I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Flame Tree Press on August 17, 2021
ISBN: 9781787585799
Genres: Fiction, Thrillers, Supernatural, Occult & Supernatural, Horror
Pages: 240
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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"An intense tale reminiscent of classic works by Jack Ketchum or Stephen King" — Booklist
When dreams start bleeding into reality, a social worker is forced to face the mistakes of his past.
A serial killer has found a way to make his land of graveyards a sinister playground to be bent at his sadistic will.
The secrets behind August's eyes will bring two worlds together, and end in a cataclysm of pain and ruin.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
As a firm favorite author, Glenn Rolfe, I was over the moon to be reviewing his new release, August’s Eyes. Dreams that bleed into reality? Reminiscent of Nightmare on Elm Street…yes, please!
John has a great life. Fulfilling career, beautiful wife, a roof over their head. The only thing that is missing from their life is a baby. Sarah longs to complete their family but John feels settled with how they are now. They’ve tried before and he can’t bear to see that hurt etched upon his wife’s face again. Things begin to change for John when he starts having disturbing dreams. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for their content but is the passage of time trying to alert him to something? Dreams are such a weird phenomenon. They feel so real at the time, awakening to confusion and the physiological effects of what our subconscious puts us through. August’s Eyes is an examination of how realities can become blurred, how the brain is our ultimate defense strategy.
These dreams are getting to John. Daily activities like work and interactions with colleagues are affected by the amount of restful sleep he isn’t getting. He just attributes it to stress but when he makes an appointment with Dr. Soctomah, his wife’s therapist, it becomes apparent that his brain is compartmentalizing traumatic events. His sessions with the therapist shake John’s life foundations. John’s memories, pain, and state of mind come over him like the rushing waves of a tsunami.
John’s hometown, Spears Corner has a dark history. It has around twelve graveyards and death is written upon its foundations. A native American tribe resided on land here and ultimately perished at the hands of Spears Corner’s founder. The past has a habit of remembering the deeds committed and John knows this better than anyone.
Glenn Rolfe has this habit of writing seriously creepy characters and August’s Eyes is no exception. His words are as heavy as lead and the narrative is heavy with potential. It is the perfect storm of angst. The story is emotive and a true depiction of how the human condition is the real evil lurking in the dark shadows. Rolfe has a repertoire of cunning and depravity and he isn’t hesitant to subject his readers to a fresh helping.
August’s Eyes was a superb read, which I read in intense excitement. I savored every dark word.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’ve been writing for the better part of the last ten years. All of my works are in the horror genre, but I don’t mind stretching into mystery, thriller, or even westerns. I spent my twenties playing in a number of punk rock bands, I’m a huge fan of hair metal, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift (no shame in this game). A father of three, and a proud hospitality worker, I’ve been watching horror movies since before I should, and will devour all King, Laymon, Keene, and Malfi books… #LeisureBooks4Life
Linda Moore
Very nice review.
This book sounds intriguing.
Thanks for sharing.