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Nowhere Blvd.
Eleven year old Spencer Williams mysteriously re-appears in his bedroom after having been missing for two years. The story of where he's been is one no sane person would believe, a tale of being kidnapped by a creature out of legend and taken to a strange underworld. A place where missing children the world over are subjected to horrible experiments by the original boogie man, the living nightmare known as Smiling Jack.
Spencer keeps his secrets, happy to have been the only child ever to have escaped the clutches of Smiling Jack and his minions. With his nightmares fading into the past, Spencer returns home and tries to live a normal life. But when his baby sister goes missing, will Spencer be willing to take the ultimate risk to save her?
Will he be willing to return to Nowhere Blvd?
*Librarian Note: This is an alternate cover edition of asin B006R4RTSE
Spencer keeps his secrets, happy to have been the only child ever to have escaped the clutches of Smiling Jack and his minions. With his nightmares fading into the past, Spencer returns home and tries to live a normal life. But when his baby sister goes missing, will Spencer be willing to take the ultimate risk to save her?
Will he be willing to return to Nowhere Blvd?
*Librarian Note: This is an alternate cover edition of asin B006R4RTSE
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2011
16 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Notch
11 books21 followersRyan Notch lives in Centralia, Pennsylvania, a town evacuated by the Federal government due to a coal mine fire burning beneath it since 1962. The only town in America ever to have its zip code revoked. During the day he wanders the empty streets and houses as if in a dream, looking for something he lost but can't remember where or what it was. At night he writes his horror stories by lying down next to a burning fissure along main street and placing his ear to the ground, transcribing what he hears coming up from below.
Discover his photography as well at www.areographers.com
Or see a trailor for his feature length horror movie at www.lastnightofapril.com
Or read his comics at www.themsgoodcomics.com
Discover his photography as well at www.areographers.com
Or see a trailor for his feature length horror movie at www.lastnightofapril.com
Or read his comics at www.themsgoodcomics.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 2, 2014
Nowhere Blvd by Ryan Notch
September 28 to 30
Horror Reader, October 7 discussion
Poor little Spencer Williams. At eleven years old his bedroom closet becomes a transport to a very frightening dimension when a crazy-arse monster, who goes by the name of Smiling Jack, rules the day and seems to have a particular hatred for Spencer. Suddenly Spencer is back in his own bedroom with his parents and sibling. But how did he get there, why can't he talk and will he ever be the same he was before his unwanted visit to Jack's world.
The story moves quickly. It is centered around Spencer and his successes and failures. Spencer is a smart kid and he wants to do the right thing. He also wants the other children to be saves. He quickly figures out what's what in this new place. His character is developed over time and one can see that his situations do influence his development.
There are a lot of grammar, spelling and sentence structure mistakes in this book. It's too bad, because the idea for the book and the story line are interesting. I tried to ignore the mistakes as I was reading, but somethings just pop out. The author probably needs to have someone he can trust beta-read for him. It would cost nothing more than maybe a free copy of the pre-published book. There are money people on-line willing to do this. I happen to be one of those people. Some advertize on their book review sites and have outstanding references.
I'm going to give this book a little less than 3 stars because of all the grammar mistakes, but I am rounding it up to 3
Recommended with caution regarding the grammar errors.
September 28 to 30
Horror Reader, October 7 discussion
Poor little Spencer Williams. At eleven years old his bedroom closet becomes a transport to a very frightening dimension when a crazy-arse monster, who goes by the name of Smiling Jack, rules the day and seems to have a particular hatred for Spencer. Suddenly Spencer is back in his own bedroom with his parents and sibling. But how did he get there, why can't he talk and will he ever be the same he was before his unwanted visit to Jack's world.
The story moves quickly. It is centered around Spencer and his successes and failures. Spencer is a smart kid and he wants to do the right thing. He also wants the other children to be saves. He quickly figures out what's what in this new place. His character is developed over time and one can see that his situations do influence his development.
There are a lot of grammar, spelling and sentence structure mistakes in this book. It's too bad, because the idea for the book and the story line are interesting. I tried to ignore the mistakes as I was reading, but somethings just pop out. The author probably needs to have someone he can trust beta-read for him. It would cost nothing more than maybe a free copy of the pre-published book. There are money people on-line willing to do this. I happen to be one of those people. Some advertize on their book review sites and have outstanding references.
I'm going to give this book a little less than 3 stars because of all the grammar mistakes, but I am rounding it up to 3
Recommended with caution regarding the grammar errors.
May 17, 2014
Ever wonder what kind of dreams a man who lives in a place like Centralia PA (one of the creepiest places around, if you're not familiar, look it up) dreams. Well, this kind. Awesome dark scary ones. (That do require minor editing, but not enough to distract from the story.)Nowhere Blvd is a fairy tale you'd never want to tell a kid, sort of like an antiDisney story. Nowhere Blvd is a place one can reach via closet, but it's nothing like Narnia. It's a nightmare place where childhood can last forever, but it's much darker than Neverland. Amazing, terrifying, stunningly vivid and highly imaginative, this was a top notch (no pun) literary nightmare. What an impressive introduction to a new author. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2014
I liked the storyline, however, the proof reader of the book possibly needs a new job. The errors in the book were major and numerous. I don't think they were put there for effect either because it actually took away from the story for me and drove me nuts. I found myself highlighting errors and misspellings with my eReader functions and correcting them. If you aren't as anal about stuff like that, then the book is worth reading.
February 10, 2013
Eleven year old Spencer Williams has survived being captured by the Boogeyman. He reappears in his bed room as mysteriously as he disappeared. Now he fears that the nightmare will get Susie his little sister. Once she is taken Spencer knows he must return to Nowhere Blvd to rescue her. Return to a nightmare from Hell.
September 10, 2015
Oh, how I struggled with rating this book. I wanted to give it 5 stars. Surely, it would be a 9 if it were a 10 star scoring system. The reason I can't is the lack of editing.
That being said, this was one of the best novellas I have read in some time. It drew in the reader, made you care about the main character and hate the bad guys. It was an original story, and constantly pushed the edges of how far I thought the author would go. It was enjoyable to read.
Not only would I like Mr. Notch to get it re-edited, I would like him to start sending it in to directors. I think it would make a fabulously grotesque film.
I will look into more from this author, because I can see his imagination has a lot to offer.
That being said, this was one of the best novellas I have read in some time. It drew in the reader, made you care about the main character and hate the bad guys. It was an original story, and constantly pushed the edges of how far I thought the author would go. It was enjoyable to read.
Not only would I like Mr. Notch to get it re-edited, I would like him to start sending it in to directors. I think it would make a fabulously grotesque film.
I will look into more from this author, because I can see his imagination has a lot to offer.
June 18, 2018
A great horror book
I could not put it down, but when I had to, I could not wait to continue reading. Great story, great characters. My only comment would be regarding the editing. It has countless spelling and grammatical mistakes. And even a mention to an event that was not included in the book. If these got fixed, the book would be perfect.
I could not put it down, but when I had to, I could not wait to continue reading. Great story, great characters. My only comment would be regarding the editing. It has countless spelling and grammatical mistakes. And even a mention to an event that was not included in the book. If these got fixed, the book would be perfect.
July 21, 2017
Creepy
I thought this book was okay. It was a little childish for my taste. I was expecting things that go bump in the night, full blown terror. I guess if I were younger it would've been good.
I thought this book was okay. It was a little childish for my taste. I was expecting things that go bump in the night, full blown terror. I guess if I were younger it would've been good.
July 23, 2017
Really good read
Great story, combining the boogyman with fear of the dark. Really enjoyed this, but had many errors. Spelling, tenses, to instead of too. I have been to Centralia, PA. I see why this author writes as he does. He lives in a horror place.
Great story, combining the boogyman with fear of the dark. Really enjoyed this, but had many errors. Spelling, tenses, to instead of too. I have been to Centralia, PA. I see why this author writes as he does. He lives in a horror place.
August 14, 2017
What a really good book. The things Spencer went through could only be described as horrific. But what he does to save himself shows the resilience of children. Then to save his sister? A totally emotional roller coaster of a ride!
July 18, 2019
This has a story that moves along quickly and you can get into it very easily. This is kind of horror/adventure book and I found myself rooting for the protagonist often. The only reason I gave it four stars is because there are many grammar mistakes and that just bugs me personally.
January 4, 2014
why is Ryan Notch not a best selling author?
I have read several of his stories and enjoyed them, but Nowhere Blvd blew me away. It was horrifying without being overpowering. if I really think about the content and Spencer's journey, it's almost too horrifying to bear. But it is handled perfectly with enough detail to make it real and nightmarish but not so much that I couldn't read it. in fact I couldn't stop reading it. I made the mistake of starting it before bed and didn't actually go to bed until it was finished. The story pulls you to the next page so quickly you don't have time to look at a clock. Besides time is different in Nowhere Blvd.
At its surface this is a story about childhood fears. It is creepy and terrifying, but what this story really left me with is the length someone can go to survive and at what point do we loose our humanity to do it. which is a much scarier and more real theme than the boogeyman.
There is also something beautiful about the way Notch writes, even when what he is writing is so far from beauty.
I very rarely get truly spooked by a book, but when I went downstairs after reading this one I took a flashlight.
I have read several of his stories and enjoyed them, but Nowhere Blvd blew me away. It was horrifying without being overpowering. if I really think about the content and Spencer's journey, it's almost too horrifying to bear. But it is handled perfectly with enough detail to make it real and nightmarish but not so much that I couldn't read it. in fact I couldn't stop reading it. I made the mistake of starting it before bed and didn't actually go to bed until it was finished. The story pulls you to the next page so quickly you don't have time to look at a clock. Besides time is different in Nowhere Blvd.
At its surface this is a story about childhood fears. It is creepy and terrifying, but what this story really left me with is the length someone can go to survive and at what point do we loose our humanity to do it. which is a much scarier and more real theme than the boogeyman.
There is also something beautiful about the way Notch writes, even when what he is writing is so far from beauty.
I very rarely get truly spooked by a book, but when I went downstairs after reading this one I took a flashlight.
January 10, 2013
I could not put this book down! It kept me up to 3am just so I could finish it. It's twisted, spooky, horrific and a bit demented. I loved it. I don't usually pick up a horror book unless it has Stephen King on front page but this author could give Stephen King a run for his money! My only complaint is that it wasn't longer because it's one of those books you savor and don't want to end. I hope the author brings the characters back to life in a sequel. I could definitively see this as movie.
It draws you in with the re-apperance of a young boy, who disappeared from the safety of his room, after 2 years. Every parents nightmare. Where has he been is worse then anything I could imagine. The clown from "IT" has nothing on "Smiling Jack".
This book is not for the squeamish and will keep you thinking well after you're done reading it. Great cliffhanger ending that finishes the story but keeps you hoping for more to come. If you love horror, the supernatural or just a really great story you will love this book.
It draws you in with the re-apperance of a young boy, who disappeared from the safety of his room, after 2 years. Every parents nightmare. Where has he been is worse then anything I could imagine. The clown from "IT" has nothing on "Smiling Jack".
This book is not for the squeamish and will keep you thinking well after you're done reading it. Great cliffhanger ending that finishes the story but keeps you hoping for more to come. If you love horror, the supernatural or just a really great story you will love this book.
April 9, 2014
11 yr. old Spencer Williams missing for 2 yrs. suddenly he re-appears in his bedroom. Who is going to believe the story where he has been: a legendary creature Smiling Jack from a strange underworld kidnapped him, & horrible experiments were done to him & other children from all over the world.
The only child to ever escape the throngs of Smiling Jack he tries to keep the horrific events to himself, but will his PTSD continue to haunt him? His baby sister ends up missing & now Spencer guessing she was kidnapped by Smiling Jack must decide to return to Nowhere Blvd & risk his sanity to save her.
Awesome book cover, font & writing style. A sci-fi or paranormal spine tingling fast paced action packed thriller, suspense filled, & mystery. A well written book, easy to read/follow, never a dull moment. Lots of surprising twists/turns. No grammar errors, or out of line sequence sentences. Quite the unique set of characters. Might make a great sci-fi movie. Easy for me to give this book 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The only child to ever escape the throngs of Smiling Jack he tries to keep the horrific events to himself, but will his PTSD continue to haunt him? His baby sister ends up missing & now Spencer guessing she was kidnapped by Smiling Jack must decide to return to Nowhere Blvd & risk his sanity to save her.
Awesome book cover, font & writing style. A sci-fi or paranormal spine tingling fast paced action packed thriller, suspense filled, & mystery. A well written book, easy to read/follow, never a dull moment. Lots of surprising twists/turns. No grammar errors, or out of line sequence sentences. Quite the unique set of characters. Might make a great sci-fi movie. Easy for me to give this book 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 15, 2013
Nowhere Blvd is, in one word, riveting. I could hardly put the book down to sleep, not that sleep came easy after beginning to read this book about what REALLY hides in the darkplaces in the closet and what happens when you go through it.
The author neatly takes us back and forth between past and present, time spent on Nowhere Boulevard and time spent in the real world, always following Spencer - the only child to ever return home from that place.
There were certainly typos, enough that I might consider sending them to the author somehow because it certainly DOES detract from the immersion of the story. However, the prose behind everything was 100% solid.
(book was obtained free though onehundredfreebooks.com)
The author neatly takes us back and forth between past and present, time spent on Nowhere Boulevard and time spent in the real world, always following Spencer - the only child to ever return home from that place.
There were certainly typos, enough that I might consider sending them to the author somehow because it certainly DOES detract from the immersion of the story. However, the prose behind everything was 100% solid.
(book was obtained free though onehundredfreebooks.com)
January 5, 2014
I loved this story, it was creepy and clever. However, it seems to have been published as an ebook without being edited properly. These weren't simple or minor mistakes, either, and unfortunately took away from the story.
Story: 4 stars
Editing/formatting/spelling: 2 stars
Overall: 3 stars
Story: 4 stars
Editing/formatting/spelling: 2 stars
Overall: 3 stars
October 7, 2014
A fast-paced and darkly imaginative tale. Not perfect but I enjoyed it too much to nitpick and take away a star for minor errors. Recommended to readers who like their fairytales dark and filled with horror.
February 4, 2016
What an imagination! I loved this book. It was surprisingly different from anything that I've read. His writing is very much like Stephen King. I loved the hero. His character was believable and truthful. Please give this a try if you like suspenseful horror genre. You won't be disappointed.
September 1, 2012
A nifty blend of subverted fairy tales and flat out horror. Crisp prose occasionally hiccuped by misplaced homonyms or spelling errors, but the quick pace keeps it humming.
February 15, 2014
Reminds me of Steven King.
June 22, 2014
very good at keeping the reader entertained. I liked it.
February 26, 2016
Teddy bear scary
Fast read wish it were longer. Great imagination from this author. Fantastic monsters and monasteries. Pick it up you'll be complaining it's to short too.
Fast read wish it were longer. Great imagination from this author. Fantastic monsters and monasteries. Pick it up you'll be complaining it's to short too.
January 7, 2017
Good, solid horror.
January 20, 2015
Creepy all the way through the end. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews