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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wish I could remember where I got the rec for this from so I can balance my experience versus theirs in future recommendations. there were definitely some good horror scenes in here but overall, I just did not care about the main character which made it hard to care about the story at all. and as some other low reviews said, I definitely was confused by the...pro-catholic/god/religion saves the day element at the end after spending a lot of time talking about how terrible this orphanage is, how the children are treated, etc etc
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ahhh, I feel like now I am a completed horror reader.
I have found, without doubts, one of the best possession story I can think of after The Exorcist.
I didn't realise I missed a good old-fashioned demon possession story until I devoured this.
Hear! Hear!
Put on some horror soundtrack music, dim the lights and just let yourself be swept away by the horror.
Fracassi does what I like the best in horror: He creates a good atmosphere. These desolate landscape approaching winter, with nothing around apart from an old monastery and boys and the devil just worked so well to spook the living shit of me.
Fracassi does the Devil justice. A Devil that is many and is subtle and yes brutal, but not only physically but also morally- corruption of the innocent is always so heart breaking.
He does use gore, but not too much. What I mean by this is that, although there is a lot of violence in this, often the violence starts, but he does not keep you with the victim through the entire ordeal- there is no need for it. We can very well imagine what comes next, and I appreciated how the gore is not overused. Somehow, it scared me even more than reading a whole very descriptive torture scene.
He does use a peculiar choice of POV as you get one first-person pov and then all the rest is third-person, but somehow, it works. I ended up truly feeling distraught having to witness the whole ordeal taking place, and I grew attached to the good ones (and somehow to the bad ones too at times). David, in particular, has surpassed all my expectations.
I also found the plot and writing clever, taking us through horror after horror in a way that we could perhaps anticipate but truly not predict how it ultimately went down.
It felt old school horror in the best way possible and Mr. Fracassi
*quick FYI: I have a booktube channel! You can find me at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIN...*
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
So dark, and, like many horror books, there’s an emphasis on God’s lack of involvement or power.
My first Fracassi novel and one that impaled me with the same dread his shorts do. The setting feels so exhausting from the abuse to the elements that by the time shit hits the fan, you're nerves are already frazzled by existing in the world of these poor orphaned boys. Fracassi keeps it simple but powerful the
His characters really got me invested. From priests with varying levels of goodness to the orphan boys and the friendships/brotherhood they form, you feel the tension rising as it becomes clear that things aren't going to work out the way you hope. Not going to lie, there were moments where I got emotional.
If you’re a fan of old school horror, do yourself a favor and pick this up. Just make sure you check out the content warnings if that's something you're concerned about; this book pulls no punches
His characters really got me invested. From priests with varying levels of goodness to the orphan boys and the friendships/brotherhood they form, you feel the tension rising as it becomes clear that things aren't going to work out the way you hope. Not going to lie, there were moments where I got emotional.
If you’re a fan of old school horror, do yourself a favor and pick this up. Just make sure you check out the content warnings if that's something you're concerned about; this book pulls no punches
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
I had the privilege of receiving an advance copy of Boys in the Valley through NetGalley, and let me tell you, this YA horror novel by Philip Fracassi took me on a thrilling and chilling ride. With a unique blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and complex characters, it's a book that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Set in the eerie confines of Saint Vincent's orphanage, Boys in the Valley introduces us to Peter, a young protagonist grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that claimed his parents' lives. As he embarks on his journey to becoming a priest under the guidance of Father Andrew, unexpected events unfold. When a group of enigmatic men arrives at the orphanage, accompanied by one who is gravely injured, a malevolent force is inadvertently unleashed. What follows is a descent into chaos as this evil entity infects some of the other boys, leaving Peter and his newfound companions fighting for survival.
One of the strengths of Boys in the Valley lies in its skillful exploration of possession horror. Fracassi deftly crafts a narrative that balances suspenseful moments with an atmosphere of dread, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The vivid descriptions of harrowing events throughout the story serve to heighten the tension, compelling me to turn each page with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The author's ability to create a sense of unease is truly commendable.
Furthermore, the depth and complexity of the characters in this tale are a standout feature. Peter's journey from the depths of grief to a position of resilience and courage is a captivating arc that resonates strongly. However, it is the development of Brother Johnson's character that truly adds a layer of richness to the narrative. Fracassi skillfully weaves their growth into the story, and their presence becomes both a source of intrigue and a catalyst for the evolving events within the orphanage.
At times, I found myself encountering chapters that felt longer than necessary, causing the story's pace to falter. Conversely, there were instances when crucial scenes seemed rushed, leaving me longing for more depth and exploration. This uneven flow disrupted the overall narrative rhythm, and I wished for a more consistent pacing throughout.
Additionally, I noticed some repetition and overlap in certain scenes, presented from different viewpoints. While multiple perspectives can enhance a story, in this case, I felt that the additional viewpoints didn't contribute significantly to the overall plot or character development. It led to moments where the story felt momentarily stagnant, diluting the impact of the tale.
Nevertheless, despite these minor hiccups, Boys in the Valley remains a commendable read. Its unique blend of possession horror and intricate character dynamics captivated me, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the fate of the protagonists. Philip Fracassi's ability to weave together suspense, dread, and unexpected twists is impressive, and it leaves me excited to explore more of the author's works.
I highly recommend Boys in the Valley to fans of horror, particularly those intrigued by the supernatural and possession subgenres. Philip Fracassi's masterful storytelling and intricate character development make this novel an engrossing read. With its blend of suspense, palpable dread, and unexpected twists, it is a commendable addition to any horror aficionado's bookshelf.
Overall, I believe Boys in the Valley deserves a solid four-star rating. It presents a compelling story with genuinely memorable moments, and the flaws I encountered did not overshadow its strengths. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers seeking an engaging and chilling tale, eager to witness the talents of Philip Fracassi unfold within the pages.
I had the privilege of receiving an advance copy of Boys in the Valley through NetGalley, and let me tell you, this YA horror novel by Philip Fracassi took me on a thrilling and chilling ride. With a unique blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and complex characters, it's a book that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Set in the eerie confines of Saint Vincent's orphanage, Boys in the Valley introduces us to Peter, a young protagonist grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that claimed his parents' lives. As he embarks on his journey to becoming a priest under the guidance of Father Andrew, unexpected events unfold. When a group of enigmatic men arrives at the orphanage, accompanied by one who is gravely injured, a malevolent force is inadvertently unleashed. What follows is a descent into chaos as this evil entity infects some of the other boys, leaving Peter and his newfound companions fighting for survival.
One of the strengths of Boys in the Valley lies in its skillful exploration of possession horror. Fracassi deftly crafts a narrative that balances suspenseful moments with an atmosphere of dread, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The vivid descriptions of harrowing events throughout the story serve to heighten the tension, compelling me to turn each page with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The author's ability to create a sense of unease is truly commendable.
Furthermore, the depth and complexity of the characters in this tale are a standout feature. Peter's journey from the depths of grief to a position of resilience and courage is a captivating arc that resonates strongly. However, it is the development of Brother Johnson's character that truly adds a layer of richness to the narrative. Fracassi skillfully weaves their growth into the story, and their presence becomes both a source of intrigue and a catalyst for the evolving events within the orphanage.
At times, I found myself encountering chapters that felt longer than necessary, causing the story's pace to falter. Conversely, there were instances when crucial scenes seemed rushed, leaving me longing for more depth and exploration. This uneven flow disrupted the overall narrative rhythm, and I wished for a more consistent pacing throughout.
Additionally, I noticed some repetition and overlap in certain scenes, presented from different viewpoints. While multiple perspectives can enhance a story, in this case, I felt that the additional viewpoints didn't contribute significantly to the overall plot or character development. It led to moments where the story felt momentarily stagnant, diluting the impact of the tale.
Nevertheless, despite these minor hiccups, Boys in the Valley remains a commendable read. Its unique blend of possession horror and intricate character dynamics captivated me, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the fate of the protagonists. Philip Fracassi's ability to weave together suspense, dread, and unexpected twists is impressive, and it leaves me excited to explore more of the author's works.
I highly recommend Boys in the Valley to fans of horror, particularly those intrigued by the supernatural and possession subgenres. Philip Fracassi's masterful storytelling and intricate character development make this novel an engrossing read. With its blend of suspense, palpable dread, and unexpected twists, it is a commendable addition to any horror aficionado's bookshelf.
Overall, I believe Boys in the Valley deserves a solid four-star rating. It presents a compelling story with genuinely memorable moments, and the flaws I encountered did not overshadow its strengths. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers seeking an engaging and chilling tale, eager to witness the talents of Philip Fracassi unfold within the pages.
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated