The Waking Dark

by Robin Wasserman

[kimbacaffeinate]

From the very first pages, The Waking Dark draws the reader in and doesn’t let go. It begins with what the town later refers to as “Killing Day”. In the course of a few hours, twelve people die by five separate murders. Five individuals witness the horrific incidences and are left baffled. All of the murderers are dead except one and she does not remember a thing. The event shatters the town and is the catalyst for awakening something evil in this small, nowhere town. As things escalate the five survivors of Killing Day are forced to work together, to stop the madness that is unfolding. Wasserman’s tale kept me riveted as I delved into this mind-blowing tale.

Wasserman did an excellent job of fleshing out the characters in this sleepy little Kansas town. She does so by using multiple POVs, and it worked brilliantly. Told in the third person, we instantly recognize each voice while not becoming overly attached allowing the plot to take the stage. The five survivors of Killing Day are like the gang from the Breakfast Club. We have Jule Prevette who lives in the trailer park with her drug using Mom and her latest husband. She is always on guard from his wondering eyes. Jeremiah West dubbed the “golden boy” is struggling with his own identity and the loss of someone he loved. Cass, the murderer who survived but doesn’t think she should have. Then there is Daniel the son of a deranged preacher and protector of his younger brother, Milo. Ellen King is a bible thumper who communicates with God and holds dark secrets. Grace Tucker is plotting revenge. Of all of the characters, my favorite was Daniel and Jule followed by West. The author makes us privy to their fears and thoughts keeping me engaged. Other characters in town add to the ominous tone and a female doctor raises questions.

The Waking Dark with its high body count and chilling action scenes push the limits on young adult horror. Fans of Stephen King and his quirky characters and chilling tales will enjoy Waking Dark. As events unfold, we beginning to gather information keeping the reader on edge regarding the evil that is overtaking this town. Wesserman delivered a tight, intense tale that doesn’t allow you to set it down after a few chapters, so plan ahead! When the town is quarantined religion, science and government conspiracies help to further unhinge the already unstable town. Questions are raised regarding faith, war and humanity which added depth. While I am not sure I completely bought the reasons why events occurred, I can tell you it was creepy and thought provoking. The world-building was beautifully done Wesserman painted both the town and the characters in such a way that I found myself inside the tale tagging along with the characters.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer