Thunderland [Paperback]

Brandon Massey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

Written by an up-and-coming talent, "Thunderland" is suspense fiction in the classic, bestselling tradition. With this dark, raw, and haunting tale of a family shattered by a mysterious menace, award-winning newcomer Brandon Massey takes readers on a sublimely scary journey deep into the heart of Dean Koontz and Stephen King territory.

Teenager Jason Brooks never expected to survive a tragic accident. But by some miracle he did recover, only to find that life is better than ever, with his new friendships, fresh experiences, and bright hopes for the future. Even Jason's parents, who had been drifting farther and farther apart, have renewed their commitment to their marriage.

But then an enigmatic stranger invades their lives, jeopardizing the happiness that Jason and his parents had worked so hard to achieve, and threatening to destroy everything they care about...that is, if they survive.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Massey's psychologically resonant but cartoonishly plotted supernatural thriller follows a bright, optimistic 14-year-old protagonist whose family life is in chaos. Jason's mother is a heavy drinker trying to stay on the wagon, while his philandering, workaholic father spends most of his time at his soul food restaurant to escape his fractured marriage. Jason has problems of his own, above all a recurring nightmare that produces a Freddy Krueger-like bogeyman from the boy's childhood called Mr. Magic... Massey offers some engaging, well-constructed scenes, and he fills in Jason's family background convincingly. The plot, however, is heavily influenced by several popular horror films, as well as by the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. In spite of these illustrious sources of inspiration, Massey offers few surprises; the climax is both predictable and deflating, and Mr. Magic not a terribly compelling figure of evil. Massey's brisk pace and Jason's appealing voice keep the pages turning, but just barely.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

Spellbinding. Keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. A great debut novel! -- Zane, Bestselling Author of Addicted

Thunderland is my favorite kind of supernatural suspense book! -- Tananarive Due, Bestselling Author of The Living Blood --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kensington; Reprint edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758202474
• ISBN-13: 978-0758202475
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,841,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.

I originally self-published THUNDERLAND, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract. Kensington published a new, revised edition of THUNDERLAND in December 2002.

My second book, DARK CORNER, a vampire novel that takes place in rural Mississippi, hit stores nationwide in January 2004.

I've also served as an editor. My first anthology is entitled DARK DREAMS: A Collection of Horror and Suspense by Black Writers; it was published in August 2004. The collection features tales by popular writers such as Zane, Tananarive Due, and Steven Barnes, in addition to stories by rising stars and talented newcomers.

My new thriller, WITHIN THE SHADOWS, was published by Kensington in June 2005. My new anthology, VOICES FROM THE OTHER SIDE, will be published in April 2006.

Other forthcoming books include a collection of my short stories, entitled TWISTED TALES (June 2006), and my new thriller, THE OTHER BROTHER (July 2006).

I currently reside with my family near Atlanta, GA.

To stay posted on my latest book news, be sure to visit my website at www.brandonmassey.com and sign up for my free newsletter, The Talespinner.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Twisted Thriller, November 14, 2000

By 

"misslove" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thunderland: A Novel of Suspense (Paperback)

Thunderland is a thrilling, twisted mystery with horrific ingredients that will make your hands tremble, your breath catch, and your heart hammer. As your mind races to keep pace with this magnetizing tale, you'll feel transformed into the terrifying pages of Thunderland.

A maniacal, sadistic creature has escaped from the sinister confines of the place where our nightmares occur. This evil essence taunts and horrifies the 12-year-old protagonist of the novel, Jason Brooks, threatening to devour all traces of the young boy's sanity.

With vivid words that elicit visual depictions of horror, and an edginess comparable to the most established horror/mystery authors, Brandon Massey paints a mystery of diabolical and calculating battles with a wicked, menacing entity that stalks Jason, his family, and his friends. Brandon seduces us with mischievous metaphors, graphic details, and a toxic storyline that will keep you magnetized until the last page.

Open Thunderland and enter the wrenched minds of these poignant characters maddened by grief, terror, and a seemingly unstoppable demented source of evilness. CAUTION: Read Thunderland with the lights on, doors & windows locked, and with someone in the room with you!!!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Horror Thriller!, July 12, 2001

By 

Yasmin Coleman (PENNSYLVANIA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Thunderland : A Novel of Suspense (Paperback)

Finally, African-Americans who are fans of the horror genre can enjoy a book written by one of our own. Thunderland, a debut novel from Brandon Massey is a thrilling and suspenseful read. Beginning with the prologue the reader is deeply submerged into the world of Jason and his family. For the past 10 years, the Brooks family has been far from typical, in fact when referring to them D-Y-F-U-N-C-T-I-O-N-A-L should be spelled with all capital letters. Jason's father, Thomas, inherited the family business-The House of Soul Restaurant-from his father, Big George, 10 years ago. Since that time, Thomas has worked 7 Days a week, 16 hours a day to keep the business running successfully and in attempt to gain the approval of his demented father. Although Big George suffered a debilitating stroke 10 years ago and has since been confined to a nursing home he still manages to terrorize his grown son. Unfortunately, Thomas spends more time seeking his father's approval rather than nurturing and loving his wife, Linda and son, Jason. Missing the love that her husband fails to provide, Linda seeks solace from drinking and terrorizing their teenage son, Jason. Jason, at 14 years old is still a shy kid, who's easily bullied and doesn't have many friends. To console himself he shuts out his parents and seeks solace from his imagination and imaginary friend. One day, as Jason struggles to get away from his abusive mom, he suffers a tragic accident. As Jason recovers he realizes that nothing is the same. His parents commit to renewing their relationship for the sake of their marriage and him. However, a mysterious stranger invades their lives and the happiness that Jason and his parents hope to achieve is threatened. There doesn't appear to be an escape from this evil stranger or any guarantee that anyone will survive.

Thunderland is filled with adventure and action and is a cleverly crafted storyline. The storyline is riveting and compelling and will have you on the edge of your seat quickly flipping the pages as you anxiously seek to know what's going to happen next. Emotions run rampant as you read this book-fear, anger, and frustration just to name a few. The imagery is vivid and the characters and the scenes jump off the page. Fans of the horror genre will love this book and look forward to future books from this promising author.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!, November 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Thunderland: A Novel of Suspense (Paperback)

This is a terrific novel! I have read every author of sci-fi/suspense/thriller/fantasy that you can name, and Massey is definitely on his way! At one point, I stayed up until one o'clock in the morning reading.

I can't wait to get the author's next book!