In Kathryn Ptacek's gripping horror novel, Shadoweyes, a chilling terror descends upon Albuquerque. Unseen and swift, a creature with golden eyes and razor-sharp teeth preys upon unsuspecting victims, its attacks initially dismissed. Only Chato Del-Klinne, an Apache college instructor seeking a different path, and Laura Rainey, a driven journalist, suspect the truth behind the escalating disappearances. Their investigation forces them to confront a malevolent entity of immense power, and Chato must reconnect with his abandoned tribal teachings to stand a chance against this ancient evil. Praised by John Coyne and Peter Straub as a superior work of horror, Shadoweyes delivers a suspenseful and terrifying read that rivals the masters of the genre.
Review Shadoweyes
Shadoweyes by Kathryn Ptacek is just plain cool. I mean, seriously cool. It’s that kind of horror book that gets under your skin and stays there, even after you’ve finished the last page. The premise itself is gripping – these unseen creatures, these “shadoweyes,” picking off people in Albuquerque, leaving the authorities baffled and the public clueless. That slow burn build-up of dread is masterful; Ptacek really knows how to create a palpable sense of unease. You’re constantly on edge, wondering when and where the next attack will happen, and who will be the next victim.
What sets Shadoweyes apart, though, is the way it weaves together the investigation with a compelling story about Chato and Laura. They’re not your typical horror protagonists; they’re flawed, relatable characters struggling with their own personal demons alongside this monstrous threat. Chato, the Apache professor grappling with his past and his connection to ancient tribal knowledge, is particularly compelling. His internal conflict adds a layer of depth to the narrative that many horror novels lack. It's not just about surviving a monster; it’s about confronting your own inner shadows.
And when the shadoweyes finally show themselves? All hell breaks loose, just as the blurbs promise. The descriptions of the creatures are genuinely disturbing, the action sequences are intense, and the pace absolutely rockets. I found myself completely engrossed, practically inhaling the pages to find out what happened next. It's one of those books where you tell yourself you’ll just read one more chapter, and then suddenly it's 3 AM and you're frantically turning pages to reach the satisfying (though slightly terrifying) conclusion.
The comparisons to Koontz, Straub, and King aren't hyperbole. Ptacek has a real knack for crafting believable characters, building suspense, and delivering truly frightening moments. This isn't just jump-scare horror; it's atmospheric, chilling, and thought-provoking. The underlying sense of something ancient and profoundly evil lurking beneath the surface of everyday life is truly unsettling. It's a book that stays with you, prompting you to glance over your shoulder long after you’ve finished reading. If you enjoy a horror story that’s as smart as it is scary, one that blends thrilling suspense with genuinely creepy monsters and compelling characters, then Shadoweyes is an absolute must-read. It’s a modern classic in the making.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.59 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 235
- Publication date: 2024
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