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Keepers of the Forest
A violent cult has invaded the Adirondack Forest, and 11 year old Chris has become the target of their affection. It will be a summer of terror, because they believe Chris is the key to opening the door to a new world order. And they will stop at nothing to bring their plans to fruition.
258 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 1, 2016
Weaving scenes of everyday life with the acts of humans in support of belief, McNally creates a novel focused more on how the possibility of the supernatural makes people act than on the supernatural itself.
Disenchanted by his life, Brian reluctantly accepts a job as a swimming teacher in the Adirondack forest to clear his head. But when one of his students is kidnapped by an apocalyptic cult who believe the child is the key to wiping the Earth clean of sinners, only he realises it is more than a holiday cut short.
Using several interlocking points-of-view, McNally contrasts the actions of the cult, the prospective messiah, and the reluctant hero with each other. This provides the reader insights into the meaning and truth of events not available to the characters. Depending on the readers preference, this will either imbue the characters’ actions with an extra layer of tension or deflate the horror by reducing uncertainty.
McNally’s pacing is likely to be equally divisive. Much of the book deals with either ongoing life, or character’s making plans in response to events or new information. This thread of normality is especially noticeable in the actions of the cult; while the reader is shown the beliefs and character of the members, none of their actions suggest anything other than mundane ability. As such, the book offers a slow build-up toward an apocalypse that might just be a delusion, rather than an action adventure filled with dark forces.
While the plot is likely to engage readers who like an edge of doubt in their supernatural thriller, the prose might work against the subtle emotional tone such stories are often built around.
McNally has a noticeable preference for sentences beginning Pronoun Verbed (e.g. She walked…), giving the book a feel of a report or statement of events rather than an immersion in events. As the majority of the first page uses the construction, readers who are susceptible to word-echoes and patterns are likely to find themselves tallying rather than sinking into the narrative.
The novel is also written in a mostly distant, third-person omniscient voice. Although this does allow more opportunity for the reader to know things the character doesn’t, the describing of events and thoughts adds to the sense of reporting rather than experiencing.
Taken together, these stylistic choices might distance readers from the emotive potential of the plot.
McNally’s characters demonstrate equivalent qualities to his plot. Each of them has an interesting personal arc and history, and develops in a plausible manner; but this is presented in a slightly distant prose that might rob some readers of the pleasure of feeling rather than knowing.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking a novel about personal redemption and why people join cults.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.
Disenchanted by his life, Brian reluctantly accepts a job as a swimming teacher in the Adirondack forest to clear his head. But when one of his students is kidnapped by an apocalyptic cult who believe the child is the key to wiping the Earth clean of sinners, only he realises it is more than a holiday cut short.
Using several interlocking points-of-view, McNally contrasts the actions of the cult, the prospective messiah, and the reluctant hero with each other. This provides the reader insights into the meaning and truth of events not available to the characters. Depending on the readers preference, this will either imbue the characters’ actions with an extra layer of tension or deflate the horror by reducing uncertainty.
McNally’s pacing is likely to be equally divisive. Much of the book deals with either ongoing life, or character’s making plans in response to events or new information. This thread of normality is especially noticeable in the actions of the cult; while the reader is shown the beliefs and character of the members, none of their actions suggest anything other than mundane ability. As such, the book offers a slow build-up toward an apocalypse that might just be a delusion, rather than an action adventure filled with dark forces.
While the plot is likely to engage readers who like an edge of doubt in their supernatural thriller, the prose might work against the subtle emotional tone such stories are often built around.
McNally has a noticeable preference for sentences beginning Pronoun Verbed (e.g. She walked…), giving the book a feel of a report or statement of events rather than an immersion in events. As the majority of the first page uses the construction, readers who are susceptible to word-echoes and patterns are likely to find themselves tallying rather than sinking into the narrative.
The novel is also written in a mostly distant, third-person omniscient voice. Although this does allow more opportunity for the reader to know things the character doesn’t, the describing of events and thoughts adds to the sense of reporting rather than experiencing.
Taken together, these stylistic choices might distance readers from the emotive potential of the plot.
McNally’s characters demonstrate equivalent qualities to his plot. Each of them has an interesting personal arc and history, and develops in a plausible manner; but this is presented in a slightly distant prose that might rob some readers of the pleasure of feeling rather than knowing.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking a novel about personal redemption and why people join cults.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.
July 7, 2016
This book was much better than I expected! The plot and story kept me intrigued and held my attention all the way through. I certainly didn't expect some of the characters to turn out the way they did. My only complaint about the book was the errors throughout the book. But of course that may be because I had a PDF copy and it hasn't undergone it's final edit yet.
There are many unexpected twists and turns and heroes throughout the story. A little boy, Chris, along with his brother are sent to live with an aunt and uncle they barely know for the summer. Chris is kidnapped by a cult. They believe he is the vessel that will bring a being about that will change the world and wipe it clean. When things start to fall apart within the cult you wonder if anyone will make it out alive.
I was given a free copy by Mr. McNally in exchange for an honest review.
There are many unexpected twists and turns and heroes throughout the story. A little boy, Chris, along with his brother are sent to live with an aunt and uncle they barely know for the summer. Chris is kidnapped by a cult. They believe he is the vessel that will bring a being about that will change the world and wipe it clean. When things start to fall apart within the cult you wonder if anyone will make it out alive.
I was given a free copy by Mr. McNally in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2016
THE ENDING OMG
(I received this book in exchange for an honest review)
This book surprised me in many ways.
First of all it was an adult book, and I read mostly YA, so I was a bit hesitant as to if I would enjoy the writing. I didn`t need to be.
The story and plot line were absolutely captivating and original. I`ve never read a story like this and I absolutely loved it.
