This is a fantastic novel about horror movie fandom, inner demons, and ego but set against the backdrop of a slasher film franchise.
Howard is on the tail end of his acting career regulated to conventions in order to sell photos for a few dollars. But horror fans seem to love him because he played the iconic character in eight slasher films known as The Reaper.
He brought the character to life and put his whole being into it for many years, providing him with a comfortable life. But that was then and, lately, things aren't looking so good. He's also in the first stages of dementia and he's starting to forget things from time to time.
Trevor was a child actor who starred in a sitcom as a kid. Even though he's only twenty six years old his drug fueled antics is the only thing keeping his name alive. He's been in and out of rehab but can never kick his drug habit.
When the movie studio decides to remake the Reaper movie, Howard is less than happy that the role is going to Trevor. He might be old but Howard feels it's his role to play and doesn't think this trouble making young man has what it takes to do it justice.
Howard starts seeing and hearing the Reaper in his dreams and while he's awake. The character seems to have jumped from the screen to become a real life slasher, slowly forcing Howard to act in increasingly violent ways.
No spoliers, of course, but eventually the new and old will meet and it might not end well for anyone. Curse Of The Reaper is a character driven horror novel with enough blood and guts for the fans who like that. It also delves into the world of fandom and the toxicity that exists in them as Howard realises that, perhaps, he's not really loved so much as the character he brought to life.
This is a creepy, bloody, and excellent character study all rolled into one and I highly recommend you pick it up!
Dave from Horror Reads
