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Shockadelica
Weaving together supernatural legends from Ireland, Nigeria, and China, "Shockadelica" follows two friends who must confront their own fears while fighting an evil, existential threat. It's a wild ride that explores prejudice, conspiracy theories, and things that aren't what they appear to be.
Two horror podcasters―drag artist Kendall Akande and best friend Jenna Chen―share a passion for art, fashion, and horror. When they learn their Victorian-era apartment building might be haunted, they see an opportunity for an entertaining podcast episode. But as they investigate further with the help of their quirky neighbors, they uncover something far more sinister. Their quest brings them face to face with a house of curiosities, a witch, and an intimidating musician named the Bone Man with tattoos of serial killers on his arms. Then a stranger appears who promises protection if Kendall sacrifices something of value. While Kendall struggles to understand his recurring nightmare and the demands of the stranger, Jenna struggles to cope with her grandmother's dementia. As the ghosts of the past become entwined with the growing terror, Kendall and Jenna must use their creativity to confront the evil force that threatens them all.
An album of horror-themed songs by the Bone Man complements the novel and is available at most streaming sites and online retailers.
Two horror podcasters―drag artist Kendall Akande and best friend Jenna Chen―share a passion for art, fashion, and horror. When they learn their Victorian-era apartment building might be haunted, they see an opportunity for an entertaining podcast episode. But as they investigate further with the help of their quirky neighbors, they uncover something far more sinister. Their quest brings them face to face with a house of curiosities, a witch, and an intimidating musician named the Bone Man with tattoos of serial killers on his arms. Then a stranger appears who promises protection if Kendall sacrifices something of value. While Kendall struggles to understand his recurring nightmare and the demands of the stranger, Jenna struggles to cope with her grandmother's dementia. As the ghosts of the past become entwined with the growing terror, Kendall and Jenna must use their creativity to confront the evil force that threatens them all.
An album of horror-themed songs by the Bone Man complements the novel and is available at most streaming sites and online retailers.
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2021
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Jon O'Bergh
9 books11 followersJon O’Bergh is an author and musician who appreciates a good scare. He has written four groundbreaking books that link music and stories: the two horror novels "Shockadelica" and "The Shatter Point," a memoir about the role of music in our lives titled "Song of Fire." His latest horror novel "The Yōkai" is being serialized on Substack. His supernatural short stories have appeared in anthologies and magazines. He also co-authored "Elliptical: The Music of Meshell Ndegeocello."
Jon has released over a dozen albums in a variety of styles from jazz to EDM to neo-impressionistic piano. These include "Carta," which reached #1 nationwide on the NAV chart, and the atmospheric album "Ghost Story." He has recorded and toured with the band Gemini Soul. Jon holds a Bachelor's degree in music from the University of California at Irvine.
Jon has released over a dozen albums in a variety of styles from jazz to EDM to neo-impressionistic piano. These include "Carta," which reached #1 nationwide on the NAV chart, and the atmospheric album "Ghost Story." He has recorded and toured with the band Gemini Soul. Jon holds a Bachelor's degree in music from the University of California at Irvine.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 24, 2021
This was a fun read with a diverse cast of characters that at first glance I would not have expected to fit together as well as they did.
Best friends and co-podcasters Kendall and Jenn live in an old apartment building with quirky neighbors and possibly a ghost.
When closet doors begin opening by themselves and strange noises in the walls start scaring one of their neighbors the two friends decide to investigate.
Soon after, they learn that a serial murderer who killed people that he deemed "undesirables" had once been a resident of their building and had killed himself in apartment six.
Although there were some spooky moments, and a bit of humor thrown in, what I most enjoyed was the friendship between the two main characters. It felt so genuine, the way they could always count on the other to be there for them even if they were angry over a disagreement. I also love the creativity of having an actual album by one of the book characters that you can stream on Sound Cloud.
I received an advance copy for review.
Best friends and co-podcasters Kendall and Jenn live in an old apartment building with quirky neighbors and possibly a ghost.
When closet doors begin opening by themselves and strange noises in the walls start scaring one of their neighbors the two friends decide to investigate.
Soon after, they learn that a serial murderer who killed people that he deemed "undesirables" had once been a resident of their building and had killed himself in apartment six.
Although there were some spooky moments, and a bit of humor thrown in, what I most enjoyed was the friendship between the two main characters. It felt so genuine, the way they could always count on the other to be there for them even if they were angry over a disagreement. I also love the creativity of having an actual album by one of the book characters that you can stream on Sound Cloud.
