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wellwortharead's review
5.0
Jake and Matthew have not seen their mother for years. They live in constant fear of beatings from their abusive alcoholic father. Jake longs for the day that he will have enough money to take his little brother and run away to find their mom in California, never believing their father that it is their fault she ran off. The relationship between the brothers, and Jake's fierce desire to protect Matthew is palpable. It made me wish I could rip them from the book and rescue them myself.
When Jake is finally ready to implement his plan, outside forces conspire against them and ugly truths long hidden, come to light.
I received a complimentary copy for review
When Jake is finally ready to implement his plan, outside forces conspire against them and ugly truths long hidden, come to light.
I received a complimentary copy for review
meinfulleffect's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
rodsreads's review
5.0
All the stars!
It’s past midnight as I sit here, trying to gather my thoughts to write this review. Not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I was blown away by this story.
There’s something magical about coming of age stories — the well-executed ones, at least. They have such moving power, it’s quite hard to explain. If you get what I mean, then you know it.
What James and Mark did here is pure magic!
The writing is flawless, the story is as engaging as it gets, and it will haunt you (even when you’re not reading it).
Let me give you a taste:
“In The Scrape” is a story about two young brothers, Matthew and Jake.
We witness the struggles and misadventures of the boys, as they go on about their lives while dealing with their abusive father.
They secretly plan to run away and go live with their mom. Which, according to their father, left the boys behind when she moved to California.
Not everything goes according to plan!
And that’s pretty much all I’ll be able to tell you.
This book packs such a punch in its 100 or so pages.
It was my first time reading both authors, need I say it won’t my last?
Go on, read this one as soon as you can!
Huge thanks to Silver Shamrock Publishing and NetGalley for sending me a copy of the book to review.
It’s past midnight as I sit here, trying to gather my thoughts to write this review. Not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I was blown away by this story.
There’s something magical about coming of age stories — the well-executed ones, at least. They have such moving power, it’s quite hard to explain. If you get what I mean, then you know it.
What James and Mark did here is pure magic!
The writing is flawless, the story is as engaging as it gets, and it will haunt you (even when you’re not reading it).
Let me give you a taste:
“The sky is the color of concrete… gray as far as the eye can see, like the walls of a maximum-security prison or, worse yet, summer school. It is a sky that holds the threat of rain, maybe even the first snow of the season. The air is cold. The trees are bare and black, like the silhouettes of skeletal hands reaching toward the heavens. Fog swirls about on the forest floor, like ghosts gathered here to conspire about things only the dead can know.”
“In The Scrape” is a story about two young brothers, Matthew and Jake.
We witness the struggles and misadventures of the boys, as they go on about their lives while dealing with their abusive father.
They secretly plan to run away and go live with their mom. Which, according to their father, left the boys behind when she moved to California.
Not everything goes according to plan!
And that’s pretty much all I’ll be able to tell you.
This book packs such a punch in its 100 or so pages.
It was my first time reading both authors, need I say it won’t my last?
Go on, read this one as soon as you can!
Huge thanks to Silver Shamrock Publishing and NetGalley for sending me a copy of the book to review.
theboldbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Wow. I know some people don't like short stories or novellas because they feel the stories are left unfinished or don't have enough substance. Well, this one sure does. So much happens in this little book and I loved and loathed the main characters right away. This is definitely a horror story, but the monsters are of the humankind. I would recommend this to anyone who loves novellas or anyone who doesn't because this would be a great one to convert them.
thebookdad's review
4.0
To be honest, I don't know why I chose to read this book. I don't typically read novellas, not that I don't like them I'm just not drawn to them. Normally a cover catches my eye or I know of the story from another review. The books cover was not that appealing to me but I have seen it floating around my social feed so maybe that's why. Well, I am so glad I did because it is an incredible read.
In The Scrape is suspenseful and heart-pounding. I just couldn't stop reading. The character development had me continuously flip-flop between father and son, who is right and who is wrong. It made the story more relatable and disguised the plot so you never knew what was coming until part two (about three-quarters of the way through). I also really liked the careful and deliberate storytelling. There was nothing in this story that didn't belong, nothing that didn't keep the momentum going. I will say the ending was a dud for me. The book was just so good but the ending hits you like a brick wall and just like that it's over. This book was a great read. I loved it all the way till the end (it was just over and that was it…)
The characters are very well written. I teeter-tottered between father and sons, antagonist and protagonist constantly. Obviously a dad myself, I could definitely see the father's side of things throughout the story. I'm not saying I condone the ruthless alcohol driven lickens with a switch. What I mean is, we as parents do a lot of stuff a child might perceive as unfair when really it's the lengths we take to shape them as human beings. So often I found myself thinking the narrator was being a brat. Then the father would get out the ol"leather strap and I would be back with the boys pleading for them to escape. It was truly a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters developed until part two when the shit hits the fan.
I think the one thing that made this book so good was the fact that the authors kept the stories momentum. There wasn't anything that I would consider filler or pointless. So many authors are guilty of stringing the reader along with a bunch of pointless narratives. This was not the case. I was glued to the pages and completely intertwined in the father-son feud that escalated to the point of no return.
This book went zero to a hundred REAL FAST. The narrative held a fast pace full of suspense that kept me flipping the pages and then part two hit me with this:
This is the point in my story where there are parts that I can’t promise are a hundred percent accurate. A lot of it occurred somewhere else, while my brother and I were putting our plan into motion. I’m filling in the gaps the best I can, based on what I heard from the police and saw on the news afterward. Some of what was said between certain parties might have been slightly different from the way it really happened……so if I flub a few of the minor details, forgive me. Most of the folks who would argue with me died that day, out there in the woods, so you won’t hear them complain.
Boom! The story explodes from here on out and its as if your reading a whole new book. It's incredible what the authors did until the ending. I will not spill the beans and I hope this does not deter a person from reading this book. But the ending just kind of happens and it's done. This was disappointing considering the pace of the book. It was as if the author was just through with writing and called it quits. It's hard to say more without spoiling the book but I will say the authors could have done more for the reader.
I absolutely recommend this book especially for any other book dads out there. It will really make you think about parenthood and the inner workings of a child's mind. I definitely related to the book on a certain level that most parents will understand. If you are looking for a quick read that will keep you reeling until the end, then this is an excellent book for you.
In The Scrape is suspenseful and heart-pounding. I just couldn't stop reading. The character development had me continuously flip-flop between father and son, who is right and who is wrong. It made the story more relatable and disguised the plot so you never knew what was coming until part two (about three-quarters of the way through). I also really liked the careful and deliberate storytelling. There was nothing in this story that didn't belong, nothing that didn't keep the momentum going. I will say the ending was a dud for me. The book was just so good but the ending hits you like a brick wall and just like that it's over. This book was a great read. I loved it all the way till the end (it was just over and that was it…)
The characters are very well written. I teeter-tottered between father and sons, antagonist and protagonist constantly. Obviously a dad myself, I could definitely see the father's side of things throughout the story. I'm not saying I condone the ruthless alcohol driven lickens with a switch. What I mean is, we as parents do a lot of stuff a child might perceive as unfair when really it's the lengths we take to shape them as human beings. So often I found myself thinking the narrator was being a brat. Then the father would get out the ol"leather strap and I would be back with the boys pleading for them to escape. It was truly a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters developed until part two when the shit hits the fan.
I think the one thing that made this book so good was the fact that the authors kept the stories momentum. There wasn't anything that I would consider filler or pointless. So many authors are guilty of stringing the reader along with a bunch of pointless narratives. This was not the case. I was glued to the pages and completely intertwined in the father-son feud that escalated to the point of no return.
This book went zero to a hundred REAL FAST. The narrative held a fast pace full of suspense that kept me flipping the pages and then part two hit me with this:
This is the point in my story where there are parts that I can’t promise are a hundred percent accurate. A lot of it occurred somewhere else, while my brother and I were putting our plan into motion. I’m filling in the gaps the best I can, based on what I heard from the police and saw on the news afterward. Some of what was said between certain parties might have been slightly different from the way it really happened……so if I flub a few of the minor details, forgive me. Most of the folks who would argue with me died that day, out there in the woods, so you won’t hear them complain.
Boom! The story explodes from here on out and its as if your reading a whole new book. It's incredible what the authors did until the ending. I will not spill the beans and I hope this does not deter a person from reading this book. But the ending just kind of happens and it's done. This was disappointing considering the pace of the book. It was as if the author was just through with writing and called it quits. It's hard to say more without spoiling the book but I will say the authors could have done more for the reader.
I absolutely recommend this book especially for any other book dads out there. It will really make you think about parenthood and the inner workings of a child's mind. I definitely related to the book on a certain level that most parents will understand. If you are looking for a quick read that will keep you reeling until the end, then this is an excellent book for you.
motherhorror's review
5.0
Fact: It's part of our human DNA to tell each other stories. I can't exactly tell you why we do this and all the purposes storytelling serves but I do know that our stories act as little bridges spanning the spaces between the storyteller's heart and the hearts of the ones who hear it.
James Newman and Mark Steensland somehow and in some way, collaborated on a coming-of-age story that will forever stay nestled in my reader's heart. I will draw on it over and over again in my recommendations to other readers who cherish horror with heart.
I wish I could unpack all the special nuances that make this story so memorable and unique but it's a novella told in a succinct and intentional fashion--easily spoiled and I would hate to steal anyone's reading discoveries. So I'm going to dance around the actual storyline in order to preserve for YOU the very intimate details you'll enjoy discovering for yourself.
Our protagonists are brothers-Jake and Matthew. I fell in love with them immediately. The authors poured so much life and character into these boys; it was a joy to spend time reading about them and I only wish I could have more time but I'm not one of those readers who complain about the length of a story. Perhaps if this was longer, it wouldn't have felt so perfect? So I appreciate the time I was given by Newman and Steensland.
I'm actually sitting here with my fingers poised over the keys wondering how to explain in this review how magical this book is but the restraint I've put on myself for fear of spoilers is so limiting! Just know there are moments in this story that take your very breath away. Moments that melt your heart. Moments that bring fresh, hot tears and moments that infuriate you...oh! And terrify you. Yes, I was scared.
Listen to me:
Stories like IN THE SCRAPE don't come around as often as I would like. This is exactly what I want to spend my days reading about forever and ever and ever.
It's perfectly paced, the characters are real and true to life. Every detail felt authentic and important. There was a tension that grew organically--never obvious, never forced. There was a complexity to the characters, especially the father that created this conflict in my heart and in my mind--like, I loved my little protagonists so much but there were times where I wondered about their perceived reality and it made for a rich reading experience.
I love this book. I will champion this book forever as a go-to recommendation to anyone who loves a well told, coming-of-age story that delivers on every expectation. Definitely a stand-out book for 2019.
I hope these two authors collaborate again. They truly crafted something special.
James Newman and Mark Steensland somehow and in some way, collaborated on a coming-of-age story that will forever stay nestled in my reader's heart. I will draw on it over and over again in my recommendations to other readers who cherish horror with heart.
I wish I could unpack all the special nuances that make this story so memorable and unique but it's a novella told in a succinct and intentional fashion--easily spoiled and I would hate to steal anyone's reading discoveries. So I'm going to dance around the actual storyline in order to preserve for YOU the very intimate details you'll enjoy discovering for yourself.
Our protagonists are brothers-Jake and Matthew. I fell in love with them immediately. The authors poured so much life and character into these boys; it was a joy to spend time reading about them and I only wish I could have more time but I'm not one of those readers who complain about the length of a story. Perhaps if this was longer, it wouldn't have felt so perfect? So I appreciate the time I was given by Newman and Steensland.
I'm actually sitting here with my fingers poised over the keys wondering how to explain in this review how magical this book is but the restraint I've put on myself for fear of spoilers is so limiting! Just know there are moments in this story that take your very breath away. Moments that melt your heart. Moments that bring fresh, hot tears and moments that infuriate you...oh! And terrify you. Yes, I was scared.
Listen to me:
Stories like IN THE SCRAPE don't come around as often as I would like. This is exactly what I want to spend my days reading about forever and ever and ever.
It's perfectly paced, the characters are real and true to life. Every detail felt authentic and important. There was a tension that grew organically--never obvious, never forced. There was a complexity to the characters, especially the father that created this conflict in my heart and in my mind--like, I loved my little protagonists so much but there were times where I wondered about their perceived reality and it made for a rich reading experience.
I love this book. I will champion this book forever as a go-to recommendation to anyone who loves a well told, coming-of-age story that delivers on every expectation. Definitely a stand-out book for 2019.
I hope these two authors collaborate again. They truly crafted something special.
beverleyleeauthor's review
5.0
In the Scrape is a coming of age novella about two brothers, Matthew and Jake, and their lives with their abusive father. Let me tell you that this short book packs a punch much heavier than its word length. You really feel for what the young brothers are going through, and as I've said before, if a book can do that it's a definite keeper.
All of the time you are reading you know that *something* awful is going to happen, and it's this build up of dread that is done so well. Fine writers take your heart and squeeze it slowly, and this is exactly the experience you get with this story.
Pick it up and I promise you won't be disappointed!
All of the time you are reading you know that *something* awful is going to happen, and it's this build up of dread that is done so well. Fine writers take your heart and squeeze it slowly, and this is exactly the experience you get with this story.
Pick it up and I promise you won't be disappointed!
charshorrorcorner's review
4.0
Two authors, writing seamlessly together, produced a coming of age novella that cracked my heart.
Matthew and Jacob just want to get away from their abusive father. Trying to put aside enough money to get to California where their mom is now living, there isn't much Jacob won't do. He's the oldest and he can't stand to see his little brother abused and beaten-not one more time. On top of all this, Jacob also has to deal with the local bully. Will Jacob and Matthew get away? Will they be able to find their mother in California? You'll have to read this to find out!
I read this novella in two sittings. The last half especially, hummed right along with a tension that was palpable. I wanted to reach out and hug these kids. I wanted to tell them several things throughout this book, but I never got the chance to breathe! As I said above, the writing style was seamless-I couldn't tell who wrote what and I didn't care. I just wanted these children to be okay.
I can't say too much more without spoiling everything, (and the synopsis gives away a lot already), but if you enjoy a good coming of age tale, scoop up this novella quick! Spend some time with Matthew and Jacob. They need your support!
Highly recommended!
*Thanks to Silver Shamrock Publishing for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
Matthew and Jacob just want to get away from their abusive father. Trying to put aside enough money to get to California where their mom is now living, there isn't much Jacob won't do. He's the oldest and he can't stand to see his little brother abused and beaten-not one more time. On top of all this, Jacob also has to deal with the local bully. Will Jacob and Matthew get away? Will they be able to find their mother in California? You'll have to read this to find out!
I read this novella in two sittings. The last half especially, hummed right along with a tension that was palpable. I wanted to reach out and hug these kids. I wanted to tell them several things throughout this book, but I never got the chance to breathe! As I said above, the writing style was seamless-I couldn't tell who wrote what and I didn't care. I just wanted these children to be okay.
I can't say too much more without spoiling everything, (and the synopsis gives away a lot already), but if you enjoy a good coming of age tale, scoop up this novella quick! Spend some time with Matthew and Jacob. They need your support!
Highly recommended!
*Thanks to Silver Shamrock Publishing for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
findingmontauk1's review
5.0
Where do I even begin with this one? It was just so good! This story was fast-paced and went straight for the jugular with its coming-of-age aspects that are both heart-wrenching and brilliant.
What do we have? Two brothers. A crappy dad. A mom the boys long to be with. And a hunting event looming on the horizon. This is a recipe for suspense and lots of emotions! And I can't say anything else because it would be unfair to you, the reader, to rob you of going into this book semi-blind.
I enjoyed how seamlessly these authors wrote together as well. There are many times when a book is co-written that you can tell who's who as you're reading if you are familiar with each author. But Newman and Steensland are magic on paper and there's not a single hiccup or bump in the road of this narrative to indicate it's not one flowing story. 5 stars and HIGHLY recommended!
What do we have? Two brothers. A crappy dad. A mom the boys long to be with. And a hunting event looming on the horizon. This is a recipe for suspense and lots of emotions! And I can't say anything else because it would be unfair to you, the reader, to rob you of going into this book semi-blind.
I enjoyed how seamlessly these authors wrote together as well. There are many times when a book is co-written that you can tell who's who as you're reading if you are familiar with each author. But Newman and Steensland are magic on paper and there's not a single hiccup or bump in the road of this narrative to indicate it's not one flowing story. 5 stars and HIGHLY recommended!