Ralston Heights

by James Betz

Ralston Heights is a hybrid work of historical fiction and supernatural horror. The story is based on the history of Ralstonism, a social reform movement in 19th century America which claimed about 800,000 followers in its heyday. It follows a young man named Trevor Marino, a nineteen-year-old male residing near a notorious castle-like mansion known as Ralston Heights. Shortly after moving to the new neighborhood, Trevor learns that the Castle once belonged to a notorious eugenicist who was also the founder of a successful breakfast cereal company. After discovering that the surrounding neighborhhod was once a sanctuary for a bigoted cult of white supremacists, Trevor finds himself trapped in a perilous fight for survival.

Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2022

Reviews

[Dominic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly enjoyable YA horror novel from a first time author. There was much I admired about this book and just one criticism. This novel is apropos to the times we are living in with racism no longer as hidden and shameful as in the past. A story of a white supremacist club with supernatural abilities really strikes home at this time. The strengths of this author are in setting descriptions and the dream sequences. The latter of which I found to be most enthralling and in turn terrifying. The first dream sequence with the lava was magnificent and the next two with the hordes of white eyes were great page turners. I also really enjoyed the foreboding and alluding to imminent demise in the last chapter. Reminded me of the scenes in Pet Semetary before the boys death. This book is best suited for YA audiences in a similar vain to one of my favorite YA horror novelists Neil Shusterman. My one criticism to this book were some of the vocabulary. When I had a dictionary by my side I learned some new words but otherwise I struggled with context clues with many of them. Small complaint but it had me stumbling through the book on more that one occasion. Great first book James Betz! Looking forward to what this career has in store for you.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

James, I wish you had spent more time plotting out the story-line of this novel because it has a great foundation. You based it on historic truths -- Hopewell Castle is a creepy place filled with an unsettling history. But, there are large time-jumps and repeated dialogue phrases.