What do you think?
Rate this book
Tenebrion
"The Devil's in the Detail..."
Amateur filmmakers inadvertently invoke a demon when they break into an abandoned school to perform and film an authentic Black Mass for their entry into a short movie competition.
Dave Priestley and his crew film in Watsonville elementary school – the site of a horrific tragedy nine years before.
Tenebrion – the malevolent demon of darkness – makes preparations of its own within the dark recesses of Hell. The demon requires a specific set of circumstances and sacrifices to rend a fissure between the worlds and set free its brethren; it has manipulated humans for centuries to put things into place, and the moviemakers are the unfortunate, final pieces of its nefarious puzzle.
Priestley, ever the stickler for authenticity and detail, accidentally sets free the denizen of Hell.
While Priestley and his skeptical friends attempt to return Tenebrion to the pit of Hades, it hunts them all down – one by one – for inclusion in its hellish gateway.
"It's Hellraiser meets Alien..."
Amateur filmmakers inadvertently invoke a demon when they break into an abandoned school to perform and film an authentic Black Mass for their entry into a short movie competition.
Dave Priestley and his crew film in Watsonville elementary school – the site of a horrific tragedy nine years before.
Tenebrion – the malevolent demon of darkness – makes preparations of its own within the dark recesses of Hell. The demon requires a specific set of circumstances and sacrifices to rend a fissure between the worlds and set free its brethren; it has manipulated humans for centuries to put things into place, and the moviemakers are the unfortunate, final pieces of its nefarious puzzle.
Priestley, ever the stickler for authenticity and detail, accidentally sets free the denizen of Hell.
While Priestley and his skeptical friends attempt to return Tenebrion to the pit of Hades, it hunts them all down – one by one – for inclusion in its hellish gateway.
"It's Hellraiser meets Alien..."
- GenresHorror
379 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2021
4 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 1, 2026
Not terrible, just not great. It's a movie you've seen a hundred times before: a group of filmmakers decide to make a found-footage movie about a black mass at a school with a dark history. The obvious ensues.
It's not terrible—and I usually love this kind of thing—but the writing flow just felt strange to me. Maybe that's just a me thing, though. Also, why are we randomly dropping in overly elaborate words? There's one on every couple of pages, and it feels completely out of place when the rest of the book reads like a movie script.
There were some moments when I was invested, unfortunately they were few and far between. The characters were assholes (especially Priestly). I mean, dude, seriously... I'm supposed to root for this guy after he drinks his own semen and shit?
The narrator was very average too, which may have made things even worse in my opinion.
2.5 rounded down.
It's not terrible—and I usually love this kind of thing—but the writing flow just felt strange to me. Maybe that's just a me thing, though. Also, why are we randomly dropping in overly elaborate words? There's one on every couple of pages, and it feels completely out of place when the rest of the book reads like a movie script.
There were some moments when I was invested, unfortunately they were few and far between. The characters were assholes (especially Priestly). I mean, dude, seriously... I'm supposed to root for this guy after he drinks his own semen and shit?
The narrator was very average too, which may have made things even worse in my opinion.
2.5 rounded down.
July 5, 2024
I really liked the premise of this book. A bunch of I amateur filmmakers, invoking a demon while making a found footage film. The author really builds the atmosphere, and the descriptions are very visceral, which helps create that sense of horror and disgust.
I thought it flowed well, and I liked the mix of back story, flashbacks, and the current ongoing horrors
Some of the scenes are incredibly graphic and detailed, especially in the flashbacks of previous horrors that have happened in the location where they are filming.
One of the things about this book was that none of the characters are very likeable which caused a disconnect between the horror and how much I cared about the individual characters past the graphic details of harm befalling them.
A few reviewers have commented on how the women are portrayed as nothing more than sex objects or moaning for the sake of it and I'd agree that this felt a bit tired by the end of the book. However, for me, it did not take away from the story as nobody was portrayed well, and I think that was partly the point of the book. The men were equally made out to be atrocious!
I think it's going to be a book that you either love or hate. For me, the good outweighs the bad, I could actually see this as a film. It is definitely a horror book!
Thanks to the author and Black Tide Tours (Hery ROI PR) for sending me a copy of the book to review. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
I thought it flowed well, and I liked the mix of back story, flashbacks, and the current ongoing horrors
Some of the scenes are incredibly graphic and detailed, especially in the flashbacks of previous horrors that have happened in the location where they are filming.
One of the things about this book was that none of the characters are very likeable which caused a disconnect between the horror and how much I cared about the individual characters past the graphic details of harm befalling them.
A few reviewers have commented on how the women are portrayed as nothing more than sex objects or moaning for the sake of it and I'd agree that this felt a bit tired by the end of the book. However, for me, it did not take away from the story as nobody was portrayed well, and I think that was partly the point of the book. The men were equally made out to be atrocious!
I think it's going to be a book that you either love or hate. For me, the good outweighs the bad, I could actually see this as a film. It is definitely a horror book!
Thanks to the author and Black Tide Tours (Hery ROI PR) for sending me a copy of the book to review. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
July 11, 2024
Is it weird that the monster in the story pulled me along in this story more than the characters? Like, I wanted to find out what it was planning and doing for horror’s sake than out of concern for any of the characters in the story 😅 I didn’t connect with any of them, they were all honestly pretty terrible and/or there as an obligatory s3x object in a horror. I did enjoy the plot and the writing. This read like a B list horror movie in a novel form. And honestly, I’m not mad about it. It was entertaining and the horror was on point.
A crew assembles into a not so legally broken into elementary school. The goal is to make a horror movie short in one weekend for the movie competition they are in. The school itself is creepy AF, and not just because it’s abandoned. There was a mass school shooting there, and after that a serial killer committed his crimes there. Was it out of convenience and the hope that no one would look there? Or is it as the great Stephen King said, “evil attracts evil”. If that’s the case… what is the evil housed in that school attracting all of these evil events? And what will happen to the crew members just trying to make a movie?
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
A crew assembles into a not so legally broken into elementary school. The goal is to make a horror movie short in one weekend for the movie competition they are in. The school itself is creepy AF, and not just because it’s abandoned. There was a mass school shooting there, and after that a serial killer committed his crimes there. Was it out of convenience and the hope that no one would look there? Or is it as the great Stephen King said, “evil attracts evil”. If that’s the case… what is the evil housed in that school attracting all of these evil events? And what will happen to the crew members just trying to make a movie?
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
May 3, 2021
HellBound Books provided me with a copy of Tenebrion in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book immediately gave me movie vibes right away, which makes sense since the author is also a screenwriter. I felt like I could picture everything and the entire book was well-paced, whisking me away to Watsonville, Texas. The book has all my favourite things: found footage – check, haunted/abandoned location – check, local legends – check, demons – check.
One of Longmore’s strengths lies in his descriptions. He has an amazing, visceral way of painting the scene and building a horrifying, chilling atmosphere to give his readers the creeps. His description of the demon, Tenebrion, especially was both terrifying and gross. I also appreciated the humourous moments that broke up the tension. One of my favourite lines from the book: “The Guinness at the Prince William Pub was tepid, flat as a fart, and had all of the body of murky pond water.”
Overall, the novel started off great for me. It was a gory thrill ride that would translate amazingly to film. I did find the general depictions of the female characters very off-putting unfortunately.
For example, despite whatever horrific situation they were in, the female characters are often described as “still managing to look cute” or they might fall over while being chased on their “ample ass” type thing. Here’s a line from Tenebrion: “Instead there was Priscilla, standing over him in a most unladylike pose — legs braced wide apart, hunched over and tugging on his free arm.” Yikes.
At the beginning, it was easy to just breeze over these types of things but nearer the end of the novel, they became more frequent and it made it hard for me to enjoy the book fully because these descriptions would jar me right out of the action, breaking the suspense. It was unfortunate because, as I mentioned, Longmore is great at creating a brutal, sadistic world of horror with the vividness of a movie but the female characters were just… oof.
Would I recommend this book?
Well, I think a lot of horror fans would find it fun as long as they didn’t find the female characters as jarring as I did. I know I would have enjoyed it so much more if not for that and I did take off quite a few points in my score due to it. Also, it is a gory book though so I also would not recommend it for anyone faint of heart — there’s sexual violence, mutilation, harm against children, among other things.
I usually grade on my blog out of 10, for which I have this novel a 5.
This book immediately gave me movie vibes right away, which makes sense since the author is also a screenwriter. I felt like I could picture everything and the entire book was well-paced, whisking me away to Watsonville, Texas. The book has all my favourite things: found footage – check, haunted/abandoned location – check, local legends – check, demons – check.
One of Longmore’s strengths lies in his descriptions. He has an amazing, visceral way of painting the scene and building a horrifying, chilling atmosphere to give his readers the creeps. His description of the demon, Tenebrion, especially was both terrifying and gross. I also appreciated the humourous moments that broke up the tension. One of my favourite lines from the book: “The Guinness at the Prince William Pub was tepid, flat as a fart, and had all of the body of murky pond water.”
Overall, the novel started off great for me. It was a gory thrill ride that would translate amazingly to film. I did find the general depictions of the female characters very off-putting unfortunately.
For example, despite whatever horrific situation they were in, the female characters are often described as “still managing to look cute” or they might fall over while being chased on their “ample ass” type thing. Here’s a line from Tenebrion: “Instead there was Priscilla, standing over him in a most unladylike pose — legs braced wide apart, hunched over and tugging on his free arm.” Yikes.
At the beginning, it was easy to just breeze over these types of things but nearer the end of the novel, they became more frequent and it made it hard for me to enjoy the book fully because these descriptions would jar me right out of the action, breaking the suspense. It was unfortunate because, as I mentioned, Longmore is great at creating a brutal, sadistic world of horror with the vividness of a movie but the female characters were just… oof.
Would I recommend this book?
Well, I think a lot of horror fans would find it fun as long as they didn’t find the female characters as jarring as I did. I know I would have enjoyed it so much more if not for that and I did take off quite a few points in my score due to it. Also, it is a gory book though so I also would not recommend it for anyone faint of heart — there’s sexual violence, mutilation, harm against children, among other things.
I usually grade on my blog out of 10, for which I have this novel a 5.
August 18, 2017
Wow! What a scary book! LOL
I loved the story, the writing was amazing and the characters were multi-dimensional! All the ingredients of a great book!
I loved the way Longmore toys with us. There was such a great buildup! He would lead us right to the brink of something super scary and then pull it back- and he did this several times, very effectively- I might add! Had me on the edge of my seat a few times!
I am looking forward to reading more of Tenebrion- I've heard there will be a sequel :)
I loved the story, the writing was amazing and the characters were multi-dimensional! All the ingredients of a great book!
I loved the way Longmore toys with us. There was such a great buildup! He would lead us right to the brink of something super scary and then pull it back- and he did this several times, very effectively- I might add! Had me on the edge of my seat a few times!
I am looking forward to reading more of Tenebrion- I've heard there will be a sequel :)
July 5, 2024
Tenebrion by James H Longmore
Thank you to @henryroi.pr and @hellboundbooks for the eARC.
I'll try and stop screaming long enough to tell you about this book which is one of the most terrifying I've ever read. Horror fans that are into gore and violent deaths will be in their element with this one.
It all starts innocently enough with a filmmaking competition. Amateur teams of horror filmmakers have one weekend to write, shoot and edit a seven minute masterpiece. Ok, maybe not a masterpiece. It's amateur hour with cliche schlock but Dave Priestley is taking it very seriously. As writer, director, actor he's looking to win and come to the attention of Hollywood players.
Priestley is an egotistical, pedantic piece of **** and you wonder why his girlfriend or the rest of his team put up with him.
There's a slow build-up with jump scares as Dave ' Mr Authentic' Priestley takes his crew to an abandoned & crumbling elementary school. It's got history. The most horrific mass shooting of children and then later a twisted, torture loving serial killer used it as a location for unspeakable acts.
If anywhere has ghosts this will be the place. A festering building reeking of evil.
Dave effing Priestley wants to film a Black Mass and invoke a demon. Trouble is, the spirit demon of darkness, Tenebrion, one of the vilest demons in hell is already trying to break through to our realm and Dave's satanic ritual may well have disastrously real results.
Priestley is highly unlikeable and the rest of the team aren't much better but they'll go along with anything for a shot at the big time.
The build up with the ritual is drawn out to increase tension and the contents of the chalice in the ceremony made me feel physically nauseous.
And then the real horror begins.
Think of every sick, depraved horror story or film you can, add extra blood and dial it up a notch. This read was effing INTENSE!
At times this went past my squeamish limits but I had to see how it all turned out. Full on gross out horror with female characters that are all scream queen eye candy 🙄. Forgive that and prepare to be scared.
😱😱😱😱 4 out of 5 screams
Thank you to @henryroi.pr and @hellboundbooks for the eARC.
I'll try and stop screaming long enough to tell you about this book which is one of the most terrifying I've ever read. Horror fans that are into gore and violent deaths will be in their element with this one.
It all starts innocently enough with a filmmaking competition. Amateur teams of horror filmmakers have one weekend to write, shoot and edit a seven minute masterpiece. Ok, maybe not a masterpiece. It's amateur hour with cliche schlock but Dave Priestley is taking it very seriously. As writer, director, actor he's looking to win and come to the attention of Hollywood players.
Priestley is an egotistical, pedantic piece of **** and you wonder why his girlfriend or the rest of his team put up with him.
There's a slow build-up with jump scares as Dave ' Mr Authentic' Priestley takes his crew to an abandoned & crumbling elementary school. It's got history. The most horrific mass shooting of children and then later a twisted, torture loving serial killer used it as a location for unspeakable acts.
If anywhere has ghosts this will be the place. A festering building reeking of evil.
Dave effing Priestley wants to film a Black Mass and invoke a demon. Trouble is, the spirit demon of darkness, Tenebrion, one of the vilest demons in hell is already trying to break through to our realm and Dave's satanic ritual may well have disastrously real results.
Priestley is highly unlikeable and the rest of the team aren't much better but they'll go along with anything for a shot at the big time.
The build up with the ritual is drawn out to increase tension and the contents of the chalice in the ceremony made me feel physically nauseous.
And then the real horror begins.
Think of every sick, depraved horror story or film you can, add extra blood and dial it up a notch. This read was effing INTENSE!
At times this went past my squeamish limits but I had to see how it all turned out. Full on gross out horror with female characters that are all scream queen eye candy 🙄. Forgive that and prepare to be scared.
😱😱😱😱 4 out of 5 screams
Read
May 28, 2021[NOTE: I was given an ARC for an honest review.]
I tried, I really did. There's a promising concept here, and I felt an obligation to finish the novel and give a full review. Unfortunately, I found myself actively avoiding the story and eventually decided to DNF. The fundamental problem for me was the bloat. This novel could use a some significant chopping, maybe as much as 50%. The best way to describe it is as a three-hour B movie, which, if you haven't seen a B movie, that's not something you usually want to marinate in for 180 minutes. The first half drags with rambling chit chat about Priestley's pretentious viewpoints on film-making, and I really just wanted the plot to get moving. I wish the editors had streamlined the narrative and cut those extraneous scenes. I probably would have stuck with it in that case. Probably...
Because the other issue I had, is the characterization and the voice, particularly in its depiction of female characters (you'll notice I'm not the only reviewer to raise that). Literally every female is a bombshell with huge boobs and a tight form, and they are defined primarily by either 1) the degree to which the male characters want to f**k them, 2) the way in which they f**k to get ahead in the world, 3) their jealousy about how a male character wants to f**k another female character. That's it. No depth beside that. The thing that really turned me off and drove the last nail in the coffin was when one of the more likable characters, Maurice (defined by how much he f**ks), casually contemplated smacking his friend's girlfriend for being "controlling" (as he perceived it). It came out of nowhere, and did not, in my reading, appear to be ironic.
Look, I get it: this novel never billed itself as being the picture of class. I'm okay with despicable characters doing despicable things. I'm even okay with LIKABLE characters doing despicable things, as long as there's a logic. This wasn't that. Retrograde misogyny just isn't all that interesting when the novel doesn't offer anything in addition to it.
Hence, DNF.
Maybe it just wasn't my thing. If you're looking for voice-forward pulp horror with an exploitation bent and a caustic tone, this might be for you. Anyway, support indie presses.
I tried, I really did. There's a promising concept here, and I felt an obligation to finish the novel and give a full review. Unfortunately, I found myself actively avoiding the story and eventually decided to DNF. The fundamental problem for me was the bloat. This novel could use a some significant chopping, maybe as much as 50%. The best way to describe it is as a three-hour B movie, which, if you haven't seen a B movie, that's not something you usually want to marinate in for 180 minutes. The first half drags with rambling chit chat about Priestley's pretentious viewpoints on film-making, and I really just wanted the plot to get moving. I wish the editors had streamlined the narrative and cut those extraneous scenes. I probably would have stuck with it in that case. Probably...
Because the other issue I had, is the characterization and the voice, particularly in its depiction of female characters (you'll notice I'm not the only reviewer to raise that). Literally every female is a bombshell with huge boobs and a tight form, and they are defined primarily by either 1) the degree to which the male characters want to f**k them, 2) the way in which they f**k to get ahead in the world, 3) their jealousy about how a male character wants to f**k another female character. That's it. No depth beside that. The thing that really turned me off and drove the last nail in the coffin was when one of the more likable characters, Maurice (defined by how much he f**ks), casually contemplated smacking his friend's girlfriend for being "controlling" (as he perceived it). It came out of nowhere, and did not, in my reading, appear to be ironic.
Look, I get it: this novel never billed itself as being the picture of class. I'm okay with despicable characters doing despicable things. I'm even okay with LIKABLE characters doing despicable things, as long as there's a logic. This wasn't that. Retrograde misogyny just isn't all that interesting when the novel doesn't offer anything in addition to it.
Hence, DNF.
Maybe it just wasn't my thing. If you're looking for voice-forward pulp horror with an exploitation bent and a caustic tone, this might be for you. Anyway, support indie presses.
July 4, 2024
Tenebrion is a bloody riot of greed, self-pleasure, and treachery. It follows a group of indie filmmakers who accidentally summon a demon while trying to create a short horror film for a competition - but is it all an accident? There are so many twists and turns in this book that you never know what's coming next. It keeps you on your toes and glued to the page, which is exactly what I wanted from this story.
The characters felt really realistic for such a diverse group. The way they gingerly worked together, how they all had their individual conflicts but gritted their teeth and pushed through for the sake of the competition was refreshing amidst character casts that are all best friends. I especially liked the tension between Priestley and Labeaux, two friends pushed to their limits by the situation they found themselves in. Priestley's character in general was great, and I loved how conflicted he was.
Sometimes, a book just scratches an itch you didn't know you had. This is true of Tenebrion, which featured a humanised demon with an agenda, something I didn't even think could exist. The novel delves a lot deeper into the characterisation of the demon than most other horror novels that feature a similar creature. Giving Tenebrion a motive, a plan, and, most importantly, the desire to play with the humans in its grasp made it all the scarier. I would love to go deeper into this aspect, especially in a world where demons and hell exist, but don't care or answer to any gods.
One thing to note is Tenebrion definitely falls into the remit of extreme horror/splatterpunk - namely, this book is not for the faint of heart. The deaths and gore were really inventive and stomach-churning in all the best ways, and the book has a solid and coherent plot woven around the gore. I did find Carolyn's death scene in particular a bit too gratuitous for my liking.
Overall, Tenebrion is a fantastic book that's a whole lot of fun - if you can make it through all the viscera.
I was gifted a copy of this book and asked to post my thoughts.
The characters felt really realistic for such a diverse group. The way they gingerly worked together, how they all had their individual conflicts but gritted their teeth and pushed through for the sake of the competition was refreshing amidst character casts that are all best friends. I especially liked the tension between Priestley and Labeaux, two friends pushed to their limits by the situation they found themselves in. Priestley's character in general was great, and I loved how conflicted he was.
Sometimes, a book just scratches an itch you didn't know you had. This is true of Tenebrion, which featured a humanised demon with an agenda, something I didn't even think could exist. The novel delves a lot deeper into the characterisation of the demon than most other horror novels that feature a similar creature. Giving Tenebrion a motive, a plan, and, most importantly, the desire to play with the humans in its grasp made it all the scarier. I would love to go deeper into this aspect, especially in a world where demons and hell exist, but don't care or answer to any gods.
One thing to note is Tenebrion definitely falls into the remit of extreme horror/splatterpunk - namely, this book is not for the faint of heart. The deaths and gore were really inventive and stomach-churning in all the best ways, and the book has a solid and coherent plot woven around the gore. I did find Carolyn's death scene in particular a bit too gratuitous for my liking.
Overall, Tenebrion is a fantastic book that's a whole lot of fun - if you can make it through all the viscera.
I was gifted a copy of this book and asked to post my thoughts.
May 29, 2025
Cheesy old horror movies can be fun with their lack of logic and their practical effects and all their faults on full display. But these faults don’t always translate so well to the page. And that’s largely the problem with Tenebrion. It takes a fun (in a demented kind of way) premise of sleazy filmmakers breaking into an old school where a mass shooting happened to film a satanic ritual and just never develops any real magic.
Instead, everything feels so basic. Characters make all the typical bad decisions, split up from the group, and assume all the spooky stuff going on is all part of the director’s big joke. They are also terribly unlikeable. It gets to the point you have to wonder why any of these people, colleagues or couples, would ever spend any time together.
It’s even worse when it comes to the female characters. I don’t mind descriptions of sex or women who are sexually aggressive, but when they appear as little more than pinup girls who continually compare breast sizes in their endless obsession with men, it becomes grating. Rarely is a girl mentioned in this book without reference to her generous curves or what she may or may not have on under her dress if she’s even wearing a dress at the time. So all these issues combined with such clean cut storytelling amounts to little fun.
What saves the book a bit in the end are the pulp horror moments. If anything, the author does know how to describe carnage, and his writing is at its most consistent when he’s extending images of cancerous sludge and demonic phalluses.
Instead, everything feels so basic. Characters make all the typical bad decisions, split up from the group, and assume all the spooky stuff going on is all part of the director’s big joke. They are also terribly unlikeable. It gets to the point you have to wonder why any of these people, colleagues or couples, would ever spend any time together.
It’s even worse when it comes to the female characters. I don’t mind descriptions of sex or women who are sexually aggressive, but when they appear as little more than pinup girls who continually compare breast sizes in their endless obsession with men, it becomes grating. Rarely is a girl mentioned in this book without reference to her generous curves or what she may or may not have on under her dress if she’s even wearing a dress at the time. So all these issues combined with such clean cut storytelling amounts to little fun.
What saves the book a bit in the end are the pulp horror moments. If anything, the author does know how to describe carnage, and his writing is at its most consistent when he’s extending images of cancerous sludge and demonic phalluses.
September 2, 2022
"Tenebrion" by James H Longmore. I was sent my copy in exchange for a honest review.
Tenebrion has been waiting and its patience has finally paid off. No longer will it be caged inside the pits of darkness. Soon Dave and his crew will be at it's mercy, the final piece Tenebrion has been preparing for.
David Priestley and his crew choose to film in the the Watsonville Elementary School for this year's Terrrorfest competition - the site of unimaginable tradgey nine years prior to their filming. But Dave has written a script that no one on his team was quite prepared for when they accidentally invoke a demon during their Black Mass ritual.
For those of you who enjoyed movies like "The Blair Witch Project" or "Cloverfield", this story is perfect for your TBR. I don't usually enjoy demonic possession reads or anything to do with supernatural/paranormal events, but this story was excellent and really took me by surprise. This book is in no way considered extreme but there are some scenes inside with some extreme imagery and I haven't been able to stop thinking about light bulbs for days now (if you know, you know) 🤣. Because I know James personally I caught his nod to King with a "Salem's Lot" quote early in the story and I'm still traumatized by the Black Mass Scene 😅. If you haven't read this book, it needs immediately added to your TBR!
Tenebrion has been waiting and its patience has finally paid off. No longer will it be caged inside the pits of darkness. Soon Dave and his crew will be at it's mercy, the final piece Tenebrion has been preparing for.
David Priestley and his crew choose to film in the the Watsonville Elementary School for this year's Terrrorfest competition - the site of unimaginable tradgey nine years prior to their filming. But Dave has written a script that no one on his team was quite prepared for when they accidentally invoke a demon during their Black Mass ritual.
For those of you who enjoyed movies like "The Blair Witch Project" or "Cloverfield", this story is perfect for your TBR. I don't usually enjoy demonic possession reads or anything to do with supernatural/paranormal events, but this story was excellent and really took me by surprise. This book is in no way considered extreme but there are some scenes inside with some extreme imagery and I haven't been able to stop thinking about light bulbs for days now (if you know, you know) 🤣. Because I know James personally I caught his nod to King with a "Salem's Lot" quote early in the story and I'm still traumatized by the Black Mass Scene 😅. If you haven't read this book, it needs immediately added to your TBR!
July 3, 2024
I received an advanced review copy of this book, to review as part of a tour with Black Tide Book Tours.
On first impressions, I felt the writing had a sort of gruesome quality, enhanced by the author's use of imagery. That gruesome quality struck me as entertaining in a very odd sort of way, and I think that's sometimes the case when reading horror. Thinking about the characters, I didn't really identify with any of them, or find any of them especially likeable, based on first impressions. Having said that, I did find some of the characters interesting, and felt they might be fun to read about.
At first, I felt this might be scary in a fun, entertaining sort of way, but as I carried on reading, there were some moments that struck me as quite chilling, and I felt there was some pretty blood-curdling imagery, particularly in the latter part of the story. I found this was something that made me want to turn the pages more quickly, whilst also feeling afraid of what might happen on the next page.
If you are a horror reader, you might like this, particularly if you like horror books with demons or similar themes.
Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
On first impressions, I felt the writing had a sort of gruesome quality, enhanced by the author's use of imagery. That gruesome quality struck me as entertaining in a very odd sort of way, and I think that's sometimes the case when reading horror. Thinking about the characters, I didn't really identify with any of them, or find any of them especially likeable, based on first impressions. Having said that, I did find some of the characters interesting, and felt they might be fun to read about.
At first, I felt this might be scary in a fun, entertaining sort of way, but as I carried on reading, there were some moments that struck me as quite chilling, and I felt there was some pretty blood-curdling imagery, particularly in the latter part of the story. I found this was something that made me want to turn the pages more quickly, whilst also feeling afraid of what might happen on the next page.
If you are a horror reader, you might like this, particularly if you like horror books with demons or similar themes.
Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
September 26, 2023
4/5 instant classic from James H. Longmore
HellBound Books is ever the giver and sent me a reviewers copy of Tenebrion. Both Sam and I have read one of Longmore’s books, … And then you die and Joe’s Missing Penis. Both these books have a unique and wonderful sense of humor. However with Tenebrion, it helps show the scope of Longmore’s creativity.
Longmore once again exemplifies that the WAY you tell a story is as important as the story itself. The tale is altogether sinister and with more plausibility than any other I’ve read from him. It details how the desperation and blind ambition of just one person can create tragedy in an instant, a moment, or over the course of a short weekend. Not without its funny moments, this book comes with the mark of a classic that can only come across authentically through the written word. I’m so happy I was able to read this; it helped me get out of a book reading funk and aligns my own ambitions a little more straightforwardly.
HellBound Books is ever the giver and sent me a reviewers copy of Tenebrion. Both Sam and I have read one of Longmore’s books, … And then you die and Joe’s Missing Penis. Both these books have a unique and wonderful sense of humor. However with Tenebrion, it helps show the scope of Longmore’s creativity.
Longmore once again exemplifies that the WAY you tell a story is as important as the story itself. The tale is altogether sinister and with more plausibility than any other I’ve read from him. It details how the desperation and blind ambition of just one person can create tragedy in an instant, a moment, or over the course of a short weekend. Not without its funny moments, this book comes with the mark of a classic that can only come across authentically through the written word. I’m so happy I was able to read this; it helped me get out of a book reading funk and aligns my own ambitions a little more straightforwardly.
July 6, 2024
Tenebrion by James Longmore
Watsonville Elementary School has been closed since a horrific school shooting incident. Except when it served as base of operations for a deranged and vicious serial killer. Now abandoned and dark, it (illegally) becomes the location for Green Crayon Productions to film their entry for a local film competition.
Thanks to writer/director David Priestly's penchant for full accuracy and his script for the short, titled Black Mass, all Hell literally breaks loose.
Peopled with characters easily recognizable to anyone who has participated in any local arts groups, all the petty gripes and overblown egos are fodder for demons who wish to invade our world. And as in real life there are characters you're not sure should make it...
Tenebrion is dark and fast moving, driving toward an ending the reader will not be sure they want to see. It would make a great low budget movie!
Watsonville Elementary School has been closed since a horrific school shooting incident. Except when it served as base of operations for a deranged and vicious serial killer. Now abandoned and dark, it (illegally) becomes the location for Green Crayon Productions to film their entry for a local film competition.
Thanks to writer/director David Priestly's penchant for full accuracy and his script for the short, titled Black Mass, all Hell literally breaks loose.
Peopled with characters easily recognizable to anyone who has participated in any local arts groups, all the petty gripes and overblown egos are fodder for demons who wish to invade our world. And as in real life there are characters you're not sure should make it...
Tenebrion is dark and fast moving, driving toward an ending the reader will not be sure they want to see. It would make a great low budget movie!
July 3, 2024
This was not a demon possession novel. This was a novel about the takedown of humans in a deliciously described gore fest of torture. When the group decided to try and make a movie in an abandoned school, the history of the school should have kept them away. Nope these competitive filmmakers wanted to win the prize so the leader of the group chose the most gruesome place he could find. Little did he know that his ego would provide the help the denizens of hell needed to break free to wreak havoc on the citizens of the world. This author provided a very gruesome picture as to what the demon had in mind for these unsuspecting humans. No one was safe. The given rituals to send demons back to hell were a joke to the demon. This was one terrifying read about how us humans think we are in control of everything when indeed we are not.
July 5, 2024
Book Tour Review
☆Terrifying Horror☆
This story is filled with so much gore! It's perfect for any horror fan! I loved how thrilling and fast-paced it was! I binge read this in a day and enjoyed every page!! This author's writing is very easy to get into, and this is definitely a must-read!
Thank you so much to Black Tide Book Tours for the ARC!
☆Terrifying Horror☆
This story is filled with so much gore! It's perfect for any horror fan! I loved how thrilling and fast-paced it was! I binge read this in a day and enjoyed every page!! This author's writing is very easy to get into, and this is definitely a must-read!
