Cruel Winter

I loved this book. It reminded me of staying up late on Saturday Night and watching Chiller Theater with Fritz the Night Owl. This is just a good old-fashioned scary story. There is nothing believable or plausible about it. It is exactly what the author probably intended it to be, good, scary, spine tingling fun.The gore factor is kept at a minimum, which is great. It is scary in the way 6th sense was scary. You let your imagination run wild, and run it did. There's a new kid in town and has moved into the largest estate in the area. He's overweight, pushy, and writes checks his body can't cash, but he's also fun to be around. His name is Ronnie. Ronnie's mom is a widow, a very rich widow, who loves her son and will stop at nothing to protect him. After a run-in with the school bullies, Ronnie's butt is saved by some kids who soon befriend Ronnie and are asked by his mother to keep an eye out for him and let no harm befall him. Join Ronnie, Jack, Emma, Paul, and Chris as they deal with typical junior high issues, such as bullies, parents, school dances, and not so typical issues like out-running a creature with no eyes who's hell-bent on tearing them apart, literally. That's really all one can say without giving too much of the story away. It's a roller-coaster ride of fun, chills and suspense. I do have to warn you: if you don't enjoy a book that snatches you up and takes off with you into a wonderland of imagination, then don't waste your time. If you like the old Creature from the Black Lagoon type of story, then run, don't walk to the nearest bookstore or library and grab a copy of this book. I can't wait for his next novel.

I really liked the story. I can't really describe what it is about it, but I just felt like turning the pages. Anthony weaves a very good plot and has a great icky bug. I especially liked the just desserts one character got (don't want to reveal too much). Yeah, poetic justice! I did find two things startling though. In two places, he jumps to the future, taking the reader out of the story. One involves hugging his dad. The other is learning that girls get nervous on a first date too. I am surprised his editor let him get away with that! I personally did not mind those two little jumps, but being a writer, I would be crucified by my writer's group for doing something like that! A very good horror story that I highly recommend.

I read this book in less than a week--it was nearly impossible to put down. I'm a huge Stephen King fan and, with that said I imagine most of you can assume that I'm not terribly easy to please when it comes to horror-the bar is set high. Izzo's character's are well formed and offer a depth that many novels in the horror genre lack. Plus, I felt that he put a new spin on an old theme (zombies). I immediately looked for other works but have discovered this is his first novel. If you love horror, Izzo is going to make you one happy reader. I'm waiting for next book eagerly.

Anthony Izzo's first novel takes place in the 80's during a few blizzarding days in a Northeastern city. Izzo makes you feel the heavy trudging through the snow, the wind slapping you in the face and the fear of being caught out there where an inhuman creature is brutally murdering people. The main characters are boys around 12 yrs. old, who have to deal with tough bullies, school, parents and girls, and the new rich kid, Ronnie, who flips out at times. Ronnie has a young, sexy mother who can read minds, heal broken bones and protect her son at any price. The characters in this suspenseful story are well formed, with contrasting dark and light personalities bumping into each other often. The writing style is very good, the pace is quick, the ending...predictable, but satisfying. This would make a great movie. I enjoyed visualizing the images that Izzo created and the 'not too horrible' horror of it.

Author Anthony Izzo's debut novel Cruel Winter is truly frightening and exciting. I was unable to put this book down, it kept me on the edge with anticipation throughout. The attention to detail and the great cast of characters ables your imagination to soar. I highly recomend this great read to anyone that enjoys a suspenseful book! Mr. Izzo I can hardly wait for your next novel!