Review: The Screams You Hear by James Morris

Title: Screams You Hear

Author: James Morris

Publisher: Inkspot Imaginarium

Publishing Date: January 8th, 2018

Pages: 275
Audio Length: N/A

Genre: YA Horror

Series: Standalone

Source: E-book

 

Murder and madness infect a small town

For sixteen-year-old Ruthie Stroud, life on tiny Hemlock Island in the Pacific Northwest is an endless sea of boring green, in a place where everybody knows everybody’s business and nothing ever happens. Then her world is ripped apart when her parents divorce and a new man enters her mother’s life. But worse is yet to come.

When she drifts ashore on the mainland, hideously burned, Ruthie has a harrowing tale to tell. It begins with the murder of a family. It ends with her being the sole survivor of a cataclysm that sweeps her little island. As a detective attempts to unravel Ruthie’s story of murder and madness, only one horrifying conclusion can be drawn: whatever was isolated on remote Hemlock Island may now have come to the mainland. Is Ruthie safe? Is anyone?

What made me pick this book up: 

I read a review about it on another blog and it sounded awesome.

What did I like about the cover: 

I love the creepiness of it. I think it fits the book so well!

What made me read this book: 

Like I said, I read a review on it and I just had to read it. 

What did I like the most: 

Oh man where do I even start with this one?

Literally from the moment I started this book it drug me in. I didn't want to put it down.

The story is really good and unique. I can't think of many other books where the adults all go crazy and start killing the kids. 

It's terrifying and creepy and just all around horrific. And that right there is what makes this book so worth it.

The author does a really great job at making everything so realistic, and graphic that it's believable and you can actually picture it. But it wasn't over the top and gross. 

There was a few cringe worthy parts. But like I said, it's not over the top. 

He also does such a great job painting the scene, for everything. I actually felt like I was watching it in front of me at times.

This book made me feel so many things. Fear, surprise, disgust, sadness. 

The characters are really well written and likable. It surprised me how they learned to survive.

And the ending. Oh my God that ending! I can't go into details because spoilers. But holy cow.

What didn't I like: 

I can't really say there's anything I don't like. It's really amazing.

Would I read the rest of the series/more from this author?
Yes! So much yes!

A really great horror book that just draws you in from the beginning.

“She nods and closes her notebook. "You were very brave."
"I wouldn't call what we did brave."
"What then?"
I think a while and say the only thing that makes sense.
"Necessary.” 
― James Morris, Screams You Hear

James Morris is a former television writer who now works in digital media. When not writing, you can find him scoping out the latest sushi spot, watching 'House Hunters Renovation', or trying new recipes in the kitchen. He lives with his wife and dog in Los Angeles.