Publishers Weekly
Starred Selection!
Gorgeously creepy, strangely humorous, and sincerely terrifying tale… Gavin’s prose has both beautifully dark and startlingly scary moments, and his characters and their behaviors are refreshingly authentic for the genre: young people who are impulsive and full of bravado; older magicians who are slow to act, but protect their children; and vampires, who though undone by ambition, old enmities, and greed, act like people who have the perspective of centuries of (un)living.
Kirkus Reviews
Vampires run rampant in Gavin’s debut supernatural thriller. Teenager Sarah Englemann finds her life in 1913 Salem, Mass., turned upside down with the murder of a classmate—and his reappearance as a feral vampire. Drawn into an underworld of the occult, Sarah, with the help of her friends and a new classmate (a mysterious Greek named Alexandros Palaogos), must confront the forces of darkness in their town. These forces include Parris, a local pastor who is secretly a warlock, and an ancient, mysterious demon named Al-Nasir—together they search for Gabriel’s Horn, an instrument designed to bring about the end of the world. The teenagers struggle to stop their enemies in time, and they try to understand Sarah’s mysterious connection to Gabriel’s Horn. Before Sarah’s battle against the forces of darkness is over, there will be blood spilled, questions asked over who can actually be trusted, trips taken to other dimensions and all will be touched by tragedy. Gavin … gleefully transforms a story of teenagers battling vampires into something much more. The story turns into a mash-up of Greco-Roman mythology, Judeo-Christian imagery and the occult, making it a fresh take on the overdone vampire genre. Gavin’s writing also hints at a wonderfully twisted sense of humor, notable in one early scene with the beheading of a vampire that quickly turns comical as the young protagonists add “vampire killing” to the already stressful load of puberty. The action throughout is fast-paced and compelling, and the ending hits the right note, a brutal turn of events that strongly hints at a sequel—an enticing prospect. A vampire novel with actual bite.
Darkeva’s Dark Delights
Like going into a used bookstore and finding a rare and hidden gem stashed away in the horror section, and I’m glad I had the good fortune to discover it. For a highly entertaining, fast-paced, innovative, original horror read which, although intended for younger readers, will be enjoyed by teens and adults alike, pick up a copy of The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin. This book is a serious contender for inclusion on one of my top pick lists.
Novels on the Run
4.75 out of 5 stars!
I enjoyed Andy’s tale filled with various religions, magic, darkness, death, gruesome murders and vampires you should be afraid of, the non sparkling variety… Pastor Parris is one of the creepier characters. He really enjoys the wrong side of the track [and he] and Al Nasir the bone snapping ( I actually felt some of those), flesh tearing, frightening vampire, are working in cahoots…
Little Miss Drama Queen
5 out of 5 stars!
Now this is a vampire novel! It flows so perfectly between character point of views, it’s a great blend of historical fiction, mythology and paranormal I couldn’t get through it quicker. I actually put so much off just to read it…
Must Read Faster
The cast of characters and the history [Gavin] has created, lend this book a sense of dread laced with humor. There is a very clear distinction between the good guys and the bad! I find that utterly refreshing… Let’s just say that the writing in awesome. Andy Gavin has a talent for writing a fun scene. The story flows from one well crafted line to the next. His eye for the fine details is very clear. This book will satisfy any fan of the vampire genre and then some!
Nocturnal Book Reviews
9 out of 10 stars!
Unexpected and brilliant, – that’s what comes to mind straight away. the writing is pretty mind-blowing. Dark fantasy, horror, Gothic literature, – call it what you like, but it has this old horror movies like Salem’s Lot or Nosferatu feel, gore and creepiness.
Living, Learning, and Loving Life
The plot was well-developed and original. I can usually tell a little (or a lot) of what’s coming up through foreshadowing… but not here. Things kept popping up and the end took me completely by surprise … The characters were well-done (actually, a vampire or two were extra-crispy), the dialogue was realistic, and the whole story over-all was a great read.
Les Livres
This book was great. It was action-packed and suspenseful, and there were twists all over the place. I had a really hard time putting it down when I needed to do other things! The mix of elements in this story – Egyptian mythology, warlocks, witchcraft, vampires, Judaic mysticism – made this book unlike anything I’ve read before, in a very good way. [And] as for Alexandros, I definitely developed a book-crush on him. What can I say? I have a soft spot for Mediterraneans, and all of this mysterious slayer-of-the-undead business just makes him that much more appealing.
Word Spelunking
4.5 out of 5 cupcakes!
A wonderfully refreshing and enticingly twisted read… Andy Gavin has taken a bevy of supernatural elements, compelling characters, and an intricate and superbly developed storyline, and expertly weaved them together to create an original and enthralling book. Full of the unexpected, thrilling action, a wicked dose of creepy, and with a Dare-To-Be-Bold-And-Provocative Attitude, The Darkening Dream takes readers on one helluva ride! I really love how bold, provocative and unafraid to Go There (and beyond) this story is. This isn’t a lighthearted read, nor should it be. Its intense, and at times relentless (in the best way), darkness is absolutely addicting and riveting… This book kept me up late at night, eagerly turning pages and excited to see just what would happen next… and something unexpected would always happen next…
writerreese
If you’re looking for another Edward, Angel, or even Eric, he’s not here. What you will find is monsters. Good, old-fashioned, eat you and leave your corpse for the local children to find monsters.
The LL Book Review
The story has been woven in a masterful manner, and it is difficult to know who to trust… It is not meant to comfort and pull on our heartstrings. It is meant to terrify us and see something in every shadow… Gavin has given us a dark and gothic story that maintains the complex storyline right until the very end.
Underground Book Reviews
After the first ten pages I couldn’t put it down. I still hate vampire books, but I love The Darkening Dream. [It's] a Dusk Till Dawn meets Yentle with just a dash of Buffy and The Mummy thrown in to spice it up. While you’re trying to wrap your mind around that, I’ll just say this book is the most original novel I’ve read in years and has made me an instant Andy Gavin fan.
Fictional Candy
Once the secrets start coming out, you will absolutely be glued to the pages. I’m also pretty sure this book was responsible for some less than savory dreams I had during the nights while reading.
Here Be Bookwyrms
The mix of elements in this story – Egyptian mythology, warlocks, witchcraft, vampires, Judaic mysticism – made this book unlike anything I’ve read before, in a very good way. The mash-up could have easily been very forced and clunky, but Gavin does a superb job (especially for a first novel!) of weaving them all together. Ultimately, this book was great. It was action-packed and suspenseful, and there were twists all over the place. I had a really hard time putting it down when I needed to do other things!
Library Mosaic
4 out of 5 stars.
The supernatural base of this book is very solid and the world created seemed real and constructed in a smart way. The book is well-written and there are several secrets that are slowly revealed as the story develops. The twists and turns kept me entertained and so did the adventure, mystery, suspense and romance.
The View from Fairview
4 out of 5 stars.
I am in awe of this author’s writing style. To convey the language and customs of the period (1900s) and still make it easy to read and understand is a difficult task. And the research that must have gone into this is mind boggling… The characters were well written and I always felt I understood them. Even the evil ones.
Caught Between the Pages
4 out of 5 stars.
I loved the writing style, not very formal but not lax enough for the time period this is set in to be forgotten entirely. I also liked the alternating viewpoints, providing a chance for every perspective to be shown. That doesn’t mean that every secret is revealed as there are several twists and turns along the way. Especially the ending! I love the ending. It makes me want a lot more, now.
Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
4 out of 5 stars.
The characters are very well written. Their personalities and views on the world are steady throughout the book and I was able to connect with all of them. This is a very well written book that includes a lot of detail in order to captivate the audience.
Book Lovers Paradise
4 out of 5 stars.
I appreciate the talent and writing style of Mr. Gavin and his attention to detail.
Fantasy’s Ink
5 out of 5 stars.
The book was extremely well written and the characters realistic, Sarah and her group of friends were especially lovable. I also loved the close relationship Sarah shared with her father. The romance between Sarah and Alex was well done and I could really understand and see their growing attraction and love for one another…
Vampire Librarian
Andy Gavin has delivered an amazing and dark portrayal of vampires unlike much of what you will see in most of today’s fiction. Using the religious imagery of both Christian and Jewish faiths to portray an ancient battle between good and evil, this is a story that is rich in visual and verbal treasures. The Darkening Dream is an unbelievable first novel. I can’t wait to see what Gavin comes up with next!
Twisting the Lens
The story has been woven in a masterful manner, and it is difficult to know who to trust. It brings in the conflict of religions in a way that is not often done so subtle, yet complex.
I Smell Sheep
The Darkening Dream gets 4.5 sheep!
If you are looking for a Twilight style of vampire book, this is not it. If you want something more of the darker side, this is the book you want to grab!
Drying Ink
The Darkening Dream is a refreshingly dark urban fantasy that will wipe any trace of vampiric sparkle from your literature. With some original choices as protagonists – both of whom dive, rather than stumble into the supernatural – and a delicious twist or two, this novel is recommended.
Jess Resides Here
The Darkening Dream is so rich in story I am blown away that it was written by a first time author. First time! Damn Andy that’s like someone painting like that white guy on PBS with the afro right off and not crappy stick figures.
The Subtle Chronicler
O for Outstanding
I grabbed each and every word and let it sink in as the story formed. Everything from the characters, to the way they spoke, to the way he narrated their actions was just perfectly written to the dot.
Word Vagabond
No words that I can use to adequately describe just how gloriously insane this book is. The summary in this review is just the bare bones; the actual story is just so out and keeps snowballing, it’s compelling to read on to see just how weird it can get.
Magic is in Words
This is a very interesting plot and I liked that it took place almost a hundred years ago… Alex was by far my favorite character. Dark curly hair, big eyes, sexy. Oh yes…
When Pen Met Paper
A unique take on vampire mythos that combines many religions and interesting historical facts…
Nightly Reading
if you are looking for something a little deeper, this book might just hit the spot…
Heck of a Bunch
I was immersed into a world of wars between good and evil, vampires and other unworldly creatures…
R.J. Cavender
editor of the Bram Stoker nominated Horror Library anthology series
Inventive, unexpected, and more than a little bit creepy — this book has something for everyone!
Andrew Reiner
Executive editor of Game Informer magazine
The Darkening Dream is a masterfully written supernatural tale is as chilling as it exciting. Scribe Andy Gavin establishes a brisk pace early on, yet knows when to slow momentum to keep readers submerged in suspense and horror. Within the first chapter, Gavin shows us that no one is safe, not even children. In a similar vein to George R.R. Martin’s writing style, Gavin often dangles his characters in the maws of danger and doesn’t shy away from changing the landscape of his story with their blood being spilled. This is a pager-turner of a story, offering a classic horror vibe, not unlike Stephen King or Anne Rice. I can’t wait to see what Gavin has in store for us next.
Jenny on the Book
Intelligent, well-written, very well edited and gripping… I was intrigued. I was frightened. And the end left me wanting more. I want to know what happens to the dear families and characters that I have come to know. I hope there is a sequel!
Misprinted Pages
I liked the author’s use of imagery (especially the bloody sycamore) and his demons, like the central vampire character. How often do vampires turn into bats anymore? Now that’s cool.
Ella Bella Reviews
The first few chapters are even reminiscent of Stephen King’s ‘SALEM’S LOT.
Sheila Deeth
Far more depth than the cover art suggests, all leading to a climax blending heaven and earth, even as the real (1900s) world tries to push faith into the shadows. By the end I’m enthralled.
Amazon
4.5/5 from 77 reviewers!
“The author artfully mixes mystical, religious, and historical elements into a fascinating story.” — Keren
“The characters, especially Sarah, were really interesting and easy to care about.” — Greg
“When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing.” — William
“The writing quality is superb, and the pacing and characterization are spot on.” — Lauren
“The Darkening Dream was a fabulous surprise, a perfect blend of mystery, magic and myth.” — RebBloomer
“Perhaps the single greatest factor behind the success of the novel remains Gavin’s breadth of knowledge that permeates every paragraph of this book.” — Brent
“You won’t want to put it down.” — Jersey Girl
“Gavin’s Darkening Dream, with its precise attention to historical detail and intricate plot, turns the ubiquitous vampire novel on its head.” — Jonathan
“The writing style is just absolutely excellent, exhilarating to read, the kind of thing that makes you want to hug author and editor alike. I think the part with the horse’s head is what did it for me. That’s when I stepped back from the Kindle, looked around in exultant horror, and said aloud: ‘No. Way.’” — K. Barrett
“The story was enthralling and you will find yourself rooting for the characters over and over.” — LHelseth
“kept my interest through to the last page.” — AmberLight
“The book is dark, funny, gory and leaves you wanting more!” — Kim Edinger
“[Gavin] did a brilliant job of enveloping me in this world of everyday life in Salem Massachusetts in the early 1900′s, but at the same time allowing me to see a darker possibility. He made me believe that, just maybe, witches, warlocks, and vampires were real. I loved that!” — D. Pease
“If you have any doubts about buying and reading this book, please push them far far down and DO IT!!!!! Absolutely, positively one of the best books I have read in years.” — SystemDown311
Non-review press coverage can be found here.
NOTE: If you run a review site or book blog and are interested in reviewing The Darkening Dream, see here for more information.
