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Savage Species #1
Night Terrors
"Peaceful Valley is about to become a slaughterhouse! "
Jesse thinks he s caught a break when he, the girl of his dreams, and her friend are assigned by their newspaper to cover the opening weekend of the Peaceful Valley Nature Preserve, a sprawling, isolated state park. But the construction of the park has stirred an evil that has lain dormant for nearly a century, and the three young people as well as every man, woman, and child unlucky enough to be attending the grand opening are about to encounter the most horrific creatures to ever walk the earth. A species so ferocious that Peaceful Valley is about to be plunged into a nightmare of bloodshed and damnation.
Jesse thinks he s caught a break when he, the girl of his dreams, and her friend are assigned by their newspaper to cover the opening weekend of the Peaceful Valley Nature Preserve, a sprawling, isolated state park. But the construction of the park has stirred an evil that has lain dormant for nearly a century, and the three young people as well as every man, woman, and child unlucky enough to be attending the grand opening are about to encounter the most horrific creatures to ever walk the earth. A species so ferocious that Peaceful Valley is about to be plunged into a nightmare of bloodshed and damnation.
- GenresHorrorYoung AdultNovella
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2013
5 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Janz
61 books2,116 followersJonathan Janz is an author and public schoolteacher. His sci-fi horror novel VEIL is now available, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novels Children of the Dark and The Dark Game were chosen by Booklist and Library Journal as Top Ten Horror Books of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 4, 2013
This book is part of a series, so it's hard to judge on its own. There's a lot of set-up, characters who kind of go nowhere before the end of this part, but who will certainly be featured in the next books. It might be better to rank the whole series as one book...
At first, after the initial chapter, I found Savage Species a little slow and lacking horror. Then the second half of the book came, and oh my freaking lord! Janz hits his stride and never stops. This man was meant to write horror, and when he does it, there's no putting his work down!
So, if the first part of the book was a little slow setting things up, the second half--which is non-stop, in your f-ing face terror that will have your heart pounding-- more than makes up for it. Being part of a series, of course the ending leaves you hanging. But damn, I don't mind shelling out some bucks to get some more of this story!
Great, original horror from a masterful storyteller. Definitely recommended for fans of the genre. 4.5 stars.
Aside - I have a secret bromance with Janz' Native American character. Can't wait to see how he fits into the carnage.
At first, after the initial chapter, I found Savage Species a little slow and lacking horror. Then the second half of the book came, and oh my freaking lord! Janz hits his stride and never stops. This man was meant to write horror, and when he does it, there's no putting his work down!
So, if the first part of the book was a little slow setting things up, the second half--which is non-stop, in your f-ing face terror that will have your heart pounding-- more than makes up for it. Being part of a series, of course the ending leaves you hanging. But damn, I don't mind shelling out some bucks to get some more of this story!
Great, original horror from a masterful storyteller. Definitely recommended for fans of the genre. 4.5 stars.
Aside - I have a secret bromance with Janz' Native American character. Can't wait to see how he fits into the carnage.
June 21, 2013
Part One of a Five part ebook series, Janz wields a very bloody paintbrush, if you pardon the phrase, in this homage, of sorts, to the late great Richard Laymon. Set in the vast wilderness of an Indiana state park, three young journalists prepare to work on a story involving the park but are wholly unaware and unprepared, along with dozens of campers, for the murderous horror that's about to be unleashed. While perhaps a bit more gory than his previous works, Janz weaves in enough humanity and humor (gotta love Red Elk) to offset the horror, and the cliffhanger only demands you download Part Two! Perfect summertime horror reading!
August 19, 2013
Before I sat down to write this review, I tried several times in my head to come up with an opening sentence bold enough to fit this book. My first idea was this: “I don’t care who you are or what kind of books you read...drop what you’re doing and go buy SAVAGE SPECIES immediately!” I thought that might be a bit harsh, but it certainly conveys my feelings towards author Jonathan Janz’s newest release. If you only read one horror book this year, you need to make damn sure it’s this one.
A whole myriad of terms come to mind instantly when I think about this book: “relentless”...”ferocious”...”intense”...”brutal”...”amazing”. No single word, though, seems to do it justice. With this book, Janz has reset the bar for horror excellence. This is now the standard by which all future horror books should be judged.
It is simply that good. Period.
But what makes SAVAGE SPECIES so wickedly great? Several factors, actually. It is written very well, with vivid prose and fast pacing. The characters are well fleshed out and believable. And the action is intense and unyielding. Not to mention the plot itself.
But the horror...oh yes, the sweet, savory horror...that is what makes this novel so delicious. I had to stop reading at a few points just to catch my breath and reassure myself that this is only fiction. This books is absolutely relentless! It will take you deep into the bowels of the earth...and then rip you apart.
The intensity of SAVAGE SPECIES never lets up, and that’s one of the main reasons I like it so much. Every time you think things are about to slow down, something else pops up...and wow, do things escalate! Try as I might here, I simply cannot put into words how much I enjoyed this book.
Obviously, this one is a huge win for me and I urge you to read this ASAP once it hits store shelves in a couple of weeks. This is a taut horror novel that will take you on a gore-filled thrill-ride, a trip that you will never forget. Check this one out for sure.
A whole myriad of terms come to mind instantly when I think about this book: “relentless”...”ferocious”...”intense”...”brutal”...”amazing”. No single word, though, seems to do it justice. With this book, Janz has reset the bar for horror excellence. This is now the standard by which all future horror books should be judged.
It is simply that good. Period.
But what makes SAVAGE SPECIES so wickedly great? Several factors, actually. It is written very well, with vivid prose and fast pacing. The characters are well fleshed out and believable. And the action is intense and unyielding. Not to mention the plot itself.
But the horror...oh yes, the sweet, savory horror...that is what makes this novel so delicious. I had to stop reading at a few points just to catch my breath and reassure myself that this is only fiction. This books is absolutely relentless! It will take you deep into the bowels of the earth...and then rip you apart.
The intensity of SAVAGE SPECIES never lets up, and that’s one of the main reasons I like it so much. Every time you think things are about to slow down, something else pops up...and wow, do things escalate! Try as I might here, I simply cannot put into words how much I enjoyed this book.
Obviously, this one is a huge win for me and I urge you to read this ASAP once it hits store shelves in a couple of weeks. This is a taut horror novel that will take you on a gore-filled thrill-ride, a trip that you will never forget. Check this one out for sure.
July 13, 2014
4.5*
Savage Species was my first read by author Jonathan Janz and I have to say it was a lot of fun. I read the 5 instalments of the series but it was the first one that I enjoyed the most.
Peaceful Valley Nature Reserve is about to be invaded by some pretty nasty beings and they are extremely hungry (and horny, ewww).
This is a great creature feature, they reminded me somewhat of Richard Laymon's cellar creatures but I have to say these things were a lot nastier. The characters in the story were well done but perhaps a little clichéd although this may have been intentional by the author as part of the fun. The characters were fleshed out just enough to keep the story going, some great characters to both root for and wish a messy death. Good pacing, nice character set up and lots of grisly action towards the end.
Savage Species was my first read by author Jonathan Janz and I have to say it was a lot of fun. I read the 5 instalments of the series but it was the first one that I enjoyed the most.
Peaceful Valley Nature Reserve is about to be invaded by some pretty nasty beings and they are extremely hungry (and horny, ewww).
This is a great creature feature, they reminded me somewhat of Richard Laymon's cellar creatures but I have to say these things were a lot nastier. The characters in the story were well done but perhaps a little clichéd although this may have been intentional by the author as part of the fun. The characters were fleshed out just enough to keep the story going, some great characters to both root for and wish a messy death. Good pacing, nice character set up and lots of grisly action towards the end.
February 6, 2016
Another author I'd not read before, and I've got to say I wish I'd read Janz earlier!!! Loved this book. Gory, fast paced and great fun!
November 19, 2013
Night Terrors is an intriguing suspenseful start as the first book in a chilling quintet. This gory tale follows a young group of newspaper writers covering the opening weekend of the newly constructed Peaceful Valley Nature Preserve Park and a unhappily married new mom whose only wish is for her husband to help with their six month old son and for him to stop paying his attractive assistant coach so much attention.
Emma Cayce, a young ball of energy, is reluctant to go on this news assignment to the park opening. Jesse Hargrove is happy to be anywhere Emma is. While they are out interviewing Frank Red Elk, the lone Algonquin descendent, they are invaded by green eyed inhuman creatures.
Eric Florence is a married basketball coach with a newly constructed home and a new baby. His wife, Charly is unhappy and tired of being ignored by her husband. Will the disruption of the unwelcome gory monsters bring the couple together after a tragic event in the Florence’s household?
Mr. Janz has a powerful imagination that has created an engrossing goose bump plot. I mean in the sense of ‘covering your eyes’ during a scary movie fear. The first installment, all though it’s just a teaser, draws you in with a mix of suspense and thriller. Mr. Janz has a way with delivering a descriptive writing style that puts you right in the thick of things. I was so involved with the story my heart was crushed at the abrupt ending. I personally would like to have seen the main characters more developed as far as giving them a deeper physical description. Overall the author did a fantastic job in building part one of Night Terrors to a gripping intensity that will have you anticipating the next installment.
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Emma Cayce, a young ball of energy, is reluctant to go on this news assignment to the park opening. Jesse Hargrove is happy to be anywhere Emma is. While they are out interviewing Frank Red Elk, the lone Algonquin descendent, they are invaded by green eyed inhuman creatures.
Eric Florence is a married basketball coach with a newly constructed home and a new baby. His wife, Charly is unhappy and tired of being ignored by her husband. Will the disruption of the unwelcome gory monsters bring the couple together after a tragic event in the Florence’s household?
Mr. Janz has a powerful imagination that has created an engrossing goose bump plot. I mean in the sense of ‘covering your eyes’ during a scary movie fear. The first installment, all though it’s just a teaser, draws you in with a mix of suspense and thriller. Mr. Janz has a way with delivering a descriptive writing style that puts you right in the thick of things. I was so involved with the story my heart was crushed at the abrupt ending. I personally would like to have seen the main characters more developed as far as giving them a deeper physical description. Overall the author did a fantastic job in building part one of Night Terrors to a gripping intensity that will have you anticipating the next installment.
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
July 18, 2013
Night Terrors
by Jonathan Janz
Peaceful Valley sounds like a wonderful place to live or visit but there is something horribly wrong with the area.
This serial story begins the tale of mayhem and murder. Mr. Janz writes a compelling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and is graphic enough to give you nightmares. There is a diverse group of characters that have storylines that are woven together as they all converge on Peaceful Valley for one reason or another. As they discover that things aren’t what they seem, violence ensues.
This is a serial story which means that we only get a taste of the whole story. Night Terrors is the first in the series and certainly a must if you are going to read the series. It sets the stage for all the future books and introduces you to the characters. I loved the anticipation and violence. It’s sure to be a horror must-have!
by Jonathan Janz
Peaceful Valley sounds like a wonderful place to live or visit but there is something horribly wrong with the area.
This serial story begins the tale of mayhem and murder. Mr. Janz writes a compelling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and is graphic enough to give you nightmares. There is a diverse group of characters that have storylines that are woven together as they all converge on Peaceful Valley for one reason or another. As they discover that things aren’t what they seem, violence ensues.
This is a serial story which means that we only get a taste of the whole story. Night Terrors is the first in the series and certainly a must if you are going to read the series. It sets the stage for all the future books and introduces you to the characters. I loved the anticipation and violence. It’s sure to be a horror must-have!
November 6, 2013
I enjoyed Night Terrors quite a bit. The characters are vivid and sometimes engaging - the dialogue can be quite humorous at times when the narrative is on the young journalists. The creatures are marvelously portrayed.
I am not a fan of the serialization format, however. I would have loved to continue reading. With the "pause in the action" at the end of this volume, the continuity takes a hit.
I am not a fan of the serialization format, however. I would have loved to continue reading. With the "pause in the action" at the end of this volume, the continuity takes a hit.
August 9, 2013
Damn. This one was fast and entertaining. It was really starting to get rolling and then it was over. I knew it was a part of a serial, but did not want it to end. If the other 4 installments are anywhere as good as the intro, then I can't wait to get the rest! Recommended!
June 2, 2013
This is the first installment in series and I am looking forward to the rest! You can get this first part free and I highly recommend. It's his best writing yet. Better action. Clearer focus.
July 2, 2025
4 Stars
This was actually pretty good, though, I must mention violent SA of a victim in this story. The horror aspects and monsters were fun. The guy friend was a leering, objectifying punk that barely redeemed himself by his heroics. I will definitely continue this series, but with a side-eye.
Like I have stated many times before, I don't offend easily, but it bothers me when sexism, misogyny, etc are unnecessary to push the story forward.
I do not recommend it unless you are a horror reader.
This was actually pretty good, though, I must mention violent SA of a victim in this story. The horror aspects and monsters were fun. The guy friend was a leering, objectifying punk that barely redeemed himself by his heroics. I will definitely continue this series, but with a side-eye.
Like I have stated many times before, I don't offend easily, but it bothers me when sexism, misogyny, etc are unnecessary to push the story forward.
I do not recommend it unless you are a horror reader.
January 21, 2024
Very gory, but that's what some authors think horror means. It could have done with a lot less blood and guts. Not the reason I gave it a 3 as it's well written, but because it just ends with no resolve for the main characters. Didn't pay attention to that #1 mark, which means if I want to know what happens I'll have to get another book.
July 20, 2017
Need to get my hands on Savage Species
December 4, 2019
Amazing story. NO dull parts at all. It really takes you for a ride
May 26, 2022
I know it’s the first of a series but it ends very abruptly. The story itself was okay, nothing special.
June 6, 2013
This review can also be seen on horrornovelreviews.com
Night Terrors starts the Five Part serial entitled Savage Species by Jonathan Janz. It’s the first time major publisher Samhain publishing has decided to do this. The first installment is being offered for FREE to entice you to pre-order the others in the series which are scheduled to come out every two weeks at about $1.50 each.
Peaceful Valley is a neighborhood in development. The site for a new park opening, and a site for new housing development. It’s also the site for a brutal bloodbath.
The three characters of Jesse, Emma and Coleen are sent by their newspaper to report on the opening of a new park in the town of Peaceful Valley. They are especially interested in getting an interview with Frank Red Elk, the lone Algonquin Indian holdout of the housing buyouts in order to build this park.
Eric and Charly Florence are a married couple that have a lot of problems. Eric is a woman’s basketball coach who has beautiful assistant coaches, and Charly is a new mother who wants nothing more than to see her husband involved in her and her kids’ lives.
The story bounces back and forth within the chapters between these two sets of characters and how they handle their internal struggles before the creatures are introduced. For Charly you get to experience her horror as she checks on her son and sees a nine foot tall….something…leap out of the window with her son cradled in its arms.
For the three reporters they come across a college group partying in the campground section and decided to join them upon invitation. The meat of the story (no pun intended) is displayed here. These creatures appear and brutally terrorize the group.
Jonathan Janz graphically describes how these creatures disembowel or rape or maim whatever they come across. It’s not for the faint of heart. In one scene he describes how the rape rips open a woman because of the size of the creature.
From almost start to finish the book is filled with taught suspense, graphic violence and horror. Jonathan Janz really pulls you into this world and with his graphic descriptions doesn’t really leave anything to the imagination. I myself was even cringing at some scenes.
This installment wasn’t without some problems. More than once I found some typos, and a biggie for me was the fact that when Jesse was talking with a minor character named Ruth, he called her Emma, then went back to using Ruth. I have informed the author of this error through is website.
The Bottom Line: I want more. This is nothing more than a creature feature throwback, but it’s entertaining. It doesn’t try to bring social issues into play, it doesn’t try to make it something it’s not. It’s clear that this series is going to be about these creatures, and their gory bloody onslaught.
You are left with all sorts of questions that will slowly be answered through the series. What happened to the boy? How will the problems Eric and Charly have with each other effect the search? Just what are these creatures and why didn’t anyone else know about them?
I can’t wait for them to be answered and look forward to reading the next installment in two weeks!
Night Terrors starts the Five Part serial entitled Savage Species by Jonathan Janz. It’s the first time major publisher Samhain publishing has decided to do this. The first installment is being offered for FREE to entice you to pre-order the others in the series which are scheduled to come out every two weeks at about $1.50 each.
Peaceful Valley is a neighborhood in development. The site for a new park opening, and a site for new housing development. It’s also the site for a brutal bloodbath.
The three characters of Jesse, Emma and Coleen are sent by their newspaper to report on the opening of a new park in the town of Peaceful Valley. They are especially interested in getting an interview with Frank Red Elk, the lone Algonquin Indian holdout of the housing buyouts in order to build this park.
Eric and Charly Florence are a married couple that have a lot of problems. Eric is a woman’s basketball coach who has beautiful assistant coaches, and Charly is a new mother who wants nothing more than to see her husband involved in her and her kids’ lives.
The story bounces back and forth within the chapters between these two sets of characters and how they handle their internal struggles before the creatures are introduced. For Charly you get to experience her horror as she checks on her son and sees a nine foot tall….something…leap out of the window with her son cradled in its arms.
For the three reporters they come across a college group partying in the campground section and decided to join them upon invitation. The meat of the story (no pun intended) is displayed here. These creatures appear and brutally terrorize the group.
Jonathan Janz graphically describes how these creatures disembowel or rape or maim whatever they come across. It’s not for the faint of heart. In one scene he describes how the rape rips open a woman because of the size of the creature.
From almost start to finish the book is filled with taught suspense, graphic violence and horror. Jonathan Janz really pulls you into this world and with his graphic descriptions doesn’t really leave anything to the imagination. I myself was even cringing at some scenes.
This installment wasn’t without some problems. More than once I found some typos, and a biggie for me was the fact that when Jesse was talking with a minor character named Ruth, he called her Emma, then went back to using Ruth. I have informed the author of this error through is website.
The Bottom Line: I want more. This is nothing more than a creature feature throwback, but it’s entertaining. It doesn’t try to bring social issues into play, it doesn’t try to make it something it’s not. It’s clear that this series is going to be about these creatures, and their gory bloody onslaught.
You are left with all sorts of questions that will slowly be answered through the series. What happened to the boy? How will the problems Eric and Charly have with each other effect the search? Just what are these creatures and why didn’t anyone else know about them?
I can’t wait for them to be answered and look forward to reading the next installment in two weeks!
June 9, 2013
Savage Species is a new serial novel by Jonathan Janz that is being released by Samhain Publishing. There are five parts being released every two weeks starting June 4, 2013. This review covers only part 1, Night Terrors.
Night Terrors starts off with a flashback scene about Shane Dulin, who was helping build a walking bridge at a new state park that was getting ready to open. Upon waking from unconsciousness, Shane tries to think back to how he came to be wherever he is and wonders why he is in so much pain. Once he discovers he is in a cave and has been literally chewed upon he starts to freak out and attempts to get away from the cave thinking that danger could still be lurking nearby. Unfortunately, he's right about something being nearby and his lack of legs causes him to not make it in time.
Moving on from the flashback scene, Janz introduces us to Jesse, Emma, and Colleen who are headed to the above mentioned state park to do a story on its opening. Colleen doesn't understand why they always get the "fluff" stories to write, however Emma tries to look at the bright side of things to make it look like a great experience for them. Jesse on the other hand seems to not care one way or the other as long as he gets to spend time with Emma, who he seems to have been harboring a crush on for quite some time.
Janz also branches off to a completely different setting where a family of five is having some problems. Eric, the dad, doesn't seem to care anything about the family, choosing instead to spend all of his time coaching and going over plays with his beautiful assistant. Eric's wife, Charly, on the otherhand is stuck at home taking care of everything, including raising two young girls and a baby boy.
Lots of details are provided by Janz about all of the characters mentioned above along with many side characters to allow the reader to start feeling something for them, whether it be sympathy, hate, amusement, etc... Once both scenes are established danger ensues. For the campers at the park, it's a massacre! Some kind of monsters have started visciously attacking everyone in the park and our three reporters are trying to find a way to both escape and save as many people as possible. As for our dsyfunctional family, someone - or was it something - has kidnapped Charly's baby boy. She claims it wasn't human, but there is no such thing as monsters, right?
Not holding anything back, Janz makes the reader feel like they are right there in the middle of the massacre at the state park, and possibly even one of the victims. This is definitely not a book for a reader with a weak stomach, but I'd definitely recommend it to those that can't get enough blood, guts, and gore.
Night Terrors is currently free on Amazon and I guarantee after reading it you will want to purchase the other segments to this novel. I know I'm ready to move on to part 2, The Children. A review of each segment will be forthcoming.
Contains: Adult Language, Adult Situations, Violence, Gore, Rape
Night Terrors starts off with a flashback scene about Shane Dulin, who was helping build a walking bridge at a new state park that was getting ready to open. Upon waking from unconsciousness, Shane tries to think back to how he came to be wherever he is and wonders why he is in so much pain. Once he discovers he is in a cave and has been literally chewed upon he starts to freak out and attempts to get away from the cave thinking that danger could still be lurking nearby. Unfortunately, he's right about something being nearby and his lack of legs causes him to not make it in time.
Moving on from the flashback scene, Janz introduces us to Jesse, Emma, and Colleen who are headed to the above mentioned state park to do a story on its opening. Colleen doesn't understand why they always get the "fluff" stories to write, however Emma tries to look at the bright side of things to make it look like a great experience for them. Jesse on the other hand seems to not care one way or the other as long as he gets to spend time with Emma, who he seems to have been harboring a crush on for quite some time.
Janz also branches off to a completely different setting where a family of five is having some problems. Eric, the dad, doesn't seem to care anything about the family, choosing instead to spend all of his time coaching and going over plays with his beautiful assistant. Eric's wife, Charly, on the otherhand is stuck at home taking care of everything, including raising two young girls and a baby boy.
Lots of details are provided by Janz about all of the characters mentioned above along with many side characters to allow the reader to start feeling something for them, whether it be sympathy, hate, amusement, etc... Once both scenes are established danger ensues. For the campers at the park, it's a massacre! Some kind of monsters have started visciously attacking everyone in the park and our three reporters are trying to find a way to both escape and save as many people as possible. As for our dsyfunctional family, someone - or was it something - has kidnapped Charly's baby boy. She claims it wasn't human, but there is no such thing as monsters, right?
Not holding anything back, Janz makes the reader feel like they are right there in the middle of the massacre at the state park, and possibly even one of the victims. This is definitely not a book for a reader with a weak stomach, but I'd definitely recommend it to those that can't get enough blood, guts, and gore.
Night Terrors is currently free on Amazon and I guarantee after reading it you will want to purchase the other segments to this novel. I know I'm ready to move on to part 2, The Children. A review of each segment will be forthcoming.
Contains: Adult Language, Adult Situations, Violence, Gore, Rape
September 12, 2013
Come on, people. The place is called Peaceful Valley. You had to know something horrible was going to happen there sooner or later.
In the first installment of Jonathan Janz's serial horror novel, Savage Species, a restored nature preserve plays host to more than drunken college kids and snooping reporters. Nope, there's monsters in them woods. Set in picturesque Indiana, the development of the isolated star park has stirred up an ancient evil, and if you wondered just how gruesome things were going to get with this novel, you needn't worry because Janz wastes no time in setting the stakes and the tone for this story. In a word: grizzly.
Split into two separate narratives, there's a young journalist tagging along with the woman of his dreams--and her cattish best friend--as they interview locals and officials about the opening of the park and what it means for the area. And then there's the put-upon wife of a famous college basketball coach, who when not fretting over the suspected infidelity of her husband, fears something in the neighboring woods is lurking. Well, despite the rising paranoia, she's right. And it takes no time at all for things to go from bad to worse.
I'm tempted to liken "Night Terrors" to one of those classic free-for-all horror movies from the 80s, but with the cliffhanger ending and four more installments to go, this is more akin to those nightmarish TV mini-series from the 70s, like Salem's Lot or something. The characters come close to feeling too well worn, but Janz keeps the archetypes interesting by adding little twists to them to avoid any unnecessary eye-rolls. The tertiary characters--you know, the meat puppets--are set up strictly with the implied intention of tearing them to shreds when the sh*t hits the fan.
It's a little frustrating how the story leaves off, but all of the remaining novellas have been published, even collected in one book now too, so there's no need to wait before diving back into Janz's bloodcurdling bedlam. The monsters he has invented are legion and they are vicious. Have the fun is reading along as Janz reveals them chapter by chapter until the end when they're seen in all their gruesome glory. It's a wonder there are any characters left standing to fight against them by the time "Night Terrors" comes to an end. Bring on part two: "The Children."
In the first installment of Jonathan Janz's serial horror novel, Savage Species, a restored nature preserve plays host to more than drunken college kids and snooping reporters. Nope, there's monsters in them woods. Set in picturesque Indiana, the development of the isolated star park has stirred up an ancient evil, and if you wondered just how gruesome things were going to get with this novel, you needn't worry because Janz wastes no time in setting the stakes and the tone for this story. In a word: grizzly.
Split into two separate narratives, there's a young journalist tagging along with the woman of his dreams--and her cattish best friend--as they interview locals and officials about the opening of the park and what it means for the area. And then there's the put-upon wife of a famous college basketball coach, who when not fretting over the suspected infidelity of her husband, fears something in the neighboring woods is lurking. Well, despite the rising paranoia, she's right. And it takes no time at all for things to go from bad to worse.
I'm tempted to liken "Night Terrors" to one of those classic free-for-all horror movies from the 80s, but with the cliffhanger ending and four more installments to go, this is more akin to those nightmarish TV mini-series from the 70s, like Salem's Lot or something. The characters come close to feeling too well worn, but Janz keeps the archetypes interesting by adding little twists to them to avoid any unnecessary eye-rolls. The tertiary characters--you know, the meat puppets--are set up strictly with the implied intention of tearing them to shreds when the sh*t hits the fan.
It's a little frustrating how the story leaves off, but all of the remaining novellas have been published, even collected in one book now too, so there's no need to wait before diving back into Janz's bloodcurdling bedlam. The monsters he has invented are legion and they are vicious. Have the fun is reading along as Janz reveals them chapter by chapter until the end when they're seen in all their gruesome glory. It's a wonder there are any characters left standing to fight against them by the time "Night Terrors" comes to an end. Bring on part two: "The Children."
August 6, 2013
Night Terrors is the first book in Janz’s Savage Species series. It’s an interesting concept to have a serial novel. I was intrigued by the premise and there are some fantastic book covers. I believe the series will be available as a complete book in the future. It’s a great marketing idea to give away the first segment to get the reader hooked. My only hesitation with picking up this title is that I’d read a previous book by Janz, The Sorrows, and I’d hated it. In fact, I never finished it. It takes a lot for me not to finish a book. It wasn’t that the writing was bad. It was just that the story was deathly boring. Anyway, the author got a second chance with me with Night Terrors.
The book kicks off in fantastic fashion. The opening is brutal, disturbing and, I hope, sets the tone for the series. After the powerful start he establishes the setting: a newly opened state park and camping resort, Peaceful Valley. Spoiler alert- it’s not so peaceful. The characterisation is really good. We are introduced to a wide range of characters from newspaper reporters Emma, Jesse and Colleen, to housewife Charly and her basketball coach asshole husband, Eric. Of course, what campsite would be complete without the standard partying college students, so we find them there too. The diverse cast of characters, their personalities and back stories provide a firm basis for the story. You can identify with them and you end up caring what happens to them. The story unfolds with a kidnapping followed by a party that descends into a massacre. The visitors to the park are not alone. There is some graphic gore as the proverbial hits the fan.
By the end of the book, things are very much still in the development stage leading into the next installment. I really liked the setup and the characters. When the action started I didn’t find it as gripping. I find a more subtle approach is creepier than an all out bloody mess. I don’t find myself chomping at the bit to read the next installment, The Children, but maybe I’ll read it in the future. I won’t give this a score out of 10 as that would be unfair – better to judge on the basis of all the installments as a whole.
The book kicks off in fantastic fashion. The opening is brutal, disturbing and, I hope, sets the tone for the series. After the powerful start he establishes the setting: a newly opened state park and camping resort, Peaceful Valley. Spoiler alert- it’s not so peaceful. The characterisation is really good. We are introduced to a wide range of characters from newspaper reporters Emma, Jesse and Colleen, to housewife Charly and her basketball coach asshole husband, Eric. Of course, what campsite would be complete without the standard partying college students, so we find them there too. The diverse cast of characters, their personalities and back stories provide a firm basis for the story. You can identify with them and you end up caring what happens to them. The story unfolds with a kidnapping followed by a party that descends into a massacre. The visitors to the park are not alone. There is some graphic gore as the proverbial hits the fan.
By the end of the book, things are very much still in the development stage leading into the next installment. I really liked the setup and the characters. When the action started I didn’t find it as gripping. I find a more subtle approach is creepier than an all out bloody mess. I don’t find myself chomping at the bit to read the next installment, The Children, but maybe I’ll read it in the future. I won’t give this a score out of 10 as that would be unfair – better to judge on the basis of all the installments as a whole.
March 19, 2020
What a mess! This is my first Janz book and I wasn't impressed. It started out bloody great, first chapter was gross and gory and it was awesome! It read like a 80/90s B grade sexist horror movie which is not the issue at all as I'm quite fond of reading about dumb characters, doing dumb things and dying dumb deaths if it is done well. But I didnt like a single one of the dumb stereotypical characters even in a I hate to love you way.
I can pinpoint the part that I lost complete interest, it was when something really really bad had happened to one of the "I thought might be okay" characters, something that had it happened to myself, I would be inconsolable and fighting everyone and everything that stood in my way to fix the bad thing. But this dumb weepy sad character thought to themselves, hey why not flirt with this hot person over here. Because that is what every person would do in that situation!
Anyway so that was the end for me, I did read the rest but my heart wasn't in it and I found myself disliking all the dumb shit characters even more after that.
I can pinpoint the part that I lost complete interest, it was when something really really bad had happened to one of the "I thought might be okay" characters, something that had it happened to myself, I would be inconsolable and fighting everyone and everything that stood in my way to fix the bad thing. But this dumb weepy sad character thought to themselves, hey why not flirt with this hot person over here. Because that is what every person would do in that situation!
Anyway so that was the end for me, I did read the rest but my heart wasn't in it and I found myself disliking all the dumb shit characters even more after that.
August 13, 2016
Checklist to fast paced fun and mayhem:
Sexy male and female heroes? Check!
Hapless protagonists wantonly and gruesomely disposed of? Check!
Hordes of delightfully clueless adolescent potential victims gallivanting around in the purest 1980s slasher film tradition? Check!
Nasty monsters? Check!
Crazy chases through labyrinthine subterranean mazes? Check!
Cosmic undertones and belligerent, over sized villains? Check!
Massive, threatening dangling male particulars? Check!
A rollicking good time? Double check!
If the checklist matches your taste, then read this book. You won't be disappointed.
Sexy male and female heroes? Check!
Hapless protagonists wantonly and gruesomely disposed of? Check!
Hordes of delightfully clueless adolescent potential victims gallivanting around in the purest 1980s slasher film tradition? Check!
Nasty monsters? Check!
Crazy chases through labyrinthine subterranean mazes? Check!
Cosmic undertones and belligerent, over sized villains? Check!
Massive, threatening dangling male particulars? Check!
A rollicking good time? Double check!
If the checklist matches your taste, then read this book. You won't be disappointed.
March 30, 2014
Hard for me to rank this one as I only had the first book. I'm not really that into slasher horror, yet I was intrigued as I got further into the book. I'm not sure if I want to obtain the other books in his series (I tend to suffer nightmares and I really don't need more fodder for them) but I did like how he built his characters and use of language. Sometimes it can be on the crude side, but felt it was more eloquent than King, who many consider master of the genre. However, I would recommend this book to any who are into serious slasher horror, as this book puts "Friday the 13th" to shame.
June 11, 2013
Whoa. Seriously whoa. It was cruel to end it and have to wait for the next installment but I'm hooked. reminded me of Richard Laymon for any horror fans out there. The ending scene is as intense as all get out that I found myself not exhaling. Can't wait for the next installment. Already loving the characters and rooting for them.
April 17, 2024
3.5 I really enjoyed this. Jonathan Janz's style is pretty simple but vivid. It's the first novel I read by him and I am eager to have some more, especially because this was pretty short and ended kinda abruptly. Jesse's thoughts were kind of annoying at times.
Same feelings upon re-reading this. Of course, this is only the first part of Savage species, so there's much more.
Same feelings upon re-reading this. Of course, this is only the first part of Savage species, so there's much more.
April 22, 2013
I feel fortunate indeed to be privy to the first enthrallment of this serialization. If you have an appetite for bloody, shrieking terror then prepare to enjoy the five course banquet that Jonathan has prepared for you.
August 14, 2013
An enjoyable start that featured a surprisingly early explosion of violence (so if that's not your thing, best steer clear). Not sure I buy one of the main characters yet, but since there are four parts to go, I'm willing to go along for the ride and see how he develops.
October 23, 2013
I loved this book. It is a set of short episodes of a story. I was expecting to just leave it at the one part, but I can't it was that exciting, although very gruesome. I haven't read horror for a while as I usually find it very predictable! The change has been a pleasant surprise.
January 15, 2014
It was ok... Not my type of horror book..
But if you like the 'grade B horror' flicks, you would like this. I used to LOVE this kind of stuff when I was a young teen, not so much anymore though.
This book kind of reminds me of the horror movie 'Feast'.
But if you like the 'grade B horror' flicks, you would like this. I used to LOVE this kind of stuff when I was a young teen, not so much anymore though.
This book kind of reminds me of the horror movie 'Feast'.
June 30, 2013
It was a little slow at first but rapidly got my attention and I didn't put it down until I finished.
February 19, 2014
Dude abrupt ending much!!!!! Totally reads like an 80s horror flick with the soft porn, ripped apart college ages drunk kids
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