BONECHILLER by Graham McNamee

Bonechiller

by Graham McNamee

Pub: Sept. 2008/Wendy Lamb Books

Pages: 304

Teen Fiction

SUMMARY:

WELCOME TO NOWHERE.
Danny’s dad takes a job as caretaker at a marina on the shore of a vast, frozen lake in Harvest Cove, a tiny town tucked away in Canada’s Big Empty. If you’re looking for somewhere to hide, this is it.

It’s the worst winter in years. One night, running in the dark, Danny is attacked by a creature so strange and terrifying he tries to convince himself he was hallucinating. Then he learns about Native American legends of a monster that’s haunted the lake for a thousand years. And that every generation, in the coldest winters, kids have disappeared into the night. People think they ran away.

Danny knows better. Because now the beast is after him.

My Review

Bonechiller is freaky... in an awesome way. The book is much like a horror movie but avoids all of the cliches. 

Our protagonist, Danny, is a regular guy with a troubled past. His father keeps moving him from town to town attempting to escape their nightmare by moving further away from society.

One night, while walking home he's assaulted by a hideous beast that "stings" him, but then leaves him for no reason. He soon finds out that his situation is more dangerous and the stakes higher than he ever thought.

As I said earlier Bonechiller takes all the best parts of horror and amputates cliches such as the shriveling, mutilated, infectious mass that is the dumb blond in high heels. It's a clever adventure that you won't want to put down.

The writing really sets the tone with heavy use of personification that makes it feel as if everything in the surrounding environment is alive and watching. One part was so intense and freaky that I actually re-adjusted my seating so nothing could get behind me.

The cold, bitter, isolated setting becomes a character in it's own right. As for the human characters, they were engaging and intelligent. I was rooting for Danny and his friends all the way!

McNamee delivers a rapid pace then cleverly slows it at perfectly placed moments so you're not overwhelmed by the scary intense parts. But don't get comfy because in no time your off on another wild ride.   

SEXUAL CONTENT: There's a budding romance between our protagonist and his tough but pretty tomboy friend. Only some mild making out takes place. This is more adventure/horror than romance. 

COVER: I like it. It's simple and you get the sense of cold isolation and danger from some shadowy monster.

BOTTOM LINE: Intense, fast-pace thriller with smart characters, eerie setting and an engaging plot. If you want something that will freak you out and suck you in, Bonechiller delivers. Just be sure to keep the lights on!