Husk Paperback – March 5, 2016

The beginning pages of this novella will make readers sit back in shock. It starts innocently enough, with a group of soldiers on a routine mission. The reader will likely expect that routine to be disrupted, but not quite in this way. This sets up the pace and other jumps the story makes as well as cements Deering’s writing skill early on.The stand out skills in this book lay in the author’s beautifully descriptive prose. There are several extreme scenes the reader is propelled through, they have lasting power well after the book is finished. The scenes move at a break-neck pace (with a few exceptions) and this book is easily read in one or two sittings.This might miss the mark for some readers as different parts of the novella are sped through. One moment a soldier is struggling with PTSD and VA bureaucracy, and the next a love interest enters, along with an erotic daydream. The scenes themselves are great, it is in the transition that readers may become lost. More explanation or even time to process what is happening would be beneficial. The love interest comes in the form of a young preacher’s daughter and the whole family is just, well, off. I found myself thinking she was more like 13-14 years old and this made the romantic pieces seem awkward. I dug the sex scenes and they are well-written, they just seemed abrupt and out of place.Conversely, I did enjoy the feeling of “what is HAPPENING” in most parts. I dig an undefined monster and Deering develops this well. This one may have missed the mark for me, but I will definitely seek out more from this author. I am in a minority on some of this, so be sure to check out some of the many 4 and 5 star reviews for this book.

A very sad story, but you don't realize it until the end. Very realistic, very crafty. I hope Deering writes more.

"Darkness crept in from the edges of the sky, threatening to overtake the dying gold and crimson rays of sunlight lingering on the horizon."What a fun novella, this could of definitely been fleshed out to be longer. My only quips with it was the ending went quickly. Other than that the story was fun and the writing beautiful from time to time.

Yesterday I received Rachel Autumn Deering’s new book, Husk. I read this book in one sitting and wished it were longer when I was done. Horror fiction is not a genre I am usually into, but I met Rachel at an instore event and she was really nice so I thought I’d give it a chance. Husk follows Kevin Brooks from the dessert of Afghanistan to the hills of the small town in Kentucky he grew up in. It is a simple story that will probably seem familiar to many veterans. What makes this book great is Deering’s descriptive skills. I always enjoy books where you can visualize what the characters are seeing, smell the scents they encounter, and hear the sounds they take in. Deering does all this and more! One of my favorite lines is a description of Kevin coming back to his family home after it sitting empty for quite some time. “The latch finally clicked. Kevin twisted the knob and pushed the door open. The house gulped in a big breath of fresh air like some frantic drowning thing breaking the water’s surface and gasping for life. It had sat unopened for so long, suffocating in the silence, its memories blanketed by a thick layer of dust.”Anyone reading this can clearly see, and feel and hear what Kevin witnesses. This book is filled with wonderful details that take you to another place. Personally I can’t wait for Deering’s next book!

This story immediately pulled me in. The voice felt genuine. The pacing was quick - each little moment touching, revealing, and oh so tragic. This may have been a work of fiction, but there is so much truth here. And the truth is terrifying.Numerous times I felt my heart rate quicken, the terror palpable. It’s often difficult for mere words to achieve this effect, so I was impressed.Toward the end, there was a specific moment I actually covered my mouth as I read. Not because it was scary but because it was sad and unexpected. You’ll see what I mean when you get there.There were several beautifully worded sentences and passages that really made this story shine. Some scenes may have been simple in nature, but they were deep in emotion and made it all the more real in my mind.

3 AND 1/2 STARSVery engaging and believable characters and dialogue that rings true. The writing flows smoothly which makes an easy read. The weakest parts, for me, were the monster visions. They seemed to come out of nowhere and disappear nearly right away with little or no buildup or aftermath. The only other issue I had was that although the book is a novella, the first 4/5 feel like the pace of a full length novel (in a good way). The last 1/5, however, felt rushed like a movie on fast forward as if the author had to keep the word count limited under a fixed amount. Although I would have liked a more consistency throughout the final few chapters, this was an enjoyable read from an author who clearly has talent to write dark fiction with a authentically rich tone that does not shy away from uncomfortable material.

Wow, the emotions! I didn't intend to read this in one sitting but it happened. Rachel write so beautifully! The story is so sad, raw,emotional. Kevin is a great character. You connect with him instantly and really want things to work out for him. I won't spoil anything because you should read this. You! Reading this review. Now I'm going to see what is out there by this author!

Husk settles into a, dare I say it, feel good spooky tale. Wholesome even. The author sprinkles haunting scenes throughout, which culminates into a confronting end. I'm not a religious person, but it was refreshing to see religious characters portrayed in a positive light without being overbearing. I had an issue with the last quarter of the book however, in which the tempo goes through the roof, almost as if the author realised she had run out of room and had to get the end as quickly as possible. But a minor quibble. Would read more from this author.

At first I was a little wary of attempting to write a review of 'Husk,' Rachel Autumn Deering's prose début. I wasn't sure how I'd be able to approach it, seeing that, in the interests of full disclosure, we are friends (Transatlantic friends, but friends nonetheless).I needn't have been wary. Nope, not in the slightest. I'll get to the point (hopefully forgoing my usual verbal diarrhoea in the process); Rachel's work as a comic writer stands her in good stead for the transition to prose. The writing in 'Husk' is lean and to the point, with no messing about or dwelling on anything that needn't be there. Instead, Rachel's twisted imaginings (I don't think she will be offended by my saying so) are conveyed with a punchy, almost sparse enconomy. For the most part eschewing more traditional terrors and steering well clear of traditional genre tropes, instead, 'Husk' focuses upon what, to me at least, is the real stuff of horror: addiction, guilt, and hopelessness, all underpinned by a truly crushing sense of inevitability.A debut novella that promises of great things to come, with 'Husk,' Rachel Deering almost makes this whole writing thing look pretty damn easy, and certainly leaves me wanting more. If you're looking for a brisk, entertainingly chilling read, you'd do well to pick up a copy

I'm not great at written reviews and rarely do them but after finishing this felt it's the least I could do. A pretty short story but it feels filling enough. The writing is easy to digest and the story does everything it sets out to do and will haunt you for some time afterwards. I believe this is the authors first novel or novella and after enjoying this so much I can't wait to see what they do next.

The story is set up beautifully at the beginning: the scenario, the banter, the jargon. All brilliant. I got a real good feel of the warzone and soldier brain going on. Very realistic.As the story progressed it went to places I wasn't expecting. The nightmarish aspect was excellent Really enjoyed this.I think I finished this in just over an hour.Definitely a five star read for me.

A stunning debut novella from the very talented Rachel Autumn Deering. Deering is able to craft and draw you into a very real and at times frightening world. A truly immersive read, one I had trouble putting down.