"Fortune has locked into something scary and fun with a real Stephen King vibe to it." Phil Athans, Fantasy Author.
"Chance's ability to evoke a creepy setting is spectacular. This book chilled me to my core." Keith Hopkins, filmmaker Gravedigger Dave's Halfway House.
Nothing ever happens in small-town Minnesota. That’s what Jack Mason thought when he moved his family of five to the quiet village of Haven. But Haven has a dark secret. As Jack and his family adjust to their new lives away from the big city, a tragic accident spirals them down a path that will test the strength of their bonds. While Jack and his teenage daughter Madison pull the threads of Haven’s past, they each uncover horrible truths that spell doom for their family’s future. Haven is more than another small town. Haven is a web and The Spider Queen is always hungry.
This debut novel from rising author Chance Fortune, takes readers on a dangerous journey of mystery, murder, and monsters that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The relationships between the characters seem toxic, the characters are obnoxious. I hope whatever is in the forest gets them, but could care less. I just can’t read a book where I’m supposed to be hoping for the survival of characters I despise.
This story begins with a family moving to a secluded farmhouse in a small town because the husband/father thinks it would be good for the family. Of course, not everyone is happy with this move, particularly the wife and daughter. I have read several books recently that used this same trope of the man moving his less than thrilled family to get us to the desired setting of the old, creepy house. I thought I was getting bored with this premise until this book. Does it follow the same type of haunted storyline? Yes, but this infestation is very different and potentially more hazardous.
I had to give myself overnight so I could write this review more objectively. This book was wonderfully written and so engaging. It has a unique and compelling plot that really hit me in the feels as a parent because my ultimate job is to protect my children, and in this story, children are the target. If I didn’t have kids of my own, I think I would have definitely identified the most with Madison, the oldest, and slightly rebellious, daughter. She is a strong, capable character, and I really enjoyed experiencing her come into her own. TRIGGER WARNING: arachnophobes beware. I’m sure the cover is enough warning, but be prepared.
Spiders are depicted in virtually every culture's mythology with the most well-known being the Greek myth of Arachne and the African trickster Anansi. They are both a symbol of mischief and malice and of creativity and patience.
While I was reading this book, I suddenly remembered I have pretty extreme arachnophobia and was drawn to this book because of the fantastic cover art and many positive recommendations on a Facebook horror page. So I ignored the almost crippling sensation of something crawling on me and committed myself to this immersive, fast-paced tale.
You don't have to be new to horror to know that moving your family from their suburban home to a secluded farm in the middle of nowhere is never a good idea, but Jack Mason does exactly that. I've always thought that small towns are the most sinister setting for a creepy tale, and the town of Haven is brimming with secrets and its residents are unfriendly to outsiders.
This is not a gory read, but it's very descriptive. If you're new to horror but don't want something over the top, this would be a fantastic read for you. It played out in my head like a movie the entire time I was reading. I read this on Kindle Unlimited but liked it enough to order a signed copy from the author.
A fresh start, in a new town. That’s exactly what Jack thinks they all need. Yes, he’s always been a city boy, but he can do this. THEY can do this, together.
Karen’s not so sure, she loves her husband, but giving up their entire life to move to the middle of small town USA doesn’t seem like a dream to her, and twelve year old Madison agrees.
The house though, the house is beautiful, though remote, and the history surrounding it is…well terrifying. From day one, horrific accidents and events surround the Mason family. The odd townspeople, seemingly from another time, seem less than bothered by the Masons run of bad luck. In fact, they’re almost hostile.
As time wears on, the reasons behind the horrific history of the home make themselves known as life repeats history. Their neighbors show their true colors, and life becomes a hell that none of them were prepared for, or may survive.
This was a lot of fun, and an absolutely amazing first work! Chance Fortune is an up and coming author to watch closely!
This book had no business being this good for a debut 😳. Chance Fortune pulled me straight into the quiet (but definitely cursed) town of Haven and didn't let go. It starts with a tragic accident, and from there, the story spirals into a web (pun 100% intended) of eerie secrets, emotional gut punches, and oh-so-satisfying horror twists.
The setting is chilling, the tension is sharp, and the character dynamics, especially between Jack and Madison, are chef’s kiss. Think Stephen King vibes but with a modern edge and a real emotional core.
If you like small towns with big secrets, monsters that lurk beyond the page, and stories that make you say “just one more chapter” until it’s 3AM... this is for you.
Chance, you’ve officially earned a spot on my “authors to stalk forever” list