Boys In the Valley
Ratings27
Average rating4.1
15
Ratings27
Average rating4.1
The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, by way of Midnight Mass, in Boys in the Valley, a brilliant coming-of-age tale from award-winning author Philip Fracassi. St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys. Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania. Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future...a family. Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides. Others turn up dead. Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives — and perhaps their eternal souls — are at risk.
Reviews with the most likes.
Other than the fact I don't believe in God, I absolutely love this book.
TWs: Death of a child, gore, mention of sexual assault/rape of a child
4.25 rounded down; this was well written and the very short chapters made it easily bingable! Ultimately the chaos was caused by a demonic spirit that possessed others which I felt was anticlimactic. Would've loved it much more if it was actually caused by the group's will to escape the Catholic orphanage to retaliate against the adults that were clearly abusing and mistreating them. Then the true natures of children with trauma might have delivered a more impactful delivery and message. Regardless, it was still a great read! Frustrated with that ending though lol
I do enjoy a good possession story. Religious horror is a fascinating niche, taking the scare stories of the faithful and exploring the horror within can create some powerful imagery.
Boys in the Valley takes an orphanage in a remote valley run by the church where the sheriff brings in someone who is apparently possessed just as snow comes in to isolate the whole place. The sense of trapped claustrophobia brings a wonderful pervading sense of dread to the story. Demonic possession, creepy kids, suspect priests - there is a lot of very fun tropes being played with here.
An excellent debut novel that has got me excited to find more of his work!
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