Resonance: A Novel

by Joshua Scribner

After his parents die, Stephen Seibert, 13-years old, is forced to live with his uncle. Uncle Rick, a former jock, has little interest in the brainy Stephen, but dreams of developing Stephen’s older brother, Jonnie, into a great quarterback. All of this could be acceptable to Stephen. He doesn’t mind being ignored. Unfortunately, Luke, Stephen’s older cousin, has taken a sinister interest in him, forcing Steven to hide for most of the day. To make matters worse, Stephen senses another presence, something either supernatural or part of his mind breaking with reality. Little does he know, this presence will haunt him for years to come.

Genres: Horror

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

Joshua Scribner is the author of the novels Mantis Nights, The Coma Lights and Nescata. His fiction won both second and fifth place in the 2008 Whispering Spirits Flash Fiction contest. Up to date information on his work can be found at joshuascribner.com. Joshua currently lives in Michigan with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting concept. And it was written very well. Stephen was a great lead, and you truly felt bad for all his circumstances, whether his cousin’s rape attempts, his brothers threats and abuse, his parents dying, and who could forget Uncle Rick. White trash at its best! And the entire plot point between Ed and Matthew was a great twist, coming full circle at the very end. Everything was done well, but I finished this book with lots of questions and wanting a lot more detail on certain areas. For instance, I am still not totally clear on what Heather’s ambitions were and why things played out a certain way with her. And there was almost no recognition of the emotional dynamics between Stephen and his brother, ie the immense hostility, towards each other or concerning their parents dying. So that felt like a giant missed opportunity to create more depth to the surviving family unit. Uncle Rick also needed some more screen time here, as I didn’t quite get his overall character, either. Just lots of spots that needed more focus. Everything else was really solid and this has officially made me a new fan of Joshua Scribner.

[S.A. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing hidden gem!

Wow! What an unsuspected surprise this was! Dont judge a book by its cover? ... or blurb...

Resonance was a well put together story in every aspect. We go through Stephen's early life and his harrowing experiences. When Luke tries to get into the bathroom with the knife, I swear it had me sit up in bed while reading.

At first, I thought the time jumps would be annoying, but they ended up working out great, giving nibbles of the story bit by bit so we can come to learn who Matthew is.

There was honestly never a dull moment, and the minor editing flaws were easily forgiven. The story twisted more often than I could count. I really thought I had the ending guessed, but then the author surprised me (more than once).

I can't recommend this book enough for fans of thrillers, but anyone would enjoy this!

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When he was a child, 13 year old Stephen’s parents died and Stephen, along with his older brother, Jonnie, were sent to live with their Uncle Rick and his son, Luke.
Stephen was a reader, content to bury himself in a book, while Jonnie and Luke played American Football. Uncle Rick wanted his son and nephew to pursue a career in football and concentrated his attention on the two older boys, ignoring Stephen – to the point of disliking him. But Luke, who was gay, was attracted to him.
On top of all this, Stephen hears a voice that tells him to do things that might protect him.
This is a disturbing book. Is the voice merely Stephen’s sub-conscious, or an entity in its own right? Does it want to help Stephen, or does it want him for itself? It’s creepy, for sure. And it continues to haunt Stephen, with fatal results, through his life.
Excellent.

[Aaron Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes threats of sexual assault on a minor.

Joshua Scribner’s Resonance tell the tale of 11 year-old Rick and his older brother, Jonnie, living with their Uncle Rick and his son Luke after the sudden death of their parents. But beyond the pain of losing mom and dad, Rick’s life is turned on its head. Where once he lived with academically-inclined parents who encouraged and supported him, and who supported but did not really understand his older brother’s athleticism and drive, now he lives in a new family where academic performance is not appreciated, but athleticism is.

Still, Rick is introverted and not terribly concerned about being left alone. It appears he might even thrive in this new setting. That is, until things take a much darker turn and his physical well-being is threatened. At which point Rick begins to feel the Resonance.

While first coming off as a coming-of-age story, Resonance turns from this trope early on, becoming something far more sinister, with a side of supernatural trappings (more on this later).

The story is engaging, which is the real measure of a book. I wanted to keep reading, to know what happened next. The book leans hard into its supernatural thriller trope, climaxing in a series of plot twist-turns and landing in a satisfying victory for the good guys.

Or did it? You’ll have to read to find out.

Resonance fits well in a young-adult bookshelf, but there’s no reason an adult won’t enjoy this book. The struggles of a boy learning how to grow up in the complex and disturbing adult world are timeless, even if the settings in which this happens are not. Rick’s struggles are every boy’s struggle, at least to some degree. And who didn’t find the path to adulthood confusing and, at times at least, frightening?

Rick is fully-dimensioned. His mind is where Scribner sets us for the duration, and we come to know, understand, and care about him. The other characters are more flat, but in the mind of an 11 year-old, how could this be otherwise? The later chapters that involve Rick as a young adult, and beyond, become too fast-paced to reach into much character study, but that’s how thrillers go.

The final test for me as a reader is, did I want to keep reading? For Resonance, the answer is “yes.” If you like young adult themes mixed into supernatural thrillers that keep you on the edge of the seat, right up to the last sentence, then this book is for you.

PS: now you’ve read it, consider this. What if there is nothing supernatural going on in this novel at all? What if, instead, the events are all driven by mental health issues and folie à deux? Sets the entire book in a new light. Thus kim has spoken.

[Robert Appleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two orphaned teenage boys go to live with their Uncle Rick, who’s a frustrated ex-jock, and their cousin, Luke, a budding football star. The elder brother, Jonnie, is himself a talented quarterback, and is eagerly welcomed into the fold. But the younger boy, Stephen, is a nerd and a loner. He spends most of his time avoiding Luke, a bully with a dark secret. At crucial times, when Stephen’s at his most vulnerable, a mysterious supernatural presence makes itself known.

The story spans years. That paranormal entity forms the lynchpin of the narrative, but it remains an elusive mystery for most of the book. It isn’t even mentioned for big chunks of the story, and even then is only alluded to. We know it’s there, and that it has a purpose, but most of the time is spent on the characters instead. That works well. They’re a vivid, colorful bunch, and they’re allowed to unfold naturally, without the constraints of overworked hokum.

Stephen’s shyness, paranoia, and particularly his awkwardness with girls are all superbly portrayed. This is a sensitive telling of a brainy misfit forced to endure some appalling episodes while growing up, mostly at the hands of older males, and who only really blossoms into his true potential when he strikes up relationships with attentive women later on. Paranormal content aside, there’s a lot going on here psychologically. Luke’s nasty side is given an additional wrinkle on account of his secret, while Jonnie and Rick both develop believably within the confines of the story.

I do have a few reservations. While it added plenty of conflict, I didn’t quite swallow the number of life-threatening encounters Stephen had. And when the supernatural explanation finally arrives, it’s good but not great. It all scans retroactively as you think back over the story, but I also think it detracts rather than adds to the story’s resonance. I wouldn’t go as far as to say mumbo-jumbo. Let’s just say Stephen King’s third acts sometimes have the same issues.

Joshua Scribner’s writing is terse, straightforward, and compelling. He doesn’t mess about with scene-setting or over-description. It’s a pacy read that sometimes jumps around in the timeline, but that’s okay—I found it easy to follow. It’s also a pretty dark book, which you’d expect from the cover and description. I found it riveting for the most part; it’s definitely a page-turner, with plenty of original touches. Recommended.

[Lauren Eason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen is an awkward kid that's been placed into a dangerous situation. He and his brother have just lost their parents to a fatal accident and are now forced to live with their Uncle Rick, a man who shouldn't be raising any children even though he has his own son, Luke. His brother, Jonnie, fits right in with the football crowd of his uncle and cousin, but Stephen keeps his distance as his living situation becomes increasingly dangerous.

While dodging his cousin, Stephen finds himself being pulled towards a particular house in his neighborhood. There, he catches the attention of an entity that on the surface appears to be Stephen's personal guardian angel - that is, until it decides to stay with him.

This book immediately captured my attention with the first few chapters and held it until the very end. It spans over decades following Stephen's life into adulthood. We learn about Stephen's terror filled past, his past tragedy in college, and what becomes of him after finally settling down. Overall, Stephen is a rather meek character who endures more pain than anyone should in a lifetime.

I will say that Stephen's character growth is a little stunted. For being as smart as he claims to be, he does seem slow to catch on to what's happening to him. Of course, this could be attributed to the fear of the entity speaking to him - one that's powerful enough to manipulate events around him. But after being around this ghost for so long, you'd think he'd do a little more research on the paranormal.

While the book was fast-paced and easy to read, I got a little lost in the last quarter of the book where the big reveal happens. It felt a little rushed in some places and the explanation for what was happening could have been clearer. All I could think of while reading it was, "hmmm, sounds like you should've called Sam and Dean for this."

Overall, I enjoyed reading it and I could see what the author was going for in the final scenes. As for it being horrifying, I would say the humans Stephen encountered were worse than the ghost. That seems to be a more common theme in horror right now anyway.

[Xander Kin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Stephen moves in with his uncle and cousin, his world turns upside down. Where his parents once encouraged kindness and academics, his new household cares only about high school football. Being an academically-inclined kid, he tries to navigate his new life without drawing much attention to himself, and succeeds for a little while until he becomes the target of his predacious cousin. He also becomes the target of an unexplainable supernatural energy. These experiences follow him throughout his life and unfold in unexpected ways.

I enjoyed this book. It’s a quick read and the plot keeps you hooked–from page one, I was thrown into the inciting incident and immediately felt a connection with the main character. The author uses dialogue, time skips, and narration well to move the story along and emphasize specific plot points and create a feeling of suspense.

There is a common theme throughout of learned/assumed helplessness that the author uses well to keep the story moving. The feeling is believable, even though at times I found myself annoyed with the protagonist for not opening up to certain characters.

At times, I felt like the story was pulled from The Shining universe. I think this was intentional though as there is even a character whose name appears to pay homage to the best selling horror novel.

The characters were mostly believable although a lot of the supporting characters felt a bit one sided. I do believe this was intentional for some of them, and it’s also really hard (and unnecessary to fully flesh out all supporting characters.) l just tend to find a story slightly less believable when a character is 100% good or 100% bad. I also felt the ending was a little rushed, especially since the setup was given adequate attention.

Overall, this was a fun read. It was interesting, not too complicated, and suspenseful. Even when I told myself “OK, I’ll finish this chapter and then go eat dinner,” I found myself missing dinner.

[Timothy Dorr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A family in turmoil

In the novel, Resonance, author, Joshua Scribner, portrays the &, Stephen Siebert, with an interesting twist by giving the reader a taste of his youth life while showing the time of his adulthood. Sadly, his parents die, and along with his brother Jonnie, has to live with his Uncle Rick and his son Luke in a 3-room double trailer, and now deal with this new adult who, takes control, and acts like Stephen is invisible, which gives the main character new challenges to succeed in his difficult path in life. And, during the hero’s path of resistance, the uncle gives Stephen, sadly, the smallest room in the house. There are some voices which come to Stephen, and some religious aspects of the story, which fit in with the struggles of the protagonist, mixed in the competition of football among the main characters and the bad-mouthed uncle.
I enjoyed these characters –Jonnie, who was Stephen’s brother, the worshipped hero and revered quarterback, which led to more admiration by Uncle Rick, who also played the same position in his younger days (though Rick’s attitude towards Stephen was lower because he never played that position). Luke, who was the football receiver to the famed quarterback, and shared the same room in the uncle’s house, and oddly would sneak around the homestead peering and stalking Stephen, though in the end, he might be saved someday by Stephen’s helping abilities.

This book would be a good choice for the reader that likes the guise of family life, with all the fights and struggles and adversities that occur during the lifetime in a tight quartered household. And, also anyone interested in the southern roots in the state of Oklahoma where the story takes place, along with the importance of the sport of football that has always engrossed many of the lives of the state’s constituents.

[E.S. Fein · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his latest novel Resonance, Scribner masterfully weaves a compelling tale of trauma, survival, and supernatural suspense. He succeeds in building a rich and complex narrative around a young, intelligent protagonist, Stephen Seibert, whose life takes a grim turn.

Resilient in the face of adversity, Stephen's journey of overcoming familial indifference and a malevolent, lurking presence forms the crux of this story. Scribner expertly showcases his protagonist's emotional journey while maintaining an underlying sense of impending doom, providing readers an intricate psychological thriller that leaves them on the edge of their seat.

The poignant struggle of a child trying to fit into an unloving home environment juxtaposed with the haunting, spectral presence, makes for a profoundly engaging read.

Scribner's portrayal of life in Oklahoma and the cultural significance of football serve as a realistic and captivating backdrop, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story. Scribner's evocative descriptions make the setting come alive, and his depictions of the adversities faced in close-quartered living situations make the story relatable and emotionally resonant.

While the novel is a unique blend of coming-of-age and suspense, there were moments where the plot seemed to lose momentum. However, the inventive narrative, combined with its inventive twists and turns, more than make up for it. Despite the occasional intensity of terror, the allure of wanting to uncover the story's mysteries will keep readers engrossed till the end.

In conclusion, Resonance is an emotional rollercoaster ride that effortlessly combines elements of family drama, suspense, and the supernatural. Scribner's distinctive storytelling style and his ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature make this novel a gripping and worthwhile read.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t judge by the cover—download now

Joshua Scribner presents a well-constructed psychological thriller in ‘Resonance’. The story flits between 1986 and 1996 but does so in a way that delivers an appropriate amount of suspense—and sets up the inevitable and welcome twist. At the story’s heart is Stephen Siebert, whose parents have recently died. Instead of splitting him up from his brother, Jonnie, the two teenage boys are sent to live with their mother’s brother, Uncle Rick, and his son, Luke.

From the start, there is familiar family friction. Stephen is bookish and slight, while his towering brother is a sporting rival for their cousin. For Stephen, Rick’s preference for quarterback Jonnie is clear; while Luke, a promising football jock, does not welcome the rival sportsman. Lost somewhere in the background, the intellectual giant, Stephen, starts an emotional journey, which generally would (in any other circumstances) be the trials of growing pains in a male-only environment. Unexpectedly, Luke takes an interest in his younger cousin around the same time Stephen starts to be aware of something else lurking near the cramped trailer.

This invisible presence goes on to follow Stephen for years. Scribner cleverly sets points up in the 80s for a chilling reveal a decade later—it quickly becomes apparent something out of the ordinary is occurring, mainly when Stephen is at his lowest. Overall, Scribner demonstrates a considerable amount of care as he peels back the layers of Stephen’s emotional journey to his twenties, and this is achieved with a constant feeling of something awful about to happen: ‘Resonance’ is a successful supernatural thriller.

These are, for the most part, highly-developed characters, although much of the detail is presented in the stream of dialogue throughout the book. The introduction of Matthew at the mid-point gives the story exactly what it needs: causality. My only criticism is I would have liked the exposition a little earlier.

[Tracey Morait · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1986, when Stephen and his older brother Jonnie are orphaned and sent to live with their divorced Uncle Rick and his son Luke in their trailer, Stephen's world is turned upside down forever. Jonnie is sporty and a promising American football player, whereas Stephen is clever and prefers books. Jonnie never had much time for Stephen, and it turns out that because of his lack of sporting prowess, neither does Uncle Rick. Luke, on the other hand, develops a sinister fascination for his cousin and torments him with his depraved behaviour. Luke subjects Stephen to psychological abuse that threatens to turn physical.

In 1996, Stephen looks back on those unhappy times. He has moved on with his life and attends university, studying law, but because of the bad memories of his life at Uncle Rick’s, he has no confidence in forming relationships. He’s amazed when a hot girl in his class takes an interest in him and they become more than just good friends.

Then there’s Ed, his roommate, who says strange things in his sleep, things that involve Stephen, and Stephen is reminded of those awful times when Luke tried to assault him. It turns out that Ed is possessed by a spirit of a dead child, who has more than a passing interest in Stephen’s past.

This book has a promising premise and is an interesting mixture of the genres of psychological horror and a ghost story, but that’s as far as it goes for me. The story alternates between 1986 and 1996, which isn’t a problem in itself, but I feel it lacks direction. I couldn’t work out the exact purpose of the spirit, why it was possessed Ed and the reason why it wanted to help Stephen, and I found the detail about American football went right over my head (I’m British and it’s a sport that means nothing to me).

Readable, but could have been better.

[François G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Resonance by Joshua Scribner is a chilling tale that blends the horrors of a dysfunctional family with a supernatural twist. It's a slow-burning psychological thriller that keeps you guessing.

Stephen Seibert, the protagonist, finds himself in a nightmarish existence after his parents' death, living with his indifferent uncle, Rick, and sinister cousin, Luke. The book alternates between 1986 and 1996, chronicling Stephen's journey as he deals with the trauma inflicted upon him.

The novel starts off slow, providing ample details that sometimes feel excessive. While it's clear Stephen is struggling, the character development of others, particularly his family, lacks depth. They are one-dimensional, portrayed mainly as bullies. This one-sided view, though fitting with Stephen's perspective, leaves room for more nuanced storytelling.

The story gains momentum as Stephen grows, battling his past. The mysterious supernatural element adds tension, making the plot intriguing. Scribner explores the concept of souls resonating, a unique angle that piques curiosity.

However, the book has its issues. The plot meanders at times, and some scenes lack detail. Additionally, the editing leaves much to be desired, with numerous typos and grammatical errors.

Resonance offers a blend of family drama and supernatural horror. If you can overlook some shortcomings and enjoy psychological thrillers with a slow buildup, this book might resonate with you. For others, it may leave you wishing for a bit more polish in the storytelling.

In conclusion, Resonance is an engaging but flawed read that raises thought-provoking questions about family dynamics and the supernatural. Whether it's the right book for you depends on your taste for psychological horror and your tolerance for editing imperfections.

[Charlotte Brough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Resonance by Joshua Scribner is the story of Stephen, a young boy who, along with his older brother, is sent to live with his uncle after the death of their parents. An ex-jock himself, Uncle Rick focuses all his attention on Stephen’s brother, Jonnie, a budding football star, largely ignoring Stephen. Things go from bad to worse when his cousin’s behaviour toward him becomes increasingly threatening, and it isn’t long before Stephen is finding himself compelled by a mysterious force to an abandoned house on the edge of town…

The story starts off quite slow-paced, with a lot of (sometimes extraneous) detail, but later becomes much quicker, feeling a little rushed at times with some scenes containing barely any detail at all. Although I was sympathetic toward Stephen, I found it hard to connect with his character, and I would have liked to see other characters, in particular his family, more fleshed out. They are all portrayed as angry bullies with little to no other emotion, which works on one level as this is the way Stephen sees them, but I’d prefer a little more nuance. A lot of the story, especially toward the end, is revealed through exposition in the form of one character explaining it to another, and again, I would have liked to see some more variation in that.

Scribner maintains a sense of unease throughout as Stephen grows up and tries to move on from his childhood trauma, and there’s a steady build-up of tension as he realises the force that once saved him isn’t about to let him go. There are plenty of twists as Stephen tries to work out exactly what it wants, and I really liked the concept of souls resonating. With the story left somewhat open-ended, I think a deeper exploration of this would certainly make for an interesting sequel.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is good, it’s very good


This novel is good. I haven’t found myself so immersed or invested in a character’s journey in quite a while now. That is to say, build-up, pacing, flow, character depth and dynamics are all very well accomplished.
The storytelling is especially so. Stephen’s story is told from his perspective - as a child, as a young man, then as an adult. Here we note the tone, vocabulary and insights that change with his progression in age. There is a back and forth between past and future that cleverly draws in the reader. It feeds you crumbs of Stephen’s pivotal life events and outcomes, making you anticipate their unfolding; future and past respectively.
Granted, Stephen is a rather direct, unimpressionable character with little to no tendency to display emotion. However, whatever emotion he does display is appropriate for his circumstances. He is well-rounded, sympathetic, if not always likeable, and through his struggles, you can’t help but empathise with him. In fact, the other characters too, despite their limited screen time so to speak, feel individual and fleshed out.
This novel has style. It doesn’t read like most novels nowadays, there’s no embellishment, nor are there complex metaphors; it doesn’t go out of its way to impress you with its semantics. Short sentences in narrative voice, curt dialogues or dialogues made curt through mc’s viewpoint, his choices of wording, a to b train of thought - they are all effective. HIs story is riddled with awkward personal experiences, grim recollections, seldom dry humour and chilling depictions. The episodic nature of the chapters further plays on the one-track-mind protagonist.
Overall, this book is a page-turner. I enjoyed every bit of it. Read it. It’s good.

[Samuel Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joshua Scribner's Resonance is a well-plotted, tightly written psychological thriller with a simple but effective supernatural twist. The titular resonance, which quickly reveals itself in-text as a frightening supernatural force, follows protagonist Stephen through his formative years. Scribner uses this as a device to set the book in multiple time periods at once, creating an interesting portrait of how the traumas of youth can shape people as adults. The story is well-paced and never dwells on any one set-piece for too long, but always leaves readers excited for the next development. I think I devoured the entire book in two or three days. It always felt rewarding to read one more chapter.

There are a couple flaws that prevent me from rating this one higher. For one, the book’s few female characters are sometimes described in a very male-gaze-y sort of way that really undercuts the narrative tension. There was one scene in particular that was evidently supposed to be the zenith of the book’s horror, but it lost some of its power by focusing too much on a very out-of-place, overly sexualized description of a certain character. I also felt the ending was slightly rushed, with a hasty exposition dump that overexerted itself trying to answer every question the book had raised to that point, and a resolution that I didn’t feel was set up very well earlier.

Aside from those hiccups, Resonance was very entertaining. It’s an easy read with a good hook, some genuinely effective moments of horror, and a likeable main character in Stephen. The stakes feel realistic, and the paranormal resonance is a well-rounded antagonist in its own way.

[Gill D. Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resonance is about two teenage boys who are sent to live with their Uncle Rick following the death of both parents, Rick is a disgruntled ex-jock. His son Luke is a promising football player so sport is a big deal to them as a family. They quickly discover that out of the two boys, Jonnie is a talented quarterback (and therefore welcomed with open arms) and his younger brother Stephen, is the quiet brainy one. Stephen steers clear of Luke, who is a bully who hides his sinister side. During his times of need, Stephen becomes aware of a mysterious supernatural presence that provides comfort and promotes feelings of safety. This provides a theme of ongoing intrigue throughout.

The novel covers a vast amount of time throughout the boys' lives and the paranormal aspect is woven throughout the storyline which continues to create a sense of mystery and a desire for the reader to know more. I empathised with Stephen, his shyness was painful at times and his overthinking made him a rather vulnerable character. It was good to see him reach his full relationship potential with the opposite sex once he matured and was able to engage with women who had also blossomed. Stephen does seem to experience more than his fair share of life-threatening situations which may have been a little overdone at times.

In contrast, Luke is a nasty piece of work and the reader is left hanging on to find out when his dirty secret will be revealed. I turned the pages eager to find out about the aftermath of this.

The supernatural explanation is eventually revealed and it ties the story together nicely. Scribner writes with a pacey no-nonsense approach and is able to show rather than tell. This was a dark engaging read and an original storyline. A great read overall.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that this is one book you have to pick up of you are into creepy and horror novels! I absolutey loves everything about this book!

You follow Stephen throughout his life, and the Joshua does a fantastic job of putting you in his shoes. I found myself feeling as if I were Stephen. There are time jumps in this book that, usually dont work well with reading, but they one hundred percent work in this book.

Once Stephens sinister cousin arrives, thats when the book turns into something that should be a movie. I can imagine evil lile music with a cello playimg in the background whenever his cousin is in the picture. Not for the feint of heart at all. If you are looking for something that will have your heart racing, and want that atmosphere of being creeped out and have yourself looking behind you, then this is it.

A perfect and easy to follow story, the author, Joshua, gets to the point of how you should feel. You can tell by the cover, which to me represents the book perfectly, that you are in for quite a ride. This is a book for Halloween too! If you want to get into the mood or just want to kill time.on a long train or bus ride, pick this up.

I have recommended this to my book club as well, and its on their to be read list. Put it on yours and you wont be dissapointed! Readers of supernatural fiction and mysteries with a twist will love this.

Kudos to the author, Joshua, and his fantastic imagination and I am looking to read more works by him. Five out of five stars! Read today!

[Kelly Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resonance by Joshua Scribner, is a chilling tale of 13-year-old Stephen Seibert, who along with his older brother Jonnie, goes to live with Uncle Rick, a single father raising his son Luke, upon the death of his parents in a car accident.

In his new home, Stephen begins to sense a supernatural presence that visits him in his room at night. But that is not what makes this story frightful. Rather, it is the systematic bullying of Stephen that is first perpetrated by Luke. Rather than stick up for his younger brother, Jonnie either encourages or takes part in the abuse. It seems that Jonnie was always a mean sort, but had been kept in check by their parents. Uncle Rick takes zero interest in Stephen. His primary focus is to encourage Luke and Jonnie to become skilled at football. Around the time Luke, who is gay, gets the notion of raping Stephen and making him his personal sex slave, Uncle Rick provides Stephen with a lock on his bedroom door. But it Uncle Rick appears to care less about protecting Stephen then he cares about preventing his son from acting out on behavior he considers to be deviant.

Although the blurb tells us Stephen is 13, the book goes quite a long time without mentioning age, so I think it would have been better to state the boys' ages from the start.

The story goes back and forth from 1986 (when Stephen is 13) to 1996, when Stephen attends law school, but later continues into the future. Overall, I found it to be an engaging, well-paced, and suspenseful tale.

[Jay Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up liking this more than I expected, but it’s definitely not an easy read.

It leans a lot more into psychological stuff than straight-up horror, especially at the start. Most of the tension actually comes from the family situation rather than anything supernatural. That whole setup with Uncle Rick, Jonnie, and Luke is honestly the most uncomfortable part of the book. Stephen is easy to feel for pretty quickly. He is just stuck in a place where he doesn’t really belong and nobody is on his side.

The supernatural side is more of a slow build. There is always this feeling that something is there, kind of watching or nudging things, but you are not really sure what it wants. I liked that it stayed unclear for a long time. When everything finally gets explained, it works well enough, but it did not completely land for me.

The writing took a bit of getting used to. Early on it jumps between dialogue, Stephen’s thoughts, and backstory quite a bit, which made it a little confusing at times. It gets a lot smoother later once it settles into his POV properly. After that, it is pretty easy to get into.

Pacing is probably one of the strongest parts. It is the kind of book where you keep saying “just one more chapter”, even when things are getting pretty rough. And it does get rough. Some of the stuff Stephen goes through is hard to read, but that is also what makes it stick.

Overall, it is a dark, pretty intense story with a strong focus on character rather than just horror. Not perfect, but definitely a page-turner.

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resonance is an exceptional ghost thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story revolves around Stephen and his older brother Jonny, who, following the tragic demise of their parents, find themselves living with their uncle Rick and cousin Luke. Uncle Rick's favoritism towards Jonny and his fixation on turning Jonny and Luke into American football stars creates an unsettling family dynamic. Stephen, shunned and ridiculed, faces an even darker fate as his cousin Luke's attention takes an ominous turn.

The supernatural elements kick in when a mysterious force intervenes to protect Stephen from the torment of his bullies. As the story unfolds, the manifestation becomes a compelling presence that spans different eras, intertwining with new characters and adding layers to an already complex family history. The narrative seamlessly transitions between the past and present, creating a tale that is both heart-wrenching and unnerving.

The characters are well developed with depth and complexity. I felt empathy for the main character Stephen, who went through many struggles throughout the book. This was a captivating read. If you're a fan of ghostly tales with well-developed characters and a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Resonance is an absolute must-read.

[Mia Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, author Joshua Scribner gives readers insight into his characters, their backgrounds, and family dynamics. He masterfully succeeds at doing so without enlisting the help of clumsy exposition. He even dares to call the protagonist’s departed father a disparaging word during their welcome talk. Thus sets the course for Resonance, a novel that explores the life of its protagonist, Stephen Seibert.

After losing his parents, 13-year-old Stephen moves in with his uncle, Rick, along with his older brother, Jonnie. Rick is primarily concerned with Jonnie’s football skills as he was a starting quarterback freshman year before losing his parents and having to move. Rick’s own son, Luke, is a sprinter with a chance at the state championship, and the sports-minded uncle assures Jonnie he’ll help him. This promise as well as telling the boys that they’ll be on their own has Stephen worried. As much as Stephen doesn’t feel he belongs, Jonnie thrives.

Nighttime terrors and hearing voices is the first sign that something is amiss. Stephen becomes drawn to another house in the neighborhood where he finds an entity that bridges Stephen’s life with other dimensions. Resonance deftly blends genres, taking readers through an enthralling story of science fiction and suspense.

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Resonance" is a novel that seamlessly combines elements of horror and the paranormal to deliver a unique reading experience. The story revolves around 13-year-old Stephen Seibert, who, after the loss of his parents, finds himself living with his somewhat disinterested uncle and sports-driven cousin.
Scribner's storytelling is effective in creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue from the outset. The characters are well-developed, with Stephen's vulnerability and resilience at the forefront as he grapples with familial neglect and an ominous presence that seems to shadow his life.
The narrative successfully melds elements of psychological horror and the supernatural, leaving readers with a sense of ambiguity regarding the true nature of the mysterious force haunting Stephen. As the story unfolds, the tension steadily mounts, making for a compelling read.
"Resonance" is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of family dynamics and the unknown. Joshua Scribner's ability to craft a narrative that balances horror and paranormal elements showcases his skill as a storyteller. If you enjoy books that blend genres and keep you guessing, "Resonance" offers an engaging and contemplative reading experience.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Joshua Scribner's 'Resonance' is a captivating and haunting narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the supernatural. The story follows the poignant journey of young Stephen Seibert, who, after losing his parents, finds himself in a disturbing family dynamic with his indifferent uncle and menacing cousin. Scribner masterfully intertwines elements of fear, isolation, and the supernatural, making this novel a compelling read.

The book's strength lies in its vivid character portrayal and the exploration of deep emotional landscapes. Stephen's character resonates with readers, as his struggles with family indifference and terror are portrayed with gripping realism. The supernatural presence in the story adds an eerie and intriguing layer, enhancing the novel's overall impact.

What sets 'Resonance' apart is its ability to deeply immerse readers in Stephen's world, where every emotion is palpable. This journey of terror and poignancy is skillfully narrated, leaving a lasting impression. Scribner's writing is both evocative and powerful, making 'Resonance' a standout in its genre.

In summary, 'Resonance' is an emotionally resonant, haunting, and beautifully crafted novel that explores human connections and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

[Athenais · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Joshua Scribner's novella, "It Never Died," Holden's (the protagonist) seemingly ordinary life takes a sinister turn, weaving a tale that transcends the boundaries of horror literature. Juggling the challenges of college, med school aspirations, and the responsibility of caring for his autistic brother, Holden's world becomes increasingly unsettling as senile residents at the nursing home where he works utter cryptic, personal statements. The narrative takes a dark and foreboding twist as a menacing presence threatens Holden's clandestine endeavors, plunging him into a nightmarish realm.
The author masterfully blends the mundane with the macabre, creating an atmosphere of palpable dread. The novella delves into the psychological horror of the unknown, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. As Holden grapples with a reality that becomes progressively weirder and more perilous, the author skillfully builds tension, keeping the audience captivated.
"It Never Died" is a compelling exploration of the human psyche, where the boundaries between normalcy and the supernatural blur. The author's storytelling prowess and the novella's relentless pace make it a riveting addition to the horror genre, leaving readers haunted by the lingering unease it masterfully evokes.

[Morven T.H. T.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resonance is a fascinating read that follows Stephen, who, after his parents' death, moves with his brother to live with their uncle and cousin. His uncle is largely focused on Stephen's brother, seeing him as a talented footballer and aiming to nurture his success. Stephen not only feels out of place but is also bullied by his older cousin. However, this is only part of the story. For me, the greatest intrigue lies in Stephen’s sense or perhaps his experience of a supernatural manifestation. This presence becomes deeply connected to him, haunting him for years. This, however, is just a glimpse into the book's plot. Regarding the writing itself, I found the storyline captivating. As I read the book and turned the pages, I was genuinely eager to see what would happen next, which is a strength in engaging readers. The suspense was executed well. The narrative includes time jumps, but these are seamlessly integrated, effectively serving the storytelling and enriching the overall plot. The pacing is also quite effective for readers who appreciate a well-managed tempo. While I did notice that some editorial refinement could have further polished the book, it never detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

[C.D. McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that doesn’t flinch away from very real, and very dark topics that, for some, may be disturbing. Hats off to Scribner for taking the challenge to explore sensitive topics, such as s*xual assault, and to do it respectfully and without sugar-coating the dark reality of it.
On top of this, we are dealing with a far more complex plot that evolves throughout the story, which includes time jumps. Scribner does a well job at utilizing time jumps, showcasing different pieces of character development during these “eras,” and by the end, it all comes full circle.
This is a fast-paced thriller that not only explores the development of young men, but also supernatural elements that are strategically intertwined into the evolving storyline (think young boy tormented by a sinister young man, and just when he thinks he finds safety in his room, a voice calls to him—seriously, it’s that wicked).
I’d have LOVED to see more dynamic between Stephen and his brother, given the emotional complexity of the character arc, but truth be told, this is such a minor request compared to the overall storyline and the direction it takes. This story is truly dark, but in all the right ways that make it difficult to put down.

[G. Gaynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Mr. Scribner has done a good job bringing this one in for us. Before I get to the things I enjoyed, I will mention the one thing that kept this out of being a 5-Star Review: time jumps. They can be very tricky and if not done very well, they can (and often do) pull away from the intensity of the overall work. For example, going forward 10 years with the MC erases the suspense of any life-death situation in the past. I know they make it... I see them 10 years from this moment! Also, if they are well-adjusted in the future, it's highly unlikely some incredible tragedy has befallen them (on this front the author managed to go against the grain and that only left me with questions as to how the MC came to their particular perspective).

But the source of the supernatural twists and turns - EXCELLENT!!! There was one place where the exposition got a little thick but the characters and the dialogue speared right through that. The characters were presented in such a way that I felt left out not actually having them in my life.

The author's voice was also easily accessible and a joy to read!

A VERY SOLID READ!

[J-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow burn psychological horror

The book kept my interest throughout, following the life of an abused boy into his manhood as he is surrounded by a few unloving people and encounters a mysterious supernatural force that rids him of his enemies. At first a family drama with a mysterious twist, then the plot starts to feel like a slow burn psychological horror. Not meaning slow burn in the sense of boring, rather in the sense of transformation of direction toward danger, where the story becomes a thriller.

One could feel the emotions of the protagonist, the author did well to get inside his head. The story moves quickly through time, allowing the character to grow from a young boy to a married man with a boy of his own. Although, I could have done without a few of the vulgar words chosen, which aided with some of the character development in the beginning of the book.

(Spoiler alert) I found the concept in this novel that we are a spirit first, and our spirit is attracted to the dna created for us to be quite intriguing.

The ending leaves room for an interesting sequel for sure.

[PWGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Resonance" by Joshua Scribner is a hauntingly captivating novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, suspense, and family drama into an immersive narrative. At its core, the book revolves around 13-year-old Stephen Siebert and his challenging journey through loss, family dynamics, and the mysterious presence that seems to envelop his life. The author's ability to create a foreboding atmosphere is impressive, drawing readers into Stephen's world and evoking a strong emotional response. The narrative effortlessly shifts between past and present, presenting an intriguing perspective on the impact of time on events and characters. The character development is outstanding, with each individual bearing their own burdens and complexities. The story keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats, as it gradually unravels the mysteries that shroud Stephen's life. The concept of resonance, both in the emotional and supernatural sense, adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to explore the intricacies of human connection. The pacing is well-balanced, propelling the story forward and maintaining a sense of suspense throughout.

[Andrea Spinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a real surprise. It narrates the story of Stephen who goes to live with his uncle, after his parents’ death, together with his brother Jonnie. It’s a chilling story that mixes horror and suspense. The story spans different life periods and introduces a wide array of characters, each with their own motives and struggles.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the inclusion of supernatural elements that seamlessly intertwine with the narrative, adding depth and richness to the story. The supernatural presence (which could seem like a guardian angel) is certainly there, but for many sections remains in the background or just barely mentioned, but it’s always there and the book makes us think about it and how it keeps lingering across the years. The story spans across several years from his school days till his adulthood.

In conclusion, "Resonance" by Joshua Scribner is a thought-provoking, compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves into the depths of family relationships, trauma, and the supernatural. Also the length is just right, not too short but also not exceedingly long, so it can be read in a reasonable time-frame.