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Five Star Science Fiction/Fantasy - The Tolltaker

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James Sneddon's the Tolltaker is a very traditional horror novel. It deals with childhood fears, family relationships, coming of age - and deep, impenetrable darkness. There are a lot of points of tension in a young boy's life, and young Bobby, Sneddon's protagonist, faces more than his fair share.

Bobby and his mother have moved to a new apartment on the far side of his school from his grandparent's home, where they lived previously. Bobby's father went MIA in Vietnam, and this is the first time he and his mother have been on their own, and out from under the almost oppressive influence of his "Paw Paw" since their traumatic loss. To top it off, his mother has been growing increasingly friendly and familiar with the "water-ice man," a guy named Nick, who Bobby suspects is trying to bury the memory of his father forever. Armed only with his "safe keeper," a bracelet with his father's name engraved on it that he has not taken off since its purchase in order to keep his missing parent "safe," and the knowledge that it is up to him to keep his mom from forgetting his father and doing things with Nick that his Paw Paw has told him are just not right, Bobby faces off with life in a new home, a new friend, and a new set of bullies.

This novel is rife with symbolism. At times, the characters themselves take on the aspects of these symbols, and if you aren't careful you can mistake this for one dimensionality, but then they take very human turns, and surprise you. Deep chords are struck by Sneddon's prose, particularly in the mindset of an eight year old boy trying to get by while beset on all sides by the trials of a difficult time in his life.

There is an old storm drain tunnel that the kids play in. This tunnel was abandoned years in the past because it ran across a sinkhole that would not stay closed. People died, and the legend was born of a dark spirit that claimed them. The Tolltaker. There is even an engraving of those words in the concreted of the tunnel itself - an engraving that looks as if it's been slashed into the stone by impossibly sharp claws. It's just a legend though, except that when Bobby enters the tunnel, and strange things begin to happen, it becomes something much more.

Rudy, a bully whose job it is to exact tolls from younger kids who cross his park - a duty passed from bully to bully over the years, becomes Bobby's enemy, causing endless heartache to the boy, his friends, and their families. The Tolltaker itself will not release Bobby, even in his dreams, and life continually beats away at the one thing that matters to him - the safe return of his father. Nothing is coming easy for Bobby, and as the novel progresses relentlessly toward darkness, life only gets worse.

The conclusion of this novel is very powerful and satisfying. The Tolltaker is one of the best first novels of the year and a remarkable debut for a talented newcomer to the genre.

Every time I thought I knew where the book was going, who the true bad guy was and what the outcome would be - I was wrong! Every time I boxed this story into what I assumed it would prove to be - I was wrong. Never, I repeat never, have I been more surprised and enthralled in a story before. I finished this book in just under four hours and then picked it right back up and read it again!

The plot is unconventional and creative, the delivery flawless. This story involves you, incorporating you into this tale of heartache, faith, fear and unimaginable strength. Now don't mistake mush for admiration, this story is masterful. Ingraining traditional storytelling with modern views, Sneddon's style of writing is fresh and definitive. He keeps the dialogue simple, the descriptions sharp and the agenda quiet. Although there is a message enclosed in the story, it never overwhelms you or distracts.

The pace is stable and constant. Although you may not notice the speed shifting, there is a subtle build-up. In fact, after I read it a second time, I still couldn't pinpoint the exact moment it accelerated. The atmosphere is perplexing and duplicitous. Although you're aware that something isn't right, you never actually put your finger on exactly what it is. Thorough research and use of the rich background for the area was evident, as it took place in my backyard and flowed naturally - never making me stop to correct him.

The characters are universal. Their motivations are clear but their approach is flawed and this is what makes them real. You can understand them, empathize for them and cry along with them. Because ultimately this person could be you or someone you know and that ups the stakes and truly gives this tale spirit. After putting the book down I missed the kid with the sarcastic mouth, and the mother with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Characters like this is what makes a story great!

After four years, Judy Burke is convinced that her husband died in Vietnam even though her son and her father-in-law believe he is alive. Determined to begin trying again, she moves out of her in law's home and into an apartment in a nice complex. Bobby is determined to hate the place because living next door is Nick, the man his mother is dating. Not only does he have to deal with Nick, he has to pay the schoolyard bully a dime everyday as a toll for crossing the playground

Bobby makes a friend in the new neighborhood who tells him about the TOLLTAKER, a monster living in the tunnel part of the long drainpipe. The monster's bill for entering his lair is that person's life. When Bobby enters the tunnel, he thinks the story is an urban legend until he senses strange thing. As Bobby's problems merge yet pale next to his agoraphobia, he must find the courage to face his enemies, monsters, and fears.

The scenes in the tunnel will remind readers of Stephen King's IT but THE TOLLTAKER also finds his way into Bobby's dreams. This allows him to become closer to his mother when he wakes up screaming from the horrific nightmare. The protagonist, besieged and beleaguered from all sides has an inner strength that allows him to protect his friend from harm. James Sneddon has written an exciting horror novel and a coming of age story in one neat package.