What do you think?
Rate this book
Black River Lantern
“ Black River Lantern is a deliciously sinister story, one steeped in all that rural Americana has to offer. It’s a tale of family and dark forces, fates and fortunes, a modern myth born at the crossroads of the old world and the new. ”
-Seattle Book Review “ Throughout the tale, Grass’ prose displays a sharp, confident voice flavored with indelible metaphors. ”
-Kirkus Reviews “ Black River Lantern is drama/horror/thriller operating at full speed, one hundred percent enjoyable. ”
-Manhattan Book Review “ Grass has gathered a fascinating cast of characters, each speaking in unique accents and playing interlocking roles that take the tale to an unexpected climax – a tapestry of personalities that is just as fascinating as the intricately woven storyline. ”
-Independent Review of Books " Every sentence is beautiful and somewhat overwhelming. "
-Jay, Goodreads " Highly visual writing that gut-punches or gratifies a horror enthusiast. "
-IndieReader " It can be a challenge to make a book simultaneously engaging, horrifying, thought-provoking and funny, but the comedic aspects of the writing are undeniable, even if the humor leans dark. "
-Self Publishing Review " One of the best novels I’ve read in a while ... I was impressed, and it takes a lot to do that for me. "
-Ron, Goodreads Eddie Marivicos is trapped in a cycle of exploitation. And his daddy likes it that way. He was brought up by his father Papa Marivicos to work in the family carnival. Papa is a cruel man who runs his show like a labor camp. When it comes to the Marivicos Summerlong Carnivalé Festival, the show must go on… at any and all costs. Eddie has recently been “gifted” with the ability to hear others’ thoughts; to him, it’s a supernatural horror story that he cannot escape—a curse. Dubbed “second sight”, this condition propels Eddie to local stardom, and for Papa, Eddie becomes the goose that laid the golden egg. But there are other opportunists who would make use of Eddie’s powers for their own personal gain. As other people from Kayjigville come into Eddie’s orbit—the mafia, and a greedy businesswoman who resurrects her fortunes after being disgraced—their fates become intertwined with his. Dr. Chain, a clinical psychologist, is tasked with looking after the young man after an explosive accident caused by Eddie’s powers sends the town reeling. An escort named Lexi will cross paths with Eddie, and provide him comfort during a grim time in his life. Being close to the mind-reader does not come without consequence. In this paranormal horror story, everyone that comes within Eddie’s orbit will be bloodied and scarred before it’s all through. Papa Marivicos wants power and will stop at nothing to get it—extortion, murder, and perhaps even conjuring a Lovecraftian horror from another dimension, a presence that sends him into a spiral of grotesque mutation. Eddie wants nothing more than to break away from the darkness carved in his DNA, but will have to reach to the ends of the known universe to do so. The Marivicos family drama escalates as father and son learn to unlock the latent powers of their ancestors. One by manipulating sound, fire, and darkness; the other by harnessing the power of light. The 47th Annual Marivicos Summerlong Carnivalé Festival will kick off a chain of events that will usher in a dark and tragic horror upon the carnival, Kayjigville, and even realms thought to be the stuff of only the most far-flung paranormal fantasy… Feast your senses on this tale of dramatic supernatural fantasy tale!
-Seattle Book Review “ Throughout the tale, Grass’ prose displays a sharp, confident voice flavored with indelible metaphors. ”
-Kirkus Reviews “ Black River Lantern is drama/horror/thriller operating at full speed, one hundred percent enjoyable. ”
-Manhattan Book Review “ Grass has gathered a fascinating cast of characters, each speaking in unique accents and playing interlocking roles that take the tale to an unexpected climax – a tapestry of personalities that is just as fascinating as the intricately woven storyline. ”
-Independent Review of Books " Every sentence is beautiful and somewhat overwhelming. "
-Jay, Goodreads " Highly visual writing that gut-punches or gratifies a horror enthusiast. "
-IndieReader " It can be a challenge to make a book simultaneously engaging, horrifying, thought-provoking and funny, but the comedic aspects of the writing are undeniable, even if the humor leans dark. "
-Self Publishing Review " One of the best novels I’ve read in a while ... I was impressed, and it takes a lot to do that for me. "
-Ron, Goodreads Eddie Marivicos is trapped in a cycle of exploitation. And his daddy likes it that way. He was brought up by his father Papa Marivicos to work in the family carnival. Papa is a cruel man who runs his show like a labor camp. When it comes to the Marivicos Summerlong Carnivalé Festival, the show must go on… at any and all costs. Eddie has recently been “gifted” with the ability to hear others’ thoughts; to him, it’s a supernatural horror story that he cannot escape—a curse. Dubbed “second sight”, this condition propels Eddie to local stardom, and for Papa, Eddie becomes the goose that laid the golden egg. But there are other opportunists who would make use of Eddie’s powers for their own personal gain. As other people from Kayjigville come into Eddie’s orbit—the mafia, and a greedy businesswoman who resurrects her fortunes after being disgraced—their fates become intertwined with his. Dr. Chain, a clinical psychologist, is tasked with looking after the young man after an explosive accident caused by Eddie’s powers sends the town reeling. An escort named Lexi will cross paths with Eddie, and provide him comfort during a grim time in his life. Being close to the mind-reader does not come without consequence. In this paranormal horror story, everyone that comes within Eddie’s orbit will be bloodied and scarred before it’s all through. Papa Marivicos wants power and will stop at nothing to get it—extortion, murder, and perhaps even conjuring a Lovecraftian horror from another dimension, a presence that sends him into a spiral of grotesque mutation. Eddie wants nothing more than to break away from the darkness carved in his DNA, but will have to reach to the ends of the known universe to do so. The Marivicos family drama escalates as father and son learn to unlock the latent powers of their ancestors. One by manipulating sound, fire, and darkness; the other by harnessing the power of light. The 47th Annual Marivicos Summerlong Carnivalé Festival will kick off a chain of events that will usher in a dark and tragic horror upon the carnival, Kayjigville, and even realms thought to be the stuff of only the most far-flung paranormal fantasy… Feast your senses on this tale of dramatic supernatural fantasy tale!
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2020
81 people are currently reading
6890 people want to read
About the author
Alex Grass
4 books208 followersBorn in Harrisburg, PA, Alexander Grass lived in Philadelphia, Israel, and a few other places before settling in Brooklyn with his wife and three kids.
As a teenager, Alex was in a thrash-metal band called Shock Syndrome. He later worked in construction, landscaping, driving in a car auction, and worked in parts and shipping for a Honda dealership.
After obtaining his GED, he went to Penn State online before attending Cardozo Law School on scholarship. While at Cardozo, Alex was a Floersheimer Student Fellow in Constitutional Law, and a law clerk for the Institute for Justice and for the New York County Defenders. After a stint in rehab, he dropped out of law school to become a full-time author.
As a teenager, Alex was in a thrash-metal band called Shock Syndrome. He later worked in construction, landscaping, driving in a car auction, and worked in parts and shipping for a Honda dealership.
After obtaining his GED, he went to Penn State online before attending Cardozo Law School on scholarship. While at Cardozo, Alex was a Floersheimer Student Fellow in Constitutional Law, and a law clerk for the Institute for Justice and for the New York County Defenders. After a stint in rehab, he dropped out of law school to become a full-time author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 13, 2020
This was a great, spooky tale that I had a hard time putting down. The dialog makes for fast, fun and easy reading. The characters are diverse and well rounded, so they almost seemed familiar (to me). Alex does a great job of building visuals that are clear and easy to see. His ability to bring together so many different elements and keeping the story clear is fantastic.
I found the shifting of past and present time events handled really well and I never lost track of where I was (unlike other stories have done).
The story is told by different characters, each with their own point of view, covering opposite ends of good and evil. The first of the story grabbed my attention and the second half simple got better.
The carnival atmosphere was creepy and lends itself to excellent nighttime reading.
The plot had me from the start and kept me turning pages to the very end. This was a fun ride and I can easily recommend it forward.
I found the shifting of past and present time events handled really well and I never lost track of where I was (unlike other stories have done).
The story is told by different characters, each with their own point of view, covering opposite ends of good and evil. The first of the story grabbed my attention and the second half simple got better.
The carnival atmosphere was creepy and lends itself to excellent nighttime reading.
The plot had me from the start and kept me turning pages to the very end. This was a fun ride and I can easily recommend it forward.
August 29, 2021
This book is written in a style I call verbal symphony. Every sentence is beautiful and somewhat overwhelming. The story itself starts in realism but gradually enters the fantasy realm. I can't say that I have ever read a book like this before, but I truly loved every word of it. The dialogue is both humorous and entertaining. Some of the characters appear to encapsulate pure evil, while others offer the epitome of kindness. The story is told in the voices of several different characters, and the reader has to pay attention to understand who is speaking. I can only wonder at the imagination it took to come up with this story. I so enjoyed the verbiage that I will be reading it again. I received a copy of this book through Hidden Gems. I never would have found it on my own.
October 30, 2021
Black River Lantern by author Alex Grass.
First thing's first, Alex has a super unique sense of humor. His introduction to the book is the best I've read.
Black River Lantern is a must read for horror/fantasy enthusiast's.
BRL is set in a carnival, Eddie the main protagonist and physic. The main star of the "show."
Eddie's father is the owner of the carnival that exploits his son to make money for the carnival.
Both of their lives are endangered as Eddie's father gets both he and Eddie into a war with business and the mob.
I enjoyed BLR immensely, solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elise- Capricorn Book Reviews 🐐📚♑
First thing's first, Alex has a super unique sense of humor. His introduction to the book is the best I've read.
Black River Lantern is a must read for horror/fantasy enthusiast's.
BRL is set in a carnival, Eddie the main protagonist and physic. The main star of the "show."
Eddie's father is the owner of the carnival that exploits his son to make money for the carnival.
Both of their lives are endangered as Eddie's father gets both he and Eddie into a war with business and the mob.
I enjoyed BLR immensely, solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elise- Capricorn Book Reviews 🐐📚♑
November 5, 2021
(Book was received as a Goodreads Giveaway)
Authors are like gods, building their little worlds and populating it, and then often smiting them down to rubble. This book made me think of the claymation "Adventures of Mark Twain" section about the Mysterious Stranger, with the quiet joy that is taken in destroying everything that was created. Characters are introduced to be gears in the mechanism that snaps shut in the grisly climax of the third act. The characters don't seem to have much agency, and most aren't particularly likable - even the protagonist Eddie never grew on me (it's kind of weird to have a protagonist who is described as stupid), although some of the secondary characters are okay.
It takes a while to get going, and there are a lot of characters juggled, which makes the story move very fitfully. The ending is appropriate, if not particularly satisfying. There are some interesting ideas and style choices (one of the secondary characters' chapters is told in first person, while the rest of the book is third person omniscient) but I never got particularly invested into any of it, and had to push myself to get through. It's not bad by any means (although the editing was a bit spotty), but it just didn't click with me. If you're into dark fantasies with unpleasant father/son relationships and some grisly deaths, there's a lot to like here.
Authors are like gods, building their little worlds and populating it, and then often smiting them down to rubble. This book made me think of the claymation "Adventures of Mark Twain" section about the Mysterious Stranger, with the quiet joy that is taken in destroying everything that was created. Characters are introduced to be gears in the mechanism that snaps shut in the grisly climax of the third act. The characters don't seem to have much agency, and most aren't particularly likable - even the protagonist Eddie never grew on me (it's kind of weird to have a protagonist who is described as stupid), although some of the secondary characters are okay.
It takes a while to get going, and there are a lot of characters juggled, which makes the story move very fitfully. The ending is appropriate, if not particularly satisfying. There are some interesting ideas and style choices (one of the secondary characters' chapters is told in first person, while the rest of the book is third person omniscient) but I never got particularly invested into any of it, and had to push myself to get through. It's not bad by any means (although the editing was a bit spotty), but it just didn't click with me. If you're into dark fantasies with unpleasant father/son relationships and some grisly deaths, there's a lot to like here.
October 29, 2021
Thank you to the author and goodreads for sending me this book for an honest review. This book was the first I have read from this author. Horror books are my favorite genre and this book certainly disappoint. Set in a small town carnival setting, this book is a perfect for reading at Halloween. This book is unlike any horror novel I have ever read and is a breath of fresh air into the genre. I liked this book so much that immediately after I finished it I purchased his other 2 novels. 4.5 🌟
November 15, 2020
Dark, suspenseful and horrifying! This book follows several characters and the author does a great job and intertwining their storylines. This book had me on the end of my seat for the entire third act. Even in the darkest of parts throughout the book, the author makes sure a glimmer of light and hope is still there all the way until the very end. I kept trying to guess the ending (would they all be OK?)and was definitely not expecting the final twist.
Read
December 15, 2022DNF
December 6, 2021
Had this sent directly to my grandson.
He found it to scary.
So for adults and older teens.
Gave this a 5 stars ... not the book's fault I misjudged the audience.
He found it to scary.
So for adults and older teens.
Gave this a 5 stars ... not the book's fault I misjudged the audience.
November 16, 2020
I won a book. On Goodreads. It came last week and even had a signature on the title page and a letter inside. A personal touch. It was nice. I finally got the chance to read it and I'm still reeling a bit.
A voice commands thee
In your forgetting moments
Yet the vessel remembers
After the voice leaves
Do you know my name?
I am spoken memory
I am infinite sadness
The atom within
Alex Grass's Black River Lantern follows Doc, Eddie Marivicos, Papa Marivicos, Lexi, and Clara on various journeys in the small town of Kayjigville. I'm not sure where the small town is, but there's water nearby and it seems that it might be somewhere north of Mississippi and toward the west. The imagery scattered throughout the book is amazing. You can really visualize the town and people.
In this supernatural tale, Eddie Marivicos is the star of Papa's Carnival. Why? Because he has second sight. He can hear what others are thinking, really. But then it becomes more. Strange things begin to happen and Eddie's only respite is with Lexi. Lexi whose thoughts he cannot hear. She also gifts him a lantern that he becomes drawn to and that seems to dull the voices, too.
Papa is the villain in this story. He hates Eddie, really. Eddie is his cash-cow, but he doesn't mean anything else. Especially since Eddie's mom left them. Papa is...something. You'd have to really read the book to understand. There's not much I can do to describe this rotten man.
I'll admit that the switches to the various characters could throw me off a little, but what was strangest and the most difficult to get past was going from third-person to first-person with Doc. Was Doc the hero? He didn't seem to be. Eddie seemed to be the hero and maybe Lexi and Doc for their part. It just didn't seem right to me.
Still, the book was one I didn't like putting down for very long. Of course, as a mom, I had to. Something else - there might be a sequel! Or that's how I feel after that ending.
A voice commands thee
In your forgetting moments
Yet the vessel remembers
After the voice leaves
Do you know my name?
I am spoken memory
I am infinite sadness
The atom within
Alex Grass's Black River Lantern follows Doc, Eddie Marivicos, Papa Marivicos, Lexi, and Clara on various journeys in the small town of Kayjigville. I'm not sure where the small town is, but there's water nearby and it seems that it might be somewhere north of Mississippi and toward the west. The imagery scattered throughout the book is amazing. You can really visualize the town and people.
In this supernatural tale, Eddie Marivicos is the star of Papa's Carnival. Why? Because he has second sight. He can hear what others are thinking, really. But then it becomes more. Strange things begin to happen and Eddie's only respite is with Lexi. Lexi whose thoughts he cannot hear. She also gifts him a lantern that he becomes drawn to and that seems to dull the voices, too.
Papa is the villain in this story. He hates Eddie, really. Eddie is his cash-cow, but he doesn't mean anything else. Especially since Eddie's mom left them. Papa is...something. You'd have to really read the book to understand. There's not much I can do to describe this rotten man.
I'll admit that the switches to the various characters could throw me off a little, but what was strangest and the most difficult to get past was going from third-person to first-person with Doc. Was Doc the hero? He didn't seem to be. Eddie seemed to be the hero and maybe Lexi and Doc for their part. It just didn't seem right to me.
Still, the book was one I didn't like putting down for very long. Of course, as a mom, I had to. Something else - there might be a sequel! Or that's how I feel after that ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I read a lot of weird, quirky, unique books through my ARC service, and this is definitely near the top of all of those lists. Black River Lantern has a language and flow all its own. The writing style is beautiful, even when it's grimy, and there were so many interesting turns of phrase or moments where I just kinda had to pause and soak it in. There's a weird, hazy quality to it sometimes, especially in regards to the time period - initially I was thinking it takes place somewhere in the 50s or so, because of some of the language and the carnival/ferry aspects, but later on there's more pop culture references and more modern dialogue. It gives it a disjointed, timeless feel, which I think was the point.
The characters are vivid and feel real. They're mutli-faceted, and even the ones we don't like have touches of humanity to them. I really felt for our poor main character - he absolutely deserved better. The plot is a little loose in places, but I was invested enough in the characters that I didn't mind. The ending was very open, and I hope the hook in the epilogue means we'll get a sequel (I'd especially like more details on what happens to our MC at the end). If there is a sequel, I will definitely give it a go.
This book isn't going to be for everyone. It's weird and wild and often bleak, but beautiful in its own way. As a reader, you just have to kinda take it all in stride and let it soak in. I'm definitely a fan, though, and I think this author will be one to watch moving forward, he has a lot of potential.
I read a lot of weird, quirky, unique books through my ARC service, and this is definitely near the top of all of those lists. Black River Lantern has a language and flow all its own. The writing style is beautiful, even when it's grimy, and there were so many interesting turns of phrase or moments where I just kinda had to pause and soak it in. There's a weird, hazy quality to it sometimes, especially in regards to the time period - initially I was thinking it takes place somewhere in the 50s or so, because of some of the language and the carnival/ferry aspects, but later on there's more pop culture references and more modern dialogue. It gives it a disjointed, timeless feel, which I think was the point.
The characters are vivid and feel real. They're mutli-faceted, and even the ones we don't like have touches of humanity to them. I really felt for our poor main character - he absolutely deserved better. The plot is a little loose in places, but I was invested enough in the characters that I didn't mind. The ending was very open, and I hope the hook in the epilogue means we'll get a sequel (I'd especially like more details on what happens to our MC at the end). If there is a sequel, I will definitely give it a go.
This book isn't going to be for everyone. It's weird and wild and often bleak, but beautiful in its own way. As a reader, you just have to kinda take it all in stride and let it soak in. I'm definitely a fan, though, and I think this author will be one to watch moving forward, he has a lot of potential.
November 27, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from Goodread for a honest review that is given voluntarily.
This is not really the type of book that I usually read, however, this book had me hooked from the very beginning. The storyline never really has a dull moment, due to the fact, the author is a wonderful story teller. I also found the author’s verbiage throughout the book wonderfully stimulating. It was so easy for me to imagine a somewhat rundown creepy carnival that unsavory creatures/carnies lurking around. I have to admit I am still tripping over the ending, but I promise I won’t ruin it for anyone else by posting the specifics about it. This is definitely a book I am going to recommend to my friends.
This is not really the type of book that I usually read, however, this book had me hooked from the very beginning. The storyline never really has a dull moment, due to the fact, the author is a wonderful story teller. I also found the author’s verbiage throughout the book wonderfully stimulating. It was so easy for me to imagine a somewhat rundown creepy carnival that unsavory creatures/carnies lurking around. I have to admit I am still tripping over the ending, but I promise I won’t ruin it for anyone else by posting the specifics about it. This is definitely a book I am going to recommend to my friends.
October 27, 2020
Simply WOW!
One of the best novels I’ve read in a while. Character developments, scene settings, plot development, and finally a good finish I could get behind. Overall, I was impressed, and it takes a lot to do that for me. Well worth my time and I’m anxious to see whatever else this author has to offer.
One of the best novels I’ve read in a while. Character developments, scene settings, plot development, and finally a good finish I could get behind. Overall, I was impressed, and it takes a lot to do that for me. Well worth my time and I’m anxious to see whatever else this author has to offer.
January 2, 2021
A gripping and fascinating story that kept me hooked.
It's told by different POV and i liked how the author was able to make you feel different emotions and how the different POV resonated.
Excellent world building and a gripping plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's told by different POV and i liked how the author was able to make you feel different emotions and how the different POV resonated.
Excellent world building and a gripping plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 9, 2020
What a family
This was a wonderful read. I felt sorry for Eddie and all he went through. Then in the end to loose his wife and children. You will have to read the book to the end and cry like I did for the family.
This was a wonderful read. I felt sorry for Eddie and all he went through. Then in the end to loose his wife and children. You will have to read the book to the end and cry like I did for the family.
January 1, 2021
Wonderfully written! Great character development, scene and plot development, and the story is imaginative! The story itself starts in realism but gradually enters the fantasy realm and quite unlike other stories.
February 6, 2021
This book was strange and horrible and wonderful and I don't know how to even describe it, but I'm pretty sure I need all of Alex Grass's books. I'm also pretty sure I need to read this again, it feels like a book that gets better each time
June 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it was unlike a lot of the other books I've read.
The best thing about this book was character development and imagery, I could see each person and every place in the book. I think that's an outstanding thing when a writer can put me in it. I've always secretly wanted the ability to read people's thoughts, who doesn't. ;)
Eddie's father exploits his son, there are other characters that you won't like, other situations that are unpleasant, but I really didn't want to stop reading this! I received a copy from the publisher, thank you very much, as I loved reading this and have already shared and recommended it to a few friends in different reading groups.
I liked how the author incorporated different walks of life into the story, like the carnival setting, the people who want to take advantage when they find out what Eddie can do, there's a lot of diversity in the characters which makes for a full experience. This author really excels at descriptions, and the ability to tell a story well with multiple POVs that's not always done well. I finished the book within 2 days of starting, which is super quick for my busy schedule. Thank you Alex, this was a great read! 4.5 stars, give it a read!
The best thing about this book was character development and imagery, I could see each person and every place in the book. I think that's an outstanding thing when a writer can put me in it. I've always secretly wanted the ability to read people's thoughts, who doesn't. ;)
Eddie's father exploits his son, there are other characters that you won't like, other situations that are unpleasant, but I really didn't want to stop reading this! I received a copy from the publisher, thank you very much, as I loved reading this and have already shared and recommended it to a few friends in different reading groups.
I liked how the author incorporated different walks of life into the story, like the carnival setting, the people who want to take advantage when they find out what Eddie can do, there's a lot of diversity in the characters which makes for a full experience. This author really excels at descriptions, and the ability to tell a story well with multiple POVs that's not always done well. I finished the book within 2 days of starting, which is super quick for my busy schedule. Thank you Alex, this was a great read! 4.5 stars, give it a read!
November 15, 2020
I don’t know how to review this book. At times I couldn’t put it down. At other times I felt like I didn’t want to read it anymore. It’s a complicated book, with dialogue that is often difficult to absorb. The story was gripping, but I felt that the wrong characters kept prevailing and it left me feeling angry at times. I rooted for Eddie throughout the book. I’m curious why the author always spelled the name of God as G-d. Is it out of reverence? That wouldn’t make sense with the foul language throughout the book. So I don’t know the answer. This book is good. I struggled with giving it a rating. For the first half, I would rate it 5 stars. But part of it became so bizarre and hard to follow or even fathom that I found myself lost and confused. It all came together in the end, which I appreciated. I would recommend buying this book. The cover art is spectacular, the pages are smooth and high quality. It’s a book you won’t mind reading more than once. The language is advanced, the characters are so well described I felt like I knew them. This author definitely has talent.
October 15, 2025
I had a lot of fun reading Black River Lantern. I felt like it kept me entertained all the way through. I was excited to dive back into the story every time I had to put it down. The author's writing style made the story seem even more magical and poetic. There were several descriptions that made me feel like I could see, smell, and hear the colors, images, and scenes that I was reading. I had so many moments where I found myself smiling or laughing. The way the words flowed together felt beautiful. It made the mystery and suspense feel amplified. I felt really nervous while reading the scary parts, I enjoyed how creative they were.
I had so many characters that I loved. Each of them brought something special to the story for me, and they're gonna stick with me. I felt invested in the story for them. Between the characters, settings, and themes, this makes it to be one of my favorites for September.
I had so many characters that I loved. Each of them brought something special to the story for me, and they're gonna stick with me. I felt invested in the story for them. Between the characters, settings, and themes, this makes it to be one of my favorites for September.
January 5, 2023
It went from southern gothic to borderline Lovecraft all in the space of a chapter. I just really don't know what to say about this except for keep reading it until the end. The writing is really good. The characters are amazing. I've read some really evil characters, but this book has EVIL characters.
The horror is balanced out with the goodness of the other characters. There's no one who has what anyone would call a good life, but they're still some pretty decent people despite this. Lexi is a prostitute who works in a brothel. She's not the hooker with the proverbial heart of gold, but she loves, I guess, Eddie.
It's just a really twisted book. I'm don't know if I want a sequel, which the ending sets us up for. I don't think I could handle a happy ending and I think a sad ending would just be a let down.
The horror is balanced out with the goodness of the other characters. There's no one who has what anyone would call a good life, but they're still some pretty decent people despite this. Lexi is a prostitute who works in a brothel. She's not the hooker with the proverbial heart of gold, but she loves, I guess, Eddie.
It's just a really twisted book. I'm don't know if I want a sequel, which the ending sets us up for. I don't think I could handle a happy ending and I think a sad ending would just be a let down.
June 9, 2024
The last 100 pages of Black River Lantern delivered a chilling, mind-bending cosmic horror that fully lived up to its intriguing cover. Unfortunately, the rest of the book was a slog that took me a month to get through, often putting me to sleep. The plot felt stagnant, and I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters. The portrayal of women in the novel was disappointingly flat and two-dimensional, making me question the author's understanding of realistic female characters. They lacked depth or complexity, frequently serving as plot devices at best and falling into harmful stereotypes at worst. While Black River Lantern ended on a strong note, the overall experience was underwhelming for me. Perhaps it might resonate more strongly within the incel community on Reddit.
Read
December 3, 2020Great book!
The only thing I didn't care for was the characters thought too long on whatever it was that the writer felt needed explanation. Example: S.King's The Shining....where he us in the basement reading and thinking about the history if the hotel/resort . But that being said I honestly loved this book. It was a refreshing change from what I usually end up reading. AND there are no book 2 or 3 or 4.... No cliff hanger no etc happened to this person or that person. I loved Eddie. And I am keeping this loaded because I know I will read it again. That's how much I liked it! So thank you Mr. Grass !
The only thing I didn't care for was the characters thought too long on whatever it was that the writer felt needed explanation. Example: S.King's The Shining....where he us in the basement reading and thinking about the history if the hotel/resort . But that being said I honestly loved this book. It was a refreshing change from what I usually end up reading. AND there are no book 2 or 3 or 4.... No cliff hanger no etc happened to this person or that person. I loved Eddie. And I am keeping this loaded because I know I will read it again. That's how much I liked it! So thank you Mr. Grass !
November 9, 2022
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and just got around to reading it. One reason is that I had a lot of other books to read and the other was the cover of the book turned me off and gave me the impression that this was a horror book and not my beloved fantasy. I would have given this book four stars if the ending was different. I hated the ending. The main character would have been better off having his throat slit at birth; he was given such a small time of decent living. Not great wonderful living, just the few years in which he was not tortured. I will never read a book by Alex Grass again. It might have been free of monetary cost, but I spent hours of my reading/escapist time wasted.
March 10, 2023
This is the third Alex Grass book that I have had the pleasure of reviewing. Like the other two, it is odd, creepy, and dark. The story follows a carnival (not a circus) and how the father exploits his son’s talents for monetary gain.
The story arc was compelling, and I had to keep reading to put all the pieces together. There are so many interesting characters and lots of character development. The imagery puts you front and center of each act.
Each character’s vocabulary varies and is written so I can hear their voices. However, just like Alex Grass’s other books, it is written with adults in mind and a high reading level.
I thoroughly enjoy this book.
The story arc was compelling, and I had to keep reading to put all the pieces together. There are so many interesting characters and lots of character development. The imagery puts you front and center of each act.
Each character’s vocabulary varies and is written so I can hear their voices. However, just like Alex Grass’s other books, it is written with adults in mind and a high reading level.
I thoroughly enjoy this book.
January 2, 2022
Got this in a good reads giveaway.
I liked it. Good story and premise. Action and supernatural.
Gave it three stars because it wasn't bad but it never really sucked me in. The characters were kinda just surface no depth.
Besides not really attaching to any of the characters there was an obscure time line. I never really knew if a week, day or month pasted between events. I get that maybe the supernatural aspect was the point of the time line issue, but still.
I would definitely read more by this author. This book was not a home run for me but it wasnt a deal breaker either.
I liked it. Good story and premise. Action and supernatural.
Gave it three stars because it wasn't bad but it never really sucked me in. The characters were kinda just surface no depth.
Besides not really attaching to any of the characters there was an obscure time line. I never really knew if a week, day or month pasted between events. I get that maybe the supernatural aspect was the point of the time line issue, but still.
I would definitely read more by this author. This book was not a home run for me but it wasnt a deal breaker either.
June 5, 2022
OMG! What a Book
I've read most of this author's books and find myself amazed at the development of the characters in his works. You can't read this in haste or you'll miss some of what Mr. Grass is trying to impart. Take the time to savor each sentence and chapter. This is a great story of the paranormal, fantasy, and horror. I loved his book but think its not for the feint of heart. Honestly, I think if you read just one of his books you'll want to read the rest of them.
I've read most of this author's books and find myself amazed at the development of the characters in his works. You can't read this in haste or you'll miss some of what Mr. Grass is trying to impart. Take the time to savor each sentence and chapter. This is a great story of the paranormal, fantasy, and horror. I loved his book but think its not for the feint of heart. Honestly, I think if you read just one of his books you'll want to read the rest of them.
August 31, 2022
I was awarded this book from Goodreads.com. The author signed the book and addressed it to me and that made me feel special! The book was a completely different genre that I normally read which is why I follow Goodreads so as to be exposed to new and different authors. This book was a challenge for me to follow because the presentation was so unique. I believe this book would be an excellent Netflix series so that the period clothing, geographic location, special effects and the presentation could be viewed with clarity. The book doesn't do it justice.
December 27, 2022
Please note: I won my digital copy in a GoodReads giveaway.
Though the plot was interesting and the cover looked cool, I didn’t think that the sum of this book’s parts made for great read. At times it was hard to get through (and not in a horror bone chilling way, but in a why-am-I-still-reading-this way) and I didn’t like most of the characters. I was confused by the setting (particularly the time period as some modern pop culture was referenced, but modern tech like phones were virtually nonexistent).
Needless to say I wasn’t a fan.
Though the plot was interesting and the cover looked cool, I didn’t think that the sum of this book’s parts made for great read. At times it was hard to get through (and not in a horror bone chilling way, but in a why-am-I-still-reading-this way) and I didn’t like most of the characters. I was confused by the setting (particularly the time period as some modern pop culture was referenced, but modern tech like phones were virtually nonexistent).
Needless to say I wasn’t a fan.
November 17, 2020
This book was really good in so many areas and well not so good in others. There were places that it just through in info I felt I didn't need nor did I want it. The explanation of how the monster became was lacking and to me did not fit the story. However, there were parts to this story I really enjoyed. Some of the characters and their story kept me intrigued, it just got a bit weird is all.
November 24, 2020
I was one of the few to get it early because of one of the giveaways and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The shifting points of view kept you thinking about how everything was going to work out. I want to thank Me. Grass for giving me the opportunity to read this book. You did a wonderful job, sir. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews