Within the walls

by Michael Whelan

Trying to escape a recent tragedy that might have cost Paul his sight, he and his mother move into a run-down apartment building. They are warmly welcomed by their inhabitants who seem to embrace each other as a way of dealing with the harsh reality of low-paying jobs, overdue bills, and lack of hope for better days. Despite the constant struggle for money and the difficulties of Paul to adapt to his disability, his mother and son begin to enjoy some relatively peaceful times. But then, neighbors are found brutally murdered in their own rooms. As the killer attacks again and grows more vicious, Paul begins to hear inexplicable sounds coming from within the walls.

172 pages, Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I’ve often said that the subgenre of haunted houses has been done and overdone to the point of exhaustion. So it is remarkable to find a haunted building story that actually felt fresh. This novella was written from an imaginative perspective that made it feel unique. The story blended together elements of the supernatural with the horrors of human depravity, which made for a disturbing reading experience. As a desentized reader, I must say that I like a book than can actually make me uncomfortable.

The story started off with an incredible prologue that immediately caught my attention. Within the walls of the apartment, the author described a space that was absolutely visceral and truly terrifying. There were some excellent word choices that conjured up some very gruesome imagery.

As a novella, I thought this was just the right length. In a short number of pages, the author was able to develop well rounded characters that I actually cared about. Yet, the story was still short enough to keep me gripped the entire time. The story built the suspense slowly towards an intense, satisfying climax.

I must note that there were some technical error in my digital copy. While those mistakes did not take away my enjoyment of this story, they made the novella feel less polished.

Regardless, I would still recommend this novella to horror readers looking for a creative take on the haunted house narrative with some delicious gruesome scenes.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this story from the author.

[Amanda "Coffin Critiques" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this from one of the YouTubers I watch through an ad he read on his video and I was intrigued. When I heard the name Michael Whelan, I immediately assumed it was one in the same with the illustrator of novels for Brandon Sanderson and Stephen King, but apparently this is a totally different person. Even so, through a lot of help from the author himself, I finally got to read this novella. Copies can be bought only through his website currently, https://authormichaelwhelan.com/ for, I believe, about $3. Anyway, the story itself was strange. I found myself captivated by the prologue right away. I loved the intricate wording this author uses to weave stomach churning visuals. His descriptive tactics are tasteful and hard hitting. I would say that is the books strongest feature. One part in specific will be ingrained into my mind most likely, forever. He mixes real life depravities with horrific impossibilities and created something wonderfully eccentric. I will say I found the pattern of information to be somewhat jumpy, but not to the point where it becomes confusing to figure out what is taking place. Just could have been a little more detailed in that respect so as to keep the reader from figuring out the timeline for themselves. However, it does add to the narrative since during the last few sentences the narrator reveals their identity and it makes a little more sense as to why it would be perceived this way. All in all, I gave this a rating which is truthfully much more lenient of a score than I would credit to most other authors for the same work but because the story was captivating and this author is of the new self published variety, I find these issues to be so minor compared to the plot twists and imagery provided. I really did enjoy this one. I found myself disgusted, apprehensive and enthralled and completely disregarding the usual complaints of a debut author. I would say this is probably one of the best debut novels I have read.

[Isaac Thorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Whelan's unique take on the haunted house tale can get a little confusing if you're not paying close attention. I had to reread a couple of sections to understand what was happening. That said, the story is fresh and enjoyable.

My only criticism is the author's use of some shorthand techniques in the narrative, such as using "..." to indicate pauses or silence from a character in dialogue. These types of shortcuts happen a lot in this text. Actually showing the reader the other person's reaction (via facial expressions or gestures) might make for a more entertaining read.

Overall, this was a fun read. I recommend it.

[William Blackwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some might find Michael Whelan's Within the Walls confusing up until about the halfway point.

I know I did. But stick with it.

Although it shatters many storytelling conventions such as point of view, characterization, and plot, it is nonetheless a compelling read. A creative twist on the haunted house narrative, it grabs your attention in the later chapters and keeps you locked into the horrifying roller-coaster ride right up until the shocking and unexpected ending.

For a debut novel, it's a solid effort and an entertaining read.