Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
(Releases June 2024)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars
This book masterfully evokes a sense of dread and a touch of '90s nostalgia, compelling you to peer over your shoulder and peek under your bed. As an aficionado of horror fiction, I find the cover art exquisitely evocative of that era, making it a prized display on my bookshelf. It also conjures up memories of the eerie occurrences on the Poltergeist set, leading me to ponder if it served as an inspiration.
I’m inclined to rate this book just shy of five stars because, as a horror narrative, it unfolds at a measured pace rather than the brisk, slasher-style tempo I had envisioned. However, this is not a detriment; it’s simply a matter of setting the right expectations for its gradual build-up, which only accelerates in the final chapters.
In my first foray into this author’s work, I found the unconventional placement of ‘said’ at the start of sentences slightly jarring, as it occasionally disrupted my immersion—a personal quirk, admittedly.
The characters may not be entirely endearing, yet their fates remain compelling to the end. I noticed several parallels between this novel and “The Remaking.”
Overall, this is a commendable read that I’ll be suggesting to my circle of horror enthusiasts.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy.
The Remaking by Clay Chapman
3.5 Stars
The Remaking is a supernatural thriller follows the evolution of a terrifying tale every twenty years. The story centers around Ella Louise and her daughter Jessica, who were shunned by their community and later accused of witchcraft. Tragically, they were burned at the stake, and their story became an urban legend in Pilot’s Creek, Virginia.
The novel explores the impact of this legend through different eras. In the 1970s, a horror movie titled “Don’t Tread on Jessica’s Grave” is made, with Amber Pendleton playing the role of Jessica. By the 1990s, Amber, now a scream queen, recalls her experiences during the making of a remake of the original film, which had nearly disastrous consequences for her. In the present day, a true-crime podcaster seeks out Amber to uncover the truth behind the legend and the films.
The book delves into the horror movie industry, the cult status of certain films, and the effects of such stories on those involved and the public’s imagination. It’s a chilling narrative that intertwines horror, crime, and the consequences of storytelling.
What they have in common:
☑️Reminiscent of the making of Poltergeist with a "cursed set"
☑️Follows the making of a horror movie back in the day with
☑️Duel timeliness
☑️follows a main character who was an actor on the original and is asked to come back for the remake/revamp of the movie
☑️One is a creature feature. The other a ghost story.
☑️Will anyone who worked on the movie make it out alive?
☑️Some of it set in the 80s/90s with all the nostalgia
3.5 ⭐️ A bit slow at times. Although, The Remaking has one of the most enticing first few chapters I've ever listened to on Audiobook.
Note: I Didn't love the ending of Horror Story or the addition of the screenplay, which is how you have to read those "movie" chapters, but you might be into that! Read these back-to-back!
Watch my review here:
