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The Claiming
It wasn’t her fault. It wasn’t Lizzy’s fault that she saw the cloaked people out in the yard. It wasn’t her fault that she was drawn by the moonlight to watch them as they advanced on the house. And it definitely wasn’t her fault when people began to die. Lizzy didn’t want the strange dreams where she saw how they were killed. Even her sister was starting to suspect her. It wasn’t fair because it wasn’t her fault. Lizzy was claimed.
- GenresHorrorFictionYoung Adult
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2015
124 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Ike Hamill
54 books189 followersIke Hamill writes fast-paced horror novels with strong, relatable characters. His books have gained a steady following amongst readers who enjoy his blend of sci-fi, paranormal, occult, and suspense. Whether focused on a small family trying to survive the move to a haunted house, or following a band of angry rebels determined to withstand an apocalypse, his stories draw the reader into the lives of real people in crisis. Readers are always sad to leave the characters behind when the book is finished.
Reviewers compare Ike to Dean Koontz and Stephen King—two of his favorite authors. His narrative often jumps between interwoven stories, presenting readers with a fresh perspective and keeping them guessing until the last chapter. Most of Ike’s readers are repeat customers. Pick up one of his books to learn why.
Reviewers compare Ike to Dean Koontz and Stephen King—two of his favorite authors. His narrative often jumps between interwoven stories, presenting readers with a fresh perspective and keeping them guessing until the last chapter. Most of Ike’s readers are repeat customers. Pick up one of his books to learn why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 11, 2015
***2.5 Stars***
After enjoying two other books by Hamill I was really looking forward to reading his latest but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations.
What I liked:
- The unique and interesting premise
- Well developed characters
- The cover
What I didn't like:
- The very predictable ending
- Editing issues
- The repeated use of several words, especially the word blush
I'm definitely in the minority because the ratings here on GR and on Amazon are mostly four and five stars. I guess it's a case of me and not the book.
*** Note: I received this as a free download for subscribing to the author Ike Hamill's newsletter.***
July 30, 2015
I purchased the book because of a one star "review" on Amazon by a coward who didn't even leave their name. This "Amazon Customer" was upset because the author didn't mention in the synopsis that the story centered around a family with two Moms... saying that it was distracting and detracted from the story. I hope Ike Hamill isn't discouraged by the one star review because as a result of that review, he made another sale!
I enjoyed The Claiming a great deal and didn't feel the unconventional family unit detracted at all. In fact, Hamill made the relationship between Maria and Leo so typical of a conventional marriage, theirs could be the poster child for the new Normal.
The story was very fast paced and I read it in one evening... something I only do with Stephen King books, btw... but if I had to say anything needs improvement, it would be that Hamill's editor needs to be more careful in the proof-reading phase. E.g. When they went out into the parking lot to get into the FAN. I'm fairly sure it was supposed to be VAN. This did cause me to backtrack a bit to be sure I didn't miss something, which interrupted the flow of a very tense scene unnecessarily... but it was a small instance in a very engaging book.
As a story teller...Ike Hamill gets my top marks!
I enjoyed The Claiming a great deal and didn't feel the unconventional family unit detracted at all. In fact, Hamill made the relationship between Maria and Leo so typical of a conventional marriage, theirs could be the poster child for the new Normal.
The story was very fast paced and I read it in one evening... something I only do with Stephen King books, btw... but if I had to say anything needs improvement, it would be that Hamill's editor needs to be more careful in the proof-reading phase. E.g. When they went out into the parking lot to get into the FAN. I'm fairly sure it was supposed to be VAN. This did cause me to backtrack a bit to be sure I didn't miss something, which interrupted the flow of a very tense scene unnecessarily... but it was a small instance in a very engaging book.
As a story teller...Ike Hamill gets my top marks!
September 16, 2022
Wow, just wow
It has been a long time since I have read a book that has pleased me as much as The Claiming has! I spent many nights reading when I should have been sleeping, telling myself 'Just one more chapter!' There were several parts where I had to check how much I had left in the book, thinking I was near the end, and was happy to discover I had a lot more book left! Too many times I get to an end of a book and think how much better it could have been and feeling like the author left part of the book out, but not so with this book! I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen! Thank you Ike Hamill for a great book!
It has been a long time since I have read a book that has pleased me as much as The Claiming has! I spent many nights reading when I should have been sleeping, telling myself 'Just one more chapter!' There were several parts where I had to check how much I had left in the book, thinking I was near the end, and was happy to discover I had a lot more book left! Too many times I get to an end of a book and think how much better it could have been and feeling like the author left part of the book out, but not so with this book! I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen! Thank you Ike Hamill for a great book!
dnf
July 14, 2021Read 10% and set aside.
It looks like I read(?) this in 2015. I sure don't remember it. None of the characters or setting seems familiar. This is probably not a good indication of it's merit. I like other books by Hamill.
It looks like I read(?) this in 2015. I sure don't remember it. None of the characters or setting seems familiar. This is probably not a good indication of it's merit. I like other books by Hamill.
March 2, 2017
Not a bad book by any stretch, and there's a lot to recommend it, especially the sympathetic depiction of loving, married lesbian parents at the center of it. For whatever reason it never quite grabbed me. In places where the writing should have been laden with foreboding, it just... wasn't. The elements of gothic horror and modern splatterpunk never quite gelled. And if at any point, you have a character known as Evil [Character Name], it's time to have a conversation with some editors.
That's a low star rating, but I think other people might enjoy this one, and I'd be willing to check out more of Hamill's work.
That's a low star rating, but I think other people might enjoy this one, and I'd be willing to check out more of Hamill's work.
June 3, 2016
This Author has been kind enough to email me a few of his books to review, and even though I was disappointed with the last book of his, I thought this was an excellent story and pretty creepy! It makes me want to stay away from cornfields!
May 24, 2020
Another great novel!
Once again, Hamill presents a spooky and unique story that will have you sitting up in anticipation and uneasiness, unable to predict which way the story will go. Superb writing (I only spotted one typo) and an awesome command of the written language, he presents flawless and true characters plus a believable storyline in the true vein of suspension of disbelief. I left the book wanting to know more, but very pleased with the ending. The ending stayed true with a good dose of creepy to keep me awake much longer than I wished. Any book that lingers with me is a keeper!
Once again, Hamill presents a spooky and unique story that will have you sitting up in anticipation and uneasiness, unable to predict which way the story will go. Superb writing (I only spotted one typo) and an awesome command of the written language, he presents flawless and true characters plus a believable storyline in the true vein of suspension of disbelief. I left the book wanting to know more, but very pleased with the ending. The ending stayed true with a good dose of creepy to keep me awake much longer than I wished. Any book that lingers with me is a keeper!
June 6, 2020
The Claiming
This book was done half way through. I got to 50% and told my wife that there is nothing else to read. I am really glad that the story continued and Ike Hamill decided there was more to tell. I had preconceived notions of how things would turn out, and I was right some of the time. The fact that this was very nearly two stories in one made me second guess my conclusions though. I really liked this book. It was complete. The author supposed that people would read the afterward because they hated the ending. I sincerely hope readers enjoy it for the great conclusion that it was.
This book was done half way through. I got to 50% and told my wife that there is nothing else to read. I am really glad that the story continued and Ike Hamill decided there was more to tell. I had preconceived notions of how things would turn out, and I was right some of the time. The fact that this was very nearly two stories in one made me second guess my conclusions though. I really liked this book. It was complete. The author supposed that people would read the afterward because they hated the ending. I sincerely hope readers enjoy it for the great conclusion that it was.
May 31, 2020
Another fantastic story from the prolific and brilliant mind of Mr Ike Hamill. Yet again, the characters are instantly likeable & the tale is compelling. Lizzy's family have moved to a large house on the edge of what seems to be an abandoned housing estate. What caused everyone to suddenly move, what is Lizzy afraid of and why do so many children disappear... a story on par with any by Stephen King or Dean Koonz. Highly recommend this book for all lovers of a scary tale.
February 27, 2022
The Claiming Will Claim Your Soul
This is a great story and the author has once again brought the characters to life and makes the reader think about the people and story and how the monsters came into being and how the characters are interacting with them. The author has a knack for coming up with new monsters that totally surprise you. Another great story from Mr. Hamill.
This is a great story and the author has once again brought the characters to life and makes the reader think about the people and story and how the monsters came into being and how the characters are interacting with them. The author has a knack for coming up with new monsters that totally surprise you. Another great story from Mr. Hamill.
May 26, 2021
Horror at its Best
A harrowing tale of horror. A families new home becomes an outlandish battle ground. Interesting characters and bold descriptions make a killer plot work. Well written.
A harrowing tale of horror. A families new home becomes an outlandish battle ground. Interesting characters and bold descriptions make a killer plot work. Well written.
December 24, 2022
This was a great book. I stayed up late every night reading. I have read several if Mr. Ha mills books and have not been disappointed. This book was unusual matter and the characters were so real. Very tense in parts which I love. Will keep reading his books.
September 18, 2017
Excellent
I loved this book. It's a fantastic story and not like anything else I have read. I would Highly recommend.
I loved this book. It's a fantastic story and not like anything else I have read. I would Highly recommend.
June 21, 2018
Hooked from first page.
Intriguing plot from beginning to end,and of course I did not want to put it down.Want to read more of.
Intriguing plot from beginning to end,and of course I did not want to put it down.Want to read more of.
February 1, 2020
An interesting book.
Needed a bit more editing snd clarification in some places, but a good story with good characters.
Needed a bit more editing snd clarification in some places, but a good story with good characters.
July 4, 2020
Realistic
The story was a horrific tell and very realistic . Loved it . Never boring, a page turner would recommend to anyone that doesn't mind a little blood and gour
The story was a horrific tell and very realistic . Loved it . Never boring, a page turner would recommend to anyone that doesn't mind a little blood and gour
July 20, 2025
Great read
This was a very interesting book. I really enjoyed it. The characters were well written and kept me interested. Really well written.
This was a very interesting book. I really enjoyed it. The characters were well written and kept me interested. Really well written.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
March 10, 2016
WHAT I LIKED:
Suspense Building
There are so many moments and scenes in this story that add to the tension and suspense. Some are involved in the major plot, while others have tension in and of themselves. You always know something terrible's about to happen, but of course there is no way for you to stop it. Instead, you're forced to sit back and watch, trembling, to see just how bad the events will turn out.
One thing that ties into this is the family of five being so likable. There are two "mothers," since the adults are a lesbian couple. The first mother brings a teenage boy, almost out of high school, and a little girl into the family. The second only brings a little girl. Like any family, there is internal strife building, and this causes more suspense as you wonder whether they will all stay together.
Writing Style
Ike Hamill's style of writing has been compared to both Stephen King and Dean Koontz, according to his Amazon Author's Page. I found this book much easier to read than King's, and I don't know about Koontz's because I haven't read his.
Because of this, it took me less than a week to read the book and I flew through it, enjoying it all the same. I'm thinking of reading more that Hamill writes whenever I get around to it, after I get through this Mark Edwards phase.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
Need for Weed
So to see the bad creatures (some kind of hood-wearing, humanoid things; I don't think it ever says exactly), they have to either be kids still and be "chosen," or they have to smoke bad marijuana. That doesn't make sense to me. Was there no other way -a more interesting way for the story- for the adults to see these creatures? Obviously, they had to see them. But did it have to be this way?
The world may never know.
Actually, you could email him if you want. I might email him. But maybe not. He's probably writing. I probably should be.
Bad Guys Inconsistencies
So, like I said, we never know what the bad guys are. That's perfectly fine with me. I don't really want to know.
They're described as wearing brown robes and kinda like humans. (see image above)
But I would like to know what they are capable of. At times, they're murdering, massacring maniacs that can take over people and kill by the dozens. But then at other time, they just stay in the shadows, try to take kids, and sometimes do absolutely nothing at all. Just seemed strange.
Nevertheless, you do not wanna meet these fools.
RANDOM THOUGHT TIME! *cue music*
Was this whole book a lesson in why smoking weed is bad?
If so, it probably didn't sell too well in Colorado. (<-- That's like a rap right there, ladies and gentlemen.)
BOTH GOOD AND BAD
Concept
Both?
BOTH?
Yeah, I'm kinda breaking my rules but I don't really care right now.
This part of it was good and bad. So there's a house for sale and a family moves in and bad things begin to happen to them, seemingly because of the house? Well, yeah. I've seen that before. A few times. A lot of times. Been there.
BUT those bad things are like people creatures in brown robes that take children at first and end up killing them later and sometimes taking them to an underground labyrinth of light? That's new. That's very very very very new. I think.
MY RATING: 8/10
This was a good book; a great story. It had wonderful twists and surprises and plenty of honestly scary scenes.
Read it!!!
Suspense Building
There are so many moments and scenes in this story that add to the tension and suspense. Some are involved in the major plot, while others have tension in and of themselves. You always know something terrible's about to happen, but of course there is no way for you to stop it. Instead, you're forced to sit back and watch, trembling, to see just how bad the events will turn out.
One thing that ties into this is the family of five being so likable. There are two "mothers," since the adults are a lesbian couple. The first mother brings a teenage boy, almost out of high school, and a little girl into the family. The second only brings a little girl. Like any family, there is internal strife building, and this causes more suspense as you wonder whether they will all stay together.
Writing Style
Ike Hamill's style of writing has been compared to both Stephen King and Dean Koontz, according to his Amazon Author's Page. I found this book much easier to read than King's, and I don't know about Koontz's because I haven't read his.
Because of this, it took me less than a week to read the book and I flew through it, enjoying it all the same. I'm thinking of reading more that Hamill writes whenever I get around to it, after I get through this Mark Edwards phase.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
Need for Weed
So to see the bad creatures (some kind of hood-wearing, humanoid things; I don't think it ever says exactly), they have to either be kids still and be "chosen," or they have to smoke bad marijuana. That doesn't make sense to me. Was there no other way -a more interesting way for the story- for the adults to see these creatures? Obviously, they had to see them. But did it have to be this way?
The world may never know.
Actually, you could email him if you want. I might email him. But maybe not. He's probably writing. I probably should be.
Bad Guys Inconsistencies
So, like I said, we never know what the bad guys are. That's perfectly fine with me. I don't really want to know.
They're described as wearing brown robes and kinda like humans. (see image above)
But I would like to know what they are capable of. At times, they're murdering, massacring maniacs that can take over people and kill by the dozens. But then at other time, they just stay in the shadows, try to take kids, and sometimes do absolutely nothing at all. Just seemed strange.
Nevertheless, you do not wanna meet these fools.
RANDOM THOUGHT TIME! *cue music*
Was this whole book a lesson in why smoking weed is bad?
If so, it probably didn't sell too well in Colorado. (<-- That's like a rap right there, ladies and gentlemen.)
BOTH GOOD AND BAD
Concept
Both?
BOTH?
Yeah, I'm kinda breaking my rules but I don't really care right now.
This part of it was good and bad. So there's a house for sale and a family moves in and bad things begin to happen to them, seemingly because of the house? Well, yeah. I've seen that before. A few times. A lot of times. Been there.
BUT those bad things are like people creatures in brown robes that take children at first and end up killing them later and sometimes taking them to an underground labyrinth of light? That's new. That's very very very very new. I think.
MY RATING: 8/10
This was a good book; a great story. It had wonderful twists and surprises and plenty of honestly scary scenes.
Read it!!!
February 3, 2016
I love this book. It was just the sort of creeping horror that I was looking forward to. The characters in particular are quite good–they had fully-developed personalities, they changed in response to the events of the story, and I cared about what happened to them.
There were some surprises. Obviously I’m not going to go into them here or they wouldn’t be surprises. I will say that I did not get bored reading this book–I continually looked forward to what happened next.
The pacing was fantastic; even one four-year jump in the story didn’t trip me up. Tense chases and horrifying events blended well with smaller, calmer interludes, leading up to a great climax.
I had trouble putting The Claiming down to do other things, and I immediately decided to read another Ike Hamill book next. I’m in a definite horror-reading mode this week and I’ve been trying out various authors’ work. Of the handful of authors I’ve tried so far, Hamill’s the only author who has made me want to go out and read his other works.
Original review can be found on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/01/r...
There were some surprises. Obviously I’m not going to go into them here or they wouldn’t be surprises. I will say that I did not get bored reading this book–I continually looked forward to what happened next.
The pacing was fantastic; even one four-year jump in the story didn’t trip me up. Tense chases and horrifying events blended well with smaller, calmer interludes, leading up to a great climax.
I had trouble putting The Claiming down to do other things, and I immediately decided to read another Ike Hamill book next. I’m in a definite horror-reading mode this week and I’ve been trying out various authors’ work. Of the handful of authors I’ve tried so far, Hamill’s the only author who has made me want to go out and read his other works.
Original review can be found on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/01/r...
February 2, 2017
3.5 stars. I am torn about this book. On the surface, it's a pretty great, relatively original horror novel about a family of two moms, two young daughters and a teenage boy who move into a new house in an abandoned neighborhood with the intention of flipping it. The youngest daughter begins to see hooded figures outside and is eventually "claimed". However, what I liked about the plot was slightly overshadowed by my distaste for the writing style. It seemed at times both over-edited and under-edited, with a few noticeable errors but also at times not enough exposition to set the scenes properly.
June 26, 2015
This is my new favorite Ike Hamill novel! The story grabbed my attention right away with a tragic accident and then held it the entire novel. It was difficult to stop reading. Strange things are happening in a mostly abandoned neighborhood and one woman will stop at nothing to find her missing daughter. I enjoyed that the story is told from so many several characters points of view. The novel could use a little bit better editing in a few places, but it is not a distraction to the story. I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes original horror.
June 26, 2016
Slow beginning
It was very hard to stay focused on the story for the first third of the book. Once the tempo picked up, my interest goaded me into focusing more onto the storyline and this, in turn, kept me so interested that I found it difficult to put the book down. The ending was abrupt but reasonable. I definitely do not believe that this is Mr. Hamilton's best work to date. If you are new to his novels, I suggest you read another novel for your foray into his work.
It was very hard to stay focused on the story for the first third of the book. Once the tempo picked up, my interest goaded me into focusing more onto the storyline and this, in turn, kept me so interested that I found it difficult to put the book down. The ending was abrupt but reasonable. I definitely do not believe that this is Mr. Hamilton's best work to date. If you are new to his novels, I suggest you read another novel for your foray into his work.
September 1, 2015
Unique writing
This book was definitely unique abs different from day books I have ever read. The characters were real and intense and creepy. The story flowed effortlessly. I couldn't put it down. Great book!!!!
This book was definitely unique abs different from day books I have ever read. The characters were real and intense and creepy. The story flowed effortlessly. I couldn't put it down. Great book!!!!
May 13, 2016
Another great story
I find that I just can't put Ikes' stories down once I've begun them. This book is another example of that. You just need to know what is about to happen and you really feel the characters.
I find that I just can't put Ikes' stories down once I've begun them. This book is another example of that. You just need to know what is about to happen and you really feel the characters.
August 16, 2015
Amazing
This book started out a bit slow but really picks up. It isn't a cliche and has some very interesting concepts. The multiple viewpoints used are done very well.
This book started out a bit slow but really picks up. It isn't a cliche and has some very interesting concepts. The multiple viewpoints used are done very well.
September 4, 2015
A real page Turner!
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the first page and never turned back. Ike Hamil will definitely become a bigger part of my library!
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the first page and never turned back. Ike Hamil will definitely become a bigger part of my library!
October 13, 2015
Very creepy read
I was looking for a creepy book and I found one in this. A page Turner that kept me reading long into the night.
I was looking for a creepy book and I found one in this. A page Turner that kept me reading long into the night.
December 24, 2015
This was edge of your seat GOOD!!!I loved the suspense of it!!Wish they would make it into a movie!!
February 7, 2016
I'm a big fan of Ike Hamill!!. Some of his books are better than others but they are all worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews