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elgeewrites's review
3.0
Read the full review at Musings Over Nothing
The novel alternates between different point of views and time-lines, which works pretty well. The pace of narration is consistent and doesn't slacken a bit. The storyline might seem too familiar and the climax quite a bit overused, but the real strength of the novel is the vivid description of the scenario and the terror that engulfs the McAlistair family. The author makes it look like we are almost watching a movie, a scary one at that. Realising the story uses a famous character from Stephen King's novel creates a thrill that only a fan would understand.
I am no scaredy cat in general, and the nightmares are something I have to accept as a part of the life of a horror addict. But just as I started reading Forsaken by J D Barker, I realised it was going to be much harder because it involves a pregnant woman and it somehow made queasy. Thankfully, the writer did not take us down that road.
Despite all these strengths, I took a day more than usual to finish. Why? I couldn't get to understand the characters, much less like them. I would have liked to have known the characters better and deeper, I felt they were pretty one dimensional. There was just a small part (less than a chapter) to explain the witch's effect on the young girl, which could have been a tad longer and stronger. It might just be me, but I couldn't help imagining 'the minions' from the 'Despicable' movies instead of the creepy, evil witch worshipers. My bad but I just could not.
For someone who is eagerly awaiting the release of the movie 'IT' and is gathering her wits to read the book, Forsaken acted as the right place to start. With an obvious and expected influence from Stephen King, Barker could be an author I might have to watch out. If you wanna read quick, fast, creepy thriller, I recommend Forsaken by J D Barker.
The novel alternates between different point of views and time-lines, which works pretty well. The pace of narration is consistent and doesn't slacken a bit. The storyline might seem too familiar and the climax quite a bit overused, but the real strength of the novel is the vivid description of the scenario and the terror that engulfs the McAlistair family. The author makes it look like we are almost watching a movie, a scary one at that. Realising the story uses a famous character from Stephen King's novel creates a thrill that only a fan would understand.
I am no scaredy cat in general, and the nightmares are something I have to accept as a part of the life of a horror addict. But just as I started reading Forsaken by J D Barker, I realised it was going to be much harder because it involves a pregnant woman and it somehow made queasy. Thankfully, the writer did not take us down that road.
Despite all these strengths, I took a day more than usual to finish. Why? I couldn't get to understand the characters, much less like them. I would have liked to have known the characters better and deeper, I felt they were pretty one dimensional. There was just a small part (less than a chapter) to explain the witch's effect on the young girl, which could have been a tad longer and stronger. It might just be me, but I couldn't help imagining 'the minions' from the 'Despicable' movies instead of the creepy, evil witch worshipers. My bad but I just could not.
For someone who is eagerly awaiting the release of the movie 'IT' and is gathering her wits to read the book, Forsaken acted as the right place to start. With an obvious and expected influence from Stephen King, Barker could be an author I might have to watch out. If you wanna read quick, fast, creepy thriller, I recommend Forsaken by J D Barker.
mimi04_loves_books's review
5.0
Wow ! This is my first book that I read from J.D. barker , and won't be my last.
This was such a creepy book with characters that are flawed but makes it that much better. It was very fast paced with very short chapters. Alternating from the past to present time that works very well as I'm not a fan of books like this. It tends to slow the book down. Definitely not this time around.
Although a work of fiction with true witchcraft trials.
I also have to mention the workings of Stephen Kings "Leland Gaunt" having a hand in this story. Omg! I had heart palpitations reading that first paragraph
" I'm trying to find the number for a store in Maine. It's.... it's like an antique shop, but different. It's hard to explain. Imagine a garage sale, but in a store. Like a thrift shop. I think it's called Needfull Things."
I knew right away this book was going to be great ! It did not disappoint.
Dealing with a witch from centuries ago , right up my alley. I cannot wait for book two since this story is not yet finished. I can't wait to hear more of what became of the people from Shadow Cove.
This was such a creepy book with characters that are flawed but makes it that much better. It was very fast paced with very short chapters. Alternating from the past to present time that works very well as I'm not a fan of books like this. It tends to slow the book down. Definitely not this time around.
Although a work of fiction with true witchcraft trials.
I also have to mention the workings of Stephen Kings "Leland Gaunt" having a hand in this story. Omg! I had heart palpitations reading that first paragraph
" I'm trying to find the number for a store in Maine. It's.... it's like an antique shop, but different. It's hard to explain. Imagine a garage sale, but in a store. Like a thrift shop. I think it's called Needfull Things."
I knew right away this book was going to be great ! It did not disappoint.
Dealing with a witch from centuries ago , right up my alley. I cannot wait for book two since this story is not yet finished. I can't wait to hear more of what became of the people from Shadow Cove.