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Sweet Aswang
On an ordinary night in a quiet, upper-middle-class neighborhood, eighth-grade classmates Chloe Danvers and Spencer Genovese sneak out of their homes to investigate a weird clicking noise. They watch as a shadowy figure slinks through their street, dashes around a house, and disappears.
The next morning, they learn that the Hoffman family has been murdered.
In their efforts to find out what happened, Chloe and Spencer discover that no one else can see or hear the malevolent being they glimpsed. Only a shared medical condition enables them to sense its presence. Their illness provides a measure of protection from the creature, but not for long. It becomes aware of them and begins taunting them in a series of disturbing events. Now they must determine its weakness … and stop it before it goes after its next victims.
The next morning, they learn that the Hoffman family has been murdered.
In their efforts to find out what happened, Chloe and Spencer discover that no one else can see or hear the malevolent being they glimpsed. Only a shared medical condition enables them to sense its presence. Their illness provides a measure of protection from the creature, but not for long. It becomes aware of them and begins taunting them in a series of disturbing events. Now they must determine its weakness … and stop it before it goes after its next victims.
- GenresHorror
130 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2017
About the author
Anthony Hains
12 books70 followersAnthony Hains is a professor emeritus of counseling psychology with a specialization in pediatric psychology. He retired in May 2018 after thirty-one years at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He is the author of a number of horror novels including Nightshade’s Requiem, Sleep in the Dust of the Earth, and The Disembodied. Anthony lives with his wife in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. They have one daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 2, 2022
This was a pretty good outing. YA is definitely not my preference, but I tried to look past that, and focus on the premise. Aswang is a very interesting and scary type of creature for a horror story, and that really won me over. The characters were fine, but didn’t necessarily grab my full attention either. It felt like they missed some level of humanity, and were just following a set series of events. You know how sometimes you’ll read a story and think to yourself ‘Wow, that didn’t happen how I imagined it?’ Or a character will do something that catches you off guard? That won’t happen here. But not necessarily a bad thing, and from the few YA books I’ve read in my life, it seems to be somewhat of a standard. So the monster was used well, the writing was good, the story was ok, but it just all felt rather formuliac. And I really think the audience for the YA subgenre will be pleased here. However, I’m not sure it will appeal to anyone not already in that grouping, especially hardcore horror fans.
November 9, 2017
I have to admit that I had no idea what an Aswang was when Anthony Hains asked if I would like a review copy of this novella. I'd previously read his book THE DISEMBODIED and enjoyed it, so I said yes. I'm glad I did!
Two eighth-graders, Chloe and Spencer, have one thing in common-diabetes. Rather than spending all their time talking about boys or girls, they have to spend a lot of it calculating carbs and insulin dosages. One night they are each awoken by mysterious noises outside and the next day they discover that a nearby family has been slaughtered in the night. What killed this family and mutilated their bodies? Did the mysterious noises have anything to do with the murders? You'll have to read this to find out!
Even though YA is not really my thing, I thought this novella delivered the goods. We have a mysterious, scary creature, a few likable kids with some real problems, (diabetes is no joke), and lots of action in the last half, which was fun. The mythical abilities of an Aswang are wide and varied and as such leave a lot of room for imaginative storytelling; which is one of the reasons that made me wish this tale didn't end so quickly.
SWEET ASWANG was a lot of fun without getting too seriously bogged down with medical jargon or sappy teenagers stealing kisses on the front porch after dark. With a fast moving plot and a cool creature like the Aswang, this book was over before I knew it and I was sad to be finished.
Recommended!
You can get a copy here: Sweet Aswang
Two eighth-graders, Chloe and Spencer, have one thing in common-diabetes. Rather than spending all their time talking about boys or girls, they have to spend a lot of it calculating carbs and insulin dosages. One night they are each awoken by mysterious noises outside and the next day they discover that a nearby family has been slaughtered in the night. What killed this family and mutilated their bodies? Did the mysterious noises have anything to do with the murders? You'll have to read this to find out!
Even though YA is not really my thing, I thought this novella delivered the goods. We have a mysterious, scary creature, a few likable kids with some real problems, (diabetes is no joke), and lots of action in the last half, which was fun. The mythical abilities of an Aswang are wide and varied and as such leave a lot of room for imaginative storytelling; which is one of the reasons that made me wish this tale didn't end so quickly.
SWEET ASWANG was a lot of fun without getting too seriously bogged down with medical jargon or sappy teenagers stealing kisses on the front porch after dark. With a fast moving plot and a cool creature like the Aswang, this book was over before I knew it and I was sad to be finished.
Recommended!
You can get a copy here: Sweet Aswang
July 7, 2017
A young boy craves adventure. An uncle is more than happy to encourage this personality trait. But will adventure lead him further into a darkness he’ll regret?
Spencer, discovers he has diabetes, victim to shots and the monotonous monitoring of sugar levels, but he copes. Even better, this gives him a mutual affliction with a young girl named Chloe, whom our protagonist happens to have a low-key crush on. This shared medical illness, leads them to realize they have another shared interest (or concern): something flying around their town murdering people. But what is it?
As usual, Anthony devices a superb plot, with excellent twists, and heavily researched characters that appear as real as you and me. We root for Spencer, developing a relationship with this young man and his struggles. These struggles aren’t just restricted to diabetes and a murderous not-so-mythical creature, but a complex family dynamic also. What more could a reader want?
Are Spencer’s struggles with the monster a metaphor for his struggles with diabetes? I feel so. It’s a strong metaphor for life in general. Events and incidents are thrown are way, and sometimes we feel a lack of control, as he feels by trying to self-care with his ailment. A strong life lesson. I am not sure if Mr Hains intended this worthy analogy, but for me, it gave the story a new level of not just entertainment, but significance.
As someone who lives in Michigan, near Lake Michigan, I love that Mr Hains chose to set this novel near that very lake. But on the other hand, it made this novel all the more unsettling and a little too close to home. However, as usual, I was spellbound to the pages, unable to put the book down!
Captivating. Brilliant. Powerful. A thrilling tale of a young man with his own personal struggles, battling a supernatural intruder to his livelihood.
Spencer, discovers he has diabetes, victim to shots and the monotonous monitoring of sugar levels, but he copes. Even better, this gives him a mutual affliction with a young girl named Chloe, whom our protagonist happens to have a low-key crush on. This shared medical illness, leads them to realize they have another shared interest (or concern): something flying around their town murdering people. But what is it?
As usual, Anthony devices a superb plot, with excellent twists, and heavily researched characters that appear as real as you and me. We root for Spencer, developing a relationship with this young man and his struggles. These struggles aren’t just restricted to diabetes and a murderous not-so-mythical creature, but a complex family dynamic also. What more could a reader want?
Are Spencer’s struggles with the monster a metaphor for his struggles with diabetes? I feel so. It’s a strong metaphor for life in general. Events and incidents are thrown are way, and sometimes we feel a lack of control, as he feels by trying to self-care with his ailment. A strong life lesson. I am not sure if Mr Hains intended this worthy analogy, but for me, it gave the story a new level of not just entertainment, but significance.
As someone who lives in Michigan, near Lake Michigan, I love that Mr Hains chose to set this novel near that very lake. But on the other hand, it made this novel all the more unsettling and a little too close to home. However, as usual, I was spellbound to the pages, unable to put the book down!
Captivating. Brilliant. Powerful. A thrilling tale of a young man with his own personal struggles, battling a supernatural intruder to his livelihood.
August 26, 2019
The cover of this book grabbed me. That font, those colours and the creepy look. It has that 80’s feel to it which made me go out and buy it.
I had no idea what a Aswang was. It is revealed in the book and is a damn good monster for a horror book. A great description which had my mind racing to picture it in real life. A mysterious, nasty, creepy and gory evil. Very scary!
The story features two kids who live next door to each other but move in completely different social circles in school. A popular girl and geeky boy. One night they are awoken by a mystery noise and the very next day discover that a family has been slaughtered. Who or what did this? It does not take the kids long to find out and fight back.
It felt like a coming of age story as the two kids bond with each other to take on the evil. The author also writes in family issues and the fact both kids have diabetes (which plays a significant role).
It is quite a short story which could have been expanded a touch but that is just me because I prefer longer books. The only other downside is the use of mobile phones by certain characters to video and upload to Youtube the fight between good and evil rather than get involved. That’s the modern age but it makes the story less compelling and the ending not as scary and threating as it could be.
I had no idea what a Aswang was. It is revealed in the book and is a damn good monster for a horror book. A great description which had my mind racing to picture it in real life. A mysterious, nasty, creepy and gory evil. Very scary!
The story features two kids who live next door to each other but move in completely different social circles in school. A popular girl and geeky boy. One night they are awoken by a mystery noise and the very next day discover that a family has been slaughtered. Who or what did this? It does not take the kids long to find out and fight back.
It felt like a coming of age story as the two kids bond with each other to take on the evil. The author also writes in family issues and the fact both kids have diabetes (which plays a significant role).
It is quite a short story which could have been expanded a touch but that is just me because I prefer longer books. The only other downside is the use of mobile phones by certain characters to video and upload to Youtube the fight between good and evil rather than get involved. That’s the modern age but it makes the story less compelling and the ending not as scary and threating as it could be.
December 31, 2017
This Middle Grade book follows the adventures of two 13 year olds, Spencer and Chloe, both of whom are diabetic, as they face an aswang. No, an aswang is not a figment of Hains' imagination; it is a figment (hopefully) of many more imaginations in the Philippines. The aswang is essentially a ghoul, and so this is a junior horror story, but there is no real gore, except possibly the descriptions of victims, who tend to be missing organs, or even heads. My first reaction as I got into this was the author was committing what I consider an error by giving his characters a major flaw in the form of diabetes just to get sympathy, attention, whatever, but this is wrong. This is a very cleverly structured story, and as it proceeds from scene to scene, all that has come before gradually becomes more relevant. The story is well-written, and the characters feel like 13 year olds. (I have a granddaughter about Chloe's age, and the behaviour seems right.) It is difficult to say more without spoiling because what happens is particularly important. Whether the descriptions of the victims are suitable for the young is a matter of opinion, and for some, a discussion with parents later might be advisable. However, I cannot find anything significantly adverse to say, hence the grade.
January 7, 2018
Fans of YA horror, or horror novels in general will enjoy this short novel. At only 139 pages it is a quick but enjoyable and entertaining story. The protagonists in the tale are 8th graders; that plus its length leads me to believe it is written for a young audience. The young voices in the story are authentic and the middle school angst comes across as genuine. There is (an expected, given the genre) level of gruesomeness and gore, and the language used could be off putting to some parents. Otherwise, if young readers are fans of reading about monsters and ghouls this book is recommended. Adult fans of the genre will also enjoy this story. The fact that 2 of the heroes in the story have juvenile diabetes is woven seamlessly into the story and serves as a fantastic plot device, and I think will interest any recently diagnosed young teen who is struggling with their illness. Kudos to the author who incorporates his area of expertise flawlessly into the folklore presented here.
January 17, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. The characters were all really interesting, particularly Chloe and Spencer. All of the teenagers also seemed very realistic for what you would expect of their age. The story was paced very well, and I had a hard time putting it down once I'd started (which is why I finished the majority of this in one day). I found the initial build up of the story, and the mystery behind the aswang to be genuinely creepy, particularly in the very early scenes. While the final section of the book didn't have that same eerie quality, I did really enjoy it too. I thought that it was fast-paced, enjoyable and genuinely exciting to read. Moreover, I thought that their choice of weapon against the aswang was just really cool.
I also really loved the aswang as the focus of the novel, since it's not the typical kind of creature that would have been chosen as the focus of a horror novel. I came into this with no idea of what an aswang was, and thought that the novel did a great job of explaining the mythology, and despite the many intricacies of the lore behind the creature, and the way that the creature operated, the explanations in the story made them easy to understand. I thought that maybe a little more could have been expanded upon for the motives of the aswang, but overall I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it.
I also really loved the aswang as the focus of the novel, since it's not the typical kind of creature that would have been chosen as the focus of a horror novel. I came into this with no idea of what an aswang was, and thought that the novel did a great job of explaining the mythology, and despite the many intricacies of the lore behind the creature, and the way that the creature operated, the explanations in the story made them easy to understand. I thought that maybe a little more could have been expanded upon for the motives of the aswang, but overall I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it.
January 12, 2018
This book is super creepy, but in the best way possible. If you are someone that enjoys supernatural or so-called ghost stories, this is one to take the time to look into. On the flip side, it is a little bit different than others. The supernatural being in this story is known as an aswang, which is essentially a specialized boogeyman that has some very chilling characteristics. It made me think about all the random sounds I hear daily and if they may be something besides what they seem. These are the things that make this one a bit scary, and something that is fun to read. I liked the two main characters, Spencer and Chloe, because even though they are so young, they are able to work together and figure things out, without having some of the quarrels that older people would have when trying to complete a project.
November 23, 2018
Interesting Read
Two kids, neighbors from different social circles with a common ailment...diabetes. But that is not all that ties them together. They hear this tickling, that no one else really seems to hear...they research, meet a elderly lady who seems of some help. An Aswang...but what in the world is that...read the story to learn more and how these kids set off to fight the aswang and save other kids.
Before reading this story, I had never heard of the Aswang. It's great to read a book about a nightmare I never saw in a story before...its not a common horror. It's a great, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know how these kids were gonna fight and if they would be victorious.
Two kids, neighbors from different social circles with a common ailment...diabetes. But that is not all that ties them together. They hear this tickling, that no one else really seems to hear...they research, meet a elderly lady who seems of some help. An Aswang...but what in the world is that...read the story to learn more and how these kids set off to fight the aswang and save other kids.
Before reading this story, I had never heard of the Aswang. It's great to read a book about a nightmare I never saw in a story before...its not a common horror. It's a great, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know how these kids were gonna fight and if they would be victorious.
June 3, 2018
When I ventured into this book I had no idea what a Aswang was. It sounded scary but what could it be. To my disbelieve it was a mythical creature that can change forms and feed on the bodies of humans. Sounded pretty neat.
Once I started I learned about an outcast boy with diabetes who had a crush on the beauty next door. However they shared on thing in common. Their diabetes. In the night while they slept they would wake to find neighbors brutally slaughtered and no evidence to show a human being was behind these hideous crimes. They vowed together to use their gifts to help defeat the Aswang and hopefully find love in the end.
I loved the spookiness of this book and the teenage love story. It was short and to the point and very gory at the right times. Would recommend to anyone who loves horror and sci-fi. A very fun read.
Once I started I learned about an outcast boy with diabetes who had a crush on the beauty next door. However they shared on thing in common. Their diabetes. In the night while they slept they would wake to find neighbors brutally slaughtered and no evidence to show a human being was behind these hideous crimes. They vowed together to use their gifts to help defeat the Aswang and hopefully find love in the end.
I loved the spookiness of this book and the teenage love story. It was short and to the point and very gory at the right times. Would recommend to anyone who loves horror and sci-fi. A very fun read.
January 12, 2018
Junior horror story
This novel, Sweet Aswang by Anthony Hains is a horror book and it is the right amount of a creepy story. The main characters of the book, Chloe and Spencer, 13 year olds are both diabetic. They are able to see a mysterious thing that no one else can see and they try to solve the mystery.
It is impossible to say more about the story without spoiling what happens next so I recommend to read the novel to find it out.
Also the story is well written and structured in a good way, language and descriptions are superbe. Worth reading it
This novel, Sweet Aswang by Anthony Hains is a horror book and it is the right amount of a creepy story. The main characters of the book, Chloe and Spencer, 13 year olds are both diabetic. They are able to see a mysterious thing that no one else can see and they try to solve the mystery.
It is impossible to say more about the story without spoiling what happens next so I recommend to read the novel to find it out.
Also the story is well written and structured in a good way, language and descriptions are superbe. Worth reading it
January 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The use of a Philippine demon from mythology was a refreshing break from the zombies, vampires, and other murderous ghouls so popular in horror fiction right now. The characters were engaging and well developed. The action was fast-paced and exciting. If you like a twist with your horror, you'll enjoy this book. I received a copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
July 7, 2018
This was a really good book about a mythical creature from the Philippines. The two kids involved were really brave and had a strange yet, plausible connection. Who would’ve thought that diabetes could protect someone from a monster. I finished this book pretty quick due to the level of action that flowed very well. Who says quiet people cannot be heroes?
December 20, 2018
Interesting teen book
While the story was to be about the Aswang, I felt the relationship between Spencer and Chloe took center stage. I found the teen stuff to be fairly realistic and relatable. I think many teens can understand how the two main characters felt dealing with the changes in their lives and typical adolescent stuff.
I found the folklore about the aswang enticing and exciting.
While the story was to be about the Aswang, I felt the relationship between Spencer and Chloe took center stage. I found the teen stuff to be fairly realistic and relatable. I think many teens can understand how the two main characters felt dealing with the changes in their lives and typical adolescent stuff.
I found the folklore about the aswang enticing and exciting.
December 2, 2018
I was gifted a copy of Sweet Aswang from Mr Hains via Voracious Readers and was pleasantly surprised to find I was enjoying it immensely - the characters were very believable and the teens were great! Read this in one sitting and will be looking for more from him definitely.
January 27, 2019
kinda creepy, but pretty good, nice YA read. If you enjoy the supernatural you'll most likely like this. A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 11, 2018
From the first page I was hooked and could not put it down until I finished the story. If you like to read King and Koontz you will not be disappointed.
December 10, 2018
Great book, 5 stars.
September 15, 2020
Brilliant
Want to read
April 19, 2021ok, an Aswang comes from the Philippines to the states. then where can i get a Manananggal?
July 9, 2020
I received a free copy of this ebook through Voracious Reader Only. I enjoyed the novelty of the story the most here, this being the first horror novel I've read of its kind. I had never heard of the legend of Aswangs, and found the introduction to be quite the ride. It was an entertaining book all the way through, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of gore included in a book featuring young teens as the main characters, and was even more pleased with the fact that it wasn't overly gory to me. I enjoyed the character development and felt it was just enough for a book of this size. The book was easy to get into, and didn't take 20-50 pages like many denser books. It was a bit hard to keep up with the flurry of minor characters towards the end of the book, but it didn't cause too much trouble or irritation in reading. While I enjoyed the writing style, I didn't think it was amazing by any means, which is the reason for my rating of 4/5. Great book, but not one of my all-time favorites. I would, however, be open to purchasing another book in the series, should one become available.
February 16, 2020
Monsters seem to bring out the best in people.
I really enjoyed this book, although it seems to be meant primarily for young adults, with high school teens as the central characters. It's interesting and scary enough to keep the older reader in suspense as well.
I've only seen an aswang featured in an episode of the television series, Grimm, so the book offers an exploration of a creature that's more unusual than other horror fiction. The characteristics and behavior of the creature are well-researched and agree with the Asian mythology.
What makes this book stand out is the depth and appeal of the characters. I always enjoy an unexpectedly kick-ass heroine, and the rest of them also show heart and courage.
I really enjoyed this book, although it seems to be meant primarily for young adults, with high school teens as the central characters. It's interesting and scary enough to keep the older reader in suspense as well.
I've only seen an aswang featured in an episode of the television series, Grimm, so the book offers an exploration of a creature that's more unusual than other horror fiction. The characteristics and behavior of the creature are well-researched and agree with the Asian mythology.
What makes this book stand out is the depth and appeal of the characters. I always enjoy an unexpectedly kick-ass heroine, and the rest of them also show heart and courage.
November 9, 2018
This was an absolute thrill ride! I've never read anything by Anthony Hains before, but I'm certainly glad I went into reading his work with this novella! I'm the kind of person that can both love drawn out stories and quick, to the point stories. For some reason, horror and thriller novellas seem to pack more of a punch when told this way. I love YA, but I usually stick to having my horror in more adult fiction than YA. However, this worked so well! Hains's writing is superb and really gets you into the story and before you know it, you're> the one looking over your shoulder for a shadowy figure. Absolutely well done and gripped me from start to finish!
July 16, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers. I loved this book. I want to read the rest of Anthony Hains books. This was a short novel which was quick paced and easy to read. It is filled with great descriptions that show the reader what’s happening without slowing the pace of the book. It has an interesting premise that doesn’t get bogged down in teenage angst whilst the characters are still relatable.
December 31, 2017
This is a wonderfully-captivating story. It has everything that thriller loving, horror craving reader would want. Two kids, Spencer and Chloe, become friends in the most unlikely manner. They have one very common problem that brings them together; both are diabetic. Although not something very desirable, they cope because there's no other way.
One night they awaken to some strange clinking sounds. Look outside, and there's a strange shadowy figure lurking in the streets. It rounds around a lane and on to the other side of the neighbourhood, because that's where the road goes. The next day, a family is brutally slaughtered. The catch here is that their illness keeps these two safe from the 'Aswang' but it doesn't guarantee them ultimate protection. And the worst part is that the scary being is onto them. And knows that they can see it. And makes sure that they know it knows.
Anthony Hains has created a superbly engaging novel that's fast and super fun despite the genre. It will not scare you so much that you want to put your Kindle in the freezer. It will actually make you sad when the story is over, wishing there was more to read. The characters are devised superbly. We can relate to Spencer and Chloe, and feel bad for their situation.
The pace is quick and crisp, and you will be amazed that this book does not rely on stereotypes for anything, be it the romantic feelings that Spencer has for Chloe, nor anything related to the Aswang. This is a mighty interesting book with a lot going for it. I would definitely read it again.
One night they awaken to some strange clinking sounds. Look outside, and there's a strange shadowy figure lurking in the streets. It rounds around a lane and on to the other side of the neighbourhood, because that's where the road goes. The next day, a family is brutally slaughtered. The catch here is that their illness keeps these two safe from the 'Aswang' but it doesn't guarantee them ultimate protection. And the worst part is that the scary being is onto them. And knows that they can see it. And makes sure that they know it knows.
Anthony Hains has created a superbly engaging novel that's fast and super fun despite the genre. It will not scare you so much that you want to put your Kindle in the freezer. It will actually make you sad when the story is over, wishing there was more to read. The characters are devised superbly. We can relate to Spencer and Chloe, and feel bad for their situation.
The pace is quick and crisp, and you will be amazed that this book does not rely on stereotypes for anything, be it the romantic feelings that Spencer has for Chloe, nor anything related to the Aswang. This is a mighty interesting book with a lot going for it. I would definitely read it again.
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January 24, 2019I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only. It was an interesting story. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews