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Nightwood: All Fairy Tales were History Once
All fairy tales were history once.
Ally is a Ukrainian bride who married a wealthy Californian, Carl Morris. Everything is strange in her new home: the shadowy redwoods, the peculiar neighbors, and the mystery surrounding the death of Carl’s first wife. But Ally is determined to leave her own tragic past behind and to be a good wife and a good American.
Escaping darkness is not so easy, however. Ally discovers that her house is situated on the borders of Nightwood, where fairy tales become nightmares and nightmares become reality. And the ruler of Nightwood has plans of his own.
When Carl is abducted by a forest monster, Ally follows him into the land where the Red, Black, and White Horsemen drag the sun in their wake. There she is taken prisoner by the ghoulish Little Mother and is forced to labor in a filthy farmyard filled with deformed human livestock. But Little Mother is not the most terrifying creature in Nightwood. The Ogre, squatting in the Castle with no Windows, is poised to invade our world. He has Carl; and he wants Ally.
Unexpectedly joined by new friends, Ally escapes to embark on a perilous journey across a dying land filled with mythical beasts and creatures from fairy tales. To save Carl, Ally will have to brave the horrors of Nightwood and uncover the shattering secret of her own identity.
Ally is a Ukrainian bride who married a wealthy Californian, Carl Morris. Everything is strange in her new home: the shadowy redwoods, the peculiar neighbors, and the mystery surrounding the death of Carl’s first wife. But Ally is determined to leave her own tragic past behind and to be a good wife and a good American.
Escaping darkness is not so easy, however. Ally discovers that her house is situated on the borders of Nightwood, where fairy tales become nightmares and nightmares become reality. And the ruler of Nightwood has plans of his own.
When Carl is abducted by a forest monster, Ally follows him into the land where the Red, Black, and White Horsemen drag the sun in their wake. There she is taken prisoner by the ghoulish Little Mother and is forced to labor in a filthy farmyard filled with deformed human livestock. But Little Mother is not the most terrifying creature in Nightwood. The Ogre, squatting in the Castle with no Windows, is poised to invade our world. He has Carl; and he wants Ally.
Unexpectedly joined by new friends, Ally escapes to embark on a perilous journey across a dying land filled with mythical beasts and creatures from fairy tales. To save Carl, Ally will have to brave the horrors of Nightwood and uncover the shattering secret of her own identity.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
9 people are currently reading
2793 people want to read
About the author
Elana Gomel
119 books70 followersBorn in Ukraine and currently residing in California, Elana Gomel is an academic with a long list of books and articles, an award-winning writer, and a professional nomad. She has taught and researched in Israel, Italy, and the US, and is known in the academy for her (purely theoretical) interest in serial killers, alien invasions, and rebellious AIs. She is the author of more than a hundred stories, several novellas, and six novels of dark fantasy and science fiction. Her latest fiction publications are the dark fairy tale Nightwood (Silver Award in the Bookfest 2023 competition) and Girl of Light, a historical fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 24, 2023
I was looking for something a little different, with different themes than what I've been currently reading. Right off the bat, NIGHTWOOD met my intentions perfectly, a dark fantasy based on Russian and Ukrainian folklore. By the mid-point of Chapter One I was engaged. The beginning was a perfect foreshadowing of things to come, creating some apprehension right from the start. While the two characters featured are not the main subjects, there was enough characterization to feel sorry for their situation.
Main character Ally moves to the United States from Ukraine and marries wealthy Californian Carl.
They reside in a beautiful glass-walled mansion nestled against the redwood forest that just happens to border Nightwood.
Chapter 1: "The past was so much easier to live with when you could edit it at will."
In Part 1 there is a lot of back-story to cover as well as multiple characters to introduce. Some of these characters will play a major role and others are merely set decorations. The weird only intrudes in short bits, and things get a bit slow. However, once events pick up near the end of Part 1 this gets wild. Everybody and everything is just a bit off-center, which adds to the enjoyment.
When her elderly husband disappears, Ally finds within the house enough artifacts of Carl's mysteriously deceased first wife to learn how to enter the Nightwood and rescue him. Nightwood is populated by mythical beasts and animals from fairy tales. Gomel's inventive is on full display here and the journey of Ally across this strange land makes up the bulk of the novel: Red, Black and White Horsemen; ghouls; ravenous wolves, shapeshifting deer and other animals, deformed human livestock; magical castles; a ruling Ogre; and special transformative waters.
Gomel blends her fantasy world with reality, reinforcing the repetitive mantra that appears throughout the novel: All fairy tales were history once.Many of those trapped within the Nightwood come from different periods in time/history and Gomel creates fantasy tribulations for them that parallel their former existence in the normal world. Before the novel finishes with a realistic fairy-tale ending, the subjects of oppression, loyalty, responsibility, and trust are woven within.
Main character Ally moves to the United States from Ukraine and marries wealthy Californian Carl.
They reside in a beautiful glass-walled mansion nestled against the redwood forest that just happens to border Nightwood.
Chapter 1: "The past was so much easier to live with when you could edit it at will."
In Part 1 there is a lot of back-story to cover as well as multiple characters to introduce. Some of these characters will play a major role and others are merely set decorations. The weird only intrudes in short bits, and things get a bit slow. However, once events pick up near the end of Part 1 this gets wild. Everybody and everything is just a bit off-center, which adds to the enjoyment.
When her elderly husband disappears, Ally finds within the house enough artifacts of Carl's mysteriously deceased first wife to learn how to enter the Nightwood and rescue him. Nightwood is populated by mythical beasts and animals from fairy tales. Gomel's inventive is on full display here and the journey of Ally across this strange land makes up the bulk of the novel: Red, Black and White Horsemen; ghouls; ravenous wolves, shapeshifting deer and other animals, deformed human livestock; magical castles; a ruling Ogre; and special transformative waters.
Gomel blends her fantasy world with reality, reinforcing the repetitive mantra that appears throughout the novel: All fairy tales were history once.Many of those trapped within the Nightwood come from different periods in time/history and Gomel creates fantasy tribulations for them that parallel their former existence in the normal world. Before the novel finishes with a realistic fairy-tale ending, the subjects of oppression, loyalty, responsibility, and trust are woven within.
August 21, 2023
Set in the times of COVID pandemic, the horror at Pleasant Brook was a gory and scary journey to experience.
The beginning of the book was totally exciting and well written but then as we go further into the story, it gets repetitive. My biggest issue with the book was that many new characters were introduced at the start of new chapters, their backstory explained just for them to be dead at the end of the chapter. I didn't see the point of it. It was difficult to care for them or even know who they were as they were totally strangers for me in the story.
Their encounter with the "masks" was just the same. Every time the same descriptions were repeated again and again as if we could not comprehend the gravity of the situation or horror the masks were able to generate anew.
Also the references to horror movies or books throughout made me annoyed. Some character's development was really good. It could have been cut short though as some parts felt unnecessary. Overall a good book for those who like horror genre.
The beginning of the book was totally exciting and well written but then as we go further into the story, it gets repetitive. My biggest issue with the book was that many new characters were introduced at the start of new chapters, their backstory explained just for them to be dead at the end of the chapter. I didn't see the point of it. It was difficult to care for them or even know who they were as they were totally strangers for me in the story.
Their encounter with the "masks" was just the same. Every time the same descriptions were repeated again and again as if we could not comprehend the gravity of the situation or horror the masks were able to generate anew.
Also the references to horror movies or books throughout made me annoyed. Some character's development was really good. It could have been cut short though as some parts felt unnecessary. Overall a good book for those who like horror genre.
February 14, 2023
“All fairy tales were history once” & ““You people are good at hatching monsters”—these two quotes help to exemplify what Elana Gomel has created; her visionary novel is only possible because of her deep familiarity with the fairy tale tradition.
With an imagination informed by world folklore that can be both sinister and gorgeous, Gomel deftly and poignantly explores the role of magic to conjure the ghosts of the past while exploring a redemptive quest in an archetypal fairyland. A literary fairy tale in the tradition of George MacDonald’s Phantastes but with resilient feminism that tenaciously deconstructs a legacy of toxic masculinity, Nightwood’s ensemble cast challenges socio-political limits and the role of traditional knowledge in a changing world.
Gomel vividly integrates and powerfully challenges tales from Baba Yaga to The Monster Bridegroom. Family secrets, the horror of warfare, the exploitation of women, generational guilt, modernized fairy-tale metaphysics, and the burden of leadership among the ghosts of the past—a compelling story with many dimensions awaits the reader of Nightwood.
With an imagination informed by world folklore that can be both sinister and gorgeous, Gomel deftly and poignantly explores the role of magic to conjure the ghosts of the past while exploring a redemptive quest in an archetypal fairyland. A literary fairy tale in the tradition of George MacDonald’s Phantastes but with resilient feminism that tenaciously deconstructs a legacy of toxic masculinity, Nightwood’s ensemble cast challenges socio-political limits and the role of traditional knowledge in a changing world.
Gomel vividly integrates and powerfully challenges tales from Baba Yaga to The Monster Bridegroom. Family secrets, the horror of warfare, the exploitation of women, generational guilt, modernized fairy-tale metaphysics, and the burden of leadership among the ghosts of the past—a compelling story with many dimensions awaits the reader of Nightwood.
May 15, 2023
Easily a 5-star read!
From the moment I started reading, I was completely captivated by the story and found myself unable to put it down. Elana's use of foreshadowing in the first part and consistently vivid descriptive language throughout the book is truly impressive. Her command of language was truly remarkable and adds an incredible depth to her writing. I also appreciated the level of creativity and originality that the author brought to the story.
Without giving away any spoilers, I must say that the reveal in the story was absolutely enthralling. Just moments before, a faint inkling of what might unfold started to form in my mind. However, the way the author masterfully narrated the reveal sent shivers down my spine and left me utterly captivated.
I highly recommend this book!
From the moment I started reading, I was completely captivated by the story and found myself unable to put it down. Elana's use of foreshadowing in the first part and consistently vivid descriptive language throughout the book is truly impressive. Her command of language was truly remarkable and adds an incredible depth to her writing. I also appreciated the level of creativity and originality that the author brought to the story.
Without giving away any spoilers, I must say that the reveal in the story was absolutely enthralling. Just moments before, a faint inkling of what might unfold started to form in my mind. However, the way the author masterfully narrated the reveal sent shivers down my spine and left me utterly captivated.
I highly recommend this book!
August 1, 2023
This book was really fun to read. There were lots of different characters, we get glimpses into the loves of at least 15 different people. There’s many unlikeable characters, but several lovable ones.
It has a slasher plot, with supernatural antagonist at its core. The Horror at Pleasant Brook set in a sleepy little town, during the COVID outbreak where everyone is still under a lock down, mask mandates, and online schooling alternatives.
The town sherif is a Lesbian, the library is Non-binary, and the main character Scott is a closeted 14 year old, so needless to say the cast is diverse which I really appreciate. There’s two recovering alcoholics who are so wonderful. Julie is a stripper, and the other is Marty, farmer who picks up odd jobs and lives in a barn, and is a super sweetheart.
The author choose Samhain as the villain, when that’s just a really strange choice since in reality Samhain is a pagan/ Celtic celebration. Part of me cringes at that because it’s something I openly celebrate, however since almost all of the characters are Christian it makes sense that the most popular Pagan holiday would be personified and demonized. We obviously haven’t gotten over the satanic panic of the 1980s in this novel.
In a lot of ways this book is character driven, and plot is predictable, but it’s a pretty fun horror novel to get through. Check trigger warnings because it is NOT a light hearted read.
It has a slasher plot, with supernatural antagonist at its core. The Horror at Pleasant Brook set in a sleepy little town, during the COVID outbreak where everyone is still under a lock down, mask mandates, and online schooling alternatives.
The town sherif is a Lesbian, the library is Non-binary, and the main character Scott is a closeted 14 year old, so needless to say the cast is diverse which I really appreciate. There’s two recovering alcoholics who are so wonderful. Julie is a stripper, and the other is Marty, farmer who picks up odd jobs and lives in a barn, and is a super sweetheart.
The author choose Samhain as the villain, when that’s just a really strange choice since in reality Samhain is a pagan/ Celtic celebration. Part of me cringes at that because it’s something I openly celebrate, however since almost all of the characters are Christian it makes sense that the most popular Pagan holiday would be personified and demonized. We obviously haven’t gotten over the satanic panic of the 1980s in this novel.
In a lot of ways this book is character driven, and plot is predictable, but it’s a pretty fun horror novel to get through. Check trigger warnings because it is NOT a light hearted read.
October 19, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Crystal Lake Publishing for this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Four stars out of five (4/5).
Trigger words: Animal death, character death, gore, and violence.
Although it was very similar to a book I've read lately I still found this book to be an enjoyable read, once I got past the surprise of this being another horror with spreading masks and black goo. Same with the idea of the infection sort of making everyone "one" entity.
There were a few errors throughout the novel, usually just simple spelling mistakes or a word missing etc.
It was nothing that made it unreadable.
The Horror at Pleasant Brook is a small-town horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
I was sort of disappointed at the end of the novel as it was ended, and not how I expected it to end. But if I were to take stars off a book for that then I wouldn't be able to get any 5-star books.
The book was a little slow to start off, but once it got going it was hard to put it down.
I would recommend this to a friend or my readers and I would probably have bought this if I hadn't got it free as an Advanced Readers Copy. As someone who doesn't get scared often, this kept me on my toes.
Four stars out of five (4/5).
Trigger words: Animal death, character death, gore, and violence.
Although it was very similar to a book I've read lately I still found this book to be an enjoyable read, once I got past the surprise of this being another horror with spreading masks and black goo. Same with the idea of the infection sort of making everyone "one" entity.
There were a few errors throughout the novel, usually just simple spelling mistakes or a word missing etc.
It was nothing that made it unreadable.
The Horror at Pleasant Brook is a small-town horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
I was sort of disappointed at the end of the novel as it was ended, and not how I expected it to end. But if I were to take stars off a book for that then I wouldn't be able to get any 5-star books.
The book was a little slow to start off, but once it got going it was hard to put it down.
I would recommend this to a friend or my readers and I would probably have bought this if I hadn't got it free as an Advanced Readers Copy. As someone who doesn't get scared often, this kept me on my toes.
October 20, 2023
This book knocked my socks off. It was down right terrifying!! This author came close to knocking Stephen King off his throne.
The atmosphere of the book left half scared out of my mind! It was a little slow in pace for me but thw writing.... OH THE WRITING! It is the kind of book you need to leave the light on to read.
This book isn't for the faint of heart!
4 stars
The atmosphere of the book left half scared out of my mind! It was a little slow in pace for me but thw writing.... OH THE WRITING! It is the kind of book you need to leave the light on to read.
This book isn't for the faint of heart!
4 stars
September 6, 2023
My thanks to NetGalley and Crystal Lake Publishing for the ARC of "The Horror at Pleasant Brook" in exchange for an honest review.
Hold on to your hats.....and more importantly, your lunches or dinners. This book holds no interest in being some kind of mainstream, all-demographics=included type of frightfest.
Prepare yourself for a deep deep dive into a bottomless abyss of nihilistic carnage. We're talking hardcore, take-no-prisoners horror in all caps here........ drenched in nightmarish imagery, indescribable agonizing deaths, and enough gore that would require Hoover Dam to contain it all.
And I promise I don't exaggerate. It's been awhile since I came across a book so dedicated to taking a reader on such an uncompromising hellish ride. And I loved every oozing blood-drenched page of it.
Pleasant Brook's a sleepy little slip of a town nestled up among the Adirondacks. Unfortunately for its sparse population, one of its residents got a hold of an ancient relic, a grotesque mask that spawns a demonic entity who feeds on humankind. Not only feeds, but converts its horribly slaughtered victims into an army of similar creatures, all of them hive-connected to 'The First'.....human victim zero.
From that point on the town's reduced to a small core number of terrified people who find themselves tasked with wiping out this horrific scourge........which begs the question, can any of them survive the climactic battle? (And I should mention that author Kevin Lucia does a more than worthy job in fully bringing these characters to life so you care deeply for them and fear for their lives every step of the way.
Just keep in mind, this one's not for casual browsers of mild scares and a slightly chilly atmosphere. This is 5 star raw meat, suitable for only the hardiest of horror lovers. Don't say you weren't warned........
Hold on to your hats.....and more importantly, your lunches or dinners. This book holds no interest in being some kind of mainstream, all-demographics=included type of frightfest.
Prepare yourself for a deep deep dive into a bottomless abyss of nihilistic carnage. We're talking hardcore, take-no-prisoners horror in all caps here........ drenched in nightmarish imagery, indescribable agonizing deaths, and enough gore that would require Hoover Dam to contain it all.
And I promise I don't exaggerate. It's been awhile since I came across a book so dedicated to taking a reader on such an uncompromising hellish ride. And I loved every oozing blood-drenched page of it.
Pleasant Brook's a sleepy little slip of a town nestled up among the Adirondacks. Unfortunately for its sparse population, one of its residents got a hold of an ancient relic, a grotesque mask that spawns a demonic entity who feeds on humankind. Not only feeds, but converts its horribly slaughtered victims into an army of similar creatures, all of them hive-connected to 'The First'.....human victim zero.
From that point on the town's reduced to a small core number of terrified people who find themselves tasked with wiping out this horrific scourge........which begs the question, can any of them survive the climactic battle? (And I should mention that author Kevin Lucia does a more than worthy job in fully bringing these characters to life so you care deeply for them and fear for their lives every step of the way.
Just keep in mind, this one's not for casual browsers of mild scares and a slightly chilly atmosphere. This is 5 star raw meat, suitable for only the hardiest of horror lovers. Don't say you weren't warned........
July 26, 2023
In the quiet town of Pleasant Brook, Lisa Owen's desperation led to a terrifying chain of events. Consumed by pain, loneliness, and the loss of her dreams, she unwittingly unleashed an ancient evil lying dormant in her old house. The catalyst was Bobby Lee Haskel, who donned a cursed mask, transforming him into something malevolent. Soon, ominous figures wearing repulsive masks appeared, and the town's residents started disappearing.
Amidst the chaos, a horror-obsessed teenager and the town's constable discovered the chilling truth. However, they may be running out of time to save Pleasant Brook and themselves from a fate worse than death.
"The Horror at Pleasant Brook" delivers a blood-soaked, gory, and suspenseful experience, boasting a diverse cast of characters and shocking twists. The chilling writing will keep you on edge, jumping at shadows and flinching at every unexpected sound. This book begs to be adapted into a movie, even though the grisly scenes might force you to avert your eyes. It's an unbelievably crazy and fear-inducing tale, as something sinister takes over the town, leaving a permanent mark on readers' psyches.
While you may enjoy reading about creatures taking control, this nightmarish scenario is precisely what terrifies you the most. Zombies, aliens, and the idea of hive mentality haunt your thoughts, and this book vividly explores such fears with its descriptive and haunting scenes. Let's hope that such nightmare-inducing subjects remain confined to the realm of fiction. Prepare for more sleepless nights, thanks to this nightmare fuel!
Amidst the chaos, a horror-obsessed teenager and the town's constable discovered the chilling truth. However, they may be running out of time to save Pleasant Brook and themselves from a fate worse than death.
"The Horror at Pleasant Brook" delivers a blood-soaked, gory, and suspenseful experience, boasting a diverse cast of characters and shocking twists. The chilling writing will keep you on edge, jumping at shadows and flinching at every unexpected sound. This book begs to be adapted into a movie, even though the grisly scenes might force you to avert your eyes. It's an unbelievably crazy and fear-inducing tale, as something sinister takes over the town, leaving a permanent mark on readers' psyches.
While you may enjoy reading about creatures taking control, this nightmarish scenario is precisely what terrifies you the most. Zombies, aliens, and the idea of hive mentality haunt your thoughts, and this book vividly explores such fears with its descriptive and haunting scenes. Let's hope that such nightmare-inducing subjects remain confined to the realm of fiction. Prepare for more sleepless nights, thanks to this nightmare fuel!
August 8, 2023
In The Horror at Pleasant Brook, a spine-chilling tale of terror unfolds as a malevolent and insidious force descends upon a secluded town nestled deep within the Adirondacks, just in time for Halloween. This sinister entity cares not for the town's secrets, biases, or shortcomings; its sole purpose is unrelenting destruction and consumption, leaving nothing in its wake but desolation.
As the malevolent influence tightens its grip on the town, a disparate and unlikely group of individuals emerges as the only line of defence against its encroaching darkness. These individuals are the marginalized, the overlooked, and the dismissed members of the community. Despite their perceived insignificance, they find themselves compelled to confront the overwhelming evil that threatens to consume their town.
Against all odds, this motley crew of survivors must summon the strength to confront the ancient and merciless power that seeks to consume everything in its path. The odds are stacked against them, and the malevolence they face is both unrelenting and timeless. As the horror continues to spread, the group's determination to stand and fight becomes their only beacon of hope.
"The Horror at Pleasant Brook" is a gripping and heart-pounding narrative that explores themes of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those who dare to face unimaginable darkness. As the battle intensifies and the stakes escalate, readers are taken on a relentless journey into the heart of fear, where the line between survival and annihilation becomes increasingly thin.
As the malevolent influence tightens its grip on the town, a disparate and unlikely group of individuals emerges as the only line of defence against its encroaching darkness. These individuals are the marginalized, the overlooked, and the dismissed members of the community. Despite their perceived insignificance, they find themselves compelled to confront the overwhelming evil that threatens to consume their town.
Against all odds, this motley crew of survivors must summon the strength to confront the ancient and merciless power that seeks to consume everything in its path. The odds are stacked against them, and the malevolence they face is both unrelenting and timeless. As the horror continues to spread, the group's determination to stand and fight becomes their only beacon of hope.
"The Horror at Pleasant Brook" is a gripping and heart-pounding narrative that explores themes of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those who dare to face unimaginable darkness. As the battle intensifies and the stakes escalate, readers are taken on a relentless journey into the heart of fear, where the line between survival and annihilation becomes increasingly thin.
October 22, 2023
It seems my opinion of this book is not as so many others have found it, nor will it be a popular review. However, I was given this as an arc and although I do thank The publisher, author, and net gallery for allowing me to read this up front, I just didn't find it pleasurable. Although the story base itself was good, I found the book itself annoying. First I didn't think it was very well written at all. If the masks were described in the same verbage one more time I thought I was going to scream. I think that there could have been many more ways to describe it rather than regurgitating the same description over and over again. Secondly, I found it confusing. To launch right into the fact that the librarian was non-binary without telling you they were non-binary before he started talking pronouns and whatnot, it was confusing. I had to go back and reread it several times and then it clicked. It wasn't until much later that the author actually described the non-binary aspect of the character, so then, when a widow was referred to as a widower, I had to go back and reread it again to make sure that I was reading about the same character. And the fact that that same character was a woman not a man. Widow, not widower. Those were just two instances of things that could have been made much clearer and made the story flow in a much more natural way. So, I don't recommend this book. I was disappointed. After reading all the positive reviews I was really looking forward to the story, but it just didn't live up to it.
August 7, 2023
The book has a fascinating premise but fell short in many ways, making it difficult to overlook. I don't want to get too detailed because I'd like to avoid spoilers, so I apologize for being vague.
Some major positives to the book:
- The premise is genuinely really cool!
- I loved the gore descriptions.
- A lot of the scenes felt like something I'd see in some of my favorite slasher movies.
- This is a small thing but I just really love the cover of the book. It really stands out against a lot of modern horror covers you see.
Unfortunately, there were a few things that made it difficult for me to finish this book.
- There were instances where I felt that plot points were being over-explained.
- Some scenes were quite repetitive, especially towards the middle.
- I noticed a few typos and missing words here and there.
- The majority of the characters all share an affinity for alcohol, many to the point of alcoholism. Maybe this was done on purpose but it made it hard for me to differentiate characters.
Some major positives to the book:
- The premise is genuinely really cool!
- I loved the gore descriptions.
- A lot of the scenes felt like something I'd see in some of my favorite slasher movies.
- This is a small thing but I just really love the cover of the book. It really stands out against a lot of modern horror covers you see.
Unfortunately, there were a few things that made it difficult for me to finish this book.
- There were instances where I felt that plot points were being over-explained.
- Some scenes were quite repetitive, especially towards the middle.
- I noticed a few typos and missing words here and there.
- The majority of the characters all share an affinity for alcohol, many to the point of alcoholism. Maybe this was done on purpose but it made it hard for me to differentiate characters.
December 8, 2023
I was shocked to read the description and learn that the writer is an editor, because there were so many grammatical errors and so much repetition. There were also a lot of characters, and at least once the author mixed up two characters. It would have been better to make it tighter and cut out some errors, one odd one being the spelling of Jeep as JEEP.
The story itself was fun. I always enjoy the kind of "evil coming back and taking over a small town" stories. However, the characters were stereotypes and the writer seemed to be trying really hard to represent different sexual orientations, all while mercilessly shaming a young woman who made money stripping. I don't personally know anyone who would shame someone for that and it was a really weird thing to harp on.
The characters weren't smart and didn't follow up on what they learned, and one character who probably would have been cool died because another character who knew how dangerous everything was decided to go off alone to think in an empty area.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
The story itself was fun. I always enjoy the kind of "evil coming back and taking over a small town" stories. However, the characters were stereotypes and the writer seemed to be trying really hard to represent different sexual orientations, all while mercilessly shaming a young woman who made money stripping. I don't personally know anyone who would shame someone for that and it was a really weird thing to harp on.
The characters weren't smart and didn't follow up on what they learned, and one character who probably would have been cool died because another character who knew how dangerous everything was decided to go off alone to think in an empty area.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
September 25, 2023
When Lisa Owens decided to turn to the account for her or her infertility she summoned a demon that would wreak havoc on her little town and it would be left up to constables Grace Matthews and Scott Carter to kill the menace. It would start as a mystery who’s clues comes in dead bodies in strange sightings like drips and dribbles and slowly but surely you’re either affected or dead. This was one of the strangest horror stories and not to mention the description of these monsters in the mask is so creepy… But I guess that’s what the author was going for and kudos to him for a brilliant brilliant read I so wish this would be a movie. I love this book and highly recommend it if you love horror and I mean good old fashion true horror stories then you will definitely love the Horror of Pleasant Brooke it’s not super long but it is super awesome! I want to think Crystal Lake publishing in NetGalley for my free arccopy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
August 10, 2023
I thought this was a really good story but a bit too long and drawn out. It was a great premise and not something seen very often. It was sufficiently scary, gory and gruesome. It was also really interesting to incorporate the isolation aspects, both of small town life and more specifically during the pandemic. It added a sense of realism and highlighted regular everyday fears.
However, I think the author tried a bit too hard to push the small town narrative element. We got backstory for every single character that appeared. I really didn't need pages of backstory for characters that only really appeared in a page or so of action. I get the author was trying to replicate the small town everybody knows everybody and their story quality but isn't that why everybody hates living in a small town.
The story ended up feeling way too drawn out and had a hard time keeping my interest.
However, I think the author tried a bit too hard to push the small town narrative element. We got backstory for every single character that appeared. I really didn't need pages of backstory for characters that only really appeared in a page or so of action. I get the author was trying to replicate the small town everybody knows everybody and their story quality but isn't that why everybody hates living in a small town.
The story ended up feeling way too drawn out and had a hard time keeping my interest.
November 12, 2023
For fans of zombies, vampires, and body snatchers.
This novel felt like I was watching a gruesome horror flick play out; with a slow build that gradually picks up momentum throughout a sleepy, covid stricken town. Lucia does the genre proud, following a well loved formula, while still making the story their own. The plot was character driven, yet managed to not wear you down with too many details from the many faces of Pleasant Brook. A gory and lovely terror that gives not so subtle shout outs to classic and modern horror novels & movies, alike.
Thanks to NetGalley & Crystal Lake Publishing for the eARC!
This novel felt like I was watching a gruesome horror flick play out; with a slow build that gradually picks up momentum throughout a sleepy, covid stricken town. Lucia does the genre proud, following a well loved formula, while still making the story their own. The plot was character driven, yet managed to not wear you down with too many details from the many faces of Pleasant Brook. A gory and lovely terror that gives not so subtle shout outs to classic and modern horror novels & movies, alike.
Thanks to NetGalley & Crystal Lake Publishing for the eARC!
October 9, 2023
The Horror at Pleasant Brook was defiantly a horror book that had a great plot and the horror aspects were really good. Sadly though this book was not one I liked because I felt that this book was painfully slow and had repetitive uses of words or phrases too. I also was too confused with this book and struggled with it because of the multiple Povs and storylines that it had. I would still recommend this book to horror fans though! This one was just not for me. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review.
October 13, 2023
If you're looking for a straight-up, fun Halloween horror novel to occupy your time for a night or two, The Horror at Pleasant Brook will certainly scratch that itch.
While I did find it a little tedious that some descriptions were used practically word-for-word repeatedly throughout the book, the story and pacing were strong enough to keep it entertaining until the final page.
Thank you, NetGalley, Crystal Lake Publishing, and Kevin Lucia for the opportunity to read and review the advanced reader copy of this book.
While I did find it a little tedious that some descriptions were used practically word-for-word repeatedly throughout the book, the story and pacing were strong enough to keep it entertaining until the final page.
Thank you, NetGalley, Crystal Lake Publishing, and Kevin Lucia for the opportunity to read and review the advanced reader copy of this book.
November 10, 2023
The Horror at Pleasant Brook delivers a relentless and chilling experience for horror enthusiasts. From the first page to the last, the narrative is soaked in gore, creating an atmosphere that is both horrifying and captivating. The author skillfully weaves spine-chilling storytelling with meticulous attention to gory details, ensuring that the reader is consistently engrossed in the nightmarish world
August 18, 2023
Pleasant Brook is not so pleasant! This book has everything you want for spooky season. Secluded small town in the Adirondacks, malevolent spirits, a band of unlikely heroes, a fight between good and evil. It played out in my head like a horror movie as I read it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this book.
September 24, 2025
I'm confused by all the reviews that appear to be for a different book - this is the story of Ally's misadventures in Nightwood.
While I found it took a few chapters to warm up, it rapidly turned into a high intensity horror remix of old fairy tales. While I found some of the story threads a bit confusing at times, overall it was thrilling, and intriguing, and wonderfully dark.
While I found it took a few chapters to warm up, it rapidly turned into a high intensity horror remix of old fairy tales. While I found some of the story threads a bit confusing at times, overall it was thrilling, and intriguing, and wonderfully dark.
December 8, 2025
Fairy tales have always been exciting to read, but they're too short. This book provides that long, in-depth dive I've craved to really sink into these stories. Numerous fairy tales take you through an amazing adventure story.
October 23, 2023
Loved, loved, loved this! Unsettling, gory, creepy, and fast paced! This is the perfect spooky season read! Love a small isolated town plagued with horrors! Definitely following this author now!
June 22, 2023
Set aside whatever book you’re currently reading and pick this one up. This was easily one of the creepiest horror books I’ve read in years. It’s action-packed, full of detail, and the storyline was intricately crafted by the author. It has a very unique plot and it wrapped up in an unsettling way. Bonus points that the setting was in the Adirondacks!
June 19, 2023
It was fine but it definitely gave off the vibe as a basic horror story. Characters were bland and had no personalization, the writing was a bit weird, and I wasn't the biggest fan of going back and forth between present and past as it felt like it was taking from the story. Not quite 3 stars for me.
June 10, 2023
Started promising and went slow for a little bit but it didn't waste too much time getting right back to the goodness. Really interesting Lovecraftian vision of horror and worth your time.
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