As for the characters they seemed a bit plain to me at the beginning, but as the story went on they developed and I grew to liking them more and more.
This book was a page turner and I would love to read more by this author in the future.
(I received this book in exchange for an honest review)
This book surprised me in many ways.
First of all it was an adult book, and I read mostly YA, so I was a bit hesitant as to if I would enjoy the writing. I didn`t need to be.
The story and plot line were absolutely captivating and original. I`ve never read a story like this and I absolutely loved it.
As for the characters they seemed a bit plain to me at the beginning, but as the story went on they developed and I grew to liking them more and more.
This book was a page turner and I would love to read more by this author in the future.
June 10, 2016
I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. The title had me thinking it would be fairies and forest folk etc.....WRONG!!
The ride I went on in this book was great. Not too fast paced which was great for the storyline.
The ride I went on in this book was great. Not too fast paced which was great for the storyline.
June 10, 2016
James McNally gives a wonderful story. It was absolutely brilliant that I couldn't put it down until I was finished. Fabulous book!!
November 15, 2016
Not a bad novel at all, I think I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the day.
I enojoyed the plot and the over all storyline, thats not to say I didn't have a few gripes along the way.
Firstly there were way way too many gramatical and spelling mistakes. Maybe this was due to the PDF version I had. Well at least I hope that is the case as the number of errors definitely had an effect on my overall experience.
Another factor was that a few scenes seemed to be a matter of list ticking, if that makes sense. Instead of describing a scene and allowing us to work out how it's context affected the character/plot, etc, it just seemed to come across as a shopping list. One scene that comes to mind was when Brian was over for dinner and the exact content of each characters plate was desribed in list fashion. Now I am sure numerous details where trying to be relayed, like perhaps Scott's teenage despondency, but it just felt like a simple list and nothing more.
In a similar vain, a few of the scenes seemed too contrived. I understand the need for Chris to drown, and how it fed into the rest of the story (and even loved the premonition of the event), but it just didn't sit right with me. Even though it was explained that instructors shouldn't enter the water, their is no way in a hell a rational human being will leave a kid under the water for an entire minute before taking some action (and then still end up a hero).
Anyway, despite that, I enjoyed the book as a whole. The opening chapter was eerily weird and had me interested in knowing what was going on.
There were a few twists that were really enjoyably, and numerous moments of debaucherous (spelling?) absurdity that i admit to enjoying.
And although I read someone else didn't enjoy the side story, I thought it fitted in brilliantly. Sure, maybe it was not crucial to the storyline, but not everything needs to be. It was written well and tied in well enough to make it relevant, and more importantly fun.
Ahhh, the supernatural aspect was great. I was expecting a cult story, but the occasional premonition and the eventual reveal that the Dryad was actually real was brilliant.
And a great finish to complete an interesting book.
I enojoyed the plot and the over all storyline, thats not to say I didn't have a few gripes along the way.
Firstly there were way way too many gramatical and spelling mistakes. Maybe this was due to the PDF version I had. Well at least I hope that is the case as the number of errors definitely had an effect on my overall experience.
Another factor was that a few scenes seemed to be a matter of list ticking, if that makes sense. Instead of describing a scene and allowing us to work out how it's context affected the character/plot, etc, it just seemed to come across as a shopping list. One scene that comes to mind was when Brian was over for dinner and the exact content of each characters plate was desribed in list fashion. Now I am sure numerous details where trying to be relayed, like perhaps Scott's teenage despondency, but it just felt like a simple list and nothing more.
In a similar vain, a few of the scenes seemed too contrived. I understand the need for Chris to drown, and how it fed into the rest of the story (and even loved the premonition of the event), but it just didn't sit right with me. Even though it was explained that instructors shouldn't enter the water, their is no way in a hell a rational human being will leave a kid under the water for an entire minute before taking some action (and then still end up a hero).
Anyway, despite that, I enjoyed the book as a whole. The opening chapter was eerily weird and had me interested in knowing what was going on.
There were a few twists that were really enjoyably, and numerous moments of debaucherous (spelling?) absurdity that i admit to enjoying.
And although I read someone else didn't enjoy the side story, I thought it fitted in brilliantly. Sure, maybe it was not crucial to the storyline, but not everything needs to be. It was written well and tied in well enough to make it relevant, and more importantly fun.
Ahhh, the supernatural aspect was great. I was expecting a cult story, but the occasional premonition and the eventual reveal that the Dryad was actually real was brilliant.
And a great finish to complete an interesting book.
June 18, 2016
This was totally different. I figured from the blurb that it wasnt mythical but I wasnt expecting this. It was so good though, the pace wasn't too slow or too fast. It kept me interested and on the edge of my seat wondering what was next. Very well written and I'm glad I got to review it
June 21, 2016
This book was a surprising read. It was quick, enthralling and it left me wanting more. Will there be a sequel Mr. McNally? I say please sir and soon!!!
August 18, 2016
An intricate story with lots of twists and turns leading you down the rabbit hole. A wild world you are exploring with this one that will keep you on your toes right to the end. There are two main characters that the book revolves around – 11-year-old Chris and soon to be swimming coach Brian. The cult comes into focus more along with Chris’ storyline.
Brian has just been dumped and is looking for a change of scenery. He finds this in a job offer from friend Nancy. She tells him to go to her aunt and help out as a swimming coach for the summer. A way to find his centre again and to give himself some focus. Little did he know that taking her up on this offer would turn his world upside down in the most craziest of ways.
Chris, along with his older brother Scott, have been told that they will be spending the summer with their aunt and uncle in Tupper Lake, Adirondack while there parents go to Europe for their fathers job. Now their mother is a bit of a strange one. She doesn’t (or should I say ‘does not’) like contractions. She speaks in a very direct manor and comes off as very cold. With everything that is about to happen to those boys during the summer I doubt she will be able to give them one-ounce of comfort. It’s while on this holiday of sorts that Chris finds out he will be taking swimming lessons. This is how he first meets Brian, though not in a happy way. Due to Chris trying to save face with some other boys he makes the mistake of saying he can swim. So when asked to jump in he does, and then just as quickly sinks to the bottom of the pool. Now this is where you would think Brian would jump straight in to rescue him but he waits a few minutes due to being told beforehand that only lifeguards are meant to dive in to save people not the teachers. Glad he doesn’t listen but he almost doesn’t get him out in time and when he does he has to give him CPR. This is sort of a mirrored image of what is to come later on so you can see why it’s needed but still a dramatic way for a friendship to be formed. From this moment on Chris sees Brian as his saviour, someone to look up to and someone to keep an eye on him. Which is good as he’s about to be put in a lot of danger and will need someone to be looking for him.
Chris has been chosen by a cult, called the Keepers of the Forest, to become a vessel for a dryad to rise again. This isn’t the first time a boy has been chosen before but from the way Chris acts throughout you get the impression that they might have found who they are looking for. You have the leader of the Cult Crispus, Sherry who will be taking care of the chosen and then the muscle Mason, Ted and Vincent. Each man is a bit nastier than the one before. This is where the story takes a darker turn because the only way to get the chosen one is to take him, so his aunt, uncle and brother might become a problem in that equation. Once taken though Sherry tries and fails to explain what the Cult is about and that what they are doing is for the greater good. She really does believe in what she has been told but her thoughts slowly start to change when she finds out what the men she is working with are really capable of. Too little too late really, the wheels have already been set in motion for the big final at the end. You can slow it down but you can’t stop it.
When Chris doesn’t come back for his one on one swimming lesson with Brian he gets a feeling that foul play is afoot. More so when he recalls Chris mentioning that he felt he was being watched. So Brian along with his friend Nancy, who soon turns into something more, struggle to find proof that the boys are in trouble. All they can go on is a feeling until they have proof. With no one to listen they have to put their trust in an unlikely ally to have a chance of getting the boys back safely. It was clear coming closer to the dramatic ending though that things would start to come to ahead for the people in the cult but man does it shift the feel of the book. It’s a race against time, and the dryad, to get Chris to safety but Brian will do what ever it takes to try.
There are moments near the conclusion though where you are a bit lost as to why something is happening. Three random lads in the woods seemingly have no purpose to the story until one-mayor thing changes. This is where the story goes dark and you hope that at least a few will make it out alive.
The drama slowly builds up throughout the story to one hell of a climatic ending. So sad with it though, wish I knew what happened to everyone else aswell and that it had gone a little differently. Would have been nice to see what happened to Scott, Brian and Nancy instead of just Chris but I guess that just makes it more intense. The story hasn’t really ended its only just begun.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
Brian has just been dumped and is looking for a change of scenery. He finds this in a job offer from friend Nancy. She tells him to go to her aunt and help out as a swimming coach for the summer. A way to find his centre again and to give himself some focus. Little did he know that taking her up on this offer would turn his world upside down in the most craziest of ways.
Chris, along with his older brother Scott, have been told that they will be spending the summer with their aunt and uncle in Tupper Lake, Adirondack while there parents go to Europe for their fathers job. Now their mother is a bit of a strange one. She doesn’t (or should I say ‘does not’) like contractions. She speaks in a very direct manor and comes off as very cold. With everything that is about to happen to those boys during the summer I doubt she will be able to give them one-ounce of comfort. It’s while on this holiday of sorts that Chris finds out he will be taking swimming lessons. This is how he first meets Brian, though not in a happy way. Due to Chris trying to save face with some other boys he makes the mistake of saying he can swim. So when asked to jump in he does, and then just as quickly sinks to the bottom of the pool. Now this is where you would think Brian would jump straight in to rescue him but he waits a few minutes due to being told beforehand that only lifeguards are meant to dive in to save people not the teachers. Glad he doesn’t listen but he almost doesn’t get him out in time and when he does he has to give him CPR. This is sort of a mirrored image of what is to come later on so you can see why it’s needed but still a dramatic way for a friendship to be formed. From this moment on Chris sees Brian as his saviour, someone to look up to and someone to keep an eye on him. Which is good as he’s about to be put in a lot of danger and will need someone to be looking for him.
Chris has been chosen by a cult, called the Keepers of the Forest, to become a vessel for a dryad to rise again. This isn’t the first time a boy has been chosen before but from the way Chris acts throughout you get the impression that they might have found who they are looking for. You have the leader of the Cult Crispus, Sherry who will be taking care of the chosen and then the muscle Mason, Ted and Vincent. Each man is a bit nastier than the one before. This is where the story takes a darker turn because the only way to get the chosen one is to take him, so his aunt, uncle and brother might become a problem in that equation. Once taken though Sherry tries and fails to explain what the Cult is about and that what they are doing is for the greater good. She really does believe in what she has been told but her thoughts slowly start to change when she finds out what the men she is working with are really capable of. Too little too late really, the wheels have already been set in motion for the big final at the end. You can slow it down but you can’t stop it.
When Chris doesn’t come back for his one on one swimming lesson with Brian he gets a feeling that foul play is afoot. More so when he recalls Chris mentioning that he felt he was being watched. So Brian along with his friend Nancy, who soon turns into something more, struggle to find proof that the boys are in trouble. All they can go on is a feeling until they have proof. With no one to listen they have to put their trust in an unlikely ally to have a chance of getting the boys back safely. It was clear coming closer to the dramatic ending though that things would start to come to ahead for the people in the cult but man does it shift the feel of the book. It’s a race against time, and the dryad, to get Chris to safety but Brian will do what ever it takes to try.
There are moments near the conclusion though where you are a bit lost as to why something is happening. Three random lads in the woods seemingly have no purpose to the story until one-mayor thing changes. This is where the story goes dark and you hope that at least a few will make it out alive.
The drama slowly builds up throughout the story to one hell of a climatic ending. So sad with it though, wish I knew what happened to everyone else aswell and that it had gone a little differently. Would have been nice to see what happened to Scott, Brian and Nancy instead of just Chris but I guess that just makes it more intense. The story hasn’t really ended its only just begun.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
June 22, 2016
It pains me to do this, but I can only give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I really hate that I can't say more good things about Keepers of the Forest or give it a better review. Yet to do so would be to give a less than honest critique. I believe it had potential, but unfortunately I don't feel it quite measured up. Let's look at the reasons that brought me to this conclusion.
First of all, I found the dialogue to be unusually unnatural in many parts. This made the characters seem far less realistic. Their own development didn't help either as they seemed incomplete in ways, especially relationally. Secondly, the timing seemed off in several instances throughout the book. Certain scenes that should have had more depth or structure seemed rushed, or events simply didn't proceed in a natural or complete manner. Thirdly, there was an additional (third) storyline running parallel to the main two storylines, and it didn't seem to serve much purpose. This storyline, and its characters, was only included intermittently, and didn't seem to provide much in the way of substance to any part of the book. The author did manage to merge this story within the climax of the main storyline, but even then I think it was an unnecessary contribution to the overall book. Finally, the concept at the heart of the story seemed somewhat contrived. Like I said earlier, it had potential in that it was a fairly unique story idea. To me though it seemed the author spent more time building up to the climax, and not enough time in developing that part. When all was said and done the climax to the story seemed too farfetched, given all the more time and details that were wrapped up in it.
I think with a little more editing and some adjustments here and there that this book, Keepers of the Forest, could easily go from a 3 star to a 4 or even 4.5 star rating. This, of course, is just my own personal opinion. I do so very much appreciate the author giving me this review opportunity. And I am genuinely sorry I wasn't able to honestly give it a better review.
On a side note: I'm not certain whether I was provided an e-arc copy, in which grammar and editing errors can be expected, or a final publication print of this book. However, there were a ridiculous number of grammatical and editing errors. So, if a final print copy, I might definitely suggest going back over it with a fine tooth comb.
First of all, I found the dialogue to be unusually unnatural in many parts. This made the characters seem far less realistic. Their own development didn't help either as they seemed incomplete in ways, especially relationally. Secondly, the timing seemed off in several instances throughout the book. Certain scenes that should have had more depth or structure seemed rushed, or events simply didn't proceed in a natural or complete manner. Thirdly, there was an additional (third) storyline running parallel to the main two storylines, and it didn't seem to serve much purpose. This storyline, and its characters, was only included intermittently, and didn't seem to provide much in the way of substance to any part of the book. The author did manage to merge this story within the climax of the main storyline, but even then I think it was an unnecessary contribution to the overall book. Finally, the concept at the heart of the story seemed somewhat contrived. Like I said earlier, it had potential in that it was a fairly unique story idea. To me though it seemed the author spent more time building up to the climax, and not enough time in developing that part. When all was said and done the climax to the story seemed too farfetched, given all the more time and details that were wrapped up in it.
I think with a little more editing and some adjustments here and there that this book, Keepers of the Forest, could easily go from a 3 star to a 4 or even 4.5 star rating. This, of course, is just my own personal opinion. I do so very much appreciate the author giving me this review opportunity. And I am genuinely sorry I wasn't able to honestly give it a better review.
On a side note: I'm not certain whether I was provided an e-arc copy, in which grammar and editing errors can be expected, or a final publication print of this book. However, there were a ridiculous number of grammatical and editing errors. So, if a final print copy, I might definitely suggest going back over it with a fine tooth comb.
June 28, 2016
*THIS BOOK WAS GIVEN TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW..THIS REVIEW MAY INCLUDE SPOILERS*
When I first read the synopsis I was excited about this book. It would have been my first read involving a cult. Im sorry to say that Im not sure i would call this groul of ppl a cult. 3 of the 5 didnt even believe in the leader's cause. This story is about Crispus Brown and his belief that a Dryad would be awaken to take over "The chosen one" and the world would be reborn upon the Dryad's return as well as his group obducting Chris who they believe is the chosen one. The characters were pretty weak. There is no real back story as to how Crispus knows about the dryad and why he was a believer in it, Nothing is mentioned of the dryads origins and what it is capable of, or why his group members decided to follow him (with the exception of Sherry). It was clear brian and Chris had a connection because they shared dreams but that avenue wasnt explored nor was it explained how and why they connected in such a way. Im still trying to figure out where the characters camping came from and why. And also why is the book titled the keepers of the forrest? Who are the keepers and what are they keeping? I get where the author was trying to go but the ball was dropped in several places.
When I first read the synopsis I was excited about this book. It would have been my first read involving a cult. Im sorry to say that Im not sure i would call this groul of ppl a cult. 3 of the 5 didnt even believe in the leader's cause. This story is about Crispus Brown and his belief that a Dryad would be awaken to take over "The chosen one" and the world would be reborn upon the Dryad's return as well as his group obducting Chris who they believe is the chosen one. The characters were pretty weak. There is no real back story as to how Crispus knows about the dryad and why he was a believer in it, Nothing is mentioned of the dryads origins and what it is capable of, or why his group members decided to follow him (with the exception of Sherry). It was clear brian and Chris had a connection because they shared dreams but that avenue wasnt explored nor was it explained how and why they connected in such a way. Im still trying to figure out where the characters camping came from and why. And also why is the book titled the keepers of the forrest? Who are the keepers and what are they keeping? I get where the author was trying to go but the ball was dropped in several places.
June 16, 2016
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Firstly I must say that this story had me intrigued from the beginning. Each chapter drew me further into the mysterious tale and teasingly kept me wondering if things were real or the deluded beliefs of fanatics.
I did find the writing style a little difficult with the prolific use of characters names, particularly at the beginning of consecutive sentences. For example I chose a random page and did a count and one characters name was mentioned 12 times. This may be an intentional writing style choice but I struggled with it as it broke the flow for me.
I would have loved this to have had an additional proofread and edit to pick up on the errors that also disrupt the flow.
That being said, the exploration into the crushing impact individual agendas have on even the most well thought out plans is interesting and well played out and gave me that edge of the seat feeling as I read the climax of the story.
A great story that sadly I can only give 3 stars to due to the impact the errors and style had on my enjoyment of it.
Firstly I must say that this story had me intrigued from the beginning. Each chapter drew me further into the mysterious tale and teasingly kept me wondering if things were real or the deluded beliefs of fanatics.
I did find the writing style a little difficult with the prolific use of characters names, particularly at the beginning of consecutive sentences. For example I chose a random page and did a count and one characters name was mentioned 12 times. This may be an intentional writing style choice but I struggled with it as it broke the flow for me.
I would have loved this to have had an additional proofread and edit to pick up on the errors that also disrupt the flow.
That being said, the exploration into the crushing impact individual agendas have on even the most well thought out plans is interesting and well played out and gave me that edge of the seat feeling as I read the climax of the story.
A great story that sadly I can only give 3 stars to due to the impact the errors and style had on my enjoyment of it.
August 5, 2016
"Keepers of the Forest", by James McNally has a good plot and interesting characters. When Chris is chosen by Crispus Attuck Brown to be the Chosen One, a summer spent with Scott and Chris’ aunt and uncle takes an unexpected turn, and Chris’ swim instructor, Brian is the only who realizes something is amiss. Brian must find a way to save the two brothers and foil Brown’s evil plot to destroy the world.
I recieved and ARC in exchange for an honest review. Read my full review on my blog, "Writing to be Read".
https://kayelynnebooth.wordpress.com/...
I recieved and ARC in exchange for an honest review. Read my full review on my blog, "Writing to be Read".
https://kayelynnebooth.wordpress.com/...
July 26, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. The description of it was intriguing, but it was not what I expected. It was, at times, very compelling. However, the volume of misspelled and incorrect words was SO distracting, it kept pulling me out of the story. Seriously needed a proofreader. The pace felt right until the end, which for me felt really unresolved. I'm not sure if there is a sequel planned, but it was just an odd way to end. This is not the type of book I typically read, but I did enjoy it and would read other books by McNally.
July 21, 2016
I received a copy to review, but my opinions are wholly my own. This is a gripping tale that keeps you guessing. It has many layers of plots and subplot all of which are not always completed, but this is not so obvious that it is distracting or diminished ones enjoyment. However, be forewarned the epilogue leaves a few things open for interpretation. If you enjoy being able to write your own future for the characters you will thoroughly enjoy this.
May 25, 2019
Keepers of the Forest opens with the meeting of prostitute, Sherry, and an unassuming older man named Crispus who in an instance changes the course of her life forever. He is out of place on the streets where she works with her pimp and other young women which Sherry notices instantly. He propositions her with a life in which she will never have to turn tricks again with a true way out. Once she agrees her pimp is made short work of and she disappears with the older man.
Next we are introduced to Brian during the tumultuous ending of his relationship. She wants kids, he does not, and for this reason she no longer wishes to continue with him. This sends him into a downward spiral where he drinks himself into a drunken stupor at a local bar and ends up being taken care of by the bartender, Nancy, via a ride home in an Uber and suggestion that he uses his credentials to provide support as a lifeguard/swim instructor over the summer for her aunt outside of the city.
Our last major players come via young boys Chris and Scott whom are under the strict watch of their English teacher mother and passive father. Chris is young and inquisitive by nature while Scott is going through teenage rebellion at fifteen due to discontent at his home life. Their world is flipped upside down by the announcement that their parents are headed overseas for a stint via their father’s career and they are being dumped on an aunt and uncle in TupperLake that they have not seen since they were small. From here the stories begin to intertwine as one of the summer activities planned out is swim lessons.
McNally’s writing is top notch as he, once again, weaves together a tale that keeps you engaged with all of its oddities. You can tell that every moment is carefully plotted out as there are so many intricacies in the plotline. His stories are rich in superstition where you don’t want to believe that what is occurring is true but the facts are there. His characters are always so real, the average Joe, which makes the impact so much greater when they are swept up into the fantasy. It can happen to you. It can happen to the people that are around you.
The Dryad and the backstory of The Great Flood really brings you back to, HE said he would never destroy the world again by water, so what will the world be destroyed with if this purge needs to happen again? The connection between Chris and Brian following the incident at the pool drives this creepy factor especially when Brian first hears then sees him in the church when it is asked who made God? The Dryad.
Keepers of the Forest is definitely a must read and like a few other reads that I’ve completed (including The Affected by McNally which I adore) could be played out on the big screen. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. Mark of a truly amazing author.
Next we are introduced to Brian during the tumultuous ending of his relationship. She wants kids, he does not, and for this reason she no longer wishes to continue with him. This sends him into a downward spiral where he drinks himself into a drunken stupor at a local bar and ends up being taken care of by the bartender, Nancy, via a ride home in an Uber and suggestion that he uses his credentials to provide support as a lifeguard/swim instructor over the summer for her aunt outside of the city.
Our last major players come via young boys Chris and Scott whom are under the strict watch of their English teacher mother and passive father. Chris is young and inquisitive by nature while Scott is going through teenage rebellion at fifteen due to discontent at his home life. Their world is flipped upside down by the announcement that their parents are headed overseas for a stint via their father’s career and they are being dumped on an aunt and uncle in TupperLake that they have not seen since they were small. From here the stories begin to intertwine as one of the summer activities planned out is swim lessons.
McNally’s writing is top notch as he, once again, weaves together a tale that keeps you engaged with all of its oddities. You can tell that every moment is carefully plotted out as there are so many intricacies in the plotline. His stories are rich in superstition where you don’t want to believe that what is occurring is true but the facts are there. His characters are always so real, the average Joe, which makes the impact so much greater when they are swept up into the fantasy. It can happen to you. It can happen to the people that are around you.
The Dryad and the backstory of The Great Flood really brings you back to, HE said he would never destroy the world again by water, so what will the world be destroyed with if this purge needs to happen again? The connection between Chris and Brian following the incident at the pool drives this creepy factor especially when Brian first hears then sees him in the church when it is asked who made God? The Dryad.
Keepers of the Forest is definitely a must read and like a few other reads that I’ve completed (including The Affected by McNally which I adore) could be played out on the big screen. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. Mark of a truly amazing author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
Not my kind of book at all. I thought the story was ok and if It had been better written I feel I would have enjoyed it more. It was full of spelling and grammatical errors. This was a purchased book, not an ARC. I did find out it was self published. Perhaps it would have benefited the author to have had it proofread and edited.
September 11, 2023
This is the type of folk horror book that I absolutely adore. The characters are well developed and the story line, while intricate and with multiple povs , is written with such skill that I never lost track of my place in the narrative. I enjoyed the supernatural element being just used as seasoning throughout the story, giving a level of realism that requires no suspension of disbelief.
April 13, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author and to Goodreads for that!
(Warning – minor spoilers [character names] and I did not fully edit this review before posting so please excuse or point out any typos – thanks!)
When I first read the description for this book I thought it was going to be a YA paranormal, especially because the description discussed two boys aged 11 and 15. I was quickly disabused of that notion as the first chapter dealt with a prostitute and her pimp. This wasn’t an issue for me, but it did take me by surprise.
I really wanted to like the book, the premise sounding really interesting, but there were some major structural issues that just made the book less enjoyable.
One of the most frustrating things about this book was that all the action was in the last thirty pages. Yes, the last thirty pages of a book that is about two hundred and fifty pages long. Needless to say I often ended putting the book down because I was bored for most of the story. There wasn’t enough happening in the first two hundred and twenty pages to hold my interest.
This is also where there were some structural issues in the book for me. This book is structured so that each chapter has subsections (e.g. chapter 5.1, 5.2, etc.) and what that did is create exceptionally long chapters in some places. For example, I noticed that one of the chapters in the book was about 55 pages long – out of a 250 page book that is 1/5 of the entire book. Each chapter focused on one group of people, so I ended up spending so much time with a few of the characters that I forgot about or stopped caring for other side characters who became important later on. I think the amount of time given to each set of characters was also a bit off. We spent so little time with some of the characters I couldn’t help but question their actions in light of their lack of attachment to the rest of the plot. For example, Brian’s new girlfriend is immediately willing to go with him into the middle of the forest to rescue some kid she has never met, without calling the police or letting anyone know where she is going off to, and without really questioning anything. There were several sections where the side character’s plotlines were rushed and that made the book less enjoyable.
I was also a bit frustrated with the supernatural element of this story. The description of the book comes off like it will have a supernatural element, however the first two hundred and twenty pages seem like this is more of a thriller involving a cult. The random additional of a supernatural element at the very end feels false.
Another issue I had was the cult itself. We get a reasonable (kind of) explanation for why Sherry gets involved. We aren’t really given any explanation for the head of the cult (is he just a really talented fighter or does he have supernatural help?) and we are just supposed to believe that he is the super powerful guy who banded this group of misfits together. We are also not told how the others in the group got involved. Given the lack of devotion amongst several of the members I was curious as to why they would sign up for this cult anyway – with no explanation given it just rang false. Also, one of the members, Mason was introducing the beginning and then about 2/3 of the way through the book we find out that he just happens to be unusually strong and can take a lot of abuse without faltering. Not sure if that was just a natural ability or supernatural but it popped up in such a way that it seemed like a last minute adjustment to the story rather than a natural part of the plot.
Finally, I couldn’t stand the ending. For the bulk of this book nothing happened (did we really need to spend that much time with Chris’ grammar obsessed mother who wasn’t even in the story?!) and then in the end we get this random scene with Chris that I suppose is supposed to add an element of fear/suspense but in reality all it did was make me roll my eyes. At that point there had been so little going on up until those last few pages that I just wasn’t interested anymore. I think scenes like that may work in a horror movie, but not in a book.
The bottom line is that the overall plot concept was interesting, but I wasn’t that crazy about the execution. I wish the story had better pacing and that we were introduced to the more interesting elements of the story early on. I wanted to know more about the Dryad – its goals, origins, etc. but all that interesting stuff was just not there.
(Warning – minor spoilers [character names] and I did not fully edit this review before posting so please excuse or point out any typos – thanks!)
When I first read the description for this book I thought it was going to be a YA paranormal, especially because the description discussed two boys aged 11 and 15. I was quickly disabused of that notion as the first chapter dealt with a prostitute and her pimp. This wasn’t an issue for me, but it did take me by surprise.
I really wanted to like the book, the premise sounding really interesting, but there were some major structural issues that just made the book less enjoyable.
One of the most frustrating things about this book was that all the action was in the last thirty pages. Yes, the last thirty pages of a book that is about two hundred and fifty pages long. Needless to say I often ended putting the book down because I was bored for most of the story. There wasn’t enough happening in the first two hundred and twenty pages to hold my interest.
This is also where there were some structural issues in the book for me. This book is structured so that each chapter has subsections (e.g. chapter 5.1, 5.2, etc.) and what that did is create exceptionally long chapters in some places. For example, I noticed that one of the chapters in the book was about 55 pages long – out of a 250 page book that is 1/5 of the entire book. Each chapter focused on one group of people, so I ended up spending so much time with a few of the characters that I forgot about or stopped caring for other side characters who became important later on. I think the amount of time given to each set of characters was also a bit off. We spent so little time with some of the characters I couldn’t help but question their actions in light of their lack of attachment to the rest of the plot. For example, Brian’s new girlfriend is immediately willing to go with him into the middle of the forest to rescue some kid she has never met, without calling the police or letting anyone know where she is going off to, and without really questioning anything. There were several sections where the side character’s plotlines were rushed and that made the book less enjoyable.
I was also a bit frustrated with the supernatural element of this story. The description of the book comes off like it will have a supernatural element, however the first two hundred and twenty pages seem like this is more of a thriller involving a cult. The random additional of a supernatural element at the very end feels false.
Another issue I had was the cult itself. We get a reasonable (kind of) explanation for why Sherry gets involved. We aren’t really given any explanation for the head of the cult (is he just a really talented fighter or does he have supernatural help?) and we are just supposed to believe that he is the super powerful guy who banded this group of misfits together. We are also not told how the others in the group got involved. Given the lack of devotion amongst several of the members I was curious as to why they would sign up for this cult anyway – with no explanation given it just rang false. Also, one of the members, Mason was introducing the beginning and then about 2/3 of the way through the book we find out that he just happens to be unusually strong and can take a lot of abuse without faltering. Not sure if that was just a natural ability or supernatural but it popped up in such a way that it seemed like a last minute adjustment to the story rather than a natural part of the plot.
Finally, I couldn’t stand the ending. For the bulk of this book nothing happened (did we really need to spend that much time with Chris’ grammar obsessed mother who wasn’t even in the story?!) and then in the end we get this random scene with Chris that I suppose is supposed to add an element of fear/suspense but in reality all it did was make me roll my eyes. At that point there had been so little going on up until those last few pages that I just wasn’t interested anymore. I think scenes like that may work in a horror movie, but not in a book.
The bottom line is that the overall plot concept was interesting, but I wasn’t that crazy about the execution. I wish the story had better pacing and that we were introduced to the more interesting elements of the story early on. I wanted to know more about the Dryad – its goals, origins, etc. but all that interesting stuff was just not there.
May 23, 2021
I was given this story after being referred to James McNally by Jordan Mierek (I've read three of her books). I ended up performing a light edit (taking copy-editing classes) and needless to say, an editor, proofreader, copy-editor or someone was needed to read this story. Sorry Mr. McNally, but I found so many mistakes. Whether it was leaving a word out, using the wrong word, capitalizing something that shouldn't have been capped, or the overall flow of the story.
Wow! You had a really great prologue; that definitely caught my attention and forced me to continue reading.
Best line: “She wore a green one-piece that looked like a misshapen water balloon.” lol
The fact that Ted and Vincent were gay and in a relationship was actually surprising.
I always love reading a good book that takes multiple short stories or different point of views and brings them all together at the end. That being said, I’m at a loss as to what Sean, Mac, and Hugh really had to do with the story. I thought they would end up having more of a role with Chris or Crispus, not just being killed by the Dryad.
Questions/Comments:
How would Jeff know about Amie’s status on Facebook if he isn’t friends with her?
Linda ended up inspecting Chris after he ate the ice cream. Why? His father had told him to eat it quickly, so why would either have said anything at all?
Why didn’t Brian jump into the water sooner, after Chris ‘fell’ in? I get Ziggy was the lifeguard for his group but common sense would have told you to just do it yourself.
Stupid question. Chapter 6, part 1, Scott and his uncle are spreading out the gravel on the driveway and Chris brings them lemonade at noon. They finish near lunchtime. What time was that supposed to be since typically noon is seen as lunchtime?
Nancy suggested Brian contact her Aunt Leah for the pool job…upstate. So how is Nancy working at Leah’s bar basically down the road from the pool? I thought maybe she went to visit and help out at the bar while Brian was there, but her house is nearby.
P. 103- Sherry picks ticks off of Scott’s skin…after he’d only been outside for a short period of time…during a rainstorm?
P. 113/114- Brian is at the cabin trying to figure out what’s going on with Chris. He just left the pool wearing shoes and a T-shirt. Yet, when he’s walking around the cabin, he’s suddenly barefoot.
P. 134- Mason gets an allowance to use with how he wants. He goes to town to pay for whores…and he keeps them in his room? Why? And how is he paying for a whore with just $10 (P. 135), much less bringing her back to his room?
P. 164- It says that 4:38, “…the sun will be at its highest peak,” how so? Typically, noon is when the sun is at its highest peak.
Chapter 12, part 6, Sherry is telling the plans to Brian and Nancy, saying how once Chris is dead the
Dryad will take over his body. So what happened to the other supposed Chosen Ones, if they were still alive after finding out they weren’t actually the Chosen Ones?
What had made Crispus think the Dryad would have taken Sherry’s dead body?
I think the only comment I have is in regard to Vincent wearing moccasins. That just seemed like a strange choice in footwear.
Wow! You had a really great prologue; that definitely caught my attention and forced me to continue reading.
Best line: “She wore a green one-piece that looked like a misshapen water balloon.” lol
The fact that Ted and Vincent were gay and in a relationship was actually surprising.
I always love reading a good book that takes multiple short stories or different point of views and brings them all together at the end. That being said, I’m at a loss as to what Sean, Mac, and Hugh really had to do with the story. I thought they would end up having more of a role with Chris or Crispus, not just being killed by the Dryad.
Questions/Comments:
How would Jeff know about Amie’s status on Facebook if he isn’t friends with her?
Linda ended up inspecting Chris after he ate the ice cream. Why? His father had told him to eat it quickly, so why would either have said anything at all?
Why didn’t Brian jump into the water sooner, after Chris ‘fell’ in? I get Ziggy was the lifeguard for his group but common sense would have told you to just do it yourself.
Stupid question. Chapter 6, part 1, Scott and his uncle are spreading out the gravel on the driveway and Chris brings them lemonade at noon. They finish near lunchtime. What time was that supposed to be since typically noon is seen as lunchtime?
Nancy suggested Brian contact her Aunt Leah for the pool job…upstate. So how is Nancy working at Leah’s bar basically down the road from the pool? I thought maybe she went to visit and help out at the bar while Brian was there, but her house is nearby.
P. 103- Sherry picks ticks off of Scott’s skin…after he’d only been outside for a short period of time…during a rainstorm?
P. 113/114- Brian is at the cabin trying to figure out what’s going on with Chris. He just left the pool wearing shoes and a T-shirt. Yet, when he’s walking around the cabin, he’s suddenly barefoot.
P. 134- Mason gets an allowance to use with how he wants. He goes to town to pay for whores…and he keeps them in his room? Why? And how is he paying for a whore with just $10 (P. 135), much less bringing her back to his room?
P. 164- It says that 4:38, “…the sun will be at its highest peak,” how so? Typically, noon is when the sun is at its highest peak.
Chapter 12, part 6, Sherry is telling the plans to Brian and Nancy, saying how once Chris is dead the
Dryad will take over his body. So what happened to the other supposed Chosen Ones, if they were still alive after finding out they weren’t actually the Chosen Ones?
What had made Crispus think the Dryad would have taken Sherry’s dead body?
I think the only comment I have is in regard to Vincent wearing moccasins. That just seemed like a strange choice in footwear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
So im not much of a reader. I mostly listen to audio books on long trips. I picked this book up in Old Forge NY. I wanted to read something from someone local.
Well i wasn't disappointed. Absolutely loved the book. The story was creative and exciting. Kept me wanting to read longer and longer each time i picked it up.
I hope there will be a sequel. Id definitely check that out.
Well i wasn't disappointed. Absolutely loved the book. The story was creative and exciting. Kept me wanting to read longer and longer each time i picked it up.
I hope there will be a sequel. Id definitely check that out.
April 8, 2016
This is my 3rd work by Mr. McNally and I plan to continue to follow him. Here though are my issues with this, and actually his other books that I have thus read.
I like the premise of the story, but it is a troubling read. There is a lack of relationship development between characters which left me saying "really?" to myself on several occasions. They are just not believable, and the worth is questionable, which, when you are talking about the main characters is a problem. No fluidity...it gets bogged down!
Jumping from one situation to another is also confusing, and the overuse of too many pronouns/proper pronouns is really tedious. Again, no fluidity...it gets bogged down.
I wondered a couple of times if I was reading two different writers works, or where Mr. McNally was "in his head" when the writing flowed. I think he has some really good ideas rattling around in his brain, and therefore, I look forward to watching him develop as a writer.
Time will tell with this one.....give him a chance!
I like the premise of the story, but it is a troubling read. There is a lack of relationship development between characters which left me saying "really?" to myself on several occasions. They are just not believable, and the worth is questionable, which, when you are talking about the main characters is a problem. No fluidity...it gets bogged down!
Jumping from one situation to another is also confusing, and the overuse of too many pronouns/proper pronouns is really tedious. Again, no fluidity...it gets bogged down.
I wondered a couple of times if I was reading two different writers works, or where Mr. McNally was "in his head" when the writing flowed. I think he has some really good ideas rattling around in his brain, and therefore, I look forward to watching him develop as a writer.
Time will tell with this one.....give him a chance!
August 28, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I so wanted to like this. The premise sounded really intriguing - cults, new world order, summer of terror!
Sadly I found the story line cluttered and confused, with characters suffering from stilted development, very weirdly plotted relationships, and awkward dialogue. The cult leader, the Dryad - some back story would have helped a lot there. And then, it wasn't really a cult at all, just the leader, a woman he has convinced to be part of his group, and some random henchmen who don't really believe in anything. Mind you, if they know as little as we do about the Dryad (and they don't seem to know more), they wouldn't have any reason to believe in anything at all.
It really is a shame that there was no fluidity in the story, as the ideas are there. Perhaps a stronger editor could have brought the best out of this writer.
Sadly I found the story line cluttered and confused, with characters suffering from stilted development, very weirdly plotted relationships, and awkward dialogue. The cult leader, the Dryad - some back story would have helped a lot there. And then, it wasn't really a cult at all, just the leader, a woman he has convinced to be part of his group, and some random henchmen who don't really believe in anything. Mind you, if they know as little as we do about the Dryad (and they don't seem to know more), they wouldn't have any reason to believe in anything at all.
It really is a shame that there was no fluidity in the story, as the ideas are there. Perhaps a stronger editor could have brought the best out of this writer.
April 17, 2016
I won this book from a giveaway, and I'm glad I had a chance to read it! The author has interesting ideas, it was definitely unique & I appreciate the way it was articulated.
That said I do agree to a point with other readers that character development could be improved. Is it a big enough problem that you should pass on the book? In my opinion, no. There's always room to grow & I will still be checking out future work from Mr.McNally.
That said I do agree to a point with other readers that character development could be improved. Is it a big enough problem that you should pass on the book? In my opinion, no. There's always room to grow & I will still be checking out future work from Mr.McNally.
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