What better way to start out October than with an original horror tale? This book hit the shelves last year (I believe) and has gotten great reviews. It dives into the realm of folklore and should take a very, creepy twist. According to the blurb, this one is about a very evil river. I'm curious to see what it holds. So, grab those blankets and flashlights because it sounds like this is one to keep you up until late into the night...or early morning hours.
THIRST
by Darren Simpson
Pushkin Children's Books
YA Horror
288 pages
Nobody talks about the strange happenings in Maimsbury. No one speaks of the hooded figures glimpsed in the woods, nor the children's game that went so horribly wrong. But most of all, nobody dares whisper their doubts about the river they have worshipped for centuries.
Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal - in return for a year of plenty - seems a fair trade. That is, until a tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.
Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal's life to sate its thirst...
Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal - in return for a year of plenty - seems a fair trade. That is, until a tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.
Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal's life to sate its thirst...
MY TIDBITS
Chills mount as the secrets weave tighter and tighter in this grabbing read.
The small town of Maimsbury seems to be a balanced place where people still stick to the customs their ancestors practiced hundreds of years before. Their practices often include the river, one that their ancestors once worshipped and feared. But the tales and customs aren't as innocent as they seem. While the residents of the town seem unaffected by the need to sacrifice animals to the river every year and know that the river holds terrible secrets, they've long accepted it as part of life. That is, until a Faye comes to town in search of a job to help keep her family fed. Now, the river is hunting her.
This is folks horror as it should be. The tale dives deep into the myths of the town and brings them to life in a way, which digs under the skin. Everything about this world is vivid and lures in with details, which even dance into fantasy...and one with deadly bite. From the wishing tree to the town itself, the scenes come across very well and hook in. This creates a solid and inviting basis for the dangerous situation Faye finds herself in and makes it hard not to fear for her as the river seems to be gaining the upper hand. It's inviting yet eerie and creates a wonderfully dark atmosphere to let the tension take hold.
The tale is told from Gorse's and Faye's point of view, allowing the reader to get to know both. Both are sympathetic and easy to root for. The situation they face is not only dangerous but has centuries of weight, which seem undefeatable. It's just right to set the stage and give everything delicious depth as the terror takes over.
Teens who enjoy horror will want to give this one a go as well as fans of dark folklore and mythology.
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