A review by sharron_joy_reads
Children of the Dark by Jonathan Janz

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Opening line: “The week I saw seventeen people die didn’t begin with carnage, monsters, or a sadistic serial killer. It all began with a baseball game.”

Will, Chris and Barley have been friends forever, growing up in their small town with the usual crushes, bullies and the local legend of creatures in the woods. A notorious cannibal killer has escaped and is thought to be heading to their town and a terrible storm is on the way. Can Will, his friends, his family and the people of Shadeland. 

My first book by this author and wow! This was relentless action, grotesque mutant monsters with a lust for human flesh, an escaped serial killer, family secrets long buried, small town prejudice and paranoia. Published before Stranger Things this has that feel, it is a twisted torturous story, the revelations as the story unfolds are shocking. It is also nostalgic reminding us of those halcyon days of youth running free with our friends. 

This is an incredibly layered read that is not only a creature feature but a ripped open window into the evil of humanity. This reminds me of the stories of Richard Laymon, just as you think the adrenaline punch is over, bam another hit. This is incredible and I have now purchased every book he has, that’s how good this is, auto buy from now on.