Malediction

by Bobby Thorne

Malediction provides a look at the dark side of the westward trail and tactically mixes the genres of western and paranormal thriller.

Set in the 1800s, South and Jonah have been members of Titus Dupont's gang for over four years. After having reservations about their line of work, South meets a preacher who convinces him to join his congregation's wagon train as they attempt to start a church on the west coast. Jonah and South use the wagon train as a getaway after a bank robbery goes awry and soon find that their sins cannot be escaped without penance. With surprise encounters and unsettling omens laden throughout, Malediction illustrates an unforgiving journey that pushes its characters past their limits.

Genres: Horror, Fiction

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2022

About the author

Bobby Thorne developed a passion for the paranormal when he was a child. Growing up, his mother would tell ghost stories to him and his friends. With a background in scientific research and a knack for creative writing, he started contributing to multiple sports blogs while still in university. He lives in a yellow house at the end of a cul-de-sac and enjoys playing with his two dogs.

Reviews

[Matthew Condello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. A quick read and easy read filled with memorable characters and thought provoking allegory. What begins as a charming buddy story becomes a nightmare wagon train west. The author has a talent for compelling characterizations. He handles the transition from happiness to horror skillfully and is able to craft scenes of true terror. I look forward to what he does next. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[John Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seemingly well hearted, and fairly normal, story of westward expansionist pioneers escaping their past turns dark. Malediction will leave you with more questions than answers, as themes of virtue and redemption are looked at through an unapologetically realistic lens. This blend of quintessential americana and supernatural horror will have you as frightened philosophically as you are physically.

[Corrine Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story for those who enjoy historical fiction and westerns. It focuses on the ruthless trip out west and the perils faced along the way. It's easy-to-read while maintaining exciting adventures traveling west and along the Oregon trail. Really loved this one!

[Books Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malediction is the perfect book for fans of both westerns and thrillers novels! Thorne perfectly mixes the two genres, while also keeping readers on their toes and leaves them wanting more. I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read more from Thorne in the future.