This is an interesting and fun story that tried to cram in a ton of explanations and speculations in the last 15 pages of the book. The story's protagonist is an 11-year old boy named Timmy, who along with his friend encounters a horrific child at a local lake that he ends up calling The Turtle Boy. Timmy has unknowingly come upon a secret involving the boy and his neighborhood, and the story unfolds as Timmy's actions force the secret of the Turtle Boy back into the open.
It's really hard not to give away spoilers here as this is a novella. But the story builds up slowly and then at the end you get slammed with the answers, and even more than you were expecting or needing. I think some of this could have been spread out through the story rather than crammed in at the end. It felt like there was a narrator telling you what just happened, like we really needed all that explanation. *shrug* Regardless, this was a very entertaining story, effortless to read, and left the reader wanting more, which the author helps with by leaving open speculation about his father. This story is easily recommended. The Turtle Boy (The Timmy Quinn Series (Book One))
The Turtle Boy meanders like a lazy summer afternoon that soon turns itself inside out. With frightening speed that warm afternoon is ripped away to reveal a night sky, razor shredded by lightening. Images back-lit, sickening and unexpected crawl off the pages and carve their way under your skin like so many demonic chiggers.
This story was awesomely disturbing. The beginning had a bit of a To Kill a Mockingbird/Stand By Me vibe. The pacing was perfect as this creepy little tale whipped itself into a horrifying frenzy. The images jump out, stick there and simmer, brewing `til you try to sleep. Buckle up, Skippy, the nightmares are going to be intense.
I read recently a review in which the reviewer compared THE TURTLE BOY favorably to such classics as Stephen King's "The Body" (from DIFFERENT SEASONS--filmed as STAND BY ME) and Robert R. McCammon's BOYS LIFE. After reading this novella, I have to agree. At turns heartwarming, terrifying and funny, this creepy little story will get under your skin and stay there. It may also serve to remind you of your youth and when you first realized magic can end.
Highly recommended.
The Turtle boy sounds like a sweet innocent story about a boy and his turtle right? Wrong!! Sure the story starts out innocent enough, two young boys playing outside while on summer vacation, just a lazy day trying to figure out what to do. That is until they decide to make their way to the pond, and that is where it begins to get a little disturbing. Once they meet the turtle boy their lives will change forever!
This book was such a great intro to Kealan Patrick Burke and his work. I am of course planning on reading the rest of the series, and anything else I can get my hands on by this author. This book isn't going to hit you over the head with graphic violence and gore, but is instead geared for those who appreciate the subtle eerie nuances that can make for an interestingly creepy read. There was a point in the book towards the end when something was revealed (not going to say what beside that it involved a single flicker of lightning) where my mouth literally fell open. For anyone who is debating on whether or not to read this book, stop debating and READ THIS BOOK!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I read The Turtle Boy when it was first published...and eagerly awaited the sequels. Each one was better than the last as the character of Timothy develops, discovers and matures. Kealan builds the suspense and brings alive the horror without all the gore.
I'm re-reading them all as a treat to myself... and I rarely read a book through a second time! If you haven't yet discovered Kealan Patrick Burke and his fantastical way with words, then it's about time you do!
This is an absolutely addictive story of childhood and abuse. The way it unwraps will remind you of a Ray Bradbury story. The words paint memories of summertime during childhood while sucking the reader into past and present murders.
I got so attached to the main character that I can't wait to read the next Timmy Quinn book. Did you like "The 6th Sense"? If the answer is 'yes', then you will certainly want to read this story.
i really liked this book , although it was short i liked the creepiness factor of it. it had some surprising twists to it.
it definitly kept my attention through the entire story, great little book highly recommended reading.
I must admit the second biggest reason that I got this book was because it was free, but I have to say it great. The langue is stunning and the story compelling and creepy. I know that one person didn't like it because they didn't seem to get that this is a ghost story. If you are the kind of person that has been ruined by instant gratification, buckets of gore, and are a fan of the Saw movies then don't waste your time. But if you have imagination and are looking for something more than your typical vamp book then this is for you.
The only problem that I had with it was that it's too short, I wouldn't event call it a novella. It's not even a terribly long short story, but I will definitely get the next in the series, I'll event pay for it!
I read this book years ago when it first came out in hard cover. It is really good and intriguing. It introduces you to a character who pops up in several more books. The author is good at creating a scene in one's mind while reading the book so that you feel a deep connection to the action and really care about the characters. Read this book for less than a buck you won't be sorry and you will find a new author that you will love! - Suspense - Gothic Horror - Occult - Horror'
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