Howl-O-Ween

Rating:
Summary: The title says it all...
Review: I mean really, Howl-O-Ween? I cannot imagine someone dumb enough to name a fantasy horror this, A children's book, maybe. This book could actually take you months to read, all due to complete boredom. The story is lousy, and is not helped the writing. I can only imagine a ninth grade creative writing project turning out worse than this. If you need a horror fix, look ANYWHERE else. I picked this up on a whim at a 'just a buck' store, and I would like my money back.

Rating:
Summary: The Reluctant Werewolf
Review: I read a lot of horror fiction --- and I mean a LOT of horror fiction, so when I say I like something, I'm comparing it to all the other things I've read.

HOWL-O-WEEN is better than anything I've read by Stephen King (except, maybe, The Stand). It has characters you care about, become involved with, and want to throttle sometimes for their stupidity. The plot is smooth and flawless, edge of the seat stuff that makes it tough to put down. I'm usually forced to read a book through several sittings because of my schedule. HOWL-O-WEEN I was able to get through much more quickly.

The Baron Samedi shaman was a marvelous, though understated villain. His minions struck just the right balance between subservience and suspicion, never quite getting out of hand. The villain's motivation was refreshingly well defined. He wanted to live.

That the protagonist really had no idea what was going on through most of the book was an excellent plot device. The werewolf device was not overdone, another good judgment.

If you want to read a werewolf novel in the Lon Chaney vein, this is it.

Rating:
Summary: A Howl of a book!
Review: If you are a werewolf fan, you are going to love it! Gary Holleman makes this reading a thrilling expierence by interweaving voodoo with the lycanthrope. Being a native Memphian added another wonderful plus, but no matter where you live, this one is sure to keep you freaked!