Edenville: Novel Review

Howdy, dear reader!

Before diving into my review, just wanted to remind you that The Darkness Beyond The Stars — the space horror anthology I edited — is out now!

Everyone needs more space horror in their life, trust me on that and grab your copy here:

The Author

Sam Rebelein holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College (with a focus on Horror and Memoir), a certificate of graduation from the Lubbock Area Square & Round Dance Federation, and that one trophy in The Last of Us Part II for when you beat the game on the hardest difficulty. Hard to say which of these is his greatest accomplishment. Sam's work has appeared in a number of speculative fiction publications, including Bourbon Penn, Coffin Bell Journal, The Dread Machine, Press Pause Press, Ellen Datlow's Best Horror of the Year, and elsewhere. His award-nominated story "Black Fanged Thing" was listed as a stand-out piece of 2018 on Barnes & Noble's "Sci-fi & Fantasy Blog."

HarperCollins' horror and crime imprint William Morrow is publishing Sam's debut horror novel EDENVILLE. His follow-up collection of stories set in the same universe, THE POORLY MADE AND OTHER THINGS, is set for release in early 2025. — Rebelein’s website

You can find out more about Rebelein at his website, on Twitter, or Instagram (which also includes tons of pictures of cute dogs!)

The Novel

After publishing his debut novel, The Shattered Man, to disappointing sales and reviews, Campbell P. Marion is struggling to find inspiration for a follow-up. When Edenville College invites him to join as a writer-in-residence, he’s convinced that his bad luck has finally taken a turn. His girlfriend Quinn isn’t so sure—she grew up near Edenville and has good reasons for not wanting to move back. Cam disregards her skepticism and accepts the job, with Quinn reluctantly following along.

But there’s something wrong in Edenville. Despite the charming old ladies milling about Main Street and picturesque sunflowers dotting the sidewalks, poison lurks beneath the surface. As a series of strange and ominous events escalate among Edenville and its residents, Cam and Quinn find themselves entangled in a dark and disturbing history.

Told with equal parts horror and humor, Edenville explores the urban legends that fuel our nightmares and the ways in which ambition can overshadow our best instincts. Sam Rebelein is an exciting, sharp new voice, sure to terrify readers for years to come. — HarperCollins description

Dropping October 3rd (yes, that’s tomorrow!), Edenville explores how horror can descend through the decades, infecting everything from wood planks to sunflowers. When Campbell gets what seems to be a deal too good to be true, he ignores his girlfriend’s Quinn’s misgivings and… well… Edenville makes sure to welcome them with open tentacles arms.

The Review

I got an ARC of Edenville and absolutely loved it! It gave me vintage Goosebumps vibes, but more mature. With deliciously balanced parts of horror and humour, I couldn’t put it down and loved drowning in the vibrant lore Rebelein built around Edenville and its inhabitants.

Besides the rich atmosphere and world-building, Rebelein’s characters are very appealing and developed. I am absolutely a Quinn fan (Go Crows!) and need at least a trilogy more based on her adventures. Main characters aside, it would be a crime to not mention Rebelein’s Edenville citizens who stand alone in their eccentricities and haunted humanity. My favourites would definitely be the little librarian ladies, but I’ll say no more on those grannies.

I am also a huge fan of the urban legend themes woven throughout. As the story progresses, we learn more about the cursed wood and the Giant, of blood spilled and cursed, of watching sunflowers, and the founder of Edenville itself.

Even with all the lore, the legends, the world-building, the pacing is impeccable — slowly building up to an explosive wtf ending that left me wanting more. More Quinn, more Edenville, more Go Crows!

Honestly, this ended up being my favourite book this year and I can’t wait to read what Rebelein comes up with next (hopefully more Quinn though.)

Again, this drops tomorrow so get your copy now! Edenville is perfect for the spooky fall season! You’ll love Edenville if you’re a fellow horror kid who grew up gobbling up Goosebumps and Fear Street and are looking for that next hit! Quinn is an amazing badass female character and Edenville is definitely a place you don’t want to visit for long. So grab your copy and read it fast, before the town gets its hooks in.

10/10

x PLM

(too late, Edenville has its hooks in all of us now)