Review: Nightmare Ballad

Nightmare Ballad by Benjamin Kane Ethridge

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Horror/Lovecraftian
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of horror, Lovecraftian fiction
Trigger Warnings: deaths

My Thoughts: One of the things I liked best about this book is that it features a functioning polyamorous relationship, in which two women and a man are all married to each other. It doesn't show this in the “threesome” sense, either, but realistically with all the sorts of compromises and difficulties that such a relationship entails, as well as the beauty when it works properly.

I have designated this Lovecraftian, but not in the sense of tentacled Elder Gods (although there is an octopus at one point), but in the sense of skewed reality, unknown things in the dark, dreams and nightmares. This is an incredibly creepy story, and fans of horror should enjoy this.

It is not truly stand alone, however. While this book wraps up with a denouement, not everything is solved. A sequel, called Nightmare Serenade, is planned, although I am not certain when it will be out. I, for one, plan to acquire a copy of it, because I really enjoyed this book. If you live in fear of your nightmares, if you enjoy Lovecraftian fiction, if you're a fan of horror, definitely check out this book.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: One day, while instructing a swim class, Luke Rhodes hears a strange ballad in his head that twists reality. After a series of terrifying events, he escapes through a black curtain and leaves a living nightmare behind.

The ballad hasn't left him though. Pieces remain. And when the song surfaces… the nightmare returns. Joined by Luke’s two wives and his miscreant friend Johnny Cruz, they resolve to discover the source of these “Lifemares,” and, more importantly, how to escape them.

But time is against them. Innocent people are dying and these freakish disturbances are devastating the world they know.

Will Luke and his family find the singer of the Ballad before it’s too late? Or will horrifying nightmares roam the world… forever?



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