They Feed by Jason Parent

As I posted in a previous blog, I am currently reading books for the Spring Into Horror Readathon. I had a few books picked and then I saw a post from a readathon member that a publisher (Sinister Grin Press) is releasing a book for all attendees of this readathon. It looked pretty good and the synopsis was intriguing, so I asked for a copy to read during the readathon. I was not disappointed.

"The night uncovers all we wish not to see.

A troubled man enters a dusky park before sunset. A young woman follows, hidden in shadow. Both have returned to the park to take back something the past has stolen from them, to make right six long years of suffering, and to find justice or perhaps redemption—or maybe they’ll settle for some old-fashioned revenge.

But something evil is alive and awake in those woods, creatures that care nothing for human motivations. They’re driven by their own insatiable need: a ravenous, bottomless hunger.

The campgrounds are full tonight, and the creatures are starving. Before the night is over, they will feed."

I have never read anything from Mr. Parent before, so I had no idea what to expect once I began my reading journey into They Feed. Early on, in the first chapter, the author grabbed my attention and then never let go, forcing me to witness his evil entity grow, as little by little, more information was released to us, about the unknown happenings in the woods. The release of small bits of information works well for the reader. It helps us feel what the poor souls in the book are feeling, who are up against a horror they know nothing about.

The story is reminiscent of a throwback to the days of the "creature feature" But this one is much more horrifying than the days of old. Mr. Parent strings a story together with just enough character development to make you care for the victims, and the heroes, although, that is also unclear. Throughout the story, the characters are not clearly labeled as hero or villain, and this changes throughout as well. Confusion ensues, which is also what the characters in the story are feeling. The author writes to allow the reader total immersion into the plot. You are kept at a loss as to who, if anyone, will survive this long night of survival, and this keeps you turning pages until the very shocking end.

This book was well written, delivers exactly what it promises and then some. The gory scenes are grisly and descriptive, and more than once I found myself saying "did I just read that?" to myself. A perfect read while camping in late autumn, when the evenings are long, cold and dark. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a great read, which will have you staring at the shadows in the woods, wondering what exactly is out there, making that noise...in the dark.

4









creepy owls out of 5!