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Paradise, Maine
* 2019 Splatterpunk Award-nominee for Best Novella
They needed a place to get away from it all... they'll never be coming back.
When Darren and Vanis set out to free themselves from life's anxieties and rekindle their relationship, a trip to the beautiful Maine coast sounds perfect.
The breathtaking views and gorgeous cabin seem like another world. One to get lost in and from which they never want to return. But something has an eye on them...
For Zebulun Ayers, a trip to connect with nature is far more than he ever saw on Man vs. Wild or any other reality TV show. This is the real wild life.
Paradise, Maine is home to a monster rarely seen and one never mentioned, even among locals. The Watcher is waiting.
They needed a place to get away from it all... they'll never be coming back.
When Darren and Vanis set out to free themselves from life's anxieties and rekindle their relationship, a trip to the beautiful Maine coast sounds perfect.
The breathtaking views and gorgeous cabin seem like another world. One to get lost in and from which they never want to return. But something has an eye on them...
For Zebulun Ayers, a trip to connect with nature is far more than he ever saw on Man vs. Wild or any other reality TV show. This is the real wild life.
Paradise, Maine is home to a monster rarely seen and one never mentioned, even among locals. The Watcher is waiting.
- GenresHorror
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2019
13 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Jackson R. Thomas
6 books28 followersJackson R. Thomas has lived in Colorado, New York, and now resides in Coopers Mills, Maine with his cat, Gizmo.
He loathes social media, and has worked as a janitor, fast-food slave, record store clerk, and night auditor at an unnamed hotel on Route 1.
He loves horror books, horror films, and the band, Ministry.
He loathes social media, and has worked as a janitor, fast-food slave, record store clerk, and night auditor at an unnamed hotel on Route 1.
He loves horror books, horror films, and the band, Ministry.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 3, 2020
Nas-tay!
Let me start this one with a warning:
If you are not into splatterpunk, this story will be too much for you.
If you want to try some splatterpunk for the first time, this is not the right one - you need something softer.
This one is gritty, no-holds-barred, balls-to-the-wall, fuck-the-pretty-cover, all out nasty!
This is the first time I've read this author. I was in the mood for some unapologetic ugliness and this one gave it to me in spades.
They call him The Watcher. A deformed cannibalistic killer, who knows no human values.
And in the town of Paradise, Maine, everybody knows about him, but they are paid to look the other way by the corrupt sheriff.
So, when couples win a week away at a cabin, they will be hunted by The Watcher - and that way he leaves the people in town alone.
This time, however, someone will show a remarkable will to survive.
Man, this story was better than I expected, to be honest. If the movie THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE can be called the golden standard of cannibal slasher movies, the book OFF SEASON by Jack Ketchum holds that title in the literary world.
And that is probably the only reason I can't give this one five stars - I would dearly love to give this one 4.5 STARS...yes, it was that good - but it will take a mountain to shift my opinion of not comparing these two stories.
And that is always the difficult thing in horror - to write something that people will not compare to the classic. Just think, if you listen to IMAGINE by John Lennon, every cover version, no matter how good, can never be AS good.
Do you get what I'm saying?
Whether the fault lies with me about my preconception or not, I can highly recommend this one to splatterpunk fans.
Let me start this one with a warning:
If you are not into splatterpunk, this story will be too much for you.
If you want to try some splatterpunk for the first time, this is not the right one - you need something softer.
This one is gritty, no-holds-barred, balls-to-the-wall, fuck-the-pretty-cover, all out nasty!
This is the first time I've read this author. I was in the mood for some unapologetic ugliness and this one gave it to me in spades.
They call him The Watcher. A deformed cannibalistic killer, who knows no human values.
And in the town of Paradise, Maine, everybody knows about him, but they are paid to look the other way by the corrupt sheriff.
So, when couples win a week away at a cabin, they will be hunted by The Watcher - and that way he leaves the people in town alone.
This time, however, someone will show a remarkable will to survive.
Man, this story was better than I expected, to be honest. If the movie THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE can be called the golden standard of cannibal slasher movies, the book OFF SEASON by Jack Ketchum holds that title in the literary world.
And that is probably the only reason I can't give this one five stars - I would dearly love to give this one 4.5 STARS...yes, it was that good - but it will take a mountain to shift my opinion of not comparing these two stories.
And that is always the difficult thing in horror - to write something that people will not compare to the classic. Just think, if you listen to IMAGINE by John Lennon, every cover version, no matter how good, can never be AS good.
Do you get what I'm saying?
Whether the fault lies with me about my preconception or not, I can highly recommend this one to splatterpunk fans.
March 12, 2019
My review of Paradise, Maine can be found at High Fever Books.
I dug Jackson R. Thomas’s debut effort, the fun coming-of-age werewolf affair The Beast of Brenton Woods. Taking an extreme horror-fueled trip into the woods for Paradise, Maine for his sophomore story was pretty well a no-brainer.
Almost immediately, you can feel the ghost of Jack Ketchum in these pages, and it’s clear right from the outset that works like Off Season were a huge inspiration in Thomas’s writing. Paradise, Maine follows a similar conceit as Off Season with its cannibal in the woods, although here it’s a disfigured lone wolf, rather than a family of man-eaters terrorizing the vacationers hoping to escape their problems.
Darren and his wife, Vanis, were hoping to patch over some rough spots in their marriage. Vanis is incapable of getting pregnant and during a depression-driven dry spell in their intimacy, she caught Darren watching internet porn, which has opened a sizable rift between them. A trip to a secluded cabin where they can reunite and rediscover each other seems like exactly the kind of vacation they need, and Darren impulsively books the trip. Unfortunately, their dream vacation soon becomes a nightmare and their attempt at renewing their marriage just so happens to coincide with the hunting season of a third-party, known as the Watcher, seeking to sate his own carnal appetites.
Thomas doesn’t pull any punches, and scenes of violence are frequent and visceral. While we get to know Darren and Vanis, waiting for them to get caught in the deformed killer’s path, the Watcher tortures and brutalizes a kidnapped hunter and several of Paradise’s local get in on the action, unwittingly and otherwise.
While Paradise, Maine is a pretty fun read overall, particularly if you’re a thirsty gore-hound, getting to know some of these characters isn’t exactly the thrill of meeting new and interesting acquaintances. Thomas refuses to give us anybody to root for, and even Darren, our main point-of-view into these proceedings, can only obliquely be considered our central protagonist. Darren, unfortunately, is a shallow little slimeball and I never got the impression that his marriage to Vanis was built on something other than sex, and that his affection for her was predicated on anything other than her attractiveness. Through Darren’s eyes, we learn that Vanis is either ultra-hot or simply a bitch, depending on his mood swings, and his interest in his wife seems entirely dependent on how willing she is to let him slip Tab A into Slot B. Vanis herself doesn’t have much in the way of agency until very late in the proceedings, but up to that point we never really get to know her beyond being a receptacle for Darren’s penis. It’s truly unfortunate that the only prominent central female character in this book is sidelined and reduced to little more than a sex object for the majority of Paradise’s page count.
Despite his pretty weak central characters Thomas delivers a brisk slasher read, for the most part. Some of the writing can get bogged down with unnecessary details, passages consisting of an unholy number of clauses, and confusing, wildly swinging point-of-view shifts. In one segment late in the book, I wasn’t sure if we were witnessing an assault through the eyes of Vanis or Mary, a child Vanis comes to protect and likely the only innocent in the whole damn town.
Much of Paradise is comprised of locals and visitors that exist solely to get butchered in various demeaning and inhuman ways. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, if all you’re looking for is a truly violent and vindictive bit of weekend escapism. You can feel the inspiration Ketchum had on the author, and even if Thomas doesn’t quite yet have the same knack for characterization he’s certainly no slouch when it comes to unflinching brutality. Paradise, Main is a brisk and entertaining bit of bloody mayhem, and Thomas delivers to us yet one more freaking excuse to never, ever go camping…or hiking…or even just leaving the house, really.
I dug Jackson R. Thomas’s debut effort, the fun coming-of-age werewolf affair The Beast of Brenton Woods. Taking an extreme horror-fueled trip into the woods for Paradise, Maine for his sophomore story was pretty well a no-brainer.
Almost immediately, you can feel the ghost of Jack Ketchum in these pages, and it’s clear right from the outset that works like Off Season were a huge inspiration in Thomas’s writing. Paradise, Maine follows a similar conceit as Off Season with its cannibal in the woods, although here it’s a disfigured lone wolf, rather than a family of man-eaters terrorizing the vacationers hoping to escape their problems.
Darren and his wife, Vanis, were hoping to patch over some rough spots in their marriage. Vanis is incapable of getting pregnant and during a depression-driven dry spell in their intimacy, she caught Darren watching internet porn, which has opened a sizable rift between them. A trip to a secluded cabin where they can reunite and rediscover each other seems like exactly the kind of vacation they need, and Darren impulsively books the trip. Unfortunately, their dream vacation soon becomes a nightmare and their attempt at renewing their marriage just so happens to coincide with the hunting season of a third-party, known as the Watcher, seeking to sate his own carnal appetites.
Thomas doesn’t pull any punches, and scenes of violence are frequent and visceral. While we get to know Darren and Vanis, waiting for them to get caught in the deformed killer’s path, the Watcher tortures and brutalizes a kidnapped hunter and several of Paradise’s local get in on the action, unwittingly and otherwise.
While Paradise, Maine is a pretty fun read overall, particularly if you’re a thirsty gore-hound, getting to know some of these characters isn’t exactly the thrill of meeting new and interesting acquaintances. Thomas refuses to give us anybody to root for, and even Darren, our main point-of-view into these proceedings, can only obliquely be considered our central protagonist. Darren, unfortunately, is a shallow little slimeball and I never got the impression that his marriage to Vanis was built on something other than sex, and that his affection for her was predicated on anything other than her attractiveness. Through Darren’s eyes, we learn that Vanis is either ultra-hot or simply a bitch, depending on his mood swings, and his interest in his wife seems entirely dependent on how willing she is to let him slip Tab A into Slot B. Vanis herself doesn’t have much in the way of agency until very late in the proceedings, but up to that point we never really get to know her beyond being a receptacle for Darren’s penis. It’s truly unfortunate that the only prominent central female character in this book is sidelined and reduced to little more than a sex object for the majority of Paradise’s page count.
Despite his pretty weak central characters Thomas delivers a brisk slasher read, for the most part. Some of the writing can get bogged down with unnecessary details, passages consisting of an unholy number of clauses, and confusing, wildly swinging point-of-view shifts. In one segment late in the book, I wasn’t sure if we were witnessing an assault through the eyes of Vanis or Mary, a child Vanis comes to protect and likely the only innocent in the whole damn town.
Much of Paradise is comprised of locals and visitors that exist solely to get butchered in various demeaning and inhuman ways. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, if all you’re looking for is a truly violent and vindictive bit of weekend escapism. You can feel the inspiration Ketchum had on the author, and even if Thomas doesn’t quite yet have the same knack for characterization he’s certainly no slouch when it comes to unflinching brutality. Paradise, Main is a brisk and entertaining bit of bloody mayhem, and Thomas delivers to us yet one more freaking excuse to never, ever go camping…or hiking…or even just leaving the house, really.
March 14, 2019
Welcome to Paradise! Paradise I said! Where it's blue skies! Clear waters! The peace and quiet of solitude! Zen and happiness at it's best!
Isn't it amazing how a good getaway is mind relaxing? How a trip into Paradise does a person some good. Not to mention your marriage after you tremendously messed up. Breath in, breath out.
Everything you ever wanted in a getaway and Jackson R. Thomas brings all those aspects of paradise alive with a nasty twist! Maybe an ugly twist is an understatement?
So, what precisely is this book about? A man by the name of Darren and his wife Vanis are having a difficult time with their marriage. (No, I’m not going to say what the issue is, that would be a spoiler, my friends!) Feeling like a dirtbag and realizing this Darren hears a radio commercial on a getaway to Paradise, Maine. Sounding too good to be true!
He picks up the phone and easy as that, he and his wife are off for the getaway of their lives!
When I started to read this book, I read the warnings. I said what? Warnings for a book? The text said, “For mature audiences only.” I thought to myself. Ok, I’m old, I can read this. Next came, “This is a splatterpunk novel.” What’s splatterpunk? This is my first voyage into the world of the splattering punks? (Is that even a real thing?) Finally, it said, “There will be carnage, blood, and scenes you may not be able to handle.” Ah, that’s easy.
I read the prologue, and it was like a scene out of a Friday the 13th movie. Sliced and dice and everything nice! I blinked, and my anticipation grew. I was liking where this was going. Thank goodness I didn't put the book down, the rest of the story just got better.
But once chapter one started, it was back to an ordinary story. Then into chapter two everything seemed somewhat typical for a book that dealt with a dysfunctional marriage. So I thought then, that was it, and the rest of the story was going to be a beautiful time in paradise!
But, guess what? I was wrong. You see, Jackson is a great storyteller and does an exceptional job of relaxing you into The feeling of paradise, and just when you get comfortable, Darren and Vanis are all having a good time, he introduces The Watcher on you in chapter 3! Who’s The Watcher? That’s not for me to say, but I’m pretty sure he’s the head of the welcoming committee in Paradise. Believe me? I wouldn't, it's a horror book remember?
So my thoughts about the book.
I never read a splatterpunk book before. So this book was a treat for being my first time. Mr. Thomas does a magnificent job making the reader feel uncomfortable in more scenes than one. I tried to tell my wife about the storyline, and she told me to shut my mouth, and that was that. It was way out of her comfort zone apparently. I wasn’t allowed to talk about it again. I didn't mention it to her anymore, but I kept on reading. I so wanted to share what was happening in the book, but she couldn't handle it!
Why did I keep on reading? I am a huge horror fan and kept on reading like a champ.
I’ve already talked about the plot, that the book is a horror fan's dream, and this novel isn't for the squeamish. I haven’t talked about the characters.
Jackson put you right into the thick of things when introducing characters and letting you know what they are all about. They were really well created and well thought through. Not at all two-dimensional. You got a pretty good feeling about who was naughty or nice, evil or angelic, and trustworthy and untrustful. I like that with characters when you can really feel what they are all about.
The supporting characters were just as good as the main characters, especially the little Mary.
By now, you can tell how I liked the book. I thought it was great! Overall I really enjoyed it. All blood and guts put aside, it was an entertaining read.
My recommendation. Take the warning at the beginning into consideration. The book is brutal. It’s scary, has a lot of blood, and copulation (trying to keep it clean) in it. If you are a splatterpunk or horror fan, you can’t go wrong this book. It is skillfully written and designed to disturb you in more ways than one.
Well done Mr. Jackson, well done!
Isn't it amazing how a good getaway is mind relaxing? How a trip into Paradise does a person some good. Not to mention your marriage after you tremendously messed up. Breath in, breath out.
Everything you ever wanted in a getaway and Jackson R. Thomas brings all those aspects of paradise alive with a nasty twist! Maybe an ugly twist is an understatement?
So, what precisely is this book about? A man by the name of Darren and his wife Vanis are having a difficult time with their marriage. (No, I’m not going to say what the issue is, that would be a spoiler, my friends!) Feeling like a dirtbag and realizing this Darren hears a radio commercial on a getaway to Paradise, Maine. Sounding too good to be true!
He picks up the phone and easy as that, he and his wife are off for the getaway of their lives!
When I started to read this book, I read the warnings. I said what? Warnings for a book? The text said, “For mature audiences only.” I thought to myself. Ok, I’m old, I can read this. Next came, “This is a splatterpunk novel.” What’s splatterpunk? This is my first voyage into the world of the splattering punks? (Is that even a real thing?) Finally, it said, “There will be carnage, blood, and scenes you may not be able to handle.” Ah, that’s easy.
I read the prologue, and it was like a scene out of a Friday the 13th movie. Sliced and dice and everything nice! I blinked, and my anticipation grew. I was liking where this was going. Thank goodness I didn't put the book down, the rest of the story just got better.
But once chapter one started, it was back to an ordinary story. Then into chapter two everything seemed somewhat typical for a book that dealt with a dysfunctional marriage. So I thought then, that was it, and the rest of the story was going to be a beautiful time in paradise!
But, guess what? I was wrong. You see, Jackson is a great storyteller and does an exceptional job of relaxing you into The feeling of paradise, and just when you get comfortable, Darren and Vanis are all having a good time, he introduces The Watcher on you in chapter 3! Who’s The Watcher? That’s not for me to say, but I’m pretty sure he’s the head of the welcoming committee in Paradise. Believe me? I wouldn't, it's a horror book remember?
So my thoughts about the book.
I never read a splatterpunk book before. So this book was a treat for being my first time. Mr. Thomas does a magnificent job making the reader feel uncomfortable in more scenes than one. I tried to tell my wife about the storyline, and she told me to shut my mouth, and that was that. It was way out of her comfort zone apparently. I wasn’t allowed to talk about it again. I didn't mention it to her anymore, but I kept on reading. I so wanted to share what was happening in the book, but she couldn't handle it!
Why did I keep on reading? I am a huge horror fan and kept on reading like a champ.
I’ve already talked about the plot, that the book is a horror fan's dream, and this novel isn't for the squeamish. I haven’t talked about the characters.
Jackson put you right into the thick of things when introducing characters and letting you know what they are all about. They were really well created and well thought through. Not at all two-dimensional. You got a pretty good feeling about who was naughty or nice, evil or angelic, and trustworthy and untrustful. I like that with characters when you can really feel what they are all about.
The supporting characters were just as good as the main characters, especially the little Mary.
By now, you can tell how I liked the book. I thought it was great! Overall I really enjoyed it. All blood and guts put aside, it was an entertaining read.
My recommendation. Take the warning at the beginning into consideration. The book is brutal. It’s scary, has a lot of blood, and copulation (trying to keep it clean) in it. If you are a splatterpunk or horror fan, you can’t go wrong this book. It is skillfully written and designed to disturb you in more ways than one.
Well done Mr. Jackson, well done!
March 12, 2019
Darren and Vanis have hit a rocky patch in their marriage and hope that a romantic getaway to the coast of Maine might help get their relationship back on track. What they don't know is that the locals have a secret, and by the time they find out what it is, it may already be too late.
There's something living in the wild. More beast than man, the locals call it The Watcher. They don't bother it and it doesn't bother them, but there is a price to pay.
"Once every few months, they had to ignore the screams from the mountain behind their shops and homes"
This was a fast paced read with lots of guts and gore that reminded me a bit of Edward Lee (and yes that is meant as a compliment.)
I received an advance copy for review.
There's something living in the wild. More beast than man, the locals call it The Watcher. They don't bother it and it doesn't bother them, but there is a price to pay.
"Once every few months, they had to ignore the screams from the mountain behind their shops and homes"
This was a fast paced read with lots of guts and gore that reminded me a bit of Edward Lee (and yes that is meant as a compliment.)
I received an advance copy for review.
November 26, 2019
Brutal horror reminiscent of Edward Lee or Jack Ketchum, hooking you from page one. Violent and sadistic, fans of extreme horror will love this short novel. Werewolves, now hillbillies, I can’t wait to see what this author does next!
September 26, 2019
Paradise, Maine is a location that sounds too good to be true. A small town with picturesque views, friendly locals, and beautiful woodland. Oh, and a sadistic murderous beast that stalks said woodland.
You see, the seemingly friendly townsfolk know all too well about The Watcher, this strange beast-cannibal-human-monster thing in the woods. When out-of-towners visit their little community, the locals know exactly what’s going to happen to them, and do their very best to assist in any way they can. Of course they do, as the helpless visitors haven’t exactly arrived there by coincidence.
Enter Darren and Vanis, a couple who have had their problems. Getting away for a break in the country sounds like bliss and just what their relationship needs. Surely this time away will heal the bitterness and trust issues once and for all.
But, of course, this is a horror novel.
We’re introduced to The Watcher straight away. This thing lives to kill. And eat. And rape, a bit. But it’s not just all of that, the creature loves the thrill of the chase. The fear and desperation in its victims is almost as satisfying as watching them die. And this latest couple seem to fit the bill perfectly.
The cabin Darren and Vanis travel to is perfect. Isolation, gorgeous surroundings, each other. Marvellous. But before long they come face-to-mangled face with The Watcher.
Small town horror stories creep me out. It’s the sense of isolation and the everyone’s-in-on-it vibe that get to me. And this one was no different. Knowing what horrors await these two makes the story all the more disturbing. Instead of the creeping dread of what ‘might’ happen to them, you’re thrown head-first into the gorefest. And it certainly lives up to it.
I won’t spoil it but they soon become The Watcher’s play things. Another guy, Zebulun, just happens to be out in the woods, too. His appearance wasn’t anticipated by the beast, so it delights in being able to spill the blood of a third victim.
This story isn’t just a simple survival in the woods horror, though. We are treated to the lives of some of the locals, too. Some have grown to hate the existence of The Watcher and try to leave, the guilt eating away at them daily. Others fear the creature and know that anything of the sort is simply out of the question.
It’s not only in the woods that people die. This town certainly doesn’t live up to its name.
The pacing is quick, giving no let up to the action. There are moments when the couple’s histories are mentioned, but they only add to the tension, bringing out their humanity where The Watcher sees them as less than human; pieces of meat for him to kill and feed upon.
There was also a creepy little twist to this one, one I didn’t see coming but when it was revealed it really made sense. It certainly darkened an already pretty blackened tale.
This was my first foray into the mind of Jackson R. Thomas and it is a brutal place to visit. I am planning to take another trip there very soon.
You see, the seemingly friendly townsfolk know all too well about The Watcher, this strange beast-cannibal-human-monster thing in the woods. When out-of-towners visit their little community, the locals know exactly what’s going to happen to them, and do their very best to assist in any way they can. Of course they do, as the helpless visitors haven’t exactly arrived there by coincidence.
Enter Darren and Vanis, a couple who have had their problems. Getting away for a break in the country sounds like bliss and just what their relationship needs. Surely this time away will heal the bitterness and trust issues once and for all.
But, of course, this is a horror novel.
We’re introduced to The Watcher straight away. This thing lives to kill. And eat. And rape, a bit. But it’s not just all of that, the creature loves the thrill of the chase. The fear and desperation in its victims is almost as satisfying as watching them die. And this latest couple seem to fit the bill perfectly.
The cabin Darren and Vanis travel to is perfect. Isolation, gorgeous surroundings, each other. Marvellous. But before long they come face-to-mangled face with The Watcher.
Small town horror stories creep me out. It’s the sense of isolation and the everyone’s-in-on-it vibe that get to me. And this one was no different. Knowing what horrors await these two makes the story all the more disturbing. Instead of the creeping dread of what ‘might’ happen to them, you’re thrown head-first into the gorefest. And it certainly lives up to it.
I won’t spoil it but they soon become The Watcher’s play things. Another guy, Zebulun, just happens to be out in the woods, too. His appearance wasn’t anticipated by the beast, so it delights in being able to spill the blood of a third victim.
This story isn’t just a simple survival in the woods horror, though. We are treated to the lives of some of the locals, too. Some have grown to hate the existence of The Watcher and try to leave, the guilt eating away at them daily. Others fear the creature and know that anything of the sort is simply out of the question.
It’s not only in the woods that people die. This town certainly doesn’t live up to its name.
The pacing is quick, giving no let up to the action. There are moments when the couple’s histories are mentioned, but they only add to the tension, bringing out their humanity where The Watcher sees them as less than human; pieces of meat for him to kill and feed upon.
There was also a creepy little twist to this one, one I didn’t see coming but when it was revealed it really made sense. It certainly darkened an already pretty blackened tale.
This was my first foray into the mind of Jackson R. Thomas and it is a brutal place to visit. I am planning to take another trip there very soon.
March 18, 2019
** Edited as Review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
I was first introduced to the twisted world of Jackson R. Thomas last year, with his stellar release The Beast of Brenton Woods. I love werewolf tales and that story lived up to my lofty expectations.
Now Thomas has returned with Paradise, Maine – but don’t let the title or the cover fool you, this is splatter-riffic.
The plot is straight-forward and pulled from my dream horror VHS tapes that I used to rent. A small, quaint town on the coast hides a secret. The Watcher. A figure shrouded in mystery who lives in the hills above them. The townspeople do their part to keep quiet and not interfere. In order to keep The Watcher satiated a mysterious corporation working with the local Sheriff randomly select people to come as sacrifice. They win an all-expenses paid trip to the scenic Paradise, Maine, unaware of their fate.
From here out Thomas takes us on a sprint through the small town, the cabin that the winner’s get to stay in and the hills above. The foot is fully pressed on the gas pedal as things continue to take terrible turn after terrible turn. I love bleak, dark horror and this is done majestically while infused with some obscene gore, done in the best way possible. Even though I knew no good was to come, I still rooted for the folks trying to survive The Watcher.
I had one small gripe with the story overall – some of the characters names. With this being a pre-release ARC and not knowing Jackson personally, it might be that some of the characters were named after friends or family members, but as is, I found some of them to be annoying and I’m usually fine with that. Oh well, that’s on me!
I enjoyed the characters throughout, and several of them had really enjoyable resolves to live, which sometimes can be lacking in a tale like this. I’m not a fan of characters that survive but don’t appear to try hard enough to survive, if that makes sense. Doesn’t happen here!
So if you’re looking for a fun, fast, slaughter house of a story – look no further. Jackson R. Thomas brings the goods and packs them into bite size zip-lock freezer bags making sure to keep the horror fresh on every page! A must read for fans of ‘Brenton’ but also a must read for fans of books and movies that keep the death counts high!
Alien Agenda Publishing continues to release top notch horror for fans and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
I was first introduced to the twisted world of Jackson R. Thomas last year, with his stellar release The Beast of Brenton Woods. I love werewolf tales and that story lived up to my lofty expectations.
Now Thomas has returned with Paradise, Maine – but don’t let the title or the cover fool you, this is splatter-riffic.
The plot is straight-forward and pulled from my dream horror VHS tapes that I used to rent. A small, quaint town on the coast hides a secret. The Watcher. A figure shrouded in mystery who lives in the hills above them. The townspeople do their part to keep quiet and not interfere. In order to keep The Watcher satiated a mysterious corporation working with the local Sheriff randomly select people to come as sacrifice. They win an all-expenses paid trip to the scenic Paradise, Maine, unaware of their fate.
From here out Thomas takes us on a sprint through the small town, the cabin that the winner’s get to stay in and the hills above. The foot is fully pressed on the gas pedal as things continue to take terrible turn after terrible turn. I love bleak, dark horror and this is done majestically while infused with some obscene gore, done in the best way possible. Even though I knew no good was to come, I still rooted for the folks trying to survive The Watcher.
I had one small gripe with the story overall – some of the characters names. With this being a pre-release ARC and not knowing Jackson personally, it might be that some of the characters were named after friends or family members, but as is, I found some of them to be annoying and I’m usually fine with that. Oh well, that’s on me!
I enjoyed the characters throughout, and several of them had really enjoyable resolves to live, which sometimes can be lacking in a tale like this. I’m not a fan of characters that survive but don’t appear to try hard enough to survive, if that makes sense. Doesn’t happen here!
So if you’re looking for a fun, fast, slaughter house of a story – look no further. Jackson R. Thomas brings the goods and packs them into bite size zip-lock freezer bags making sure to keep the horror fresh on every page! A must read for fans of ‘Brenton’ but also a must read for fans of books and movies that keep the death counts high!
Alien Agenda Publishing continues to release top notch horror for fans and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
February 9, 2020
Although Paradise, Maine has a rather innocuous front cover, be well advised to heed the author’s ‘Fair Warning’ before the start; “For mature audiences only. This is a splatterpunk novel…” Do not scoff, Jackson Thomas speaks the truth, Paradise, Maine is a very violent read; expect cannibalism, rape, torture and an impressive body count all squeezed into 155 brutal pages. If you’re a fan of nasty, fast-paced horror, continue reading; there is a high probability you will get a kick from Paradise, Maine, otherwise check out some of my other some sedate selections. It covers a lot of ground and is so fast you’ll hardly have time to catch your breath with a story which fans out into unexpected areas. The characters are sketchily but skilfully drawn, and one of the strengths of the novel is the fact that it is seen from multiple points of view.
Darren and Vanis have been married for a few years, but after she catches him watching a live sexcam their marriage hit the rocks and in trying to paper over the cracks he stumbles upon an amazing opportunity to stay in a cabin in the scenic town of Paradise. After arrival everything looks perfect until Vanis is certain she spots someone lucking in the shadows spying on them. From that moment on you know exactly what territory this brutal novel is heading into. They are not alone, and someone is hungry. Paradise, Maine will not be for all tastes and although it treads familiar ground, the unrelenting pace, great set pieces and terrific forest set action sequences make it a treat for horror fans who like their fiction hard-hitting and with a serious Jack Ketchum Off Season style mean streak.
Darren and Vanis have been married for a few years, but after she catches him watching a live sexcam their marriage hit the rocks and in trying to paper over the cracks he stumbles upon an amazing opportunity to stay in a cabin in the scenic town of Paradise. After arrival everything looks perfect until Vanis is certain she spots someone lucking in the shadows spying on them. From that moment on you know exactly what territory this brutal novel is heading into. They are not alone, and someone is hungry. Paradise, Maine will not be for all tastes and although it treads familiar ground, the unrelenting pace, great set pieces and terrific forest set action sequences make it a treat for horror fans who like their fiction hard-hitting and with a serious Jack Ketchum Off Season style mean streak.
December 21, 2019
Relentless pacing and a wicked villan(s) make this a sweet choice for fans of the Off Season/Wrong Turn type hillbilly horror, it’s an awesome story, I finished in one fat session, making the wife angry that I wasn’t in bed, sleeping away my sorrows. But, I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, put it down. The pages flew by, I wasn’t speed reading either, just enjoying chapter after chapter of inbred, slasher-type mayhem. I loved this story, and I think you’d love it too. Give it a try, for real.
5/5 Watcher Skulls
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
5/5 Watcher Skulls
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
April 4, 2019
I had never seen a warning at the beginning of a book, but I found this fair warning at the beginning of Paradise, Maine. I rubbed my hands together and thought, "Oh, boy!" I was immediately intrigued.
"Fair warning: For mature audiences only. This is a splatter punk novel. There will be carnage, blood, and scenes you may not be able to handle. The author feels the queasy, horrible scenes presented are in line with the story and characters, the good and the very bad, within the work."
Darren and Vanis have pretty much hit rock bottom in their marriage. Darren hears an ad on the radio for a cabin getaway in place called Paradise, Maine. It says spots are limited, and he believes that this could be his and Vanis's way to recharge and rebuild their marriage. He calls and books the getaway.
Paradise, Maine looks like paradise, but its people know a secret, and they know better than to talk.
The Watcher waits. The Watcher watches...for now, and he's hungry and ready for a blood-soaking, gut-spilling race through his woods.
I had a great time with this book. It's filled to the brim (and running over) with blood and gore and twisted situations. Jackson R. Thomas doesn't let you rest. He keeps the tension tight and the anticipation high. Splatter punk for the world!
"Fair warning: For mature audiences only. This is a splatter punk novel. There will be carnage, blood, and scenes you may not be able to handle. The author feels the queasy, horrible scenes presented are in line with the story and characters, the good and the very bad, within the work."
Darren and Vanis have pretty much hit rock bottom in their marriage. Darren hears an ad on the radio for a cabin getaway in place called Paradise, Maine. It says spots are limited, and he believes that this could be his and Vanis's way to recharge and rebuild their marriage. He calls and books the getaway.
Paradise, Maine looks like paradise, but its people know a secret, and they know better than to talk.
The Watcher waits. The Watcher watches...for now, and he's hungry and ready for a blood-soaking, gut-spilling race through his woods.
I had a great time with this book. It's filled to the brim (and running over) with blood and gore and twisted situations. Jackson R. Thomas doesn't let you rest. He keeps the tension tight and the anticipation high. Splatter punk for the world!
March 4, 2019
Well, I'm certainly glad that I wasn't reading this while I was off camping all by myself in the middle of nowhere. I've got a couple of months to forget this book before camping season starts, but then I'll probably think back on it during my first hike when I hear that strange animal cry or that stick break in the dark woods.
A young couple wins a week at an insolated cabin in Paradise, Maine. The timing is perfect for them as they need this time to reconnect and it works like magic. They make love, they have fun, they laugh and the get things off their chest. They're not alone though. The "Watcher" is there too and he's enjoying them, the windows without curtains. The Watcher is looking forward to "meeting" them.
This book is a page turner. I really cared about this couple and two more characters that join in later in the story.
I suggest you read it.........from your hotel in the city.
#Netgalley #Paradise,Maine
A young couple wins a week at an insolated cabin in Paradise, Maine. The timing is perfect for them as they need this time to reconnect and it works like magic. They make love, they have fun, they laugh and the get things off their chest. They're not alone though. The "Watcher" is there too and he's enjoying them, the windows without curtains. The Watcher is looking forward to "meeting" them.
This book is a page turner. I really cared about this couple and two more characters that join in later in the story.
I suggest you read it.........from your hotel in the city.
#Netgalley #Paradise,Maine
March 16, 2019
Review Copy
3.5 stars rounded
Shades of Jack Ketchum! Paradise, Maine is brutal, sexual and gory. That on it's own made it for a fast, fun read. If it had been a slasher flick it would make perfect sense and stand on its own and work perfectly well.
This was a novel (or a long novella) and the writing was confusing if one was trying to follow the dots and figure out all the hows and whys. Thomas answered some questions, but left too many unexplained. Plausible it wasn't. But that isn't why we read/watch this type of horror. In general, extreme horror is cathartic. It fills a need and is fun for many.
I rounded up to 4 stars because sometimes slashing is needed - as long as it's fantasy and not reality. If Jackson Thomas were to get the plot line hammered out, this would be a 5 star story.
3.5 stars rounded
Shades of Jack Ketchum! Paradise, Maine is brutal, sexual and gory. That on it's own made it for a fast, fun read. If it had been a slasher flick it would make perfect sense and stand on its own and work perfectly well.
This was a novel (or a long novella) and the writing was confusing if one was trying to follow the dots and figure out all the hows and whys. Thomas answered some questions, but left too many unexplained. Plausible it wasn't. But that isn't why we read/watch this type of horror. In general, extreme horror is cathartic. It fills a need and is fun for many.
I rounded up to 4 stars because sometimes slashing is needed - as long as it's fantasy and not reality. If Jackson Thomas were to get the plot line hammered out, this would be a 5 star story.
December 25, 2019
This book is fast paced, high anxiety, thriller read. If your looking for a quick fun read, then this book is for you! This book is about a couple that goes on a vacation to help their marriage that’s in a rough patch. When they get to the cabin it’s so nice and beauty, just the trip they needed. They don’t know that there is something lurking in the words ready to play. Get ready for the twists in this book because they hit you at every turn!
March 17, 2019
Terror in the woods!
First I love this author, his other book The Beast of Breton Woods is a super favorite, well written and amazing! This story runs the close same, monster in the woods, a feral madman left loose to do horrific things with enablers practically feeding the monster themselves. No reason given why, we readers are only left to wonder why this is left to happen? Tourism in Paradise Maine sucks, in more then one way.. your basically food for The Watcher and this town covers it up, paid for its silence. Well one couple does not go down easily. My biggest gripe, editing.. The Watcher steals the couples trac phone at the beginning of the story only for it to mysteriously appear again near the end of the story.. this is distracting.... spelling errors, another no. Young Mary? No way an 8 year old has any sense to be able to withstand the brutal onslaught she is faced to handle alone. The sheriff? Not enough back story.. again, no spoilers. I’m not writing this off as a bad review because it’s entertaining in it’s own way. I just wish there was a little bit more depth in the story and in the characters that had to suffer so much for our entertainment. Read and let me know your thoughts!
First I love this author, his other book The Beast of Breton Woods is a super favorite, well written and amazing! This story runs the close same, monster in the woods, a feral madman left loose to do horrific things with enablers practically feeding the monster themselves. No reason given why, we readers are only left to wonder why this is left to happen? Tourism in Paradise Maine sucks, in more then one way.. your basically food for The Watcher and this town covers it up, paid for its silence. Well one couple does not go down easily. My biggest gripe, editing.. The Watcher steals the couples trac phone at the beginning of the story only for it to mysteriously appear again near the end of the story.. this is distracting.... spelling errors, another no. Young Mary? No way an 8 year old has any sense to be able to withstand the brutal onslaught she is faced to handle alone. The sheriff? Not enough back story.. again, no spoilers. I’m not writing this off as a bad review because it’s entertaining in it’s own way. I just wish there was a little bit more depth in the story and in the characters that had to suffer so much for our entertainment. Read and let me know your thoughts!
January 7, 2020
Let’s talk about this one. I read it due to a suggestion of a fellow horror reader. This person all but screamed its praises, and while it is a decently written story, it is fairly by-the-numbers and predictable. It has a warning at the beginning regarding how extreme it is, but in my opinion, this is not nearly as extreme as a Jack Ketchum or Edward Lee story. The author does thank both Ketchum and Lee, as well as Brian Keene, Richard Laymon and Wrath James White. A veritable who’s who of extreme. The only issue is that this story has been done...so many times before. Ketchum’s Off Season is one example.
Plot wise, it’s your troubled couple with a disintegrating marriage who “win” a trip to a beautiful seaside cabin in Paradise, Maine. Complete with ocean views, a quaint little town and miles and miles of woods. What could possibly go wrong, am I right? But...the town has...gasp SECRETS! People who come here die. Or disappear. Or...something.
As disappointed as I was with this book, I still gave it three stars. Even though I found it predictable and saw twists coming, I still enjoyed it.
I recommend this for people who want extreme, but not EXTREME.
Plot wise, it’s your troubled couple with a disintegrating marriage who “win” a trip to a beautiful seaside cabin in Paradise, Maine. Complete with ocean views, a quaint little town and miles and miles of woods. What could possibly go wrong, am I right? But...the town has...gasp SECRETS! People who come here die. Or disappear. Or...something.
As disappointed as I was with this book, I still gave it three stars. Even though I found it predictable and saw twists coming, I still enjoyed it.
I recommend this for people who want extreme, but not EXTREME.
January 19, 2020
It's impossible for me to talk about this book, Jackson R. Thomas' sophomore effort, without a cursory note about Glenn Rolfe.
Glenn Rolfe is one of my newer horror authors, writing some recent killers The Window, Becoming and his amazing debut, The Haunted Halls. His books are always, without a doubt, a great time. When Glenn announced he would be starting a small publishing label, Alien Agenda, I knew that trait would be carried over. If you write as good as Glenn, you're going to have good taste.
And he sure does.
Jackson R. Thomas', the author of Paradise, Maine, writes a white-knuckle relentless thrill ride of a book, and it makes perfect sense the Glenn would have him be one of his flagship authors, in that they have a similar writing style. Fast, tight and to the point, and generally with a huge heaping of gore. Succinct but spends the right amount of time delving details out as needed. My only true qualm with this book, is I do wish some characters were fleshed out a bit more, especially Zebulun, who is a very silly caricature of an action hero, who we know so very little about. He spends most of the book either attacking or being brutally attacked...which leads me to my slightly less trivial critique of how most characters in the book seem to be some level of invincible, taking chapters and chapters to FINALLY bleed to death after being pulverized, dismembered and mutilated, and spend those chapters running through the woods, jumping around and "finding" the necessary energy/skill set to get out of these nasty villains grasp over and over again.
The story is a straight to the point tale of a young couple working on repairing their relationship after a tornado of shitty things sets them back a bit. They decide to spend a weekend on the Maine coast, hiking, camping and sexing will do some reparation. They quickly realize that this isn't literal paradise and more aligned with Hell, as a terrible creature known as The Watcher stalks them. As they attempt to get out, the couple quickly realizes that this is even bigger and scarier than just The Watcher...
I had an amazing time reading Paradise, Maine. This one reads like Laymon or Lee or Ketchum and if you like those authors, you will love this.
Glenn Rolfe is one of my newer horror authors, writing some recent killers The Window, Becoming and his amazing debut, The Haunted Halls. His books are always, without a doubt, a great time. When Glenn announced he would be starting a small publishing label, Alien Agenda, I knew that trait would be carried over. If you write as good as Glenn, you're going to have good taste.
And he sure does.
Jackson R. Thomas', the author of Paradise, Maine, writes a white-knuckle relentless thrill ride of a book, and it makes perfect sense the Glenn would have him be one of his flagship authors, in that they have a similar writing style. Fast, tight and to the point, and generally with a huge heaping of gore. Succinct but spends the right amount of time delving details out as needed. My only true qualm with this book, is I do wish some characters were fleshed out a bit more, especially Zebulun, who is a very silly caricature of an action hero, who we know so very little about. He spends most of the book either attacking or being brutally attacked...which leads me to my slightly less trivial critique of how most characters in the book seem to be some level of invincible, taking chapters and chapters to FINALLY bleed to death after being pulverized, dismembered and mutilated, and spend those chapters running through the woods, jumping around and "finding" the necessary energy/skill set to get out of these nasty villains grasp over and over again.
The story is a straight to the point tale of a young couple working on repairing their relationship after a tornado of shitty things sets them back a bit. They decide to spend a weekend on the Maine coast, hiking, camping and sexing will do some reparation. They quickly realize that this isn't literal paradise and more aligned with Hell, as a terrible creature known as The Watcher stalks them. As they attempt to get out, the couple quickly realizes that this is even bigger and scarier than just The Watcher...
I had an amazing time reading Paradise, Maine. This one reads like Laymon or Lee or Ketchum and if you like those authors, you will love this.
March 2, 2019
I expected an exciting horror novel. There was quite a plethora of violence, sex, and some characters who should not even walk the Earth. I am not certain whether the premise on which this novel is based occurred because of greed or of a "mad scientist" type of research. Truly, it could be either, and certainly a lot of money was routinely paid to maintain silence. In some ways I thought of Nazi Germany and how citizens "turned their heads" and ignored the cattle trains, the smoke, and the smell. In this novel, a tiny community in the forest of coastal Maine hosts a "Watcher," who lives in the woods and is provided blankets and food by the Sheriff. Whenever tourists are brought to the cabins, the Watcher has his excitement, and it ain't pretty.
Rated 18+ due to extreme violence, sex, language.
Rated 18+ due to extreme violence, sex, language.
March 16, 2019
i've read both of Jackson Thomas's books. the beast of Brenton Woods was one hell of a werewolf novel. Paradise Maine went in a totally different direction. it's a brutal story of a couple trying to survive when their vacation to fix their marriage is interupted by a crazy maniac called The Watcher. we were treated to some great character developement along with scenes of extreme horror. we care about these characters which makes their struggle all the more engaging. i've read a lot ofbrutal horror with throw away characters which makes the horror lifeless and inefffective. luckily this is not the case here. we want everyone to survive and overcome. i really enjoyed this. give this a shot if you like extreme horror with believable characters that you give a damn about. i eagerly wait for Thomas's next elease.
May 5, 2019
At a brief 155 pages, Paradise, Maine covers a lot of ground and moves at a quick pace; it’s so fast, you’ll hardly have time to catch your breath as the story nicely fans out into unexpected areas. The characters are sketchily but skilfully drawn, and one of the strengths of the novel is the fact that it is seen from multiple points of view. Darren and Vanis are key players, but there are other travellers, police, locals and a little girl called Mary thrown into the mix. And let us not forget the star of the show, the Watcher himself, who has a decent sized part and is one nasty piece of work. The sequences when Vanis and the Watcher go head to head are a particular highlight; he might be on home turf, but the girl has game.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
March 19, 2019
Outstanding!
5 stars for this intense, fast paced story.
After having been asked by the publisher to read this second book by Jackson R.Thomas in exchange for an honest review I have found this story to be entertaining as it was not merely just a horror story but a intense mix of horror & psychological suspense.
The building tension & anxiety grows heavier with each passing chapter.
As the momentum draws near & the heady cast of characters leaves the reader on edge, it's like a punch to the face! You know what's coming but don't understand the full impact until it happens.
Explosive jaw-dropping ending that the reader will not expect.
Well worth reading!
5 stars for this intense, fast paced story.
After having been asked by the publisher to read this second book by Jackson R.Thomas in exchange for an honest review I have found this story to be entertaining as it was not merely just a horror story but a intense mix of horror & psychological suspense.
The building tension & anxiety grows heavier with each passing chapter.
As the momentum draws near & the heady cast of characters leaves the reader on edge, it's like a punch to the face! You know what's coming but don't understand the full impact until it happens.
Explosive jaw-dropping ending that the reader will not expect.
Well worth reading!
August 22, 2019
Wow, this is what I’m talking about, Mr. Thomas doesn’t play. If I hadn’t been on vacation when I read this I would have finished it in one sitting! This would make a great horror movie, the kind I used to check out back in the Blockbuster days.
Seriously, the author brings us along for a terror filled vacation. I could feel their fear when they were in the Watcher’s grasp, even the horror the townspeople had to live with every day for years. Also the brutality takes your breath away! They are playing a “dark game in Paradise!” And I don’t want to play...
Seriously, the author brings us along for a terror filled vacation. I could feel their fear when they were in the Watcher’s grasp, even the horror the townspeople had to live with every day for years. Also the brutality takes your breath away! They are playing a “dark game in Paradise!” And I don’t want to play...
March 15, 2019
Very Laymonesque!
If you like Richard Laymon you will enjoy Paradise, Maine. This book takes me back to "The Cellar" and "The Funhouse". Good old-fashioned deformed killers in the woods. Can't beat that!
If you like Richard Laymon you will enjoy Paradise, Maine. This book takes me back to "The Cellar" and "The Funhouse". Good old-fashioned deformed killers in the woods. Can't beat that!
December 20, 2019
Paradise, Maine is the first title by author Jackson R. Thomas that I’ve read, and I can tell you that it certainly won’t be the last. This is the sophomore effort from Thomas, his debut being The Beast of Brenton Woods.
Paradise, Maine tell the tale of a married couple who’ve been going through troubles. In an attempt to smooth things over, Darren secures a trip to a secluded cabin in the beautiful town the book takes its name from. As we all know, nothing good in life is free, and there is something quite sinister going on behind the scenes. Can they escape Paradise, or will this be a trip straight to hell?
If this setup sounds like something you might read in a Ketchum or Laymon work, then you’ve hit the nail on the head here. It channels works like that in the best way possible. I don’t want to give anything away, but The Watcher isn’t your average psycho in the woods, and I enjoyed the story behind him.
Our Main players in this story, Darren and Vanis are developed better than I’d expect in a novel like this. There’s enough time exploring their marriage and feelings about where it’s been and their future to make them feel like a real couple trying to fix their marriage.
Again, I don’t want to go into spoilers, but Paradise isn’t exactly what it seems, and there’s real potential here for further exploration. I wish it could have happened in this story, but that may have brought the book to a length undesirable for the story being told. That being said, I’m hopeful that we get more in this universe.
Gore hounds will find plenty to be satisfied about here. The Watcher is a brutal antagonist. He has an insatiable bloodlust and he likes to play with his prey, making for some scenes that will surely make you rethink staying in the woods. He’s got some backstory and he’s got history in the story, much of it left open.
When I finished reading Paradise, Maine I found myself pleasantly surprised. I do enjoy novels like this, although they aren’t my favorite type of horror novel. I found myself enjoying this title much more than I anticipated. Jackson R. Thomas has a sequel to The Beast of Brenton woods coming in 2020 and I’m hoping that with plenty of room for more books in this universe on either side of the timeline, that Thomas will be willing to revisit Paradise.
Paradise, Maine tell the tale of a married couple who’ve been going through troubles. In an attempt to smooth things over, Darren secures a trip to a secluded cabin in the beautiful town the book takes its name from. As we all know, nothing good in life is free, and there is something quite sinister going on behind the scenes. Can they escape Paradise, or will this be a trip straight to hell?
If this setup sounds like something you might read in a Ketchum or Laymon work, then you’ve hit the nail on the head here. It channels works like that in the best way possible. I don’t want to give anything away, but The Watcher isn’t your average psycho in the woods, and I enjoyed the story behind him.
Our Main players in this story, Darren and Vanis are developed better than I’d expect in a novel like this. There’s enough time exploring their marriage and feelings about where it’s been and their future to make them feel like a real couple trying to fix their marriage.
Again, I don’t want to go into spoilers, but Paradise isn’t exactly what it seems, and there’s real potential here for further exploration. I wish it could have happened in this story, but that may have brought the book to a length undesirable for the story being told. That being said, I’m hopeful that we get more in this universe.
Gore hounds will find plenty to be satisfied about here. The Watcher is a brutal antagonist. He has an insatiable bloodlust and he likes to play with his prey, making for some scenes that will surely make you rethink staying in the woods. He’s got some backstory and he’s got history in the story, much of it left open.
When I finished reading Paradise, Maine I found myself pleasantly surprised. I do enjoy novels like this, although they aren’t my favorite type of horror novel. I found myself enjoying this title much more than I anticipated. Jackson R. Thomas has a sequel to The Beast of Brenton woods coming in 2020 and I’m hoping that with plenty of room for more books in this universe on either side of the timeline, that Thomas will be willing to revisit Paradise.
February 9, 2020
I read this ages ago now and thought I'd reviewed it (anyone noticing a theme here?).
Darren and Vanis are a married couple who are having a few problems, to solve that, they decide to fuck everything and go somewhere for a break to reconnect and be at one with each other.
They travel to a cabin in the woods and settle in for some good old fashioned relaxation.
Now, obviously, because it's a cabin in the woods, it's creepy as hell outside but given that they're grown ups and there's sexy times to be had they don't nope the fuck out of there, they stay as weird stuff starts to happen more and more.
Hunter, the Sheriff of Paradise, is not pleasant, he gives not a jot about Darren and Vanis or their issues and turns a blind eye to everything that's going on.
Something lives in the woods, he knows it, the town knows it and we know it, D and V, however, don't know until suddenly they know.
It all goes to hell in a hand basket and there's blood and violence and all that good stuff.
There is a very good base here, a nice layer of story but I can't put my finger on why I don't like it as much as I thought I would, I'm a huge fan of Hunter Shea and I get vibes of his energy in this so I know I want to read more by this author.
One of my favourite parts, in the copy I had anyway, was 'Zebulun Ayers set down his Buck Johnson rifle, wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, and swatted at the fog of MINGES around his head'. I assume the word was supposed to be Midges as we can all imagine a fog of those, a fog of minges, however, is a WHOLE different thing where I'm from and I dont' know if we can get a fog of them.
*Huge thanks to Jackson R. Thomas, Alien Agenda Publishing and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
Darren and Vanis are a married couple who are having a few problems, to solve that, they decide to fuck everything and go somewhere for a break to reconnect and be at one with each other.
They travel to a cabin in the woods and settle in for some good old fashioned relaxation.
Now, obviously, because it's a cabin in the woods, it's creepy as hell outside but given that they're grown ups and there's sexy times to be had they don't nope the fuck out of there, they stay as weird stuff starts to happen more and more.
Hunter, the Sheriff of Paradise, is not pleasant, he gives not a jot about Darren and Vanis or their issues and turns a blind eye to everything that's going on.
Something lives in the woods, he knows it, the town knows it and we know it, D and V, however, don't know until suddenly they know.
It all goes to hell in a hand basket and there's blood and violence and all that good stuff.
There is a very good base here, a nice layer of story but I can't put my finger on why I don't like it as much as I thought I would, I'm a huge fan of Hunter Shea and I get vibes of his energy in this so I know I want to read more by this author.
One of my favourite parts, in the copy I had anyway, was 'Zebulun Ayers set down his Buck Johnson rifle, wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, and swatted at the fog of MINGES around his head'. I assume the word was supposed to be Midges as we can all imagine a fog of those, a fog of minges, however, is a WHOLE different thing where I'm from and I dont' know if we can get a fog of them.
*Huge thanks to Jackson R. Thomas, Alien Agenda Publishing and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
April 9, 2020
This struggled to grab me from the offset and, even though i hoped it would get better, my personal opinion is...it didnt.
Credit for the brutality inflicted by the antagonist, it holds no bounds. And the ending is quite tense.
Unfortunately i found myself rather confused with some passages of writing as the POV switches between paragraphs on occasion. I found myself having to re-read parts to try and get my bearings. Environment descriptions felt too generic as well- something can be said for letting the reader imagine the world, i felt everything was told rather than shown. I like to join the dots myself, rather than have the writer tell me.
Im not sure if the ending purposely leaves it open for a sequel or not. If it does then that would explain the lack of answers to a couple of critical questions. If it doesnt however then im disappointed i never got the answers i was looking for. I can't really go into details without giving away any spoilers.
I also felt the cover could have been a bit more horror driven, rather than what looks like a picture from a holiday brochure. Maybe the writer picked it on purpose, in an ironic sort of way to the content.
Overall, it was an OK read.
Credit for the brutality inflicted by the antagonist, it holds no bounds. And the ending is quite tense.
Unfortunately i found myself rather confused with some passages of writing as the POV switches between paragraphs on occasion. I found myself having to re-read parts to try and get my bearings. Environment descriptions felt too generic as well- something can be said for letting the reader imagine the world, i felt everything was told rather than shown. I like to join the dots myself, rather than have the writer tell me.
Im not sure if the ending purposely leaves it open for a sequel or not. If it does then that would explain the lack of answers to a couple of critical questions. If it doesnt however then im disappointed i never got the answers i was looking for. I can't really go into details without giving away any spoilers.
I also felt the cover could have been a bit more horror driven, rather than what looks like a picture from a holiday brochure. Maybe the writer picked it on purpose, in an ironic sort of way to the content.
Overall, it was an OK read.
April 1, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hmmmm, this one promised big, but in my opinion, didn't deliver big. Overly violent, graphic, I found it a challenging read...The Watcher is a little hard to take, along with the townspeople providing it with blankets. Suspenseful, and would probably make a good movie, just not for me.
Hmmmm, this one promised big, but in my opinion, didn't deliver big. Overly violent, graphic, I found it a challenging read...The Watcher is a little hard to take, along with the townspeople providing it with blankets. Suspenseful, and would probably make a good movie, just not for me.
June 28, 2020
Review to follow but ... EXCELLENT.
April 29, 2019
This sounded like a perfect B-movie backwoods slasher/splatter/gore whatever, and I was not disappointed, mostly. Still, it seems that I've grown tired of the same old, as I had a constant nagging of déjà vu in the back of my head while vacationing in Paradise, Maine. The first half of the book seemed a bit stereotypical, but then I was glad to see that the author threw in some new ideas as well and wrapped it all up in a satisfying gore-fest ending. High entertainment value.
(Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
(Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
September 7, 2020
Liked the werewolf book's, but not this book,
Kill off all the main characters??? A story where evil triumphs! Only the secondary bad guys die? Too much torturing of the innocent! Not an enjoyable read.
Kill off all the main characters??? A story where evil triumphs! Only the secondary bad guys die? Too much torturing of the innocent! Not an enjoyable read.
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