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The Bensalem Files #2
NOTHUS
It's been four months since tragedy rocked the rural hamlet of Bensalem, Virginia, and Sheriff Cheryl McNamara has vowed to uncover the truth about her town's dark history. Her big break comes from an unexpected her teenage daughter Skylar, whose fascination with the occult leads to a remarkable discovery.
But a new evil rises, and tragedy strikes again. When the true form of the terror plaguing Bensalem for centuries is revealed, it is young Skylar who must face not only the Nothus, but also the centuries-old secrets behind it.
The epic conclusion to the critically acclaimed, best selling novel SENTINEL.
What readers are saying...
★★★★★ "Get ready to pull an all-nighter."
★★★★★ "Perfectly creepy, mysterious and tragic."
★★★★★ "The characters make this story come alive in this very creepy paranormal read."
★★★★★ "What an ending to this series! I loved it."
★★★★★ "Horrifying dreams and horrifying reality converge."
★★★★★ "I didn't want to stop reading until I finished."
But a new evil rises, and tragedy strikes again. When the true form of the terror plaguing Bensalem for centuries is revealed, it is young Skylar who must face not only the Nothus, but also the centuries-old secrets behind it.
The epic conclusion to the critically acclaimed, best selling novel SENTINEL.
What readers are saying...
★★★★★ "Get ready to pull an all-nighter."
★★★★★ "Perfectly creepy, mysterious and tragic."
★★★★★ "The characters make this story come alive in this very creepy paranormal read."
★★★★★ "What an ending to this series! I loved it."
★★★★★ "Horrifying dreams and horrifying reality converge."
★★★★★ "I didn't want to stop reading until I finished."
- GenresHorror
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
30 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Drew Starling
31 books87 followersAn Amazon bestselling author of horror and dark fiction, Drew Starling is a husband and dog dad who loves strong female leads, martial arts, and long walks in the woods with canine companions. He would like to think his plots are better than his prose, but strives to make his words sound both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. He listens to Beethoven, Megadeth, and Enya when he writes, and he'd be absolutely delighted if you'd consider joining his mailing list (which you can find a link to about one and a half mouse scrolls up this page). His only rule of writing: the dog never dies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 12, 2022
Nothus drops us back in Bensalem four months after the little town was shook by tragedy. Unfortunately, the residents are about to be rattled once again as the evil that lurks shows itself in even more horrific ways.
Sheriff Quinlan only a shell of his former self, descends further into the shame, and guilt he feels from an incident that happened four decades ago. Haunted by visions of Hank and no longer able to stomach the horrible act, he takes his own life. Now Cheryl McNamara is acting in his place and begins to uncover the mystery of the Sentinel and the Nothus. Neither she nor any of the other residents are prepared for what lies ahead.
Just like with Sentinel, the author whisks the reader away on an incredible journey. Nothus is filled with scenic and breathtaking visuals, characters you won’t forget, and a storyline that grips you from the start. Be ready for an emotional rollercoaster!
One character that really stood out to me throughout the series was Cheryl. From the start she was a very brave and driven character. She may have been scared, but she always persevered, knowing that danger was lurking. It was her job, and she took it seriously. After the loss of Quinlan, she really stepped up and was determined to figure out the secrets of Bensalem no matter the cost. Definitely a favorite character of mine.
Starling’s skill and talent are truly remarkable, and they shine in this series. As eerie as Bensalem is, Starling’s vivid writing makes it beautiful and captures all the details to create this wonderful work of art. I highly recommend this series. I think fans of horror and the supernatural would enjoy it.
"I am the manifestation of darkness, I am the bastard son of the one you meant to call, I drink the souls of the living, and it is from my darkness which your Kingdom will perish, and you will lay with me tonight."
Sheriff Quinlan only a shell of his former self, descends further into the shame, and guilt he feels from an incident that happened four decades ago. Haunted by visions of Hank and no longer able to stomach the horrible act, he takes his own life. Now Cheryl McNamara is acting in his place and begins to uncover the mystery of the Sentinel and the Nothus. Neither she nor any of the other residents are prepared for what lies ahead.
Just like with Sentinel, the author whisks the reader away on an incredible journey. Nothus is filled with scenic and breathtaking visuals, characters you won’t forget, and a storyline that grips you from the start. Be ready for an emotional rollercoaster!
