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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
I loved this. It was short but packed such a creepy punch. I am definitely going to look into more books from this author. Highly recommended.
I have little doubt that when 2015 comes to a close, SOUR CANDY will be my top pick for short story of the year. Here's a delirious, twisty little Twilight Zone read where up is down and the entire world, for one man, is a weird, warped inverted scenario.
Phil Pendleton's first marriage ended because he refused to have kids, and is enjoying his life as a bachelor while daydreaming of his new love, Lori. So who the heck is his strangely dressed, dark-eyed, seven-year-old son, Adam, and where did he come from? Phil has no idea, although the police are able to trace the boy's lineage rather easily...too easily, in fact. As Phil's life unravels, he quickly becomes aware that this mysterious child suddenly thrust into his life is only the tip of the iceberg.
What follows is a terrific, demonic twist on parenting and the question of who's truly in control in that particular dynamic, while both readers and Phil are forced to question the sanity of this man. There's a great exchange of dialogue early-on in this new relationship between Phil and Adam where author Burke really nails the frustration and fear surrounding Phil's predicament, and a very well-realized descent into madness.
SOUR CANDY is a quick read, but beautifully structured, well written, and entirely captivating work of horror. Plus, how can you not love that cover?
Phil Pendleton's first marriage ended because he refused to have kids, and is enjoying his life as a bachelor while daydreaming of his new love, Lori. So who the heck is his strangely dressed, dark-eyed, seven-year-old son, Adam, and where did he come from? Phil has no idea, although the police are able to trace the boy's lineage rather easily...too easily, in fact. As Phil's life unravels, he quickly becomes aware that this mysterious child suddenly thrust into his life is only the tip of the iceberg.
What follows is a terrific, demonic twist on parenting and the question of who's truly in control in that particular dynamic, while both readers and Phil are forced to question the sanity of this man. There's a great exchange of dialogue early-on in this new relationship between Phil and Adam where author Burke really nails the frustration and fear surrounding Phil's predicament, and a very well-realized descent into madness.
SOUR CANDY is a quick read, but beautifully structured, well written, and entirely captivating work of horror. Plus, how can you not love that cover?
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Good read. Not my usual genre but kept me engaged. Kinda unsatisfying ending and the story doesn’t feel all that fleshed out but it’s a solid book, interesting premise. Might recommend to non-reader or as an introduction to the genre.
I actually really liked this book! After Kin, I was nervous about what trigger warnings awaited me. But it was relatively tame, super creepy, and I was never really sure what would happen next. The only reason I rated it 4 is because I wish it were longer. Very interesting, would love to see it as a movie or creepy YouTube short lol. He can definitely expand on this.
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No