I’m not much of a horror reader since Dean Koontz scared the bejeezus out of me as a teenager. I’m also not a huge fan of teenagers. The real ones are tolerable, but the ones in books sometimes drive me crazy. They’re angsty, dramatic, and they make dumb decisions. They remind me of me at that age.
So… when I picked up Teri Polen’s YA horror novel, Sarah, I was worried.
Well, silly me for fretting. The book was awesome. I’ll give you my review below, but first, I had to quiz Teri. One of the best things about the book was the way she dove into the experience of Cain, a 17-yr-old teenage boy. It felt totally genuine to me, and I happen to know Teri isn’t a 17-yr-old teenage boy. How did she do that with such authenticity? How did she prepare? Here’s her answer:
***
You’re not the first person to ask how I channeled the voices of 17-year-old boys, Diana. A good friend is convinced I was a teenage boy in a previous life. I have two sons—I honestly don’t know what I would have done with girls—and we’ve always had a steady stream of their friends hanging out at our house.
I spent countless hours driving them to sports and band practices, sleepovers, movies, dances…you get the picture. They trash talked each other while playing video games, compared puzzling encounters with the female species, and debated superhero movies. I’ve witnessed their heartache after breakups, their bets on when a friend would get dumped by a new girlfriend—and if it would be by text or in person, and their vehement defense of each other when challenged.
All the while, I listened. And it’s mostly been quite entertaining and enlightening. When the characters in my head demanded their story be told, it was natural they’d be teenage boys, because that’s what I know.
Cain’s pigsty of a bedroom is a near perfect picture of my oldest son’s room—or as my younger son calls it, ‘The Black Hole’. Things have literally disappeared in there, and the smells emanating from that room have been horrific at times. If a zombie apocalypse happened today, we could live on the half-empty Gatorade and water bottles, snack bags, and protein bars for quite a while.
My sons and their friends probably never dreamed some of their comments would come back to ‘haunt’ them in a YA horror novel. You never know who’s listening.
***
My Review:
Sarah is categorized as YA horror and the book fits the genre perfectly. Sarah is a teenage ghost seeking revenge for her murder. She returns to the scene of the crime, now the home of Cain Shannon, a 17-year-old horror fan. At first, she appears shy and vulnerable, and Cain agrees to help her, but she’s not as helpless as he believes. With each bloody act of revenge, she grows in power, and her tactics increase in brutality. Before long, Cain is in the battle of his life against a ghost intent on death.
This book has some really creepy, icky, suspenseful, and scary things going on, but the scare-factor and gore feel appropriate for YA readers (as well as adults). The story grabbed my attention from the first page, and the tension and suspense escalate at a steady pace without much of a break right up to the climatic end. Even the last few paragraphs of the epilog are worthy of a few terrifying chills.
Though the horror aspects of the book were engaging, what impressed me the most was Polen’s outstanding characters. All of them felt well-rounded to me with fully developed personalities, but I was totally taken with the main character Cain and his friend Finn. They felt authentic to me in their thoughts, emotions, dialog, banter, friendship, and relationships with others. I’m in awe of the author’s ability to capture the essence of teenage boys with such expertise. I found the pair of them refreshing and likable, and therefore enjoyed the non-horror moments of the book as much as the horror, if not more so.
Another thing that impressed me was the believability of the characters’ choices. I often find that characters in horror (movies) make stupid choices because the plot would keel over and die if they acted sensibly. Polen was meticulous in building a backstory that supported Cain’s decisions, particularly his choice not to involve his mother and to stay in the house despite the presence of a murderous ghost. This careful attention to character and plot kept me enmeshed in the story from chapter one right through to the end.
An excellent book for both YA and adult readers of horror and suspense.
***
Eh, what’s one more book in your TBR pile? Here’s a link: Sarah
Connect with Teri on her book review blog: Books and Such
Myths of the Mirror 
The best horror stories — particularly the ones featuring teenagers as the protagonists — are the ones with rich and realistic characterization, like Scream. I’m extremely curious to read Sarah!
I agree that teenagers are the hardest voices to capture authentically. I know a lot of professional writers who are absolutely wretched at it (though no one has told them, it seems), and I myself veer clear of teen-centric stories because I suspect I wouldn’t be able to recreate the particular voice and vernacular of an iGeneration youngster. (And the fact that I just used the word “youngster” should prove my point!) That said, it’s the job of the writer to observe and internalize, and it sounds as though Teri did exactly that. Bully for her! Can’t wait to check out the book…
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She did a great job, Sean, you youngster you. Ha ha. She captured the voice and technology, the friendships, and the habits of teenage boys in a way that felt totally authentic. The book is perfect too for a YA audience, just creepy enough and high on plausibility. She’s been getting great reviews too. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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Reblogged this on PenneyVanderbilt.
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Thanks for sharing, Penney. This is a great book that I highly recommend. 🙂
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Sounds like a case of “you live with them, you get to be like them”. You don’t have to be a murderer to write a crime novel so you don’t have to be the same gender or age as your character. All you need is creativity, imagination, experience and if all else fails research.
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True, Brian. I’m a fantasy writer and don’t get to try everything I write about, but inside knowledge (when we have it) can add those tiny details that make a narrative come to life. Teri has been a good listener around her sons. :-). Thanks so much for visiting and Happy Writing!
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Love your comment about a horror story where characters make sensible decisions. When it come to watching movies, our house is a tough room. Typical comments might run something like this:
Me: Oh, look, they’re splitting up now, just as things get dangerous.
My son: How else could the ghost/zombie/werewolf pick them off so the protagonist can hear their screams?
Son’s wife: And look, they even dressed him in a red shirt. Why didn’t they just paint a target on his back?
You get the idea. 🙂
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We’re the same way. We’re always yelling, “Stop kissing and RUN! You’ll have time to kiss later.” Ha ha
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I trust and respect Diana’s high opinion of Teri’s book! I enjoy YA and some horror, too. One of my favorite short story writer is Stephen King who wrote the plotlines for the great “The Green Mile” and “Shawshank Redemption” films. He is not just all
about horror!
Teri, with grandchildren in their 13-14 year old stage, I definitely will keep you and your books in mind. . . 🙂
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A 13-14 is a perfect age group for this book, Robin. I actually didn’t know that King wrote the plot lines for those films! They’re awesome.
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Great review, Diana! LIke you, I’m not much for horror or teens (even considering I have two of them 🙂 ). Love Teri’s peek into her writing teen boys as well. And you make it sooooo convenient to add this to my TBR list–sneaky. Very sneaky 😀
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I’m trying to spread out these book reviews, Julie, so that readers don’t feel overwhelmed. Ha ha. Teri’s a great supporter of indie writers as well as being a talented writer in her own right, so it’s a double pleasure to have her here. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
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These characters made it easy to write for them – sometimes they still talk to me, Julie!
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I am looking forward to reading this. Honestly, I would have been scared to pick it up, if I hadn’t read your review. I love how life has prepared her for her character Cain.
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I think anyone with a son will get a kick out of this, Antonia. But it’s a fun read either way. Not too scary from my perspective, though there are a few scenes that gave me the shivers! Thanks for stopping by!
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A couple of my friends would probably never have read Sarah if there wasn’t also some humor included, Antonia – helps break up the more tense moments.
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I love a book that grabs me right from the beginning 🙂 This sounds like an interesting and intriguing book to read. My goodness, I haven’t read a horror story in years!
Great review my friend. Have a wonderful weekend.
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I have to admit that I was fascinated by the teenage boys having been a mom of a girl. They were so beautifully rendered. The horror isn’t too gory so the book is perfect for non-horror readers as well. Thanks for the visit, Lynne. Have a great weekend!
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I agree with Diana – the more ‘gory’ parts happen ‘off screen’, making it a more gentle read for those who prefer their horror on the milder side, Lynne.
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I love the way you introduce books…and authors to us. I’m nodding my head about not being a horror book reader (Stephen King is the one who got to me) but then you turn it around and say “but hey this one is great!” And I totally agree with Teri re how to figure out teens. I also spent hours (and hours) driving my kids to activities. They seemed to not realize I was in the car, and the conversations between themselves and with friends were eye-opening and fascinating.
Thanks for the recommendation and best of luck to Teri.
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Isn’t that funny how they seem to think we’re not listening? Those are the times when our silence pays off with all that insight and knowledge. 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting, Pam. Happy Writing!
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Silence is golden with teens! 🙂
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You know what I’m talking about, Pam – they think you’re just the chauffeur and talk like you’re not even there. Highly entertaining at times!
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Highly entertaining – and a bit frightening at the same time. ;-0
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One more book in my to read pile, indeed, Diana! I do like horror stories – to read, not to see on film. So I’m sure I’d enjoy this one. Plus I raised a boy so I’m sure I would relate to the teen boy shenanigans.
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You live in Stephen King territory, Molly. Aren’t you supposed to be a horror fan? The teenage boy stuff in this will probably make you smile, and the horror elements are well done. 🙂 Enjoy!
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It is mandatory, Diana, for anyone living in Maine to be a horror fan. And teenage boys are somewhat of a horror show, too, as I recall. Like Teri, I was horrified on more than one occasion when I glanced into his room. *shivers*
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As a mother of a son, I’ll bet some of Cain and Finn’s actions will be very familiar to you, Molly.
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So much to read, so little time… Actually, one lifetime to pass with books isn’t enough. And this one sounds so good!
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You’re so right, Basilike. Just think about the million+ books Amazon sells each day! There will never be enough time. My goal this year is to read 26. Lol.
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Sounds like a plan!
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I agree, Basilike – one lifetime with books isn’t enough!
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Hi, Teri!
Each time I think of all the books I haven’t read yet, I feel despair!
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Thank you for sharing Diana. I am pretty sure the book is very interesting. It is those kinds of books my daughter used to read when she was a teenager. And she doesn’t read them anymore. Thank your for sharing! Have a lovely week!
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My daughter would have loved this too, and may still. As a kid, she loved horror of any kind, while I’d be hiding behind the couch. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to read, Juli. ❤
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Thanks Diana. a little stop at yours always makes my day or night great!
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Like both your daughters, I loved horror from an early age – I just never stopped, lol.
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Sounds like an eerily great story. Wonderful review.
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It was eerie, Jan, but with some fun too, and great characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by to check out the post and review. Happy Writing!
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Wonderful review! I can’t help being intrigued – and slightly scared – by the title. LOL! 😊 Unlike you I actually read and like horror stories and Dean Koontz is one of my favourite authors but haven’t come across it in the YA genre until now. Thanks for pointing out this book, Diana! 😊💚
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Koontz is nightmare material for me, Sarah. Teri’s book is perfect for YA readers. Personable and relateable characters, a bit of humor and and some awesome chills. Having said that, I enjoyed it as well, so fit for all audiences. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to check out the review! 😀
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I’m also a Koontz fan, Sarah, but prefer his earlier books. There are several compelling YA horror authors out there you should check into – Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, and Hillary Monahan to name a few.
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Thank you very much for the recommendations on YA horror authors, Teri!
I´ll make sure to look into it! Have a beautiful day!
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I read this book shortly after it was released and loved it. Great to see such a wonderful review here!
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Thanks for visiting, Mae. I’m glad you enjoyed the read as well. I just loved these characters and the meticulous crafting of the story. Teri did a great job. Happy Writing!
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Thanks for swinging by, Mae!
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An excellent review/interview of the book “Sarah” and the author Tero Polen, Diana. It sounds like a winner. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks for reading, Suzanne. I definitely enjoyed the read and horror isn’t something I would normally pick up. Teri is wonderful at characterization and I could easily read more of these teenagers. Happy Writing, my friend. 🙂
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I haven’t been able to read horror in years. Actually, make that decades! But I do appreciate good characterisation, and it sounds as if ‘Sarah’ has it a-plenty. Great interview and great review. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Andrea. The characterization is wonderful, and for me, that was the highlight of the book. I could easily read more about these teenagers. Because it’s YA, the horror elements weren’t too bad – just icky and creepy. Happy Writing!
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lmao – I may just give it a go one of these days. 🙂
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Diana’s gives a very apt description, Andrea – more icky and creepy than hard horror. I quite enjoyed putting these characters in those situations to see what they’d do.
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Thanks so much for stopping by again, Teri. You have lots of fans!
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Sorry I’m a little late, Diana – we were out of town and trying to get my in-laws moved into a new place. Better late than never!
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No problem at all. 🙂 I hope the move went well.
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My FIL says yes. My MIL – not so much.
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Uh oh. Sounds like my parents.
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lol – yes! Although I’m a sci-fi nut, this ‘ putting these characters in those situations to see what they’d do.’ really resonates!
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I’m also a sci-fi nut, Andrea! My next book, due out May 31st, is a YA sci-fi, The Gemini Connection.
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Ah, now you are definitely speaking my language. 😀
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The most frightening thing about this post is having two teenage boys. Though soon I’ll have three teenage girls, and that’s going to be a real horror story.
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Teenage boys can definitely be scary at times (not to mention smelly)! Having several nieces, I think you may be in for a real horror story, lol.
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Ha ha ha. I don’t know which is better or worse. I suppose having a sense of humor will help with either. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to read!
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Excellent review and sounds like a well written story. Still, I just don’t read horror. 🙂
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I don’t either, normally, and I respect your choices, Debby. One of the nice things I’ve discovered about engaging with bloggers and their books is broadening my experiences and tastes. I have broken the romance barrier yet, Lol, but I assume I will give it a go at one point. Yikes. Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
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Always a pleasure Diana. Hey, I’m getting there slowly, expanding my horizons, lol. After all, I’ve read one of your books and loved it – totally not my genre, but I love your writing. And I know my bad, but I have 3 others of your books on my Kindle. I must tackle that big fat TBR! 🙂 xx
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I’m the same way with memoirs. Until I read two of yours, I’d never been interested, and now I thoroughly enjoy them. 🙂 Yes, the teetering TBR. I gave up video games in order to make a dent this year! Little by little. ❤
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Lollllllllll, well thanks. The only thing I have that I could give up is 3 hours a night blog reading, dilemma of a trade off lol 🙂
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I know. It’s so hard to find the time. I’m reducing my blog posting to every 3 days (unless conflicts come up). Slowly trying to make more time for reading, writing, and the dreaded… exercise.
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Sounds like my lifecycle lol – reading, writing and the gym (for what it’s worth, lol). But you don’t post more than 2-3 times a week now? Same with me, I try to only post 3 max. But reading blogs is another story. 🙂
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😀 True!
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Nice review Diana. Sounds to be an interesting plot…rightly do writers say – “you may find a mention in my book”…picking up from the conversation of teenagers is a brilliant idea! I avoid horror stories as all unpleasant characters follow me everywhere 🙂
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I can imagine that horror stories aren’t your cup of tea, Balroop. I’m glad you stopped by to check out the review though! Happy Writing, my friend. 🙂
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I did finish your book and wrote a review too 🙂
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Thank you so much, Balroop. I headed over for a peek and so appreciate your kind words. I know this isn’t your preferred genre, and therefore your willingness to read the whole thing makes your effort extra special. ❤ ❤
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You’re right, Balroop – all my friends know that anything they say may wind up in a future book. And it’s already happened to one friend.
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Many of my poems too say a lot about my friends…some of them sum up their life 🙂
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A fabulous review to share, Diana. Thank you. I have Sarah on my TBR list and just moved it up based on your review. 🙂
Bravo to Teri!
Cheers to you both. 🙂
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Oh good, Natalie. I can almost bet you’ll enjoy it. Great characters that are hard to resist! Thanks so much for the visit and comment. Happy Reading!
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Hope you enjoy, Natalie – happy reading!
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Thank you D! it sounds great I love horror stories! (although I have lived some in my real life) but your comments made me feel like reading it!! excellent review, thank you!
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This one is pure entertainment, Hector. No worries if you enjoy reading a scary story. I hope all your real-life horror stories are long in the past, my friend. ❤ Thanks for visiting!
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Thank YOU for sharing D!
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There’s some humor mixed in with the horror, Hector – kind of hard to avoid that with teenage boys.
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That sounds great Teri! Can’t wait to read it!
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Great review. I enjoyed this story, too, and am glad to see it shine here.
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Thanks, Staci. YA Horror isn’t something I would normally read, but I so enjoyed Teri’s writing and her characters. I’m glad you enjoyed it as well. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Thanks for swinging by, Staci!
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Sounds like a good read. Great premise too. And as a mother of sons, I know all too well of what the author speaks!
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Ha ha. I imagine you do, Carrie. My husband is sometimes like a teenage boy, but it’s not quite the same, I’m sure. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Writing. 🙂
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Yes, I should have included my husband. He never outgrew the male-anatomy jokes. Do they ever? 😄
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Ha ha. I was thinking more in lines of the stinky socks and trail of garbage! Lol
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He’s pretty good about those things, but I can’t say the same for trails of crumbs. Those he leaves all over the floor. 😁
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Lol. Well, at least if he gets lost, you’ll be able to find him. 🙂
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😄
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Probably a lot of conservations between the characters would be familiar to you, Carrie – thanks for stopping by!
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Wonderful review, Diana! I’m also not a fan of horror either but I’m glad Teri did such a lovely job you had no trouble with this one.
It’s true what they say about authors being the true observants of the world. One can’t write about life if one doesn’t know life, after all!
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Excellent point, Sophie. It’s amazing what you can learn about people by just listening and observing. People watching may be one of a writer’s favorite hobbies – after reading, of course.
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Quite so! I have to admit I’m not a people’s person but I do like to watch them from time to time. Hope it’s not too creepy hahaha
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She did a great job of getting me involved with these characters, Sophie. And I don’t know if that would have happened if she’d written cliched teenagers. The authenticity was great. Thanks for the visit! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Absolutely! Thank you, and you too Diana ❤️
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Thanknyounforvyhe very fine review and introduction to this author. I look forward to adding her book to my collection. I am reminded of “The Lovely Bones”, I love having the bejesus scared out of me. Thank you dear Diane♥️ 😊
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Ha ha. Thanks, Holly. There are some skin-crawling scene in this book that I shiver just thinking about. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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That’s right up my alley. 🙂
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That’s something you and I have in common, Holly – I’ve always loved having the bejesus scared out of me, too!
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Haha! I don’t know why I like to be scared, yipes!
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Add my testimonial to the list. I loved this book and gave it five stars myself.
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Thanks for chiming in, Craig. I did feel a little trepidation heading in, but was quickly swept up in the story by these great characters. An awesome read. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Thanks, Craig! From a writer who’s written some eerie, creepy things himself, that means a lot.
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Ha ha.
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Enjoyed the review, but the way you started this post was excellent. You grasped me with your opening. Be well my friend.
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Thanks, Andrew. I had to start off with my initial biases. That’s what made the read all the more fun for me – it blew away my expectations. I think authentic and engaging characters will do that regardless of the genre. 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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Your biases made it fun to read. The review served its purpose. I am interested in the book.
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😀 Oh, good!
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Have to admit, Andrew, I’m not much of a romance fan, but just read a YA romance manuscript for a friend and loved the characters – they made the book for me. Like Diana said, engaging and authentic characters can make a huge difference.
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Yes they can.
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What a great start to your review–not into horror or teens. Me2! And I can see in your review I might actually enjoy this book despite my rocky start.
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One of the nice things about meeting book bloggers is trying books I otherwise wouldn’t read. I really did enjoy this one, Jacqui. You’re such a fast reader, I’m sure you could polish this off in no time. The characters were delightful… except for Sarah, of course! Happy Reading, my friend. 🙂
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Although I’ve several complimentary things have been said about Cain and Finn, no one’s ever had anything good to say about Sarah, strangely enough, lol!
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She’s not very personable. Ha ha. Especially as the book progresses. 🙂
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Great review Diana and I find it interesting how Teri Polen got so much knowledge of teenage boys. Perfect study just around you.
I am also squeamish about horror novels but can nonetheless admire people who write them.
Miriam
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Thanks for stopping by, Miriam. I love how all writers are different, with different tastes, interests, and styles. It makes for wonderful variety, and I’ve enjoyed branching out. Have a lovely week and Happy Writing! ❤
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My sons and his friends definitely helped inspire the teenage boy characters, but strangely enough, Miriam, the story was inspired by my black cat hissing at something on the stairs that no one else could see. Perfect studies around me in more ways than one!
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Enjoyed Teri’s guest post! Nice review too… Shaing…
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Thanks, Bette. And thanks for sharing! It really is a fun read, and the horror aspects, though creepy and chilling, aren’t overly gruesome. Have a wonderful week, my friend ❤
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Thanks for stopping by, Bette!
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I love Teri’s last line above: “You never know who’s listening.” Isn’t that the truth? As a mother of two young men, once boys of course, I can relate to the relationship with the boys and their friends. Way to go, Teri, for writing the story. Thanks for sharing, Diana. Great review.
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Thanks, Mary. I imagine you have enjoyed the same teenage boy exposure as Teri. I was a mom of an only child, a girl, so this trip into the brains of teenage boys was riveting! Ha ha. Thanks for stopping by, my friend, and Happy Writing!
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As the mother of boys, I bet you could definitely relate to Cain and Finn, Mary – such fun listening to them and their friends.
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I’m sure I would, Teri. 🙂
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I love good character-driven stories, I’ll have to check this one out!
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It was great, Jacqui. Definitely character-driven, and so clearly from a 17-yr-old point of view. Plenty of suspense and creepiness too. Thanks so much for checking out the post and review. Happy Reading!
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Thanks, Jacquie – hope you enjoy Sarah!
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A stimulating biog and review
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Thanks for the visit, Derrick. Sarah was an entertaining read, and I couldn’t wait to ask Teri about how she came up with such authentic characters. Great fun to read and chilling too. Have a great week. 🙂
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A great review of Teri’s book. I love how she used her experiences with her boys and their friends to create her male character.
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The characters were so quintessential “teenage boy” I was in awe, Darlene. And they were delightful despite the horror and suspense. I just had to ask Teri how she accomplished it. Sarah was a really “fun” book. Thanks for the visit! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Thanks, Darlene – I had a lot of material stored in the vault!
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Hi Diana. Thanks for this mindful review. How fun that you added a mini interview with Teri. She’s a fabulous author. Hugs all around.
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I like adding these mini interview/guest posts with my reviews, Teagan, – a new thing this year, I think. I’m fascinated by the “craft” and how writers do what they do. And I love picking their brains – Teri’s no exception. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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Awww – thanks, my friend. I also enjoy Diana’s mini interviews – allows you to learn a little more about how the stories evolve.
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Like you, I don’t read much horror, since it doesn’t take much to freak me out. 🙂 That said, this was a great review Diana. I’ll pass the recommendation along to my friends who enjoy the genre.
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Thanks, Jill. I seem to be expanding my horizons lately as I read other bloggers’ books. The only one I haven’t jumped into yet is romance. I expect that will be in my future too. 🙂 Thanks for passing on the recommendation!
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LOL… When people ask why I don’t write romance, I tell them that I write fantasy because romance is just too far-fetched. 😉
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Ha ha ha ha. Oh, I love that!! Hee hee. What a great line, Teagan. Thanks for the morning laugh!
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No offence to romance readers/writers. My attitude is probably a side-effect of frog kissing. 😉
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Same here. 🙂 Plus being married on and off for 40+ years. Lol
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A couple of my friends have never read horror, Jill, but they gave Sarah a shot and reported no nightmares, lol!
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Wow! Sounds exactly like what I’d read. I’ve been reading lots of YA horror lately, so I must get this one. Thanks so much for the review! 🙂
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I’ve always been a horror fan. If you haven’t already read their books, some must-read YA horror authors are Kendare Blake (Anna Dressed in Blood) and Rin Chupeco. The Hollow Girl by Hillary Monahan was also a gruesome read.
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Thanks, Teri! I’ve made a note to check out these you’ve suggested. Best wishes with your book, “Sarah”! 🙂
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Thanks, Barbara!
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If you enjoy YA horror, Barbara, I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy this book. Wonderfully written, and Teri has created some immensely likable characters. Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading!
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You’ve given a stellar recommendation, and I will look forward to reading Teri’s book! 🙂
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Thanks so much for your review of Sarah and for having me today, Diana! I’m thrilled (and immensely honored) you enjoyed it.
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My pleasure, Teri! Hopefully we can stir up some interest! Enjoy chatting with everyone 🙂
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[…] love to be able to reblog Diana’s post over at Myths of the Mirror, but since all the reblog buttons have disappeared, I can only provide the link. She has some […]
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Wow! That cover is AMAZING! I wanted to read it before I even read the rest of your post JUST BASED ON THAT! I am a horror junkie and I love that you say this on has very authentic feeling characters because there are many horror novels that don’t seem to have that.. it’s almost like the author thinks “well, you’re going to die anyways, so why give you a real voice and personality!” Lol! I really give Teri kudos for getting the voice right (I mean … who DOES like teenagers. Lol!) but, even with 2 boys herself it doesn’t mean that a lot of parents actually LISTEN! BRAVO TERI! BRAVO! I’ll DEFINITELY be checking this one out!!
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Thanks! I had a fantastic time writing these characters – they gave me some unexpected laughs and with Finn, I honestly didn’t know what would come out of his mouth sometimes. Hope you enjoy Sarah!
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Thanks so much, Nicole. If you’re a horror junkie, this will be a satisfying read. It’s not overly gory, but there are some very creepy scenes. And the teenagers are great – my favorite part. 😀 Happy Reading!
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A wonderful review of Teri’s book, Diana. It is the second great review of this book I have read in a short period.
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I really enjoyed it, Robbie. The level of horror was perfect for me – not overly gory, but chill-worthy. And I loved the characters. I could easily see this as a movie. Thanks for stopping by to read! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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You too, Diana.
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I was asked in an interview who I thought should play the characters if Sarah was ever made into a movie, Diana. It was a fun question, pondering who would be Finn, Cain, and Sarah, but kind of difficult to answer.
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No one pops into my head, but wouldn’t that be fun?? I always like to fantasize about that happening. 🙂
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Great review and love the interview! I have a friend with two boys like that, I should recommend the book to her!
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I have a daughter, Kathryn, so I was totally fascinated by the teenage boy personalities, and how “alien” and yet real they seemed. The relationships were wonderful. Obviously, I highly recommend the book. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to read!
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i haven’t read a horror since ‘a bag of bones’ in my teens, but this one sounds intriguing. authenticity, in my opinion is what makes a story stand out.
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Thanks for stopping by to comment, Jina. The characters felt so authentic to me that I couldn’t stop marveling at Teri’s skill, and they sucked me right into the story. It’s a fun story in a horror sort of way. Lol. Happy Reading, my friend. 🙂
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