What do you think?
Rate this book
The Faceless One #2
Deadlight Jack
Worse things than gators lurk in the Louisiana swamp. . . . The author of The Faceless One fuses the twisted imagination of Fritz Leiber with the razor-sharp plotting of Joe Hill in this rollicking horror thriller.
Appearances can be deceiving. Take Jimmy Kalmaku. Anyone passing him on the streets of Lake Nisqually, Washington, would merely see an elderly man. But Jimmy is actually a powerful Tlingit shaman, with a link to the god Raven and a résumé that includes saving the world.
Or take his friend and roommate, George Watters. Another ordinary retiree, right? Wrong. Like Jimmy, George is more than he seems to be. He too has a link to the supernatural. He too has saved the world.
Then there's Professor Foxfire—also known as Deadlight Jack. Dressed in the garb of a stage magician, he seems a figure of magic and fun. But he isn't fun at all. He isn't even human. And his magic is of the darkest and bloodiest kind.
When George's grandson vanishes on a family vacation to the Louisiana bayou, George and Jimmy fly across the country to aid in the search. Once they arrive, family feuds and buried secrets bring George face-to-face with the ghosts of a forgotten past; Jimmy finds his powers wilting under the humid Southern sun; and deep in the swamp, Deadlight Jack prepares his long-awaited revenge.
Appearances can be deceiving. Take Jimmy Kalmaku. Anyone passing him on the streets of Lake Nisqually, Washington, would merely see an elderly man. But Jimmy is actually a powerful Tlingit shaman, with a link to the god Raven and a résumé that includes saving the world.
Or take his friend and roommate, George Watters. Another ordinary retiree, right? Wrong. Like Jimmy, George is more than he seems to be. He too has a link to the supernatural. He too has saved the world.
Then there's Professor Foxfire—also known as Deadlight Jack. Dressed in the garb of a stage magician, he seems a figure of magic and fun. But he isn't fun at all. He isn't even human. And his magic is of the darkest and bloodiest kind.
When George's grandson vanishes on a family vacation to the Louisiana bayou, George and Jimmy fly across the country to aid in the search. Once they arrive, family feuds and buried secrets bring George face-to-face with the ghosts of a forgotten past; Jimmy finds his powers wilting under the humid Southern sun; and deep in the swamp, Deadlight Jack prepares his long-awaited revenge.
- GenresHorrorParanormal
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
25 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 6, 2017
When I requested "Deadlight Jack", I had no idea that it was the second book in a series. As it is, that does not matter in the least because this book works very well as a stand alone novel.
George Watters is African-American and Jimmy Kalmaku is a Tlingit shaman. They have been best friends for a very long time and both have a connection to the supernatural. When George's young grandson disappears in the Louisiana bayou, George and Jimmy fly across the country to rescue the young boy and come face to face with an ancient evil known as Deadlight Jack.
The characters of Jimmy and George are one of the main strengths of the book. Mark Onspaugh has a gift of being able to develop characters through their interactions and conversations. Jimmy and George are so well developed that I could imagine them as real people. You really get a sense of their personalities and their long friendship through their sometimes hilarious banter. I also enjoyed how the author set up the background to the story. It was just enough to provide a good story line without being too long and drawn out.
I really enjoyed this book very much and am planning to go back and read the first book in the series. George and Jimmy are unusual heroes in the sense that they are elderly men but they are unique in other ways as well. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a horror novel that has depth and characters who stay with you even when you have turned the last page.
George Watters is African-American and Jimmy Kalmaku is a Tlingit shaman. They have been best friends for a very long time and both have a connection to the supernatural. When George's young grandson disappears in the Louisiana bayou, George and Jimmy fly across the country to rescue the young boy and come face to face with an ancient evil known as Deadlight Jack.
The characters of Jimmy and George are one of the main strengths of the book. Mark Onspaugh has a gift of being able to develop characters through their interactions and conversations. Jimmy and George are so well developed that I could imagine them as real people. You really get a sense of their personalities and their long friendship through their sometimes hilarious banter. I also enjoyed how the author set up the background to the story. It was just enough to provide a good story line without being too long and drawn out.
I really enjoyed this book very much and am planning to go back and read the first book in the series. George and Jimmy are unusual heroes in the sense that they are elderly men but they are unique in other ways as well. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a horror novel that has depth and characters who stay with you even when you have turned the last page.
September 20, 2016
This was a well thought out scary book that is very much a standalone novel though second in a series.
DEADLIGHT JACK is quite simply a man who is not a man that steals children in the bayous of the South. Our heroes are a Native American and an African American who use mythological powers to battle Jack and others like him.
There are so many things that I liked about this book. First the author took his time building the story. There was no need to read the first book first. The characters were not the usual white sugar cookie cutter. He created real people - all colors and sexualities. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. Again, it made them feel like real people. I love slow, descriptive stories that In can lose myself in; this is a perfect example. Now I'm going to go buy book 1 and eagerly await book 3.
I received DEADLIGHT JACK from the publisher and highly recommend it.
DEADLIGHT JACK is quite simply a man who is not a man that steals children in the bayous of the South. Our heroes are a Native American and an African American who use mythological powers to battle Jack and others like him.
There are so many things that I liked about this book. First the author took his time building the story. There was no need to read the first book first. The characters were not the usual white sugar cookie cutter. He created real people - all colors and sexualities. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. Again, it made them feel like real people. I love slow, descriptive stories that In can lose myself in; this is a perfect example. Now I'm going to go buy book 1 and eagerly await book 3.
I received DEADLIGHT JACK from the publisher and highly recommend it.
July 7, 2017
This book came as a massive disappointment to me. If I had been rating the first chapter alone, I would have given it a five. Professor Foxfire was by far one of the scariest villains I've encountered in the world of books. Unfortunately, familiarity caused this impression to wear off. Before long, the book deteriorated into soap opera, and although there was a fine supernatural tale in there too, it was marred by whimsy, and by a Deus ex Machina ending. I say ending, but with the defeat of Professor Foxfire aka Deadlight Jack, we have more chapters of soap opera to deal with.
I know that many readers would find the "human interest" parts of the story interesting, but it left me cold and horribly bored. I want my horror-fantasy to be magical, not mundane. I don't want to risk spoiling the plot for people, but in many parts this read more like a fairy story for children than a horror story. Yet there was such potential for horror that I end up more unhappy with this book than if it was mediocre all the way through.
I know that many readers would find the "human interest" parts of the story interesting, but it left me cold and horribly bored. I want my horror-fantasy to be magical, not mundane. I don't want to risk spoiling the plot for people, but in many parts this read more like a fairy story for children than a horror story. Yet there was such potential for horror that I end up more unhappy with this book than if it was mediocre all the way through.
July 1, 2017
Posted on my blog MiRakelBooks.com Deadlight Jack Review
When I asked for this book on Netgalley I didn’t know it was a second book in a duology. But after reading a few reviews on Goodreads that said this book can be read as a standalone, I choose to read it because the synopsis sounded very interesting. They were right, you can read this book without reading book 1.
In this book we read about the two best friends George and Jimmy. They are two men in their 70, living together and fighting supernatural cases. How awesome isn’t that? In this book George’s grandson goes missing, and the two old men goes on an adventure to find the missing boy.
For me the characters are the strength of this book, even though I also really like the story. The story is scary and interesting with lots of supernatural elements and characters. It also has a great atmosphere, especially at the ending. Spoiler Strike-through:How good was the part in the run down house at the ending, the atmosphere and setting was amazing.
I was so much fun reading about protagonists that is elderly, because I usually read books with younger characters.
I love the character George and Jimmy. George is African American and Jimmy is Native American. I love their chemistry and the interactions between them. It is so funny how much they argue and bicker, even though you know they have a great friendship and care for each other.
This book had some great character development, especially George. I wanted more character development on Jimmy, but I have the feeling that he had his parts in book one. I’m very curious about his past though especially because he is native American, so maybe I’ll read book one some time.
I really enjoyed the talk/story George had with Jimmy about his life. In this talk and throughout the book, racism was a theme that came up.
There is also two women who are married to each other and have children together, which I really liked. This book had some great diverse characters.
I rate this book 4 stars
When I asked for this book on Netgalley I didn’t know it was a second book in a duology. But after reading a few reviews on Goodreads that said this book can be read as a standalone, I choose to read it because the synopsis sounded very interesting. They were right, you can read this book without reading book 1.
In this book we read about the two best friends George and Jimmy. They are two men in their 70, living together and fighting supernatural cases. How awesome isn’t that? In this book George’s grandson goes missing, and the two old men goes on an adventure to find the missing boy.
For me the characters are the strength of this book, even though I also really like the story. The story is scary and interesting with lots of supernatural elements and characters. It also has a great atmosphere, especially at the ending. Spoiler Strike-through:
I was so much fun reading about protagonists that is elderly, because I usually read books with younger characters.
I love the character George and Jimmy. George is African American and Jimmy is Native American. I love their chemistry and the interactions between them. It is so funny how much they argue and bicker, even though you know they have a great friendship and care for each other.
This book had some great character development, especially George. I wanted more character development on Jimmy, but I have the feeling that he had his parts in book one. I’m very curious about his past though especially because he is native American, so maybe I’ll read book one some time.
I really enjoyed the talk/story George had with Jimmy about his life. In this talk and throughout the book, racism was a theme that came up.
There is also two women who are married to each other and have children together, which I really liked. This book had some great diverse characters.
I rate this book 4 stars
November 24, 2016
Deadlight Jack by Mark Onspaugh is a follow up to his 2013 novel The Faceless One. Jimmy Kalmaku and George Watters are back for another battle against the paranormal. Although those two characters are the same, this can be read as a stand alone novel. You do not need to have read the first one to enjoy the second.
George's grandson Donny vanishes while on a family vacations to Louisiana. He has been taken by Deadlight Jack, aka Professor Foxfire, a supernatural being who feeds off the pain and suffering of others. When George hears his grandson is missing, he and his friend Jimmy head across the country to help.
Jimmy is a Tlingit Shaman, and both he and George have a link to the mystical world. George does not know at first that Donny has been taken by Deadlight Jack, the same creature who tried to kidnap George when he was a little boy. But as he aids in the hunt for Donny, George is soon remembering his own past, and must prepare for a battle against Deadlight Jack for his grandson's life.
The action in the book moves at a steady pace. We get alternate views from George and Donny. The chapters from Donny's viewpoint are the most horrific. Some of the descriptions are disturbing, and several people are killed throughout the book.
A lot of time is spent on George's relationship with Jimmy. He constantly calls him by various Native American names, in an attempt to "tease" him. This gets a little annoying after awhile. The two men seem to have a true friendship going on, and are both willing to do whatever is needed to help each other.
I enjoyed this book and would give it 4 out of 5 stars. I received a free review copy from the publisher and NetGalley.
George's grandson Donny vanishes while on a family vacations to Louisiana. He has been taken by Deadlight Jack, aka Professor Foxfire, a supernatural being who feeds off the pain and suffering of others. When George hears his grandson is missing, he and his friend Jimmy head across the country to help.
Jimmy is a Tlingit Shaman, and both he and George have a link to the mystical world. George does not know at first that Donny has been taken by Deadlight Jack, the same creature who tried to kidnap George when he was a little boy. But as he aids in the hunt for Donny, George is soon remembering his own past, and must prepare for a battle against Deadlight Jack for his grandson's life.
The action in the book moves at a steady pace. We get alternate views from George and Donny. The chapters from Donny's viewpoint are the most horrific. Some of the descriptions are disturbing, and several people are killed throughout the book.
A lot of time is spent on George's relationship with Jimmy. He constantly calls him by various Native American names, in an attempt to "tease" him. This gets a little annoying after awhile. The two men seem to have a true friendship going on, and are both willing to do whatever is needed to help each other.
I enjoyed this book and would give it 4 out of 5 stars. I received a free review copy from the publisher and NetGalley.
September 19, 2016
An very thrilling read. I am about to go grab a copy of The Faceless Ones and will put Onspaugh on my list of authors to watch.
November 4, 2016
From the Pacific Northwest to the Louisiana bayou, Mark Onspaugh's latest tale begins with 4-year-old George Watters and ends with Tlingit-Inuit Shaman Jimmy Kalmaku, ghosts, revenants, and all the horrors that Professor Foxfire musters against the 70-year-old Jimmy and George. Professor Foxfire is only one of the many names of the nightmare that is Deadlight Jack who lures children away from their families to feed the swamp lights and Jack.
George Watters lost his father in World War II and then very soon after lost his grandfather. That was when Deadlight Jack first appeared to lure 4-year-old Georgie Porgie pudding and pie away from his family and into the swamps of bayou. If not for George's grandfather, George would have been lost to his mother and brother to provide a tasty meal for Jack. George's mother and his aunt got in Jack's way and, with George's grandfather, drove Jack and his green and yellow will o' the wisp lights back into the shadows. Jack would not be held off forever, not with such a one as Georgie Porgie nearly within his grasp.
Seventy-year-old George Watters is a wise-cracking, smart-mouthed jokester given to teasing Jimmy Kalmaku with every Indian reference he can remember -- and George remembers a lot. For all the ribbing and jokes, George and Jimmy are close friends. They have already defeated the Faceless One who nearly destroyed a family and dragged Jimmy and George into the abyss for good measure. Jimmy has a wild talent and is a favorite of the Trickster, Raven of Tlingit legends. Being a favorite of the gods is a heavy burden to bear, one Jimmy is used to. George is no unwelcome passenger on the journey into the darkness and neither are strangers to the unseen world. George and Jimmy are friends and comrades in arms, though neither are ready for the journey that will lead them into George's forgotten and tumultuous family troubles when George's grandson, Donny, disappears while on a camping trip in Louisiana.
Jimmy prepares to visit his son's family to celebrate his granddaughter Molly's birthday in Boston when the calls come. Donny reaches out and shatters George's dreams with his terror and fear. Jimmy is visited by Dabo Muu, another messenger from the unseen world, in a vision that sends both friends far from their home on 152nd Street. When Jimmy calls Molly to explain he will not be there for her birthday, Molly tells her grandfather he will need to help George and that she will help as she can. Molly shares the wild talent with her grandfather, unknown to her parents, and Raven has also enlisted Molly in his service.
The journey into George's past and his family troubles is no picnic, but neither is the task of finding Donny and defeating Deadlight Jack, especially when the energies that Jimmy knows best will be of little help so far from his cooler northwestern home. The real journey is still ahead as George is confronted with a past he cannot remember and a daughter who is still angry that George was never there for her.
In creating a world where two men of different backgrounds and cultures become so intimately entangled, Mark Onspaugh illuminates the good and the bad in his characters. The world George and Jimmy inhabit is as rich and complex as the Louisiana bayous where much of the action takes place. The cover of Deadlight Jack is a pleasant fantasy beside the horror and evil unleashed on an unsuspecting world going back centuries and rooted in the myths and legends of a much darker past than the average person realizes or is willing to see. All of the characters, from George's bitter eldest daughter to delightfully precocious Molly are revelations. Jimmy's shamanic heritage and George's amazing gifts are the heart of gold at the core of this dark and bloody tale of the world that marches beside the reality most people are willing and able to see. Strength and magic blossom in the most wonderful and unexpected ways. I cannot wait to read what else Onspaugh has written and has yet in store for the future of this mismatched and ultimately wonderful pair of modern wizards.
5 stars and I only with the scale went up to 10. A rich and satisfying journey that awakens an unforgettable magic in all of us to follow an unlikely pair of friends into the shadows where evil dwells.
George Watters lost his father in World War II and then very soon after lost his grandfather. That was when Deadlight Jack first appeared to lure 4-year-old Georgie Porgie pudding and pie away from his family and into the swamps of bayou. If not for George's grandfather, George would have been lost to his mother and brother to provide a tasty meal for Jack. George's mother and his aunt got in Jack's way and, with George's grandfather, drove Jack and his green and yellow will o' the wisp lights back into the shadows. Jack would not be held off forever, not with such a one as Georgie Porgie nearly within his grasp.
Seventy-year-old George Watters is a wise-cracking, smart-mouthed jokester given to teasing Jimmy Kalmaku with every Indian reference he can remember -- and George remembers a lot. For all the ribbing and jokes, George and Jimmy are close friends. They have already defeated the Faceless One who nearly destroyed a family and dragged Jimmy and George into the abyss for good measure. Jimmy has a wild talent and is a favorite of the Trickster, Raven of Tlingit legends. Being a favorite of the gods is a heavy burden to bear, one Jimmy is used to. George is no unwelcome passenger on the journey into the darkness and neither are strangers to the unseen world. George and Jimmy are friends and comrades in arms, though neither are ready for the journey that will lead them into George's forgotten and tumultuous family troubles when George's grandson, Donny, disappears while on a camping trip in Louisiana.
Jimmy prepares to visit his son's family to celebrate his granddaughter Molly's birthday in Boston when the calls come. Donny reaches out and shatters George's dreams with his terror and fear. Jimmy is visited by Dabo Muu, another messenger from the unseen world, in a vision that sends both friends far from their home on 152nd Street. When Jimmy calls Molly to explain he will not be there for her birthday, Molly tells her grandfather he will need to help George and that she will help as she can. Molly shares the wild talent with her grandfather, unknown to her parents, and Raven has also enlisted Molly in his service.
The journey into George's past and his family troubles is no picnic, but neither is the task of finding Donny and defeating Deadlight Jack, especially when the energies that Jimmy knows best will be of little help so far from his cooler northwestern home. The real journey is still ahead as George is confronted with a past he cannot remember and a daughter who is still angry that George was never there for her.
In creating a world where two men of different backgrounds and cultures become so intimately entangled, Mark Onspaugh illuminates the good and the bad in his characters. The world George and Jimmy inhabit is as rich and complex as the Louisiana bayous where much of the action takes place. The cover of Deadlight Jack is a pleasant fantasy beside the horror and evil unleashed on an unsuspecting world going back centuries and rooted in the myths and legends of a much darker past than the average person realizes or is willing to see. All of the characters, from George's bitter eldest daughter to delightfully precocious Molly are revelations. Jimmy's shamanic heritage and George's amazing gifts are the heart of gold at the core of this dark and bloody tale of the world that marches beside the reality most people are willing and able to see. Strength and magic blossom in the most wonderful and unexpected ways. I cannot wait to read what else Onspaugh has written and has yet in store for the future of this mismatched and ultimately wonderful pair of modern wizards.
5 stars and I only with the scale went up to 10. A rich and satisfying journey that awakens an unforgettable magic in all of us to follow an unlikely pair of friends into the shadows where evil dwells.
August 16, 2018
Deadlight Jack was a unique and interesting read. A trickster god wreaking havoc in the swamps of Louisiana. The setting lends itself to that gorgeous cover, it's one of the best self-pub covers I've ever seen.
I truly enjoyed George and Jimmy, two old men that met in a convalescent home back in book 1 and saved the world together. (I have not read book 1 and was able to follow the plot of book 2 just fine.) George is an irrespresible appreciator of women. Jimmy is a reluctant shaman. Both are heartbroken since the death of their wives.
Deadlight Jack is a usurper trying to transform himself from meddlesome Will'o'wisp trickster to god. He has been collecting children to bolster his power, and one of those children is George's grandson.
The book isn't as compelling as I would have liked it to be, there was very little urgency for me. I wasn't ever really worried about the grandson and that took away some of the excitement from the book.
The banter between George and Jimmy was highly entertaining. The descriptions were well-done and vibrant. There were some surprising plot additions to the story that I really enjoyed and helped to make the book really interesting.
I truly enjoyed George and Jimmy, two old men that met in a convalescent home back in book 1 and saved the world together. (I have not read book 1 and was able to follow the plot of book 2 just fine.) George is an irrespresible appreciator of women. Jimmy is a reluctant shaman. Both are heartbroken since the death of their wives.
Deadlight Jack is a usurper trying to transform himself from meddlesome Will'o'wisp trickster to god. He has been collecting children to bolster his power, and one of those children is George's grandson.
The book isn't as compelling as I would have liked it to be, there was very little urgency for me. I wasn't ever really worried about the grandson and that took away some of the excitement from the book.
The banter between George and Jimmy was highly entertaining. The descriptions were well-done and vibrant. There were some surprising plot additions to the story that I really enjoyed and helped to make the book really interesting.
November 4, 2016
This is not your normal horror novel - I'll never look at swamp lights the same.
This is a continuation of another novel by this author - but in the sense the protaganists are the same in both novels.
The author captures the sense of deep friendship that comes from shared troubles. The novel starts gently for a horror novel, but simultaneously ramps up the chills and fears that we bring from our childhoods.
The authors writing is consistent from start to finish with what rings for me as true research into the beliefs and mores of different cultures wrapped around family issues.
Don't read alone nor if you have young children (unless you have a strong constitution and lack of fear)!
A real good read!
This is a continuation of another novel by this author - but in the sense the protaganists are the same in both novels.
The author captures the sense of deep friendship that comes from shared troubles. The novel starts gently for a horror novel, but simultaneously ramps up the chills and fears that we bring from our childhoods.
The authors writing is consistent from start to finish with what rings for me as true research into the beliefs and mores of different cultures wrapped around family issues.
Don't read alone nor if you have young children (unless you have a strong constitution and lack of fear)!
A real good read!
January 1, 2018
Love those novels with Louisiana locations.
I really enjoyed the novel immensely. There's times I feel my ancestors must have originated from Louisiana,as I seem to be drawn to stories relating to this state. I Loved the constant banter between the two main characters jimmy and George . It provided not only a degree of humor at times ,but also a degree of reality to the story as a whole. I also loved the character who played the villain Deadlight Jack .The character seems like it could actually be a part of local legend connected to Louisiana. This book would indeed make a great movie.
I really enjoyed the novel immensely. There's times I feel my ancestors must have originated from Louisiana,as I seem to be drawn to stories relating to this state. I Loved the constant banter between the two main characters jimmy and George . It provided not only a degree of humor at times ,but also a degree of reality to the story as a whole. I also loved the character who played the villain Deadlight Jack .The character seems like it could actually be a part of local legend connected to Louisiana. This book would indeed make a great movie.
December 13, 2017
Pretty creepy.
A strange tour through the big swamp, where an evil spirit causes all sorts of misery to those who enter therein. The old guys, George and Jimmy, turn out to be the heroes, especially George. Jimmy, a Thlinget, gives him much support and encouragement. All the children add to the story.
A strange tour through the big swamp, where an evil spirit causes all sorts of misery to those who enter therein. The old guys, George and Jimmy, turn out to be the heroes, especially George. Jimmy, a Thlinget, gives him much support and encouragement. All the children add to the story.
June 16, 2017
Better than the first one even!
The writing and characters are great and the first book was a great read as well, waiting for the third to come out and will be enthusiastic to read it!
The writing and characters are great and the first book was a great read as well, waiting for the third to come out and will be enthusiastic to read it!
July 11, 2018
Quite an amazing read!
If you appreciate American Gods by Neil Gaiman, this may be just what you need.
Seemingly ordinary people who have extraordinary depths.
When is age "old" and when is it "timeless"?
Certainly not your everyday book. And I mean that in the most complimentary way.
If you appreciate American Gods by Neil Gaiman, this may be just what you need.
Seemingly ordinary people who have extraordinary depths.
When is age "old" and when is it "timeless"?
Certainly not your everyday book. And I mean that in the most complimentary way.
January 10, 2017
Review originally published at Book of Bogan.
Hans Christian Andersen meets the denizens of Swamp People in this dark, and disturbing pseudo-fairy tale set in the Louisiana bayou.
Deadlight Jack brings together a cast of interesting characters, drawn into a world beyond the one we ordinary folk see around us. The two main roguish protagonists access abilities, and insight which some might see as being magical. The men are set on a quest to rescue a child who has been taken by a devious, will-o-the-wisp cum pied piper who lures them into a deadly game deep within a swamp filled with horrors both ordinary and magical.
Among some of the strongest and most interesting characters in this book - apart from the two main retirement aged adults - are the children who are caught up in this horror. They are well-realised, and showed a great deal of power in their own right, while standing up to their captors. Aside from the main characters however, most of the other adults prove sort of useless - you would think if they were involved in a family where extraordinary things are sort of the norm, they might be more akin to it.
Re-told fairytales really aren't my thing, but this is a unique and interesting twist on old, but very familiar tales. I really enjoyed this book, and found that I was really engaged and sucked into this world that Onspaugh has created. While it feels like a bit of a one-shot, I think this is a well-crafted, rich environment that is itching to be explored again. The author does not lift all of their skirts - so to speak - leaving enough tantalising glimpses at a world filled with stories beyond those told in Deadlight Jack.
I think this book would appeal to readers with an interest in fairytale like stories, and older YA readers. There is nothing in here in here which is overly adult, but there is a certain level of horror that creeps into the story.
I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hans Christian Andersen meets the denizens of Swamp People in this dark, and disturbing pseudo-fairy tale set in the Louisiana bayou.
Deadlight Jack brings together a cast of interesting characters, drawn into a world beyond the one we ordinary folk see around us. The two main roguish protagonists access abilities, and insight which some might see as being magical. The men are set on a quest to rescue a child who has been taken by a devious, will-o-the-wisp cum pied piper who lures them into a deadly game deep within a swamp filled with horrors both ordinary and magical.
Among some of the strongest and most interesting characters in this book - apart from the two main retirement aged adults - are the children who are caught up in this horror. They are well-realised, and showed a great deal of power in their own right, while standing up to their captors. Aside from the main characters however, most of the other adults prove sort of useless - you would think if they were involved in a family where extraordinary things are sort of the norm, they might be more akin to it.
Re-told fairytales really aren't my thing, but this is a unique and interesting twist on old, but very familiar tales. I really enjoyed this book, and found that I was really engaged and sucked into this world that Onspaugh has created. While it feels like a bit of a one-shot, I think this is a well-crafted, rich environment that is itching to be explored again. The author does not lift all of their skirts - so to speak - leaving enough tantalising glimpses at a world filled with stories beyond those told in Deadlight Jack.
I think this book would appeal to readers with an interest in fairytale like stories, and older YA readers. There is nothing in here in here which is overly adult, but there is a certain level of horror that creeps into the story.
I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2017
What's not to love about two old guys that busted themselves out of the old folk's home and fight evil?
July 24, 2018
The second in what I like to call "The charming old codgers" series does not disappoint. Another interesting, creative little horror story.
October 26, 2018
Can't wait for more stories with Jimmy & George.
January 4, 2017
This is not a book to read at night.
Repeat.
This is not a book to read at night.
I generally don’t really creeped out by books but this one, well it creeped me out….big time. Take the cover for instance. The dude’s one orange eye and the salamander are creepy. Then add the swamp and the creepiness factor just goes up.
Now, this book starts off after the events of The Faceless One. Jimmy and George are living together, but not together if you know what I mean. After saving the world in the first book, they are expecting to be left alone and live out the rest of their lives together.
Life (and the Gods) have other plans.
Jimmy is visited by Dabo Muu, a giant albino alligator that tells Jimmy that he needs to get down to Louisiana. Actually, is was more of an order and Jimmy feels that there is more going on than what Dabo Muu is letting on.
George gets a phone call from one of his sons. His grandson, Donny, has gone missing while on a camping trip with his moms and older brother in Louisiana. He and Jimmy decide to head on down to help and offer Mel and her wife moral support while they search for Donny. George is haunted by something that happened when he was a child. Something that he blocked out. Something that could help his grandson….if he could remember what it was.
When George tells Jimmy that Donny is missing, Jimmy immediately cancels plans that were taking him to Boston to visit his son, daughter in law and granddaughter to go with George. During the flight down to LA, George tells Jimmy about his tragic past. All about his kids, his wife and the tragedies that happened. He warned Jimmy that his daughter, Delphine, will be there and it will not be pleasant when she finds out. Delphine is holding on to hurt and resentment from the past and she will make things very difficult for George.
And she does. She had to have been the most self-centered secondary character that I have ever read and I really wanted someone to put her in her place sooner than they did. I understand that she had issues with George but there is a time and a place for everything and to be a rude asshole to him and making an already tense situation even more tense wasn’t cool.
I loved how George had to come into his own during the book. He had to accept his past (read the book if you want to know what it was) in order to save his grandson and the other children.
I do wish that I had read the first book. That would have helped me connect with Jimmy a little more and would have helped me understand his character a little better. I would have loved to read more about shamanism and the indigenous people of Alaska.
The paranormal/horror aspect was fantastic. Like I said above, this is a book that you really shouldn’t read at night. Not only did it feature a swamp (which is creepy in its own right) but Professor Foxfire was a genuinely creepy. I mean, anyone who has tattoos that come alive and off their face has a special place in the creepy hall of fame. But add that he can make children into ghosts (want to know how….read the book) and he kidnaps even more kids to turn them into either food/more ghost children, he is vile.
The end of the book was great and I loved the showdown. I was expecting something to happen, just not on that scale. I also liked that the author set up for book 3.
How many stars will I give Deadlight Jack: 4
Why: I really liked this book. While it is a horror book, it also showcased how family can be forgiving (even if the person had years of hurt and resentment) and how family comes together in times of crisis.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Language and some pretty scary things on that island.
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
Repeat.
This is not a book to read at night.
I generally don’t really creeped out by books but this one, well it creeped me out….big time. Take the cover for instance. The dude’s one orange eye and the salamander are creepy. Then add the swamp and the creepiness factor just goes up.
Now, this book starts off after the events of The Faceless One. Jimmy and George are living together, but not together if you know what I mean. After saving the world in the first book, they are expecting to be left alone and live out the rest of their lives together.
Life (and the Gods) have other plans.
Jimmy is visited by Dabo Muu, a giant albino alligator that tells Jimmy that he needs to get down to Louisiana. Actually, is was more of an order and Jimmy feels that there is more going on than what Dabo Muu is letting on.
George gets a phone call from one of his sons. His grandson, Donny, has gone missing while on a camping trip with his moms and older brother in Louisiana. He and Jimmy decide to head on down to help and offer Mel and her wife moral support while they search for Donny. George is haunted by something that happened when he was a child. Something that he blocked out. Something that could help his grandson….if he could remember what it was.
When George tells Jimmy that Donny is missing, Jimmy immediately cancels plans that were taking him to Boston to visit his son, daughter in law and granddaughter to go with George. During the flight down to LA, George tells Jimmy about his tragic past. All about his kids, his wife and the tragedies that happened. He warned Jimmy that his daughter, Delphine, will be there and it will not be pleasant when she finds out. Delphine is holding on to hurt and resentment from the past and she will make things very difficult for George.
And she does. She had to have been the most self-centered secondary character that I have ever read and I really wanted someone to put her in her place sooner than they did. I understand that she had issues with George but there is a time and a place for everything and to be a rude asshole to him and making an already tense situation even more tense wasn’t cool.
I loved how George had to come into his own during the book. He had to accept his past (read the book if you want to know what it was) in order to save his grandson and the other children.
I do wish that I had read the first book. That would have helped me connect with Jimmy a little more and would have helped me understand his character a little better. I would have loved to read more about shamanism and the indigenous people of Alaska.
The paranormal/horror aspect was fantastic. Like I said above, this is a book that you really shouldn’t read at night. Not only did it feature a swamp (which is creepy in its own right) but Professor Foxfire was a genuinely creepy. I mean, anyone who has tattoos that come alive and off their face has a special place in the creepy hall of fame. But add that he can make children into ghosts (want to know how….read the book) and he kidnaps even more kids to turn them into either food/more ghost children, he is vile.
The end of the book was great and I loved the showdown. I was expecting something to happen, just not on that scale. I also liked that the author set up for book 3.
How many stars will I give Deadlight Jack: 4
Why: I really liked this book. While it is a horror book, it also showcased how family can be forgiving (even if the person had years of hurt and resentment) and how family comes together in times of crisis.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Language and some pretty scary things on that island.
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
October 13, 2016
Jimmy Kalmaku and George Watters are best friends, but neither one is the typical horror novel hero. They're both in their seventies, Jimmy is a Tlingit man from a small village in Alaska, and George is a black man from Georgia. They first met and became friends in a nursing home, in the previous book. I didn't actually realize that this was the second book in a series when I started reading it, but I had no problem following along.
Jimmy and George's quiet life is disrupted when George's grandson goes missing while hiking with his mothers in a Louisiana swamp (his parents are a lesbian couple, which was treated with such amazing nonchalance that I actually didn't notice the first few references and had to go back and check. I don't know if it was a bigger deal in the first book, but I loved how normal and unremarkable it was treated here). George is determined to save his grandchild, but he first has to deal with his estranged children and the lost memories of his own childhood. The boy turns out to have been called away by Deadlight Jack, aka Professor Foxfire, a monstrous creature who dresses like a circus ringmaster and has the face of whatever kindly man the onlooker prefers. He controls the will-o-the-wisps, the ghosts of alligators, and fire-setting salamanders. He lures away small children, leading them to wander the swamp until they fade away into ghosts hungry for blood and life. There's elements of real folklore here – bits and pieces of various urban legends – but combined into a new whole that made for a fantastic villain.
The writing reminded me a lot of Stephen King, as well as the way the supernatural horror reflected the characters' troubled relationships and internal struggles. My favorite part, however, was the friendship between George and Jimmy, which is absolutely adorable. Here they are after getting lost in the swamp:
He tried not to think about George hurt or worse, he just concentrated on looking for signs that the man had been this way. He couldn’t see anything, and wondered if he was going the wrong way. Should he rely on his intuition?
Please, if there is anyone to help me, please . . .
Jimmy cleared his mind, hoping for some revelation.
He heard something then. Something sad and yet wonderful.
George swearing.
He picked his way past a collection of cypress stumps, all ragged and looking like ancient fairy castles in the beam of his flashlight.
There was George, his pant leg snarled in a bramble.
“Goddammit,” he said.
“George,” Jimmy said, hoping not to startle him, but George jumped.
Jimmy came closer. “It’s me, it’s Jimmy.”
George squinted at the light. “Jimmy?”
Jimmy felt close to sobbing. “It’s me, old man.”
“Old? I’m not the one who sent love letters to Cleopatra,” said George, trying valiantly to put on a brave face, but Jimmy could tell he had been scared to death.
Jimmy helped George free himself. His clothes were torn and muddy and his hat was gone.
“You lost your hat,” Jimmy offered.
“Thank you, Mr. Holmes, did you bring Dr. Watson with you?”
“No, but I brought you some food and water . . . and a flashlight.”
George’s look of gratitude was so pitiful that Jimmy was sure he himself was going to start crying and embarrass George even more. Instead, he made a business of finding the sandwiches in his bag.
SO CUTE, RIGHT? Overall it wasn't the deepest or most stylistic of books, but I enjoyed its unusual characters and well-done horror. I'll be seeking out the first book in the series and looking forward to sequels in the future.
I read this as an ARC via NetGalley.
Jimmy and George's quiet life is disrupted when George's grandson goes missing while hiking with his mothers in a Louisiana swamp (his parents are a lesbian couple, which was treated with such amazing nonchalance that I actually didn't notice the first few references and had to go back and check. I don't know if it was a bigger deal in the first book, but I loved how normal and unremarkable it was treated here). George is determined to save his grandchild, but he first has to deal with his estranged children and the lost memories of his own childhood. The boy turns out to have been called away by Deadlight Jack, aka Professor Foxfire, a monstrous creature who dresses like a circus ringmaster and has the face of whatever kindly man the onlooker prefers. He controls the will-o-the-wisps, the ghosts of alligators, and fire-setting salamanders. He lures away small children, leading them to wander the swamp until they fade away into ghosts hungry for blood and life. There's elements of real folklore here – bits and pieces of various urban legends – but combined into a new whole that made for a fantastic villain.
The writing reminded me a lot of Stephen King, as well as the way the supernatural horror reflected the characters' troubled relationships and internal struggles. My favorite part, however, was the friendship between George and Jimmy, which is absolutely adorable. Here they are after getting lost in the swamp:
He tried not to think about George hurt or worse, he just concentrated on looking for signs that the man had been this way. He couldn’t see anything, and wondered if he was going the wrong way. Should he rely on his intuition?
Please, if there is anyone to help me, please . . .
Jimmy cleared his mind, hoping for some revelation.
He heard something then. Something sad and yet wonderful.
George swearing.
He picked his way past a collection of cypress stumps, all ragged and looking like ancient fairy castles in the beam of his flashlight.
There was George, his pant leg snarled in a bramble.
“Goddammit,” he said.
“George,” Jimmy said, hoping not to startle him, but George jumped.
Jimmy came closer. “It’s me, it’s Jimmy.”
George squinted at the light. “Jimmy?”
Jimmy felt close to sobbing. “It’s me, old man.”
“Old? I’m not the one who sent love letters to Cleopatra,” said George, trying valiantly to put on a brave face, but Jimmy could tell he had been scared to death.
Jimmy helped George free himself. His clothes were torn and muddy and his hat was gone.
“You lost your hat,” Jimmy offered.
“Thank you, Mr. Holmes, did you bring Dr. Watson with you?”
“No, but I brought you some food and water . . . and a flashlight.”
George’s look of gratitude was so pitiful that Jimmy was sure he himself was going to start crying and embarrass George even more. Instead, he made a business of finding the sandwiches in his bag.
SO CUTE, RIGHT? Overall it wasn't the deepest or most stylistic of books, but I enjoyed its unusual characters and well-done horror. I'll be seeking out the first book in the series and looking forward to sequels in the future.
I read this as an ARC via NetGalley.
March 11, 2017
I reviewed this book for NetGalley.
January 6, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will definitely be searching for the book The Faceless One to discover the previous adventures of Jimmy Kalmaku and George Watters in their battle against the paranormal. Truly frightening, the character of Professor Foxfire aka Deadlight Jack, aka ? is on a par with Leland Gaunt in King's Needful Things for evilness. The luring of children is a powerful theme, and I would not want to read this in the dark of night. Recommended.
I will definitely be searching for the book The Faceless One to discover the previous adventures of Jimmy Kalmaku and George Watters in their battle against the paranormal. Truly frightening, the character of Professor Foxfire aka Deadlight Jack, aka ? is on a par with Leland Gaunt in King's Needful Things for evilness. The luring of children is a powerful theme, and I would not want to read this in the dark of night. Recommended.
March 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It had great characters, a compelling story and had me hooked. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
February 18, 2017
It’s Louisiana in 1946 and little Georgie (age 5) had been told by his Grandpa not to go near the swamp at the bottom of the garden on his own; now Grandpa has died but in the night comes a knocking on his window and Grandpa is there with a man called Professor Foxfire, who claims to be a friend. However Professor Foxfire is no friend and wants to lure Georgie away through the window to join his band of ghost children living in the swamps; the ghost of Grandpa can’t help, but fortunately Georgie’s Mum and Grandmother hear the noise and rush into Georgie’s room and save him from Professor Foxfire . . . this time. It’s now present day in Washington State and an elderly George and his friend Jimmy, an Alaskan American Indian shaman, who have had experience in dealing with entities from the spirit world in The Faceless One (also by Mark Onspaugh), now have to join forces to battle with Deadlight Jack (Professor Foxfire) who has managed to lure away George’s grandson Donny Watters from a camping holiday near that same swamp back in Louisiana. This is an enthralling tale of good against evil and although you know the outcome will probably be alright you don’t know who is going to suffer what terrible misfortunes on the journey. I thoroughly enjoyed The Faceless One and this book was another great read; I am looking forward to further books from this author.
September 26, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is actually a sequel, hopefully second in a series - because it is fantastic. Even though it is a sequel I did not feel lost, but it also didn't give away so much about the first book as to spoil it. I'm actually going back to the first book now. (And can't wait for more!)
The characters and the supernatural powers are reminiscent of Stephen King. In fact, I think that main character George could be Dick Hallorann (character from The Shining) in an alternate life, and the powers that George and Jimmy have remind me of what Hallorann referred to as "shining".
George and Jimmy have a unique relationship. They are roommates who met in a retirement home and moved out together, after apparently saving the world in the first book, Onspaugh's The Faceless One. Jimmy is a former Shaman, and George has powers that he tries to ignore. Their banter is hilarious, but it is also clear they share a brotherly relationship and would do anything for each other. And when Deadlight Jack shows up, he tests them both to the ultimate limits.
The idea is that deities for various religions and cultures exist in another plane, and interact together with regard to humans. Deadlight Jack is magical and fantastical and horrible and creepy all at the same time. His character is very well-drawn. Though vile and cruel, Deadlight Jack has the power to appear handsome and friendly to people as the kind of person they would most trust. To children, he appears as a magician or a ringmaster luring them away from their homes and families to feed on the fear and grief he incites in them as they waste away. He commands animals, both living and dead, ghosts, and illusions. Deadlight Jack is truly terrifying.
I loved the interactions between Jimmy and George and the various spirits and entities that aid them on their way to save George's grandson from Jack.
The story kept me reading, non-stop. Based on the ending, I hope there are more adventures to come for Jimmy and George! I highly recommend this story to any fans of Stephen King, or Dean Koontz, and to fans of supernatural/fantasy fiction.
This book is actually a sequel, hopefully second in a series - because it is fantastic. Even though it is a sequel I did not feel lost, but it also didn't give away so much about the first book as to spoil it. I'm actually going back to the first book now. (And can't wait for more!)
The characters and the supernatural powers are reminiscent of Stephen King. In fact, I think that main character George could be Dick Hallorann (character from The Shining) in an alternate life, and the powers that George and Jimmy have remind me of what Hallorann referred to as "shining".
George and Jimmy have a unique relationship. They are roommates who met in a retirement home and moved out together, after apparently saving the world in the first book, Onspaugh's The Faceless One. Jimmy is a former Shaman, and George has powers that he tries to ignore. Their banter is hilarious, but it is also clear they share a brotherly relationship and would do anything for each other. And when Deadlight Jack shows up, he tests them both to the ultimate limits.
The idea is that deities for various religions and cultures exist in another plane, and interact together with regard to humans. Deadlight Jack is magical and fantastical and horrible and creepy all at the same time. His character is very well-drawn. Though vile and cruel, Deadlight Jack has the power to appear handsome and friendly to people as the kind of person they would most trust. To children, he appears as a magician or a ringmaster luring them away from their homes and families to feed on the fear and grief he incites in them as they waste away. He commands animals, both living and dead, ghosts, and illusions. Deadlight Jack is truly terrifying.
I loved the interactions between Jimmy and George and the various spirits and entities that aid them on their way to save George's grandson from Jack.
The story kept me reading, non-stop. Based on the ending, I hope there are more adventures to come for Jimmy and George! I highly recommend this story to any fans of Stephen King, or Dean Koontz, and to fans of supernatural/fantasy fiction.
December 31, 2017
Do you go camping? This story starts out with a family going camping . Donny is warned to not go into the swamp without notifying his mothers. Donny sees a light in the grounds outside his tent. When he carefully goes to the tent's opening, he sees kids playing and having fun. He decides to go out and join them. Deadlight Jack also know as Professor Foxfire kidnaps him. Why does Deadlight Jack want Donny?He has Donny walk through the swamp to Deadlight Jack's home. The home is not like any home you will ever see. When Donny is discovered missing, his Grandfather George and his friend Jimmy go to help find Donny. George's family is there with forest rangers and police searching for Donny. George will remember parts of his childhood he has completely forgotten. What has George forgotten? Jimmy is a Tlingit shaman who discovers his talents don't work as they should. Why?
The novel is a fantasy with horror and evil in it. Another aspect of the novel is the different backgrounds and cultures that George and Jimmy have experienced and how it contributes to what happens in the story. Jimmy's shaminic heritage and George's "gifts" add much to the novel. The story has a surprise that wasn't expected by me. The author did an excellent job writing about the swamp and myths. He has written a delightful horror novel.
The novel is a fantasy with horror and evil in it. Another aspect of the novel is the different backgrounds and cultures that George and Jimmy have experienced and how it contributes to what happens in the story. Jimmy's shaminic heritage and George's "gifts" add much to the novel. The story has a surprise that wasn't expected by me. The author did an excellent job writing about the swamp and myths. He has written a delightful horror novel.
January 3, 2017
George and Jimmy, old farts on another mission to save the world
Jimmy Kalmaku, the last shaman of the Tlingit Eskimo village of Yanut, Alaska, and George Watters, his African-American friend (both in their seventies), now live in their own small house in Lake Nisqually, Washington.
Their story first started in THE FACELESS ONE and they had both been shuffled off to a retirement home in it. If you haven't read this first book, you should. It's not absolutely necessary in understanding the happenings in DEADLIGHT JACK but it's a darned good story and adds to this second book with Jimmy and George.
George is more at the forefront of this tale, with him and Jimmy heading down to the Louisiana swamps near where George was born. They are there because George's grandson has gone missing and George's family has gathered waiting for news.
This book is full of the paranormal, like THE FACELESS ONE was, and author Onspaugh does an admirable job of building the suspense in the story plus filling in backstory.
I really like Onspaugh's writing style and these two old men. I hope to read more stories in the future with them as protagonists.
I received this book from Random House Publishing - Hydra through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Jimmy Kalmaku, the last shaman of the Tlingit Eskimo village of Yanut, Alaska, and George Watters, his African-American friend (both in their seventies), now live in their own small house in Lake Nisqually, Washington.
Their story first started in THE FACELESS ONE and they had both been shuffled off to a retirement home in it. If you haven't read this first book, you should. It's not absolutely necessary in understanding the happenings in DEADLIGHT JACK but it's a darned good story and adds to this second book with Jimmy and George.
George is more at the forefront of this tale, with him and Jimmy heading down to the Louisiana swamps near where George was born. They are there because George's grandson has gone missing and George's family has gathered waiting for news.
This book is full of the paranormal, like THE FACELESS ONE was, and author Onspaugh does an admirable job of building the suspense in the story plus filling in backstory.
I really like Onspaugh's writing style and these two old men. I hope to read more stories in the future with them as protagonists.
I received this book from Random House Publishing - Hydra through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
September 15, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting mix of humor, horror, family struggles, magic, and Native American mythology. Basically, a little boy goes missing, his family searches for him, and meets some very unsavory characters along the way. The protagonist, Deadlight Jack, truly is the stuff of nightmares. The author did a fantastic job building the gruesome, creepy world that he rules deep in the swamps of Louisiana. I also enjoyed the bantering back and forth between the two main characters. I was a little annoyed by how much the author harped on how much of a dirty, old man one of the character was. I just felt like it was a little overdone. Overall, for me, it took some time for the story to build. By the time a reader got to the climax, the story felt rushed. It took me a little bit to figure out that this was actually a sequel. However, I think one can read this as a standalone book. If you like twisted horror stories that take place deep in the bayou of Louisiana, then this is is a good one to consider picking up.
This was an interesting mix of humor, horror, family struggles, magic, and Native American mythology. Basically, a little boy goes missing, his family searches for him, and meets some very unsavory characters along the way. The protagonist, Deadlight Jack, truly is the stuff of nightmares. The author did a fantastic job building the gruesome, creepy world that he rules deep in the swamps of Louisiana. I also enjoyed the bantering back and forth between the two main characters. I was a little annoyed by how much the author harped on how much of a dirty, old man one of the character was. I just felt like it was a little overdone. Overall, for me, it took some time for the story to build. By the time a reader got to the climax, the story felt rushed. It took me a little bit to figure out that this was actually a sequel. However, I think one can read this as a standalone book. If you like twisted horror stories that take place deep in the bayou of Louisiana, then this is is a good one to consider picking up.
September 21, 2016
What struck me immediately in this novel, was that the bad guy, is truly bad. I love when an author can evoke terror in the first chapter of the book and keep that building until the end. I hate when an evil character seems one dimensional, and that was not the case here.
I love the older horror books from the 1970's and early 80's and this book had that feel. In this novel, one should be every bit as afraid of the things they cannot see as they should the things they can. I also liked the main characters and their oddball relationship. It was kind of reminiscent of Grumpy Old Men. I cared enough about the characters early on and found them interesting enough that I was eagerly turning pages to find out what happened next.
The author did an exemplary job of incorporating Southern charm and Native American folklore into his story, and the different threads combined to make a complex and interesting story. This was a lot of fun to read, and I think anyone who loves creepy horror will enjoy this.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I love the older horror books from the 1970's and early 80's and this book had that feel. In this novel, one should be every bit as afraid of the things they cannot see as they should the things they can. I also liked the main characters and their oddball relationship. It was kind of reminiscent of Grumpy Old Men. I cared enough about the characters early on and found them interesting enough that I was eagerly turning pages to find out what happened next.
The author did an exemplary job of incorporating Southern charm and Native American folklore into his story, and the different threads combined to make a complex and interesting story. This was a lot of fun to read, and I think anyone who loves creepy horror will enjoy this.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2016
I found this book to be extremely engaging. It was a little slow to start but I love the interaction between the two heroes. I adore the fact that they are not only seniors but also both are PoC. I also liked that both talk about issues that different PoC's face without it being an overwhelming part of the book. It really added depth to the characters and I found them both to be very relatable. I loved the story, I felt like this was a continuation from a previously written book about our two unlikely heroes.
I enjoyed that I did not have to read that previous book to engage with this book. It presented a very clear picture of a family in distress and I thought that all of the characters had good depth and backgrounds. I loved the myth that was surrounding the tale and I thought that the entire book was resolved nicely. It really picked up about 1/2 through the book and I literally couldn't put it down because I wanted to see what was going to happen to everyone.
I definitely recommend this as a good read!
This book was given to me by NetGalley, but the review and opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
I enjoyed that I did not have to read that previous book to engage with this book. It presented a very clear picture of a family in distress and I thought that all of the characters had good depth and backgrounds. I loved the myth that was surrounding the tale and I thought that the entire book was resolved nicely. It really picked up about 1/2 through the book and I literally couldn't put it down because I wanted to see what was going to happen to everyone.
I definitely recommend this as a good read!
This book was given to me by NetGalley, but the review and opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
January 23, 2017
This book was entertaining. It was a quick, easy read with characters whose company I enjoyed. That being said, the two main characters have a kind of "friend thing" where they trade off race related name calling & while I'm not addressing that issue from a PC standpoint per se... it mostly was like the only aspect of the story which felt clunky & it pulled me out of the story every single time which I kind of don't like. So I didn't realize this was a book in a series & I added the first book to my list but... I hope that's not the case in the first story as well because I might just let this storyline go if that's the case (& I guess I don't know why that shtick would pop-up in the 2nd book if it wasn't part of their relationship in the first ?) I assume it was an attempt to make the friendship quirky or something but I really don't think it was necessary... I liked the characters! I thought they were interesting. The creepy part was effectively creepy. I kind of want to visit with these gents again & see what their first escapades were all about. I just found the constant stream of Native American nicknames as teasing/jest to be a little annoying & really unnecessary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews