The Tolltaker

Rating:
Summary: exciting coming of age horror story
Review: After four years, Judy Burke is convinced that her husband died in Vietnam even though her son and her father-in-law believe he is alive. Determined to begin trying again, she moves out of her in law's home and into an apartment in a nice complex. Bobby is determined to hate the place because living next door is Nick, the man his mother is dating. Not only does he have to deal with Nick, he has to pay the schoolyard bully a dime everyday as a toll for crossing the playground

Bobby makes a friend in the new neighborhood who tells him about the TOLLTAKER, a monster living in the tunnel part of the long drainpipe. The monster's bill for entering his lair is that person's life. When Bobby enters the tunnel, he thinks the story is an urban legend until he senses strange thing. As Bobby's problems merge yet pale next to his agoraphobia, he must find the courage to face his enemies, monsters, and fears.

The scenes in the tunnel will remind readers of Stephen King's IT but THE TOLLTAKER also finds his way into Bobby's dreams. This allows him to become closer to his mother when he wakes up screaming from the horrific nightmare. The protagonist, besieged and beleaguered from all sides has an inner strength that allows him to protect his friend from harm. James Sneddon has written an exciting horror novel and a coming of age story in one neat package.

Rating:
Summary: exciting coming of age horror story
Review: After four years, Judy Burke is convinced that her husband died in Vietnam even though her son and her father-in-law believe he is alive. Determined to begin trying again, she moves out of her in law's home and into an apartment in a nice complex. Bobby is determined to hate the place because living next door is Nick, the man his mother is dating. Not only does he have to deal with Nick, he has to pay the schoolyard bully a dime everyday as a toll for crossing the playground

Bobby makes a friend in the new neighborhood who tells him about the TOLLTAKER, a monster living in the tunnel part of the long drainpipe. The monster's bill for entering his lair is that person's life. When Bobby enters the tunnel, he thinks the story is an urban legend until he senses strange thing. As Bobby's problems merge yet pale next to his agoraphobia, he must find the courage to face his enemies, monsters, and fears.

The scenes in the tunnel will remind readers of Stephen King's IT but THE TOLLTAKER also finds his way into Bobby's dreams. This allows him to become closer to his mother when he wakes up screaming from the horrific nightmare. The protagonist, besieged and beleaguered from all sides has an inner strength that allows him to protect his friend from harm. James Sneddon has written an exciting horror novel and a coming of age story in one neat package.

Rating:
Summary: James Sneddon, You Rock My World!
Review: Every time I thought I knew where the book was going, who the true bad guy was and what the outcome would be - I was wrong! Every time I boxed this story into what I assumed it would prove to be - I was wrong. Never, I repeat never, have I been more surprised and enthralled in a story before. I finished this book in just under four hours and then picked it right back up and read it again!

The plot is unconventional and creative, the delivery flawless. This story involves you, incorporating you into this tale of heartache, faith, fear and unimaginable strength. Now don't mistake mush for admiration, this story is masterful. Ingraining traditional storytelling with modern views, Sneddon's style of writing is fresh and definitive. He keeps the dialogue simple, the descriptions sharp and the agenda quiet. Although there is a message enclosed in the story, it never overwhelms you or distracts.

The pace is stable and constant. Although you may not notice the speed shifting, there is a subtle build-up. In fact, after I read it a second time, I still couldn't pinpoint the exact moment it accelerated. The atmosphere is perplexing and duplicitous. Although you're aware that something isn't right, you never actually put your finger on exactly what it is. Thorough research and use of the rich background for the area was evident, as it took place in my backyard and flowed naturally - never making me stop to correct him.

The characters are universal. Their motivations are clear but their approach is flawed and this is what makes them real. You can understand them, empathize for them and cry along with them. Because ultimately this person could be you or someone you know and that ups the stakes and truly gives this tale spirit. After putting the book down I missed the kid with the sarcastic mouth, and the mother with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Characters like this is what makes a story great!