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Arcadia Falls
Something is wrong in Arcadia Falls.
The first boy vanished without a trace and with just as little fanfare. Even the second disappearance amounted to little more than a few passing remarks and another name skipped over in the classroom roll call. As far as Riverside High and the rest of Arcadia Falls were concerned, it seemed, it was as if nothing had happened at all.
Tyler John was no different. He had barely given the matter a second thought, but then a wrong turn sent him on a path straight into the dark heart of the mystery, and the deeper he peered into the shadows, the more he realized that something was looking back.
Now, the hunter has become the hunted and time is running out. With nowhere else to turn, it's up to Tyler and his handful of friends to stop the evil thing that's been preying on Arcadia Falls, and if they fail, they might just be the next ones to vanish.
Yes, something is desperately wrong in Arcadia Falls, and it's like nothing anyone has ever seen before.
The first boy vanished without a trace and with just as little fanfare. Even the second disappearance amounted to little more than a few passing remarks and another name skipped over in the classroom roll call. As far as Riverside High and the rest of Arcadia Falls were concerned, it seemed, it was as if nothing had happened at all.
Tyler John was no different. He had barely given the matter a second thought, but then a wrong turn sent him on a path straight into the dark heart of the mystery, and the deeper he peered into the shadows, the more he realized that something was looking back.
Now, the hunter has become the hunted and time is running out. With nowhere else to turn, it's up to Tyler and his handful of friends to stop the evil thing that's been preying on Arcadia Falls, and if they fail, they might just be the next ones to vanish.
Yes, something is desperately wrong in Arcadia Falls, and it's like nothing anyone has ever seen before.
307 pages, ebook
Published November 30, 2017
About the author
Ken Stark
14 books125 followersKEN STARK is the author of the multi-award winning, post-apocalyptic STAGE 3 Series, and the horror novels GAIA'S GAME and ARCADIA FALLS.
"If I can move a reader, I am honoured. If those words I string together resonate with the reader in some way, I am thrilled. But if one reader out of a thousand experiences an actual nightmare because of what I wrote, then I will know that I've done my job right, and you may consider me ecstatic."
"If I can move a reader, I am honoured. If those words I string together resonate with the reader in some way, I am thrilled. But if one reader out of a thousand experiences an actual nightmare because of what I wrote, then I will know that I've done my job right, and you may consider me ecstatic."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 30, 2018
Arcadia Falls
By: Ken Stark
Hands up if you can remember your high school days. Or maybe you are actually still in high school? Whatever the case may be, if those memories are fresh, meaningful and vivid, then you are going to love Arcadia Falls. It is a very clever tale which incorporates humor and horror in a brilliant fashion. This novel is perfect for the young adult crowd, however, anyone from ages 12 to 100 will enjoy and become engrossed in the story.
As is stated in print on the wickedly effective cover of the book: Something is preying on Arcadia Falls…And it is like nothing anyone has ever seen before… Indeed, people are disappearing in the little town and nobody seems to be taking much notice. How on earth could this possibly be? Why would people simply not care when their loved ones simply vanish? As the plot begins to unfold, the terrifying and disturbing answer to this question soon becomes apparent.
Stark does a wonderful job of delivering his story in a fun, yet chilling fashion. His use of words is powerful and able to produce vivid imagery throughout the pages. Such talent is mandatory in a novel of this nature. Also, Stark uses various features of text and literary devices throughout the story, but never in a way in which they appear for their own sake. They are there to enhance meaning and help with the fluid flow of the story.
While there is undoubtedly a solid and engaging plot to this book, the diverse and delightful characters steal the day. The characters in the story are a group of friends who are in their final year of high school. They manage to hit all the major cliques which you will tend to find in any school. There are nerds, jocks, geeks, as well as the “pretty” and popular girls. They are actually a very atypical group of friends who in most instances would never have anything to do with one another. For instance, in one scene the author makes you feel as if you are actually right there beside Tyler (the main character who is also a devout nerd), as he cautiously joins a group of popular girls at the lunch cafeteria so he can sit with the pretty new girl. You will feel the nervousness, awkwardness and self-doubt right along with him. Interestingly enough, these characters all become friends and learn to rely upon one another for their very existence. The banter which takes place between the characters is engaging and amusing and makes you feel like you are one of the gang.
There are many sub themes which can be pulled from this novel. For example, the good vs. evil theme is very prevalent. However, the overriding theme for me personally is about the power of friendship. Real friends will always see the good in you, and true friendship will conquer all.
If you are interested in an entertaining, thrilling and action filled story, then Arcadia Falls may be exactly what you are looking for.
By: Ken Stark
Hands up if you can remember your high school days. Or maybe you are actually still in high school? Whatever the case may be, if those memories are fresh, meaningful and vivid, then you are going to love Arcadia Falls. It is a very clever tale which incorporates humor and horror in a brilliant fashion. This novel is perfect for the young adult crowd, however, anyone from ages 12 to 100 will enjoy and become engrossed in the story.
As is stated in print on the wickedly effective cover of the book: Something is preying on Arcadia Falls…And it is like nothing anyone has ever seen before… Indeed, people are disappearing in the little town and nobody seems to be taking much notice. How on earth could this possibly be? Why would people simply not care when their loved ones simply vanish? As the plot begins to unfold, the terrifying and disturbing answer to this question soon becomes apparent.
Stark does a wonderful job of delivering his story in a fun, yet chilling fashion. His use of words is powerful and able to produce vivid imagery throughout the pages. Such talent is mandatory in a novel of this nature. Also, Stark uses various features of text and literary devices throughout the story, but never in a way in which they appear for their own sake. They are there to enhance meaning and help with the fluid flow of the story.
While there is undoubtedly a solid and engaging plot to this book, the diverse and delightful characters steal the day. The characters in the story are a group of friends who are in their final year of high school. They manage to hit all the major cliques which you will tend to find in any school. There are nerds, jocks, geeks, as well as the “pretty” and popular girls. They are actually a very atypical group of friends who in most instances would never have anything to do with one another. For instance, in one scene the author makes you feel as if you are actually right there beside Tyler (the main character who is also a devout nerd), as he cautiously joins a group of popular girls at the lunch cafeteria so he can sit with the pretty new girl. You will feel the nervousness, awkwardness and self-doubt right along with him. Interestingly enough, these characters all become friends and learn to rely upon one another for their very existence. The banter which takes place between the characters is engaging and amusing and makes you feel like you are one of the gang.
There are many sub themes which can be pulled from this novel. For example, the good vs. evil theme is very prevalent. However, the overriding theme for me personally is about the power of friendship. Real friends will always see the good in you, and true friendship will conquer all.
If you are interested in an entertaining, thrilling and action filled story, then Arcadia Falls may be exactly what you are looking for.
April 14, 2018
In a mash-up of Eight Legged Freaks, The Goonies, and a bit of Red Dawn this young adult action/thriller/mystery is a joy for all ages.
Arcadia Fall is a suspenseful, the seat of your pants read with a charming, In not somewhat unusual, group of high school teenagers. These young adults are faced with a mystery, one that had to haunt the town since its conception. However, between them, they have intelligence, courage, and teamwork not only to solve the mystery but to put an end to what has plagued this quiet little town for centuries.
Stark proves, once again, he is a talented writer and a diverse one at that in this winning read.
Arcadia Fall is a suspenseful, the seat of your pants read with a charming, In not somewhat unusual, group of high school teenagers. These young adults are faced with a mystery, one that had to haunt the town since its conception. However, between them, they have intelligence, courage, and teamwork not only to solve the mystery but to put an end to what has plagued this quiet little town for centuries.
Stark proves, once again, he is a talented writer and a diverse one at that in this winning read.
December 2, 2017
*****
I love the diversity of this group of friends. Roly is the overweight, fun-loving one. Tyler the shy one. Nick is gender neutral and Tommy who just fits in. All of them super smart. Add in the girl, super pretty, who attracks the the schools female 4.0 nerd. Even though they are extremely different, they work well together. The author has given each one there own diverse personality. Amanda (the new girl) have just moved back to Arcadia Falls. Tyler is smitten at first sight. She watches Tyler as he wanders in the bad part of town, only he doesn't know its her. The next time he takes his best friend, Roly to the bad part of town which is old town and from then on scary things start to happen.
The author does enough would building to bring a vivid picture to my mind. This book is different from the many stalker books I've read lately (thank you!) The thought the author put into the description of the creatures is quite unique and terrifying. I'm glad Bryce joined the gang, he's the jock, so less intelligent of the bunch. When the brainiacs had something figured out, fun-loving Roly would break it down for Bryce (and us readers) so we were up to speed. I really liked the story even though slightly disturbed by it, I mean your child, husband, wife goes missing and you just forget them? Think of that old series Leverage goes to Buffy the vampire slayer's hellmouth town. (no vamps in this book)
I love the diversity of this group of friends. Roly is the overweight, fun-loving one. Tyler the shy one. Nick is gender neutral and Tommy who just fits in. All of them super smart. Add in the girl, super pretty, who attracks the the schools female 4.0 nerd. Even though they are extremely different, they work well together. The author has given each one there own diverse personality. Amanda (the new girl) have just moved back to Arcadia Falls. Tyler is smitten at first sight. She watches Tyler as he wanders in the bad part of town, only he doesn't know its her. The next time he takes his best friend, Roly to the bad part of town which is old town and from then on scary things start to happen.
The author does enough would building to bring a vivid picture to my mind. This book is different from the many stalker books I've read lately (thank you!) The thought the author put into the description of the creatures is quite unique and terrifying. I'm glad Bryce joined the gang, he's the jock, so less intelligent of the bunch. When the brainiacs had something figured out, fun-loving Roly would break it down for Bryce (and us readers) so we were up to speed. I really liked the story even though slightly disturbed by it, I mean your child, husband, wife goes missing and you just forget them? Think of that old series Leverage goes to Buffy the vampire slayer's hellmouth town. (no vamps in this book)
September 16, 2018
A boy disappears without trace. Then someone else. But the reaction in the community of Arcadia Falls is odd, because no-one seems to notice. No-one except Tyler John, and even he might not bat an eyelid if it weren’t for the night he wanders into the Old Town. Can Tyler persuade his friends to help him track down whatever it is that’s stalking Arcadia Falls and dragging people off into the shadows? And can he do it before it’s too late?
Written for teens and young adults, this a horror novel of the Stephen King variety – one that gives us fully rounded characters along with a fully rounded monster. Ken Stark has a knack for churning out scary stuff and a way of writing for young people that eludes many authors. His central character is totally believable in what he says and does, which is always a good start. Though Mr Stark uses too many exclamation marks for my liking, his imagination is clearly well-versed in what makes us shy away from dark corners and shadows in the night, and that can’t be bad. He’s also very funny, which is nice to find in a horror writer.
A well-written and suitable scary book that will delight all horror fans.
Written for teens and young adults, this a horror novel of the Stephen King variety – one that gives us fully rounded characters along with a fully rounded monster. Ken Stark has a knack for churning out scary stuff and a way of writing for young people that eludes many authors. His central character is totally believable in what he says and does, which is always a good start. Though Mr Stark uses too many exclamation marks for my liking, his imagination is clearly well-versed in what makes us shy away from dark corners and shadows in the night, and that can’t be bad. He’s also very funny, which is nice to find in a horror writer.
A well-written and suitable scary book that will delight all horror fans.
March 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this latest offering from Ken Stark.
H e writes fluently and engagingly so. He creates in this novel an unbelievable situation that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and enthralled.. He creates creatures straight from hell 'dog spiders' that devour children and humans in this I assume American/Canadian area. They vary in size from dinner plates to gargantuan proportions, complete with eight eyes and very very nasty mandibles. Yet they do have their weaknesses...(Read to find out)
The impossible becomes possible. The joy I found in this story were the bunch of High School kids (I'm from the UK and if I got that wrong forgive me.) Loved the character of Roly...a real star.
What differentiates this story from others I read, is that it is intelligently written and well researched. That is always something I appreciate. The binding glue for me in this story was its camaraderie and bubbly humour and expressions which had me chuckling out loud.
Ken StarkA well deserved 5*
H e writes fluently and engagingly so. He creates in this novel an unbelievable situation that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and enthralled.. He creates creatures straight from hell 'dog spiders' that devour children and humans in this I assume American/Canadian area. They vary in size from dinner plates to gargantuan proportions, complete with eight eyes and very very nasty mandibles. Yet they do have their weaknesses...(Read to find out)
The impossible becomes possible. The joy I found in this story were the bunch of High School kids (I'm from the UK and if I got that wrong forgive me.) Loved the character of Roly...a real star.
What differentiates this story from others I read, is that it is intelligently written and well researched. That is always something I appreciate. The binding glue for me in this story was its camaraderie and bubbly humour and expressions which had me chuckling out loud.
Ken StarkA well deserved 5*
February 1, 2018
ARCADIA FALLS by Ken Stark is a stellar young adult horror tale with elements of suspense, mystery, history and romance, along with a touch of humor in just the right places.
Stark’s writing is superb, and his descriptions bring the tale to vivid life both visually and emotionally, allowing the reader to truly experience the story while reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stark’s insightful mix of unique and extremely realistic characters. They are so genuine; in fact, that they actually add a needed element of plausibility to what otherwise might have been an antagonist with the impact of a latex monster. Don’t get me wrong, Stark’s creations are imaginative and his descriptions make them quite horrifying, but it’s the brilliant cast of characters that make it all work.
ARCADIA FALLS is a truly exciting and intense tale sure to delight and frighten a wide young adult audience, and more than a few adults, too.
Stark’s writing is superb, and his descriptions bring the tale to vivid life both visually and emotionally, allowing the reader to truly experience the story while reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stark’s insightful mix of unique and extremely realistic characters. They are so genuine; in fact, that they actually add a needed element of plausibility to what otherwise might have been an antagonist with the impact of a latex monster. Don’t get me wrong, Stark’s creations are imaginative and his descriptions make them quite horrifying, but it’s the brilliant cast of characters that make it all work.
