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Witch Island
"A witch s curse from beyond the grave! "
Witch Island used to be feared. Even the bravest would not dare go there. Legend said a witch had been burned alive at the stake, and upon her death she cursed the town. Terrified residents performed rituals to keep her spirit trapped on the island where she was buried.
Now, over a hundred years later, a group of high school seniors have decided to forgo the local graduation parties and have a small gathering of their own on Witch Island. They don t fear the legends. They scoff at them. But the group will soon learn these particular legends are nothing to scoff at. And Witch Island will prove far worse than they could have ever imagined. "
Witch Island used to be feared. Even the bravest would not dare go there. Legend said a witch had been burned alive at the stake, and upon her death she cursed the town. Terrified residents performed rituals to keep her spirit trapped on the island where she was buried.
Now, over a hundred years later, a group of high school seniors have decided to forgo the local graduation parties and have a small gathering of their own on Witch Island. They don t fear the legends. They scoff at them. But the group will soon learn these particular legends are nothing to scoff at. And Witch Island will prove far worse than they could have ever imagined. "
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
35 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 9, 2025
I loved this book! I was captured from the first chapter and it didn't let me go till the end!
Small backstory:
Witch Island is off limits to the town residents as an actual witch put a curse on the island back in the early 1900's when she was burned alive. She cursed all the people that had a hand in killing her and she cursed their future generations.
Of course, it is all a myth, right? There is no such things as witches and curses. A few friends decide to forego everything that their parents have warned them about the island and go have a graduation party on the island to prove that there is nothing to the legend.
Little do they know that they have just stepped into a nightmare when they dock their canoes on the island. When one of the friends finds something interesting under the ground and digs it up, no one is prepared for the consequences of that discovery.
Thoughts:
Witches/Curses is the main theme in this story and the story was so fast paced that is was hard to put down as I flew through it within 48 hours!
The characters and all what they had to go through within the storyline just grabbed me right away, but when the story became deeper with the curse on the island is when things went from calm to crazy within just a few pages!
Mother Nature literally comes alive and the friends are in for facing their worst fears as the killings and gore start flying. Lots of gore, suspense, and action within these pages!
Giving this one five "Wicked Witch" stars!
Small backstory:
Witch Island is off limits to the town residents as an actual witch put a curse on the island back in the early 1900's when she was burned alive. She cursed all the people that had a hand in killing her and she cursed their future generations.
Of course, it is all a myth, right? There is no such things as witches and curses. A few friends decide to forego everything that their parents have warned them about the island and go have a graduation party on the island to prove that there is nothing to the legend.
Little do they know that they have just stepped into a nightmare when they dock their canoes on the island. When one of the friends finds something interesting under the ground and digs it up, no one is prepared for the consequences of that discovery.
Thoughts:
Witches/Curses is the main theme in this story and the story was so fast paced that is was hard to put down as I flew through it within 48 hours!
The characters and all what they had to go through within the storyline just grabbed me right away, but when the story became deeper with the curse on the island is when things went from calm to crazy within just a few pages!
Mother Nature literally comes alive and the friends are in for facing their worst fears as the killings and gore start flying. Lots of gore, suspense, and action within these pages!
Giving this one five "Wicked Witch" stars!
April 30, 2014
3.5 Stars! (Rounded up to 4)
Witch Island has a terrific premise that sounds like the plot of a of horror movie. A group of teenagers heads out to an island to party after graduation, and they plan to stay overnight. So far so good, right?
The island is deserted and is a perfect place to party with no fears of being caught. Never mind that the island is nearly buried in old stories about a witch that was burned there and the curse she put on the island as a punishment. Never mind that some of these teens are direct descendants of those persons that originally burned the witch. Never mind that they've been constantly warned (and a few provided protection) against ever going to the island. I will leave off the rest of the plot here.
I liked this premise a lot, which is why I chose this book for review. However, I ended up being a little disappointed with it. I like stories about curses and witches. I especially enjoy stories with a back and forth type thing between the present and the past. In this book, I would have preferred more sections about the past, the witch and the burning.The portions regarding the teenagers were okay, but I couldn't help thinking that this all had been done before.
Once everyone was introduced and the teenagers are finally on the island, all hell broke loose. In addition to the historical portions of the story, this part was my favorite. The reader learned more about the witch and what her capabilities were. There wasn't much she was not capable of and originality points go out to the author in regards to modes of death. Very cool!
Even though I wished for more information regarding the witch and the past, I still liked how the story came together. Even though the teenagers were all characters I have seen before, I did have empathy for some of them. The prose was just okay to me, it wasn't bad, but it didn't really stand out. (I'm fresh off a re-read of The Haunting of Hill House, so I admit, it is tough to compete against that.)
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those readers that enjoy stories about witches and curses. It's just that the originality bat didn't hit the ball out of the park. It was more like a long double, perhaps maybe even a triple, due to the graphic events on the island. I will look forward to reading more of this author's work.
A free e-copy of this novel was provided to me by Horror After Dark to honestly review, and that is what I have done.
Find this review and others like it at www.Horrorafterdark.com
Witch Island has a terrific premise that sounds like the plot of a of horror movie. A group of teenagers heads out to an island to party after graduation, and they plan to stay overnight. So far so good, right?
The island is deserted and is a perfect place to party with no fears of being caught. Never mind that the island is nearly buried in old stories about a witch that was burned there and the curse she put on the island as a punishment. Never mind that some of these teens are direct descendants of those persons that originally burned the witch. Never mind that they've been constantly warned (and a few provided protection) against ever going to the island. I will leave off the rest of the plot here.
I liked this premise a lot, which is why I chose this book for review. However, I ended up being a little disappointed with it. I like stories about curses and witches. I especially enjoy stories with a back and forth type thing between the present and the past. In this book, I would have preferred more sections about the past, the witch and the burning.The portions regarding the teenagers were okay, but I couldn't help thinking that this all had been done before.
Once everyone was introduced and the teenagers are finally on the island, all hell broke loose. In addition to the historical portions of the story, this part was my favorite. The reader learned more about the witch and what her capabilities were. There wasn't much she was not capable of and originality points go out to the author in regards to modes of death. Very cool!
Even though I wished for more information regarding the witch and the past, I still liked how the story came together. Even though the teenagers were all characters I have seen before, I did have empathy for some of them. The prose was just okay to me, it wasn't bad, but it didn't really stand out. (I'm fresh off a re-read of The Haunting of Hill House, so I admit, it is tough to compete against that.)
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those readers that enjoy stories about witches and curses. It's just that the originality bat didn't hit the ball out of the park. It was more like a long double, perhaps maybe even a triple, due to the graphic events on the island. I will look forward to reading more of this author's work.
A free e-copy of this novel was provided to me by Horror After Dark to honestly review, and that is what I have done.
Find this review and others like it at www.Horrorafterdark.com
October 22, 2016
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Margaret Rivers is burnt at the stake, proclaimed to be a 'witch' by the local townspeople. She threatens revenge on them for taking her life and the life of her beloved husband.
Over a hundred years later, a group of high school friends decide to make Witch Island their party destination to celebrate the end of school. They've all heard the stories of Witch Island but it's seclusion is a big draw and they head off for a night of drinking and debauchery.
The curious teens manage to free the spirit of Margaret Rivers and she decides that she will have her revenge on the descendants of the townspeople and also permanently escape the island, gruesome mayhem ensues.
This was great fun and read very much like a slasher teen movie, the pacing was pretty fast and although at times some of the plot was a little ridiculous it was easy to just go with it and enjoy the fun.
Character wise, the kids were pretty likeable and whilst they didn't have huge backstories it was more than enough for me to have be rooting for some and glad of the demise of others.
One of the best things about it was that it didn't have a pretty ending, it's resolution was messy and there was no happily ever after. I personally love it when authors do this, more realistic and ultimately satisfying.
Great fun and recommended.
Margaret Rivers is burnt at the stake, proclaimed to be a 'witch' by the local townspeople. She threatens revenge on them for taking her life and the life of her beloved husband.
Over a hundred years later, a group of high school friends decide to make Witch Island their party destination to celebrate the end of school. They've all heard the stories of Witch Island but it's seclusion is a big draw and they head off for a night of drinking and debauchery.
The curious teens manage to free the spirit of Margaret Rivers and she decides that she will have her revenge on the descendants of the townspeople and also permanently escape the island, gruesome mayhem ensues.
This was great fun and read very much like a slasher teen movie, the pacing was pretty fast and although at times some of the plot was a little ridiculous it was easy to just go with it and enjoy the fun.
Character wise, the kids were pretty likeable and whilst they didn't have huge backstories it was more than enough for me to have be rooting for some and glad of the demise of others.
One of the best things about it was that it didn't have a pretty ending, it's resolution was messy and there was no happily ever after. I personally love it when authors do this, more realistic and ultimately satisfying.
Great fun and recommended.
August 30, 2015
Legend has it that back in the early 1900's a woman was accused of being a witch and was burned to death. Before the witch died, she put a curse on the island and the descendants of the people who took her life. The town people performed a ritual that would keep the body of the witch trapped on island forever. A hundred years later a group of high school seniors decided that they would hold a party on Witch Island to celebrate their graduation. The group did not believe in the old wise tale about the island. Soon the group would find out the legend was true and it would lead to many horrific deaths. After each death, the witch would gain more power and hope that she could escape the island for good. This was a fast pace book with a lot of action. It was interesting how the author weaved the history of the witch with the modern times.. This is the first book that I have read by David Bernstein. It was and enjoyable read with an interesting plot. I plan to checkout other works by this author. I recommend this book to readers of horror.
August 2, 2015
I love a good witch story and Witch Island has a great mix of violent, in-your-face horror, a strong storyline and characters
that leap off the page with all their human fallibilities, qualities, emotions and struggles. David Bernstein has written a story that whips the reader up and takes him/her on a perilous journey, with many twists and turns to ensure there is no chance of escape.
Margaret Rivers was burned as a witch decades earlier. Her spirit has been trapped on Witch Island, but a group of teenagers decide on a rite of passage trip to this place they have been warned to avoid. They find the witch's grave and, unwittingly release her spirit. Some of those present are the descendants of those who killed her. Now Margaret Rivers' spirit is free and filled with hate. She will be avenged. A great read. Loved it!
that leap off the page with all their human fallibilities, qualities, emotions and struggles. David Bernstein has written a story that whips the reader up and takes him/her on a perilous journey, with many twists and turns to ensure there is no chance of escape.
Margaret Rivers was burned as a witch decades earlier. Her spirit has been trapped on Witch Island, but a group of teenagers decide on a rite of passage trip to this place they have been warned to avoid. They find the witch's grave and, unwittingly release her spirit. Some of those present are the descendants of those who killed her. Now Margaret Rivers' spirit is free and filled with hate. She will be avenged. A great read. Loved it!
June 25, 2014
Reading this book was like cuddling up on the couch with the lights off and a big bowl of popcorn on your lap watching one of the best horror flicks on TV! Mr. Bernstein’s descriptive writing of this tale had me cringing…cowering into the couch and saying “NO…don’t go off into the woods…you KNOW what happens when you do that”!!! The story starts out with a little history of how the island was named and why the townspeople avoided it like the plague. With many venturing near it and never returning…they were right not to go close to it! So when a group of friends…fresh from high school graduation planned a night of fun and drinking on the island you can kind of surmise that…it ain’t gonna end too prettily! Some in the group are decedents of the men who had put the suspected witch to death in the early 1900’s and were given a talisman in the form of a ring to wear for “protection” but as we all know…they can only protect so much…especially when you have an evil witch who is hell bent on getting her revenge on the people who had killed her husband and herself so many years ago!
The cast of characters is long but each and every one plays an important part in this thrilling…gory…bloody…horrifically good adventure that you embark on while reading this story.
So…sit back in a nice comfy chair with the lights down low for effect…get a nice cup of your favorite beverage and maybe a snack or two and be prepared to read one of the most chilling tales that I have read in a very long time!
Thank you Mr. Bernstein for one helluva scary…entertaining story! You Rock!!!
The cast of characters is long but each and every one plays an important part in this thrilling…gory…bloody…horrifically good adventure that you embark on while reading this story.
So…sit back in a nice comfy chair with the lights down low for effect…get a nice cup of your favorite beverage and maybe a snack or two and be prepared to read one of the most chilling tales that I have read in a very long time!
Thank you Mr. Bernstein for one helluva scary…entertaining story! You Rock!!!
February 2, 2015
Review: WITCH ISLAND by David Bernstein
Exciting and implacably terrifying "classic" horror from the ever-thrilling author David Bernstein, WITCH ISLAND interweaves a brutal crime more than a century old with contemporary spookiness and horror. In a tiny upstate New York community in 1904, religious bigotry combines with fear of the different to result in an accidental death plus burning at the stake of a falsely-accused witch. A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs, with the unjustly accused becoming that character of which she was accused, leading to superstition and horror for 4 generations.
Exciting and implacably terrifying "classic" horror from the ever-thrilling author David Bernstein, WITCH ISLAND interweaves a brutal crime more than a century old with contemporary spookiness and horror. In a tiny upstate New York community in 1904, religious bigotry combines with fear of the different to result in an accidental death plus burning at the stake of a falsely-accused witch. A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs, with the unjustly accused becoming that character of which she was accused, leading to superstition and horror for 4 generations.
February 11, 2021
Uh...this is a book that was written.
June 24, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/mini-rev...
Actual rating: 3,5 stars
In Witch Island, you have all the classic ingredients of a horror movie: teens staying the night on an island cursed by a witch. It doesn’t help that half of these teens are descendants of the families who hurt aforementioned witch. You know you’re in for trouble when you read that plot. The book offers a ton of violence, some gruesome scenes that are definitely not for the squeamish, and also some background story of the witch. The parts talking about the witch’s story were my favorite. The teenagers just weren’t that much fun. It’s a fast read though, and if you slasher movies or anything of the like, you’ll enjoy this one.
Actual rating: 3,5 stars
In Witch Island, you have all the classic ingredients of a horror movie: teens staying the night on an island cursed by a witch. It doesn’t help that half of these teens are descendants of the families who hurt aforementioned witch. You know you’re in for trouble when you read that plot. The book offers a ton of violence, some gruesome scenes that are definitely not for the squeamish, and also some background story of the witch. The parts talking about the witch’s story were my favorite. The teenagers just weren’t that much fun. It’s a fast read though, and if you slasher movies or anything of the like, you’ll enjoy this one.
May 1, 2015
Great read that slowly builds a good steady pace through the 1st half with great character building then BAM! Full speed ahead for the 2nd half. I hope David Bernstein takes us back to Witch Island again and soon
July 12, 2014
I LOVED this book. I'm never disappointed with David Bernstein's books, but this one was by far his best. Read it and enjoy
June 7, 2014
Told through alternating sequences set in the past and as the story unfolds in the modern day, horror writer David Bernstein’s latest, "Witch Island" takes place in a small town in New York state where a witch was burned at the stake years ago. Unsurprisingly, the witch vows to curse and haunt the island forever, making way for the place’s eventual name, which it shares with the title of the book.
"Witch Island" is a bit raunchier than Bernstein’s previous offerings, so if that’s your bag, you’re in luck. The violence factor is also quite high, so fans of his gruesome descriptions are in luck for that, as well. In some ways it’s a throwback to horror flicks of the early 90s like
"I Know What You Did Last Summer" and the "Scream" franchise, so if you enjoyed them and films along the same lines, you’ll really dig "Witch Island."
"Witch Island" is a bit raunchier than Bernstein’s previous offerings, so if that’s your bag, you’re in luck. The violence factor is also quite high, so fans of his gruesome descriptions are in luck for that, as well. In some ways it’s a throwback to horror flicks of the early 90s like
"I Know What You Did Last Summer" and the "Scream" franchise, so if you enjoyed them and films along the same lines, you’ll really dig "Witch Island."
June 26, 2014
Can I give a book 0 stars? It was simply awful. Terrible writing, plot from any dozen horror movies, really awful characterizations. It's just clunky and clichéd with nothing new at all. I dont know how this book came on my radar or what it was that made me think it was worth reading but I regret that day.
The worst thing about this book is that it is a horror book that isn't scary. It's really not. It relies on a plethora of blood and guts to do the work, but there's no atmosphere to carry the actual horror. It's all just very mechanical.
I am normally one who cannot read a scary story after dark, I had no problem with this one and fell to sleep easily after finishing it. Even the supposed twist at the end (which COME ON you can see coming a million miles away) left me cold.
The worst thing about this book is that it is a horror book that isn't scary. It's really not. It relies on a plethora of blood and guts to do the work, but there's no atmosphere to carry the actual horror. It's all just very mechanical.
I am normally one who cannot read a scary story after dark, I had no problem with this one and fell to sleep easily after finishing it. Even the supposed twist at the end (which COME ON you can see coming a million miles away) left me cold.
February 14, 2017
This is a difficult book for me to review because it goes off in a couple of different directions. On one hand we have the awesome story of the witch and how she came to be (5 stars), on the other hand we have the sex crazed teens in woods party (3 stars). I wish Bernstein had spent more time on the witch and come up with something better than a teen party; this would have been an epic book. As it was, we still had Bernstein's writing to make for a fast, fun read. I was never bored and would recommend WITCH ISLAND to fans of the genre.
October 20, 2015
A witch is slaughtered on an island a century ago. She curses the kin of the offenders. This happens on an island. All anyone has to do to avoid the curse is stay away from the island right? Pretty easy? Well, not so much. The decedents of those there on that fateful night decide to party it up on the island to drastic results. Great premise that I can easily see becoming a film. The violence is swift and graphic, and Bernstein manages to make you care about some of these characters that can easily be cardboard cutouts, but thrive within the world between these pages. Highly enjoyable.
June 11, 2014
Fun read! Loved it. Review to come.
August 7, 2014
I won a signed copy of this book in a First Reads Giveaway. I liked the book but would have liked less information about the teenagers and more about the the witch and the island.
June 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It has an interesting premise, but rather than the author making the reader work for it, by trying to throw the reader off with a sub story, or some great twist, he kind of just hands the story to the reader on a silver platter. It does not take much discernment to figure out what is going to happen. It's obvious right away. In particular because it starts off with a scene that pretty much announces, "This is what is going to happen now." I wish Bernstein would have given readers more credit in the intelligence department. He spoons feeds the story, rather than creating an exciting yarn that keeps the reader guessing. It's what separates a great story from an OK one.
The one thing I did like about the story is although it's simple in terms of detail, the various characters wind up in situations that I never expected. I was actually surprised. In particular the characters who somehow were able to procure the rings that play a part in the story. I didn't expect for some of the scenes to play out the way it did. I give the author credit for making that aspect of the story atypical.
I gave the story 4 stars because the last third of the book to the end, he does a great job funneling the story to new heights of action and suspense. It's like he got a second wind, or just really got into writing this part of the book. I couldn't put the book down at that point. It was like going down some rapids. I just had to hold on to see what was going to happen and it didn't disappoint. Not in the least.
I also appreciated the kind of double ending. I thought one thing happened and I was kind of disappointed that it played out that way, but then there is this great twist right at the end where I smiled and wanted to give the author a "high 5" for digging in deep and coming up with a clever ending. I thought it was a great way to end the story.
Even though I had a few complaints, I liked the story enough that I bought another one of the author's books. Yes, this book was linear and somewhat predictable, but the author knew when to hook the reader and pull them in. I'm hoping the next book I read from him is equal in that respect.
The one thing I did like about the story is although it's simple in terms of detail, the various characters wind up in situations that I never expected. I was actually surprised. In particular the characters who somehow were able to procure the rings that play a part in the story. I didn't expect for some of the scenes to play out the way it did. I give the author credit for making that aspect of the story atypical.
I gave the story 4 stars because the last third of the book to the end, he does a great job funneling the story to new heights of action and suspense. It's like he got a second wind, or just really got into writing this part of the book. I couldn't put the book down at that point. It was like going down some rapids. I just had to hold on to see what was going to happen and it didn't disappoint. Not in the least.
I also appreciated the kind of double ending. I thought one thing happened and I was kind of disappointed that it played out that way, but then there is this great twist right at the end where I smiled and wanted to give the author a "high 5" for digging in deep and coming up with a clever ending. I thought it was a great way to end the story.
Even though I had a few complaints, I liked the story enough that I bought another one of the author's books. Yes, this book was linear and somewhat predictable, but the author knew when to hook the reader and pull them in. I'm hoping the next book I read from him is equal in that respect.
October 20, 2017
I was not really sure what to rate this book. I felt like a poor man's Christopher Pike book. The characters never completely came together enough to care about any of them except perhaps Steve and even he was not very well written. That being said I do think the book would make a really good film. I feel that in a film version they may be able to do a better job of fleshing out the characters.
It's the last day of high school for a group of friends and they want to have a party to kick off their last Summer together. Like any group of friends in fiction there is the sexist, selfish jerk, a gentle, sweet boy, the hottest girl in school and so on and so forth. Let's not forget that there are secrets among them just waiting to rise to the surface.
The problems start when they choose to celebrate on Witch Island where many of their forefathers chose to burn an innocent witch after killing her husband. She has been waiting for years for her revenge and tonight she will get it.
I think this is an enjoyable read for Halloween and I am willing to try more books by this writer. I just wish it were a little better.
It's the last day of high school for a group of friends and they want to have a party to kick off their last Summer together. Like any group of friends in fiction there is the sexist, selfish jerk, a gentle, sweet boy, the hottest girl in school and so on and so forth. Let's not forget that there are secrets among them just waiting to rise to the surface.
The problems start when they choose to celebrate on Witch Island where many of their forefathers chose to burn an innocent witch after killing her husband. She has been waiting for years for her revenge and tonight she will get it.
I think this is an enjoyable read for Halloween and I am willing to try more books by this writer. I just wish it were a little better.
October 5, 2022
I enjoyed Witch Island. It’s a fun teenage romp that reads like an eighties slasher film. There is a lot of gore, swearing and sex talk, so maybe not for the faint of heart.
It’s about an island where a witch was wrongly burned alive in the early 1900’s. A ritual of nailing spikes into the ground over here burial mound is performed to ensure that the witch’s spirit is always there trapped on the island and unable to hurt anyone.
In the present time, a group of high school seniors travel out to Witch Island to throw one last party before they all go away to college. They pull the metal spikes out of the ground and accidentally free the witch who goes from person to person, inhabiting them and wrecking havoc on the small group. Before long there’s only one left...
It’s about an island where a witch was wrongly burned alive in the early 1900’s. A ritual of nailing spikes into the ground over here burial mound is performed to ensure that the witch’s spirit is always there trapped on the island and unable to hurt anyone.
In the present time, a group of high school seniors travel out to Witch Island to throw one last party before they all go away to college. They pull the metal spikes out of the ground and accidentally free the witch who goes from person to person, inhabiting them and wrecking havoc on the small group. Before long there’s only one left...
June 17, 2022
This book needs to be made into a movie!!! Perfect for Halloween! The island known as Witch Island is the stuff made of legends…and is very enticing to teenagers. After all, it’s just a fable past down through generations…
When a group of teens decide to celebrate their HS graduation by camping on the forbidden island, things go awry very quickly. No spoilers….just prepared for some seriously creepy stuff…brilliant!!! Perfect choice for narration. Highly recommend this book if you enjoy horror movies-stories.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When a group of teens decide to celebrate their HS graduation by camping on the forbidden island, things go awry very quickly. No spoilers….just prepared for some seriously creepy stuff…brilliant!!! Perfect choice for narration. Highly recommend this book if you enjoy horror movies-stories.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2022
I love the premise of the book - a group of teenagers heads to an island to celebrate their graduation. However, the island is where Margaret Rivers was burnt as a witch and she is still out for vengeance. I feel a bit like the other reviewer, I must be getting old as there was so much talk of sex, which just seemed to overshadow what could have been a great storyline. The book was still enjoyable and the narrator was good, however, I just wish it had delved deeper into the history and built up the storyline more.
July 8, 2022
audible:This was a good book.I was a bit taken aback by all the sex,I suppose I am old. The story was an old one.A witch ,burnt at the stake is buried on an island.Teenagers go to the island,bad things happen,unless you have the special rings. Narration by Joan Dukore was good.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 14, 2022
Graduation party on Witch Island with a couple direct decedents of the witch and plenty of booze and sex hungry teens. What could possibly go wrong.
Not an overly original trope but an entertaining ride nonetheless.
Not an overly original trope but an entertaining ride nonetheless.
February 26, 2018
Wonderfully written story line. I'm still shivering wondering, "what next"...........
November 27, 2018
Like ordering a McDonald’s burger. I knew what I was getting myself into but was still disappointed in the end.
October 30, 2020
Book starts off interesting enough, but it eventually falls flat towards the end and the author doesnt really stick the landing
Watch my full review at:
https://youtu.be/-FXaWpyQfyU
Watch my full review at:
https://youtu.be/-FXaWpyQfyU
June 20, 2014
Before I get officially started with this review, I want people to know that this isn't a bad book. It's fairly enjoyable overall and I can see what the author was trying to do with this by turning a few conventions on their head. However the problem here is that while it isn't a bad book by any stretch, it's not exactly the great book it could have been either.
Part of what makes this book work from the start is that Bernstein has this "80s/90s horror movie" vibe that permeates the first part of the novel. It's fun and he does a nice job of setting the characters up so that we have a fairly good idea of who they are, what they want, and who is most likely to end up dying. There's also some decent flashbacks and a pretty interesting character in the form of a Scottish demonologist.
However what ultimately disappointed me was also what initially intrigued me. A large portion of the book is just the group of teens going to the island, and the rest is devoted to the aftermath for the most part. This intrigued me at first, but what frustrated me is that we have some characters that were introduced fairly late in the book and as such, just kind of felt underdeveloped and rushed. Bernstein does try to give them a little introduction, but it came across as a little bit of a deus ex machina and a way to end the book. I really think that if all of these had been blended together a little better, maybe introduce the newer characters a little earlier in the book, then perhaps it wouldn't have felt as tacked on as it was. This just took what was initially a great book and turned it into an OK book. I'm not going to avoid the author's work or anything, but I'm not going to be as rabid a follower as I'd originally anticipated.
This is a decent work for the most part and one I'd recommend, but this just felt like it could have used a little bit more editing for flow.
Part of what makes this book work from the start is that Bernstein has this "80s/90s horror movie" vibe that permeates the first part of the novel. It's fun and he does a nice job of setting the characters up so that we have a fairly good idea of who they are, what they want, and who is most likely to end up dying. There's also some decent flashbacks and a pretty interesting character in the form of a Scottish demonologist.
However what ultimately disappointed me was also what initially intrigued me. A large portion of the book is just the group of teens going to the island, and the rest is devoted to the aftermath for the most part. This intrigued me at first, but what frustrated me is that we have some characters that were introduced fairly late in the book and as such, just kind of felt underdeveloped and rushed. Bernstein does try to give them a little introduction, but it came across as a little bit of a deus ex machina and a way to end the book. I really think that if all of these had been blended together a little better, maybe introduce the newer characters a little earlier in the book, then perhaps it wouldn't have felt as tacked on as it was. This just took what was initially a great book and turned it into an OK book. I'm not going to avoid the author's work or anything, but I'm not going to be as rabid a follower as I'd originally anticipated.
This is a decent work for the most part and one I'd recommend, but this just felt like it could have used a little bit more editing for flow.
December 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I would have finished this book within the day if I hadn't been dosed up on Day and Night Nurse. It had me gripped from the outset and I am so impressed with how Bernstein's writing appears to be evolving and maturing over time.
After reading Surrogate and being unimpressed with aspects of the story which led to a very disappointing reading experience, I honestly wasn't expecting this book to be up to much. However, this story is very strong and brings to mind some of the classic 80's movies. Cheesy in parts, but that just added to the story for me. The characters were fantastically colourful and some more likeable than others and the gross factor is spectacularly high. A bunch of teens canoeing over to a reportedly haunted island for a night of partying and debauchery sounds like it's going to be fun but predictable read. However, this story is far from anything I have read before.
I highly recommend this book to all horror fans and I am swiftly moving on to The Unhinged.
I would have finished this book within the day if I hadn't been dosed up on Day and Night Nurse. It had me gripped from the outset and I am so impressed with how Bernstein's writing appears to be evolving and maturing over time.
After reading Surrogate and being unimpressed with aspects of the story which led to a very disappointing reading experience, I honestly wasn't expecting this book to be up to much. However, this story is very strong and brings to mind some of the classic 80's movies. Cheesy in parts, but that just added to the story for me. The characters were fantastically colourful and some more likeable than others and the gross factor is spectacularly high. A bunch of teens canoeing over to a reportedly haunted island for a night of partying and debauchery sounds like it's going to be fun but predictable read. However, this story is far from anything I have read before.
I highly recommend this book to all horror fans and I am swiftly moving on to The Unhinged.
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