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This House Is Broken: A Religious Horror Masterpiece
If your mother was Evelyn... it would be hard to trust God and you would never feel safe at home. Where is God in this nightmare? (Part 1)
The demon staring back at Evelyn could see past the anguish in her eyes. It smiles at her while revealing rows of its razor-sharp teeth. She trembles in an agonizing state of paralysis; knowing it could see the self-inflicted cuts and burns that covered her body. It just continues to stare; reminding her that it knows all of her darkest secrets. It knows she is wicked, despite her desire for righteousness. It knows her children are victimized daily by her madness. No one has ever been safe around her. That's why the demon continues to stare while salivating insidiously with an evil grin... "We'll see you guys soon," it said chillingly.
A novel that understands both faith and horror. What are we afraid of? What we fear is reality and that's why this story is based on a true story. Part 1 to a Trilogy, read if you dare...
The demon staring back at Evelyn could see past the anguish in her eyes. It smiles at her while revealing rows of its razor-sharp teeth. She trembles in an agonizing state of paralysis; knowing it could see the self-inflicted cuts and burns that covered her body. It just continues to stare; reminding her that it knows all of her darkest secrets. It knows she is wicked, despite her desire for righteousness. It knows her children are victimized daily by her madness. No one has ever been safe around her. That's why the demon continues to stare while salivating insidiously with an evil grin... "We'll see you guys soon," it said chillingly.
A novel that understands both faith and horror. What are we afraid of? What we fear is reality and that's why this story is based on a true story. Part 1 to a Trilogy, read if you dare...
- GenresHorror
ebook
Published July 3, 2020
36 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Dylan Colón
10 books37 followersFrom failing a grade as the only kid incapable of reading and writing to being a self-published author! I struggled my entire way through school on an IEP and was bullied for how long it took me to grasp things.
I grieved the death of many loved ones. My father was in prison for the majority of my life before passing away in a car accident. I've dealt heavily with suicidal thoughts and depression. My anxiety ate me up inside like my many insecurities. Like most of you guys, I had a handful of traumatic break-ups and a lifetime of betrayal. That isn't the half of it but it doesn't matter. My life is blessed!
I haven't always felt blessed, my life used to make no sense to me. But now it does because readers from all around the world can feel everything. Where do you think my characters and their emotions come from? It doesn't matter what you're reading from me, I promise it's coming from something real. Now I can smile at the opportunity to turn my unfortunate moments into redemptive masterpieces! But so can you!
The darkness is what makes your light noticeable. A loss is what makes your comeback look so victorious! Don't let anyone tell your story for you or cause you to doubt yourself. People have a tendency of projecting their own insecurities onto others. DARE TO DREAM and work relentlessly through faith, belief, inspiration, and passion! -Dylan
I grieved the death of many loved ones. My father was in prison for the majority of my life before passing away in a car accident. I've dealt heavily with suicidal thoughts and depression. My anxiety ate me up inside like my many insecurities. Like most of you guys, I had a handful of traumatic break-ups and a lifetime of betrayal. That isn't the half of it but it doesn't matter. My life is blessed!
I haven't always felt blessed, my life used to make no sense to me. But now it does because readers from all around the world can feel everything. Where do you think my characters and their emotions come from? It doesn't matter what you're reading from me, I promise it's coming from something real. Now I can smile at the opportunity to turn my unfortunate moments into redemptive masterpieces! But so can you!
The darkness is what makes your light noticeable. A loss is what makes your comeback look so victorious! Don't let anyone tell your story for you or cause you to doubt yourself. People have a tendency of projecting their own insecurities onto others. DARE TO DREAM and work relentlessly through faith, belief, inspiration, and passion! -Dylan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 12, 2021
"This House is Broken: A Religious Horror Masterpiece" by Dylan Colon is an excellent read that touches on horror the same way "Carrie" by Stephen King or "Jaws" by Peter Benchley touched on horror.
The story of a family slowly being torn apart by misguided faith and Dogma.
The story is quite good, giving us a peek into a lives gone horribly wrong and the aftermath. The author does a good job of moving smoothly from beginning to end, while creating sympathy for the children of the household. Mr Colon having a tough subject to write about manages to keep the readers focused on the story and does not give us anything to make our minds wander from the issue.
The characters are all (I mean all of them), are exceptionally written. Each containing a very real mix of faith and doubt, bred from a life of Dogma taught by Evelyn (their mother). Each character has their own unique characteristics, making them diverse and the reading interesting.
As the story progresses and the circumstances become increasingly worse the reader finds themselves invested in what is going to happen. The need to keep turning pages in the hope to find out what happens next is subtle and very well done.
The story does end on a cliffhanger that promises n interesting sequel, but having been published in 202o I have yet to seen any mention anywhere of it being worked on. None the less this book is worthy of being read and will entertain as well as give you something to think about. I am reminded of an old Chinese proverb that say's "You are never more wrong than when you know you are most right"
The story of a family slowly being torn apart by misguided faith and Dogma.
The story is quite good, giving us a peek into a lives gone horribly wrong and the aftermath. The author does a good job of moving smoothly from beginning to end, while creating sympathy for the children of the household. Mr Colon having a tough subject to write about manages to keep the readers focused on the story and does not give us anything to make our minds wander from the issue.
The characters are all (I mean all of them), are exceptionally written. Each containing a very real mix of faith and doubt, bred from a life of Dogma taught by Evelyn (their mother). Each character has their own unique characteristics, making them diverse and the reading interesting.
As the story progresses and the circumstances become increasingly worse the reader finds themselves invested in what is going to happen. The need to keep turning pages in the hope to find out what happens next is subtle and very well done.
The story does end on a cliffhanger that promises n interesting sequel, but having been published in 202o I have yet to seen any mention anywhere of it being worked on. None the less this book is worthy of being read and will entertain as well as give you something to think about. I am reminded of an old Chinese proverb that say's "You are never more wrong than when you know you are most right"
August 17, 2022
If you are a fan of religious horror, you are going to LOVE this book. I find the connections between religion and mental health that Dylan makes to be very interesting!
July 31, 2020
“You fear me because I am the mother of another you seek to destroy out of fear.”
The Singleton’s household is run by the bible. Not only that, it’s tortured by it. Evelyn Singleton, a mentally ill mother of four, raises her children with an iron fist and the word of her Lord. Everything she does is right in Gods eyes and all those outside of her family claiming to follow the Lord do it wrong. No one is built in His perfect image except for her and her children. But is she really all that perfect? Do her children, living in such fear of their God, start to see the cracks in her faith? What happens when those cracks are confronted?
This is a tough but delicious book to absorb. The subject matter is dark but the writing, although repetitious, keeps you engaged. I love it when an author has the ability to make mundane character tasks interesting and that interest is nicely kept throughout this story. Some of the dialogue feels a bit unnatural, there are a few grammatical and formatting errors, but the biblical speeches are well done. And it flows well. I got chills whenever Evelyn went on a rant and her breakdown scenes were terrifyingly epic. I truly felt for the children.
My only major critique is that about two thirds of the way through, the message of this story really comes out. It clicked in my head what this tale is meant to show you. But the ending left me a bit confused. It was not where I expected it to go and it made me lose sight of the meaning. It’s still a fascinating ending, I just feel like we lose a bit of that religious sucker punch with the route the author chose to take.
This book is Book One of what will be a series of books and I’m definitely curious to see where our characters will be heading toward next. ✨
The Singleton’s household is run by the bible. Not only that, it’s tortured by it. Evelyn Singleton, a mentally ill mother of four, raises her children with an iron fist and the word of her Lord. Everything she does is right in Gods eyes and all those outside of her family claiming to follow the Lord do it wrong. No one is built in His perfect image except for her and her children. But is she really all that perfect? Do her children, living in such fear of their God, start to see the cracks in her faith? What happens when those cracks are confronted?
This is a tough but delicious book to absorb. The subject matter is dark but the writing, although repetitious, keeps you engaged. I love it when an author has the ability to make mundane character tasks interesting and that interest is nicely kept throughout this story. Some of the dialogue feels a bit unnatural, there are a few grammatical and formatting errors, but the biblical speeches are well done. And it flows well. I got chills whenever Evelyn went on a rant and her breakdown scenes were terrifyingly epic. I truly felt for the children.
My only major critique is that about two thirds of the way through, the message of this story really comes out. It clicked in my head what this tale is meant to show you. But the ending left me a bit confused. It was not where I expected it to go and it made me lose sight of the meaning. It’s still a fascinating ending, I just feel like we lose a bit of that religious sucker punch with the route the author chose to take.
This book is Book One of what will be a series of books and I’m definitely curious to see where our characters will be heading toward next. ✨
June 6, 2021
This House is broken is a story about The Singleton family. Growing up with a single parent, four children are forced to endure the pain and violence of their mother's fanaticism towards religion. Suffering from mental illness, Evelyn claims and truly believes that she is doing the work of God. Living in a toxic home with an unstable mother, the children often find themselves in brutal and disturbing situations. Some chapters were so intense that I felt terrified to see what would happen next. I wanted to reach in and save them from their broken and horrifying home. This book had me fully invested in the welfare of the children. The ending leaves a wide opening for book two and I can just imagine where it will take us.
I think this is an important theme that Dylan wrote about. Although this story is fiction, it touches on many truths that happen everyday around the globe. Extremism and mental illness are very real. Abuse comes in many forms and sometimes go hand in hand. Who knows when and where it is happening? Who is suffering or needs help? Children are impressionable. Which ones are being influenced and/or potentially ruined? Who can be saved with proper intervention? We don't know what happens behind closed doors. As you see, this story had me in deep thought when it was over and I think gives the reader a lot to think about. Well done Dylan. I'll be picking up a copy of book two upon release.
I think this is an important theme that Dylan wrote about. Although this story is fiction, it touches on many truths that happen everyday around the globe. Extremism and mental illness are very real. Abuse comes in many forms and sometimes go hand in hand. Who knows when and where it is happening? Who is suffering or needs help? Children are impressionable. Which ones are being influenced and/or potentially ruined? Who can be saved with proper intervention? We don't know what happens behind closed doors. As you see, this story had me in deep thought when it was over and I think gives the reader a lot to think about. Well done Dylan. I'll be picking up a copy of book two upon release.
January 12, 2022
This House is Broken is a brilliant exploration of religious horror in the form of trauma and childhood abuse as the story follows the Singleton family and its fanatically faithful matriarch, Evelyn. This tale delves into the psyches of Evelyn’s four children in what is really a dissection of a family life that proves to be utterly tragic.
But what I love the most about This House is Broken is in its depiction of evil in perhaps its most domestic form—evil wrapped up in the guise of maternal love and devotion.
Evelyn’s characterization as a deeply unstable woman ridden with religious fear for eternal damnation was executed with nuance and complexity that can only come from the author’s own personal experiences. As someone who has endured a very similar relationship, this read hit so close to home for me, and certain scenes depicting abuse were eerily accurate—a testament to Colon’s excellent writing.
This House is Broken is the perfect psychologically thrilling tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you with a deep-seated dread in your heart, for it’s horror in the home that conjures up the sweetest kind of fear… and Colon delivers it all.
But what I love the most about This House is Broken is in its depiction of evil in perhaps its most domestic form—evil wrapped up in the guise of maternal love and devotion.
Evelyn’s characterization as a deeply unstable woman ridden with religious fear for eternal damnation was executed with nuance and complexity that can only come from the author’s own personal experiences. As someone who has endured a very similar relationship, this read hit so close to home for me, and certain scenes depicting abuse were eerily accurate—a testament to Colon’s excellent writing.
This House is Broken is the perfect psychologically thrilling tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you with a deep-seated dread in your heart, for it’s horror in the home that conjures up the sweetest kind of fear… and Colon delivers it all.
December 20, 2022
I think it’s time for me to accept that religious “horror” isn’t for me. I didn’t feel like this was really “horror” - even at the end where it got a little creepy, it didn’t really feel like what it was advertised as. I really wanted to love this one but it just fell flat for me. The first 75% felt really slow and then the last 25% was really fast.
If you’re into religious stuff, this one will be good for you.
If you’re into religious stuff, this one will be good for you.
October 10, 2021
This story is definitely more of a psychological thriller that really shows just how hard dealing with mental illness can be. Especially when it's the single parent of a household struggling.
Evelyn, an overly religious mother of 4, struggles to raise her children in a pure, godly household. The children end up being the ones who suffer as Evelyn's unpredictable behaviour spirals out of control.
While this particular horror story didn't have blood, guts or gore it was an emotional read that really shines a light on how abuse isn't always physical when it comes to raising children.
November 28, 2021
This House Is Broken started out very intense. The characters were portrayed with layers of emotions for both their internal and external circumstances. At times, I even felt uncomfortable, with the intensity of Evelyn's actions and her ill-fated dispositions as they were layered throughout the story. I struggled to connect on a deeper level, due to the religious aspect of this book, however. Not to say it was bad, but that it wasn't for me. I will say though, it is absolutely essential to the over plot.
I liked how the story ended on a cliff-hanger and will be getting into the second book as I do want to know what happens. I must preface, that the author did a fantastic job of drawing out intense emotions from me, as a reader, and that is a huge plus in my books.
Definitely give this book a read.
This House Is Broken: A Religious Horror Masterpiece
I liked how the story ended on a cliff-hanger and will be getting into the second book as I do want to know what happens. I must preface, that the author did a fantastic job of drawing out intense emotions from me, as a reader, and that is a huge plus in my books.
Definitely give this book a read.
This House Is Broken: A Religious Horror Masterpiece
September 23, 2021
WOW! I did not know what to expect coming into this book. Religion and I have a very complex relationship, so I was hesitant at first. But this story...it kept my attention, craving for more. The characters were easily relatable or well hated. It made my skin crawl and brought up some suppressed memories. This author is beyond underrated and this book deserves more attention. Highly recommend. Trigger warnings though!!
October 6, 2021
A story about mental illness, religion, and trauma.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were several sad parts, and it was often difficult reading about the Singleton children's lives, but the author did a good job of humanizing their mentally-ill mother as well.
The mother of these children struggles with her sanity and often bizarre interpretations of Biblical passages and stories. And her struggle leads to several key events in the story which I will not spoil. However, I will say that I was surprised, horrified, and captivated as the story continued.
I look forward to reading more of the author's work. And seeing how the Singleton story continues in future novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were several sad parts, and it was often difficult reading about the Singleton children's lives, but the author did a good job of humanizing their mentally-ill mother as well.
The mother of these children struggles with her sanity and often bizarre interpretations of Biblical passages and stories. And her struggle leads to several key events in the story which I will not spoil. However, I will say that I was surprised, horrified, and captivated as the story continued.
I look forward to reading more of the author's work. And seeing how the Singleton story continues in future novels.
October 31, 2022
Religious horror is a genre that deals deeply in the psychology behind the actions of horror inflicted on others (and sometimes inward) because of one's religion. Religion, like anything else can be used wrongly, and in this Colón paints a disturbing domestic scene gone beyond wrong. Evelyn, mother to four, only wants to ensure her children have what they need to achieve everlasting blissful lives...but to get that she must put them in hellish situations to teach them how important staying on the correct path is.
There are definitely trigger warnings, and a scene I did not see coming that wrenched my heart. Through it all Evelyn diverts the blame, she is a mother doing what God desires her to do. David, the eldest who will soon graduate decides to escape this hell, the way his dad did, although he feels guilt that he will be leaving his three younger siblings. Will he really be able to escape though?
I recommend this if you like religious horror and are curious about how cults can form. That ending has me hooked to read book two.
There are definitely trigger warnings, and a scene I did not see coming that wrenched my heart. Through it all Evelyn diverts the blame, she is a mother doing what God desires her to do. David, the eldest who will soon graduate decides to escape this hell, the way his dad did, although he feels guilt that he will be leaving his three younger siblings. Will he really be able to escape though?
I recommend this if you like religious horror and are curious about how cults can form. That ending has me hooked to read book two.
July 23, 2020
Good writing but a tough read.
The horror in This House Is Broken takes the form of mental illness. Colon does a good job of fleshing out his characters but the situations they find themselves in are disturbing. The writing is good but the subject matter is rather bleak. Still, I'm interested to read what happens to the Singleton family in book two.
The horror in This House Is Broken takes the form of mental illness. Colon does a good job of fleshing out his characters but the situations they find themselves in are disturbing. The writing is good but the subject matter is rather bleak. Still, I'm interested to read what happens to the Singleton family in book two.
July 13, 2021
Thou shall not...
I came across this book purely by accident. It certainly grabs you right from the start! It had you cringing, shaking your head even have you loudly speaking out. A mom who is an intense follower of her vision of GOD. She seems to live by the old testament, she has a strong love for her 4 children & obsessively tries to “save them”. The book definitely supports my saying of “ some people are so Heavenly bound, their no earthly good”.
I came across this book purely by accident. It certainly grabs you right from the start! It had you cringing, shaking your head even have you loudly speaking out. A mom who is an intense follower of her vision of GOD. She seems to live by the old testament, she has a strong love for her 4 children & obsessively tries to “save them”. The book definitely supports my saying of “ some people are so Heavenly bound, their no earthly good”.
October 3, 2020
This story was so different from ones that I have read. I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the author when I read the synopsis, but as I read on I was pleasantly surprised. The raw horror that was shown throughout this story was a real page turner and the events taken place left me shocked. I am curious if there will be more to this! Great job, Dylan you have yourself another fan.
November 17, 2021
well crafted and unflinching. Highly recommend.
March 22, 2021
This book is a tough read, the desperation felt for these kids runs deep and you just want to reach inside and pull them out. The pace is good, and one I found hard to put down as I wanted to know how much worse the situations could get.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was the themes mirrored from Carrie. Controlling, religious hysteria is what this book runs on and Dylan focuses on this fully. It was emotional to explore these themes throughout this book.
A great read, thank you Dylan!
One thing I enjoyed about this book was the themes mirrored from Carrie. Controlling, religious hysteria is what this book runs on and Dylan focuses on this fully. It was emotional to explore these themes throughout this book.
A great read, thank you Dylan!
November 3, 2020
*Spoilers*
This House Is Broken: A Religious Horror Masterpiece by Dylan Colón is a novel conceptualized around a family and their interpersonal relationships. This story is not the traditional blood and gore sort of horror, though at one point, someone does get murdered, and there is a ghost-type entity. This horror is more based around the matriarch's actions as she vehemently inflicts “God’s Will” upon her children, even burning her own hand on the stove to prove a point. These are horrific images and portrayed well, but for me, this felt more like a drama than a horror story.
The pacing is slow in the beginning, but it helps develop some of the character’s relationships and feelings towards themselves and each other. There were long biblical passages, especially at the beginning that seemed to drag on. In fact, while I recognize these were meant to portray the tight religion in the house, it went on far too long and sometimes seemed repetitive, though this is coming from someone who doesn’t read much religious literature.
The ending with the family leaves off on a cliffhanger, and the final chapter gave me pause as I had to reread it to understand what was going on.
This story could potentially be fun for some, and may even resonate with those who enjoy religious horror, but for me, this didn’t quite hit the mark.
This House Is Broken: A Religious Horror Masterpiece by Dylan Colón is a novel conceptualized around a family and their interpersonal relationships. This story is not the traditional blood and gore sort of horror, though at one point, someone does get murdered, and there is a ghost-type entity. This horror is more based around the matriarch's actions as she vehemently inflicts “God’s Will” upon her children, even burning her own hand on the stove to prove a point. These are horrific images and portrayed well, but for me, this felt more like a drama than a horror story.
The pacing is slow in the beginning, but it helps develop some of the character’s relationships and feelings towards themselves and each other. There were long biblical passages, especially at the beginning that seemed to drag on. In fact, while I recognize these were meant to portray the tight religion in the house, it went on far too long and sometimes seemed repetitive, though this is coming from someone who doesn’t read much religious literature.
The ending with the family leaves off on a cliffhanger, and the final chapter gave me pause as I had to reread it to understand what was going on.
This story could potentially be fun for some, and may even resonate with those who enjoy religious horror, but for me, this didn’t quite hit the mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
As an emerging horror author I felt like this was a very good break out novel. It had moments where it was tense and left me feeling extremely uncomfortable. I read a lot of psychological thrillers and horror novels so when a book can do that it's a homerun for me. I will be picking up the sequel.
August 9, 2020
This house is broken is a religious horror masterpiece by the Author.
This is a Horror story in which the focus is on creating a feeling of fear.
The house is broken have 13 chapters, each chapter is based on some of the horror incident that takes place in the Singleton family. The book is based off of true events.
There is a Singleton family where the mother in the family, Evelyn Singleton is obsessed with the Bible. She is a mother of four children but she makes the life of her children horrific. The abusive behaviour of the Mother affects the whole family in really horrible ways. She follows the word of her Lord and believes that whatever she do is right in God's eyes. But is she really all that perfect and her believe in the God was really true ?? What is true faith in the midst of toxic religion ??
Once you start reading the book, you will be super excited to reach the end.
The Author has done the amazing job to make this story Interesting. I am looking forward to read the next part of this book series.
This is a Horror story in which the focus is on creating a feeling of fear.
The house is broken have 13 chapters, each chapter is based on some of the horror incident that takes place in the Singleton family. The book is based off of true events.
There is a Singleton family where the mother in the family, Evelyn Singleton is obsessed with the Bible. She is a mother of four children but she makes the life of her children horrific. The abusive behaviour of the Mother affects the whole family in really horrible ways. She follows the word of her Lord and believes that whatever she do is right in God's eyes. But is she really all that perfect and her believe in the God was really true ?? What is true faith in the midst of toxic religion ??
Once you start reading the book, you will be super excited to reach the end.
The Author has done the amazing job to make this story Interesting. I am looking forward to read the next part of this book series.
July 22, 2021
This is frightening in the most realistic way.
The story of Evelyn Singleton and her 4 kids, Evelyn is suffering with mental illness and she uses the Bible to justify her abuse to them.
Mental illness, abuse and religious fundamentalism are the themes of this book (also trigger warnings for those things) I love how Dylan explores mental illness and how it can present in people especially with Christian fundamentalism added in.
The characters in this book are so well written, incredibly fleshed out and the children actually felt like children which many authors in my opinion don't manage to pull off.
Some people have said parts of this book can get repetitious but for me it felt like you could really feel Evelyn spiraling when things get like that.
This book is dark and bleak, some scenes are written so visceral and I just wanted to know how this ended and I spent any of my free time reading this because I couldn't stop thinking about it. This ended on cliff hanger and I'm excited for book 2.
Thank you Dylan for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Evelyn Singleton and her 4 kids, Evelyn is suffering with mental illness and she uses the Bible to justify her abuse to them.
Mental illness, abuse and religious fundamentalism are the themes of this book (also trigger warnings for those things) I love how Dylan explores mental illness and how it can present in people especially with Christian fundamentalism added in.
The characters in this book are so well written, incredibly fleshed out and the children actually felt like children which many authors in my opinion don't manage to pull off.
Some people have said parts of this book can get repetitious but for me it felt like you could really feel Evelyn spiraling when things get like that.
This book is dark and bleak, some scenes are written so visceral and I just wanted to know how this ended and I spent any of my free time reading this because I couldn't stop thinking about it. This ended on cliff hanger and I'm excited for book 2.
Thank you Dylan for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2021
This book was quite out of the box for me. The first half I felt very invested in - a story about a family under the overbearing thumb of their extremist mother. It was very intriguing and definitely pulled me in. The four children, all very unique and different from one another, had to witness their mother slowly descend into her faith. It was religious extremism how it could be within four walls, and the impact it has upon children who have this life thrust upon them.
Around the midpoint, I did feel like the story lost me a little bit as a non-religious person - I felt it changed dynamics a little bit and I felt less pull than I had in the first half. The ending was that of a cliffhanger, which leads nicely into the second book coming out this year.
I wished it had been edited a little bit cleaner, but overall the imperfections didn't hugely interfere with my interest in the read.
3.5 stars
Around the midpoint, I did feel like the story lost me a little bit as a non-religious person - I felt it changed dynamics a little bit and I felt less pull than I had in the first half. The ending was that of a cliffhanger, which leads nicely into the second book coming out this year.
I wished it had been edited a little bit cleaner, but overall the imperfections didn't hugely interfere with my interest in the read.
3.5 stars
July 20, 2021
This wasn't my normal read. I usually don't read religious horror but this story was a nice surprise. The story is dark and frightening in the most realistic way. It's intruiging and pulls you in making you curious to know more about the Singleton family.
The writing is good and emotional. Colòn does a great job portraying each family member. Each of the children have an unique character which is making the reading interesting. I love how he made Evelyn so evil but at the same time so human. Every time Evelyn started ranting about God it gave me the chills. It was hard reading about their lives and Evelyn made me so angry from time to time. I was scared of her and truly felt the childrens terror. I just wanted to pull those kids out from that house.
The only complaint I have, if you can call it that, is that I had a hard time with the shifting pace but overall I enjoyed the book. The cliffhanger made me curious to see where the next book is headed.
The writing is good and emotional. Colòn does a great job portraying each family member. Each of the children have an unique character which is making the reading interesting. I love how he made Evelyn so evil but at the same time so human. Every time Evelyn started ranting about God it gave me the chills. It was hard reading about their lives and Evelyn made me so angry from time to time. I was scared of her and truly felt the childrens terror. I just wanted to pull those kids out from that house.
The only complaint I have, if you can call it that, is that I had a hard time with the shifting pace but overall I enjoyed the book. The cliffhanger made me curious to see where the next book is headed.
September 14, 2020
I loved it. Firstly, I was actually emotionally invested in the wellbeing of the characters. The character of the Mother Evelyn genuinely caused me to feel concern for her children and was at times a figure who the thought of frightened me in a very visceral way. Written words were able to make me feel a fight or flight response in this book. It also felt to me, to be a pretty human horror story, the horror brought by Evelyn being one that many children grow up knowing, albeit to varying degrees.
One thing I think would have been better, I hope this is not a spoiler, is if a certain character who comes in at the end of the story had been one of Evelyn's children. Just to make it feel more a part of the overall story. But I think that more a matter of taste then an actual flaw.
Anyway you all should go read it!
One thing I think would have been better, I hope this is not a spoiler, is if a certain character who comes in at the end of the story had been one of Evelyn's children. Just to make it feel more a part of the overall story. But I think that more a matter of taste then an actual flaw.
Anyway you all should go read it!
October 28, 2020
I recently finished This House is Broken by Dylan Colón. It was a very emotional book and the first in a series (the rest not yet published). The story follows an unwell mother pushing her ideas onto her 4 children as she slowly loses hold of reality and falls into a spiral of religious based terror. These characters felt so real to me. I identified most with David and wanted to learn more about the mother, Evelyn. Even though I disliked her so much for how she treated her children, I wanted to know more about her. There are many side stories throughout this story always developing deeper and more realistic characters. The ending of this book definitely left me perplexed but excited to see where this story will go in book 2.
December 21, 2020
This House is Broken is an emotionally charged and gripping tale. It tells the story of four children who fall victim to their mentally ill mother. A woman who manipulates religion to justify her abuse. This is why I like to read indie authors sometimes because you will never know what you will find. I appreciated how the characters were vividly written. I felt deeply for them. I also liked that it wasn't your advantage take on horror though there is a haunting of sort and a murder. It is definitely suspenseful and atmospheric at times as much as it is a family drama.
February 17, 2021
The story is definitely intriguing and the plot twists attach themselves to all your emotions. The entangled madness of a fanatic, evangelical mother and the outcome of the children leaves the readers hooked and wanting more!
I was so blessed to have been able to discuss the book with this amazing young author and learned that he is completely passionate about his craft, and that is something most readers do not get to experience. Stay humble and keep on writing! I will definitely make room in my bookshelf.
In one word this books is complete Madness!
I was so blessed to have been able to discuss the book with this amazing young author and learned that he is completely passionate about his craft, and that is something most readers do not get to experience. Stay humble and keep on writing! I will definitely make room in my bookshelf.
In one word this books is complete Madness!
September 9, 2021
A very well written, hard to read novel. I can totally relate, as I grew up in the bible belt of eastern Kentucky. ( I am now a Buddhist).
This author writes beautifully and I hope he continues to write much more.
This author writes beautifully and I hope he continues to write much more.
January 27, 2021
The story is intriguing and the plot twists attach themselves to all your emotions. The entangled madness of a fanatic, evangelical mother and the outcome of the children leave you thirsty for more! Can’t wait for the next book!
December 13, 2021
This House is Broken explores the life and times of the Singletons, a family of five sans father led by a religious tyrant they call Mama.
“Who forces hourly Bible studies on their children? Who punished a child for a B+? Who sends their child into a dark cold basement for the night?”
Evelyn is her name, and when it comes to The Good Word, she plays no games. Her oldest is David — named not surprisingly with biblical intent — who is well-portrayed as the brother and son who becomes the man of the house in his late father’s absence, by default resigned to looking after his younger siblings: James, Faith and Ruth.
“Still, he was happy that his younger siblings hadn’t witnessed his version of Evelyn. She got better once she started taking medication . . . But it was still obvious that she was crazy, and it was only a matter of time before someone else started to think for themselves as David had.”
Light on action in the beginning for the narrative focusing on introducing the family individually, readers should brace themselves for a back end that’s heavy with jarring developments resulting in devastating consequences.
“Everyone walked on eggshells. Evelyn had been erratic lately, her moods unpredictable and passionate. No one even dared speak for fear that Evelyn would find some way to trap them in their words.”
Evelyn may be unpredictable, but she is always happy to put you in your place with an unsolicited Bible lesson. Absorbing her religious rants at times felt like listening to the laughable lunacy of Mama Boucher in The Waterboy, only Evelyn’s unstable behavior seemed more in line with Carrie White’s mother in King’s classic. And while no one gets outright called the devil à la the former, Evelyn’s evil antics are quite devilish and unmotherly much like the latter.
“It could be something simple like a public figure on television . . . She would mute the TV and begin to pray for the public figure, insisting that her children stop what they were doing to do the same.”
Where this novel excels is how Colón captures the oppressive dynamics of living in a home strapped down by religious restraints, further bolstered by an unnerving sense of always being berated by a haughty bigot, in contextual scenes that offer surprising relatability in spite of — or perhaps because of — their glaring wrongness.
“Mama always came off as overbearing to strangers because she had to evangelize to everybody. She would walk up to a random person and see them as if they had a ‘save me’ sign on their back. Daily, she confronted people about their sins and slights.”
This House is Broken is a debut novel that delivers a message not without merit. At its core it is a microcosm of the dangers of religious fanaticism fueled by overzealous devotees, while indirectly spotlighting how organized religion in general is arguably the single-most divisive and deadly construct in the history of humankind.
Well set up for the sequel, the horror for the Singletons is just beginning.
“Who forces hourly Bible studies on their children? Who punished a child for a B+? Who sends their child into a dark cold basement for the night?”
Evelyn is her name, and when it comes to The Good Word, she plays no games. Her oldest is David — named not surprisingly with biblical intent — who is well-portrayed as the brother and son who becomes the man of the house in his late father’s absence, by default resigned to looking after his younger siblings: James, Faith and Ruth.
“Still, he was happy that his younger siblings hadn’t witnessed his version of Evelyn. She got better once she started taking medication . . . But it was still obvious that she was crazy, and it was only a matter of time before someone else started to think for themselves as David had.”
Light on action in the beginning for the narrative focusing on introducing the family individually, readers should brace themselves for a back end that’s heavy with jarring developments resulting in devastating consequences.
“Everyone walked on eggshells. Evelyn had been erratic lately, her moods unpredictable and passionate. No one even dared speak for fear that Evelyn would find some way to trap them in their words.”
Evelyn may be unpredictable, but she is always happy to put you in your place with an unsolicited Bible lesson. Absorbing her religious rants at times felt like listening to the laughable lunacy of Mama Boucher in The Waterboy, only Evelyn’s unstable behavior seemed more in line with Carrie White’s mother in King’s classic. And while no one gets outright called the devil à la the former, Evelyn’s evil antics are quite devilish and unmotherly much like the latter.
“It could be something simple like a public figure on television . . . She would mute the TV and begin to pray for the public figure, insisting that her children stop what they were doing to do the same.”
Where this novel excels is how Colón captures the oppressive dynamics of living in a home strapped down by religious restraints, further bolstered by an unnerving sense of always being berated by a haughty bigot, in contextual scenes that offer surprising relatability in spite of — or perhaps because of — their glaring wrongness.
“Mama always came off as overbearing to strangers because she had to evangelize to everybody. She would walk up to a random person and see them as if they had a ‘save me’ sign on their back. Daily, she confronted people about their sins and slights.”
This House is Broken is a debut novel that delivers a message not without merit. At its core it is a microcosm of the dangers of religious fanaticism fueled by overzealous devotees, while indirectly spotlighting how organized religion in general is arguably the single-most divisive and deadly construct in the history of humankind.
Well set up for the sequel, the horror for the Singletons is just beginning.
April 13, 2022
To me, this book wasn't your typical horror book. There weren't any scary monsters or serial killers. But there was one thing that kept me horrified: Evelyn.
Evelyn was the highly religious mother of Ruth (the youngest that idolized her mom), Faith (big sister to Ruth, who loved reading and was just trying to find her way), James (the 2nd oldest brother who was quiet, misunderstood and loved video games) and David (the oldest who really knew what Evelyn was truly like and looked forward to college and a life outside their home). A single mother, she controlled her family through an extremely strict, religion centered regime. For example, Faith's B in school resulted in a night locked in the cold, dark, bug filled basement. But that was just the beginning.
Evelyn's reign became even worse and even more abusive when she declared that the Lord wanted her to get off of her doctor prescribed medication that helped her mental health. Despite pleas by her children, Evelyn was once again set in her ways and claimed that she and Jesus knew best. The abuse got worse and the voices in her head and her off key hymn singing got louder. Self-mutilation for her supposed sins terrified her family and the punishments and judgements became overwhelming to the children.
This House Is Broken is disturbing. But the disturbing part is even worse knowing that there are really people like Evelyn in this world. Real children dealing with the abuse, the manipulation, the hate for anything that wasn't Godly in their parent's eyes. If there aren't any other strong, healthy role models in their lives, the parenting is all they know. It is what they believe to be normal and those memories, those judgements are what they then bring with them out into the world as adults. I find these thoughts to be sad and extremely disturbing.
It seems like this book is a very rich, deeply consuming, complete backstory of this family needed to both understand the depths at which Evelyn was willing to go and to also prepare the reader for part 2. I have not read part 2 of this series yet, but with the ending of this book in mind, I believe new, even bigger horrors await us.
I gave this book a very well deserved 5 ⭐️.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Evelyn was the highly religious mother of Ruth (the youngest that idolized her mom), Faith (big sister to Ruth, who loved reading and was just trying to find her way), James (the 2nd oldest brother who was quiet, misunderstood and loved video games) and David (the oldest who really knew what Evelyn was truly like and looked forward to college and a life outside their home). A single mother, she controlled her family through an extremely strict, religion centered regime. For example, Faith's B in school resulted in a night locked in the cold, dark, bug filled basement. But that was just the beginning.
Evelyn's reign became even worse and even more abusive when she declared that the Lord wanted her to get off of her doctor prescribed medication that helped her mental health. Despite pleas by her children, Evelyn was once again set in her ways and claimed that she and Jesus knew best. The abuse got worse and the voices in her head and her off key hymn singing got louder. Self-mutilation for her supposed sins terrified her family and the punishments and judgements became overwhelming to the children.
This House Is Broken is disturbing. But the disturbing part is even worse knowing that there are really people like Evelyn in this world. Real children dealing with the abuse, the manipulation, the hate for anything that wasn't Godly in their parent's eyes. If there aren't any other strong, healthy role models in their lives, the parenting is all they know. It is what they believe to be normal and those memories, those judgements are what they then bring with them out into the world as adults. I find these thoughts to be sad and extremely disturbing.
It seems like this book is a very rich, deeply consuming, complete backstory of this family needed to both understand the depths at which Evelyn was willing to go and to also prepare the reader for part 2. I have not read part 2 of this series yet, but with the ending of this book in mind, I believe new, even bigger horrors await us.
I gave this book a very well deserved 5 ⭐️.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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