unwrappingwords's review
5.0
Full review on Dead Head Reviews
In the Scrape is a coming of age story, reminiscent of Stephen King. At points, it feels like one of King’s more grounded tales, though much more tightly packed. The two authors involved have put together a story that feels familiar, yet has their own unique spin on it. The twists in the story feel natural, but the reader is still kept on the edge of their seat, wondering if it’s heading in the direction they think it is. It’s one of those stories that manages to get you right into the head of the main character, rooting for them as they move along, understanding every action they take, even when it’s downright stupid.
In the Scrape is a coming of age story, reminiscent of Stephen King. At points, it feels like one of King’s more grounded tales, though much more tightly packed. The two authors involved have put together a story that feels familiar, yet has their own unique spin on it. The twists in the story feel natural, but the reader is still kept on the edge of their seat, wondering if it’s heading in the direction they think it is. It’s one of those stories that manages to get you right into the head of the main character, rooting for them as they move along, understanding every action they take, even when it’s downright stupid.
jimbob_luke's review
5.0
James Newman and Mark Steensland have knocked the ball out of the park with this collaboration. This heart wrenching coming of age tale hits you in the feels. With short chapters and perfect prose I kept reading until I finished, pulse pounding, in one sitting. Highly recommended.
- Danny
- Danny
prophit718's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
readbydusk's review against another edition
4.0
This is an engrossing, heartbreaking novella about two brothers who yearn to escape their abusive father. I love the relationship between Jake and Matthew. Their love and care for each other shines in every page. Jake, as the older brother, tries his hardest to protect Matthew from their father and the local bully, Caleb. But odds are against them, and I found myself rooting for them to get away from their terrible situation. When their father takes them to a hunting trip and all hell breaks loose, it made for a frightful and shocking climax to the story.
I couldn't tell that two writers had a hand in this because of the seamless and concise writing. The chapters are brief and the story takes place over one week so it moves fast. If there's one thing I could pick on is that I wish the story doesn't allude to the fate of the characters early on. I think it would have made for a more suspenseful read if we have no idea what happens to them until the end. But I really enjoyed this great coming-of-age story about the horror of abuse and the strength in the brothers' relationship.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
book blog | twitter | instagram
I couldn't tell that two writers had a hand in this because of the seamless and concise writing. The chapters are brief and the story takes place over one week so it moves fast. If there's one thing I could pick on is that I wish the story doesn't allude to the fate of the characters early on. I think it would have made for a more suspenseful read if we have no idea what happens to them until the end. But I really enjoyed this great coming-of-age story about the horror of abuse and the strength in the brothers' relationship.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
book blog | twitter | instagram
spookyoctopusreads's review
5.0
You know when you finish reading a book and you love it so much and you're just inflated with all kinds of emotion? That's me with this book right here. Seriously, what a great coming-of-age, suspenseful, relatable, and emotional novella.
I was so impressed with the character development in this story. The relationship between the brothers was so real and authentic. I found myself getting very invested in their story and rooting for their escape from their ruthless father. The father was a character that I loved to hate, but he was a complicated character. There were times when I understood some of the things he said or did, and these times were glimmers of the good father he could have been, but then there were other times that I truly wanted something terrible to happen to him. His alcohol infused cruelty that left his sons cowering in their beds waiting for him to just pass out really got to me. However, as much as these characters ripped at my heart and made me run the gamut of emotions, they were so very well-written. This story made my heart ache, had me smiling, had me filled with rage, and had me downright scared. I commend Newman and Steensland for being able to elicit so many emotions from readers in such a brief story. If you like your horror with a side of emotion, this is totally for you!
4.5/5 - My only complaint lies in the epilogue of the story. It read like one of those "where are they now" portions of a movie or TV show where the writers sum up how everyone has moved on with their lives after the traumatic events they experienced. I just don't enjoy those types of endings. In most stories, I would much rather not have everything all neatly wrapped up for me. Leave me turning that last page, with my jaw dropped, reassuring myself that everyone will get their own deserved form of karma.
**Thank you Silver Shamrock Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I was so impressed with the character development in this story. The relationship between the brothers was so real and authentic. I found myself getting very invested in their story and rooting for their escape from their ruthless father. The father was a character that I loved to hate, but he was a complicated character. There were times when I understood some of the things he said or did, and these times were glimmers of the good father he could have been, but then there were other times that I truly wanted something terrible to happen to him. His alcohol infused cruelty that left his sons cowering in their beds waiting for him to just pass out really got to me. However, as much as these characters ripped at my heart and made me run the gamut of emotions, they were so very well-written. This story made my heart ache, had me smiling, had me filled with rage, and had me downright scared. I commend Newman and Steensland for being able to elicit so many emotions from readers in such a brief story. If you like your horror with a side of emotion, this is totally for you!
4.5/5 - My only complaint lies in the epilogue of the story. It read like one of those "where are they now" portions of a movie or TV show where the writers sum up how everyone has moved on with their lives after the traumatic events they experienced. I just don't enjoy those types of endings. In most stories, I would much rather not have everything all neatly wrapped up for me. Leave me turning that last page, with my jaw dropped, reassuring myself that everyone will get their own deserved form of karma.
**Thank you Silver Shamrock Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
wellwortharead's review
5.0
Jake and Matthew have not seen their mother for years. They live in constant fear of beatings from their abusive alcoholic father. Jake longs for the day that he will have enough money to take his little brother and run away to find their mom in California, never believing their father that it is their fault she ran off. The relationship between the brothers, and Jake's fierce desire to protect Matthew is palpable. It made me wish I could rip them from the book and rescue them myself.
When Jake is finally ready to implement his plan, outside forces conspire against them and ugly truths long hidden, come to light.
I received a complimentary copy for review
When Jake is finally ready to implement his plan, outside forces conspire against them and ugly truths long hidden, come to light.
I received a complimentary copy for review
meinfulleffect's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
rodsreads's review
5.0
All the stars!
It’s past midnight as I sit here, trying to gather my thoughts to write this review. Not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I was blown away by this story.
There’s something magical about coming of age stories — the well-executed ones, at least. They have such moving power, it’s quite hard to explain. If you get what I mean, then you know it.
What James and Mark did here is pure magic!
The writing is flawless, the story is as engaging as it gets, and it will haunt you (even when you’re not reading it).
Let me give you a taste:
“In The Scrape” is a story about two young brothers, Matthew and Jake.
We witness the struggles and misadventures of the boys, as they go on about their lives while dealing with their abusive father.
They secretly plan to run away and go live with their mom. Which, according to their father, left the boys behind when she moved to California.
Not everything goes according to plan!
And that’s pretty much all I’ll be able to tell you.
This book packs such a punch in its 100 or so pages.
It was my first time reading both authors, need I say it won’t my last?
Go on, read this one as soon as you can!
Huge thanks to Silver Shamrock Publishing and NetGalley for sending me a copy of the book to review.
It’s past midnight as I sit here, trying to gather my thoughts to write this review. Not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I was blown away by this story.
There’s something magical about coming of age stories — the well-executed ones, at least. They have such moving power, it’s quite hard to explain. If you get what I mean, then you know it.
What James and Mark did here is pure magic!
The writing is flawless, the story is as engaging as it gets, and it will haunt you (even when you’re not reading it).
Let me give you a taste:
“The sky is the color of concrete… gray as far as the eye can see, like the walls of a maximum-security prison or, worse yet, summer school. It is a sky that holds the threat of rain, maybe even the first snow of the season. The air is cold. The trees are bare and black, like the silhouettes of skeletal hands reaching toward the heavens. Fog swirls about on the forest floor, like ghosts gathered here to conspire about things only the dead can know.”
“In The Scrape” is a story about two young brothers, Matthew and Jake.
We witness the struggles and misadventures of the boys, as they go on about their lives while dealing with their abusive father.
They secretly plan to run away and go live with their mom. Which, according to their father, left the boys behind when she moved to California.
Not everything goes according to plan!
And that’s pretty much all I’ll be able to tell you.
This book packs such a punch in its 100 or so pages.
It was my first time reading both authors, need I say it won’t my last?
Go on, read this one as soon as you can!
Huge thanks to Silver Shamrock Publishing and NetGalley for sending me a copy of the book to review.