ARCADIA FALLS is a truly exciting and intense tale sure to delight and frighten a wide young adult audience, and more than a few adults, too.
January 16, 2018
What a smooth writer! Arcadia Falls will be enjoyed by the YA crowd and adults alike. Aside from the creepiness and the horror, there's a poignancy to the novel that made it more satisfying. If you lost a loved one, wouldn't you want to know even though the memory of the loss will hurt? But the people of Arcadia Falls have been forgetting for decades... this monster preying on them made them forget. The thought of that really bothered me.
The ending was just right. I've read many Indie horror books that had crappy endings, but Ken Stark knows how to leave a reader satisfied. Go read it!
The ending was just right. I've read many Indie horror books that had crappy endings, but Ken Stark knows how to leave a reader satisfied. Go read it!
April 17, 2019
Back in school, naked in class, sittin’ red-faced at your desk, hands over your… But nope, this isn’t a dream. Ken takes you there, puts you smack dab. If you're a nudist you might not be utterly terrified about being naked in class but there’s something else, something eerily petrifying with this high-school, small-town nightmare. Ken’s story cements you in like a spider’s cocooning web. But at least you're not alone. In the company of good friends, the best, an albeit incongruent bunch of misfits, you all decide to go for it.
Brainiacs sitting at the lunchroom table together, a new clan built upon a crescendoing happenstance of something otherworldly. Yet how can it be and why? Even with technology, the INTERNET and Google Earth, how in the world… But it’s there. Right smack in the middle of what we thought was our complete town. And I found myself there, chased in by perhaps the unreasonable fear of the teenage mind, and perhaps a scary black van. And then my curiosity took over. Looking at it all, paint peeling, a curtain moving here and there, crumbling road and wood turning to ash, a forgotten town that’d fallen into a desuetude understatement. It shouldn’t be possible, but then there it is. And it took something from them. They know that know.
Ken’s storytelling is masterful. His dialog is a *blast!* to read. And his method of setting the reader into the story is a whole new dimension in itself. When I read Arcadia Falls, I am there. I’m Tyler and I just received a kiss from the most beautiful girl in school and she really, really likes me. And there’s something else about her. She knows things. Then our crew knows things thanks to our erudite exchanges. Our team, which becomes even more incongruent later on, jives. It’s a cuckoo clock with freshly oiled gears, each clicking away beautifully at its particular purpose. Each person in our crew, be it seventy years old, or eighteen going for the doctorate of thinkology, has their own special talent. And each’ll take it in with them when they discover the truth…or so think they had.
This adventure is akin to riding a 1000-foot waterslide filled with hot bullets and hairy red-eyed spiders. Want to hold a makeshift flamethrower and blast the buggers to bits? From the newest, oldest member of the crew, want some history lessons that’ll send a cold metallic hand into your heart and jostle it, then squeeze the air from your lungs? Want to uncover the real, veritable piece of the pie, the plague, the unthinkable and the unremembered? Then tiptoe yourself right into Ken’s novel, if you dare. Creep into Old Town but carry a big stick. Then run for your life—or stay and fight! Be sure, though, to bring one thing. Bring your nerve, yes, weapons will come in handy too, but DO NOT forget the most important thing. Bring your friends. Bring your crew of lionhearted misfits. And if you survive you might just discover what you only WISH you could forget.
Arcadia falls get a double-barrel blast: two times two plus a star. Five stars for all-out fun, twists and turns both figuratively, plus winding into spider-stuffed tunnels, and high-school days and jocks and nerds and hot-girl brainiacs, and creepy crawly fuzzy things with red eyes, and ultimately, teamwork leading to “blood-is-thicker-than-water” friends for life.
Brainiacs sitting at the lunchroom table together, a new clan built upon a crescendoing happenstance of something otherworldly. Yet how can it be and why? Even with technology, the INTERNET and Google Earth, how in the world… But it’s there. Right smack in the middle of what we thought was our complete town. And I found myself there, chased in by perhaps the unreasonable fear of the teenage mind, and perhaps a scary black van. And then my curiosity took over. Looking at it all, paint peeling, a curtain moving here and there, crumbling road and wood turning to ash, a forgotten town that’d fallen into a desuetude understatement. It shouldn’t be possible, but then there it is. And it took something from them. They know that know.
Ken’s storytelling is masterful. His dialog is a *blast!* to read. And his method of setting the reader into the story is a whole new dimension in itself. When I read Arcadia Falls, I am there. I’m Tyler and I just received a kiss from the most beautiful girl in school and she really, really likes me. And there’s something else about her. She knows things. Then our crew knows things thanks to our erudite exchanges. Our team, which becomes even more incongruent later on, jives. It’s a cuckoo clock with freshly oiled gears, each clicking away beautifully at its particular purpose. Each person in our crew, be it seventy years old, or eighteen going for the doctorate of thinkology, has their own special talent. And each’ll take it in with them when they discover the truth…or so think they had.
This adventure is akin to riding a 1000-foot waterslide filled with hot bullets and hairy red-eyed spiders. Want to hold a makeshift flamethrower and blast the buggers to bits? From the newest, oldest member of the crew, want some history lessons that’ll send a cold metallic hand into your heart and jostle it, then squeeze the air from your lungs? Want to uncover the real, veritable piece of the pie, the plague, the unthinkable and the unremembered? Then tiptoe yourself right into Ken’s novel, if you dare. Creep into Old Town but carry a big stick. Then run for your life—or stay and fight! Be sure, though, to bring one thing. Bring your nerve, yes, weapons will come in handy too, but DO NOT forget the most important thing. Bring your friends. Bring your crew of lionhearted misfits. And if you survive you might just discover what you only WISH you could forget.
Arcadia falls get a double-barrel blast: two times two plus a star. Five stars for all-out fun, twists and turns both figuratively, plus winding into spider-stuffed tunnels, and high-school days and jocks and nerds and hot-girl brainiacs, and creepy crawly fuzzy things with red eyes, and ultimately, teamwork leading to “blood-is-thicker-than-water” friends for life.
July 15, 2018
This is the first Ken Stark book I've read and I'm certain it won't be the last. Although the genre; young adult. supernatural is hardly my demographic, I found myself completely caught up in the character of this fast-moving, thriller that grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let you go until it spits you out at the very end.
Arcadia Falls is your typical, small-town America, but there is something going on in Arcadia Falls that defies description. For centuries, people have been mysteriously disappearing from Arcadia Falls, but even worse, it seems nobody even remembers who they were after they'd gone. When High School senior, Tyler John begins his final year of school, little does he know what is in store for him and his friends, as they are thrown headlong into a battle for survival against the evil that inhabits "the old town" of Arcadia Falls. Meeting Amanda, a new girl in town, is definitely a highlight of his last year and Tyler begins to imagine this year may be better than the past. Dream on, Tyler!
Tyler, Amanda and their increasing circle of friends, along with a crusty, curmudgeonly History teacher quickly find themselves fighting the battle of their lives against creatures that appear to have come from the very gates of hell itself. This is a battle for friendship, for love and for Arcadia Falls.
Ken Stark has a writing style that carries the reader along in a breathless, non-stop ride of adventure and horror, but yet he doesn't leave behind the character development and makes sure to inject his subtle and sometimes not so subtle humour into the situation. I found this a compelling mixture to read. His characterisations in this particular story were indeed caricatures of every high-school story we've ever read; there is the nerds, the gearheads, the beauties, the jocks, the braniacs and in Mr McTistis, the curmudgeonly, old History teacher, who it turns out is not such a bad "stick" after all. This, I'm sure was intentional, on the author's part to highlight his characters and it worked extremely well, especially as we saw them cast aside their prejudices and embrace each other as common partners in this race to save the town from something inherently evil.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in awarding it a full five stars and I will definitely be looking for other Ken Stark books to read in the future. Highly recommended!
Arcadia Falls is your typical, small-town America, but there is something going on in Arcadia Falls that defies description. For centuries, people have been mysteriously disappearing from Arcadia Falls, but even worse, it seems nobody even remembers who they were after they'd gone. When High School senior, Tyler John begins his final year of school, little does he know what is in store for him and his friends, as they are thrown headlong into a battle for survival against the evil that inhabits "the old town" of Arcadia Falls. Meeting Amanda, a new girl in town, is definitely a highlight of his last year and Tyler begins to imagine this year may be better than the past. Dream on, Tyler!
Tyler, Amanda and their increasing circle of friends, along with a crusty, curmudgeonly History teacher quickly find themselves fighting the battle of their lives against creatures that appear to have come from the very gates of hell itself. This is a battle for friendship, for love and for Arcadia Falls.
Ken Stark has a writing style that carries the reader along in a breathless, non-stop ride of adventure and horror, but yet he doesn't leave behind the character development and makes sure to inject his subtle and sometimes not so subtle humour into the situation. I found this a compelling mixture to read. His characterisations in this particular story were indeed caricatures of every high-school story we've ever read; there is the nerds, the gearheads, the beauties, the jocks, the braniacs and in Mr McTistis, the curmudgeonly, old History teacher, who it turns out is not such a bad "stick" after all. This, I'm sure was intentional, on the author's part to highlight his characters and it worked extremely well, especially as we saw them cast aside their prejudices and embrace each other as common partners in this race to save the town from something inherently evil.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in awarding it a full five stars and I will definitely be looking for other Ken Stark books to read in the future. Highly recommended!
April 7, 2025
I am not normally a horror reader, but the description of this book sounded a lot like a mystery/ thriller too, which is my sweet spot. I have also taken note of the many awards Stark has won, so I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. I was totally captivated from the first page and hung on every word until the end. One thing for sure, Stark is a masterful storyteller! His understanding of young teens—relationship dynamics, insecurities, friendship, and cultural trends, is spot on! His handling of the teen’s dialogue is crisp, authentic, witty, humorous, and engaging. I loved all of his characters. They are real and beautifully woven. Even the adults are caring and empathetic and serve in a supportive and nurturing, yet authoritative role.
This being a horror genre, you might wonder why I didn’t start with the suspense, thrills, and spinetingling horror? Oh, trust me, all those elements are most definitely there. But the most important element that is necessary for me to get the maximum effect of terror is to be invested in the characters, to fear for them as they face unbelievable horrors, and to feel like I am there with them. And I did. The meticulously well-crafted, vivid descriptions and expert build of suspense had me shaking in every terrifying scene. The action scenes are handled with precision. I enjoyed Stark’s clever uses to humor to break the tension and allow the characters and reader to take a much needed comic relief.
Young people are missing in the small town of Arcadia Falls and the police seem to be losing interest. An uncomfortable encounter prompts Tyler, the main protagonist, to take a detour home. Finding an abandoned and derelict neighborhood he has never seen before is unheard of in his small town. Could there be a clue to the missing kids? And why does no one seem to care? When something both monstrous and terrifying follows him home, he enlists the help of his friends to find out what is happening in their quiet little town.
The story is unique, terrifying, engaging, and at times heartwarming. Although this is a young adult horror, I highly recommend it to adults and lovers of mystery, thrillers, and suspense too. You will enjoy the company (characters) on this harrowing rollercoaster ride!
This being a horror genre, you might wonder why I didn’t start with the suspense, thrills, and spinetingling horror? Oh, trust me, all those elements are most definitely there. But the most important element that is necessary for me to get the maximum effect of terror is to be invested in the characters, to fear for them as they face unbelievable horrors, and to feel like I am there with them. And I did. The meticulously well-crafted, vivid descriptions and expert build of suspense had me shaking in every terrifying scene. The action scenes are handled with precision. I enjoyed Stark’s clever uses to humor to break the tension and allow the characters and reader to take a much needed comic relief.
Young people are missing in the small town of Arcadia Falls and the police seem to be losing interest. An uncomfortable encounter prompts Tyler, the main protagonist, to take a detour home. Finding an abandoned and derelict neighborhood he has never seen before is unheard of in his small town. Could there be a clue to the missing kids? And why does no one seem to care? When something both monstrous and terrifying follows him home, he enlists the help of his friends to find out what is happening in their quiet little town.
The story is unique, terrifying, engaging, and at times heartwarming. Although this is a young adult horror, I highly recommend it to adults and lovers of mystery, thrillers, and suspense too. You will enjoy the company (characters) on this harrowing rollercoaster ride!
December 3, 2018
Children are disappearing in Arcadia Falls, but the outcries are short lived as the memories fade from classmates and the parents themselves. Tyler John is no exception to the bouts of memory loss until he stumbles on an enigma buried in unremembered history; a town within a town where no goes and no one knows. A scouting foray discloses something terrifying in the shadows of this forgotten township. Worse still, the terror has targeted Tyler as its next victim.
In a departure from his supped-up, action packed zombie tales; Ken Stark has demonstrated a fantastic display of authorial prowess in "Arcadia Falls." As we've come to expect from him, there's plenty of action and a horribly, unbelievably amazing antagonist. But, there are also life lessons for the taking as Stark gives us a slice of small town camaraderie, alliances between young and old, peer groups, and the indomitable spirit of friendship and love in the face of adversity.
"Arcadia Falls" has all the trademarks of a Stark novel…fast pace, superb character building, and incredible monsters; concomitantly, it is a step towards the YA audience. Still, far beyond the YA age, I've read everything Ken Stark has published to date and all have been superb, but "Arcadia Falls" is the best yet. I've no doubt there's more to come from Ken Stark. I'm not calling, "The King is dead, long live the king" just yet, but it's merely a question of time.
In a departure from his supped-up, action packed zombie tales; Ken Stark has demonstrated a fantastic display of authorial prowess in "Arcadia Falls." As we've come to expect from him, there's plenty of action and a horribly, unbelievably amazing antagonist. But, there are also life lessons for the taking as Stark gives us a slice of small town camaraderie, alliances between young and old, peer groups, and the indomitable spirit of friendship and love in the face of adversity.
"Arcadia Falls" has all the trademarks of a Stark novel…fast pace, superb character building, and incredible monsters; concomitantly, it is a step towards the YA audience. Still, far beyond the YA age, I've read everything Ken Stark has published to date and all have been superb, but "Arcadia Falls" is the best yet. I've no doubt there's more to come from Ken Stark. I'm not calling, "The King is dead, long live the king" just yet, but it's merely a question of time.
September 4, 2018
Ken Stark provides a chilling page-turner as a group of high school students are sucked into the mystery of Arcadia Falls. People are disappearing, but Stark adds a bizarre twist. Not only do they disappear, but all memories of the victims are erased in the minds of family members and friends. It’s as if they never existed.
With humor and romance tossed in, Stark’s characters are engaging and believable. His plot is well-developed with vivid descriptions of the horrors that await in the dead of the night. It will hold you enthralled to the end. Just don’t turn off the lights with this one as Stark brings new meaning to the line from an old Scottish poem, “things that go bump in the night”
With humor and romance tossed in, Stark’s characters are engaging and believable. His plot is well-developed with vivid descriptions of the horrors that await in the dead of the night. It will hold you enthralled to the end. Just don’t turn off the lights with this one as Stark brings new meaning to the line from an old Scottish poem, “things that go bump in the night”
April 15, 2018
PHENOMENAL!
What a great read, a real page- turner from beginning to end. Think you're too old to get the bejeesus scared out of you? Think again. This author knows how to create terror. It leaks from the pages and seeps into your subconscious. And what a wonderful cast of characters-- odd bits and misfits uniting in hope, and learning about themselves and each other in the process. Five stars.
What a great read, a real page- turner from beginning to end. Think you're too old to get the bejeesus scared out of you? Think again. This author knows how to create terror. It leaks from the pages and seeps into your subconscious. And what a wonderful cast of characters-- odd bits and misfits uniting in hope, and learning about themselves and each other in the process. Five stars.
June 21, 2019
My heart is breaking&about to burst confetti
I just closed the book. It is about a town where children and older disappear and everyone forgets they ever existed. A group of teenagers are drawn into the terrifying truth & must face & destroy lethal hordes and creatures the adults and authorities wouldn't believe existed, because they unknowingly their memories of the missing are controlled by the enemy they are unaware of. It's probably written for YA, but I am an older adult and couldn't put the story down. You will grow to love the group of teenagers.
I just closed the book. It is about a town where children and older disappear and everyone forgets they ever existed. A group of teenagers are drawn into the terrifying truth & must face & destroy lethal hordes and creatures the adults and authorities wouldn't believe existed, because they unknowingly their memories of the missing are controlled by the enemy they are unaware of. It's probably written for YA, but I am an older adult and couldn't put the story down. You will grow to love the group of teenagers.
November 6, 2019
A fast moving and thrilling read
From page one, I lost myself in this story, lost a few hours of sleep staying awake and just now finishing. Wow, Ken has a way of telling a believable story that pulls you in and steals you away. A page-turner I won't forget
From page one, I lost myself in this story, lost a few hours of sleep staying awake and just now finishing. Wow, Ken has a way of telling a believable story that pulls you in and steals you away. A page-turner I won't forget
February 28, 2018
Ken Stark knows zombies, but the author puts his writing chops to the test in this new young adult thriller with the right blend of horror for the young and young at heart.
Something sinister is definitely happening in Arcadia Falls. The questions are: what is preying on the towns residents, and why don't people remember friends and family gone missing? The answer will shock you!
This chilling read features a diverse cast of high school teenagers with the courage and smarts to solve the mystery. Stark puts us in the center of the action with great descriptions of Old Towne and the creatures stalking Tyler and his group of friends. What I enjoyed most about this story was that it unites young and old alike, coming together for a greater good. Stark conveys the importance of listening and team building by showing us first how the teenagers open up to each other and then trust a few adults- who take the teenagers claims of Old Towne to heart. Together they go on a hunt for what lurks in Old Towne and takes children from Arcadia Falls.
Fans of Stark's zombie apocalypse series, Stage 3 will enjoy this new young adult thriller complete with the author's classic doses of creepy horror that he unleashes on readers until the very end!
Something sinister is definitely happening in Arcadia Falls. The questions are: what is preying on the towns residents, and why don't people remember friends and family gone missing? The answer will shock you!
This chilling read features a diverse cast of high school teenagers with the courage and smarts to solve the mystery. Stark puts us in the center of the action with great descriptions of Old Towne and the creatures stalking Tyler and his group of friends. What I enjoyed most about this story was that it unites young and old alike, coming together for a greater good. Stark conveys the importance of listening and team building by showing us first how the teenagers open up to each other and then trust a few adults- who take the teenagers claims of Old Towne to heart. Together they go on a hunt for what lurks in Old Towne and takes children from Arcadia Falls.
Fans of Stark's zombie apocalypse series, Stage 3 will enjoy this new young adult thriller complete with the author's classic doses of creepy horror that he unleashes on readers until the very end!
May 26, 2019
Wonderful!
This author did such an amazing job with this book! It caught my attention and I could not put it down!
This author did such an amazing job with this book! It caught my attention and I could not put it down!
November 3, 2018
An astonishing scary reading!
I was eager to read Ken Stark’s ‘Stage 3’ Series. At the time I was looking for these books, the author was launching Arcadia Falls. I read the plot, and then decided to read this book first.
Despite the fact that the main characters are senior high school students, they’re so well built that made me forget about it. Don’t get me wrong, this is me, I usually don’t like young adult literature.
Stark is a phenomenal writer. He makes us readers follow Tyler and his young friends as if we’re there with them the whole time.
The story has its own rhythm. Little by little, we learn about the missing people; we know the characters; weird facts start happening. There’s a mix of mystery and horror point each moment until a surprisingly scary conclusion.
I love horror! I can’t tell how many horror books I’ve read, how many horror movies I’ve watched and yet I felt extremely terrified by the frighteningly creepy situations the characters face during the story, especially in its final quarter. Believe me when I say, you feel as you’re part of the team, and because of it, you wonder why they just don’t run away.
Now, more than ever I need to read Stark’s other books.
I was eager to read Ken Stark’s ‘Stage 3’ Series. At the time I was looking for these books, the author was launching Arcadia Falls. I read the plot, and then decided to read this book first.
Despite the fact that the main characters are senior high school students, they’re so well built that made me forget about it. Don’t get me wrong, this is me, I usually don’t like young adult literature.
Stark is a phenomenal writer. He makes us readers follow Tyler and his young friends as if we’re there with them the whole time.
The story has its own rhythm. Little by little, we learn about the missing people; we know the characters; weird facts start happening. There’s a mix of mystery and horror point each moment until a surprisingly scary conclusion.
I love horror! I can’t tell how many horror books I’ve read, how many horror movies I’ve watched and yet I felt extremely terrified by the frighteningly creepy situations the characters face during the story, especially in its final quarter. Believe me when I say, you feel as you’re part of the team, and because of it, you wonder why they just don’t run away.
Now, more than ever I need to read Stark’s other books.
January 14, 2018
This novel was so much fun to read! For some reason I kept thinking of the Goonies with a great cast of characters that were well developed with a common challenge to overcome. The setting and the secrets in a small town along with the discovery was a whoa moment. The witty dialogue was refreshing and true to the spirit of the nature behind this writing. It is scary, but not the kind that keeps you up at night, the sort that kept you turning the light on as a kid. The bump in the night finally has an explanation. It is NOT what you think...
The ending was a bit extended, as we concluded which side would prevail, but dang it. I seriously HAD to know what happened. There was a very modern character in Nikki that I enjoyed immensely to see a real representation of teenage kids I personally know. I never do spoilers, but I will say this, If you enjoy a great cast of characters and entertaining stories with a surprise antagonist, well defined characters and the theme of good versus evil.
This novel was written for you.
The ending was a bit extended, as we concluded which side would prevail, but dang it. I seriously HAD to know what happened. There was a very modern character in Nikki that I enjoyed immensely to see a real representation of teenage kids I personally know. I never do spoilers, but I will say this, If you enjoy a great cast of characters and entertaining stories with a surprise antagonist, well defined characters and the theme of good versus evil.
This novel was written for you.
January 16, 2019
It took me some time to finish reading due to family circumstances but once I got into the book (the family thing over with) then, the chores were neglected while I finished it.
This is an excellent book for young adults and adults alike. I liked that the story had a historical plot which came together in the end. It made it very interesting and gave something to learn from the book too. I am not essentially a 'horror' person but I was gripped and intrigued by this book. I will recommend this book to my two mid-teens as I know it will be their thing and gives good direction. I have given it 5 stars because it has a good moral ending, with a good view on how one feels when you leave school but also what good memories can be taken at this time.
Important to mention, it demonstrates how good teamwork can bring you through, even with those you may not first gel with.
Very well written and thought out.
This is an excellent book for young adults and adults alike. I liked that the story had a historical plot which came together in the end. It made it very interesting and gave something to learn from the book too. I am not essentially a 'horror' person but I was gripped and intrigued by this book. I will recommend this book to my two mid-teens as I know it will be their thing and gives good direction. I have given it 5 stars because it has a good moral ending, with a good view on how one feels when you leave school but also what good memories can be taken at this time.
Important to mention, it demonstrates how good teamwork can bring you through, even with those you may not first gel with.
Very well written and thought out.
January 4, 2025
I totally loved Arcadia Falls, it drew me in from the off and kept me in suspense all the way through. It's a horror story in the main with several personal stories going on in the background. People are going missing in Arcadia Falls the problem is once they're gone, they're forgotten, no one alerts the police and no one goes looking for them.
What is lurking in the shadows?
Well I'm going to leave you to read and find out!
What is lurking in the shadows?
Well I'm going to leave you to read and find out!
September 21, 2021
If I had to give this book criticism, I would say some of the references are a too old for the age of the characters. Also, I half wish this would have been aimed at a more mature audience for a few reasons I won't give as those would mean spoilers. But in short, Ken Stark is a talented writer and this was a fantastic read.
January 26, 2025
Hands up if you can remember your high school days. Or maybe you are actually still in high school? Whatever the case may be, if those memories are fresh, meaningful and vivid, then you are going to love Arcadia Falls.
It is a very clever tale that incorporates humor and horror in a brilliant fashion. This novel is perfect for the young adult crowd, however, anyone from ages 12 to 100 will enjoy and become engrossed in the story.
Something is preying on Arcadia Falls…And it is like nothing anyone has ever seen before… Indeed, people are disappearing in the little town and nobody seems to be taking much notice. How on earth could this possibly be? Why would people simply not care when their loved ones simply vanish? As the plot begins to unfold, the terrifying and disturbing answer to this question soon becomes apparent.
Stark does a wonderful job of delivering his story in a fun, yet chilling fashion. His use of words is powerful and able to produce vivid imagery throughout the pages. Such talent is mandatory in a novel of this nature. Also, Stark uses various features of text and literary devices throughout the story, but never in a way in which they appear for their own sake. They are there to enhance meaning and help with the fluid flow of the story.
While there is undoubtedly a solid and engaging plot to this book, the diverse and delightful characters steal the day. The characters in the story are a group of friends who are in their final year of high school. They manage to hit all the major cliques which you will tend to find in any school.
There are nerds, jocks, geeks, as well as the “pretty” and popular girls. They are actually a very atypical group of friends who in most instances would never have anything to do with one another. For instance, in one scene the author makes you feel as if you are actually right there beside Tyler (the main character who is also a devout nerd), as he cautiously joins a group of popular girls at the lunch cafeteria so he can sit with the pretty new girl. You will feel the nervousness, awkwardness and self-doubt right along with him.
Interestingly enough, these characters all become friends and learn to rely upon one another for their very existence. The banter that takes place between the characters is engaging and amusing and makes you feel like you are one of the gang.
There are many sub-themes that can be pulled from this novel. For example, the good vs. evil theme is very prevalent. However, the overriding theme for me personally is about the power of friendship. Real friends will always see the good in you, and true friendship will conquer all.
If you are interested in an entertaining, thrilling, and action-filled story, then Arcadia Falls may be exactly what you are looking for.
5 out of 5 Thrilling Stars for this one!
It is a very clever tale that incorporates humor and horror in a brilliant fashion. This novel is perfect for the young adult crowd, however, anyone from ages 12 to 100 will enjoy and become engrossed in the story.
Something is preying on Arcadia Falls…And it is like nothing anyone has ever seen before… Indeed, people are disappearing in the little town and nobody seems to be taking much notice. How on earth could this possibly be? Why would people simply not care when their loved ones simply vanish? As the plot begins to unfold, the terrifying and disturbing answer to this question soon becomes apparent.
Stark does a wonderful job of delivering his story in a fun, yet chilling fashion. His use of words is powerful and able to produce vivid imagery throughout the pages. Such talent is mandatory in a novel of this nature. Also, Stark uses various features of text and literary devices throughout the story, but never in a way in which they appear for their own sake. They are there to enhance meaning and help with the fluid flow of the story.
While there is undoubtedly a solid and engaging plot to this book, the diverse and delightful characters steal the day. The characters in the story are a group of friends who are in their final year of high school. They manage to hit all the major cliques which you will tend to find in any school.
There are nerds, jocks, geeks, as well as the “pretty” and popular girls. They are actually a very atypical group of friends who in most instances would never have anything to do with one another. For instance, in one scene the author makes you feel as if you are actually right there beside Tyler (the main character who is also a devout nerd), as he cautiously joins a group of popular girls at the lunch cafeteria so he can sit with the pretty new girl. You will feel the nervousness, awkwardness and self-doubt right along with him.
Interestingly enough, these characters all become friends and learn to rely upon one another for their very existence. The banter that takes place between the characters is engaging and amusing and makes you feel like you are one of the gang.
There are many sub-themes that can be pulled from this novel. For example, the good vs. evil theme is very prevalent. However, the overriding theme for me personally is about the power of friendship. Real friends will always see the good in you, and true friendship will conquer all.
If you are interested in an entertaining, thrilling, and action-filled story, then Arcadia Falls may be exactly what you are looking for.
5 out of 5 Thrilling Stars for this one!
December 18, 2025
Hands up if you can remember your high school days.
Or maybe you are actually still in high school?
Whatever the case may be, if those memories are fresh, meaningful and vivid, then you are going to love Arcadia Falls. It is a very clever tale which incorporates humor and horror in a brilliant fashion.
This novel is perfect for the young adult crowd; however, anyone from ages 12 to 100 will enjoy and become engrossed in the story.
Something is preying on Arcadia Falls…And it is like nothing anyone has ever seen before! Indeed, people are disappearing in the little town and nobody seems to be taking much notice. How on earth could this possibly be? Why would people simply not care when their loved ones simply vanish?
As the plot begins to unfold, the terrifying and disturbing answer to this question soon becomes apparent.
Stark does a wonderful job of delivering his story in a fun, yet chilling fashion. His use of words is powerful and able to produce vivid imagery throughout the pages. Such talent is mandatory in a novel of this nature.
Also, Stark uses various features of text and literary devices throughout the story, but never in a way in which they appear for their own sake. They are there to enhance meaning and help with the fluid flow of the story.
While there is undoubtedly a solid and engaging plot to this book, the diverse and delightful characters steal the day.
The characters in the story are a group of friends who are in their final year of high school. They manage to hit all the major cliques, which you will tend to find in any school. There are nerds, jocks, geeks, as well as the “pretty” and popular girls.
They are actually a very atypical group of friends who, in most instances, would never have anything to do with one another. For instance, in one scene, the author makes you feel as if you are actually right there beside Tyler (the main character who is also a devout nerd), as he cautiously joins a group of popular girls at the lunch cafeteria so he can sit with the pretty new girl. You will feel the nervousness, awkwardness and self-doubt right along with him.
Interestingly enough, these characters all become friends and learn to rely upon one another for their very existence. The banter that takes place between the characters is engaging and amusing, and makes you feel like you are one of the gang.
There are many sub-themes that can be pulled from this novel. For example, the good vs. evil theme is very prevalent. However, the overriding theme for me personally is about the power of friendship. Real friends will always see the good in you, and true friendship will conquer all.
If you are interested in an entertaining, thrilling, and action-filled story, then Arcadia Falls may be exactly what you are looking for.
Or maybe you are actually still in high school?
Whatever the case may be, if those memories are fresh, meaningful and vivid, then you are going to love Arcadia Falls. It is a very clever tale which incorporates humor and horror in a brilliant fashion.
This novel is perfect for the young adult crowd; however, anyone from ages 12 to 100 will enjoy and become engrossed in the story.
Something is preying on Arcadia Falls…And it is like nothing anyone has ever seen before! Indeed, people are disappearing in the little town and nobody seems to be taking much notice. How on earth could this possibly be? Why would people simply not care when their loved ones simply vanish?
As the plot begins to unfold, the terrifying and disturbing answer to this question soon becomes apparent.
Stark does a wonderful job of delivering his story in a fun, yet chilling fashion. His use of words is powerful and able to produce vivid imagery throughout the pages. Such talent is mandatory in a novel of this nature.
Also, Stark uses various features of text and literary devices throughout the story, but never in a way in which they appear for their own sake. They are there to enhance meaning and help with the fluid flow of the story.
While there is undoubtedly a solid and engaging plot to this book, the diverse and delightful characters steal the day.
The characters in the story are a group of friends who are in their final year of high school. They manage to hit all the major cliques, which you will tend to find in any school. There are nerds, jocks, geeks, as well as the “pretty” and popular girls.
They are actually a very atypical group of friends who, in most instances, would never have anything to do with one another. For instance, in one scene, the author makes you feel as if you are actually right there beside Tyler (the main character who is also a devout nerd), as he cautiously joins a group of popular girls at the lunch cafeteria so he can sit with the pretty new girl. You will feel the nervousness, awkwardness and self-doubt right along with him.
Interestingly enough, these characters all become friends and learn to rely upon one another for their very existence. The banter that takes place between the characters is engaging and amusing, and makes you feel like you are one of the gang.
There are many sub-themes that can be pulled from this novel. For example, the good vs. evil theme is very prevalent. However, the overriding theme for me personally is about the power of friendship. Real friends will always see the good in you, and true friendship will conquer all.
If you are interested in an entertaining, thrilling, and action-filled story, then Arcadia Falls may be exactly what you are looking for.
May 4, 2020
Fun, creepy, humorous, chilling—all those adjectives and more apply to Arcadia Falls—not a town I’d want to visit except in fiction! Kids are disappearing in Arcadia Falls, but even worse than that, people start to forget who they are very quickly. While walking home from school one day, the hero, Tyler John, a high school senior, makes a wrong turn trying to get away from a dark van that’s following him and finds himself in a neighborhood that he never knew existed—and this is the small town where he’s spent his entire life.
The neighborhood, which he learns is called Old Town, is extremely rundown and gets worse the farther in he goes till he finally sees a house that the Munsters could have called home. I don’t want to get into any more details for fear of telling too much, but I will say that any encounter with what lives in Old Town is the stuff of nightmares—except if you live through it, you won’t remember it anyway. I think that wiping of memories was the creepiest part of the story—well, one of the creepiest parts. There are a lot of other creepy parts!
The horror was really well done, and the teen characters were great. They weren’t your “normal” teens, but then most of them are brainiacs, so that made it believable. They aren’t weak, they aren’t afraid to fight, and they are smart. Maybe it’s not realistic that they are all like that, but then this is escapist fiction. Who wants “real” people in that anyway?
I had a hard time putting this book down to do things I needed to do. I would give it an unequivocal five stars except that it needs a copyedit. For that reason, I’m only rating it four stars, but I still highly recommend it to lovers of YA horror.
The neighborhood, which he learns is called Old Town, is extremely rundown and gets worse the farther in he goes till he finally sees a house that the Munsters could have called home. I don’t want to get into any more details for fear of telling too much, but I will say that any encounter with what lives in Old Town is the stuff of nightmares—except if you live through it, you won’t remember it anyway. I think that wiping of memories was the creepiest part of the story—well, one of the creepiest parts. There are a lot of other creepy parts!
The horror was really well done, and the teen characters were great. They weren’t your “normal” teens, but then most of them are brainiacs, so that made it believable. They aren’t weak, they aren’t afraid to fight, and they are smart. Maybe it’s not realistic that they are all like that, but then this is escapist fiction. Who wants “real” people in that anyway?
I had a hard time putting this book down to do things I needed to do. I would give it an unequivocal five stars except that it needs a copyedit. For that reason, I’m only rating it four stars, but I still highly recommend it to lovers of YA horror.
September 2, 2018
Superb! Stephen King horror meets the Goonies...
A thoroughly enjoyable read, Arcadia Falls has the feel of a good old fashioned Stephen King horror with a dash of comic relief reminiscent of The Goonies (one of my favourite adventure films when I was a kid). This book has kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat from start to finish with its cast of cheeky, nerdy yet charming highschool characters as they investigate recent vanishings of fellow students. As their enquiries progress it becomes apparent that these disappearances are just the tip of the iceberg, and that Arcadia Falls has a long, LONG forgotten history mired by mass amnesia and shrouded in darkness. When Tyler, the main character, realises he's being followed home from school by a mysterious dark van he's forced to take a detour into an older part of town that he has never been to or ever even heard of before... in a town he has spent all his young life in. Scared yet fascinated, he and his group of friends are determined to solve the mystery but must face great peril in doing so. The entire town is depending on them to succeed and it doesn't, and won't ever, even know it.
It lost a star purely due to the small number of typos etc. but that's easily fixed and in so doing could just as easily claim that 5th star back.
Well worth the read, late at night with the doors and windows firmly locked and bolted... but keep the outside lights on!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, Arcadia Falls has the feel of a good old fashioned Stephen King horror with a dash of comic relief reminiscent of The Goonies (one of my favourite adventure films when I was a kid). This book has kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat from start to finish with its cast of cheeky, nerdy yet charming highschool characters as they investigate recent vanishings of fellow students. As their enquiries progress it becomes apparent that these disappearances are just the tip of the iceberg, and that Arcadia Falls has a long, LONG forgotten history mired by mass amnesia and shrouded in darkness. When Tyler, the main character, realises he's being followed home from school by a mysterious dark van he's forced to take a detour into an older part of town that he has never been to or ever even heard of before... in a town he has spent all his young life in. Scared yet fascinated, he and his group of friends are determined to solve the mystery but must face great peril in doing so. The entire town is depending on them to succeed and it doesn't, and won't ever, even know it.
It lost a star purely due to the small number of typos etc. but that's easily fixed and in so doing could just as easily claim that 5th star back.
Well worth the read, late at night with the doors and windows firmly locked and bolted... but keep the outside lights on!
October 2, 2019
In the small town of Arcadia Falls, Tyler, despite his insecure nerd status at high school, finds himself making a friendship with Amanda, a cute girl who just moved into town and is very open at making friends across the clique spectrum. However, Arcadia Falls hides a dark secret, one that is even removed from the memories of its residents. When Tyler inadvertently finds himself in this dark, abandoned part of the town, which arouses the mysterious creatures to go after him, he and Amanda with their cadre of friends must rise up to fight the danger. This young adult paranormal thriller sets out on a roller coaster ride of a tale told through Tyler’s narrative. The reader must patiently wait through the opening chapters that mainly works through the teenage angst of high school culture, as a few clues pop up about the back mystery. Then, the reader is provided a few shakes, turns, and scares, when Tyler comes upon the ghostly, abandoned area of Old Town. But, the ride turns into an action fest of loops and thrills, as the teen knights create their weapons and do battle with the mighty camouflaged monsters. It provides a good journey of scares and thrills for YA horror fans.
June 10, 2023
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
Arcadia Falls may seem like a typical small town, but it has a dark secret. People vanish with little fan fair. There may be a passing remark and a name skipped over when the teacher takes attendance. Then, after a few days, the person is barely remembered, if at all. Tyler John was no different until a wrong turn sent him into a part of town no one realized was there. Whatever is that lives there knows that he is figuring out their secret, and now he and his unlikely band of friends find themselves facing horrors out of nightmares. If they lose, it will be as though they never existed.
Review:
In most horror stories, death at a monster’s claws and fangs seems the worst way to die. Your friends would mourn your loss and perhaps seek to avenge your death. But what happens if the monster can make you not exist? In Arcadia Falls, something is taking people, and the memory that they lived fades so that even loved ones don’t remember. A wrong turn puts Tyler John into the heart of the mystery.
Ken Stark’s story starts off a bit slow, and I found some formatting errors in the paperback. Once past the setup, however, suspense builds fast. The inclusion of many supporting characters may have been a bit much, but Mr. Stark somehow gets the reader invested in them. Some horror leaves me with a cold feeling going up my spine. This was more a pump of adrenaline.
Synopsis:
Arcadia Falls may seem like a typical small town, but it has a dark secret. People vanish with little fan fair. There may be a passing remark and a name skipped over when the teacher takes attendance. Then, after a few days, the person is barely remembered, if at all. Tyler John was no different until a wrong turn sent him into a part of town no one realized was there. Whatever is that lives there knows that he is figuring out their secret, and now he and his unlikely band of friends find themselves facing horrors out of nightmares. If they lose, it will be as though they never existed.
Review:
In most horror stories, death at a monster’s claws and fangs seems the worst way to die. Your friends would mourn your loss and perhaps seek to avenge your death. But what happens if the monster can make you not exist? In Arcadia Falls, something is taking people, and the memory that they lived fades so that even loved ones don’t remember. A wrong turn puts Tyler John into the heart of the mystery.
Ken Stark’s story starts off a bit slow, and I found some formatting errors in the paperback. Once past the setup, however, suspense builds fast. The inclusion of many supporting characters may have been a bit much, but Mr. Stark somehow gets the reader invested in them. Some horror leaves me with a cold feeling going up my spine. This was more a pump of adrenaline.
January 23, 2021
This is a thoroughly enjoyable YA sci-fi/fantasy/thriller mash-up. The high-schoolers at the center of the story are relatable, facing the everyday struggles of all high-schoolers across the world. Except, of course, for the monsters trying to kill them!
Stephen King-esque that no-one else can see what's happening, or even remembers those who have been taken (killed) in the past. Only this handful of teenagers, and one determined grandfather, stand between the devastation of the town and freedom form the underground creatures.
This was a fun read - full of excitement and action reminiscent of The Goonies. It also deals with the issues of loss, death and grief from a unique perspective, subtly weaving these motives into a story that spans generations.
Stephen King-esque that no-one else can see what's happening, or even remembers those who have been taken (killed) in the past. Only this handful of teenagers, and one determined grandfather, stand between the devastation of the town and freedom form the underground creatures.
This was a fun read - full of excitement and action reminiscent of The Goonies. It also deals with the issues of loss, death and grief from a unique perspective, subtly weaving these motives into a story that spans generations.
November 5, 2018
Author Ken Stark gives the reader chills and thrills with this tale of menacing evil plaguing the town of Arcadia Falls. As main character Tyler John and his teenage friends discover the unsettling truth behind several disappearances, their next steps could determine the fate of the town.
I really enjoyed the dialogue and action throughout this story. Mr. Stark does a fabulous job at keeping you riveted through the twists and turns as the teens expose the town's unsettling past. The characters are great, giving readers a glimpse of high school life. This is a chilling page turner, highly recommended!
I really enjoyed the dialogue and action throughout this story. Mr. Stark does a fabulous job at keeping you riveted through the twists and turns as the teens expose the town's unsettling past. The characters are great, giving readers a glimpse of high school life. This is a chilling page turner, highly recommended!
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