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Becoming
Something ancient has wormed its way up from the earth....
A change has come today.
After Michele Cote's best friend disappears, no one believes her story about the thing responsible for his abduction. Forced to figure out the mystery for herself, Michele encounters terror she has never known, and witnesses the impossible.
When other members of the community begin to change or vanish, Sheriff Shane Davis must look beyond reason in order to stop the evil seeping into this small town. With help from an unlikely source, Sheriff Davis will come face-to-face with the truth.
You can't destroy what you don't understand. For the town of Avalon, Maine, the future is about change...for better or worse.
Becoming is the next horrifying novel from author, Glenn Rolfe.
Includes the bonus novella, Boom Town.
A change has come today.
After Michele Cote's best friend disappears, no one believes her story about the thing responsible for his abduction. Forced to figure out the mystery for herself, Michele encounters terror she has never known, and witnesses the impossible.
When other members of the community begin to change or vanish, Sheriff Shane Davis must look beyond reason in order to stop the evil seeping into this small town. With help from an unlikely source, Sheriff Davis will come face-to-face with the truth.
You can't destroy what you don't understand. For the town of Avalon, Maine, the future is about change...for better or worse.
Becoming is the next horrifying novel from author, Glenn Rolfe.
Includes the bonus novella, Boom Town.
- GenresHorrorParanormalFiction
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2017
114 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Rolfe
72 books629 followersGlenn Rolfe is a singer, songwriter, and author of over eighteen books. He has studied Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University, toured in a minivan with his punk rock friends, played the Hard Rock Cafe in Denver, hosted a radio show at Bates College, and dreams of surfing in the Pacific Ocean one day with his future pet goat.
He loves the books of Stephen King, Brian Keene, Ronald Malfi, Jack Ketchum, and Richard Laymon, the music of Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, Pre-Reputation Taylor Swift, Kiss, and Billy Joel, and soaking in the sun and eating pier fries at Old Orchard Beach.
His kids love him despite his weirdness, so who could ask for more?
He is hard at work on many more books and songs.
Stay tuned!
He is the author of When the Night Falls, Until Summer Comes Around, August's Eyes, Blood and Rain, The Window, and more. Stay tuned for his next thrilling Maine horror novel, The Siren of Groves Peak (2026)
Richard Chizmar, New York Times and USA Today Best Selling-Author of Gwendy’s Button Box, says of Rolfe’s Blood and Rain: “A wonderful throwback to the fun and bloody days of paperback horror glory!”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 19, 2018
Man, I wish I could give 4.5 stars!
I'll admit it, I wasn't too keen on reading this story, simply because I thought it would be a possession story.
Well, Glenn Rolfe surprised me once again - even though this story is just straight horror, the writing style was really good and kept me interested. I have to give kudo's to the author, a lesser writer wouldn't have been able to do so with this story.
Even though it is horror, there are a lot of similarities (the concept) to the movie BODY SNATCHERS - it is even mentioned in the story. But this book took me more toward another movie I loved - THE FACULTY. A young Josh Hartnett, a pre-LOTR Elijah Wood, Robert Patrick, and small roles for John Stewart and Usher (I think, please forgive me if I'm wrong on this), elevated this movie to something more than a simple teen movie. And let's not forget the cover of the Pink Floyd song "Another brick in the wall" by ?? Class of 1999. (Damn it, my pride won't allow me to Google that shit!)
Anyway, the main character in this story is Michele, and her best friend disappears in the lake. When she sees him outside her window again, his eyes are glowing green. And one-by-one, everyone in town is being taken over by the monster in the lake. How can a teenage girl stop them?
Well, Glenn, I have to tell you that your movie and music references makes me think that we could have some long, pointless conversations about a whole bunch of useless crap. And, for the first time, I can also see that small influences of Stephen King in this story.
I enjoyed it and this is probably the best I've read from you so far.
Recommend to people who like straight horror.
I'll admit it, I wasn't too keen on reading this story, simply because I thought it would be a possession story.
Well, Glenn Rolfe surprised me once again - even though this story is just straight horror, the writing style was really good and kept me interested. I have to give kudo's to the author, a lesser writer wouldn't have been able to do so with this story.
Even though it is horror, there are a lot of similarities (the concept) to the movie BODY SNATCHERS - it is even mentioned in the story. But this book took me more toward another movie I loved - THE FACULTY. A young Josh Hartnett, a pre-LOTR Elijah Wood, Robert Patrick, and small roles for John Stewart and Usher (I think, please forgive me if I'm wrong on this), elevated this movie to something more than a simple teen movie. And let's not forget the cover of the Pink Floyd song "Another brick in the wall" by ?? Class of 1999. (Damn it, my pride won't allow me to Google that shit!)
Anyway, the main character in this story is Michele, and her best friend disappears in the lake. When she sees him outside her window again, his eyes are glowing green. And one-by-one, everyone in town is being taken over by the monster in the lake. How can a teenage girl stop them?
Well, Glenn, I have to tell you that your movie and music references makes me think that we could have some long, pointless conversations about a whole bunch of useless crap. And, for the first time, I can also see that small influences of Stephen King in this story.
I enjoyed it and this is probably the best I've read from you so far.
Recommend to people who like straight horror.
April 2, 2017
BECOMING, by Glenn Rolfe, is a "creature-feaure" type of story, putting me in mind of favorite "B-horror movies", with a hint of Lovecraftian creations thrown in for good measure. It may seem strange to describe a horror tale as "fun", but that is exactly how it felt to me while reading this. The elements such as characters, location, weather, and most especially the small town with a population of 461, all combine to give the book a very fluid feeling. The scenes seemed to effortlessly flow from one to the next, without any jarring intrusions to snap you out of the momentum of the action taking place.
We have our initial impression of Jade Lake, in the town of Avalon, Maine, drawn as a beautiful, peaceful setting--in stark contrast to nineteen year old Clint Truman, whose physical and mental scars from years of abuse at the hands of his sadistic father, keep him apart as a character, and almost secluded from the rest of the town--mentally, if not physically. Clint is the first to notice the strange green glow from the lake, but as he is so fundamentally "hurt" inside from his daily torments, he simply returns back to his own seclusion. . .
NOT what this "Lady of Jade Lake" had in mind.
"You can't destroy what you don't understand."
Then we get to some of our main characters. Fourteen year old Michele Cote and her best friend, Greg Hickey, are looking around Jade Lake. What Michele witnesses next is something that nobody believes, and Greg is listed as a "missing person". However, Greg is just the messenger this entity had been looking for.
"One by one, we'll all become."
From this point on, Rolfe fills each page with non-stop action as the "Green Lady" sends out her tentacled reach in an effort to convert the entire populace. During this period, characters, their family dynamics, faults and loves, are all gradually given to the reader, forming a solid connection with the inhabitants of this little community. Although you will grow to care about many, Rolfe doesn't hold back when it comes to gore and carnage. Several twists come out during the tale to further heighten the excitement, and bring forth an entirely new level of horror to contemplate.
