Jeff Gunhus - Night Terror

54. Night Terror by Jeff Gunhus (2014)
The Night Chill Series Book 2
Length: 382 pages
Genre: Horror
Started: 31 October 2014
Finished: 11 November 2014
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 22 September 2014
Why do I have it? I like horror and Jeff Gunhus is a new author for me.

A decade ago, the residents of Prescott City, Maryland experienced a minor earthquake - as the result of a massive mine collapse and an expansive sinkhole that opened up in the area. Several people had died in the limestone cave-in, and their loved ones still mourned their deaths. At least, this was the official version of what happened.

However, for a select few members of community, the reality of what actually happened so long ago still haunts them. Sixteen-year-old Sarah Tremont and her family's recovery has been very slow; Sarah was abducted ten years ago by a bloodthirsty cult and very nearly sacrificed to an ancient entity known as the Source. For Jack and Lauren Tremont - Sarah's parents - the knowledge that so many of their friends and neighbors were actually child murderers is horrific, but it is also knowledge they are willing to keep to themselves for the sake of the grieving families who were left behind; as revealing such gruesome information would only cause immeasurable anguish to people who knew absolutely nothing about their loved ones murderous and bloodthirsty double lives.

As far as her parents are concerned, Sarah's memories of her kidnapping and near death were mercifully blocked, and she can't remember anything of what happened to her. The truth is that Sarah remembers every last detail of her abduction and knows that she almost died, but since it eases her parents' minds to believe that Sarah has forgotten such a traumatic event, she is glad to give her parents some peace after what they all survived. In reality, her abduction has awakened an immense power within Sarah, one which she struggles to control to the best of her ability.

Determined not to frighten her parents, Sarah keeps her powers to herself and tries to be a normal teenager. However, as much as she has tried to suppress the power inside of her, it has grown dangerously strong and has drawn the attention of those who want to possess her power for themselves. The nightmare that she once believed was over, begins again as powerful forces descend upon Prescott City to seek her out.

Now, with her parents help and the help of an ex-Navy SEAL named Joseph Lonetree - someone who knows all about the evilness that was unleashed by that mine collapse ten years ago - Sarah must stand up to an evil much stronger and infinitely more powerful than the one she faced in the caves a decade earlier. But in the end, she discovers the greatest danger just might come from the power living inside of her.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story was very well-written, although certainly very shocking in some of the imagery that was created. I was completely immersed in the story by the end of the first chapter, and wrapped up in the Tremont family's plight. These characters were so well-developed and I avidly wanted to know what would happen to them next.

Night Terror can be read as a standalone, perhaps, because Night Chill is referenced so strongly; but I think I may have enjoyed reading Night Chill first - although, that's only because I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to reading books in a series. I give Night Terror by Jeff Gunhus a definite A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often