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Banshee #1
Midnight Screams
When Benton dreams, people die…
Every time Benton sleeps, he becomes a trapped passenger within a murderer’s skin; able to hear, see, and feel every part of their kill. When he wakes up, he knows it’s only a matter of time before his dreams become reality. No matter how hard he tries to stop the murders, it always ends the same way – with death.
After ten years of constantly relocating, his parents have decided to settle in Fort Wayward. A quiet Albertan town where Benton could focus on graduating high school and living an idyllic teenage life. That is, until he finds a dead body in his backyard.
Benton’s hopes for normalcy come crashing down as something new begins stalking his dreams. Something that’s not human. And, for the first time, he’s not the only one watching.
As his dreams and reality collide, Benton finds himself facing a monster beyond his understanding. In his fight for survival, Benton soon discovers why death follows him, why monsters draw close, and why he always wakes up screaming.
Every time Benton sleeps, he becomes a trapped passenger within a murderer’s skin; able to hear, see, and feel every part of their kill. When he wakes up, he knows it’s only a matter of time before his dreams become reality. No matter how hard he tries to stop the murders, it always ends the same way – with death.
After ten years of constantly relocating, his parents have decided to settle in Fort Wayward. A quiet Albertan town where Benton could focus on graduating high school and living an idyllic teenage life. That is, until he finds a dead body in his backyard.
Benton’s hopes for normalcy come crashing down as something new begins stalking his dreams. Something that’s not human. And, for the first time, he’s not the only one watching.
As his dreams and reality collide, Benton finds himself facing a monster beyond his understanding. In his fight for survival, Benton soon discovers why death follows him, why monsters draw close, and why he always wakes up screaming.
144 pages, ebook
First published April 11, 2017
453 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 21, 2018
Phew .... DAMN that was one Awwwesome book!!! I'm still hyperventilating a little from the end of the story ..... and note to self: DO NOT try to read your Kindle whilst partially covering your eyes at the scary bits - you'll end up with a corker of a headache.
This is the first book that I've read by Sara Clancy (of the Scare Street team) and it definitely won't be the last. While this story is novella length it is part of a trilogy so I'm thrilled that I'll be able to read more about Benton's take on the new town, Fort Wayward, he's moved to.
I'm not sure whether to call this a YA novel or not, other than the two protagonists are teens, but it definitely fits under the spooky paranormal genre and ..... drumroll please ...... there are no gag-worthy, eye-rolling mushy bits! There does seem to be a firm bond starting between Benton "Who says I'm your friend" Bertrand and Nicole Rider so we'll have to see what eventuates in books 2 and 3.
The blurb pretty much covers the outline of the book so I won't add anymore to avoid spoilers except to say that it's exceptionally well written and tightly paced with a building tension that explodes in an exciting finale. There were even a few chuckles said with the deadpan delivery so typical of teens.
Highly recommended for those that enjoy well crafted paranormal stories with fully fleshed characters and enticing, scary plotlines.
This is the first book that I've read by Sara Clancy (of the Scare Street team) and it definitely won't be the last. While this story is novella length it is part of a trilogy so I'm thrilled that I'll be able to read more about Benton's take on the new town, Fort Wayward, he's moved to.
I'm not sure whether to call this a YA novel or not, other than the two protagonists are teens, but it definitely fits under the spooky paranormal genre and ..... drumroll please ...... there are no gag-worthy, eye-rolling mushy bits! There does seem to be a firm bond starting between Benton "Who says I'm your friend" Bertrand and Nicole Rider so we'll have to see what eventuates in books 2 and 3.
The blurb pretty much covers the outline of the book so I won't add anymore to avoid spoilers except to say that it's exceptionally well written and tightly paced with a building tension that explodes in an exciting finale. There were even a few chuckles said with the deadpan delivery so typical of teens.
Highly recommended for those that enjoy well crafted paranormal stories with fully fleshed characters and enticing, scary plotlines.
July 24, 2021
This was a very interesting read and had some great concepts. However, it felt a little rushed towards the end where it was a bit slow in the beginning. I liked Benton, did not like his parents, and Nicole was... necessary, I guess? An off-set to Benton at least. She was okay overall though.
Really great imagery. Couple scenes really pulled me in. Most of me thinks that this would be better if it were done with adults instead. And not because of my dislike for stories with teenagers/children as MCs, but that it would have had more freedom with the characters. ...I don't really know how to describe it honestly.
Could have definitely done with a lot more editing.
I really liked how romance was not a thing here. Refreshing.
Benton's parents though...
Love the understanding of Nicole's father and it was amusing, even if a bit unrealistic. But I liked his brief appearance.
"Be good, angel. And if you can't be good, be lucky."
"I'm going to go and potentially ruin my life now."
"Let me know how it goes," he grinned with a wave.
Overall was an entertaining read and I'll check out more by this author. I'll probably read the next of this out of curiosity. It's short enough.
Really great imagery. Couple scenes really pulled me in. Most of me thinks that this would be better if it were done with adults instead. And not because of my dislike for stories with teenagers/children as MCs, but that it would have had more freedom with the characters. ...I don't really know how to describe it honestly.
Could have definitely done with a lot more editing.
I really liked how romance was not a thing here. Refreshing.
Benton's parents though...
Love the understanding of Nicole's father and it was amusing, even if a bit unrealistic. But I liked his brief appearance.
"Be good, angel. And if you can't be good, be lucky."
"I'm going to go and potentially ruin my life now."
"Let me know how it goes," he grinned with a wave.
Overall was an entertaining read and I'll check out more by this author. I'll probably read the next of this out of curiosity. It's short enough.
March 5, 2025
This had so much potential and it kind of just fell flat for me, sadly. What a brilliant idea, just not executed properly...
May 31, 2017
Thrill Ride All The Way
Benton just wants to be normal but its hard to be when you feel that Death allows you to piggyback when he kills.
Nicole lives in the small town that Benton just recently moved to. She is curious about Benton...but will this curiosity get them both killed?
Pick this up, its a great read.
Benton just wants to be normal but its hard to be when you feel that Death allows you to piggyback when he kills.
Nicole lives in the small town that Benton just recently moved to. She is curious about Benton...but will this curiosity get them both killed?
Pick this up, its a great read.
added-it
January 19, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/19/2021)! 🎁
May 24, 2017
A very different type of story
Good plot idea. This kept me reading even though I truly disliked some of the characters. The fact that the author was able to make me care enough to dislike them is admirable. Needs editing improved as do most of the kindle books I read. There were not enough glaring errors to ruin the story for me. Overall, an enjoyable creepy read. I will look for more from. Sara Clancy.
Good plot idea. This kept me reading even though I truly disliked some of the characters. The fact that the author was able to make me care enough to dislike them is admirable. Needs editing improved as do most of the kindle books I read. There were not enough glaring errors to ruin the story for me. Overall, an enjoyable creepy read. I will look for more from. Sara Clancy.
September 19, 2017
Scared me
If you like thrillers with supernatural beings you love this book! The begging of the story was a little confusing but it all came together quickly and from the the story kept me going! Is the killer the new boh in town? His parents are a little strange to me. His new friend will come to his rescue. High school kids are a lot smarter these days! Read it!
If you like thrillers with supernatural beings you love this book! The begging of the story was a little confusing but it all came together quickly and from the the story kept me going! Is the killer the new boh in town? His parents are a little strange to me. His new friend will come to his rescue. High school kids are a lot smarter these days! Read it!
March 29, 2020
Benton is new in town, and Nicole likes to be the welcome party. Only Benton isn't just any ordinary new kid. He has horrific nightmares and often wakes up having dug up a dead body. Nicole, the daughter of a cop, thinks she can help, but there are other alarming things happening in their little down. Her friend Vic is looking anemic... and she suspects something paranormal is at work.
I struggled a bit to get into this story and figure out where it was going. Once it picked up, it seemed to resolve very quickly. I've read a few stories about banshees, but never a male banshee, so that was certainly unique. Given how slow the first part of the story felt for me, I was expecting a bigger buildup and climax.
I struggled a bit to get into this story and figure out where it was going. Once it picked up, it seemed to resolve very quickly. I've read a few stories about banshees, but never a male banshee, so that was certainly unique. Given how slow the first part of the story felt for me, I was expecting a bigger buildup and climax.
September 1, 2021
2.5/5
Five things:
- Supernatural creatures
- Dreams that come true
- Small town horror
- New kid in town
- Death as a figure
Five things:
- Supernatural creatures
- Dreams that come true
- Small town horror
- New kid in town
- Death as a figure
May 26, 2021
A very interesting read, but I will not be reading the series.
September 15, 2017
Rate the book!
I really enjoyed this book. It was scary, exciting, and great. I look forward to the next two books. I'm sure they will be just as good.
I really enjoyed this book. It was scary, exciting, and great. I look forward to the next two books. I'm sure they will be just as good.
May 14, 2017
Non stop excitement
I loved this book. To the annoying girl, and the sulking teen, I just couldn't get enough. Read this book straight thru, if that says anything. Have to go. Book 2 awaits!!
I loved this book. To the annoying girl, and the sulking teen, I just couldn't get enough. Read this book straight thru, if that says anything. Have to go. Book 2 awaits!!
April 19, 2018
If you liked to be scared this is the book for you,its filled with mystery,intrigued and horror. WTH! and WTF! Are the phases you will be saying reading this book.what is it ?Who is it?The ending couldve been better a folk tale shouldve had a modern day spin on it
May 9, 2018
This is my 3rd book my Sara Clancy. So far the best one was Black Bayou. This book was interesting and kept me hooked the entire time but the ending was not that impressive ... more like ..rushed. 3 stars because of good suspense and thrill.
May 28, 2017
Really enjoyed this book
June 3, 2017
Horror mystery
Well written paranormal horror mystery with a dose of ethnic folk lore for good measure.Page turning read for horror and mystery lovers.
Well written paranormal horror mystery with a dose of ethnic folk lore for good measure.Page turning read for horror and mystery lovers.
December 8, 2017
WOW!!!
This is one awesome book. Highly recommended, I couldn't pit this book down! That's all I thought about was finishing this book!!!
This is one awesome book. Highly recommended, I couldn't pit this book down! That's all I thought about was finishing this book!!!
January 5, 2018
Excellent book
This book quickly captured my attention. I didn't want to stop reading. I really like that I could not predict how the book would end.
This book quickly captured my attention. I didn't want to stop reading. I really like that I could not predict how the book would end.
February 11, 2018
Really great story
A really great story well thought out and well written definitely worth reading I look forward to reading the rest in the series
A really great story well thought out and well written definitely worth reading I look forward to reading the rest in the series
May 6, 2018
Twists and Turns
Excellent story. Had me on the edge of my seat at the end of it. Very believable characters. So love Sara's books.
Excellent story. Had me on the edge of my seat at the end of it. Very believable characters. So love Sara's books.
June 13, 2018
This book had me clued, twists and turns love it.
March 23, 2025
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/4bUKSO6.
For the last few years every time Benton sleeps he is cursed to see someone's death. Sometimes he knows them, other times he only knows a way to contact them once he wakes up. Everyone tells him it isn't real. There is some other explanation and he just needs to take his medicine. When he becomes an outcast after he tells people about his dreams his parents pack them up and move to a new town. It has always been a big city, but this town is so small that everyone knows everyone and he's already seen someone's death.
This is an intriguing YA horror/thriller. We follow a teenager as he struggles fitting in with others and being unable to sleep. When he does sleep he sees someone die, but that isn't the worst of it. Instead of just seeing a death, which would be traumatic enough, Benton is forced to view things from the killer's perspective. He feels what they feel. When he gets to the new town he causes a car crash, which thankfully everyone is unscathed from. This prompts the meeting with a peppy and excitable girl around Benton's age who quickly becomes a second main character.
There is absolutely zero spice in this book nor romantic aspects. That being said, I could see a relationship forming later in the series. I enjoyed trying to figure out what was behind everything with Benton and his new friend along with discovering that there was more to Benton. My biggest complaint is that the name of the series gives away the closest guarded secret within the book. Otherwise, character building is great, as is setting and descriptions.
For the last few years every time Benton sleeps he is cursed to see someone's death. Sometimes he knows them, other times he only knows a way to contact them once he wakes up. Everyone tells him it isn't real. There is some other explanation and he just needs to take his medicine. When he becomes an outcast after he tells people about his dreams his parents pack them up and move to a new town. It has always been a big city, but this town is so small that everyone knows everyone and he's already seen someone's death.
This is an intriguing YA horror/thriller. We follow a teenager as he struggles fitting in with others and being unable to sleep. When he does sleep he sees someone die, but that isn't the worst of it. Instead of just seeing a death, which would be traumatic enough, Benton is forced to view things from the killer's perspective. He feels what they feel. When he gets to the new town he causes a car crash, which thankfully everyone is unscathed from. This prompts the meeting with a peppy and excitable girl around Benton's age who quickly becomes a second main character.
There is absolutely zero spice in this book nor romantic aspects. That being said, I could see a relationship forming later in the series. I enjoyed trying to figure out what was behind everything with Benton and his new friend along with discovering that there was more to Benton. My biggest complaint is that the name of the series gives away the closest guarded secret within the book. Otherwise, character building is great, as is setting and descriptions.
Read
November 9, 2022So I recently finished book 1 on audible. Man let me tell you, although I listened to this in my car and at work during the day this book was eerie! The narrator does the male voices amazingly well. I honestly don't care for his female impersonations but otherwise the narrator is absolutely stellar. They picked the right person for this series as his voice just does creepy so well. This book has enough description that you cannot help but get a clear picture of what is going on without being too descriptive. Basically a young man has dreams of people dying and his family has to keep moving because everyone is too afraid of him and thinking he has something to do with the deaths. But then they end up in a small town, but not just any small town, THE SAME small town as the being that is committing the murders he is envisioning! A young lady becomes quickly interested in being his friend and trying to save her one suddenly super creepy friend from whatever force is literally draining his life force making him seem like a mad addict. And Benton, our MC so to say, whats his deal? She is determined to find out what is unique about him and save her friends life and possibly his soul!
-Happy Reading!
-Happy Reading!
February 25, 2019
Benton hates sleeping because he nearly always dreams! His dreams are not normal though, he dreams of killers. He can hear and feel everything the murderer does. He also always knows who is going to be killed and his dreams always come true. He tries to warn the victims but they don't always believe him and neither do his parents. Forced to move from place to place because of the visions, they come to Fort Wayward in the hopes that things will be different, but things go from bad to worse and Benton is in for more than he bargained for.
This was such a great read. Once I started listening, I couldn't stop because so much happens and it was impossible to pause because I always wanted to see what happened next. It never let up!!
The plot was well developed and extremely creepy. I was thoroughly intrigued with Benton and his abilities. There isn't much given away about what he is till near the end, but it wasn't hard to guess either because of what the series is called. I can't wait to find out more about Benton in future books though!!!
I felt for Benton. He is going through so much but no one believes him. I just wanted to grab him and give him a hug. I was so glad when he met Nicole because she is someone he can trust. I loved seeing their friendship grow. Both of the characters were well written and developed and were easy to like, even if Nicole was too happy at times ;)
In all, this was a creepy, intense and fast page read. It's a short enough book, but it packs a lot into it so feels longer. I can't wait to see what book 2 brings.
Jake Urry is one of my favourite narrators. He has such a distinctive voice and one that can bring a horror novel, or any novel for that matter, alive. He has plenty of tones and voices for the characters and he is able to bring a story to life with his cadences and inflections. He read this brilliantly and I highly recommend you check him out.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
This was such a great read. Once I started listening, I couldn't stop because so much happens and it was impossible to pause because I always wanted to see what happened next. It never let up!!
The plot was well developed and extremely creepy. I was thoroughly intrigued with Benton and his abilities. There isn't much given away about what he is till near the end, but it wasn't hard to guess either because of what the series is called. I can't wait to find out more about Benton in future books though!!!
I felt for Benton. He is going through so much but no one believes him. I just wanted to grab him and give him a hug. I was so glad when he met Nicole because she is someone he can trust. I loved seeing their friendship grow. Both of the characters were well written and developed and were easy to like, even if Nicole was too happy at times ;)
In all, this was a creepy, intense and fast page read. It's a short enough book, but it packs a lot into it so feels longer. I can't wait to see what book 2 brings.
Jake Urry is one of my favourite narrators. He has such a distinctive voice and one that can bring a horror novel, or any novel for that matter, alive. He has plenty of tones and voices for the characters and he is able to bring a story to life with his cadences and inflections. He read this brilliantly and I highly recommend you check him out.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
June 25, 2019
I am reviewing the audio version of this book.
Unknown to him, Benton is a banshee. When he dreams, death comes to him and no matter how hard he tries, he cannot stop it from happening in real life. After his family moves to a new town, Benton meets Nicole, who is determined to make him her friend. Nicole is probably a bit too curious for her own good but she researches supernatural beings and figures out what Benton is.
The story started out a bit slowly, in my opinion, but all too soon it reaches up and grabs the reader by the throat, and doesn't let go. The scares are up to what I expect from Scare Street and the characters, while not all warm and fuzzy, are well developed.
I like this author and I plan to read (listen to) the rest of this series and I'm certain it will not disappoint.
Unknown to him, Benton is a banshee. When he dreams, death comes to him and no matter how hard he tries, he cannot stop it from happening in real life. After his family moves to a new town, Benton meets Nicole, who is determined to make him her friend. Nicole is probably a bit too curious for her own good but she researches supernatural beings and figures out what Benton is.
The story started out a bit slowly, in my opinion, but all too soon it reaches up and grabs the reader by the throat, and doesn't let go. The scares are up to what I expect from Scare Street and the characters, while not all warm and fuzzy, are well developed.
I like this author and I plan to read (listen to) the rest of this series and I'm certain it will not disappoint.
February 22, 2019
A young man troubled by strange and lethal dreams moves with his parents to a small isolated Canadian community There he is befriended by a lovely teenage girl, Nicole, who is concerned about her friend's strange transformation from normal high school kid to strange creepy freak. Benton, the new kid, seems to have attracted his unwanted and dangerous attention. Nicole is determined to get to the bottom of the strange happenings, an effort that will lead her and Benton into a world of myth and danger.
Although I found the book a bit choppy, it was appropriately creepy and scary. Nicole and Benton are likeable and relatable/ As with most YA stories, the adult characters are out of touch and don't really get what is going on. Good atmosphere and some genuinely scary moments. 2.5 stars.
Although I found the book a bit choppy, it was appropriately creepy and scary. Nicole and Benton are likeable and relatable/ As with most YA stories, the adult characters are out of touch and don't really get what is going on. Good atmosphere and some genuinely scary moments. 2.5 stars.
September 19, 2019
I won this series (I got all 6 books) through library things. For that I am to give my honest review. I will not leave a review for each book but one for the whole series.
This series is definitely a weird one. A young man with his parents moving to a new town looking for a fresh start. Meets a social butterfly named Nicole. She tries to win him over as a friend when she realizes he is horribly different. She researches trying to figure out what he is and tries to get to the bottom of death and why it guides him.
This series is definitely a weird one. A young man with his parents moving to a new town looking for a fresh start. Meets a social butterfly named Nicole. She tries to win him over as a friend when she realizes he is horribly different. She researches trying to figure out what he is and tries to get to the bottom of death and why it guides him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I liked the two main characters, and although I don’t typically like reading books about teens, this one wasn’t uncomfortable in any way with its content. It was sort of a coming of age/understanding one self story while also being horror. It’s definitely a unique plot and went some places I didn’t expect. Some of the wording was a bit odd, it took me a few readings of several sentences to understand what was being said. That would be my only complaint because I enjoyed the rest of the book.
November 7, 2017
Definitely worth the read! I thought at first Benton was not a good kid but then, Wow to find out the things he experienced! How horrible for him. I felt so bad for Benton that his own parents were frightened of him. Until Nicole, no one had ever thought to look into what the cause of his dreams and premonitions meant. Fate had a way of getting these two people to meet. I have found new horror books to read and that is Sara Clancy and the Scarestreet team.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews