Rating: 
Summary: I cared about the main character...
Review: "The Fire Within" is a disturbing read that had me thinking about when I could get back to it when I couldn't read it, it had me hooked. The disturbing imagery at times made me wonder about abused people and how they live in fear on a daily basis. It made me understand, and that's a good thing. And yet, Author Yarbrough is not writing a book based in reality, it's horror, fantasy. But...and this is big, it has so many parallels to real life, you get lost in the plot and forget for a while that it can't be real. Or can it? Excellent.
Rating:
Summary: I cared about the main character...
Review: "The Fire Within" is a disturbing read that had me thinking about when I could get back to it when I couldn't read it, it had me hooked. The disturbing imagery at times made me wonder about abused people and how they live in fear on a daily basis. It made me understand, and that's a good thing. And yet, Author Yarbrough is not writing a book based in reality, it's horror, fantasy. But...and this is big, it has so many parallels to real life, you get lost in the plot and forget for a while that it can't be real. Or can it? Excellent.
Rating:
Summary: The Phoenix Myth
Review: Crafted in a manner that will hold the reader in suspense, Mr. Yarbrough's first book, "The Fire Within" is guaranteed to keep you on edge as it inexorably narrows your breathing space.
An unusual twist on the mythology of the Phoenix, the story line showcases this new author's extensive imagination, from rare moments of tenderness to gut wrenching revulsion.
We are sure to see more of Yarbrough's work as he continues his avowed goal of mastering the difficult craft of putting words to paper.
For all dedicated horror readers, this one is recommended!
Henry Custer, Author "Concept of Justice"
Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Tale of Unyielding Evil
Review: I found 'The Fire Within' to be a gripping, suspenseful read; a harrowing tale that cannot be pigeon-holed as simply horror, but also fits into the thriller/drama genres equally well. The characters are well drawn and the story itself eerily believeable.
The evil entity that fuels the plot is one of the most vile ever put to pen (or keyboard), and was never less than fascinating as the centerpiece of conflict.
Kevin's prose draws the reader into the story with ease, then shocks them with graphic scenes of abuse and expertly weaves the darkest of tapestries, all woven with an expertise and style all his own.
I highly recommend this white-knuckle thriller to any and all horror/suspense readers!
Kevin Yarbrough is definitely a name to watch amoung fans of the genre.
Rating:
Summary: Terrifying and Heart pounding
Review: Move over Stephen King! Kevin Yarbrough's, "THE FIRE WITHIN", is without question one of the most horrifying books I have ever read and it left me looking over my back to see if a fire wall was raging my way. The characters, evil mother Kacia, surfaces as the demonized Phoenix who deliberately kills hundreds of people to keep her youthful appearance. Elysia, the daughter who is forcefully raped and held captive in order to produce offspring for Kacia's gluttonnous passion for youth, tries to escape the years of torture and abuse. After living a life of hate, grief and physical conflicts, Elysia bolts and finds herself in the middle of even more terrifying pain. Josh, who befriends Elsyia is eventually caught up in the raging terror and is literally burned to death by the vicious Kacia. Kacia leaves her burning wrath by dogging Elysia with fire walls. Will Elysia live to raise her unborn child? Will her lover die a horrid death? Does Elysia live to become the Phoenix? Read the book! Once I started reading Kevin's book it captured me to such a degree that I found myself desperately wanting to know the ending. Great job, Kevin. You did well with your first book and I hope there is a sequel to "THE FIRE WITHIN."
Rating:
Summary: Terrifying and Heart pounding
Review: Move over Stephen King! Kevin Yarbrough's, "THE FIRE WITHIN", is without question one of the most horrifying books I have ever read and it left me looking over my back to see if a fire wall was raging my way. The characters, evil mother Kacia, surfaces as the demonized Phoenix who deliberately kills hundreds of people to keep her youthful appearance. Elysia, the daughter who is forcefully raped and held captive in order to produce offspring for Kacia's gluttonnous passion for youth, tries to escape the years of torture and abuse. After living a life of hate, grief and physical conflicts, Elysia bolts and finds herself in the middle of even more terrifying pain. Josh, who befriends Elsyia is eventually caught up in the raging terror and is literally burned to death by the vicious Kacia. Kacia leaves her burning wrath by dogging Elysia with fire walls. Will Elysia live to raise her unborn child? Will her lover die a horrid death? Does Elysia live to become the Phoenix? Read the book! Once I started reading Kevin's book it captured me to such a degree that I found myself desperately wanting to know the ending. Great job, Kevin. You did well with your first book and I hope there is a sequel to "THE FIRE WITHIN."
Rating:
Summary: Scary stuff!
Review: The opening chapter of The Fire Within is like a kick in the gut and is perfect for making the reader empathize with Elysia Reeves, the daughter of a monster known as the Phoenix. Elysia is beaten and forced to have sex with strangers to satisfy her mother's need for babies she sacrifices to fuel her immortality. Elysia's tortured existence is encapsulated in an opening sequence that details her repeated rape by a sweating fat man her mother paid to assault her, but the real horror is symbolized by two little words she must say to her mother after each episode of cruelty: "Thank you."
The rest of the story isn't nearly as graphic as Elysia attempts to escape her torture with the help of Kaleb, one of the men her mother brings to rape her. She manages to get away, but her mother is able to track her down and wreaks havoc and death on everyone Elysia comes in contact with. Elysia and Kaleb are able to escape again and try to rebuild their lives with each other and their baby on the way, but Elysia knows her torment will never end unless she faces her mother for a final showdown.
Kevin Yarbrough writes brutal scenes in unflinching detail, but he also portrays the closeness and the depth of feeling between Elysia and Kaleb with a sincerity that exposes him as a caring, sensitive person. His characters are real--sometimes terrifyingly so--and his story never drags, right up to the end that sets the stage for the sequel I look forward to reading.
Rating:
Summary: Scary stuff!
Review: The opening chapter of The Fire Within is like a kick in the gut and is perfect for making the reader empathize with Elysia Reeves, the daughter of a monster known as the Phoenix. Elysia is beaten and forced to have sex with strangers to satisfy her mother's need for babies she sacrifices to fuel her immortality. Elysia's tortured existence is encapsulated in an opening sequence that details her repeated rape by a sweating fat man her mother paid to assault her, but the real horror is symbolized by two little words she must say to her mother after each episode of cruelty: "Thank you."
The rest of the story isn't nearly as graphic as Elysia attempts to escape her torture with the help of Kaleb, one of the men her mother brings to rape her. She manages to get away, but her mother is able to track her down and wreaks havoc and death on everyone Elysia comes in contact with. Elysia and Kaleb are able to escape again and try to rebuild their lives with each other and their baby on the way, but Elysia knows her torment will never end unless she faces her mother for a final showdown.
Kevin Yarbrough writes brutal scenes in unflinching detail, but he also portrays the closeness and the depth of feeling between Elysia and Kaleb with a sincerity that exposes him as a caring, sensitive person. His characters are real--sometimes terrifyingly so--and his story never drags, right up to the end that sets the stage for the sequel I look forward to reading.
Rating:
Summary: A tale ablaze with the fire of fear!!
Review: The opening pages of this spellbinding book set the stage for the brutal terror that kills wantonly in order to maintain immortality. The graphic, repeated rape of Elysia may turn some off in its savagery, but rest assured, this is not pornographic, but rather, realistic. Her struggle to find freedom and love tears at your heart, only to be snapped back to trepidation with the onslaught of the demon's murderous fury. The demon who is her very own mother.This book is written in a style very reminiscent of the master, Stephen King. It could be said that it is Fire Starter, Carrie, and Misery all rolled into one. Very recommended for fans of the horror/suspense genre.
Rating:
Summary: A tale ablaze with the fire of fear!!
Review: The opening pages of this spellbinding book set the stage for the brutal terror that kills wantonly in order to maintain immortality. The graphic, repeated rape of Elysia may turn some off in its savagery, but rest assured, this is not pornographic, but rather, realistic. Her struggle to find freedom and love tears at your heart, only to be snapped back to trepidation with the onslaught of the demon's murderous fury. The demon who is her very own mother. This book is written in a style very reminiscent of the master, Stephen King. It could be said that it is Fire Starter, Carrie, and Misery all rolled into one. Very recommended for fans of the horror/suspense genre.
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