Scan barcode
A review by queer_bookwyrm
Memoriam by Jeremy Ray
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
2.5 ⭐ CW: (provided by the author) alcohol and drug use, animal harm, blood, gore, body horror, bullying, cannibalism, child abuse, clowns, death, death of a child, death of a parent, domestic violence, forced pregnancy, gun violence, homophobia, infanticide, kidnapping, miscarriage, misogyny, parricide, pregnancy, racism, self-harm, sexual assault, slut shaming, snakes, strong language, theft, underage drinking, vandalism, violence
Memoriam by Jeremy Ray is a horror set in the 1950s. I received a free e-book copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I've been really into horror lately, but this wasn't it for me.
We follow Johnny, a 19 year old, vain greaser who fancies himself a rebel. Every full moon he and his friends go up to Flattop Mountain to drink stolen booze, but this particular night, things get weird. Johnny is also plagued by nightmares and visions that seem to get worse as the night goes on. Before they only ended with his death, now his visions show his friends' deaths. When they get to Flattop Mountain, they discover a circus they have never heard of is happening. Things are lurking in the woods, what's in the tent isn't what they expect. It's more than just creepy clowns.
This book was just way too long. Honestly, it should been 200 pages shorter. It just felt like the author kept adding things and gave it a "and then this happened and this happened--oh and another thing!" Vibe. The story lacked direction and purpose. I like my horror to have some sort of allegory, but this just seemed to be some wild, gorey shit. The pacing was really off in the middle as well. It got really slow and had more tell than show elements. So many of the chapters were just dialogue.
There was an attempt at some interesting world-building aspects with the trolls and their creation story, but I just felt like it didn't pay off for the story. If that hadn't been there at all it wouldn't have affected the story. The author did say at the beginning of the book that the story was born out of a dream he had, and that he wanted to keep all the elements from it in there, but he probably should have edited it down a bit more.
It was a bit disappointing considering I absolutely loved his story The Houseplant. If you're looking for a very weird and gorey read with lots of clown imagery, I guess this might work for you. This book is out now, but only until December 31st.
Memoriam by Jeremy Ray is a horror set in the 1950s. I received a free e-book copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I've been really into horror lately, but this wasn't it for me.
We follow Johnny, a 19 year old, vain greaser who fancies himself a rebel. Every full moon he and his friends go up to Flattop Mountain to drink stolen booze, but this particular night, things get weird. Johnny is also plagued by nightmares and visions that seem to get worse as the night goes on. Before they only ended with his death, now his visions show his friends' deaths. When they get to Flattop Mountain, they discover a circus they have never heard of is happening. Things are lurking in the woods, what's in the tent isn't what they expect. It's more than just creepy clowns.
This book was just way too long. Honestly, it should been 200 pages shorter. It just felt like the author kept adding things and gave it a "and then this happened and this happened--oh and another thing!" Vibe. The story lacked direction and purpose. I like my horror to have some sort of allegory, but this just seemed to be some wild, gorey shit. The pacing was really off in the middle as well. It got really slow and had more tell than show elements. So many of the chapters were just dialogue.
There was an attempt at some interesting world-building aspects with the trolls and their creation story, but I just felt like it didn't pay off for the story. If that hadn't been there at all it wouldn't have affected the story. The author did say at the beginning of the book that the story was born out of a dream he had, and that he wanted to keep all the elements from it in there, but he probably should have edited it down a bit more.
It was a bit disappointing considering I absolutely loved his story The Houseplant. If you're looking for a very weird and gorey read with lots of clown imagery, I guess this might work for you. This book is out now, but only until December 31st.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Cannibalism
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Self harm, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Pregnancy