Spellbound by Christopher Pike
In this 1989 novel, unarguably strange things happen in a small town. Jason’s girlfriend Karen died mysteriously and now he has a new girlfriend named Cindy. New students Bala and Joni lurk. Cindy’s brother Alex likes Joni and various other characters named Ray and Pam lurk. Jason tries to normalise his reputation, Cindy is a bit of a cow as she faces unfettered evil and Joni has a capacity for darkness. This was interesting but also wildly implausible and dull.
Jason has issues, people send letters, a reporter has no concept of libel or slander and there is no CSI. Jason only has a space for Cindy in his life when she services or supports his needs and ambitions. Jason is loudly and obviously making Cindy miserable. Why does Cindy date him? She has no deep affection for him. Joni has no certain elusiveness and is obviously evil. There are dated references to tapes, drought in Africa and people watching ‘Dallas’. Pike hates cheerleaders, Cindy doesn’t like her boyfriend or best friend and the Africa references are kinda racist. This makes no sense: vultures are scavengers not predators. Also no English girl would be named Joni. Cindy’s parents notice nothing.
Best Lines:
“Ray’s got some real bad luck coming to him.”
“Those silly bitches on varsity yell.”
“I’ll remember that remark,”
“You been starting a fight again?”
“Actually, I have, yes.”
“There was a personal computer, a telescope, a TV hooked up to two VCRs and a compact disc player.”
“I don’t think a grizzly did it.”
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Comes The Blind Fury by John Saul
A 80s tale of a ghostly blind girl, a neglected girl and a recklessly destructive father untroubled by his poor decision making and child neglect. This was meandering jabber.
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Hellfire by John Saul
2 stepsisters and ghosts interact. This is never interesting and is not an emotive narrative. Maybe I should have read ‘Cry For The Strangers’, ’Suffer The Children’ or ’When The Wind Blows’.
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Bury Me Deep by Christopher Pike
A tale of a dead guy and scuba diving told in a solemn tone of voice. This was consistently dumb.
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Witch by Christopher Pike
A tale of a witch and ice (aka meth). Not incisive just nasty and mean.
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Fall Into Darkness by Christopher Pike
A girl fakes her own murder because she festers in delusions. Riling.
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Scavenger Hunt by Christopher Pike
Not a heartfelt tale of weirdoes.
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The Unwanted by John Saul
A tale of a bullied child and uncaring adults. Horrible.
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Road To Nowhere by Christopher Pike
A tale of a car trip and an emotionally inarticulate yob. This has no emotional authenticity.
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The Eternal Enemy by Christopher Pike
A magic VCR and this is never interesting.
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The Immortal by Christopher Pike
Greek gods do dangerous and exploitative things whilst reincarnated as teenage girls. Dull.
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The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike
Never interesting and had about 5 worse sequels.
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Remember Me 2: The Return by Christopher Pike
The dead girl who has no brass or edge as she has no fear or apprehension.