What do you think?
Rate this book
Mania
MANIA follows controversial filmmaker William Ward as he films an adaptation of a supposedly cursed screenplay. Though he doesn’t believe in curses, he’s happy to have the hype surrounding his newest movie. But as production begins, he soon learns that the curse is all too real and the vengeful ghost haunting the script is only a piece of the puzzle. At its heart is a shadowy cult, manipulating events behind the scenes. As dark forces gather around him, Ward and his girlfriend Rachel try to find a way to break the curse before it’s too late.
- GenresHorror
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2016
8 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Lucas Mangum
51 books129 followersLucas Mangum is an author currently living in Austin, TX.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 22, 2021
Ah, yes, the cursed screenplay - one of those urban legends that may or may not be true, depending on who you ask.
Probably the best known example is THE EXORCIST.
From a set burning down, actors getting injured and people involved dying shortly after the movie was wrapped, who can say with certainty there wasn't a curse on the movie.
Then there is the Superman curse, where misfortunes plagued the creative people involved in adaptations, especially those who play the man himself. May I nominate Justin Bieber as the next Superman?
Of course, there are others you can read about, like WATERWORLD, THE OMEN, APOCALYPSE NOW and THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE.
Others, like FREDDY GOT FINGERED, GLITTER and GIGLI, were not, they were just really bad movies.
However, the one which has the most plausibility of a curse is ATUK, based on the novel THE INCOMPARABLE ATUK, which has never actually been made. A lot of the actors who showed interest, ended up dead, like John Belushi, Sam Kinison, John Candy and Chris Farley. If you want to read more about it, go to:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atuk
This story by Lucas Mangum was very entertaining and did read very much like a movie, so fans who are into that kind of thing will enjoy this one. Some of the inspirations are blatantly obvious while others might be hinted at, but it comes down to Hollywood behind the scenes - all the supernatural things people wonder about.
It was fun.
Probably the best known example is THE EXORCIST.
From a set burning down, actors getting injured and people involved dying shortly after the movie was wrapped, who can say with certainty there wasn't a curse on the movie.
Then there is the Superman curse, where misfortunes plagued the creative people involved in adaptations, especially those who play the man himself. May I nominate Justin Bieber as the next Superman?
Of course, there are others you can read about, like WATERWORLD, THE OMEN, APOCALYPSE NOW and THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE.
Others, like FREDDY GOT FINGERED, GLITTER and GIGLI, were not, they were just really bad movies.
However, the one which has the most plausibility of a curse is ATUK, based on the novel THE INCOMPARABLE ATUK, which has never actually been made. A lot of the actors who showed interest, ended up dead, like John Belushi, Sam Kinison, John Candy and Chris Farley. If you want to read more about it, go to:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atuk
This story by Lucas Mangum was very entertaining and did read very much like a movie, so fans who are into that kind of thing will enjoy this one. Some of the inspirations are blatantly obvious while others might be hinted at, but it comes down to Hollywood behind the scenes - all the supernatural things people wonder about.
It was fun.
March 14, 2018
This is a fast-reading thriller that plays out like a film. The subject itself is a screenplay that is supposedly cursed. Whenever an attempt is made to put the movie into production, deadly results and derangement consistently follow. The characters in the story are well fleshed-out (no pun intended). We follow their actions as story twists and history are uncovered in vivid detail. What occurs beyond the walls of theatre poses these questions: what is reality, and what atrocities thrive just beyond it's exterior? Mania is an absorbing novella that kept my attention to the end. I look forward to reading more by the author.
January 9, 2018
A solid, gory, fast-paced ghost story told with a horror aficionados affection, and a talented and steady writer’s hand. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. If you’re into horror, there’s little in here NOT to like. Read this sucka in two days.
December 20, 2021
Damn I really liked this one a lot it was a fast paced read that just all the sudden punches you in the face and turns gory and violent in the blink of an eye and before you know it.... The story is over. Lucas Mangum can tell awesome stories this one sucked me in ... I read this in one sitting. Highly recommend
January 10, 2018
I have read some good books lately, many of which I enjoy. But not every book compels me to seek out more from the author.
Mania has me wanting more from this author.
The characters were compelling and realistic. They had every day problems in addition to the complications offered via the plot. Their every day problems did not hinder the storytelling. It was all woven together to create believable characters you could easily empathize with.
Style was good and the horror was atmospheric with some gore thrown in for good measure, but it is used effectively in that it isn't on every page. So it packs more of a punch when it does show up.
There was a lot to tie up at the end, but the author pulled it off with a satisfying conclusion.
