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The Catcher's Trap
Andres never lived up to his potential. While young, handsome and smart, his life-long struggle with anxiety turned him into a recluse, afraid to step out of his comfort zone. That is, until the night he is kidnapped — seized into an alternate universe and sold into slavery.
Soon enough, he discovers that his only chance of survival is to slay his own inner demons in order to fight the monsters ruling the world of The Mist.
Torture, death, and brutality will lead Andres on a journey foretold in ancient prophecies.
Soon enough, he discovers that his only chance of survival is to slay his own inner demons in order to fight the monsters ruling the world of The Mist.
Torture, death, and brutality will lead Andres on a journey foretold in ancient prophecies.
- GenresScience Fiction Fantasy
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2016
3 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 8, 2016
An okay horror tale with a dash of dark fantasy.
The Catcher’s Trap starts brilliantly. The reader is instantly thrown into the dark pulsing heaving nightclub scene where bodies thrash against each other, conversations are lost to deafening music and exit doors lay at the end of a turbulent maze of sweat. It’s familiar and has been used to great effect in countless movies and books and in this case is written fantastically as I felt as lost as the protagonist Andres. My heart was racing and I was really anticipating what was to come, hoping it would tickle the dark part of my imagination.
We then take, in my opinion, a totally unnecessary pause to look at the back story of Andres where we discover he is very damaged, very unhappy and not actually the sort of person that’s fun or interesting to read about. This may have been an attempt to give him an anchor to the real world or a way for us the reader to quickly empathise with him before the torture begins but I found it distracting and thought it really choked up the story.
What follows is the only other real piece of horror in the entire book as Andres is beaten, tortured and broken and then sent to live with other slaves who tend fields. It shifts more in dark fantasy at this point as we learn of a flower the offers everlasting life, a mysterious race that come and go through dimensional space and time and a nice old prophecy that speaks of a “walker of worlds”.
The rest is pretty predictable I’m afraid to say and the pace drops off as Andres has the same conversation regarding the risks and rewards of escape and defiance with 1. a love interest and 2. the guy stuck in her friendzone who resents the new guy. This conversation happens again and again and again. Despite all this plodding along the ending somehow felt rushed and set up an opening for the next book in the series rather than provided a real conclusion for the readers.
I read this over two sittings within 12hrs, which I consider a big plus as despite it’s problems it held my attention and was easy enough to read that I always knew I would finish. I do wish there was more horror and that later scenes conjured up the same sense of dread that earlier scenes did but this is a skill that will undoubtedly grow as Ricardo Henriquez perfects his art.
I was provided a copy by the publishers in exchange for an honest review
3/5
The Catcher’s Trap starts brilliantly. The reader is instantly thrown into the dark pulsing heaving nightclub scene where bodies thrash against each other, conversations are lost to deafening music and exit doors lay at the end of a turbulent maze of sweat. It’s familiar and has been used to great effect in countless movies and books and in this case is written fantastically as I felt as lost as the protagonist Andres. My heart was racing and I was really anticipating what was to come, hoping it would tickle the dark part of my imagination.
We then take, in my opinion, a totally unnecessary pause to look at the back story of Andres where we discover he is very damaged, very unhappy and not actually the sort of person that’s fun or interesting to read about. This may have been an attempt to give him an anchor to the real world or a way for us the reader to quickly empathise with him before the torture begins but I found it distracting and thought it really choked up the story.
What follows is the only other real piece of horror in the entire book as Andres is beaten, tortured and broken and then sent to live with other slaves who tend fields. It shifts more in dark fantasy at this point as we learn of a flower the offers everlasting life, a mysterious race that come and go through dimensional space and time and a nice old prophecy that speaks of a “walker of worlds”.
The rest is pretty predictable I’m afraid to say and the pace drops off as Andres has the same conversation regarding the risks and rewards of escape and defiance with 1. a love interest and 2. the guy stuck in her friendzone who resents the new guy. This conversation happens again and again and again. Despite all this plodding along the ending somehow felt rushed and set up an opening for the next book in the series rather than provided a real conclusion for the readers.
I read this over two sittings within 12hrs, which I consider a big plus as despite it’s problems it held my attention and was easy enough to read that I always knew I would finish. I do wish there was more horror and that later scenes conjured up the same sense of dread that earlier scenes did but this is a skill that will undoubtedly grow as Ricardo Henriquez perfects his art.
I was provided a copy by the publishers in exchange for an honest review
3/5
October 29, 2016
On its surface, first time novelist Ricardo Henriquez’s The Catcher’s Trap is a disturbing and, at times, extremely gruesome horror tale. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll realize Henriquez is cleverly working on many different levels here. Beneath the macabre veneer is a story about coming of age, the crippling effects of depression and the soul-crushing impact of conformity and complacency.
But have no fear…if you don’t come to your horror fiction seeking enlightenment - this book has enough blood, suffering and grisly deaths to satisfy even the most hard-core fright fan. Personally, I’m not much of a horror fan. I can take a cheesy slasher film, but suffering and torture are pretty much where I draw the line, so in that respect this one was pretty tough for me to take. But Henriquez sets a tone at the outset that suggests a more ambitious agenda so I [apprehensively] went along for the ride. Andres, the protagonist, is a young man crashing at a friend’s apartment while trying to establish himself in New York City. Growing up he was an outcast at school and his two macho older brothers’ efforts to toughen him up amounted to little more than torment for the sensitive boy, so as a result of these things he suffers severe social anxiety and depression. One night, in an attempt to push himself outside his comfort zone and maybe live a little, he goes to a bar and meets a charismatic stranger who brings him to a secret nightclub which turns out to be the entrance to Hell. Or something very like it.
The protracted scene in the nightclub, as Andres slowly realizes there’s no way out and no turning back, is truly horrific despite the fact that nothing particularly terrible happens. The author is expert at ratcheting up the suspense until it’s damn near unbearable. Which makes it the perfect segue for what’s to follow.
And, man oh man, the stuff that follows.
Rather than give away specifics, I’ll merely say that this novel owes as much to The Matrix, The Hunger Games and, believe it or not, Harry Potter, as it does to Stephen King and Dean Koontz. The hero undergoes the most hideous trials but learns to not only persevere but to become an inspiration and a leader to the other denizens of his hellish new home. Certainly this can be read as a metaphor for overcoming depression, but also for standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of resistance from those in control as well as from those who willingly submit to control.
This is an epic read. It is, by turns, suspenseful, repulsive, heartbreaking, moving and inspiring. If it weren't quite so shocking in places, I might even suggest it as a motivational story for the young misfits of the world (yearning to know that it gets better). My only qualm is with the ending, which seemed a bit rushed and left some rather enormous unresolved issues. I can only hope that means Mr. Henriquez is right now diligently working on a sequel.
But have no fear…if you don’t come to your horror fiction seeking enlightenment - this book has enough blood, suffering and grisly deaths to satisfy even the most hard-core fright fan. Personally, I’m not much of a horror fan. I can take a cheesy slasher film, but suffering and torture are pretty much where I draw the line, so in that respect this one was pretty tough for me to take. But Henriquez sets a tone at the outset that suggests a more ambitious agenda so I [apprehensively] went along for the ride. Andres, the protagonist, is a young man crashing at a friend’s apartment while trying to establish himself in New York City. Growing up he was an outcast at school and his two macho older brothers’ efforts to toughen him up amounted to little more than torment for the sensitive boy, so as a result of these things he suffers severe social anxiety and depression. One night, in an attempt to push himself outside his comfort zone and maybe live a little, he goes to a bar and meets a charismatic stranger who brings him to a secret nightclub which turns out to be the entrance to Hell. Or something very like it.
The protracted scene in the nightclub, as Andres slowly realizes there’s no way out and no turning back, is truly horrific despite the fact that nothing particularly terrible happens. The author is expert at ratcheting up the suspense until it’s damn near unbearable. Which makes it the perfect segue for what’s to follow.
And, man oh man, the stuff that follows.
Rather than give away specifics, I’ll merely say that this novel owes as much to The Matrix, The Hunger Games and, believe it or not, Harry Potter, as it does to Stephen King and Dean Koontz. The hero undergoes the most hideous trials but learns to not only persevere but to become an inspiration and a leader to the other denizens of his hellish new home. Certainly this can be read as a metaphor for overcoming depression, but also for standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of resistance from those in control as well as from those who willingly submit to control.
This is an epic read. It is, by turns, suspenseful, repulsive, heartbreaking, moving and inspiring. If it weren't quite so shocking in places, I might even suggest it as a motivational story for the young misfits of the world (yearning to know that it gets better). My only qualm is with the ending, which seemed a bit rushed and left some rather enormous unresolved issues. I can only hope that means Mr. Henriquez is right now diligently working on a sequel.
November 14, 2016
‘The Catcher’s Trap’ is the gripping and intense first novel in a soon to be series by new author Ricardo Henriquez. His debut book is a dark fantasy rolled into a powerful tale of horror and suspense that will please both fantasy and horror fans alike.
If you are searching for a book that questions humanity and falls nicely into a fantasy genre while still pleasantly disturbing you with blood and gore, than you have found your next read.
In two sittings, I swallowed this book whole as I followed the main character Andres down a rabbit hole of torture, hell and constant fear that leads to a nail biting climax and ultimately, a truly delicious cliffhanger.
In just the first few pages of the book, the reader finds themselves trapped with Andres in a dark, sweaty and hellishly captivating nightclub looking for a door to escape. Only after knowing Andres for a short time, I found I already feared for his well-being. As a horror fan, I was seeing all the typical red flags of bad things to come, and boy…did they come…
From here, Henriquez introduces the reader to the demented world of 'The Mist.' We meet the mysterious Roman and his deviant band of misfits who basically kidnap, torture and enslave our main character Andres.
Andres is our anti-hero turned true hero. He struggles with real social anxieties and depression. There is instantaneous sympathy with him from the very beginning. The short backstory we receive about him is enough to believe, that yes....this meek and terrified person can overcome.
".....God, the universe, or whoever was in charge of existence had a sick sense of humor. I had to travel to a hellish dimension and become a slave to have my first real human connection..."
In 'The Mist' Andres becomes friends with other humans that have also been enslaved. He becomes somewhat of a leader to these terrified humans, and it's here that we truly see Andres change. Can he be the true “walker of worlds?” Is he meant to lead and take on their terrifying captors?
"....They can think you are a hero, but if they start thinking you are also their savior, they will follow you. Then they’ll die beside you..."
Without total spoilers, I will say that this book is thick with plot and doesn't veer far from the main story line. Henriquez’s true attention to the characters and the world building surrounding them will keep you fixated to the very last page.
Make sure you have eyes in the back of your head for days after you read this book, you don’t want to be the next one kidnapped to The Mist…
Can’t wait for book 2. Bring it on.
If you are searching for a book that questions humanity and falls nicely into a fantasy genre while still pleasantly disturbing you with blood and gore, than you have found your next read.
In two sittings, I swallowed this book whole as I followed the main character Andres down a rabbit hole of torture, hell and constant fear that leads to a nail biting climax and ultimately, a truly delicious cliffhanger.
In just the first few pages of the book, the reader finds themselves trapped with Andres in a dark, sweaty and hellishly captivating nightclub looking for a door to escape. Only after knowing Andres for a short time, I found I already feared for his well-being. As a horror fan, I was seeing all the typical red flags of bad things to come, and boy…did they come…
From here, Henriquez introduces the reader to the demented world of 'The Mist.' We meet the mysterious Roman and his deviant band of misfits who basically kidnap, torture and enslave our main character Andres.
Andres is our anti-hero turned true hero. He struggles with real social anxieties and depression. There is instantaneous sympathy with him from the very beginning. The short backstory we receive about him is enough to believe, that yes....this meek and terrified person can overcome.
".....God, the universe, or whoever was in charge of existence had a sick sense of humor. I had to travel to a hellish dimension and become a slave to have my first real human connection..."
In 'The Mist' Andres becomes friends with other humans that have also been enslaved. He becomes somewhat of a leader to these terrified humans, and it's here that we truly see Andres change. Can he be the true “walker of worlds?” Is he meant to lead and take on their terrifying captors?
"....They can think you are a hero, but if they start thinking you are also their savior, they will follow you. Then they’ll die beside you..."
Without total spoilers, I will say that this book is thick with plot and doesn't veer far from the main story line. Henriquez’s true attention to the characters and the world building surrounding them will keep you fixated to the very last page.
Make sure you have eyes in the back of your head for days after you read this book, you don’t want to be the next one kidnapped to The Mist…
Can’t wait for book 2. Bring it on.
January 13, 2017
I've been struggling to write the opening line of this review for about 3 minutes... What do I want to say about this right from the get-go? Here goes:
The Catcher's Trap eschews the traditional hero's journey structure in all the wrong ways. There, I said it. That might sound appealing to some potential readers - and if that sentiment alone is enough to pique your interest, then close this review and go read it. Honestly, it's not bad.
But it just didn't do it for me... See, I think the crests and troughs of the story's flow were creating expected payoffs and outcomes for me that just didn't feel so rewarding when I got there. And I suppose the book apologizes for itself by allowing a reader to consider these as, uh, "twists"? My main problems with this story were 1- how derivative it is of other stories. It is a pretty typical 'fish out of water' - wherein an isolated (for various reasons) character falls through the veil into another world, and they overcome obstacles, and 'return' as a different, better version of his/herself, yada yada yada... but 2- and this is probably the bigger problem - I didn't feel like there was anything AT STAKE!! Know what I mean? I asked myself 'what's the point of all this' more times than the book has pages, honestly. I didn't know what the bad-guys' endgame was - what was their reason for catching/trapping the hero in this other world - what was their goal! I think finally it dawned on me, perhaps by page 180 (out of a 240 page book) what they were getting at... But it didn't end up being much more beyond mustache-twirling badness-for-badness's-sake.
And 3- I'm not a huge fan of 'torture porn' movies. There's some pretty gruesome depictions of body-violations going on in this book. Just wasn't for me. (But well-written! See below...)
I sound pretty down on "The Catcher's Trap," huh? Well..... the thing is, I think Ricardo Henriquez is a pretty strong writer. There were some really creative similes and metaphors in here. I'd pull a few out, but I don't have the book in front of me at the moment. Sorry. I also appreciated how his scenes moved through space and time rather seamlessly. Henriquez never focused the 'camera' on anything that didn't need to be shown. So while I may not have been enjoying the 'story' of Catcher's Trap, I certainly enjoyed the 'storytelling.' Does that make sense?
All in all, if you want a more modern, fish-out-of-water, urban horror, torturey book to read, you can't do tooooo wrong with "The Catcher's Trap."
The Catcher's Trap eschews the traditional hero's journey structure in all the wrong ways. There, I said it. That might sound appealing to some potential readers - and if that sentiment alone is enough to pique your interest, then close this review and go read it. Honestly, it's not bad.
But it just didn't do it for me... See, I think the crests and troughs of the story's flow were creating expected payoffs and outcomes for me that just didn't feel so rewarding when I got there. And I suppose the book apologizes for itself by allowing a reader to consider these as, uh, "twists"? My main problems with this story were 1- how derivative it is of other stories. It is a pretty typical 'fish out of water' - wherein an isolated (for various reasons) character falls through the veil into another world, and they overcome obstacles, and 'return' as a different, better version of his/herself, yada yada yada... but 2- and this is probably the bigger problem - I didn't feel like there was anything AT STAKE!! Know what I mean? I asked myself 'what's the point of all this' more times than the book has pages, honestly. I didn't know what the bad-guys' endgame was - what was their reason for catching/trapping the hero in this other world - what was their goal! I think finally it dawned on me, perhaps by page 180 (out of a 240 page book) what they were getting at... But it didn't end up being much more beyond mustache-twirling badness-for-badness's-sake.
And 3- I'm not a huge fan of 'torture porn' movies. There's some pretty gruesome depictions of body-violations going on in this book. Just wasn't for me. (But well-written! See below...)
I sound pretty down on "The Catcher's Trap," huh? Well..... the thing is, I think Ricardo Henriquez is a pretty strong writer. There were some really creative similes and metaphors in here. I'd pull a few out, but I don't have the book in front of me at the moment. Sorry. I also appreciated how his scenes moved through space and time rather seamlessly. Henriquez never focused the 'camera' on anything that didn't need to be shown. So while I may not have been enjoying the 'story' of Catcher's Trap, I certainly enjoyed the 'storytelling.' Does that make sense?
All in all, if you want a more modern, fish-out-of-water, urban horror, torturey book to read, you can't do tooooo wrong with "The Catcher's Trap."
October 24, 2016
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2016/10/2...
Publisher: Inkshares
Publishing Date: November 2016
ISBN: 9781942645047
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.4/5
Publishers Description: Andres never lived up to his potential. While young, handsome and smart, his life-long struggle with anxiety turned him into a recluse, afraid to step out of his comfort zone. That is, until the night he is kidnapped — seized into an alternate universe and sold into slavery.
Review: This was a bizarre take on not-hell, scribed by a suicidal introvert whom has flashes of heroism in the face of desperation. Sound contradictory? Well it did to me. How is it that a life-long crying, introverted, socially retarded, suicidal bisexual suddenly has bouts of defiance against impossible odds? Andres continually risks his life and/or being tortured for people he has no connection with while in his previous life he would figuratively hide from his own shadow. You would think that after being kidnapped and immediately tortured for days/weeks that he would be catatonic, at the least. Well having never been tortured with a flail and being branded, what do I know.
If you are willing to accept Andres’ storyline and suspend your disbelief for a few hours, you will be entertained. Not much happens except for more torture, beatings and slave killing. In between the beating and killing the novel is padded with lengthy dialogue between Andres, Roman and Claudia within the confines of a dungeon like prison. Throughout most of the novel you find yourself rooting for the little shjt yet the retribution on a grand scale never transpires. The setup in this novel serves mainly as a bridge to successive novels in a series, so you won’t get the resolution that you are hoping for.
This novel had good technical writing yet the story line suffered as it wallowed in it’s own juices for too long. ‘Insisting upon itself’ is the best way to describe it. World building was limited to the “Mist”, which is basically another dimensional place with fields and a castle. If not for the drawn out story line, and easy 4 stars.
Publisher: Inkshares
Publishing Date: November 2016
ISBN: 9781942645047
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.4/5
Publishers Description: Andres never lived up to his potential. While young, handsome and smart, his life-long struggle with anxiety turned him into a recluse, afraid to step out of his comfort zone. That is, until the night he is kidnapped — seized into an alternate universe and sold into slavery.
Review: This was a bizarre take on not-hell, scribed by a suicidal introvert whom has flashes of heroism in the face of desperation. Sound contradictory? Well it did to me. How is it that a life-long crying, introverted, socially retarded, suicidal bisexual suddenly has bouts of defiance against impossible odds? Andres continually risks his life and/or being tortured for people he has no connection with while in his previous life he would figuratively hide from his own shadow. You would think that after being kidnapped and immediately tortured for days/weeks that he would be catatonic, at the least. Well having never been tortured with a flail and being branded, what do I know.
If you are willing to accept Andres’ storyline and suspend your disbelief for a few hours, you will be entertained. Not much happens except for more torture, beatings and slave killing. In between the beating and killing the novel is padded with lengthy dialogue between Andres, Roman and Claudia within the confines of a dungeon like prison. Throughout most of the novel you find yourself rooting for the little shjt yet the retribution on a grand scale never transpires. The setup in this novel serves mainly as a bridge to successive novels in a series, so you won’t get the resolution that you are hoping for.
This novel had good technical writing yet the story line suffered as it wallowed in it’s own juices for too long. ‘Insisting upon itself’ is the best way to describe it. World building was limited to the “Mist”, which is basically another dimensional place with fields and a castle. If not for the drawn out story line, and easy 4 stars.
January 18, 2017
This is an awesome book, I began reading it and could not stop. I have not found myself trapped in a storyline like this in years. It was magical, weird, excentric, amazing, quick, unexpected. My husband and I had to fight over who read it first. It is very well written, it uses things from real life in an unreal situation, but that is oddly very close to home at the same time. It is excellently paced. 100% readable!
It shows the dark side of humanity, what we can achieve under pressure and what every human is capable of doing if we are motivated. It leaves at a clif-hanger and makes you crave for the next book.
It has unforseen twists and turns and very interesting associations to other contemporary, popular culture icons.
The main character Andrés evolves in ways that were amazing, and very realistic.
A very good book, with dark fantasy, horror, a little gore but just enough.
Congratulations Ricardo!
It shows the dark side of humanity, what we can achieve under pressure and what every human is capable of doing if we are motivated. It leaves at a clif-hanger and makes you crave for the next book.
It has unforseen twists and turns and very interesting associations to other contemporary, popular culture icons.
The main character Andrés evolves in ways that were amazing, and very realistic.
A very good book, with dark fantasy, horror, a little gore but just enough.
Congratulations Ricardo!
August 2, 2016
“I don’t normally read horror, but could not resist Henriquez’s debut novel. Upon reading, I was reminded why I normally shy away from this genre—The Catchers Trap is truly terrifying. However, what kept me coming back, despite my palpable fear, was the profoundly deep inner journey of Andres, the main character, and his personal transformation during the course of the novel. I have to admit, however, that in-between reading sessions I did have to hide The Catchers Trap in the freezer. So, my one suggestion, before you start reading, make sure you have plenty of room in YOUR freezer. While I cannot promise this will keep you save from from Henriquez’s truly terrifying writing when it is time to close your eyes and go to sleep—you will at least be safer.” —Jamison Stone, author of Rune of the Apprentice
May 25, 2016
The Catcher's Trap is riveting story that kept me up reading far too late more than once. Equal parts terrifying and heroic, Andres' descent into a nightmare existence and back is going stay with me for a long time. I hope Mr. Henriquez has a sequel in the works, because I need to know what happens next and there's so much more about the Catcher's world to explore.
It reminded me why I don't typically read horror - the opening chapters scared the crap out of me!
It reminded me why I don't typically read horror - the opening chapters scared the crap out of me!
September 19, 2016
Full Review
Despite some of its flaws, Ricardo Henriquez's debut novel is a promising start to his series. Fans of horror and dark fantasy will especially enjoy The Catcher's Trap. Myself, I'm looking forward to the sequel and seeing where Henriquez takes the series.
Despite some of its flaws, Ricardo Henriquez's debut novel is a promising start to his series. Fans of horror and dark fantasy will especially enjoy The Catcher's Trap. Myself, I'm looking forward to the sequel and seeing where Henriquez takes the series.
June 30, 2019
An original story, really relatable characters. Well done!
July 26, 2016
This book practically landed on my lap at a time when I was hunting for a story to captivate me. I was just planning to read the first couple of chapters, put it down and continue on with my day. Well that didn't quite happen. I could't put the book down. It will hold you down within the first chapter. Andres battle within the nether world will have you wondering how on earth will he survive.
Mr. Henriquez vision and descriptive story telling is unique and will seduce you to turn the page and continue reading. Before you start reading this. Sit back, open your mind and allow yourself to be engrossed into a dark world of torture, emotion and human complexity.
Mr. Henriquez vision and descriptive story telling is unique and will seduce you to turn the page and continue reading. Before you start reading this. Sit back, open your mind and allow yourself to be engrossed into a dark world of torture, emotion and human complexity.
September 25, 2016
An odd an very interesting novel, and one that continues to take you in unexpected directions. Henriquez writes with a clean narrative style that makes for a quick read. What initially appears to be some sort of 'demons collecting souls' tale (which had me more than a little wary at the start) veers off into a horror fantasy work that I found refreshingly original. It explores all sorts of dark areas in a way not typical, particularly about how one survives and perseveres in the face of hopelessness, self-doubt and torment, with a depth that suggests the writer has had some firsthand experience in such things or is simply very skilled and insightful. Or both.
Highly recommend it.
Highly recommend it.
November 15, 2016
The Catchers Trap, despite the title and genre, is a fairy tail. A gruesome, cruel, and Pan's Labyrinth Fairy Tail... but still is one.
The book starts in modern day and things quickly tumble into hidden realities just beyond the greasy veneer of sleazy nightclubs. Andre, is kidnapped (this isn't a spoiler, it's like the first chapter), and has to spend his every waking moment trapped in another world trying to survive his magical captors. The reason for all the kidnapping? They need slaves. So, they take them.
It's simple and horrifying at the same time. If you enjoy anything by Guillermo del Toro then this book will be a good one for you to pick up.
The book starts in modern day and things quickly tumble into hidden realities just beyond the greasy veneer of sleazy nightclubs. Andre, is kidnapped (this isn't a spoiler, it's like the first chapter), and has to spend his every waking moment trapped in another world trying to survive his magical captors. The reason for all the kidnapping? They need slaves. So, they take them.
It's simple and horrifying at the same time. If you enjoy anything by Guillermo del Toro then this book will be a good one for you to pick up.
November 17, 2016
Ricardo Henriquez's debut novel, The Catcher's Trap, is a tale of vivid, and oftentimes brutal imagery, of a man coming to terms with his life in the midst of a dark otherworld in which he becomes enslaved. Seemingly, he does't stand a chance. Taking all of his flaws from this world, he struggles to get through horrors that he must witness and endure all at the hands of sadistic leaders, and mid-level management. That, I think, we can all relate to. Mr. Henriquez's writing is poetic, pulse-inducing and heartbreaking. It is easy to see how his work could be adapted to film, and/or, television. I'm really looking forward to his next book.
November 30, 2016
Right from the start, the story drew me in, and I couldn't wait to read more. Horror and violence typically turn me off, but there is so much more to this story than what fits into a genre, and the fascinating sci-fi elements far outweigh the horror in my opinion. The main character is not only likable but also relatable, and the metaphors in the storyline for depression, humanity, and resilience are powerful. I was sad when I finished this book, and thrilled to learn that there is a sequel in the making!
July 21, 2016
Like many fantasy novels, this is the story of the "every man" who is put in the extraordinary situation. But unlike the others, this is a world you've never seen before. The creatures are vivid, the characters are complex, the story is unique. You'll be completely engrossed within the first few chapters. It's the kind of story that stays with you long after you put the book down. There definitely needs to be a sequel.
November 14, 2016
A gripping read, The Catcher's Trap introduces a new dark fantasy world where motives are never what they seem. Andres' journey is well-paced and, though gruesome at times, entertaining. It's clear there's more in store for Andres and Roman. I look forward to reading more in this series, and from this author.
November 15, 2016
Not my usual genre, but I could not put The Catcher's Trap down once I started reading. A true page-turner from beginning to end. Read it in one sitting and am looking forward to the release of the second book in this series! Ricardo, when the movie producers come knocking, I'd love to play the part of Claudia. Just saying.
Great read!
Great read!
December 26, 2016
Full review here: http://tinyurl.com/jvac89e
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A dark horror fantasy novel and interesting debut from the author. I wasn't particularly fond of the book but can see its appeal to those who are looking for something in the genre that's a bit different.
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A dark horror fantasy novel and interesting debut from the author. I wasn't particularly fond of the book but can see its appeal to those who are looking for something in the genre that's a bit different.
December 11, 2016
This is a Goodreads win review. This is a horror/dark fantasy plot. Andres follows a stranger to a party where he notices strange creatures. Then he gets kidnapped and undergoes torture. It is a fast paced book full of detail but a little gruesome at times.
December 15, 2016
I have to admit this book is INSANE. I loved it! It's one of the most unique works of fiction that I have ever read and I've read plenty. It's non-stop action from the first page. After the first page, I was hooked - A sign of a great book! If you like fiction - You will truly enjoy this read.
January 14, 2017
This is a book that grabs you by the nape of your neck, slams you up against a wall, slides a sliver of wood along your skin, and leaves you like that from start to finish. If you are a fan of horror at all, this book should already be on your shelf.
December 11, 2016
A story that flows really well and incorporates dark fairytale into a very real fight against depression and a search for identity.
January 22, 2017
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A wannabe hipster goes to the wrong club in New York City and winds up in Hell. Then he tries to escape.
It should be a lot more exciting.
A wannabe hipster goes to the wrong club in New York City and winds up in Hell. Then he tries to escape.
It should be a lot more exciting.
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