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The Invasion
It was supposed to be a quiet end to a long day: five close-knit family and friends settling in for some much-needed sleep after coming together for an early Christmas party.
Instead, it’s the beginning of a shocking night of brutality when six intruders break into the sprawling residence of Debra Hillsboro, a middle-aged romance novelist with a fierce devotion to her loved ones and a strong kinship with her home of almost thirty years.
Armed with smartphones and a modern brand of madness, the intruders – an internet-age cult disconnected from humanity and addicted to causing fear and mayhem – have come to the secluded property for one purpose: to terrorize, and ultimately kill, everyone inside all while filming their heinous crimes.
Outnumbered and cut off from the outside world, the terrified occupants find themselves trapped in a fight for survival as a once place of safety is turned into a deadly maze of darkened rooms and forbidding hallways. On this sweltering summer night, they must somehow find a way to escape before the cult turns the beloved home into a house for the dead.
Instead, it’s the beginning of a shocking night of brutality when six intruders break into the sprawling residence of Debra Hillsboro, a middle-aged romance novelist with a fierce devotion to her loved ones and a strong kinship with her home of almost thirty years.
Armed with smartphones and a modern brand of madness, the intruders – an internet-age cult disconnected from humanity and addicted to causing fear and mayhem – have come to the secluded property for one purpose: to terrorize, and ultimately kill, everyone inside all while filming their heinous crimes.
Outnumbered and cut off from the outside world, the terrified occupants find themselves trapped in a fight for survival as a once place of safety is turned into a deadly maze of darkened rooms and forbidding hallways. On this sweltering summer night, they must somehow find a way to escape before the cult turns the beloved home into a house for the dead.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2015
6 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Brett McBean
31 books92 followersBrett McBean is an award-winning horror and thriller author. His books, which include 'The Mother', 'The Last Motel' 'The Awakening', and 'Desolation Game: Wolf Creek Book 2' have been published in Australia, the US, and Germany, and he’s been nominated for the Aurealis, Ditmar, and Ned Kelly awards. He won the 2011 Australian Shadows Award for his collection, 'Tales of Sin and Madness'. Along with a strong interest in music (he has an Advanced Diploma in Music Performance from Box Hill College) he is an avid film-buff and owns a vast (and ever-growing) movie collection. He lives in Melbourne with his wife, daughter and German shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 29, 2016
THE INVASION, by Brett McBean, begins with a simple statement guaranteed to capture your attention:
"There is something ominous about a front porch light glowing in the daytime . . . It signifies that for this house, night has yet to end."
With an opening like that, you just know that things are going to get--dark--quickly.
Debra, a romance novelist, is hosting an early Christmas party for her brother, Paul, his partner, Adam, her niece, Taryn, and literary agent, Carl. Shortly after most have retired for the evening, a group of youths invade the house. After gathering the family into the lounge, the intruders gather an assortment of knives and other vicious instruments, while filming the captives with their smartphones. One announces that they are waiting for their leader, "Mr. Fear", to arrive.
". . . Mr. Fear . . . He's . . . special. He understands life and death . . . He can see into people's souls."
As the fear and torture begins, McBean alternates between scenes of the mutilations taking place, and of building his characterization through the thoughts and actions of each. The drama and fear NEVER lets up--once this tale begins, it runs full throttle forward. Even brief moments of hope: ". . . Get out of the house." : are eclipsed by thoughts of impending defeat instilled by the constant state of terror the family is kept in.
". . . What good was . . . against a six-foot-two man with murder on his mind?"
Some of the youths come off as being merely bored with life--hurting others just for a thrill, and because they can. More frightening than those, however, is Mr. Fear's philosophy: " . . . Killing is a lot like creating art: you have the power and control to do whatever you want and if you do it well, it frees your mind and takes you to a higher plane of existence."
McBean will pull at all of your emotions in this one! The adrenaline just doesn't let up until you settle yourself down for the night.
You may want to double check the locks on your doors and windows . . .
Recommended!
Debra, a romance novelist, is hosting an early Christmas party for her brother, Paul, his partner, Adam, her niece, Taryn, and literary agent, Carl. Shortly after most have retired for the evening, a group of youths invade the house. After gathering the family into the lounge, the intruders gather an assortment of knives and other vicious instruments, while filming the captives with their smartphones. One announces that they are waiting for their leader, "Mr. Fear", to arrive.
". . . Mr. Fear . . . He's . . . special. He understands life and death . . . He can see into people's souls."
As the fear and torture begins, McBean alternates between scenes of the mutilations taking place, and of building his characterization through the thoughts and actions of each. The drama and fear NEVER lets up--once this tale begins, it runs full throttle forward. Even brief moments of hope: ". . . Get out of the house." : are eclipsed by thoughts of impending defeat instilled by the constant state of terror the family is kept in.
". . . What good was . . . against a six-foot-two man with murder on his mind?"
Some of the youths come off as being merely bored with life--hurting others just for a thrill, and because they can. More frightening than those, however, is Mr. Fear's philosophy: " . . . Killing is a lot like creating art: you have the power and control to do whatever you want and if you do it well, it frees your mind and takes you to a higher plane of existence."
McBean will pull at all of your emotions in this one! The adrenaline just doesn't let up until you settle yourself down for the night.
You may want to double check the locks on your doors and windows . . .
Recommended!
May 11, 2016
The Invasion, by Brett McBean, is a startlingly bleak home invasion story, but one that is wonderfully written. The opening paragraph alone delivers the goods and the promise of what’s to come.
Damn if that didn’t suck me in right from the get-go!
The night is certainly long for the family tucked behind the once-believed secure walls of the Carmela house. Deb, a romance novelist, has just finished hosting Christmas dinner for her brother, his boyfriend, her niece, and literary agent. After the guests have tucked themselves into bed, they are brusquely awoken by strangers in the home, who then tie them up and taunt them before things escalate further. And then Mr. Fear arrives…
Although The Invasion is a straight-up home invasion horror, this is not a merely a burglary interrupted but a story of psychopathy and cultish belonging. For the invaders, it isn’t about robbery so much as it’s sheer entertainment for them, their enjoyment fueled by their victim’s fright.
At times, McBean’s work is downright savage, and he doesn’t shy away from the cruelty of his crazy invaders, who get off on filming their horrendous crimes. The character work is nicely executed (no pun intended), and by the final pages I was really feeling for Deb, and her friends and family, and the devastation that’s been unleashed upon them. McBean uses their shared history as both friends and family to give us insight into their past relationships with one another, and with the Carmela house itself. Although the focus is squarely on the humans within, the house itself provides the narrative with its shape and structure as each chapter takes us on a tour of the large residence.
The Invasion is a chilling story, and while it is violent it never delves into overdrawn sequences of torture porn. McBean relies on his characters and atmosphere to bring the biggest scares, along with the frightening threat of home invasion that many readers will bring to the reading all by themselves.
[Note: An advanced copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review.]
“There is something ominous about a front porch light glowing in the daytime. It speaks of a place left in limbo, of lives interrupted and of simple, everyday tasks forgotten. It signifies that for this house, night has yet to end.”
Damn if that didn’t suck me in right from the get-go!
The night is certainly long for the family tucked behind the once-believed secure walls of the Carmela house. Deb, a romance novelist, has just finished hosting Christmas dinner for her brother, his boyfriend, her niece, and literary agent. After the guests have tucked themselves into bed, they are brusquely awoken by strangers in the home, who then tie them up and taunt them before things escalate further. And then Mr. Fear arrives…
Although The Invasion is a straight-up home invasion horror, this is not a merely a burglary interrupted but a story of psychopathy and cultish belonging. For the invaders, it isn’t about robbery so much as it’s sheer entertainment for them, their enjoyment fueled by their victim’s fright.
At times, McBean’s work is downright savage, and he doesn’t shy away from the cruelty of his crazy invaders, who get off on filming their horrendous crimes. The character work is nicely executed (no pun intended), and by the final pages I was really feeling for Deb, and her friends and family, and the devastation that’s been unleashed upon them. McBean uses their shared history as both friends and family to give us insight into their past relationships with one another, and with the Carmela house itself. Although the focus is squarely on the humans within, the house itself provides the narrative with its shape and structure as each chapter takes us on a tour of the large residence.
The Invasion is a chilling story, and while it is violent it never delves into overdrawn sequences of torture porn. McBean relies on his characters and atmosphere to bring the biggest scares, along with the frightening threat of home invasion that many readers will bring to the reading all by themselves.
[Note: An advanced copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review.]
June 10, 2016
This gorgeous signed/remarqued Thunderstorm edition is one of the coolest looking Thunderstorm books I own and also happens to be a kick-ass story.
I will admit that The Invasion started my spiral into full-blown Brett McBean addiction. As I look at all of the beautiful signed/limited edition McBean's I have amassed on my bookshelf over the last few months, I will also admit that it was worth it. In a genre where fear rules, Brett McBean may very well be king. Sorry, Stephen.
As you have probably already intuited, it's a book about a home invasion. My first thought was "how original," right? And then I read it. If you haven't already lost your hope for humanity, please check it at the door and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. This is a book that makes me both cringe and wonder who is sicker-- McBean for writing this or me for liking it? If you like to complain about our stereotypical "Millennials" just wait until you meet McBean's cult of killers and their not lack but non-existence of empathy for whatever toys happen to be in the box they choose to play with; in this case it is Debra and her unsuspecting Christmas dinner party whose stuffing and gears are about to become the main course.
Hi, my name is Andi and I have a problem. There are still some McBean books I have been unable to locate on this side of the world. All I have to say is buy this book. And maybe also someone get our favorite Aussie to the US please.
I will admit that The Invasion started my spiral into full-blown Brett McBean addiction. As I look at all of the beautiful signed/limited edition McBean's I have amassed on my bookshelf over the last few months, I will also admit that it was worth it. In a genre where fear rules, Brett McBean may very well be king. Sorry, Stephen.
As you have probably already intuited, it's a book about a home invasion. My first thought was "how original," right? And then I read it. If you haven't already lost your hope for humanity, please check it at the door and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. This is a book that makes me both cringe and wonder who is sicker-- McBean for writing this or me for liking it? If you like to complain about our stereotypical "Millennials" just wait until you meet McBean's cult of killers and their not lack but non-existence of empathy for whatever toys happen to be in the box they choose to play with; in this case it is Debra and her unsuspecting Christmas dinner party whose stuffing and gears are about to become the main course.
Hi, my name is Andi and I have a problem. There are still some McBean books I have been unable to locate on this side of the world. All I have to say is buy this book. And maybe also someone get our favorite Aussie to the US please.
August 1, 2016
Debra Hillsboro, is a romance novelist, who is planning a small Christmas party, for family and friends. The guests include, Debra's brother Paul and his partner Adam, her niece Tayrn and her agent Carl. What was supposed to be a quiet evening, turned into a horrific nightmare. The intruders, march through the front door, that was not locked. The strangers were dress in gothic style clothes and were all equipped with IPhones and various weapons. At first the strangers told the group, if everybody behaves, no one will get hurt. The strangers had other things on their mind. They were waiting for Mr. Fear to show up. Once Mr. Fear arrived, all hell broke loose. The torturing and the killing would begin. These sick maniacs, would film the torturing of these poor souls, so that they could show the clips to other groups just like them. The intensity level keeps building and building until it explodes, This book is a psychological thriller, that will scare the hell out of you. Just a word of warning, before you settle in for the night, make sure that all your doors and windows are locked! I highly recommend this book.
May 16, 2016
Review: THE INVASION by Brett McBean
The author has exhibited so much talent and interwoven so many layers of meaning into this novel that not once did I panic due to the nature of the plot--planned multiple home invasions by a technologically spiffy "cult." Okay, a couple of scenes and references really perturbed me. But we are so thoroughly introduced to the characters before the ugly events commence, that I just breezed along, wrapped up in the family and friends, cheering them on, rather than focusing on the pain and terror. Also, none of the "victims-to-be," as the terror squad perceives them, are wimp-outs, each in her or her own way has character strength and determination, compassion and empathy--all traits missing in the cult members, who are all human-shaped voids, commanded by a Black Hole with a metaphysical bent.
Mr. McBean, bring it on. You've far surpassed expectations in this supremely rapid-paced thriller.
The author has exhibited so much talent and interwoven so many layers of meaning into this novel that not once did I panic due to the nature of the plot--planned multiple home invasions by a technologically spiffy "cult." Okay, a couple of scenes and references really perturbed me. But we are so thoroughly introduced to the characters before the ugly events commence, that I just breezed along, wrapped up in the family and friends, cheering them on, rather than focusing on the pain and terror. Also, none of the "victims-to-be," as the terror squad perceives them, are wimp-outs, each in her or her own way has character strength and determination, compassion and empathy--all traits missing in the cult members, who are all human-shaped voids, commanded by a Black Hole with a metaphysical bent.
Mr. McBean, bring it on. You've far surpassed expectations in this supremely rapid-paced thriller.
August 18, 2016
"It just didn’t seem to go anywhere exciting for me. There is only so much tension you can get into the story when the same group of people are being held hostage if you like and another group are just continually trying to scare them."
See here for the full review:
The Invasion
See here for the full review:
The Invasion
Want to read
May 23, 2016This is cpy 14 of 52 signed numbered copies signed by Brett McBean
August 16, 2016
I've heard the name Brett McBean throughout various horror channels for some time. His novels all sounded interesting to me, and as a fellow Aussie, I was determined to give him a shot.
The short story is I'm very glad I did.
The slightly longer story goes like this.
McBean quickly proved himself to be a talented wordsmith in his latest novel, The Invasion. Not surprisingly given the title, this is the story of a home invasion that takes place in suburban Australia, with the tired revelers at a small Christmas party set upon by a group of predators whose agenda is at first unknown. It's the kind of tale which usually lends itself to a 100 minute feature film. but McBean here successfully adapts this sub-genre of film to book, and - especially for the first half - ratchets up the tension in an incredible way.
McBean's character work - at least among the protagonists - is especially strong. From the home's owner, a successful author with major marriage issues, to her gay younger brother and his long-term partner, McBean manages to breathe life into these characters, so that by the time horrible things befall them, the reader is caught and invested in their fortunes. He also goes to great lengths to make the house in which the events take place a character all of its own. This was both a strength and a weakness for mine, as early passages detailing each room of the house fit in well, but as the narrative progressed, there were a few too many occasions where everything ground to a halt for those same passages to take place.
A further slight disappointment for me was the pacing suffering a notable lag in the third-quarter of the book. Thankfully, however, McBean course corrects perfectly with an ending that bumped my score up a half-star.
Finally, the less said about the home invaders, the better, as a strength of the novel is gradually learning why they are doing what they are doing. And really, that's where The Invasion shines. Because who, after all, has not started at a bump in the night? Or wondered whether that was the squeak of the side door opening? Who hasn't asked themselves what they would do if someone came into their home uninvited in the dead of night?
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to hunt down some more novels from McBean.
3.5 (Rounded up to 4) Diminished Smart Phone Batteries for The Invasion.
The short story is I'm very glad I did.
The slightly longer story goes like this.
McBean quickly proved himself to be a talented wordsmith in his latest novel, The Invasion. Not surprisingly given the title, this is the story of a home invasion that takes place in suburban Australia, with the tired revelers at a small Christmas party set upon by a group of predators whose agenda is at first unknown. It's the kind of tale which usually lends itself to a 100 minute feature film. but McBean here successfully adapts this sub-genre of film to book, and - especially for the first half - ratchets up the tension in an incredible way.
McBean's character work - at least among the protagonists - is especially strong. From the home's owner, a successful author with major marriage issues, to her gay younger brother and his long-term partner, McBean manages to breathe life into these characters, so that by the time horrible things befall them, the reader is caught and invested in their fortunes. He also goes to great lengths to make the house in which the events take place a character all of its own. This was both a strength and a weakness for mine, as early passages detailing each room of the house fit in well, but as the narrative progressed, there were a few too many occasions where everything ground to a halt for those same passages to take place.
A further slight disappointment for me was the pacing suffering a notable lag in the third-quarter of the book. Thankfully, however, McBean course corrects perfectly with an ending that bumped my score up a half-star.
Finally, the less said about the home invaders, the better, as a strength of the novel is gradually learning why they are doing what they are doing. And really, that's where The Invasion shines. Because who, after all, has not started at a bump in the night? Or wondered whether that was the squeak of the side door opening? Who hasn't asked themselves what they would do if someone came into their home uninvited in the dead of night?
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to hunt down some more novels from McBean.
3.5 (Rounded up to 4) Diminished Smart Phone Batteries for The Invasion.
June 10, 2016
I will admit that The Invasion started my spiral into full-blown Brett McBean addiction. As I look at all of the beautiful signed/limited edition McBean's I have amassed on my bookshelf over the last few months, I will also admit that it was worth it. In a genre where fear rules, Brett McBean may very well be king. Sorry, Stephen.
As you have probably already intuited, it's a book about a home invasion. My first thought was "how original," right? And then I read it. If you haven't already lost your hope for humanity, please check it at the door and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. This is a book that makes me both cringe and wonder who is sicker-- McBean for writing this or me for liking it? If you like to complain about our stereotypical "Millennials" just wait until you meet McBean's cult of killers and their not lack but non-existence of empathy for whatever toys happen to be in the box they choose to play with; in this case it is Debra and her unsuspecting Christmas dinner party whose stuffing and gears are about to become the main course.
Hi, my name is Andi and I have a problem. There are still some McBean books I have been unable to locate on this side of the world. All I have to say is buy this book. And maybe also someone get our favorite Aussie to the US please.
I received an e-ARC of this book from Sinister Grin Press and Hook of a Book Media in exchange for an honest review.
As you have probably already intuited, it's a book about a home invasion. My first thought was "how original," right? And then I read it. If you haven't already lost your hope for humanity, please check it at the door and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. This is a book that makes me both cringe and wonder who is sicker-- McBean for writing this or me for liking it? If you like to complain about our stereotypical "Millennials" just wait until you meet McBean's cult of killers and their not lack but non-existence of empathy for whatever toys happen to be in the box they choose to play with; in this case it is Debra and her unsuspecting Christmas dinner party whose stuffing and gears are about to become the main course.
Hi, my name is Andi and I have a problem. There are still some McBean books I have been unable to locate on this side of the world. All I have to say is buy this book. And maybe also someone get our favorite Aussie to the US please.
I received an e-ARC of this book from Sinister Grin Press and Hook of a Book Media in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2016
A terrifying home invasion story which I thought was very well written. It was bleak and intense, made all the more so because I really felt invested in the characters, especially Debra.
The cult group responsible are beyond psychotic and, especially creepy, was the character called, Mr. Fear. That's all I am going to say about it, you just have to read it to find out more.
I subtracted one star, because I hated the ending. You'll see what I mean.
The cult group responsible are beyond psychotic and, especially creepy, was the character called, Mr. Fear. That's all I am going to say about it, you just have to read it to find out more.
I subtracted one star, because I hated the ending. You'll see what I mean.
May 16, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this novel.
The Invasion is an intensely terrifying story. Having read other books by Brett McBean (Desolation Game: Wolf Creek 2) I expected him to bring on the horror and I wasn't disappointed. We start off getting to know just enough about a group of family and friends to see that they are decent people who love one another. The scene is set. It's cozy and warm like a fuzzy robe on a cold night. Then BAM! A group of people break in with only one goal in mind,,, to terrify, torture and murder the people in the house. The storyline reminded me of The Strangers or You're Next, and as with those stories I spent a lot of time thinking 'Get out of there! Run! No, don't hide there!'. The cult and their leader, Mr. Fear, are terrifying in their total disregard for the lives they are taking. Viewing the people they are torturing and killing as nothing more than playthings that will garner them internet fame. One of the cult actually states that "I can't do it if it's not being filmed It won't count if no one else can see it.". This coldness and lack of empathy are horrifying to me. It makes The Invasion a very effective horror story. The only complaint I had about this book is the house. It would have been a five star read without the chapter from the house's perspective. I would still recommend it to horror fans. A darkly twisted 4 star read.
The Invasion is an intensely terrifying story. Having read other books by Brett McBean (Desolation Game: Wolf Creek 2) I expected him to bring on the horror and I wasn't disappointed. We start off getting to know just enough about a group of family and friends to see that they are decent people who love one another. The scene is set. It's cozy and warm like a fuzzy robe on a cold night. Then BAM! A group of people break in with only one goal in mind,,, to terrify, torture and murder the people in the house. The storyline reminded me of The Strangers or You're Next, and as with those stories I spent a lot of time thinking 'Get out of there! Run! No, don't hide there!'. The cult and their leader, Mr. Fear, are terrifying in their total disregard for the lives they are taking. Viewing the people they are torturing and killing as nothing more than playthings that will garner them internet fame. One of the cult actually states that "I can't do it if it's not being filmed It won't count if no one else can see it.". This coldness and lack of empathy are horrifying to me. It makes The Invasion a very effective horror story. The only complaint I had about this book is the house. It would have been a five star read without the chapter from the house's perspective. I would still recommend it to horror fans. A darkly twisted 4 star read.
July 31, 2016
I wouldn't have thought the home invasion genre could be successfully translated from film to the written word but I stand corrected. There is no shortage of character development with McBean's THE INVASION, which is what makes this novel shine. When these characters are put in peril--and trust me, there's no shortage in that department--we care deeply because they're handled with such attention to detail. Highly recommended.
January 11, 2019
I hate to say this was a DNF for me. It was the second book I had to read of Mcbean's and had high hopes but I found the story a little monotonous.
One thing I must say I thought was ingenious was the drawing of the layout of the house at the start. It made for easy reference.
One thing I must say I thought was ingenious was the drawing of the layout of the house at the start. It made for easy reference.
May 31, 2022
It took me awhile to get a copy of this. Brett Mcbean is a very talented writer. This is a very gory home invasion novel. Brett Mcbean writes in a very interesting way from the 3 books I have read by him.
October 11, 2016
A harrowing and brutal take on the home invasion. Memorable characters are put through sheer hell and you can't help but be with them until the very end.
June 26, 2016
Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review
My wife and I watch a ton of true crime shows - The Investigation Discovery channel is usually always on when we are watching TV - so when I read the synopsis for The Invasion I was hooked. This novel utilizes a real-life scenario and when you throw in the fact that the novel is loosely inspired by true events, I knew I was in for an adrenaline-filled read!
McBean's The Invasion starts off with a bone chilling introduction that sets the stage for the story. Obviously you know that something terrible is about to unfold, but McBean utilizes an unassuming everyday task and assigns it a creepy quality that sets off warning bells in your imagination even before you step foot into the house located on 6 Hooper Crescent. The house is the home of Debra Hillsboro, a romance novelist who has gathered her family and friends at her home to celebrate Christmas. Debra is going through a bit of a rough patch lately as her books aren't selling like they used to and she is going through a divorce.
Even with all the turmoil swirling around her life, her home is the one place Debra can feel safe. Debra has lived in the Carmela house for almost 30 years, spending a majority of her life and writing career in the home. However, as Debra and her guests settle in for the night, her illusion of safety is shattered when a group of six strangers break into the home and take everyone hostage. The apparent leader of the group - who calls himself Black Metal Freak - tells Debra they are there simply to rob her and that if her and her guests cooperate, everything will be okay. However, as the night unfolds, it becomes obvious that the group has sinister ulterior motives and things only get worse when the real leader - Mr. Fear - arrives. Facing the group of intruders, Debra and her family must dig deep within themselves in a struggle to survive the most frightening night of their lives.
The Invasion is a pretty bleak and violent read and there is a lot to enjoy for both horror and thriller fans. There are a lot of things McBean does well in The Invasion, starting with great descriptions of the house, which is the focal point of the novel as both a setting and a character. The house is given a great deal of characterization and Debra even refers to it by name. Also the scene setting where we first get a good look at the house, it is described almost like a flesh and blood person.
"Built in nineteen-sixty-nine, the four-bedroom single story split-level had been well-loved, but, like its resident of twenty-seven years, she was starting to look her age."
Making the house a character was a great touch and I like that based on the amount of action that occurs in each room, readers are given an equivalent amount of memories that took place there. For instance, the lounge is a central location in the novel and where a lot of violence occurs and we learn that this was Debra's safest place. The place where she went to read, entertain guests, and even work through some of the challenging spots in her writing. McBean does a great job of weaving these memories throughout the story to bring the setting into vivid focus and to highlight how all of these years of important memories will now be completely overshadowed by a night of violence and depravity.
The house even has an intriguing history complete with has dark rumors of ritual sacrifices, human burials and cult gatherings. A lot of these rumors trace back to the creepy producer that owned the house before Debra and he seemed to be hiding something. This sort of ambiguity about the house's past helps build the atmosphere of the novel because it raises the question of if the house is just a house or a beacon of sorts for evil. It is probably nothing more than a coincidence, but when you also take into account the hair-raising dream Debra's brother Peter had years ago, it really makes you question things.
The events of the novel build slowly at first with quiet, indistinguishable noises that can be attributed to just about any everyday occurrence and the stress weighing on Debra and her family blinds them to the fact that something may be wrong. These simple actions - a click of a door or thinking you hear people talking in another room - aren't scary by themselves, but McBean uses these small moments to build tension since readers know something sinister is lurking within the pages of The Invasion.
McBean wastes little time in introducing the strangers that invade Debra's home. At first glance, these strangers seem like an ordinary robbery team. However, throughout the course of The Invasion, this group proves they are anything but ordinary. They are a nihilistic group known as the "Fear Squad" and the members use code names like Black Metal Freak, Mad Vixen, Night Crawler, Child of Osiris, and Raven Queen. The group seems to be very methodical despite their young age and overactive behavior, but their sense of entitlement to do whatever they want occasionally makes them sloppy. While their plans hit snags along the way, they make up for any mistakes with appalling savagery.
I thought the portrayal of the Fear Squad was perfect. It is interesting that the Fear Squad are all tech savvy (almost to their detriment) and that the origins of their group are born from that reliance on technology. It is clear the members of the group have impulse control problems and a sense of detachment from reality, which influences their sadistic nature. It is hard to talk about the main thing that makes the Fear Squad such an interesting group without spoiling parts of the novel, but I will just say that the group has a very interesting origin story and I think there could be a whole novel dedicated to just how the group got started. The only real complaint I had with The Invasion is that at times the members of the Fear Squad seemed kind of flat. They were well-developed as a group, but as individuals they sometimes faded into the background and were kind of overshadowed by Mr. Fear.
Mr. Fear is the mysterious leader of the Fear Squad and while the collective as a whole serves as a very interesting threat, there is something about Mr. Fear that makes him standout. He has a sort of charisma that demands respect from the other members of the group and they idolize him because they think he has special powers. Now, I don't want to spoil too much about his claim to fame within the group, but I can't help but wonder if there is a bit of truth to his claims. I personally think he is just a sick man who uses his charismatic qualities to control the group, but there are a few instances where he seems to exhibit the very power he claims to possess. Is he just a normal man or is there something more lurking underneath the surface?
While McBean does a great job cultivating a horrific threat with his characterization of the Fear Squad, I really enjoyed his characterization of Debra and her family. The Invasion is a richly characterized piece and getting to know the intimate details about the characters through flashbacks and their interactions with each other makes you emotionally invested in their fight for survival. They also go through a transformation as the events unfold and it helps make the characters more dynamic. Paul is portrayed as being fairly timid, a stark contrast to his bold and brave boyfriend that isn't afraid to speak his mind. However, as the night unfolds, Paul exhibits a bravery and strength that he didn't even know he had in him. Debra's niece Taryn is probably my favorite character of the novel. Even in the face of paralyzing fear, she shows a lot of bravery and intelligence in her attempt to stop the Fear Squad. She is resourceful and arms herself with household items and fights back against the group with everything she has.
I also liked that the story was contained to just one location - the Carmela house. By keeping the events limited to one location and one night, McBean crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere that transports readers into the story and ratchets up the tension. I also liked the format McBean used to break up the novel. Rather than go with traditional chapters, he breaks the story up by what room the events take place in. Sometimes that makes for short, punchy chapters which are great for the pacing of the novel. It is a small touch, but I liked the inclusion of the map at the beginning of the story. It is nice to be able to flip back to the map and track the events of the story as they unfold and makes for an engaging reading experience.
The Invasion is a terrifying novel that offers a glimpse at real-life horror and some of the darkest behaviors exhibited by people. Home invasions are a terrifying crime and while we may not consciously think about it, it is a fear that is universal. Our homes are supposed to be places where we feel safe and the idea of a stranger shattering that feeling make for an absolutely frightening premise that McBean captures perfectly. While there are plenty of home invasion stories out there, McBean puts a pretty unique spin on the genre that helps this one stand out. Highly recommended!
My wife and I watch a ton of true crime shows - The Investigation Discovery channel is usually always on when we are watching TV - so when I read the synopsis for The Invasion I was hooked. This novel utilizes a real-life scenario and when you throw in the fact that the novel is loosely inspired by true events, I knew I was in for an adrenaline-filled read!
McBean's The Invasion starts off with a bone chilling introduction that sets the stage for the story. Obviously you know that something terrible is about to unfold, but McBean utilizes an unassuming everyday task and assigns it a creepy quality that sets off warning bells in your imagination even before you step foot into the house located on 6 Hooper Crescent. The house is the home of Debra Hillsboro, a romance novelist who has gathered her family and friends at her home to celebrate Christmas. Debra is going through a bit of a rough patch lately as her books aren't selling like they used to and she is going through a divorce.
Even with all the turmoil swirling around her life, her home is the one place Debra can feel safe. Debra has lived in the Carmela house for almost 30 years, spending a majority of her life and writing career in the home. However, as Debra and her guests settle in for the night, her illusion of safety is shattered when a group of six strangers break into the home and take everyone hostage. The apparent leader of the group - who calls himself Black Metal Freak - tells Debra they are there simply to rob her and that if her and her guests cooperate, everything will be okay. However, as the night unfolds, it becomes obvious that the group has sinister ulterior motives and things only get worse when the real leader - Mr. Fear - arrives. Facing the group of intruders, Debra and her family must dig deep within themselves in a struggle to survive the most frightening night of their lives.
The Invasion is a pretty bleak and violent read and there is a lot to enjoy for both horror and thriller fans. There are a lot of things McBean does well in The Invasion, starting with great descriptions of the house, which is the focal point of the novel as both a setting and a character. The house is given a great deal of characterization and Debra even refers to it by name. Also the scene setting where we first get a good look at the house, it is described almost like a flesh and blood person.
"Built in nineteen-sixty-nine, the four-bedroom single story split-level had been well-loved, but, like its resident of twenty-seven years, she was starting to look her age."
Making the house a character was a great touch and I like that based on the amount of action that occurs in each room, readers are given an equivalent amount of memories that took place there. For instance, the lounge is a central location in the novel and where a lot of violence occurs and we learn that this was Debra's safest place. The place where she went to read, entertain guests, and even work through some of the challenging spots in her writing. McBean does a great job of weaving these memories throughout the story to bring the setting into vivid focus and to highlight how all of these years of important memories will now be completely overshadowed by a night of violence and depravity.
The house even has an intriguing history complete with has dark rumors of ritual sacrifices, human burials and cult gatherings. A lot of these rumors trace back to the creepy producer that owned the house before Debra and he seemed to be hiding something. This sort of ambiguity about the house's past helps build the atmosphere of the novel because it raises the question of if the house is just a house or a beacon of sorts for evil. It is probably nothing more than a coincidence, but when you also take into account the hair-raising dream Debra's brother Peter had years ago, it really makes you question things.
The events of the novel build slowly at first with quiet, indistinguishable noises that can be attributed to just about any everyday occurrence and the stress weighing on Debra and her family blinds them to the fact that something may be wrong. These simple actions - a click of a door or thinking you hear people talking in another room - aren't scary by themselves, but McBean uses these small moments to build tension since readers know something sinister is lurking within the pages of The Invasion.
McBean wastes little time in introducing the strangers that invade Debra's home. At first glance, these strangers seem like an ordinary robbery team. However, throughout the course of The Invasion, this group proves they are anything but ordinary. They are a nihilistic group known as the "Fear Squad" and the members use code names like Black Metal Freak, Mad Vixen, Night Crawler, Child of Osiris, and Raven Queen. The group seems to be very methodical despite their young age and overactive behavior, but their sense of entitlement to do whatever they want occasionally makes them sloppy. While their plans hit snags along the way, they make up for any mistakes with appalling savagery.
I thought the portrayal of the Fear Squad was perfect. It is interesting that the Fear Squad are all tech savvy (almost to their detriment) and that the origins of their group are born from that reliance on technology. It is clear the members of the group have impulse control problems and a sense of detachment from reality, which influences their sadistic nature. It is hard to talk about the main thing that makes the Fear Squad such an interesting group without spoiling parts of the novel, but I will just say that the group has a very interesting origin story and I think there could be a whole novel dedicated to just how the group got started. The only real complaint I had with The Invasion is that at times the members of the Fear Squad seemed kind of flat. They were well-developed as a group, but as individuals they sometimes faded into the background and were kind of overshadowed by Mr. Fear.
Mr. Fear is the mysterious leader of the Fear Squad and while the collective as a whole serves as a very interesting threat, there is something about Mr. Fear that makes him standout. He has a sort of charisma that demands respect from the other members of the group and they idolize him because they think he has special powers. Now, I don't want to spoil too much about his claim to fame within the group, but I can't help but wonder if there is a bit of truth to his claims. I personally think he is just a sick man who uses his charismatic qualities to control the group, but there are a few instances where he seems to exhibit the very power he claims to possess. Is he just a normal man or is there something more lurking underneath the surface?
While McBean does a great job cultivating a horrific threat with his characterization of the Fear Squad, I really enjoyed his characterization of Debra and her family. The Invasion is a richly characterized piece and getting to know the intimate details about the characters through flashbacks and their interactions with each other makes you emotionally invested in their fight for survival. They also go through a transformation as the events unfold and it helps make the characters more dynamic. Paul is portrayed as being fairly timid, a stark contrast to his bold and brave boyfriend that isn't afraid to speak his mind. However, as the night unfolds, Paul exhibits a bravery and strength that he didn't even know he had in him. Debra's niece Taryn is probably my favorite character of the novel. Even in the face of paralyzing fear, she shows a lot of bravery and intelligence in her attempt to stop the Fear Squad. She is resourceful and arms herself with household items and fights back against the group with everything she has.
I also liked that the story was contained to just one location - the Carmela house. By keeping the events limited to one location and one night, McBean crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere that transports readers into the story and ratchets up the tension. I also liked the format McBean used to break up the novel. Rather than go with traditional chapters, he breaks the story up by what room the events take place in. Sometimes that makes for short, punchy chapters which are great for the pacing of the novel. It is a small touch, but I liked the inclusion of the map at the beginning of the story. It is nice to be able to flip back to the map and track the events of the story as they unfold and makes for an engaging reading experience.
The Invasion is a terrifying novel that offers a glimpse at real-life horror and some of the darkest behaviors exhibited by people. Home invasions are a terrifying crime and while we may not consciously think about it, it is a fear that is universal. Our homes are supposed to be places where we feel safe and the idea of a stranger shattering that feeling make for an absolutely frightening premise that McBean captures perfectly. While there are plenty of home invasion stories out there, McBean puts a pretty unique spin on the genre that helps this one stand out. Highly recommended!
January 13, 2023
Pretty good tale about a home invasion. If Bloody gore isn't for you, skip this one. 3.75 🌟
June 18, 2016
Being a victim of a home invasion is one of my more prominent, and more realistic primal fears. When I was younger, nearly thirtyish years ago, an elderly man died during a home invasion attack in my neighborhood. The assault wasn't extremely close, in terms of proximity, but close enough for discomfort. It was easy to see that my grandmother, my caregiver, was shaken. As was the entire family. This was at a time when home invasions (and blatant public violence, and mass shootings, et cetera, et cetera...) weren't a weekly news story.
All these years later the idea of someone, or a group of someones barging into my sanctuary and destroying the fragile sense of security, and more than likely causing bodily harm to me, or god forbid, one of my children, still rattles me to my core. Guaranteeing a sleepless night.
And then I read The Invasion. Willingly, eagerly, might I add. And for a few nights those fears rear their ugly head and take control, sleep broken by nightmares.
Brett McBean has offered up a mighty fine, and very unnerving home invasion yarn. After a small bit of ambiguous foreshadowing the main narrative kicks off with solid setting of mood and introduction to our dramatis personae. Living and breathing within the walls of this home (a location that is a character in its own right) is a cast of fully formed, interesting and believable characters.
I connected with this read immediately, finding myself concerned for the well being of all parties involved as the relaxing, yet melancholic solace set up in the opening chapters is breached not with a bang but a quiet disconcerting menace. An adversary not acting out of chaos but a calculated, single minded purpose. Destroying livelihood for the sake of destroying livelihood. That's a dark, heavy subject my friends. It's an attitude becoming more prevalent in this day and age.
And with our adversaries, the Fear Squad, Brett does a phenomenal job defining this generation's complete emotional detachment from the world around them. Living vicariously through a phone screen, hungry to be social media superstars. This is a cold group of kids and a powerful statement as to what we seem to be headed towards, a world of vicious indifference and emotionless brutality.
It makes for a bleak future, it also makes for a great read. You go into this book with a firm expectation that not everybody will survive, but quickly the worry sets in about anyone surviving at all. Well, do they?
I'll never tell.
Lock you doors, friends. And sleep easy.
Overall score: 5/ 5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!
https://www.facebook.com/ExLibrisTheE...
**Note: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher/ publicist on the promise of an honest review. These are my unbiased feelings.
All these years later the idea of someone, or a group of someones barging into my sanctuary and destroying the fragile sense of security, and more than likely causing bodily harm to me, or god forbid, one of my children, still rattles me to my core. Guaranteeing a sleepless night.
And then I read The Invasion. Willingly, eagerly, might I add. And for a few nights those fears rear their ugly head and take control, sleep broken by nightmares.
Brett McBean has offered up a mighty fine, and very unnerving home invasion yarn. After a small bit of ambiguous foreshadowing the main narrative kicks off with solid setting of mood and introduction to our dramatis personae. Living and breathing within the walls of this home (a location that is a character in its own right) is a cast of fully formed, interesting and believable characters.
I connected with this read immediately, finding myself concerned for the well being of all parties involved as the relaxing, yet melancholic solace set up in the opening chapters is breached not with a bang but a quiet disconcerting menace. An adversary not acting out of chaos but a calculated, single minded purpose. Destroying livelihood for the sake of destroying livelihood. That's a dark, heavy subject my friends. It's an attitude becoming more prevalent in this day and age.
And with our adversaries, the Fear Squad, Brett does a phenomenal job defining this generation's complete emotional detachment from the world around them. Living vicariously through a phone screen, hungry to be social media superstars. This is a cold group of kids and a powerful statement as to what we seem to be headed towards, a world of vicious indifference and emotionless brutality.
It makes for a bleak future, it also makes for a great read. You go into this book with a firm expectation that not everybody will survive, but quickly the worry sets in about anyone surviving at all. Well, do they?
I'll never tell.
Lock you doors, friends. And sleep easy.
Overall score: 5/ 5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!
https://www.facebook.com/ExLibrisTheE...
**Note: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher/ publicist on the promise of an honest review. These are my unbiased feelings.
June 4, 2017
Brett McBean's The Invasion is a horrible, nasty bastard of a novel, and I mean that in the most very positive of ways. It had me squirming and gasping pretty much all the way through.
The story is of a group of family and friends after a pre-Christmas meal in a large secluded house. Their night is turned into utter carnage by a group of intruders hell bent on killing them all and watching them suffer, whilst filming it all, obviously. The group is led by the mysterious Mr Fear, who enjoys nothing more than witnessing the absolute terror of someone about to die as they accept their fate.
I'd read a couple of reviews of this before diving in, and one of them had complained of a lot of info-dumping going on. Now yeah, that's kind of true, and after the initial intro where the events that are about to unfold are reflected upon, the book does seem to be simply setting up the characters' backstories. But the thing is, it's well written enough for this to not be a problem. You just know things are going to take a more brutal turn, and then suddenly they do.
Once the intruders enter and tie up the luckless protagonists, the true nature of their pretty sick and morally-deranged minds begins to take hold. Throughout the stomach-churning gore and horrific moments we are drip-fed more backstory points, but this only serves to make the brutal bits more brutal!
The novel is very claustrophobic, every scene is in the house or the courtyard outside. You, like the characters fighting for their lives, feel that there is no escape from this place. It has very much got the vibe of the film Funny Games, another plus!
There are a few spoiler-esque points coming up, minute details that prevent me from giving this book the full rating available.
Firstly, the house seems almost self-aware, judging by the prologue and epilogue (although not named as these). I just wondered whether the house may have been more of a 'character' throughout the whole book, possibly interfering in how everything eventually plays out. Or maybe it does?
Then there's the mention of the ghost that Paul witnessed there a few years ago. I thought that there would be more about this, perhaps it would help the victims escape, or possibly aid the intruders? Although, the lack of any more ghost mentions did nothing detrimental to the novel.
And finally, I would have loved a bit more insight into Mr Fear. OK, you could argue that the stuff you don't know about makes the character a lot more sinister and frightening. Maybe he will make another appearance in another of McBean's books in the future? Now that would be cool.
But on the whole, a great read. Feeling uncomfortable while reading is what I crave, and not just because my sofa's lumpy! Highly recommended.
The story is of a group of family and friends after a pre-Christmas meal in a large secluded house. Their night is turned into utter carnage by a group of intruders hell bent on killing them all and watching them suffer, whilst filming it all, obviously. The group is led by the mysterious Mr Fear, who enjoys nothing more than witnessing the absolute terror of someone about to die as they accept their fate.
I'd read a couple of reviews of this before diving in, and one of them had complained of a lot of info-dumping going on. Now yeah, that's kind of true, and after the initial intro where the events that are about to unfold are reflected upon, the book does seem to be simply setting up the characters' backstories. But the thing is, it's well written enough for this to not be a problem. You just know things are going to take a more brutal turn, and then suddenly they do.
Once the intruders enter and tie up the luckless protagonists, the true nature of their pretty sick and morally-deranged minds begins to take hold. Throughout the stomach-churning gore and horrific moments we are drip-fed more backstory points, but this only serves to make the brutal bits more brutal!
The novel is very claustrophobic, every scene is in the house or the courtyard outside. You, like the characters fighting for their lives, feel that there is no escape from this place. It has very much got the vibe of the film Funny Games, another plus!
There are a few spoiler-esque points coming up, minute details that prevent me from giving this book the full rating available.
Firstly, the house seems almost self-aware, judging by the prologue and epilogue (although not named as these). I just wondered whether the house may have been more of a 'character' throughout the whole book, possibly interfering in how everything eventually plays out. Or maybe it does?
Then there's the mention of the ghost that Paul witnessed there a few years ago. I thought that there would be more about this, perhaps it would help the victims escape, or possibly aid the intruders? Although, the lack of any more ghost mentions did nothing detrimental to the novel.
And finally, I would have loved a bit more insight into Mr Fear. OK, you could argue that the stuff you don't know about makes the character a lot more sinister and frightening. Maybe he will make another appearance in another of McBean's books in the future? Now that would be cool.
But on the whole, a great read. Feeling uncomfortable while reading is what I crave, and not just because my sofa's lumpy! Highly recommended.
July 3, 2018
Boring. Somebody who reviewed The Cabin At The End Of The World said this was better. Well that settles it. I am not reading “Cabin”. This was just a tedious read for me. It was depressing and we were just supposed to accept that there was no real reason for this story other than
Spoiler alert
Cheap death porn.
Spoiler alert
Cheap death porn.
October 11, 2021
2,5*
Leider konnte mich das Buch nicht wirklich von sich überzeugen, zwar war es jetzt nicht extrem schlecht, jedoch habe ich mir irgendwie mehr von der Geschichte erwartet.
Wenn man nicht nach einer tiefsinnigen Geschichte sucht, sondern nur Horrorszenen möchte, ist man bei diesem Buch richtig, jedoch habe ich mir etwas mehr Inhalt gewünscht.
Leider konnte mich das Buch nicht wirklich von sich überzeugen, zwar war es jetzt nicht extrem schlecht, jedoch habe ich mir irgendwie mehr von der Geschichte erwartet.
Wenn man nicht nach einer tiefsinnigen Geschichte sucht, sondern nur Horrorszenen möchte, ist man bei diesem Buch richtig, jedoch habe ich mir etwas mehr Inhalt gewünscht.
January 17, 2025
The author hit the trifecta: a ridiculous plot in a house that defies any sort of rational design, bad, very bad, writing, and characters that are completely implausible or that you don't care an iota.
June 12, 2017
A gritty invasion story in the vein of 70s and 80s video nasties.
October 23, 2018
Nail biting suspense-horror novel. Reminded me a little of Wes Craven's Last House On The Left. Highly recommended.
December 3, 2022
Absolutely brutal
November 21, 2023
Dass Buch war überraschend super
March 10, 2019
Eine familiäre Weihnachtsfeier in einer Villa mutiert zum tödlichen Albtraum für alle Beteiligten.
Momentan häufen sich Geschichten um Eindringlinge, die die Sicherheit und den Schutz des Heims zerstören. Einer der verstörenden Vorreiter ist immer noch Funny Games, aktuell aus der Reihe Pulp-Legends vom Festa Verlag Komm, wir spielen bei den Adams und natürlich Angst war hier. Der Thriller erzählt von einer kleinen Gesellschaft im Haus einer bekannten Autorin, die zum Weihnachtsessen geladen hat. Als alle im Bett sind, beginnt das Grauen, das die komplette restliche Nacht anhält. Die Bewohner werden erst zusammengetrieben und dann unter den Eindringlingen aufgeteilt, die mit ihren grausamen Spielen beginnen dürfen, wenn Mr. Fear eingetroffen ist. Alles wird gefilmt und schnellstens an eine Gruppe weitergeleitet, die scheinbar in einem anderen Haus ähnliches vollbringt. Die Angst ist spürbar, die Ausweglosigkeit und wachsende Verzweiflung ist für den Leser vom ersten Moment an nachvollziehbar. McBean selbst zeigt sich ebenfalls von seiner sadistischen Autorenseite und gibt dem Leser immer wieder kleine Verschnaufpausen und Hoffnungsschimmer, dass doch alles gut ausgehen könnte. Diese Spannung kann bis zum Schluss aufrecht erhalten werden.
Das Hauptthema ist die Angst, wie der Titel schon sagt, und Mr. Fear spielt gerne damit und bringt seinen Schergen bei, Ängsten gegenüberzutreten und sie zu überwinden. Das Buch schließt mit einem Satz, der besser als alles andere auf unsere Welt zutrifft: „Weil der Horror überall ist.“, und lässt den Leser durchaus nachdenklich zurück – denn diese Geschichte könnte sich wirklich nahezu überall abspielen. Neben der dargestellten Grausamkeit, zeigt die Skrupellosigkeit der Eindringlinge und ihre Sucht nach Video, Selfies mit den Opfern und Blut deutlich, was die Sozialen Netzwerke und die Vernetzung der Welt alles möglich machen und wozu sie führen. Wer das Buch liest, kann sich durchaus kritisch mit dem beschriebenen Einsatz der Smartphones auseinandersetzen und fasst das Unbegreifliche auf: Die Faszination von Blut und Gewalt, von Terror und dem bloßen Zusehen. Das Gaffer-Syndrom, das viele auf Autobahnen bei Unfällen sogar anhalten lässt. Auch wenn das Buch die Beiträge nicht der gesamten Öffentlichkeit präsentiert, sondern nur einer ausgewählten Gruppe Eingeweihter, ist die Message dahinter die gleiche – und nicht weniger erschreckend.
Eine blutige Nacht ohne Sieger, mit zerstörten Hoffnungen und auswegloser Gewalt. Wer Angst im Dunklen oder alleine zu Hause hat, sollte die Finger davon lassen.
Momentan häufen sich Geschichten um Eindringlinge, die die Sicherheit und den Schutz des Heims zerstören. Einer der verstörenden Vorreiter ist immer noch Funny Games, aktuell aus der Reihe Pulp-Legends vom Festa Verlag Komm, wir spielen bei den Adams und natürlich Angst war hier. Der Thriller erzählt von einer kleinen Gesellschaft im Haus einer bekannten Autorin, die zum Weihnachtsessen geladen hat. Als alle im Bett sind, beginnt das Grauen, das die komplette restliche Nacht anhält. Die Bewohner werden erst zusammengetrieben und dann unter den Eindringlingen aufgeteilt, die mit ihren grausamen Spielen beginnen dürfen, wenn Mr. Fear eingetroffen ist. Alles wird gefilmt und schnellstens an eine Gruppe weitergeleitet, die scheinbar in einem anderen Haus ähnliches vollbringt. Die Angst ist spürbar, die Ausweglosigkeit und wachsende Verzweiflung ist für den Leser vom ersten Moment an nachvollziehbar. McBean selbst zeigt sich ebenfalls von seiner sadistischen Autorenseite und gibt dem Leser immer wieder kleine Verschnaufpausen und Hoffnungsschimmer, dass doch alles gut ausgehen könnte. Diese Spannung kann bis zum Schluss aufrecht erhalten werden.
Das Hauptthema ist die Angst, wie der Titel schon sagt, und Mr. Fear spielt gerne damit und bringt seinen Schergen bei, Ängsten gegenüberzutreten und sie zu überwinden. Das Buch schließt mit einem Satz, der besser als alles andere auf unsere Welt zutrifft: „Weil der Horror überall ist.“, und lässt den Leser durchaus nachdenklich zurück – denn diese Geschichte könnte sich wirklich nahezu überall abspielen. Neben der dargestellten Grausamkeit, zeigt die Skrupellosigkeit der Eindringlinge und ihre Sucht nach Video, Selfies mit den Opfern und Blut deutlich, was die Sozialen Netzwerke und die Vernetzung der Welt alles möglich machen und wozu sie führen. Wer das Buch liest, kann sich durchaus kritisch mit dem beschriebenen Einsatz der Smartphones auseinandersetzen und fasst das Unbegreifliche auf: Die Faszination von Blut und Gewalt, von Terror und dem bloßen Zusehen. Das Gaffer-Syndrom, das viele auf Autobahnen bei Unfällen sogar anhalten lässt. Auch wenn das Buch die Beiträge nicht der gesamten Öffentlichkeit präsentiert, sondern nur einer ausgewählten Gruppe Eingeweihter, ist die Message dahinter die gleiche – und nicht weniger erschreckend.
Eine blutige Nacht ohne Sieger, mit zerstörten Hoffnungen und auswegloser Gewalt. Wer Angst im Dunklen oder alleine zu Hause hat, sollte die Finger davon lassen.
June 28, 2016
Home invasions are one of the most terrifying concepts for me, in both real life and the horror genre. Our homes are supposed to be a place of safety and security, a place we can relax and get away from everyone and everything. So the idea of an intruder violating such a space is absolutely horrific.
Author Brett McBean taps into this primal feeling with his latest book, THE INVASION, which was released last month by Sinister Grin Press. Regardless of whether or not home invasions are something you worry about now, I guarantee you’ll be concerned after reading this book.
I like home invasion movies like THE STRANGERS and STRAW DOGS, but I wasn’t sure if a book could have the same impact as the visual horror of the films. My doubts were erased with THE INVASION. This tale is a visceral thriller that will make you triple-check your windows and doors at night before you go to bed.
THE INVASION is written well and flows at a nice, crisp pace. McBean does a great job of measuring out tension between the pages, and the result is a steady-paced, intense read.
The characters in THE INVASION are fleshed out well and believable. I particularly like Debra, as the main character. Despite the circumstances playing out in the book, she is still strong. The reader is given many glimpses inside her head, and I like how her mind works. I also like the villains, as well. They are perfect for this day and age. I am surprised we have not seen techno-psychos like these antagonists in real life headlines.
The plot is both feasible (for the most part) and chilling. I ran across only two scenes that didn’t strike a chord with me, but the rest are gut-wrenching and horrifying. The acts of violence these characters have to endure will make you cringe.
THE INVASION is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it. The book made me uneasy each time I read it at night, and a couple of times I left my bedroom to double-check locks and security lights…just in case. McBean paints a terrifying and realistic picture of brutality with this book, and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next. THE INVASION is available now in a variety of formats.
Author Brett McBean taps into this primal feeling with his latest book, THE INVASION, which was released last month by Sinister Grin Press. Regardless of whether or not home invasions are something you worry about now, I guarantee you’ll be concerned after reading this book.
I like home invasion movies like THE STRANGERS and STRAW DOGS, but I wasn’t sure if a book could have the same impact as the visual horror of the films. My doubts were erased with THE INVASION. This tale is a visceral thriller that will make you triple-check your windows and doors at night before you go to bed.
THE INVASION is written well and flows at a nice, crisp pace. McBean does a great job of measuring out tension between the pages, and the result is a steady-paced, intense read.
The characters in THE INVASION are fleshed out well and believable. I particularly like Debra, as the main character. Despite the circumstances playing out in the book, she is still strong. The reader is given many glimpses inside her head, and I like how her mind works. I also like the villains, as well. They are perfect for this day and age. I am surprised we have not seen techno-psychos like these antagonists in real life headlines.
The plot is both feasible (for the most part) and chilling. I ran across only two scenes that didn’t strike a chord with me, but the rest are gut-wrenching and horrifying. The acts of violence these characters have to endure will make you cringe.
THE INVASION is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it. The book made me uneasy each time I read it at night, and a couple of times I left my bedroom to double-check locks and security lights…just in case. McBean paints a terrifying and realistic picture of brutality with this book, and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next. THE INVASION is available now in a variety of formats.
May 20, 2016
A violent and brutal home invasion story written in a beautiful and captivating way. The beauty comes from the writers style and his craft which is unparalleled. I was unaware of the author, much to my chagrin, until I received an ARC for an honest review. I did not know what to expect and was hooked by the opening paragraph which was intriguing and haunting. The story is bleak and violent and unrelenting. There are a lot of twists and turns, and somehow McBean creates a sense of immediacy as well as intimacy and we are inextricable linked to the participants. Highly recommended. An excellent read.
May 28, 2016
THE INVASION is an extreme home invasion story - a terrifying, cerebral read that will keep your heart pounding. McBean lays the foundation and captures the reader's attention on the first page. You'll continue reading because the words are well-crafted, and the story continues to be well-built from every perspective. The potential reality of this writing is what makes it scary and makes readers really think about what they would do in such a situation. Of course, even if you are certain of what you would think and do, who knows about anyone else's dark mind or the things that may bring another twisted pleasure. You won't be able to put this book down.
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