Mania has me wanting more from this author.
The characters were compelling and realistic. They had every day problems in addition to the complications offered via the plot. Their every day problems did not hinder the storytelling. It was all woven together to create believable characters you could easily empathize with.
Style was good and the horror was atmospheric with some gore thrown in for good measure, but it is used effectively in that it isn't on every page. So it packs more of a punch when it does show up.
There was a lot to tie up at the end, but the author pulled it off with a satisfying conclusion.
August 28, 2021
“Are you scared?” she said. Ward nodded. She cocked her head to the side, a strand of blood dribbled from her ear. “Good. You’ll taste better that way.”
She dropped the camera. It hit the floor with a dull thud. Ward tried to run, but too late. She took hold of the sides of his face, closed her mouth around his.
She dropped the camera. It hit the floor with a dull thud. Ward tried to run, but too late. She took hold of the sides of his face, closed her mouth around his.
September 11, 2021
I went into this thinking it was going to be a straight out haunted film story. Boy, this was so much more. Mangum weaves a delicate tale about depression, self-worth, family disfunction and much more. This book has a decent amount of gore and sex, which is all well done. If you want a quick read, with a good twist, check this out.
November 19, 2022
Story 4/4
Narration 4/4
Mania isn’t your typical ghost story, I liked it!
There’s suspense, it’s fast and gory.
I Recommend it!
Narration 4/4
Mania isn’t your typical ghost story, I liked it!
There’s suspense, it’s fast and gory.
I Recommend it!
November 14, 2020
Mania [Revised Edition] by Lucas Mangum feels altogether too short by the time you reach the end.
The story of a cursed screenplay and the absolute nightmare that accompanies that curse is told in a way that can only be described as cinematic. It's smutty, gory, and depraved...and not in turns, but all at once.
I really don't want to spoil anything, but there's a scene before the halfway point where a character witnesses a dead and disemboweled woman masturbating with a length of her own intestine. Keep in mind, that isn't even halfway into the story.
I recommend this one for my more depraved and horror-obsessed friends...but I have to admit that some aspects of this particular book might go too far for different people.
Read it at your own risk, of course...but read it either way.
The story of a cursed screenplay and the absolute nightmare that accompanies that curse is told in a way that can only be described as cinematic. It's smutty, gory, and depraved...and not in turns, but all at once.
I really don't want to spoil anything, but there's a scene before the halfway point where a character witnesses a dead and disemboweled woman masturbating with a length of her own intestine. Keep in mind, that isn't even halfway into the story.
I recommend this one for my more depraved and horror-obsessed friends...but I have to admit that some aspects of this particular book might go too far for different people.
Read it at your own risk, of course...but read it either way.
October 22, 2021
I received a code for the Audible version of this book. Mania creates it’s own urban legend in the form of a cursed screenplay that ends up killing those involved in the making of movies based off of it. Although there’s something familiar about the concept, Mangum weaves his tale as his own, bringing his characters to life and doing an excellent job of making the reader invested in their lives. The story caught me by surprise when the supernatural aspect became even crazier, and the final scenes happened in a world beyond our own. Overall I really enjoyed the book and plan on reading more of Lucas Mangum’s books in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2021
Excellent novella involving a cursed movie script. Hollywood and the supernatural collide in this character driven thrill ride. Of the 3of this authors books i've read so far, this is my favorite. Highly recommended
January 28, 2022
Great story revolving around a cursed screenplay. It's very action packed engaging. I read this in the Thunderstorm S/L that had a bonus short story about Mania.
December 29, 2019
Mania by Lucas Mangum is fast-paced, engrossing, and merciless. The story grabbed me from the first page, and I had a very hard time putting it down. It owned me. I ultimately read the whole thing in one day. I had other things to do, but I couldn’t not finish the story.
As some other reviewers have mentioned, this book does have some editing errors in it. More than a few. I feel the story is strong enough and the writing otherwise excellent enough to overlook those errors in this case. That is saying something because as a bibliophile and editor, I tend to be unforgiving of such things. Let me just say the errors are not tragic and the story is worth it.
mania1bbbLucas Mangum has taken the urban legend premise of the haunted play/movie/book/etc. to glorious heights of creative genius. Despite the classic nature of the premise, he manages to maintain an element of unpredictability and driving suspense, due in no small part to the compelling characters and vivid imagery. Mania’s backstory is fantastic! It is well thought out, skillfully presented, agonizingly revealed piece by piece.
I cannot emphasize enough how enthralling this storyline is. The synopsis and cover art do not do it justice. It is neither trite nor gratuitous. Mania is a shelf-worthy book I will read again and again.
As some other reviewers have mentioned, this book does have some editing errors in it. More than a few. I feel the story is strong enough and the writing otherwise excellent enough to overlook those errors in this case. That is saying something because as a bibliophile and editor, I tend to be unforgiving of such things. Let me just say the errors are not tragic and the story is worth it.
mania1bbbLucas Mangum has taken the urban legend premise of the haunted play/movie/book/etc. to glorious heights of creative genius. Despite the classic nature of the premise, he manages to maintain an element of unpredictability and driving suspense, due in no small part to the compelling characters and vivid imagery. Mania’s backstory is fantastic! It is well thought out, skillfully presented, agonizingly revealed piece by piece.
I cannot emphasize enough how enthralling this storyline is. The synopsis and cover art do not do it justice. It is neither trite nor gratuitous. Mania is a shelf-worthy book I will read again and again.
Read
September 19, 2019I never usually read this kind of thing, but an old coworker of mine wrote it and at first I was like ehh but then I was like ahhh! I mean, the mystery builds and everything comes out in a way that’s super-satisfying. A great ending, to be sure and solid writing.
June 24, 2020
What a ride!
First time reading anything from this author and will definitely be reading more! This needs to be made into a movie already and love how I could see so much of this playing out in my head.
First time reading anything from this author and will definitely be reading more! This needs to be made into a movie already and love how I could see so much of this playing out in my head.
February 10, 2017
Fast paced, dark thriller, that starts out creepy and gets more disturbing from there. Good quick read that will occupy an evening.
July 29, 2020
The revised edition has been edited and has additional content, including a new short story at the end.
This is an amazing example of Lucas Mangum's creative genius.
This is an amazing example of Lucas Mangum's creative genius.
January 6, 2022
Rellim on 12/31: For the new year you will stop buying audiobooks. Seriously. Stop. No more buying until you make a dent in everything you bought in the last year.
So… I got around my new year’s “resolution” by making this my last purchase of 2021. Then proceeded to totally mess up my grand listening plan and listened to it this week. I really enjoyed the team of Lucas Mangum & Sean Duregger in Gods of the Dark Web, so I was excited for this. Mania did not disappoint.
I loved this combination of psychological torment, gore, and unpredictability. The “cursed script” backstory seems like the avenue to a formulaic horror tale – but Mangum took this story in directions I didn’t expect. Especially when it came to which characters would survive and what is truly behind the curse. I liked getting to know the various players and some of their backgrounds. Though I admit to being somewhat happy that one, in particular, didn’t make it.
Narration:
Duregger does a good job of giving the various characters unique voices and personalities. I like how he handles all the emotional parts. Great listen.
So… I got around my new year’s “resolution” by making this my last purchase of 2021. Then proceeded to totally mess up my grand listening plan and listened to it this week. I really enjoyed the team of Lucas Mangum & Sean Duregger in Gods of the Dark Web, so I was excited for this. Mania did not disappoint.
I loved this combination of psychological torment, gore, and unpredictability. The “cursed script” backstory seems like the avenue to a formulaic horror tale – but Mangum took this story in directions I didn’t expect. Especially when it came to which characters would survive and what is truly behind the curse. I liked getting to know the various players and some of their backgrounds. Though I admit to being somewhat happy that one, in particular, didn’t make it.
Narration:
Duregger does a good job of giving the various characters unique voices and personalities. I like how he handles all the emotional parts. Great listen.
November 8, 2025
Mania 😵💫
Thank you so much to Lucas for sending me this on Audible 👏🏼 I’ve heard nothing but amazing things & after getting straight into it I can see why 👌🏻🤎
William has a rep for going against the grain, he’s determined to be nothing like his father & is known for having his own hard head on his shoulders.
So when he hears that his screenplay for an adaption of a movie is actually cursed he shrugs it off. He doesn’t believe in that kinda stuff but the hype around the new movie is great for him & he’s able to cast his beautiful girlfriend, Rachel as the lead.
Soon enough strange things start occurring, people from the production team are dying, William & Rachel are seeing things that are not there. The script must be cursed, there’s a dark force playing with them, taking them out one by one….
They need to find a way to break this curse before more people die!
Oh this was goooooood!!! I loved everything about it! The spooky element alongside the culty & a little bit spicy was just perfection 👌🏻
I enjoyed it so much!! The gore, the curse, the ghost! I devoured it within a couple of hours 😌 This would have been perfect for spooky season!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ check your triggers!! 🤎
Thank you so much to Lucas for sending me this on Audible 👏🏼 I’ve heard nothing but amazing things & after getting straight into it I can see why 👌🏻🤎
William has a rep for going against the grain, he’s determined to be nothing like his father & is known for having his own hard head on his shoulders.
So when he hears that his screenplay for an adaption of a movie is actually cursed he shrugs it off. He doesn’t believe in that kinda stuff but the hype around the new movie is great for him & he’s able to cast his beautiful girlfriend, Rachel as the lead.
Soon enough strange things start occurring, people from the production team are dying, William & Rachel are seeing things that are not there. The script must be cursed, there’s a dark force playing with them, taking them out one by one….
They need to find a way to break this curse before more people die!
Oh this was goooooood!!! I loved everything about it! The spooky element alongside the culty & a little bit spicy was just perfection 👌🏻
I enjoyed it so much!! The gore, the curse, the ghost! I devoured it within a couple of hours 😌 This would have been perfect for spooky season!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ check your triggers!! 🤎
May 31, 2021
Creepy and gory.
It wasn’t scary to me but definitely creepy and plenty of gore. A good storyline with a few unexpected moments. The narration was very good. This is my first book by both the author and narrator and I enjoyed them both.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It wasn’t scary to me but definitely creepy and plenty of gore. A good storyline with a few unexpected moments. The narration was very good. This is my first book by both the author and narrator and I enjoyed them both.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 13, 2023
Love a good book about the movies, especially when they're edging towards J Horror or Korean Cinema. Lucas clearly knows his extreme world horror cinema and put together a fantastic tale about a cursed script that keeps you turning the page in this fast paced book. A quick read and thoroughly enjoyable, especially for cinephiles
June 11, 2021
A fun slasher-esque novel about a haunted screenplay. Definitely reminded me of the Poltergeist movie “curse” with Evil Dead vibes.
September 4, 2020
Ever thought about what really happens on the back-lot of Hollywood? I’ve seem numerous shows and movies talking about the struggles of female leads and what they’ve gone through to make it as an actress. Have you ever wandered if there was any lasting effect on the movie or co-stars. Maybe there’s something that causes a movie to get shelved and never see the light of day, reports can tell us anything. But if a scorned actress did something like leave a mark behind possibly a curse.
I feel like that was what Lucas brought with his novella Mania. What happened to an up and coming actress leads to a dirty secret in Hollywood.
Mania tells the story of a cursed script. Ward is ready to make another film, his last film damn near broke him. Read what pitfalls await Ward and his crew on the set of Mania. What a fun read. As I read it, it just kind of unfolded before my eyes. I could see Elijah Wood’s production company putting this out. Hell I could see Elijah as the lead role. Honestly I could see Megan Duffy as Marielle. This is perfect read right now since the world seems to be going crazy, but it's also perfect to get you ready for Fall and Halloween season.
5 star read. Lucas knocked it out of the park with this one. I highly recommend his books.
I feel like that was what Lucas brought with his novella Mania. What happened to an up and coming actress leads to a dirty secret in Hollywood.
Mania tells the story of a cursed script. Ward is ready to make another film, his last film damn near broke him. Read what pitfalls await Ward and his crew on the set of Mania. What a fun read. As I read it, it just kind of unfolded before my eyes. I could see Elijah Wood’s production company putting this out. Hell I could see Elijah as the lead role. Honestly I could see Megan Duffy as Marielle. This is perfect read right now since the world seems to be going crazy, but it's also perfect to get you ready for Fall and Halloween season.
5 star read. Lucas knocked it out of the park with this one. I highly recommend his books.
April 8, 2020
William Ward is a filmmaker that loves to test boundaries. He hears about a script that many have attempted to film, but production is never finished. He decides to take on the script and start filming because he doesn’t believe in the hoopla and superstition of others. His girlfriend, Rachel is cast in the lead role. Strange things start to happen on set. Then things start to happen to those working on the film outside of the set. It’s too much to chalk up to coincidence. The cursed script comes alive to make itself known. The author’s use of imagery and vivid descriptions puts the reader on the set as the story unfolds. Mangum has a way of grabbing the reader and not letting go until the very end. There were a few chapters that made my skin crawl.
There are some typos and editing errors, but the story is so good, I didn’t care. Lucas Mangum knows how to captivate us with horror. He is able to show us the inner workings of his character’s minds. From the moment the filmmaker gets that script, I was sucked into this book and was obsessed with finishing it as soon as I could. Anyone that loves thrillers, hauntings or the occult will love this book!
There are some typos and editing errors, but the story is so good, I didn’t care. Lucas Mangum knows how to captivate us with horror. He is able to show us the inner workings of his character’s minds. From the moment the filmmaker gets that script, I was sucked into this book and was obsessed with finishing it as soon as I could. Anyone that loves thrillers, hauntings or the occult will love this book!
December 15, 2018
Out of all the books I've written, this was probably the most fun. I wanted to pay tribute to the movies I grew up watching, and the whole scene around the genre as a whole. Whether or not I succeeded is subjective, but I really enjoyed the process.
September 27, 2018
Magnums writing always delivers a page turner and Mania is no exception. A great although not terribly unique Hollywood ghost story.
September 8, 2024
I thought Saint Sadist was Lucas Mangum’s best book. That was until I read Mania.
Mania follows a cursed movie script, and that’s all I’m going to say so I don’t give away any spoilers. There’s enough paranormal to keep it spooky but plenty of gore to make this extreme horror fan happy.
In the foreword, Mangum mentioned he wanted this book to read as if you were watching a film. He nailed it. The book was detailed enough to be visually visceral but was also fast-paced and action-packed like a horror film. And with the uncanny vibes of Hollywood in the background, this book really drives the movie star narrative.
Mania is very short. It’s about 130 pages if you read the revised addition. I was able to finish it in only a few days. You’re never bored reading this book, and Mangum foreshadows enough to leave you wanting more. You develop deep connections with the characters and the story. You’re torn between seeing the Mania movie come to life and letting Marielle rest in peace.
I can’t wait to read what else Mangum writes and I urge you all to explore more of his work if you haven’t.
Mania follows a cursed movie script, and that’s all I’m going to say so I don’t give away any spoilers. There’s enough paranormal to keep it spooky but plenty of gore to make this extreme horror fan happy.
In the foreword, Mangum mentioned he wanted this book to read as if you were watching a film. He nailed it. The book was detailed enough to be visually visceral but was also fast-paced and action-packed like a horror film. And with the uncanny vibes of Hollywood in the background, this book really drives the movie star narrative.
Mania is very short. It’s about 130 pages if you read the revised addition. I was able to finish it in only a few days. You’re never bored reading this book, and Mangum foreshadows enough to leave you wanting more. You develop deep connections with the characters and the story. You’re torn between seeing the Mania movie come to life and letting Marielle rest in peace.
I can’t wait to read what else Mangum writes and I urge you all to explore more of his work if you haven’t.
December 30, 2022
"Mania" by Lucas Magnum
Controversial filmmaker William Ward has acquired an adaption of a screenplay that is supposedly cursed. Ward doesn't believe in curses but when production begins things take a haunting turn and he realizes quite quickly that some curses are indeed real and the manic ghost surrounding his is out for blood.
This was my first read by Magnum (another buddy read, yay!!) and what I expected to be a straight forward haunted film story turned into so much more. This novel was both creepy and gory with haunting and visceral descriptions. The intestine scene has stuck with me and I inwardly cringe everytime I think about it. I also really liked all of the movie titles that were included inside. Many of them peeked my interest to be watched in the future. And can we talk about that ending!? Not at all what I was expecting.
Controversial filmmaker William Ward has acquired an adaption of a screenplay that is supposedly cursed. Ward doesn't believe in curses but when production begins things take a haunting turn and he realizes quite quickly that some curses are indeed real and the manic ghost surrounding his is out for blood.
This was my first read by Magnum (another buddy read, yay!!) and what I expected to be a straight forward haunted film story turned into so much more. This novel was both creepy and gory with haunting and visceral descriptions. The intestine scene has stuck with me and I inwardly cringe everytime I think about it. I also really liked all of the movie titles that were included inside. Many of them peeked my interest to be watched in the future. And can we talk about that ending!? Not at all what I was expecting.
August 19, 2024
I always enjoy a good Hollywood ghost story. Lucas Mangum certainly doesn't reinvent the trope here, but it's a lot of fun. The book felt a little rushed at times, but the lore behind the lost media is really cool. I didn't really connect with any of the characters, but rooting for the ghost for once was kind of nice. 3.75 stars
August 26, 2024
Can we talk about this guy for a bit?? This was my first read by him and I am, now, aware of his AMAZING work!! Mania took me for a spin!! It took me back to the golden days when my stepmom introduced me to horror movies at the age of 6! This story will pick you straight up off the couch and inject you right into the screenplay!! A cursed screenplay at that! Are you willing to sell your soul in order to make a Blockbuster Production?? Nobody believes in unexplainable coincidences, right? Follow Ward and Rachel to find out ... it’s not always what you believe in!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews