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Point Pleasant
There’s something in the woods of Point Pleasant, West Virginia…
Ben Wisehart grew up in the idyllic town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. An early encounter with the supernatural shaped his worldview and served as the catalyst for his career as a bestselling horror writer.
Ben left Point Pleasant at the age of twenty. Thirteen years after abandoning his home, he returns to the town to investigate the apparent reemergence of the terrifying creature responsible for his childhood nightmares.
In Point Pleasant, Ben is confronted not only by the town’s resident monster, the Mothman, but also by his former best friend, Sheriff Nicholas Nolan.
Together, Ben and Nicholas uncover the mystery of the monster in the woods and discover that the ghosts that haunt us are sometimes made of flesh and blood.
And sometimes, they lead us home.
An illustrated edition of the novel is also available.
Ben Wisehart grew up in the idyllic town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. An early encounter with the supernatural shaped his worldview and served as the catalyst for his career as a bestselling horror writer.
Ben left Point Pleasant at the age of twenty. Thirteen years after abandoning his home, he returns to the town to investigate the apparent reemergence of the terrifying creature responsible for his childhood nightmares.
In Point Pleasant, Ben is confronted not only by the town’s resident monster, the Mothman, but also by his former best friend, Sheriff Nicholas Nolan.
Together, Ben and Nicholas uncover the mystery of the monster in the woods and discover that the ghosts that haunt us are sometimes made of flesh and blood.
And sometimes, they lead us home.
An illustrated edition of the novel is also available.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2013
65 people are currently reading
1848 people want to read
About the author
Jen Archer Wood
2 books105 followersJen Archer Wood is a writer. She makes great pancakes too.
She is an admirer of the southern gothic tradition, American urban legends, and the scent of rain on rusty screen doors.
She is an admirer of the southern gothic tradition, American urban legends, and the scent of rain on rusty screen doors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
October 21, 2022
There are only a few certain things I’ve found in this world that I’ve grown to love profoundly. One of them is Point Pleasant.
In this small mysterious town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia—the one that’s still trying to show up on the maps—were born Ben Wisehart and Nicolas Nolan on the very same day. The two boys become best friends throughout their childhood and ultimately become like brothers by the age of twenty.
The story starts off in the middle of a hauntingly suspenseful action flashback with the twelve-year-old version of these boys, until it cuts back to Ben’s present day narration. Ben is now a thirty-three-year old famous horror writer living in Boston under the pseudonym of Preston James. After some thinking, Ben decides to return to his roots, back to the home he last saw on his rearview mirror thirteen years ago.
Only, the town that is “mighty pleased to have you” does not immediately welcome Ben Wisehart back so easily. Ben runs into trouble with the new big, badass bully of a sheriff. But the cops are the least of Ben’s problems when he digs deeper into the legendary monster that has been making a home in Point Pleasant longer than Ben imagines.
Point Pleasant does not only offer skin crinkling goose-bumps, but it also highlights present-day issues. With themes of rejection, loss, fear, friendship, rage, hate and love, the characters all feel very real. Another one of my favorite features is the history of the town because a quick Google search will tell you that there is truth in this fictitious story. But the author creates something completely brilliant and different from the old myth.
This novel took me on a ride of self-exploration that made the whole experience feel so real, and that’s why it’s so special to me. I keep wondering if the concept of a home exists for me, and most importantly, if I will ever find it. I envision myself on a bus, reading Point Pleasant for the hundredth time, on my way home, wherever that may be. I find comfort in the story, in the characters I love so much, in the magnificent details.
And I think to myself, Point Pleasant is my temporary home.
In this small mysterious town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia—the one that’s still trying to show up on the maps—were born Ben Wisehart and Nicolas Nolan on the very same day. The two boys become best friends throughout their childhood and ultimately become like brothers by the age of twenty.
The story starts off in the middle of a hauntingly suspenseful action flashback with the twelve-year-old version of these boys, until it cuts back to Ben’s present day narration. Ben is now a thirty-three-year old famous horror writer living in Boston under the pseudonym of Preston James. After some thinking, Ben decides to return to his roots, back to the home he last saw on his rearview mirror thirteen years ago.
Only, the town that is “mighty pleased to have you” does not immediately welcome Ben Wisehart back so easily. Ben runs into trouble with the new big, badass bully of a sheriff. But the cops are the least of Ben’s problems when he digs deeper into the legendary monster that has been making a home in Point Pleasant longer than Ben imagines.
Point Pleasant does not only offer skin crinkling goose-bumps, but it also highlights present-day issues. With themes of rejection, loss, fear, friendship, rage, hate and love, the characters all feel very real. Another one of my favorite features is the history of the town because a quick Google search will tell you that there is truth in this fictitious story. But the author creates something completely brilliant and different from the old myth.
This novel took me on a ride of self-exploration that made the whole experience feel so real, and that’s why it’s so special to me. I keep wondering if the concept of a home exists for me, and most importantly, if I will ever find it. I envision myself on a bus, reading Point Pleasant for the hundredth time, on my way home, wherever that may be. I find comfort in the story, in the characters I love so much, in the magnificent details.
And I think to myself, Point Pleasant is my temporary home.
November 14, 2023
Re-read 11/14/23
**Edited to add: this book deals with loss and there is a loss of family members. I deal with grief and anxiety and I was ok reading this but it can bring up emotions.**
I first read this book years ago and I loved it. I have often thought of this story and its characters and have wanted to reread it eventually. Lately I have been in a book slump, nothing is enjoyable anymore and I love to read. I want to enjoy a book again, I’m almost bereft when I’m not enjoying what I’m reading. These characters popped into my head about 2 days before I decided to pick this up again and see if it was as good as I remembered.
This story is underrated, this author doesn’t seem to have any other books out. I don’t know why because she is an amazing author. This story once again sucked me in from its first page. It’s creepy with the legend of the mothman in the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia but it’s also a story about love, friendship, family, and finding your true sense of home.
Ben Wisehart is the main character and the book is told in his POV. He grew up in Point Pleasant hearing of the tales of the creature that haunted the woods around the town. Him and his best friend, Nicholas Nolan, are 11 when they decide to sneak out and find this creature. What happens is something that will haunt Ben and shape his life.
In the midst of the horror story is a love story. Ben fell in love with his best friend Nic but left town at the age of 20 when Nic got engaged to a woman. Ben had his heart broken after confessing his love to Nic and was rejected. Thirteen years later, Ben returns to Point Pleasant. In this time he has become a writer with three successful books. He also has a complicated relationship with his father. When he comes back to Point Pleasant he hopes to find inspiration for his next book and starts looking into the legend of the Mothman.
What I forgot about this story was that the Mothman is not what he seems and the evil that this town lives under is more than Ben realized. He gets thrown into helping this town amid tragedy. Nicholas is now the town sheriff and they have tons of baggage to go through. I am very happy I read this again because I didn’t remember that this book had so many layers. I remembered it as more of a love story with a creepy factor but it is so much more. I don’t want to say anything else because it’ll ruin everything about the book.
I did think the last few chapters dragged a bit but they were necessary for the story to come full circle.
**Edited to add: this book deals with loss and there is a loss of family members. I deal with grief and anxiety and I was ok reading this but it can bring up emotions.**
I first read this book years ago and I loved it. I have often thought of this story and its characters and have wanted to reread it eventually. Lately I have been in a book slump, nothing is enjoyable anymore and I love to read. I want to enjoy a book again, I’m almost bereft when I’m not enjoying what I’m reading. These characters popped into my head about 2 days before I decided to pick this up again and see if it was as good as I remembered.
This story is underrated, this author doesn’t seem to have any other books out. I don’t know why because she is an amazing author. This story once again sucked me in from its first page. It’s creepy with the legend of the mothman in the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia but it’s also a story about love, friendship, family, and finding your true sense of home.
Ben Wisehart is the main character and the book is told in his POV. He grew up in Point Pleasant hearing of the tales of the creature that haunted the woods around the town. Him and his best friend, Nicholas Nolan, are 11 when they decide to sneak out and find this creature. What happens is something that will haunt Ben and shape his life.
In the midst of the horror story is a love story. Ben fell in love with his best friend Nic but left town at the age of 20 when Nic got engaged to a woman. Ben had his heart broken after confessing his love to Nic and was rejected. Thirteen years later, Ben returns to Point Pleasant. In this time he has become a writer with three successful books. He also has a complicated relationship with his father. When he comes back to Point Pleasant he hopes to find inspiration for his next book and starts looking into the legend of the Mothman.
What I forgot about this story was that the Mothman is not what he seems and the evil that this town lives under is more than Ben realized. He gets thrown into helping this town amid tragedy. Nicholas is now the town sheriff and they have tons of baggage to go through. I am very happy I read this again because I didn’t remember that this book had so many layers. I remembered it as more of a love story with a creepy factor but it is so much more. I don’t want to say anything else because it’ll ruin everything about the book.
I did think the last few chapters dragged a bit but they were necessary for the story to come full circle.
August 26, 2016
Point Pleasant is a story about Ben Wisehart, about the ways people cope with loss and heartbreak, and the ways in which they can heal from both. Beautifully integrated into the exploration of Ben is the story of the monster in the woods, how living next to such a terrifying creature morphed the whole town of Point Pleasant, and Ben’s personal confrontation of his own terrifying childhood experience with the creature.
This doesn’t fall perfectly into the horror genre or the romance genre, Point Pleasant is a novel that embraces the marriage of different genres to bring together a whole story, a story about life. Life, that can be both terrifying and heartwarming, but the living will always keep moving. Jen Wood does an excellent job at bringing her characters to life by giving the reader three dimensional people who love one another, but love still has to be worked for when there is so much pain and humanity between them. The core of this story is about the humanity both in the ‘mundane’ areas of love and forgiveness, and the humanity in the supernatural.
This story is for you if you want to read a well written exploration of the ways in which people live through pain, loss, horrific events, and still have the heart to be hopeful and keep trying for happiness on the other side.
This doesn’t fall perfectly into the horror genre or the romance genre, Point Pleasant is a novel that embraces the marriage of different genres to bring together a whole story, a story about life. Life, that can be both terrifying and heartwarming, but the living will always keep moving. Jen Wood does an excellent job at bringing her characters to life by giving the reader three dimensional people who love one another, but love still has to be worked for when there is so much pain and humanity between them. The core of this story is about the humanity both in the ‘mundane’ areas of love and forgiveness, and the humanity in the supernatural.
This story is for you if you want to read a well written exploration of the ways in which people live through pain, loss, horrific events, and still have the heart to be hopeful and keep trying for happiness on the other side.
September 11, 2013
There are books we pick up, get bored of and put down again. There are books we read to the end and forget about immediately. There are books we read, enjoy, and then shelf to gather dust, and there are books we pick up and can't put down, we read them over and over again and get more out of every single time, and they stick with us, because we just can't stop thinking about them as we go about our lives.
For me, that book is Point Pleasant. The first time I read it, I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to finish it so that I could read it again. It was just one of those books. It's classed as a horror novel, with elements of romance interwoven with the monster lore and spooks that I've come to love in my reading material, but I honestly have no idea what I would really class this as. More than anything, it's a story about Ben Wisehart, with the monster in the woods and Ben's relationships with his family the rest of the characters all being different factors that are part of his life. In that way, the story seemed a lot more personal than any other book I've read in this genre. Ben is a very three-dimensional character whose strengths and flaws are all laid bare and treated in a very believable manner. He is a very real person, and seeing the story of Point Pleasant unfold from his perspective adds a degree of emotional connection to both the story and to the other characters.
In terms of plot progression and writing style, all I can say is that every once in a while I'd be finding myself reading a particular line and having to put the book down and appreciate just how well the words making up the book are put together.
All in all, an utterly brilliant novel by an incredibly talented writer. I heartily recommend anyone considering reading it to do so. You won't be disappointed.
For me, that book is Point Pleasant. The first time I read it, I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to finish it so that I could read it again. It was just one of those books. It's classed as a horror novel, with elements of romance interwoven with the monster lore and spooks that I've come to love in my reading material, but I honestly have no idea what I would really class this as. More than anything, it's a story about Ben Wisehart, with the monster in the woods and Ben's relationships with his family the rest of the characters all being different factors that are part of his life. In that way, the story seemed a lot more personal than any other book I've read in this genre. Ben is a very three-dimensional character whose strengths and flaws are all laid bare and treated in a very believable manner. He is a very real person, and seeing the story of Point Pleasant unfold from his perspective adds a degree of emotional connection to both the story and to the other characters.
In terms of plot progression and writing style, all I can say is that every once in a while I'd be finding myself reading a particular line and having to put the book down and appreciate just how well the words making up the book are put together.
All in all, an utterly brilliant novel by an incredibly talented writer. I heartily recommend anyone considering reading it to do so. You won't be disappointed.
June 14, 2014
3.5 stars
Point Pleasant revolves around two best friends, Ben Wisehart and Nicolas Nolan, who grew up in the southern and secluded town of Point Pleasant. At age 20 Ben leaves to embark on his career as a fiction writer, and 13 years later he returns to investigate the local myth of the horrifying mothman that terrifies the town. Upon his arrival he renews the friendships he left behind, especially with Nicolas, the man he had once fallen in love with when he was just a boy.
Originally a fan fiction, Point Pleasant reads like a mix of Supernatural, M/M romance, and paranormal fantasy. I appreciated Wood's incorporation of all the different plot elements: a horror story, a renewed love interest, a suspicious and hostile town, and angry fallen angels. The images by Svetlana Fictionalfriend helped me visualize more of the setting and the foes Ben and Nicolas faced, bringing more life to an already creepy tale.
None of the individual elements within the book impressed me, though. The main plot with the mothman dragged at times. Ben and Nicolas's relationship, while sweet, felt repetitive and a little stilted in its development. While Wood hits some of Ben's relationships right, like his feud with his father, I wanted an even more wholesome blend of every aspect of Point Pleasant.
Overall I would recommend this book to those searching for a M/M romance with a supernatural feel. Not my favorite book, though it is a unique one.
Point Pleasant revolves around two best friends, Ben Wisehart and Nicolas Nolan, who grew up in the southern and secluded town of Point Pleasant. At age 20 Ben leaves to embark on his career as a fiction writer, and 13 years later he returns to investigate the local myth of the horrifying mothman that terrifies the town. Upon his arrival he renews the friendships he left behind, especially with Nicolas, the man he had once fallen in love with when he was just a boy.
Originally a fan fiction, Point Pleasant reads like a mix of Supernatural, M/M romance, and paranormal fantasy. I appreciated Wood's incorporation of all the different plot elements: a horror story, a renewed love interest, a suspicious and hostile town, and angry fallen angels. The images by Svetlana Fictionalfriend helped me visualize more of the setting and the foes Ben and Nicolas faced, bringing more life to an already creepy tale.
None of the individual elements within the book impressed me, though. The main plot with the mothman dragged at times. Ben and Nicolas's relationship, while sweet, felt repetitive and a little stilted in its development. While Wood hits some of Ben's relationships right, like his feud with his father, I wanted an even more wholesome blend of every aspect of Point Pleasant.
Overall I would recommend this book to those searching for a M/M romance with a supernatural feel. Not my favorite book, though it is a unique one.
January 17, 2020
4.25 Stars
Well, other than two dropped plot threads (why the angel's sword didn't react to Marietta like he thought it would and the case against the skeevy lawyer) this was really good and I'm hoping there will be another installment someday to wrap it up.
Gripping. Scary at times and when the PNR aspect was resolved with almost 20% more book to read, I thought some other shit was gonna hit the fan. But that remainder was filled with closure and was super angsty-romantic.
It's funny that while I was reading this it sort of brought to mind the My Brother's Keeper series, and when I finished I noticed that series was suggested reading material!
Well, other than two dropped plot threads (why the angel's sword didn't react to Marietta like he thought it would and the case against the skeevy lawyer) this was really good and I'm hoping there will be another installment someday to wrap it up.
Gripping. Scary at times and when the PNR aspect was resolved with almost 20% more book to read, I thought some other shit was gonna hit the fan. But that remainder was filled with closure and was super angsty-romantic.
It's funny that while I was reading this it sort of brought to mind the My Brother's Keeper series, and when I finished I noticed that series was suggested reading material!
June 21, 2019
I read this because I remember it being a deancas fic back in the day and I wanted to see how the published version differed. It definitely sent chills up my spine and I loved the romance (pining... it's the good stuff). But it was a shade too long (at least for me) and I think it got a little too out there too fast. I still really enjoyed it and I kinda love how much SPN made it into the final product.
October 19, 2013
I enjoyed this. I read most of it today, in one sitting, though I can't say I was completely enraptured the whole time -- but I was determined to finish this book after starting it weeks ago and not continuing to read it.
I was a big fan of the original fan fiction, and I have to say that that diminished the amount of enjoyment I had for reading this piece on its own. I knew who the characters were "supposed" to be, I knew how the plot developed, I knew when the sex happened. I think I rushed through to get to the parts I knew I really liked.
I wasn't a huge fan of the plot in the original fic, but it seemed to be clunkier in the novel. The writing, too, could definitely have used some work -- it just seemed too wordy in many places. The development of Ben and Nic's relationship was incredibly frustrating, very stop-and-start, and their problems and fights were incredibly repetitive. I understand that their problems couldn't be fixed in the week and a half that this story takes place over, but it did make for a somewhat unrealistic relationship.
That being said, there were a lot of things to enjoy about this book. I loved how Ben's relationship with his father was written and dealt with, as well as the memory of his mother. My favorite part of the whole story was the last section, which took place after the main plot of the story and instead focused completely on the characters themselves, without much of the supernatural. I really enjoyed Kate's character -- it was a lovely alteration from the original fic, and I loved how the relationship between her and Ben was written. The scenes with Nic's family were lovely as well.
The ending was awkward, I felt, as I've always thought it was strange to end a story with a sex scene. I would have really liked for the story to continue through Ben's move from Boston and his official arrival in Point Pleasant as a resident.
All in all, I wasn't as impressed with this work as I thought I would be. However, this book has its strong points. The art is gorgeous and a lovely accompaniment to the story. I also got the color companion and the pictures are absolutely stunning -- I wish they were in color in the novel too!
I was a big fan of the original fan fiction, and I have to say that that diminished the amount of enjoyment I had for reading this piece on its own. I knew who the characters were "supposed" to be, I knew how the plot developed, I knew when the sex happened. I think I rushed through to get to the parts I knew I really liked.
I wasn't a huge fan of the plot in the original fic, but it seemed to be clunkier in the novel. The writing, too, could definitely have used some work -- it just seemed too wordy in many places. The development of Ben and Nic's relationship was incredibly frustrating, very stop-and-start, and their problems and fights were incredibly repetitive. I understand that their problems couldn't be fixed in the week and a half that this story takes place over, but it did make for a somewhat unrealistic relationship.
That being said, there were a lot of things to enjoy about this book. I loved how Ben's relationship with his father was written and dealt with, as well as the memory of his mother. My favorite part of the whole story was the last section, which took place after the main plot of the story and instead focused completely on the characters themselves, without much of the supernatural. I really enjoyed Kate's character -- it was a lovely alteration from the original fic, and I loved how the relationship between her and Ben was written. The scenes with Nic's family were lovely as well.
The ending was awkward, I felt, as I've always thought it was strange to end a story with a sex scene. I would have really liked for the story to continue through Ben's move from Boston and his official arrival in Point Pleasant as a resident.
All in all, I wasn't as impressed with this work as I thought I would be. However, this book has its strong points. The art is gorgeous and a lovely accompaniment to the story. I also got the color companion and the pictures are absolutely stunning -- I wish they were in color in the novel too!
January 13, 2024
This book left me with a really pleasant (see what I did there...) Supernatural nostalgia feeling all over, I could see the characters and places before me and the illustrations are beautiful! In my opinion it needs heavy editing, maybe 30% less volume and restructuring.
September 10, 2013
The short version: I loved it! :D
Point Pleasant is about a man, Ben Wisehart, a writer who decides to return home, to visit his father and to get to the bottom of the Mothman myth he grew up with. Ben and his best friend Nicholas Nolan saw the beast when they where just kids, so he knows the story to be true. And now there has been alot of reports of sightings of the Mothman. So Ben tries to figure out how to stop this monster and how to save the town from death and destruction. (And I really liked the twist and personal flavor Jen Archer Wood put on the actual Mothman myth.)
It is a horror story, but it's so much more than that. A story about love, rejection, friendship, family, loss and belonging. The portrayal of the characters are amazing, relateable and with alot of depth.
I really enjoyed how Jen handled the love story of the novel. That the relationship had it's ups and downs, felt very real, and was not used as a price at the end of the book. That the story had a great flow, the horror and the romance was mixed togheter nicely and kept my interest piqued at all times.
I'm also really greatful that Jen chose to write about a bisexual protagonist, there are way too few out there at this point. And also that she didn't make a big deal out of it, treated it just like any other protagonist, no matter what sexual orientation.
I definatly see a bright future for Jen Archer Wood, and I'm looking forward to her coming books! Also, a shout out to Svetlana for the amazing artwork, I'm speechless, the pictures she made for the book really captured the essence of the story.
As soon as I finished the book I immediately wanted to return to the Point Pleasant universe. So, Thank you, Jen for creating this beautiful place for us to visit.
"We're Mighty Pleased to Have You."
Point Pleasant is about a man, Ben Wisehart, a writer who decides to return home, to visit his father and to get to the bottom of the Mothman myth he grew up with. Ben and his best friend Nicholas Nolan saw the beast when they where just kids, so he knows the story to be true. And now there has been alot of reports of sightings of the Mothman. So Ben tries to figure out how to stop this monster and how to save the town from death and destruction. (And I really liked the twist and personal flavor Jen Archer Wood put on the actual Mothman myth.)
It is a horror story, but it's so much more than that. A story about love, rejection, friendship, family, loss and belonging. The portrayal of the characters are amazing, relateable and with alot of depth.
I really enjoyed how Jen handled the love story of the novel. That the relationship had it's ups and downs, felt very real, and was not used as a price at the end of the book. That the story had a great flow, the horror and the romance was mixed togheter nicely and kept my interest piqued at all times.
I'm also really greatful that Jen chose to write about a bisexual protagonist, there are way too few out there at this point. And also that she didn't make a big deal out of it, treated it just like any other protagonist, no matter what sexual orientation.
I definatly see a bright future for Jen Archer Wood, and I'm looking forward to her coming books! Also, a shout out to Svetlana for the amazing artwork, I'm speechless, the pictures she made for the book really captured the essence of the story.
As soon as I finished the book I immediately wanted to return to the Point Pleasant universe. So, Thank you, Jen for creating this beautiful place for us to visit.
"We're Mighty Pleased to Have You."
September 6, 2013
From the first word to the last, I was completely hooked on this story. It's so fulfilling, so gratifying, so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.. It scared me, it brought tears to my eyes, it made me squeal with joy.. And I completely fell in love with the characters. I fell in love with the way they love each other, and it's the most beautiful, precious bond between two people I've ever seen, despite the years they spent apart, despite the differences those years caused on their characters, they fight, struggle and try to find their way back to each other. And it's written SO beautifully. The story has such deep, strong emotions, heartbreaking, affecting moments, lovable, amazing, strong, sexy and badass characters, very scary monsters and terrifying events, and among all of those things, the most beautiful love story I've ever read.
Point Pleasant, without a doubt, became one of my favorite books ever, and I'll be looking forward to more stories from Jen Archer Wood, whose style is impressive and extraordinary, whose words flow beautifully on the pages of the book and right into your heart, and you find yourself surrendered to the love between two beautiful characters you end up loving deeply, to the horrors hiding in the darkness of the woods, and everything else she has masterfully crafted in her inspiring, remarkable story.
Point Pleasant, without a doubt, became one of my favorite books ever, and I'll be looking forward to more stories from Jen Archer Wood, whose style is impressive and extraordinary, whose words flow beautifully on the pages of the book and right into your heart, and you find yourself surrendered to the love between two beautiful characters you end up loving deeply, to the horrors hiding in the darkness of the woods, and everything else she has masterfully crafted in her inspiring, remarkable story.
February 29, 2016
4.5 STARS
OK so this is not in the novel at all, but a quick background on eyewitness reports. Review is at the end. sorry re: typo's, so tired
This novel was excellent, I think I loved it so much because they took one of my favourite, real life unexplained phenomena (conspiracy theory as the Govt. like to say, to make people look like fool's, I'm also not into conspiracy theory's either but this was a very interesting occurrence), which I personally find extremely interesting because it's creepy as all fuck and still remains unexplained and heavily documented.
It occurred in West Virgina from 1966-67, a massive semi humanoid being, with gigantic wings that looked like an 8 foot tall bat with glowing red eyes. It was labeled the Mothman. It terrorised the citizens of Point Pleasant WV, and a "very small" amount of people "supposedly died" by it's hand, some died by just catching a glimpse of this creature or from receiving bizarre phone calls after seeing it. Not to mention all the livestock that vanished during this time.
Others were left with burnt eye balls or eye infections. Most people were caught at night while driving in their cars. It could fly faster than the car too and made no noise as it never flapped it's wings either, they were either extended or not. TV and radio's would turn to static, some people were plagued with constant phone calls that were just screeching or static or if they were really luck they'd get a nasty message.
The township was then gagged, as people who reported it to the police received very disturbing visits from The Men in Black (yes this is serious if you can believe it) to keep their mouths shut, so it was kept pretty quite for a very long time. Terrified locals who were too scared to tell anyone they'd seen it also got scary visit's too, They talked years later. A lot of UFO activity was supposedly out of control during this time period too.
There is a book and movie called the Mothman Prophecies. The book is non-fiction/documentary like in nature where as the movie from 2002 is based on events that happened during that time and even though they're nothing alike I loved the movie, it scared the crap out of me and the book is just fantastical as the crap the author went thru was so freaky, I found that even scarier, but he was by no means the only one documenting it.
QUICK REVIEW
So from this information above, Jen Archer Wood has hardly touched upon what really happened at all but used it to create her fictional story around it, almost making it a Mothman AU fanfic of sorts. I think she built up a great story, making it an excellent contemporary horror/thriller. It's not everyone's cup of tea but it kept me engaged throughout.
I personally had one small problem though, I felt like it either needed to be either edited down OR have other or new topics explored more where you noticed the filler. It's fickle of me and it doest happen often but it was annoying at times when it did happen.
The clashes between the MC's were quite nasty too, which I felt made those chapters very real. It was actually like listening to a couple having a really nasty verbal fight. It was very well done and from what I can gather it looks like her first published novel, if that's so then extra kudos for the excellent writing that makes rapport between the MC bi-polar at times due to their history for not seeing or speak to each other for over 10 years. The dialogue is so volatile at times but the humour and fun to balance it out with fast paced wit is great and fun to read too.
OK so this is not in the novel at all, but a quick background on eyewitness reports. Review is at the end. sorry re: typo's, so tired
This novel was excellent, I think I loved it so much because they took one of my favourite, real life unexplained phenomena (conspiracy theory as the Govt. like to say, to make people look like fool's, I'm also not into conspiracy theory's either but this was a very interesting occurrence), which I personally find extremely interesting because it's creepy as all fuck and still remains unexplained and heavily documented.
It occurred in West Virgina from 1966-67, a massive semi humanoid being, with gigantic wings that looked like an 8 foot tall bat with glowing red eyes. It was labeled the Mothman. It terrorised the citizens of Point Pleasant WV, and a "very small" amount of people "supposedly died" by it's hand, some died by just catching a glimpse of this creature or from receiving bizarre phone calls after seeing it. Not to mention all the livestock that vanished during this time.
Others were left with burnt eye balls or eye infections. Most people were caught at night while driving in their cars. It could fly faster than the car too and made no noise as it never flapped it's wings either, they were either extended or not. TV and radio's would turn to static, some people were plagued with constant phone calls that were just screeching or static or if they were really luck they'd get a nasty message.
The township was then gagged, as people who reported it to the police received very disturbing visits from The Men in Black (yes this is serious if you can believe it) to keep their mouths shut, so it was kept pretty quite for a very long time. Terrified locals who were too scared to tell anyone they'd seen it also got scary visit's too, They talked years later. A lot of UFO activity was supposedly out of control during this time period too.
There is a book and movie called the Mothman Prophecies. The book is non-fiction/documentary like in nature where as the movie from 2002 is based on events that happened during that time and even though they're nothing alike I loved the movie, it scared the crap out of me and the book is just fantastical as the crap the author went thru was so freaky, I found that even scarier, but he was by no means the only one documenting it.
QUICK REVIEW
So from this information above, Jen Archer Wood has hardly touched upon what really happened at all but used it to create her fictional story around it, almost making it a Mothman AU fanfic of sorts. I think she built up a great story, making it an excellent contemporary horror/thriller. It's not everyone's cup of tea but it kept me engaged throughout.
I personally had one small problem though, I felt like it either needed to be either edited down OR have other or new topics explored more where you noticed the filler. It's fickle of me and it doest happen often but it was annoying at times when it did happen.
The clashes between the MC's were quite nasty too, which I felt made those chapters very real. It was actually like listening to a couple having a really nasty verbal fight. It was very well done and from what I can gather it looks like her first published novel, if that's so then extra kudos for the excellent writing that makes rapport between the MC bi-polar at times due to their history for not seeing or speak to each other for over 10 years. The dialogue is so volatile at times but the humour and fun to balance it out with fast paced wit is great and fun to read too.
February 28, 2016
3.5 stars, rounded up...
When I first started reading Point Pleasant, I was 90% sure it was going to end up on my favorites shelf and I'd be rereading it time and time again. It just had that feel that I look for when I start a book and I instantly know I'm going to love it.
Everything I like in a novel was here, but the elements didn't fit together in a way that worked for me. I was super intrigued by the plot and Nick and Ben's childhood friendship(I was reading more to see how the plot developed than the romance, even!), but then I felt that it got a bit over complicated and started to drag on...even though it was interesting, I thought it was a bit tiresome and repetitive...I feel like the middle of the book could've been seriously cut down in length without losing the interest of the plot.
Same thing with Ben and Nick's romance...everything started out great, and I was rooting for them! I liked how the author portrayed Ben's heartache (I really felt for 20 year old Ben), and it was truly moving and pulled at my heartstrings. But because the romance was on the back-burner (obviously, with what was going on in the town...can't be thinking about doing the dirty at a time like that!) for most of the middle of the book, by the time Ben and Nick can really focus on their relationship, it just felt lack-luster and repetitive...like they had they same argument over and over, and just went in circles. I wish there had been a deeper development there, especially with everything these two had been through...
