'Ghoul' by Brian Keene is a horror novel that follows three boys, Timmy, Doug, and Barry, as they navigate through a summer filled with mysterious disappearances, a decaying cemetery, and sinister forces lurking beneath the graveyard. The story delves into sensitive themes such as abuse, both physical and sexual, and the loss of innocence as the boys uncover dark secrets while facing both supernatural and human monsters. Keene's writing style captures the essence of childhood adventures in the 1980s, building a strong connection with the young protagonists and immersing readers in a tale of terror and emotional turmoil.

Characters:

The protagonists are relatable and complex, while supporting characters lack depth, often appearing as mere obstacles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is vivid and engaging, with a blend of pop culture references that can sometimes feel heavy-handed but generally maintains reader interest.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around three boys uncovering a ghoul in their cemetery, addressing themes of innocence, trauma, and the intersection of fantasy and reality.

Setting:

The setting is a small town in the 1980s, characterized by a graveyard that serves as the focal point of both play and horror.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly fast, especially in the climax, although certain parts may drag due to forced elements.

It was the first day of summer vacation, and Timmy Graco' s mind swam with the possibilities. Excitement and fun and really cool adventures awaited him for the next three months. There were miles of f...

Notes:

The story is set in the 1980s and revolves around three boys on the cusp of adolescence.

The boys create a secret clubhouse in a cemetery, where they hang out and explore.

A ghoul is unleashed in the cemetery, leading to disturbing events, such as disappearances and deaths.

Each boy has a troubled home life, revealing deeper themes of abuse and neglect.

The adult characters are often portrayed as more monstrous than the ghoul itself.

The book draws comparisons to classic coming-of-age stories like 'Stand By Me' and 'It'.

The plot twists keep readers engaged, particularly as the story progresses towards an unexpected ending.

The writing features numerous pop culture references, especially from the 80s.

Some readers appreciated the bittersweet and sad ending, while others felt unsatisfied by it.

The book blends elements of supernatural horror with real-life emotional trauma.

Brian Keene aims to capture the sanctity of youth amidst a backdrop of horror.

The ghoul's motivations include consuming corpses and creating more ghouls, adding a layer of existential dread.

The characters' dialogue and interactions are noted for their realism and depth.

The book has received mixed reviews but is generally recognized for its fast pace and engaging plot.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Ghoul contains content warnings for themes of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and horror elements that may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

But that's not the only monster they will face this summer . . .From award-winning horror master Brian Keene comes a novel of monsters, murder, and the loss of innocence.

Ratings (4)

Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (3)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
Ghoul?

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About the Author:

Brian Keene is the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Rising, Fear of Gravity, City of the Dead, and others. He is also the fiction editor of Horrorfind.com and the Best of Horrorfind anthology series.

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