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Dream Woods
Follow your screams… When Vince Carter takes a shortcut to work he notices a billboard that nearly sends him into an oncoming van. The ad is for Dream Woods, New England’s answer to Disney World. It closed decades ago, but now that it’s back in business, Vince is eager to take his whole family, hoping the magic he remembers will save his failing marriage. His wife, Audra, isn’t so sure. She’s heard the rumors of why the place closed. Murder. Sacrifice. Torture. But those are just urban legends. Surely there’s nothing evil about a family tourist attraction. The Carters are about to discover that the park’s employees aren’t concerned with their guests’ enjoyment. They’re interested in something else. Something much more sinister. Welcome to Scream Woods!
318 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
16 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Lacey
46 books144 followersPatrick Lacey was born and raised in a haunted house. He currently spends his nights and weekends writing about things that make the general public uncomfortable. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, his oversized cat, and his muse, who is likely trying to kill him.
Twitter: @patlacey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.lace...
Blogspot: http://patrickclacey.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @patlacey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.lace...
Blogspot: http://patrickclacey.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 19, 2017
(This is the Thunderstorm Black Voltage edition)
4.5 stars!
DREAM WOODS, by Patrick Lacey, is the first book I have read by this author. It turned out to be more than enough to get me looking into everything else he's written. We begin with Vince Carter, a heavily-tattooed, one-time rock singer; now in a routine Accounting job that he took up to become a "family man". After learning that his--then girlfriend--and punk-rocker, Audra, was pregnant with twins, he married her and happily settled down. Only Audra never completely "settled", and Vince realizes now that she's slipping away. These are his thoughts as he comes across--quite suddenly--a roadside banner proclaiming the re-opening of Dream Woods, an amusement park that Vince remembers as the one solid piece of joy in his youth. In an attempt to bring his family closer, he decides to take them all on a one-week trip to this nostalgic location . . .
While Audra is less than thrilled with the concept--remembering rumors of satanic worship and sacrifices that closed the park decades ago--she reluctantly gives in to the idea. Twins Andrew, and Tim (whose young life revolves around the fact that he has early-onset Diabetes), go along without any real expectations--aside from the constant arguing from their parents.
Almost immediately, that unsettling atmosphere descends upon the reader. Despite Vince's happy memories, we can't help but feel a creeping sense of foreboding at the sight of Sebastian, the bear mascot, and of the fact that so very few people seem aware that the park--dubbed "Scream Woods" after its abrupt closing-- has re-opened.
"A place like that deserves to be closed."
Once there, only Vince seems unaffected by the air of unease and dread that everyone else feels. Lacey does an incredible job of ratcheting up the tension at just the right pace. With his words, we are transported into a world where nothing appears to be quite right, and a menacing feeling pervades your every thought throughout the entire story.
A non-fiction author, Regina Michaels, is similarly drawn back to the "re-opened" park--a place she once worked at, and has never been able to forget.
". . . There was something about Dream Woods, some air of mystery that she could not quite put her finger on . . ."
This story amps up the apprehensiveness with even the most seemingly benign of events, such as the way a receptionist's smile doesn't quite seem to match up to her face, and half-seen images that you can almost convince yourself you just imagined . . .
". . . Normalcy is a pathetic term and it has no place here at Dream Woods . . ."
Another strong point that I noted was Lacey's characterization. From the parents, Vince and Audra, to the twins, Andrew and Tim, each one of them stands out easily as an individual. Lacey--again--paces things just perfectly in giving us the backgrounds, emotions, and motivations of each character, without simply dumping it all out there at once. Each of these people become complex individuals that we could picture "knowing" in reality. He goes even further in this aspect, giving solid definitions to several of the characters "behind the scenes" at Dream Woods. Those, more than anything else, are enough to induce nightmares in even the most dedicated horror fan!
". . . the face of nightmares, something that made you question everything you thought could exist. Made you question existence itself . . ."
This story had me riveted to the page from the first to the last word. Everything about Dream Woods set me on edge, eagerly awaiting what new images were going to sidle up to me next. I'll never be able to look at a teddy bear without picturing the dead-stare of Sebastian, the Dream Woods' mascot, again!
Highest recommendation!
4.5 stars!
DREAM WOODS, by Patrick Lacey, is the first book I have read by this author. It turned out to be more than enough to get me looking into everything else he's written. We begin with Vince Carter, a heavily-tattooed, one-time rock singer; now in a routine Accounting job that he took up to become a "family man". After learning that his--then girlfriend--and punk-rocker, Audra, was pregnant with twins, he married her and happily settled down. Only Audra never completely "settled", and Vince realizes now that she's slipping away. These are his thoughts as he comes across--quite suddenly--a roadside banner proclaiming the re-opening of Dream Woods, an amusement park that Vince remembers as the one solid piece of joy in his youth. In an attempt to bring his family closer, he decides to take them all on a one-week trip to this nostalgic location . . .
While Audra is less than thrilled with the concept--remembering rumors of satanic worship and sacrifices that closed the park decades ago--she reluctantly gives in to the idea. Twins Andrew, and Tim (whose young life revolves around the fact that he has early-onset Diabetes), go along without any real expectations--aside from the constant arguing from their parents.
Almost immediately, that unsettling atmosphere descends upon the reader. Despite Vince's happy memories, we can't help but feel a creeping sense of foreboding at the sight of Sebastian, the bear mascot, and of the fact that so very few people seem aware that the park--dubbed "Scream Woods" after its abrupt closing-- has re-opened.
"A place like that deserves to be closed."
Once there, only Vince seems unaffected by the air of unease and dread that everyone else feels. Lacey does an incredible job of ratcheting up the tension at just the right pace. With his words, we are transported into a world where nothing appears to be quite right, and a menacing feeling pervades your every thought throughout the entire story.
A non-fiction author, Regina Michaels, is similarly drawn back to the "re-opened" park--a place she once worked at, and has never been able to forget.
". . . There was something about Dream Woods, some air of mystery that she could not quite put her finger on . . ."
This story amps up the apprehensiveness with even the most seemingly benign of events, such as the way a receptionist's smile doesn't quite seem to match up to her face, and half-seen images that you can almost convince yourself you just imagined . . .
". . . Normalcy is a pathetic term and it has no place here at Dream Woods . . ."
Another strong point that I noted was Lacey's characterization. From the parents, Vince and Audra, to the twins, Andrew and Tim, each one of them stands out easily as an individual. Lacey--again--paces things just perfectly in giving us the backgrounds, emotions, and motivations of each character, without simply dumping it all out there at once. Each of these people become complex individuals that we could picture "knowing" in reality. He goes even further in this aspect, giving solid definitions to several of the characters "behind the scenes" at Dream Woods. Those, more than anything else, are enough to induce nightmares in even the most dedicated horror fan!
". . . the face of nightmares, something that made you question everything you thought could exist. Made you question existence itself . . ."
This story had me riveted to the page from the first to the last word. Everything about Dream Woods set me on edge, eagerly awaiting what new images were going to sidle up to me next. I'll never be able to look at a teddy bear without picturing the dead-stare of Sebastian, the Dream Woods' mascot, again!
Highest recommendation!
October 16, 2016
Review copy
I love amusement parks, especially the old ones from my youth. The local ones were the best, where sometimes it seemed the rides were likely to fall apart while you were still riding them. The ones within an hour's drive from where I grew up. Lakewood Park, West Point Park, and Willow Grove Park, all in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In it's dying days, the later was known as Six Gun Territory. I remember they used to have a small wooden coaster, The Scenic, exciting not because of it's speed or height, but because of the way it always seemed like it could leave the track at any moment.
Today, the parks are bigger, the rides are more daring, and for the most part, safer than they were in the days of my youth. I may be in my sixties now, but I'll still ride any coaster on the planet at the drop of a hat.
Dream Woods was once one of the new generation of theme parks, with on site hotels and big thrill rides, a vacation destination second only to the Disney's parks. That's why when Vince Carter saw the billboard with the park's mascot, Sebastian the bear, he more or less decided immediately it was just the vacation to breath new life into his family life.
But, Dream Woods had been closed for nearly twenty years and the idea of going to the park wasn't exactly an easy sell. Vince's wife Audra certainly had her doubts...
"Her mind flipped through a mental Rolodex until she came up with a few news headlines. Several bodies found in abandoned amusement park. Strange symbols uncovered at defunct theme park. Boy falls to his death from New England's fairy tale castle...Local hermit claims entrance to hell is beneath Dream Woods."
What happens after the Carter family checks in is worse than you can possibly imagine. Dream Woods starts strong and just keeps getting better as the author masterfully builds the suspense right up until the exhilarating conclusion. A visual tale made for the big screen, chilling in its execution.
I actually wish the book was longer as I would have liked to have seen some of the story fleshed out even more.
Published by Sinister Grin Press, Dream Woods is available in both paperback and Kindle formats. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you may read it at no additional charge and if you're an Amazon Prime member you can read the book for FREE through the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
From the author's bio - Patrick Lacey says he was born and raised in a haunted house. Which, if true, would explain a lot. He currently spends his nights and weekends writing about things that make the general public uncomfortable. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, his Pomeranian, his cat, and his muse, who is likely trying to kill him.
I love amusement parks, especially the old ones from my youth. The local ones were the best, where sometimes it seemed the rides were likely to fall apart while you were still riding them. The ones within an hour's drive from where I grew up. Lakewood Park, West Point Park, and Willow Grove Park, all in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In it's dying days, the later was known as Six Gun Territory. I remember they used to have a small wooden coaster, The Scenic, exciting not because of it's speed or height, but because of the way it always seemed like it could leave the track at any moment.
Today, the parks are bigger, the rides are more daring, and for the most part, safer than they were in the days of my youth. I may be in my sixties now, but I'll still ride any coaster on the planet at the drop of a hat.
Dream Woods was once one of the new generation of theme parks, with on site hotels and big thrill rides, a vacation destination second only to the Disney's parks. That's why when Vince Carter saw the billboard with the park's mascot, Sebastian the bear, he more or less decided immediately it was just the vacation to breath new life into his family life.
But, Dream Woods had been closed for nearly twenty years and the idea of going to the park wasn't exactly an easy sell. Vince's wife Audra certainly had her doubts...
"Her mind flipped through a mental Rolodex until she came up with a few news headlines. Several bodies found in abandoned amusement park. Strange symbols uncovered at defunct theme park. Boy falls to his death from New England's fairy tale castle...Local hermit claims entrance to hell is beneath Dream Woods."
What happens after the Carter family checks in is worse than you can possibly imagine. Dream Woods starts strong and just keeps getting better as the author masterfully builds the suspense right up until the exhilarating conclusion. A visual tale made for the big screen, chilling in its execution.
I actually wish the book was longer as I would have liked to have seen some of the story fleshed out even more.
Published by Sinister Grin Press, Dream Woods is available in both paperback and Kindle formats. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you may read it at no additional charge and if you're an Amazon Prime member you can read the book for FREE through the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
From the author's bio - Patrick Lacey says he was born and raised in a haunted house. Which, if true, would explain a lot. He currently spends his nights and weekends writing about things that make the general public uncomfortable. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, his Pomeranian, his cat, and his muse, who is likely trying to kill him.
May 4, 2024
This started out kinda cool and then got pretty dumb. The story follows a man named Vince Carter (not to be confused with the NBA legend) who visits the titular theme park after it randomly appears to be rebuilt on the way to work one day. This had a little too much going on for its own good (I got so tired of hearing about diabetes) but overall it was fun. I appreciated the story ending when it did and not overstaying its welcome. Sebastian is such a weird name for a mascot though. Check this out but go in with low expectations. This gets a 3/5 but that seems a little generous.
Want to read
August 16, 2017This hardcover edition is copy 14 of 52 signed numbered editions signed by Patrick Lacey.
December 4, 2017
Vince remembers Dream Woods through a pleasant veil of childhood memory. Even though bad things (murder, murder and more murder!) were rumored to have happened there and it was shut down years ago, Vince learns that the bloods been cleaned up and it’s been re-opened. He decides that it will be a most excellent vacation destination even if his wife would much rather head to a resort and lounge around a beach all day (I’m with her). He feels it will help bring his family closer together.
He is quite mistaken.
Right away things seem a little off. The people staffing the place aren’t quite right. They don’t seem completely . . . human? But Vince, the eternal optimist, holds out hope that this magical place will make his wife love him again.
Awwww. You can’t but help but root for the sap, right? His wife, who has already left her family once, seems to resent her husband for abandoning his anarchist roots and settling down into a real job after she becomes pregnant with twins, one who has diabetes. She reminded me a bit of that teacher in the 90’s named Pam Smart who fell out of love with her husband when he cut his 80’s rocker locks to become an insurance salesman and I had zero sympathy for her. I kept reading on hoping she’d be the first victim of Dream Woods. So yay for keeping me interested during my reading slump ;)
This story was decent, not earth shattering but a solid little horror story that kept me hooked and that bloody bear mascot will haunt my dreams. Dream Woods has some gore and loads of decent characterization and narrator Joe Hempel does an excellent job with the voices.
*I received a copy of this audiobook via Audiobookboom. Thanks!
He is quite mistaken.
Right away things seem a little off. The people staffing the place aren’t quite right. They don’t seem completely . . . human? But Vince, the eternal optimist, holds out hope that this magical place will make his wife love him again.
Awwww. You can’t but help but root for the sap, right? His wife, who has already left her family once, seems to resent her husband for abandoning his anarchist roots and settling down into a real job after she becomes pregnant with twins, one who has diabetes. She reminded me a bit of that teacher in the 90’s named Pam Smart who fell out of love with her husband when he cut his 80’s rocker locks to become an insurance salesman and I had zero sympathy for her. I kept reading on hoping she’d be the first victim of Dream Woods. So yay for keeping me interested during my reading slump ;)
This story was decent, not earth shattering but a solid little horror story that kept me hooked and that bloody bear mascot will haunt my dreams. Dream Woods has some gore and loads of decent characterization and narrator Joe Hempel does an excellent job with the voices.
*I received a copy of this audiobook via Audiobookboom. Thanks!
February 7, 2017
This ain’t no Walley World. The gears of these rides are oiled with human blood.
If your marriage is on the rocks and you feel like the family is falling apart, what could be better than taking a little road trip to your favorite amusement park as a kid. Sure, it was closed down years ago due to a series of brutal murders, but it has just reopened and I’m sure they cleaned up most of the body parts and gore by now. Maybe. Or maybe, it’s just reopening for round two.
There’s something about amusement parks that are inherently creepy. Could be the carnies, or run down rides, or clowns. Everybody knows clowns are scary as f*ck. Could also be the ratty ass mangy bear mascot named Sebastian. I would steer clear of amusement parks completely except for the fact that they have deep-fried chocolate covered pickles wrapped in bacon. Yummy.
This was a quick read and a fun ride, well written and quick moving. I enjoyed the building creepy factor as the truth about the park is revealed and long buried secrets come bubbling to the surface. I’m afraid it’s not all cotton candy and rainbows at Dream Woods. 3.5+ Stars
If your marriage is on the rocks and you feel like the family is falling apart, what could be better than taking a little road trip to your favorite amusement park as a kid. Sure, it was closed down years ago due to a series of brutal murders, but it has just reopened and I’m sure they cleaned up most of the body parts and gore by now. Maybe. Or maybe, it’s just reopening for round two.
There’s something about amusement parks that are inherently creepy. Could be the carnies, or run down rides, or clowns. Everybody knows clowns are scary as f*ck. Could also be the ratty ass mangy bear mascot named Sebastian. I would steer clear of amusement parks completely except for the fact that they have deep-fried chocolate covered pickles wrapped in bacon. Yummy.
This was a quick read and a fun ride, well written and quick moving. I enjoyed the building creepy factor as the truth about the park is revealed and long buried secrets come bubbling to the surface. I’m afraid it’s not all cotton candy and rainbows at Dream Woods. 3.5+ Stars
October 18, 2016
4.5 stars!
DREAM WOODS, by Patrick Lacey, is the first book I have read by this author. It turned out to be more than enough to get me looking into everything else he's written. We begin with Vince Carter, a heavily-tattooed, one-time rock singer; now in a routine Accounting job that he took up to become a "family man". After learning that his--then girlfriend--and punk-rocker, Audra, was pregnant with twins, he married her and happily settled down. Only Audra never completely "settled", and Vince realizes now that she's slipping away. These are his thoughts as he comes across--quite suddenly--a roadside banner proclaiming the re-opening of Dream Woods, an amusement park that Vince remembers as the one solid piece of joy in his youth. In an attempt to bring his family closer, he decides to take them all on a one-week trip to this nostalgic location . . .
While Audra is less than thrilled with the concept--remembering rumors of satanic worship and sacrifices that closed the park decades ago--she reluctantly gives in to the idea. Twins Andrew, and Tim (whose young life revolves around the fact that he has early-onset Diabetes), go along without any real expectations--aside from the constant arguing from their parents.
Almost immediately, that unsettling atmosphere descends upon the reader. Despite Vince's happy memories, we can't help but feel a creeping sense of foreboding at the sight of Sebastian, the bear mascot, and of the fact that so very few people seem aware that the park--dubbed "Scream Woods" after its abrupt closing-- has re-opened.
"A place like that deserves to be closed."
Once there, only Vince seems unaffected by the air of unease and dread that everyone else feels. Lacey does an incredible job of ratcheting up the tension at just the right pace. With his words, we are transported into a world where nothing appears to be quite right, and a menacing feeling pervades your every thought throughout the entire story.
A non-fiction author, Regina Michaels, is similarly drawn back to the "re-opened" park--a place she once worked at, and has never been able to forget.
". . . There was something about Dream Woods, some air of mystery that she could not quite put her finger on . . ."
This story amps up the apprehensiveness with even the most seemingly benign of events, such as the way a receptionist's smile doesn't quite seem to match up to her face, and half-seen images that you can almost convince yourself you just imagined . . .
". . . Normalcy is a pathetic term and it has no place here at Dream Woods . . ."
Another strong point that I noted was Lacey's characterization. From the parents, Vince and Audra, to the twins, Andrew and Tim, each one of them stands out easily as an individual. Lacey--again--paces things just perfectly in giving us the backgrounds, emotions, and motivations of each character, without simply dumping it all out there at once. Each of these people become complex individuals that we could picture "knowing" in reality. He goes even further in this aspect, giving solid definitions to several of the characters "behind the scenes" at Dream Woods. Those, more than anything else, are enough to induce nightmares in even the most dedicated horror fan!
". . . the face of nightmares, something that made you question everything you thought could exist. Made you question existence itself . . ."
This story had me riveted to the page from the first to the last word. Everything about Dream Woods set me on edge, eagerly awaiting what new images were going to sidle up to me next. I'll never be able to look at a teddy bear without picturing the dead-stare of Sebastian, the Dream Woods' mascot, again!
Highest recommendation!
*I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
DREAM WOODS, by Patrick Lacey, is the first book I have read by this author. It turned out to be more than enough to get me looking into everything else he's written. We begin with Vince Carter, a heavily-tattooed, one-time rock singer; now in a routine Accounting job that he took up to become a "family man". After learning that his--then girlfriend--and punk-rocker, Audra, was pregnant with twins, he married her and happily settled down. Only Audra never completely "settled", and Vince realizes now that she's slipping away. These are his thoughts as he comes across--quite suddenly--a roadside banner proclaiming the re-opening of Dream Woods, an amusement park that Vince remembers as the one solid piece of joy in his youth. In an attempt to bring his family closer, he decides to take them all on a one-week trip to this nostalgic location . . .
While Audra is less than thrilled with the concept--remembering rumors of satanic worship and sacrifices that closed the park decades ago--she reluctantly gives in to the idea. Twins Andrew, and Tim (whose young life revolves around the fact that he has early-onset Diabetes), go along without any real expectations--aside from the constant arguing from their parents.
Almost immediately, that unsettling atmosphere descends upon the reader. Despite Vince's happy memories, we can't help but feel a creeping sense of foreboding at the sight of Sebastian, the bear mascot, and of the fact that so very few people seem aware that the park--dubbed "Scream Woods" after its abrupt closing-- has re-opened.
"A place like that deserves to be closed."
Once there, only Vince seems unaffected by the air of unease and dread that everyone else feels. Lacey does an incredible job of ratcheting up the tension at just the right pace. With his words, we are transported into a world where nothing appears to be quite right, and a menacing feeling pervades your every thought throughout the entire story.
A non-fiction author, Regina Michaels, is similarly drawn back to the "re-opened" park--a place she once worked at, and has never been able to forget.
". . . There was something about Dream Woods, some air of mystery that she could not quite put her finger on . . ."
This story amps up the apprehensiveness with even the most seemingly benign of events, such as the way a receptionist's smile doesn't quite seem to match up to her face, and half-seen images that you can almost convince yourself you just imagined . . .
". . . Normalcy is a pathetic term and it has no place here at Dream Woods . . ."
Another strong point that I noted was Lacey's characterization. From the parents, Vince and Audra, to the twins, Andrew and Tim, each one of them stands out easily as an individual. Lacey--again--paces things just perfectly in giving us the backgrounds, emotions, and motivations of each character, without simply dumping it all out there at once. Each of these people become complex individuals that we could picture "knowing" in reality. He goes even further in this aspect, giving solid definitions to several of the characters "behind the scenes" at Dream Woods. Those, more than anything else, are enough to induce nightmares in even the most dedicated horror fan!
". . . the face of nightmares, something that made you question everything you thought could exist. Made you question existence itself . . ."
This story had me riveted to the page from the first to the last word. Everything about Dream Woods set me on edge, eagerly awaiting what new images were going to sidle up to me next. I'll never be able to look at a teddy bear without picturing the dead-stare of Sebastian, the Dream Woods' mascot, again!
Highest recommendation!
*I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
October 7, 2016
"I can’t remember the last time I had a nightmare after reading a book. It has been a couple of years. To me, this demonstrates just how much this story affected me. It definitely tapped into my innermost fears and gave them a great big poke with a sharp stick."
See here for the full review:
Dream Woods
See here for the full review:
Dream Woods
February 7, 2017
Vince and Audra's marriage is more than on the rocks, it's on life support. Audra has already left Vince once in the middle of the night and then couldn't go through with leaving her twin boy's, one of which is diabetic, and her husband all alone and returned. Vince is looking for anything that can save their marriage. He turns to a mysterious billboard that he sees on his way to work one morning. Its advertising Dream Woods, an old amusement park that burned to the ground when he was a kid. Apparently, it's opened back up and Vince is encapsulated with excitement at the prospect of being able to share the awesome experience he had as a kid with his family. But is Dream Woods really open for business? Especially, after what all happened so many years ago?
Have you ever woke up from a dream that seemed so realistic while you were sleeping that you're left in a fog when you awake, half in reality and half stuck in the dream, and it takes you a little bit to clear the fog out of your head? At first, the dream feels so realistic and then, after a while, you realize how silly it was and you can't believe that you ever thought it was real. That's kind of how you feel when you start reading Dream Woods. You have to be ready for it. Lacey's latest isn't a straight forward story told in the realistic here and now, and that's what tripped me up for the first 1/3 to 1/2 of it. It should be read as a messed up fairy tale. Think of it as if C.S. Lewis wrote about an old, Disney World-esque theme park in rural Massachusetts and then Clive Barker and Bentley Little got a hold of the first draft while tripping on acid and made some revisions. As you can imagine, you have to let your imagination go and have fun with it. It's not meant to suspend your disbelief. It's meant to steer you into an almost comic book/nightmare type of world. If you can get past that, you'll enjoy Dream Woods. Lacey's story is energetic and well written. But it's kind of stuck in the middle. It's not straight forward enough to be taken seriously and it's not so over-the-top that it's a pure fantasy, and maybe that's what Lacey intended. The characters are well rounded for a novella length story. But, Audra comes across as more annoyingly ungrateful than a lost soul trying to find herself and that makes it hard to root for her. The gore is poured on by the bucketful, but the people that are being offed are the extras on the set. You don't get to know any of them and it becomes kind of numbing when faceless people are killed by the trainload. I go back and forth on this book. There were parts that I could really get into and then there were paths that Lacey took that I wish he would've went a different direction. That doesn't mean that I think it's bad. Not at all. But, it's kind of like being in the mood for a traditional pizza and then getting some version with broccoli, goat cheese and pine nuts on it. While that may not be a bad thing, it's not what you had in mind when your taste buds were all primed for pepperoni and mushrooms.
3 Blood Stained Mascots out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Have you ever woke up from a dream that seemed so realistic while you were sleeping that you're left in a fog when you awake, half in reality and half stuck in the dream, and it takes you a little bit to clear the fog out of your head? At first, the dream feels so realistic and then, after a while, you realize how silly it was and you can't believe that you ever thought it was real. That's kind of how you feel when you start reading Dream Woods. You have to be ready for it. Lacey's latest isn't a straight forward story told in the realistic here and now, and that's what tripped me up for the first 1/3 to 1/2 of it. It should be read as a messed up fairy tale. Think of it as if C.S. Lewis wrote about an old, Disney World-esque theme park in rural Massachusetts and then Clive Barker and Bentley Little got a hold of the first draft while tripping on acid and made some revisions. As you can imagine, you have to let your imagination go and have fun with it. It's not meant to suspend your disbelief. It's meant to steer you into an almost comic book/nightmare type of world. If you can get past that, you'll enjoy Dream Woods. Lacey's story is energetic and well written. But it's kind of stuck in the middle. It's not straight forward enough to be taken seriously and it's not so over-the-top that it's a pure fantasy, and maybe that's what Lacey intended. The characters are well rounded for a novella length story. But, Audra comes across as more annoyingly ungrateful than a lost soul trying to find herself and that makes it hard to root for her. The gore is poured on by the bucketful, but the people that are being offed are the extras on the set. You don't get to know any of them and it becomes kind of numbing when faceless people are killed by the trainload. I go back and forth on this book. There were parts that I could really get into and then there were paths that Lacey took that I wish he would've went a different direction. That doesn't mean that I think it's bad. Not at all. But, it's kind of like being in the mood for a traditional pizza and then getting some version with broccoli, goat cheese and pine nuts on it. While that may not be a bad thing, it's not what you had in mind when your taste buds were all primed for pepperoni and mushrooms.
3 Blood Stained Mascots out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
September 6, 2017
I liked this creepy, scary book. The narrator did a great job again and I loved how he may his voice a bit different for the characters. Dream Woods was a scary place once and some how it reopens to be scarier. The story made me think a little of Six Flags and Disney but a creepy one of each. I could see this as a horror movie in my mind if done correctly. *This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.*
October 4, 2016
Review: DREAM WOODS by Patrick Lacey
All my life, since early childhood, I've found the concept of amusement parks frightening. Why? I've never been near one. Until now: reading the excellent DREAM WOODS, I finally understand the root of my fears. How can I encapsulate the terror?
Patrick Lacey is a wonderfully subtle writer. Life, for his characters, proceeds normally [albeit dysfunctionally], until--smack!! The terror!! The frights take many forms, from childhood boogeyman made real, to murder, mutilation, and a portal to---read and find out.
Reader, do yourself a favor. Lock your doors, keep the emergency number on speed dial, put your home guard dog in the room with you; and just remember: sometimes memories are rose-coloured, and you really don't want to go back there again.
All my life, since early childhood, I've found the concept of amusement parks frightening. Why? I've never been near one. Until now: reading the excellent DREAM WOODS, I finally understand the root of my fears. How can I encapsulate the terror?
Patrick Lacey is a wonderfully subtle writer. Life, for his characters, proceeds normally [albeit dysfunctionally], until--smack!! The terror!! The frights take many forms, from childhood boogeyman made real, to murder, mutilation, and a portal to---read and find out.
Reader, do yourself a favor. Lock your doors, keep the emergency number on speed dial, put your home guard dog in the room with you; and just remember: sometimes memories are rose-coloured, and you really don't want to go back there again.
December 3, 2025
Just finished a reread of Patrick Lace's debut novel, DREAM WOODS, and I still dig it. There's a lot more heart in the book than I remember the first time around. A family coming undone, a former theme-park employee trying to shine a light on the horrible truth, and of course, the creatures from Elsewhere.
DREAM WOODS is a great piece of horror fiction that bleeds its creepy influences in syrupy gushes. The setup of an abandoned amusement park with a murderous history is pure perfection, and Lacey delivers with devilish glee something that's part Wes Craven nightmare, and part macabre Bentley Little story time.
At the heart is a family struggling to keep it together as they check into the resurrected theme park and quickly realize things are not what they appear. Lacey's wicked imagination is on full display as he takes vending machines, cuddly mascots, and a family-made boogeyman named Raymond, and terrorizes the wounded nuclear family into near madness. The park is alive under the control of an entity known as The Director, and no one in the park is safe!
I'm so glad I tracked down a paperback copy of DREAM WOODS and got to spend time with this crazy book. If you haven't read any Lacey, go pick up BONE SAW, A VOICE SO SOFT, and BAD MOVIE NIGHT. You're in for a treat.
I give DREAM WOODS 4 screaming, bleeding, stump-filled roller coasters!!!!
Check it out.
DREAM WOODS is a great piece of horror fiction that bleeds its creepy influences in syrupy gushes. The setup of an abandoned amusement park with a murderous history is pure perfection, and Lacey delivers with devilish glee something that's part Wes Craven nightmare, and part macabre Bentley Little story time.
At the heart is a family struggling to keep it together as they check into the resurrected theme park and quickly realize things are not what they appear. Lacey's wicked imagination is on full display as he takes vending machines, cuddly mascots, and a family-made boogeyman named Raymond, and terrorizes the wounded nuclear family into near madness. The park is alive under the control of an entity known as The Director, and no one in the park is safe!
I'm so glad I tracked down a paperback copy of DREAM WOODS and got to spend time with this crazy book. If you haven't read any Lacey, go pick up BONE SAW, A VOICE SO SOFT, and BAD MOVIE NIGHT. You're in for a treat.
I give DREAM WOODS 4 screaming, bleeding, stump-filled roller coasters!!!!
Check it out.
March 28, 2018
If Bentley Little had a baby with your favorite over the top 80s gorefest. Seriously, this one is non stop fun from beginning to end.
February 9, 2017
There is just something about amusement parks that makes them a perfect setting for tales of sheer horror.
Vince Carter is wondering what went wrong with his life and his marriage when he happens to see an advertisement for Dream Woods on a bill board where he spent many a happy vacation as a child until it was shut down because of a few gory accidents and became known as "Scream Woods". The theme park has re-opened and Vince decides to take his family there as a last ditch attempt to save his marriage. Little does he know that "Scream Woods" has not changed one bit and he and his family are in for one hell of a ride (pun intended).
One thing I find all too often with horror novels is that there is ample gore and horror but little character development. This is not the case for "Dream Woods" by Patrick Lacey. I really liked Vince's character. He changes from a rebellious punk rocker to boring accountant (sorry), husband, and father. I found his wife, Audra, irritating and I kept wanting to smack her so she could see the blessings in her life and just grow up. Mind you, her character is perfect for the novel. I found their twin sons to be realistic and they really had their own complex relationship as well. Their characters really add so much to the novel without taking away any of the horror.
"Dream Woods" reminds me a bit of some horror novels from the 80's. It is not too complex but keeps the story going until the morbid end.
This is the first novel I have read by Patrick Lacey and it will not be the last. Highly recommended.
Vince Carter is wondering what went wrong with his life and his marriage when he happens to see an advertisement for Dream Woods on a bill board where he spent many a happy vacation as a child until it was shut down because of a few gory accidents and became known as "Scream Woods". The theme park has re-opened and Vince decides to take his family there as a last ditch attempt to save his marriage. Little does he know that "Scream Woods" has not changed one bit and he and his family are in for one hell of a ride (pun intended).
One thing I find all too often with horror novels is that there is ample gore and horror but little character development. This is not the case for "Dream Woods" by Patrick Lacey. I really liked Vince's character. He changes from a rebellious punk rocker to boring accountant (sorry), husband, and father. I found his wife, Audra, irritating and I kept wanting to smack her so she could see the blessings in her life and just grow up. Mind you, her character is perfect for the novel. I found their twin sons to be realistic and they really had their own complex relationship as well. Their characters really add so much to the novel without taking away any of the horror.
"Dream Woods" reminds me a bit of some horror novels from the 80's. It is not too complex but keeps the story going until the morbid end.
This is the first novel I have read by Patrick Lacey and it will not be the last. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2017
A well narrated 3 star novel.
October 19, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and/ or publisher and I am reviewing it voluntarily. I did not receive any sort of compensation. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this book.
Dream Woods is a fast paced terror ride that you may not escape from. It has an old school horror feel to it that made it a blast to read. Vince is believable as a man who desperately wants to keep his family together. Audra annoyed me at first, she really needed to grow up and realize that life is what you make it. Hoping some time away as a family will give them a fresh start, Vince takes them to Dream Woods, the place he was happiest as a kid. Dream Woods is also known as Scream Woods because of the legends of murder and mystery surrounding it. The employees and attractions in Dream Woods seem to be just a bit off, a bit predatory, giving it a sinister atmosphere that sends a frisson of fear up your spine. The action starts off slow that builds to an exciting race to escape the park and the creatures that are hunting Vince, Audra and their kids. The ending left me hoping that we might get to visit 'Scream Woods' again. I highly recommend this 4.5 star read.
Dream Woods is a fast paced terror ride that you may not escape from. It has an old school horror feel to it that made it a blast to read. Vince is believable as a man who desperately wants to keep his family together. Audra annoyed me at first, she really needed to grow up and realize that life is what you make it. Hoping some time away as a family will give them a fresh start, Vince takes them to Dream Woods, the place he was happiest as a kid. Dream Woods is also known as Scream Woods because of the legends of murder and mystery surrounding it. The employees and attractions in Dream Woods seem to be just a bit off, a bit predatory, giving it a sinister atmosphere that sends a frisson of fear up your spine. The action starts off slow that builds to an exciting race to escape the park and the creatures that are hunting Vince, Audra and their kids. The ending left me hoping that we might get to visit 'Scream Woods' again. I highly recommend this 4.5 star read.
January 14, 2017
I loved this book! It was like an old R.L. Stine Goosebumps story on blue meth. Patrick Lacey knows how to tell a kick-ass horror story, chock full of terrifying childhood monsters and relatable characters with real-world problems. Although it was the perfect the length, I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this short novel for lovers of all types of horror.
November 11, 2019
Boring.
Read like an anime movie where at the end everything just exploded and went aflame.
Read like an anime movie where at the end everything just exploded and went aflame.
March 20, 2020
This one is a hard one to rate.
I’m caught between a four or five star rating. This is actually my first novel from Patrick Lacey (although I do remember his contribution to ‘Welcome to the Show’).
On the plus side, I raced through this incredibly fast-paced novel. It is well-written and I actually loved that the characters were not perfect storybook heroes. If anything, Patrick Lacey honed in on their faults and weaknesses. They were very realistic characters which made you root for them all the more. I was also intrigued with the storyline. I eat up stories about theme parks with a horror element almost as much as escape game horrors.
On the down side, Audra was irritating to me. It was hard to like her even when she chose to do the right thing. I thought the author could have done more with the kids and upped the horror. I enjoyed the back story to the park which basically revolved around Regina. However, a more in-depth history lesson about the origins of the park, and the Director himself, could have been even more intriguing, especially as it would have linked some characters like Raymond and Sebastian more fluidly.
Overall, I had a great time with this novel and looking forward to exploring more of Patrick Lacey’s stories.
I’m caught between a four or five star rating. This is actually my first novel from Patrick Lacey (although I do remember his contribution to ‘Welcome to the Show’).
On the plus side, I raced through this incredibly fast-paced novel. It is well-written and I actually loved that the characters were not perfect storybook heroes. If anything, Patrick Lacey honed in on their faults and weaknesses. They were very realistic characters which made you root for them all the more. I was also intrigued with the storyline. I eat up stories about theme parks with a horror element almost as much as escape game horrors.
On the down side, Audra was irritating to me. It was hard to like her even when she chose to do the right thing. I thought the author could have done more with the kids and upped the horror. I enjoyed the back story to the park which basically revolved around Regina. However, a more in-depth history lesson about the origins of the park, and the Director himself, could have been even more intriguing, especially as it would have linked some characters like Raymond and Sebastian more fluidly.
Overall, I had a great time with this novel and looking forward to exploring more of Patrick Lacey’s stories.
November 14, 2016
Escapism: (The promise of this, is what kept me turning the pages). Tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, seeking entertainment or engaging in Fantasy.
Author, Patrick Lacey gives you a roller-coaster ride of pure terror, where you don’t want to be locked in the seats safely. He manages to take your childhood delights and dreams, then turns it into, literal “Hell”. Right from the beginning seeing that Build Board Sign on the highway with Sebastian the Bear, the park’s mascot, gives you a sense of apprehension. This is what I especially loved about Lacey’s Horror story. It reminded me a little bit of author Bentley Little’s writing technique or comfortable formula I am used too and what keeps me coming back for more. It’s that crazy, demonic, big brother, in this case, “The Director” which controls, knows your most personal thoughts and watches all.
The excellent description of “Dream Woods” itself makes all readers wish they were vacationing there. Where once all those bizarre stories of it’s occult, and satanic sacrifices disappear. Comes it’s sudden, magical re-emergence of another Disney World with Kingdom, themed Hotels and all, screams come take me away. “Dream Woods” is a unique place because it doesn’t feed on your happiness, but instead your deepest, darkened fears. Which, by the middle of the story the screams turn from laughter and fun, to blood curdling, dying cries of pain. Now at this point you don’t even want to know the truth of what makes this Amusement park run so smoothly. It’s not grease and oil.
The story is set-up up with the very relatable, Carter family with excellent characterization of all four of them. Then shows you how a family can become fractured over time due to job pressure, marital issues and the stress of long-term medical care. As one of the twin boys suffers with Juvenile Diabetes, which through this whole terrifying adventure never gets lost. This trip is supposed to one of much-needed family time and repair. Where the father, Vince is pulled through a portal of his own childhood, fun fantasy, the mother, Audra’s eyes are wide open and feels the threat to her family.
The ending is pure escapism and I mean escaping alive.
I will be looking for more stories by this author in the future.
Reviewed by robinleehorrorbookreviews.com
Author, Patrick Lacey gives you a roller-coaster ride of pure terror, where you don’t want to be locked in the seats safely. He manages to take your childhood delights and dreams, then turns it into, literal “Hell”. Right from the beginning seeing that Build Board Sign on the highway with Sebastian the Bear, the park’s mascot, gives you a sense of apprehension. This is what I especially loved about Lacey’s Horror story. It reminded me a little bit of author Bentley Little’s writing technique or comfortable formula I am used too and what keeps me coming back for more. It’s that crazy, demonic, big brother, in this case, “The Director” which controls, knows your most personal thoughts and watches all.
The excellent description of “Dream Woods” itself makes all readers wish they were vacationing there. Where once all those bizarre stories of it’s occult, and satanic sacrifices disappear. Comes it’s sudden, magical re-emergence of another Disney World with Kingdom, themed Hotels and all, screams come take me away. “Dream Woods” is a unique place because it doesn’t feed on your happiness, but instead your deepest, darkened fears. Which, by the middle of the story the screams turn from laughter and fun, to blood curdling, dying cries of pain. Now at this point you don’t even want to know the truth of what makes this Amusement park run so smoothly. It’s not grease and oil.
The story is set-up up with the very relatable, Carter family with excellent characterization of all four of them. Then shows you how a family can become fractured over time due to job pressure, marital issues and the stress of long-term medical care. As one of the twin boys suffers with Juvenile Diabetes, which through this whole terrifying adventure never gets lost. This trip is supposed to one of much-needed family time and repair. Where the father, Vince is pulled through a portal of his own childhood, fun fantasy, the mother, Audra’s eyes are wide open and feels the threat to her family.
The ending is pure escapism and I mean escaping alive.
I will be looking for more stories by this author in the future.
Reviewed by robinleehorrorbookreviews.com
October 30, 2016
Vince Carter was driving home from work one day and noticed a sign, that almost sent him into a oncoming Van. The sign had a picture of the parks mascot Sebastian and said welcome one and all to Dream Woods. Vince had fond memories as a boy of this great amusement park. It had been closed down for over twenty years. The park was closed because of the dead bodies and other things that they found there. People claimed that the entrance to Dream Woods, was the entrance to hell. Vince could not wait to take his family to the reopening of Dream Woods. Vince and his wife Audra's marriage was on the rocks. Vince thought that if he took his family on this vacation to Dream Woods, that they might grow closer. Audra did not want to go but she finally gave into her husband. So Vince and Audra and the twin boys set out on this trip, that they did not want to go on. When the Carter family arrived at Dream Woods, it was everything Vince hoped it would be. Everything was fine, for the first day. Then a strange thing happened, the crowd got smaller, instead of larger. It was the weekend and the crowd should have been triple in size. What happened next to the Carter family, was like a roller coaster in to hell. Lacey's development of the characters was very good and this help to make this a better story. I was hooked from the first page. I highly recommend this book.
February 10, 2017
A True Haunted Thrill Ride!
My first Patrick Lacey and wow was it a great read. Every other Haunted Theme Park book I have read was a huge let down to me,because the ones I have read went completely off track and usually most of the book was about everything except the Park. Dream Woods take just the right amount of time to set up before you are thrown into a crazy world of a Dark and Demented Amusement Park.
My first Patrick Lacey and wow was it a great read. Every other Haunted Theme Park book I have read was a huge let down to me,because the ones I have read went completely off track and usually most of the book was about everything except the Park. Dream Woods take just the right amount of time to set up before you are thrown into a crazy world of a Dark and Demented Amusement Park.
February 10, 2021
This is a book by an author that I hadn't previously heard of but it came recommended on a facebook hoorror group and as its in the Kindle Unlimited selection, i thought I would check it out.
I am so glad I did. What a book!
This does for theme parks and cuddly mascots what Bentley Little did for stores and homeowner associations. Good traditional old school horror that could have been written in the 80s/90s and wouldnt have been out of place, yet still modern enough to fit in today too!
Excellent pacing and a good ending. Can't fault it at all. We need more books like this!
Highly recommended.
I am so glad I did. What a book!
This does for theme parks and cuddly mascots what Bentley Little did for stores and homeowner associations. Good traditional old school horror that could have been written in the 80s/90s and wouldnt have been out of place, yet still modern enough to fit in today too!
Excellent pacing and a good ending. Can't fault it at all. We need more books like this!
Highly recommended.
September 3, 2017
My review is based on the Audiobook. Dream Woods will take you to the dark places of everything that you fear. It will draw you in and not let go until the end. Joe Hempel is quickly becoming one of my fave narrators with his distinguishable character voices and perfect pacing. I look forward to more from this Author & narrator.
September 20, 2018
Vince sees the billboard at the side of the road, advertising the Dream Woods theme park where he had a brilliant holiday as a child. It was closed down amid rumours of deaths and accidents, and gateways to Hell but Vince is delighted at the thought of being able to take his family to the newly opened park. His wife Audra is already on the verge of leaving Vince and this place with a terrible reputation is the last place she wants to go with their teenage boys. Andrew can barely stand being in the same room as diabetic brother Tim, jealous of all the attention that his sick brother gets, while Tim just yearns to be healthy again. Vince is the only one looking forward to the trip, certain it will be a great family holiday.
Things get off to a strange start with locals adamant that Dream Woods has not reopened when Vince talks to them about it. There is no sign of the place until it suddenly seems to appear out of nowhere and they enter to start their holiday. Audra instantly feels something is wrong, hearing screams of horror that Vince doesn't notice and she has an irrational fear that the reception desk woman is not human. Tim finds sugar filled items with horrible names in the vending machine which suddenly make him want to eat his way into a diabetic coma. Andrew becomes plagued with thoughts of how he can kill his brother and get back the attention of his parents. Only Vince is oblivious to the evil vibe around Dream Woods. Meanwhile, The Director sits on a throne of flesh, waiting for the moment when Dream Woods is full of former visitors who have been lured back to the park, waiting to drop the glamour and let his staff feed on the guests.
I had really high hopes for how great this book sounded and I enjoyed the sample so I ordered the full book on Kindle. I loved the sound of the deadly theme park where people are going to die and I thought that the bear mascot Sebastian might be eating people personally like a real bear. I was mildly disappointed to find that Sebastian was a bear costume fused with the boy who used to work as the mascot until his untimely death so that wasn't the scary bear monster that I was hoping for! He just seemed to wander around waving at people and not doing anything scary, which was a pity. I did find it a little bit slow in places in the first half, as the guests got slight glimpses that all wasn't right with the park, lots of hallucinations and strange moments. It was more about being a bit weird than any real action or full on tension for me. It does shift into higher gear when the glamour drops and the staff start to feed but I felt a bit detached from it all as we saw glimpses through the eyes of the boys but for the most part the family were hiding through most of the death.
We switched to different viewpoints through the story as Vince, Audra, Andrew and Tim view the park in different ways. It was interesting in places to see what they were all doing and thinking. The down side is that a few of the characters attitudes annoyed me. Vince was so selfish on the trip, making it all about what he wanted, dragging his reluctant family there, then sulking every time he didn't get his own way. Having him in a mood because they had to feed the diabetic son rather than go to his favourite attraction was a bit pathetic. I didn't much like Andrew either with his attitude towards his brother. Audra was a selfish woman who seemed to resent her family for getting in the way of her previous punk lifestyle. I felt like yelling at her for being dumb enough to get pregnant if she didn't want a domesticated lifestyle! I didn't care that much about any of them really. We also get Regina's story, an ex-employee writing an expose on the park where her boyfriend died, and she is drawn back to try and close the park for good. Her story includes flashbacks to her time working at the park and how she escaped, along with her journey to get there in the future.
It was a decent little horror story but despite wanting to love it, I didn't. There was nothing wrong with it really but it just wasn't what I expected or wanted it to be. It's hard to put my finger on what didn't work for me. I think I was expecting a more drawn out horror tale with evil things stalking the guests, starting with disappearances, the odd accident and then groups of guests each with one of our heroes hiding on each ride as evil things stalk them and gradually kill them. Instead it was throw the switch, quickly kill pretty much everyone in a quick mass bloodbath and then focus on our heroes trying to hide. Having it all happen so fast reduced the impact of the slaughter and lacked the scare factor. It just didn't excite me or sweep me along the way similar books have in the past. I didn't care much for the characters and parts of the book were a little slow especially Vince and his drinking sessions and Audra's frequent run ins at reception. It just could have been so much more.
Overall it was decent enough to pass a couple of hours but it's not one I'd read again or buy in paperback for my collection.
Things get off to a strange start with locals adamant that Dream Woods has not reopened when Vince talks to them about it. There is no sign of the place until it suddenly seems to appear out of nowhere and they enter to start their holiday. Audra instantly feels something is wrong, hearing screams of horror that Vince doesn't notice and she has an irrational fear that the reception desk woman is not human. Tim finds sugar filled items with horrible names in the vending machine which suddenly make him want to eat his way into a diabetic coma. Andrew becomes plagued with thoughts of how he can kill his brother and get back the attention of his parents. Only Vince is oblivious to the evil vibe around Dream Woods. Meanwhile, The Director sits on a throne of flesh, waiting for the moment when Dream Woods is full of former visitors who have been lured back to the park, waiting to drop the glamour and let his staff feed on the guests.
I had really high hopes for how great this book sounded and I enjoyed the sample so I ordered the full book on Kindle. I loved the sound of the deadly theme park where people are going to die and I thought that the bear mascot Sebastian might be eating people personally like a real bear. I was mildly disappointed to find that Sebastian was a bear costume fused with the boy who used to work as the mascot until his untimely death so that wasn't the scary bear monster that I was hoping for! He just seemed to wander around waving at people and not doing anything scary, which was a pity. I did find it a little bit slow in places in the first half, as the guests got slight glimpses that all wasn't right with the park, lots of hallucinations and strange moments. It was more about being a bit weird than any real action or full on tension for me. It does shift into higher gear when the glamour drops and the staff start to feed but I felt a bit detached from it all as we saw glimpses through the eyes of the boys but for the most part the family were hiding through most of the death.
We switched to different viewpoints through the story as Vince, Audra, Andrew and Tim view the park in different ways. It was interesting in places to see what they were all doing and thinking. The down side is that a few of the characters attitudes annoyed me. Vince was so selfish on the trip, making it all about what he wanted, dragging his reluctant family there, then sulking every time he didn't get his own way. Having him in a mood because they had to feed the diabetic son rather than go to his favourite attraction was a bit pathetic. I didn't much like Andrew either with his attitude towards his brother. Audra was a selfish woman who seemed to resent her family for getting in the way of her previous punk lifestyle. I felt like yelling at her for being dumb enough to get pregnant if she didn't want a domesticated lifestyle! I didn't care that much about any of them really. We also get Regina's story, an ex-employee writing an expose on the park where her boyfriend died, and she is drawn back to try and close the park for good. Her story includes flashbacks to her time working at the park and how she escaped, along with her journey to get there in the future.
It was a decent little horror story but despite wanting to love it, I didn't. There was nothing wrong with it really but it just wasn't what I expected or wanted it to be. It's hard to put my finger on what didn't work for me. I think I was expecting a more drawn out horror tale with evil things stalking the guests, starting with disappearances, the odd accident and then groups of guests each with one of our heroes hiding on each ride as evil things stalk them and gradually kill them. Instead it was throw the switch, quickly kill pretty much everyone in a quick mass bloodbath and then focus on our heroes trying to hide. Having it all happen so fast reduced the impact of the slaughter and lacked the scare factor. It just didn't excite me or sweep me along the way similar books have in the past. I didn't care much for the characters and parts of the book were a little slow especially Vince and his drinking sessions and Audra's frequent run ins at reception. It just could have been so much more.
Overall it was decent enough to pass a couple of hours but it's not one I'd read again or buy in paperback for my collection.
August 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.The author put a whole new spin on "Haunted Theme Parks" and it was a doozy.I read alot of horror and have for many years but this book still had me wondering how in the heck Patrick Lacey came up with such an idea. It was so strange AND awesome at the same time! I look forward to reading more by this author.I also love the cover a
September 17, 2020
The first thing you notice with this book will be that cover by Kelly Martin and Scott Carpenter. We can see the typical fairground attractions in the background, and that is great. That is what we are led to believe the theme park Dream Woods is all about. But then there is Sebastian, the furry overgrown mascot for the park, standing in the foreground and looking less huggable than a cactus crawling with scorpions. And take note of the portcullis in the archway with the stone gargoyle to the side. These elements foreshadow the horrors to come. This is not Sleeping Beauty’s castle from Disneyland. Dream Woods is no ordinary theme park…
But the story begins with an ordinary man, Vince Carter. Now a family man, Vince was once the frontman for a punk-rock band, complete with mohawk and tattoos all over his body. Nowadays, the mohawk is gone and he hides the tattoos beneath long-sleeved shirts in accordance with his accountancy firm’s personal appearance policy. While driving to work one morning, Vince notices a billboard advertising that Dream Woods, the scene of one of the best holidays of his life as a child, has reopened. He goes into a state of reminiscence and becomes convinced that this is just the kind of break his own fractured family needs to heal themselves and come together.
The point-of-view jumps from one member of the family to the other as the story progresses, giving us a glimpse into the minds of the mother, Audra, and ten-year-old twins, Tim (who suffers from diabetes) and Andrew (who suffers from being overlooked in favour of his sickly sibling). Lacey presents a picture of familial disharmony where the parents are withdrawn from one another, only conversing when they need to and in a very business-like way, and where the brothers argue with each other non-stop, the source of the tension usually Andrew’s bullying of Tim. This dysfunction will come to a head when they embark on their family vacation to Dream Woods.
There are all sorts of rumours regarding the reason for the park’s closure in the late eighties, from serial killers to cults to aliens, but Vince ignores all of these and rubbishes any concerns his family may have about what lies beyond the park’s gates. He is convinced it will be the magic tonic to cure all their worries. But Lacey manages to weave in discouraging signs from the moment they set off on their commute to the park. First they meet a local at a gas station who tries, and fails, to persuade Vince that the park is still closed. Then even Vince begins to have his doubts as they drive through the countryside and get closer to where the park should be, but there is no immediate sign, just trees and mountains and the country road.
The author manages to do this all through the book, sprinkling the story with unnerving details that make the Carter family, and the reader, doubt what is happening. Are all of these events really happening to them? Is some of it merely imagined? Indeed, things do not get any clearer after they arrive at the park, from the creepy employees to the screams of the patrons, seemingly joyous to begin with but easily turning to screams of horror in the blink of an eye. This method of storytelling keeps the reader on edge and unsure of what is to come next.
It doesn’t take long for the underlying tensions afflicting the Carter’s to come to the fore and it is at this moment that the antagonist, the sinister and otherworldly Director of the park, chooses to rip the veil aside and reveal the true nature of the park and its employees to the patrons. At this point, we are still less than halfway through the book. But at no point before did the story feel rushed and at no point after did it feel as though the story were dragging. Lacey handled the pacing well, giving us enough background in the first half of the book to feel invested in the Carter family and realise that something is very wrong with the theme park and also giving enough space in the last half to fully resolve all of the threads of the story in a satisfactory manner. We never reached the point where we wanted to put the book down. We were gripped from start to finish.
Overall, Lacey shows a great deal of potential with this book. It is an accomplished and entertaining read full of drama and great storytelling, not to mention he handles the gory scenes very well. It is a thrilling, tilt-a-whirl story where the veil of reality is stretched thin and the horror is gleefully, and skilfully, unleashed upon the reader. If you are a fan of creepy and unnerving tales with a dash of well-written family dysfunction, you should give Patrick Lacey’s latest story a shot.
But the story begins with an ordinary man, Vince Carter. Now a family man, Vince was once the frontman for a punk-rock band, complete with mohawk and tattoos all over his body. Nowadays, the mohawk is gone and he hides the tattoos beneath long-sleeved shirts in accordance with his accountancy firm’s personal appearance policy. While driving to work one morning, Vince notices a billboard advertising that Dream Woods, the scene of one of the best holidays of his life as a child, has reopened. He goes into a state of reminiscence and becomes convinced that this is just the kind of break his own fractured family needs to heal themselves and come together.
The point-of-view jumps from one member of the family to the other as the story progresses, giving us a glimpse into the minds of the mother, Audra, and ten-year-old twins, Tim (who suffers from diabetes) and Andrew (who suffers from being overlooked in favour of his sickly sibling). Lacey presents a picture of familial disharmony where the parents are withdrawn from one another, only conversing when they need to and in a very business-like way, and where the brothers argue with each other non-stop, the source of the tension usually Andrew’s bullying of Tim. This dysfunction will come to a head when they embark on their family vacation to Dream Woods.
There are all sorts of rumours regarding the reason for the park’s closure in the late eighties, from serial killers to cults to aliens, but Vince ignores all of these and rubbishes any concerns his family may have about what lies beyond the park’s gates. He is convinced it will be the magic tonic to cure all their worries. But Lacey manages to weave in discouraging signs from the moment they set off on their commute to the park. First they meet a local at a gas station who tries, and fails, to persuade Vince that the park is still closed. Then even Vince begins to have his doubts as they drive through the countryside and get closer to where the park should be, but there is no immediate sign, just trees and mountains and the country road.
The author manages to do this all through the book, sprinkling the story with unnerving details that make the Carter family, and the reader, doubt what is happening. Are all of these events really happening to them? Is some of it merely imagined? Indeed, things do not get any clearer after they arrive at the park, from the creepy employees to the screams of the patrons, seemingly joyous to begin with but easily turning to screams of horror in the blink of an eye. This method of storytelling keeps the reader on edge and unsure of what is to come next.
It doesn’t take long for the underlying tensions afflicting the Carter’s to come to the fore and it is at this moment that the antagonist, the sinister and otherworldly Director of the park, chooses to rip the veil aside and reveal the true nature of the park and its employees to the patrons. At this point, we are still less than halfway through the book. But at no point before did the story feel rushed and at no point after did it feel as though the story were dragging. Lacey handled the pacing well, giving us enough background in the first half of the book to feel invested in the Carter family and realise that something is very wrong with the theme park and also giving enough space in the last half to fully resolve all of the threads of the story in a satisfactory manner. We never reached the point where we wanted to put the book down. We were gripped from start to finish.
Overall, Lacey shows a great deal of potential with this book. It is an accomplished and entertaining read full of drama and great storytelling, not to mention he handles the gory scenes very well. It is a thrilling, tilt-a-whirl story where the veil of reality is stretched thin and the horror is gleefully, and skilfully, unleashed upon the reader. If you are a fan of creepy and unnerving tales with a dash of well-written family dysfunction, you should give Patrick Lacey’s latest story a shot.
November 22, 2016
The happiest place on earth can sometimes also be the bloodiest.
This review will be SPOILER FREE.
Dream Woods. What can I say? It's the latest from Patrick Lacey, whom, I can safely say, is well on his way to becoming a significant voice in the horror fiction community. Hey! Do you like cults? Do you like haunted things? Do you like chaotic, bloody violence and monsters from dimensions that do not have names?
You should probably go read James Joyce, then, as this book has none of those.
(I lied. It has all of those.)
The plot, in a nutshell, is about a theme park, the aforementioned Dream Woods. The park had closed down three decades prior, for reasons that vary from financial difficulties to the more salacious rumors of murders, people simply disappearing, and, of course, evil cults. The why of the closure isn't important to our protagonist, for all that really matters to him is that the park is open once more. He looks back on his time spent in the park as some of the happiest days in his life (including the birth of his two kids), and he knows that, by taking the entire family on a trip there, it will start to heal the wounds that are threatening to split them all apart.
Which, of course, always works out so well.
Patrick Lacey has a truly vivid imagination, and it shows through clear as day when he writes about the horrors of Dream Woods, and the subsequent violence that it brings about by its very existence. The gore takes a while to come, but once it starts, it does not stop, forcing you to deal with it, just as our main characters have to. It is gruesome and unapologetic, which is an area in which Patrick Lacey thrives, especially in this story, as he gets to parlay all of the gore, which, on its own could've easily fallen into the realm of gratuitous and, thus, ineffective, into the character of the theme park itself. For Dream Woods is very much a character in the tale, one in which Lacey takes the time(but not too much) to flesh out, giving us a sense of why it is what it is, and the reasons for all the horrible it brings about. The park is a very Jekyll and Hyde type of character, if the good Dr. happened to have set up practice in Silent Hill. I hesitate to mention Silent Hill, as I don't often like to compare original works to existing ones, but I feel the comparison here is apt. Fans of Silent Hill will absolutely LOVE this setting.
Criticisms? I felt that our protagonist was a bit aloof at times, making him hard to pin down, and in some times, difficult to like. Here was a man who wanted to keep his family together, and yet, acted in quite the contrary most of the time, especially worse once they ventured into the park. However, what I didn't realize, and had to re-read to pick up on it, was that the park's influence was the cause of much of his aloofness, thus, I found myself being able to look past the parts of him that I didn't care for. Not that made his family all the better. When I mentioned that the family was falling apart, I meant it. Each member is kind of terrible in their own way. Do they redeem themselves in the end? That's up to you to decide.
There was also the addition of one character who had a past with Dream Woods, albeit one far less positive than our protagonist. I felt that the character could've been better served being introduced a bit earlier on in the story (she doesn't appear until close to the halfway mark), as we spend a lot of time with her towards the end, when the action and gore is happening, flashing back to get reveals to some of the larger questions. I say this, because, I felt that I wasn't all that invested in her, as I barely had time to get to know her, as we'd been spending most of our time with the family. She was an interesting character, and I wished her role was a bit larger than it was.
None of those stopped me from enjoying the hell out of this book. It moves, and keeps moving until the pages feel like they are turning themselves. If you are looking for a fresh, new voice in the Indy Horror world, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by checking out Dream Woods, and setting up an Amazon alert for Patrick Lacey, as I feel this is just the opening salvo of horrible and wonderful tales he is going to tell us.
This review will be SPOILER FREE.
Dream Woods. What can I say? It's the latest from Patrick Lacey, whom, I can safely say, is well on his way to becoming a significant voice in the horror fiction community. Hey! Do you like cults? Do you like haunted things? Do you like chaotic, bloody violence and monsters from dimensions that do not have names?
You should probably go read James Joyce, then, as this book has none of those.
(I lied. It has all of those.)
The plot, in a nutshell, is about a theme park, the aforementioned Dream Woods. The park had closed down three decades prior, for reasons that vary from financial difficulties to the more salacious rumors of murders, people simply disappearing, and, of course, evil cults. The why of the closure isn't important to our protagonist, for all that really matters to him is that the park is open once more. He looks back on his time spent in the park as some of the happiest days in his life (including the birth of his two kids), and he knows that, by taking the entire family on a trip there, it will start to heal the wounds that are threatening to split them all apart.
Which, of course, always works out so well.
Patrick Lacey has a truly vivid imagination, and it shows through clear as day when he writes about the horrors of Dream Woods, and the subsequent violence that it brings about by its very existence. The gore takes a while to come, but once it starts, it does not stop, forcing you to deal with it, just as our main characters have to. It is gruesome and unapologetic, which is an area in which Patrick Lacey thrives, especially in this story, as he gets to parlay all of the gore, which, on its own could've easily fallen into the realm of gratuitous and, thus, ineffective, into the character of the theme park itself. For Dream Woods is very much a character in the tale, one in which Lacey takes the time(but not too much) to flesh out, giving us a sense of why it is what it is, and the reasons for all the horrible it brings about. The park is a very Jekyll and Hyde type of character, if the good Dr. happened to have set up practice in Silent Hill. I hesitate to mention Silent Hill, as I don't often like to compare original works to existing ones, but I feel the comparison here is apt. Fans of Silent Hill will absolutely LOVE this setting.
Criticisms? I felt that our protagonist was a bit aloof at times, making him hard to pin down, and in some times, difficult to like. Here was a man who wanted to keep his family together, and yet, acted in quite the contrary most of the time, especially worse once they ventured into the park. However, what I didn't realize, and had to re-read to pick up on it, was that the park's influence was the cause of much of his aloofness, thus, I found myself being able to look past the parts of him that I didn't care for. Not that made his family all the better. When I mentioned that the family was falling apart, I meant it. Each member is kind of terrible in their own way. Do they redeem themselves in the end? That's up to you to decide.
There was also the addition of one character who had a past with Dream Woods, albeit one far less positive than our protagonist. I felt that the character could've been better served being introduced a bit earlier on in the story (she doesn't appear until close to the halfway mark), as we spend a lot of time with her towards the end, when the action and gore is happening, flashing back to get reveals to some of the larger questions. I say this, because, I felt that I wasn't all that invested in her, as I barely had time to get to know her, as we'd been spending most of our time with the family. She was an interesting character, and I wished her role was a bit larger than it was.
None of those stopped me from enjoying the hell out of this book. It moves, and keeps moving until the pages feel like they are turning themselves. If you are looking for a fresh, new voice in the Indy Horror world, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by checking out Dream Woods, and setting up an Amazon alert for Patrick Lacey, as I feel this is just the opening salvo of horrible and wonderful tales he is going to tell us.
November 4, 2016
I first came to know Patrick Lacey trough A Debt to be Paid, a charming and creepy debut novella. It was an enjoyable read. A few months later I had an opportunity to reacquaint with his work by way of Sleep Paralysis, a collection of Patrick’s short stories that more or less knocked my socks off. It tickled some of my darker places and prodded me in the feels a time or two. So, suffice to say that I was very excited to jump into Dream Woods, his latest release from Sinister Grin Press.
Did it floor me? Not really, but it is a fun read. Twisted and mischievous in its finer moments, where it counts, and a great way to spend a couple of cold, dark evenings.
First and foremost, my biggest hurdle with this read is that I had severe difficulty connecting with the main characters, the Carters. A family of four crumbling at the seams. And I guess it was really the married couple, Vince & Audra Carter, that I wasn’t feeling. Former punks thrust into the normalcy of family life. The relationship between their twin children, Andrew and diabetic Tim, the sibling rivalry, the feeling of one getting more attention than the other, it felt pretty authentic and involved me a bit more.
Where the book really caught me was at the gates of Dream Woods, an abandoned, edgy faux-Disneyland with a sordid past. Miraculously returned to its former graces. When we get to travel into the inner workings of the theme park things really get fun. The proprietors, the henchmen, it’s a fast pass to a good time.
The park is the main character and it’s creepy inhabitants (Sebastian and Doris are great characters) as an extension, they get to shine with plenty of dark and creepy visuals, with enough light hearted splatter to satisfy any gore fan.
There’s a great vibe flowing through the back 3/4 of this book (and probably through the first quarter as well for those how can tap into the family dynamic) almost a throw-back vibe to when horror was delivered with a wink and a smile. A nod between kindred spirits that says “we know why you’re here.” And yes, I think you do.
So get your hand stamped and jump into the nearest line. Dream Woods, it’s fun for the whole family…
Overall score: 4/ 5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!
https://zdubbzattmom.wordpress.com/
**Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and/ or publisher and I am reviewing it voluntarily. These are my honest, unbiased feelings. I did not receive any sort of compensation.
Did it floor me? Not really, but it is a fun read. Twisted and mischievous in its finer moments, where it counts, and a great way to spend a couple of cold, dark evenings.
First and foremost, my biggest hurdle with this read is that I had severe difficulty connecting with the main characters, the Carters. A family of four crumbling at the seams. And I guess it was really the married couple, Vince & Audra Carter, that I wasn’t feeling. Former punks thrust into the normalcy of family life. The relationship between their twin children, Andrew and diabetic Tim, the sibling rivalry, the feeling of one getting more attention than the other, it felt pretty authentic and involved me a bit more.
Where the book really caught me was at the gates of Dream Woods, an abandoned, edgy faux-Disneyland with a sordid past. Miraculously returned to its former graces. When we get to travel into the inner workings of the theme park things really get fun. The proprietors, the henchmen, it’s a fast pass to a good time.
The park is the main character and it’s creepy inhabitants (Sebastian and Doris are great characters) as an extension, they get to shine with plenty of dark and creepy visuals, with enough light hearted splatter to satisfy any gore fan.
There’s a great vibe flowing through the back 3/4 of this book (and probably through the first quarter as well for those how can tap into the family dynamic) almost a throw-back vibe to when horror was delivered with a wink and a smile. A nod between kindred spirits that says “we know why you’re here.” And yes, I think you do.
So get your hand stamped and jump into the nearest line. Dream Woods, it’s fun for the whole family…
Overall score: 4/ 5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!
https://zdubbzattmom.wordpress.com/
**Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and/ or publisher and I am reviewing it voluntarily. These are my honest, unbiased feelings. I did not receive any sort of compensation.
June 8, 2017
I was reminded of Bentley Little when I picked up this book, I mean a Haunted Amusement park, come on! Why wasn't this book written already, well because Lacey had not written it yet. I like Amusement parks in theory, they are too crowded and they gouge the consumer to death, but there is some undeniable charm and anchor to our childhood that is unmistakable. Lacey builds on this and extends my feelings so we can find out that Amusement parks are not just bad, they can be Hell!
Great action and supernatural horror in this one. Characterization is on point and you at once care about the characters and become invested in them. The story blends in the supernatural and tells an exciting and unsettling story that never gives the reader time to catch his breath. I am looking forward to reading more by Mr. Lacey.
Dream Woods will not disappoint!
Great action and supernatural horror in this one. Characterization is on point and you at once care about the characters and become invested in them. The story blends in the supernatural and tells an exciting and unsettling story that never gives the reader time to catch his breath. I am looking forward to reading more by Mr. Lacey.
Dream Woods will not disappoint!
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