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The Death of Joey Speight: An Eyebiter Novel
Ever since Willow Falls, Joseph Speight has struggled to keep the monster inside of him at bay. Away from that terrible nightmare, he’s built a life worth protecting as a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated elementary school teacher.
But the hunger that lives within him never truly goes away.
Joseph notices disturbing signs of abuse on one of his students and it triggers the crimson haze at the edges of his vision, a sign of horrific things to come. His past in Willow Falls continues to haunt memories of his mother, of Sally, of the terrible things he's done.
And now, someone from that past wants revenge.
As Joseph struggles to maintain control, a school shooting shatters his reality. In the chaos and blood, the line between man and monster blurs beyond recognition.
Some deaths are permanent. Others are just transformations.
The hunger always wins.
But the hunger that lives within him never truly goes away.
Joseph notices disturbing signs of abuse on one of his students and it triggers the crimson haze at the edges of his vision, a sign of horrific things to come. His past in Willow Falls continues to haunt memories of his mother, of Sally, of the terrible things he's done.
And now, someone from that past wants revenge.
As Joseph struggles to maintain control, a school shooting shatters his reality. In the chaos and blood, the line between man and monster blurs beyond recognition.
Some deaths are permanent. Others are just transformations.
The hunger always wins.
- GenresHorror
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bower
48 books299 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 16, 2026
Jay delivers another fantastic entry in the Eyebiter series. It's an uncomfortable and harrowing story that continues to amp up the horror and the stakes for Joey as he battles the monster within.
Joey is now a teacher and is in his late twenties with a son of his own. Things take a turn for the worse when one of his students shows the sign of abuse and the past once again comes back to haunt him and his internal struggle with the urges seems destined for failure. This time, if he gives in, he risks losing his family which is something he cannot accept.
The Eyebiter series has always been brutal, featuring characters that you pull for put in dire situations. Joey's battle with the urges within seems ultimately hopeless but he fights it at every turn.
It's a truly horrific situation which culminates in an ending of a battle between good and evil which shocks as well as pulls at the heart.
It seems there may be more in the Eyebiter saga yet and if that's true, I eagerly await the next entry.
Joey is now a teacher and is in his late twenties with a son of his own. Things take a turn for the worse when one of his students shows the sign of abuse and the past once again comes back to haunt him and his internal struggle with the urges seems destined for failure. This time, if he gives in, he risks losing his family which is something he cannot accept.
The Eyebiter series has always been brutal, featuring characters that you pull for put in dire situations. Joey's battle with the urges within seems ultimately hopeless but he fights it at every turn.
It's a truly horrific situation which culminates in an ending of a battle between good and evil which shocks as well as pulls at the heart.
It seems there may be more in the Eyebiter saga yet and if that's true, I eagerly await the next entry.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
Author: Jay Bower
Book: The Death of Joey Speight
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Horror
I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Book three in Jay Bower’s Eyebiter series was a bloody and gory conclusion to this series. Each book expanded upon the lore, each book upped the body count, and each book really threw in the emotional wedge that is becoming standard for Jay. This whole series has been banger after banger, and Jay was the perfect person to bring the Eyebiter to life.
Young Joey Speight isn’t so young anymore. He is now in his late twenties, married, and has a son of his own. Yet, he is still haunted by his past and still carries the curse of Willow Falls on him. He has tried his hardest to keep the urges at bay, to keep the eyebiter hidden from his family. But when he starts noticing signs of abuse on one of his students, the crimson haze that clouds his vision starts getting worse. Soon, the hunger is stronger, and Joseph Speight doesn’t know how much longer he will be able to hold it at bay.
Jay Bower is one of my favorite horror authors right now and is a powerhouse of an indie author as well. Each book drives into the heart of humanity, and The Death of Joey Speight is no different. This novel is filled with human plight and makes you really contemplate what you would do if you were put in this situation. I read this story almost as if it were an allegory to addiction, and that changed the whole meaning for me. What Joey went through, I’ve seen people go through with drugs or alcohol, which made this all the more real.
If you like well-thought-out and unique stories that scare you as well as make you think about life and your choices, look into Jay Bower and all his books. Each one is amazing. And if you like legends surrounding small-town local horrors, pick up the Eyebiter Saga. The Death of Joey Speight is book three and is being released on March 10th. Pick this up on Amazon and KU when it is released, or preorder now. I promise you will love this series.
Author: Jay Bower
Book: The Death of Joey Speight
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Horror
I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Book three in Jay Bower’s Eyebiter series was a bloody and gory conclusion to this series. Each book expanded upon the lore, each book upped the body count, and each book really threw in the emotional wedge that is becoming standard for Jay. This whole series has been banger after banger, and Jay was the perfect person to bring the Eyebiter to life.
Young Joey Speight isn’t so young anymore. He is now in his late twenties, married, and has a son of his own. Yet, he is still haunted by his past and still carries the curse of Willow Falls on him. He has tried his hardest to keep the urges at bay, to keep the eyebiter hidden from his family. But when he starts noticing signs of abuse on one of his students, the crimson haze that clouds his vision starts getting worse. Soon, the hunger is stronger, and Joseph Speight doesn’t know how much longer he will be able to hold it at bay.
Jay Bower is one of my favorite horror authors right now and is a powerhouse of an indie author as well. Each book drives into the heart of humanity, and The Death of Joey Speight is no different. This novel is filled with human plight and makes you really contemplate what you would do if you were put in this situation. I read this story almost as if it were an allegory to addiction, and that changed the whole meaning for me. What Joey went through, I’ve seen people go through with drugs or alcohol, which made this all the more real.
If you like well-thought-out and unique stories that scare you as well as make you think about life and your choices, look into Jay Bower and all his books. Each one is amazing. And if you like legends surrounding small-town local horrors, pick up the Eyebiter Saga. The Death of Joey Speight is book three and is being released on March 10th. Pick this up on Amazon and KU when it is released, or preorder now. I promise you will love this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Joseph "Joey" Speight is now a husband and father working as a teacher. He still has urges to do destructively horrific things, but is mostly able to keep them under control. Meanwhile, back in Willow Falls, Sally and Len's mother blames Joey for their deaths and is determined to see that he pays with his life.
Joseph is drawn to an abused boy in his class and decides that he can atone for some of his evils by helping him out. Unfortunately, that whole idea backfires and causes even more horrors. As Joseph slowly loses control of the Eyebiter inside, will his family be safe? Will he give in to the urges brought on by the curse inflicted on him by his Grandma Ruth? Will the spirit of Anne be unleashed by Alice's desire to talk to her dead children?
This book is full of gruesome deaths (if you have a "thing" about eyes, steer clear!) The Jekyll and Hyde-type struggle between Joey and the Eyebiter is well-written and makes you (almost) feel empathy for Joseph. . Add in revenge, jealousy, the trials of parenting and the overwhelming love of family and you have a great story. I predict a sequel and can't wait to see how the author ties up all of these storylines!
Joseph is drawn to an abused boy in his class and decides that he can atone for some of his evils by helping him out. Unfortunately, that whole idea backfires and causes even more horrors. As Joseph slowly loses control of the Eyebiter inside, will his family be safe? Will he give in to the urges brought on by the curse inflicted on him by his Grandma Ruth? Will the spirit of Anne be unleashed by Alice's desire to talk to her dead children?
This book is full of gruesome deaths (if you have a "thing" about eyes, steer clear!) The Jekyll and Hyde-type struggle between Joey and the Eyebiter is well-written and makes you (almost) feel empathy for Joseph. . Add in revenge, jealousy, the trials of parenting and the overwhelming love of family and you have a great story. I predict a sequel and can't wait to see how the author ties up all of these storylines!
February 27, 2026
In this new Eyebiter novel I realized the author was not writing an end but setting the readers up for the final showdown. I was glad to read that Joseph was able to tamp down the evil and have a family. He loved his wife and son with such abandon that I was able to enjoy what he experienced. The last thing he needed was for his past to come looking for him showing no mercy. I know that Alice felt her invocation did nothing but I feel that is when the evil began to overtake Joseph. It was heartbreaking to read how fast Joseph descended into madness. He really stood no chance of overcoming the evil within. As more of his condition became a part of his life, he gave into his new ‘normal’ and all hope for Joseph ended. I am so invested in this series. Hopefully there will be closure for Joseph soon. I worry for Bonnie and Pete; I feel dark days are coming for these two. I hope they can be strong and find the strength to deal with the truth they will no doubt be confronted about. Do not miss on this fantastic horror read.
March 10, 2026
Book 3 of the Eyebiter saga and whew! There were passages I had to control my impulse to race right through, I did not want to miss one single word. Joey is trying to control his impulse to eat flesh as much as I had to control mine to race through this book. Joey is married with a son and a job as a teacher in a neighbouring town, and as much as he is trying to live a normal life, forces back in Willow Falls are endeavouring to end him. This is an exciting read and as much as I thought it was to be the end of a trilogy, it is not. The author promises at least one more to round up the tale. Can hardly wait! One warning, this is not a stand alone. Catch up on the series to get the whole story, you will not be sorry.
I received a copy of this book via the author and I leave my voluntary opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book via the author and I leave my voluntary opinion of the tale.
March 11, 2026
“The Death of Joey Speight” is book 3 in Jay Bowers’ Eyebiter saga. Joey is now an adult, married and raising a kid. He’s managed to hold off his dark urges until a student in his classroom is facing abuse. Now the crimson haze starts clouding his vision and he must fight the curse of Willow Falls to protect his family.
Joey’s humanity is put on the line and we really get to see his inner struggles in book 3. “The Death of Joey Speight” is emotional but doesn’t shy away from the gore and of course…eating eyeballs. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoyed “The Curse of Willow Falls” and “The Burden of Life.”
Joey’s humanity is put on the line and we really get to see his inner struggles in book 3. “The Death of Joey Speight” is emotional but doesn’t shy away from the gore and of course…eating eyeballs. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoyed “The Curse of Willow Falls” and “The Burden of Life.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
We're back to the Eyebiter, and this one does not disappoint! In a world where your spouse was hiding an integral, vital, and scary part of themselves, would you want to know? If you were the one hiding such a secret, would you do everything in your power to keep hiding it, or would you break down and tell them? And just how do you hide such a thing? Surely you can't keep it locked down forever.
Oh, and if you think this title is accurate... well, you'll just have to see. Remember that book John Dies at the End? ;)
Oh, and if you think this title is accurate... well, you'll just have to see. Remember that book John Dies at the End? ;)
March 10, 2026
*Arc review*
First thank you to Jay Bower for letting me read the 3rd installment in The Eyebiter series!
We’re back with Joey (Joesph) Speight but now as an adult, with a family who loves and adores him. All while he’s still fighting the evils within. The 3rd installment of The Eyebiter series is a horrific ride through loss, fighting for what’s right, The Evil, and Gore.
This is the best one of the series in my opinion, Jay really knows how to wrap everything up with a blood soaked ribbon.
First thank you to Jay Bower for letting me read the 3rd installment in The Eyebiter series!
We’re back with Joey (Joesph) Speight but now as an adult, with a family who loves and adores him. All while he’s still fighting the evils within. The 3rd installment of The Eyebiter series is a horrific ride through loss, fighting for what’s right, The Evil, and Gore.
This is the best one of the series in my opinion, Jay really knows how to wrap everything up with a blood soaked ribbon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, Jay Bower is one of my favorite authors, and this book is another banger!!!
Get ready for the third book in the Eyebiter saga. Joey's struggle is real as the monster inside him wants freedom and it's craving more of what it wants. The story is bloody, gory, and it's meant to be disturbing. I enjoy the battle between Joey and the Eyebiter, it's a classic case of good vs evil. The ending isn't near, the author is preparing the readers for the final showdown.
Get ready for the third book in the Eyebiter saga. Joey's struggle is real as the monster inside him wants freedom and it's craving more of what it wants. The story is bloody, gory, and it's meant to be disturbing. I enjoy the battle between Joey and the Eyebiter, it's a classic case of good vs evil. The ending isn't near, the author is preparing the readers for the final showdown.
March 11, 2026
Joey, now Joseph is all grown up. He has quieted the monster inside him enough to have a wife, son, and be a beloved teacher. Certain events bring the monster to the surface. Can Joseph contain it or will it be released?
I have been impatiently waiting on the third book in The Eyebiter Series since Jay mentioned he was writing it. This one didn't disappoint. Plenty of blood, gore, and eyes. If you haven't started the series pick up The Terror of Willow Falls and see how it all started for him.
I have been impatiently waiting on the third book in The Eyebiter Series since Jay mentioned he was writing it. This one didn't disappoint. Plenty of blood, gore, and eyes. If you haven't started the series pick up The Terror of Willow Falls and see how it all started for him.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to say this is my favorite so far in the Eyebiter series.
Joey is fighting for his life to keep the eyebiter buried deep inside him. It's bloody, gory and disturbing.
It's hard not to love the monster .
"Within the confines of nature, he would be free of the burdens of this life. Within those ancient sentries, those guardians of the land, he would find peace in his heart for the monster he’d become."
The hunger always wins.
Joey is fighting for his life to keep the eyebiter buried deep inside him. It's bloody, gory and disturbing.
It's hard not to love the monster .
"Within the confines of nature, he would be free of the burdens of this life. Within those ancient sentries, those guardians of the land, he would find peace in his heart for the monster he’d become."
The hunger always wins.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not wait to start this next part of Joey's life. The struggle that Joey has to go through within himself is heartbreaking. Always trying to do the right thing, but in the end the evil always wins.
March 21, 2026
What an incredible book! One of the best series by my favorite horror author of all time! Truly left me wanting this series to never end! But even the best things must end sometime so that being said, I can't wait for the final book in the series! Long live the Eyebiter!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Death
Joey' s life is good. He has a family he adores and a job he loves. The monster inside of him wants out. it demands more and more of what it craves. Joey has to protect what he loves no matter what. Terrifying read with an unexpected twist. Fantastic characters.
Joey' s life is good. He has a family he adores and a job he loves. The monster inside of him wants out. it demands more and more of what it craves. Joey has to protect what he loves no matter what. Terrifying read with an unexpected twist. Fantastic characters.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews