The Long Weekend

by Savita Kalhan

Sam knows that he and his friend Lloyd made a colossal mistake when they accepted the ride home. They have ended up in a dark mansion in the middle of nowhere with a man who means to harm them. But Sam doesn't know how to get them out. They were trapped, then separated. Now they are alone. Will either of them get out alive? This gripping and hypnotic thriller will have you reading late into the night.

Genres: Horror, Young Adult, Thriller, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Crime

180 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2008

About the author

Savita Kalhan was born in India, but now lives in the UK and studied at the University of Wales. She has travelled extensively, and lived in the Middle East for several years, where she taught English.
She is keen on tennis, boxing and running. She is an avid allotmenteer and somehow manages to fit in some writing, reading and blogging too! She now lives in North London with her husband, her son, and her lion of a cat, Marley.

Her new YA book is - That Asian Kid - it's out now!
Her previous YA book, The Girl in the Broken Mirror, was published in 2018 by Troika Books.
Both books were nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

The Long Weekend will be republished in 2021
Watch her book trailer for The Long Weekend here - prepare to be afraid!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14TfYy...

Savita blogs for the SAS on The Awfully Big Blog Adventure, a group of children's and teen/YA authors scattered across the UK. Follow the link to see recent posts. http://www.awfullybigblogadventure.bl...

Reviews

[Midu Hadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really rating it 3.5 stars.
This is one of the creepiest books I've read and manages to horrify the reader without being explicit or vulgar.
The book synopsis and even the beginning few chapters in no way prepare you for what's coming.
The change in Lloyd's personality just broke my heart while Sam's transformation gave me hope.
The book is so scary not only because it was written so well but also because this could have happened to anyone.
It was a quick read but not a forgettable one.

[Vicki_cosy.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Long Weekend looks, and sounds, like a dark gripping thriller…and that is exactly what I got. Right from the start Savita Kalhan had me glued to the pages and didn’t let me go until I’d finished the last page.

Eleven-year-old Sam is the new boy at school. He’s been the new boy quite a few times before and finds it difficult to fit in with the cliques and gangs already formed. This time though he’s made friends with popular Lloyd through their joint love of football. Lloyd is very different to Sam, with his wealthy parents and apparent luxurious lifestyle. So when the pair make arrangements to get together after school, he’s not surprised when Lloyds Dad turns up to collect them in a flash car, kitted out with all the latest gadgets. However, Lloyd thinks its Sam’s parents’ picking them up, and in the excitement neither one thinks to check before jumping in the back. Things soon take a sinister turn however when they find themselves locked in an old mansion and realisation dawns. And so starts a long and very scary weekend, and someone is keen to make sure they never escape…

What was so absolutely perfect about this book was Sam and his voice through which the story is told. Although it’s in third person, it’s completely from Sam’s point of view and Savita Kalhan captures in him a voice so remarkably strong, unique and believable it blew me away. Using a lot of short sentences and jumpy thought processes, the tension throughout the book builds from Sam’s narration and is consistent from beginning to end, there’s not one dull passage in this book. I particularly liked how Sam grew throughout the book, changing into almost a different person by the end, which given his traumatic experiences, is an incredibly clever tact. To begin with he’s naïve, nervous, anxious, a little bitter and slightly envious of enigmatic Lloyd. By the end he’s a hero, Lloyds support system, a problem solver and the naivety has all gone.

The Long Weekend is incredibly creepy and tense, and being a short read I raced though in just one sitting. There was no chance I’d be able to put it down, the pacing and atmosphere made sure I had to know how it ended. I’m not easily scared, but was left with shivers down my spine at times in the book. Some disturbing and terrifying issues are brought up, but Kalhan never forgets her audience and doesn’t go in for graphic details. I actually think this would be a good book to either read with a class of pupils 11+ or parents to read alongside their kids as there are lots of important discussion points. If anything, this book will serve as a lesson never to go off with strangers and will surely hook even reluctant readers.

The Long Weekend is everything it appears to be, a dark, creepy story that is so gripping it’s impossible to put down. If you like being scared and enjoy sinister psychological thrillers then this is a book for you! Even if you’re not sure it’s your thing, I dare you to stop reading once you start.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Savita Kalhan’s The Long Weekend is like watching the latest chilling and mystifying thriller movie, as not only is it a freighting read, but it’s one that will keep nearly any reader- from middle-grade to adult- clinging to the page, waiting to know what will happen next, while these two boys land themselves in one colossal mess.

Sam knows his newest friend Lloyd and he should never have gotten into the black shinny car that Friday afternon, but it was raining, cold, and chilly waiting there by the school. In addition, there were so many cool things in the car- movies, CDs, as much junk food as any young boy could eat. However, now he is in the scariest position he has ever been in. Locked in a big mansion with Lloyd and a petrifying man in black, he knows he has to get them out of there if he ever wants to the light of day. Will he be able to? Will he come out unharmed, or will everything lead to the worst death imaginable?

In The Long Weekend, Savita introduces a duo of two unique yet stereotypical tween boys. Sam and Lloyd are both easy to like and root for, and I feel many teen boys will be able to root for Sam’s desire to be strong, and Lloyd’s fight to keep hope in the most dangerous of situations. More importantly, their friendship is fully fleshed out in a way that it not only plays an important part in the book, but also leads to yet another part of the book I adored.

As mentioned before, the premise of this is frightening to no end. However, what it makes it even more so is how situations like these do happen to kids all the time in real life- they make the wrong decision, get in the car with the wrong person, and end up fighting for their life. Better yet, Savita does not sugar coat the situation. Instead she makes it realistic to the point that it leaves an impact on the reader as well as an important message.

In addition, Savita’s writing was also quite good. I thought she did an excellent job of fleshing the plot lines as well as the characters and there feeling out given the book’s short length. Lastly, I really liked how realistic the ending was- it was happy but it still taught a lesson so to say to Lloyd, Sam, and hopefully the reader, and that is all I will say about that.

The Long Weekend is perfect for readers- avid and reluctant alike- looking for a fast-paced book to get lost in- one that while contains not only shock and intrigue but a great underlying lying message as well.

Grade: B+

[Savannah (Books With Bite) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell how good and downright creepy this book is. I loved reading it. It had me looking over my shoulder because I could swear that someone was watching me read this book! Sam and his friend get in a car who he thought belong to his friends father. Unfortunately, it did not. And now they are trapped in the hands of a psycho.

Psycho, yes indeed. It reminded me of a good horror movie but for teens. Sam I believe handled it the best. When you are caught in a situation like this, you must get your head straight and think. Sam showed great strength. When his friend freaked and flipped out, Sam pick up the extra slack and stayed smart. I am so proud of him.

Many times I wanted to slap Llyod for slowing down Sam. I empathizes with him and totally understood. But its all about survival of the fittest. If it weren't for Sam, I'm not sure what would have happen to Lloyd.

The ending was perfect. I love how Ms. Kalhan tied everything up nicely. Nothing left any questions and I loved how she showed the way it affected both boys. Very good. I also like how well she was able to write and express the feelings of the both boys. I was sweating bullets reading this. And of course cheering them on.

All in all, this book is great. Ms. Kalhan took me on a great adventure. I loved the plot and the way it moved. I love her writing style and how she expressed every single emotions, touch, and even smell. Yes, it was that good.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever there was a book that should be required reading for every 11+ boy or girl then it is The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan. The content does not make for comfortable reading, and as a parent you may find yourself having to answer some awkward questions that you may not be entirely at ease with, but that is why this book is so important as it looks at what could happen to a young person if they happen to let their guard down for just one moment. In simple terms it looks at the abduction of two boys, but from their point of view as opposed to that of the parents, which we see on TV and in books all too often. We see how a simple misunderstanding leads the boys to find themselves at the mercy of a human predator whose motives are only too apparent to us as readers. We witness how the two boys react to this danger, with one becoming the hero and taking control whilst the other, previously more confident boy, retreats into his shell.

As a teacher who comes into contact with young people on a daily basis this book did not make for pleasant reading at times as I could picture this sort of thing happening so easily to children I know well. I would say that at school every six weeks or so we have a call from a parent to inform us that their child was approached by a man in a van on their way to or from school. Fortunately, every time the young person or people concerned have acted with common sense and a maturity sometimes beyond their years, and no bad has come of this. However, I know this is not the case for many families and schools up and down the country, and this makes the plot of The Long Weekend even more hard hitting. I know so many kids who think they are streetwise, and yet could so easily end up in a situation similar to the one that Sam and Lloyd find themselves in. Savita Kalhan should be commended for tackling the rarely covered subject of child abduction and abuse (in YA books at least) in a way that is both gritty and sensitive.

This is a dark, dark story and may not be suitable for less mature readers. Although it isn't mentioned explicitly in the story, a simple case of reading between the lines suggests that something very bad happens to Lloyd whilst Sam is locked in another room. There are no graphic details of this assault, the author very cleverly leaves it to the imagination of the reader to fill in the blanks, and it is this that makes the book so frightening, perhaps even more so if you are a parent. In Sam and Lloyd, Ms Kalhan has created a pair of very believable 'boy next door' characters and as a reader I very quickly felt an affinity towards them, something else I believe contributed to the queasy feeling I had in my stomach as soon as it became apparent that they had been abducted.

The Long Weekend is probably best read in a single sitting, although at only 180 pages this won't take a huge chunk out of your day. I would also suggest reading it during daylight hours - there are no supernatural demons, vampires, zombies or werewolves, but it is just as scary as any of the recent YA horror stories that have been released, if not more so. And one final suggestion - perhaps parents should read it before their kids as only they will know whether their child will be mature enough to cope with the issues covered.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my original review and for your chance to win a signed paperback copy of this book visit http://www.booksbiscuitsandtea.com/20... :)

Sam knows that he and his friend Lloyd made a colossal mistake when they accepted the ride home. They have ended up in a dark mansion in the middle of nowhere with man who means to harm them. But Sam doesn't know how to get them out. They were trapped, then separated. Now they are alone. Will either of them get out alive?

The Long Weekend is one of those stories that you can easily read in one sitting: partly because it's a relatively short book and partly because the plot is so intriguing that it is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Even though I was quite sceptical at first, it did wow me in the end.

The book tells the story of two eleven-year-old boys who get picked up after school by a seemingly rich guy but little do they know that they are heading towards a deserted area in the Hertfordshire countryside, towards a huge, desolate mansion. Their long car ride soon turns into a nightmare when they find themselves locked up, with no escape routes whatsoever.

To be honest, I've heard many people say how creepy and unsettling this book is so I was literally prepared for the worst and scariest things when I picked this book up. But interestingly, I didn't find it as shocking as I thought I would, or at least not to such an extent that it should bother me or put me off. It was scary and I would think twice before I let my teenage children read it but it didn't affect me as much as I thought it would. Having said that, it definitely is a quick read, a real-page turner that you will find hard to put down.

It was interesting that even though she doesn't go into too much details concerning the two characters' personalities, (it would be quite a challenge to do that in 180 pages), Kalhan still manages to create a startling and utterly riveting story. I like the fact that the two boys couldn't be any more different but they still stick together and do whatever they can to stay alive. I like how Lloyd gives in and seemingly accepts the fact that he's trapped and is never going to get out alive, while Sam is determined to find a way out. And that's where the story gets really interesting.

The Long Weekend is guaranteed to render the younger audience speechless - it's gripping, it's heart-pounding, and it will be hard to put it down once you start reading it. All in all, I really enjoyed it.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Long Weekend follows the story of Sam and Lloyd, two friends who find themselves in a very scary and very dangerous situation. Sam just started at a new school and was fortunate to find a good friend in Lloyd – someone he can joke around with and not feel like the new kid. One weekend, when their plans go awry, the two make the mistake of getting in a car with a stranger without thinking and the longest weekend of their lives begins. They’re taken to an old secluded mansion and separated from one another, left to the mercy of the sinister stranger. Can they make it out alive, or even in one piece?

I was invited to review The Long Weekend by author, Savita Kalhan, and I couldn’t resist. I have a penchant for mysteries and thrillers, and when they’re in the YA genre, I’m sold from the get-go. Despite being written for a young adult audience, the author tackles an extremely sensitive and chaotic topic, merging it with beautiful prose and vivid imagery to keep the story and madness alive. I’m not lying when I say this book gave me the chills more than once. Though Kalhan is delicate in her wording for the audience, it’s no less scary or creepy.

What I found most amazing about The Long Weekend was how perfect the voice of 11-year-old Sam sounded. It felt very tangible and both Sam and Lloyd’s fear was perfectly depicted. Nothing was overdone or overplayed, so the subtleties in the story really rang through and heightened the suspense. The boys go through a range of emotions from worry, to surprise, to potential excitement, to downright fear, matched well with the pacing to keep the flow of The Long Weekend going throughout the slim book (it's a quick read). I was on the edge of my seat throughout, rooting for both Sam and Lloyd because I really got inside their heads.

All in all, The Long Weekend was a fabulous read. I give it a firm 5 out of 5, and I’d have to say this is one of the most underrated books I’ve heard of in a while, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I would recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who like horror, realistic fiction, and contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a 4.5 Stars!!

Sam and Lloyd, a couple of 11 year olds, hitch a ride in a stranger’s car only to realize that it was the single greatest mistake of their young lives. They are taken to a big, old and creepy mansion and locked up separately. From the very beginning, one thing is clear to both the boys – the man had kidnapped them with cruel intentions. What will happen to them and how will they – if they do manage it – escape from the clutches of their kidnapper? How do they both deal with the situation?

This is an amazingly gripping thriller. It gets so creepy at times that I had to look up a few times just to make sure that I was at the comfort of my own home and not stuck with those two 11 year olds! Yeah, I know that’s weird, but true!! The sense of fear that appears in Sam and Lloyd once they realize that they had made a mistake in getting into a stranger’s car, actually manages to settle into the reader. It is mainly because of the author’s amazing narration and nothing else. Even though she doesn’t give much time in building up the characters, as a reader you start to feel for the kids. Also, Ms.Savita’s vivid description of every little detail helps us get into the comfortable feeling of knowing the surroundings of wherever the story takes us. The best (or the worst) part is that she actually doesn’t tell us directly about the way the boys are treated. There are just hints here and there for us to pick up and then imagine the worst scenarios!! The two characters Sam and Lloyd seem to be very different from each other. While in danger, when Lloyd freezes, Sam is the one to jump into action. While we can applaud Sam’s bravery, we cannot really blame Lloyd for being scared to do anything – he is after all an eleven year old.

The book can also serve as a lesson to kids about how important it is to remain vigilant at all times. The world is after all full of people who can and do hurt children in all sorts of unimaginable ways. I would recommend it to all mature readers.

[Jesse Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know the saying that goes something like don’t get into a strangers car (or even talk to strangers) which young people are always being told. The Long Weekend is really the story of what could happen if this advice isn’t followed.

The story starts when two new friends Sam & Lloyd get into a car mistakenly believing it was the car they should be getting in to – this I can imagine this being a scarily easy mistake to make. The journey starts out fine, the two friends are happy and having what would could possibly be described as the best time of their lives to date but it’s a stark contrast for what is about to come there way.

For me the star of the story was Sam, he turned out to be a far stronger and determined character than I thought possible at the start, no matter how bad the going got and in the face of all that danger he managed somehow to find and grab onto the dangling carrot of hope – taking opportunities whenever they presented themselves.

The tension of the story grows with every chapter and the need to read the next in the hope that the pair manage to get out safely is very strong. I found myself constantly willing the boys to find a way out and felt like all hope was lost on more than one occasion.

A teeny problem I had was keeping track of which character was which and every now and again I did need to double check – I think this was because my expectations of the characters were switched part way through.

Overall the story is gripping and hugely engaging and it covers a very important subject and shows how bad it could get when a child is abducted and one of the scenes in particular could be described as a little tough to read. Having said this it’s defiantly worth a read.

[Missy (Missy's Reads & Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was delightfully creepy, and I hate to use the word 'delightful' with such a sensitive subject matter - but the creep-factor was incredible in this. It was just the right amount without seeming fake or forced in any way.

As a matter of fact, this whole book flowed perfectly well with no sense of discord or falsehood at all. From the characters to what happens to them... everything connected and flowed perfectly. I think the most shocking part to me was how Savita managed to capture an 11-year-old boy's voice so well. All of his emotions seemed completely genuine. Everything he felt, you felt. Sam and Lloyd are both the "boy next door" types and very easy to relate to. Very easy to empathize with.

From the characters to the actual storytelling, I was absolutely blown away. Somehow, the author managed to leave out graphic details and still be able to give me goosebumps from the creepiness of it all. Coming from someone who's been into horror most of her life - that's no easy feat! From beginning to end, I was on the very edge of my seat eagerly reading to find out what happens to the boys. Because of how easily it is to relate to Sam and Lloyd, you can't help but root for them.

I cannot sing my praises loud enough for this book - it's everything I've always loved in thriller books. If you love psychological thrillers as much as I do, that have a nice helping of the creeps, then I strongly suggest this book.

[Birgit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm relatively new to YA books and with gems like this book from Savita Kalhan it's little wonder came to love this overlooked niche (well, by me anyway as I'm twice the age of the "typical" reader).
Two boys, Sam and Lloyd, are being collected by a stranger after school and what at first seems like a surprise by Lloyds father, soon turns into a nightmare when they realize they've been abducted and they need to find a way out.
I must confess, before I started reading I thought this might turn out to be a slightly scary tale, but boy was I wrong. What sounds like a run-of-the-mill plot (with an underlying important message to all kids) is everything but ordinary or bland and gripped me from page one letting my pulse race until the last page. You can literally taste the fear in this captivating thriller. Add a superb cast, well written dialogues, and emotions that felt all too real, while at the same time not getting too graphic but still conveying the horrors of what the boys have to go through.
In short: What a fabulous page-turner! Not just for teens, really!

[Awien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit I never liked reading, I've always thought that reading was boring and a waste of time but after reading The Long Weekend, my thoughts have changed towards reading. I'm so happy that I’ve read The Long Weekend because it was probably the best book I've read this year. It's an absolutely thrilling story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I reckon Sam was very brave for 11 years old boy; he tried his hardest to get himself and his mate out of the mansion. If I was in that situation, I would probably wimp and give up already. For them people who still think that reading is boring, I recommend this book for you to read. It’s a short story, I’m sure you’ll love it, just like I did.

[Marisol · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this book kept me on the edge of my seat. It was scary because of the reality of the story. I think that every parent should have their children read this book so that they can understand the types of people that are out there and how dangerous it can be. This book is an easy read because you want to finish it and know what is going to happen to Sam and Lloyd. Overall, this book was thrilling and entertaining and recommend for all to read it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING - deals with child assault. Heart breaking book.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted at: http://supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com...

MY THOUGHTS
A spectacularly eerie and suspenseful tale, The Long Weekend wastes little time drawing us into the action and putting us on edge as the gravity of Sam and Lloyd's mistake settles over us with a tangible weight we carry with us to the very end. We want so badly to join in the boys' initial denial of their situation, hoping and wishing events will not unravel as we secretly know they will, the incessant tingling of our pebbled skin and the sick twist in our guts evidence we cannot ignore or rationalize away as we are forced to come to the same horrifying conclusion as Sam–that his situation is dire, his life is at risk, and his options are limited. For a story short in length it lacks for nothing, the tension and fear so thick we can almost taste it, our mouths shockingly dry while we repeatedly try to swallow past the lump in our throats and cling to vain hope we might be able to save Sam and Lloyd with the safety of our reality. Though our wish to rescue them is a futile one, Ms. Kalhan ensures we are with the boys every step of the way, pulses pounding so loudly we're convinced the villain will sense us and our fear ratcheting up with every echoing thump as we know we can do nothing but read on, invisible but involved companions to Sam and Lloyd through an experience that will profoundly change their lives.

Sam is a character of infinite loyalty and ingenuity, making up in mental strength what he lacks in physical as an eleven year old boy, assessing his situation with admirable calm and refusing to meekly accept his status as a victim. He thinks clearly and soundly, makes difficult decisions, and attempts to thwart a man bigger, stronger, and disgustingly unhinged. His patience with a very traumatized Lloyd is painful to witness, our hearts aching with every quiet reassurance uttered as we know even if both boys make it home, their lives will be irrevocably changed. Every time Lloyd freezes in fear we stop breathing, wondering if the time has come where he or Sam will accept defeat and resign themselves to a fate no child should have to endure, the anxiety pulsing in these quiet moments of indecision so potent our bodies tremble in anticipation, waiting, watching, and willing them to fight just a little longer.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this story is Ms. Kalhan's ability to elicit extreme emotional reactions with her delicate handling of a difficult subject matter. Though it's clear to us what happens to Lloyd, the details are sparse, thereby augmenting an already suffocatingly tense atmosphere with the added uneasiness of the unknown. She works a similar magic on our villain, the description of him brief and succinct yet we feel the weight of his presence as though we have seen him clearly, knowing we will forever remember the feel of him–the chill and disgust he calls forth from us markers we will always recognize and associate with a monster. Though he never touches us physically as he does Lloyd, we do not walk away from this story unscathed, the remnants of his sickness remaining permanently with us as brands so deeply embedded in our skin they will never fully fade.

Overall, The Long Weekend is a story that both shocks and unnerves us, the depth of terror and fear punching us in the gut with a force we are grossly unprepared for, doubling us over as we choke and sputter and try to regain our equilibrium so we can walk side by side with Sam and Lloyd with the hope they will share in our recovery. Quick, fast, and unleashing a deluge of overwhelming emotions, this is a story that should occupy a spot at the top of everyone's to be read pile.

Rating: 4.5/5

[Maxine Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and Lloyd were eager to get home to enjoy a perfect weekend. When the sleek car turned up in front of their school gate, Sam entered it with Lloyd assuming it to be Lloyd’s dad’s car. When they find out that the car belongs to a complete stranger, it is already too late. They have been whisked away to an isolated countryside and are now trapped in an impenetrable mansion at the mercy of a lunatic. While Lloyd remains frozen in fear, Sam knows that it is up to him to get them out of this hell. As Sam searches the grounds for a way of escape, the man is closing in for his kill. Will Sam and Lloyd be successful in finding a way out before the man reaches them? And even if they manage to come out of this situation, what impact will it have on their lives?

While reading The Long Weekend, I had chills running down my spines. I must admit the instant I read that both Sam and Lloyd were 11 year olds, my expectations hit a rock bottom. However as I read on this book captured me into its story. This story had a realistic touch. Even though we wish that such crazy men as the man who had kidnapped the boys did not really exist in the real world, the truth is they do. This fact itself makes this book creepier to read. Though I don’t think most children will have the presence of mind as Sam had in such a situation, the author never made the reader feel that any of Sam’s actions are unnatural for his age considering the situation. It was nice to see that being in danger did not make Sam suddenly strong or impervious to fear. All along the book Sam is aware of the imminent danger and has a constant fear of the outcome. He knows that the only way to escape from this situation is to find a way to flee this mansion before the man is successful in carrying out his intentions instead of facing him head on.

We see most of the events from Sam’s perspective as for most of the book Lloyd is too shocked and afraid to act. At the first introduction we see Lloyd as the cool kid of the school who is capable of handling any situation and Sam as the shy new kid whom Lloyd has taken under his wing. However, when they are stuck in the mansion, it is Sam who thinks rationally and is the first one to come out of denial of the actual situation. Earlier both of them were assuming that the mansion was a part of a surprise that Lloyd’s father had set for them, at least assuming this was better than the other possibility. The author makes the readers feel the emotions of the characters. The reader too feels the fear and hopelessness of Sam and Lloyd. When they were in denial, I too wished that this was some awesome surprise by Lloyd’s dad even though I knew that it wasn’t. Strangely the scary man who had kidnapped them is only prominent at the beginning and at the very end of the book. Still the dread that his presence creates is ever present throughout the entire book, which shows how fabulous the author’s writing is.

Because of the nature of the book, I think The Long Weekend would be more suitable for older teens.

Favorite Quotes:

"They sat quietly, shoulder to shoulder, listening to the sound of nothing. Nothing can sound very loud sometimes, louder than noise, even louder than a jumbo jet passing overheard."

"Fear made you cold. It made you tremble. Anger made you hot. It made you want to hurt someone."

Hide, hide, hide, hide, he screamed at himself , but fear had overcome him and he was paralysed. He coudldn’t breathe. He couldn’t move.
Overall: A fast-paced book that will gives you goosebumps.


Recommended?
Yes

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam has just started at a new school but has quickly made a new friend in Lloyd and settled in. They have arranged to spend the weekend together but as they are waiting for their parents to turn up it soon becomes clear that there has been a mix up over which house they should be staying in. When a car pulls up the each presume that it is the other's father who has come to collect them and don't think twice about getting in. However, as they drive further out of town they discover that neither of them know who is actually driving the car. It is only after arriving at a secluded mansion and being separated that they discover just how much trouble they are actually in but will either of them manage to escape and get help?

Despite being a young adult novel The Long Weekend actually scared the life out of me. I can deal with supernatural horror but when it comes to something more realistic like kidnap and child abuse I am much easier to scare. This story is very realistic, it is so easy to imagine 2 young boys in Sam and Lloyd's situation - at that age I could easily have got into the car right beside them. For that reason if nothing else I would recommend this to all young adults - I'm sure that after reading this book older children and teens would think twice before getting into a car without making sure the driver was known to them. If The Long Weekend had been a film I would have been watching from behind a cushion and while reading the book I found myself holding my breath as I waited to see what would happen. I only read this in 2 days because it was getting late and I thought I might have nightmares, otherwise I would easily have finished the book in one session. It is a compelling and gripping read that I would highly recommend.

Although the story covers a difficult situation and pulls no punches about what happens to Sam and Lloyd it does so without giving graphic details which I was grateful for. Although I'm sure my imagination did far too good a job of filling in the gaps and was one of the reasons I was so frightened! This really is a must read book with likable and realistic characters you'll be routing for the whole way through and the author did a fantastic job capturing the voice of 11 year old Sam. At 180 pages it is a short read but no less powerful for it's length. I would recommend starting it in the morning so you can read all the way through without stopping - I really didn't want to put it down without finding out what happened. I'm very impressed that this is a debut novel and can't wait to see what Savita Kalhan comes up with next - I know her next book will be included on my must read list.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

If this book is ever made into a movie, they are going to have to bring Alfred Hitchcock back from dead. I don't know of single other director who could possibly do the freak-out, scare factor justice.

I usually am underwhelmed by any book publicized to be a 'thriller'; they typically fail to give me that oh-my-gaaawd-look-over-my-shoulder thrill. You can probably tell that I am leading up to this, but let me just declare that The Long Weekend delivers. Paranormal baddies can't compare to the true, entirely possible, everyday evil that drives down our streets and exists in this book.

First, you simply aren't ready for it. The opening reads like an MG book. It's thoroughly enjoyable, but its wording and the two 11-year old characters both are firmly in the junior high boys' world of sports, music and simply hanging out. Then, their parents are late picking them up one evening, and they are stuck waiting in the rain for one set or the other. And finally a car pulls up, and the both get in, each thinking it's the other's dad. I mean, would your 11-year old know better? You know he would, you think he would, and then you hope he would; but. . . does he?

What ensues is a parent's worse nightmare and one that kids may not know enough to have. Kalhan skillfully balances our horror at the boys' situation with the wonderful, rational, determined and loyal Sam. The story is told through a his third-person limited perspective, and his denial, terror, and assessment of the situation becomes your own. His fear and emotions are so en pointe that we never are bothered with checking behind our back for our safety; we are too busy worried about what is going to jump in front of Sam (and us). His entirely believable voice adds an additional level of fright because he sounds exactly like an 11-year old in an impossible situation - it adds an even more potent dose of realism, and the irony is that I don't think this is a book I would suggest for 11-year olds! It's that frighteningly real. It's that scary. Despite the younger tone and the age of the characters, this is a book I would suggest for YA audiences and older.

This is a wonderfully written, stand alone book. Kalhan makes sure that we leave this story with a resolution, and I was greatly impressed that she kept me guessing what would happen with the boys right until the end. If you are looking for a keep-you-up-all-night thriller with very real characters and a plot that can happen in everyday life, then The Long Weekend is for you.

FTC: I received this book from the author to read and give my honest opinion. In no way was I compensated for my review.

[Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

From: http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....

At a Glance
It took me quite some time to get into this book, but once I did I enjoyed it and all its creepy glory.

The Good
After accepting a ride home from a stranger, Sam and Lloyd find themselves trapped in a mansion by a deviant madman. With Lloyd catatonic with fear, it's up to Sam to get them out of this mess. If only there wasn't a twenty foot fence keeping them within the property and within the kidnapper's grasp.

The Long Weekend was pretty good once it got going. It became very intense once Sam realized that this strange man was not there to entertain them but to do horrible, unspeakable things to them. His best friend Lloyd, being too trusting, lets the stranger separate them into two different rooms, and that's when things really go downhill. Barely escaping the madman's demented plans, Sam is now on a mission to find Lloyd and get them out before they both get killed.

I really respected Sam for his tenacity and bravery, especially since he is only 11 years old. He takes charge, risking his life to save his friend and trying to find a way out of their ordeal. Even when Lloyd withdraws into himself, Sam never leaves him behind. His resourcefulness was astounding. Without Sam's strong determination, I don't think either boy would have had a chance of surviving.

I was truly scared for both the boys. We knew so little about the man that took them that I didn't know what to expect from him. This book really plays on your emotions. I went from anxious, to sickened, to hopeful, then aggravated as the story went on. And the ending was perfect. Nothing was left unanswered, it wrapped things up 100%. I still have chills just thinking back to this book.

The Bad
I read the first 3 pages and put this book down and did not pick it up for about a week. I know this is not a YA book but the main character is 11 years old so the writing is very childlike since we are in his point of view. It made it very hard to get into the story. Also, there was way too much backstory in the beginning. I get why Kalhan did it that way, but it really gave a bad first impression.

The Snuggly
This book contains implied child molestation, nothing graphic but very unsettling.

Overall
The Long Weekend was a powerful and shocking read once it got to the meat of the story. Sometimes it was hard to take, knowing what these boys were going through, but it happens in real life so it's not unrealistic. This thriller was a quick read that left me breathless. Recommended for horror/thriller readers.


Quote
“Fear made you cold. It made you tremble. Anger made you hot. It made you want to hurt someone.”

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The highest compliment I can give Savita Kalhan's book? The Long Weekend made my skin crawl. I'm not generally easily affected by books or movies, but this book had me literally sitting on the edge of the couch and reading with terrified fervor. There is so much pent up action in this book, so much well-written suspense, that you will absolutely not be able to put this book down. If you pick it up, prepare to throw yourself in for the long haul! It's going to be hard for me to review this book without being vague, so pardon me. I don't want to give anything away that you need to experience for yourself!

Sam and Lloyd are our main characters, and I fell into step with them as soon as I started reading. Kalhan builds two amazingly vivid characters that will capture your attention and make you feel for them. Trust me, I was rooting for the two of them so hard that if they had been real, chances are I would have jumped in to save them. Watching these two young boys deal with such a terrifying experience in two entirely different ways was so tough, but so intriguing. I throughly enjoyed how Kalhan shows their bravery, but remains true to their age by showing their scared sides and weaknesses as well.

What I really liked was how much Sam changed throughout the book. As an 11 year old boy, he starts out the story kind of just tagging along behind his friend. He doesn't seem to be that confident in himself. However as the story progresses, we see Sam grow into a much older character. The need to survive creates a brand new person who, quite honestly, I was extremely impressed with. The Sam that we are given at the end of the book is a much different, much more grown up Sam.

Reader be warned, although the characters in this book are young, this is not a book for the faint of heart. There isn't anything in it that is outrightly inappropriate for a younger reader, but there is enough illusion to it to make it uncomfortable. On top of that, as I mentioned above, this book is fast paced and at times extremely tough to read. I'd recommend that parents screen the book for younger readers, or read it with them so you can talk about it together.

Honestly, I loved every suspenseful and action filled minute of The Long Weekend. It is hands down one of my favorite books of this year so far! Sam and Lloyd, you have my heart boys. I can't wait to sing this book's praises around my circle of friends.

[Hira · Rating 4 out of 5]

*To read more reviews by me visit Views & Reviews *

Oh. My. God. I'm never reading thrillers again. If thrillers torture you like this? I'm never reading them again!

I mean.... seriously? At times I forgot to breath because I was so caught up in this book. It had me on the edge of my seat, my heart thumping like crazy.

And that is why I don't usually read thrillers. Because I cannot torture myself like that... I just can't...

This book was fudging amazing!! The story was so gripping. "This gripping and hypnotic thriller will have you reading late into the night." is true! It did have me reading late into the night. Especially at the end.

Oh God, I don't even know how review this book. Wait. *deep breath* I'll start again.

I don't usually read this genre. But trying something new doesn't hurt, does it? Actually it does. I found out that me and thrillers don't really mix well. It's not that I don't like them. It's just that I can't torture myself like that. But I'm pretty happy I read this book because I loved it!

The story was really good. And what's scary is that it could happen in real life. The twists and turns were amazing and unexpected and it really kept you reading.

The writing was pretty good too. At times it didn't engage me much but that occurred very few times. And the way it was written, it was really how an 11 year-old must think.

There were only 3 characters in the book and they were well developed and nicely done. I don't think the book needed any more characters. The crazy man was so crazy that I wanted to pick up a shovel myself and smash his head to pieces! And I was very happy with Sam. He really used his brain well and I was very proud of his courage. I got really angry at Lloyd at times but the poor boy had gone through a lot. And he was so innocent. No wonder he was in such shock. I really felt sorry for him too.

I think the reason this book was so scary is because it was so realistic. I mean, there are actual crazy people, like that man, in this world. I have an 11 year-old brother myself and to have a kid like that go through all this.... hell I couldn't even go through all that! And then the writing made you feel like all of that was happening to you which was why I said it was like torture.

I think The Long Weekend was a great book and if you're a fan of thrillers then you should definitely check it out!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Long Weekend is an uncompromising thriller which will chill you to the bone and have you breathlessly turning page after page.



Sam has recently started at yet another new school. This time he is hoping to stay put and after a week he makes an exciting friend in Lloyd. They arrange to go to one of their houses after school on Friday. The only trouble is that they can’t remember which set of parents are meant to be collecting them. They wait in the rain outside school for ages until a luxury car pulls up. Lloyd gets in and Sam follows but neither of them think to check with the other that they know the driver. So the car drives off and they sit in the back being highly impressed with the gismos and gadgets of the Mercedes. But eventually the penny drops and Sam considers that the man in the front seat isn’t Lloyd’s dad after all.


What follows is a terrifying experience for both boys and the reader. The man takes them to a mansion house and there is no way out. Why they are there is a complete mystery to them and the novel continues along this very sinister path.


I was absolutely petrified reading this book. It is every child’s nightmare – the storyline that is not the book. The Long Weekend effortlessly pulls you into the story. The narrative is told simply but it is so effective. We see the story through Sam’s eyes yet it is told in the third person. It is as if the reader is there holding his hand the whole way through, crying when he cries, paralysed by fear when he is. I was desperate to read on but I was also afraid to. Kalhan’s debut novel seems to me to be incredibly brave because the story is unflinchingly dark and powerful for that reason.


Both Sam and Lloyd are likeable and distinctive characters. We are naturally sympathetic towards Sam as he is the voice we hear. We are perhaps slightly removed from Lloyd but this is important for the story. I say no more on that for fear of spoilers.


My recommendation: You absolutely should read this book. You will never get in a car without checking you know the driver again. But you should read it under these conditions: Safely tucked up at home, in broad daylight with someone to hold your hand when you want to scream. A real frightener so if sinister thrillers are your thing, The Long Weekend is undoubtedly for you.

[Serendipity Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I wish I had known more about before I decided to read it. I had no idea what the main storyline was so I wasn't prepared for the way it opened up my emotions and left me shocked and stunned.

The author has written an extremely powerful, intense psychological thriller which rips your heart out and bleeds you dry. This is one of those books that will stay in your thoughts long after you have read it. She has taken a rather distressing plot line and handled it with maturity and grace. She has made a taboo subject accessible and open for discussion between adults and children. After finishing the book, I actually sat my children down and talked about what I had read, reiterating the points of safety I constantly repeat to them.

The plot of this story deals with child abduction and other sensitive subjects, which are areas I struggle to read about. For me as a mother, it is just too real for my oversensitive maternal nature. I actually had to skim over certain parts as they just distressed me too much. Yet the author has been very diplomatic with her use of language, so there is only the hint of what actually happened in the house. I am so pleased that the author wasn't too graphic with the events of the weekend.

The plot is gripping and you find yourself glued to the book, as you desperately hope the boys will get out alive. Lloyd and Sam will play heavily on your heart strings. Sam was an amazing character who showed such strength of character. He was not going to give up, he was determined to escape. Not many eleven year olds would show such determination and I felt proud of him.

This is not an easy book to read but one that I feel teenagers should read. This book could save lives. Unless a child is extremely street wise, they often trust the wrong people and this book shows how easily a simple mistake can turn in a disaster.

I really do think this is a powerful book that should be read, but if you are like me, and cry when you see children fall over or get upset, or you are an over sensitive mother who wears her heart on her sleeve, then you might want to let someone else read it. However, this book was not written for over sensitive mothers, it was written for teenagers, so pass it on to one to raise awareness and discussion of a difficult yet topical subject.

[Michelle (Fluttering Butterflies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan got right under my skin. My heart was pounding and I was starting to feel really, really anxious. It got to the point where I was so scared, I had to stop reading it and pick the book up again in the daytime - you know, when it's safe. I was SO worried about these boys. What would happen?! A big thanks goes to Michelle Harrison, who kindly sent me a copy of this book.

Sam has just moved to town and he's feeling pretty lucky to have made a friend in Lloyd. He doesn't feel all new-boyish with Lloyd to hang around with. They play football together and have a laugh. And then they make the stupidest decision ever, which didn't even feel like a decision. Sam and Lloyd, both 11, have just gotten into car with a stranger. And they've been taken to a huge house in the middle of nowhere. They've been separated and are now at the mercy of a very sinister man. Will they make it to safety?

See, I'm getting chills just writing this review and remembering how much these two boys go through. I love how authentic it feels. I completely and utterly believed the way in which these boys end up in the car. First Sam and then Lloyd realise the mistake they've made and they go through stages of denial and trying to convince themselves it'll all be OK and things are fine and 'maybe it's all just a surprise, this weekend away to meet a famous band.' And then things start to go from bad to worse. And I'll tell you, I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. The pacing of the novel was spot-on, everything from the thoughts, decisions and actions that these two go through and do feels real.

And Kalhan is not pandering to a younger audience here. Bad things happen. Terrible things, and it's gritty and painful to read at times. At times, both boys just broke down and cried at the hopelessness of their situation. But I loved the resourcefulness of Sam and how he had the people he loved the most in his head helping him to think clearly.

Fantastic book. I'm so glad that I had the chance to read it. If you're looking for a book to scare the pants off you, look no further.

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Long Weekend is unlike anything that I have read and I was completely shocked at it. The storyline, characters, writing, and everything else was completely fabulous. It's not a book I would normally pick up but I am so glad that I did.

Sam doesn't know what he has planned for the weekend but he knows what it doesn't include; being kidnapped with his best friend Lloyd. Sam isn't too worried at first because he knows that Lloyd will come up with a plan for them to escape. Except he doesn't. Instead Lloyd retreats into himself and tries to pretend like nothing is going on. That leaves everything up to Sam. Sam isn't sure what is going to happen but he knows that if he doesn't get them out of the house they will both die. Can Sam come up with a plan to save both him and his new best friend or will they be trapped forever?

The Long Weekend is definitely the creepiest book I have read in my life. In this case that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I loved it, it was just hard to get through. I definitely was not reading this one at night in a dark apartment. The creepiest thing about The Long Weekend is how true it is. People get kidnapped all the time and it's hard to read about something that happens every day. That was really the only reason I had trouble getting through it but I am glad that I didn't stop reading.

There weren't a lot of characters but that wasn't a bad thing. The ones that were in the book were well-developed and easy to relate to. Sam and Lloyd were hadn't been friends for long but the connection between them was strong. They were very good together. Sam was definitely my favorite though. He was a strong kid even though the situation was horrible. He broke down every now and then but it only made him more real. Both boys were great kids and I loved reading about them even though they were in such a horrible situation.

Overall, The Long Weekend is a great book but one that I would have to recommend only to older teens. It deals with some difficult subject matter but Savita Kalhan did an amazing job with it. I can't wait to see what else she has planned for the future.

[Lucia The Loyal Book]

My Rating would be 3.5


The first thing I thought when I started reading The Long Weekend was 'creepy'! And I mean 'creepy' in a positive way. The idea is simple: two kids get kidnapped and end up in a mansion full of games and food. They don't really realize the danger they are in, not until the night arrives and the kids are separated.

I really liked Sam; he felt real, believable, exactly like a smart eleven-year-old boy would be. He is resourceful and does not let panic and fear overcome him. Of course he's afraid, but he tries to use logic and reason to find a way out. He's resourceful and loyal: he manages to escape the house but gets back in order to save his friend, who, at first, didn't understand the trouble they were in.
Lloyd, Sam's friend, is depicted as the 'cool' guy at school, the one everybody wants to hang out with, and that's why Sam is so eager to get his approval. During the story, though, it's Sam who realizes something is wrong, whereas Llyod is too confident and thinks Sam is overreacting. Then we see that something really bad happens to him and Lloyd is frozen by fear, incapable to think or react in any way. It's up to Sam to drag him out the house and only towards the end Lloyd does something which seems to shake him out of the state of shock he was in.

I liked the story; it was a fast, gripping read and you won't put it down until you finished it because you want to know what is going to happen next. I found it very realistic and pretty scary. It also has a message: kids, pay more attention and don't take anything for granted!

In my opinion, the only flaw is the lack of psychological analysis of the bad guy; I do understand that, as the book is narrated by Sam, it would have been impossible to know more about him, still I was curious to get to know him a little bit better.

Reading this book was like watching a horror movie, one of those where you want to scream at the characters "Don't do it! Don't go in the car!" because you know something bad is going to happen. But, as it always happens in the movies, you cannot do anything but sit and watch (sorry, sit and read) while Sam and Lloyd face the danger.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was warned that this gripping and hypnotic thriller would have me reading late into the night, and I can say that it certainly lived up to expectations with the most intensely gripping, unable to put down plot within this genre that I have ever encountered. Reading from daytime and throughout the night I was sucked into an exciting, thrilling story that sent chills down my spine and gave me Goosebumps with every page that I turned. The cover is so striking that it stands out on the bookshelf, with its uniqueness and creativity that takes this genre to unimaginable new heights. It was so realistic with such detailed description and atmosphere, that I felt a part of the story and could clearly see in vivid color the environment that Savita creates. Sitting on the edge of my seat throughout I followed Sam and Lloyd as they became trapped within the mansion, which conceals behind its doors such imaginable horrors as to shock you completely. The truth within the tale and poignancy of the plot, is that the cliché with the known fact that there are such things out there in this world which come close to what this tale recites. The author projects the reality of child abuse in such an honest and truthful way, as to highlight its occurrence within today’s society and within life in general. Although the target audience is younger readers and young adults I would also recommend it to those slightly older and also parents, who can just as easily relate to the message within that the author conveys about how easy it is for children to fall prey to an event such as this. Insightful and thought-provoking I feel that here is not just a work of fiction but something a lot more important than that, with a deeper plot and strong intent by a writer with the desire to educate and build awareness. For those readers who love character-driven horror and thriller then I would say to look no further than this mansion in Hertfordshire, which conceals such hidden mystery and secrets as to leave you in suspense for hours. An absolutely incredible book by an author whom has exceeded all expectations, and who I have high hopes for in the future.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the social networking circles I frequent there was a lot of chatter about The Long Weekend. For a start it tackled some gritty issues and carries a warning: not suitable for younger readers, so that perked up my interest. Plus if you’ve read Savita’s posts on An Awfully Big Blog Adventure or in general, she raises some interesting questions about writing for teens and pushing limits. So I was thrilled when Savita ran a book giveaway and I won a copy. It’s signed and everything.

I liked Sam the main character straight away, he’s lived in three different countries by the time he’s eleven. I know kids like this and I don’t read about them very much, so that spoke to me. The book is quite short, and Savita doesn’t waste much time getting into the action, by page six Sam and his friend Lloyd are in trouble. They don’t know it yet, but Savita creates a sense of tension and unease in a few words, a sentence here, an action that gives away the character’s state of mind and then you know something is amiss and Sam is suspicious while Lloyd is denial.

I don’t want to give too much away now, because basically the synopsis tells you as much as I have and this is a thriller after all. Basically what we get over the next few chapters is Sam being forced to grow up very quickly. He’s a very believable character. He knows he’s changing and is scared witless by it, but at the same time possesses a courage that you hope will get him through this situation.

The climax is quite shocking and perhaps my only criticism of the book. I just wonder if everything tied up too neatly, but perhaps this is what children need to read given what they have been reading before. I’m not usually a big fan of epilogues either, but i think that if you’ve read this much, it’s probably good to know that you don’t just close the book and everything goes away.

[Beth Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tense and engaging. A great example of thriller writing for a teen audience. Highly recommended.

This book gets going quickly. The relationship between Sam and Lloyd is established and they are rapidly put into a dangerous situation, although it isn't clear immediately in the text that they are in danger. Kalhan is skilled at creating tension - we know from the blurb what is happening, and are willing the boys to realise that all is not well and that they should try to escape. The situation is entirely believable in terms of how contemporary clued-up kids could find themselves in this scenario.

The story is told from Sam's perspective, using third-person close narration. We have access to Sam's thoughts and feelings and are not able to 'see' what is happening beyond his perspective. This is also highly effective and contributes to the tension, particularly early on when we know they have been taken but Sam and Lloyd have not yet realised anything is wrong, and we do not yet know precisely what their captor intends. The voice is convincing for a kid of Sam's age and his thought processes and interactions with Lloyd (and their captor) ring true.

The main characters are only eleven and Kalhan manages to express the threat and what is happening to the boys in terms which are appropriate to this age group. Nothing is made explicit in the book - which, of course, further adds to the tension and the overall 'creep factor'.

This is likely to be an effective cautionary tale, although saying so seems to reduce the book to merely a teaching aid, which does it a great disservice. This is a brilliant read and teens will enjoy it for its tension and excitement, which is exactly how it should be.