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bmacenlightened's review against another edition
4.0
Creepy as Hell
Urban legends have been done a lot. But coming up with an unusual one with s different set up gave this novella enough uniqueness. And, the fact that the whole thing was creepy as hell.
Urban legends have been done a lot. But coming up with an unusual one with s different set up gave this novella enough uniqueness. And, the fact that the whole thing was creepy as hell.
lkkirk75's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
icameheretoread's review against another edition
4.0
I'm reading all of the noms for the Ladies of Horror Fiction 2020 awards. So far I'm loving reading these short, horrific novellas in July. Who knew?
The Ladderman is a deadly thing that comes to take lives when a chant is sung. This had some super spooky moments. I can't remember the last time I read something that didn't really have a main character, but it really works here (otherwise how could we be with certain characters when the Ladderman comes for them?) It reads like a horror movie.
It's very fast-paced and starts off running. Would I like for it to be longer and to get to know the characters a little better? Maybe. I'll have to see what else Archer has in the future.
The Ladderman is a deadly thing that comes to take lives when a chant is sung. This had some super spooky moments. I can't remember the last time I read something that didn't really have a main character, but it really works here (otherwise how could we be with certain characters when the Ladderman comes for them?) It reads like a horror movie.
It's very fast-paced and starts off running. Would I like for it to be longer and to get to know the characters a little better? Maybe. I'll have to see what else Archer has in the future.
findingmontauk1's review against another edition
5.0
Fans of horror with a touch of urban legend will enjoy this novella. I do not know if The Ladderman is a real tale or not, but I would place him up there with Candyman and Bloody Mary in terms of being able to scare, threaten, and cause harm!
The opening chapter pulls us right in on a stormy night and a frantic woman. And nothing will slow down from that moment until the final pages of the story. There are some really cool and unique death scenes in this one - some that I would not even wish on my worst enemies!
All in all, I think this is a great story packed with chilling horror. I definitely want more from Angela Archer. 4.5 stars and rounded up for Goodreads!
The opening chapter pulls us right in on a stormy night and a frantic woman. And nothing will slow down from that moment until the final pages of the story. There are some really cool and unique death scenes in this one - some that I would not even wish on my worst enemies!
All in all, I think this is a great story packed with chilling horror. I definitely want more from Angela Archer. 4.5 stars and rounded up for Goodreads!
lilyn_g's review against another edition
3.0
There were many elements I liked about Curse of the Ladderman. It has all the feel of one of those ridiculous horror movies that you hate to love and love to hate. It reminded me in some ways of The Bye-Bye Man. The author does a great job of throwing you in the deep end with everything that's happening and she packs a lot of action into about seventy pages. It kept me engaged the entire read.
However, the writing is choppy. The author mixes British and American terms, sometimes on the same page (metal torch, ten foot wall). The cops basically skip the disbelief stage and go straight to "Yeah, we believe you, and look, we even know the myth as to why." For keeping the pace rapid, it works well, for making the story believable (at least believable as a story like this can be), it doesn't work too well.
Still, it was a fun read and I'd check out more from the author in the future.
Source: I received a copy of this book for review consideration via my work in LOHF.
However, the writing is choppy. The author mixes British and American terms, sometimes on the same page (metal torch, ten foot wall). The cops basically skip the disbelief stage and go straight to "Yeah, we believe you, and look, we even know the myth as to why." For keeping the pace rapid, it works well, for making the story believable (at least believable as a story like this can be), it doesn't work too well.
Still, it was a fun read and I'd check out more from the author in the future.
Source: I received a copy of this book for review consideration via my work in LOHF.
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