"In all my years lived never have I witnessed such evil. The devil in the waters . . . "
When the final stage is set, even I was surprised at what ensued. An enjoyable read that left just enough ambiguity to give readers something further to ponder on their own.
"One-by-one, go to her. Become!"
Recommended!
We have our initial impression of Jade Lake, in the town of Avalon, Maine, drawn as a beautiful, peaceful setting--in stark contrast to nineteen year old Clint Truman, whose physical and mental scars from years of abuse at the hands of his sadistic father, keep him apart as a character, and almost secluded from the rest of the town--mentally, if not physically. Clint is the first to notice the strange green glow from the lake, but as he is so fundamentally "hurt" inside from his daily torments, he simply returns back to his own seclusion. . .
NOT what this "Lady of Jade Lake" had in mind.
"You can't destroy what you don't understand."
Then we get to some of our main characters. Fourteen year old Michele Cote and her best friend, Greg Hickey, are looking around Jade Lake. What Michele witnesses next is something that nobody believes, and Greg is listed as a "missing person". However, Greg is just the messenger this entity had been looking for.
"One by one, we'll all become."
From this point on, Rolfe fills each page with non-stop action as the "Green Lady" sends out her tentacled reach in an effort to convert the entire populace. During this period, characters, their family dynamics, faults and loves, are all gradually given to the reader, forming a solid connection with the inhabitants of this little community. Although you will grow to care about many, Rolfe doesn't hold back when it comes to gore and carnage. Several twists come out during the tale to further heighten the excitement, and bring forth an entirely new level of horror to contemplate.
"In all my years lived never have I witnessed such evil. The devil in the waters . . . "
When the final stage is set, even I was surprised at what ensued. An enjoyable read that left just enough ambiguity to give readers something further to ponder on their own.
"One-by-one, go to her. Become!"
Recommended!
August 19, 2020
This book just captured my attention to the point once I started reading the first chapter, it never let me go all the way to the end!
I felt like I had stepped back into a time when I use to watch the B-horror movies that came on late at night and had kept me awake to all ends of the night.
Jade Lake is the center of the story in this book as it harbors an evil secret in the small town of Avalon located in Maine. Some type of creature is burrowed in the depths of the lake and it invades the town by capturing the citizens turning them into a form of zombies.
This book keeps up the pace from the first chapter to the last chapter. There is quite a bit of nail-biting suspense, twists and turns throughout the story!
There are quite a few characters introduced within the pages of the book, but I was able to keep up with all of them as the story unfolds.
I read this book in about a day and a half as I just could not put it down!
There are no spoilers here, so if you want to know about the creature in the lake, then you will have to read the book. Any book that keeps me up most of the night is going to get five stars!
I felt like I had stepped back into a time when I use to watch the B-horror movies that came on late at night and had kept me awake to all ends of the night.
Jade Lake is the center of the story in this book as it harbors an evil secret in the small town of Avalon located in Maine. Some type of creature is burrowed in the depths of the lake and it invades the town by capturing the citizens turning them into a form of zombies.
This book keeps up the pace from the first chapter to the last chapter. There is quite a bit of nail-biting suspense, twists and turns throughout the story!
There are quite a few characters introduced within the pages of the book, but I was able to keep up with all of them as the story unfolds.
I read this book in about a day and a half as I just could not put it down!
There are no spoilers here, so if you want to know about the creature in the lake, then you will have to read the book. Any book that keeps me up most of the night is going to get five stars!
August 8, 2021
Twice The Horror!
Not only do you get to enjoy the horror of Becoming, but you get a free bonus story afterwards.
Becoming is about a mysterious entity that lives in the lake of a small town. She is referred to as The Lady In The Lake.
Make no mistake...she is no Lady. 🧖🏼♀️
Not only do you get to enjoy the horror of Becoming, but you get a free bonus story afterwards.
Becoming is about a mysterious entity that lives in the lake of a small town. She is referred to as The Lady In The Lake.
Make no mistake...she is no Lady. 🧖🏼♀️
February 7, 2018
Many thanks to the author for a copy of Becoming in exchange for an honest review.
I learned a new thing from my Twitter friends that love horror. Books that have a creature as the antagonist is called a "creature feature". Think Jaws, Jurassic Park, Rats, Invasive, The Hatching...you know: CREATURES!!!
Yay! *cheering*
I like creature features. This book, Becoming, is part of this wonderful genre where we get lots and lots of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" style mayhem and gore.
This story reads like an old school horror story where the action get rolling right from the first few pages-think X files where you get to see some kind of unexplained drama unfolding for a few minutes before the credits. My only complaint is that Rolfe has an extensive cast of characters. I feel like we're introduced to the whole town. Clocking in at just under 300 pages, this book isn't quite a novella and not quite a novel so I do think a few of the character dramas could have fallen to the editing floor but other than that, a few characters rise to the surface *see what I did there* as our heroic, gritty protagonists. There's a father and son relationship that's pretty unsavory and uncomfortable but you, know--it's part of the genre. There's a girl character I liked very, very much and lastly, is this book scary? Yes. It's tense, it moves at a breakneck speed and it's scary. I enjoyed this one and I recommend it--a fun ride!
I learned a new thing from my Twitter friends that love horror. Books that have a creature as the antagonist is called a "creature feature". Think Jaws, Jurassic Park, Rats, Invasive, The Hatching...you know: CREATURES!!!
Yay! *cheering*
I like creature features. This book, Becoming, is part of this wonderful genre where we get lots and lots of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" style mayhem and gore.
This story reads like an old school horror story where the action get rolling right from the first few pages-think X files where you get to see some kind of unexplained drama unfolding for a few minutes before the credits. My only complaint is that Rolfe has an extensive cast of characters. I feel like we're introduced to the whole town. Clocking in at just under 300 pages, this book isn't quite a novella and not quite a novel so I do think a few of the character dramas could have fallen to the editing floor but other than that, a few characters rise to the surface *see what I did there* as our heroic, gritty protagonists. There's a father and son relationship that's pretty unsavory and uncomfortable but you, know--it's part of the genre. There's a girl character I liked very, very much and lastly, is this book scary? Yes. It's tense, it moves at a breakneck speed and it's scary. I enjoyed this one and I recommend it--a fun ride!
April 5, 2017
This was pretty straightforward horror. No ice, no water, just the way I like it. It had an 80's feel to it even though it takes place more recently. I guess I associate all small town horror with my favorites from the 80's. I do concur with the character who asks "Who's Veronica Mars and why do we care what she would do?"
What's a Veronica Mars? I seem to have some catching up to do on pop culture references.
Let's go with 80's type Lovecrafty sci-fi horror that should appeal to all fans of STRANGER THINGS. An easy four star read. This includes the bonus novella, Boom Town, which I haven't read yet and will review separately when I do.
I received a free review copy from the author. If he hears someone throwing pebbles at his window in the middle of the night, it's probably me trying to score an advanced copy of the next one. Either that or it's something with tentacles and he should stay away from the window.
What's a Veronica Mars? I seem to have some catching up to do on pop culture references.
