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Curse of the Reaper
Scream meets The Shining in this page-turning horror tale about an aging actor haunted by the slasher movie villain he brought to life.
Decades after playing the titular killer in the 80s horror franchise Night of the Reaper, Howard Browning has been reduced to signing autographs for his dwindling fanbase at genre conventions. When the studio announces a series reboot, the aging thespian is crushed to learn he’s being replaced in the iconic role by heartthrob Trevor Mane, a former sitcom child-star who’s fresh out of rehab. Trevor is determined to stay sober and revamp his image while Howard refuses to let go of the character he created, setting the stage for a cross-generational clash over the soul of a monster. But as Howard fights to reclaim his legacy, the sinister alter ego consumes his unraveling mind, pushing him to the brink of violence. Is the method actor succumbing to madness or has the devilish Reaper taken on a life of its own?
In his razor-sharp debut novel, film and television writer Brian McAuley melds wicked suspense with dark humor and heart. Curse of the Reaper is a tightly plotted thriller that walks the tightrope between the psychological and the supernatural, while characters struggling with addiction and identity bring to light the harrowing cost of Hollywood fame.
Decades after playing the titular killer in the 80s horror franchise Night of the Reaper, Howard Browning has been reduced to signing autographs for his dwindling fanbase at genre conventions. When the studio announces a series reboot, the aging thespian is crushed to learn he’s being replaced in the iconic role by heartthrob Trevor Mane, a former sitcom child-star who’s fresh out of rehab. Trevor is determined to stay sober and revamp his image while Howard refuses to let go of the character he created, setting the stage for a cross-generational clash over the soul of a monster. But as Howard fights to reclaim his legacy, the sinister alter ego consumes his unraveling mind, pushing him to the brink of violence. Is the method actor succumbing to madness or has the devilish Reaper taken on a life of its own?
In his razor-sharp debut novel, film and television writer Brian McAuley melds wicked suspense with dark humor and heart. Curse of the Reaper is a tightly plotted thriller that walks the tightrope between the psychological and the supernatural, while characters struggling with addiction and identity bring to light the harrowing cost of Hollywood fame.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
67 people are currently reading
11182 people want to read
About the author
Brian McAuley
8 books244 followersBrian McAuley’s debut novel Curse of the Reaper was named one of the Best Horror Books of 2022 by Esquire. His holiday slasher novella Candy Cain Kills earned praise from Booklist, Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews. The sequel Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying will be published in Winter 2024. His short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in Dark Matter, Nightmare, Shortwave, and Monstrous Magazines. Brian is also a WGA screenwriter who has written everything from family sitcoms (Fuller House) to psychological thriller films (Dismissed). He teaches as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Screenwriting at ASU’s Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Connect with him on social media @BrianMcWriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
June 13, 2024
4.5 - (Changing my rating to round up to five stars. I've been thinking about this book for days).
”Every cinematic massacre is a ritual, a blood sacrifice, immortalized on celluloid. The fans, they play their role, too, in this cycle of worship. He feeds on their souls, these witnesses to his ascension, and he’s been waiting, in hibernation…”
Howard Browning never meant to be a horror movie icon. Accepting the title role in the 1980 slasher “Night of the Reaper,” he told himself it was just to make enough money to establish his life in Hollywood, and until the next, and better, offer came along. But Howard would soon discover, for better or for worse, that leaving the Reaper behind would be harder than he ever imagined. Now, sixteen years after the last film in the series seemed to bury the character for good, Howard is living a lonely existence in Los Angeles, living off of Reaper residuals and the horror convention circuit. When he discovers that the producer of the original films is launching a reboot, with young tabloid-fodder actor Trevor Manes in the role that Howard made famous, both Howard’s sanity and the lives of everyone involved in the new film will come under attack when the Reaper revolts.
This book was a real surprise to me in the amount of heart and humanity I found in these pages. The chapters alternate between the POVs of both Howard and Trevor. Howard, recently diagnosed with the early stages of dementia, is struggling with his humiliation and anger at being overlooked and replaced, as well as the fragility of his mind. Trevor, a former childhood sitcom star who has struggled with addiction for years, has recently been released from yet another stint in rehab and is determined to re-establish his career and his life. In Howard and Trevor, McAuley has created multi-dimensional and very human characters who are easy to sympathize with (although, personally, I found Howard to be much more sympathetic; I never quite warmed up to Trevor).
The action and the body count doesn’t really ramp up in this book until the final 25% or so, but once it does it is pretty relentless and had me glued to the pages to see who was going to survive. I would highly recommend this one to horror fans who don’t mind some added depth to their bloodiness. And as someone who is a fan of Stephen Graham Jones, but who can understand why many people don’t vibe with his writing style, I would say give Curse of the Reaper a try and you just might find the slasher fix you’ve been looking for.
”Every cinematic massacre is a ritual, a blood sacrifice, immortalized on celluloid. The fans, they play their role, too, in this cycle of worship. He feeds on their souls, these witnesses to his ascension, and he’s been waiting, in hibernation…”
Howard Browning never meant to be a horror movie icon. Accepting the title role in the 1980 slasher “Night of the Reaper,” he told himself it was just to make enough money to establish his life in Hollywood, and until the next, and better, offer came along. But Howard would soon discover, for better or for worse, that leaving the Reaper behind would be harder than he ever imagined. Now, sixteen years after the last film in the series seemed to bury the character for good, Howard is living a lonely existence in Los Angeles, living off of Reaper residuals and the horror convention circuit. When he discovers that the producer of the original films is launching a reboot, with young tabloid-fodder actor Trevor Manes in the role that Howard made famous, both Howard’s sanity and the lives of everyone involved in the new film will come under attack when the Reaper revolts.
This book was a real surprise to me in the amount of heart and humanity I found in these pages. The chapters alternate between the POVs of both Howard and Trevor. Howard, recently diagnosed with the early stages of dementia, is struggling with his humiliation and anger at being overlooked and replaced, as well as the fragility of his mind. Trevor, a former childhood sitcom star who has struggled with addiction for years, has recently been released from yet another stint in rehab and is determined to re-establish his career and his life. In Howard and Trevor, McAuley has created multi-dimensional and very human characters who are easy to sympathize with (although, personally, I found Howard to be much more sympathetic; I never quite warmed up to Trevor).
The action and the body count doesn’t really ramp up in this book until the final 25% or so, but once it does it is pretty relentless and had me glued to the pages to see who was going to survive. I would highly recommend this one to horror fans who don’t mind some added depth to their bloodiness. And as someone who is a fan of Stephen Graham Jones, but who can understand why many people don’t vibe with his writing style, I would say give Curse of the Reaper a try and you just might find the slasher fix you’ve been looking for.
September 14, 2022
This was like an 80’s slasher tribute. It was predictable and dragged a lot for me. It was billed as The Shining meets Scream but in my opinion did not live up to those films.
Howard Browning played the famous horror slasher named The Reaper in numerous films. He was committed to the role and took it seriously. Years later, it is 2022 and Howard’s star has faded. He now attends horror conventions with the other relics signing autographs.
Howard is elated when his agent tells him that they are redoing The Reaper franchise. He’s been waiting for the moment he could reprise his role only to find out that they are going in a different direction; a younger teen actor will play the role of The Reaper.
This is the last straw for Howard and things get interesting.
The Reaper is available October 4,2022.
Thank you to Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Howard Browning played the famous horror slasher named The Reaper in numerous films. He was committed to the role and took it seriously. Years later, it is 2022 and Howard’s star has faded. He now attends horror conventions with the other relics signing autographs.
Howard is elated when his agent tells him that they are redoing The Reaper franchise. He’s been waiting for the moment he could reprise his role only to find out that they are going in a different direction; a younger teen actor will play the role of The Reaper.
This is the last straw for Howard and things get interesting.
The Reaper is available October 4,2022.
Thank you to Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2023
4.5 stars. What a fun time!! I went into this expecting a typical slasher and what I ended up with was something so much more!! I got characters I really cared about, addiction representation that was SO well done, and a wonderfully paced, super fun horror read. I can't wait to read more from this author!!
I read this with my book club and we had such a great time with it. Going into all the horror movie nods and dissecting the story a bit was a blast. It is up on my YouTube channel, if anyone wants to watch it:: https://www.youtube.com/live/AVMJV29R... (there is both a spoiler free & a spoilery section)
I read this with my book club and we had such a great time with it. Going into all the horror movie nods and dissecting the story a bit was a blast. It is up on my YouTube channel, if anyone wants to watch it:: https://www.youtube.com/live/AVMJV29R... (there is both a spoiler free & a spoilery section)
October 20, 2022
Thank you so much to Talos and Brian McAuley for my copy of Curse of the Reaper. This was the perfect horror book to read for spooky season and I loved it! This book was about Howard Browning, an actor who has played an iconic serial killer in an 80s film franchise, who is now reduced to signing autographs at Comic Con. When the series announces a reboot, Howard is excited to resume his old role, but finds out he will be replaced by Trevor Mane, a controversial young actor. While Howard won’t let go of the character he created, Trevor fights to stay sober and change his image. But Howard’s evil alter ego is coming out and starts to consume his mind and his body.
Thoughts: This was such a fun book! Like a meta horror movie in the minds of actors, this book was over the top, funny, gory, and interesting. This was the perfect way to write about a horror movie and the way the script was seeping into the minds of the actors was intriguing. I felt so much for Howard, and I think even though he was doing horrible things, he was likable and easy to root for. Trevor was a great stereotype of a child actor and was a flawed character that the reader could also get behind.
All of the one liners had me cracking up because it was so 80 slasher. I think McAuley did a great job of setting the scene and creating tension in a fun environment. I thought the depiction of the fans was especially poignant, and it was a great look at how fans cross the line to obsession. It was absolutely entertaining and fun, and I recommend it to anyone who loves the slasher genre. 4-stars!
Thoughts: This was such a fun book! Like a meta horror movie in the minds of actors, this book was over the top, funny, gory, and interesting. This was the perfect way to write about a horror movie and the way the script was seeping into the minds of the actors was intriguing. I felt so much for Howard, and I think even though he was doing horrible things, he was likable and easy to root for. Trevor was a great stereotype of a child actor and was a flawed character that the reader could also get behind.
All of the one liners had me cracking up because it was so 80 slasher. I think McAuley did a great job of setting the scene and creating tension in a fun environment. I thought the depiction of the fans was especially poignant, and it was a great look at how fans cross the line to obsession. It was absolutely entertaining and fun, and I recommend it to anyone who loves the slasher genre. 4-stars!
November 23, 2022
3.5 stars
This was fun, if not a little forgettable, slasher story. It's not the books fault that I've read too many of these kind of books. The plot and characters were decently well developed. At this point, it would just take a very special or unique slasher to fully grav my attention.
This was fun, if not a little forgettable, slasher story. It's not the books fault that I've read too many of these kind of books. The plot and characters were decently well developed. At this point, it would just take a very special or unique slasher to fully grav my attention.
April 1, 2023
Wow.. that was one hell of a fun, campy slasher!!
Read
October 22, 2022People saying this reads like a movie aren't wrong...it's cinematically visual in the best way, I felt like I was at the theater with my popcorn, candy, and Coke enjoying a bloody horror film but instead of relying on a director to manufacture everything for me and the actors to make me believe in their performance, it's all right here in my head courtesy of the perfectly crafted storytelling from Brian McAuley. What a great time!
April 28, 2025
"El dolor y el sufrimiento me supieron el corazón pero me vengaré de ellos desollandoles la piel y regando la cosecha con su sangre."
¡Qué bien me la pasé leyendo este libro!
⛓️Aquí seguimos al actor que interpreta al Segador, villano de una franquicia de terror de la que quieren hacer un remake después de 20 años. Howard, quien le dio vida al villano durante toda la franquicia está sufriendo lo que serian inicios de Alzheimer, pero continúa asistiendo a las convenciones por su gran papel, porque El Segador tiene un gran grupo de admiradores.
Ante la noticia del regreso del Segador suceden diversos acontecimientos, entre ellos el que quieren darle un cambio más fresco a la franquicia con esta nueva película, entrando en escena el joven actor con problemas de drogradicción Trevor Mane, lo que desatará conflictos , descontentos, desesperación, una suerte de despersonalización donde el alter ego ocupa el papel principal.
Historia tipo serie B , que se siente como estar viendo una película de terror tipo slasher de los 80' con sus personajes característicos, donde mantiene escenarios determinados, como el típico granero abandonado en el que suceden los asesinatos en las películas. Además de alternar partes del guión de la franquicia lo que le da el broche de sátira al trasfondo.
Me gustó como aborda a sus personajes, la psicología, sus tormentos, luchas, ambiciones y decadencia, con un hilo conductor que atrapa por completo y que nos va sumergiendo en el descenso a la locura y sobre todo nos adentra a los sanguinarios deseos del Segador y lo que hay detrás.
Una lectura que he disfrutado, donde expone todos los clichés que disfruto pero con un plus gracias a la crítica muy acertada que realiza el autor a este mundo de las franquicias.🔥
¡Qué bien me la pasé leyendo este libro!
⛓️Aquí seguimos al actor que interpreta al Segador, villano de una franquicia de terror de la que quieren hacer un remake después de 20 años. Howard, quien le dio vida al villano durante toda la franquicia está sufriendo lo que serian inicios de Alzheimer, pero continúa asistiendo a las convenciones por su gran papel, porque El Segador tiene un gran grupo de admiradores.
Ante la noticia del regreso del Segador suceden diversos acontecimientos, entre ellos el que quieren darle un cambio más fresco a la franquicia con esta nueva película, entrando en escena el joven actor con problemas de drogradicción Trevor Mane, lo que desatará conflictos , descontentos, desesperación, una suerte de despersonalización donde el alter ego ocupa el papel principal.
Historia tipo serie B , que se siente como estar viendo una película de terror tipo slasher de los 80' con sus personajes característicos, donde mantiene escenarios determinados, como el típico granero abandonado en el que suceden los asesinatos en las películas. Además de alternar partes del guión de la franquicia lo que le da el broche de sátira al trasfondo.
Me gustó como aborda a sus personajes, la psicología, sus tormentos, luchas, ambiciones y decadencia, con un hilo conductor que atrapa por completo y que nos va sumergiendo en el descenso a la locura y sobre todo nos adentra a los sanguinarios deseos del Segador y lo que hay detrás.
Una lectura que he disfrutado, donde expone todos los clichés que disfruto pero con un plus gracias a la crítica muy acertada que realiza el autor a este mundo de las franquicias.🔥
November 1, 2023
When I read the acknowledgments and the author mentions that it was initially written as a screenplay, I had to think long and hard about whether I would enjoy this story in a movie format, and the answer is....no.
The slasher franchise is so oversaturated that any good twist will feel flat without added satire of the genre itself, and that is why Scream works so well. I found the book entertaining and a good look at how these actors fall into a pit of the franchise itself, and it also brought in addiction and the split persona due to the disease. But I'm not sure if anyone has watched the SNL skit with Bill Hader, "Whatcha say/dear sister." I'll just insert the link..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmd1q... but they all start shooting each other, and it is nonsensical, and the end of the book starts to get into that zone, which to be fair is like the end of any good slasher. I rated this four stars because who cares? I was glued to the story until the end, and it was fun!
The slasher franchise is so oversaturated that any good twist will feel flat without added satire of the genre itself, and that is why Scream works so well. I found the book entertaining and a good look at how these actors fall into a pit of the franchise itself, and it also brought in addiction and the split persona due to the disease. But I'm not sure if anyone has watched the SNL skit with Bill Hader, "Whatcha say/dear sister." I'll just insert the link..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmd1q... but they all start shooting each other, and it is nonsensical, and the end of the book starts to get into that zone, which to be fair is like the end of any good slasher. I rated this four stars because who cares? I was glued to the story until the end, and it was fun!
August 22, 2023
Howard Browning played a killer in the 80s horror franchise, Night of the Reaper. But now his fanbase is dwindling and it's showing as he signs autographs at horror conventions. When the studio announces that there will be a series reboot, he is upset to learn that he will not be playing the Reaper, his character will be played by heartthrob, Trevor Mane. Trevor is fresh out of rehab and determined to stay sober to fix his image. Problems arise as the two clash over the Reaper, and Howard's alter ego consumes him, pushing him to the brink of violence.
Curse of the Reaper is just what I needed to get out of my reading slump. I found myself flying through this slasher, enjoying every page, and devouring every word. I love myself a killer with an iconic weapon, who's dialogue is witty, snarky, and downright diabolical. It reminded me of Freddy Krueger in some ways, with his snide remarks, and I would love to see this turn into a movie. Curse of the Reaper is a book I will want to come back to and read over and over again, a comfort slasher read, just like Scream, movies I rewatch and equally love every time, I know I will enjoy this book for years to come. There's something about this book that really just did it for me, and I would give it all the praises in the world. I cannot wait to get my hands on Brian McAuley's next hit, Candy Cane Kills.
Happy reading.
Curse of the Reaper is just what I needed to get out of my reading slump. I found myself flying through this slasher, enjoying every page, and devouring every word. I love myself a killer with an iconic weapon, who's dialogue is witty, snarky, and downright diabolical. It reminded me of Freddy Krueger in some ways, with his snide remarks, and I would love to see this turn into a movie. Curse of the Reaper is a book I will want to come back to and read over and over again, a comfort slasher read, just like Scream, movies I rewatch and equally love every time, I know I will enjoy this book for years to come. There's something about this book that really just did it for me, and I would give it all the praises in the world. I cannot wait to get my hands on Brian McAuley's next hit, Candy Cane Kills.
Happy reading.
August 8, 2023
4 stars
An homage to old school slasher series, Curse of the Reaper will be right up your alley if you're into the era of horror villains who are snarky, carrying an iconic weapon, and love spitting out bad puns as much as gutting body parts (such as Freddy Krueger). The theme of addiction is prevalent throughout, providing the much welcomed emotional grounding amidst all the bloody spectacles. I also really enjoy the meta text surrounding method acting, franchise reboot, and fandom culture.
In the author's acknowledgment, he mentioned the novel was modified from a screenplay intended for film, and in some ways you can still sense the remnant, as certain sections felt slightly prolonged, and probably should be trimmed during the novelization. Still, Curse of the Reaper perfectly captures the tone of its inspiration: a little crass, comically brutal, and just a fun bloody time.
An homage to old school slasher series, Curse of the Reaper will be right up your alley if you're into the era of horror villains who are snarky, carrying an iconic weapon, and love spitting out bad puns as much as gutting body parts (such as Freddy Krueger). The theme of addiction is prevalent throughout, providing the much welcomed emotional grounding amidst all the bloody spectacles. I also really enjoy the meta text surrounding method acting, franchise reboot, and fandom culture.
In the author's acknowledgment, he mentioned the novel was modified from a screenplay intended for film, and in some ways you can still sense the remnant, as certain sections felt slightly prolonged, and probably should be trimmed during the novelization. Still, Curse of the Reaper perfectly captures the tone of its inspiration: a little crass, comically brutal, and just a fun bloody time.
September 29, 2022
If you're a fan of Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, and The Shinning! You'll love this! I had a a lot of fun with it! Some of my favorite parts were from the Curse of the Reaper films- very unique kills and I would love to actually watch these movies! The dread-building was done well with Howard but Trevor chapters just annoyed me! He was so unlikable but overall I enjoyed this one! Check this one out if you're a horror movie lover! 4.5 stars
Available October 4th
Thanks Netgalley and Brian McAuley for this arc
Available October 4th
Thanks Netgalley and Brian McAuley for this arc
January 1, 2023
That was--at the risk of being cliched--a slashing good time. The writing was an enthusiastic thumbs up, the idea was interesting, and although I doubt that it will exactly stand out among my best '23 reads, I still enjoyed it. If anything, I wish that the Reaper had been featured more in scenes. He was the perfect amount of gruesome for this sort of story, and hilarious enough to make his appearances just the right amount of cheesy. Think...if Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees took an apprentice under their wings.
October 10, 2022
Almost five stars, but the ending missed it by this much.
Quibbles aside, Curse of the Reaper is a really solid 4.5 star read. Nothing like reading a spooky-season read in the midst of a horrendous heat wave.
Now, fast forward three months to the delightfully chilly October - it's officially spooky season, aka finally time to review the horror novels I read months ago.
And I mean, what's scarier than procrastination?
Curse of the Reaper could easily give you the thrills and chills you're wanting for Halloween. Aging actor Howard Browning made his living playing the Reaper in the 80's slasher franchise, diving deep into the role with method acting. Now, facing a flagging career dotted sparsely with convention appearances, plus a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's, Howard knows his Reaper days are behind him.
Then, like every other big horror franchise in the 2000s, Night of the Reaper is rebooted. The Reaper will slay once again. But Howard finds this single flare of hope extinguished with the news that they've decided to recast, going with the troubled young heartthrob Trevor Mane. Trevor has his own reasons for wanting to impress - it's his last chance to shed his cursed child star image and prove he can stay sober and work.
Howard is reluctant to let go of this character he shaped from the ground up. And the Reaper might not be willing to let go of him either.
Curse of the Reaper is a blood splashed horror at heart, with slashing and terrorizing aplenty. But it also strongly relies on shaping and understanding the characters. It really wouldn't have succeeded if these were paper thin caricatures.
I also enjoyed the script pages from the various Reaper films. They added a lot to the tone and were really fun and referential to real life slasher films, complete with punny one-liners.
Curse of the Reaper isn't necessarily life-changing literature, but it doesn't need to be. It succeeds in being the fun slasher love-letter it wants to be.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Talos for the drc.
Quibbles aside, Curse of the Reaper is a really solid 4.5 star read. Nothing like reading a spooky-season read in the midst of a horrendous heat wave.
Now, fast forward three months to the delightfully chilly October - it's officially spooky season, aka finally time to review the horror novels I read months ago.
And I mean, what's scarier than procrastination?
Curse of the Reaper could easily give you the thrills and chills you're wanting for Halloween. Aging actor Howard Browning made his living playing the Reaper in the 80's slasher franchise, diving deep into the role with method acting. Now, facing a flagging career dotted sparsely with convention appearances, plus a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's, Howard knows his Reaper days are behind him.
Then, like every other big horror franchise in the 2000s, Night of the Reaper is rebooted. The Reaper will slay once again. But Howard finds this single flare of hope extinguished with the news that they've decided to recast, going with the troubled young heartthrob Trevor Mane. Trevor has his own reasons for wanting to impress - it's his last chance to shed his cursed child star image and prove he can stay sober and work.
Howard is reluctant to let go of this character he shaped from the ground up. And the Reaper might not be willing to let go of him either.
Curse of the Reaper is a blood splashed horror at heart, with slashing and terrorizing aplenty. But it also strongly relies on shaping and understanding the characters. It really wouldn't have succeeded if these were paper thin caricatures.
I also enjoyed the script pages from the various Reaper films. They added a lot to the tone and were really fun and referential to real life slasher films, complete with punny one-liners.
Curse of the Reaper isn't necessarily life-changing literature, but it doesn't need to be. It succeeds in being the fun slasher love-letter it wants to be.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Talos for the drc.
April 19, 2023
This was excellent! I’m going to go ahead and be controversial, THIS is the B slasher meets book that Stephen Graham Jones has been trying to write.
Campy, ruthless gore and madness. The reaper will rise again!
Campy, ruthless gore and madness. The reaper will rise again!
October 5, 2022
“I stalked through the shadows of your memory, tending to your terror, ripening your souls for the coming harvest, sweet children of Ashland. The time has come, the Reaper has risen and I will have my revenge.”
While this could easily be labeled an “end of summer” read, Curse of the Reaper is perfect for Spooky Season! You’ve got 80’s slasher influences, bloody kills, and some downright creepy scenes.
Howard Browning is a former 80’s slasher film star from the popular "Night of the Reaper" horror franchise. When he learns the films are getting a reboot and he’s being replaced as the Reaper by younger tv star, Trevor Mane, Howard feels abandoned. After all, he practically gave the Reaper life. As the story progresses, we learn that both actors are struggling with their own monsters. Trevor is hoping his long battles with substance abuse won’t interfere with his chance at a new beginning while Howard is battling frightening stages of Alzheimer's, so much so that he starts to hear the Reaper in his head and begins wondering what is real and what isn’t.
I personally found Howard’s chapters to be the most chilling. Memory loss is scary, and when one doesn’t recall mutilating animals or leaving creepy notes around the house, that’s beyond terrifying. Howard had always felt that getting into character was like flipping a switch when he played his film role as the Reaper. But as the chapters progress, Howard can’t help but feel like his switch is malfunctioning and the Reaper wants full control.
I had a good time with this book. The duo-protagonists were well developed and I felt for them as they struggled with their fears of irrelevance while trying to suppress what haunted them. This is a psychological horror novel that takes an interesting look into how fame and show business affects mental health, how our personal demons can sometimes be just as dangerous as movie monsters, and how violence can bleed into the psyche.
If you’re looking for a slasher novel that’s reminiscent of movies like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Shining, this book is for you!
While this could easily be labeled an “end of summer” read, Curse of the Reaper is perfect for Spooky Season! You’ve got 80’s slasher influences, bloody kills, and some downright creepy scenes.
Howard Browning is a former 80’s slasher film star from the popular "Night of the Reaper" horror franchise. When he learns the films are getting a reboot and he’s being replaced as the Reaper by younger tv star, Trevor Mane, Howard feels abandoned. After all, he practically gave the Reaper life. As the story progresses, we learn that both actors are struggling with their own monsters. Trevor is hoping his long battles with substance abuse won’t interfere with his chance at a new beginning while Howard is battling frightening stages of Alzheimer's, so much so that he starts to hear the Reaper in his head and begins wondering what is real and what isn’t.
I personally found Howard’s chapters to be the most chilling. Memory loss is scary, and when one doesn’t recall mutilating animals or leaving creepy notes around the house, that’s beyond terrifying. Howard had always felt that getting into character was like flipping a switch when he played his film role as the Reaper. But as the chapters progress, Howard can’t help but feel like his switch is malfunctioning and the Reaper wants full control.
I had a good time with this book. The duo-protagonists were well developed and I felt for them as they struggled with their fears of irrelevance while trying to suppress what haunted them. This is a psychological horror novel that takes an interesting look into how fame and show business affects mental health, how our personal demons can sometimes be just as dangerous as movie monsters, and how violence can bleed into the psyche.
If you’re looking for a slasher novel that’s reminiscent of movies like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Shining, this book is for you!
November 13, 2024
Tenéis una amplia reseña en https://capsulaslj.blogspot.com/2024/...
La mejor novela de la editorial.
No digo la más violenta, burra, atrevida o chocante.
Digo la mejor novela.
Si te gusta el cine de terror, las franquicias, los killers, las bambalinas del negocio, Wes Craven y La Nueva Pesadilla o si leías la Fangoria, lo vas a pasar en grande.
McAuley se presenta como un autor capaz de crear personajes muy creíbles (como Howard y Trevor), con un acierto exquisito a la hora de meter referencias a cultura pop o darles capas de sentimientos. Me recordó mucho, muchísimo,a Grady Hendrix, pero sin esa parte de humor.
La mejor novela de la editorial.
No digo la más violenta, burra, atrevida o chocante.
Digo la mejor novela.
Si te gusta el cine de terror, las franquicias, los killers, las bambalinas del negocio, Wes Craven y La Nueva Pesadilla o si leías la Fangoria, lo vas a pasar en grande.
McAuley se presenta como un autor capaz de crear personajes muy creíbles (como Howard y Trevor), con un acierto exquisito a la hora de meter referencias a cultura pop o darles capas de sentimientos. Me recordó mucho, muchísimo,a Grady Hendrix, pero sin esa parte de humor.
August 19, 2022
Where are my 80s slasher fans?
Howard Browning is in the Reaper franchise. The role has consumed his life. Although not acting now, he attends horror conventions and signs autographs. The franchise plans a reboot, and it surprised Howard to discover he is being replaced by Trevor, a controversial teen actor. Both characters are tragic. I loved seeing the interactions between them.
Howard and Trevor were believable. “Curse of the Reaper” dives into Howard’s intense method acting. Although Trevor is along for the ride, he is battling his demons. The novel takes the reader on a journey into the damaged minds of these characters.
“Curse of the Reaper” is psychological horror with the pacing and feel of a 80s slasher flick. Aside from the filmmaking and franchise commentary, the book is about how the horror and violence can seep into someone’s psyche and take over.
“Curse of the Reaper” walks the fine line between the slasher movies we love and how it influences the people behind the scenes. Fans of John Carpenter movies or the Halloween franchise should check this out.
Howard Browning is in the Reaper franchise. The role has consumed his life. Although not acting now, he attends horror conventions and signs autographs. The franchise plans a reboot, and it surprised Howard to discover he is being replaced by Trevor, a controversial teen actor. Both characters are tragic. I loved seeing the interactions between them.
Howard and Trevor were believable. “Curse of the Reaper” dives into Howard’s intense method acting. Although Trevor is along for the ride, he is battling his demons. The novel takes the reader on a journey into the damaged minds of these characters.
“Curse of the Reaper” is psychological horror with the pacing and feel of a 80s slasher flick. Aside from the filmmaking and franchise commentary, the book is about how the horror and violence can seep into someone’s psyche and take over.
“Curse of the Reaper” walks the fine line between the slasher movies we love and how it influences the people behind the scenes. Fans of John Carpenter movies or the Halloween franchise should check this out.
July 12, 2022
This was such a fun read. Any fans of slasher '80s and '90s horror films will love this. Howard played the infamous Reaper in all eight films but now faces a reboot in which he's being replaced. The plot was predictable but no less fun to watch unfold. I do wish the first half hadn't dragged as much as it did--one part untrue to the genre--but instead kept the suspenseful pace it gained in the second half.
June 13, 2024
3/3.5 ⭐
Buddy read with my bff 👯♀️💜
This was a fun read and was like a nice meta tribute to 80s/90s slasher movies. But I would say this is more of a psychological thriller rather than an actual horror.
The plot was a really interesting idea, and I loved the idea of an aging horror actor coming to terms with being replaced, I felt so bad for Howard 😭 But I did initially find it difficult to sink my teeth into this book, as the first half of the book dragged quite a lot, and I found myself forcing my eyes to the page for the first few chapters. The dialogue also didn't feel very natural and took me out of it at times, but the characters had a lot more depth than I was anticipating going into it which was refreshing. They felt well-developed, and I loved the dual POV and descent into madness, despite it being slightly predictable, and the depiction of addiction.
It did pick up the pace towards the end, and I did find my anxiety picking up in the last 20% or so, finally getting the slasher vibes I'd been looking for 🔪 but it felt like we took a bit too long to get there for me. And in turn, the climactic final act felt too hurried in comparison. However I did really like the plot twist, my jaw dropped.
It was unfortunately a pretty forgettable book on the whole, but it was a fun, quick, campy read nonetheless, and I had such a good time reading it with my bestie!
Buddy read with my bff 👯♀️💜
This was a fun read and was like a nice meta tribute to 80s/90s slasher movies. But I would say this is more of a psychological thriller rather than an actual horror.
The plot was a really interesting idea, and I loved the idea of an aging horror actor coming to terms with being replaced, I felt so bad for Howard 😭 But I did initially find it difficult to sink my teeth into this book, as the first half of the book dragged quite a lot, and I found myself forcing my eyes to the page for the first few chapters. The dialogue also didn't feel very natural and took me out of it at times, but the characters had a lot more depth than I was anticipating going into it which was refreshing. They felt well-developed, and I loved the dual POV and descent into madness, despite it being slightly predictable, and the depiction of addiction.
It did pick up the pace towards the end, and I did find my anxiety picking up in the last 20% or so, finally getting the slasher vibes I'd been looking for 🔪 but it felt like we took a bit too long to get there for me. And in turn, the climactic final act felt too hurried in comparison. However I did really like the plot twist, my jaw dropped.
It was unfortunately a pretty forgettable book on the whole, but it was a fun, quick, campy read nonetheless, and I had such a good time reading it with my bestie!
March 2, 2024
3.5 stars this was hard to rate it was good enjoyed the movie parts some cheesey too and while I did really like the characters the plot I just don't know it was good fun though
October 26, 2022
Curse Of The Reaper is the perfect spooky season read. I couldn't help but imagine Howard Browning as actor Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger). It is about an older actor, Howard Browning, who is best known for his horror movie icon role of The Reaper from the popular Horror Franchise, Night Of The Reaper. Browning has not had a successful career outside of his role of the Reaper and now travels the horror convention circuit signing autographs. When Browning learns of a Reaper series reboot with a younger leading actor, he plans to do anything it takes to reclaim his rightful legacy as the one true Reaper. Soon the malevolent alter ego consumes Howard and violence ensues. Is Howard losing his mind or has the Reaper taken on a life of it's own?
This is like a love letter to your favorite original horror villain. It's a fantastic psychological/supernatural horror thriller and paints a great picture of the dark side of acting & filming. Author Brian McAuley, a WGA screenwriter with a horror background, writes with obvious knowledge of the industry in his debut horror novel.
A special thank you to Netgalley and Sky Horse Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is like a love letter to your favorite original horror villain. It's a fantastic psychological/supernatural horror thriller and paints a great picture of the dark side of acting & filming. Author Brian McAuley, a WGA screenwriter with a horror background, writes with obvious knowledge of the industry in his debut horror novel.
A special thank you to Netgalley and Sky Horse Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2023
The front blurb of "Curse of the Reaper" promises psychological nightmares AND bloodshed. This is somewhat true, but the book leans MUCH more towards psychological and more 'real life' horror, rather than emulating the pulpy/cheesy slasher films that I expected. The book is about the power that horror films have in our lives (for both the actors and the legions of fans), and the damage that they can cause.
This book is mostly about those struggles (the older horror actor is suffering from mental illness issues, and the younger actor is struggling with drug addiction, etc), with the more slasher-y aspects pushed to the background. This whole story was more psychological horror, and the supernatural aspects are always presented in a vague way, where the reader is left to decide if the Reaper monster is really 'real', or if the author is just playing with the idea of a role as madness being passed down.
There's also a lack of character development and/or growth for one of the main characters (Trevor Mane), where at the end he doesn't really grow at all & learns nothing from his many, many mistakes. He might have gained the role of The Reaper, but that's about all that is different for him at the very end of the book.
Wouldn't really recommend if you want a horror/slasher movie in novel form.
This book is mostly about those struggles (the older horror actor is suffering from mental illness issues, and the younger actor is struggling with drug addiction, etc), with the more slasher-y aspects pushed to the background. This whole story was more psychological horror, and the supernatural aspects are always presented in a vague way, where the reader is left to decide if the Reaper monster is really 'real', or if the author is just playing with the idea of a role as madness being passed down.
There's also a lack of character development and/or growth for one of the main characters (Trevor Mane), where at the end he doesn't really grow at all & learns nothing from his many, many mistakes. He might have gained the role of The Reaper, but that's about all that is different for him at the very end of the book.
Wouldn't really recommend if you want a horror/slasher movie in novel form.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 27, 2022Beyond the wonderfully realized world this takes place in, the thing that grabbed me most about Curse of the Reaper were the two main characters, who I found interesting and relatable and whose struggles with fame and addiction fleshed them out in sympathetic ways. The moments of horror in this are palpable and the prose is effortlessly readable yet still quite colorful. I really liked this book a lot.
September 26, 2024
With all the cursed film books coming out these days this one definitely stands out! Fast paced with interesting and complex characters. We do have harsh topics in here that are counteracted by a movie script that is super camp. Loved that juxtaposition so much! Fantastic ending! I just wish the slashing would’ve started a bit earlier. I was wondering if it was going to go there at all but thank goodness it did!
Want to read
December 5, 2022Omg this book was so awesome. I read the description of this one and I just knew I had to read it. I loved the book so much that I went and bought a copy of it. I wasn’t let down at all. Everyone needs to read this book.
June 1, 2023
Curse of the Reaper is the perfect read for fans of 80s horror slashers like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. The story centers around the reboot of a popular horror film series similar to F13, and the two actors vying for the role of The Reaper. One is Howard Browning, the Kane Hodder-esque man who originally brought The Reaper to life, and the younger actor set to replace him in the reboot. As the film gears up for production, things go horribly wrong for each actor - and The Reaper begins to haunt them both.
The story is a psychological slow burn that is very character driven, which I enjoyed. Although centered on a slasher series, there isn’t a ton of slashing until later on. The story also features scenes taken from the scripts of all The Reaper films over the years, which were my favorite! The scenes were so entertaining and funny, and the perfect mix of F13, ANOES and even a bit of Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. I also loved that the story about a horror icon being replaced for the reboot was clearly inspired by the real life situation that occurred with the Friday the 13th remake replacing Kane Hodder.
It’s clear that author Brian McCauley is a horror fan and this book is a love letter to the genre. It’s smart and fun at times while also being equally sad and disturbing. I found the commentary about Hollywood, reboots, and it’s poor treatment of creators/actors/writers to be interesting as well.
If you’re a horror movie fan, you need to read this book. It was written for us. I’m so excited to read whatever the author comes up with next!
The story is a psychological slow burn that is very character driven, which I enjoyed. Although centered on a slasher series, there isn’t a ton of slashing until later on. The story also features scenes taken from the scripts of all The Reaper films over the years, which were my favorite! The scenes were so entertaining and funny, and the perfect mix of F13, ANOES and even a bit of Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. I also loved that the story about a horror icon being replaced for the reboot was clearly inspired by the real life situation that occurred with the Friday the 13th remake replacing Kane Hodder.
It’s clear that author Brian McCauley is a horror fan and this book is a love letter to the genre. It’s smart and fun at times while also being equally sad and disturbing. I found the commentary about Hollywood, reboots, and it’s poor treatment of creators/actors/writers to be interesting as well.
If you’re a horror movie fan, you need to read this book. It was written for us. I’m so excited to read whatever the author comes up with next!
December 10, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one!
So I really loved this one! A 80’s slasher tribute about an former horror film star and his descent into madness. Well written and paced. Engaging plot. Well developed and intriguing characters. Excellent one liners. 😂 What more can you ask for!? I can't believe this is Brian McAuley's debut novel! I look forward to reading more from him in the coming years.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
So I really loved this one! A 80’s slasher tribute about an former horror film star and his descent into madness. Well written and paced. Engaging plot. Well developed and intriguing characters. Excellent one liners. 😂 What more can you ask for!? I can't believe this is Brian McAuley's debut novel! I look forward to reading more from him in the coming years.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
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