So, it turns out I was wrong on two counts.

I had one more ChiZine book left to read, and I actually enjoyed it. Then again, I figured I was on safe ground with Youers, the author of the stupendous [b:Westlake Soul|13096218|Westlake Soul|Rio Youers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1335111472l/13096218._SY75_.jpg|18268324] (and the writer of the upcoming graphic novel adaptation of King and King's [b:Sleeping Beauties|34466922|Sleeping Beauties|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1510335748l/34466922._SY75_.jpg|51153790]).

Youers goes to some really goddamn dark places with this novel, but he handles all of it wonderfully, and he has an amazing style, somewhat poetic, but not sickeningly so. There's a particularly harrowing scene that I won't spoil, but it involves a car, the sheriff, and roadkill, that is a masterclass in drawn out suspense.

So, Youers ain't afraid to get his hands dirty.

This is the type of stuff I wish ChiZine had published more of.

Ah well, if I'm going to not read any more from a publisher, it's at least good to go out on a high. ( )

Point Hollow, New York is such a lovely little town - an idyllic tourist town filled with picturesque streets and stunningly beautiful scenery. It is certainly quintessential America - a place to where tourists come every summer to stroll through Point Hollow's quiet streets and hike its scenic nature trails. However, Point Hollow, New York is also a town with many secrets.

No one knows of the town's terrible history; of the secrets that have remained buried for so long - forgotten by so many. No one sees the delicate cracks in the close-knit town's facade. But Abraham's Faith, the mountain that overshadows Point Hollow, sees everything. And the imposing mountain has never forgotten, will never forget...

Because Abraham's Faith is wicked and controlling; it has always been the keeper of Point Hollow's deepest, darkest, most diabolical secrets. And the mountain has kept hold of the innocent souls of the town's children for decades. It has even become their burial ground...

Oliver Wray is Point Hollow's favorite son, its most generous benefactor, loved and admired by all. But Oliver, like the town, has a secret: Abraham's Faith speaks to him, and he has spent a lifetime serving its cruel needs; fulfilling the mountain's darkest desires. Oliver believes that his secret is safe, but one person has glimpsed the darkness in his heart...

Matthew Bridge hasn't set foot in Point Hollow for the past twenty-six years. Something happened to him there so long ago; something so horrifying that Matthew has spent decades trying to forget the trauma. However, as much as Matthew tries to move on with his life, he just can't. Memories of his ordeal continue to haunt him, to flicker through his memory and taunt the recesses of his mind - never to be fully recalled.

Now, determined to find the answers to his recently failed marriage and his equally failing life, Matthew is coming home again. Back to Point Hollow, New York. Back to Abraham's Faith...to confront his past and claim his future.

Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, Mr. Youers has a remarkably fertile imagination and I really wanted to see how the story would develop. The horror of the plot itself was certainly fantastic, but was used in such a way that the story seemed entirely plausible. The story was fast-paced and well-developed - I would definitely give this book an A+! ( )

3.5 Stars

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

When Oliver was a kid, the mountain spoke to him for the first time, demanding a sacrifice. Now he's the most respected member in the Point Hollow community, but the mountain hasn't stopped calling...

I was surprised how much I liked the story. It's grim. A mountain filled with children's bones. A seemingly perfectly normal little town. All good ingredients for a spooky read. Although the story was predictable at times I still enjoyed reading it a lot, although it might not be the best read for those with a weak stomach.

I was - like usually - not really charmed by the changing POVs in combination with a historical and a modern time line. It's not my favourite, but something that's done a lot these days.

I would pick up another book by this author.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ( )

Youers lays out clues as to how this ungodly pit of despair came to be, but backstory is not the fuel for this horror, it’s the physical manifestation of indescribable malevolence driving the narrative. As the extent of Point Hollow’s degeneracy becomes more and more apparent to the novels many characters (all of whom are extremely well-drawn), so too the horror exponentially grows. Youers’ creation is not a pleasant read — I’ll likely never eat an Oreo cookie again — but that’s as it should be, that’s how you know the horror is working. It’s a grotesque, filthy, and gruesome trek into evil (think Jack Ketchum), and I highly recommend it. It’d make a fine double-bill with Michael Rowe’s Enter, Night.

Read more at the Redeblog. ( )

5 of 5 Stars

If I had to find something to complain about with regards to the work of Rio Youers it would be that he is not terribly prolific. Three years since his last novel is a very long time. Of course, that last novel was Westlake Soul, one of my favorite books of the last five years and now he's given us another gem.

Point Hollow presents the reader with a new and intriguing premise that gets off to a wickedly good start. Old Bear Mountain is known to the locals as Abraham's Faith. At thirty-four hundred feet, it was the tallest of the peaks surrounding the town of Point Hollow. It was also a place of which the locals tend to steer clear.

When he was ten years old, Matthew Bridge had a terrifying experience with the mountain, one that would (although he couldn't recall what had happened) haunt his dreams well into adulthood and could end up costing him his marriage.

The characterizations in this novel are strong, Rio's skill at creating conversations is excellent, he shows the ability to do with words what a great artist can do with paints and a canvas.

At times disturbing and exceedingly dark, the story flows quickly through its 280 pages and is one of the most complete novels I've read in some time. The truth, when revealed, is horrible beyond words And the last third of the book was just a heart pounding race to the finish.

Youers may not be pounding them out like James Patterson or even Stephen King, but what he creates places him right up there with the leading writers of modern horror.

I can honestly say Point Hollow is my favorite read so far in 2015 and it's going to be a tough one to top. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy, available now in paperback or ebook from ChiZine Publications.

I give this one my highest recommendation. ( )