One character that really stood out to me throughout the series was Cheryl. From the start she was a very brave and driven character. She may have been scared, but she always persevered, knowing that danger was lurking. It was her job, and she took it seriously. After the loss of Quinlan, she really stepped up and was determined to figure out the secrets of Bensalem no matter the cost. Definitely a favorite character of mine.
Starling’s skill and talent are truly remarkable, and they shine in this series. As eerie as Bensalem is, Starling’s vivid writing makes it beautiful and captures all the details to create this wonderful work of art. I highly recommend this series. I think fans of horror and the supernatural would enjoy it.
"I am the manifestation of darkness, I am the bastard son of the one you meant to call, I drink the souls of the living, and it is from my darkness which your Kingdom will perish, and you will lay with me tonight."
September 8, 2022
NOTHUS is the follow-up novel to Sentinel, both being part of the Bensalem Files series. And just like its predecessor, I am reading this in that August-to-September transition to help me move out of summer and prepare myself for fall and spooky season.
Drew Starling takes us about 4 months after the events of Sentinel (so you definitely need to read the first book!) in the small town of Bensalem and really elevates and escalates all the culty/occulty terror and creature feature realness. There are some JAW DROPPING scenes with the Nothus and all the descriptions just really make me uneasy - I would very much like to never walk outside at night again... is... that possible? Ok, thanks!
Just like in Sentinel, Starling gives great character development, purpose, and background information. You really find yourself connecting with and rooting for the protagonists and you will detest anyone who tries to bring harm their way.
Nothus is a fast-paced read that will pull you into a small town quicker than you thought possible. And Starling uses all the right ways to keep you there, feverishly turning the pages to see what happens next!
Drew Starling takes us about 4 months after the events of Sentinel (so you definitely need to read the first book!) in the small town of Bensalem and really elevates and escalates all the culty/occulty terror and creature feature realness. There are some JAW DROPPING scenes with the Nothus and all the descriptions just really make me uneasy - I would very much like to never walk outside at night again... is... that possible? Ok, thanks!
Just like in Sentinel, Starling gives great character development, purpose, and background information. You really find yourself connecting with and rooting for the protagonists and you will detest anyone who tries to bring harm their way.
Nothus is a fast-paced read that will pull you into a small town quicker than you thought possible. And Starling uses all the right ways to keep you there, feverishly turning the pages to see what happens next!
August 31, 2022
In 2021, Drew Starling's debut novell, 'Sentinel', rocked my world and was one of my top 5 horror reads for the year.
In 2022, the author secures, once again, the exact same spot with 'Nothus', his brilliant addition in 'The Bensalem Files' series and solidifies his 'favorite new author/instant buy' status in my book.
Released by the outstanding Eerie River Publishing (their publications are works of brilliance) on September 15th, the new chapter in the series is indeed phenomenal as it is darker and even more unsettling than the events unfolded in 'Sentinel'.
The author transports us once again to the town of Bensalem, Virginia , four months since tragedy hit hard the local community.
Sheriff Cheryl McNamara has vowed to uncover the truth about the town’s dark history. The veil of mystery lifts when her teenage daughter Skylar, whose fascination with the occult leads to a remarkable discovery.
But a new evil rises, and tragedy strikes again, only this time harder and with more horrible consequences.
When the true form of the evil plaguing Bensalem for centuries is revealed, Skylar must confront the Nothus and the terrifying secrets behind it.
This is a dark and chillingly imaginative story; one that the author's penmanship and ability to craft beautiful characters and shroud the events with mystery, make it an immensely enjoyable and piercingly clever read.
So get ready to pull an all-nighter because 'Nothus' will pull you in slowly and keep you reading until your eyes melt.
A beautifully written and hauntingly good, supernatural, occult horror story.
A triumphant sequel to the author's sublime debut.
Drew Starling is sets the bar really high and elevates the horror genre to new, bold levels.
Keep a close eye on his work as I feel many good things coming from him in the near future.
In 2022, the author secures, once again, the exact same spot with 'Nothus', his brilliant addition in 'The Bensalem Files' series and solidifies his 'favorite new author/instant buy' status in my book.
Released by the outstanding Eerie River Publishing (their publications are works of brilliance) on September 15th, the new chapter in the series is indeed phenomenal as it is darker and even more unsettling than the events unfolded in 'Sentinel'.