Thank you so much to Black Tide Book Tours for the ARC!
July 1, 2024
Often times brutal and vividly descriptive, Tenbrion centers around amateur filmmakers unleashing a demon and decide to roll with it. That over simplifies this novel that is sure to be a hit with fans of the genre.
Tenebrion is hard to put down and is fast paced I read this in a day.
Tenebrion is hard to put down and is fast paced I read this in a day.
July 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It has a lot of twists and turns and plenty of WTF moments. It's not gonna keep you up at night but it will definitely have you thinking.
December 10, 2024
Note: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have a lot of mixed feelings on this one. There is one very mild spoiler towards the end of the review.
The Good:
What drew me to Tenebrion was its intriguing premise - an amateur film maker recreates a Black Mass and accidentally summons a demon who hunts them down one by one. Along with haunted houses, demons and summonings are among my favourite types of horror stories.
Longmore does excellent work with his descriptions and atmosphere. The book had a cinematic flavour and is filled with classic horror movie scares. There were many of the earlier scenes that sent shivers down my spine and had me doublechecking under the bed.
But:
This book is meant for someone with a stronger stomach than me. The summoning scene is straight-up gross. I had to set the book aside for a bit and be glad I hadn't been eating while reading. I accept gore as part of horror, but a lot of this seemed unnecessarily gross. You've been warned.
My biggest disappointment was in the characters.
Everyone is despicable. Heroes don't have to be likeable all the time, but everyone should have at least some redeeming qualities. I found I couldn't care about anyone and that I actively hated most of them. Especially our two leads, Priestley and Labeaux with their excessive misogyny. They both go to great pains to paint Priestley's girlfriend, Ashlynn as jealous and controlling, but do nothing but give her perfectly valid reasons to be that way.
Which brings me to the subject of the women portrayed in this book.
The main female characters are Ashlynn, Priscilla and Carolyn. All three are petty and man-hungry. Priscilla comes off a bit better than the other two, but even she flirts shamelessly with David, even in front of his girlfriend.
They're also willing to do things women would not normally do just to compete for Priestley's affections. There is a part where Ashlynn does something incredibly gross for Priestley during the summoning scene that I can't see any woman doing.
(mild spoiler in next paragraph)
The scene that really bothered me was when the first body showed up. Despite the poor woman's body being mangled and torn apart, we were still treated to a description of her "curvaceous hips", "ample buttocks", and generous bosom. Then, staring down at the woman's mutilated body, another woman makes a snide remark to herself about the woman's chest size.
I have a lot of mixed feelings on this one. There is one very mild spoiler towards the end of the review.
The Good:
What drew me to Tenebrion was its intriguing premise - an amateur film maker recreates a Black Mass and accidentally summons a demon who hunts them down one by one. Along with haunted houses, demons and summonings are among my favourite types of horror stories.
Longmore does excellent work with his descriptions and atmosphere. The book had a cinematic flavour and is filled with classic horror movie scares. There were many of the earlier scenes that sent shivers down my spine and had me doublechecking under the bed.
But:
This book is meant for someone with a stronger stomach than me. The summoning scene is straight-up gross. I had to set the book aside for a bit and be glad I hadn't been eating while reading. I accept gore as part of horror, but a lot of this seemed unnecessarily gross. You've been warned.
My biggest disappointment was in the characters.
Everyone is despicable. Heroes don't have to be likeable all the time, but everyone should have at least some redeeming qualities. I found I couldn't care about anyone and that I actively hated most of them. Especially our two leads, Priestley and Labeaux with their excessive misogyny. They both go to great pains to paint Priestley's girlfriend, Ashlynn as jealous and controlling, but do nothing but give her perfectly valid reasons to be that way.
Which brings me to the subject of the women portrayed in this book.
The main female characters are Ashlynn, Priscilla and Carolyn. All three are petty and man-hungry. Priscilla comes off a bit better than the other two, but even she flirts shamelessly with David, even in front of his girlfriend.
They're also willing to do things women would not normally do just to compete for Priestley's affections. There is a part where Ashlynn does something incredibly gross for Priestley during the summoning scene that I can't see any woman doing.
(mild spoiler in next paragraph)
The scene that really bothered me was when the first body showed up. Despite the poor woman's body being mangled and torn apart, we were still treated to a description of her "curvaceous hips", "ample buttocks", and generous bosom. Then, staring down at the woman's mutilated body, another woman makes a snide remark to herself about the woman's chest size.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews