Monday Book Review - Horns

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation. I hope you've got your reading goggles at the ready, because this one is going to knock your socks off! And no, in answer to your question, there is no such thing as reading goggles. I made them up. You're welcome.

HORNS by Joe Hill

 

After a truly horrible night Iggy can barely remember, he wakes up with more than a hangover. He has horns growing from his forehead. It seems fitting, given that the love of his life was raped and murdered a year ago that he should have a breakdown, or at least that's what he assumes is happening. But the horns are not a hallucination, and they come with very strange powers he can't explain. Powers that could be put to use...

I can't say enough good things about this book. It's like hands reached out from between the pages and grabbed me, pulling me in and refusing to let me go. It was one of those books that make you cancel plans, because the thought of having to put it down, even for an hour or two is more than you can bear. Of course it was brilliantly written, that's a given, but I'm not lying when I say it had me captive from the first paragraph. 

What was my favourite part about this book? I think the originality of the plot for one, the idea of waking up with horns on your head is just too intriguing to ignore, but more than that, it was the way the plot was structured. The flow of the story was perfect, so well paced, the flashbacks and character reveals so cleverly done. I also enjoyed the fresh take on the idea of the devil and the role he plays on each of our shoulders.

Definitely pick this one up, it's a devilishly good read. (I know. I couldn't help myself).

Don't forget to leave your own book recommendations and comments in the comments section below!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Flame

Ah, Friday! Take a deep breath in. Do you smell that? It's the smell of freedom. Freedom, and Five Sentence Fiction. Yes, it's that time of week again, that special day where I attempt to tell a story in just five sentences. If you'd like to learn more about it, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. This week's prompt is flame, which was especially fitting because I just finished reading HORNS by Joe Hill, a truly remarkable book. I'll be discussing it on Monday for my Monday Book Review so stay tuned for that! (Read the review here) But enough chit chat, let's get to it. Enjoy!

I came to with a shudder, the pain already vivid, coursing along my nerve endings like fire. I could see him standing over me, a blurred shadow from between eyelids nearly swollen shut, could smell the gasoline as he doused me with it. I didn't have much left, every limb heavy, tired of fighting, but I took what I had and coiled it inside me like a spring; when he got close, ready to light the match, I reached out and pulled his legs out from under him, sending him down into the puddles of gasoline.
He didn't respond well to my efforts, kicking me hard in the face as he got back up, smirking as he pulled a gun out of his jacket, pointed it at my face and whispered, "good bye, old friend."
I shook my head as I pulled the lighter from my pocket, "no point saying goodbye darling, you're coming with me."

Voila! I hope you enjoyed this little piece of fiction. If you'd like to read past week's editions, just follow the links below. If you really liked it, I hope you'll share it with friends and perhaps follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. Either way, thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Conquer
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Paradise
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Whisper
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Empty