BrotherAuthor: Ania Ahlborn
Published by: Gallery Books
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Format: eARC
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
Deep in the heart of Appalachia stands a crooked farmhouse miles from any road. The Morrows keep to themselves, and it’s served them well so far. When girls go missing off the side of the highway, the cops don’t knock on their door. Which is a good thing, seeing as to what’s buried in the Morrows’ backyard.
But nineteen-year-old Michael Morrow isn’t like the rest of his family. He doesn’t take pleasure in the screams that echo through the trees. Michael pines for normalcy, and he’s sure that someday he’ll see the world beyond West Virginia. When he meets Alice, a pretty girl working at a record shop in the small nearby town of Dahlia, he’s immediately smitten. For a moment, he nearly forgets about the monster he’s become. But his brother, Rebel, is all too eager to remind Michael of his place…
You think you have a dysfunctional family? Pfft. Why don’t you meet the Morrow family, then you’ll see the epitome of dysfunction. Unless, of course, you come from a family of serial killers too.
When I went into Brother, I fully expected something a little cheesy. I was prepared for a laughable, eye-rolling induced read. Is that what I got? Hell freaking no! Listen, I love horror books, movies, everything. I mean, I was sneaking horror movies when I was little and reading Stephen King when I was in elementary school, so really, there isn’t much that fazes me. So when I say that Brother impressed me, I truly mean it.
The author did an outstanding job with the characters and laying the story out the way she does. It isn’t just random crap for shock value. There’s an actual plot that is very well done. I was completely captivated and flipping through the pages as fast as I could. There came a point where I started to see where it was all heading, and it made me so anxious! It’s seriously effed up, and I loved every single second of it!
This family is beyond disturbing, and I was utterly fascinated by them. It’s absolutely brilliant how the author brings forth a tiny twinge of sympathy from the understanding of how certain characters became what they are and had to endure. Not likable or anything, just an understanding.
I’m telling you, Brother is dark, disturbing, and Twisted with a capital T. It is for sure, one of the best horror books I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot. This is without a doubt a top read for me this year.
Okay, I am not into horror – too wimpy! However I can see that this one impressed you so anyone who loves this genre and many do, it would be a must read for them.
I understand. You still try it though. 😉
That cover is kinda c reepy
Good, because everything inside is creepy too. lol
Ohhhhh YEEEEES! As twisted as it sounds, I’m DYING to read this now Christy, pardon the pun. A family of serial killers and I’ll be awake all night. Every once in a while I love a book that scared the ever loving crap out of you and THANK YOU so, so much for reviewing this, or I would never have come across it otherwise. Brilliant review poppet! <3
It is a truly effed up story. I hope you read it.
I am always down for dark and twisted. This sounds awesome – Great review!
You should definitely read this one, Grace.
Agreed. Pretty effin’ cool.
Meh, just a little. lol
Holy cow! I need this now, Christy! I love how twisted and dark it sounds. And great characterizations? I’m IN! I’ve never heard of this one before today so thanks for sharing!
Ahh you need to read it then, Nick!
Okay. Horror and I do not get along Christy, mostly because I’m an epic wimp. But it’s more the gore aspect of horror that gets to me rather than anything creepy or twisted, so maybe this would be okay. Is there a lot of blood or detailed descriptions of the murdered girls?
Um … it has it’s gruesome moments, but if you can deal with them you’d get a really good twisted story.
When I saw the name of the book, honestly horror was not the first thing that popped into my head, but wow… interesting o.o i’m fascinated even thought i am too chicken to pick it up haha
C’mon, Lily, just try it! I’ll buy you a nightlight. 😀
You always get me to go out of my comfort zone with these type of reads but, it also never fails that I end up loving them. I can tell this will be another one of those reads. Wonderful review, I think I need to meet this messed up family.
Dude, Ali, read this.
Yea, I’m a big wimp and although you peaked my curiosity, I think this one would be too scary for me. I know a few people this would be perfect however! 🙂 Now as for the messed up family… hm… I wonder… he did look a bit shifty the last Thanksgiving… 😉
lol! Watch out for the carving knife. You should still try it, Melissa. It’s a really good story.
Another book someone failed to tell me to grab. Now I needs it. You know I love twisted.
Not my fault this time. Liz is the one who informed me. Wait, didn’t she tell both of us? It’s okay, I only pay attention to 20% of what she says too.
I’m not into horror so I may never read this but it sounds like a really good story. I’m glad that there was an actual plot to it since many of these don’t really have them. Great review!
You should still try it! It’s a really good story. Twisted, but good.
The synopsis sounded interesting and now your review has sold it. I added it to my goodreads list. Thanks for the review 🙂
I hope you read it.
Well, I tend to be on the squeamish side, but every once in a while I have the compelling need to scare myself to death with a story like this. I think this might become one of those. I’d thank you, Christy, but seriously, the side effects might not be worth it. 😉
Wow, this book sounds amazing! I normally shy away from thrillers or horror because I’m a really big scaredy cat. I just can’t do it! But this book makes me want to see how disturbing people can be. It would be totally cool to see how the other side lives. And with such a glowing recommendation from you, I’m even more interested. (But I probably still won’t pick this up – I’M TOO SCARED!)
Dark and twisted! So glad that this was different from what you expected and you loved it!
The family sounds really intriguing and I’m glad to see you had a great time with the story. I’m curious!
First time I’ve ever heard of this book but that synopsis and your review won me right over. You only have to mention twisted and I’m in!
The summary gave me goose-bumps, and your review sealed the deal, Christy! I need this book, because it sounds so creepy, but not in the ‘normal’ way stories often are. Excellent review!
Holy crap and I think my family is crazy?! You know me so well, Christy because now I HAVE to read this book. Like, yesterday! I have a feeling things don’t work out well with Alice… Oh, brother. (Heh.)
Oh my goodness! Your review is making me freak out about this book in a good and captivating way! Would you say this one is better than Swerve?
Mmmm-hmm … I think it’s definitely better than Swerve.
I’ve met my quota for creepy this year, but this one looks like I need to give it a go soon. Shit, I don’t need to be horrified right now. LOL
OMG, this sounds so creepy. How the hell do you find these books!!??? Serial killers are my fav!
I love her books! I haven’t read this one but I really enjoyed Seed!