Let's go with 80's type Lovecrafty sci-fi horror that should appeal to all fans of STRANGER THINGS. An easy four star read. This includes the bonus novella, Boom Town, which I haven't read yet and will review separately when I do.
I received a free review copy from the author. If he hears someone throwing pebbles at his window in the middle of the night, it's probably me trying to score an advanced copy of the next one. Either that or it's something with tentacles and he should stay away from the window.
August 18, 2020
“Shouldn’t you be calling other cops or the National Guard or something?” Michele said. “And tell them what exactly? That my town is under the spell of some creature from the lake? That they have eyes that glow like something out of a Stephen King novel? That their hands turn into tentacles?”
Becoming ☆☆☆ 1/2
A nice small town horror tale, mixing lovecraftian great elder gods with arthurian Lady of Lake myth.
Loved setting and atmosphere, but like Blood and Rain was nearly author's retelling of Stephen King's Cycle of the Werewolf, this was essentially Rolfe's alternate take on The Tommyknockers.
“Hello?” Belinda said. “Bell…” Joanie whispered. The door whipped open. A naked Alan Packard appeared. He held a large knife and was covered from head to toe in some kind of slimy residue. Before Belinda could move, he had his free hand in her hair. She screamed and kicked as he dragged her back into the musty building. The door slammed shut as Belinda’s shrieks came to an abrupt halt.
Boom Town ☆☆☆☆
The novella included in this e-book was very similar to previous story, with something evil awakening and possessing people in a small town, but I liked much more ending and characters, and pace was a so page-turning one that I've read it in just one afternoon.
March 7, 2017
There's something in the water, deep within the lake, at ol' Avalon, ME. Children are disappearing, and people are acting funny - and by acting funny, I mean their eyes are glowing with a green bio luminescence bright enough to light up a room. Friends and neighbors are not just changing...they are becoming.
In this novel's opening pages, before the story even begins, in the Praise for the Author section, a few of the blurbs struck me for what is certainly an apt description of Glenn Rolfe's talents and of this book in particular. Both Richard Chizmar and Adam Cesare make use of the word "throwback" in describing Rolfe's werewolf novel, Blood and Rain, with both likening Rolfe's writings to the horror stylings of paperback originals from 20 or 30 years ago.
It's an apt assessment, I think, and Becoming certainly has an old-school flavor to it. This is a work that wears it influences proudly, and you can tell Rolfe consumed a steady diet of horror works like Stephen King's Tommyknockers (a work that Rolfe cheekily gives a meta nod toward with a character reading the book on her Kindle while the plot unfolds) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
While clearly influenced, Becoming never struck me as being overly reverential to either of those works. Rolfe hits a comfortable stride early on in this book, and while the supernatural goings-on are a nifty device, it's the characters that are really worthwhile. He hits some important notes with the decidedly less than idyllic relationship between Clint Truman and his father, as well as the father-daughter relationship between Bret and teenage Michelle Cote. Family plays a vital role in underpinning Becoming's thematic nature and the character's longing for stability in their interpersonal relationships. It's good stuff!
Michelle, one of the central leads with a few personal stakes in the story, makes for a solid, youthful heroine. She's got some real grit, and it's impossible not to root for her, particularly as she asks herself What Would Veronica Mars Do?.
Becoming is a swift read, and has a few good scares and gore. I would have liked to know more about Jade Lake and the evil lurking there, but Rolfe opts to keep things mysterious and that's OK, too, because he succeeds in delivering a really good, small-town creature feature.
[Also included in Becoming is Rolfe's previously-published novella, [book:Boom Town|23715851], which I've read and reviewed previously.]
In this novel's opening pages, before the story even begins, in the Praise for the Author section, a few of the blurbs struck me for what is certainly an apt description of Glenn Rolfe's talents and of this book in particular. Both Richard Chizmar and Adam Cesare make use of the word "throwback" in describing Rolfe's werewolf novel, Blood and Rain, with both likening Rolfe's writings to the horror stylings of paperback originals from 20 or 30 years ago.
It's an apt assessment, I think, and Becoming certainly has an old-school flavor to it. This is a work that wears it influences proudly, and you can tell Rolfe consumed a steady diet of horror works like Stephen King's Tommyknockers (a work that Rolfe cheekily gives a meta nod toward with a character reading the book on her Kindle while the plot unfolds) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
While clearly influenced, Becoming never struck me as being overly reverential to either of those works. Rolfe hits a comfortable stride early on in this book, and while the supernatural goings-on are a nifty device, it's the characters that are really worthwhile. He hits some important notes with the decidedly less than idyllic relationship between Clint Truman and his father, as well as the father-daughter relationship between Bret and teenage Michelle Cote. Family plays a vital role in underpinning Becoming's thematic nature and the character's longing for stability in their interpersonal relationships. It's good stuff!
Michelle, one of the central leads with a few personal stakes in the story, makes for a solid, youthful heroine. She's got some real grit, and it's impossible not to root for her, particularly as she asks herself What Would Veronica Mars Do?.
Becoming is a swift read, and has a few good scares and gore. I would have liked to know more about Jade Lake and the evil lurking there, but Rolfe opts to keep things mysterious and that's OK, too, because he succeeds in delivering a really good, small-town creature feature.
[Also included in Becoming is Rolfe's previously-published novella, [book:Boom Town|23715851], which I've read and reviewed previously.]
June 30, 2017
I read BECOMING, a small town, mysterious lake, sci-fi tale, in only one day last week. It was that engrossing. Glenn's pacing was spectacular as was the case with the first few books of his I've read, and the characters were well developed despite the length of the story, which I would've loved to have seen fleshed out a little more. I connected with and rooted for Michelle, Clint, and the others from the beginning, and thoroughly enjoyed the suspenseful way Glenn wove their individual POVs together as the plot thickened. This was my third book of Glenn Rolfe's to read, and I'm greatly looking forward to the many more I have to go.
June 5, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable example of small town creature feature/monster mayhem that delivers everything from chills to gore.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
May 16, 2023
Becoming by Glenn Rolfe is a fun rampant creature feature. Rolfe in my opinion is one of the very best at creatures. You can always rely on him to bring action and horror in one tightly packed nightmarish sandwich. One thing about his stories is the knowledge that you’re in it until its over, each page leads you onwards – your snacks will go uneaten, and your coffee will go cold but the story burns bright through the minutes.
Becoming can be categorised into a coming-of-age tale. I did enjoy it, but I didn’t think it was one of his strongest outings. There’s several different themes running throughout – difficult parental relationships, sexual abuse, and body horror. Descriptions akin to Lovecraftian horror and the writing was enjoyable. The small-town horror felt realistic without being dramatically over the top and the scenes and POV’s were fluid and uninterrupted.
Becoming is a story about an unearthed entity residing in Jade Lake in a small town in Maine. It begins with a teenage boy being dragged into the lake by a creature with mysterious tentacles. This is witnessed by his friend, Michele Cote. She’s instantly worried for her friend – in the time that he was pulled under, her suspicions instantly turn to acknowledgement that he would surely have drowned. She rushes home to tell her dad and is met with scepticism. I mean who wouldn’t be? A tentacle pulling a boy to his death? It sounds like the ramblings of the overactive imagination of a teenager.
Michele has a difficult relationship with her mother. She doesn’t have any respect for her – she has obvious disdain for her, the way her parents’ relationship has dwindled, her choice to smoke cigarettes, and the rules she imposes on her daughter. She believes she does it to ruin her life. Isn’t that just what all teenagers believe at some point? I know my fifteen-year-old has similar reactions to things we impose upon him but really its only because we DO care. This element brought a sense of realism to an otherwise unbelievable story.
The creature of Jade Lake – The Green Lady pushes out her chosen one – Greg Hickey to do her bidding. The tentacles are used for ill-gotten gains. They change the host and they become one of them. From then on, these creatures aim to change all of the inhabitants of Avalon, Maine. I’d advise you to not get attached to the characters – Rolfe isn’t scared to make those hard creative decisions. Characters die. He doesn’t shy away from gore and grisly ends.
It’s a fun and quick read but I did feel like there was something missing from the story. The ending wasn’t tied up as well as I would typically like, but it was fine. Character development wasn’t as strong especially with the main protagonist, Michele. I know she was a teenager and that was what the author was going for but she felt a bit shallow, maybe a bit empty even before the action took off.
Becoming can be categorised into a coming-of-age tale. I did enjoy it, but I didn’t think it was one of his strongest outings. There’s several different themes running throughout – difficult parental relationships, sexual abuse, and body horror. Descriptions akin to Lovecraftian horror and the writing was enjoyable. The small-town horror felt realistic without being dramatically over the top and the scenes and POV’s were fluid and uninterrupted.
Becoming is a story about an unearthed entity residing in Jade Lake in a small town in Maine. It begins with a teenage boy being dragged into the lake by a creature with mysterious tentacles. This is witnessed by his friend, Michele Cote. She’s instantly worried for her friend – in the time that he was pulled under, her suspicions instantly turn to acknowledgement that he would surely have drowned. She rushes home to tell her dad and is met with scepticism. I mean who wouldn’t be? A tentacle pulling a boy to his death? It sounds like the ramblings of the overactive imagination of a teenager.
Michele has a difficult relationship with her mother. She doesn’t have any respect for her – she has obvious disdain for her, the way her parents’ relationship has dwindled, her choice to smoke cigarettes, and the rules she imposes on her daughter. She believes she does it to ruin her life. Isn’t that just what all teenagers believe at some point? I know my fifteen-year-old has similar reactions to things we impose upon him but really its only because we DO care. This element brought a sense of realism to an otherwise unbelievable story.
The creature of Jade Lake – The Green Lady pushes out her chosen one – Greg Hickey to do her bidding. The tentacles are used for ill-gotten gains. They change the host and they become one of them. From then on, these creatures aim to change all of the inhabitants of Avalon, Maine. I’d advise you to not get attached to the characters – Rolfe isn’t scared to make those hard creative decisions. Characters die. He doesn’t shy away from gore and grisly ends.
It’s a fun and quick read but I did feel like there was something missing from the story. The ending wasn’t tied up as well as I would typically like, but it was fine. Character development wasn’t as strong especially with the main protagonist, Michele. I know she was a teenager and that was what the author was going for but she felt a bit shallow, maybe a bit empty even before the action took off.
April 14, 2017
Review copy
If you're a fan of B-Movie monster madness as I am, don't even bother reading the rest of the review. Just get the book and toss it on top of your TBR pile or list depending on whether you read physical books or digital versions.
Greg Hickey and his girlfriend are spending time down by the water when Greg finds something unusual in the water. Next thing you know, Greg is gone. You see, there is something lurking beneath the waters of Jade Lake in the otherwise quiet town of Avalon, Maine. Something that's been dormant for many years, but isn't anymore.
The action starts right away in Becoming...
The thing was human-like, but yet far from it, and let its mesmerizing glowing eyes come back from their deep depths. Its slick tentacles slithered around his head, pried between his lips, and shoved their way deep inside.
I loved Michele's fascination with Veronica Mars and how she would repeatedly ask herself, "What would Veronica do?" I also enjoyed how the craziest man in town, Russ James, may have a better idea about what's going on than the authorities.
Rolfe is sharp with a turn of phrase...
She was light, maybe a couple of crackers over a hundred pounds.
It all combines to produce an imaginative story with a wonderfully high body count. Can anyone from Avalon survive what lies beneath Jade lake?
Highly recommended.
There's also a Bonus Novella included with Becoming. It happens to be the first piece I ever read by Glenn and it's called Boom Town. I gave this story 4 of 5 stars.
The fact that Boom Town is dedicated to Art Bell and George Noory should tell you all you need to know about this fun little romp into the world of the unknown.
Reminiscent of the great old-time creature features, Boom Town is quite inventive and at times disgusting as such a story should be.
It's the perfect companion piece to Becoming, so when you finish the title story catch your breath and then check out Boom Town.
Get both tales now for the Kindle. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you can read it at no additional charge. Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can read it for FREE using the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
From the author's bio - Glenn Rolfe is an author, singer, songwriter and all around fun loving guy from the haunted woods of New England. He has studied Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University, and continues his education in the world of horror by devouring the novels of Stephen King, Jack Ketchum, Hunter Shea, Brian Moreland and many others. He and his wife, Meghan, have three children, Ruby, Ramona, and Axl. He is grateful to be loved despite his weirdness.
If you're a fan of B-Movie monster madness as I am, don't even bother reading the rest of the review. Just get the book and toss it on top of your TBR pile or list depending on whether you read physical books or digital versions.
Greg Hickey and his girlfriend are spending time down by the water when Greg finds something unusual in the water. Next thing you know, Greg is gone. You see, there is something lurking beneath the waters of Jade Lake in the otherwise quiet town of Avalon, Maine. Something that's been dormant for many years, but isn't anymore.
The action starts right away in Becoming...
The thing was human-like, but yet far from it, and let its mesmerizing glowing eyes come back from their deep depths. Its slick tentacles slithered around his head, pried between his lips, and shoved their way deep inside.
I loved Michele's fascination with Veronica Mars and how she would repeatedly ask herself, "What would Veronica do?" I also enjoyed how the craziest man in town, Russ James, may have a better idea about what's going on than the authorities.
Rolfe is sharp with a turn of phrase...
She was light, maybe a couple of crackers over a hundred pounds.
It all combines to produce an imaginative story with a wonderfully high body count. Can anyone from Avalon survive what lies beneath Jade lake?
Highly recommended.
There's also a Bonus Novella included with Becoming. It happens to be the first piece I ever read by Glenn and it's called Boom Town. I gave this story 4 of 5 stars.
The fact that Boom Town is dedicated to Art Bell and George Noory should tell you all you need to know about this fun little romp into the world of the unknown.
Reminiscent of the great old-time creature features, Boom Town is quite inventive and at times disgusting as such a story should be.
It's the perfect companion piece to Becoming, so when you finish the title story catch your breath and then check out Boom Town.
Get both tales now for the Kindle. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you can read it at no additional charge. Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can read it for FREE using the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
From the author's bio - Glenn Rolfe is an author, singer, songwriter and all around fun loving guy from the haunted woods of New England. He has studied Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University, and continues his education in the world of horror by devouring the novels of Stephen King, Jack Ketchum, Hunter Shea, Brian Moreland and many others. He and his wife, Meghan, have three children, Ruby, Ramona, and Axl. He is grateful to be loved despite his weirdness.
April 25, 2017
Becoming is the mother of all homages. If you've ever been a fan of 70's and 80's horror (and if you're not, what the hell are you doing reading this review??), you'll recognize and love all of the nuggets mixed together in this little beauty. You have Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Eaten Alive, Night of the Creeps, Invaders From Mars, Tommyknockers, The Raft, just to name a few. And the great thing about Becoming is that Rolfe makes it his own. I love that he chose to play the story straight up, too. Nothing schlocky or campy here. That, along with Rolfe's strong ability to create realistic dialogue, makes for a suspensful page turner.
Michele's friend Greg was dragged right off the dock and into the lake by...well, by she didn't know what. But, she did know that it certainly wasn't human. The problem is that no one believes a fifteen year old, especially when they're hysterical and babbling about monsters coming from out of the lake. Other disappearances cause the town to boil with worry and paranoia, but that gets directed towards and unknown kidnapper, not the boogeyman. Finally, the unthinkable truth is revealed to Sheriff Shane Davis and he can no longer ignore what seemed impossible. The question is - Is he too late?
Becoming was a thrilling roller coaster ride from cover to cover and, in my opinion, Rolfe's best yet. Considering his quality body of work, that says a lot. If I could find anything to be critical of, I'd say the ending feels a bit rushed to me and I would of liked it fleshed out a bit more. But, it's a minor thing and I'm happy to report that this is a wonderful...
4 1/2 Glowing Green Eyes out of 5
This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Michele's friend Greg was dragged right off the dock and into the lake by...well, by she didn't know what. But, she did know that it certainly wasn't human. The problem is that no one believes a fifteen year old, especially when they're hysterical and babbling about monsters coming from out of the lake. Other disappearances cause the town to boil with worry and paranoia, but that gets directed towards and unknown kidnapper, not the boogeyman. Finally, the unthinkable truth is revealed to Sheriff Shane Davis and he can no longer ignore what seemed impossible. The question is - Is he too late?
Becoming was a thrilling roller coaster ride from cover to cover and, in my opinion, Rolfe's best yet. Considering his quality body of work, that says a lot. If I could find anything to be critical of, I'd say the ending feels a bit rushed to me and I would of liked it fleshed out a bit more. But, it's a minor thing and I'm happy to report that this is a wonderful...
4 1/2 Glowing Green Eyes out of 5
This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
January 29, 2018
I've just finished this story & I must say...it completely freaking rocked!!!
* I've been looking for a good horror adventure with an old-fashioned twist & I finally found it in 'Becoming'. This is not merely a scary story, it is an adventure ride that I wouldn't change at all. I was sad when it ended because not only was it a kick arse tale, but this story makes for a perfect shot of escapism. While reading 'Becoming', I felt as if I was right there with the other characters. After I began reading, it didn't take long at all for me to become totally invested in this creepy story. It was much like a long episode of The Zone that I couldn't wait to get back to.
I should have been asleep over an hour ago-but much like a scary monster, the story grabbed me & wouldn't let me go (but in a good way, without bloodshed).
Like all of Glenn Rolfe's stories, I became attached to the perfectly formed characters within. The story flowed effortlessly, becoming more intense with each handful of chapters.
* I must start my day in 6 hours, so I'm gonna try to fall asleep while going over what I've just read in my mind & I will return with a review that does this book better justice than merely stating my emotions upon completion. However in the meantime, I will say THIS IS A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!!!
* I've been looking for a good horror adventure with an old-fashioned twist & I finally found it in 'Becoming'. This is not merely a scary story, it is an adventure ride that I wouldn't change at all. I was sad when it ended because not only was it a kick arse tale, but this story makes for a perfect shot of escapism. While reading 'Becoming', I felt as if I was right there with the other characters. After I began reading, it didn't take long at all for me to become totally invested in this creepy story. It was much like a long episode of The Zone that I couldn't wait to get back to.
I should have been asleep over an hour ago-but much like a scary monster, the story grabbed me & wouldn't let me go (but in a good way, without bloodshed).
Like all of Glenn Rolfe's stories, I became attached to the perfectly formed characters within. The story flowed effortlessly, becoming more intense with each handful of chapters.
* I must start my day in 6 hours, so I'm gonna try to fall asleep while going over what I've just read in my mind & I will return with a review that does this book better justice than merely stating my emotions upon completion. However in the meantime, I will say THIS IS A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!!!
March 9, 2017
Glenn Rolfe keeps getting stronger and stronger with each new title. 'Becoming' is his latest and is packaged here with 'Boom Town' - which is great, because that is an excellent novella too! In Becoming we have a lady of the lake who bears no resemblance to the mythical figure who gave the sword Excalibur to King Arthur. This 'lady' is something else entirely - even though the town in which the lake is situated is called Avalon.
In Avalon, something is going horribly wrong. People are being transformed and an ancient evil is once again arising. Will anyone survive? Packed full of great characters and a strong storyline, with plenty of tension and scares, 'Becoming' takes an interesting twist on a familiar theme of classic horror. Original and entertaining.
In Avalon, something is going horribly wrong. People are being transformed and an ancient evil is once again arising. Will anyone survive? Packed full of great characters and a strong storyline, with plenty of tension and scares, 'Becoming' takes an interesting twist on a familiar theme of classic horror. Original and entertaining.
April 19, 2017
This was a great book. It started out fast and never let up. It was creepy and dark and the reader didn't know what was in the lake. It had the feel of old school horror, but took place in the present and had some fun pop culture references. I liked how the characters were interconnected. There were definitely some I was rooting for and others that were deplorable. There were a few scenes that literally raised the hair on the back of of my neck for both a fear factor and disgust! I also like the ending, though I did not predict what was going to happen.
My version of the book also had a novella included. It also had a creature feel to it. The mystery in it hooked me and I read it in one sitting.
I recommend this for anyone who likes creature type horror. You won't be disappointed.
My version of the book also had a novella included. It also had a creature feel to it. The mystery in it hooked me and I read it in one sitting.
I recommend this for anyone who likes creature type horror. You won't be disappointed.
March 1, 2017
Review: BECOMING by Glenn Rolfe
Oh my...old-fashioned creature feature here, though not like this. BECOMING is raw horror, and I'm not here referring to the "monsters," I mean the human evil. I had just finished reviewing a novel of psychological horror "starring" a really evil human with certain predilections (and one of the most massive sense of entitlement I've ever seen) and then I jump into this. If I were subjected to the human evil here, I'd jump into the lake too--even though I can't swim. In many ways, I found cheering for the "creature."
In addition to the brand-new novella "Becoming," the wonderful horror novella "Boomtown" is also included.
Oh my...old-fashioned creature feature here, though not like this. BECOMING is raw horror, and I'm not here referring to the "monsters," I mean the human evil. I had just finished reviewing a novel of psychological horror "starring" a really evil human with certain predilections (and one of the most massive sense of entitlement I've ever seen) and then I jump into this. If I were subjected to the human evil here, I'd jump into the lake too--even though I can't swim. In many ways, I found cheering for the "creature."
In addition to the brand-new novella "Becoming," the wonderful horror novella "Boomtown" is also included.
August 11, 2017
A straight-up B-flick type horror story. The writing style keeps it simple and focused on what's going on in the present, so it's also a speedy and easy read.
The characters don't come alive much since they are mainly cannon fodder for the tentacles of doom, so they sort of blend together with the exception of a few. The beginning with the abused Cliff, the conscientious sheriff, and the loyal teenage Girl Melissa are a few who stand out.
Gore fans will enjoy the descriptions of slime and gooey things. The death count is as high as you'd expect from this type of story. If you have a thing for big tentacled creatures taking over a backwater town, you're in the right place.
The characters don't come alive much since they are mainly cannon fodder for the tentacles of doom, so they sort of blend together with the exception of a few. The beginning with the abused Cliff, the conscientious sheriff, and the loyal teenage Girl Melissa are a few who stand out.
Gore fans will enjoy the descriptions of slime and gooey things. The death count is as high as you'd expect from this type of story. If you have a thing for big tentacled creatures taking over a backwater town, you're in the right place.
May 21, 2017
This brought me back to the B-movie horror I loved most as a kid-Roger Corman's Lovecraftian fevre dream not-at-all based on the Arthurian Lady of the Lake.
The author sacrifices empathetic characterization for a high death count, and I went along with the fast-paced ride. There were a few issues that the author has since fixed. Definitely a fun read.
The author sacrifices empathetic characterization for a high death count, and I went along with the fast-paced ride. There were a few issues that the author has since fixed. Definitely a fun read.
January 27, 2019
As I thought I would, I had a good time reading this book. Glenn created a great little town with a terrible monster. Truth be told, the Lady of the Lake wasn't the only monster here...
December 6, 2020
I snagged an e-copy of Becoming, from the author Glenn Rolfe, when he was giving 10 copies away on Twitter for a yet unrecognized Reviewer Appreciation Day (RAD), thought up by author Duncan Swan (debut novel Monstre). What follows below is my honest review, freely given.
I rated this book 4.5 stars.
I don’t know if I want to call this a creature feature, cryptid, or Eldritch type of story; I think all could fit in their own way. Something from deep in the lake is taking people, altering them with an implantation technique reminiscent to the Alien franchise (but so much... moister... gritty yet slimy). Not going to lie, I felt a little gaggy reading those scenes, hats off to the author for painting that disturbing imagery so well. We are also reminded during this tale of transformative horror, that there are truly deplorable horrors committed by seemingly regular people; acts that make the (moist) change of the lake preferable to their current situation.
I felt the townspeople’s reactions and abilities handling this type of infiltration were authentic, the author was not afraid to let a character fall if that’s how things were rolling, no unexpected hidden talents saving them at the last instant. I always appreciate when they are able to let the story go where it needs to go, even if it means character deaths. I have read some works in the past where the lack of death or injury almost takes away from the story because it suspends belief.
Happening in the time of the instant news cycle, I would be down to read a sequel, or even a short story that touches on this town again, and how our modern world would handle an incident such as this. Would it be covered up X-Files style? Would the lake be dragged for the creature? Would YouTube cryptid shows descend to pick apart the mystery and try to get something on film? Maybe a following would grow, waiting for their turn to become? I enjoyed this read, enough that I am thinking of ways to get another book out of it, so if you read it, tell me what you think; creature feature, cryptid, or cosmic deity stuck in a lake?
I rated this book 4.5 stars.
I don’t know if I want to call this a creature feature, cryptid, or Eldritch type of story; I think all could fit in their own way. Something from deep in the lake is taking people, altering them with an implantation technique reminiscent to the Alien franchise (but so much... moister... gritty yet slimy). Not going to lie, I felt a little gaggy reading those scenes, hats off to the author for painting that disturbing imagery so well. We are also reminded during this tale of transformative horror, that there are truly deplorable horrors committed by seemingly regular people; acts that make the (moist) change of the lake preferable to their current situation.
I felt the townspeople’s reactions and abilities handling this type of infiltration were authentic, the author was not afraid to let a character fall if that’s how things were rolling, no unexpected hidden talents saving them at the last instant. I always appreciate when they are able to let the story go where it needs to go, even if it means character deaths. I have read some works in the past where the lack of death or injury almost takes away from the story because it suspends belief.
Happening in the time of the instant news cycle, I would be down to read a sequel, or even a short story that touches on this town again, and how our modern world would handle an incident such as this. Would it be covered up X-Files style? Would the lake be dragged for the creature? Would YouTube cryptid shows descend to pick apart the mystery and try to get something on film? Maybe a following would grow, waiting for their turn to become? I enjoyed this read, enough that I am thinking of ways to get another book out of it, so if you read it, tell me what you think; creature feature, cryptid, or cosmic deity stuck in a lake?
July 14, 2018
Well, seems that third time was indeed the charm. Meaning that on two previous occasions of reading the author the only genuinely impressive thing about him was the good grace with which he took negative reviews. Since manners go a long way with me, I decided to check out another book of his, today being the perfect day for scary stories, and lo and behold it was actually quite good. Good in that B movie way, not even necessarily a modern one, maybe something adorably cheesy from the 50s or 60s. This book actually has two stories, the main novel and a bonus, thematically connected novella. So you’ve got tentacles and killer slime. Awesome, right. And the writing’s improved too, if not for that customary terrible editing, it’s almost like it’s a different guy altogether. It doesn’t insult your intelligence, the characters are likeable, the pacing is just right…plus, you know, there are tentacles and killer slime. It actually seems like it would take work to mess up a story with those spectacular ingredients. Not the end of the world sort of thing, just small apocalypses in small towns, with hungry ancient beings and aliens. I’ve had oodles of fun with these stories, very entertaining. Even the craptacular editing is entertaining…like when someone reassures a person that they’ll be oaky instead of okay. Mostly it’s the apostrophes though, possessives are positively possessed here. But it isn’t too distracting. Tentacles and killer slime pretty much have your attention the entire time. Enough gore and guts for genre fans, but also a sort of charming nostalgic motif throughout for that throwback appeal. Well done and kudos, it isn’t often that the author actually shows dramatic improvement, let’s see if the quality holds up in the future. That would be super oaky.
November 6, 2019
Becoming is horror adventure unlike any other. There's gore, blood, evil monsters supernatural and human but there's also lots of fun. I really enjoying reading this tale, the action starts straight away and its a book that doesn't take itself too seriously, it just wants to entertain.
Trouble starts in the small town of Avalon when a young person goes missing. His best friends knows what what happened but people aren't prepared to believe her tale that a creature took him. Soon more and more start to disappear even weirder are the ones who are changing all under the spell of the lady in the lake.
Its up to a small band of townsfolk to save themselves and their town from total annihilation.
What makes this book enjoyable is that there are a whole host of characters to get behind. My favourites were Michele and her dad, the sheriff and his wife.
My only slight fustration with this tale was that there were a lot of characters. I really struggled to remember who everyone was, but it didn't get in the way of enjoying the book, which is a total bloodbath!
Trouble starts in the small town of Avalon when a young person goes missing. His best friends knows what what happened but people aren't prepared to believe her tale that a creature took him. Soon more and more start to disappear even weirder are the ones who are changing all under the spell of the lady in the lake.
Its up to a small band of townsfolk to save themselves and their town from total annihilation.
What makes this book enjoyable is that there are a whole host of characters to get behind. My favourites were Michele and her dad, the sheriff and his wife.
My only slight fustration with this tale was that there were a lot of characters. I really struggled to remember who everyone was, but it didn't get in the way of enjoying the book, which is a total bloodbath!
January 1, 2018
There's something fishy going on in Jade Lake, and it's not the trout casting that strange light.
Clint Truman, caring for his cancer riddled father Jack, is the first to notice a strange glow just below the surface.
"It was then he noticed, even though he wasn't breathing, that he was still alive."
Soon it will make it's presence known to the rest of the town.
"One by one, we'll all become."
An ancient evil makes it's return in the small town of Avalon. This was an action packed tale full of good old fashioned creature feature type fun. I would recommend it to all horror fans but especially those who love the old horror comics like I do.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
Clint Truman, caring for his cancer riddled father Jack, is the first to notice a strange glow just below the surface.
"It was then he noticed, even though he wasn't breathing, that he was still alive."
Soon it will make it's presence known to the rest of the town.
"One by one, we'll all become."
An ancient evil makes it's return in the small town of Avalon. This was an action packed tale full of good old fashioned creature feature type fun. I would recommend it to all horror fans but especially those who love the old horror comics like I do.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
March 9, 2017
She is waiting..........
Two months ago, I was just telling to a writer friend of mine, that I was dying for an old school, creature feature. Well, author, Glenn Rolfe just filled that void for me. As in the manner of the“Body Snatchers” which is given a nod to in the book, that’s what you have going on in this mystery a “Hostile Takeover”. It was like watching a movie from late Saturday night, 1970 Chiller Channel. I loved it.
The plot has a nice even flow to it that builds with intensity towards the middle as panic sets in. You get very vivid descriptions and scenes throughout the entire story. Once it started there was no stopping it. Glenn gives you great characterization and a loving Father/Daughter bond to hold onto for hope. Also, a strong heroine. What lies in the Lake of the small town of Avalon, Maine is a complete mystery and left that way in the end. (Believe me, once you saw the truth you don’t want anymore). The story is suspenseful, a few scares like the opening sequence and the terror from being trapped or surrounded by that glowing haze. You then know what is coming to “Become” and you had better begin to run. Then it’s action packed with blood and gore all the way to the explosive ending when the skies open and “Lake” rises ready to consume.
Part one, pretty much starts off the showing what is possible with beauty and seduction. I was fine until Chapter one began with one of the main characters Michele Cote and friend Greg Hickey started playing around down by the Lake. Greg becomes fascinated at first with these green, slimy crawling slugs. Like all boys do, he needs one for his collection. That will be his biggest mistake and creates the horrifying chain reaction that leads to several disappearances a day in the town. Michele runs home crying to her Dad about what just happened to Greg, but no one believes her at first. Well, all that will change when “One-by-One they will Become” is the new mantra and your fighting for survival.
You also get Rolfe’s bonus novella “Boomtown” included.
Reviewed by robinlessdarkside.com/
Two months ago, I was just telling to a writer friend of mine, that I was dying for an old school, creature feature. Well, author, Glenn Rolfe just filled that void for me. As in the manner of the“Body Snatchers” which is given a nod to in the book, that’s what you have going on in this mystery a “Hostile Takeover”. It was like watching a movie from late Saturday night, 1970 Chiller Channel. I loved it.
The plot has a nice even flow to it that builds with intensity towards the middle as panic sets in. You get very vivid descriptions and scenes throughout the entire story. Once it started there was no stopping it. Glenn gives you great characterization and a loving Father/Daughter bond to hold onto for hope. Also, a strong heroine. What lies in the Lake of the small town of Avalon, Maine is a complete mystery and left that way in the end. (Believe me, once you saw the truth you don’t want anymore). The story is suspenseful, a few scares like the opening sequence and the terror from being trapped or surrounded by that glowing haze. You then know what is coming to “Become” and you had better begin to run. Then it’s action packed with blood and gore all the way to the explosive ending when the skies open and “Lake” rises ready to consume.
Part one, pretty much starts off the showing what is possible with beauty and seduction. I was fine until Chapter one began with one of the main characters Michele Cote and friend Greg Hickey started playing around down by the Lake. Greg becomes fascinated at first with these green, slimy crawling slugs. Like all boys do, he needs one for his collection. That will be his biggest mistake and creates the horrifying chain reaction that leads to several disappearances a day in the town. Michele runs home crying to her Dad about what just happened to Greg, but no one believes her at first. Well, all that will change when “One-by-One they will Become” is the new mantra and your fighting for survival.
You also get Rolfe’s bonus novella “Boomtown” included.
Reviewed by robinlessdarkside.com/
July 23, 2018
When I hear of a story involving The Lady in the Lake, my thoughts race to an enchanted maiden rising from the still waters with beautiful long hair and wonderful magic bringing joy to many. Well, in this horror novel by Glenn Rolfe, there’s a lake, there’s a lady in there, but there’s no wondrous and beautiful magic on show. No, the lady in this lake is an evil, tentacled bitch-monster.
Quiet towns where everyone knows everyone else, are always great settings for creepy stories. And quiet towns in Maine? Well, they’re the best you can get.
When Greg, a boy playing around the lake, gets some strange green slime on his hands, his best friend, Michele knows there’s something very wrong. And when Greg is pulled into the water by some monstrous energy from within, she definitely knows things ain’t right.
But Michele’s account of what happened is just so bizarre, how is anyone going to believe her? Well, they don’t. Not at first anyway.
The lady in the lake, more like the witch in the water, has a plan for the residents of this small town. Before long, Greg returns but he is changed. Now able to transform his arms into tentacles, these vicious appendages are able to ‘infect’ others by oral invasion. It’s not a particularly nice way to go, I’d imagine, and the images conjured are enough to make you gag a little as you read.
Those who become ‘changed’ still look like they used to, but there’s just something a bit ‘off’ about them, emotionless if you will.
I was reminded of the excellent novel, The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney, and in fact this is also mentioned in the book (but I thought of it first, so I was cleverer than the characters, or something). There’s also a unsettling Lovecraftian vibe through the whole thing.
Friends and family members are taken and before long the whole of the town, save the heroes of the hour, are prepped and ready for their ultimate sacrifice to the Lady of Leviathan.
What was great about this book was the pacing. Straight away, from pretty much the first page, you’re thrust (or dunked) into the horrors occurring in the seemingly-peaceful lake and surrounding community. There was no time for character backstories, apart from the odd paragraph here and there. OK, you could argue the characters weren’t as developed as they could have been, but in a short, sharp novel such as this, it would slow everything down and have you screaming for the action and gore to return.
There’s nothing revolutionary going on, but who cares? As the novel progressed it became difficult to predict who would be safe from the horror of the lake, if anyone would. Great stuff.
The ending, when the whole reason for this monster water-whore becomes apparent, is fully justified and satisfying. There’s no real closure, the story is action/gore/action up until the very final moments. There’s no wrapping up and explaining everything away going on, which is a good thing. I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters that survived, but the fact that I felt this way speaks volumes for the writing.
I think the best thing I got out of this was finding out there’s another book coming out later this year which will continue the story. I can’t wait for that.
A fun little horror novel with enough scares and action scenes to keep every horror lover happy. Highly recommended.
Quiet towns where everyone knows everyone else, are always great settings for creepy stories. And quiet towns in Maine? Well, they’re the best you can get.
When Greg, a boy playing around the lake, gets some strange green slime on his hands, his best friend, Michele knows there’s something very wrong. And when Greg is pulled into the water by some monstrous energy from within, she definitely knows things ain’t right.
But Michele’s account of what happened is just so bizarre, how is anyone going to believe her? Well, they don’t. Not at first anyway.
The lady in the lake, more like the witch in the water, has a plan for the residents of this small town. Before long, Greg returns but he is changed. Now able to transform his arms into tentacles, these vicious appendages are able to ‘infect’ others by oral invasion. It’s not a particularly nice way to go, I’d imagine, and the images conjured are enough to make you gag a little as you read.
Those who become ‘changed’ still look like they used to, but there’s just something a bit ‘off’ about them, emotionless if you will.
I was reminded of the excellent novel, The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney, and in fact this is also mentioned in the book (but I thought of it first, so I was cleverer than the characters, or something). There’s also a unsettling Lovecraftian vibe through the whole thing.
Friends and family members are taken and before long the whole of the town, save the heroes of the hour, are prepped and ready for their ultimate sacrifice to the Lady of Leviathan.
What was great about this book was the pacing. Straight away, from pretty much the first page, you’re thrust (or dunked) into the horrors occurring in the seemingly-peaceful lake and surrounding community. There was no time for character backstories, apart from the odd paragraph here and there. OK, you could argue the characters weren’t as developed as they could have been, but in a short, sharp novel such as this, it would slow everything down and have you screaming for the action and gore to return.
There’s nothing revolutionary going on, but who cares? As the novel progressed it became difficult to predict who would be safe from the horror of the lake, if anyone would. Great stuff.
The ending, when the whole reason for this monster water-whore becomes apparent, is fully justified and satisfying. There’s no real closure, the story is action/gore/action up until the very final moments. There’s no wrapping up and explaining everything away going on, which is a good thing. I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters that survived, but the fact that I felt this way speaks volumes for the writing.
I think the best thing I got out of this was finding out there’s another book coming out later this year which will continue the story. I can’t wait for that.
A fun little horror novel with enough scares and action scenes to keep every horror lover happy. Highly recommended.
November 30, 2019
For me, discovering Glenn Rolfe was super exciting. Like, discovering Beverly Cleary or James Howe or Stephen King kind of exciting. Seriously. To lapse into cliches, this book made me feel like a kid again. It charged me with the excitement and love of reading that the authors mentioned above did at certain times in my younger life. I am so grateful for Glenn Rolfe and his works. They've arrived in my life at just the right time!
Now, about this awesome book. I'd had it in my Kindle library for a while. When looking for a new book to read in October before I started the book club selection for that month, I came across this and decided to give it a go. Man, what a good decision that was! This was so perfect for the Halloween season, but it's probably perfect for any season, because what time isn't a good time for a story where monsters come out of the lake and wreak havoc and terror on a once peaceful small town? This book has everything awesome that I love about horror, and it's fun, and it's sincere: you know that the author is a for real horror fan who loves his genre when you read this. This is killer horror, ooey and gooey, in the classic tradition! If you like creature features, old-school American horror (think 80's golden-age), King, Keene, Laymon, or books with the words "fast-paced" and "thrill-ride" in the description, I highly recommend Becoming! Just be careful not to choke on your popcorn when the monsters come out! \m/
Now, about this awesome book. I'd had it in my Kindle library for a while. When looking for a new book to read in October before I started the book club selection for that month, I came across this and decided to give it a go. Man, what a good decision that was! This was so perfect for the Halloween season, but it's probably perfect for any season, because what time isn't a good time for a story where monsters come out of the lake and wreak havoc and terror on a once peaceful small town? This book has everything awesome that I love about horror, and it's fun, and it's sincere: you know that the author is a for real horror fan who loves his genre when you read this. This is killer horror, ooey and gooey, in the classic tradition! If you like creature features, old-school American horror (think 80's golden-age), King, Keene, Laymon, or books with the words "fast-paced" and "thrill-ride" in the description, I highly recommend Becoming! Just be careful not to choke on your popcorn when the monsters come out! \m/
March 23, 2017
Once again, Rolfe proves he's a master at capturing the essence of small towns--how communities come together, for good or ill. In Becoming, this tendency to band together becomes decidedly claustrophobic as a strange phenomenon affects Avalon's residents. Trouble is, they look and sound completely normal--until it's too late to escape.
Becoming is a creepy horror tale with depth. Rolfe has created characters you can root for, that you will care about. And underneath it all is a subtle yet powerful warning about blindly following others, a message that's as timeless as it is timely.
Recommended.
Becoming is a creepy horror tale with depth. Rolfe has created characters you can root for, that you will care about. And underneath it all is a subtle yet powerful warning about blindly following others, a message that's as timeless as it is timely.
Recommended.
March 14, 2017
Well..
This was an ok read. The storyline was good but I kept wanting more. Maybe how this creature got here. What is it?
Michelle is a young girl whose friend was the first one to deceived by the lake. He's missing and no one believes her about the strange emerald light. More people start missing. Something is terribly wrong.
Kudos to the author. It takes a special person to write a book, to have the imagination to do so.
This was an ok read. The storyline was good but I kept wanting more. Maybe how this creature got here. What is it?
Michelle is a young girl whose friend was the first one to deceived by the lake. He's missing and no one believes her about the strange emerald light. More people start missing. Something is terribly wrong.
Kudos to the author. It takes a special person to write a book, to have the imagination to do so.
April 26, 2017
This is a horror novel that all horror fans should read! It has a mixture of science fiction as well. The book brings rhetorical critical questions on the possibilities of life. Anything could happen. The characters are well developed. This is an awesome book!
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