I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A move to the countryside with his wife and child takes a dark turn when a series of deaths and the appearance of sinister figures prove the country is just as dangerous, if not more so, than anywhere else in author Colin Leonard’s “Country Roads”.
The Synopsis
Something is outside; in the fields, by the ditches, on the roads. Something old and cruel and vicious.
When Luke Sheridan moves out of Dublin city to rural Kilcross with his wife and baby, he imagines the worst part will be his extended commute to work. They can look forward to enjoying the countryside and being part of a small community. After all, his old friend Declan Maguire lives in the house next door and is a Garda in the nearest town.
But Declan’s devilish attitude towards drink, drugs and women means trouble is never far from his door. And worse, gruesome murders and the appearance of sinister figures at night mean the countryside is becoming a very dangerous place to live.
Country Roads—don’t go outside alone.
The Review
This was such an atmospheric and haunting read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the isolation and dread that can happen when facing an extreme threat in the countryside. The world-building and character development were incredible in this book. They showcased the author’s ability to artfully infuse tension into each scene that elevated the character’s struggles and fears significantly as the threats grew.
To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the folklore and mythos the author was able to bring to life. The way the setting and culture of the people in this small town played into the grander Irish folklore and the stunningly dark and creepy imagery really elevated the backstory behind these creatures and the impact they’ve had on this area and made the struggle for this man to protect his family feel all the more urgent.
The Verdict
Memorable, haunting, and entertaining, author Colin Leonard’s “Country Roads” is a must-read folklore and horror novel of 2023. The shocking twists and turns in the narrative and the small-town vibes and atmosphere that helped establish the terror these creatures would have on the story made this a compelling novel you won’t put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Some grotesque creatures lurk in the ancient countryside of Co.Meath, Ireland. Colin Leonard is one of them. His stories have appeared in various online venues and been published in the anthologies Eyes from Gravestone Press, It Calls From The Veil from Eerie River Publishing, Horror Library Volume 7 by Dark Moon Books and The Vampiricon from Mind’s Eye Publications. His first novel, Country Roads, is published by Brigids Gate Press and is brimming with nasty Irish monsters.
More at: