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the_evergrowing_library's review against another edition
4.0
A supernatural coming of age story with a strong good vs evil edge.
Billy Creekmore has the gifts of his mother and her mother before them: the ability to act as a medium for the lingering dead, helping them pass onto the other side.
The other side of the coin is Wayne falconer, son of an evangelical preacher, with the ability to heal the injured.
Both boys are tormented by the sinister and calculating Shape changer, a force for evil in the world.
If you’re on a Chronological McCammon journey, this is a turning point. I would say this is where we see him cast off the obvious horror tropes in favour of putting his own flair into things. While it still feels like he’s finding his feet, it’s infinitely less categorised than his previous works and the writing style really shows a growth in step with that.
The prose is wonderful and what I’ve come to expect from his works and placing this one in his home region definitely added layers of richness for visual description of the towns involved.
I found the book itself to be a great read even though it does meander at times and leave you confused about the larger plot. The ending for me also felt a bit anticlimactic and left me with questions, but you can’t win ‘em all!
Billy Creekmore has the gifts of his mother and her mother before them: the ability to act as a medium for the lingering dead, helping them pass onto the other side.
The other side of the coin is Wayne falconer, son of an evangelical preacher, with the ability to heal the injured.
Both boys are tormented by the sinister and calculating Shape changer, a force for evil in the world.
If you’re on a Chronological McCammon journey, this is a turning point. I would say this is where we see him cast off the obvious horror tropes in favour of putting his own flair into things. While it still feels like he’s finding his feet, it’s infinitely less categorised than his previous works and the writing style really shows a growth in step with that.
The prose is wonderful and what I’ve come to expect from his works and placing this one in his home region definitely added layers of richness for visual description of the towns involved.
I found the book itself to be a great read even though it does meander at times and leave you confused about the larger plot. The ending for me also felt a bit anticlimactic and left me with questions, but you can’t win ‘em all!
mvatza57's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
prysmo's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
imposterwalrus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
highladyofthenightcourt21's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy McCammon -- he writes so beautifully and you can really delve into his novels.
I never knew I enjoyed southern gothics until I discovered him.
He really makes you remember & like all of the characters, and the plot remains interesting throughout. I love that this one is a full journey rather than just a quick thriller.
I probably wouldn't read it again, just because I feel once was enough, but I truly enjoyed it & would recommend it!
I never knew I enjoyed southern gothics until I discovered him.
He really makes you remember & like all of the characters, and the plot remains interesting throughout. I love that this one is a full journey rather than just a quick thriller.
I probably wouldn't read it again, just because I feel once was enough, but I truly enjoyed it & would recommend it!
jimmypat's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a solid entry from McCammon’s early career and had all the hallmarks of what I love about his books: solid, relatable characters; unexpected plot developments; and some totally bizarre villains.
torturedfiber's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
johnson5509's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
the_prickly_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75