November Knight: From the New Legends of the Hudson Valley

by Michael J. Pollack

His music holds back the night, but time is running out. Silent screams echoed in the deep. Visions taunted, too late. Jimmie paid the price and keeps his secret close. He longs for redemption but Death changed everything. For Ember Grace high school is her world to command. But when her best friend turns on her, Ember struggles to understand as heart-wrenching memories intrude. Something guides Jimmie’s hand and the music flows and commands, unleashing fearful events that threaten all he knows and loves. The answer lies in the deep, for hunger feeds on fear and the beast is far from sated. Forged in an agony of a painful shared past, Jimmie and Ember’s link grows but will it be enough to save the town, save themselves? And evil lurks in cold still waters, waiting to change everything.

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2011

Reviews

[Maria K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would have liked this book more with main characters being more grown up - in their early twenties perhaps, instead of being high-school age. The teenage lingo ("Like, for real?") popping up during some of the most powerful scenes just didn't work very well for me.

That said, "November Knight" is a powerful, fast-paced, well-written piece - a classic tale of the struggle between good and evil with respectful nods to Stephen King and Dean Koontz (recognizable even as the author gently pokes fun at them both).

The main character - Jimmy Knight - is a modern-day Orpheus, who has to descend into underworld to rescue lost souls and battle the demons of his own. His Eurydice - Ember Grace - is far from a helpless wordless ghost of the Greek myth. She has her own core of steel and her own powers, which she does not hesitate to use.

Yes, the lead and supporting characters are archetypal. Yes, this is a fable. But it's filled with good music, as well as struggles and questions we can all relate to. Definitely worth it!