The author transports us once again to the town of Bensalem, Virginia , four months since tragedy hit hard the local community.
Sheriff Cheryl McNamara has vowed to uncover the truth about the town’s dark history. The veil of mystery lifts when her teenage daughter Skylar, whose fascination with the occult leads to a remarkable discovery.
But a new evil rises, and tragedy strikes again, only this time harder and with more horrible consequences.
When the true form of the evil plaguing Bensalem for centuries is revealed, Skylar must confront the Nothus and the terrifying secrets behind it.
This is a dark and chillingly imaginative story; one that the author's penmanship and ability to craft beautiful characters and shroud the events with mystery, make it an immensely enjoyable and piercingly clever read.
So get ready to pull an all-nighter because 'Nothus' will pull you in slowly and keep you reading until your eyes melt.
A beautifully written and hauntingly good, supernatural, occult horror story.
A triumphant sequel to the author's sublime debut.
Drew Starling is sets the bar really high and elevates the horror genre to new, bold levels.
Keep a close eye on his work as I feel many good things coming from him in the near future.
September 20, 2022
So I've been waiting for this sequel ever since I read the first book, Sentinel, last year, and the author was kind enough to send me an ARC copy of Nothus, so here's my honest review on it:
The events in Nothus take place about 4 months after the ending of Sentinel (which, if you haven't read, just know that you're missing out) and now follow the aftermath of the horrible things that went down during the summer (which I won't spoil). Once again, Starling manages to perfectly blend a small-town creature feature with the occult and now goes even deeper into the cultish vibes of the story, when our main characters learn more about the origin of the Sentinel and its nemesis. There's no shortage of tragedy and death in this action-packed sequel and I can say with complete honesty that, just like the original book, it had me hooked from the start. I also felt like Starling's writing got even more beautiful and descriptive and the pacing was done just right. Some passages were genuinely scary and the amount of details and historical background that we get in this book complete the overall experience in the best possible way.
I really have nothing even remotely negative to say about Nothus, it was a perfect small-town horror, which I generally enjoy, a worthy sequel to Sentinel and a super entertaining book that you can simply fly through. 100% recommend this series.
The events in Nothus take place about 4 months after the ending of Sentinel (which, if you haven't read, just know that you're missing out) and now follow the aftermath of the horrible things that went down during the summer (which I won't spoil). Once again, Starling manages to perfectly blend a small-town creature feature with the occult and now goes even deeper into the cultish vibes of the story, when our main characters learn more about the origin of the Sentinel and its nemesis. There's no shortage of tragedy and death in this action-packed sequel and I can say with complete honesty that, just like the original book, it had me hooked from the start. I also felt like Starling's writing got even more beautiful and descriptive and the pacing was done just right. Some passages were genuinely scary and the amount of details and historical background that we get in this book complete the overall experience in the best possible way.
I really have nothing even remotely negative to say about Nothus, it was a perfect small-town horror, which I generally enjoy, a worthy sequel to Sentinel and a super entertaining book that you can simply fly through. 100% recommend this series.
September 13, 2022
Thank you too Mr. Starling for an ARC in exchange for a review.
I got the chance too read the ARC for Sentinel and imported art the chance for Nothus. And if did not disappoint. We spend time with some different characters in this one, like Cheryl's daughter Skylar and boyfriend. If you were uncertain about her in the first one, rest assured she's actually awesome. Ellen continues to be a BAMF. And we learn the origin of the Night Bastard. Mysteries abound, as does some mild body horror, and there were genuine surprises that made my jaw drop--which is hard to do!
I love Ellen. She's strong but warm and compassionate. And I love Skylar. I was really happy with some good teen girl representation. And I feel like we've not seen the last of Bensalem, and I'll be happy to visit it again.
I got the chance too read the ARC for Sentinel and imported art the chance for Nothus. And if did not disappoint. We spend time with some different characters in this one, like Cheryl's daughter Skylar and boyfriend. If you were uncertain about her in the first one, rest assured she's actually awesome. Ellen continues to be a BAMF. And we learn the origin of the Night Bastard. Mysteries abound, as does some mild body horror, and there were genuine surprises that made my jaw drop--which is hard to do!
I love Ellen. She's strong but warm and compassionate. And I love Skylar. I was really happy with some good teen girl representation. And I feel like we've not seen the last of Bensalem, and I'll be happy to visit it again.
September 8, 2022
Nothus is the second book in The Bensalem book series and you should definitely read the first book, Sentinel, to get the full feel of the story. The author once again delivers an imaginative and chilling book that is perfectly creepy, mysterious and tragic. Great blend of horror and supernatural to keep you up at night 😱. Perfect for spooky season!!!!!
September 15, 2022
As far as continuity between the first book in duo, Sentinel, author receives A+
The characters are prevalent in BOTH books and maintain all the same characteristics
For originality, author receives a B+
Book is definitely one of a kind but idea has been played out in fables/movies.
And for content, author receives another A+
This book duo is one of my favorites.
Starling has covered so much in book that it took a while to read/ fully understand but worth every minute.
It is definitely not a book to be read in one sitting.
Author’s imagery has definitely evolved into a feeling of being in pages of his writing
Subject matter is a little out there but that’s fiction.
Recommend book to mature readers.
The characters are prevalent in BOTH books and maintain all the same characteristics
For originality, author receives a B+
Book is definitely one of a kind but idea has been played out in fables/movies.
And for content, author receives another A+
This book duo is one of my favorites.
Starling has covered so much in book that it took a while to read/ fully understand but worth every minute.
It is definitely not a book to be read in one sitting.
Author’s imagery has definitely evolved into a feeling of being in pages of his writing
Subject matter is a little out there but that’s fiction.
Recommend book to mature readers.
September 15, 2022
Wow, what a stunner. A incredible follow up to the Sentinel which I loved. FreesTanding is a exceptional writer who creates brilliant characters, a magical dark world but one full of hope and courage. Set four months after the first novel and the evil in the woods is even stronger. Drew created wonderful characters and my favourite is Cheryl McNamara who is driven, courageous, and does her job even in the face of what lurks in the woods someone we should all strive to be. The story has so many high points, twists and shocks, emotional, entertaining, dark and spectacular. Everyone should read this series. Loved it. A great new talent. I received a complimentary copy from the Author and am leaving a honest voluntary review
September 15, 2022
In this follow-up to Sentinel, we learn the origins of the Nothus Noctus and it's portal to the town of Bensalem, VA. We follow along with my absolute favorite, Sheriff Cheryl McNamara, as she tries to understand the hellish nightmare that's had it's grip on the town for generations. The Nothus Noctus has an appetite for residents of the town, but is kept under control by the Sentinel (think Transformer-size beasts conjured from elements of Hell and Earth). The nightmare is unraveling, and Cheryl and her family are thrust into stopping the the horrifying events once and for all. Drew Starling did not at all disappoint in this follow-up. Both Sentinel and Nothus will be on my gift giving list this year!! A page-turner you'll devour in one sitting, plan accordingly!
September 17, 2022
Nothus, the second book in the Bensalem files, continues where Sentinel left off. Things are not right in Bensalem. In fact, they seem to be worsening. This is problematic when you are dealing with secret societies, cults, demons, …. In the confines of a small town, there are scary goings-on, secrets that have been kept for generations. Newly appointed Sheriff Cheryl McNamara wants to rid her town of the evil that lives there. Unfortunately for her, the Nothus has been around a long time and has plans, especially since the sentinel is weakening. It has no intentions of leaving without a fight. Cheryl will need the help of her daughter, Skylar, if she hopes to succeed but the cost will be great. The characters make this story come alive in this very creepy paranormal read. This is another great well-written horror story from Drew Starling. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2022
Nothus, the second book in The Bensalem Files, was as mind-blowing as Sentinel. The plot was captivating and intriguing. I liked all the characters in the book, especially Ellen. In spite of the devastation in her family on account of Caleb's abduction, Ellen knows that things are about to get worse. With the help of the new sheriff, the gutsy Cheryl McNamara and her equally feisty daughter, Skylar, Ellen hopes to find the Nothus and annihilate it but what are the odds? They get help from an unexpected source. Nothus is a page turner which had me on the edge of my seat
September 19, 2022
After reading ‘Sentinel’ I could not wait to get my hands on ‘Nothus’.
And it is GLORIOUS.
Starling has the gift of creating magnificent characters. They’re all very human, each one of them has something I recognize myself in, which is why I connect with them and care about what happens to them. The Nothus itself is pretty terrifying, to say the least.
Intriguing storyline, loads of edge-of-your-seat moments, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Skylar now ! I’m afraid it ends here, though….
And it is GLORIOUS.
Starling has the gift of creating magnificent characters. They’re all very human, each one of them has something I recognize myself in, which is why I connect with them and care about what happens to them. The Nothus itself is pretty terrifying, to say the least.
Intriguing storyline, loads of edge-of-your-seat moments, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Skylar now ! I’m afraid it ends here, though….
September 14, 2022
This was the sequel to Starling’s creature feature Sentinel and I think he absolutely killed it with this book.
We pick up a few months after the events of the first novel as the characters try to pick up the pieces. Starling has a great ability to connect you with the characters while also using very atmospheric writing and realistic dialogue.
Action packed. Very readable. Well thought out. ✔️✔️✔️
I definitely recommend picking up this sequel for the perfect addition to spooky season. Thank you for the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 🖤
We pick up a few months after the events of the first novel as the characters try to pick up the pieces. Starling has a great ability to connect you with the characters while also using very atmospheric writing and realistic dialogue.
Action packed. Very readable. Well thought out. ✔️✔️✔️
I definitely recommend picking up this sequel for the perfect addition to spooky season. Thank you for the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 🖤
September 11, 2022
What an ending to this series! The first book introduced us to the Sentinel, a large night ‘person’/ ‘entity’(?), who wandered the town to protect the people from the evil being, the Nothus. After the previous sheriff died, Cheryl moved up to take over as sheriff and was determined to get to the bottom of this. This has been going on for years and no one really said or did anything about it. As she digs around, she comes across a book with information they need to reverse things…. but the original cult people send Roland Pierce to intercept. Everything explodes into the climax with good fighting evil. I loved it. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
September 15, 2022
Wow, this is a great sequel to Sentinel. On the edge of my seat the whole time reading. The characters are well written and I love them all. One of the best horror stories I have read in quite a while. Two thumbs up.must read.
September 15, 2022
Nothus is 2nd book in series. It was mysterious and terrifying. Skylar had to be my favorite character. She was incredible trying to save people and herself. We could all want to be so brave. The ending was both sad and happy at same time. An amazing story and great characters.
September 15, 2022
An interesting read. One thing with Mr. Starling, the reader does not know what is coming next!! Expect the unexpected! Stay out of spooky woods!
September 5, 2022
Much anticipated sequel to SENTINEL, NOTHUS picks up shortly after the events that shook the small town of Bensalem. As much as I enjoyed the book, I found it dragged in places with some overly descriptive passages. But thats just me. It was a good story, filling in the background in regards to the origins of the Sentinel and the Nothus but be warned, no one is safe in the hands of the author. If you have not read the very exccellent SENTINEL, I would advise doing so first if only to give you the full story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
September 8, 2022
I loved the Nothus. It has great description & detail that you can visualize the story as you’re reading it. It is old days folklore made reality during present day. I didn’t want to stop reading until I finished the book. It is worth rereading again. Drew is an amazing storyteller & I’m waiting for the next story.
August 29, 2022
Return to Bensalem. The monster still stalks the woods. Can a few brave people stop it? Intense read amazing characters. A story that pulls you into another world.
October 13, 2022
"The Nothus' eyes splintered in the cold winter night, like two bloodstained orbs, the sheer mystery of their presence deterring the advance of any creature cursed enough to notice them."
NOTHUS, sequel to SENTINEL, is a gore-filled tale of a mysterious beast. In the Nothus, Starling centers on its origin story-- and hopefully how to defeat it. Because it is more active than ever after a certain event in book one. It's the stuff of nightmares, and soon to be sheriff Cheryl McNamara is not skirting the issue like her predecessor. Her family and town she will protect with a fiery passion, no matter the cost.
And when her daughter, Skylar, finds an old book in her mother's possession she can't help but be suspicious. So she'll hold back her knowledge and try to figure it out with the help of her boyfriend, Ram. What is this Old Order mentioned in its pages? Mentions of alchemy and science mixed with angelic and demonic creatures confuse but point to clues surrounding current events.
As things amp up on the horror scale, causing carnage, who will be able to save the town of Bensalem? Is it possible?
I highly recommend! I liked SENTINEL quite a bit, but this sequel I enjoyed even more!! How often can one say that? In other words, you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to get both of these books!
NOTHUS, sequel to SENTINEL, is a gore-filled tale of a mysterious beast. In the Nothus, Starling centers on its origin story-- and hopefully how to defeat it. Because it is more active than ever after a certain event in book one. It's the stuff of nightmares, and soon to be sheriff Cheryl McNamara is not skirting the issue like her predecessor. Her family and town she will protect with a fiery passion, no matter the cost.
And when her daughter, Skylar, finds an old book in her mother's possession she can't help but be suspicious. So she'll hold back her knowledge and try to figure it out with the help of her boyfriend, Ram. What is this Old Order mentioned in its pages? Mentions of alchemy and science mixed with angelic and demonic creatures confuse but point to clues surrounding current events.
As things amp up on the horror scale, causing carnage, who will be able to save the town of Bensalem? Is it possible?
I highly recommend! I liked SENTINEL quite a bit, but this sequel I enjoyed even more!! How often can one say that? In other words, you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to get both of these books!
September 12, 2022
Wow!! You have got to read this book. I loved it all it kept me turning pages all night long and holding my breath.
I love Horror books, loved the fact that Skylar in her curiosity with the occult could become the one who could help. The Author is truly a master of horror.
I love Horror books, loved the fact that Skylar in her curiosity with the occult could become the one who could help. The Author is truly a master of horror.
December 6, 2022
I was given this book, by the author in exchange for an honest review.
After reading Sentinel last year, I found myself really loving the direction this world was going. What I found in the sequel was a few things; an improvement, and a longing. One thing I want to say that the author improved on from the first, is the amount of character development we got from each character. While this book utilizes a style I personally don’t love, (a lot of characters) I try my best to not let that hinder my experience, but with this book I found myself identifying each character by actions and name. The thing I feel we need more of, is world building because I would love for the author to expand upon the lore in this world somehow or have these characters show up in future stories. With the creepiness of the cult, as well as the Nothus itself, I found myself really wondering what else this thing is capable of. Every scene involving it was a thrill and the story of the previous Nothus only added to the fun story and world building this book has to offer. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you for the book, Drew!
After reading Sentinel last year, I found myself really loving the direction this world was going. What I found in the sequel was a few things; an improvement, and a longing. One thing I want to say that the author improved on from the first, is the amount of character development we got from each character. While this book utilizes a style I personally don’t love, (a lot of characters) I try my best to not let that hinder my experience, but with this book I found myself identifying each character by actions and name. The thing I feel we need more of, is world building because I would love for the author to expand upon the lore in this world somehow or have these characters show up in future stories. With the creepiness of the cult, as well as the Nothus itself, I found myself really wondering what else this thing is capable of. Every scene involving it was a thrill and the story of the previous Nothus only added to the fun story and world building this book has to offer. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you for the book, Drew!
September 19, 2022
Great Sequel! I read the first book The Sentinel and was blown away! It left you wanting more of the story and The Nothus DELIVERS! Picking up four months after the end of The Sentinel, we are again reunited with the characters from it. Winter is beginning and the story is just heating up! Deputy, now Sheriff Cheryl McNamara is determined to get to the bottom of the strange events of the past summer. Dr. Ellen Dreyer, is haunted by the events that left her young son speechless and her husband in jail. With the unexpected help from Sheriff McNamara's daughter Skylar, we learn the backstory of the secretive, cult Order that is behind it all and the town's dark history. Grabs you from the start and doesn't let up but you may want to read with the lights on! Very entertaining and I look forward to more of the author's work. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
The nightmare continues!
This is a year later and things aren’t getting easier for Sherry she not only finds the sheriff dead by his own hands but he also left a note and she doesn’t know if it is the ramblings of a man who’s going insane or even worse if it’s true. She’s also having trouble with her teenage daughter in the strange happenings in town start up again. Can Sherry protect not only her town but her daughter as well or will the shoes the sheriff left a bit too big to fill? I didn’t want to give anything away because OMG I was totally Godsmack by the second book. I read Sentinel and that was an awesome book but I couldn’t put this one down it was so good and they have surprises in it but you may want to read book want to understand but you don’t have to the way the author writes is comprehensive and the story is action pack a true horror classic. What a great book! I received this book from the author but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
This is a year later and things aren’t getting easier for Sherry she not only finds the sheriff dead by his own hands but he also left a note and she doesn’t know if it is the ramblings of a man who’s going insane or even worse if it’s true. She’s also having trouble with her teenage daughter in the strange happenings in town start up again. Can Sherry protect not only her town but her daughter as well or will the shoes the sheriff left a bit too big to fill? I didn’t want to give anything away because OMG I was totally Godsmack by the second book. I read Sentinel and that was an awesome book but I couldn’t put this one down it was so good and they have surprises in it but you may want to read book want to understand but you don’t have to the way the author writes is comprehensive and the story is action pack a true horror classic. What a great book! I received this book from the author but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 15, 2022
I read the first book in this series, Sentinel, and was truly blown away. What a scary tale. I couldn't wait to read more.
With Nothus, Drew Starling does not disappoint! This is an incredible sequel to Sentinel and well worth reading.
I believe you could probably read Nothus without reading Sentinel, but you should not!
Nothus begins 4 months after Sentinel ends. Everyone is still dealing with events from the past.
Sheriff Cheryl McNamara wants to get to the bottom of whatever it is that has a grip on her town, Bensalem, Virginia.
She is brave, my hero. Cheryl is (surprisingly) aided by her teenage daughter Skylar and Skylar's boyfriend.
This is definitely a horror story, creepy as creepy can be, with a couple of shocking twists that will keep you riveted to the pages.
Drew Starling is one to watch (er, read) in this genre. Looking forward to reading more!
I was given an Advance Reader Copy as a gift from the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review.
With Nothus, Drew Starling does not disappoint! This is an incredible sequel to Sentinel and well worth reading.
I believe you could probably read Nothus without reading Sentinel, but you should not!
Nothus begins 4 months after Sentinel ends. Everyone is still dealing with events from the past.
Sheriff Cheryl McNamara wants to get to the bottom of whatever it is that has a grip on her town, Bensalem, Virginia.
She is brave, my hero. Cheryl is (surprisingly) aided by her teenage daughter Skylar and Skylar's boyfriend.
This is definitely a horror story, creepy as creepy can be, with a couple of shocking twists that will keep you riveted to the pages.
Drew Starling is one to watch (er, read) in this genre. Looking forward to reading more!
I was given an Advance Reader Copy as a gift from the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review.
September 20, 2022
GREAT follow up to Sentinel! Compulsive and gripping! Suspenseful, addictive and complex! A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Will keep you swiping the pages furiously. Worthy of your TBR list.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
September 15, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 16, 2022
A page turning sequel to Sentinel. You may need to sleep with the lights on after reading this one and you won't want to go in to the woods. It's packed full of action, spooky moments, and lots of surprises. The characters are well written and you will be eager to find out who will survive the Nothus and who won't. Highly recommended.
May 11, 2023
I'm sure Drew Starling's frights or gore are top notch, but what I seek this author out for is his prose and in his sophomoric effort, it's been kicked up another notch. I don't want you to think this means he can describe a mountain for pages, it's the quite the opposite, over the course of only a paragraph or two he builds tension by devoting the time required to setting the scene allowing the reader to feel the intangibles that his characters feel and react the way his characters are reacting. It's similar to the way that modern and early modern playwrights started using stage directions to turn a bare space into a detailed tableau that becomes its own character in the story.
I wish I had reread Sentinel before I started this as there was a bit of a memory jog needed to get me back up to speed on which characters I knew and which I didn't, but things get going quickly and never let up. My only criticism would be that I thought the character of Maurice Bacon could have been more fleshed out or confused me whenever he appeared but maybe that's part of the tension building in which case, booyah me. As you may have guessed from above, I am not a regular horror reader, but I will read the more horrible shit this author's twisted head can come up with because it rings true blue.
I wish I had reread Sentinel before I started this as there was a bit of a memory jog needed to get me back up to speed on which characters I knew and which I didn't, but things get going quickly and never let up. My only criticism would be that I thought the character of Maurice Bacon could have been more fleshed out or confused me whenever he appeared but maybe that's part of the tension building in which case, booyah me. As you may have guessed from above, I am not a regular horror reader, but I will read the more horrible shit this author's twisted head can come up with because it rings true blue.
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