Boys in the Valley is a thrilling novel that starts the story off with a horrific scene that will remain forever seared in young Peter’s mind. In the span of a few breaths, he will find himself not only an orphan but homeless as well. His future? St. Vincent’s Orphanage for Boys. He thinks that his future in life will be that of a priest. To assume the role of caretaker for young orphaned boys like himself, but to give them better than what he is currently experiencing. But will he stay the path when his mind is teased aside by that of the lovely young girl who lives down the road at the neighboring farm?

Page by page you will find yourself immersed in the story with various characters. When the author is focusing on young Peter the story transitions to the first person. When it is focusing on one of the other characters – Father Andrew, Johnson, David, or one of the other children at the orphanage, you are viewing the story from the third person. There aren’t any identifying indications of these changes (of who is the current focus), but it keeps you on your toes. It keeps you engaged because you really don’t know who is going to be the current focus unless the character says “I.”

The author’s attention to detail concerning the turn of the century element is well done. You are able to conjure images in your mind of how things must have been back then. No electricity, no cars, and no technology to speak of, and everything must be managed with hard work. You either worked hard and earned your keep, or you simply went without. This was a particular lesson impressed upon the boys and something that they accepted, but not without some resentments.

It takes some time for the horror to strike, but when it does – it will grip you by the throat. It comes in the middle of the night. A storm is brewing, promising snow, and a frigid winter. Horrors not too far from them have been conjured into this world. An innocent – taken. A not so innocent – damaged, but still among the living. The thing that rides him – determined to spread its poison…no matter the cost. The author lulls you into a sense of calm before pouncing with a brutality that leaves you shaken. When a particular scene in the night plays – you will KNOW that something terrible is going to happen. The question simply is – who will succumb and who will stand strong? Evil has a way of choosing those it will take, leaving the rest to be devoured. Page by page this story unfolds and with each turn of the page this novel’s grip will only tighten. There will be moments when its grip will loosen but don’t get comfortable. Never get comfortable. Because just when you least expect it – that grip will tighten once again and hold you in its thrall.

The characters who really stand out in this book are Andrew (Father Francis), and Peter. Peter is the main focus of the story because he has a large part to play. He himself has no idea just how big, but he will in time. Andrew because he is dynamically different from the rest of the priests at the orphanage. While the others are older and less sensitive toward the children, Andrew holds compassion and empathy toward them. These characters stand out in the positive, but there is one who stands out in a less-than-positive light. While Father Poole is less empathetic he commands your attention nonetheless. He is rigid, and at times cruel, but once you learn a few things about him – well, you’ll understand a little all too well.

True to form Philip Fracassi brings the horror. While these are children, he makes a point of saying that even horror touches the youngest of us all. No one escapes when evil makes its way into the world and seeks victims to devour. You will find yourself constantly hoping for the best but know this – always expect the worst.

This book may be a “coming-of-age” novel, but that is purely for the young characters found within its grip. This novel is horror through and through. Delicious horror that will have you on the edge of your seat, eyes bugging out of your head, and your jaw on the floor. When you get down to it, you can trust only a few, because in this book – trust will get you killed.

Pros:

·         Gripping storyline.

·         Attention to detail.

·         Suspenseful

·         Page-turner

·         Thrilling

Cons:

• None

Lesson of the story: When evil shows its face, dismiss the human face it shows. What once was is no more.

Cover Score: 9.0/10

Book Score: 9.0/10

Get your books on Amazon / UK || Goodreads || Author’s Site || Water Stones Publishing

Subscribe to get reviews in your inbox weekly