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The Eyebiter Saga #2
The Burden of Life: An Eyebiter Novel
Living can be a burden when you hide a dark secret
Haunted by a past he can't escape, Joe Speight finds himself trapped in a horrifying legacy that threatens to consume him and everyone he loves.
After the traumatic events in Willow Falls, Joe sought refuge in the anonymity of college life, desperately trying to bury the darkness that lingers within him. But when his grandmother Ruth ends up in the hospital, he's drawn back to the town where it all began. Once there, he’s forced to confront a vengeful spirit and the insatiable hunger that threatens to break him.
As Joe delves deeper into his family's twisted history, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that shake him to his core. The talisman he wears, crafted from a severed finger meant to protect him, turns into a symbol of the monster he's become. With each passing day, the line between his humanity and the creature within blurs, leaving him teetering on the edge of madness.
Will Joe break free from the curse that binds him, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to devour his soul?
Haunted by a past he can't escape, Joe Speight finds himself trapped in a horrifying legacy that threatens to consume him and everyone he loves.
After the traumatic events in Willow Falls, Joe sought refuge in the anonymity of college life, desperately trying to bury the darkness that lingers within him. But when his grandmother Ruth ends up in the hospital, he's drawn back to the town where it all began. Once there, he’s forced to confront a vengeful spirit and the insatiable hunger that threatens to break him.
As Joe delves deeper into his family's twisted history, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that shake him to his core. The talisman he wears, crafted from a severed finger meant to protect him, turns into a symbol of the monster he's become. With each passing day, the line between his humanity and the creature within blurs, leaving him teetering on the edge of madness.
Will Joe break free from the curse that binds him, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to devour his soul?
- GenresHorror
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
14 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bower
48 books292 followersJAY BOWER is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 3, 2025
"The Burden of Life" is the second novel in Jay Bower's Eyebiter series, and it was... upsetting, to say the least. Superb writing and brilliant characterization - to the point that I felt comfortable enough to stand back and simply enjoy the story; and the moment I was convinced it would all feel cozy and sweet, Bower throws a couple of revelations, and keeps raising the stakes till the very end.
Honestly, I was shocked to see poor Joe's fate. Shocked to understand the cost of his family's sins, specifically his Grandma Ruth's (what's up with the women in this guy's life?). I was taken in by the book being an easy read, the first half in fact a bit of a slow burn, yet the whole intricately plotted and character-driven, with the occasional eye-devouring lol... but Bower is not to be trusted: Joe's story is messy and it will mess you up. If you've read the first volume, "The Terror of Willow Falls," go into this blind (it's certainly not a standalone). Experience the shock yourself.
Honestly, I was shocked to see poor Joe's fate. Shocked to understand the cost of his family's sins, specifically his Grandma Ruth's (what's up with the women in this guy's life?). I was taken in by the book being an easy read, the first half in fact a bit of a slow burn, yet the whole intricately plotted and character-driven, with the occasional eye-devouring lol... but Bower is not to be trusted: Joe's story is messy and it will mess you up. If you've read the first volume, "The Terror of Willow Falls," go into this blind (it's certainly not a standalone). Experience the shock yourself.
May 6, 2025
The Burden of Life: An Eyebiter Novel (The Eyebiter Saga Book 2)
By Mr. Jay Bower
Shadow Forest Publishing, LLC (May 13, 2025)
243 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💀💀💀💀💀
Trigger Warnings:
Graphic violence • Eye trauma • Body horror • Gore • Grief and loss • Mental health themes • Familial abuse (implied) • Emotional manipulation • Possession/haunting elements
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Joe Speight is back, and surprise—he’s still cursed, still traumatized, and still very much not okay. College life might’ve dulled the edges, but nothing says “mental health spiral” like getting yanked back to Willow Falls to face your demon-laced family tree and one aggressively haunted town. Grandma Ruth is in the hospital, the Eyebiter is feeling snacky again, and Joe? He’s one eyeball away from a total breakdown.
Here’s What Slapped:
📖 The way Mr. Bower flips between grown-up Joe and pint-sized Joey like it's an Olympic sport in trauma.
📖 Flashbacks that actually add to the story (and the dread).
📖 That talisman made out of a finger. Yes, a finger. Because nothing says “charmingly cursed heirloom” like wearing a severed digit around your neck.
📖 The kind of gore that makes you check your own eyeballs just to be sure they’re still there.
📖 And the emotional gut-punches? Frequent. Ferocious. Fabulous.
Why My Soul Needs Therapy Now:
You think the real monster is the cursed spirit thing? Nope. It’s generational trauma in disguise. This book peels back Joe’s humanity layer by layer until you're left wondering if he’s going to save the day or fully unravel into eye-munching madness.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Monsters that aren’t always the scariest thing in the story
📖 Horror with heart, but also so much blood
📖 Curses that span generations
📖 Bone-crunching, eye-popping, soul-devouring reads
📖 Coming-of-age trauma wrapped in supernatural chaos
Vibe Check:
🩸 If Pennywise moved to the Midwest and had beef with your grandma.
👁️ Body horror meets emotional horror with a side of eyeball salad.
🪦 "You can’t outrun your past" but make it terrifying.
Reviewed by Robin’s Review
Series Order:
The Conservator's Collection: Derelict
By Jay Bower, John Durgin and John Lynch
Reintroduced as
Eyebiter's Revenge
The Terror of Willow Falls: An Eyebiter Novel (The Eyebiter Saga Book 1)
Book 1 of 2: The Eyebiter Saga
The Burden of Life: An Eyebiter Novel (The Eyebiter Saga Book 2)
Book 2 of 2: The Eyebiter Saga Releasing May 13, 2025
By Mr. Jay Bower
Shadow Forest Publishing, LLC (May 13, 2025)
243 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💀💀💀💀💀
Trigger Warnings:
Graphic violence • Eye trauma • Body horror • Gore • Grief and loss • Mental health themes • Familial abuse (implied) • Emotional manipulation • Possession/haunting elements
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Joe Speight is back, and surprise—he’s still cursed, still traumatized, and still very much not okay. College life might’ve dulled the edges, but nothing says “mental health spiral” like getting yanked back to Willow Falls to face your demon-laced family tree and one aggressively haunted town. Grandma Ruth is in the hospital, the Eyebiter is feeling snacky again, and Joe? He’s one eyeball away from a total breakdown.
Here’s What Slapped:
📖 The way Mr. Bower flips between grown-up Joe and pint-sized Joey like it's an Olympic sport in trauma.
📖 Flashbacks that actually add to the story (and the dread).
📖 That talisman made out of a finger. Yes, a finger. Because nothing says “charmingly cursed heirloom” like wearing a severed digit around your neck.
📖 The kind of gore that makes you check your own eyeballs just to be sure they’re still there.
📖 And the emotional gut-punches? Frequent. Ferocious. Fabulous.
Why My Soul Needs Therapy Now:
You think the real monster is the cursed spirit thing? Nope. It’s generational trauma in disguise. This book peels back Joe’s humanity layer by layer until you're left wondering if he’s going to save the day or fully unravel into eye-munching madness.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Monsters that aren’t always the scariest thing in the story
📖 Horror with heart, but also so much blood
📖 Curses that span generations
📖 Bone-crunching, eye-popping, soul-devouring reads
📖 Coming-of-age trauma wrapped in supernatural chaos
Vibe Check:
🩸 If Pennywise moved to the Midwest and had beef with your grandma.
👁️ Body horror meets emotional horror with a side of eyeball salad.
🪦 "You can’t outrun your past" but make it terrifying.
Reviewed by Robin’s Review
Series Order:
The Conservator's Collection: Derelict
By Jay Bower, John Durgin and John Lynch
Reintroduced as
Eyebiter's Revenge
The Terror of Willow Falls: An Eyebiter Novel (The Eyebiter Saga Book 1)
Book 1 of 2: The Eyebiter Saga
The Burden of Life: An Eyebiter Novel (The Eyebiter Saga Book 2)
Book 2 of 2: The Eyebiter Saga Releasing May 13, 2025
August 4, 2025
This is the second book of the eyebiter series. I was honestly excited to read this one and Jay Bower doesn't disappoint. Joey is now in college, years after the fateful day in Willow Falls. The first 1/3 of the book is a slow burn, but trust me, Jay is always filled with surprises. I enjoyed that he goes back to 1989, right after the events of the first book. These scenes are important as they set up nicely for what Joey has become now.
Despite his best efforts to escape his past, he learns the hard way that the past will always catch up. I have to be honest, I felt really bad for Joey. He got dragged into his grandmother's secret double life. Ruth was a sweetheart in book one, but I promise you won't feel the same about Grandma Ruth in book 2. I really can't spoil too much, but this is an awesome sequel with a kind of tough but encouraging ending for our MC, Joey.
I'm not sure if there will be a sequel, but I sure hope so. Even if there isn't, this has been a fun coming of age series. You'll want to start with The Terror in Willow Falls before reading this one or you'll be a bit lost. Overall, such a fun and thrilling read!
Despite his best efforts to escape his past, he learns the hard way that the past will always catch up. I have to be honest, I felt really bad for Joey. He got dragged into his grandmother's secret double life. Ruth was a sweetheart in book one, but I promise you won't feel the same about Grandma Ruth in book 2. I really can't spoil too much, but this is an awesome sequel with a kind of tough but encouraging ending for our MC, Joey.
I'm not sure if there will be a sequel, but I sure hope so. Even if there isn't, this has been a fun coming of age series. You'll want to start with The Terror in Willow Falls before reading this one or you'll be a bit lost. Overall, such a fun and thrilling read!
March 6, 2025
Joey wants to put Willow Falls and all the terrible things that happened behind him. Joey's past is not going to be forgotten so easily. He is not the same person he was. Joey has changed. Joey battles with something old and very evil. Can Joey win the battle and defeat the evil?
March 15, 2025
Buckle up, boys: we’re heading back to Willow Falls!
I just read The Terror of Willow Falls last week ready for this book, and I fell in love with the characters and the story. I devoured the book quicker than the Eyebiter can get through his favourite snack!
The Burden of Life picks up after the dramatic end of the first novel. Now Joey goes by Joe, a college student who left Willow Falls without a backward glance. But the curse is still looming, and his past is catching up with him…
The characters you love (or love to hate) are all back in this sequel, with even more meat on them to really get to know them. Plus a host of new characters that my lord I hated!
The story flits between adult and child Joey (right after the dramatic events of the first book) and gives you a really good sense of continuation that works seamlessly. Jay has never disappointed me with his writing, and this is no exception. Every crunch of an eye, snap of a bone, a drop of blood is so vivid. I could feel the eyes popping, it was gross.
The Burden of Life is definitely a sequel, so I highly recommend reading The Terror of Willow Falls first, but this is an incredible follow up. I cannot wait to see it blow up
March 18, 2025
Okay, I am not normally one, for whatever horror this is, its something dark and twisty, it makes my skin crawl and me flinch a little at some of the descriptions, and yet, here I am, willingly asking to read the second one, its that good.
First, why is it always the grandmas getting sick and drawing you back, I am on HIGH alert at this point, concerned.
Poor Joe, my guy gets no breaks and has to go back too Willow Falls, where you know he's not going to just be able to take care of granny.
It's one thing to have a haunting past. it's another when the "haunting part" is a vengeful spirit that is hellbent on eating till full.
Joe being the guy he is, wants to stop this, but the more he learns the worse it gets, is he fighting a monster, or is he fighting becoming a monster, that's all consuming ?
I absolutely loved this so much. Sometimes, I'm afraid of sequels. They just don't always hit, but this was perfect.
I can't say enough. Thank you, Jay, for letting me ready this early.
First, why is it always the grandmas getting sick and drawing you back, I am on HIGH alert at this point, concerned.
Poor Joe, my guy gets no breaks and has to go back too Willow Falls, where you know he's not going to just be able to take care of granny.
It's one thing to have a haunting past. it's another when the "haunting part" is a vengeful spirit that is hellbent on eating till full.
Joe being the guy he is, wants to stop this, but the more he learns the worse it gets, is he fighting a monster, or is he fighting becoming a monster, that's all consuming ?
I absolutely loved this so much. Sometimes, I'm afraid of sequels. They just don't always hit, but this was perfect.
I can't say enough. Thank you, Jay, for letting me ready this early.
May 9, 2025
Jay Bower is an absolute master class at his craft, and here's why:
The Burden of Life is dark, twisty, and grim, but above all else... it makes you care. The way that Jay writes his characters, you can't help but twist yourself up in their lives, feel their successes and failures as your own, and grieve with them when something terrible happens. Poor Joe has gone through so much. and despite everything that he's done, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him and want to help him.
Which, can we talk about that reveal??? I had a hunch as to what was happening to Joe, but once the moment he acknowledged exactly what was happening to him....MASTERFUL! I had chills, and it really set the tone for me for the rest of the book.
Jay also injects so much small town nostalgia in his books; it's almost like I'm living the scenes with the characters. Being a small town Illinoisan myself, I felt so much closer to the plot of Burden of Life. Reading the conversations about the Bears gave me a whole lot of resigned deja vu as I'm positive I've had similar conversations myself.
To top it all off, Jay's writing has a habit of making me completely forget I'm reading a horror novel. I was so caught up in the power struggle and what makes us human vs. monster that I was taken off guard when something horrifying happened (like very vividly described eyeball munching scenes). I've never read an author whose storytelling captivates me so much like Jay Bower's.
The Burden of Life was fantastically done, and I seriously can't wait to see how Joe's story ends!
The Burden of Life is dark, twisty, and grim, but above all else... it makes you care. The way that Jay writes his characters, you can't help but twist yourself up in their lives, feel their successes and failures as your own, and grieve with them when something terrible happens. Poor Joe has gone through so much. and despite everything that he's done, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him and want to help him.
Which, can we talk about that reveal??? I had a hunch as to what was happening to Joe, but once the moment he acknowledged exactly what was happening to him....MASTERFUL! I had chills, and it really set the tone for me for the rest of the book.
Jay also injects so much small town nostalgia in his books; it's almost like I'm living the scenes with the characters. Being a small town Illinoisan myself, I felt so much closer to the plot of Burden of Life. Reading the conversations about the Bears gave me a whole lot of resigned deja vu as I'm positive I've had similar conversations myself.
To top it all off, Jay's writing has a habit of making me completely forget I'm reading a horror novel. I was so caught up in the power struggle and what makes us human vs. monster that I was taken off guard when something horrifying happened (like very vividly described eyeball munching scenes). I've never read an author whose storytelling captivates me so much like Jay Bower's.
The Burden of Life was fantastically done, and I seriously can't wait to see how Joe's story ends!
March 2, 2025
The Burden of Life continues the story of the Eyebiter, first introduced in Eyebiter’s Revenge in the Derelict Collection. We learned about the origin of this creature in The Terror of Willow Falls, and we now have further insight into his tale of revenge.
Spoilers for Eyebiter’s Revenge and The Terror of Willow Falls. If you have not read those, please don’t read any further!
The Burden of Life picks up with Joey, who now goes by Joe, well into his college career. Even though it’s been years, he’s still reeling from the loss of his best friend, Len, and the betrayal of Anne, who was not at all whom she appeared. Joe has an even more difficult time reconciling his past when he sees Len’s younger sister, Sally, on campus. After his grandmother falls ill, Joe is forced to go back to Willow Falls, something he absolutely dreads.
Going back and forth between the present and 1989 after the catastrophic encounter with the Eyebiter, we learn more about the characters than we could ever imagine. This book will leave you questioning what, and who, evil really is. This is one of my favorite books by Bower yet, and is a must read for fans of the Eyebiter.
Spoilers for Eyebiter’s Revenge and The Terror of Willow Falls. If you have not read those, please don’t read any further!
The Burden of Life picks up with Joey, who now goes by Joe, well into his college career. Even though it’s been years, he’s still reeling from the loss of his best friend, Len, and the betrayal of Anne, who was not at all whom she appeared. Joe has an even more difficult time reconciling his past when he sees Len’s younger sister, Sally, on campus. After his grandmother falls ill, Joe is forced to go back to Willow Falls, something he absolutely dreads.
Going back and forth between the present and 1989 after the catastrophic encounter with the Eyebiter, we learn more about the characters than we could ever imagine. This book will leave you questioning what, and who, evil really is. This is one of my favorite books by Bower yet, and is a must read for fans of the Eyebiter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
**ARC Review**
Author: Jay Bower
Book: The Burden of Life
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Horror
What an epic sequel this was! If you have read The Terror of Willow Falls you need to pick up the next book of the series, available now! Jay was gracious enough to let me ARC read this story and I couldn't wait to dive in.
The story picks up a few years after the events of Willow Falls. Joey is now in college and prefers to go by Joe. He is trying to escape the horrors of his past. But when an old friend comes on campus, he is suddenly thrust back into the life he was trying to escape.
This book has everything you want in a sequel. The stakes are bloodier, the body count is higher, and you don't know who is a true friend. I did question some of the choices the characters made, feeling like it might have been a little forced to further the story, but that is my only real complaint.
This book was epic and Jay Bower is definitely someone you need to look into. He paints the story in such a way that it makes you feel like you're there. I'm really looking forward to diving more into his work.
Author: Jay Bower
Book: The Burden of Life
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Horror
What an epic sequel this was! If you have read The Terror of Willow Falls you need to pick up the next book of the series, available now! Jay was gracious enough to let me ARC read this story and I couldn't wait to dive in.
The story picks up a few years after the events of Willow Falls. Joey is now in college and prefers to go by Joe. He is trying to escape the horrors of his past. But when an old friend comes on campus, he is suddenly thrust back into the life he was trying to escape.
This book has everything you want in a sequel. The stakes are bloodier, the body count is higher, and you don't know who is a true friend. I did question some of the choices the characters made, feeling like it might have been a little forced to further the story, but that is my only real complaint.
This book was epic and Jay Bower is definitely someone you need to look into. He paints the story in such a way that it makes you feel like you're there. I'm really looking forward to diving more into his work.
March 6, 2025
This is a GREAT 2nd book in the saga and would suggest you read, The Terror of Willow Falls, first. Be forewarned there are some very graphic, bloody descriptions, and if you ever wondered what eating a eyeball was like this story describes it almost too well. The very first lines had me hooked, and put me right back in Joey’s (Joe’s) life. The story is based on a family legacy which is a true curse, and how Joe tries to put an end to it without to many people dying. Unfortunately this legacy/curse of the Eyebiter brings a terrible hunger which is almost impossible to control, and you don’t want to be in his path when this occurs. I’ll never think of “ I see red” the same again. This story has curses, ghosts, an all to real monster and quite a few twists. It was very hard for me to put down, and I was holding my breath close to the end saying this can’t be happening, but it was…I highly recommend it and hope there will be a #3.
April 4, 2025
I was highly anticipating this novel. I really enjoyed the first book so I knew this book would be just as terrifying. I was right. Just knowing that Joe had to fight off the beast was terrifying by itself. Then he finds out the real reason behind Grandma Ruth bringing his family to Willow Falls and he felt such betrayal. I cannot imagine how that must have felt. Just knowing that all the things that had happened to him were all part of a bigger plan would have made me furious. Even though Joe had this terrible beast within, he still tried to be a good person. Mr. Bower did a stupendous job at writing the constant turmoil Joe experienced as he had to go back to Willow Falls. The angst that Joe felt while trying to decide how to rid himself and the world of Anne was heartbreaking. At the same time I realized the author has set us readers up to anxiously await another book to see what happens now.
April 22, 2025
The Burden of Life: An Eyebiter Novel
by Jay Bower
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another spooky and intense horror story by Jay Bower! This is the 2nd book in the Eyebiter Saga. The 1st is The Terror of Willow Falls. This story continues on with Joe and his crazy life dealing with curses, evil entities and of course lots of terror! He thought once he was in college he wouldn’t be going back to Willow Falls, but evil drags him back!
This book is so descriptive and detailed! I could imagine an eyeball popping in my mouth! 👁️ 🫣👁️
This story is action and suspense filled from beginning until the end and I was at the edge of my seat! I was surprised with twists and turns in the book!
If you haven’t read The Terror Of Willow Falls, I recommend starting with that one first and then moving on to The Burden of Life.
Can you ever really put your past behind you? Can Joe control his rage? 🩸
Thank you to Jay Bower for an arc of this terror filled book!!
*It comes out May 13th! Keep your eyes 👀 out for it!*
by Jay Bower
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another spooky and intense horror story by Jay Bower! This is the 2nd book in the Eyebiter Saga. The 1st is The Terror of Willow Falls. This story continues on with Joe and his crazy life dealing with curses, evil entities and of course lots of terror! He thought once he was in college he wouldn’t be going back to Willow Falls, but evil drags him back!
This book is so descriptive and detailed! I could imagine an eyeball popping in my mouth! 👁️ 🫣👁️
This story is action and suspense filled from beginning until the end and I was at the edge of my seat! I was surprised with twists and turns in the book!
If you haven’t read The Terror Of Willow Falls, I recommend starting with that one first and then moving on to The Burden of Life.
Can you ever really put your past behind you? Can Joe control his rage? 🩸
Thank you to Jay Bower for an arc of this terror filled book!!
*It comes out May 13th! Keep your eyes 👀 out for it!*
March 10, 2025
Jay Bower never disappoints and I stand by the fact the man is incapable of writing a bad book.
Does anything eyeball related repulse me in all the ways? God yes. Do I gag every time I'm even remotely close to my eyes doing my make up? Yep. But when Jay wrote a story that revolved around eyeballs did I dive right in without the slightest hesitation? Damn straight I did. Because what else are my therapist and I going to talk about 🤷♀️
The Terror of Willow Falls was horrifying 😳 eyeballs.... get..... eaten 😭🤢😭🤢 EATEN!!! Blech 😝 but damn it was a good book, every gag inducing sentence.
So when Jay announced The Burden of Life, I was ecstatic and I was not disappointed, the book picks up a few years in the future but from right off you are transported right back to Willow Falls like you never left. But let's face it, you never will.
Does anything eyeball related repulse me in all the ways? God yes. Do I gag every time I'm even remotely close to my eyes doing my make up? Yep. But when Jay wrote a story that revolved around eyeballs did I dive right in without the slightest hesitation? Damn straight I did. Because what else are my therapist and I going to talk about 🤷♀️
The Terror of Willow Falls was horrifying 😳 eyeballs.... get..... eaten 😭🤢😭🤢 EATEN!!! Blech 😝 but damn it was a good book, every gag inducing sentence.
So when Jay announced The Burden of Life, I was ecstatic and I was not disappointed, the book picks up a few years in the future but from right off you are transported right back to Willow Falls like you never left. But let's face it, you never will.
March 17, 2025
Wow!! The Burden of Life really connects the dots (and eyeballs) to the Terror of Willow Falls and keeps the saga of Joey Speight rolling into a continued terrifying, intensely gross and bloody fight to maintain control of the evil curse that lurks in his soul.
This is a continued story and even though you get bits and flashes back to when Joey was younger and the time his nightmare began, it helps to put connection to his age and time in the Burden of Life.
Joey fights to keep control of the fateful curse that he was exposed to and eventually was infected with. It flares when his anger spikes and those that anger him pay the ultimate price with their life.
There are many twists and turns in this story with an ending that is surprising and hopefully lends to another addition to this incredibly good read.
This is a continued story and even though you get bits and flashes back to when Joey was younger and the time his nightmare began, it helps to put connection to his age and time in the Burden of Life.
Joey fights to keep control of the fateful curse that he was exposed to and eventually was infected with. It flares when his anger spikes and those that anger him pay the ultimate price with their life.
There are many twists and turns in this story with an ending that is surprising and hopefully lends to another addition to this incredibly good read.
March 27, 2025
I have been provided an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily providing a review.
This was a great follow-up to The Terror of Willow Falls, so make sure you read that first, or you may be very lost.
The book picks up with Joe as he is in college, but the story vacillates between that storyline and shortly after the events in The Terror of Willow Falls. This was a great element to the book and provided background to the main story at integral times.
This was dark and gory with very descriptive scenes. Lots of eyes, I'll leave it at that. My heart breaks for Joe in this one. He is a lovable character, and he is going through it in this one.
This one gets a 4.75⭐️s rounded up to 5 where applicable. I think I liked this one more than The Terror of Willow Falls, but the original short story, Eyebiters Revenge, is still my favorite.
This was a great follow-up to The Terror of Willow Falls, so make sure you read that first, or you may be very lost.
The book picks up with Joe as he is in college, but the story vacillates between that storyline and shortly after the events in The Terror of Willow Falls. This was a great element to the book and provided background to the main story at integral times.
This was dark and gory with very descriptive scenes. Lots of eyes, I'll leave it at that. My heart breaks for Joe in this one. He is a lovable character, and he is going through it in this one.
This one gets a 4.75⭐️s rounded up to 5 where applicable. I think I liked this one more than The Terror of Willow Falls, but the original short story, Eyebiters Revenge, is still my favorite.
May 13, 2025
First thing check your check your trigger warnings. And then make sure you read The Terror of Willow Falls first that way you can get caught up. Jay Bower is one of my favorite authors so of course I had to read this.
The story resumes 8 years after The Terror of Willow Falls, with Joey attending college, striving to blend in, and maintaining control over his past with the Eyebiter. I like how this book switches between the past and present. It helps tie together the events of the first two books, which take place eight years apart. The curse is still there and his past is catching up with him.
The book has many violent and gory scenes. It's an action-packed story with suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the ending surprised me. I hope there's a third book.
The story resumes 8 years after The Terror of Willow Falls, with Joey attending college, striving to blend in, and maintaining control over his past with the Eyebiter. I like how this book switches between the past and present. It helps tie together the events of the first two books, which take place eight years apart. The curse is still there and his past is catching up with him.
The book has many violent and gory scenes. It's an action-packed story with suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the ending surprised me. I hope there's a third book.
March 16, 2025
I'm a huge coming of age fan and loved The Terror Of Willow Falls. I'm always iffy on sequels for that trope because it's hard to capture the ambiance in sequels, but Jay Bower does just that with the sequel, The Burden Of Life. It picks up with the main character Joe away at college. He thinks he has everything under control from his past with the Eyebiter. An evil entity that took people away from him that he loved. But things start happening to him, and he learns that some people who he thought were helping him deal with it turn out to be the enemy. It's darker than the first book, but it's definitely well written and full of twists and turns. The release date is May 13th, 2025. You'll want to add both books to your tbr if you haven't read the first book!
March 21, 2025
I received an ARC of this novel from Jay Bower.
I recently read The Terror of Willow Falls, the first story in The Eyebiter Saga and loved it, so when I saw the opportunity to read the sequel I jumped at the chance. The Burden of Life is aptly named as there is palpable survivors guilt in this work. The POV shifts between the main character both as a young adult following the events of the previous novel and in "present" time as a college student. Each perspective is vivid and well done and the shifts don't result in confusion. Like the original novel this also feels like it's escalating tension but kind of in each time period of the story and the conclusion fits the story to a T. It starts dark and stays there.
I recently read The Terror of Willow Falls, the first story in The Eyebiter Saga and loved it, so when I saw the opportunity to read the sequel I jumped at the chance. The Burden of Life is aptly named as there is palpable survivors guilt in this work. The POV shifts between the main character both as a young adult following the events of the previous novel and in "present" time as a college student. Each perspective is vivid and well done and the shifts don't result in confusion. Like the original novel this also feels like it's escalating tension but kind of in each time period of the story and the conclusion fits the story to a T. It starts dark and stays there.
July 25, 2025
I really liked this one more than the first. So many questions the first book left open were answered.
I think my only issue with this one is Kevin. He's not relevant to the main storyline so his presence repeatedly showing up with no explanation as to why is kind of... Well... Annoying. It's distracting honestly from the main focus of it. The only thing I can think of is that maybe there will be a third book. I mean there'd almost have to be because of the things Ruth mentions. So while the questions from the first book were answered, this one created so many more that are left unanswered.
I for one would welcome a third book that closed this story entirely.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws.
I think my only issue with this one is Kevin. He's not relevant to the main storyline so his presence repeatedly showing up with no explanation as to why is kind of... Well... Annoying. It's distracting honestly from the main focus of it. The only thing I can think of is that maybe there will be a third book. I mean there'd almost have to be because of the things Ruth mentions. So while the questions from the first book were answered, this one created so many more that are left unanswered.
I for one would welcome a third book that closed this story entirely.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws.
March 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this next book in the series!!! on the edge of my sheet the whole time trying to help him fight this battle in his mind . Joey lost's best friend, his mother, how many more people is he going to lose To the eye biter?
how he tries to control the inner rage and comparing it to the incredible hulk was perfect. . . I could see that build of anger and transformation. . . and then the undeniable loss of control.
can Joey settle down and have a normal life. . . I guess we shall see. . .
how he tries to control the inner rage and comparing it to the incredible hulk was perfect. . . I could see that build of anger and transformation. . . and then the undeniable loss of control.
can Joey settle down and have a normal life. . . I guess we shall see. . .
May 3, 2025
As soon as I finished The terror of Willow Falls, I asked Jay to give me an ARC for this one because I needed to know what would happen next. And it was a perfect continuation of Joey's story, from being a teen to becoming and adult struggling with keeping the burden of a life changing secret.
Emotional, magnificently written and intense from beginning to the end, Joe's story takes us back to Willow Falls where the past doesn't haunt us, it comes back to knock us off our feet.
I can't wait to see what else life has ready for Joe Speight.
Emotional, magnificently written and intense from beginning to the end, Joe's story takes us back to Willow Falls where the past doesn't haunt us, it comes back to knock us off our feet.
I can't wait to see what else life has ready for Joe Speight.
May 13, 2025
Quite possibly my favorite Jay book yet, and that's saying something considering ym deep love of Cadaverous. I had the amazing opportunity to beta read this one for Jay, and I was legitatemyl able to say "no notes. it's perfect." Picking up after the events of Terror of Willow Falls, The Burden of Life is even more harrowing. Bower pulls no punches. I love seeing Jay grow with every book he writes. Grab this one today!
May 15, 2025
“The Burden of Life” is the sequel to “The Terror of Willow Falls.” Joe has tried to move on from his past, but the darkness inside of him continues to try to take hold and he’s forced to return home and uncover his family history. “The Burden of Life” is grim and unsettling with absolutely wonderful character building. While darker and gorier than the first novel, “The Burden of Life” is a must read.
May 19, 2025
Jay Bower delivers another gripping tale of terror with this installment of the Eyebiter Saga. The pages are filled with tension as Joe's curse intensifies and each new truth is revealed.
The characters are filled with imperfections and agendas both hidden and obvious. The story builds slowly at first before kicking into turbo and racing at a breakneck pace of terror to the shocking climax. Once again, Bower gives us perfect evidence of why he is a master of his craft.
The characters are filled with imperfections and agendas both hidden and obvious. The story builds slowly at first before kicking into turbo and racing at a breakneck pace of terror to the shocking climax. Once again, Bower gives us perfect evidence of why he is a master of his craft.
March 19, 2025
Going home again is not always a pleasant trip. Often, family secrets will resurface, especially in small, sleepy towns.
This is the second book in the Eyebiter Saga. It's more juicy and filled with dripping goodness. The saga would flow better to the reader if read in order. Welcome back to Willow Falls.
This is the second book in the Eyebiter Saga. It's more juicy and filled with dripping goodness. The saga would flow better to the reader if read in order. Welcome back to Willow Falls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
Thank you, Jay Bower, for another great book in the Eyebiter series. it was a good continuation of the story and bringing all the characters back together. I liked how some of the chapters took us back to the first book and helped to fill in any missing details. very descriptive, and I could picture all the gory details.
Hmmmmm, can i sense a third book here!!!???
4 1/2 Stars from me!!!!!
Hmmmmm, can i sense a third book here!!!???
4 1/2 Stars from me!!!!!
April 3, 2025
When I say, don't read this if you have a thing about your eyes, then don't read this. The descriptions of what Joe does with the eyeballs will have you cringing. The Burden of Life was a great story, well written, and enjoyable. You must read Terror of Willow Falls first to really enjoy this book.
May 4, 2025
What an incredible story. Just when I thought I had it figured out, BOOM! What an ending. Never remotely saw that coming. The Eyebiter saga was an incredible ride! Hopefully there will be more in the future but we'll see I guess. Never say never.
May 23, 2025
This book was amazing!!! Honestly, I enjoyed the first one and was curious on how this story could keep going. But once it took off it really had me invested. Jay Bowers writing just flows so well that I had it devoured quickly. Easily 5 stars from me!
December 1, 2025
I really thought I was going to enjoy this way more than the first book because the mmc is older but I think I liked the first book even though there was a lot of repetitive dialogue. It wasn’t bad but unlikely to recommend tbh.
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