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Halloween Land
An action-packed, coming of age horror tale, full of twists, turns and unexpected adventures.
Zak and Wendy are a couple of horror buffs who love Halloween.
In their sleepy, run-down little town, an exciting attraction promises to inject some life into the place for one special night only. A travelling carnival, making its debut on Halloween.
Anticipation builds, and the mysterious 'Halloween Land' carnival is the talk of the town; the calliope music, bright lights, and sweet and savoury smells from the pop-up carnival lure in the crowds flocking to the pier. The two teenage friends Zak and Wendy are eager to be among the first.
Revelations unfold, mysteries peek from the outer limits. The kids have to think and act fast to defeat the evil that's come to town and it’s nothing like in the movies!
This tale is full of mystery, fun, magic, tension and dread.
Step up for the ride, give your ticket to the clown, she'll show you a good time; no one can say where you will end up, but it'll be a wicked ride!
Zak and Wendy are a couple of horror buffs who love Halloween.
In their sleepy, run-down little town, an exciting attraction promises to inject some life into the place for one special night only. A travelling carnival, making its debut on Halloween.
Anticipation builds, and the mysterious 'Halloween Land' carnival is the talk of the town; the calliope music, bright lights, and sweet and savoury smells from the pop-up carnival lure in the crowds flocking to the pier. The two teenage friends Zak and Wendy are eager to be among the first.
Revelations unfold, mysteries peek from the outer limits. The kids have to think and act fast to defeat the evil that's come to town and it’s nothing like in the movies!
This tale is full of mystery, fun, magic, tension and dread.
Step up for the ride, give your ticket to the clown, she'll show you a good time; no one can say where you will end up, but it'll be a wicked ride!
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2021
100 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Kennedy
139 books325 followersKevin J. Kennedy is a horror author, editor, and anthologist. He is the owner of KJK Publishing and runs the bestselling 'The Horror Collection' series. He is the author of Halloween Land, The Clown and Nothing is Real.
He lives in the heart of Scotland with his beautiful wife, three cats, Carlito, Ariel and Luna, and a Pomchi called Orko. He can be found on Facebook if you want to chat with him.
He lives in the heart of Scotland with his beautiful wife, three cats, Carlito, Ariel and Luna, and a Pomchi called Orko. He can be found on Facebook if you want to chat with him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 5, 2021
Step right up, everybody!
Are you ready to eat until you puke, go on life-threatening rides that were hastily assembled in a day and get swindled out of your hard earned money?
Carnivals – the best place for children to get abducted and for adults to get their souls stolen.
Is the danger part of the thrill?
Halloween Land is coming to town for one day only. Zak and Wendy, thirteen years old and life long friends, can’t wait to go there and have the time of their lives. But something strange will happen...
You know those shirts people buy that says:
“I survived Octoberfest!”
Do you ever see anybody wearing a shirt that says:
“I survived Halloween Land!”
No? Of course you don’t, dumb-ass, when it is over nobody remembers being there.
They survived Halloween Land once. They know its secret. But why is it coming back after five years? Is this a chance at redemption or the end of the road?
This debut novella from Kevin J. Kennedy is a very decent coming-of-age story and a very fast read. I had to read a few reviews before I stumbled upon the word I needed to best describe this book;
Nostalgic.
Yes, this felt like old school horror, something you might appreciate even if you are in your teens.
It didn’t blow me away – there was nothing truly unique that will make it stand out in my mind in a year or so, but it wasn’t a waste of time, either.
Recommended to fans of the Bradbury era stories, and maybe a good starting place for teens who might be interested in the horror genre.
Are you ready to eat until you puke, go on life-threatening rides that were hastily assembled in a day and get swindled out of your hard earned money?
Carnivals – the best place for children to get abducted and for adults to get their souls stolen.
Is the danger part of the thrill?
Halloween Land is coming to town for one day only. Zak and Wendy, thirteen years old and life long friends, can’t wait to go there and have the time of their lives. But something strange will happen...
You know those shirts people buy that says:
“I survived Octoberfest!”
Do you ever see anybody wearing a shirt that says:
“I survived Halloween Land!”
No? Of course you don’t, dumb-ass, when it is over nobody remembers being there.
They survived Halloween Land once. They know its secret. But why is it coming back after five years? Is this a chance at redemption or the end of the road?
This debut novella from Kevin J. Kennedy is a very decent coming-of-age story and a very fast read. I had to read a few reviews before I stumbled upon the word I needed to best describe this book;
Nostalgic.
Yes, this felt like old school horror, something you might appreciate even if you are in your teens.
It didn’t blow me away – there was nothing truly unique that will make it stand out in my mind in a year or so, but it wasn’t a waste of time, either.
Recommended to fans of the Bradbury era stories, and maybe a good starting place for teens who might be interested in the horror genre.
March 29, 2021
Zak and Wendy have a supernatural experience at a carnival. It's Halloween season. They come out of it alive but the carnival claims two other kids as it feeds on souls. When Halloween Lands returns to town several years later they intend to get rid of it once and for all. Will they succeed? What is the role of the clown that helps the main characters? Interesting fantasy meets fairytale meets horror story with some implausible fights against the carnies. It had its moments but overall it was a bit thin and lost its moments. I had expected more horror and a better description of the carnival (character, history, why it became that eerie). Okay to read for all fans of an unusual Halloween tale.
October 21, 2025
Typographical impediments aside, the anticipation of raucous freakishness was eventually met with little more than a carnie shoot-em-up.
The Halloween carnival as a living entity could have made for a funhouse festival of the damned, funneling souls through various means of disintegration and digestion, but disappearance and town-wide amnesia is the extent of detail that I cannot fault fully for not going as frenzied as I would have hoped, save for a manic pixie clown girl inexplicably willing to aid in her employer’s destruction at the behest of a junkie first-round survivor who had apparently been drunkenly stashing assault artillery in the interim, should the opportunity to reprise attendance arise.
The carnival jumps time and space, flinging the avenging attendees around like cosmic frisbees with scant description:
Naturally, but nothing really played into any Samhain lore, thus left seeming fairly frivolous for a place—or warped space—called Halloween Land. Not enough whimsy in setup, and not enough carnage or catharsis in culmination.
The Halloween carnival as a living entity could have made for a funhouse festival of the damned, funneling souls through various means of disintegration and digestion, but disappearance and town-wide amnesia is the extent of detail that I cannot fault fully for not going as frenzied as I would have hoped, save for a manic pixie clown girl inexplicably willing to aid in her employer’s destruction at the behest of a junkie first-round survivor who had apparently been drunkenly stashing assault artillery in the interim, should the opportunity to reprise attendance arise.
The carnival jumps time and space, flinging the avenging attendees around like cosmic frisbees with scant description:
They found themselves at a carnival…that they were sure was in Hell…That had been one of the toughest ones to get through.
Naturally, but nothing really played into any Samhain lore, thus left seeming fairly frivolous for a place—or warped space—called Halloween Land. Not enough whimsy in setup, and not enough carnage or catharsis in culmination.
October 25, 2021
What can turn an abandoned pier into a carnival overnight? Just ask the kind folks at Halloween Land!
As high schoolers, Zak and Wendy are learning how friendship can turn into something more. However, both are distracted by the upcoming Halloween Land carnival. Even though the pier has recently become more of a home to indigents and junkies, they choose to believe the posters that suddenly appeared all around town. Sure enough, on Halloween day, there it is! Halloween Land, right there on the pier! As you may have guessed Halloween Land is not your typical traveling carnival. There is something dark there, inside the Fun House, (of course, because where else would it be?) Will Zak and Wendy survive the Fun House? You'll have to read this to find out!
I had a heck of a time with this fast paced novella. I started it last night and finished today at lunch. This tale is so well put together, nary a word is wasted. Zak and Wendy are about as realistic as teens can be, and when the story revisits them some years later, they're again realistic as well as likeable.
I don't want to say much else because this story should unfold in your head as the author intended, it shouldn't be filtered through my paltry words. If you're looking for a super fun Halloween read, look no further! I highly recommend Halloween Land! I especially recommend the Fun House there, for thrills you won't forget!
*Thanks to the author for the e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
As high schoolers, Zak and Wendy are learning how friendship can turn into something more. However, both are distracted by the upcoming Halloween Land carnival. Even though the pier has recently become more of a home to indigents and junkies, they choose to believe the posters that suddenly appeared all around town. Sure enough, on Halloween day, there it is! Halloween Land, right there on the pier! As you may have guessed Halloween Land is not your typical traveling carnival. There is something dark there, inside the Fun House, (of course, because where else would it be?) Will Zak and Wendy survive the Fun House? You'll have to read this to find out!
I had a heck of a time with this fast paced novella. I started it last night and finished today at lunch. This tale is so well put together, nary a word is wasted. Zak and Wendy are about as realistic as teens can be, and when the story revisits them some years later, they're again realistic as well as likeable.
I don't want to say much else because this story should unfold in your head as the author intended, it shouldn't be filtered through my paltry words. If you're looking for a super fun Halloween read, look no further! I highly recommend Halloween Land! I especially recommend the Fun House there, for thrills you won't forget!
*Thanks to the author for the e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
March 20, 2021
Cool and twisted carnival horror fun!
A small backstory without giving away spoilers:
Come one come all as the carnival is coming to town!
Zak and Wendy (best friends) start seeing flyers all over town for a carnival that is headed their way on Halloween. When the day arrives they both dress up in their Halloween costumes and head down to the carnival as they want to try out the funhouse.
When they go through the funhouse and come out the other end things are not what they seem as the carnival has shifted into an alternate reality void of the townspeople. As they make their way through the alternate carnival they end up being chased by creepy clowns that are out to do them harm! Fun has turned into fear as the friends try to fight off the clowns and as they try to figure out how to get back to their own reality!
Thoughts:
This was a fun horror read loaded with action and fast paced page turning. There is more to the story then what is above as more events take place in the future dealing with the carnival, but I don't want to go into details because of spoilers so you will just have to read the book if you want to find out more about what happens.
The characters, Zak and Wendy are very attachable and I really loved both characters right away. The pace of the book takes off as soon as the kids get to the carnival and end up in the alternate reality. From that point on the story goes into overdrive as the two friends fight for survival against the clowns. Giving this book five "ferris wheel" stars!
My thanks to author, Kevin J. Kennedy, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A small backstory without giving away spoilers:
Come one come all as the carnival is coming to town!
Zak and Wendy (best friends) start seeing flyers all over town for a carnival that is headed their way on Halloween. When the day arrives they both dress up in their Halloween costumes and head down to the carnival as they want to try out the funhouse.
When they go through the funhouse and come out the other end things are not what they seem as the carnival has shifted into an alternate reality void of the townspeople. As they make their way through the alternate carnival they end up being chased by creepy clowns that are out to do them harm! Fun has turned into fear as the friends try to fight off the clowns and as they try to figure out how to get back to their own reality!
Thoughts:
This was a fun horror read loaded with action and fast paced page turning. There is more to the story then what is above as more events take place in the future dealing with the carnival, but I don't want to go into details because of spoilers so you will just have to read the book if you want to find out more about what happens.
The characters, Zak and Wendy are very attachable and I really loved both characters right away. The pace of the book takes off as soon as the kids get to the carnival and end up in the alternate reality. From that point on the story goes into overdrive as the two friends fight for survival against the clowns. Giving this book five "ferris wheel" stars!
My thanks to author, Kevin J. Kennedy, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2023
Zack and Wendy are best friends and also just beginning to think maybe there's more to it than that but they're only thirteen so what do they really know about romantic feelings but mention horror and they're definitely excited to watch movies and read scary books together. When flyers appear all over their seaside town about a Halloween 🎃 carnival coming to their town they can hardly contain their excited anticipation.
The Halloween 🎃 Carnival appears better than they could have ever imagined yet something seems off. Shadowy costumed figures lurk in the background that should have been in the open so why are they hiding?
Suddenly everything changes and Zac and Wendy are all alone. Where did everyone go? Oh, No! The shadowed monsters aren't wearing costumes! They're absolutely Real!
Five years later Zac and Wendy will have the opportunity to go back to the "Halloweenland" 🎃 carnival again. It destroyed their lives that night. Will they have the courage to go back and try to save others and maybe repair their own relationship that was ruined on that hideous night or will "Halloweenland" 🎃 take their lives and more since they never should have made it out alive the first time!
This was a great little coming of age horror story. Zac and Wendy were terrific and relatable young characters who were just finding themselves and love at the same time. The "Halloweenland" 🎃 memories will kill the budding relationship and if they do return it might also take their lives. The story was atmospheric and so much fun. The creatures were frightening (very creative) and there was lots of bloody gore as well. Keep your eye out for "Clown" a character that I fell in love with and so might many readers. Even though this was a YA book, I found the storytelling was fun and very entertaining. I would recommend this novella to any horror reader who enjoys something a little different centered around two teenagers.
I have given a rating of 3 1/2 CREEPY 🎃 HALLOWEEN 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
The Halloween 🎃 Carnival appears better than they could have ever imagined yet something seems off. Shadowy costumed figures lurk in the background that should have been in the open so why are they hiding?
Suddenly everything changes and Zac and Wendy are all alone. Where did everyone go? Oh, No! The shadowed monsters aren't wearing costumes! They're absolutely Real!
Five years later Zac and Wendy will have the opportunity to go back to the "Halloweenland" 🎃 carnival again. It destroyed their lives that night. Will they have the courage to go back and try to save others and maybe repair their own relationship that was ruined on that hideous night or will "Halloweenland" 🎃 take their lives and more since they never should have made it out alive the first time!
This was a great little coming of age horror story. Zac and Wendy were terrific and relatable young characters who were just finding themselves and love at the same time. The "Halloweenland" 🎃 memories will kill the budding relationship and if they do return it might also take their lives. The story was atmospheric and so much fun. The creatures were frightening (very creative) and there was lots of bloody gore as well. Keep your eye out for "Clown" a character that I fell in love with and so might many readers. Even though this was a YA book, I found the storytelling was fun and very entertaining. I would recommend this novella to any horror reader who enjoys something a little different centered around two teenagers.
I have given a rating of 3 1/2 CREEPY 🎃 HALLOWEEN 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
March 22, 2021
If you love the idea of a time-and-space travelling carnival, which collects souls everywhere it goes...this is the fun, and immensely clever, novella for you.
Kevin J. Kennedy has created a fabulous premise, especially for those of us who revel in Halloween throughout the entire month of October. (I may or may not be referring to myself. I admit nothing.)
Told primarily from Zac's perspective, this story is a little bit coming-of-age, a little bit romance, a little bit quirky, and a whole lot creepy. I'm not ashamed to admit my favorite character was "Clown."
So, step right up, everyone! Buy your tickets now and check out Halloween Land: A Coming of Age Novella today!
Available NOW!
By the way, how about that gorgeous cover?
My sincere thanks to Kevin J. Kennedy for my review copy.
Kevin J. Kennedy has created a fabulous premise, especially for those of us who revel in Halloween throughout the entire month of October. (I may or may not be referring to myself. I admit nothing.)
Told primarily from Zac's perspective, this story is a little bit coming-of-age, a little bit romance, a little bit quirky, and a whole lot creepy. I'm not ashamed to admit my favorite character was "Clown."
So, step right up, everyone! Buy your tickets now and check out Halloween Land: A Coming of Age Novella today!
Available NOW!
By the way, how about that gorgeous cover?
My sincere thanks to Kevin J. Kennedy for my review copy.
March 19, 2021
This was a really fun thrill-ride. Kevin kindly asked me to read and offer up a blurb, so I won't be doing a full review, but this had heart, humor and horror! Was a blast!
May 25, 2021
“Tomorrow a few people will be missing, but that’s nothing out of the ordinary. The carnival, and all traces of it, will be gone forever, and no one will even remember it was here.”
Halloween Land is not the traveling carnival you’ve been to as a kid. It’s a magical place that lurks just outside teenage nightmares. Doesn’t matter the era or place, it will be somewhere ready to take its next souls while their town is left with no recognition of its existence.
We meet Zak and Wendy. Both young horror loving friends eager to dress up and experience Halloween Land. The carnival had all the typical attractions with the Funhouse saved as their last stop but soon they realized they’ve been pulled into another world full of challenges to stay alive. Queue the crazy pumpkin headed and skeleton carnies that turn out to be real and not people in costumes trying to trap them. Plus, they have a crazy “Harley Quinn”-type clown watching them as the carnival jumps through space and time throughout their fight.
KJK presents readers with what felt like 2 stories interwoven but leaves a lot of unanswered questions. What is the carnival’s history and purpose? Who is Madam de Rosemonde? What is the importance of Zak and Wendy to the carnival? The Clown’s backstory would’ve been a great addition too. The ending seemed rushed and closes out the story in a “feel good” vibe. Overall, this novella is a fast-paced read but will leave you wondering the mystery of Halloween Land.
“Halloween Land” by Kevin J Kennedy gets 3.5 (rounded up to 4) out of 5 stars!
Please visit my GoodReads profile or website for more reviews. Thank you!
Halloween Land is not the traveling carnival you’ve been to as a kid. It’s a magical place that lurks just outside teenage nightmares. Doesn’t matter the era or place, it will be somewhere ready to take its next souls while their town is left with no recognition of its existence.
We meet Zak and Wendy. Both young horror loving friends eager to dress up and experience Halloween Land. The carnival had all the typical attractions with the Funhouse saved as their last stop but soon they realized they’ve been pulled into another world full of challenges to stay alive. Queue the crazy pumpkin headed and skeleton carnies that turn out to be real and not people in costumes trying to trap them. Plus, they have a crazy “Harley Quinn”-type clown watching them as the carnival jumps through space and time throughout their fight.
KJK presents readers with what felt like 2 stories interwoven but leaves a lot of unanswered questions. What is the carnival’s history and purpose? Who is Madam de Rosemonde? What is the importance of Zak and Wendy to the carnival? The Clown’s backstory would’ve been a great addition too. The ending seemed rushed and closes out the story in a “feel good” vibe. Overall, this novella is a fast-paced read but will leave you wondering the mystery of Halloween Land.
“Halloween Land” by Kevin J Kennedy gets 3.5 (rounded up to 4) out of 5 stars!
Please visit my GoodReads profile or website for more reviews. Thank you!
March 22, 2021
Now, this is a way way different style of horror than I’m used to. Toned down and more forgiving than my usual fare, Halloween Land is still an awesome, quick story that left me wanting more. More lore, and more gore. Subdued but still effective, KJK weaves a sweet tale that never slows down. A bonus poem (awesome) by James Matthew Buyers, and even some wicked artwork by the immortal Mar Garcia make this a perfect nugget of horror, it will definitely make the time fly by.
5/5 Skulls
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
5/5 Skulls
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
April 9, 2021
Fantastic read! I love carnival horror! It’s a nice change from the graphic horror I’ve been reading. I can’t wait to read more by Kevin J. Kennedy.
May 11, 2021
I read about 30% of this before bailing on it. Here’s my shopping list of problems with the book:
- Bland and underdeveloped characters
- Clumsy info dumps
- Bland and awkward dialogue
- Prose that is functional at best
- An omniscient narrative style that feels cursory and lacks any sense of immediacy, immersion, or impact
- Zero sense of threat, suspense, or visceral terror in what is ostensibly a horror novella
- A hackneyed and unoriginal concept
- Outrageously clumsy expository dialogue
Some people might think I’m mean for leaving a review like this, but my intention is simply to be honest, and provide the author with meaningful feedback, rather than disingenuous praise.
- Bland and underdeveloped characters
- Clumsy info dumps
- Bland and awkward dialogue
- Prose that is functional at best
- An omniscient narrative style that feels cursory and lacks any sense of immediacy, immersion, or impact
- Zero sense of threat, suspense, or visceral terror in what is ostensibly a horror novella
- A hackneyed and unoriginal concept
- Outrageously clumsy expository dialogue
Some people might think I’m mean for leaving a review like this, but my intention is simply to be honest, and provide the author with meaningful feedback, rather than disingenuous praise.
May 7, 2021
I love everything about carnivals,fairs,amusement parks (I grew up 15 minutes to cedar point), and festivals. The games, rides, smells of all the yummy foods, and just the atmosphere take me back to all the memories I have as a kid, teen, mother, and now, Gigi. This story brought back all those things for me. It was a fun, entertaining, quick read. I loved the main characters and had a great time following their journey. Great debut novella! Hoping for a sequel to find out how it came to be and who clown is.
October 28, 2023
Amusement parks and carnivals,
The pleasure and the pain-
Infused with freaks and animals,
The calling of Samhain
Delivered goods to boys and girls,
The trick or treating fools,
Unwinding flesh in creeping curls
Not following the rules.
The clown began to pop balloons,
A sick and twisted smile,
And danced around as wild baboons
Engrossed in wicked style.
The Fun House full or mirrors set
Recalled the fear of old
And couples dared to not forget
The stories others told.
Attacked by pumpkins smacked in gore,
Assailed by laughing gas,
The carnival had more in store
And no ride for a pass.
The dawning of the dead arose
As two began to dread
The scent of things nobody knows
Related to the dead.
With Zak and Wendy running round,
The Ferris Wheel of doom
Became the thunder underground
Insistent to consume.
A fire, a claw, a deathly stare,
But in the end, no frown
And Samhain went into the air
And they embraced the clown.
The carnival was lost to all
Amid the final stand
But those who lived would heed the call
And seek Halloween Land…
The pleasure and the pain-
Infused with freaks and animals,
The calling of Samhain
Delivered goods to boys and girls,
The trick or treating fools,
Unwinding flesh in creeping curls
Not following the rules.
The clown began to pop balloons,
A sick and twisted smile,
And danced around as wild baboons
Engrossed in wicked style.
The Fun House full or mirrors set
Recalled the fear of old
And couples dared to not forget
The stories others told.
Attacked by pumpkins smacked in gore,
Assailed by laughing gas,
The carnival had more in store
And no ride for a pass.
The dawning of the dead arose
As two began to dread
The scent of things nobody knows
Related to the dead.
With Zak and Wendy running round,
The Ferris Wheel of doom
Became the thunder underground
Insistent to consume.
A fire, a claw, a deathly stare,
But in the end, no frown
And Samhain went into the air
And they embraced the clown.
The carnival was lost to all
Amid the final stand
But those who lived would heed the call
And seek Halloween Land…
July 6, 2021
Has all the elements I love
I had to pick up this novella because it has all the elements I love in a story: coming of age, freakshow, and horror. I sped read the story and it was very endearing. However, this is NOT “Funland” of Richard Laymon, nor is it “The Freakshow” of Bryan Smith. This is more the speed of “Goonies” or “Monster Squad”. Although it is a nice story, the action at the park is a little lacking. I think more of a backstory on the carnival and the characters would also have elevated this story to another level.
I had to pick up this novella because it has all the elements I love in a story: coming of age, freakshow, and horror. I sped read the story and it was very endearing. However, this is NOT “Funland” of Richard Laymon, nor is it “The Freakshow” of Bryan Smith. This is more the speed of “Goonies” or “Monster Squad”. Although it is a nice story, the action at the park is a little lacking. I think more of a backstory on the carnival and the characters would also have elevated this story to another level.
September 25, 2021
Great action-packed, coming-of-age read to kick-off (or anytime during) the Halloween season!
April 14, 2021
What’s not to love about Halloween in a small town? Is there anything better than a Halloween carnival? The games, the food, the smells, the fun house! This book has everything that makes up a perfect Halloween night. Wendy and Zac are best friends, joined at the hip and do everything together. Halloween night is no different and this year, a special carnival is coming to town! One awesome night only, at the pier, it’s Halloween Land!
The pair sets out, costumes on, money in hand and nothing but the night to enjoy! The carnival is exceptional, beyond their wildest dreams, appearing like magic out of the night. The old pier has been transformed to a fall landscape of music, food booths and games. Hundreds of people are there, out for a good time. The decorations are excellent, creepy, cheesy, corny and perhaps a little bit too on point. The carnie freaks are amazing, no expense spared at some incredibly creepy costumes. The clown is especially striking, beautifully made up and incredibly sad as she welcomes them to the fun house.
The fun house is everything a fun house is meant to be, but perhaps cornier and a bit more childish than the pair of 13 year-olds had hoped for, maybe they are getting too old, but it was still fun. When they exit, the pier is weirdly silent, and the hundreds of people are missing. The clown greets them in her sad way and tries to help them understand that the fun house is not as innocent as it seems. It decides who lives and dies or rather who stays and who goes. She tells them they will not be safe until they make it off the pier completely. All hell breaks loose as the kids try to make their way back to safety.
I don’t want to say anymore for spoiler reasons, so I’ll just say this, if you enjoyed Halloween at all as a child, you’ll love this book. It’s a lot of fun, a nice quick read, creepy creatures abound, and the story line becomes more complex as the story goes on. Nice 4 stars for this entertaining novella.
The pair sets out, costumes on, money in hand and nothing but the night to enjoy! The carnival is exceptional, beyond their wildest dreams, appearing like magic out of the night. The old pier has been transformed to a fall landscape of music, food booths and games. Hundreds of people are there, out for a good time. The decorations are excellent, creepy, cheesy, corny and perhaps a little bit too on point. The carnie freaks are amazing, no expense spared at some incredibly creepy costumes. The clown is especially striking, beautifully made up and incredibly sad as she welcomes them to the fun house.
The fun house is everything a fun house is meant to be, but perhaps cornier and a bit more childish than the pair of 13 year-olds had hoped for, maybe they are getting too old, but it was still fun. When they exit, the pier is weirdly silent, and the hundreds of people are missing. The clown greets them in her sad way and tries to help them understand that the fun house is not as innocent as it seems. It decides who lives and dies or rather who stays and who goes. She tells them they will not be safe until they make it off the pier completely. All hell breaks loose as the kids try to make their way back to safety.
I don’t want to say anymore for spoiler reasons, so I’ll just say this, if you enjoyed Halloween at all as a child, you’ll love this book. It’s a lot of fun, a nice quick read, creepy creatures abound, and the story line becomes more complex as the story goes on. Nice 4 stars for this entertaining novella.
Read
September 2, 2022This was a fun carnival coming of age story. However sometimes it really dragged and the writing seemed a little too simplistic especially in the later years of the MCs. I wouldn’t say it was creepy, like I prefer my carnie horrors to be. But rather honestly just fun. I really liked the clown character, and I thought the idea of the carnival and how it operates in general was unique. The poem and illustrations at the end were pretty cool too.
Overall this was decent. Not a favorite or anything, though. Might be enjoyable closer to Halloween. It’s short which also helps! I think overall I preferred the first half to the second half.
Overall this was decent. Not a favorite or anything, though. Might be enjoyable closer to Halloween. It’s short which also helps! I think overall I preferred the first half to the second half.
May 11, 2021
As indicated by the secondary title, Kevin Kennedy’s Halloween Land is a coming-of-age story: it spotlights the changing relationship between two adolescent protagonists, Zak and Wendy, as they find themselves in a confrontation with an evil, time-and-space-hopping carnival that feeds on human souls. The initial confrontation takes place at a time when the two young friends are beginning to look at each other as more than just that. The book is divided into two main parts, and it's second half finds Zak and Wendy as young adults, yet again threatened by the diabolical carnival.
Halloween Land is a quick, entertaining read with flavors of King, Bradbury, and even a little RL Stine. Despite some bad language here and there, much of the book has a YA feel to it, but adults will certainly enjoy this story as well. As it's Kevin K.'s debut solo novella, the dude did a right solid job if ya ask me, and I only see Kevin getting better from here. (Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.)
P.S. If I had a major complaint about the book, it's that it takes place in Scotland, but no one in the book ever eats haggis. Eating haggis at a tavern in Scotland while getting friggin' BLACK-OUT HAMMERED and bellowing Scottish folk songs is one my bucket list items, I guess ya could say. KnowwhutI'msayin', MY TINY LITTLE HALLOWEEN BATS?
Halloween Land is a quick, entertaining read with flavors of King, Bradbury, and even a little RL Stine. Despite some bad language here and there, much of the book has a YA feel to it, but adults will certainly enjoy this story as well. As it's Kevin K.'s debut solo novella, the dude did a right solid job if ya ask me, and I only see Kevin getting better from here. (Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.)
P.S. If I had a major complaint about the book, it's that it takes place in Scotland, but no one in the book ever eats haggis. Eating haggis at a tavern in Scotland while getting friggin' BLACK-OUT HAMMERED and bellowing Scottish folk songs is one my bucket list items, I guess ya could say. KnowwhutI'msayin', MY TINY LITTLE HALLOWEEN BATS?
August 28, 2023
"Step up for the ride, give your ticket to the clown, she'll show you a good time; no one can say where you will end up, but it'll be a wicked ride!"
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated and in awe of traveling carnivals and fairs. Every time one came to my town as a child, I was begging my parents to take me. It's fair to say they were an integral part of my childhood. But for many, carnivals are shrouded under not just an umbrella of awe but one of suspicion and even fear. It's no surprise then that for many carnivals, carnis and clowns have become the focal points of horror and lore.
In Halloween Land, we follow its two main MCs as they eagerly attend the mysterious carnival that seemed to simply materialize out of thin air on the towns dilapidated pier. Zac and Wendy enter into its fun house and exit to a world unlike the one they left. The events of that Halloween will quite literally haunt them for years to come. As they grow from adolescents to adults, their relationship falters. But now, years later, as the carnival is set to return, it's up to these two to put aside their grievances and join forces to save their sleepy little hometown from evil.
Halloween land is a fast, funny, and bloody coming of age story. It's nothing too deep or serious. Quite honestly, it's a fairly mild and lighthearted tale. If you're looking for extreme horror and gore, this one might not be for you. But if you, like myself, are a kid at heart who still has a deep love of all things carnival, then I definitely suggest giving this book a read.
I enjoyed the audio format of this book. I think the narrator did a great job, and they held my attention throughout the entire story. I would highly recommend this format.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated and in awe of traveling carnivals and fairs. Every time one came to my town as a child, I was begging my parents to take me. It's fair to say they were an integral part of my childhood. But for many, carnivals are shrouded under not just an umbrella of awe but one of suspicion and even fear. It's no surprise then that for many carnivals, carnis and clowns have become the focal points of horror and lore.
In Halloween Land, we follow its two main MCs as they eagerly attend the mysterious carnival that seemed to simply materialize out of thin air on the towns dilapidated pier. Zac and Wendy enter into its fun house and exit to a world unlike the one they left. The events of that Halloween will quite literally haunt them for years to come. As they grow from adolescents to adults, their relationship falters. But now, years later, as the carnival is set to return, it's up to these two to put aside their grievances and join forces to save their sleepy little hometown from evil.
Halloween land is a fast, funny, and bloody coming of age story. It's nothing too deep or serious. Quite honestly, it's a fairly mild and lighthearted tale. If you're looking for extreme horror and gore, this one might not be for you. But if you, like myself, are a kid at heart who still has a deep love of all things carnival, then I definitely suggest giving this book a read.
I enjoyed the audio format of this book. I think the narrator did a great job, and they held my attention throughout the entire story. I would highly recommend this format.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2021
Such a fun horror novella! A bit Bradbury, a bit Laymon... so fun.
April 1, 2021
I am a big fan of Kevin J Kennedy’s work. I have read his short stories and some novellas that he has written with other people. So when it was announced that he was putting out a novella written just by him, I jumped at the chance to check it out.
What a ride! Two kids who love horror movies are so excited for Halloween Land to come to their town. The rides, the games, the Funhouse. This Halloween Land is not at all what it appears to be and the two kids find out quickly that they must work together to survive it. Definitely check this one out! You will become a fan as I have. Hope he writes more with just him because I am impressed!
What a ride! Two kids who love horror movies are so excited for Halloween Land to come to their town. The rides, the games, the Funhouse. This Halloween Land is not at all what it appears to be and the two kids find out quickly that they must work together to survive it. Definitely check this one out! You will become a fan as I have. Hope he writes more with just him because I am impressed!
June 10, 2021
I always adored carnival horror books and circus–themed writings; Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury and Geek Love by Katherine Dunn are still on my favourite books of all time list, and what I most fancy about this short novella is that it's almost a love letter to this genre. A fast paced (okay, maybe too fast here and there), nostalgic ride, sometimes atmospheric, sometimes quirky, but always enjoyable. What I really liked about the story, when it slightly pushes the boundaries of the young adult literature – okay, just a bit – and I'm not just talking about the number of f words here, but when some grim reality oozes into the fantastic tale – dealing with (or fighting against) the paranormal is not just cheesy fun, but of course can be traumatizing – I always suspected that R. L. Stine's characters become alcoholics or drug addicts after their adventures when they get a bit older. The other interesting thing was, when the narrator gave some hints about the Picts and some ancient mysticism, but it was too brief, since the protagonists themselves didn't know much about it (though it could have played a central role in the story).
So all in all, a great ride, and I don't mind if it's a YA story that is not really a YA story – on the contrary, I would encourage more experimentalism next time – fuck the sales; good books are difficult to classify.
So all in all, a great ride, and I don't mind if it's a YA story that is not really a YA story – on the contrary, I would encourage more experimentalism next time – fuck the sales; good books are difficult to classify.
November 20, 2021
What a great read! I love stories that have a carnival setting. And of course, Halloween! This book delivered both.
This was my first read by this author, I will for sure be reading more of his stories!
This was my first read by this author, I will for sure be reading more of his stories!
March 30, 2021
Halloween Land may be dripping festive themes, but you do not need to wait for Fall to get your ticket to the dark carnival. The wonderful blend of Halloween, carnival, and coming-of-age tropes blend perfectly into a fun and enthralling novella. Halloween Land is horror comfort food to be consumed in one sitting, perhaps by a fire with a stiff drink and some leftover candy. The story starts in a Halloween carnival to tickle your inner child before powering into adult badassery. The adventure is full of the barrage of monsters and battles you come to expect from Kevin J. Kennedy. Get in line to see if you survive the Fun House!
May 2, 2021
A little Bizzaro, a little coming of age, a sprinkle of humor and whole dose of fun! A quick and easy read that feels Lovecraft-esque mixed with a little Bradbury. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find it here in HalloweenLand!
March 22, 2021
Kennedy has given us a great tale, reminiscent of Bradbury. Halloween was truly a joy to read.
October 27, 2024
Best friends Zak and Wendy love horror and Halloween. Relatable. This year Wendy wants to dress up as Wednesday Addams because she kind of looks like her. Also relatable.
And this Halloween will be one for the books because there is a special carnival coming to town and they are determined to be the first ones to try all the rides. Before the carnival closes, they enter the Funhouse. When they come out, their lives have been changed forever.
Five years later, the carnival is back and town and only Zak and Wendy know what it means. Are you brave enough to find out?
A great coming of age novella, based on Halloween night and perfect for people that enjoy a good carnival setting.
Even though I did not end up connecting to the characters as much as I had hoped, I loved to learn about the carnival and what dangers live inside.
And this Halloween will be one for the books because there is a special carnival coming to town and they are determined to be the first ones to try all the rides. Before the carnival closes, they enter the Funhouse. When they come out, their lives have been changed forever.
Five years later, the carnival is back and town and only Zak and Wendy know what it means. Are you brave enough to find out?
A great coming of age novella, based on Halloween night and perfect for people that enjoy a good carnival setting.
Even though I did not end up connecting to the characters as much as I had hoped, I loved to learn about the carnival and what dangers live inside.
October 4, 2024
3.5 rounded to 4. This turned out to be far more young adult fantasy and romance than horror, though with many bizarre, unclassifiable moments, and a weird ending. It's written with great passion for Halloween and the idea of the small-town carnival, plus it has a huge heart for the main characters, showing them first as young people with aspirations, and then older, their lives having taken far different turns than they expected. It's an easy read, fast-paced, with the introduction of a fascinating supernatural female character, The Clown. If you liked Halloween as a child and you have a weak spot for carnivals, you'll probably read it in one-sitting, and enjoy it!
October 20, 2024
I've DNF'd this at 45% - I just couldn't force myself to read anymore. Not because it was bad, but because I swear I've read something almost exactly like this before ... only a far superior version.
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