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The Wicked
AN ANCIENT EVIL RISES...BURNS...KILLS...
After a fire consumes the Heller Home for Children, the residents of Morganville, North Carolina thought they knew evil...
They were wrong.
Unaware of the turmoil in their new hometown, the Littles--David, Kate, and seven-year-old Becca--are moving from New York City to Morganville in hopes of repairing their own lives, which were recently shattered by an act of sexual violence.
Before long, David realizes that his family's troubles are worse than he could ever have imagined.
An ancient demon lurks beneath the town of Morganville, an unholy creature conjured into existence by the Heller Home tragedy.
Its name is Moloch.
It is hungry for the souls of the townspeople.
But most of all, Moloch wants the children. It will not rest until it has them.
All of them.
After a fire consumes the Heller Home for Children, the residents of Morganville, North Carolina thought they knew evil...
They were wrong.
Unaware of the turmoil in their new hometown, the Littles--David, Kate, and seven-year-old Becca--are moving from New York City to Morganville in hopes of repairing their own lives, which were recently shattered by an act of sexual violence.
Before long, David realizes that his family's troubles are worse than he could ever have imagined.
An ancient demon lurks beneath the town of Morganville, an unholy creature conjured into existence by the Heller Home tragedy.
Its name is Moloch.
It is hungry for the souls of the townspeople.
But most of all, Moloch wants the children. It will not rest until it has them.
All of them.
355 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
36 people are currently reading
2574 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
October 19, 2017
Kate, David and their daughter Becca move from the big city to Morganville, NC. Kate's brother lives there and Kate has a baby on the way. They needed to get out of the city after something horrific happened to Kate.
Yet, this little peaceful town isn't so peaceful and a nasty force is killing people and kids left and right!
Hold on to your seats peeps. You don't want Molock to get you!
Mel ❤️
April 24, 2021
The Wicked is a pitch-perfect homage to 80s horror. Not so much the bestsellers of King and Koontz and Straub, but moreso the midlisters that filled the grocery store spinner racks with their gloriously garish covers. Though don't go in thinking this is some sort of parody. Newman plays the whole "supernatural evil invades small town" trope straight here, and pulls it off much more successfully than most of those 80s authors.
The Littles have just moved to the town of Morganville, North Carolina, where a horrible tragedy had recently taken place, when a home for orphans and wayward children burned to the ground, killing all inside. But that was only a prelude to the horrors to come, as an ancient demon is slowly manifesting, and it's taking over the souls of everyone in Morganville, and consuming those that don't fall under its influence. David Little, worried that his wife and young daughter are in danger, enlists the help of his newly-met neighbor -- an old-timer ex-Marine -- in order to try and get to the bottom of it all.
Pretty typical setup for a horror novel from the Reagan era, but what sets this apart is its relentless pace. There are no wasted words here, unlike the bloated doorstops of the 80s. After the initial setup, Newman piles horror upon horror, slowly increasing the tension and terror until the inevitable over-the-top, "fireworks factory"-style finale. Even during the scenes of normal domestic life, there's a thick, sinister atmosphere pervading everything, as the reader knows what lies in store for these people.
The characters felt real, and I cared about their plight, which is key for me when it comes to horror. Too many novels of this stripe from the horror boom spent hundreds of pages detailing the characters lives, but I wouldn't really give a wit who lived and who died in the end. Sometimes I rooted for them to meet their demise and put an end to my misery. Not so here, unless it's a character you're meant to despise. And some of their grisly ends are pretty twisted and hallucinatory, like something out of your worst nightmare.
I can't end the review without talking about that cover. I really dig the faux-aged and beaten-up look to it, and I have to admit I was fooled into thinking I got a used copy, especially when I saw the grocery store sticker on the back. If it were mass-market sized as opposed to trade, it would fit right in with all the other "well-loved" paperbacks in the horror section of your local used bookstore.
For those who don't care for 80s horror, this probably won't win you over, but for fans of this sort of thing, The Wicked is essential.
4.5 Stars
The Littles have just moved to the town of Morganville, North Carolina, where a horrible tragedy had recently taken place, when a home for orphans and wayward children burned to the ground, killing all inside. But that was only a prelude to the horrors to come, as an ancient demon is slowly manifesting, and it's taking over the souls of everyone in Morganville, and consuming those that don't fall under its influence. David Little, worried that his wife and young daughter are in danger, enlists the help of his newly-met neighbor -- an old-timer ex-Marine -- in order to try and get to the bottom of it all.
Pretty typical setup for a horror novel from the Reagan era, but what sets this apart is its relentless pace. There are no wasted words here, unlike the bloated doorstops of the 80s. After the initial setup, Newman piles horror upon horror, slowly increasing the tension and terror until the inevitable over-the-top, "fireworks factory"-style finale. Even during the scenes of normal domestic life, there's a thick, sinister atmosphere pervading everything, as the reader knows what lies in store for these people.
The characters felt real, and I cared about their plight, which is key for me when it comes to horror. Too many novels of this stripe from the horror boom spent hundreds of pages detailing the characters lives, but I wouldn't really give a wit who lived and who died in the end. Sometimes I rooted for them to meet their demise and put an end to my misery. Not so here, unless it's a character you're meant to despise. And some of their grisly ends are pretty twisted and hallucinatory, like something out of your worst nightmare.
I can't end the review without talking about that cover. I really dig the faux-aged and beaten-up look to it, and I have to admit I was fooled into thinking I got a used copy, especially when I saw the grocery store sticker on the back. If it were mass-market sized as opposed to trade, it would fit right in with all the other "well-loved" paperbacks in the horror section of your local used bookstore.
For those who don't care for 80s horror, this probably won't win you over, but for fans of this sort of thing, The Wicked is essential.
4.5 Stars
February 10, 2018
The Little family: David, Kate and their daughter Becca, head off to start a new life in Morganville, after Kate was sexually assaulted back in New York.
Unbeknownst to them, the town has a dark history: the Heller Home for children burned to the ground on August 12th 2002 with a high casualty rate.
And lurking beneath the town is a demon, Moloch, who is hungry for the souls of the townsfolk; especially those of the children.
Moloch' is one of those twisted demons that has a sick sense of humour. Everytime he turned up (practically) he would be doing something to someone, before killing them - which is evident in what happened to Kate's brothers boyfriend. I really didn't see that coming. Anyway, it's not long before Moloch' gets to the majority of the people in Morganville, and all kinds of craziness ensues.
This was the first book I've read by the author, and I was quite impressed. I'll definitely be checking out his other novels.
Unbeknownst to them, the town has a dark history: the Heller Home for children burned to the ground on August 12th 2002 with a high casualty rate.
And lurking beneath the town is a demon, Moloch, who is hungry for the souls of the townsfolk; especially those of the children.
Moloch' is one of those twisted demons that has a sick sense of humour. Everytime he turned up (practically) he would be doing something to someone, before killing them - which is evident in what happened to Kate's brothers boyfriend. I really didn't see that coming. Anyway, it's not long before Moloch' gets to the majority of the people in Morganville, and all kinds of craziness ensues.
This was the first book I've read by the author, and I was quite impressed. I'll definitely be checking out his other novels.
March 22, 2024
The Wicked.
Oh, how I love you. I mean, look at this cover!
This book is true horror, the entire story teemed with the classic feel of 1980s horror.
I grew up loving all things horror. Watching movies like The Gate, The Lost Boys, Fright Night and Halloween over and over again, in addition to reading anything in the genre I could get my hands, make up some of my best childhood memories.
In this one, we have the classic tale of evil taking over and almost completely annihilating a small town.
The pace is very fast moving and the imagery solid and disturbing; some of the death scenes....damn, that Moloch is harsh.
In the beginning I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the main characters, as they are very different from myself, but I did grow attached to them and ultimately was really rooting for them to survive the bloodbath.
My favorite character was this older gentleman, George, who was really just a smart-ole' battleax. He provides a bit of humor and a sense of comfort, being older, George seemed to know how to tackle any situation.
If you are looking for a true horror read, I would definitely recommend you check out this book, you will not be disappointed!
Oh, how I love you. I mean, look at this cover!
This book is true horror, the entire story teemed with the classic feel of 1980s horror.
I grew up loving all things horror. Watching movies like The Gate, The Lost Boys, Fright Night and Halloween over and over again, in addition to reading anything in the genre I could get my hands, make up some of my best childhood memories.
In this one, we have the classic tale of evil taking over and almost completely annihilating a small town.
The pace is very fast moving and the imagery solid and disturbing; some of the death scenes....damn, that Moloch is harsh.
In the beginning I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the main characters, as they are very different from myself, but I did grow attached to them and ultimately was really rooting for them to survive the bloodbath.
My favorite character was this older gentleman, George, who was really just a smart-ole' battleax. He provides a bit of humor and a sense of comfort, being older, George seemed to know how to tackle any situation.
If you are looking for a true horror read, I would definitely recommend you check out this book, you will not be disappointed!
August 26, 2018
"A place possessed... by an unholy being named MOLOCH."
An ancient demon lurks beneath the town of Morganville, an unholy creature conjured into existence by the tragedy at the Heller Home for Children. And it wants the souls of the townspeople...
Well, this was a DAMN good time! If you're a fan of 80s horror, then this is a book you need to pick up. The perfect homage to all the things we love about 80s horror - but the only difference between this and quite a lot of 80s horror is that this is very well written *shade thrown*
Newman is a fantastic writer, he creates a family and characters that you really care about from the get-go. The stakes are high and you really do feel tense as Newman ramps up the pressure. You know that NO character is safe, and I really love that in a book. I hate when you're reading and you just know a certain character will get out of a sticky situation because the author doesn't have the balls to kill his darlings... Reading is so much more enjoyable when anything could happen to ANY character.
There is gore and blood, and a LOT of body fluids! I was laughing out loud at some of the sex scenes in this one - they're quite graphic and disgusting, but fun?! The copious amounts of sex and orgies really did give it that 80s horror vibe. I just really enjoyed the rollercoaster ride that this book was - it's a real page-turner! Short chapters really help you fly through it, but you won't want to put it down anyways.
Demons/demonology are probably my favourite horror trope, so this book ticked all my boxes. I even got the pleasure of looking up Moloch in my Encyclopaedia of Demonology for extra tidbits - yes, I do own such a book.
Highly recommend this one if you want a horror book that is pretty scary and unsettling at times, whilst also being lots of fun. I will definitely be picking up more from Newman!
4.5 stars.
An ancient demon lurks beneath the town of Morganville, an unholy creature conjured into existence by the tragedy at the Heller Home for Children. And it wants the souls of the townspeople...
Well, this was a DAMN good time! If you're a fan of 80s horror, then this is a book you need to pick up. The perfect homage to all the things we love about 80s horror - but the only difference between this and quite a lot of 80s horror is that this is very well written *shade thrown*
Newman is a fantastic writer, he creates a family and characters that you really care about from the get-go. The stakes are high and you really do feel tense as Newman ramps up the pressure. You know that NO character is safe, and I really love that in a book. I hate when you're reading and you just know a certain character will get out of a sticky situation because the author doesn't have the balls to kill his darlings... Reading is so much more enjoyable when anything could happen to ANY character.
There is gore and blood, and a LOT of body fluids! I was laughing out loud at some of the sex scenes in this one - they're quite graphic and disgusting, but fun?! The copious amounts of sex and orgies really did give it that 80s horror vibe. I just really enjoyed the rollercoaster ride that this book was - it's a real page-turner! Short chapters really help you fly through it, but you won't want to put it down anyways.
Demons/demonology are probably my favourite horror trope, so this book ticked all my boxes. I even got the pleasure of looking up Moloch in my Encyclopaedia of Demonology for extra tidbits - yes, I do own such a book.
Highly recommend this one if you want a horror book that is pretty scary and unsettling at times, whilst also being lots of fun. I will definitely be picking up more from Newman!
4.5 stars.
December 27, 2021
4.0 Stars
I completely underestimated this creepy little novel. Originally, I judged this book by it’s fantastic cover that was designed to resemble the mass market horror books of the 80s. I looked forward to a fun horror read, but I honestly didn’t expect a lot of substance. Sure, I thought I would like this novel, but I didn’t know I would love it so much.
At the heart of this story is a family attempting to make a fresh start after tragedy. The resulting narrative was filled with emotional depth. The themes of love, loss and family are classic and, yet, also so relatable.
But don't let your guard down when reading this one. This is still a horror novel. While the primary horror element is the supernatural presence haunting the town, there are also undertones of psychological horror woven into the story. Parents will likely find this one most terrifying since so much of the danger involves potential harm to children. I particularly loved the creepy scenes involving a mall santa.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it to fellow horror readers.
I requested a digital review copy from the publisher. This is officially my new favourite title from Apex Books.
I completely underestimated this creepy little novel. Originally, I judged this book by it’s fantastic cover that was designed to resemble the mass market horror books of the 80s. I looked forward to a fun horror read, but I honestly didn’t expect a lot of substance. Sure, I thought I would like this novel, but I didn’t know I would love it so much.
At the heart of this story is a family attempting to make a fresh start after tragedy. The resulting narrative was filled with emotional depth. The themes of love, loss and family are classic and, yet, also so relatable.
But don't let your guard down when reading this one. This is still a horror novel. While the primary horror element is the supernatural presence haunting the town, there are also undertones of psychological horror woven into the story. Parents will likely find this one most terrifying since so much of the danger involves potential harm to children. I particularly loved the creepy scenes involving a mall santa.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it to fellow horror readers.
I requested a digital review copy from the publisher. This is officially my new favourite title from Apex Books.
October 27, 2020
So without going into the plot too much, I will say that Newman took a classic horror trope, "Dreamy, beautiful, small town on the surface--new family moves in--all demonic hell breaks loose" and he wrote a damn good book.
The characters were fully fleshed out, nobody was introduced that I didn't care about on some level. Our main family, Kate & David felt very *real* to me, which made things super risky. I grew protective of this family. The neighbor, George Heatherly, loved him. Joel and Michael. The sheriff, truly--Newman writes characters that you relate to and invest in.
And then there's the evil. The threat. The bearded one. Moloch. SO TERRIFYING! I got the heebie-jebbie creep outs several times!
This book has short, vignette style chapters that have our family/protagonist narrative as well as narratives that feel like secret showings between author and reader--things we get to see that the characters do not and that was so SCARY! I can't even tell you how compelling that style of narrative is! The pace is perfect. It's unputdownable.
Often times I found myself speaking out to the book, "NO! No! Pleeeeeeasse! Not THAT!!"
Then on Friday night, I had the house to myself and I was able to binge read over 200 pages while I ate my dinner and listened to the rain outside and it was just perfect!
I loved the build and all the gross, creepy, sexual stuff that happened leading up to Part 2 and beyond. To be honest: I wasn't sure I even wanted to read Part 3, I was that scared. I felt like really bad stuff was going to happen but this is where the book takes off running. I loved the ending and the epilogue and the authors notes and the bonus story. I loved it all. This is my second favorite horror book that I read this season. I highly, highly recommend it but just know: It's gory and pulls no punches. Trigger warnings galore and for the serious horror enthusiast (in my opinion) READ IT!
The characters were fully fleshed out, nobody was introduced that I didn't care about on some level. Our main family, Kate & David felt very *real* to me, which made things super risky. I grew protective of this family. The neighbor, George Heatherly, loved him. Joel and Michael. The sheriff, truly--Newman writes characters that you relate to and invest in.
And then there's the evil. The threat. The bearded one. Moloch. SO TERRIFYING! I got the heebie-jebbie creep outs several times!
This book has short, vignette style chapters that have our family/protagonist narrative as well as narratives that feel like secret showings between author and reader--things we get to see that the characters do not and that was so SCARY! I can't even tell you how compelling that style of narrative is! The pace is perfect. It's unputdownable.
Often times I found myself speaking out to the book, "NO! No! Pleeeeeeasse! Not THAT!!"
Then on Friday night, I had the house to myself and I was able to binge read over 200 pages while I ate my dinner and listened to the rain outside and it was just perfect!
I loved the build and all the gross, creepy, sexual stuff that happened leading up to Part 2 and beyond. To be honest: I wasn't sure I even wanted to read Part 3, I was that scared. I felt like really bad stuff was going to happen but this is where the book takes off running. I loved the ending and the epilogue and the authors notes and the bonus story. I loved it all. This is my second favorite horror book that I read this season. I highly, highly recommend it but just know: It's gory and pulls no punches. Trigger warnings galore and for the serious horror enthusiast (in my opinion) READ IT!
June 27, 2013
4.5 stars!
(Note: I originally read this a few weeks back and had written a short review. Since then I have been thinking a bit about this book and I decided that it deserved more than that.)
This story is an homage to the great horror boom of the 80's-including the deliberately aged looking cover. I still have paperbacks from that time period on my shelves and they look exactly like this one. Now let's face it, some of the 80's horror was flat out terrible. At the same time one could also say that some of the best horror EVER came out during that decade. If this story had come out back then, I would have included it in the best ever category.
I'm not going to go into the plot much. The Little family, having some trouble coping after an horrific event which took place in New York city, decide to leave the big city and set themselves up in a small town in North Carolina to be close to the wife's brother. Then, in typical 80's fashion, people begin to die.
Enter in a school for children which mysteriously burned to the ground, killing many of the kids. Enter in an ancient demon named Moloch. Enter in mysterious persons walking around naked in the middle of the night. Enter in churches that have always been open that are now locked. Enter in mysterious flying stinging things with heads that look like...?? The setting has been clearly drawn and the atmosphere is positively dripping with creepiness.
I know all of this sounds kind of cheesy, and I admit it, it is just a little bit cheesy. But Mr. Newman takes the cheesiness of the 80's, wraps it up in a little bit of 2007 awesomeness, sprinkles in some writing chops and cooks it up with some crazy imagination skills and... voila! You have the excellent result of The Wicked in your hands. Don't let it get away! Highly recommended!
(Note: I originally read this a few weeks back and had written a short review. Since then I have been thinking a bit about this book and I decided that it deserved more than that.)
This story is an homage to the great horror boom of the 80's-including the deliberately aged looking cover. I still have paperbacks from that time period on my shelves and they look exactly like this one. Now let's face it, some of the 80's horror was flat out terrible. At the same time one could also say that some of the best horror EVER came out during that decade. If this story had come out back then, I would have included it in the best ever category.
I'm not going to go into the plot much. The Little family, having some trouble coping after an horrific event which took place in New York city, decide to leave the big city and set themselves up in a small town in North Carolina to be close to the wife's brother. Then, in typical 80's fashion, people begin to die.
Enter in a school for children which mysteriously burned to the ground, killing many of the kids. Enter in an ancient demon named Moloch. Enter in mysterious persons walking around naked in the middle of the night. Enter in churches that have always been open that are now locked. Enter in mysterious flying stinging things with heads that look like...?? The setting has been clearly drawn and the atmosphere is positively dripping with creepiness.
I know all of this sounds kind of cheesy, and I admit it, it is just a little bit cheesy. But Mr. Newman takes the cheesiness of the 80's, wraps it up in a little bit of 2007 awesomeness, sprinkles in some writing chops and cooks it up with some crazy imagination skills and... voila! You have the excellent result of The Wicked in your hands. Don't let it get away! Highly recommended!
December 21, 2022
Newman's homage to 80s OTT horror reads almost, but not quite, as a parody as he almost gleefully embraces the tropes of the era. Two city slickers from NYC move to a small town in North Carolina with their young daughter; what could go wrong in such a tranquil setting after leaving the crime infested city? I will admit I really like the 'big evil in a small town' trope and Newman runs with it all the way.
This kicks off with a gruesome fire in the Heller Home for Children that kills 60 kids, set by a local teenage with some sort of satanic mojo going on. The Little family moves into town shortly thereafter, and right off the bat things start going a little wonky. A few days after they move in, their neighbor, a town 'bigwig' who runs the fire department, eats his gun; just so happens that he lives next to the Littles! Then we have a local boy hanging out at the site of the fire and he gets some major bug foo. This is not a slow burn by any means as the foo just keeps rolling on as the story progresses, paced very nicely thank you very much!
We know from the back cover blurb the ancient evil is Moloch, some sort of demon-like character, but Newman keeps the cards pretty close to the exact extent of the evil as the story unfolds. The main characters are fun and relatable to be sure, as well as the side characters, especially George, the old marine, who lives next to the Littles. My favorite dialogue was between George and David Little:
I should also note the fun 'aged' cover art, complete with a grocery price sticker on the back, that makes the book look used. Nice touch! That, and the cigarette ad at the back! Finally, I really enjoyed this, but it really rode the border of parody/horror pretty finely. Some awesome foo and lots of dark humor helped complete the picture. I am also a child of the 80s and started reading horror in the 70s; I vividly remember biking down to the local Rinks story to buy paperbacks with lurid covers (which I had kept those now!). Thanks James for the memories! 4 Wicked stars!
This kicks off with a gruesome fire in the Heller Home for Children that kills 60 kids, set by a local teenage with some sort of satanic mojo going on. The Little family moves into town shortly thereafter, and right off the bat things start going a little wonky. A few days after they move in, their neighbor, a town 'bigwig' who runs the fire department, eats his gun; just so happens that he lives next to the Littles! Then we have a local boy hanging out at the site of the fire and he gets some major bug foo. This is not a slow burn by any means as the foo just keeps rolling on as the story progresses, paced very nicely thank you very much!
We know from the back cover blurb the ancient evil is Moloch, some sort of demon-like character, but Newman keeps the cards pretty close to the exact extent of the evil as the story unfolds. The main characters are fun and relatable to be sure, as well as the side characters, especially George, the old marine, who lives next to the Littles. My favorite dialogue was between George and David Little:
"You ready?"
"Y-yeah," David said.
"You'd better be." The old man took a deep breath. "Cause it's time to fuck shit up."
I should also note the fun 'aged' cover art, complete with a grocery price sticker on the back, that makes the book look used. Nice touch! That, and the cigarette ad at the back! Finally, I really enjoyed this, but it really rode the border of parody/horror pretty finely. Some awesome foo and lots of dark humor helped complete the picture. I am also a child of the 80s and started reading horror in the 70s; I vividly remember biking down to the local Rinks story to buy paperbacks with lurid covers (which I had kept those now!). Thanks James for the memories! 4 Wicked stars!
November 22, 2017
There's not one single thing about this book that I didn't love! From front to back cover and everything contained in between, it was all bloody fabulous! It is the perfect homage to 80s horror and had me sucked in from the moment I laid my eyes on the cover.
My favourite part of this book was the characters. There was something about each of them that made me fall in love with them. They were all so well fleshed out and developed, you can't help but become attached to them. My favourite though would have to be George Weatherly, I just adored him!
Despite being thoroughly disturbed more than once by them, I loved the gore and the terror that was present throughout. More than a couple times I found myself having to put the book down and compose myself because I was horrified. And I loved every second of it!
I'd recommend this to any horror fan, it truly is a masterpiece! Beware though, this book has a lot of triggers and is not for the easily disturbed or the faint of heart.
My favourite part of this book was the characters. There was something about each of them that made me fall in love with them. They were all so well fleshed out and developed, you can't help but become attached to them. My favourite though would have to be George Weatherly, I just adored him!
Despite being thoroughly disturbed more than once by them, I loved the gore and the terror that was present throughout. More than a couple times I found myself having to put the book down and compose myself because I was horrified. And I loved every second of it!
I'd recommend this to any horror fan, it truly is a masterpiece! Beware though, this book has a lot of triggers and is not for the easily disturbed or the faint of heart.
December 28, 2014
A delicious 80's-style horror romp that goes over the top and beyond, and makes for a hell of a fun read in the process.
This is the 4th book I've read from the talented James Newman, and I am still in awe of his exceptional ability to effortlessly pull me into the world's he creates.
This book reads like a love letter to the excessive horror novels of my teenage years. A roller-coaster thrill ride that relentlessly churns away to an explosive battle of good vs. evil finale.
Excellent read.
This is the 4th book I've read from the talented James Newman, and I am still in awe of his exceptional ability to effortlessly pull me into the world's he creates.
This book reads like a love letter to the excessive horror novels of my teenage years. A roller-coaster thrill ride that relentlessly churns away to an explosive battle of good vs. evil finale.
Excellent read.
October 20, 2014
3.5 rounded up to 4 - and justifiably so, because the bonus story "The Boaracle" was the perfect way to end it. The ads in the back were a nice touch as well.
I enjoyed this well-told tale quite a bit, and did my best to read it in the spirit intended: as a cheesy 80's horror paperback, my favorite kind. As such, it delivered the goods.
Recommended for those looking for a fun, flowing, old-school horror read.
I enjoyed this well-told tale quite a bit, and did my best to read it in the spirit intended: as a cheesy 80's horror paperback, my favorite kind. As such, it delivered the goods.
Recommended for those looking for a fun, flowing, old-school horror read.
October 31, 2014
Far beyond a retro retread, this novel is a respectful homage to '80s horror, while transcending that decade's cliches with a fresh eye and distinctive voice. Recommended for fans of horror's heyday and new fans alike.
September 23, 2019
"It's time to fuck shit up."
In 2002, The Great Fire ravaged the Heller Home for Children in Morganville, North Carolina. It was the worst tragedy in the history of the town, with over sixty lives lost. And it wasn't an accident.
Kate and David Little are married with a seven-year-old daughter and a baby on the way. They have just moved to Morganville from New York City, finally deciding that they wanted to raise their family away from the big city life after the horrific events that took place seven months prior. Kate was sexually assaulted while walking home one night and hasn't been the same since.
Except Morganville isn't exactly sunshine and rainbows. Something unholy lurks beneath the surface of the town after the fire. It goes by the name Moloch. No, not the White Worm enforcer from Solo: A Star Wars Story! But rather, a scraggly, messed up, oversexed, bearded demon. I recognized the name immediately from an episode of Supernatural. As you do. I'm not exactly the religious type.. just saying! Moloch was an ancient deity that was known as Chief of Satan's army and the God of Child Sacrifice. Moloch takes control of emotionally damaged individuals, using them at his will. He wants all the children and he will not stop until they've been sacrificed.
About midway through, shit really hits the fan. More and more people begin disappearing and/or dying. David and his neighbor George Heatherly, an ex-marine, start to suspect something more is going on and try to get to the bottom of it. What they uncover is beyond what they could have ever imagined.
The introduction by Mark Allan Gunnells touches on horror mass markets in the drugstore back in the day, which is such a relatable experience for me, coming from a small town. The drugstore is where I did the majority of my book shopping! The Wicked would fit right in - encompassing the classic horror story, yet still feeling wholly fresh with Newman's own distinct voice. It's certainly a homage to the horror I grew up on, while expanding upon the experience in so many ways.
The writing is easy to fall into and the pages fly by. It's an incredibly gripping, heavily atmospheric read. One that is full of dread and foreboding. Newman certainly isn't shy about using brutal scenes. Or sexual ones, for that matter. There is masturbation and blow jobs and orgies aplenty!
I started watching the French horror series, Marianne, while I was also reading this and they share a similar quality. Bizarre, fucked up, entertaining horror. I could see The Wicked being made into a film by someone like Rob Zombie. It just has that demented, mind-fuck vibe. I AM HERE FOR THAT SCREEN ADAPTATION!!
The Wicked will tear you the fuck apart with it's bare hands! Sinister, perverse and gory. It's often shockingly, hilariously violent and will leave a lasting impression, without a doubt!
(Big thanks to Apex Book Company for inviting me to be a part of their Back Catalog Book Tour! During September, Apex have been celebrating all of their radical books that they've published over the years with new reviews, author interviews and author guest posts! Such a great idea to promote previously released books this way!)
In 2002, The Great Fire ravaged the Heller Home for Children in Morganville, North Carolina. It was the worst tragedy in the history of the town, with over sixty lives lost. And it wasn't an accident.
Kate and David Little are married with a seven-year-old daughter and a baby on the way. They have just moved to Morganville from New York City, finally deciding that they wanted to raise their family away from the big city life after the horrific events that took place seven months prior. Kate was sexually assaulted while walking home one night and hasn't been the same since.
Except Morganville isn't exactly sunshine and rainbows. Something unholy lurks beneath the surface of the town after the fire. It goes by the name Moloch. No, not the White Worm enforcer from Solo: A Star Wars Story! But rather, a scraggly, messed up, oversexed, bearded demon. I recognized the name immediately from an episode of Supernatural. As you do. I'm not exactly the religious type.. just saying! Moloch was an ancient deity that was known as Chief of Satan's army and the God of Child Sacrifice. Moloch takes control of emotionally damaged individuals, using them at his will. He wants all the children and he will not stop until they've been sacrificed.
About midway through, shit really hits the fan. More and more people begin disappearing and/or dying. David and his neighbor George Heatherly, an ex-marine, start to suspect something more is going on and try to get to the bottom of it. What they uncover is beyond what they could have ever imagined.
The introduction by Mark Allan Gunnells touches on horror mass markets in the drugstore back in the day, which is such a relatable experience for me, coming from a small town. The drugstore is where I did the majority of my book shopping! The Wicked would fit right in - encompassing the classic horror story, yet still feeling wholly fresh with Newman's own distinct voice. It's certainly a homage to the horror I grew up on, while expanding upon the experience in so many ways.
The writing is easy to fall into and the pages fly by. It's an incredibly gripping, heavily atmospheric read. One that is full of dread and foreboding. Newman certainly isn't shy about using brutal scenes. Or sexual ones, for that matter. There is masturbation and blow jobs and orgies aplenty!
I started watching the French horror series, Marianne, while I was also reading this and they share a similar quality. Bizarre, fucked up, entertaining horror. I could see The Wicked being made into a film by someone like Rob Zombie. It just has that demented, mind-fuck vibe. I AM HERE FOR THAT SCREEN ADAPTATION!!
The Wicked will tear you the fuck apart with it's bare hands! Sinister, perverse and gory. It's often shockingly, hilariously violent and will leave a lasting impression, without a doubt!
(Big thanks to Apex Book Company for inviting me to be a part of their Back Catalog Book Tour! During September, Apex have been celebrating all of their radical books that they've published over the years with new reviews, author interviews and author guest posts! Such a great idea to promote previously released books this way!)
May 22, 2017
The Wicked by James Newman is a book I won on LibraryThing and it is pretty exciting. Lots of twists, turns, murder, supernatural elements, and an ending I did not see coming. A good thriller/horror to please those that love this kind of book. Not too much gore, suspense mostly. A little wordy at times but I enjoyed it.
June 23, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. I really brings back the evil eighties. What ingredients do we have: big city dwellers moving into quiet small town Morganville. But things soon turn ugly as there is a demon is on the rise. It's the most over the top depiction of a demon I've ever read (the altar in the church!). Even Milton is refered to here. I also liked the sidekick (an ex-marine), the showdown, the advertising in the end and the bonus horror story... gosh, this is the full package you can get here. 80s forever with Dokken playing Dream Warriors constantly in the back of your head. Absolutely recommended when you were a youth in the 80s and liked real horror!
December 29, 2019
I was really excited about this book, but unfortunately it was a miss for me. I understand why so many people love it: the author has definitely known the 80s, which was a great decade for horror. I grew up with a love for horror and many of the first horror movies I saw were the classics from the 60s, 70s and of course the 80s (not that I actually recommend to make any child watch those movies, hum). Now, I'm from the 90s but there many movies from earlier decades that I love and the 80s brought a passion horror in movies and books, with so many fans that are still feeling the nostalgia from this decade. When you read James Newman's novel, it's almost like watching one of those classics: you can actually imagine it on screen, he's taking us with him on this ride and he's good at it. The only thing is that I felt like it was actually happening in the 80s, when the story is supposed to take place in 2002 - but that's not a big deal.
No, my biggest issue (and why I lowered my rating from two stars to one) is that I think we're past the point where rape is a tool used for a horror story to happen instead of part of the horror. I think we're past the point where the only time it's brought up in the story is so the husband can worry about the baby's not being his or tell his wife that he's already waited for months and that "he has needs". While the author is great at creating that 80s horror atmosphere, he failed at making me care about David and Kate (especially David, who's just a terrible character), and it seems like the worst clichés of 80s horror had to get along with the greatest elements of 80s horror. No, thank you.
No, my biggest issue (and why I lowered my rating from two stars to one) is that I think we're past the point where rape is a tool used for a horror story to happen instead of part of the horror. I think we're past the point where the only time it's brought up in the story is so the husband can worry about the baby's not being his or tell his wife that he's already waited for months and that "he has needs". While the author is great at creating that 80s horror atmosphere, he failed at making me care about David and Kate (especially David, who's just a terrible character), and it seems like the worst clichés of 80s horror had to get along with the greatest elements of 80s horror. No, thank you.
December 6, 2017
I received this book in the Nocturnal Readers Box, and like a friend of mine said, I'm so glad I did because I probably would not have discovered it on my own. At least not this year.
The Wicked is an homage to all the crazy, over-the-top horror novels of the 1980's, but it's so much better than most of those paperbacks that were churned out to satisfy the masses. The Wicked is a smart and very well written tribute to 80's horror.
An ancient evil awakens in the small town of Morganville, NC, and it's come for the children of the town. Moloch is my favorite bat-shit insane entity of 2017. Newman's descriptions of Moloch are fantastic, and leave you both repulsed and wanting to know more. You definitely do not want to mess with Moloch.
A family with a young daughter and a baby on the way move to Morganville shortly after a fire consumes the Heller Home for Children and unleashes Moloch on the unsuspecting townspeople. David Little is starting to suspect that things are very messed up in Morganville, and with the help of his neighbor, an ex-marine named George, the two decide to get to the bottom of what is making the town slowly go crazy. Also, people are dropping like flies, and that can't just be a coincidence.
The novel culminates in exactly the way you would expect an 80's horror novel to end, and it's disgustingly perfect. Newman writes characters so well, and you really end up caring about so many of them. Quite of few of them you end up absolutely loathing too, but Moloch has them under his influence, so really most of the townspeople are just victims. Regardless, The Wicked is one heck of a fun read, and everything I hoped it would be. I highly recommend this to all my fellow horror lovers.
The Wicked is an homage to all the crazy, over-the-top horror novels of the 1980's, but it's so much better than most of those paperbacks that were churned out to satisfy the masses. The Wicked is a smart and very well written tribute to 80's horror.
An ancient evil awakens in the small town of Morganville, NC, and it's come for the children of the town. Moloch is my favorite bat-shit insane entity of 2017. Newman's descriptions of Moloch are fantastic, and leave you both repulsed and wanting to know more. You definitely do not want to mess with Moloch.
A family with a young daughter and a baby on the way move to Morganville shortly after a fire consumes the Heller Home for Children and unleashes Moloch on the unsuspecting townspeople. David Little is starting to suspect that things are very messed up in Morganville, and with the help of his neighbor, an ex-marine named George, the two decide to get to the bottom of what is making the town slowly go crazy. Also, people are dropping like flies, and that can't just be a coincidence.
The novel culminates in exactly the way you would expect an 80's horror novel to end, and it's disgustingly perfect. Newman writes characters so well, and you really end up caring about so many of them. Quite of few of them you end up absolutely loathing too, but Moloch has them under his influence, so really most of the townspeople are just victims. Regardless, The Wicked is one heck of a fun read, and everything I hoped it would be. I highly recommend this to all my fellow horror lovers.
July 6, 2014
The Wicked is a top notch, born in the 80’s type horror story, eerie, gory, sexually inappropriate at times and a barrel load of fun.
David, Kate and their daughter Becca leave New York and move to Morganville a small town in North Carolina. There’s a lot of tension in the family, David never wanted to leave but did so for his wife, who’d been raped walking home from a date that he missed and now Kate is pregnant with a big question over who could be the Father of the baby. They soon have other things to worry about as strange things start happening in their new home town.
Morganville was the scene of a fire at the Heller home for children, a place that looked after the neglected and abused, a place where 66 children lost their lives and a place where someone caused all that death, on purpose.
Bobby Briggs was caught and sentenced to the nuthouse, shouting gibberish about someone called Moloch, Moloch is a demon, he’s the one on the cover, who resurfaces and starts to take control of the townsfolk with a diabolical plan afoot.
Loved the link to Animosity with the title of a book in David’s library called The Feasting by the one and only horror author Andrew Holland.
All in all The Wicked is a rip roaring fast paced horror ride, which will have you reminiscing horror days of old, demons, possession and devilish plans to take over the world.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
David, Kate and their daughter Becca leave New York and move to Morganville a small town in North Carolina. There’s a lot of tension in the family, David never wanted to leave but did so for his wife, who’d been raped walking home from a date that he missed and now Kate is pregnant with a big question over who could be the Father of the baby. They soon have other things to worry about as strange things start happening in their new home town.
Morganville was the scene of a fire at the Heller home for children, a place that looked after the neglected and abused, a place where 66 children lost their lives and a place where someone caused all that death, on purpose.
Bobby Briggs was caught and sentenced to the nuthouse, shouting gibberish about someone called Moloch, Moloch is a demon, he’s the one on the cover, who resurfaces and starts to take control of the townsfolk with a diabolical plan afoot.
Loved the link to Animosity with the title of a book in David’s library called The Feasting by the one and only horror author Andrew Holland.
All in all The Wicked is a rip roaring fast paced horror ride, which will have you reminiscing horror days of old, demons, possession and devilish plans to take over the world.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
October 18, 2014
4.5*
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
The Littles move to Morganville to start a new life after a violent incident in New York. However, Morganville is not the sleep little town they imagined.
WHAT I LOVED
-It was a whole lot of fun to read and reminded me of why I love horror.
-The central characters were fleshed out nicely and I enjoyed the relationship between David and George.
-The fantastic 'aged' front cover, a wonderful throwback to 80's horror novels.
-Excellent pacing that made this a fast and engaging read.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-Not much really. It would have been great to have had a little bit more info about Moloch to flesh him out as a character but that's just nit picking really.
A great read and well worth picking up.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
The Littles move to Morganville to start a new life after a violent incident in New York. However, Morganville is not the sleep little town they imagined.
WHAT I LOVED
-It was a whole lot of fun to read and reminded me of why I love horror.
-The central characters were fleshed out nicely and I enjoyed the relationship between David and George.
-The fantastic 'aged' front cover, a wonderful throwback to 80's horror novels.
-Excellent pacing that made this a fast and engaging read.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-Not much really. It would have been great to have had a little bit more info about Moloch to flesh him out as a character but that's just nit picking really.
A great read and well worth picking up.
September 12, 2016
Yep, doing it up 80's style. I can see my teenage self reading this on my dad's recliner while shoveling Kraft macaroni & cheese into my face on a rainy day. There were a few times that my adult self laughed out loud. (In particular, there was a scene reminiscent of Bad Santa that had me going.) I wasn't too terribly sad when characters I liked died. I was delighted when ones that irritated me kicked the bucket. Overall, a fun and quite creepy read.
December 18, 2013
A successful emulation of cheesy 80's horror. I had fun reading this one.
September 28, 2017
"People in this town aren't themselves anymore. I mean, they look the same. But they're different. Something's inside them... Something from hell."
A well done love letter to 80s horror. The Littles leave the violence of New York City to live their suburban dream in North Carolina. What could possibly (moloch) go (Moloch) wrong (MOLOCH)?!?!?
Sit back, put on your 3D glasses, and enjoy the blossoming of-over-top evil in a small town.
And can we take a minute to give the book itself a shout out: the oil painted faux distressed cover, the size, the cheeky ad insert, the imposition - ALL of it said someone gave a damn about getting it right.
The Wicked is one of the nicest paperbacks you will ever buy.
This book was part of the Nocturnal Readers Book Box September 2017 Monster Madness Box.
September 16, 2019
I first learned of this book through instagram so I read the synopsis and decided this was a book I definitely needed to read. I was fortunate enough to have a copy sent to me recently by James Newman which has in no way blurred my judgment in this review.
I will begin by saying I really enjoyed every page of this book, I just couldn't fault it. The characters were all well developed and detailed to a point where I truly felt like I knew these people.
We start out with Kate and David Little, a city family looking to move to somewhere more suburban for their children. Kate's story grabbed me from the very beginning and I found myself wanting to yell at David for not being more sympathetic toward his wife, I really wanted to smash his head against a brick wall - he seemed liked such a self centered, homophobic asshole.
Once the Little's move we meet their ex marine neighbour George Heatherly, it's impossible not to like this character, in fact he may actually have been my favourite.
There is also Joel and his lover Michael, the sheriff, Mavis the dispatcher, and I can't forget Fred Dawson.
Moloch.
We never get introduced to a character that isn't going to be of some relevance to the story. So, something evil is lurking in the town. Moloch. Moloch seems to be changing the behavior of the towns people, creepy things start happening and what does Moloch want the most? All the children to be sacrificed.
Okay so this book is a classic bad shit happening in a small town with no one around for help. But isn't that what we love in classic horror tales? Bad shit happens and there's no one there to rescue you! I loved that about it. I suggest you read this if you like a good horror and don't mind sexual references.
I will begin by saying I really enjoyed every page of this book, I just couldn't fault it. The characters were all well developed and detailed to a point where I truly felt like I knew these people.
We start out with Kate and David Little, a city family looking to move to somewhere more suburban for their children. Kate's story grabbed me from the very beginning and I found myself wanting to yell at David for not being more sympathetic toward his wife, I really wanted to smash his head against a brick wall - he seemed liked such a self centered, homophobic asshole.
Once the Little's move we meet their ex marine neighbour George Heatherly, it's impossible not to like this character, in fact he may actually have been my favourite.
There is also Joel and his lover Michael, the sheriff, Mavis the dispatcher, and I can't forget Fred Dawson.
Moloch.
We never get introduced to a character that isn't going to be of some relevance to the story. So, something evil is lurking in the town. Moloch. Moloch seems to be changing the behavior of the towns people, creepy things start happening and what does Moloch want the most? All the children to be sacrificed.
Okay so this book is a classic bad shit happening in a small town with no one around for help. But isn't that what we love in classic horror tales? Bad shit happens and there's no one there to rescue you! I loved that about it. I suggest you read this if you like a good horror and don't mind sexual references.
October 11, 2017
Wow! After having a few letdowns in the horror genre recently, this was such a nice change! Overall, I feel that this book got straight to the point and didn't have me wondering when the hell it was going to get to the good scary parts already. When I pick up a horror book, I want the introduction to grab my interest and then the rest to frighten me, confuse me, and be overall disturbing. I definitely got this from The Wicked.
Unaware of the past horrors as well as the horrors yet to come, the Little family moves to Morganville, North Carolina after unfortunate events that occurred back in New York City. David Little and his wife, Kate, are hoping to start fresh with their daughter, Becca, and their unborn child. Sadly, instead of positive changes waiting for them in North Carolina, this move seems to be a pretty terrible mistake. A demonic force is at work. One that can not and will not let the Littles stand in the way of bringing terror to Morganville. Moloch desires souls. He desires death and suffering. Who will satisfy his hunger? Everyone, anybody, especially the children.
This had such wonderful descriptive and freaky writing! The story alone was disturbing, but the great writing added to my interest and made me want to check out more of James Newman! Definitely recommend this!
Unaware of the past horrors as well as the horrors yet to come, the Little family moves to Morganville, North Carolina after unfortunate events that occurred back in New York City. David Little and his wife, Kate, are hoping to start fresh with their daughter, Becca, and their unborn child. Sadly, instead of positive changes waiting for them in North Carolina, this move seems to be a pretty terrible mistake. A demonic force is at work. One that can not and will not let the Littles stand in the way of bringing terror to Morganville. Moloch desires souls. He desires death and suffering. Who will satisfy his hunger? Everyone, anybody, especially the children.
This had such wonderful descriptive and freaky writing! The story alone was disturbing, but the great writing added to my interest and made me want to check out more of James Newman! Definitely recommend this!
September 28, 2014
Remember when you couldn't walk into a second-hand bookshop without tripping over a pile of dodgy-looking horror novels? Usually yellow of page, cracked of spine and garish of cover? James Newman certainly does, and with The Wicked he returns the reader to that pre-internet time of pulpy reads that stained fingers with their cheap ink, even as they managed to cause unintentional laughs about as often as they elicited true shivers of terror. Thankfully, however, Newman understands what makes those novels work and re-creates the magic with this story of a family relocating to small-town America as an ancient evil stirs and threatens the lives of all who come into contact with it.
That's about all the plot synopsis that is required, but not because there are any great narrative twists. No, this is a straight-forward horror novel that has a very simple story to tell. The trick is that Newman keeps it serious (even while the reader knows he's aiming to re-create the magic of those second-hand horror novels from the '80s) and writes it well. Newman's prose is the vanilla of ice-cream flavours - rich, creamy and reliable. There were incredibly few sentences that caused my eye to pause over the page, and it was only his occasional tendency to shift POVs back and forth within a section that stopped me from saying he writes like vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce over the top.
The main set of characters are reasonably well-rounded, even if the main husband and wife seem to have very little in common and grate at one another about most everything. Husband David also comes across as somewhat wishy-washy, never being able to make up his mind whether the threat he has ample evidence supporting actually exists. My favourite though was neighbour George who was given just the right amount of depth and was a bad-ass to boot. Then there are the various side characters who mainly exist as cannon-fodder, so Newman wisely does not waste too much time in building them up more than necessary.
In the end, things all get wrapped up reasonably conveniently, but not before the usual foreboding building of tension, disappearance of people, growing number of deaths, and the final battle to save us all (or at least everyone in the town). As I said, it's predictable, but nevertheless great fun. Basically, The Wicked is a great old-school horror throwback.
Recommended to anyone who read that last sentence and didn't roll their eyes.
4 Uber-Long Beards for The Wicked.
That's about all the plot synopsis that is required, but not because there are any great narrative twists. No, this is a straight-forward horror novel that has a very simple story to tell. The trick is that Newman keeps it serious (even while the reader knows he's aiming to re-create the magic of those second-hand horror novels from the '80s) and writes it well. Newman's prose is the vanilla of ice-cream flavours - rich, creamy and reliable. There were incredibly few sentences that caused my eye to pause over the page, and it was only his occasional tendency to shift POVs back and forth within a section that stopped me from saying he writes like vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce over the top.
The main set of characters are reasonably well-rounded, even if the main husband and wife seem to have very little in common and grate at one another about most everything. Husband David also comes across as somewhat wishy-washy, never being able to make up his mind whether the threat he has ample evidence supporting actually exists. My favourite though was neighbour George who was given just the right amount of depth and was a bad-ass to boot. Then there are the various side characters who mainly exist as cannon-fodder, so Newman wisely does not waste too much time in building them up more than necessary.
In the end, things all get wrapped up reasonably conveniently, but not before the usual foreboding building of tension, disappearance of people, growing number of deaths, and the final battle to save us all (or at least everyone in the town). As I said, it's predictable, but nevertheless great fun. Basically, The Wicked is a great old-school horror throwback.
Recommended to anyone who read that last sentence and didn't roll their eyes.
4 Uber-Long Beards for The Wicked.
March 21, 2015
Yet to read something less than good by James Newman, but this raises the bar. Considered an 80s pastiche, but outside of the artwork this actually takes place in 2000s and the plot of evil brewing in a small town is entirely too ubiquitous to be decade specific. And so it isn't original per se on purpose, but it's just so much fun. Despite not particularly likable family of characters (save for the kid, of course) and a trite premise (moving from NYC to a small town for peace and quiet, ha), there is an irrepressible sort of fiendish glee to it all, the page turning macabre delight that actually manages to unsettle even a seasoned horror reader, not a small feat for genre fiction. Really awesome read and a must for any horror an. Recommended.
December 22, 2017
WOW. I'm going to call The Wicked a scarier & more fucked up season 2 of True Blood (I love season 2, and you're wrong if you don't 😂). This book was creepy, addictive, and possibly a mistake to read at night. I got freaked out by The Wicked a few times, and that's always fun.
I enjoyed the characters of the townspeople, and seeing who went bad, and who stayed good. I despise Kate - it has nothing to do with the book, but it's more of a personal issue haha. Anyway, this book is gory and sinister, and I highly recommend it for horror fans. Thank you so much to The Nocturnal Reader's Box for including this one a few months back!
I enjoyed the characters of the townspeople, and seeing who went bad, and who stayed good. I despise Kate - it has nothing to do with the book, but it's more of a personal issue haha. Anyway, this book is gory and sinister, and I highly recommend it for horror fans. Thank you so much to The Nocturnal Reader's Box for including this one a few months back!
April 17, 2020
This book has cropped up time and time again in the horror groups I am in and the cover completely sold it to me to try.
Set in Morganville, North Carolina Heller Childrens home had purposely burnt down and many residents perished, it rocked the whole community to the core and they haven't been the same since.
Bobby Briggs was the young arsonist who was caught and sentenced to a mental institution however over and over again he shouted gibberish but the name MOLOCH was deciphered.
David, his pregnant Wife Kate and their Daughter Becca however are fleeing from New York to Morganville unaware of its dark history to make a fresh start and try put behind them the tragic event that plagues Kate.
But the new start does not go to plan. The fire has unleashed an ancient evil Demon, yes, Moloch and Moloch is coming for all the townsfolk, especially the children.
Moloch takes control of emotionally fragile people and sacrifices, torments and kills at his will and through possessing others.
There is a sexual aspect, sexual tension plays a role and sexual perversion but the perversion I figured wasn't done for arousal more as a shock tactic and display of demonic power.
More and more, one by one, residents become prey and David and his ex-marine neighbour George Heatherley try get to the bottom of the tragic and brutal unexplained deaths however this has shocking effects for everyone.
A classic homage to the 80's horror the characterisation was brilliant. George was your stereotypical American kick ass gun wielding, baseball cap wearing retired marine neighbour who I could visualise to a tee, he's the sort you want living next door if things kick off and I was glad David had him there. The other neighbours were all perfectly described and supporting characters such as Joel propped the story perfectly, visualising it all was easy. I like how the main family were portrayed from the start to make you feel protective and care and that is what hooked me in from the beginning. I wanted to know if they would be ok?.
The authors style was so compulsive and engaging with perfect pace and when I had to put the book down I couldn't wait to return to it, devouring the whole thing within hours.
I don't think my review could do this book justice but this has become one of my favourite horror books. I would very highly recommend this to any fans of this genre.
Set in Morganville, North Carolina Heller Childrens home had purposely burnt down and many residents perished, it rocked the whole community to the core and they haven't been the same since.
Bobby Briggs was the young arsonist who was caught and sentenced to a mental institution however over and over again he shouted gibberish but the name MOLOCH was deciphered.
David, his pregnant Wife Kate and their Daughter Becca however are fleeing from New York to Morganville unaware of its dark history to make a fresh start and try put behind them the tragic event that plagues Kate.
But the new start does not go to plan. The fire has unleashed an ancient evil Demon, yes, Moloch and Moloch is coming for all the townsfolk, especially the children.
Moloch takes control of emotionally fragile people and sacrifices, torments and kills at his will and through possessing others.
There is a sexual aspect, sexual tension plays a role and sexual perversion but the perversion I figured wasn't done for arousal more as a shock tactic and display of demonic power.
More and more, one by one, residents become prey and David and his ex-marine neighbour George Heatherley try get to the bottom of the tragic and brutal unexplained deaths however this has shocking effects for everyone.
A classic homage to the 80's horror the characterisation was brilliant. George was your stereotypical American kick ass gun wielding, baseball cap wearing retired marine neighbour who I could visualise to a tee, he's the sort you want living next door if things kick off and I was glad David had him there. The other neighbours were all perfectly described and supporting characters such as Joel propped the story perfectly, visualising it all was easy. I like how the main family were portrayed from the start to make you feel protective and care and that is what hooked me in from the beginning. I wanted to know if they would be ok?.
The authors style was so compulsive and engaging with perfect pace and when I had to put the book down I couldn't wait to return to it, devouring the whole thing within hours.
I don't think my review could do this book justice but this has become one of my favourite horror books. I would very highly recommend this to any fans of this genre.
August 23, 2016
This one has it all from severed members to a bad Santa to an ancient evil from the Land of Tears with a wicked nasty beard. I dug everything about this one from James Newman. A classic homage to 80’s horror down to the total kick-ass retro cover on the paperback edition! Highly Recommended!
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