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The Wyrm
In a small town, mysterious forces try to protect the gallows from being torn down as an evil entity possesses the bodies of the living.
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First published October 1, 1987
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About the author
Stephen Laws
58 books137 followersStephen Laws is a full-time novelist, born in Newcastle upon Tyne. Married, with three children, he lives and works in his birthplace. The author of 11 novels, numerous short stories, (collected in THE MIDNIGHT MAN) columnist, reviewer, film-festival interviewer, pianist and recipient of a number of awards, Stephen Laws recently wrote and starred in the short horror movie THE SECRET.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 3, 2023
Pretty good 'big evil in a small town' story by Laws, but nothing really exceptional. Our main protagonist is a reclusive horror author named Michael who a few years ago moved to the small town of Shillingham, which sits on the English/Scottish boarder. Perhaps the only real interesting thing about the town is a large, ancient gallows which sits on a crossroads just outside of 'downtown'. When the regional governments decide to build a highway, the gallows has got to go however; this makes some people more than a little anxious!
While the pacing was generally fine, and the 'big evil' was certainly fun, a few things pulled my rating down on this. First, a pet peeve of mine are novels featuring authors as the main protagonists. What percentage of the population are published authors? I cannot be very high, so why do so many authors feature them as protagonists, especially in the horror genre? Even the prolific King often features an author as the main protagonist and these are some of my least favorite of his works. While I can see why Laws did so here, as it does play a key role in the story, it still rankles.
Secondly, the 'big evil in a small town' has really been done to death, even when this was first published in 1987. This trope always seems to feature a few plucky individuals who decide or are compelled to defeat the evil against all odds. Yeah, the first few times this was done was great, but over and over and over again, it just gets old. That stated, Laws did a good job with this trope here, but again, nothing really new or novel. Still, if you really like this trope, you could do a lot worse! 3 wyrmy stars!
While the pacing was generally fine, and the 'big evil' was certainly fun, a few things pulled my rating down on this. First, a pet peeve of mine are novels featuring authors as the main protagonists. What percentage of the population are published authors? I cannot be very high, so why do so many authors feature them as protagonists, especially in the horror genre? Even the prolific King often features an author as the main protagonist and these are some of my least favorite of his works. While I can see why Laws did so here, as it does play a key role in the story, it still rankles.
Secondly, the 'big evil in a small town' has really been done to death, even when this was first published in 1987. This trope always seems to feature a few plucky individuals who decide or are compelled to defeat the evil against all odds. Yeah, the first few times this was done was great, but over and over and over again, it just gets old. That stated, Laws did a good job with this trope here, but again, nothing really new or novel. Still, if you really like this trope, you could do a lot worse! 3 wyrmy stars!
April 3, 2018
2.5 stars
I've read a few books by this author, his style always takes me back to the stuff I liked to read in my teens. I was less critical then, more able to immerse myself in just about any book and read for pure enjoyment and escapism, so I probably would have enjoyed this more as a younger reader. It's harder as an adult to just let things slide and enjoy the ride!
This is still a fairly decent traditional horror read: buried, imprisoned evil seeks to destroy small town and only the last of the line in the 'chosen' family can save them all. You know how it goes. Predictable though much of it may have been, there's still plenty of action and excitement, and some well-written characters you can root for/wish a horrible death upon. I liked the idea of the lurking, nasty Wyrm biding its time beneath the town's gallows but thought more could have been made of this idea.
Would recommend for fans of old-school British horror, James Herbert, Shaun Hutson, Graham Masterton et al.
I've read a few books by this author, his style always takes me back to the stuff I liked to read in my teens. I was less critical then, more able to immerse myself in just about any book and read for pure enjoyment and escapism, so I probably would have enjoyed this more as a younger reader. It's harder as an adult to just let things slide and enjoy the ride!
This is still a fairly decent traditional horror read: buried, imprisoned evil seeks to destroy small town and only the last of the line in the 'chosen' family can save them all. You know how it goes. Predictable though much of it may have been, there's still plenty of action and excitement, and some well-written characters you can root for/wish a horrible death upon. I liked the idea of the lurking, nasty Wyrm biding its time beneath the town's gallows but thought more could have been made of this idea.
Would recommend for fans of old-school British horror, James Herbert, Shaun Hutson, Graham Masterton et al.
January 27, 2016
The town disaster is told through the eyes of a former writer who has been imprisoned by his personal fears and a young girl ruled under her father, who also happens to be the town wacko. Underneath the small town is an ancient sort of demon, called a “Wyrm”, which is accidentally released from it’s chamber and it’s up to the remaining town residents to stop it.
The plot itself isn’t that original but Laws injects enough passion into it to make it worth a read.For a horror novel, the atmosphere was dark enough to serve it’s purpose.
Michael, as the ex writer with fears bigger than Baltimore, makes a delightful protagonist to read about.
Christy, the ‘waving’ sweet town honey, is a bit stereotypical but overall helps propel the story to where it needs to go. Iris is a little predictable herself in some points but provided me with a strong anchor with morals to latch on to.
The sheriff was my favorite character, he came across as very real and with an undeniably appealing personality. The only bad thing about him was that he insisted to turning to Michael for advice, because the man had wrote about fear in the past. It was a bit convenient that Michael knew what a “Wyrm” was, but as a plot device it’s basically a necessary tool to be used. Overall Laws wrote characters I cared about that worked, even if some of their major and minor traits were a bit too stereotypical.
The pace was a bit slow at first, but quickly propelled to the conflict. The “fight” itself lasted awhile and then abruptly exploded. Laws writing style doesn’t leave much out; I always knew what was going on.
While not an award winner, The Wyrm is a book worth hunting down. It tells the story of an ancient creature letting loose its havoc on a small town, killing and terrorizing many. The Wyrm speaks of pure evil, and, while done with a one-dimensional touch, manages to entertain after all.
The plot itself isn’t that original but Laws injects enough passion into it to make it worth a read.For a horror novel, the atmosphere was dark enough to serve it’s purpose.
Michael, as the ex writer with fears bigger than Baltimore, makes a delightful protagonist to read about.
Christy, the ‘waving’ sweet town honey, is a bit stereotypical but overall helps propel the story to where it needs to go. Iris is a little predictable herself in some points but provided me with a strong anchor with morals to latch on to.
The sheriff was my favorite character, he came across as very real and with an undeniably appealing personality. The only bad thing about him was that he insisted to turning to Michael for advice, because the man had wrote about fear in the past. It was a bit convenient that Michael knew what a “Wyrm” was, but as a plot device it’s basically a necessary tool to be used. Overall Laws wrote characters I cared about that worked, even if some of their major and minor traits were a bit too stereotypical.
The pace was a bit slow at first, but quickly propelled to the conflict. The “fight” itself lasted awhile and then abruptly exploded. Laws writing style doesn’t leave much out; I always knew what was going on.
While not an award winner, The Wyrm is a book worth hunting down. It tells the story of an ancient creature letting loose its havoc on a small town, killing and terrorizing many. The Wyrm speaks of pure evil, and, while done with a one-dimensional touch, manages to entertain after all.
February 15, 2016
Author Michael Lambton is a successful writer who is paralyzed with fear to the point that he has separated himself from society. He does so by moving to the remote Scottish village of Shillingham. Unbeknownst to him and the residents of the village, an ancient evil that is about to be reborn in Shillingham. A part vampyric, part alien entity known as the Wyrm is buried in the ground, and when expansion comes to this village it is unearthed. That leads to all hell breaking loose. Lambton and his neighbor and soon to be lover, Christy are enwrapped in the middle of it since she is the last heir of the family that has been keeping this secret for centuries.
There is nothing particularly wrong with this novel. It’s got decent horror elements. For the most part, I liked the characters. At the same time, there was nothing about it that really stood out in comparison to the many other horror novels that I’ve read. The plot feels very generic and familiar. It feels as if I’ve read similar books dozens of times. An ancient evil being unearthed is nothing new and there is nothing to really distinguish the book. That being said, the novel was solid and I wouldn’t dissuade potential readers to give it a read, I just wouldn’t highly recommend it.
Carl Alves – author of Blood Street
There is nothing particularly wrong with this novel. It’s got decent horror elements. For the most part, I liked the characters. At the same time, there was nothing about it that really stood out in comparison to the many other horror novels that I’ve read. The plot feels very generic and familiar. It feels as if I’ve read similar books dozens of times. An ancient evil being unearthed is nothing new and there is nothing to really distinguish the book. That being said, the novel was solid and I wouldn’t dissuade potential readers to give it a read, I just wouldn’t highly recommend it.
Carl Alves – author of Blood Street
August 6, 2021
This was my first experience reading a Stephen Laws book, safe to say it did not dissapoint! I really enjoyed the pace of the book and the descriptive writing is carefully executed which made it so easy to visualise what was going on. I enjoyed how the book was split into 3 parts and the prologue and epilogue begun and ended the book very nicely. The villain is definately one the reader feels a hatred for and the other characters are relatively likeable, although I did not feel any attachment to any of them. There were some gruesome/creepy scenes dotted throughout this book mainly in part 2 and 3 which really brung it together. Part 3 in particular was packed with action. My criticism lies within the plot line which is good but can be predictable and is also slightly cliché along with arguably a bit too much action by the end of the book. If you're into lovecraftian horror with an evil paranormal entity and vampires then read this!
January 28, 2022
One of the best things I like about this author is his slow burn beginnings..and then you are rocketed right into the action, it's all you can do to hang on until the end. This book is no different. 4 out of 5 stars
March 2, 2014
Oh, good Lord – where to start. This book had a promising beginning, and what seemed at first like an original premise – a mysterious evil force seems to haunt the ground around the gallows that was erected in a small town. The town drunk, whose selfless daughter is a main character, has unknown reasons for opposing a plan to bulldoze the gallows and build a shopping center. Some unknown force whispers to children and calls to them. However, the book soon turned completely ridiculous – I wasn't impressed with the romance between the 2 main characters, it seemed contrived. And while the writer character was likable and had a interesting back story, the plot soon careened into absurdity, with hundreds of people being killed without the police from the outside being summoned, in an extremely unrealistic fashion. Zombies abound, and strange events happen – and there was one of the worst scenes I've ever read in a novel which took place when the characters take refuge in a church – the little girl begins to sing a song about Jesus, and the zombies inexplicably struck by her innocence, fall back – it was terrible, completely ridiculous and annoying – and made me want to throw the book across the room. Any positive qualities this book had was swallowed up by its poor execution, lack of believability,and sheer lack of any unoriginality. Terrible book and definitely not worth reading for any a fan of horror.
December 3, 2013
This is my first Stephen Laws book and I was initially hesitant because of the few and the average reviews. Since I'm a horror fan, and I've been trying different horror authors, I decided to try this one out.
I was glad I did!!! This book is very, very scary, and very horrific! This is the one of the very rare books in which I felt I was kid watching an 80's horror movie with friends, in the dark, and covering under the sheets.
Many books in a horror genre aren't that scary; some blending aspects of mystery, science fiction, and psychological suspense. These books have killer psychopaths, robots, mutated animals, aliens - antagonists that you can kill with just the right amount of man-made firepower. On the other hand, the Wyrm is a supernatural creature of demonic proportions. It has awaken and has isolated and decimated an entire town, turning its inhabitants into zombies/vampires. No amount of bullets can kill it, and only the last descendant of the Keeper of the Secret could end its curse.
If you enjoy 80's horror movies (the golden era of horror movies), READ THIS BOOK! THIS BOOK DOESN'T SCARE, IT TERRIFIES!!!!!
I was glad I did!!! This book is very, very scary, and very horrific! This is the one of the very rare books in which I felt I was kid watching an 80's horror movie with friends, in the dark, and covering under the sheets.
Many books in a horror genre aren't that scary; some blending aspects of mystery, science fiction, and psychological suspense. These books have killer psychopaths, robots, mutated animals, aliens - antagonists that you can kill with just the right amount of man-made firepower. On the other hand, the Wyrm is a supernatural creature of demonic proportions. It has awaken and has isolated and decimated an entire town, turning its inhabitants into zombies/vampires. No amount of bullets can kill it, and only the last descendant of the Keeper of the Secret could end its curse.
If you enjoy 80's horror movies (the golden era of horror movies), READ THIS BOOK! THIS BOOK DOESN'T SCARE, IT TERRIFIES!!!!!
August 15, 2014
Another great book from Laws. It says a lot about miscommunication and isolation. The villain is great, a different kind of vampire. Around the end, though, it starts falling apart. It becomes too cliched. Also, I think Laws took the easy way out, considering how everything ends. However, everything up to the end was a lot of fun, and I would definitely recommend it.
March 29, 2020
In Shillingham (a small town in England), city officials want to remove a hundreds of years old gibbet (aka the gallows) to build a new road that will bring new life, and tourism, to the town. However, Frank Warwick has been keeping a secret all of his life about a dark presence waiting for the moment when it can be set free (the removal of the gibbet) to take revenge on the residents and bring Hell to earth. The Wyrm has a healthy cast of characters that the reader is introduced to and, throughout, we get to see from their points of view, but none of the characters stand out as being particularly good. As far as vampire fiction goes, this was an okay read. I have certainly read better, more original works of vampire fiction that I would recommend over this one! What I will say is that it was a quick read and it did hold my attention for what it was, but it's not one of those books (and I do love me some vampires) that I will ever come back to. Nothing really original was touched upon. That being said, I think I would have liked this better as a movie. The way I pictured it in my head worked a lot better than what was written upon the page.
Plot - 2 out of 5
Characters - 1 out of 5
Ease of Reading - 5 out of 5
Overall (roughly) - 2 out of 5 stars
Recommended for anyone that needs something quick to read or who enjoys all types of vampire fiction.
Plot - 2 out of 5
Characters - 1 out of 5
Ease of Reading - 5 out of 5
Overall (roughly) - 2 out of 5 stars
Recommended for anyone that needs something quick to read or who enjoys all types of vampire fiction.
March 26, 2021
Shillingham, un village tranquille de l'Angleterre.
Ses habitants :
Michael, un écrivain solitaire, qui se remet tranquillement d'une terrible dépression nerveuse, et ses deux chiens berger allemand.
Christie, une jeune femme qui trouve la vie difficile avec son père Frank, alcoolique, mais aussi détenteur d'un terrible secret.
Grover, le policier qui fait de son mieux.
Billy, la mauvaise graine du village qui ne peut résister à ses pulsions mauvaises.
La petite Karen et son jeune frère Graham.
Et beaucoup d'autres.
Et...il y a le gibet, vieux de quelques centaines d'années à la croisées des chemins. Gibet où les jeunes Karen et Graham ont l'impression d'entendre des voix.
Et puis, la municipalité décide d'élargir la rue et de transférer le gibet dans un musée.
Oh ! Elle n'aurait pas dû.
Un être terrifiant "Le Veur", venu du fond des âges, est libéré et c'est le début d'une suite de malheurs. Michael et Christie se trouvent propulsés en avant pour essayer d'affronter cette créature aux pouvoirs prodigieux.
Un roman original, qui s'inspire du thème du vampire, mais avec une variation surprenante qui en fait une lecture captivante. Un peu lent à se mettre en place, mais quand le départ est donné, ça déboule.
J'ai beaucoup aimé et je ne connaissais pas cet écrivain qui s'avère très talentueux.
Ses habitants :
Michael, un écrivain solitaire, qui se remet tranquillement d'une terrible dépression nerveuse, et ses deux chiens berger allemand.
Christie, une jeune femme qui trouve la vie difficile avec son père Frank, alcoolique, mais aussi détenteur d'un terrible secret.
Grover, le policier qui fait de son mieux.
Billy, la mauvaise graine du village qui ne peut résister à ses pulsions mauvaises.
La petite Karen et son jeune frère Graham.
Et beaucoup d'autres.
Et...il y a le gibet, vieux de quelques centaines d'années à la croisées des chemins. Gibet où les jeunes Karen et Graham ont l'impression d'entendre des voix.
Et puis, la municipalité décide d'élargir la rue et de transférer le gibet dans un musée.
Oh ! Elle n'aurait pas dû.
Un être terrifiant "Le Veur", venu du fond des âges, est libéré et c'est le début d'une suite de malheurs. Michael et Christie se trouvent propulsés en avant pour essayer d'affronter cette créature aux pouvoirs prodigieux.
Un roman original, qui s'inspire du thème du vampire, mais avec une variation surprenante qui en fait une lecture captivante. Un peu lent à se mettre en place, mais quand le départ est donné, ça déboule.
J'ai beaucoup aimé et je ne connaissais pas cet écrivain qui s'avère très talentueux.
October 30, 2025
Three star but on the upper end if you enjoy very straightforward monster horror, not that its a bad thing.
There isn't much to say about this story it is refreshingly simply and the synopsis on the back summarises the story perfectly: a great evil is set loose upon the small rural town of Shillingham and its up to a ragtag group of characters to survive and fight back.
Its about as small town horror as you can get but Laws tells it with such aplomb I didn't mind and true to his style he pushes it to some quite grotesque lengths; which to be fair is about standard for this style of story. The characters are pretty stock for the most parts with a handful of slight twists on well-established moulds and the eventual resolution I found pleasingly clever in a silly way.
My only major issue was the relationship between the two main leads, while fine at its core, the way the story establishes that a relationship between them would be inappropriate (this is actively thought by one of the said leads) the narrative then fully flips on this less than 30 or so pages later. While nothing illegal is happening, the growing relationship occurring in the context of that initial thought just meant it never sat well with me and made certain scenes a little uncomfortable.
Overall an enjoyable quick read, very monster of the week almost. Nothing special but not everything has to be.
There isn't much to say about this story it is refreshingly simply and the synopsis on the back summarises the story perfectly: a great evil is set loose upon the small rural town of Shillingham and its up to a ragtag group of characters to survive and fight back.
Its about as small town horror as you can get but Laws tells it with such aplomb I didn't mind and true to his style he pushes it to some quite grotesque lengths; which to be fair is about standard for this style of story. The characters are pretty stock for the most parts with a handful of slight twists on well-established moulds and the eventual resolution I found pleasingly clever in a silly way.
My only major issue was the relationship between the two main leads, while fine at its core, the way the story establishes that a relationship between them would be inappropriate (this is actively thought by one of the said leads) the narrative then fully flips on this less than 30 or so pages later. While nothing illegal is happening, the growing relationship occurring in the context of that initial thought just meant it never sat well with me and made certain scenes a little uncomfortable.
Overall an enjoyable quick read, very monster of the week almost. Nothing special but not everything has to be.
November 12, 2020
I had never read a Stephen Laws's book before and I had no expectations for this one.
I like small town horror stories, where something evil is lurking, and this was a good one of those.
One evil creature is buried for centuries in this town, and only the keeper of the secret knows about it. Some people in the town are greedy for progress and discard the warnings. Then the evil is free again and things start happening. Is up to some people that learn about that creature to defeat and try to kill it. And the road is full of horror, fear, lost and sacrifice.
The writing was good, the characters while not fully developed felt really enough for me to care about them. And I appreciate that we get to know some characters then end up dying, that adds to the dread of the whole situation. That said, is unfortunate that the most gory and horrible death happens off-screen. The pace in this book is the highlight for me, it moves fast and things escalate quickly.
A fun read, full of horror and dread.
I like small town horror stories, where something evil is lurking, and this was a good one of those.
One evil creature is buried for centuries in this town, and only the keeper of the secret knows about it. Some people in the town are greedy for progress and discard the warnings. Then the evil is free again and things start happening. Is up to some people that learn about that creature to defeat and try to kill it. And the road is full of horror, fear, lost and sacrifice.
The writing was good, the characters while not fully developed felt really enough for me to care about them. And I appreciate that we get to know some characters then end up dying, that adds to the dread of the whole situation. That said, is unfortunate that the most gory and horrible death happens off-screen. The pace in this book is the highlight for me, it moves fast and things escalate quickly.
A fun read, full of horror and dread.
February 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book quite a bit however I will say that I started to enjoy it more after I read the first third of the book. The build up is needed and the story really gets going in the second half however the build up can feel slow at times but still not uninteresting.
The setting was super and it made you feel a real sense of the town and it occupants. The main characters are well written and they feel genuine given the past experiences and history they have gone through within the story.
It defiantly feels somewhat Lovecraftian at times and in the second half of the book it swaps more the oncoming dread you feel within the build up first half for more action orientated within the second.
Picking this book up on a whim upon reading the synopsis at the back and liking the visual imagery on the cover I was very happy to have my expectations met by the story. My first Stephen Law's book and I doubt it will be my last.
The setting was super and it made you feel a real sense of the town and it occupants. The main characters are well written and they feel genuine given the past experiences and history they have gone through within the story.
It defiantly feels somewhat Lovecraftian at times and in the second half of the book it swaps more the oncoming dread you feel within the build up first half for more action orientated within the second.
Picking this book up on a whim upon reading the synopsis at the back and liking the visual imagery on the cover I was very happy to have my expectations met by the story. My first Stephen Law's book and I doubt it will be my last.
August 14, 2020
Another Lambton Worm-related read. This take on the Wyrm is more of a modern horror story, with the Wyrm being an supernatural spirit that is vampyric when killing and zombie-esque in reanimating corpses. The elements I liked were the secret burden passed down to protect the village from the Wrym and its eventual discovery under the gibbet at a crossroads (possibly inspired by the real-life gibbet at Elsdon, Northumberland).
February 2, 2020
The first novel I read by Stephen Laws. Wasn't my favorite novel but wasn't my least. I believe that it didn't grasp my attention as other novels due to a slow start. At least in my opinion. The ending though, was the saving grace. Plus vampires that sucked blood through there hands was also quite a neat concept. Much different from your typical vampire.
May 10, 2018
proper horror brilliant book enjoyed from cover to cover realy got to read more of laws stuff he ent got many books but if there as good as this I look forward to reading them I highly recommend
May 16, 2020
3.5 stars.
This is my first Stephen Laws novel and I enjoyed it.
This is my first Stephen Laws novel and I enjoyed it.
February 3, 2024
Oof. Real bad.
April 3, 2021
SPOILER-FREE Review
The title and cover of this book (bearing in mind I read a much older edition with a different image than the one here), do very little to indicate what this story is about! Don’t get me wrong, however, this is a good thing and leaves so much mystery and surprise left to reveal within the narrative itself.
Having a real-world UK setting is great for me as a resident as I can both visualise and visit the locations used. Even without this little perk, the writing is accessible and fluid enough to draw you in quickly and ease you along as the story unfolds. The supernatural element is unanticipated and it was a pleasant surprise to find that the eventual story arc was nothing close to what I imagined when starting to read. Laws paints the central lake well throughout and it becomes an ominous character in itself, almost oppressive and irresistible as a plot device.
Why not five stars, then? The story is rapid and neatly contained in a length that I feel was too short. While many may appreciate a fast-paced tale to resolution, I would have preferred a little more character development or back-story for the leads.
Very enjoyable and recommended.
The title and cover of this book (bearing in mind I read a much older edition with a different image than the one here), do very little to indicate what this story is about! Don’t get me wrong, however, this is a good thing and leaves so much mystery and surprise left to reveal within the narrative itself.
Having a real-world UK setting is great for me as a resident as I can both visualise and visit the locations used. Even without this little perk, the writing is accessible and fluid enough to draw you in quickly and ease you along as the story unfolds. The supernatural element is unanticipated and it was a pleasant surprise to find that the eventual story arc was nothing close to what I imagined when starting to read. Laws paints the central lake well throughout and it becomes an ominous character in itself, almost oppressive and irresistible as a plot device.
Why not five stars, then? The story is rapid and neatly contained in a length that I feel was too short. While many may appreciate a fast-paced tale to resolution, I would have preferred a little more character development or back-story for the leads.
Very enjoyable and recommended.
October 1, 2008
Okay kiddies, cup your ear and listen would you. Do you hear that, that resounding thump? That is the sound one makes when falling from grace. Having read his previous book, Darkfall, I opened this book with all the glee of Christmas morning. After closing the book, i felt like a kid finding out Santa didn't exist.
Unable to maintain even a shred of thrill or excitement, I felt the plot was ill conceived and sophomoric. With a story that has been recycled to the point of extinction, Laws adds neither appeal nor originality to a vintage tale. Had the pen fell more on the fleshing out of the idea instead of rushing to the end, the turn out may have been much different. Which leads me to the pace, which was rapid to say the least. Ever moving, the story reads as if in a race, leaving the reader flushed and slightly ill.
The atmosphere was intended to be mysterious and filled with an illusion of security. It missed the mark. Instead, foreshadowing with a 2 million watt spotlight! The characters were transparent, prearranged, and unfortunately felt like a second thought. With only a passing glimpse into their past, you never get a true insight into these people we are supposed to rally for. The style of writing was weak and uninvolved. Throughout the book, Laws needlessly appoints blinking signs along the way.
On the flip side, I did enjoy reading U.K. gutter slang. With my ever-growing list of inappropriate catch phrases, I’ll be sure to add those few to my list of “Things to say when …”. My mother and I thank you.
My rating? Are you joking? I give this book a 1 ,for the simple fact that I can’t go any lower. Should your eyes ever fall upon this book with even the most casual of glances, Look Away, for the love of all that is holy, Look Away!!
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
Unable to maintain even a shred of thrill or excitement, I felt the plot was ill conceived and sophomoric. With a story that has been recycled to the point of extinction, Laws adds neither appeal nor originality to a vintage tale. Had the pen fell more on the fleshing out of the idea instead of rushing to the end, the turn out may have been much different. Which leads me to the pace, which was rapid to say the least. Ever moving, the story reads as if in a race, leaving the reader flushed and slightly ill.
The atmosphere was intended to be mysterious and filled with an illusion of security. It missed the mark. Instead, foreshadowing with a 2 million watt spotlight! The characters were transparent, prearranged, and unfortunately felt like a second thought. With only a passing glimpse into their past, you never get a true insight into these people we are supposed to rally for. The style of writing was weak and uninvolved. Throughout the book, Laws needlessly appoints blinking signs along the way.
On the flip side, I did enjoy reading U.K. gutter slang. With my ever-growing list of inappropriate catch phrases, I’ll be sure to add those few to my list of “Things to say when …”. My mother and I thank you.
My rating? Are you joking? I give this book a 1 ,for the simple fact that I can’t go any lower. Should your eyes ever fall upon this book with even the most casual of glances, Look Away, for the love of all that is holy, Look Away!!
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
July 26, 2010
Vampires with a collective-consciousness via Lovecraft? Sure! The concept is cool, the pacing great, but unfortunately the dialogue was a little lame, the characters a bit under-developed, and it got a tad too "preachy" for me at the end. Overall, a decent book, and another reason I love that gang at Leisure Horror.
March 14, 2010
This was one of those key inspirational books that made me want to write. Maybe not the greatest horror novel ever written but still an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews