Author | Critic
“To sum up my thoughts on this book in one word, I’m IMPRESSED. […] Though the premise and setting aren’t particularly abnormal, the author digs deep into the psyche of the main character and warps everything into a maddening descent from ordinary suburban life to a truly horrifying nightmare.”
Read the full review.
“What Thorn explores to great effect […] is what you don’t see when walking those streets at night. Malice lurking behind practiced smiles. Violence hidden behind manicured lawns.”
“With this short novel, Thorn tackles unknown sentient horrors, teenage rage, violence, and toxic masculinity in a stunning and intimate debut.”
What inspired Shelter for the Damned?
Like most creative projects, Shelter for the Damned took inspiration from numerous places. I wanted to write something in the suburban horror tradition, and I wanted to write something with adolescent characters. I drew a lot on the novels of Hubert Selby Jr. and Jim Thompson, specifically their pessimism and their unblinking commitment to disturbed protagonists devoured by their own demons …
“The novel’s pacing is relentless. You may find yourself breathing only during page turns. Thorn has a real knack for building intensity to a fever pitch and letting the effect carry over into the action. His prose is smooth and his dialogue stretches the anger of juvenile angst without forcing it into unnatural banter. What’s really terrifying about this novel is its fidelity to the suburban experience—that is, what’s scary is how realistic so much of it is.”
On February 26, 2021, JournalStone will release Mike Thorn’s debut novel, Shelter for the Damned. This grisly, pessimistic, supernatural tale is Thorn’s contribution to the great tradition of suburban horror.
Visit Night Worms for an exclusive cover reveal (art by Trevor Henderson).
Pre-order directly from JournalStone.
It seems only yesterday that I unleashed my debut short story collection Darkest Hours on the world. November 10, 2020 will mark its three-year anniversary, and the end of its print run with Unnerving. So far, the book has been thriving thanks to support and enthusiasm from readers, reviewers, and horror enthusiasts from all dark corners. I fully intend to find it an excellent new home, and I will provide updates as they come!
Having said that, if you want to pick up a copy of Darkest Hours, now is absolutely the time. Order from Amazon or Barnes & Noble before it vanishes (for now…).
In other news, my debut novel Shelter for the Damned is scheduled for release with JournalStone on February 26, 2021. I have a lot of exciting updates related to that project, but I’m going to have to sit on those for the time being.
Here’s the synopsis:
While looking for a secret place to smoke cigarettes with his two best friends, troubled teenager Mark discovers a mysterious shack in a suburban field. Alienated from his parents and peers, Mark finds within the shack an escape greater than anything he has ever experienced.
But it isn’t long before the place begins revealing its strange, powerful sentience. And it wants something in exchange for the shelter it provides.
Stay spooky, my friends! More updates soon…
My debut novel Shelter for the Damned is scheduled for a February 26, 2021 release through Journalstone.
More updates to come!
Mike Thorn 