I received an advance copy for review.
September 12, 2021
Jon O'Bergh's Shockadelica tells a layered tale. One loaded with characters who could be found in a carnival funhouse, or right across the hall. Said ilk resides in Toronto, but more specifically the area known as Cabbagetown. Honed with a conjunction of mystery and horror, the book shows us that our deepest fears can sometimes be allies, and that even the most logical conclusions can easily piggyback an unexplained bump in the night.
You can read Sean's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Sean's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
July 22, 2021
I give the author credit for trying, his writing is fine, but this one was simply too slow to enjoy. Was not able to finish. Oh well, they can't all work for everybody! I'm sure it will appeal to others who like a lot of talking in a book.
September 3, 2022
Oh, by all the haunted halls and horrific hells, Shockadelica was a ton of fun! It's a ghost story, a murder mystery, a quirky character drama, and a paranormal podcast all in one. Jon O'Bergh blends cultural mythologies, setting and atmosphere, and well-rounded characters in a story that makes us desperate to know more.
Kendall Akande and Jenna Chen are lovers of all things horror-related, hosts of a podcast that has them digging deep into the history of their Victorian-era apartment building. They're both endearing characters with a friendship that comes across as authentic without ever feeling like O'Bergh is overselling it.
Part of what makes the story work so well is the contrast between settings, themes, and images. On the one side you have drag-loving Kendall and his search for the perfect dress, the aging fashion diva upstairs who loves to reminisce, the woman who sells smiling (false) testimonials online, the old lady who talks to her vegetables as she cooks, and more. On the other side you have the reclusive author in the basement, the tattooed shock-rocker, the creepy landlord with ever creepier secrets, the ancient boiler room with its occult graffiti, and the stories of missing tenants, horned demons, and ghosts in the walls. It takes a long while to connect all the pieces, but the story is worth it.
There are so many little aspects of this that I loved, so many individual scenes that made me smile or gave me chills. I could picture the layout of the building and smell the history in the rooms. I felt like I had sat and talked with each of the tenants, like I knew them. I was fully invested in Kendall's quest for the perfect silver dress, and equally engaged by Jenna's passion for their podcast. The whole thing feels very Canadian, and I mean that in the most positive, patriotic way - our TV shows and movies have a feel, an atmosphere, a spirit to them that is captured perfectly.
For all its spectacle and thrills, Shockadelica puts characters first, selling us on the quirks and connections, and that makes the ghost story memorable.
http://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2...
Kendall Akande and Jenna Chen are lovers of all things horror-related, hosts of a podcast that has them digging deep into the history of their Victorian-era apartment building. They're both endearing characters with a friendship that comes across as authentic without ever feeling like O'Bergh is overselling it.
Part of what makes the story work so well is the contrast between settings, themes, and images. On the one side you have drag-loving Kendall and his search for the perfect dress, the aging fashion diva upstairs who loves to reminisce, the woman who sells smiling (false) testimonials online, the old lady who talks to her vegetables as she cooks, and more. On the other side you have the reclusive author in the basement, the tattooed shock-rocker, the creepy landlord with ever creepier secrets, the ancient boiler room with its occult graffiti, and the stories of missing tenants, horned demons, and ghosts in the walls. It takes a long while to connect all the pieces, but the story is worth it.
There are so many little aspects of this that I loved, so many individual scenes that made me smile or gave me chills. I could picture the layout of the building and smell the history in the rooms. I felt like I had sat and talked with each of the tenants, like I knew them. I was fully invested in Kendall's quest for the perfect silver dress, and equally engaged by Jenna's passion for their podcast. The whole thing feels very Canadian, and I mean that in the most positive, patriotic way - our TV shows and movies have a feel, an atmosphere, a spirit to them that is captured perfectly.
For all its spectacle and thrills, Shockadelica puts characters first, selling us on the quirks and connections, and that makes the ghost story memorable.
http://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2...
June 20, 2021
I received an e-Galley ARC of Shockadelica, authored by Jon O’Bergh (he also designed the cover!), for review consideration. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.
I rated this novella 5 stars.
This is a perfect read for supporting pride month, the author and one of the MC’s are both part of the LGBTQ+ community. A treat for horror lovers, imo, are the section titles within each chapter; every single one is a title to a horror movie, book or song. I recognized a fair bit but some I had to look up, doing so made me smile each time it brought up a result. I’m not going to list them, because spoilers, but want to mention them so you don’t miss out on the awesomeness. So this is where I sound like a sick puppy by voicing my jealousy over the MC’s apartment experience, the good and the bad. I have a passing knowledge of my neighbors faces, except one, maybe? But not well enough to talk to them, knock on their door in the night because I heard a sound in the walls. How awesome would that be? All of us banding together(ish) to study the history of the building, worrying about each other. Truthfully we are all just more vocal Morvena’s worried about the noise levels ruining our evenings. Of course my partner would move us out at the first whiff of scary happenings so I’d be out of luck anyway…
Many spinning plates in the air but nary a one fell. Fancy speak aside, there were several subplots or side story lines running parallel to the main and I was impressed with how the author handled/incorporated them. I even learned of a folklore baddie that’s new to me, which I am shockad(elica) that I had not been aware of before, but glad to be informed of now. I am going to do more research into the subject in my free time, which is a pleasant side affect of reading, I must say. This has a companion CD, which is free to listen to on Sound Cloud, titled Bag of Bones by the Bone Man. There are 12 songs, each connected to a particular creature of horror. The idea is to listen to the songs in order, a song to a chapter; add the prologue and epilogue to the first and last songs and all will be well.
I rated this novella 5 stars.
This is a perfect read for supporting pride month, the author and one of the MC’s are both part of the LGBTQ+ community. A treat for horror lovers, imo, are the section titles within each chapter; every single one is a title to a horror movie, book or song. I recognized a fair bit but some I had to look up, doing so made me smile each time it brought up a result. I’m not going to list them, because spoilers, but want to mention them so you don’t miss out on the awesomeness. So this is where I sound like a sick puppy by voicing my jealousy over the MC’s apartment experience, the good and the bad. I have a passing knowledge of my neighbors faces, except one, maybe? But not well enough to talk to them, knock on their door in the night because I heard a sound in the walls. How awesome would that be? All of us banding together(ish) to study the history of the building, worrying about each other. Truthfully we are all just more vocal Morvena’s worried about the noise levels ruining our evenings. Of course my partner would move us out at the first whiff of scary happenings so I’d be out of luck anyway…
Many spinning plates in the air but nary a one fell. Fancy speak aside, there were several subplots or side story lines running parallel to the main and I was impressed with how the author handled/incorporated them. I even learned of a folklore baddie that’s new to me, which I am shockad(elica) that I had not been aware of before, but glad to be informed of now. I am going to do more research into the subject in my free time, which is a pleasant side affect of reading, I must say. This has a companion CD, which is free to listen to on Sound Cloud, titled Bag of Bones by the Bone Man. There are 12 songs, each connected to a particular creature of horror. The idea is to listen to the songs in order, a song to a chapter; add the prologue and epilogue to the first and last songs and all will be well.
November 13, 2021
Shockadelica features a couple of best friends who believe their apartment is haunted. They are also the hosts of a horror podcast, so we get snippets of episode transcripts discussing various horror tropes and interviews with other people. The main leads are a Black gay man who is also a drag queen, and an Asian woman. The other characters feature various POCs too. It felt like real life, where people from different races and backgrounds live in the same apartment block and have to deal with the same issues. It brings a multi-cultural vibe and different perspectives that made the story a pleasure to read. I liked seeing Kendall's character grow when he realises he also has prejudice towards certain people. His friendship with his best friend, Jenna, is delightful, and it was nice to see them behave like adults even when they have a fight. The book doesn't go for cheap shots for the drama.
While I loved the characters, I did find the investigation drawn out and there is a lack of urgency to the situation. But it didn't detract from the mystery too much, and the build-up leads to somewhere unexpected. I liked the inclusion of folklore from different countries and how everyone has their own unique beliefs, spiritual or otherwise. The ending is action-packed and quite gruesome! I love scary horror but sometimes I could do with a funny, entertaining mystery and this book was the perfect choice for that. In the end, I was sorry to say goodbye to Kendall and his newfound friends.
Thank you to the author for a review copy.
book blog | twitter | instagram
While I loved the characters, I did find the investigation drawn out and there is a lack of urgency to the situation. But it didn't detract from the mystery too much, and the build-up leads to somewhere unexpected. I liked the inclusion of folklore from different countries and how everyone has their own unique beliefs, spiritual or otherwise. The ending is action-packed and quite gruesome! I love scary horror but sometimes I could do with a funny, entertaining mystery and this book was the perfect choice for that. In the end, I was sorry to say goodbye to Kendall and his newfound friends.
Thank you to the author for a review copy.
book blog | twitter | instagram
June 18, 2021
Shockadelica is a story about horror podcasters who are investigating a ghost in their apartment. The investigation makes it feel like a Scooby Doo type of ghost story, but don’t let this fool you! This is a very smart read as transcripts of podcast interviews are interspersed throughout the book bringing a fun approach to topics like humor in horror, fabricated real life ghost stories and a history of the way witches were portrayed in film. And no, its not just a tangent for the author to show off research, it ties in well with the story! This sets the tone for some of the dialogue that the podcasters have as they dip into possible explanations for the paranormal phenomenon from a wide variety of religious traditions.
I also like the diversity of character such a drag queen as one of the lead characters, an Indian woman being one of the people inhabiting the apartment. O’Bergh does a great job at simply using these characters as people who are in the story with their unique perspective, demonstrating a great level of cultural sensitivity.
The investigation of the ghost seems to fall into a lot of classic ghost story tropes however that is not something I am one to complain about as those are my favorite tropes in horror fiction. But wedded with the multicultural perspectives in a contemporary setting it brings a fresh voice. I'd recommend it as an entertaining and smart summer read!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am also posting this review on my blog: http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...
I also like the diversity of character such a drag queen as one of the lead characters, an Indian woman being one of the people inhabiting the apartment. O’Bergh does a great job at simply using these characters as people who are in the story with their unique perspective, demonstrating a great level of cultural sensitivity.
The investigation of the ghost seems to fall into a lot of classic ghost story tropes however that is not something I am one to complain about as those are my favorite tropes in horror fiction. But wedded with the multicultural perspectives in a contemporary setting it brings a fresh voice. I'd recommend it as an entertaining and smart summer read!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am also posting this review on my blog: http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...
September 15, 2021
Shockadelica tells a layered tale. One loaded with characters who could be found in a carnival funhouse, or right across the hall. Said ilk resides in Toronto, but more specifically the area known as Cabbagetown. Honed with a conjunction of mystery and horror, the book shows us that our deepest fears can sometimes be allies, and that even the most logical conclusions can easily piggyback an unexplained bump in the night.
Kendall and Jenna record a podcast, "Shockadelica", from Jenna’s apartment in Cabbagetown. Their podcast celebrates all varieties of horror, from movies and TV shows to myths and legends. Kendall lives in the same building, Covington Terrace, which is full of varied and colorful personalities, most of whom have had either direct or peripheral contact with some Unexplained events. So, Kendall and Jenna decide to dig in and do an episode about it, explore the missing people, the mysterious deaths, and other things that hold a whiff of malice in and around Covington Terrace…
You can read my full review at Horror DNA:
https://www.horrordna.com/books/shock...
Kendall and Jenna record a podcast, "Shockadelica", from Jenna’s apartment in Cabbagetown. Their podcast celebrates all varieties of horror, from movies and TV shows to myths and legends. Kendall lives in the same building, Covington Terrace, which is full of varied and colorful personalities, most of whom have had either direct or peripheral contact with some Unexplained events. So, Kendall and Jenna decide to dig in and do an episode about it, explore the missing people, the mysterious deaths, and other things that hold a whiff of malice in and around Covington Terrace…
You can read my full review at Horror DNA:
https://www.horrordna.com/books/shock...
June 26, 2021
Drag artist Kendall and his best friend Jenna share a horror podcast called “Shockadelica”. They are both huge horror fans, and love everything from movies to local legends. When it turns out that their shared apartment building might also have it’s own haunting, they stop at nothing to get behind what is happening to them and their neighbors. They launch a full investigation and involve their very culturally diverse neighbors in their task.
Horror doesn’t always have to be super scary and shocking. Sometimes, you come upon a horror book that is also wildly entertaining and funny. I adored Kendall and his mannerisms. He makes for the perfect main character in a quirky, yet spooky horror book.
Jon O’Bergh did a fantastic job including characters from all over the world in his book, and let us readers learn about different supernatural legends as well. You can tell he truly did his research.
Shockadelica is an excellent addition to the world of LGBTQ+ horror world. Thank you Jon for the review copy!
Horror doesn’t always have to be super scary and shocking. Sometimes, you come upon a horror book that is also wildly entertaining and funny. I adored Kendall and his mannerisms. He makes for the perfect main character in a quirky, yet spooky horror book.
Jon O’Bergh did a fantastic job including characters from all over the world in his book, and let us readers learn about different supernatural legends as well. You can tell he truly did his research.
Shockadelica is an excellent addition to the world of LGBTQ+ horror world. Thank you Jon for the review copy!
December 17, 2021
Shockadelica is a murder mystery and begins with two friends Kendall Akande and Jenna Chen. They both share a passion for art, fashion, and podcasting. When they realize that their apartment building is haunted, they set on an adventure creating an entertaining podcast episode.
The book has a very unique and attention-grabbing book cover. It is obvious the author has spent time thinking about everything and what he wishes to offer to the readers. The literature is well written, and the friendship between the two characters pulls the story together.
The story is layered, and this created a dynamic that was intriguing and kept the reader going. Its pace sometimes slowed down to a point where you wanted to read fast to get to the next scene. However, the premise was enjoyable to read.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read paranormal stories and murder mysteries.
The book has a very unique and attention-grabbing book cover. It is obvious the author has spent time thinking about everything and what he wishes to offer to the readers. The literature is well written, and the friendship between the two characters pulls the story together.
The story is layered, and this created a dynamic that was intriguing and kept the reader going. Its pace sometimes slowed down to a point where you wanted to read fast to get to the next scene. However, the premise was enjoyable to read.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read paranormal stories and murder mysteries.
December 5, 2021
Shockadelica by Jon O’Bergh is a tale about spooky things, friendship, and the love of community within an apartment building.
Snag a sweet drink before diving into this one! You’ll want it for the heartwarming scenes, and will need it for when things get scary.
I had a blast reading this one and I did not see that ending coming. The author did a wonderful job throwing in a couple red herrings along the way!
Readers are sure to fall in love with these wonderful and quirky characters from the start! Once the spookiness kicks in, you won’t want to put it down!
I highly recommend checking this one out!
More here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
Snag a sweet drink before diving into this one! You’ll want it for the heartwarming scenes, and will need it for when things get scary.
I had a blast reading this one and I did not see that ending coming. The author did a wonderful job throwing in a couple red herrings along the way!
Readers are sure to fall in love with these wonderful and quirky characters from the start! Once the spookiness kicks in, you won’t want to put it down!
I highly recommend checking this one out!
More here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
October 11, 2023
A pair of podcasters in an old 10-unit apartment house start hearing rumors about some freaky deaky events way too close to home. Although drag queen Kendall is excited at the possibility of real ghosts, skeptical Jenna is sure there’s something deeper going on. Everything from serial killers to secret passageways and witches gets mixed up in this spooky tale that is also mostly talking.
I didn’t think I would like this book at all, but I was pleasantly surprised to find some really charming characters and a lot of fun twists. This didn’t overcome my dislike for the creepy moments, made all the weirder for the weird pacing issue in this book. It had potential. It’s not for me
I didn’t think I would like this book at all, but I was pleasantly surprised to find some really charming characters and a lot of fun twists. This didn’t overcome my dislike for the creepy moments, made all the weirder for the weird pacing issue in this book. It had potential. It’s not for me
September 11, 2021
I picked this up on a whim, not having any idea what I was in for.
It's an interesting horror novel that definitely keeps you guessing. Not my favorite, but I'm not a big fan of the genre either. Lots of great and diverse characters, plenty of intrigue, and just enough questions to keep you reading.
If you really like horror, you'll probably like this book more than I did. I certainly enjoyed it, but won't go looking for more like it.
It's an interesting horror novel that definitely keeps you guessing. Not my favorite, but I'm not a big fan of the genre either. Lots of great and diverse characters, plenty of intrigue, and just enough questions to keep you reading.
If you really like horror, you'll probably like this book more than I did. I certainly enjoyed it, but won't go looking for more like it.
October 25, 2022
I felt as though the characters were a bit flat, but likeable nonetheless. I wish I heard a bit more about Jenna other than her relationship with her grandma and especially Kendall's drag. The big reveal of Kendall's new drag persona was less impactful since that aspect of his life wasn't discussed in great detail. The story was intriguing and enjoyable. The ending fell flat of my expectations but I still enjoyed the read.
September 29, 2023
A solid 3.5~4 star ish book. Not that spooky to me till near the end but a decent horror book. The characters were fun but the plot developed slowly.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews