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Summary: A summary of Under The Overtree
Review: UNDER THE OVERTREE is set in a fictitious town in Colorado. The town, the lake and the surroundings are entirely imaginary. The people on the other hand are, if I have suceeded in my writings, are probably familiar to anyone who has gone through puberty. In the long run that is what UNDER THE OVERTREE is about. Puberty and monsters...is there really a difference? Contemplate a simple notion for me, if you would. Imagine how different your world would be if your every wish came true. Now consider this: How many wishes have you made out of spite? Would you be more careful about what you wished for? I've received several nice comments from reviewers and other authors regarding UNDER THE OVERTREE. My favorite to date was one reviewer's off hand remark that he'd like to see John Crowley (one of the characters from UNDER THE OVERTREE) Team up with F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack and DC Comic's John Constantine...Being a fan of both, the very notion gave me pleasant goosebumps.
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Summary: Moore shows promise.
Review: Under the Overtree tells the story of Mark Howell, an awkward, overweight teenager, who, as 'the new kid in town', is a natural target for the bullies who plague his high school. Although Mark briefly manages to avoid the thugs, he is eventually cornered in a nearby wood and takes a savage beating. During the assault, he strikes his head on a stone; his blood spills over the stone, awakening 'the Folk,' a clan of supernatural beings who come to embrace Mark as 'the One.' They become his guardian angels, protecting him from harm, literally remaking him, increasing his physical and mental prowess and turning him into one of the most popular kids in school. But the Folk's intentions are not entirely charitable. In fact, they are molding Mark to suit their own dark purposes. Mark's ultimate fate is uncertain: unless his 'becoming' is halted, he may spend eternity as a pawn of his benefactors. First novels are truly a mixed bag; reviewers can be awed and excited by unexpected brilliance or, just as often, bewildered by utter ineptitude. Fortunately, most efforts fall somewhere between these two extremes: unpolished, but competent and promising. Under the Overtree fits within this latter category...the book has a raw energy that keeps you turning pages. Part of this is due to Moore's great affinity for his characters-Mark Howell and the rest of the cast are vividly rendered. A great example of this is the colorful demon fighter John Crowley, who, despite his late entrance, manages to steal almost every scene he's in. In brief, I recommend Under the Overtree for its story. It's a gripping exploration of the old saw, 'Be careful what you wish for, because you just may get it.'
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Summary: Moore let's us know what happens when the smoke clears.
Review: When I recieved my advanced copy in December '99 I sort of wondered how this book could keep screaming to be read without losing it's voice. Now on the shelf, it's still vocal. Moore offers in this tale the power of wishful thinking and the revenge that follows when served cold. Thinking of how Carrie opened doors that have become one of many for Stephen King makes me wonder if the reader public is prepared to build Moore his own hall of doorways. This book is excellent on many levels. It has a message for anyone who wonders back to the time when they made wishes that were good, bad or ugly. Even if you never revealed it, this tale reminds one to think about wondering if you did would it still could come true. This tale allows the wish to be expressed in prose that at the end feels like the moment after blowing out the last candle and know it can, does and will. Great story for beginner's to the genre, if they ever ask what they grew up reading in horror, this would be the answer. Excellent vacation for those seeking to read something King-like but new and early. Moore is not a new writer, he's been gracing the pages of this genre for ten years. This tale is the result of a great steak that has been marinating in the best wine and spices. Enjoy! King took Carrie to the prom. Find out where Moore takes you!
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Summary: James A. Moore... You are a scary man!
Review: WOW. This book scared the daylights out of me. I just COULD NOT put it down. The characters come alive and you feel like you are part of their lives, not just reading a story about them. I highly recommend this to anyone. I can't wait for more titles from this author!
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