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Právě otevírá nové, jedinečné muzeum. Takové místo jste ještě nikdy nenavštívili.
Tohle je LUCIDITA!
Zhmotňují se před vámi sny, ano, třeba zrovna ty vaše. Můžete se na ně dívat, můžete si je prohlížet, a to vše s celou vaší rodinou! Podobný zážitek jste si z jiného místa neodnesli.
A že se bojíte vstoupit do Křídla nočních můr? Ale no tak… Tady se nemusíte bát ničeho. Všechno je bezpečné. Naprosto bezpečné…
Právě otevírá nové, jedinečné muzeum. Takové místo jste ještě nikdy nenavštívili.
Tohle je LUCIDITA!
Zhmotňují se před vámi sny, ano, třeba zrovna ty vaše. Můžete se na ně dívat, můžete si je prohlížet, a to vše s celou vaší rodinou! Podobný zážitek jste si z jiného místa neodnesli.
A že se bojíte vstoupit do Křídla nočních můr? Ale no tak… Tady se nemusíte bát ničeho. Všechno je bezpečné. Naprosto bezpečné…
324 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2010
69 people are currently reading
1405 people want to read
About the author
Glen R. Krisch
35 books522 followersA native of the Chicago suburbs, Glen Krisch hopes to add to his list of ghosts he's witnessed (two), as well as develop his rather pedestrian telekinetic and precognitive skills.
His novels include Amazon Bestseller WHERE DARKNESS DWELLS, THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN, NOTHING LASTING, ARKADIUM RISING, ECHOES OF VIOLENCE, and LITTLE WHISPERS.
His novels include Amazon Bestseller WHERE DARKNESS DWELLS, THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN, NOTHING LASTING, ARKADIUM RISING, ECHOES OF VIOLENCE, and LITTLE WHISPERS.
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March 3, 2017This hardcover book is copy 14 of 52 copies printed and is signed by Glen R. Krisch and Jonathan Janz.
July 28, 2015
Dreams and nightmares become real.
The premise of this book gives some hope to those that still believe in the horror genre. No reimagined, rehashed story here! The concept of a mentally disturbed psychologist being able to pull dreams from people’s minds into the real world was fascinating. The idea of a dream museum (named Lucidity, what a great name) in which to house these dreams was creative and unique. The dreams themselves were fabulous, ranging from a flaming cat to a sock monkey to Mr. Freakshow, the antagonist of the story.
Even though I enjoyed the book, I still have complaints. My comments probably make it sound like I don’t recommend the book, which isn’t the case. It was a cool story with lots of potential; I expect people who aren’t as picky as I am will enjoy it. I recommend this book to readers who like unique horror.
The character Kevin was interesting, but not very believable as a 10-year old. He seemed to have an unlikely understanding of adult relationships. I was also confused by the fact that while the dreams were supposed to be limited by their dreamers’ knowledge until they came into the real world, Mr. Freakshow knew things Kevin didn’t while he was in the boy’s nightmares.
The psychologist, Maury, was quite annoying, as well. I’m not sure if he was supposed to be a major character or if he started out that way and worked himself out of the story. The entire plotline of him falling in love with a dream woman was just plain weird, start to finish.
There were several other characters who left me wondering why they were even included, except maybe to act as the red-shirted ensigns/victims for Mr. Freakshow.
The nightmare, Mr. Freakshow, started out as a pretty good monster, sort of like a Freddy Krueger with demon wings. But seriously, how many times can we say his name? Truly, it was way overused, especially towards the end of the book.
About halfway through the book, elements started appearing that didn’t seem to make sense. Plot threads abound that go nowhere: the erotic dreams were gratuitous, adding nothing to the storyline; a serial killer on the subway who goes after a dream woman appears and disappears in a single chapter; a rat lady dream is followed into the subway station, only to have her disappear from the story.
Stereotypical, two-dimensional characters fill the pages, like the clueless but well-meaning detective, incompetent policemen who smoke too much, and the overweight mayor wiping sweat from his forehead. The dream powers were inconsistent, as well, both affecting the real world at one point, and having no effect at all at another.
The concept of the book is great, and for a first novel, it was pretty good, but it could have been executed better.
The premise of this book gives some hope to those that still believe in the horror genre. No reimagined, rehashed story here! The concept of a mentally disturbed psychologist being able to pull dreams from people’s minds into the real world was fascinating. The idea of a dream museum (named Lucidity, what a great name) in which to house these dreams was creative and unique. The dreams themselves were fabulous, ranging from a flaming cat to a sock monkey to Mr. Freakshow, the antagonist of the story.
Even though I enjoyed the book, I still have complaints. My comments probably make it sound like I don’t recommend the book, which isn’t the case. It was a cool story with lots of potential; I expect people who aren’t as picky as I am will enjoy it. I recommend this book to readers who like unique horror.
The character Kevin was interesting, but not very believable as a 10-year old. He seemed to have an unlikely understanding of adult relationships. I was also confused by the fact that while the dreams were supposed to be limited by their dreamers’ knowledge until they came into the real world, Mr. Freakshow knew things Kevin didn’t while he was in the boy’s nightmares.
The psychologist, Maury, was quite annoying, as well. I’m not sure if he was supposed to be a major character or if he started out that way and worked himself out of the story. The entire plotline of him falling in love with a dream woman was just plain weird, start to finish.
There were several other characters who left me wondering why they were even included, except maybe to act as the red-shirted ensigns/victims for Mr. Freakshow.
The nightmare, Mr. Freakshow, started out as a pretty good monster, sort of like a Freddy Krueger with demon wings. But seriously, how many times can we say his name? Truly, it was way overused, especially towards the end of the book.
About halfway through the book, elements started appearing that didn’t seem to make sense. Plot threads abound that go nowhere: the erotic dreams were gratuitous, adding nothing to the storyline; a serial killer on the subway who goes after a dream woman appears and disappears in a single chapter; a rat lady dream is followed into the subway station, only to have her disappear from the story.
Stereotypical, two-dimensional characters fill the pages, like the clueless but well-meaning detective, incompetent policemen who smoke too much, and the overweight mayor wiping sweat from his forehead. The dream powers were inconsistent, as well, both affecting the real world at one point, and having no effect at all at another.
The concept of the book is great, and for a first novel, it was pretty good, but it could have been executed better.
June 10, 2015
In this first novel by author Glen Krisch, he explores the idea of dreams and nightmares come to life. Psychiatrist Maury Bennett possesses the ability to extract dreams from clients, after suffering a terrible childhood tragedy, that left him disfigured. Young Kevin Dvorak is tormented by a nightmare named Mr. Freakshow after witnessing his father's murder. But after Maury treats him, putting the Freak into his dream museum, Lucidity, Kevin soon discovers his true nightmare has only just begun.
While this novel's premise is a bit thin on the believability factor, even for a horror novel, Krisch does a fine job moving the story along. Some of this book's more memorable moments involved dreams set free, especially the Queen of Rats.
Krisch also has several books out since this debut novel, and this reviewer will be certainly checking them out.
While this novel's premise is a bit thin on the believability factor, even for a horror novel, Krisch does a fine job moving the story along. Some of this book's more memorable moments involved dreams set free, especially the Queen of Rats.
Krisch also has several books out since this debut novel, and this reviewer will be certainly checking them out.
September 2, 2011
4 Stars
After putting aside my early apprehension of my disbelief over the premise of the story, I found myself drawn into the life of our protagonist Kevin. It is funny but for as much as I love the horror genre, I find that I have quite a few prejudices and I am somewhat picky as to what I "believe" to be good horror. Zombies, ghosts, all things undead, and monsters in just about any form are my cup of a tea. But I guess that I have hard time buying into them when they are taken out of our dreams. There was never A Nighmare on My Street.
My prejudices aside let's talk about what worked well for me. The early scene with Kevin and in his father is taut, scary, and memorable to the story. It is the reason that I decided to push through and read this one. Kevin's whole life changed at this moment and we the reader are made to feel the weight and remorse of this tragedy. Well done.
There are many big concepts explored in this book which is both a good thing and a bad thing. Maury is an interesting character that I found myself confused over whether or not I liked him and empathized with him, or if I despised him. The whole museum idea is interesting but it is done too quickly and does not provide quite enough ideas behind it, to give us something meaty to believe in. The plot twists with this character left me feeling a bit cheated, but I can see the why's behind it. Maury was a very real character to me and was a reason that I enjoyed this read.
The scene that explored a fathers love for his daughter was quite good. He had very touching interactions with his comatose daughters dreams, playing, loving, and caring for them. Kirsch made this story line work by giving us a backstory to try and touch us emotionally and it payed off. Even when things go to hell I felt that this story line was done right and I enjoyed it all.
Kevin, was a seriously emotionally damaged protagonist that I liked from the very beginning. Glen Krisch does the most important thing a horror novelist must do and that is he gave us a character that we believed in. This horror story works as a whole because Kevin is someone that I cared about and that I felt invested in his outcome. His relationship with his Mom, his Grandma, and his father add depth and character to him. I really enjoyed the scenes with Kevin making friends, playing baseball, and having intimate conversations with his Grandma. I felt Kevins fears, his courage, and his determination.
Fast paced, too fast really as some big concepts are not explored enough and they only touch at bigger meanings. Freakshow is a bad a** monster that we would all fear. There are some high tension moments written here and I can see that Glen Krisch has what it takes to write a good horror novel. I both liked and disliked the ending as I feel it was a bit too safe for me. There are many questions that were left unanswered and plot lines left unfinished. This is an example where more is sometimes better as this is a short novel that could have benefitted from several more chapters.
For horror lovers that like character based monster stories this one is for you. With a young protagonist this one would also find an audience with the YA crowd, and the book would be an appropriate read. Glen Krisch is an author to watch and I will be sure to read his other works.
After putting aside my early apprehension of my disbelief over the premise of the story, I found myself drawn into the life of our protagonist Kevin. It is funny but for as much as I love the horror genre, I find that I have quite a few prejudices and I am somewhat picky as to what I "believe" to be good horror. Zombies, ghosts, all things undead, and monsters in just about any form are my cup of a tea. But I guess that I have hard time buying into them when they are taken out of our dreams. There was never A Nighmare on My Street.
My prejudices aside let's talk about what worked well for me. The early scene with Kevin and in his father is taut, scary, and memorable to the story. It is the reason that I decided to push through and read this one. Kevin's whole life changed at this moment and we the reader are made to feel the weight and remorse of this tragedy. Well done.
There are many big concepts explored in this book which is both a good thing and a bad thing. Maury is an interesting character that I found myself confused over whether or not I liked him and empathized with him, or if I despised him. The whole museum idea is interesting but it is done too quickly and does not provide quite enough ideas behind it, to give us something meaty to believe in. The plot twists with this character left me feeling a bit cheated, but I can see the why's behind it. Maury was a very real character to me and was a reason that I enjoyed this read.
The scene that explored a fathers love for his daughter was quite good. He had very touching interactions with his comatose daughters dreams, playing, loving, and caring for them. Kirsch made this story line work by giving us a backstory to try and touch us emotionally and it payed off. Even when things go to hell I felt that this story line was done right and I enjoyed it all.
Kevin, was a seriously emotionally damaged protagonist that I liked from the very beginning. Glen Krisch does the most important thing a horror novelist must do and that is he gave us a character that we believed in. This horror story works as a whole because Kevin is someone that I cared about and that I felt invested in his outcome. His relationship with his Mom, his Grandma, and his father add depth and character to him. I really enjoyed the scenes with Kevin making friends, playing baseball, and having intimate conversations with his Grandma. I felt Kevins fears, his courage, and his determination.
Fast paced, too fast really as some big concepts are not explored enough and they only touch at bigger meanings. Freakshow is a bad a** monster that we would all fear. There are some high tension moments written here and I can see that Glen Krisch has what it takes to write a good horror novel. I both liked and disliked the ending as I feel it was a bit too safe for me. There are many questions that were left unanswered and plot lines left unfinished. This is an example where more is sometimes better as this is a short novel that could have benefitted from several more chapters.
For horror lovers that like character based monster stories this one is for you. With a young protagonist this one would also find an audience with the YA crowd, and the book would be an appropriate read. Glen Krisch is an author to watch and I will be sure to read his other works.
January 26, 2012
What a premise! Imagine a guy who can pull your dreams(both good and bad) right out of your head. Then he can put them in a museum and you can watch them walk around. Pretty weird and kind of fascinating, right? But what happens when one of those walking nightmares doesn't want to be a dream anymore? Enter Mr. Freakshow. That's right, Mr. Freakshow. A big, bad, blue skinned Freak. (This story really strummed my Clive Barker nerve). How can a young boy on the cusp of manhood face down a monster like that? You have to read it to find out!
I would highly recommend this book to any fans of dark fiction or horror.
I would highly recommend this book to any fans of dark fiction or horror.
December 28, 2011
Not nearly as dark as The Darkness Within. The Nightmare Within made me think of where our dreams come from, from what part of us, and the impact that they have on our lives. Born of trauma, or of lust, or the imagination or perhaps a replay of a beautiful or painful memory---dreams can almost have a life of their own.
I found the premise of a "dream museum" very interesting. If I have one complaint, I really wish that we had gotten an exhibit by exhibit tour. You know, where you put on the headphones and you get this great narrator telling us all the good stories behind the exhibits? I would have liked to have followed more of these dreams as they roamed our world too. There is alot there, I am sure, and I wanted more. To be sure, we got to know Freakshow very well in all his nastiness.
What I loved about this book was Kevin. That kid had heart. Not a false note there. He felt real and I was very moved by his story. And that really makes a novel for me. A good main character really drives the bus and Kevin is as good a main young character as Mark Petrie in Salem's Lot, and for me, that is saying alot. His story is heartbreaking yet he is courageous through it all.
Kirsch also drops some really good surprises in the last 20 or so pages of the book. I mean good in that when the surprise is unveiled and you nod your head and smile because all the clues were there. Sophie's story in particular was really well done. In fact I was very satisfied with the resolution of all of the story lines and that is actually rare for me. Whether the resolution was dark and destructive, or tender and heartwarming, Kirsch knows his characters and he isn't afraid to let them be themselves.
I found the premise of a "dream museum" very interesting. If I have one complaint, I really wish that we had gotten an exhibit by exhibit tour. You know, where you put on the headphones and you get this great narrator telling us all the good stories behind the exhibits? I would have liked to have followed more of these dreams as they roamed our world too. There is alot there, I am sure, and I wanted more. To be sure, we got to know Freakshow very well in all his nastiness.
What I loved about this book was Kevin. That kid had heart. Not a false note there. He felt real and I was very moved by his story. And that really makes a novel for me. A good main character really drives the bus and Kevin is as good a main young character as Mark Petrie in Salem's Lot, and for me, that is saying alot. His story is heartbreaking yet he is courageous through it all.
Kirsch also drops some really good surprises in the last 20 or so pages of the book. I mean good in that when the surprise is unveiled and you nod your head and smile because all the clues were there. Sophie's story in particular was really well done. In fact I was very satisfied with the resolution of all of the story lines and that is actually rare for me. Whether the resolution was dark and destructive, or tender and heartwarming, Kirsch knows his characters and he isn't afraid to let them be themselves.
September 30, 2011
This book is about a man Maury who opens a dream museum called Lucidity. He takes dreams out of people heads and they become real. He then puts them inside glass "cages" for display. They move, talk etc..
There are different wings including a nightmare wing.
Maury is also helping a man Nolan Gage with his daughter who is in a coma. I may have missed something somewhere but I was never sure HOW Maury was going to wake her up. She had her dreams that maury took with her and they were all pleasant one being a sock monkey. I guess that was supposed to help her heal in time?
I REALLY wanted to like this book more then I did because it was an original idea and I really liked the idea of the book. However I really just did not connect with the characters as much as I would have liked to. I really did not like Maury at all and I didn't really understand the point of Nolan's role.
There were parts that just did not make sense to me either like how could Mr. Freakshow hurt people but Juilet could not kill with her gun? Ok the gun is part of the dream.. I can buy that.. but she is a dream yet can have sex and get pregnant? Pick one or the other IMO.
Mr. Freakshow's name was way overused for me I got to the point sometimes I was like OMG really!? Are you trying to see how many times you can fit this name into this book!? (maybe that is just me tho)
This one is just nitpicking but why was Sophie the only one who's last name was almost always used?
I enjoyed the story part of the book it was a great idea and it kept my interest long enough to get to the end I just wish I could have connected a little more with the characters in the story.
There are different wings including a nightmare wing.
Maury is also helping a man Nolan Gage with his daughter who is in a coma. I may have missed something somewhere but I was never sure HOW Maury was going to wake her up. She had her dreams that maury took with her and they were all pleasant one being a sock monkey. I guess that was supposed to help her heal in time?
I REALLY wanted to like this book more then I did because it was an original idea and I really liked the idea of the book. However I really just did not connect with the characters as much as I would have liked to. I really did not like Maury at all and I didn't really understand the point of Nolan's role.
There were parts that just did not make sense to me either like how could Mr. Freakshow hurt people but Juilet could not kill with her gun? Ok the gun is part of the dream.. I can buy that.. but she is a dream yet can have sex and get pregnant? Pick one or the other IMO.
Mr. Freakshow's name was way overused for me I got to the point sometimes I was like OMG really!? Are you trying to see how many times you can fit this name into this book!? (maybe that is just me tho)
This one is just nitpicking but why was Sophie the only one who's last name was almost always used?
I enjoyed the story part of the book it was a great idea and it kept my interest long enough to get to the end I just wish I could have connected a little more with the characters in the story.
April 7, 2011
I read quite a bit and it's not easy to find a plot that's original. I thought the premise was unique and the characters drew me in. The main dream character was totally creepy! The very end surprised me a bit, which was nice too
June 23, 2021
First time reading this author . It reminded me of 13 ghost the movie. How Maury takes the dreams and puts them in showcases. It was eerie because that is one thing we can never explain dreams/nightmares. I know we have all had them but why? It was a very good read. Not disappointed.
February 1, 2015
This book is certainly a ride. The story sets things up by slapping you in the face with harsh back-story. The main characters are definitely carrying some baggage around and it makes them a little more interesting as the book progresses.
It's nice when horror offers not only good and evil, but also several shades between. The Nightmare Within offers you characters you can admire as well as characters you flinch from while not completely abandoning your sympathies.
Of course, when he wants to introduce evil into the story, the author has no trouble doing that either with the main villain being suitably evil. The only issue I had with the "nightmare" of the book was that a little too much of the story was told from its point of view. While his intentions were unknown and as his tormenting grew, he remained very creepy, but some of that effect was lost a little when his thought processes and needs/desires were revealed. I think it might have been a more chilling story if the other characters were left with the responsibility of determining and revealing its motives.
This is a story that packs a punch at the start, then builds an atmosphere of unease and creepiness right up until the point that all hell breaks loose. From there it's compelling reading right up to the rather "impactful" finale.
The premise was preposterous, but once disbelief is suspended, the internal logic of the story doesn't hold up too badly.
And lastly, I loved the artwork on the cover. It really is impressive.
It's nice when horror offers not only good and evil, but also several shades between. The Nightmare Within offers you characters you can admire as well as characters you flinch from while not completely abandoning your sympathies.
Of course, when he wants to introduce evil into the story, the author has no trouble doing that either with the main villain being suitably evil. The only issue I had with the "nightmare" of the book was that a little too much of the story was told from its point of view. While his intentions were unknown and as his tormenting grew, he remained very creepy, but some of that effect was lost a little when his thought processes and needs/desires were revealed. I think it might have been a more chilling story if the other characters were left with the responsibility of determining and revealing its motives.
This is a story that packs a punch at the start, then builds an atmosphere of unease and creepiness right up until the point that all hell breaks loose. From there it's compelling reading right up to the rather "impactful" finale.
The premise was preposterous, but once disbelief is suspended, the internal logic of the story doesn't hold up too badly.
And lastly, I loved the artwork on the cover. It really is impressive.
June 23, 2011
While the concept was fascinating and well-thought out, I just had a hard time getting into this. I enjoyed the story itself, but I dislike the main dream character, Mr. Freakshow. Perhaps if he hadn't have rubbed me in the wrong way I would have enjoyed this more. *I also have had a preference for non-fiction for several years now. That may have factored in to my indifference.*
The author clearly has talent, it just wasn't the right book for me.
The author clearly has talent, it just wasn't the right book for me.
September 10, 2011
Great page turner. Kept me reading to all hours of the morning. Great storytelling. A creepy villain and vivid characters. Good ending too.
I really liked this author.
I really liked this author.
October 25, 2011
Glenn Krisch's The Nightmare Within is about damaged people, their dreams and sufferings and what happens when dreams cross the line from imagined to actual. When Maury Bennett was small, a fire in his apartment building resulted in severe damage to his ear and left arm. Not long after he returned from the hospital, he discovered he had an unusual ability; he could draw dreams into reality, ridding the dreamers of at least part of their torment. Years later, Maury is a psychiatrist embarked on a new project utilizing this skill, backed by a very wealthy and desperate man. Together they plan on opening a sort of dream zoo, and are seeking a "star" for their Nightmare exhibit. Kevin is a young man who has suffered a recent severe trauma, spawning a hideous and terrifying dream figure he calls Mr. Freakshow*. Kevin is tormented and afraid to sleep, and his mother eventually takes him to see Maury, thus bringing together all the elements for terror and disaster.
The characters are well developed; clues to personalities double as subtle foreshadowing - Maury's opening scene in his regular practice for example, reveals much about his personality** which impacts the story in a variety of ways. Descriptions are well executed - not nauseating, but disgusting and horrifying or disturbing enough to get the point clearly across. Kevin's dream sequences are laid into the story seamlessly, and are not disruptive to the pace. The use of the two way connection between dream and dreamer is both an excellent detail and a practical device. The dreams themselves are excellent, and wonderfully (or horrifyingly) described. Glenn Krisch's writing throughout was excellent, focused and not confusing even during action sequences.
I couldn't quite shake the feeling of disbelief during some parts of this book; Kevin's dream of the funeral and Mr Freakshow's revelations/insinuations therein didn't feel natural***; the aura bits felt too obvious a plot device, Kevin's interaction with Reid was pretty brief for him to be important. I felt that Reid either needed more development or to be pruned. I would have liked more exploration into Mr. Freakshow himself, and from where his abilities stemmed - he didn't have the feel of being grown entirely in Kevin's head. As a side note, one thing I noted in the reading feel of this was that this felt like this was written with a cinematic framing than simply as a book. (And honestly, it would make a good horror film!)
This was fast paced and dark horror read - any horror involving damaged people has to be dark by definition; we are, after all, our own worst enemies. While the dreams infringing on reality aspect has notes of Freddy Krueger, I'd place it closer to Clive Barker's Books of Blood with dashes of King's It and/or Koontz's Hideaway.
Overall rating: 4 of 5 stars.
* Every time the name came up, I thought of Bart Simpson shivering in his clown bed, repeating endlessly, "Can't sleep, clown will eat me."
** Selfish, self absorbed and interested in the quick fix rather than truly healing. Possibly sociopathic.
***That was one of the more horrible moments in the book, and it just never sat right for me.
June 18, 2012
Glen R. Krisch is a strong new voice in the horror genre. The Nightmare Within was his first book, released in December of 2010., and one I won't soon forget.
Maury Bennet has a gift -- the ability to draw dreams from the mind of the dreamer and bring them into the real world -- a gift he discovered after a fire gutted his family's apartment building, killing seven people and leaving Maury with severe burns over thirty percent of his body.
Now a practicing psychiatrist, Maury is brought into contact with Nolan Gage who is engaged in dream research. Together they embark on a project to open a museum of dreams to be called Lucidity. What could possibly go wrong?
One of the things I liked most about this work is the author's skill at taking ideas and situations that seem crazy and making them believable, something Krisch seems to do with ease. His characters are rich and diverse in nature...and expendable. More than once, someone you would expect to see at the end of the book, doesn't quite make it.
The Nightmare Within is imaginative, compelling and original. There a number of problems I had with errors that should have been caught by a good proofreader. Things that spellcheckers just won't catch, but don't let that keep you from this otherwise very enjoyable read.
Overall this is a very fine first book and I look forward to more from Glen R. Krisch. I've already read Where Darkness Dwells, which I can also strongly recommend.
The Nightmare Within is available from Amazon.com and if you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you can borrow for free from the Kindle Lending Library.
Maury Bennet has a gift -- the ability to draw dreams from the mind of the dreamer and bring them into the real world -- a gift he discovered after a fire gutted his family's apartment building, killing seven people and leaving Maury with severe burns over thirty percent of his body.
Now a practicing psychiatrist, Maury is brought into contact with Nolan Gage who is engaged in dream research. Together they embark on a project to open a museum of dreams to be called Lucidity. What could possibly go wrong?
One of the things I liked most about this work is the author's skill at taking ideas and situations that seem crazy and making them believable, something Krisch seems to do with ease. His characters are rich and diverse in nature...and expendable. More than once, someone you would expect to see at the end of the book, doesn't quite make it.
The Nightmare Within is imaginative, compelling and original. There a number of problems I had with errors that should have been caught by a good proofreader. Things that spellcheckers just won't catch, but don't let that keep you from this otherwise very enjoyable read.
Overall this is a very fine first book and I look forward to more from Glen R. Krisch. I've already read Where Darkness Dwells, which I can also strongly recommend.
The Nightmare Within is available from Amazon.com and if you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you can borrow for free from the Kindle Lending Library.
October 30, 2011
A very enjoyable book in the horror genre with some really nice ideas. The book follows a kid called Kevin and his transformation from a normal kid in a normal family to someone fighting for his life and that of his mother with something that shouldn't be alive. Normally I don't care so much for stories with kids as the central character, but in this case it was well done.
The only reason it gets a four is because some of these ideas and some plot lines are left somewhat unexplored like the grandmother's abilities or the other dreams which are completely overshadowed by Mr. Freak or Mr. Freakshow. I also found Mr. Freak to be a little too "conventional" with the exception of the show he put on when he was still in his cage. I would have expected a nightmare to be playing nastier mind tricks and not fly around and try to physically harm people (I understand that the latter is consistent with how dreams work in the book, but still).
The only reason it gets a four is because some of these ideas and some plot lines are left somewhat unexplored like the grandmother's abilities or the other dreams which are completely overshadowed by Mr. Freak or Mr. Freakshow. I also found Mr. Freak to be a little too "conventional" with the exception of the show he put on when he was still in his cage. I would have expected a nightmare to be playing nastier mind tricks and not fly around and try to physically harm people (I understand that the latter is consistent with how dreams work in the book, but still).
January 20, 2012
I love the concept for this book. Sure, it stretches the imagination, but that's the point. Krisch manages to make me believe the impossible, to travel with him into a world where nightmares walk the streets. I particularly liked Kevin, the young boy at the center of the story. I could easily see this world through his eyes and feel his emotional struggle.
I had a couple of issues with the book, like the fact that Mr. Freakshow was all-powerful but couldn't manage to break down a door. But these were minor issues and didn't diminish my overall enjoyment.
I had a couple of issues with the book, like the fact that Mr. Freakshow was all-powerful but couldn't manage to break down a door. But these were minor issues and didn't diminish my overall enjoyment.
July 9, 2021
I am certainly not disappointed that I downloaded it! I loved every second of this book. I've never read another book like it and i was riveted the entire time. Ill certainly be looking for any other books by Glen Krisch. I wouldn't necessarily call this a a horror book but maybe suspense. It IS scary but I don't know, It felt more like a "how will they fix this mess?" "can anyone escape?" kinda things and I think I'd call that more suspense or thriller maybe? If you enjoy that kinda thing check this book out!.
October 2, 2012
Great read! The first part of the book really reminded me of 13 Ghosts except with dreams/nightmares instead of ghosts...Then it took a left turn and never looked back. What a ride.
While the story seemed to wrap up pretty solid in the end, I still feel like there are some things hanging out there and I am actually worried for Kevin and his mom. I just don’t think it is done…of course, that could just be me not wanting it to end. Highly recommended!
While the story seemed to wrap up pretty solid in the end, I still feel like there are some things hanging out there and I am actually worried for Kevin and his mom. I just don’t think it is done…of course, that could just be me not wanting it to end. Highly recommended!
December 23, 2010
I Love Horror Stories! This one sounded like it was right up my alley, so I gave it a shot.
The author Glen Krisch totally captured my imagination and took me on a thrill ride. I never wanted to stop reading it,I was captivated from the very beginning. The story itself left me wanting more. Is there going to be another one? Does this author have anything else I can read?
The author Glen Krisch totally captured my imagination and took me on a thrill ride. I never wanted to stop reading it,I was captivated from the very beginning. The story itself left me wanting more. Is there going to be another one? Does this author have anything else I can read?
September 23, 2011
Wow....great story! I really liked the originality of this tale. Really good charater development left me not sure who to root for.....the dreamers or their dreams. I also really liked the ending of the story. Loose ends were tied up but not with a insulting information dump.
January 4, 2012
I loved, loved, loved, looooooved this book! As far as horror goes, it's all been done before...until this book. Krisch takes horror someplace I've never even imagined before and spins an imaginative story that keeps you hanging on until the end. This one is definately worth the read!
December 16, 2011
Good book! I wish that I would've had more free time to read it & not do so over such a spread out amount of time. The premise is a little far fetched but not to the point of being complete sci-fi. I truly enjoyed it.
January 10, 2011
A great story. An unique topic, one Id never heard of before. Well written with no plot holes nor loose ends left at the end of the story. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2011
Great book for sure going on my "fantasy shelf". The concept is very Clive Barkerish with an imaginative story line and fast action.
You did a great job here Glen, my congratulations....gary
You did a great job here Glen, my congratulations....gary
November 3, 2011
Scary, unpredictable, and a really great read. Recommended.
August 5, 2015
This is the second novel I have read by Krisch and they have both been impressive!
April 22, 2017
Maury, with the ability to pull dream creatures and make them whole, helps open Lucidity, a zoo of sorts housing them in glass enclosed cages. He pulls Mr. Freakshow, the winged evil, from young Kevin, and houses it in the Nightmare Wing of Lucidity, where it angrily awaits its chance to escape and kill the boy. I liked this page turner. Interesting premise and engaging story and characters. Highly recommended.
January 16, 2012
Maury's life changed irrevocably the night of the fire. It took months for him to recover, and the pink scars on his body are a daily reminder of the horror. But he took something with him from that fire too, a gift. Maury can pull dreams from others and bring them to life. With his new ability he is able to help others, pulling their dreams and nightmares from them and with some, healing them.
With some help, he opens up a business, Lucidity. There, he bottles the nightmares and dreams in glass enclosures. It is surreal to see. In some of the glass enclosed rooms, there are coma patients. One of his main investors is Nolan Gage. He has a big interest in Maury's project as one of his comatose patients is his daughter Nicole. Nolan prays for the day that Maury can pull a dream from Nicole and he has a small hope she will awaken.
But something strange is going on at Lucidity. Maury has new inclinations to breed the nightmares, much to Nolan's dismay. And the dreams and nightmares are supposed to last maybe thirty minutes and then repeat themselves. However, with Juliet, that is not the case and she begins to have a mind of her own. Is she the only one? What is happening and what will happen if our nightmares become a reality?
The Nightmare Within is a spooky suspenseful novel in a surreal environment. Eccentric and yet likable characters, a unique plot concept, compelling situations and remarkable writing set the tone for this page-turning and chilling novel. I really enjoyed all of the characters and their situations and was up late burning the midnight oil because I couldn't put it down.
With some help, he opens up a business, Lucidity. There, he bottles the nightmares and dreams in glass enclosures. It is surreal to see. In some of the glass enclosed rooms, there are coma patients. One of his main investors is Nolan Gage. He has a big interest in Maury's project as one of his comatose patients is his daughter Nicole. Nolan prays for the day that Maury can pull a dream from Nicole and he has a small hope she will awaken.
But something strange is going on at Lucidity. Maury has new inclinations to breed the nightmares, much to Nolan's dismay. And the dreams and nightmares are supposed to last maybe thirty minutes and then repeat themselves. However, with Juliet, that is not the case and she begins to have a mind of her own. Is she the only one? What is happening and what will happen if our nightmares become a reality?
The Nightmare Within is a spooky suspenseful novel in a surreal environment. Eccentric and yet likable characters, a unique plot concept, compelling situations and remarkable writing set the tone for this page-turning and chilling novel. I really enjoyed all of the characters and their situations and was up late burning the midnight oil because I couldn't put it down.
April 17, 2012
This was one of those books that caught me completely off guard. I downloaded it for free from amazon and wasn’t really sure what so expect because it can be hit or miss for quality. Lucky for me this one ended up being awesome- it was well written and had a captivating storyline with an original and intriguing plot. Reading it was a nice reminder that there are some great new horror authors’ to be discovered in the independently published market, and they are giving the big names a run for their money.
So, the basic summation of “The Nightmare Within” is this- As a kid Maury ends up horribly burnt in an apartment fire he was responsible for. From this incident he discovers he has the gift of pulling things (including horrifying nightmare things) from people’s dreams and bringing them to life. As an adult Maury creates a museum (essentially a “dream zoo”) with glass cages to house these dreams and nightmares “come to life” for public viewing. Along the way his story intertwines with that of Kevin, a boy who after witnessing a horrific event (that he blames himself for) is subsequently tortured with a repeating nightmare containing a monster that feeds on fear/terror and can peer into Kevin's mind to find what haunts him. He is called “Mr. Freakshow” and Maury helps “cure” Kevin of him by pulling him from Kevin’s nightmare and locking him in the Nightmare section of the Dream Museum. Things go downhill fast however, when Mr. Freakshow decides his time would be better spent tracking Kevin, whom if he kills as his maker would grant Mr. Freakshow immortality, versus staying in a glass display box.
So, the basic summation of “The Nightmare Within” is this- As a kid Maury ends up horribly burnt in an apartment fire he was responsible for. From this incident he discovers he has the gift of pulling things (including horrifying nightmare things) from people’s dreams and bringing them to life. As an adult Maury creates a museum (essentially a “dream zoo”) with glass cages to house these dreams and nightmares “come to life” for public viewing. Along the way his story intertwines with that of Kevin, a boy who after witnessing a horrific event (that he blames himself for) is subsequently tortured with a repeating nightmare containing a monster that feeds on fear/terror and can peer into Kevin's mind to find what haunts him. He is called “Mr. Freakshow” and Maury helps “cure” Kevin of him by pulling him from Kevin’s nightmare and locking him in the Nightmare section of the Dream Museum. Things go downhill fast however, when Mr. Freakshow decides his time would be better spent tracking Kevin, whom if he kills as his maker would grant Mr. Freakshow immortality, versus staying in a glass display box.
January 10, 2014
My full The Nightmare Within review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
What a story! Growing up I had been plagued by bad dreams and the bogyman and was very happy that they were not real. I am not sure what I would have done if the people and creatures of my dreams could become real. That's what happened here, they were extracted and collected in to live in a real museum, categorized by their type; nightmares, erotic, ect. Gruesome and suspenseful at times, without the porn show that many horrors can become, and at others seemed long winded. However Krisch was able to create a unique horror story the likes of which I have never heard before. Well developed characters that have extensive histories to create very complex beings, I would argue that there was too much going on with them, at times I found myself saying "Just get on with it". As they battle it out in the classic good against evil with several shades of gray mixed in for good measure. All in all The Nightmare Within was a success and I strongly believe that Krisch will only get better as his career continues.
What a story! Growing up I had been plagued by bad dreams and the bogyman and was very happy that they were not real. I am not sure what I would have done if the people and creatures of my dreams could become real. That's what happened here, they were extracted and collected in to live in a real museum, categorized by their type; nightmares, erotic, ect. Gruesome and suspenseful at times, without the porn show that many horrors can become, and at others seemed long winded. However Krisch was able to create a unique horror story the likes of which I have never heard before. Well developed characters that have extensive histories to create very complex beings, I would argue that there was too much going on with them, at times I found myself saying "Just get on with it". As they battle it out in the classic good against evil with several shades of gray mixed in for good measure. All in all The Nightmare Within was a success and I strongly believe that Krisch will only get better as his career continues.
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