So I guess, overall, I liked Point Pleasant, but I was left feeling a bit let down because I could have loved it. The story had romance, interesting characters, and an intriguing plot, but felt a bit unbalanced to me. Maybe one day I'll reread and feel differently...
When I first started reading Point Pleasant, I was 90% sure it was going to end up on my favorites shelf and I'd be rereading it time and time again. It just had that feel that I look for when I start a book and I instantly know I'm going to love it.
Everything I like in a novel was here, but the elements didn't fit together in a way that worked for me. I was super intrigued by the plot and Nick and Ben's childhood friendship(I was reading more to see how the plot developed than the romance, even!), but then I felt that it got a bit over complicated and started to drag on...even though it was interesting, I thought it was a bit tiresome and repetitive...I feel like the middle of the book could've been seriously cut down in length without losing the interest of the plot.
Same thing with Ben and Nick's romance...everything started out great, and I was rooting for them! I liked how the author portrayed Ben's heartache (I really felt for 20 year old Ben), and it was truly moving and pulled at my heartstrings. But because the romance was on the back-burner (obviously, with what was going on in the town...can't be thinking about doing the dirty at a time like that!) for most of the middle of the book, by the time Ben and Nick can really focus on their relationship, it just felt lack-luster and repetitive...like they had they same argument over and over, and just went in circles. I wish there had been a deeper development there, especially with everything these two had been through...
So I guess, overall, I liked Point Pleasant, but I was left feeling a bit let down because I could have loved it. The story had romance, interesting characters, and an intriguing plot, but felt a bit unbalanced to me. Maybe one day I'll reread and feel differently...
September 6, 2013
Point Pleasant is one of the best books I've read, for a variety of reasons that are hard to really pin down. The setting is what hooked me from the start - a story within the horror genre, set in the South? Small towns with big secrets? Town locals fighting evil? All things that guaranteed almost immediately that I would like the book. But then Point Pleasant surprised me and exceeded my already high expectations. The character development is perfect, these are not perfect characters and they're not supposed to be - which only makes you love them more. The narrative tone is beautiful; while reading you are constantly catapulted back and forth across a wide range of emotion. Perhaps "catapult" is the wrong word because it implies that the change is fast, or jarring, when it is the opposite. Point Pleasant's narrative builds and twists and turns in a motion that only matches the feeling of the town itself - slow and fast all at once. It's as if I crawled down into the deepest darkest place possible, where that bitter twang of nostalgia grabs at you, but then slowly something pulled me back up into hope and relief. Somewhere in the middle there is danger, and darkness (but also light), and victory, and by the time you reach the end you feel like you've lived a whole other life, which is really all I want from my novels. BUY THIS BOOK, devour it, let it devour you.
July 4, 2023
This book took me by surprise. I’m absolutely obsessed. I heard of this as a supernatural fan fiction and I’m definitely a supernatural girly ! Expectation we’re met then raised by 1000. All the little supernatural Easter eggs were so fun and I think it’s time for a good rewatch. Also it can be draw as not just a supernatural fanfic but just a really good urban legend in a small town that ends up being so bigger than everyone thought. I definitely got lost in Ben story he had true struggles and the way he expression himself and factors every little thing into his head can definitely be relatable especially when going through so much lost. The creature in this book that definitely freaked me out I ended up having a nightmare about the demon at one point. This book! I could honestly go on forever. I can wait to buy the illustrated edition
July 22, 2017
Phenomenal Read
Anyone who enjoys reading Mothman fiction is in for a great read with Point Pleasant. The author takes the legend of Mothman and puts a uniquely interesting spin on it. The plot really moves along at lightning speed. Ben and Nick's relationship was multi-layered and the feeling of family, and small town roots shines through. One will easily be drawn into the tiny town of Point Pleasant and become connected to the cast of characters within the pages of the story. Truly a book that held my attention from beginning to end.
Another great book provided by my kindle unlimited subscription.
Anyone who enjoys reading Mothman fiction is in for a great read with Point Pleasant. The author takes the legend of Mothman and puts a uniquely interesting spin on it. The plot really moves along at lightning speed. Ben and Nick's relationship was multi-layered and the feeling of family, and small town roots shines through. One will easily be drawn into the tiny town of Point Pleasant and become connected to the cast of characters within the pages of the story. Truly a book that held my attention from beginning to end.
Another great book provided by my kindle unlimited subscription.
March 31, 2024
“I hated you for leaving,” he whispered. “But then I hated me because it was my fault you left.”
What you’ll get:
Mothman (maybe)
Writer x Sheriff
Angels & Demons
Second Chance Romance
Childhood friends to lovers
Grief
TW/CW: Gore, typical mothman stuff: kidnapping, animal deaths, death of a parent
Setting: West Virginia & Massachusetts
Gotta love a book that starts with two kids sneaking out and getting immediately chased by the Mothman in the middle of the night. I loved that we just hopped right into it.
Ben is stumped with his writing and heads back to his hometown to get a change of pace. He almost immediately runs into his estranged best friend, Nicholas. Ben and Nicholas were best friends since birth in this small town they grew up in. Did everything together until we jump to the future and it turns out that they haven’t seen or spoken to each other in 13 years after they have the worlds most awkward reunion.
Ben is a horror writer and starts asking questions about all of the animals that have gone missing and ends up out in the woods having a yell off with the Mothman as one does. Nicholas is now the town Sheriff and is completely exasperated that Ben is out kicking the bushes and pissing off their town’s least kept secret.
The angst was so good. We find out just why they haven’t spoken and who missed who when they were apart. I am trash for a good emotional punch once in awhile and when Nicholas had a well worn copy of Ben’s book (about him!) that Ben wrote under a pen name, I knew it was a matter of when not if with them.
This is essentially Supernatural fanfiction with different names and I don’t care at all about that. I enjoyed this very much and am sad to see that the author doesn’t seem to have finished the other stories in the progress bar on her website. If she’s writing under a different pen name, TELL ME. If she’s not because all of her social media stuff seems to have stopped abruptly ten years ago, please don’t tell me.
What you’ll get:
Mothman (maybe)
Writer x Sheriff
Angels & Demons
Second Chance Romance
Childhood friends to lovers
Grief
TW/CW: Gore, typical mothman stuff: kidnapping, animal deaths, death of a parent
Setting: West Virginia & Massachusetts
Gotta love a book that starts with two kids sneaking out and getting immediately chased by the Mothman in the middle of the night. I loved that we just hopped right into it.
Ben is stumped with his writing and heads back to his hometown to get a change of pace. He almost immediately runs into his estranged best friend, Nicholas. Ben and Nicholas were best friends since birth in this small town they grew up in. Did everything together until we jump to the future and it turns out that they haven’t seen or spoken to each other in 13 years after they have the worlds most awkward reunion.
Ben is a horror writer and starts asking questions about all of the animals that have gone missing and ends up out in the woods having a yell off with the Mothman as one does. Nicholas is now the town Sheriff and is completely exasperated that Ben is out kicking the bushes and pissing off their town’s least kept secret.
The angst was so good. We find out just why they haven’t spoken and who missed who when they were apart. I am trash for a good emotional punch once in awhile and when Nicholas had a well worn copy of Ben’s book (about him!) that Ben wrote under a pen name, I knew it was a matter of when not if with them.
This is essentially Supernatural fanfiction with different names and I don’t care at all about that. I enjoyed this very much and am sad to see that the author doesn’t seem to have finished the other stories in the progress bar on her website. If she’s writing under a different pen name, TELL ME. If she’s not because all of her social media stuff seems to have stopped abruptly ten years ago, please don’t tell me.
September 9, 2023
3.5*
I never read the fan fiction this story is based on back in the day. However I still imagined the characters in this book as characters from Supernatural. And this story made me so nostalgic, excited and wanting to stay up all night to finish it. I had troubles imagining Nic as Cas and around halfway though the book when Raziel appears I thought maybe this is the real love story now but no…
It lost a few stars because it is just waaaaay too long and I got really annoyed with Ben and Nic fighting all the time. Also everything that happens after they banish Azazel was just kind of boring.
I never read the fan fiction this story is based on back in the day. However I still imagined the characters in this book as characters from Supernatural. And this story made me so nostalgic, excited and wanting to stay up all night to finish it. I had troubles imagining Nic as Cas and around halfway though the book when Raziel appears I thought maybe this is the real love story now but no…
It lost a few stars because it is just waaaaay too long and I got really annoyed with Ben and Nic fighting all the time. Also everything that happens after they banish Azazel was just kind of boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2021
I don’t know, I was excited to read this because gay horror. I will say, I understand that the author poured their blood, sweat and tears into this and you can tell. Point Pleasant started off as a web series on tumblr and it still amazes me that if someone sticks with their ideas and has the patience and effort ( and money I’m guessing ) they can turn it into a physical novel.
That being said this was a THICK novel and at some point toward the middle I stopped caring about the moth man and I just wanted to skip around to read the gay sex between Officer Nic and Ben. So that’s exactly what I did. And I don’t regret it.
That being said this was a THICK novel and at some point toward the middle I stopped caring about the moth man and I just wanted to skip around to read the gay sex between Officer Nic and Ben. So that’s exactly what I did. And I don’t regret it.
October 11, 2021
3.5 stars. The plot is really interesting with a very Supernatural feel. Well thought out and great world building. I really enjoyed the characters and the southern gothic feel.
To me, the book could have used a strong editor to rein in some verbose descriptions and keep it more focused on the plot and characters. There were points where I felt like I had to push through the writing to get to the story.
To me, the book could have used a strong editor to rein in some verbose descriptions and keep it more focused on the plot and characters. There were points where I felt like I had to push through the writing to get to the story.
April 26, 2025
Very much enjoyed the "mothman" investigation and the angelic exorcism that it evolved into (gave me OG Supernatural vibes), but I felt the story start to drag by the end. The writting style was quick and detached, which made for great action and investigation scenes but took the fun out of ths romance portions. By the end, I was so ready for it to be over that I barely cared about the sentimental exploration of the main couple, which is usually my FAVORITE part of a romance.
Best way to summarize it: not bad but not good
Best way to summarize it: not bad but not good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
I ❤️ the Mothman
October 23, 2016
*2016 reread*
This has been a year of re-reads for me. I've re-read a few of my favorite books, and I found new things to love. However, I was absolutely not expecting to re-read Point Pleasant so soon. I read it last year, around this time of the year, and I did not enjoy it very much. I will leave that old review here because it's interesting how things change.
I have always been fond of this story. I became friends with the author through the story, which only made me love it more. I saw it transition in its many different formats, and become what it is now. I firmly believe this is a good story, though of course is not perfect.
Last year when I re-read it, I was determined to love it again. But that did not happen. Issues kept popping up with the characters and the plot, and I questioned why I had ever loved it so much. I went into it expecting a masterpiece because I had put it on such a high pedestal before. But this time, I bought the e-book, even though I do own a hard copy, and I just read through it. I wanted to read about the mysterious town of Point Pleasant, since I'm so fascinated by it in real life, that I just went back to this story. I skimmed over the parts I didn't want to read, and I read what I did want to read. And I found it to be incredibly satisfying.
I adored Ben and Nic again. I loved all the characters, the mystery of the Mothman, the wonderful atmosphere in the setting. There were still issues, but I wasn't here to judge it, I was here to get back that feeling that only this book gives me. And it did not disappoint. So, I just wanted to update my review and say that I still fucking love this book. Yes, it was originally fanfiction. So what? It's beautiful. It's heartfelt. It's worth the read, or in my case, the many many re-reads.
*reread 2015.*
You know the old saying of "too much of a good thing can be a bad thing"? Well, this is my living proof.
When I found Point Pleasant in 2012 on the internet, I was completely enthralled in the beautifully written, captivating narrative, and overall wonderfulness of the story. I didn't think anything would ever top this. So what did I do? I read it. Again. And again. And again, just for good measure. Then this beauty became a book, even better than what it started off as. And I read and loved it again.
I have a playlist in my phone with 94 songs that remind me only of Point Pleasant and there are always new songs added. It's my favorite playlist. And every time I listen to the amazing songs, I think of the characters I loved, and their heartbreaking stories. I think of home, I think of Jen (the author of this beloved book who I befriended through the discovery of her novel), I think of a personal experience that I hold close to heart that's similar to the one in this book.
Unfortunately, this reread left me so disappointed. I could almost hear the book speaking to me, after all our journeys together. And it was not happy with me.
And it was painful for me to keep reading it. I was sad. I felt heartless. I felt like an emotionless robot. I could not connect with any of the characters. The story that had impacted once so much made me feel numb throughout. I wanted to throw the book at my wall and never pick it up again. But I pushed myself to read, and I finished it.
Now, I hate saying all of this. I hate it. And I can just feel Point Pleasant frowning at me, with an arched eyebrow (am I right?) wondering what it did wrong.
And I do apologize, but I can't read you anymore. Not for a long, long time.
It's not you, Point Pleasant, it's me. I changed. I read so many things after you, and I grew up. I will always hold you in a special place in my heart. I won't ever forget you. I will keep your songs. I will relive you through them. But for now, this is goodbye.
This is how I will try to remember this book that has influenced me in so many ways. With this quote:
This has been a year of re-reads for me. I've re-read a few of my favorite books, and I found new things to love. However, I was absolutely not expecting to re-read Point Pleasant so soon. I read it last year, around this time of the year, and I did not enjoy it very much. I will leave that old review here because it's interesting how things change.
I have always been fond of this story. I became friends with the author through the story, which only made me love it more. I saw it transition in its many different formats, and become what it is now. I firmly believe this is a good story, though of course is not perfect.
Last year when I re-read it, I was determined to love it again. But that did not happen. Issues kept popping up with the characters and the plot, and I questioned why I had ever loved it so much. I went into it expecting a masterpiece because I had put it on such a high pedestal before. But this time, I bought the e-book, even though I do own a hard copy, and I just read through it. I wanted to read about the mysterious town of Point Pleasant, since I'm so fascinated by it in real life, that I just went back to this story. I skimmed over the parts I didn't want to read, and I read what I did want to read. And I found it to be incredibly satisfying.
I adored Ben and Nic again. I loved all the characters, the mystery of the Mothman, the wonderful atmosphere in the setting. There were still issues, but I wasn't here to judge it, I was here to get back that feeling that only this book gives me. And it did not disappoint. So, I just wanted to update my review and say that I still fucking love this book. Yes, it was originally fanfiction. So what? It's beautiful. It's heartfelt. It's worth the read, or in my case, the many many re-reads.
*reread 2015.*
You know the old saying of "too much of a good thing can be a bad thing"? Well, this is my living proof.
When I found Point Pleasant in 2012 on the internet, I was completely enthralled in the beautifully written, captivating narrative, and overall wonderfulness of the story. I didn't think anything would ever top this. So what did I do? I read it. Again. And again. And again, just for good measure. Then this beauty became a book, even better than what it started off as. And I read and loved it again.
I have a playlist in my phone with 94 songs that remind me only of Point Pleasant and there are always new songs added. It's my favorite playlist. And every time I listen to the amazing songs, I think of the characters I loved, and their heartbreaking stories. I think of home, I think of Jen (the author of this beloved book who I befriended through the discovery of her novel), I think of a personal experience that I hold close to heart that's similar to the one in this book.
Unfortunately, this reread left me so disappointed. I could almost hear the book speaking to me, after all our journeys together. And it was not happy with me.
And it was painful for me to keep reading it. I was sad. I felt heartless. I felt like an emotionless robot. I could not connect with any of the characters. The story that had impacted once so much made me feel numb throughout. I wanted to throw the book at my wall and never pick it up again. But I pushed myself to read, and I finished it.
Now, I hate saying all of this. I hate it. And I can just feel Point Pleasant frowning at me, with an arched eyebrow (am I right?) wondering what it did wrong.
And I do apologize, but I can't read you anymore. Not for a long, long time.
It's not you, Point Pleasant, it's me. I changed. I read so many things after you, and I grew up. I will always hold you in a special place in my heart. I won't ever forget you. I will keep your songs. I will relive you through them. But for now, this is goodbye.
This is how I will try to remember this book that has influenced me in so many ways. With this quote:
"Home was not simply a place, of course. Home was where people wanted you, where they were happy you were there, where they greeted you like a long lost friend."
April 19, 2022
3.5 not enough mothman.
September 6, 2013
Prior to reading this novel I had not actually read the FanFiction it originally began as. Exactly why that is am I not so sure of, I knew it was an incredible piece of fiction and I knew it had a lot of positive feedback, maybe it just for me seemed that even from the beginning this was more of an original piece of literature with characters who shared names and personalities with two characters from the show than it was a piece of simple FanFiction.
So when the author offered up a pre-read of the e-book to volunteers I decided that that would be a good time to finally read the story and see if I agreed with what hundreds of people already had said.
The two first chapters were not overly exciting and did not leave me trembling on my chair. Instead, they focused on building up the characters, the universe and giving us background information. We got to know the main characters and we got to know that there were a monster in the woods. It was absolutely not boring and thinking about it now, after I have read everything, I think the author made a smart decision to dedicate these two chapter to build up the story and then the rest more plot-wise.
In the third chapter however, things suddenly became a lot more interesting. There were a sudden unexpected turn plot-wise and suddenly the story wasn't as straight forward as it had seemed to be in the beginning. We got less info about the characters and more action building on the info given in the two previous chapters. All in all this is where the novel really became exciting for my part.
The fourth chapter where pretty much a continuation of the third. Things became later and at quite a few chapter it felt like all hope was lost both with dealing with the monster AND the emotional storyline for those poor main characters.
The third and fourth chapter where definitely the ones with the most action and fast forward pacing. In the fifth chapter however, the loose ends were tied together and we got a nice closure that left me satisfied and happy with what I had read.
All in all this book left me satisfied and with the promise of a re-read another time. The characters were amazingly fleshed out and alive, the emotional problems were dealt with in a realistic way and the way both the monster-storyline and the emotional-storyline was braided so perfectly together, I have to say that this is neither a horror story nor a romance novel. It's a brilliantly combined efforts of these two written in a wonderful way that makes you feel like what you are reading is worth your time.
My only irks with this story were that I never got quite as attached to one of the two main characters as I would like to be, and that a few places in the book the writing style threw me somewhat of and left me a somewhat confused so I had to re-read it. However, since the first one of these irks may be personal taste and the other one may be caused by me not being a native speaker of English, I do not think anybody should take these two irks way too serious. I liked the novel right after I had finished reading it and now that I've gotten a couple of weeks to think through and process everything, I realize that I actually like it way more now than straight after reading it and I do most definitely think I'll like it even better when I read it again another time.
All in all. This is an unique piece of fiction with well fleshed, lovable characters, a well thought interesting plot and an extremely well created original antagonist. I am most definitely buying a version of this book and so would I really recommend all other horror-lovers to do too.
Also, the art in this book is amazing!
So when the author offered up a pre-read of the e-book to volunteers I decided that that would be a good time to finally read the story and see if I agreed with what hundreds of people already had said.
The two first chapters were not overly exciting and did not leave me trembling on my chair. Instead, they focused on building up the characters, the universe and giving us background information. We got to know the main characters and we got to know that there were a monster in the woods. It was absolutely not boring and thinking about it now, after I have read everything, I think the author made a smart decision to dedicate these two chapter to build up the story and then the rest more plot-wise.
In the third chapter however, things suddenly became a lot more interesting. There were a sudden unexpected turn plot-wise and suddenly the story wasn't as straight forward as it had seemed to be in the beginning. We got less info about the characters and more action building on the info given in the two previous chapters. All in all this is where the novel really became exciting for my part.
The fourth chapter where pretty much a continuation of the third. Things became later and at quite a few chapter it felt like all hope was lost both with dealing with the monster AND the emotional storyline for those poor main characters.
The third and fourth chapter where definitely the ones with the most action and fast forward pacing. In the fifth chapter however, the loose ends were tied together and we got a nice closure that left me satisfied and happy with what I had read.
All in all this book left me satisfied and with the promise of a re-read another time. The characters were amazingly fleshed out and alive, the emotional problems were dealt with in a realistic way and the way both the monster-storyline and the emotional-storyline was braided so perfectly together, I have to say that this is neither a horror story nor a romance novel. It's a brilliantly combined efforts of these two written in a wonderful way that makes you feel like what you are reading is worth your time.
My only irks with this story were that I never got quite as attached to one of the two main characters as I would like to be, and that a few places in the book the writing style threw me somewhat of and left me a somewhat confused so I had to re-read it. However, since the first one of these irks may be personal taste and the other one may be caused by me not being a native speaker of English, I do not think anybody should take these two irks way too serious. I liked the novel right after I had finished reading it and now that I've gotten a couple of weeks to think through and process everything, I realize that I actually like it way more now than straight after reading it and I do most definitely think I'll like it even better when I read it again another time.
All in all. This is an unique piece of fiction with well fleshed, lovable characters, a well thought interesting plot and an extremely well created original antagonist. I am most definitely buying a version of this book and so would I really recommend all other horror-lovers to do too.
Also, the art in this book is amazing!
September 7, 2013
Point Pleasant is the story of Ben Wisehart, a write who returns home. This is a story about coming home, about growing up, about love and also about the Mothman who lives in the woods. This is an emotive, tightly woven and interesting story that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
So, down to business. What I loved most about this book was the way the relationship between Ben and his childhood best friend/love interest Nic was woven so beautifully through the story. Often romance in novels is treat as a separate subplot (in this scene we do romance, in the next we do plot) but here the romance is woven right through the fabric of the plot. It makes the characters feel incredibly integrated, what's happening in their personal lives reflects their actions and their thoughts so although the romance isn't integral to the plot (you could summaries the plot of book accurately without the romance if you had to) it is because it's an integral part of who the characters are and why they do what they do. What I'm trying to say is that the relationship feels very natural and like it's grown out of the characters rather than been contrived for the plot.
I also love how the relationship isn't straight forward. Often in fiction a relationship is treat as the hero's reward, an end to drama, and that's very successfully averted here. The coming together is only the start of the drama where this novel's concerned and the magic of this book is that it manages to show a relationship that is other than perfect without reverting to tropes or demonizing one of the participants. It's clear that they're both trying but that doesn't mean they're going to succeed.
The actual plot outside the romance is exciting. It's emotive, it has twists, it says something more than just the words on the page as all great plots should. There is a Mothman and it's great and no fan of horror will be disappointed but there's more going on then monster in the woods as with all great horror.
And, on top of a great plot and outstanding romance subplot, we've got a complex and well realized cast of supporting characters, a lot of genuinely touching moments, and some hot sex if you're into that.
Definitely worth a read. 10/10, would recommend.
As an aside, as you may know this was fanficiton before it was original fiction, though always AU fanfiction. If you're reading this wondering if it's worth bothering since you've read the fic, do it! This is very much not a find a replace job. There's extra material and I felt the characters really came alive and stood apart from those they were originally based on. The fanficiton was exceptional, the original novel is an improvement on the fanfiction and it's worth your time and money to read.
So, down to business. What I loved most about this book was the way the relationship between Ben and his childhood best friend/love interest Nic was woven so beautifully through the story. Often romance in novels is treat as a separate subplot (in this scene we do romance, in the next we do plot) but here the romance is woven right through the fabric of the plot. It makes the characters feel incredibly integrated, what's happening in their personal lives reflects their actions and their thoughts so although the romance isn't integral to the plot (you could summaries the plot of book accurately without the romance if you had to) it is because it's an integral part of who the characters are and why they do what they do. What I'm trying to say is that the relationship feels very natural and like it's grown out of the characters rather than been contrived for the plot.
I also love how the relationship isn't straight forward. Often in fiction a relationship is treat as the hero's reward, an end to drama, and that's very successfully averted here. The coming together is only the start of the drama where this novel's concerned and the magic of this book is that it manages to show a relationship that is other than perfect without reverting to tropes or demonizing one of the participants. It's clear that they're both trying but that doesn't mean they're going to succeed.
The actual plot outside the romance is exciting. It's emotive, it has twists, it says something more than just the words on the page as all great plots should. There is a Mothman and it's great and no fan of horror will be disappointed but there's more going on then monster in the woods as with all great horror.
And, on top of a great plot and outstanding romance subplot, we've got a complex and well realized cast of supporting characters, a lot of genuinely touching moments, and some hot sex if you're into that.
Definitely worth a read. 10/10, would recommend.
As an aside, as you may know this was fanficiton before it was original fiction, though always AU fanfiction. If you're reading this wondering if it's worth bothering since you've read the fic, do it! This is very much not a find a replace job. There's extra material and I felt the characters really came alive and stood apart from those they were originally based on. The fanficiton was exceptional, the original novel is an improvement on the fanfiction and it's worth your time and money to read.
October 4, 2013
I love books! Books are what I live for. When I first heard about "Point Pleasant" I thought it would be a good book and I couldn't wait to read it. I received my beautiful copy in the mail on Tuesday and was amazed by the cover! The artwork was gorgeous and the colors so vivid! I flipped through the book to take a sneak peek at the other images and, Wow! With each image leaping off the page the story began in my mind! I had to immediately start reading it! There was no waiting! I have read so any books over the past summer but none have had this effect on me. It is a true page turner! The characters are so real. It's almost as if I've known Ben and Nicholas my entire life! As the story unfolded, I found myself wrapped up in the mystery as to what could it be? What did it want? What was it going to do next? I don't want to spoil the story for anyone so I will not continue with my speculations! You must read this book. You have to find out for yourself what is that thing with the glowing red eyes! It's truly scary at times. It has everything a reader would want in a book! It's well written. It's very relatable. It's realistic. It flows easily. You can feel the emotions from each character as they leap off the pages. It's so awesome, you will not want it to end! The story of Point Pleasant has come to an end for me, but Ben and Nicholas and a few other characters (will not list because do not want to spoil) will live on in my heart! I'm sad because I've finished the book but at least it's sitting on my shelf and I know I can always go back and visit that special place called "Point Pleasant" and visit a few old friends! Love the book! Thank you, Jen Archer Wood, for taking the time and writing such a beautiful and exciting story. The novel will remain one of my favorites. I cannot wait for your next novel to be published!
September 5, 2013
Although a fan of horror, the supernatural, and crytozoology, just any story with these elements would not be enough to please me without having the most important element for a good story: character development. What I love about Jen Archer Wood's Point Pleasant is that it is rooted in character development and the relationships between the characters she's created.
Ben is the kind of character that digs inside you and settles. In a time when it seems like protagonists are thought to be perfect (or with a few acceptable, quirky flaws), Wood introduces us to flawed human beings who, despite some bad choices or decisions in life, are still ultimately human and deserving of love. Not only that, the narrative doesn't necessarily reward bad decisions. Instead, the author gives an honest account of the choices people make and the consequences that follow.
Of course, this novel shouldn't be looked at simply as a romance or character driven story. It also deftly mixes the drama with the Mothman legend. As the reader gets to know the characters, the terrifying presence of other worldly beings lurk in the background. Seemingly with ease, Wood creates a tension that actually had a physical effect on me. At times, I felt goosebumps and actually had to look away from the words and make sure nothing else was in the room with me while reading. I'm rarely affected by scary stories, so I really enjoyed the affect this novel had on me!
I'd love to take the novel apart chapter by chapter and give analysis and observations about the setting, characters, and plot, but I don't want to ruin a single thing about this work. Go read it! You'll be glad you did!
Ben is the kind of character that digs inside you and settles. In a time when it seems like protagonists are thought to be perfect (or with a few acceptable, quirky flaws), Wood introduces us to flawed human beings who, despite some bad choices or decisions in life, are still ultimately human and deserving of love. Not only that, the narrative doesn't necessarily reward bad decisions. Instead, the author gives an honest account of the choices people make and the consequences that follow.
Of course, this novel shouldn't be looked at simply as a romance or character driven story. It also deftly mixes the drama with the Mothman legend. As the reader gets to know the characters, the terrifying presence of other worldly beings lurk in the background. Seemingly with ease, Wood creates a tension that actually had a physical effect on me. At times, I felt goosebumps and actually had to look away from the words and make sure nothing else was in the room with me while reading. I'm rarely affected by scary stories, so I really enjoyed the affect this novel had on me!
I'd love to take the novel apart chapter by chapter and give analysis and observations about the setting, characters, and plot, but I don't want to ruin a single thing about this work. Go read it! You'll be glad you did!
September 15, 2013
I'm the type of person who likes honest, haunting works of literature. It isn't that easy to find books which meet this criteria, however, that still have a great plot, characters so deep that they could be real, and a well-established history within the book.
Point Pleasant has all of these.
Ms. Wood created an eerily-similar universe to our own, to play with a legend that may be familiar to some and completely new to others. The Mothman is the ever-present shadow within the book, shaping events and history just by existing. It's a delicious facet for any lover of horror.
Horror isn't that only element that Ms. Wood plays on though. Her characters go through changes themselves, partly due to the Mothman, partly due to their own human imperfections. Her characters grow and become real in the eyes of the reader, making it difficult to stop reading, because you want to know what's going to happen to them next. It is a gripping, beautifully-written tale, that fully satisfies the need for a good story. At the end of it, I was wholly satisfied with my experience reading it, and sat in my chair afterwards, just thinking about the story and how glad I was to have read it.
If you're looking around for a new story to get into, I would definitely recommend Point Pleasant. Even if you don't think you have time to read another book, you'll want to read this one. It's worth every turn of the page.
Point Pleasant has all of these.
Ms. Wood created an eerily-similar universe to our own, to play with a legend that may be familiar to some and completely new to others. The Mothman is the ever-present shadow within the book, shaping events and history just by existing. It's a delicious facet for any lover of horror.
Horror isn't that only element that Ms. Wood plays on though. Her characters go through changes themselves, partly due to the Mothman, partly due to their own human imperfections. Her characters grow and become real in the eyes of the reader, making it difficult to stop reading, because you want to know what's going to happen to them next. It is a gripping, beautifully-written tale, that fully satisfies the need for a good story. At the end of it, I was wholly satisfied with my experience reading it, and sat in my chair afterwards, just thinking about the story and how glad I was to have read it.
If you're looking around for a new story to get into, I would definitely recommend Point Pleasant. Even if you don't think you have time to read another book, you'll want to read this one. It's worth every turn of the page.
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