sure guys....that's smart!
There's nothing here that's going to blow your socks off, but those into constant gore for gores sake, might enjoy this book. I give it 2/5
August 5, 2019
My daughter and I have an affinity for haunted houses that are set up during Halloween. We are always on a quest to find the scariest ones. We heard of one that is so creepy. They make you sign a waiver that they can touch you, bind and most anything else. We were ready to go. After reading this book though, I think I'll just stay home. The book starts out with 2 friends waiting in line for that same type of haunted house. Once they enter, there is no going back. I will admit that a little more than halfway through the book, I thought it was getting kind of "too far out there". The ending really wrapped it up nicely though so I ended up seeing it in a different light. Highly recommended but this book is definitely not for ones with weak stomachs though!
September 4, 2015
Some real queasy moments...
INSYLUM is a book to get you in the Halloweenish mood. Two friends, A.J. and Nate, get pricey tickets to an event they've wanted to attend for a long time - the Insylum - the "most badass funhouse in existence." They've waited two years for it to come to their area, and
even though A.J. is leaving for Afghanistan the next morning, they aren't going to pass up this chance.
There are plenty of cringe worthy moments in this short demented tale. Blood, guts, maggots, and just an entire creepy atmosphere.
This is not a book for everyone. If you have a weak stomach or are troubled by nightmares, I would pass on this prime example of a bad acid trip. But if you're in the mood for squirmy moments and stomach purging prose, this is worth reading.
I read Z. Rider's first book SUCKERS and am a big fan. It's also a horror tale with friends involved but there was more of a storyline in it rather than just gore for gore's sake. I'm now off to read Rider's next book MAN MADE MURDER, book one of the BLOOD ROAD trilogy.
INSYLUM is a book to get you in the Halloweenish mood. Two friends, A.J. and Nate, get pricey tickets to an event they've wanted to attend for a long time - the Insylum - the "most badass funhouse in existence." They've waited two years for it to come to their area, and
even though A.J. is leaving for Afghanistan the next morning, they aren't going to pass up this chance.
There are plenty of cringe worthy moments in this short demented tale. Blood, guts, maggots, and just an entire creepy atmosphere.
This is not a book for everyone. If you have a weak stomach or are troubled by nightmares, I would pass on this prime example of a bad acid trip. But if you're in the mood for squirmy moments and stomach purging prose, this is worth reading.
I read Z. Rider's first book SUCKERS and am a big fan. It's also a horror tale with friends involved but there was more of a storyline in it rather than just gore for gore's sake. I'm now off to read Rider's next book MAN MADE MURDER, book one of the BLOOD ROAD trilogy.
April 7, 2017
This was a great concept and sounds like the kind of horror that I like to read but I had mixed feelings about it overall. It started off well with the two friends going to the funhouse that they have heard so much about where it is rumoured that people sometimes disappear if they are last in. The first part of the book works well enough where the two of them see the brutal exhibits but when they are split up it starts to get a little strange. You are never sure if what is happening is real or not or what is actually happening. I imagine that this is what the author wanted to do with the book to keep the readers guessing. The longer the book goes on, the weirder things get. By the end it is not made 100% clear what has happened. Did it all happen? Was it a delusion? Did visiting the attraction cause a breakdown in our MC or was he ever there at all? What was the significance of the card at the end? It just wasn't fully clear to me and that annoys me. I also found the whole pregnancy issue to be a distraction that wasn't needed. I don't think I'd read anything else by the author.
June 25, 2015
I have sat on this review for a few days now trying to untangle the web of my emotions regarding this book. So it is a horror story and it is horrific to the extreme. I have read many books and this is the first one that actually made me have a real reaction there was a part of the book that made me feel physically nauseous so kudos to the author and the descriptive writing that she used! The ending was a little lack luster but made perfect sense in the whole scheme of the book. I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate it. I give credit for the skill in the writing and I will have to read another book to see if said skill continues. Be prepared when reading this book to be scared, nauseated, and edge of your seat. I will never be able to go into a haunted/fun house again!
January 11, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
God, what a disgusting, vulgar, and at the same time, terrifying, chilling read. I loved the nightmarish vibe of the book, the unsettling undertones, how the main characters continued to try convince themselves everything they saw wasn’t real. Slightly predictable ending, though.
God, what a disgusting, vulgar, and at the same time, terrifying, chilling read. I loved the nightmarish vibe of the book, the unsettling undertones, how the main characters continued to try convince themselves everything they saw wasn’t real. Slightly predictable ending, though.
June 13, 2015
***Review Copy***
I'm having a hard time reviewing this book. It was certainly adrenaline filled and had an unexpected conclusion but I found it somewhat lacking focus. Not the greatest horror story but worth a read. I can say this for sure you will think twice about going to Halloween horror nights..
I'm having a hard time reviewing this book. It was certainly adrenaline filled and had an unexpected conclusion but I found it somewhat lacking focus. Not the greatest horror story but worth a read. I can say this for sure you will think twice about going to Halloween horror nights..
July 27, 2024
I so badly wanted this to be good and it almost was but fell short. SPOILERS: The “it’s all in his head” ending is literally never a good choice. Ever.
July 5, 2015
INSYLUM
Author: Z. Rider
Type of Book: eBook
Length: 122 pages
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Dark Ride Publishing
Cover Design: DamonZa.com
ISBN: 978-1-942234-05-0
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of INSYLUM from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
For as far back as either of them can remember, it's always been Nate and A.J. Best frirnds from the day they first met. They had bonded over Pokemon cards and had never looked back.
Nate always imagined that the two of them would still be best friends when they were old and grey and that they would even spend their golden years together in the same Old Age Home. There had never been any indication that his plans would not become reality. That is until recently.
A.J. joined the freakin' army and went to Boot Camp. When A.J. completed his training and returned home Nate noticed that he had changed. And Nate did not like the changes he saw in his friend.
Nate works in a video game store and is content with his life. Now A.J. has been ordered to ship out with his unit for active duty in Afghanistan.
For years the two friends had been hearing about Insylum and the pair hoped that eventually the traveling "funhouse" would set up close to their hometown.
"Nate and A.J. have been waiting years for traveling funhouse Insylum to come to their town."
Their wish has now come true. "When it's last night coincides with the night before A.J. ships out to Afghanistan, they know that's the date they have to go."
The question is: will they be able to leave?
Two pages into this book I was hooked. Z. Rider has a talent for horror. The first book I ever read of hers was "Suckers" which I REALLY enjoyed. If you have not yet read it, I suggest you buy a copy immediately.
Z. Rider is highly skilled at taking a situation (or topic) that has been used by many writers in the past and giving it a completely new spin; creating stories that you will not want to put down. "Insylum" is no exception.
Even though this is a horror novel and of course there are lots of thrills and chills, the author does not neglect character building.
Instead of focusing solely on terror and shock value (although there is quite a bit of both in this book), readers find themselves learning more about Nate and A.J. and what makes them tick before they enter Insylum. When Nate thinks about how he feels about A.J. heading off to war it is impossible not to get swept up in the story and to empathize with Nate's conflicted emotions. Of course he is proud of A.J. and he wants him to do whatever it is that makes him happy, but Nate cannot help but feel that A.J. is moving forward with his life while Nate's life seems to be stick in a rut. Also, Nate is justifiably worried about A.J.'s safety once he reaches Afghanistan. All these thoughts and complex emotions run through Nate's head even as he goes into Insylum.
The sights the two friends see and what they experience inside the Insylum are 100% pure terror. Picture in your mind the scariest movie you have ever seen, now multiply that amount of horror by 1000 percent and you will get an idea of how scary it is inside Insylum.
Z. Rider must have had some vivid nightmares to be able to imagine such horrors as are included in this book.
I really liked the ending of this book. It was unexpected and I was surprised which does not happen very often.
I have to warn potential readers, this book is NOT for the faint of heart of for those with weak stomachs. However, if you are a fan of the horror genre then INSYLUM is the book for you.
I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author: Z. Rider
Type of Book: eBook
Length: 122 pages
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Dark Ride Publishing
Cover Design: DamonZa.com
ISBN: 978-1-942234-05-0
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of INSYLUM from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
For as far back as either of them can remember, it's always been Nate and A.J. Best frirnds from the day they first met. They had bonded over Pokemon cards and had never looked back.
Nate always imagined that the two of them would still be best friends when they were old and grey and that they would even spend their golden years together in the same Old Age Home. There had never been any indication that his plans would not become reality. That is until recently.
A.J. joined the freakin' army and went to Boot Camp. When A.J. completed his training and returned home Nate noticed that he had changed. And Nate did not like the changes he saw in his friend.
Nate works in a video game store and is content with his life. Now A.J. has been ordered to ship out with his unit for active duty in Afghanistan.
For years the two friends had been hearing about Insylum and the pair hoped that eventually the traveling "funhouse" would set up close to their hometown.
"Nate and A.J. have been waiting years for traveling funhouse Insylum to come to their town."
Their wish has now come true. "When it's last night coincides with the night before A.J. ships out to Afghanistan, they know that's the date they have to go."
The question is: will they be able to leave?
Two pages into this book I was hooked. Z. Rider has a talent for horror. The first book I ever read of hers was "Suckers" which I REALLY enjoyed. If you have not yet read it, I suggest you buy a copy immediately.
Z. Rider is highly skilled at taking a situation (or topic) that has been used by many writers in the past and giving it a completely new spin; creating stories that you will not want to put down. "Insylum" is no exception.
Even though this is a horror novel and of course there are lots of thrills and chills, the author does not neglect character building.
Instead of focusing solely on terror and shock value (although there is quite a bit of both in this book), readers find themselves learning more about Nate and A.J. and what makes them tick before they enter Insylum. When Nate thinks about how he feels about A.J. heading off to war it is impossible not to get swept up in the story and to empathize with Nate's conflicted emotions. Of course he is proud of A.J. and he wants him to do whatever it is that makes him happy, but Nate cannot help but feel that A.J. is moving forward with his life while Nate's life seems to be stick in a rut. Also, Nate is justifiably worried about A.J.'s safety once he reaches Afghanistan. All these thoughts and complex emotions run through Nate's head even as he goes into Insylum.
The sights the two friends see and what they experience inside the Insylum are 100% pure terror. Picture in your mind the scariest movie you have ever seen, now multiply that amount of horror by 1000 percent and you will get an idea of how scary it is inside Insylum.
Z. Rider must have had some vivid nightmares to be able to imagine such horrors as are included in this book.
I really liked the ending of this book. It was unexpected and I was surprised which does not happen very often.
I have to warn potential readers, this book is NOT for the faint of heart of for those with weak stomachs. However, if you are a fan of the horror genre then INSYLUM is the book for you.
I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 9, 2015
I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley & Dark Ride publishing in return for an honest review---thank you!!
This is definitely a horror story, no question about that. I would NOT consider it a psych thriller, but it's not never been stated as such ( sometimes they can go together for me)
It's a short read but packed with an extreme amount of very descriptive gore & horror!
Nate & AJ are friends and they are the last 2 chosen to go through this "gore house". It's a last thing for them to do together since the next day, AJ goes to Afghanistan in the armed forces. The rumor being spread is that every night, 2 people go in, but never come back out. It's about a 3 hour tour & they've already been standing outside in the cold for a long time just waiting to get let in.
The people going through this tour are treated like "patients" in an asylum. Before starting, they must get undressed & put everything into bins that they brought with them, to be given back at the end. The "nurse" gives them patient "pajamas" & paper booties for their feet. She instructs them they are not to go back out, through the door they entered
Nate was already feeling some anxiety & boredom while waiting & was wishing he'd be home in warm house, rather than this long wait plus about 3 hours yet for going through this gore house
As they go through there's plenty of horror scenes & gore & torture ( some a bit too edgy almost porn) but the author does a great job with his descriptions of what they're experiencing & seeing. So much so, I felt as if it was me going through at times!! In order to not give away any spoilers, I'll just leave it finished here, extremely descriptive amount of blood, gore & horror while reading. It's pretty much a page turner because just as you're starting to read going through the INSYLUM, you're finished reading it seems. It's short but descriptively horror
I'd highly recommend this to those who enjoy reading horror with lots of blood, gore, bodily function descriptions &....horror!!
This is definitely a horror story, no question about that. I would NOT consider it a psych thriller, but it's not never been stated as such ( sometimes they can go together for me)
It's a short read but packed with an extreme amount of very descriptive gore & horror!
Nate & AJ are friends and they are the last 2 chosen to go through this "gore house". It's a last thing for them to do together since the next day, AJ goes to Afghanistan in the armed forces. The rumor being spread is that every night, 2 people go in, but never come back out. It's about a 3 hour tour & they've already been standing outside in the cold for a long time just waiting to get let in.
The people going through this tour are treated like "patients" in an asylum. Before starting, they must get undressed & put everything into bins that they brought with them, to be given back at the end. The "nurse" gives them patient "pajamas" & paper booties for their feet. She instructs them they are not to go back out, through the door they entered
Nate was already feeling some anxiety & boredom while waiting & was wishing he'd be home in warm house, rather than this long wait plus about 3 hours yet for going through this gore house
As they go through there's plenty of horror scenes & gore & torture ( some a bit too edgy almost porn) but the author does a great job with his descriptions of what they're experiencing & seeing. So much so, I felt as if it was me going through at times!! In order to not give away any spoilers, I'll just leave it finished here, extremely descriptive amount of blood, gore & horror while reading. It's pretty much a page turner because just as you're starting to read going through the INSYLUM, you're finished reading it seems. It's short but descriptively horror
I'd highly recommend this to those who enjoy reading horror with lots of blood, gore, bodily function descriptions &....horror!!
May 8, 2015
A.J. and Nate used to be best friends, but A.J. has changed and Nate hardly recognizes him anymore. He acts different from before and his priorities have changed. A.J. is about to leave for Afghanistan, and despite their current situation, they decide to have a sort of farewell party at Insylum, a traveling funhouse they’ve wanted to visit for years. They are the last two to go in, but will they ever come back out?
I’ve had the opportunity to read Suckers by Z. Rider earlier this year, and I marked it as one of my favourite books. So obviously, when I saw INSYLUM (and its insane cover) I just had to read it. I was not disappointed. WOAH!
As with SUCKERS, the amount of pure horror in this book is insane. On top of that there is a lot of blood and gore and I absolutely loved it! There is, however, more to this book than just the horror. It’s a fast read, and I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of it. It’s exciting, thrilling, fast-paced and it will give you chills at some points. There are some plot twists and the ending left me baffled (and somewhat confused, but I think I’ve figured it out).
Overall I very much enjoyed INSYLUM. It was well written, a fast read and it contained a lot of elements I really liked: an asylum/funhouse, loads of blood and gore, weird zombies and horrifying creatures, and enough other freaky horror parts. So,so, so good! I would definitely recommend this to any fan of a good horror novel. And while you’re at it, have a look at Suckers!
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve had the opportunity to read Suckers by Z. Rider earlier this year, and I marked it as one of my favourite books. So obviously, when I saw INSYLUM (and its insane cover) I just had to read it. I was not disappointed. WOAH!
As with SUCKERS, the amount of pure horror in this book is insane. On top of that there is a lot of blood and gore and I absolutely loved it! There is, however, more to this book than just the horror. It’s a fast read, and I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of it. It’s exciting, thrilling, fast-paced and it will give you chills at some points. There are some plot twists and the ending left me baffled (and somewhat confused, but I think I’ve figured it out).
Overall I very much enjoyed INSYLUM. It was well written, a fast read and it contained a lot of elements I really liked: an asylum/funhouse, loads of blood and gore, weird zombies and horrifying creatures, and enough other freaky horror parts. So,so, so good! I would definitely recommend this to any fan of a good horror novel. And while you’re at it, have a look at Suckers!
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2015
I actually liked this book quite a bit. It was like a really messed up Twilight Zone episode or something. A really intense and suspenseful read, I found I couldn't put it down, which made the fact that it was a really quick read a bonus (I usually don't read books this short). I saw some reviews where people were talking about it being really gory as if that was something unusual. It's a horror book. Of course it has gore in it. If gore is not your thing, maybe stay away from horror. S'all I'm saying.
Something I thought was a nice touch was how Nate (as an employee in a game store) used the idea of translating the things he saw in the funhouse into a card game as a coping mechanism. It's clear the author has spent time around tabletop gamers. I found this line about particular game store clientele to be hilarious:
"...then there’s Kenny Dobbins, with his striped shirt floating like a tent over his belly. He smells— a sharp, high-pitched sourness."
Yeah, I know Kenny Dobbins. That guy frequents every game store in the country probably. And I know his smell, too. Anyway, for the record, I would really like to see what an Insylum card game looks like. Hope it gets off the ground.
With that amazingly creepy cover, I was hoping there would be more of a Lovecraft connection (which there really isn't if that's what you're expecting) in this story. But all in all, as a horror fan, I found Insylum to be a fairly satisfying read.
Something I thought was a nice touch was how Nate (as an employee in a game store) used the idea of translating the things he saw in the funhouse into a card game as a coping mechanism. It's clear the author has spent time around tabletop gamers. I found this line about particular game store clientele to be hilarious:
"...then there’s Kenny Dobbins, with his striped shirt floating like a tent over his belly. He smells— a sharp, high-pitched sourness."
Yeah, I know Kenny Dobbins. That guy frequents every game store in the country probably. And I know his smell, too. Anyway, for the record, I would really like to see what an Insylum card game looks like. Hope it gets off the ground.
With that amazingly creepy cover, I was hoping there would be more of a Lovecraft connection (which there really isn't if that's what you're expecting) in this story. But all in all, as a horror fan, I found Insylum to be a fairly satisfying read.
March 22, 2016
This is the second book of Z. Rider's that I have read. I read Man Made Murder, prior to this one and loved them both! Most everyone has written what it's about, so I'll just add a little. This was a speed-fest of horror! There was little "down" time before leading right back into the thrills of the storyline. Kind of like when you have to sneeze, it builds and builds, quickly, then BAM! Then for most people a series of following sneezes. LOL The intensity level stayed throughout. The story is written in the main protagonist's first words throughout his ordeal. As for AJ, no. Which I didn't actually notice at first, then as I started thinking about how it was going to end, I realized it. And, now I get why the author wrote it that way. You'll figure it out for yourself when you finish the book. It left you filled will the answers but open to maybe, just maybe a follow up book? =)
If you like the gore, non stop, heart racing thrills, this is a good book to read. It fly's by before you know it. Which in some cases is a good thing when a book is kinda bad, but not so good when the book is good and you don't want the story to end. As in this case.
I did a review for Man Made Murder as it was a review copy given to me. This one was my own choices, because I liked Man Made Murder (though it was not my normal type of thrill read-Vampires) so much, I decided to take on another of Z. Riders books. It didn't disappoint. I think I just found another author to follow her works. =)
If you like the gore, non stop, heart racing thrills, this is a good book to read. It fly's by before you know it. Which in some cases is a good thing when a book is kinda bad, but not so good when the book is good and you don't want the story to end. As in this case.
I did a review for Man Made Murder as it was a review copy given to me. This one was my own choices, because I liked Man Made Murder (though it was not my normal type of thrill read-Vampires) so much, I decided to take on another of Z. Riders books. It didn't disappoint. I think I just found another author to follow her works. =)
June 22, 2015
See my full review on www.stacksandshelves.wordpress.com
My Review
I really wanted to like this book but I was disappointed! I love scary books but Insylum felt disjointed and the “revelation” at the end was not well put together. Sure there are some good scares and horror. As the two friends first enter the shock funhouse, they encounter some cells with terrifying inhabitants. But from there the shocks get more WTF (not in a good way) and more gross out than gore. There is one brief moment of delicious horror concerning the couple who was waiting in line in front of them which was the only true standout for me.
I also really did not like the characters. I found myself not really caring when the horrors of Insylum came at them. The very beginning of the story (Bookend I) will make sense at the very conclusion (in Bookend II). However, this “revelation” left me going “…really? I, mean really?” It was not thought out well enough, and was not executed well enough. The story is only a little more than 100 pages so there definitely could have been more to flesh out the “revelation” thread in the story.
In Summary
The Good
•Some good scares
•Very quick read
The Not So Good
•Disjointed and mediocre
•“Revelation” needed work
Recommendation
Eh, not really. Many other horror novels more worth your time.
June 11, 2015
The second story by Z. Rider I've had the pleasure of enjoying, Insylum is a book set in a haunted asylum type attraction and focuses on two main characters Nate and A.J. who are best friends, but as is generally the case, life is getting in between them. Despite the differences of opinion between them there is a real camaraderie that's evident from the beginning of the story all the way to the end. As a horror story in such a setting it's fairly evident what's likely to be occurring throughout but Rider manages to give the encounters enough uniqueness and creativity and they speed by fast enough that nothing ever has the opportunity to become stale or obvious. There are some generally horrific scenes in this book, including stuff that if you asked me now what was happening I'm not sure I'd be able to explain it but I definitely enjoyed reading about it. The only downside for me however is the ending where, though it fits the framing story, I felt that it took me a little bit out of the events that preceded it. However, I'm not sure how it could've ended differently when looking at how things went so that's not much of a knock. Highly recommend this, and looking forward to the next of Z. Rider's books I get the pleasure of enjoying.
March 10, 2016
I know this may come as a shock, but I'm a huge horror junkie! So when I saw the cover for Insylum and read the synopsis, I was immediately sold! Especially since it was such a short read AND was available to borrow on Amazon Prime!
Insylum was a thrill ride from start to finish! Make no mistake, this is NOT a YA horror book by any stretch. It is gory and brutal right from the start. As I've said, I love horror, but this is the first horror book I've ever read (EVER) that made my pulse speed up! It definitely is not for the faint of heart. The characters were surprisingly well-developed for such a small book and the "funhouse" was described in such vivid detail that, well, it was terrifying.
I love a good 800 page Stephen King novel as much as the next person, but this much horror crammed into 122 pages just works! And there's a twist at the end that I definitely did not see coming! I only wish the ending had been described in a little more detail, but I guess that's supposed to be part of the mystery. In any case, I highly recommend this to any horror fan!
May 15, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Dark Ride Publishing!
Horrible, awful, the worst nightmare you ever had... these are the words I would use to describe Insylum and I mean them as a big, fat, compliment. Nate and AJ, childhood friends, go to an insane funhouse the night before AJ flies to Afghanistan. Now, I have a love-hate relationship with scary funhouses: they scare me to death but I love them. Insylum is simply crazy! I was terrified of what was coming next, but I couldn’t stop reading (Cherry Bomb Babe, please don’t show up in my nightmares). There is a prologue and an epilogue (both called "bookends"). At first I didn't see how the first part related to the story, but once I read the second bookend it all makes sense. I love Insylum (the book, thank Goodness it is not a real funhouse or I'd go and I'd regret it!). If you're not squeamish and love being scared half to death, this is the book for you. Everybody else beware, it will give you nightmares!
Horrible, awful, the worst nightmare you ever had... these are the words I would use to describe Insylum and I mean them as a big, fat, compliment. Nate and AJ, childhood friends, go to an insane funhouse the night before AJ flies to Afghanistan. Now, I have a love-hate relationship with scary funhouses: they scare me to death but I love them. Insylum is simply crazy! I was terrified of what was coming next, but I couldn’t stop reading (Cherry Bomb Babe, please don’t show up in my nightmares). There is a prologue and an epilogue (both called "bookends"). At first I didn't see how the first part related to the story, but once I read the second bookend it all makes sense. I love Insylum (the book, thank Goodness it is not a real funhouse or I'd go and I'd regret it!). If you're not squeamish and love being scared half to death, this is the book for you. Everybody else beware, it will give you nightmares!
May 17, 2016
Dark Ride Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Insylum, in exchange for an honest review.
Best friends Nate Janowski and Andrew Wexel are doing one last thing together before A.J. deploys to Afghanistan with the Marines. Having waited 2 years for Insylum to come to town, they decide the traveling funhouse of horrors will be a great way to spend the evening. Once inside the hulking frame of rusted metal, the 1950's reproduction of a mental hospital has Nate rethinking his decision. With unresolved issues between them, will they both survive the night and clear the air?
One thing is for certain, I will never go into a gristly haunted house again. Gruesome and scary, Insylum is the thing of nightmares. Author Z. Rider has mastered the macabre with this book, creating the right balance between disbelief and outright terror. Although it is relatively short, this book has all of the elements of a great horror novel. I recommend Insylum to readers who like horror, especially fans of the great Stephen King.
Best friends Nate Janowski and Andrew Wexel are doing one last thing together before A.J. deploys to Afghanistan with the Marines. Having waited 2 years for Insylum to come to town, they decide the traveling funhouse of horrors will be a great way to spend the evening. Once inside the hulking frame of rusted metal, the 1950's reproduction of a mental hospital has Nate rethinking his decision. With unresolved issues between them, will they both survive the night and clear the air?
One thing is for certain, I will never go into a gristly haunted house again. Gruesome and scary, Insylum is the thing of nightmares. Author Z. Rider has mastered the macabre with this book, creating the right balance between disbelief and outright terror. Although it is relatively short, this book has all of the elements of a great horror novel. I recommend Insylum to readers who like horror, especially fans of the great Stephen King.
May 12, 2015
When I first started Insylum by Z. Rider I thought I was in for a return to splatterpunk. The story starts off great, with atmospheric unease, blood and gore, and some truly disturbing imagery - 'Cherry Bomb Babe' is gonna pop up in my nightmares, I'm sure. The changing points of view from first person to third were interesting, and the slight character development at least let me know what was up with each main character. However, by the end of the book I was feeling rather let down by the denouement. The undercut the absolute horror of the interactions in the haunted house and gutted what was until then a terrifically insane story.
Still, I would recommend this for fans of horror, and will be reading other books by this author.
*free copy from NetGalley*
Still, I would recommend this for fans of horror, and will be reading other books by this author.
*free copy from NetGalley*
June 3, 2015
This is one of those books that if you read it and then let it digest for a while, it becomes much more than it originally appears. Unfortunately, as this is quite a short story, I can’t go into much detail without giving the game away but I would suggest that if you want to get the most out of it, you don’t take it at face value.
Full review at - http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.c...
Full review at - http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.c...
September 1, 2015
Glad someone's review convinced me to read this novella. Normally I pass on female authors, I find their horror writing efforts to be predictable and sophomoric, much more suited for YA readers. That being said I found Z refreshingly different and liked her style enough that I'm now reading her other book as well.
October 29, 2015
**3.5 stars.**
When I saw the cover, I knew I had to read this book. I'm not sorry I did, though I wish the bookends had been a little more coherent. The body horror struck me as over the top, but there was one particular scene that made me very anxious that has to do with ventilation ducts. I'll definitely read more from this author.
When I saw the cover, I knew I had to read this book. I'm not sorry I did, though I wish the bookends had been a little more coherent. The body horror struck me as over the top, but there was one particular scene that made me very anxious that has to do with ventilation ducts. I'll definitely read more from this author.
January 8, 2016
Intense horror story
Nate and his best pal, AJ, take a trip through a "fun" house that turns out to be much more than they thought it'd be. Lots of horrors await them, very graphically detailed burger author. These horrors they encounter seem to be too real for a fun house.
Good story, pretty gory stuff. Decently written with a good plot twist at the end.
Nate and his best pal, AJ, take a trip through a "fun" house that turns out to be much more than they thought it'd be. Lots of horrors await them, very graphically detailed burger author. These horrors they encounter seem to be too real for a fun house.
Good story, pretty gory stuff. Decently written with a good plot twist at the end.
September 6, 2015
Awesome book! Makes me so excited to go to all the haunted attractions in October !! (That was sarcasm lol) creepy book!! Loved it!!
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