Berserk

This is the first novel by this author that I have read, and I gotta tell ya, it's fantastic!! The premise of the story is this: Tom and his wife Joann lost their son 10 years ago in an apparent Army training exercise accident. Tom meets 2 guys in a pub who talk about Porton Down (where his son supposedly was) and the "monsters" that are kept there. Later, one of the men tells Tom that his son wasn't killed in an accident and his body is buried in a specific location, and even provides a map. Thus starts Tom and Joann's journey. This was a most refreshing book. It's hard to find originality in the horror genre. Most everything man can think up has been written about. Tim Lebbon creates a new creature to loathe and fear, it's called a Berserker. What exactly is a Berserker? I can't tell you that or it would ruin the fun, and I don't want to do that. Just let me say that this book is different and a pleasure to read. There are no boring chapters or segments, there's no "love story" hidden within it's pages, and the characters are developed in such a way that you grow to love and hate them without really thinking about it. Lebbon doesn't waste the reader's time giving the history of the characters, nor does he waste paper or ink describing things that have little or no purpose to the overall reading experience. He simply gives the reader a little nudge and away we go!! Will Tom and Joann survive their journey? Will they find their son alive after all this time? What will Tom find when he finds the spot on the map and starts digging? Will they encounter the Berserkers and live to tell the tale? All this and more can be found between the 337 pages of this chilling, exciting, fast-paced book. Give it a try, it's well worth the time, effort and money. While you do that, I'm gonna go find another of Lebbon's books!!!

The only thing I agree with regarding those rather negative reviews is that the story unfolds slowly. But the pace is perfect, and the characters and dialog compelling. Slow works well here -- and the book draws you in from page one. Lebbon's style is unique and entertaining. I highly recommend this novel.

No question, Tim Lebbon writes fine quality prose, with good plotting and all. But a good reader wants more than a good read; he wants an experience. BERSERK provides that experience. If you are a good reader I recommend this book whole-heartedly.

This review is based on the Necessary Evil Press limited edition-- well worth it if you can find one. This book is a non stop balls to the wall action fest that puts a totally new spin on a familiar genre. To say much more would spoil some of the plot twists and turns that Tim has in store for us, but I promise you, Natasha will stay in your mind forever! You can not go wrong with any of Tim's work(especially White) and Face(a reworking of the legend of Springheel Jack). Once you read Lebbon, you will be hooked. Buy 2 copies of each of his books-- you will lend 1 out and never see it again. Craig