Snowball

by Gregory Bastianelli

A group of motorists become stranded on a lonely stretch of highway during a Christmas Eve blizzard and fight for survival against an unnatural force in the storm. The gathered survivors realize a tenuous connection among them means it may not be a coincidence that they all ended up on this highway. An attempt to seek help leads a few of the travelers to a house in the woods where a twisted toymaker with a mystical snow globe is hell bent on playing deadly games with a group of people just trying to get home for the holidays.

Flame Tree Press is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

Genres: Horror, Christmas, Fiction, Survival, Thriller, Suspense, Novels

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 30, 2020

About the author

Gregory Bastianelli , a New Hampshire native, graduated from the University of New Hampshire where he studied writing under instructors Mark Smith, Thomas Williams and Theodore Weesner.
He worked for nearly two decades at a small daily newspaper where the highlights of his career were interviewing shock rocker Alice Cooper and B-movie icon Bruce Campbell.

He is the author of the novels, "Jokers Club," "Loonies," "Snowball," "Shadow Flicker," and "October."

His pulp horror novella "Lair of the Mole People" appears in the anthology "Men of Mystery Vol. II"

He lives in New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Luvtoread (Trying to catch up) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get Ready! Thrilling And Chilling!

It's Christmas Eve and a blizzard is taking place and the snowplows are out trying to make it safe for all the travelers and last minute Christmas Shoppers. One plow drver is working on the turnpike when suddenly the snow becomes so deep that his vehicle gets stuck and his radio and cell phone have also lost service so he is stranded for the moment. Sometime later a tractor trailer jackknifes on the same turnpike leaving a line of several vehicles to become stranded behind him. All the travellers have different reasons for driving in this snowstorm and many are not dressed appropriately for the horrible weather so some will band together to try to get warm and not lose their sanity or their lives in this particular and peculiar blizzard on Christmas.

What makes this snowstorm so unpredictable and peculiar? What happened to the snowplow driver? Why would people not survive this blizzard? Why is the book titled "Snowball"? You must hurry and read this book now if you want to experience a downright chilling atmospheric story!

This is how I like my horror stories, suspenseful, dark and gritty with a little fun thrown in. Gregory Bastianelli has written the perfect book especially for a cold and wintry night but anytime of year would work for this very creepy and scary story. I found this book deliciously satisfying and so full of wonderful details and description that I could feel the bone chill of the storm and the panic of the characters who were unlucky to be out on this most brutal night (in many different ways) of the year!

Many years ago, I experienced being caught in a blizzard on Christmas Eve and I thought I would never make it home! It took 3 1/2 hours to travel what should have only taken 10-12 minutes. An experience I will never forget, so this story brought back a lot of memories for me, but at least I made it home and so glad that I did not read this book before I had my experience! Lol.

I want to thank the author and the publisher, "Flame Tree Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this surreal horror book and any expressed opinions in this review are mine alonel

I highly recommend to all horror lovers and have given a rating of 4 1/2 Outstanding and Chilling 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 Stars!!

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

A bunch f people travelling separately are stranded by a snowstorm in New Hampshire. To make matters worse, its Christmas eve. They are all trying to get home for Christmas but the snow is coming down to heavy for them to move, plus they are stuck behind the snow plough but the driver is no where to be seen. They all eventually end up together in an RV owned by a strange old couple. They decide to pass the time by telling the story of their worst winter. Its ot long before they all realise they are not strangers but that they all have a connection in common. And things go from bad to worse.

This book was not what I expected it to be. My thoughts from reading the blurb was it's about a psycho who was killing people who were stuck in a blizzard. But it's more a supernatural/horror story. The story is told from multiple points of view. The story gets more interesting in the second half when two of them leave the comfort of the RV in search of help. I don't want to say anymore as I would spoil it for you.

I would like to thank NetGalley Flame Tree Press and the author Gregory Bastianelli for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shruti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Underwhelming.

Snowball is a supernatural horror by Gregory Bastianelli that has a strong start but about halfway, its plot starts to weaken.

It's Christmas Eve and a group of people get stranded on a highway in the middle of a snowstorm. As they await a rescue team, they share stories of their worst winters and realize that there's a strange connection between them. On seeing a light in the woods, a few of them undertake the mission to go seek help and thus begins their nightmare.

I enjoyed reading the start because it was gripping and seemed fast-paced. But the supernatural elements and the twists and the turns, all felt a little bland. The chapters are short and it's a quick and fun read but sadly, it didn't meet my expectations. The writing is great but I didn't get attached to any of the characters which made reading this book a mediocre experience. I wouldn't recommend it.

[I'd like to thank NetGalley, Gregory Bastianelli and Flame Tree Press for this ARC.]

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited for this book. The idea was great, and I LOVE snow isolation stories. To bad the execution was so poor. I considered donating the book to a charity shop but I really don't want to inflict it on anyone else.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Eve in New Hampshire, 2018. A wet, rapidly falling,swirling heavy snow would soon produce wipeout conditions unbeknownst to travelers getting a late start enroute to their Christmas destinations. The snowplow driver, seemingly visualizing a deer and several bucks out in the storm, slammed on his brakes and got stuck in snow reaching to the top of his plow blade. Attempting to shovel his way out, he noticed a tall, motionless figure in the road. It was a snowman. "Beneath the coal-black eyes and long crooked carrot nose was a black mouth grinning with two rows of sharp teeth." The wind screeched and howled. An old legend of The Banshee came to mind. The Banshee was "a mythical messenger of death...the entity came every year to warn of someone's impending demise with her ominous wailing." When, "swirling snow camouflages the snowplow", the next vehicle jackknifed creating an eight car pile up whose occupants would not make it home on Christmas Eve.

Who are these travelers? Graham Sawyer picked up Clark Brooks, a childhood friend, at the airport. Kirk Britton and his girlfriend Sonya were college students. Dean Hagen was a consultant whose job entailed eliminating "expendable employees". Consistent bickering occurred between parole officer Mason Drake and wife, Joy. Shelby, stuck in her minivan with two children, told herself to "keep it together and be strong" for the sake of the kids. Lewis Felker, dressed in Salvation Army attire warned, "I wouldn't go out there [in the storm] if I were you." The majority of the travelers elect to gather in the RV of elderly Mr. and Mrs. Volkmann. The RV had enough propane to keep everyone warm and sufficient food to keep them fed until help came. Tucker Jenks decided to stay in his tractor-trailer.

It started with a snowball! This scary, horror novel is perfectly spooky for Halloween as well as being an excellent seasonal Christmas read. The travelers, drinking hot cocoa in the RV, exchanged stories of their "worst winter ever" while waiting for the storm to pass. "The outline of a figure taking shape in the distance...It was a man, he was almost sure...The man wore a black coat and had a red shirt underneath...he realized something odd about the figure...[he] carried a large pair of [something] metal..." The wailing wind was disquieting. Perhaps these travelers had been "forgotten" while rescue efforts were underway. Graham and Clark noticed a dim light on the other side of the woods. In snowdrifts, at times, almost up to their waists, they followed the light and journeyed to a solitary house with the hope of requesting help. An unputdownable read!

Thank you Flame Tree Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Snowball" by Gregory Bastianelli.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish to thank NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for this gripping tale of supernatural and horror. Keep in mind that this a well-written fantasy that is divorced from anything that could occur in reality, I hope, so be prepared to suspend disbelief. This is a great scary winter tale while watching the snowbanks outside.

The situation evokes my greatest winter fear. I live in the Atlantic Provinces in Canada where we can get some monstrous snowstorms. I recall a couple of past storms where the snowdrifts reached the tops of both doors and I was trapped inside for several days. The thoughts of being stranded in a vehicle keeps me off the highway in winter months.

The author writes an atmospheric story with images of a raging snowstorm with accompanying winds is vividly described and believable. A snowplow operator becomes stuck in the drifting snow. A trailer truck jackknifes across the highway behind him, and a row of vehicles become stuck behind with no way past. It is Christmas Eve and the people are anxious to get home to family and friends. When they realize that rescue is not coming anytime soon, their concern is finding shelter from the cold. Hypothermia is a worry. The snowplow driver has vanished.

As if the freezing cold and the howling blizzard are not enough, there are killer snowmen, an ugly, frightening Krampus, a roar perceived to be that of a banshee, an iceman carrying a bloody ice pick, visions of dead people from the characters’ past, and a ghost engaged in a diabolical game with humans as pawns. All are lurking about in the darkness, bringing fright, danger, and death.

This is a well-written plot. The author develops a story that moves from quiet desperation to spine-tingling terror, and on to frenzied action and mayhem. The personalities of the stranded group of strangers make them believable. Soon the group starts to suspect that they all have a hidden connection hidden in their past. They have a hunch that they are not trapped here by coincidence but have been brought here by some fiendish plan. They are not even sure where they are anymore, as some highway landmarks are missing.

Some of the characters from the vehicles show outstanding resourcefulness and heroism, bordering on foolhardiness, others exhibit cowardice, selfishness, and treachery. Some have found warmth and shelter in an RV, while others chose to remain in their own vehicles. Both choices may have terrible outcomes. On seeing a distant light from a house, two brave men decide to track through snowbanks up to their hips and waists hoping to call for rescue. Not a good idea!! Who, if any, will survive this very bad Christmas?

Recommended for readers who enjoy supernatural and horror, with added elements of over the top fantasy, and can settle down for a good scary winters’ tale.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

SNOWBALL is the first novel I have read from author Gregory Bastianelli. This one is published by Flame Tree Press, a name that has released some of my top reads over the past two years. What begins with a snowplow blocking a road in a full-on blizzard, ends up with eight cars suddenly stuck behind it, with no help in sight.

". . . the exit ain't there. There's nothing there. Just snow."

The tension sets in immediately in this book--the reader quickly realizing that these specific people must have . . . something . . . linking them to be stranded together in this otherworldly storm.

". . . Everything happens for a reason."

We start out with short chapters, introducing us to the individual characters in their respective vehicles. I honestly enjoyed this approach as it gave me time to get a feel for each person, instead of being hopelessly confused if the ten were simply brought in together in the same scene. By the time they do get together--in one couple's RV--I already felt I "knew" them well enough.

". . . Sometimes our choices are taken out of our control . . . "

A sinister feeling continues to amp up more rapidly at this point, as several characters share their "worst winter" memories. The reader knows this is leading up to something, but just what, is cleverly concealed yet.

". . . that's all life is, a matter of chance."

I don't want to give anything away that would spoil this novel. Going into it with no idea of what to expect made the tale so much more effective for me. I enjoyed the writing style, the pressure when the atmosphere began to change in its intensity, and all the unseen twists in between. The characters--whether I liked or disliked them--felt real, and this helped make the most impossible of ideas seem plausible in the given situation.

". . . we're all just pieces moving around."

Overall, another winner from Flame Tree Press, and I will be looking up other books by this author for future reads.

Highly recommended.

Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/31No5zD

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to know if a Christmas horror book is for me in three easy steps:
1. It’s a Christmas horror book!
2. Include this quote in the first chapter -

The snowman’s head rose, tilted back as its face came into view. Beneath the coal-black eyes and long crooked carrot nose was a black mouth grinning with two rows of sharp teeth.

3. Actually, I don’t need any additional information. Bah humbug!

“What was your worst winter memory?”

This Christmas Eve, during one of the worst snowstorms in New Hampshire’s history, a group of motorists are faced with the nightmares of winters past. Stranded on the highway with the snow building up around their vehicles, these strangers will learn there’s something that connects them. The past is coming back to bite them, possibly literally.

Everything got screwed up at Christmastime.

Featuring (amongst other creepies) snowmen, Krampus, a snowglobe and a toy maker who wants to play a game, our unwitting players have the odds stacked against them.

Lining up to freeze to death (if something worse doesn’t get them first) …

This is Toby Hodge’s final Christmas with his son, Evan, and his grandkids before he and his wife, Nell, move to Florida. A snowplow driver who’s plowing his final stretch of highway before retirement, Toby is the first person we meet. The first person introduced in a horror story tends to either be the first victim or the main character. I was veering toward ‘hero’ until I learned he was about to retire.

In his late 40’s, Mason Drake is a parole officer. He and his wife, Joy, have been together for over 20 years. They have teenage children, Duncan and Daria. They have been arguing today. Joy got a tad too friendly with a coworker during an office Christmas party. Their arguing and Joy’s indiscretion may not bode well for them.

A trucker, Tucker Jenks had planned on visiting his sister in Cranford, New Jersey on his way to drop off electronics in Manchester before the storm. Trucker’s friend in northern New Hampshire is letting him stay with him instead, if he can make it there. He smokes a joint but he also loved his Nana, so his chances of survival are fair.

Dean Hagen flew in from Alaska after his mother called to tell him his father was in the ICU after slipping on ice and cracking his hip so he gets brownie points for that. However, he’d “been on a consulting assignment for the past two months there, winnowing out the expendable employees at a manufacturing plant.” The Christmas misery he’s dealt to others may attract some bad karma.

Graham Sawyer picked up his best friend, Clark Brooks, at Boston’s Logan airport. Graham’s wife, Natalie, had wanted Clark to take the bus instead and Graham probably should have listened to her. She’s waiting at home for him with their three daughters. Clark is a divorce attorney from Emeryville, California. They have the potential to be this story’s heroes but not all heroes survive.

Kirk Britton and his girlfriend, Sonya Tackett, are college students with one semester left before graduation. They’re on their way to Sonya’s parents’ home for the holidays. Kirk has a surprise planned for Sonya on Christmas morning but given the horror lore surrounding people who have sex, they’re probably both toast.

Shelby Wallace wasn’t supposed to be driving her two children home from their father’s but he’s drunk. Again. So Shelby is driving Luke (8) and Macey (10) home to spend Christmas with her. Shelby is comfortable in her damsel in distress routine and Macey is kinda whingey so I wasn’t overly attached to their survival. However, I liked Luke; he’s determined and willing to do what he can to be brave in really scary situations.

Werner and Francine Volkmann have been around the country in their RV visiting relatives. They planned to see grandchildren in New Hampshire for Christmas but were behind schedule, so they’re joining the other potential popsicles on the highway.

Finally, Lewis Felker spent Christmas Eve freezing outside a department store ringing his Salvation Army bell, collecting donations. Sure, he stole some of the money to finance his alcoholism but in theory all of that alcohol in his bloodstream should keep him slightly warmer than everyone else. He’s also the one who seems to figure out how dire everyone’s situation is first so maybe he has a chance after all.

I had fun reading this book. I expected more bloodshed and less background information about all of the characters although, to be fair, the relevance of the details of their worst winter memories became apparent as the story unfolded. The reasoning behind why this was happening to this specific group of people seemed a bit flimsy to me but the images of those snowmen helped distract me from most of my lingering questions.

[No, this toothy guy doesn’t line up with the descriptions in the book but I loved him and wanted to share him with you.]

“Things aren’t always what they seem to be.”

The two main questions that are still nagging me:
1. Why is a Christmas horror story being released in January?
2. What was inside the box in Tucker’s truck?

“Will Santa still come if we’re not home in time?”

Content warnings include mention of death by suicide and alcoholism.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for the opportunity to read this book.

[Laurie Tell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a creepy, scary ride.

The good
It was really well written. I read this in the middle of August but started thinking it was winter where I was. I was drawn into this world, and could visualize it all.
I liked the characters, even the bad ones were people you loved to hate.
It was scary, it was suspenseful, it was creepy.

The not so good
It was a horror novel, so I expect weird. But I felt like it was a suspenseful slow build to horror, then suddenly it accelerated so fast I got whiplash. There was some good character development, then suddenly it turned super scary and I lost a little bit of The people connection.

I want to thank the publisher and #net galley for an ARC which did not affect my review.

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley. When I first requested this book, I'll admit that I didn't read what it was about. All I saw was that fantastic cover, and I thought "snow, cold, blood and Flame Tree!" Really, that's all I needed to know. Then, I finally got around to reading it, and read a few reviews beforehand. Everyone seemed to like it, but all I saw was Krampus and killer snowmen. I thought, crikey! What the heck have I gotten myself into? I hate books like this. Still, I decided to give it a go. I loved it! The concept this author came up with is very imaginative! I had a few doubts along the way, but I was never bored. I've now gone to Amazon and put 2 of his books on my wishlist. Kudos to the author!

[Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this book was freaking fantastic! It exceeded all of my expectations. If you are a fan of horror, you'll definitely want to read this. This is the perfect book to read on a winter evening, or even when it's 95 degrees out like it is here unfortunately. Seriously, this book was so good, I may just have to read it again when we get some cold weather, if we ever get any.

I had actually never heard of the author until I read this but I was impressed by his writing style and want to read more of his books. This story has so many layers to it, and twists and turns, and stories within stories that you'll want to read this in one sitting. I usually don't get creeped out by horror stories, only movies, but this book did creep me out some. Let's just say, I'll never look at another snowman or snow globe the same way ever again!

*I received this ARC from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Steve T · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun holiday/seasonal horror read. A group of travelers caught in a Christmas Eve blizzard take shelter in a nearby RV as they wait for the storm to pass. Connections are made when they start sharing their "worst Christmas ever" stories and that's when this book goes full-on horror. This was a weird read that kept my attention even as the story got a little wacky. Well-written and engaging.

Snowball will be available on January 30, 2020. Another winner from Flame Tree Press.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I will never look at a snowman the same way ever again. :)

A group of motorists become stranded on a desolate stretch of highway during a blizzard. The snow and cold conditions are dangerous enough....but then they realize there is something lurking in the snow. Something dark. Something dangerous...... Gregory Bastianelli brings horror to Christmastime with this eerie tale! Awesomely creepy read!!

I love a good scare...and this book delivered! I kept imagining myself in the same situation. It would be terrifying to be stranded....but stranded with a malevolent being toying with your life? That adds a whole new dimension to things. The story builds revealing a bit more about what's actually going on...but just a bit at a time. The ending was great! This would be a perfect book for a horror lover to read while it's snowing outside. Unfortunately, here in NC this year, no snow yet. So I had to enjoy a snow-free experience...but still enjoyed the story!

This is the first book I've read by this author. I will definitely be reading more. Very entertaining and creepy read! Loved it!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. And no....I do not want to build a snowman. Nope, nope, nope.**

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas eve blizzard wreaks havoc and a group of random strangers or are they? Are trapped in their cars. Nothing is what it seems in this book. A new author for me and boy does he have an imagination. Ďark, scary and utterly gripping. I read this book in one sitting and I admit with all the lights on and snuggled under my duvet. Eight strangers have something in common but what is it? And more importantly who is pulling the strings?? Full of tension and suspense which gave me chills. Creepy and as for the killers definitely not what I was expecting. This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last. A horror murder mystery and so much more I loved it!!!!!

[Steve Stred]

Tapping out at 25%.
I'm never a fan of DNFing, but this one just never sucked me in. The opening chapter is great, builds suspense and a great WTF moment, but then we get 8 or 9 chapters introducing us to people I just can't care about. When stuck in a snow storm on a highway - which I've experienced a few times unfortunately - you work to conserve resources and heat. You don't typically act in completely odd ways and not at all how people would act. Having sex in a car and falling asleep? Nope. Just won't happen for a variety of reasons.
Wish this one clicked - just didn't.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for a free e-copy of Snowball in exchange for an honest review.**

On a highway in New Hampshire on Christmas Eve, multiple motorists become stranded during a massive snowstorm. There's no cell phone service and even the CB radios are no longer working. But even more horrifying than this blizzard is what's waiting in the woods beyond the highway. You see, this storm was no natural occurrence; there's an evil toymaker that's playing his latest deranged game with those stranded in the blizzard. And he's hellbent on winning.

This was a solid 3 star read for me. To be honest, I didn't even read the synopsis when I asked for an ARC. I requested it because of the fantastic cover and the fact that it's published by Flame Tree. That being said, this isn't what I expected, but I still enjoyed it. I do wish there was a little more fleshing out in the last quarter. I know horror can sometimes go a bit sideways, but at times I felt like there was a little too much wackiness going on. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a unique, bizarre Christmas horror story.

[Aiden Merchant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard a lot of mixed things about Snowball prior to receiving an ARC for review. Having heard some of the common complaints ahead of time actually may have helped my enjoyment of it, though. Yes, it has a few glaring issues - the first hundred or so pages are boring, the worst Christmas memories act as an hinderance to the pacing, and I was still left with questions when everything came to a sudden end - but the writing is good and the idea a promising one. It could have used some more sharpening and detailing - as well as some compression edits to those first hundred-some pages - but this was a solid read. The second half was certainly better than the first, and I feel like a lot of horror fans will enjoy the action to be found there. Despite my complaints with the novel, it hasn't turned me away from the author; I would read him again.

I received a paperback ARC from the publisher, Flame Tree Press, for review considerstion.

Official Website: www.aidenmerchant.com
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Twitter @ AidenMerchant89

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me a good scare... And this was a chiller of a story. A group of people were stranded in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. And strange things happened. They decided to join a strange couple on their RV... Soon stores about worst winters were told when they realized it was not serendipity but something else was at play. They had something in common.

My first book by George Bastianelli and I have to the say the author can give me a good scare. My love for horror got a spark up with this book. I relished the slow build of the dark threatening atmosphere. I could feel the noose tightening up... Oh, can the author write horror...

Cute looking snowmen came alive, deaths occurred. Supernatural forces were at play. The author's hand wrote some darn good scenes. Creepily suspenseful... The second half of the book got the heart pounding and adrenaline flowing...

After reading this book, I was thankful that it never snows in my end of the globe... 😂 😂 Gregory Bastianelli made sure I never long to build a snowman. Who knows when it would come alive?!! Do you?

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one from my Christmas stash, thematically hoarded up throughout the year for the special occasion. I didn’t manage a Christmas themed scary movie this year, so I’ve made up for it in literary form. This would make a great Christmas scary movie, actually. It has all the beloved elements of the season (snow, snowmen, snowball fights and other non snow related things too), but each one turned into something sinister courtesy of the deliciously demented mind of the author. So a bunch of motorists get stranded in a huge blizzard on Christmas eve…they decide to last out the night gathered together in an RV belonging to an elderly couple passing the time by telling each other stories of their worst Christmases ever. No, that sounds almost cozy. And this definitely isn’t a cozy story. Because soon these stories begin to manifest as reality and as you know, in a thick blanket of snow no one can hear you scream…for your life. And then, if that wasn’t messed up enough, it turns out there’s an evil undead toymaker with a diabolical revenge plan operating the strings of this pantomime. Now it’s just a straight up battle for survival (gameplaying can be deadly (as Ready or Not the movie can show you and you haven’t watched it, you really ought to) and getting snowed in has never been more dangerous. So yeah, oodles of fun. I really enjoyed this one. I liked the way the author made all the beloved Christmas elements so decidedly creeptastic, I liked the writing and I liked how Christmasy it all was. I mean, yes, there’s gore and guts and blood for all the seasoned genre fans, but also things like the creepiest snowmen ever for the seasonal genre fans. Something for everyone. Plus an all around fun survival tale with players having something like a snowball’s chance in a certain hot, hot place of making it alive. Very entertaining indeed. It takes place from Christmas eve and into Christmas day, so I read it slightly prematurely, ideally it would have been timed just so, but there was celebrating and eating one’s weight in pie to be done. But even still it worked very well, although did its best work in the dark. Now with my new paperwhite kindle the ability to enjoy the scariest of stories without turning the lights on just never gets old. Love it. So yeah, a grand feast of Christmas frights. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

[Chandra Claypool (WhereTheReaderGrows) · Rating 2 out of 5]

"There is no after life; there is only after death."

I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be stranded on a secluded part of a highway, in a snow storm with no ways to communicate and not knowing when and if any help would come along the way. SCARY. Which is why I love these types of survival reads. This started off well enough with getting to know the insipid characters. There was only one couple within the lot that I particularly liked but they didn't stay in the story long enough for me to hold on to that feeling. I do love to hate characters though. However, while I don't always need to be connected with the characters of a book, I neither liked nor disliked the characters left in this one.

Here's the thing. We get a sense of the characters, some of their background and their eerie worst Christmas of their lives stories. As things begin to get off center, we get that eerie feeling of a weird shitstorm about to happen within the snow storm itself. YAY - bring on the gruesome madness please! But it didn't *quite* get there for me. For the last third, it went a bit sideways and when the reasoning for all this happening became clear I was left going "Really? THAT'S why?" And look, I know with horror, sometimes the littlest things can snowball into the worst days of someone's life. (See what I did there?) But I needed a bit more in terms of why it went this way and what in the ever living hell did it actually mean in the long run. More bloody meat to this horror sandwich please! I was invested when it felt more of a true then haunting the now type of story with their various childhood monstrosities coming to fruition. Throw in an unneeded and obscure romantic line and you've now lost me.

This wasn't a terrible read by any means. I enjoyed it for the fun gritty Christmas horror it was meant to be. The ending just left me a bit flummoxed. I needed more scare and less bafflement. Unfortunately not the read for me but I do think if you like a bit of supernatural with your survival horror, then you should give this a go and enjoy it for the weirdness that it is.

Thank you Smith Publicity and Flame Tree Press for this copy.

[Rob Twinem · Rating 1 out of 5]

Snow creates a wonderful setting and atmosphere and is particularly effective when applied to a horror story. This crisp souless, and silence stage needs little extra in the way of descriptions or characters....the silence says it all....

For the first 25% of Snowball the scene is set; a snowplough breaks down in the foulest of New Hampshire weather, leaving in its trail an asortment of abandoned vehicles. The occupants all regroup to recover in an RV, itself a casualty of the snowy conditions. With time on their hands this reluctant cast of survivors retell stories of unusual and horrific happenings from winters past. From this moment Snowball desintegrates into a rather laughable series of events more suitable to a teenage readership than the audience it was intended.

[Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a chilling horror story but wasn't my cup of tea. It wasn't bad written but the story didn't grasp me.

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly am batting 1000 with some of my holiday reads this December and I must say Snowball knocked it out of the park! The book opens with a snowplow driver on a desolate highway on Christmas Eve in the middle of a blizzard lamenting the fact that he should have retired BEFORE the holidays. Suddenly he is stuck in the middle of storm and his accident leads others to pile up behind him. The only problem is no one can find the driver, only his snowplow and a seat covered with blood.

Over the next few chapters, Bastianelli introduces the reader to other other people crazy enough to be traveling in the middle of a blizzard on Christmas Eve and their reasoning for making such a questionable decision. You have a young couple in love, an elderly couple in an RV whom I never trusted for a minute because I've read Doctor Sleep, a single business man, a husband and wife duo, a trucker, a mother and her two young children and college friends. One by one they each encounter their own perils as they try to determine what is going on and find their way home. Without giving away anything more, I'll just add that if you love horror, snowy settings, and action then immediately add this book to your TBR.

While I didn't love all of the characters in Bastianelli's novel, I was interested in all of them which is rare when I don't feel a connection. I was seriously curious about what was going on and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what happened next. Also I won't lie - from the beginning I wanted some of these people to die. And not only do we have the blizzard itself, the individuals also have to deal with snowmen with teeth, scary Christmas legends, a man with a ice hooks and a few other surprises. As Snowball plays out, the reader starts making sense of what is happening and it's one twisted ride!

This is a perfect read for someone want to jazz up their winter months with blood, horror and an action-packed thrill ride. I really have no complaints about the book whatsoever except for the stupid lovebirds which are so in love it is clouding their common sense. There is no insta-love and the romance is extremely minimal so if those things bug you, pick up this book anyway because they won't are barely present. I loved Snowball and Bastianelli is an author to watch!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Janelle Janson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up SNOWBALL by Gregory Bastianelli because HORROR and CHRISTMAS go together like CHOCOLATE and PEANUT BUTTER. It’s a delicious combo, so I am always seeking out new books to add during the winter season. This is definitely an entertaining read!

Set in New Hampshire on Christmas Eve, we follow a group of travelers that get stranded on a deserted highway during a snowstorm. A snowplow gets stuck causing an eight vehicle pileup leaving said travelers to fend for themselves. The survivors gather together waiting for the storm to pass and as they get to talking, they realize there is a connection between them, and like any survival story, bad things always happen.

If I finish a book, that usually means I liked it. I love unlikeable characters, I don’t need to feel a connection to any characters, and I’m fine if I don’t get the perfect ending BUT it always has to appeal to me. This book is pretty good. My least favorite aspect is the ending because I like things to make sense. And something about the story’s pace didn’t flow for me. It wasn’t horror-y enough for me personally, but please do not let me deter you if you are intrigued by the synopsis - it’s always good to try things for yourself.

Thank you so much @smithpublicity for my free copy.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy and atmospheric, Snowball by Gregory Bastianelli is definitely eerie and has a great premise. Set in New Hampshire, it’s Christmas Eve during a brutal snow storm and travelers are stranded on a highway. They have gathered together in the RV of a strange older couple for shelter and company. There’s seemingly no connection between them but as the evening progresses and the stranded tell their most awful winter-time stories correlations come to light.

Snowball has every element needed to make for a great horror read: it has great characters with traumatic pasts, sets a sinister mood, and of course, there’s some really scary monsters.
It’s fast paced and kept my interest. A must read for fans of the horror genre. I’ll be reading more from Mr. Bastianelli in the future.

A big thank you to NetGalley & Flame Tree Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a gamble with this book and I really liked it. A group of people are all stuck in a snow storm and they are all connected to someone. People start putting pieces together and realize they are all part of a bigger game, which can mean life or death.

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Eve blizzard wreaks havoc on what at first appears to be a group of random strangers trying to head home for the holiday. An accident on the highway causes the only 8 vehicles with occupants crazy enough to be out in this weather to become stranded. I love Christmas themed horror and anything to do with storms so while I already expected to love this story I was surprised to find myself mostly reading it in bed at night huddled under the blankets so as not to shiver. This book literally made me cold with the descriptive passages of drifting snow, howling winds and freezing temperatures. That's before the icy chill of supernatural horror even began. One would think this would be the worst catastrophe these characters had ever experienced, but no, they each have a ghastly story to share of their worst winter memory that makes being caught in a blizzard seem like a day at the beach.
This is the kind of book that makes me wonder why in the world the movie theaters are so full of reboots, remakes, and stale sequels. Film makers should really pick up a book once in a while. You'll want to turn up your heat before you read this one, and if the kids have built a snowman in your yard close the blinds and pull the shades so it can't see you.


I received an advance copy for review.

[D.K. Hundt · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘A group of motorists become stranded on a lonely stretch of highway during a Christmas Eve blizzard and fight for survival against an unnatural force in the storm.’

Horror and Christmas, Yes Please!

SNOWBALL, by Gregory Bastianelli, starts really good, with a few creepy scenes throughout that I really liked and some that didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but other readers may feel differently.

If the synopsis sparks your interest, then, by all means, take a bite and delve into the creative mind of the author - you never know what you will find lurking within.

Thank you, NetGalley and Flame Tree Press, for loaning me an advance eBook of SNOWBALL in exchange for an honest review.

Scheduled to release - January 30, 2020

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars

I enjoyed this title to a certain degree. I liked the idea, motorists caught in a blizzard. The execution, however, could have been a tad better. Not enough characterization in my opinion. I found myself mixing characters with one another and often had to check back to figure them out. The action is what sells SNOWBALL, because when the blood hits the dashboards the plot never lets up. All in all, not too bad of a novel. I would certainly give the author another shot.

[OutlawPoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this got lost on my Kindle - I just found it again and I'm so glad I did!

This is a seriously fun holiday horror!

While a bit silly in parts, it's also really creepy and the author has so much fun with it that you soon forget the silly bits and just get lost in the sheer entertainment of it!

Parts are rather gruesome, some parts are horribly sad, and the rest is simply chilling!

I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the author again!