From the moment I discovered this book existed, I knew I needed to read it. Vampires? The Amish? I clearly needed this (what I assumed would be a) trainwreck in my life. And then I read it, and the only thing I was right about was needing it in my life. This book is beautiful and heartbreaking and unsettling and nerve-wracking and wonderful in so many ways. I honestly loved everything about it, from the story itself to the writing style. And Banner writes about the Amish way of life and traditions with a great deal of respect; nothing ever comes across as mocking or offensive, even as he weaves this tale of horror into the day-to-day of their existence. I never should have underestimated this book, or this author. I'm officially an Owen Banner fan for life now, and I can't wait to read more by him. Unrelated side note: I've chatted with him a bit on Instagram, and he is a truly lovely human. 10/10 would recommend. ( )

Those who hunger is a vampire thriller set in the Amish community. I know nothing much about the Amish community other than the fact that they like to isolate themselves from the other communities and lead rooted lives.

The idea of a vampire is not unique, but the Amish representation is. Moreover a Vampire thriller set in an Amish backdrop is almost unheard of isn't it?

I would say this is more of an Urban fantasy than a Horror thriller. Because I didn't find any elements that truly scared me nor was the read a thrilling nail-biting one. It was interesting but there was nothing too thrilling about it.

Book Name - Those who hunger
Author - Owen Banner
Genre - Fiction
Category - Urban Fantasy
Year of publication - July, 2020
Representation - Amish community
Trigger Warnings - Gore, Violence, Sexual Assault

What appealed to me?

I enjoyed the writing. Though this book's quite big for my tastes (around 508 pages!) I didn't get bored at all reading it. The credit of keeping up the interest definitely goes to the author. The chapters are divided into easy digestible parts, not as small as you may find in middle-grade books, but appropriate enough to keep you hooked to the book.

The vampire-amish combination was quite interesting.

What didn't appeal to me?

I couldn't find much of a plot in it. Also, I found the narration to be all over the place. The organization of the chapters and the story line could have been better.
I didn't care much for the biblical and scriptural references, mainly because I come from a completely different culture and though I can understand and respect the references I do not connect with it and because this novel depends heavily on the biblical myths and legends that I have no clue of (I could have googled it, but this novel didn't intrigue me enough to do that) it didn't work for me.
Characters -
1. There were just too many of them. I am not sure if some of them were even necessary for the plot.
2. Most of them were unlikable and except the kids I liked none of the adults. None of them.
3. Also can somebody explain why there were homophobic comments on Steve? It didn't affect the story in the least. His gayness or lack of it was irrelevant to the story. What exactly was the point of those scenes I wonder.

Actually there were many such scenes and descriptions that seemed like filler content which could have been totally avoided.

Conclusion

This would have been a better novel if more attention had been paid to the pacing and structure of the novel. The writing is excellent. It keeps you hooked to the novel despite it's flaws. I would have preferred this to be a shorter novel with a crisper tale.

Review, recommendation and rating

All in all an excellent effort. Would recommend it to Urban fantasy fans keen on Vampire stories with an amish twist.

Characterization: ⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐

Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐

#arc #UrbanFantasy #2020 #july #3starreads #owenbanner #ThoseWhoHunger #ReadingReviews ( )

My thanks to the author for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Amish and vampires : two sub-genres I enjoy, but have never seen combined...until now.

The Amish lead simple lives, focused on community, religion, and family. But, they are not simple. They are plain in that they shun adornments, modern conveniences, creature comforts, and technology. But, that doesn't preclude them from feeling emotions and harboring secrets. They are human, after all. Or, are they?

The plot centers on Nehemiah Zook, his wife Esther, and their six children. One after another : a series of savage murders has them and their Big Valley community on edge, its members casting suspicious eyes on one another and on law enforcement "outsiders" who scramble to investigate, only to be stone-walled. These are not just your garden-variety murders. If any murder can be called that. The victims were virtually torn apart. But, by whom? Or, by what?

Written with short chapters, titled to hint at what's coming. Varying perspectives to enhance character development. Vivid and disturbingly graphic descriptions. Death-defying action. And, surprisingly, humor, to give the plot some levity.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. In addition to being an engrossing thriller, it was an in-depth depiction of Amish culture. I will definitely be on the look-out for future books by this author. ( )