Book Review: Seed by Ania Ahlborn (No Spoilers)

I recently read Seed by Ania Ahlborn, and I was terrifically impressed with this horror novel, so impressed that I felt compelled to write this short book review.  Seed is a well paced story that incorporates elements of some of the most beloved horror movies-Poltergeist, The Omen, and The Exorcist. 

The main character, Jack, has been running from a dark, evil past since childhood, a past that is still spotty and fuzzy, but, by his mid-thirties, his life has been filled with sunlight.  The evil that was once nipping at his heels has stopped harassing him.  He has a beautiful, loving wife, Aimee, and two healthy, sweet daughters-Abby and Charlie.  But maybe Charlie isn't as healthy and sweet as she seems.

After a car wreck that totals their old, rustbucket Saturn, Charlie hasn't been the same.  She begins acting out in strange and bizarre ways that are unlike her six year old, cheery, bouncy, Sponge Bob loving ways.  A few days after the wreck, she vomits, ala Regan McNeil in The Exorcist, all over the room she shares with her sister, Abby.  After this episode, it becomes increasingly clear that Charlie understands the darkness behind her father's eyes a little too well.  It is this darkness that threatens to tear their happy family and home apart.

The characters are likable and real, and the dialogue between the characters is well-written and believable.  The descriptions do not beat you over the head since Ahlborn uses crisp, strong language to create a scene, and the scenes are always moody and atmospheric.  Because the book takes place in the Dirty South, there is a Southern Gothic element that certainly does lend itself to creating a shadowy, dark mood.

I have absolutely no criticisms of this book.

As for my own experiences and responses while reading the book, I can tell you it got so eerie at moments that I had to put it down so as to not scare myself, and there were those times when I did scare myself while reading it and scream at sudden movements.  If you're faint of heart like me, only read this book during the daytime.

The Kindle edition is only $2.99.  Buy it!