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The Pricker Boy
Some stories draw blood. Some truths won't stay buried.
He was human once, or so they say. The son of a fur trapper, he was taunted by his peers and tricked into one of his own father's traps. By the time anybody found it, the trap's vicious teeth were empty, pried open and overgrown. It was said the brambles themselves had reached out and taken pity on that boy; that his skin had hardened to bark as thorns grew over every inch of his body.
Maybe it's true and maybe it isn't. But anyone who knows anything stays out of the woods beyond the Widow's Stone.
That used to be enough. But this is the summer everything changes, as Stucks Cumberland and his friends find a mysterious package containing mementos of their childhood: baseball cards, a worn paperback, a locket. Offerings left behind in the woods years ago, meant to keep the Pricker Boy at bay. Offerings that have been rejected.
He was human once, or so they say. The son of a fur trapper, he was taunted by his peers and tricked into one of his own father's traps. By the time anybody found it, the trap's vicious teeth were empty, pried open and overgrown. It was said the brambles themselves had reached out and taken pity on that boy; that his skin had hardened to bark as thorns grew over every inch of his body.
Maybe it's true and maybe it isn't. But anyone who knows anything stays out of the woods beyond the Widow's Stone.
That used to be enough. But this is the summer everything changes, as Stucks Cumberland and his friends find a mysterious package containing mementos of their childhood: baseball cards, a worn paperback, a locket. Offerings left behind in the woods years ago, meant to keep the Pricker Boy at bay. Offerings that have been rejected.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
15 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 29, 2010
THE PRICKER BOY is the best kind of horror story; the kind that leaves the reader - and the characters - wondering if it was just your imagination, or a dream, or a trick of the light. Reade Scott Whinnem told an interviewer that the novel was inspired by a nightmare he had as a boy, and I believe it. Because every page of this book is saturated with the kind of fears you thought you left in your childhood. Gnarled trees that look like witches' hands. Abandoned houses tucked away in the woods. Strange sounds that creep through the house at night.
But what makes this book so deliciously creepy is that the ghost story makes up only half of the horror. The rest of the reader's goosebumps come from Whinnem's in-depth look at the human heart - both the terror and the beauty it can create.
Even if you don't end up loving THE PRICKER BOY, you will never forget it. Part horror, part psychological thriller, part family saga, this book is darkly beautiful - but still infused with so much light that you will finish feeling like your soul has grown.
But what makes this book so deliciously creepy is that the ghost story makes up only half of the horror. The rest of the reader's goosebumps come from Whinnem's in-depth look at the human heart - both the terror and the beauty it can create.
Even if you don't end up loving THE PRICKER BOY, you will never forget it. Part horror, part psychological thriller, part family saga, this book is darkly beautiful - but still infused with so much light that you will finish feeling like your soul has grown.
November 6, 2009
Reviewed by McKenzie Tritt for TeensReadToo.com
Stucks and his summer friends are ready for another warm, fun-filled vacation. They get just the opposite, however.
The Pricker Boy, a young boy who was trapped by his own father's fur trap and taken in by the brambles, his skin turning to thorns, is back. When the group of friends discover their offerings they left for the Pricker Boy still in the woods, offerings meant to keep him at bay, everything changes for the worse.
The friends no longer know who to trust and each one becomes insecure and retreats into their own shell. The Pricker Boy torments them relentlessly, without an apparent reason. Stucks, all the while, must deal with his silent brother and his angry best friend.
The Pricker Boy cruelly tortures the friends, refusing to leave them alone. Together, the friends must stop this evil force, and come together to face the fearful future.
This book had me completely horrified, like no other book ever has. The Pricker Boy was terrifying, as was his cruel treatment of the kids. Every time I read this book, I was constantly looking over my shoulder - that's how scary it was.
The Pricker Boy isn't just scary on a paranormal level, but also on a human level. It shows just how dark humans can be, and it really makes one think about our capabilities to hurt others. The best way to describe this book is a modern-day LORD OF THE FLIES: completely terrifying, yet riveting.
And be prepared for a huge twist that you'll never see coming. I had to reread the part several times before the surprise let up.
Stucks and his summer friends are ready for another warm, fun-filled vacation. They get just the opposite, however.
The Pricker Boy, a young boy who was trapped by his own father's fur trap and taken in by the brambles, his skin turning to thorns, is back. When the group of friends discover their offerings they left for the Pricker Boy still in the woods, offerings meant to keep him at bay, everything changes for the worse.
The friends no longer know who to trust and each one becomes insecure and retreats into their own shell. The Pricker Boy torments them relentlessly, without an apparent reason. Stucks, all the while, must deal with his silent brother and his angry best friend.
The Pricker Boy cruelly tortures the friends, refusing to leave them alone. Together, the friends must stop this evil force, and come together to face the fearful future.
This book had me completely horrified, like no other book ever has. The Pricker Boy was terrifying, as was his cruel treatment of the kids. Every time I read this book, I was constantly looking over my shoulder - that's how scary it was.
The Pricker Boy isn't just scary on a paranormal level, but also on a human level. It shows just how dark humans can be, and it really makes one think about our capabilities to hurt others. The best way to describe this book is a modern-day LORD OF THE FLIES: completely terrifying, yet riveting.
And be prepared for a huge twist that you'll never see coming. I had to reread the part several times before the surprise let up.
May 27, 2019
The perfect summer read. I was unsure of where this story was going at first, but a few chapters in and I was hooked. I highly recommend this one to my fellow horror fans. This tale took a turn I did NOT see coming, but was pleasantly surprised by. Do yourself a favor and READ. THIS. BOOK!!!
August 6, 2012
Liebes The Pricker Boy,
das war ein bisschen Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Ich habe dein Cover im Internet gesehen und dachte „Uuh, das sieht aber schön schaurig aus“. Als ich danach deinen Namen und deine Inhaltsangabe las, war es um mich geschehen. Ich wollte dich kennen lernen. Zum Glück meinte der Amor des Amazon Marketplaces es sehr gut mit mir und schickte dich vor kurzem für ein spottbilliges Reiseticket zu mir. Lange hat es nicht gedauert. Ein paar Tage, vielleicht eine Woche, haben wir uns im Auge behalten bis ich dich schließlich an mich riss und aufschlug.
Du erinnerst mich an diese Kinder-Abenteuerfilme, die wir früher alle so gern geguckt haben. Kein Internet, keine Handys, stattdessen eine handvoll guter Freunde, die alle nicht unterschiedlicher sein könnten und die gemeinsam ein Abenteuer im Wald erleben (Entdeckt nicht irgendeine Gruppe von Jungen eine Leiche? Wie hieß dieser Film noch?). Genau so bist du, nur in Schriftform und ein wenig gruseliger.
Was nicht nur diese Filme sondern vor allem dich ausmacht, sind die liebenswerten Charaktere. Du hast dir Zeit genommen sie mir mit all ihren Eigenarten vorzustellen. Da gibt es den zu Gewalt neigenden Pete; den kleinen Bruder Cricket, der sich nur per Zeichensprache verständigt; die hübsche Emily, die immer etwas zu Essen in ihren Taschen hat, es aber nie mit den anderen teilt; oder auch Nana mit ihrem Krüppelfinger. Jeden einzelnen konnte ich mir bildlich vorstellen, jeder hat seine Macken, seine Stärken und Schwächen, die ihn unverwechselbar und die Dynamik in der Gruppe spannend machen. Außerdem scheinen alle Eigenheiten einen Sinn zu haben, Cricket schweigt beispielsweise aus einem bestimmen Grund und es ist ein besonderer Moment, als Emily ihre Süßigkeiten teilt.
Weißt du, was du auch richtig gut kannst? Ein Kapitel harmlos, durchschnittlich fesselnd anfangen und mich dann plötzlich packen. Fast immer kam irgendwann der Momente, in dem ich vergessen habe, auf welcher Seite ich gerade bin und nur noch fieberhaft auf die nächsten Sätze warten konnte. Ich würde dich nicht als Horror-Roman beschreiben. Dafür ist das Wort heutzutage von zu vielen anderen Einflüssen geprägt. Man darf von dir kein fleischfressendes Höllenwesen erwarten. Du hast mir zwar durchaus Unbehagen bereitet und Spannung geboten, jedoch auf eine subtile Art und Weise. Das lag vor allem daran, dass du so viele Fährten auslegst. Ich wusste nie genau, was jetzt an der Geschichte des Pricker Boys dran ist, was mit Pete geschehen ist oder was passiert, wenn Stucks schlafwandelt.
Liebes The Pricker Boy, du darfst gern für immer in meinem Bücherregal wohnen. Ich hätte auch nichts dagegen, wenn du noch ein paar gute Freunde einlädst, Hauptsache sie bringen keine Alpträume mit.
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Deine Lagerfeuer-Gesellin,
Infinite Playlist
das war ein bisschen Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Ich habe dein Cover im Internet gesehen und dachte „Uuh, das sieht aber schön schaurig aus“. Als ich danach deinen Namen und deine Inhaltsangabe las, war es um mich geschehen. Ich wollte dich kennen lernen. Zum Glück meinte der Amor des Amazon Marketplaces es sehr gut mit mir und schickte dich vor kurzem für ein spottbilliges Reiseticket zu mir. Lange hat es nicht gedauert. Ein paar Tage, vielleicht eine Woche, haben wir uns im Auge behalten bis ich dich schließlich an mich riss und aufschlug.
Du erinnerst mich an diese Kinder-Abenteuerfilme, die wir früher alle so gern geguckt haben. Kein Internet, keine Handys, stattdessen eine handvoll guter Freunde, die alle nicht unterschiedlicher sein könnten und die gemeinsam ein Abenteuer im Wald erleben (Entdeckt nicht irgendeine Gruppe von Jungen eine Leiche? Wie hieß dieser Film noch?). Genau so bist du, nur in Schriftform und ein wenig gruseliger.
Was nicht nur diese Filme sondern vor allem dich ausmacht, sind die liebenswerten Charaktere. Du hast dir Zeit genommen sie mir mit all ihren Eigenarten vorzustellen. Da gibt es den zu Gewalt neigenden Pete; den kleinen Bruder Cricket, der sich nur per Zeichensprache verständigt; die hübsche Emily, die immer etwas zu Essen in ihren Taschen hat, es aber nie mit den anderen teilt; oder auch Nana mit ihrem Krüppelfinger. Jeden einzelnen konnte ich mir bildlich vorstellen, jeder hat seine Macken, seine Stärken und Schwächen, die ihn unverwechselbar und die Dynamik in der Gruppe spannend machen. Außerdem scheinen alle Eigenheiten einen Sinn zu haben, Cricket schweigt beispielsweise aus einem bestimmen Grund und es ist ein besonderer Moment, als Emily ihre Süßigkeiten teilt.
Weißt du, was du auch richtig gut kannst? Ein Kapitel harmlos, durchschnittlich fesselnd anfangen und mich dann plötzlich packen. Fast immer kam irgendwann der Momente, in dem ich vergessen habe, auf welcher Seite ich gerade bin und nur noch fieberhaft auf die nächsten Sätze warten konnte. Ich würde dich nicht als Horror-Roman beschreiben. Dafür ist das Wort heutzutage von zu vielen anderen Einflüssen geprägt. Man darf von dir kein fleischfressendes Höllenwesen erwarten. Du hast mir zwar durchaus Unbehagen bereitet und Spannung geboten, jedoch auf eine subtile Art und Weise. Das lag vor allem daran, dass du so viele Fährten auslegst. Ich wusste nie genau, was jetzt an der Geschichte des Pricker Boys dran ist, was mit Pete geschehen ist oder was passiert, wenn Stucks schlafwandelt.
Liebes The Pricker Boy, du darfst gern für immer in meinem Bücherregal wohnen. Ich hätte auch nichts dagegen, wenn du noch ein paar gute Freunde einlädst, Hauptsache sie bringen keine Alpträume mit.
add to GoodReads
Deine Lagerfeuer-Gesellin,
Infinite Playlist
February 25, 2015
Omg I started a it slow but then I just couldn't put it down, it got more and more interesting bring in the back story to the present giving every little thing that was happening more depth and understanding. My favorite character had to be Cricket , why wouldnt he be, he was the one that understood the least but overall knew everything from the beginning. Poor Cricket. OVERALL I loved the book it was interesting, using great details for imagery and it simply was a great thriller. Please read it.
January 25, 2014
It took me the longest to figure out there was a love/hate relationship established between the reader and the protagonist, Stucks Cumberland. For much of the novel, I had to spend my time alternating between disliking his unkind behavior towards his friends, and then enjoying the ways he and his brother, Stanley, got along. So on one side, he's a lovely older brother to an uncanny little boy, but on the other hand, he's incredibly rude to those who consider him a friend. I only wish there were more clues towards the revelation earlier, so I at least could bring myself to pity him before the last fifty pages, but alas, that was not the case.
June 4, 2010
Stucks Cumberland is ready for summer vacation. It is a time when many of his friends return to their vacation homes. However, their vacation doesn't go the way they plan. Something is in the woods. No one goes beyond Widow's Stone for fear of running into the Pricker Boy.
The Pricker Boy was a young boy tricked into believing his fur trapping father was keeping his mother in a cage in the forest and feeding her raw bits of meat. The boy goes looking for his mother. When he doesn't return, the kids start rumors that the thorns have taken him and now he seeks revenge against those who were so cruel to him. He has taken on the form of a being made from and covered with thorns.
This is the story that Ronnie tells around the campfire every year. All of Stuck's friends say that it is not real but when Stucks claims to have seen the Pricker Boy, they all start wondering how much of it is true. Mysteriously the items they have given to the forest and the Pricker Boy to keep him from getting revenge on them have all mysteriously returned. What does it mean?
I wasn't really sure what to make of this book. I couldn't put it down. I still don't know if the Pricker Boy was someone they made up from legend or if he was real. There were other issues going on and the author purposely left the ending the way he did so the reader could decide. This is what made this such a delicious read. I read this in e-book form and have ordered several hard copies for my shelves at school. My students who are fans of horror will love this book.
The Pricker Boy was a young boy tricked into believing his fur trapping father was keeping his mother in a cage in the forest and feeding her raw bits of meat. The boy goes looking for his mother. When he doesn't return, the kids start rumors that the thorns have taken him and now he seeks revenge against those who were so cruel to him. He has taken on the form of a being made from and covered with thorns.
This is the story that Ronnie tells around the campfire every year. All of Stuck's friends say that it is not real but when Stucks claims to have seen the Pricker Boy, they all start wondering how much of it is true. Mysteriously the items they have given to the forest and the Pricker Boy to keep him from getting revenge on them have all mysteriously returned. What does it mean?
I wasn't really sure what to make of this book. I couldn't put it down. I still don't know if the Pricker Boy was someone they made up from legend or if he was real. There were other issues going on and the author purposely left the ending the way he did so the reader could decide. This is what made this such a delicious read. I read this in e-book form and have ordered several hard copies for my shelves at school. My students who are fans of horror will love this book.
March 16, 2009
This was really good. Intriguing, mystifying, and very scary at parts. I'm a lot like Vivek though: I wish I got all the answers answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2014
A well written and horrifying tale that becomes beautiful and sad all at once. Loved every page; every character and every moment.
September 25, 2017
it feels like i must have read a different book from everyone else reviewing, because i just don't get it. i don't get it. this felt poorly written and at times sexist, and while i understand that the author was trying to call attention to how wrong pete's actions are when he's yelling out homophobic slurs while bullying ronnie, i really could've done with out it.
there were a few moments that were creepy and made me a bit nervous, but the awkward narrating by stucks would always ruin it for me. i'm not sure how old these kids are supposed to be - i know it's over 12 - but at times their actions felt like something a 10 year old would do while their dialogue felt like it was written by someone who has never spoken to a child/teen in real life and somehow never was one, and they're basing all of their conversations off of every movie ever made about Cool Twelve Year Old Boys Doing Stuff. which probably added to my confusion about their ages, since i felt like this was like, stranger things but about creepy woods. and with poorly written characters, specifically the girls.
i guessed the big plot twist as soon as the character showed up? and with that big twist and the whole story behind it, and how stucks narrated it, i was very confused about what the author wanted to say.
i mean overall this just wasn't scary enough to make me overlook it's many, many flaws because it wasn't scary at all.
there were a few moments that were creepy and made me a bit nervous, but the awkward narrating by stucks would always ruin it for me. i'm not sure how old these kids are supposed to be - i know it's over 12 - but at times their actions felt like something a 10 year old would do while their dialogue felt like it was written by someone who has never spoken to a child/teen in real life and somehow never was one, and they're basing all of their conversations off of every movie ever made about Cool Twelve Year Old Boys Doing Stuff. which probably added to my confusion about their ages, since i felt like this was like, stranger things but about creepy woods. and with poorly written characters, specifically the girls.
i guessed the big plot twist as soon as the character showed up? and with that big twist and the whole story behind it, and how stucks narrated it, i was very confused about what the author wanted to say.
i mean overall this just wasn't scary enough to make me overlook it's many, many flaws because it wasn't scary at all.
February 4, 2017
Je ne vais pas vous mentir, sur les cinquante premières pages j’ai cru que j’allais abandonner le livre ou lui laisser une chance mais découvrir mon premier gros flop de l’année. Déjà, je n’ai pas vraiment adhéré au style. Cela oscille entre le très enfantin, avec des répétitions qui alourdissent énormément le texte (du genre « Machin soulève la branche pour truc. Truc soulève la branche pour bidule. Bidule soulève la branche pour chose. Chose me soulève la branche… »), et une construction parfois complexe qui saute dans le temps sans mise en contexte, qui fait des ellipses parfois difficiles à suivre, etc. Je n’aimais pas vraiment les personnages de Pete (extrêmement désagréable) et de Stuck, le narrateur. Et puis j’étais fâchée par la mention de « crêpes au sarrasin » qui, pour une bretonne, est du niveau de l’insulte (même c’est purement personnel et relativement anecdotique, j’en ronchonne encore :p). Ensuite, l’histoire, toujours dans un contexte assez flou notamment sur l’âge des gamins, commence à se mettre en place avec la première veillée d’angoisse au coin du feu. Et là, j’ai crains d’être définitivement dégoûtée par les interruptions inutiles du genre, « je remue le feu, bla bla bla » qui entrecoupent l’histoire du Garçon épines et font à chaque fois retomber l’ambiance comme un soufflé mal cuit. Mais heureusement, ça c’est arrangé… [...]
Pour lire la suite de cette critique, rendez-vous sur Yuyine.be !
Pour lire la suite de cette critique, rendez-vous sur Yuyine.be !
October 14, 2019
Et bien, je ne m'attendais pas du tout à trouver ce genre de contenu en lisant ce roman. Le résumé reste très factuel sans vraiment rien dévoiler qui nuirait à la pleine appréciation de l'histoire.
Surtout que cette année, malgré des lectures sympas, je peux compter sur les doigts d'une main les romans qui m'ont tiré de véritables émotions ; celui-ci en fait partie.
Peut-être est-il juste arrivé sous mes yeux à point nommé ? Peut-être l'auteur a-t-il simplement très bien su exploiter son sujet et ses personnages ? Peut-être est-ce un savant mélange de tout cela à la fois ? En tous les cas, cette histoire m'a fait forte impression et je suis ravie d'y avoir pénétré presque aveuglément.
Surtout que cette année, malgré des lectures sympas, je peux compter sur les doigts d'une main les romans qui m'ont tiré de véritables émotions ; celui-ci en fait partie.
Peut-être est-il juste arrivé sous mes yeux à point nommé ? Peut-être l'auteur a-t-il simplement très bien su exploiter son sujet et ses personnages ? Peut-être est-ce un savant mélange de tout cela à la fois ? En tous les cas, cette histoire m'a fait forte impression et je suis ravie d'y avoir pénétré presque aveuglément.
October 18, 2022
I have tried twice to budge this book, both attempts spanning a week or two and a year apart. The Pricker Boy is very hard to get into for me. I don't want to give in, but the introductory writing feels like a mess, we open with first POV telling us of a dream and it's suddenly hard to get past it. The next scenes are similarly hard to get through, and each time I stop at about the same place. I don't know if I'll ever finish this one, never seen an audiobook of it but I definitely need someone to push me through all of these rough briar patches which make up The Pricker Boy.
I've heard good things, but each attempt has yielded disappointment.
DNF'd at 25% twice.
I've heard good things, but each attempt has yielded disappointment.
DNF'd at 25% twice.
January 16, 2024
A book to which I suspect many young, both chronologically & mentally, readers may be drawn. "This is a story about young kids, those who live permanently in the area & those who have summer cottages. It's a lovely area with natural woods, paths, and a lake. It's also an area with a rather dark history. A trapper's son once was caught in one of his father's traps and when unable to release himself apparently the woods aided him & transformed him into a creature covered in thorns. There's a depth to the story, laughter, sorrow, and moments when you can imagine yourself in the story so the shivering begins.
February 19, 2019
Language - PG-13 (52 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG
The Pricker Boy is a classic scary story that Ronnie tells each year at the fist fire. But this summer it's different. It's more than just a story, it's real.
I enjoyed the mystery, suspense, and scary elements of this book. And, unless you're looking for a sleepless night, I recommend reading it before the sun goes down.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
The Pricker Boy is a classic scary story that Ronnie tells each year at the fist fire. But this summer it's different. It's more than just a story, it's real.
I enjoyed the mystery, suspense, and scary elements of this book. And, unless you're looking for a sleepless night, I recommend reading it before the sun goes down.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
June 6, 2020
Excellent read
This was a great book that I found by surprise while looking for new books and authors in the library’s online system. After starting it, the authors name nagged at me- a quick google led me to realize he had been a teacher of mine in high school. Small world!!
This was an interesting and engaging book with a small emotional twist I did not see coming (and I am typically a twist predictor!). It’ll be in my “read again” pile for sure.
This was a great book that I found by surprise while looking for new books and authors in the library’s online system. After starting it, the authors name nagged at me- a quick google led me to realize he had been a teacher of mine in high school. Small world!!
This was an interesting and engaging book with a small emotional twist I did not see coming (and I am typically a twist predictor!). It’ll be in my “read again” pile for sure.
Read
October 27, 2019I rate this book 8.5 out of 10. Because the book was really good but, I felt that some parts were vague. But overall, it was an amazing book. I really enjoyed it and I recommend people interested in suspense and fantasy genres of books to read.
January 31, 2023
It was an okay book. The ending left some wondering about what exactly happened. At some points during the story, I would get confused about what was going on. The plot twist was a nice touch! It kept me interested to see the twist.
May 11, 2017
It is a must read!
September 7, 2025
I picked this book up on a whim. I was scouting around the shelves in the library and found this book. I looked at the cover and read the summery and thought 'This is a creepy cover and sounds scary.' and that was that. It took me a minute to pick it up and read it but I'm glad I did. At one point I didn't want to because I thought I wouldn't like it. Not the case, I loved it.
Anyways, the story is about Stucks and his friends ready for summer. However there is something lurking in the woods just beyond the Widow's Stone. Stucks Cumberland has seen it- a boy with skin that's as gray as dead bark, covered head to toe in thorns. It seems impossible. But then, nothing about this summer is as it should be. Stuck's best friend, Pete, has grown sullen and abusive. Ronnie wears long sleeves despite the heat, self-conscious about the scar that reminds everyone of a day they'd like to forget. Robin, Stucks cousin, has gotten more sensitive. Vivek's jokes seem increasingly desperate, and Emily is stirring feelings in Stucks that he doesn't know what to do with. And through it all the Pricker Boy is out there watching them from the edge of the woods. At least, Stucks thinks that.
The story is so good! There were times when I was reading that if someone was to tap my shoulder to get my attention I would have screamed. I don't scream. Ever. My voice sounds super weird when I scream, that I literally avoid anything that ever tries to get me to scream. Anyways, that's how scary it got. Like, I read quite a bit of horror stories and there was only ever one story that actually scared me to point I could scream and that was The Pet Sematary by Stephen King. Good job Reade Scott Whinnem.
This book might have been scary but it was also sad. It got sad real fast. If your a sensitive bitch like me you might want to have some tissues nearby. This book does deal with a sensitive topic towards the end .
I liked everything about the book. The characters were great and well rounded. My favorites characters are definitely Stucks and Pete . Than again I liked all the characters.
Reade did a good job with the psychological horror topic. The whole story actually was well done. Everything just came together so smoothly. Like just about everything connects in the end. For example Stucks cousin Robin doesn't swim in the pond all summer long and there is a reason for that. And Reade doesn't tell you the reason why in such a way by out right saying it. It is in the context clues. The book does not hold your hand at all.
In conclusion, it is one of my faves now and this is probably the longest book review I have or ever will do.
Anyways, the story is about Stucks and his friends ready for summer. However there is something lurking in the woods just beyond the Widow's Stone. Stucks Cumberland has seen it- a boy with skin that's as gray as dead bark, covered head to toe in thorns. It seems impossible. But then, nothing about this summer is as it should be. Stuck's best friend, Pete, has grown sullen and abusive. Ronnie wears long sleeves despite the heat, self-conscious about the scar that reminds everyone of a day they'd like to forget. Robin, Stucks cousin, has gotten more sensitive. Vivek's jokes seem increasingly desperate, and Emily is stirring feelings in Stucks that he doesn't know what to do with. And through it all the Pricker Boy is out there watching them from the edge of the woods. At least, Stucks thinks that.
The story is so good! There were times when I was reading that if someone was to tap my shoulder to get my attention I would have screamed. I don't scream. Ever. My voice sounds super weird when I scream, that I literally avoid anything that ever tries to get me to scream. Anyways, that's how scary it got. Like, I read quite a bit of horror stories and there was only ever one story that actually scared me to point I could scream and that was The Pet Sematary by Stephen King. Good job Reade Scott Whinnem.
This book might have been scary but it was also sad. It got sad real fast. If your a sensitive bitch like me you might want to have some tissues nearby. This book does deal with a sensitive topic towards the end .
I liked everything about the book. The characters were great and well rounded. My favorites characters are definitely Stucks and Pete . Than again I liked all the characters.
Reade did a good job with the psychological horror topic. The whole story actually was well done. Everything just came together so smoothly. Like just about everything connects in the end. For example Stucks cousin Robin doesn't swim in the pond all summer long and there is a reason for that. And Reade doesn't tell you the reason why in such a way by out right saying it. It is in the context clues. The book does not hold your hand at all.
In conclusion, it is one of my faves now and this is probably the longest book review I have or ever will do.
December 12, 2016
I didn't trust this book from the very beginning and I was suspicious of it , and whenever the narrator is the protagonist you should be aware of the book you holding in your hands, so when the twist was revealed, I only smirked and shouted at the book that "I KNEW IT" , not the actual twist but that there was something kept in the dark.
About the plot:
as I said it was mysterious and it had deeper more secretive story than how it intended to be revealed to you in the beginning, what was a mere spooky story around the fire camp between friends turns out to be......
I actually cant write more so not to spoil it, but I highly recommend it , it has magic in it , and it is one of those Diamonds in a rough.
the closest well known novel I can compare it with is "The ocean at the end of the lane" by Neil Gaiman, both holds the same kind of "truth" you can only decide to believe.
Plot Summery
About the plot:
as I said it was mysterious and it had deeper more secretive story than how it intended to be revealed to you in the beginning, what was a mere spooky story around the fire camp between friends turns out to be......
I actually cant write more so not to spoil it, but I highly recommend it , it has magic in it , and it is one of those Diamonds in a rough.
the closest well known novel I can compare it with is "The ocean at the end of the lane" by Neil Gaiman, both holds the same kind of "truth" you can only decide to believe.
Plot Summery
December 12, 2011
Title: The Pricker Boy
Author: Read Scott Whinnem
Year: 2009
ISBN: 9780375857195
Type: Book
Genre: Horror
Length/Pages:
Publisher/studio: Random House Books for Young Readers
Age: 11 & up
Annotation/ Teaser:
Ready for the ghost story, make sure you keep the lights on or you will have The Pricker boy on your side.
Not your typical ghost story around the campfire! You will need all the lights on for this one!
Summary
Stuck a 14 year old and his best friend Pete live year round at lakeside community and await the summers when all the "summer kids" come and hang out. Stucks and Pete love listening to ghost stories around the campfire, especially one about The Pricker Boy. Legend tells a tale of a boy who was lured by a mean joke into the dark woods and got caught in an animal trap. When he didn't return, searchers found only blood and ripped clothes laying about, by an animal trap and there was no sign of the boy. Now, Pricker Boy seeks revenge and he has found the perfect group of boys.
Review
A scary novel that would make you sleep with your lights on. Tween will enjoy this novel since it has horror. I personally, like reading scary stories or watching but I do not do great after, I will dream scary dream waking up a lot. I enjoyed the story, and tween will too. It has suspense and it is also sad but full of jokes and trying your best to act normal and not scare which that happens to Stuck
July 23, 2016
Admittedly, I don't read much horror. But this book dug under my skin in new ways.
It felt real - the interpersonal drama, the mix of good and bad and not knowing what to make of characters and loving people even as they hurt you, trying to know when to draw your boundaries. The flow between Now and Then, memories coloring everything you do and see, not being able to get away from the past.
The "projector reel" in Stucks' head, powerful images overlaying the world around him in the climax - I've actually had that. Maybe it means I'm a little off-kilter but I've had pictures and videos in my imagination so loud and near that they get a little mixed up with what's happening around me, that I thought they might be God or the Devil instead of just Me. And my head has thrown some pretty messed-up stuff at me - more when I'm awake than when I'm dreaming - I've never seen a book before that went that dark and still beat the darkness, promised there is light and love and family (blood or chosen) on the other side, that love can be an anchor among the monsters in your mind.
Maybe it's a little strange, how spot on this book was for me - in spite of the fact that I'm a nerdy city girl and don't belong in these characters' world. ;) But I think I needed this, at least a bit.
It felt real - the interpersonal drama, the mix of good and bad and not knowing what to make of characters and loving people even as they hurt you, trying to know when to draw your boundaries. The flow between Now and Then, memories coloring everything you do and see, not being able to get away from the past.
The "projector reel" in Stucks' head, powerful images overlaying the world around him in the climax - I've actually had that. Maybe it means I'm a little off-kilter but I've had pictures and videos in my imagination so loud and near that they get a little mixed up with what's happening around me, that I thought they might be God or the Devil instead of just Me. And my head has thrown some pretty messed-up stuff at me - more when I'm awake than when I'm dreaming - I've never seen a book before that went that dark and still beat the darkness, promised there is light and love and family (blood or chosen) on the other side, that love can be an anchor among the monsters in your mind.
Maybe it's a little strange, how spot on this book was for me - in spite of the fact that I'm a nerdy city girl and don't belong in these characters' world. ;) But I think I needed this, at least a bit.
April 22, 2015
The Pricker Boy drew me in with a very ominous looking figure on the cover. It seemed to say that something very sinister. The synopsis also made me put down good money on the book as it read and felt like a thought provoking fantasy story with a horror chill to it. I could not have been more wrong. Poorly written. The story jumped around way too much, which limited any kind of flow to the story. The characters were underdeveloped to the point that it was arduous trying to relate to and or get to know them. The villain in the story never was developed into any kind of real threat. As far as that goes, there were several chapters where the there is no mention of the Pricker Boy. The descriptions and writing made it seem like this was not a published book but something written for a school assignment. To sum this up, it was like when someone tell you a story and then at the conclusion of it, and when there is not the wanted response, the story teller says “I guess you had to be there. This story is exactly that. I wasn’t there, so I didn’t get it.
October 3, 2011
Timeline. That's my project for this book. It keeps you on your toes, because of the constant mental/dream world that exists throughout the book. Hard to separate what's real and what's imagined. Difficult at times but well worth the effort. Not sure how middle schoolers will respond to this book. It's very complex and deals with some serious, sometimes very dark, issues. I would put this on the high school Sequoyah list rather than the middle school list. Very Stephen Kingesque. Take away the odd cover and quirky yet appropriate title, and you have a really good psychological thriller/horror story with a lot of unanswered questions at the end. But I'm not sure that's a bad thing. There are definitely some images and scenes and dialogue that I will never forget. And that's a powerful measuring stick when I assess a YA book. Really, really like this book. And my overwhelming emotion upon finishing: Relief. For me. For the characters in the book. Weird.
August 11, 2012
I finished this book after two long and delicious nights of reading.
While it is easy to discuss the absolutely creepy parts of the plot, the real story is in the friendships portrayed in the novel. It took me right back to my childhood - the friends that I genuinely liked, the ones that I liked but also enjoyed poking fun at, and the ones that drifted away. It was well written and the plot never slowed. And as mentioned before, the characters were realistic and exciting to follow. I felt that the main character - Stucks - included me in on his experiences.
Definitely a good book to suggest to a teen reader- one who likes horror and suspense but also is in touch with some of the painful passages of growing up.
I am hoping to pass the book onto some of my reluctant male readers. Of course, I think a female audience would enjoy the book especially since Reade Scott Whinnem creates authentic and strong female characters.
While it is easy to discuss the absolutely creepy parts of the plot, the real story is in the friendships portrayed in the novel. It took me right back to my childhood - the friends that I genuinely liked, the ones that I liked but also enjoyed poking fun at, and the ones that drifted away. It was well written and the plot never slowed. And as mentioned before, the characters were realistic and exciting to follow. I felt that the main character - Stucks - included me in on his experiences.
Definitely a good book to suggest to a teen reader- one who likes horror and suspense but also is in touch with some of the painful passages of growing up.
I am hoping to pass the book onto some of my reluctant male readers. Of course, I think a female audience would enjoy the book especially since Reade Scott Whinnem creates authentic and strong female characters.
May 29, 2011
What if the ghost tale you told around the campfire started to come true? For Stucks and his friends it has. Since they were small they have told tales about the Pricker Boy—a once-human boy who is now more plant than boy and who lives among the thorn bushes that infest the woods just beyond the kids’ campfire circle. When they were young they gave offerings to Pricker Boy to keep him pacified, but this summer their offerings have been returned. Is it one of the group playing a practical joke? Or is Pricker Boy finally going to come for them? Nightmarish and spine-tingling, this coming-of-age story will make your skin crawl, but you’ll love the characters so much, you will want to take the fearsome “widow’s walk” right along with them.
--Review by Karrie
--Review by Karrie
January 31, 2016
Based on the IRL I did not expect this book to be so enthralling. Everybody has a Pricker Boy to contend with and offering him the very best gifts only works for so long before we must confront him. Confronting him alone often feels like the only choice, but everyone needs a good friend or three to help us see what's right in front of our face.
Enough about the existentialism of an adult view, this is a GREAT story for all ages! The characters feel as though they are inviting the reader into their lives. I felt that I could feel the forrest looming in my peripheral vision and filling my senses with impending adventure. A tale of childhood changes as friends grow up together and apart and the struggle to belong no matter where we are.
Enough about the existentialism of an adult view, this is a GREAT story for all ages! The characters feel as though they are inviting the reader into their lives. I felt that I could feel the forrest looming in my peripheral vision and filling my senses with impending adventure. A tale of childhood changes as friends grow up together and apart and the struggle to belong no matter where we are.
September 9, 2012
The story of the Pricker Boy has been giving Stucks and his friends the chills for years. This year they decide to investigate the woods and find out if the Pricker Boy is real. They start to see and hear strange things, and have horrible nightmares. They can't explain what's going on; perhaps they just have overactive imaginations.
I like the concept of the book, but I feel like it's an almost there book. For me, the book doesn't flow well. The supernatural things seem to be in there just to add suspense. The big reveal near the end got my attention, but even that didn't quite feel complete.
I like the concept of the book, but I feel like it's an almost there book. For me, the book doesn't flow well. The supernatural things seem to be in there just to add suspense. The big reveal near the end got my attention, but even that didn't quite feel complete.
November 9, 2009
Wow. I picked this book up because of a writing conference I'm attending. I'm so glad I did. It took me a few days to get into reading it. That's more to do with me and the kinds of books I tend to read. The story is creepy, haunting and sad. The idea of a summer with friends exploring the ghost stories of their youth, reminded me of the Stephen King short story, "The Body."
I guessed at one twist early on, but was surprised with some other twists. I even teared up a little at the end. It's a great story. Powerful.
I enjoyed this a lot.
I just finished reading it and my reaction was: Wow.
I guessed at one twist early on, but was surprised with some other twists. I even teared up a little at the end. It's a great story. Powerful.
I enjoyed this a lot.
I just finished reading it and my reaction was: Wow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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