Customer Reviews

What Rough Beast (Taylor's Kin)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was a bit dark. However, when I sat it aside it kept drawing me back in for more; I couldn't put it down. I found myself thinking about it as I drove to and from work. Even now that I have finished it, I find myself considering the events and the possibilities described. I felt like I was really there along with the main character Jonathan Taylor. I could feel his pain, panic, and intense drive to survive. I feel like I know these characters and I can't wait to read the sequel!

I went in to this book not expecting too much because it's a first novel. I was very pleasantly surprised. It's a fast excellent read. The author never takes the easy road. His hero is very flawed and very human. He doesn't make the choices that you want him to make but he is always very realistic.

The descriptions are gritty and heartwrenching.

You won't always enjoy what you're reading but you will have a hard time putting the book down and at the end you will be wanting more.

Horrifying, heart-breaking and uncomfortably true-to-life,"What Rough Beast" explores a different kind of apocalypse -- a breakdown of civilization that begins when something unleashes the beast that lives in each of us. The main character, Jonathan Taylor, is mature and reflective, a very ordinary man who learns what he is made off -- the good and the bad -- when civilization begins to crash and burn. Author Chris Sherrill has created a novel that is more than action and suspense, more than horror, more than a thought-provoking character study, although it is all those things. For readers who enjoy substance with their entertainment, "What Rough Beast" is a must-read. A sequel is on the way and it can't get here fast enough for my money. This book won't let me go.

Heavy scenes, well explained, drew me in even though the subject matter is frightening. I have to admit that I skimmed some of the more horrific parts - never could get myself to read Stephen King or watch Silence of Lambs, horror scenes type stuff.
WHAT ROUGH BEAST led this reader from fright to bewilderment, to hope, to distaste, to rooting for Jonathon and understanding his primal responses and his inner turmoil, and then back again to hope for the human race. I especially liked Clarise's view of survival (victims survive because they have no expectations to be met) and was very glad that Jonathon was able to resist the evil within (and without) to be reunited with his family. The twists were palpable. My mind was on the path with Jonathon, I was wondering if his destination was to lead to his family and wanted to grab a map and follow his path to satisfy my own inquiries. In the end it doesn't matter where he was headed, just that he perservered.
I recently re-read WHAT ROUGH BEAST and liked it even more the second time because I made myself read the scary parts and was able to catch some nuances that I missed the first time.
More, Chris Sherrill! MORE, please!

Gripping - really, not hyperbole! I'm going to read it again because I know I missed some things... the first time I read it I literally could not put it down. I stayed up until 3 in the morning, & as soon as I woke up I started back & read till the end. You will not be disappointed!

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I love suspense and this book is full of it. I know when I read a book and I see the characters in my head that the book has gotten my full attention. I saw every character in this book. I could not put it down. I think that because this book could be possible, it was so gripping for me. You will not regret reading this book. It takes place in South Carolina where I am from and I found myself wanting to read Taylor's Kin immediately. But I will have to wait until it is in print!

This book totally engrosses you. Make sure that when you start reading it that you don't have plans for a while because it is really Hard to put it down. If we are really honest with ourselves, the emotions of Jonathan Taylor (main character) are what we all would deal with in the same situation. I loved it!