Something slightly random in the post was this first part of a trilogy of books from author David Gatward. Then again perhaps not, as I have always said that there is a thin line between metal and horror and lots of people who like heavy music love scary books and films. Also the cover art here was strikingly rendered by Iron Maiden artist Mel Grant. Now this is published under the children’s fiction imprint of the publisher and is designed for the young adult. That does not mean that us older people cannot enjoy it, hands up who has gone and devoured the works of JK Rowling and Phillip Pulman with guilty pleasure, I know I have. Also authors like Darren Shan have championed this market and got great results from those not quite ready to take the step to more grizzly affairs.
The story centres around teenager Lazarus Stone (name wholly relevant) and best friend, side-kick Craig. Lazarus’ mum died in a car accident when he was very young, his dad is distant and always off and travelling with his security job. The au-pair has gone and done one and Lazarus is home alone. Instead of being able to do what most teenagers would do in this position, poor Lazarus has to worry about a horrible stink from the living room and then there is that small matter of a veil to the land of the dead opening and a messenger coming through and changing the boys life forever. There are a million and one questions that you will ask as the plot develops and these are all asked by our not so willing hero as he encounters others to guide him, like the strange Arielle, just a thief at first but much more later. This is a real page turner and an easy and quick read for an adult. As for the audience it is designed for, well I am sure anyone with a slightly morbid fascination with the occult and supernatural will revel in it. The descriptive nature treats the reader as mature and does not diminish the impact of the gore although it is perhaps all more slimy that unadulterated blood and guts. The story also manages to be scary whilst retaining a sense of humour, adults will like some references that can be picked up; I was reminded of both Hellraiser and Phantasm in places and Fulci’s The Beyond. Italian horror films are mentioned as Craig is a fan of them, which could come in useful further down the line.
Obviously I am not giving the plot away but all is not as it seems, certainly there is more to Lazarus’ missing father than he could ever have imagined and as things spiral out of control Laz is drawn into replacing him on a mission that could well mean the end of life and indeed death as we know it.
With further parts scheduled for October and next April I very much want to know what happens and can imagine anyone picking up part one being similarly hooked. Reading this I had a metal moment and wanted to go dig out Impaled and play ‘We Belong Dead’ as this was the perfect soundtrack in my sick head. I kind of wish there were stories like this bridging the gap I had before jumping headfirst into the books of Guy N Smith, James Herbert and Graham Masterton although I notice in the question and answer section at the end with the author that Alan Garner’s Weirdstone Of Brisingamen was a favourite for both of us in our formative years. Finally, no Mr Gatward the world is not laughing at you and you won’t be wearing your pants on your head after this, you might be responsible for others having the odd pant soiling episode though!
http://www.davidgatward.com
