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Title: Under the Overtree by James A. Moore ISBN: 0-8439-5110-9 Publisher: Leisure Books Pub. Date: October, 2002 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.36 (14 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: A nice change of pace from typical horror novels
Comment: Horror fiction, like so many genres, is frequently dismissed because of the repetitiveness of themes that plague the genre. Sturgeon's law, of course, ensures that most "typical" vampire or post-apocalypse novels do more damage to the genre's reputation than good. But every once in a while, one of the top authors takes a classic plotline and tells a tale that makes you completely reconsider everything you know about the genre. James Moore's Under the OverTree is one such novel.
Moore's tale is a variation on the classic power-comes-with-puberty theme explored so well in Stephen King's Carrie and Bentley Little's Dominion, and which has become cliché thanks to the likes of John Saul. But Moore takes this classic theme and twists it in some truly unique ways, and his vision turns a familiar subject into one of the most original and enjoyable horror novels I've read.
Under the Overtree tells the story of Mark Howell, an awkward teenager who has just moved to the Colorado town of Summitville. He's not exactly the most socially adept teen anyway, and the local bullies are naturally drawn to him. And, of course, the beautiful girl of his dreams isn't. With the usual teen desires of revenge and sex, he's the perfect conduit for a supernatural force that wants revenge.
That's when Moore adds an urban fantasy (although, given the small-town location, count this as another argument for Windling's "mythic fantasy" term fazing out UF) layer to things, as, instead of the usual suspects -- the ghost of a witch, or a Manitou, or Satan -- we have the local Fae, awakened by the spilling of Mark's pure blood. They help Mark get all that he wants, as they groom him to be their instrument of revenge, eliminating anyone who gets in their way.
Although the various twists and turns are always enjoyable, what makes Moore's novel really shine is his ability to create intriguing and original characters. Mark is aided in his journey by P.J. Sanderson, a local horror author (tempting as it is to play guessing games here -- is Sanderson an avatar for Moore? Is he a nod towards a fellow author? -- Moore makes him a fully-realized character in his own right) and John Crowley, a magical troubleshooter who is the only one who knows how to defeat the Fae. The entire supporting cast, down to the last bully, is fully realized -- each of them is someone you could easily know (well, maybe not Crowley). The essence of a great horror novel is making sure that the characters encountering unbelievable situations are themselves believable, and Moore accomplishes this with craftsman's precision.
Jim Moore has come a long way since his early White Wolf days. With Under the OverTree, he has leapt into the forefront of the horror genre, establishing himself as a writer to be reckoned with. He has told one of the best horror stories of the last few years, and proven that a good author can turn a clichéd plot into something truly special. Anyone looking for a change of pace from the typical horror novel would be well-rewarded by picking up this novel
Rating: 5
Summary: Jim Moore is the most talented writer in the genre to date.
Comment: Meisha Merlin is a publisher to keep your eyes on. Every bookthat I've received from them has been of the highest quality. Icannot find words enough to express my excitement at receiving ARCs of such obviously high standards. Though once I'd started reading, Under The Overtree, I wasn't positive that I would like it. It seemed to be a mediocre tale told often of a nerdy kid, new in town, and all the baloney that he endures. Upon further reading, it became ever so much more with complexity upon complexity. Though listed as a tale of dark fantasy it could be a horror story to chill your bones when your home is dark and you are not quite sure just what is making that noise under the bed. On the surface, but only on the surface, it is indeed the standard tale of a nerd who is new in town and all that normally accompanies such a story. Mark Howell, the nerd of which I speak, has endured much in his life. James Moore is perhaps the most talented writer of this genre to date.END
Rating: 4
Summary: MOORE ALITY TALE
Comment: Considering this is a first novel, UNDER THE OVERTREE comes out a winner, if an imperfect one. Moore knows his horror compatriates well, mirroring King, Koontz, McCammon, Little and Bradbury. Without rehashing the plot, let me offer you my pros and cons on this both mesmerizing and disappointing novel.
Pros first: Moore gives us a small town that seems to have all the elements of a small town. Being xenophobic, they don't like newcomers, and only accept them on their own terms. This gives our hero Mark Howell his first problem. Moore has a keen understanding of a teenagers' psyche, although at times, his handling of the adult characters isn't quite as sharp. Jennifer Howell is one of those we fail to truly understand, and by the end, when we realize her agenda, it seems unfair and out of sync. Moore though does build some suspenseful scenes, and his imagining of the fairies is quite entertaining. The way Moore handles friendship among the teens is commendable, and his allowing darker characters to come to a more affable personality is also rare and enjoyable.
My main disappointment with this novel is that Moore gives us a hero, Mark, who is really a victim of what happens and even after the possession begins, it's not Mark who's evil...it's the creatures that have molded him. By the end of the novel, Mark and Cassie are relegated to supporting roles, and all of a sudden, Tyler (who is an enjoyable character) and Lisa (who is not) come out as heroes. We put our stakes in Mark throughout most of the book, and then he is put to blame. Also, the character of Jonathan Crowley seems too heartless and uncaring to really be the "hero" he is painted to be. Oh, well, guess I'm just a little too particular ?
Anyway, this is a good involving book and despite my disappointments, was enjoyable to read.
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Title: Fireworks by James A. Moore ISBN: 0843952474 Publisher: Leisure Books Pub. Date: August, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: The Policy by Bentley Little ISBN: 0451209540 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: 02 September, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Monstrosity by Edward Lee ISBN: 0843950757 Publisher: Dorchester Pub Co Pub. Date: April, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Atmosphere by Michael Laimo ISBN: 0843950412 Publisher: Leisure Books Pub. Date: September, 2002 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: The Harvest by Scott Nicholson ISBN: 0786015799 Publisher: Pinnacle Books Pub. Date: September, 2003 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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