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Ravenous
Terrible things are happening in the tiny town of Spangle, California. Creatures never before seen explode from the shadows. Hunter becomes prey. Man becomes food.
After seeing his lover torn apart before his eyes, Terry Jones sets out with his little pug, Bruce, to escape the mayhem. Secluding himself in a mountain cabin, he lies low, expecting death at every moment. So lonely he almost welcomes it.
From the dreadful emptiness of this terrifying new world where every breath might be his last, a stranger appears. And beyond all imagining, love enters the picture yet again.
With someone at last to hold, Terry rediscovers his zest for life--and his fear of death.
Finally, with Jonas James at his side, he finds the courage to fight back.
After seeing his lover torn apart before his eyes, Terry Jones sets out with his little pug, Bruce, to escape the mayhem. Secluding himself in a mountain cabin, he lies low, expecting death at every moment. So lonely he almost welcomes it.
From the dreadful emptiness of this terrifying new world where every breath might be his last, a stranger appears. And beyond all imagining, love enters the picture yet again.
With someone at last to hold, Terry rediscovers his zest for life--and his fear of death.
Finally, with Jonas James at his side, he finds the courage to fight back.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2020
11 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
John Inman
42 books442 followersA Lambda Literary Award finalist and the author of over forty novels, John has been writing fiction for as long as he can remember. Born on a small farm in Indiana, he now resides in San Diego, California where he spends his time gardening, pampering his pets, hiking and biking the trails and canyons of San Diego, and of course, writing. He and his partner share a passion for theater, books, film, and the continuing fight for marriage equality. If you would like to know more about John, check out his website at----
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 11, 2020
This book managed to combine all of my favorite things. Blood and gore. Humor. Romance. And let's not forget adorable little dogs. Dogs who were not harmed during the writing of this story I might add.
My first reaction was that this felt similar to the plot of A Quiet Place (I loved that movie), but instead of sound, the creatures here were alerted to the presence of their prey by the smell of human blood. A single drop of blood. There were so many times when I thought Terry or Jonas were going to accidentally cut themselves that it gave me a general sense of foreboding. I was like don't do it man. Put that razor down. You don't need to shave your face right now. Not even to save Jonas from beard burn. And them going into dark caves looking for the creatures gave me serious claustrophobia. I imagined myself getting stuck and not able to inch my way out, and bugs would then be crawling on my face, and let's not even talk about the rattlesnake that Jonas saw slither in the small cave entrance right ahead of them. Nope. Sorry. Can't go there. The blood and gore were so vividly and wonderfully described, as were the resulting smells. I thought I was going to have to light a candle.
The traumatic circumstances under which Terry lost his husband Bobby made me sympathetic to his grief and loneliness, and it was understandable how and why he fell so quickly for Jonas. Jonas had grief in his own past as well and they were two lost souls drawn to each other. I enjoyed the humor and sarcasm Jonas had to offer during all the terror. And Bruce the Pug. Words cannot express how much I loved him.
I did have trouble for a long time though simply getting past the idea that the government quarantined only the small town and its mountain. The early descriptions Terry gave were of the creatures swarming down from above and how he'd see them move like a shadow high in the sky. So if they could fly, what would prevent them from crossing the quarantine lines? But then the longer I read, I was like I see what you did there. And ok maybe that would be a little more plausible. I also had a little trouble believing that the government, with all their drones monitoring the residents still living in town and on the mountain, couldn't figure out the main location of the creatures or what caused this catastrophic event to occur. It took Terry and Jonas to bring it to their attention even though they were under surveillance? Yes, yes it did. And they're heroes now too.
All in all, I was pretty entertained and for that I say thank you sir.
My first reaction was that this felt similar to the plot of A Quiet Place (I loved that movie), but instead of sound, the creatures here were alerted to the presence of their prey by the smell of human blood. A single drop of blood. There were so many times when I thought Terry or Jonas were going to accidentally cut themselves that it gave me a general sense of foreboding. I was like don't do it man. Put that razor down. You don't need to shave your face right now. Not even to save Jonas from beard burn. And them going into dark caves looking for the creatures gave me serious claustrophobia. I imagined myself getting stuck and not able to inch my way out, and bugs would then be crawling on my face, and let's not even talk about the rattlesnake that Jonas saw slither in the small cave entrance right ahead of them. Nope. Sorry. Can't go there. The blood and gore were so vividly and wonderfully described, as were the resulting smells. I thought I was going to have to light a candle.
The traumatic circumstances under which Terry lost his husband Bobby made me sympathetic to his grief and loneliness, and it was understandable how and why he fell so quickly for Jonas. Jonas had grief in his own past as well and they were two lost souls drawn to each other. I enjoyed the humor and sarcasm Jonas had to offer during all the terror. And Bruce the Pug. Words cannot express how much I loved him.
I did have trouble for a long time though simply getting past the idea that the government quarantined only the small town and its mountain. The early descriptions Terry gave were of the creatures swarming down from above and how he'd see them move like a shadow high in the sky. So if they could fly, what would prevent them from crossing the quarantine lines? But then the longer I read, I was like I see what you did there. And ok maybe that would be a little more plausible. I also had a little trouble believing that the government, with all their drones monitoring the residents still living in town and on the mountain, couldn't figure out the main location of the creatures or what caused this catastrophic event to occur. It took Terry and Jonas to bring it to their attention even though they were under surveillance? Yes, yes it did. And they're heroes now too.
All in all, I was pretty entertained and for that I say thank you sir.
April 20, 2022
I freakin love John Inman.
He’s a great storyteller and his words always put me right in the front seat to enjoy the ride.
He’s a great storyteller and his words always put me right in the front seat to enjoy the ride.
June 2, 2020
So, I have to give credit where it is due. Mr. Inman definitely knows how to tell a story. And while this is technically a romance, of a sort, it is a dark one. It reminds me a bit of Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ movie times like 100. It’s a horror with romance tied in. whoo. He can definitely weave some words together. And while a few times I was a bit grossed out, it’s a good story. But, of course, I like a little strange and dark, so it suits me just fine. 😉
Terry’s husband, Bobby, has finally decided it’s time to go. With the murders of so many around them by bat-like creatures, but much worse, it’s getting bad. But it really hit home when their friends and next door neighbors were all killed. And Bobby is begging Terry to leave everything now and go to their cabin in the mountain. Terry agrees, and they decide to ‘loot’ a few places for supplies on their way out. But some punk kids decide they didn’t want them poaching on their territory and end up injuring Bobby, and before you know it, he’s eviscerated in front of Terry’s eyes. Gone in seconds. And the grief is so great, that Terry is wondering if he should just let the creatures take him as well. But he meets Jonas one day, when discovering his rabbit trap had been raided and they slowly strike up a friendship. Both struggling from grief, they cling to each other as friends. Maybe more later, but for now, they have to figure out how to kill those things before anyone else is killed, including themselves. But the government decided enough is enough and it’s a race against time to kill these beasts before they lose everything.
I was fine to a point when the author was using the characters to describe the creatures as ‘bat-like’ to a point, just a lot worse. But when he described the nest…..oh gah, I thought I would gag. And I’ve got a pretty strong stomach. I don’t want to give anything away, but it made me think of another movie, and I’ve got to hand it to the author again on his mad writing skills. This really was a good book. The plot was one of those that you had to almost bite your nails through the whole book, because you weren’t sure of what was going to happen next and you’re scared for the MCs. It’s that nerving. Which makes it so so good. I love the way he brought the MCs together too. It sucks that it took loss for them to ‘bond’, but they both needed a friend and someone to talk to and maybe support them and it was good to see that they had each other as friends, if nothing else. But they also had a common bond in that they didn’t want to see anyone else suffer. Especially after Jonas got to see some things up close and personal like Terry did. They gave each other the courage to fight and live for another day. And to fight for those who can’t fight as well.
It’s not a story for the light hearted. I will tell you that. But I will also tell you, this book is worth every word. It’s a well written story, so descriptive and a good plot. I’m just still grossed out by the nest. You’ll see what I mean. I hope you guys give it a chance. I recommend it.
Terry’s husband, Bobby, has finally decided it’s time to go. With the murders of so many around them by bat-like creatures, but much worse, it’s getting bad. But it really hit home when their friends and next door neighbors were all killed. And Bobby is begging Terry to leave everything now and go to their cabin in the mountain. Terry agrees, and they decide to ‘loot’ a few places for supplies on their way out. But some punk kids decide they didn’t want them poaching on their territory and end up injuring Bobby, and before you know it, he’s eviscerated in front of Terry’s eyes. Gone in seconds. And the grief is so great, that Terry is wondering if he should just let the creatures take him as well. But he meets Jonas one day, when discovering his rabbit trap had been raided and they slowly strike up a friendship. Both struggling from grief, they cling to each other as friends. Maybe more later, but for now, they have to figure out how to kill those things before anyone else is killed, including themselves. But the government decided enough is enough and it’s a race against time to kill these beasts before they lose everything.
I was fine to a point when the author was using the characters to describe the creatures as ‘bat-like’ to a point, just a lot worse. But when he described the nest…..oh gah, I thought I would gag. And I’ve got a pretty strong stomach. I don’t want to give anything away, but it made me think of another movie, and I’ve got to hand it to the author again on his mad writing skills. This really was a good book. The plot was one of those that you had to almost bite your nails through the whole book, because you weren’t sure of what was going to happen next and you’re scared for the MCs. It’s that nerving. Which makes it so so good. I love the way he brought the MCs together too. It sucks that it took loss for them to ‘bond’, but they both needed a friend and someone to talk to and maybe support them and it was good to see that they had each other as friends, if nothing else. But they also had a common bond in that they didn’t want to see anyone else suffer. Especially after Jonas got to see some things up close and personal like Terry did. They gave each other the courage to fight and live for another day. And to fight for those who can’t fight as well.
It’s not a story for the light hearted. I will tell you that. But I will also tell you, this book is worth every word. It’s a well written story, so descriptive and a good plot. I’m just still grossed out by the nest. You’ll see what I mean. I hope you guys give it a chance. I recommend it.
Read
July 5, 2020Ravenous is a not your average vampire story. Although, its not so much as vampires as huge, carnivorous bats. It does remind me a bit of Silent Place where a tiny bit of stimulus (in this case blood) causes these monsters to descend unto you like flies. The nature of these creatures manages to offer the kind of excitement that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Over all, I think this is a really well written book. The plot is great and the characters are worth rooting for. I was invested in their survival, and while I find some of their choices stupid (like not leaving), that flaw just made them more relateable. The romance was a bit rushed, I prefer a good old fashion slow burn myself but its mainly an icing on the cake compared to the rest of the horror/thriller plot. I'll be checking more books by this author soon.
Over all, I think this is a really well written book. The plot is great and the characters are worth rooting for. I was invested in their survival, and while I find some of their choices stupid (like not leaving), that flaw just made them more relateable. The romance was a bit rushed, I prefer a good old fashion slow burn myself but its mainly an icing on the cake compared to the rest of the horror/thriller plot. I'll be checking more books by this author soon.
July 9, 2020
This book was like snack food to be: I totally gorged it quickly and it was very enjoyable.
This book combined action, horror (with blood and guts!) and drama with a heaping side of sweaty mansmex, so while reading it I was a happy girl! These guys in their non-planned, somewhat clumsy way potentially saved the world, and that's where my main issue with the book comes up.
They way the military handled the monsters was in no way realistic: you're telling me they had been watching the 2 MC for weeks and yet they didn't know where the home base was?! The government/military, along with scientists from all over the world, would have been congregating to Spangle (basically like the monsters on humans) to get the dish on what kind of new creature was wreaking havoc on the town. They people that were picketing to let the creatures be I could totally see, though.
Overall I really did have a good time with this book, and I actually think it's my first one I've read by this author, so now I get to search and see what else of his I can find that sounds interesting!
This book combined action, horror (with blood and guts!) and drama with a heaping side of sweaty mansmex, so while reading it I was a happy girl! These guys in their non-planned, somewhat clumsy way potentially saved the world, and that's where my main issue with the book comes up.
They way the military handled the monsters was in no way realistic: you're telling me they had been watching the 2 MC for weeks and yet they didn't know where the home base was?! The government/military, along with scientists from all over the world, would have been congregating to Spangle (basically like the monsters on humans) to get the dish on what kind of new creature was wreaking havoc on the town. They people that were picketing to let the creatures be I could totally see, though.
Overall I really did have a good time with this book, and I actually think it's my first one I've read by this author, so now I get to search and see what else of his I can find that sounds interesting!
June 14, 2020
Ravenous is first and foremost a horror fantasy with a secondary MM romance. I enjoy complex stories and Ravenous had a few different subplots running alongside the mysterious creatures that hunted the inhabitants of a small town, making for a really interesting and different read. Whether writing light-hearted contemporary or high suspense, I’ve come to expect easy, quirky characters; quick, uncomplicated romances; and fantastic writing from this author, and Ravenous definitely delivered a memorable, great story.
Ravenous is one of those tales that draws readers in, connecting them with the characters, their predicament, and their future. I liked Terry and Jonas and really liked how tangible their emotions were throughout the story. While their romance was simplistic and straight forward, there was enough depth that I felt satisfied with their love story.
As for the suspense and horror in the book, Mr. Inman did an excellent job providing vivid descriptions and building the emotion so I was hooked cover to cover. There were a few moments where I had to just roll with it as the characters made seemingly dumb choices disguised as bold moves, but it also worked in the way the quirky parts of this author’s books tend to. I’d definitely recommend Ravenous to anyone looking for a good horror book that has the suspense and buildup without constant gore.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Ravenous is one of those tales that draws readers in, connecting them with the characters, their predicament, and their future. I liked Terry and Jonas and really liked how tangible their emotions were throughout the story. While their romance was simplistic and straight forward, there was enough depth that I felt satisfied with their love story.
As for the suspense and horror in the book, Mr. Inman did an excellent job providing vivid descriptions and building the emotion so I was hooked cover to cover. There were a few moments where I had to just roll with it as the characters made seemingly dumb choices disguised as bold moves, but it also worked in the way the quirky parts of this author’s books tend to. I’d definitely recommend Ravenous to anyone looking for a good horror book that has the suspense and buildup without constant gore.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
October 31, 2021
John Inman has done it again! 2020 zapped my reading mojo so I just got around to reading Ravenous and I loved it! This book is a brilliant blend of horror, romance, chemistry, and humor . . . everything that makes for perfect October reading.
I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who, like me, arrived late to the party. I will say that from the fear of finding a drop of blood on your loved ones to the flapping of the approaching devastation, you know you won't forget what your about to read. My heart breaks for Terry when he recalls how close to getting away he and his husband were when they heard the flapping. I'm a bit of an introvert and don't mind to spend an evening alone here and there but how he manages it on that mountain with only Bruce the pug for company is beyond me. Which only makes his finding Jonas stealing from his traps that much more compelling, filled with snark and cuddle once they get back to Terry's cabin.
I won't go into any more specifics behind the bat-like creatures that cause so much pain and suffering but I will mention that John Inman's ability to world-build with such fear induced, edge of your seat, horror laced with humor storytelling is brilliant! Brilliant seems like too simple a word but the journey he takes his readers on will leave you breathless, sometimes out of fear, sometimes out of laughter, but always out of completely getting lost in the pages. Ravenous is another one of Inman's can't-put-it-down-because-I-need-to-know-how-it-ends but kicking-myself-when-it's-over-that-I-didn't-read-it-slower novels that gets the blood pumping.
I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who, like me, arrived late to the party. I will say that from the fear of finding a drop of blood on your loved ones to the flapping of the approaching devastation, you know you won't forget what your about to read. My heart breaks for Terry when he recalls how close to getting away he and his husband were when they heard the flapping. I'm a bit of an introvert and don't mind to spend an evening alone here and there but how he manages it on that mountain with only Bruce the pug for company is beyond me. Which only makes his finding Jonas stealing from his traps that much more compelling, filled with snark and cuddle once they get back to Terry's cabin.
I won't go into any more specifics behind the bat-like creatures that cause so much pain and suffering but I will mention that John Inman's ability to world-build with such fear induced, edge of your seat, horror laced with humor storytelling is brilliant! Brilliant seems like too simple a word but the journey he takes his readers on will leave you breathless, sometimes out of fear, sometimes out of laughter, but always out of completely getting lost in the pages. Ravenous is another one of Inman's can't-put-it-down-because-I-need-to-know-how-it-ends but kicking-myself-when-it's-over-that-I-didn't-read-it-slower novels that gets the blood pumping.
April 22, 2022
I've not read a John Inman book i've not loved....I think this one is near the top...Jonas and Terry fighting to save Terry's mountain and home from bat like creatures...Having lost his husband to them Terry finds Jonas in the woods and they soon find they are drawn to each other and both decide to try and rid their town of the horrible creatures that have appeared..Mr Inman left no questions unanswered,,,,You are in no doubt as to why these creatures are there....Both MC's are loveable characters including Bruce the little pug..A great read and one i'll be probably re-reading a lot and I do love to re-read this authors books x
July 9, 2020
"Ravenous’ is a read that packs a lot into 200 pages – light horror, suspense, traumatic loss, emotional awakening, and a happy ever after. The premise is interesting enough, a plague of flying creatures is decimating the small town of Spangle where a scratch or a mosquito bite, is enough to bring the creatures and ultimately, death. Terry and his little pug Bruce are hiding in his mountain cabin until he can figure out a way to return to his house. Terry stumbles upon Jonas camping and a relationship grows as the two men try and figure out how to kill the creatures.
I have a handful of items to touch on. As someone who reads a lot of science fiction and fantasy, the horror aspect left me with too many questions and ultimately an inability to suspend my disbelief. I questioned why wasn’t the town evacuated immediately and the military sent in to eradicate the problem; how long it took to identify where the creatures were living; and if the creatures are attracted to blood, and there is blood splattering everywhere, why anyone nearby wouldn’t be attacked too?
I quite enjoyed the relationship between Terry and Jonas and for myself, this was the book’s major strength. A hurt/comfort/healing that brought both men together. I thought the pacing of the relationship felt right (all things considered), there was just the right amount of emotional angst, and a perfect dollop of new relationship irritation to keep things realistic.
And my favorite part of the book was Bruce the pug. Loved that little dog!
Ultimately, this was an agreeable read for a hot summer day. I think it would also be a good selection for travel or commuting as it’s easy to pick up and put down. In summary, I found the characters engaging, the plot so-so, and Bruce the Pug awesome.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
I have a handful of items to touch on. As someone who reads a lot of science fiction and fantasy, the horror aspect left me with too many questions and ultimately an inability to suspend my disbelief. I questioned why wasn’t the town evacuated immediately and the military sent in to eradicate the problem; how long it took to identify where the creatures were living; and if the creatures are attracted to blood, and there is blood splattering everywhere, why anyone nearby wouldn’t be attacked too?
I quite enjoyed the relationship between Terry and Jonas and for myself, this was the book’s major strength. A hurt/comfort/healing that brought both men together. I thought the pacing of the relationship felt right (all things considered), there was just the right amount of emotional angst, and a perfect dollop of new relationship irritation to keep things realistic.
And my favorite part of the book was Bruce the pug. Loved that little dog!
Ultimately, this was an agreeable read for a hot summer day. I think it would also be a good selection for travel or commuting as it’s easy to pick up and put down. In summary, I found the characters engaging, the plot so-so, and Bruce the Pug awesome.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 13, 2021
Interesting story I just felt overall the premise was too unbelievable. No one would stay in that town and the government definitely wouldn’t just let that all happen so it was hard to buy into.
Read
July 2, 2020Nope
Let me preface this by saying Inman is a strong writer and I have enjoyed most of his novels. With that said, this book is poorly conceived. The characters make counterintuitive choices throughout. I get that grief can cloud a person's judgement but the cloud over these character's decision-making processes was more like a haboob.
Moreover, the realization that one character came to by the book's midpoint, I realized after reading just a few pages. I mean, anyone who has seen the movie Independence Day would have figured that out. I also took issue with the choices made by the military. Trust me they have contingency plans for all kinds of events and I don't think they would have allowed the scattershot actions of towns people to proceed for so long.
When I was reading this, I felt the characters made specific choices in order to propel the narrative rather than the other way around. I get it, it's fiction and horror which means it's already divorced from reality. However, good horror depicts realistic reactions to surreal events and allows for a character's growth to face unexpected challenges. Think Ripley in Aliens who advised against going, argued to leave after arriving, but ultimately fought back when necessary. I like a good Inman book. And the writing is still strong. The concept, however, didn't work for me.
Let me preface this by saying Inman is a strong writer and I have enjoyed most of his novels. With that said, this book is poorly conceived. The characters make counterintuitive choices throughout. I get that grief can cloud a person's judgement but the cloud over these character's decision-making processes was more like a haboob.
Moreover, the realization that one character came to by the book's midpoint, I realized after reading just a few pages. I mean, anyone who has seen the movie Independence Day would have figured that out. I also took issue with the choices made by the military. Trust me they have contingency plans for all kinds of events and I don't think they would have allowed the scattershot actions of towns people to proceed for so long.
When I was reading this, I felt the characters made specific choices in order to propel the narrative rather than the other way around. I get it, it's fiction and horror which means it's already divorced from reality. However, good horror depicts realistic reactions to surreal events and allows for a character's growth to face unexpected challenges. Think Ripley in Aliens who advised against going, argued to leave after arriving, but ultimately fought back when necessary. I like a good Inman book. And the writing is still strong. The concept, however, didn't work for me.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews