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Cruel Summer
***WINNER OF THE 2022 IMADJINN AWARD FOR BEST HORROR NOVEL***
Melissa Braun is a broken woman. Only wanting what's best for her family, she's willing to do whatever it takes to mend her fractured relationship with her abusive boyfriend. In a last ditch effort, she hopes the sun and sand of a much-needed Florida vacation will bring them and her son closer together.
Patrick Braun is a demoralized kid. Quiet and sullen, he only wants his mother to see her boyfriend's torment as it cripples everything he loves. After years of silence, he refuses to stand by and let the abuse continue to tear them apart.
Hoyt Rainey is a vile man. Unable to keep his hands to himself, he finally takes his anger one step too far. Only this time he finds himself on the receiving end of his own punishment. Down and down he goes, plunging deeper into the dark blue abyss of the sea.
Melissa and Patrick finally believe they are safe, the trouble now behind them for good. They are wrong.
Gods never really stay dead - they only lie in wait. And when a beast as old as time discovers Hoyt...he, too, won't stay gone for long.
The nights grow darker, the water flows colder, and the cruelty of summer lives on
Melissa Braun is a broken woman. Only wanting what's best for her family, she's willing to do whatever it takes to mend her fractured relationship with her abusive boyfriend. In a last ditch effort, she hopes the sun and sand of a much-needed Florida vacation will bring them and her son closer together.
Patrick Braun is a demoralized kid. Quiet and sullen, he only wants his mother to see her boyfriend's torment as it cripples everything he loves. After years of silence, he refuses to stand by and let the abuse continue to tear them apart.
Hoyt Rainey is a vile man. Unable to keep his hands to himself, he finally takes his anger one step too far. Only this time he finds himself on the receiving end of his own punishment. Down and down he goes, plunging deeper into the dark blue abyss of the sea.
Melissa and Patrick finally believe they are safe, the trouble now behind them for good. They are wrong.
Gods never really stay dead - they only lie in wait. And when a beast as old as time discovers Hoyt...he, too, won't stay gone for long.
The nights grow darker, the water flows colder, and the cruelty of summer lives on
308 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2023
18 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Wesley Southard
35 books153 followersWesley Southard is the two-time Splatterpunk Award-Winning and Imadjinn Award-Winning author of The Betrayed, Closing Costs, One for the Road, Resisting Madness, Slaves to Gravity, Cruel Summer, Where the Devil Waits, The Final Gate, Try Again, They Mostly Come at Night, Disasterpieces, and The Better to Eat You With, as well as numerous short stories in various markets. Several of his works have also been translated into Italian and Spanish. He is a graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music and he currently lives in South Central Pennsylvania with his wife and son. Visit him online at www.wesleysouthardhorror.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 23, 2025
I'm sorry to say that I left this book on my to-read list for so long. It was very well done! It did strike quite a few personal notes, as Patrick and Melissa withstood the onslaught of abuse from Hoyt early on. And while I could see certain things appearing to be done without a certain level of logic, I can attest that this is was a fairly accurate depiction. Abuse for a mother, at that level, is not just an easy pick up and go situation. I saw my mother go through very similar things during my upbringing, and I obviously experienced a high level of various abuses myself. So I would just recommend that anyone who is reads this book, without such a background, understand that you must be open-minded of abusive situations and how they may play out. But beyond all that, I loved the style of writing, story premise and progression, the characters and the scale that it went to. I really was left wondering how the book was going to end and just wow! I am a big fan of this story, and thought the cover had a cool look, too. I can't compare it to anything else that I've read to date, but that's a huge plus, as it demonstrates the individuality of the story. Monsters, gods, killer dolphins, and some strong writing here make it all worthy of your time and consideration.
Read
May 20, 2023I beta-read this book in March of 2020 and will refresh my thoughts after reading over the final copy from Death's Head Press.
January 9, 2021
A mother and her 12 year old son arrange a deep sea fishing excursion as a bonding experience and a new beginning on life. However when the mother’s abusive boyfriend tags along, the warm sounds of a gentle ocean breeze quickly turn into warnings of a living breathing aquatic nightmare.
Cruel Summer by Wesley Southard acquaints the reader with both a loathsome villain with a inexcusable derogatory personality and a protective strong willed Mother who’s secret will soon change lives forever. The first portion of Cruel Summer flows like a chilling Hitchcockian crime novel. Receiving the best of both worlds, it then morphs into a inexplicable seawater Lovecraftian nightmare. The darkness he weaves around the central characters is an oceanic vessel fueled by an ageless evil. Having the reader understand and care for the characters is a special achievement in the art of writing fiction. So much that the reader’s heart will hammer along with the suspenseful storyline. Not for the gore and not for the shock value, there’s a rhyme and reason for the terror that takes place within these foamy seawater soaked pages.
These things are certain: The murky ocean depths possess powers to give life as well as take it away. Heroes, minions and gods of the ocean floor hold a vast history of theological enigmas. Wesley Southard’s intriguing approach to writing becomes a proficient work of fiction for each and every book. Cruel Summer is no exception. Another strong Horror Bookworm recommendation for Wesley Southard.
Cruel Summer by Wesley Southard acquaints the reader with both a loathsome villain with a inexcusable derogatory personality and a protective strong willed Mother who’s secret will soon change lives forever. The first portion of Cruel Summer flows like a chilling Hitchcockian crime novel. Receiving the best of both worlds, it then morphs into a inexplicable seawater Lovecraftian nightmare. The darkness he weaves around the central characters is an oceanic vessel fueled by an ageless evil. Having the reader understand and care for the characters is a special achievement in the art of writing fiction. So much that the reader’s heart will hammer along with the suspenseful storyline. Not for the gore and not for the shock value, there’s a rhyme and reason for the terror that takes place within these foamy seawater soaked pages.
These things are certain: The murky ocean depths possess powers to give life as well as take it away. Heroes, minions and gods of the ocean floor hold a vast history of theological enigmas. Wesley Southard’s intriguing approach to writing becomes a proficient work of fiction for each and every book. Cruel Summer is no exception. Another strong Horror Bookworm recommendation for Wesley Southard.
July 4, 2022
Started out strong and kinda creepy but then devolved into a lame family drama/clash of the Titans story.
December 5, 2022
A cryptid horror story on steroids.
That’s the best way I can describe Cruel Summer by Wesley Southard.
First off, damn. That cover. Damn. I mean what kind of inspired hellscape, nightmarish kind of artistic mind comes up with this stuff...
More please... pretty please...
Anyhoo...
As other reviews have mentioned, this tells the story of Melissa Braun and her son Patrick, taking a good intentioned, but ill-fated trip with Mel’s abusive boyfriend. That vacation proceeds kind of how you would expect. Until it doesn’t. That's when the book takes a turn into supernatural horrorland. Which was cool. As it works out,
Well, that doesn’t exactly happen, The whole book, which takes place in Florida, has an oceanic feel to it. Which handled right, the ocean can be terrifying. Oceans are so vast and unknowable and filled with life and lethality and wonder, how could they not be?
For a short tale, this had elements of a slow burn, particularly in the middle, which were not inherently bad. Just an interesting story developmental technique you don’t often find in a work this short. It had good themes like strength deriving from goodness and purity of heart. Southard, I thought, did a very good job of making a loathsome villain you could hate right from the outset and made the Hoyt character palpable, believable, and integral to the story. His evil and brutality drive Mel and Patrick and to rise up and find their inner power in this story. Just reinforces what I’ve heart before is that a story is only as good as its villain.
The writing is easy to read and flows quite well. I’m a sucker for great imagery and this had a good amount of that. The ending was exciting and action packed, even though I found a few sequences, even for supernatural horror, to seem a tiny bit implausible in terms of minor characters’ reactions.
There aren’t really criticisms I can make of this that aren’t complete nits, so I’m just going to leave that out. Except the last chapter, which read sort of like an epilogue, felt a bit too abbreviated to me. But nothing significant enough for me detract from this otherwise edge of my seat read that kept me propelled further and further into the story. So that's why I am giving it 5 stars.
I look forward to "deep dives" into more of Wesley Southard’s work.
Yeah. I had to go there.
That’s the best way I can describe Cruel Summer by Wesley Southard.
First off, damn. That cover. Damn. I mean what kind of inspired hellscape, nightmarish kind of artistic mind comes up with this stuff...
More please... pretty please...
Anyhoo...
As other reviews have mentioned, this tells the story of Melissa Braun and her son Patrick, taking a good intentioned, but ill-fated trip with Mel’s abusive boyfriend. That vacation proceeds kind of how you would expect. Until it doesn’t. That's when the book takes a turn into supernatural horrorland. Which was cool. As it works out,
Well, that doesn’t exactly happen, The whole book, which takes place in Florida, has an oceanic feel to it. Which handled right, the ocean can be terrifying. Oceans are so vast and unknowable and filled with life and lethality and wonder, how could they not be?
For a short tale, this had elements of a slow burn, particularly in the middle, which were not inherently bad. Just an interesting story developmental technique you don’t often find in a work this short. It had good themes like strength deriving from goodness and purity of heart. Southard, I thought, did a very good job of making a loathsome villain you could hate right from the outset and made the Hoyt character palpable, believable, and integral to the story. His evil and brutality drive Mel and Patrick and to rise up and find their inner power in this story. Just reinforces what I’ve heart before is that a story is only as good as its villain.
The writing is easy to read and flows quite well. I’m a sucker for great imagery and this had a good amount of that. The ending was exciting and action packed, even though I found a few sequences, even for supernatural horror, to seem a tiny bit implausible in terms of minor characters’ reactions.
There aren’t really criticisms I can make of this that aren’t complete nits, so I’m just going to leave that out. Except the last chapter, which read sort of like an epilogue, felt a bit too abbreviated to me. But nothing significant enough for me detract from this otherwise edge of my seat read that kept me propelled further and further into the story. So that's why I am giving it 5 stars.
I look forward to "deep dives" into more of Wesley Southard’s work.
Yeah. I had to go there.
September 18, 2023
La lectura perfecta para terminar el verano!
May 6, 2025
i'm DRUNK 🍻🍺 in the BACK OF THE CAR 🥴🚗
& i CRIED 🎭☹️LIKE A BABY🍼 COMING 🏡HOME FROM THE BAR 😭🍻 (OUHHHHHH)
said, “I’M FINE,” BUT😔😔 IT WASN’T TRUE 🤥💔
I DON’T ❗ WANNA KEEP ✊SEEEEEECRETS JUST TO KEEP YOUUUU 🤫🔒
AND I SNUCK IN 🐾🐾THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE 🌿🚪
EVERY NIGHT 🌉 THAT SUMMER, 🏝️ 🌞 JUST TO SEAL MY FATE (OUUUUUUUUH) 🌛🔐
AND I SCREAMED 🫨🫨, “FOR WHATEVER IT’S WORTH
I LOVE YOU, AIN’T THAT THE WORST THING YOU EVER HEARD?” 💘😱
HE LOOKS UP, GRINNIN’ LIKE A DEVIL 😈😁
Oh wait i forgot the review :((( do y'all even want a review 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 its a horror novel 🥹, shit's well written, and theres mythology n stuff and yuh domestic abuse then good character development, hate the dad, giving my high hopes for Melissa and Patrick 🙏 🙏 , i also love the imagery of the ocean monster and its a simple but pleasant and satisfactory story that will for sure give you the thrills!
AND IT’S NEW, THE SHAPE OF YOUR BODY
IT’S BLUE, THE FEELING I’VE GOT
AND IT’S OOH, WHOA-OH
IT’S A CRUEL SUMMER
“IT’S COOL, THAT’S WHAT I TELL ’EM”
NO RULES IN BREAKABLE HEAVEN
BUT OOH, WHOA-OH
IT’S A CRUEL SUMMER WITH YOU
& i CRIED 🎭☹️LIKE A BABY🍼 COMING 🏡HOME FROM THE BAR 😭🍻 (OUHHHHHH)
said, “I’M FINE,” BUT😔😔 IT WASN’T TRUE 🤥💔
I DON’T ❗ WANNA KEEP ✊SEEEEEECRETS JUST TO KEEP YOUUUU 🤫🔒
AND I SNUCK IN 🐾🐾THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE 🌿🚪
EVERY NIGHT 🌉 THAT SUMMER, 🏝️ 🌞 JUST TO SEAL MY FATE (OUUUUUUUUH) 🌛🔐
AND I SCREAMED 🫨🫨, “FOR WHATEVER IT’S WORTH
I LOVE YOU, AIN’T THAT THE WORST THING YOU EVER HEARD?” 💘😱
HE LOOKS UP, GRINNIN’ LIKE A DEVIL 😈😁
Oh wait i forgot the review :((( do y'all even want a review 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 its a horror novel 🥹, shit's well written, and theres mythology n stuff and yuh domestic abuse then good character development, hate the dad, giving my high hopes for Melissa and Patrick 🙏 🙏 , i also love the imagery of the ocean monster and its a simple but pleasant and satisfactory story that will for sure give you the thrills!
AND IT’S NEW, THE SHAPE OF YOUR BODY
IT’S BLUE, THE FEELING I’VE GOT
AND IT’S OOH, WHOA-OH
IT’S A CRUEL SUMMER
“IT’S COOL, THAT’S WHAT I TELL ’EM”
NO RULES IN BREAKABLE HEAVEN
BUT OOH, WHOA-OH
IT’S A CRUEL SUMMER WITH YOU
January 18, 2021
You’ll never go in the water again!
Like haunted houses, deep-sea horror is a sub-genre that a lot of horror writers seem to flirt with at some point in their career. A lot of great authors have made it their entire career and, at this point, it feels like one of those subjects where there is little fresh ground to tread.
Enter Wesley Southard…
Melissa has decided that a vacation with sun, sea and sand is just what is needed to mend her broken relationship with her abusive boyfriend, Hoyt. With her twelve-year-old son, Patrick, in tow, the trio set off on a week-long stay in Florida where she hopes to forget her troubles and fix her family. It is not long until Hoyt devolves into his pattern of abuse and, after taking his anger out on Patrick and Melissa, a terrible accident unwittingly unleashes a much greater evil.
Haunted by terrible visions and stalked by a nightmarish creature that declares itself a god, Melissa finds herself a target of an unspeakable evil, aeons-old and with a desire to destroy mankind, starting with her and her family. Will Melissa submit to these unfathomably ancient forces, or is she done being a victim?
Fans of Steve Alten or Hunter Shea will find a lot to love here. Mixing aquatic monster mayhem with Greek mythology to create something simultaneously familiar but with a fun twist, if you’re in this for the man versus nature showdown, then you’ll get that in spades. The action, once it gets going, is inventive, gory, and massive in scale.
As you may expect from Wesley Southard, ‘Cruel Summer’ isn’t satisfied with just being a big fun creature feature and his penchant for the weird, bordering on bizarro is present, albeit far more restrained than his previous books. Some set pieces have a surreal, nightmarish quality to them, and it gives the whole book a sense of unpredictability. The grand finale is especially chaotic and it works incredibly well, delivering unique twists on well-worn tropes within the popular deep-sea horror genre.
A big reason this works as well as it does is that the big action set pieces and bigger body count are all grounded in a very personal tale of a mother navigating an abusive relationship whilst trying to care for her son. Melissa is a complex and sympathetic lead, full of strength and resilience, yet seemingly powerless to end a cycle of poor decisions. The bond between her and Patrick is the heart of the book, and you find yourself desperately wanting both to make it out of the book unscathed so that they can begin to take steps to mend their fractured relationship.
Deftly mixing a classic gut-munching creature feature with a serious, often painfully real family drama, all told with the trademark Wesley Southard skew, Cruel Summer is a big, bold horror extravaganza with heart. Do not read before you go swimming!
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
Like haunted houses, deep-sea horror is a sub-genre that a lot of horror writers seem to flirt with at some point in their career. A lot of great authors have made it their entire career and, at this point, it feels like one of those subjects where there is little fresh ground to tread.
Enter Wesley Southard…
Melissa has decided that a vacation with sun, sea and sand is just what is needed to mend her broken relationship with her abusive boyfriend, Hoyt. With her twelve-year-old son, Patrick, in tow, the trio set off on a week-long stay in Florida where she hopes to forget her troubles and fix her family. It is not long until Hoyt devolves into his pattern of abuse and, after taking his anger out on Patrick and Melissa, a terrible accident unwittingly unleashes a much greater evil.
Haunted by terrible visions and stalked by a nightmarish creature that declares itself a god, Melissa finds herself a target of an unspeakable evil, aeons-old and with a desire to destroy mankind, starting with her and her family. Will Melissa submit to these unfathomably ancient forces, or is she done being a victim?
Fans of Steve Alten or Hunter Shea will find a lot to love here. Mixing aquatic monster mayhem with Greek mythology to create something simultaneously familiar but with a fun twist, if you’re in this for the man versus nature showdown, then you’ll get that in spades. The action, once it gets going, is inventive, gory, and massive in scale.
As you may expect from Wesley Southard, ‘Cruel Summer’ isn’t satisfied with just being a big fun creature feature and his penchant for the weird, bordering on bizarro is present, albeit far more restrained than his previous books. Some set pieces have a surreal, nightmarish quality to them, and it gives the whole book a sense of unpredictability. The grand finale is especially chaotic and it works incredibly well, delivering unique twists on well-worn tropes within the popular deep-sea horror genre.
A big reason this works as well as it does is that the big action set pieces and bigger body count are all grounded in a very personal tale of a mother navigating an abusive relationship whilst trying to care for her son. Melissa is a complex and sympathetic lead, full of strength and resilience, yet seemingly powerless to end a cycle of poor decisions. The bond between her and Patrick is the heart of the book, and you find yourself desperately wanting both to make it out of the book unscathed so that they can begin to take steps to mend their fractured relationship.
Deftly mixing a classic gut-munching creature feature with a serious, often painfully real family drama, all told with the trademark Wesley Southard skew, Cruel Summer is a big, bold horror extravaganza with heart. Do not read before you go swimming!
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
January 4, 2021
Cruel Summer by Wesley Southard is a story of tension and terror and cosmic horror. This is one of the most horrifying stories I have ever read. The raw real-life horrors, which are an integral part of the story, are so realistic in content, psychology, and premise they filled me with a persistent feeling of dread and straightup gave me nightmares. There were times I could not decide whether the cosmic horror or real-world horror was more horrifying. I found myself both eager to turn the page and terrified of what awaited me when I did.
Wesley Southard has elevated himself to a Master of Tension with Cruel Summer. His writing is flowing and evocative. His characters are vivid and relatable. His gifts for creating and storytelling are beyond impressive.
Cruel Summer is a must-have, must-read for horror fans, a truly shelf-worthy book.
Wesley Southard has elevated himself to a Master of Tension with Cruel Summer. His writing is flowing and evocative. His characters are vivid and relatable. His gifts for creating and storytelling are beyond impressive.
Cruel Summer is a must-have, must-read for horror fans, a truly shelf-worthy book.
July 26, 2022
A great read from splatterpunk award winning author, Wesley Southard. This book is fairly tame considering some of Southard's other works. It's the perfect beach read, as it's set in a coastal town. The fast pace of the plot, detailed characters and plenty of action move this book right along at a feverish pace.
July 1, 2021
Island vacation gone very wrong. Good unique story with some pretty terrifying scenes. If you have a fear of drowning then this one with get under your skin.
I did not connect with the characters so it was hard to be empathetic with them but the story was strong enough to keep it interesting
I did not connect with the characters so it was hard to be empathetic with them but the story was strong enough to keep it interesting
January 2, 2021
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a life changing vacation that you won’t soon forget for years to come? Melissa and Patrick did, and let me tell you, I won’t forget it either!
I saw the thunderstorm release of this book, and was intrigued instantly. I missed out on that gorgeous edition, sadly, so I just had to wait for its normal release. Then something amazing happened. A call for reviewers, which I immediately jumped on and received the long awaited book as an advanced reader copy! Miracles do happen, folks! So that leaves us here for the review.
A general run down of what this story is all about. Melissa and Patrick decide to take a vacation down to Florida in order to escape their current situation, and bond with Hoyt, Melissa’s abusive boyfriend. It’s not a new vacation spot for Melissa, so Melissa and Patrick do have a decent advantage. It was told as if we all knew the place by heart. Along the way they encounter some things that seem a bit fishy. One thing leads to another in plot twist after plot twist, until we meet our grand finale. I will leave you with this summary so as not to give anything away. This is a review, but I still want to persuade you all to read it for yourself.
At no point in this book did I think to myself: Get on with it.
At no point during the impending conclusion did I experience that “why isn’t this over” anger that I sometimes experience towards the end of a book. This story was told in a way that made me feel like I couldn’t do anything else but finish this story. At several points during this reading I did feel like it was moving towards being a cosmic horror story. I was hooked from the very beginning and it didn’t let me go until the very last word.
If you want a little bit of The Fisherman by John Lagan mixed with a uniquely told story, then this book is most definitely for you. Whatever you do, think twice before swimming this summer.
I saw the thunderstorm release of this book, and was intrigued instantly. I missed out on that gorgeous edition, sadly, so I just had to wait for its normal release. Then something amazing happened. A call for reviewers, which I immediately jumped on and received the long awaited book as an advanced reader copy! Miracles do happen, folks! So that leaves us here for the review.
A general run down of what this story is all about. Melissa and Patrick decide to take a vacation down to Florida in order to escape their current situation, and bond with Hoyt, Melissa’s abusive boyfriend. It’s not a new vacation spot for Melissa, so Melissa and Patrick do have a decent advantage. It was told as if we all knew the place by heart. Along the way they encounter some things that seem a bit fishy. One thing leads to another in plot twist after plot twist, until we meet our grand finale. I will leave you with this summary so as not to give anything away. This is a review, but I still want to persuade you all to read it for yourself.
At no point in this book did I think to myself: Get on with it.
At no point during the impending conclusion did I experience that “why isn’t this over” anger that I sometimes experience towards the end of a book. This story was told in a way that made me feel like I couldn’t do anything else but finish this story. At several points during this reading I did feel like it was moving towards being a cosmic horror story. I was hooked from the very beginning and it didn’t let me go until the very last word.
If you want a little bit of The Fisherman by John Lagan mixed with a uniquely told story, then this book is most definitely for you. Whatever you do, think twice before swimming this summer.
January 29, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! I worked a lot of 12 hour shifts while reading this story and thought about it during my workday and I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I was truly engrossed in this tale the whole way through, and found myself holding my breath… a lot. I will definitely be picking up more of his works in the future!
May 28, 2024
5 Stars because I couldn't put it down.
Cruel Summer is a horror novel with some classical themes intertwined. With characters from ancient Greek history and myths.
I would highly recommend this novel.
Easy to read, and even easier to get lost in.
There was some solid character building throughout, and it was clear that Wesley knew what he was doing. The plot is great. it's not something i have seen a lot of.
This novel will give you thrills and chills.
Cruel Summer is a horror novel with some classical themes intertwined. With characters from ancient Greek history and myths.
I would highly recommend this novel.
Easy to read, and even easier to get lost in.
There was some solid character building throughout, and it was clear that Wesley knew what he was doing. The plot is great. it's not something i have seen a lot of.
This novel will give you thrills and chills.
July 27, 2023
4,4/5✨
"El hombre de dentro ha desaparecido. Su carne ya no es prestada, sino regalada, su alma no es más que polvo esparcido por el océano de la historia."
La travesía en el pequeño velero estaba siendo muy placentera. La brisa en la cubierta era más llevadera que el excesivo calor que había ese día en tierra. La compañía era muy agradable y hacía tiempo que quería gozar de aquella sensación de aislamiento. Todo iba bien... hasta que los compañeros decidieron que sería interesante darnos un chapuzón. Todos mis miedo afloraron. Tenía auténtico pánico de perturbar a la mayor fuerza de la Madre Naturaleza: el agua. La que menos respetamos los humanos. La que tiene capacidad para darnos la vida, pero también la muerta. Y con ello las criaturas que la moran y velan por ella...
Espero que estas líneas previas al chapuzón, no sean lo último que os transmita...
La historia se desarrolla bajo un drama muy tratado en la literatura y el cine: una madre soltera, Melissa, intenta "domesticar" a un maltratador para que se convierta en el padre de su hijo. La premisa la hemos visto muchas veces y la mayor parte de ellas se cae en sensiblerías o interpretaciones no demasiado aconsejables. Wesley monta muy bien la historia, desde un punto de vista muy lúcido y que a mi al menos me ha convencido. Obviamente la relación tóxica rompe en un momento dado y a partir de ahí el autor nos regala un festival de monstruos marinos y bestias abisales que atacarán a la familia.
La verdad es que ha sido una lectura muy amena y divertidísima en la que el autor no rehúye tocar temas candentes y con la que vas a disfrutar un montón con las escenas terroríficas que Wesley nos regala. También es verdad que desde la foto de la solapa ya me tiene ganado: qué escritor no lo haría cuando en su foto posa con una camiseta de Mastodon.
Toda la novela está bien hilada y pero el final... madre mía el final. El autor se suelta completamente y nos aporta una resolución con un ritmo, unos impactos visuales y sobre todo unos giros, que obviamente no voy a desvelar, muy originales y bien hilados.
Como es marca de la casa, con Dimensiones Ocultas, la edición está cuidada, la traducción es excelente, la letra y los márgenes son muy generosos... con lo cual el esfuerzo y la fatiga visual de los que ya peinamos alguna cana lo agradecemos.
Muy recomendable, os lo vais a pasar muy bien. Garantizado... además, doble experiencia si la disfrutáis en la orilla del mar.
¿Qué os parece? ¿Lo habéis leído?
"El hombre de dentro ha desaparecido. Su carne ya no es prestada, sino regalada, su alma no es más que polvo esparcido por el océano de la historia."
La travesía en el pequeño velero estaba siendo muy placentera. La brisa en la cubierta era más llevadera que el excesivo calor que había ese día en tierra. La compañía era muy agradable y hacía tiempo que quería gozar de aquella sensación de aislamiento. Todo iba bien... hasta que los compañeros decidieron que sería interesante darnos un chapuzón. Todos mis miedo afloraron. Tenía auténtico pánico de perturbar a la mayor fuerza de la Madre Naturaleza: el agua. La que menos respetamos los humanos. La que tiene capacidad para darnos la vida, pero también la muerta. Y con ello las criaturas que la moran y velan por ella...
Espero que estas líneas previas al chapuzón, no sean lo último que os transmita...
La historia se desarrolla bajo un drama muy tratado en la literatura y el cine: una madre soltera, Melissa, intenta "domesticar" a un maltratador para que se convierta en el padre de su hijo. La premisa la hemos visto muchas veces y la mayor parte de ellas se cae en sensiblerías o interpretaciones no demasiado aconsejables. Wesley monta muy bien la historia, desde un punto de vista muy lúcido y que a mi al menos me ha convencido. Obviamente la relación tóxica rompe en un momento dado y a partir de ahí el autor nos regala un festival de monstruos marinos y bestias abisales que atacarán a la familia.
La verdad es que ha sido una lectura muy amena y divertidísima en la que el autor no rehúye tocar temas candentes y con la que vas a disfrutar un montón con las escenas terroríficas que Wesley nos regala. También es verdad que desde la foto de la solapa ya me tiene ganado: qué escritor no lo haría cuando en su foto posa con una camiseta de Mastodon.
Toda la novela está bien hilada y pero el final... madre mía el final. El autor se suelta completamente y nos aporta una resolución con un ritmo, unos impactos visuales y sobre todo unos giros, que obviamente no voy a desvelar, muy originales y bien hilados.
Como es marca de la casa, con Dimensiones Ocultas, la edición está cuidada, la traducción es excelente, la letra y los márgenes son muy generosos... con lo cual el esfuerzo y la fatiga visual de los que ya peinamos alguna cana lo agradecemos.
Muy recomendable, os lo vais a pasar muy bien. Garantizado... además, doble experiencia si la disfrutáis en la orilla del mar.
¿Qué os parece? ¿Lo habéis leído?
November 13, 2021
Bello, senza troppe pretese.
Una lettura in parte disturbante, in parte appassionante, che tratta argomenti seri in modo rispettoso e mai banale.
Direi che è uno di quei libri che si leggono tra una lettura impegnata e l'altra, spezza il blocco del lettore ed è particolarmente originale dal nostro punto di vista dell'horror d'oltreoceano.
Molto originale, per chi viene da un background lovecraftiano, l'origine del nemico e la costruzione dell'antagonista.
Non per tutti, ma per molti.
Ne parlo QUI
Una lettura in parte disturbante, in parte appassionante, che tratta argomenti seri in modo rispettoso e mai banale.
Direi che è uno di quei libri che si leggono tra una lettura impegnata e l'altra, spezza il blocco del lettore ed è particolarmente originale dal nostro punto di vista dell'horror d'oltreoceano.
Molto originale, per chi viene da un background lovecraftiano, l'origine del nemico e la costruzione dell'antagonista.
Non per tutti, ma per molti.
Ne parlo QUI
June 16, 2021
It's always fun to watch a young author get better and better. Southard has already won a Splatterpunk Award, and with CRUEL SUMMER, he's showing his chops are only getting sharper.
One of the most despicable bad guys I've encountered in years. Hoyt will make you want to punch him in the face.
4 stars!
Check it out.
One of the most despicable bad guys I've encountered in years. Hoyt will make you want to punch him in the face.
4 stars!
Check it out.
October 9, 2020
Intense horror novel about a woman and her son who are bullied and brutalized by her boyfriend. Once they shed him from their lives, he becomes a worse monster. Edge of your seat suspense. Highly recommended
June 11, 2023
The more I think about this book the more I realize how dumb it was. It started out strong but then just… this wasn’t a horror book. It was adult Percy Jackson. I still don’t understand the ending.
May 13, 2024
This story takes place in the span of a week long summer vacation. Although the book is self-aware of this, the characters were too one-dimensional and cliched for my liking. I would have wished for more depth and nuance.
Hoyt, the quintessential bad boy abuser, and Melissa, the naive girlfriend seeking to redeem him, dance a dangerous tango of toxic affection.
Despite Melissa's annoying behavior I enjoyed her fierce determination to protect her son, Patrick, which added emotional depth to the narrative. The story presents a conflicted yet compelling portrayal of maternal love.
The plot is straightforward, but I would have liked a little more mystery, particularly at the beginning. Nevertheless, the story is very exciting and really pulled me in.
I love aquatic horror and "Cruel Summer" truly excels is in its evocation of water horror themes. Southard's prose flows effortlessly, immersing readers in a chilling aquatic realm where danger lurks beneath tranquil surfaces.
Hoyt, the quintessential bad boy abuser, and Melissa, the naive girlfriend seeking to redeem him, dance a dangerous tango of toxic affection.
Despite Melissa's annoying behavior I enjoyed her fierce determination to protect her son, Patrick, which added emotional depth to the narrative. The story presents a conflicted yet compelling portrayal of maternal love.
The plot is straightforward, but I would have liked a little more mystery, particularly at the beginning. Nevertheless, the story is very exciting and really pulled me in.
I love aquatic horror and "Cruel Summer" truly excels is in its evocation of water horror themes. Southard's prose flows effortlessly, immersing readers in a chilling aquatic realm where danger lurks beneath tranquil surfaces.
August 3, 2023
Tenéis una amplia reseña en: https://capsulaslj.blogspot.com/2023/...
"Verano cruel" es la perfecta lectura de playa o piscina.
Y que esto no se interprete como algo peyorativo, todo lo contrario: necesitamos lecturas así.
Una novela que arranca con un elemento dramático tan real, doloroso, y que sabe rehacerse para convertirse en una sucesión de aventuras, persecuciones y amenazas muy cinematográficas.
Tiene ciertos aspectos de terror, pero no vayáis buscando nada demasiado cerrado: "Verano cruel" es la perfecta definición de novela de aventuras de terror. Tiene pinceladas de terror, algunas bastante realistas, pero el resto es puro entretenimiento.
Y eso es justo lo que pide la historia: nada más y nada menos.
Dimensiones hay muchas, tantas como terrores, y "Verano cruel" es una visita a un mundo al que todavía no habíamos entrado desde esta editorial. Aventura de terror, con tintes de drama, bajo el sol, en bañador, arena, amenazas marítimas, muchos animales acuáticos y sombras que se pierden en las leyendas de la antigüedad hasta cimentarse en la maldad y violencia de los tiempos actuales.
"Verano cruel" es la perfecta lectura de playa o piscina.
Y que esto no se interprete como algo peyorativo, todo lo contrario: necesitamos lecturas así.
Una novela que arranca con un elemento dramático tan real, doloroso, y que sabe rehacerse para convertirse en una sucesión de aventuras, persecuciones y amenazas muy cinematográficas.
Tiene ciertos aspectos de terror, pero no vayáis buscando nada demasiado cerrado: "Verano cruel" es la perfecta definición de novela de aventuras de terror. Tiene pinceladas de terror, algunas bastante realistas, pero el resto es puro entretenimiento.
Y eso es justo lo que pide la historia: nada más y nada menos.
Dimensiones hay muchas, tantas como terrores, y "Verano cruel" es una visita a un mundo al que todavía no habíamos entrado desde esta editorial. Aventura de terror, con tintes de drama, bajo el sol, en bañador, arena, amenazas marítimas, muchos animales acuáticos y sombras que se pierden en las leyendas de la antigüedad hasta cimentarse en la maldad y violencia de los tiempos actuales.
March 24, 2021
I'm normally a fan of Wesley Southard's work and this was a well written page turner with all too realistic characters (especially the abusive boyfriend). Unfortunately (for me) far too much time is spent on graphic acts of domestic violence and I found that irritating and frustrating rather than scary or engaging. I'll certainly keep buying Southard's books as they come out, but this one wasn't really my thing.
February 15, 2021
CRUEL SUMMER is a book about the unwavering love of a parent for a child. It is also a book about the evil within humans and a much older darker evil that hides in the depths of the ocean. In lesser hands the balance between moments of familial love and extreme terror could come off as forced or fake. Thankfully, Wesley Southard is one of the better horror writers in the game. In this novel he is able to make the quiet and reflective moments breath like a calm ocean early in the morning and then turn on a dime and serve up some extremely suspenseful and harrowing passages like being stuck out at sea in the middle of a hurricane.
Melissa Braun and her son Patrick are taking a much need vacation to Florida with Melissa’s no-good boyfriend Hoyt. There have been plenty of great evil humans (NOT possessed by a spirit just genuinely bad people) in horror fiction over the years. Hoyt fits in with the likes of Henry Bowers in Stephen King’s IT, but even more vicious. In time Melissa and Patrick fight back against Hoyt, but in the process unleashes a darker and older evil. Southard then leads us through a mother’s struggle to continue to protect herself and her son from a suspicious detective, unusual aquatic creature behavior, a monster from the darker depths, and it all culminates with some of my favorite chapters in recent memory. I don’t want to give too much away, but you won’t find me anywhere near the ocean for a good long time.
I didn’t find the book lagged or got bogged down even when it turn to the personal relationship between Melissa and Patrick, or when Melissa reconnects with an old friend who she turns to for help later in the book. This is due in large part to Southard’s ability create characters that feel real — Patrick is perfect representation of a pre-teen and Melissa is a single parent who tends to second guess herself. The bond between mother and child, even when it is strained, is woven into the fabric of this book. All this makes the more horrific moments even more impactful.
Speaking of those horrific moments, Southard slowly builds the horror over the course of the book. You can feel the slow escalation and menace that follows Melissa and Patrick after the evil is unleashed. There is one section of the book that I thought couldn’t creep me out, but it did and now I can’t go anywhere near one of my favorite water-based creatures! The encounters with the evil element culminate in some very unique scenes of violence and gore which are described in stomach churning detail. Needless to say I loved every moment of it.
Wesley Southard has taken us down to the water in CRUEL SUMMER. That water might be calm at times, but when it turns dark and ominous there is no telling what might happen next. If you are a fan of horror fiction that blends the best of creepiness and gore with a tale about family then reel this one in right now.
A big thanks to Deaths Head Press and Sadie at Night Worms for the review copy of this book.
Melissa Braun and her son Patrick are taking a much need vacation to Florida with Melissa’s no-good boyfriend Hoyt. There have been plenty of great evil humans (NOT possessed by a spirit just genuinely bad people) in horror fiction over the years. Hoyt fits in with the likes of Henry Bowers in Stephen King’s IT, but even more vicious. In time Melissa and Patrick fight back against Hoyt, but in the process unleashes a darker and older evil. Southard then leads us through a mother’s struggle to continue to protect herself and her son from a suspicious detective, unusual aquatic creature behavior, a monster from the darker depths, and it all culminates with some of my favorite chapters in recent memory. I don’t want to give too much away, but you won’t find me anywhere near the ocean for a good long time.
I didn’t find the book lagged or got bogged down even when it turn to the personal relationship between Melissa and Patrick, or when Melissa reconnects with an old friend who she turns to for help later in the book. This is due in large part to Southard’s ability create characters that feel real — Patrick is perfect representation of a pre-teen and Melissa is a single parent who tends to second guess herself. The bond between mother and child, even when it is strained, is woven into the fabric of this book. All this makes the more horrific moments even more impactful.
Speaking of those horrific moments, Southard slowly builds the horror over the course of the book. You can feel the slow escalation and menace that follows Melissa and Patrick after the evil is unleashed. There is one section of the book that I thought couldn’t creep me out, but it did and now I can’t go anywhere near one of my favorite water-based creatures! The encounters with the evil element culminate in some very unique scenes of violence and gore which are described in stomach churning detail. Needless to say I loved every moment of it.
Wesley Southard has taken us down to the water in CRUEL SUMMER. That water might be calm at times, but when it turns dark and ominous there is no telling what might happen next. If you are a fan of horror fiction that blends the best of creepiness and gore with a tale about family then reel this one in right now.
A big thanks to Deaths Head Press and Sadie at Night Worms for the review copy of this book.
August 6, 2023
Lectura 180 (2023). Verano Cruel de Wesley Southard
Traducción Roberto Carrasco
No se puede uno imaginar mejor lectura para el estío que esta epopeya marítima con monstruo lovecraftiano incluido. Adrenalina por doquier y mucha emoción. Dimensiones ocultas siempre nos da diversión
3/5
#literaverso #booktodon
Traducción Roberto Carrasco
No se puede uno imaginar mejor lectura para el estío que esta epopeya marítima con monstruo lovecraftiano incluido. Adrenalina por doquier y mucha emoción. Dimensiones ocultas siempre nos da diversión
3/5
#literaverso #booktodon
September 10, 2023
I'll rate this 3.5 stars. The story was easy to read and grabbed my attention at the very beginning. I'm also a big fan of Wesley Southard and his writing style. The story itself was fun, and it had a cool twist on the water creature feature.
There were just a couple of things didn't quite work for me:
1. I personally found the main character Melissa unbearable. I get that she was broken and flawed, but she made so many terrible decisions that directly put her son (and others) in mortal danger more than once. When called out on it she either lashed out, used her son's protection as an excuse, or went on a "poor me, I'm the worst" defense. I really tried but I just couldn't get behind her.
2. While I didn't mind the water monster thing's origins being based in Greek Mythology, it lost me a bit when it reverted directly back to its story of defeat and kept referring to Melissa as "Andromeda." I felt that we could have still had the monster and the story without that piece. I didn't even mind the epic Clash of the Titans fight at the end, I just couldn't see a reason why it would fixate on Melissa and insist that she was someone she obviously wasn't.
Other than that, Wesley does a great job of conveying a feeling of being surrounded and unable to escape. There's a recurring theme of drowning, being unable to breathe, or having one's breath taken away in some capacity. I would definitely beware if you have thalassophobia, aquaphobia, or any fear of drowning.
This was a beach book for me which made it even more of an experience. I'd say it's worth the time!
There were just a couple of things didn't quite work for me:
1. I personally found the main character Melissa unbearable. I get that she was broken and flawed, but she made so many terrible decisions that directly put her son (and others) in mortal danger more than once. When called out on it she either lashed out, used her son's protection as an excuse, or went on a "poor me, I'm the worst" defense. I really tried but I just couldn't get behind her.
2. While I didn't mind the water monster thing's origins being based in Greek Mythology, it lost me a bit when it reverted directly back to its story of defeat and kept referring to Melissa as "Andromeda." I felt that we could have still had the monster and the story without that piece. I didn't even mind the epic Clash of the Titans fight at the end, I just couldn't see a reason why it would fixate on Melissa and insist that she was someone she obviously wasn't.
Other than that, Wesley does a great job of conveying a feeling of being surrounded and unable to escape. There's a recurring theme of drowning, being unable to breathe, or having one's breath taken away in some capacity. I would definitely beware if you have thalassophobia, aquaphobia, or any fear of drowning.
This was a beach book for me which made it even more of an experience. I'd say it's worth the time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2021
The best part of reviewing books is being introduced to new authors and new tales. And author Wesley Southard is definitely in my top 10 list of favorite horror discoveries.
My favorite thing about his writing style is there is no slow buildup to the story or boring filler scenes. The writer’s stories throw the reader right into the madness and you better buckle up or be left in the literary dust.
You can read Jennifer's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
My favorite thing about his writing style is there is no slow buildup to the story or boring filler scenes. The writer’s stories throw the reader right into the madness and you better buckle up or be left in the literary dust.
You can read Jennifer's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
January 25, 2021
I love Florida and I'm scared of the sea.
So yeah, this worked for me.
Full review to come for Night Worms.
Another great book from DHP.
So yeah, this worked for me.
Full review to come for Night Worms.
Another great book from DHP.
January 10, 2021
Cruel Summer by Wesley Southard is a terrifying tale about a family vacation that is troubled with elements of anger and possession that are more dangerous than the deep undercurrents running just off the shoreline.
When the story begins, our main character, Melissa, has decided that a family vacation to the shore is just what her, her boyfriend Hoyt, and her son Patrick need. The three are in the car traveling to their vacation condo and it’s not going well. The relationship was already on the rocks and it’s clearly a very toxic situation. Even so, Melissa is trying to give it one more shot.
And that’s just the beginning! There is much more at play here than just the toxic relationship…
This story is insane! My goodness. I think my hatred for Hoyt could spark a fire! What a truly nasty man. Every scene he was in made my blood boil.
I loved Melissa and Patrick and just wanted to see them live their lives. They deserved a happy life away from the abuse, but they certainly weren’t going to be walking away from this trip without some major scaring, both physically and emotionally.
My favorite character was Jordan. I loved his nerdiness and overall demeanor. His character brought a lovely lift to the story after the troubling situations we had just read.
There were so many sharp turns in this plot that I did not see coming! Even in the first few chapters, I didn’t think things could get worse, but I was wrong every time.
Also, how amazing is that cover?! Lovely work by Alex McVey!
My Favorite Passages
Melissa Braun snapped awake from a nap she didn’t realize she was taking.
There was always something terrible simmering beneath the surface with Hoyt, and Melissa spent years thinking she could put out that fire and discover the good man somewhere in there. Turns out he didn’t actually exist.
But while pity was what her brain wanted to feel, her heart told her to buck up and be strong. She intended to listen.
My Final Thoughts
I had so much fun reading this even though I wanted to scream during many scenes. Everything that happened was so darn unexpected! I can’t remember the last time a book caught me this off guard with each and every event!
If you enjoy dark, family-focused tales, with a splash of Ancient Greek mythology, then this is a great pick for you!
When the story begins, our main character, Melissa, has decided that a family vacation to the shore is just what her, her boyfriend Hoyt, and her son Patrick need. The three are in the car traveling to their vacation condo and it’s not going well. The relationship was already on the rocks and it’s clearly a very toxic situation. Even so, Melissa is trying to give it one more shot.
And that’s just the beginning! There is much more at play here than just the toxic relationship…
This story is insane! My goodness. I think my hatred for Hoyt could spark a fire! What a truly nasty man. Every scene he was in made my blood boil.
I loved Melissa and Patrick and just wanted to see them live their lives. They deserved a happy life away from the abuse, but they certainly weren’t going to be walking away from this trip without some major scaring, both physically and emotionally.
My favorite character was Jordan. I loved his nerdiness and overall demeanor. His character brought a lovely lift to the story after the troubling situations we had just read.
There were so many sharp turns in this plot that I did not see coming! Even in the first few chapters, I didn’t think things could get worse, but I was wrong every time.
Also, how amazing is that cover?! Lovely work by Alex McVey!
My Favorite Passages
Melissa Braun snapped awake from a nap she didn’t realize she was taking.
There was always something terrible simmering beneath the surface with Hoyt, and Melissa spent years thinking she could put out that fire and discover the good man somewhere in there. Turns out he didn’t actually exist.
But while pity was what her brain wanted to feel, her heart told her to buck up and be strong. She intended to listen.
My Final Thoughts
I had so much fun reading this even though I wanted to scream during many scenes. Everything that happened was so darn unexpected! I can’t remember the last time a book caught me this off guard with each and every event!
If you enjoy dark, family-focused tales, with a splash of Ancient Greek mythology, then this is a great pick for you!
January 15, 2021
Once upon a time there was a "family"- a broken, toxic, twisted, distorted version of one. Melissa thinks she can change Hoyt, the man she's in a relationship with, even though it clearly isn't what's best for her or her son Patrick. Patrick wants her to do better, to leave this abusive monster. She wants to give it one last go though- a vacation so that they can all bond together and hopefully get a fresh start. That trip doesn't go as planned.
I can tell you from experience (unfortunately) that the conversations between Patrick and his mother feel extremely authentic, along with a lot of the emotions that Patrick feels about Melissa and Hoyt. There are times Patrick might be a little too quick-witted spread throughout the novel, but I can remember being pretty sarcastic and when I was his age too. There's a certain tone you take with family members who don't act in your (or their own) best interest, and I think Southard nailed that and the overall mother-son relationship.
What about the scary stuff? There's domestic horror, paranoia, creature horror, and more. Some of the abuse is a little hard to read, though it never feels excessive and is really just to show you how terrible Hoyt is. I don't normally talk about triggers in my reviews, but if abuse is one, you may want to steer clear.
The scope of the story surprised me. While the characters we meet are the main focus the entire time, the drama becomes an action-adventure movie with a touch of the mythical in the final lap. For the most part, it doesn't feel too fantastical until the very end, but I won't say more than that as I don't want to spoil anything.
CRUEL SUMMER is a dark family drama that becomes an oceanic creature-fest when an old god seeking revenge finds a human monster with the same goal. The stakes get higher and the action gets wilder as the family fights to stay alive. I couldn't put it down.
* I was provided and ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can tell you from experience (unfortunately) that the conversations between Patrick and his mother feel extremely authentic, along with a lot of the emotions that Patrick feels about Melissa and Hoyt. There are times Patrick might be a little too quick-witted spread throughout the novel, but I can remember being pretty sarcastic and when I was his age too. There's a certain tone you take with family members who don't act in your (or their own) best interest, and I think Southard nailed that and the overall mother-son relationship.
What about the scary stuff? There's domestic horror, paranoia, creature horror, and more. Some of the abuse is a little hard to read, though it never feels excessive and is really just to show you how terrible Hoyt is. I don't normally talk about triggers in my reviews, but if abuse is one, you may want to steer clear.
The scope of the story surprised me. While the characters we meet are the main focus the entire time, the drama becomes an action-adventure movie with a touch of the mythical in the final lap. For the most part, it doesn't feel too fantastical until the very end, but I won't say more than that as I don't want to spoil anything.
CRUEL SUMMER is a dark family drama that becomes an oceanic creature-fest when an old god seeking revenge finds a human monster with the same goal. The stakes get higher and the action gets wilder as the family fights to stay alive. I couldn't put it down.
* I was provided and ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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