05/19/2008: Dread Central
The first thing that struck me about Bloodstone that sets it apart from most horror books I’ve been reading recently is that all of our main characters come to the story dealing with some pretty terrible things from their past…that’s a refreshing change from characters that start out normal and are thrust into a horrible situation. This allows Bloodstone to start out very ominous and never really let up on that atmosphere, which is important when you want to make sure your readers are always on edge. Kenyon manages to build this tension throughout the book in a very natural way and shows the storytelling skills of someone who’s been at it a lot longer than he actually has.
-DREAD CENTRAL (3.5 stars)
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05/05/2008: The Horror Review
“A very impressive first novel. Nate Kenyon shows a lot of promise among the horror elite. Bloodstone is a very well written, detailed story that will really keep you thinking all the way to the end of the book. It’s a book for horror fans who like to get really deep in the history of characters and the mystery that surrounds them.”
-THE HORROR REVIEW
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05/04/2008: Book Hunters
“In “Bloodstone” Nate Kenyon has written a classic horror story of high caliber. The reader is easily immersed in the mystery of the correlation between the founding fathers of the town and the current residents and it becomes obvious that evil never dies… it just waits for the right circumstances to surface again. Kenyon has such a brilliant command of words that the elaborate descriptions of people, places and events seems so thorough and natural as if the reader witnessed the events themselves. It is good to see horror taken back to its basic and most chilling form.”
-BOOK HUNTERS
allthesebooks.com
03/05/2008: Graeme’s Book Review
“Kenyon does a very good job of building up preconceptions only to knock them down when you least expect it. Certain revelations came as a real shock to the system and it is really interesting (in retrospect) to look back and compare the story Kenyon has written to the one that you thought you were reading…some strong characterisation, with ongoing themes of redemption and revenge, serve to give the plot a solid base to sit on as well as making the horror scenes all the more surreal and horrifying…If you’re a horror fan then ‘Bloodstone’ is a book you should be checking out sooner rather than later!”
Nine out of Ten
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www.graemesfantasybookreview.com/2008/02/bloodstone-nate-kenyon-leisure-fiction.html
03/03/2007: Gary Braunbeck
“[Kenyon’s] writing style is so clean, his confidence in his story so strong, and his overall narrative arc so compelling…Your time will most definitely not be wasted with [his] excellent debut.”
–GARY BRAUNBECK, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Prodigal Blues, Keepers and In Silent Graves
10/17/2006: Cemetery Dance
“In a voice reminiscent of Stephen King in the days of Salem’s Lot, Nate Kenyon has given us a debut novel laced with terror and filled with ancient secrets…It is very easy to get to know Kenyon’s characters, and once you know them, you have to care. What is most remarkable is that this is a first novel. The prose is smooth; the plot is complex, and tight. The pacing is good, and the interaction between the story, its characters, and the world around them is believable…
Tense and entertaining, this is one of the strongest debut novels to come along in years. Highly recommended.”
- CEMETERY DANCE
10/03/2006: Jonathan Maberry
“Bloodstone by Nate Kenyon gives the state of Maine another reason to fear the dark. Atmospheric, creepy and fun, Bloodstone delivers the spooky goods!”
–JONATHAN MABERRY, author of Ghost Road Blues and Vampire Universe
09/13/2006: Lincoln County Weekly
Reading “Bloodstone,” Nate Kenyon’s debut novel, is a lot like taking a vacation inside a pressure cooker. From the prologue to the final pages, the reader is drawn through a scary, intense world full of damaged but redeemable characters, disturbing imagery, a cursed amulet, the living dead and forbidden love. For Maine readers, the book may be particularly scary, as they will recognize many locations described by the author, himself a Maine native. This familiarity brings the horror that much closer to home.
In the classic tradition of such horror greats as Stephen King and Peter Straub, Nate Kenyon has created the fictional town of White Falls, Maine, one of the prettiest villages you would never want to call home. White Falls is a town with a secret, which is only completely revealed to the reader in the novel’s climactic ending. The novel spans centuries, starting with the terrible corruption of one of White Falls founding fathers. Drawn to Maine by his own nightmares, Billy Smith is a pawn in an ancient game over which he seemingly has no control. His partner in this adventure is a West Coast drug addict, a beautiful but lost girl named Angel.
Kenyon’s true gift lies in his ability to terrify readers without resorting to graphic gore. While there are a few bloody messes over the course of the novel, by and large it is in Kenyon’s subtlety that the real horror lies. Kenyon’s characters seem like real people, fragile, flawed, but most of all loving. “Bloodstone” is a horror novel, but it is also a novel about love and redemption, about letting go of the past and becoming the hero of your own life.
Nate Kenyon may not be a household name yet, but if “Bloodstone” is any indication, he is on his way. Horror fans everywhere can look forward to Kenyon’s next effort. Let’s hope he doesn’t keep us waiting for too long.
05/02/2006: Necropsy: The Review of Horror Fiction
“The ideal vacation destination White Falls would not be, but it is the perfect setting for Nate Kenyon’s Bloodstone, a chilling tale of classic horror in which the portals of the underworld open up in an otherwise unremarkable small town…Kenyon may have been influenced by the greats, but his talent as an individual is unmistakable.”
-Danielle Conklin
NECROPSY: The Review of Horror Fiction
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02/16/2006: Chizine
“It’s always exciting when a first novel signals a career on the rise, a writer to follow, and a talent to enjoy. Bloodstone is one such first novel, perhaps not perfect in every way, but well plotted and well-executed. In fact, it’s an enviable first novel because it gets so many things right….Kenyon delivers—his portrayals of small-town life and small-town evil are dead-on.
Vivid references to guilt, penance, and redemption, duty, and familial obligations, all grant the narrative an additional moral layer of meaning….a striking, atmospheric first novel that’s just perfect for those who prefer their horror cerebral rather than graphic.”
- William Gagliani
CHIZINE
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02/16/2006: Fangoria
“Kenyon calls into question the makeup of evil itself, and whether it resides in one person, one spirit or perhaps an entire town…he breathes fresh life into [familiar material] with his complicated characters. His writing is not sensational or obvious, giving some credit to the reader by not handing over all the chills on a silver platter.
“While it certainly reads as a horror novel, complete with a satisfyingly unexpected plot twist, Bloodstone is ultimately a story of love and redemption, giving the reader more to chew on than the average exercise in fright.”
- FANGORIA
02/12/2006: The Romance Studio
“Bloodstone is destined for greatness. I would not be surprised if this story made its way to the big screen…the horrors these two characters face is unimaginable. From their horrid dreams to the realization of their true destiny, this hero and heroine are brought to life with such inspiration and strength. Keep a mindful eye open as you read through the pages of Bloodstone, for nothing is as it seems. The storyline is strong and kept me guessing…from the first page, Kenyon grabbed my attention and kept my interest peaked…what classic horror was destined to be.”
- Jamie Martin
THE ROMANCE STUDIO
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02/07/2006: Book of Dark Wisdom
“What sets Bloodstone apart from horror novels in its class is that the demons are found within the characters themselves…how the characters deal with these inner demons, and the decisions they make as a result, is what hurtles this book to its shocking conclusion. Bloodstone delivers strong writing, well-developed characters, and a gripping story that demonstrates Kenyon can produce a captivating novel. Nate Kenyon is definitely a new horror author to watch.”
- BOOK OF DARK WISDOM
02/03/2006: Edge New England
“Bloodstone is an epic horror romp, complete with dusty old manor houses and grotesque family histories. More than being a well-organized genre story that checks all the right boxes, though, Kenyon’s debut novel is also a festival of fright…the result is eerie, poingnant, and ultimately wrenching. Well-paced but never too obvious — the twists blindside you with jarring force — Bloodstone is a well-told tale that would bring a chill around even the brightest campfire. Kenyon explores humanity’s emotional shadows with delicacy and intensity in a book that is as accessible as an old-fashioned horror movie, but as nuanced as a novel ought to be.”
- Kilian Melloy
EDGE NEW ENGLAND
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02/01/2006: Romantic Times Magazine
“…an enjoyable read…the characters are strange in this dark and disturbing book, and the voices guiding them are even stranger, but it fits together into a horrific tale…”
- ROMANTIC TIMES MAGAZINE
02/01/2006: Fantasy Book Spot
“A well-written debut…never during the course of this book did I feel the pace falter, even when the plot focuses on key characters in the town…a nice twist on a familiar theme. Good strong, well written characters, and creepy atmospheric scenes.”
- FANTASY BOOK SPOT
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01/30/2006: Kealan Patrick Burke
“Do yourself a favor and pick up Nate Kenyon’s Bloodstone…[a] quality read!”
-KEALAN PATRICK BURKE,, Bram Stoker award-winning author of The Turtle Boy, The Hides, and Vessels; award-winning editor of Taverns of the Dead
01/18/2006: About . com
“Bloodstone surprised me more then once…just when the plot lines seemed to be spinning out of control the author, masterfully, pulled it all back again. The climax was exciting and unexpected…Kenyon is one to watch.”
- ABOUT.COM
01/18/2006: Specromonline
“Bloodstone is a wonderfully chilling evil ghost story, complete with the dead rising and taking revenge on the hypocritical living. If you like that kind of stuff — and wow, do I! — the novel delivers. Buy this exceptional novel and read the shocker of a twist yourself…here’s a clue to the speculative romance industry: get yourself a copy and take some notes.”
-Joyce Ellen Armond
SPECROMONLINE
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01/12/2006: Romance Reviews Today
“A gripping novel that relies on intelligent writing to send chills down one’s spine, rather than flat-out gore. And it works. Mr. Kenyon’s storytelling is fresh, his voice strong and creative, and readers won’t want to put this book down. Be sure to keep the lights on even after you finish Bloodstone, because Nate Kenyon’s first book will linger after the last word is read.”
- Courtney Michelle
ROMANCE REVIEWS TODAY
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01/04/2006: Apex Digest
“Bloodstone is a vivid, moody, and at times startling novel; a very good start to what will hopefully be a prolific career.”
- APEX DIGEST
12/13/2005: Library Journal
“Kenyon’s horror debut evokes an atmosphere of small-town claustrophobia…with a final twist worthy of V.C. Andrews, this tale of classic horror belongs in large libraries.”
- LIBRARY JOURNAL
12/12/2005: Shield & Diamond Magazine
“[Kenyon is] challenging such authors as Stephen King and Anne Rice for the spooky heavyweight title…a tale of well-paced terror that ends with a satisfying bump in the night.”
– SHIELD & DIAMOND MAGAZINE
12/04/2005: Horror World
“A dark thrill ride, layered in an atmosphere of dreamlike unease and disturbing imagery… characters that are so three-dimensional they threaten to step off the page…a debut that will live on in your nightmares long after you’ve finished it.”
- HORROR WORLD
11/21/2005: Horror Web
“The final 50 pages are outstanding and contain such an incredible revelation that the ending is not soon forgotten…the author was able to create such a plot twist, that it gave me goose bumps.”
— HORROR WEB
11/17/2005: Horror Channel
“A solid first novel by any standard…one part ghost story, one part spiritual journey, and one part Our Town rolled up into a neat package. Nate Kenyon is a writer to be watched.”
— THE HORROR CHANNEL
11/14/2005: Brian Keene
“Kenyon’s style has echoes of early Stephen King. Crisp prose and straightforward storytelling make Bloodstone a must-read!”
— BRIAN KEENE, Bram Stoker award-winning author of Terminal, The Rising, and City of the Dead
11/10/2005: Midwest Book Review
“Reminiscent of Salem’s Lot, Bloodstone is a terrifying horror novel that is action oriented yet doesn’t neglect the development of the characters that come across as believable to the audience. Even ghosts take on a new dimension in this chilling tale as Nate Kenyon’s concept of what they are is both original and frightening. This is the kind of horror novel that will make readers want to sleep with all the lights in the neighborhood shining brightly.”
—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
11/06/2005: Publisher’s Weekly
“Stephen King’s influence is apparent in Kenyon’s debut spooker…an impressive panoramic sweep that shows the horrors manifesting subtly and insidiously through the experiences of a large cast of characters.”
— PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY
10/13/2005: Rick Hautala
“Nate Kenyon’s debut novel has the goods and delivers them. There are chills and suspense and gripping action with characters you come to know and care about. A fully satisfying read that will hook you from page one and leave you shivering with delicious fear.”
— RICK HAUTALA, bestselling author of The White Room, Looking Glass, and Follow (as A. J. MATTHEWS)
09/01/2005: Douglas Clegg
“A dark, disturbing, white-knuckler of a page-turner!”
— DOUGLAS CLEGG, author of The Priest of Blood and Afterlife; Bram Stoker and Horror Guild Award winner
06/15/2005: Mort Castle
“Lasting horror stories explore dread and despair, regrets and wrong-turnings, that “heavy emptiness” that paradoxically fills the soul. Ultimately, then, they also explore penance and yearning, atonement and peace.
“Meet Billy Smith, a pilgrim on the Road to Redemption. In assured prose that eschews the tawdry and respects the reader and his characters, Kenyon’s ghost story shares the pain and promise of what it means to be human … Bloodstone is the genuine article.”
— MORT CASTLE, Editor, Writing Horror (Horror Writers of America); 4-Time Bram Stoker Award Nominee
06/01/2005: Tim Lebbon
“Bloodstone is a stunning debut. The writing is smooth and refined, the imagery striking and vivid, and Kenyon proves adept at involving the reader and dragging him or her along for a very dark, very disturbing ride.”
— TIM LEBBON, Bram Stoker and British Fantasy award-winning author of Face, Desolation and Berserk
05/01/2005: William Landay
“Bloodstone is chilling, a terrific debut with shades of Stephen King and Jim Thompson. Nate Kenyon’s gripping, eerie novel will keep you up till three—and sleeping with the light on thereafter.”
— WILLIAM LANDAY, John Creasey Memorial Dagger Award-winning author of Mission Flats
01/17/2005: Gordon Aalborg
“An excellent tale…the plotting and pacing kept the story moving along, disbelief was all too easily suspended, and it came to a satisfying conclusion with all the threads tied up. Well done!”
— GORDON AALBORG, Author of The Specialist and 20 other bestelling novels (as Victoria Gordon)
