Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Incantations: Erik Straker: BOOK REVIEW




** The book had been sent by the author for an honest review and by no means the review is biased/influenced**
 Author: Erik Straker (Goodreads Official Page) 
No of Pages: 186 pages 
Publication House: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Date of Publication: February 28, 2016
ISBN-13: 978-1530327836
ISBN-10:  1530327830
Genre: Horror
Series: NA
Buy: Currently free with Kindle Unlimited
Book Source: Library Thing

Summary: (from goodreads.com)
Angela and Lillian Tremblay return to Summerhaven, New Hampshire after sixteen long years away. The sisters are forced to face old small town secrets, as well as forgotten childhood memories that float just beneath the surface of consciousness.

One winter’s day, Angela comes home to find her dear, sweet Lillian dead in the basement. The police are content her hanging is a suicide and refuse to pursue other possibilities. But the town’s residents know the gruesome facts about the house. It was once the dwelling of the Summerhaven Witch, a woman known for killing children and bathing in their blood.

A tortured Angela meets a local psychic who promises to help her discover the identity of Lil’s murderer. Now Angela must decide if she is willing to risk it all and contact the spirits for answers.

When a deceased teenage girl appears and connects Angela’s past to her present, the truth threatens to push Angela from the cliffs of sanity. Will the house’s dark secrets remain buried in the shadows forever, or will the dead come forth to exhume Angela’s memories when she uses the Ouija board and speaks her incantations?

Secrets can scar. Memories can kill. Incantations is a surreal psychological tale that examines the tragedy of suicide, death, and sinister family secrets.

This is the debut horror novel by author Erik Straker. One of only a handful of paranormal new releases by him this year. A perfect addition for your horror library, featuring supernatural creatures and supernatural origins. Also perfect if you love haunted houses and ghost novels.
STAR RATING: 3.5/5
DESCRIPTION IN ONE LINE: Stay away from the basement.

Title:
 To be really honest, first time I read the word incantations I had to look it up in my dictionary (Yes, I still have one of those). I was intrigued with the title and it made me start the book quicker that I usually do.


Title Rating: 4/5

Cover: The cover is a strong representation of the story as it creates the spooky effect the writer is attempting to create.

Cover Rating: 4/5

Characters: Angela: The character of Angela is a strong representation of an independent woman who doesn't shy away from responsibilities, hard work and for that matter witches. She is determined to do everything it takes to solve the mystery of the basement of their family home. 

Characters Rating: 3.5/5

Review: The prologue is so scary that it gives you goosebumps and still urges to keep going page after page. The author with his debut horror novel shows promising prospects in the genre and can spin the story in any direction that he wants. The story is about a haunted property with a witch and a history that goes way beyond time.  The story is written in above average English and makes for an easy read. Along with the scary elements the story connects with the readers on an emotional level as well. Mr Straker has done an excellent job with the story line, characters and the haunted house. The book is written in a blog style which got me confused till the end as the book started as blog, but then it had parts and chapters within. Angela's journey at 129 Walsh is full of adventure and horror as expected from a book with supernatural elements. 

Review Rating: 3.5/5

Appreciation: Reading the story at bedtime is both fun and scare-fest as it has unexpected twists and revelations. It can be easily finished in one sitting which is one of the major advantages for me.

Let Downs: The bifurcation of book's content in blog, parts and chapters is a bit confusing. 

Surprise Factor: The revelations towards the end were highly interest grabbing. 

Final Verdict: Angela's story makes for an page turner read with multiple goosebumps along the way.

Would I be reading more from Erik Straker: Mr Straker is a promising writer in the genre of horror and I would definitely take a plunge in his other works.


The book is available here: Incantations

Keep watching this space for an exclusive interview of Erik Straker

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