Slash Review

Slash by Hunter Shea

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Since an early age, I’ve had a love for 80’s slashers. They’re what sparked my love of the genre. When I saw that Hunter Shea’s follow up to the phenomenal “Creature” was inspired by those classic films, my anticipation for “Slash” became as insatiable as the bloodlust of the maniacs in those films. I’m pleased to say that Shea’s latest doesn’t disappoint.

Slash begins 5 years after a maniac only known as “The Wraith” goes on a killing spree at an abandoned resort. The Wraith was never brought to justice, and final girl Ashley King has lived a broken existence ever since. In the wake of tragedy, Kings fiancé Todd returns to the Hayden resort looking for answers.

Slash, much like Creature, is an example of how Shea is capable of making you feel for his characters when he needs you to. The front half of the book is used to get to know the struggle Ashley has gone through, and to connect with Todd. In my opinion this pays dividends, as you now have a connection to Ashley and Todd, and have been made to feel for them. Because you care about these characters, you feel for Todd’s friends who’ve been dragged into this mess by way of friendship. There is a very specific point in the book where the action gets going and once this happens it rarely lets up, other than to set up the next sequence.

The story works well enough. One of the toughest parts of a slasher set in modern times is technology. The problem being how is this even possible when cell phones are everywhere, Shea uses a simple tactic to move past this, allowing madness to ensue. Another Excellent part of the book is The Wraith. Hunter Shea has come up with a surprisingly effective explanation for why and how the Wraith exists. It’s original, and it works. Speaking of The Wraith, he’s terrifying. When it’s all said and done, The Wraith stands tall amongst the great Slasher villans of the 80’s, Voorhees, Myers, and Krueger.

It’s fitting that I finished this book on Friday the 13th. Hunter Shea has written a worthy homage to my favorite horror genre, the slasher. If you’re a fan of the genre, the films from the 80’s in particular, this is a most own. Hunter Shea has proven himself to be one of the most valuable talents in Flametree press’ roster.

5/5




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