Chalk Audiobook By Paul Cornell cover art

Chalk

A Novel

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Chalk

By: Paul Cornell
Narrated by: Jonathan Broadbent
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Andrew Waggoner has always hung around with his fellow losers at school, desperately hoping each day that the school bullies - led by Drake - will pass by him in search of other prey. But one day they force him into the woods, and the bullying escalates into something more; something unforgivable, something unthinkable. Broken, both physically and emotionally, something dies in Waggoner, and something else is born in its place.

In the hills of the West Country a chalk horse stands vigil over a site of ancient power, and there Waggoner finds in himself a reflection of rage and vengeance, a power and persona to topple those who would bring him low.

©2017 Paul Cornell (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC Contemporary Fantasy Fiction Paranormal & Urban
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I picked up this book on the recommendation of several Best of horror lists for 2017. Overall I enjoyed the book but i am left feeling a bit underwhelmed. Several reviews touted the brutality that peppers the book but it is evident that Cornell is somewhat out of his element. His sparse prose works well when describing the bleary English countryside but renders what should be horrific moments of violence feel a bit too mundane, with the exception of Andrew's opening disfigurement which will make every reader squirm. Cornell also captures the effects of bullying on both abuser and the victim very well. while several elements did feel a bit too forced--I laughed aloud when it is revealed that one of Andrew's classmates can predict the future using number one radio singles lyrics--the overall surreal atmosphere of the book does pull the reader in very effectively. Worth a read but not for everyone.

Chalk draws a blurry line.

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A dark and twisted dark fantasy novel that not only serves as a disturbing horror story but also a startling depiction of the cruelty and brutality of children. Uncompromising and depressing. Highly recommended.

Beautiful and Disturbing

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