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Sway
A psychological horror/thriller about a man who has returned the recurring nightmare of his childhood with no idea how or why he's done it. Through short glimpses into his past, he reveals a troubled childhood, one that left him emotionally and psychologically scarred. He is convinced the nightmare is real, a reaction induced by a sleeping pill he took as a child and is now taking again as an adult, and that it is the key to finding peace for himself. Is it all just in his head--the result of a broken psyche? Or has he truly been brought to the dream through a drug originally prescribed and manufactured by the psychologist from his childhood? Sway is intended for mature readers only. It contains strong language, violence, and many unsettling scenes.
- GenresHorror
282 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 13, 2013
I LOVED this book!
Are you looking to twist your mind in more directions than you ever dreamed possible? Are you tired of the same old psychological thrillers that leave you interested yet bored? Well look no further and grab this book! This is a tight exciting read, with realistic characters that honestly will keep you guessing and questioning reality up through the final chapter. You can't even TRY to get a cheat in with reading the titles of the chapters to get a look at what is coming, you have to page through and love the exciting sweats that will break out across your skin with each page! It isn't a pretty story, it isn't a story for the faint of heart. Matthew Keith has displayed his expertise within the craft with descriptions that are just enough to make you cringe and want to cover your eyes but you must read that next paragraph. His settings pull you across the Great Divide kicking and screaming for the next clue, the next tid bit of information you are searching for; that addicting, craving for more that only Matthew Keith can deliver. An absolute MUST READ for all those who love reading Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Dan Brown. Don't choose a book with that cookie cutter ending, with the same old conclusions and expectant weirdness. Go with the gold and the real thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your mind, staring into the abyss of, "what is going to happen?"
Enjoy SWAY!
Kerry A Morgan
Are you looking to twist your mind in more directions than you ever dreamed possible? Are you tired of the same old psychological thrillers that leave you interested yet bored? Well look no further and grab this book! This is a tight exciting read, with realistic characters that honestly will keep you guessing and questioning reality up through the final chapter. You can't even TRY to get a cheat in with reading the titles of the chapters to get a look at what is coming, you have to page through and love the exciting sweats that will break out across your skin with each page! It isn't a pretty story, it isn't a story for the faint of heart. Matthew Keith has displayed his expertise within the craft with descriptions that are just enough to make you cringe and want to cover your eyes but you must read that next paragraph. His settings pull you across the Great Divide kicking and screaming for the next clue, the next tid bit of information you are searching for; that addicting, craving for more that only Matthew Keith can deliver. An absolute MUST READ for all those who love reading Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Dan Brown. Don't choose a book with that cookie cutter ending, with the same old conclusions and expectant weirdness. Go with the gold and the real thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your mind, staring into the abyss of, "what is going to happen?"
Enjoy SWAY!
Kerry A Morgan
December 8, 2013
"Sway" is a book about the consequences of sever abuse on a child's life and the impact it can have on them as an adult.
The main character has been abused all of his life. When he was sent to an orphanage as a child he starts to escape into dreams about being a part of a town where are local bar has a beautiful woman painted on its saloon style doors and Camptown Races is played repeatedly on its piano. When the main characters gets adopted he stops having the dreams and disappears from the quaint little town. But after 14 years he returns and he is determined to find out why. However, since he can't find answers in this dreams, he decides he will find answers when he is awake.
"Sway" is a very well written psychological thriller that keeps you thinking. The detail of the character's life were tragic, drawing you close to the character and feeling intense sympathy for him. One of the aspects of this book that is enjoyable is there was a wonderful balance of past and future events. That balance provides a deep understanding of an abused child and what affect the abuse can have them as an adult. No matter how much better their life can get, how much they bury their past, all it takes is one event that can bring the past back to them, and when that happens all hell breaks loose.
Matthew Keith has extreme talent. He writes wonderful no matter what the genre is, which is extremely hard to accomplish. In time he will establish a strong fan base that will give him the recognition he deserves. One thing I am positive of is Matthew Keith has won the heart of this reader and I will spread the word!!
The main character has been abused all of his life. When he was sent to an orphanage as a child he starts to escape into dreams about being a part of a town where are local bar has a beautiful woman painted on its saloon style doors and Camptown Races is played repeatedly on its piano. When the main characters gets adopted he stops having the dreams and disappears from the quaint little town. But after 14 years he returns and he is determined to find out why. However, since he can't find answers in this dreams, he decides he will find answers when he is awake.
"Sway" is a very well written psychological thriller that keeps you thinking. The detail of the character's life were tragic, drawing you close to the character and feeling intense sympathy for him. One of the aspects of this book that is enjoyable is there was a wonderful balance of past and future events. That balance provides a deep understanding of an abused child and what affect the abuse can have them as an adult. No matter how much better their life can get, how much they bury their past, all it takes is one event that can bring the past back to them, and when that happens all hell breaks loose.
Matthew Keith has extreme talent. He writes wonderful no matter what the genre is, which is extremely hard to accomplish. In time he will establish a strong fan base that will give him the recognition he deserves. One thing I am positive of is Matthew Keith has won the heart of this reader and I will spread the word!!
December 24, 2013
A man's struggle with himself.
This psychological thriller was a surreal experience. Nothing like my typical reads. For that reason it was a little difficult to get into, but once immersed I found it interesting to analyze the psychological process of the main character.
Following him through his own process of determining why the dream scenarios from childhood nightmares have suddenly continued in adulthood, you are taken on a realistic roller coaster ride. You will experience the mental and emotional turmoil that can rack a person when they ask serious questions about their past, and how it applies to what’s happening in the present. It takes the character deeper and deeper into his obsession to discover why this is occurring. But it wasn’t enough. He had to try to “rescue” the other participants, sure there is a diabolical purpose for the bizarre setting they are in.
A successful individual who has overcome the traumas of his childhood, his life is turned upside down by his findings. Is he right or is he having a breakdown? Was he set up or did he really deviate into actions unknown even to himself? You are left to decide.
The story is a challenge as you watch someone capable of making logical decisions fall into the trap of making emotional ones that could count against him. It’s a trap anyone can fall into.
An ARC was provided for an honest review.
This psychological thriller was a surreal experience. Nothing like my typical reads. For that reason it was a little difficult to get into, but once immersed I found it interesting to analyze the psychological process of the main character.
Following him through his own process of determining why the dream scenarios from childhood nightmares have suddenly continued in adulthood, you are taken on a realistic roller coaster ride. You will experience the mental and emotional turmoil that can rack a person when they ask serious questions about their past, and how it applies to what’s happening in the present. It takes the character deeper and deeper into his obsession to discover why this is occurring. But it wasn’t enough. He had to try to “rescue” the other participants, sure there is a diabolical purpose for the bizarre setting they are in.
A successful individual who has overcome the traumas of his childhood, his life is turned upside down by his findings. Is he right or is he having a breakdown? Was he set up or did he really deviate into actions unknown even to himself? You are left to decide.
The story is a challenge as you watch someone capable of making logical decisions fall into the trap of making emotional ones that could count against him. It’s a trap anyone can fall into.
An ARC was provided for an honest review.
August 6, 2016
I was given a copy by the author in return for an honest review. This was my first time reading anything by Matthew Keith and it certainly won't be my last.
His style of writing is exactly the way I like it; descriptive without being too wordy, an informal narrative which flowed well.
His characters, whilst being very colourful and unique, were realistic and three dimensional.
The main character has endured quite a tragic childhood. Some of the subjects touched upon are quite sensitive in nature, and may upset some readers, but I felt that Matthew Keith dealt with these events sensitively, rather than exploiting them simply to shock. Everything is relevant to the story being told.
Whilst not the traditional horror story I'm used to reading, the claustrophobic atmosphere keeps the story very dark and surreal. The dream-like quality of much of the story makes for tense reading as you realise that almost anything is possible within the dream; you never know what to expect. By the end of the book, I felt like I had been reading a screwed up version of Alice in Wonderland with the fantastical elements. I applaud the originality of this book as I have read nothing quite like this before.
His style of writing is exactly the way I like it; descriptive without being too wordy, an informal narrative which flowed well.
His characters, whilst being very colourful and unique, were realistic and three dimensional.
The main character has endured quite a tragic childhood. Some of the subjects touched upon are quite sensitive in nature, and may upset some readers, but I felt that Matthew Keith dealt with these events sensitively, rather than exploiting them simply to shock. Everything is relevant to the story being told.
Whilst not the traditional horror story I'm used to reading, the claustrophobic atmosphere keeps the story very dark and surreal. The dream-like quality of much of the story makes for tense reading as you realise that almost anything is possible within the dream; you never know what to expect. By the end of the book, I felt like I had been reading a screwed up version of Alice in Wonderland with the fantastical elements. I applaud the originality of this book as I have read nothing quite like this before.
December 15, 2013
4 stars
This book centered around the protagonist who is often called “Kid” both as a child and an adult, antagonist-Dr. Stine, Beth, and the rowdy bunch of misfits that appear in Kid's dreams.
We are shown how Kid's past affects his present and future as well as how the use of prescribed mind altering drugs have changed his life. Without giving too much plot away, much of this book revolves around the dreams that Kid has and the possibility that he was given bad medications as a child.
I think this book was creatively written. In my mind, I had John Malcovich as Stine the entire time. This book was a unique read. Although the basis for the book was sexual abuse, the author doesn't drone on and on about it. This is more about the after effects of being in the system and is in intriguing read. For something out of the ordinary, I would certainly recommend this one.
This book centered around the protagonist who is often called “Kid” both as a child and an adult, antagonist-Dr. Stine, Beth, and the rowdy bunch of misfits that appear in Kid's dreams.
We are shown how Kid's past affects his present and future as well as how the use of prescribed mind altering drugs have changed his life. Without giving too much plot away, much of this book revolves around the dreams that Kid has and the possibility that he was given bad medications as a child.
I think this book was creatively written. In my mind, I had John Malcovich as Stine the entire time. This book was a unique read. Although the basis for the book was sexual abuse, the author doesn't drone on and on about it. This is more about the after effects of being in the system and is in intriguing read. For something out of the ordinary, I would certainly recommend this one.
December 12, 2013
When I started reading this book I wasn’t sure where it would take me…it began with a dreamscape that was unusual, unkind and unfriendly but well known to the main character from his previous childhood visits. Unsure what this story held in store I continued to read and in so doing learned more about the child, the adult, and various people and events in the main character’s life. By the end of the book my first thought was, “What a brilliant book – a true mind bending humdinger of a story.” It made me think and wonder about so many things I had read in the story and I do believe that this is a story that will remain in my mind for quite awhile as I wonder just who and what the main character’s story really is. Matthew Keith has definitely created an intriguing story – I have to doff my hat to him for his brilliant story telling ability.
December 30, 2025
Man discovers his recurring dream of a dream world and his long lost love is more than meets the eye. 3.8⭐️
January 24, 2014
A Darkly Fascinating Page Turner!
The story sucked me in.
I had to find out what the main character's dreams meant... I enjoyed his thoughts, as crazy as they seemed. There was a fair amount of tension throughout the story, as it slowly revealed the nature of the recurring dream, where some very dark events occurred night in and night out, leaving him haunted and troubled.
Sway is written for adult readers, as it contains ample profanity, and childhood abuse. These scenes are rather dark, even by my standards. I found myself not wanting to go there, not wanting some of these things to continue. For plot purposes, they worked rather well, carrying the story, which could not have been told any other way. Personally, I did find the Author's utilization of profanity a bit on the excessive side...
However, there was an honesty about the main character that was quite open. I found myself wanting him to win, pulling for his happiness... I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in darker tales, filled with genuinely believable characters. If dark subject matter, containing serious childhood abuse is not for you... well, this author has several other novels to pick from. He is a dynamic writer.
In the contexts of storytelling, character building and solid dialogue, Matthew Keith is a winner. The story itself had very few holes, and while my nit-picky brain did find a couple errors, they were not an issue. The author's voice was solid throughout, lending me to believe he has a bright future ahead. -DS
The story sucked me in.
I had to find out what the main character's dreams meant... I enjoyed his thoughts, as crazy as they seemed. There was a fair amount of tension throughout the story, as it slowly revealed the nature of the recurring dream, where some very dark events occurred night in and night out, leaving him haunted and troubled.
Sway is written for adult readers, as it contains ample profanity, and childhood abuse. These scenes are rather dark, even by my standards. I found myself not wanting to go there, not wanting some of these things to continue. For plot purposes, they worked rather well, carrying the story, which could not have been told any other way. Personally, I did find the Author's utilization of profanity a bit on the excessive side...
However, there was an honesty about the main character that was quite open. I found myself wanting him to win, pulling for his happiness... I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in darker tales, filled with genuinely believable characters. If dark subject matter, containing serious childhood abuse is not for you... well, this author has several other novels to pick from. He is a dynamic writer.
In the contexts of storytelling, character building and solid dialogue, Matthew Keith is a winner. The story itself had very few holes, and while my nit-picky brain did find a couple errors, they were not an issue. The author's voice was solid throughout, lending me to believe he has a bright future ahead. -DS
April 29, 2014
Sway is a psychological thriller/horror that explores the inner workings of a man who had some of the worst experiences possible as a child. Now, as an adult, he is revisiting his childhood demons, trying to put it all together, all the while unaware that that's what he is doing.
If The People Under the Stairs and Shutter Island got together and had a love child on Elm Street it would be this book! A short novel, it grabbed my attention from the first page. A bit disturbing because of the things people can do to one another, especially those they claim to love. A solid, fast paced read. Would have been better a bit longer! Check it out, I give it 4 stars.
If The People Under the Stairs and Shutter Island got together and had a love child on Elm Street it would be this book! A short novel, it grabbed my attention from the first page. A bit disturbing because of the things people can do to one another, especially those they claim to love. A solid, fast paced read. Would have been better a bit longer! Check it out, I give it 4 stars.
February 8, 2016
This was very dark and kept you hooked until the end, it plays with your mind so that in places you are not sure what to believe. If you are looking for something different to read then I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews