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Ezra Houghton's Horror Island: Voted Scariest Horror of 2019 by Horror Readers USA
Cocooned in rock, the alien organism was propelled into space when the dying planet exploded. Dormant for many millennia as it travelled through the cosmos, it headed towards a blue planet. A fiery spectacle announced its arrival when it entered Earth’s atmosphere and crashed to the surface. Trapped on an island it couldn’t escape from, it grew, evolved, hunted and spawned. Time passed. Human’s arrived…
Almost sixty years after it was abandoned by the mysterious movie director, Ezra Houghton, successful horror writer Zane Baloc comes into possession of the remote and infamous Horror Island. Believing it will provide the perfect inspiration for a new horror novel, he wastes no time gathering a small team together to travel to the island to investigate. He plans to spend a few weeks there soaking up the atmosphere and exploring the extravagant horror themed movie sets Ezra spent seven years creating. Stranded miles from help, the team soon discover they are not alone and the rumours of strange, unearthly creatures inhabiting the island are more than just a myth. Their mission of exploration and wonderment turns into a bloody fight for survival against the island’s monstrous inhabitants. Stranded on the island filled with fear inspiring buildings and vicious, alien infected monsters, survival will be difficult. Escape unlikely. From award winning author of the international bestseller Ice Rift series comes a new foray into fear - Horror Island - Where nightmares become reality
Horror Island is an action adventure alien monster survival horror set on a remote island.
First “Swap dinosaurs for alien monsters and you have Jurassic park on steroids.”
“Monster horror at its finest.”
“Scary, gut-wrenching horror. I loved it. More please.”
“Hammott is the new master of alien monster horror.”
“Hammott’s limitless imagination is possibly scarier than his books and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.”
“Alien meets Jurassic Park in Hammott’s latest monster horror fear fest.”
“Never short, always packed with exciting action, atmosphere, unique monsters and expertly described scenes, you certainly get your money’s worth with Ben’s books. Horror Island did not disappoint.”
Almost sixty years after it was abandoned by the mysterious movie director, Ezra Houghton, successful horror writer Zane Baloc comes into possession of the remote and infamous Horror Island. Believing it will provide the perfect inspiration for a new horror novel, he wastes no time gathering a small team together to travel to the island to investigate. He plans to spend a few weeks there soaking up the atmosphere and exploring the extravagant horror themed movie sets Ezra spent seven years creating. Stranded miles from help, the team soon discover they are not alone and the rumours of strange, unearthly creatures inhabiting the island are more than just a myth. Their mission of exploration and wonderment turns into a bloody fight for survival against the island’s monstrous inhabitants. Stranded on the island filled with fear inspiring buildings and vicious, alien infected monsters, survival will be difficult. Escape unlikely. From award winning author of the international bestseller Ice Rift series comes a new foray into fear - Horror Island - Where nightmares become reality
Horror Island is an action adventure alien monster survival horror set on a remote island.
First “Swap dinosaurs for alien monsters and you have Jurassic park on steroids.”
“Monster horror at its finest.”
“Scary, gut-wrenching horror. I loved it. More please.”
“Hammott is the new master of alien monster horror.”
“Hammott’s limitless imagination is possibly scarier than his books and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.”
“Alien meets Jurassic Park in Hammott’s latest monster horror fear fest.”
“Never short, always packed with exciting action, atmosphere, unique monsters and expertly described scenes, you certainly get your money’s worth with Ben’s books. Horror Island did not disappoint.”
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2018
241 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 27, 2019
HORROR ISLAND is a rambunctiously non-stop implacable terror fest. An isolated island, alien parasites, unstoppable monsters: the results aren't pretty. But for over-the-top Splatter and an imaginative premise (Go, Darwin!), HORROR ISLAND is loads of fun. (And for arachnophobic me: Aversion Therapy.)
December 20, 2019
This book was disappointing. I don't understand the rave reviews it's received. I struggled to connect to any of the characters, but my biggest problem was the writing. The sentences, some of which ran the length of an entire paragraph, were long, winding and often required two or three reads to understand. I found myself having to edit as I went along.
It's a shame, too, because there is undeniable talent in the author and the story had so much potential. I bought the book because it was voted 'Scariest Horror of 2019' by horror readers USA. While the story has potential, I didn't find it at all scary, although to be fair, I only reached the 40% mark before I gave up. Perhaps it got better as it went along.
I find I'm unable to recommend this book and I'd be hesitant to buy another of the author's works.
It's a shame, too, because there is undeniable talent in the author and the story had so much potential. I bought the book because it was voted 'Scariest Horror of 2019' by horror readers USA. While the story has potential, I didn't find it at all scary, although to be fair, I only reached the 40% mark before I gave up. Perhaps it got better as it went along.
I find I'm unable to recommend this book and I'd be hesitant to buy another of the author's works.
March 15, 2019
Terrific read from start to finish
Ben Hammot has a gift for creating really great, scary monsters. He did it in Ice Rift and he's done it again. The beginning of the book was reminiscent of the early scenes of the most recent King Kong movie but then, as our cast of characters reach their island destination, all hell breaks loose. I found myself wondering how, or if, any of the characters could possibly escape from the island with their lives. Whether they do or not I will leave you, fellow readers, to discover for yourselves, no spoilers from me, but be warned, this is one scary story
Ben Hammot has a gift for creating really great, scary monsters. He did it in Ice Rift and he's done it again. The beginning of the book was reminiscent of the early scenes of the most recent King Kong movie but then, as our cast of characters reach their island destination, all hell breaks loose. I found myself wondering how, or if, any of the characters could possibly escape from the island with their lives. Whether they do or not I will leave you, fellow readers, to discover for yourselves, no spoilers from me, but be warned, this is one scary story
May 24, 2018
I am not a big horror type person but Hammott made this fun to read. This could easily become a movie which is the premise for the book. However, the sets would be unreal, financially as well as large. A meteor hits the earth and some alien life is born.....not the craziest theory out there by the way. Bad monsters, creepy scenarios, getting chased, parasites. This will keep you awake at night.
October 15, 2018
That this book starts off with an alien descent had me a tad confused. I believed that I was fooled by the spider-woman on the cover into thinking that this book would be more of the paranormal type of horror, but no. As I delved into the book it really is more of the scifi brand of horror, in that living creatures are manipulated into becoming horrors...on an island (wait for it)...that is basically a developed tribute to a horror-themed amusement park.
Outside of the odds - which have to be in the millions, the thought that an alien would choose that exact island to set up shop is well...Well, it was entertaining to say the least. I'm not gonna lie, despite pole-vaulting over a shark, this book was still fast-passed, entertaining, and creepy at points. I do kinda like that it is a scifi horror book (there really should be more) but this also had a pulp, 70s feel to it it is so...fantastical!
Outside of the odds - which have to be in the millions, the thought that an alien would choose that exact island to set up shop is well...Well, it was entertaining to say the least. I'm not gonna lie, despite pole-vaulting over a shark, this book was still fast-passed, entertaining, and creepy at points. I do kinda like that it is a scifi horror book (there really should be more) but this also had a pulp, 70s feel to it it is so...fantastical!
July 23, 2020
What a fun story. This is starts out very innocent and them really kicks into gear when they get to the island. The creation/combo of the creatures and how they try to use humans instead of just trying to kill them is a fun layer.
I read his arctic series and that was great and lead me to his other books. If you like some extras added to your typical horror story Hammott is for you. The author has me hooked - I am interested in everything he writes
I read his arctic series and that was great and lead me to his other books. If you like some extras added to your typical horror story Hammott is for you. The author has me hooked - I am interested in everything he writes
June 14, 2019
Drive-in theater Creature Feature
Look even though I know Hollywood would mess it up just like they do every other book to movie they do I would love to see this book turned into a movie and watch it in an old school drive-in theater yes I know they're not around anymore this book was just that good where I wish I could go back in time and watch it in the drive-in theater I know it would be super scary I loved everything about this book brutal creature violence, wonderful characters. I'm not going to give away anything about the book no spoilers just read it this author's descriptions of the island and the things that were on it made me feel like I was right there on Horror Island with them any horror fan will not be disappointed with this book
Look even though I know Hollywood would mess it up just like they do every other book to movie they do I would love to see this book turned into a movie and watch it in an old school drive-in theater yes I know they're not around anymore this book was just that good where I wish I could go back in time and watch it in the drive-in theater I know it would be super scary I loved everything about this book brutal creature violence, wonderful characters. I'm not going to give away anything about the book no spoilers just read it this author's descriptions of the island and the things that were on it made me feel like I was right there on Horror Island with them any horror fan will not be disappointed with this book
September 3, 2025
Horror Island:
Where Nightmares Become Reality
by Ben Hammott
When horror author Zane Baloc inherits Horror Island from horror director Ezra Houghton, a horrific adventure commences.
When I saw this seemingly cheesy title offered to up to be read for free in exchange for an honest review, I had to give it a shot. I mean, can a title get more campy than HORROR ISLAND: WHERE NIGHTMARES BECOME REALITY? I had to read this tale!
Imagine this, an eccentric director of horror films by the name of Ezra Houghton decided to build a horror theme park that he would also use to film movies on a private island he acquired off the coast of Costa Rica. Unbeknownst to Ezra, a malevolent alien parasite had made the island it's home and was infecting the local wild life, and was evolving their forms into brutal killing machines. Apparently those evolutions were, at least, partially influenced by the horrific machinations that Ezra had built on the island. By the time Ezra presented the island on opening night an onslaught of vicious nightmares fell upon the unwitting visitors. Those who could, escaped with their lives and Ezra shut the place down until his death some 60 years later. At that point he willed the island to Zane Baloc, famed author or horror on the condition he writes a book based on his observations of the island.
All that above were just the first couple pages, really. Then you have the adventure of the team that Baloc assembled to get the island powered up and able to sustain visitors again. It's a page turning thrill ride as the most unexpected things happen to the cast of characters at the hands of the some of the most describable creatures in modern horror.
A fun horror story with plenty of gore for fans of such genres. I recommend it!
Where Nightmares Become Reality
by Ben Hammott
When horror author Zane Baloc inherits Horror Island from horror director Ezra Houghton, a horrific adventure commences.
When I saw this seemingly cheesy title offered to up to be read for free in exchange for an honest review, I had to give it a shot. I mean, can a title get more campy than HORROR ISLAND: WHERE NIGHTMARES BECOME REALITY? I had to read this tale!
Imagine this, an eccentric director of horror films by the name of Ezra Houghton decided to build a horror theme park that he would also use to film movies on a private island he acquired off the coast of Costa Rica. Unbeknownst to Ezra, a malevolent alien parasite had made the island it's home and was infecting the local wild life, and was evolving their forms into brutal killing machines. Apparently those evolutions were, at least, partially influenced by the horrific machinations that Ezra had built on the island. By the time Ezra presented the island on opening night an onslaught of vicious nightmares fell upon the unwitting visitors. Those who could, escaped with their lives and Ezra shut the place down until his death some 60 years later. At that point he willed the island to Zane Baloc, famed author or horror on the condition he writes a book based on his observations of the island.
All that above were just the first couple pages, really. Then you have the adventure of the team that Baloc assembled to get the island powered up and able to sustain visitors again. It's a page turning thrill ride as the most unexpected things happen to the cast of characters at the hands of the some of the most describable creatures in modern horror.
A fun horror story with plenty of gore for fans of such genres. I recommend it!
November 9, 2019
Looked at the title and thought this may be a bit cheesy. But, read the plot and it seemed like an interesting concept. So, I picked it up. Turns out I made a good choice, because I really enjoyed this book.
The combination of the perceived horror and the actual horror of the island really provides a spooky atmosphere. Sometimes not knowing if a threat is truly real, or just part of an elaborate movie set.
Characters aren't overly developed, as they don't need to be. You know that obviously, everyone isn't going to make it. (It is called "Horror Island" after all) It's just a matter of guess who dies in some terrible fashion and when.
The creatures imagined in Horror Island are fairly original and range from the, "I can see how that might come about", to the, "How the hell?....". I think fans of any kind of monster horror would enjoy reading.
The combination of the perceived horror and the actual horror of the island really provides a spooky atmosphere. Sometimes not knowing if a threat is truly real, or just part of an elaborate movie set.
Characters aren't overly developed, as they don't need to be. You know that obviously, everyone isn't going to make it. (It is called "Horror Island" after all) It's just a matter of guess who dies in some terrible fashion and when.
The creatures imagined in Horror Island are fairly original and range from the, "I can see how that might come about", to the, "How the hell?....". I think fans of any kind of monster horror would enjoy reading.
August 11, 2024
Author Zane Blalock tried for years to purchase Horror Island from the eccentric movie producer who owned it and spent a fortune creating an eerie movie set and theme park, refused. When he died, he willed it to Blalock who promptly acted by dispatching professional hunters to kill whatever creatures terrified and killed previous visitors. When he receives a satellite phone call from one of them, telling him the monsters have been killed, he brings a shipload of workers and engineering professionals to the island in order to assess the condition of the buildings and park in preparation for renovating it and opening it to paying visitors.
However, the report from the hunter is horribly premature and for the bulk of the story, Zane and those he brought with him are trying to survive and figure out what the heck inhabits the island. Those shadowy inhabitants are not only creepy and lethal, they're crafty and very difficult to kill. The gore and thrills go all the way to the end, making this a bloody fine read.
However, the report from the hunter is horribly premature and for the bulk of the story, Zane and those he brought with him are trying to survive and figure out what the heck inhabits the island. Those shadowy inhabitants are not only creepy and lethal, they're crafty and very difficult to kill. The gore and thrills go all the way to the end, making this a bloody fine read.
April 14, 2018
Great again,Mr. H!
Well the author has again demonstrated his incredible imagination! I like all his books, but I believe I felt the Ice series was too overrun with too many different evil creatures. This one concentrated on fewer baddies but they are lots scarier and more the stuff of nightmares!! The island itself is the scariest of all! Characters could use more development, but the action hardly leaves time! Good ending too!! More Mr. H!!! And thanks!
Well the author has again demonstrated his incredible imagination! I like all his books, but I believe I felt the Ice series was too overrun with too many different evil creatures. This one concentrated on fewer baddies but they are lots scarier and more the stuff of nightmares!! The island itself is the scariest of all! Characters could use more development, but the action hardly leaves time! Good ending too!! More Mr. H!!! And thanks!
October 1, 2018
This one actually scared me!!
I loved this book! The creatures in this one are over the top scary! I loved the interactions between the characters, both human and monster. Imagine an island built to be a horror filled theme park filled with alien/animal blended monsters. Would you visit this island? Well, if you read this book you will experience the island and be safe physically. But, you might have a hard time getting the monsters from your mind.
I loved this book! The creatures in this one are over the top scary! I loved the interactions between the characters, both human and monster. Imagine an island built to be a horror filled theme park filled with alien/animal blended monsters. Would you visit this island? Well, if you read this book you will experience the island and be safe physically. But, you might have a hard time getting the monsters from your mind.
February 21, 2019
Well what can I say... I really enjoyed this book. The characters well developed and stuck together when the going got tough. The monsters on the island were unreal. The writer has a great imagination to create these critters. There is absolutely no way I would want to visit that island. I was seriously rooting for the characters to get off the island in one piece. The story has lots of twists and turns and I was not expecting the ending. Read this book, you will not be disappointed!
March 25, 2018
AIN'T GOING TO THAT PLACE NO WAY I'M NOT.....
Hello, this is a really cool story. Very well written. The only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the story was way too short. A story this good needs more background and takes from earlier years and conflicts with the creatures. Great job. Thanks.
Hello, this is a really cool story. Very well written. The only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the story was way too short. A story this good needs more background and takes from earlier years and conflicts with the creatures. Great job. Thanks.
April 21, 2018
Island
I don't usually read so called horror books, but this one got me interested with the cover. Skimming thru the gore, it wasn't too bad. Guess I just like dinos and kaiju more.
I don't usually read so called horror books, but this one got me interested with the cover. Skimming thru the gore, it wasn't too bad. Guess I just like dinos and kaiju more.
July 28, 2018
A very interesting idea and some great atmosphere is ruined by a lack of characterisation and the fact that the plot drags on.....and on. Not a terrible novel but, considering its potential, very disappointing.
September 19, 2018
What a terrific read with a huge amount of horror creativity
I must tell you that the book was even better than I had hoped!! The writer obviously has one great mind for creating a horror environment that is both scary and entertaining. One of those books you don't put down.
I must tell you that the book was even better than I had hoped!! The writer obviously has one great mind for creating a horror environment that is both scary and entertaining. One of those books you don't put down.
January 4, 2019
This was a fun great spooky book to read.
I really enjoyed it. Couldn't put it down. I loved it. The wall monsters were my favorite. I detest spider's and read through part of it faster than norm.
I really enjoyed it. Couldn't put it down. I loved it. The wall monsters were my favorite. I detest spider's and read through part of it faster than norm.
January 17, 2019
Interesting concept
The book is a great read, reminds you of the island where King kong lived,only instead of a one large creature it’s a island of many smaller creatures that were set your soul to shaking.
The book is a great read, reminds you of the island where King kong lived,only instead of a one large creature it’s a island of many smaller creatures that were set your soul to shaking.
August 2, 2019
A good book to read.
This book is very strange to read and it leaves you wondering what will happen next. The book is a horror story and what comes up will leave you wondering who will live or not.
This book is very strange to read and it leaves you wondering what will happen next. The book is a horror story and what comes up will leave you wondering who will live or not.
March 31, 2018
Fast paced and exciting. I read it in four days! So curious!!
April 27, 2018
I almost didn't purchase this book because of the cover. I'm so glad I did! The story is an exciting adventure. Creepy!! I loved it.
August 6, 2018
Good horror story
I found this to be an enjoyable page turner. The story is campy fun and I feel the ending fit this type of story.
I found this to be an enjoyable page turner. The story is campy fun and I feel the ending fit this type of story.
December 20, 2018
Fun afternoon read
Not perfect, missing some needed character development (won’t provide any spoilers here) but overall I thought it was well worth reading.
Not perfect, missing some needed character development (won’t provide any spoilers here) but overall I thought it was well worth reading.
December 17, 2020
I prefer the Ice Rift series but this is still a good horror/action thriller. Plenty of twists and enough scares for the horror enthusiast.
January 26, 2020
Awesome Z movie stuff, very cinematic writing.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews