The "huldufolk" of the book are a truly scary creation and they are actual folk creatures from Iceland (I looked them up on the web after reading this book). The best parts of the book are set in the past, after the folk are accidentally set loose and take over a remote farming village. There are some great scares and a true atmosphere of evil and foreboding--the sort of thing Mr. Farris does so well in his books. Scenes set in the modern day (well, the '70s) aren't quite as effective, but all in all, this is one great book and is certainly well worth the effort it might take to track down a used copy. One of Mr. Farris' best books, along with _All Heads Turn as the Hunt Goes By_ and _Wildwood_.
Outer Limits in a Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
This Farris piece reads like an episode of The Outer Limits.Things best left undisturbed become disturbed, bringing with them the usual nastinesses such things do. In this case, That Best Left Alone is the "Huldefolk," an ancient offshoot race of man that lives in the darkness and the cold. Some fool at the turn of the century woke one up, and it's been haunting the region ever since, trying to seduce lonely wayfarers into its domain to help it ring the alarm clock for the rest of its sleeping kind - which, needless to say, are rather inimical to their human cousins.Fiends is a straightforward horror story, and one of Farris' better entries in the genre. The characters are very real and appealing, the Huldefolk genuinely gruesome and pretty frightening. For whatever reason, Farris set the central story in the 1970s, and writes the period well.This book is long overdue for reprint. Hopefully, Farris' return to the field with his Fury sequels will bring it back. In the meantime, try and dig-up a copy.But don't dig up any Huldefolk.
Unreal
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I had the toughest time trying not to finish the book. This is a page turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It has everything your heart could desire out of a story. But mostly it has raw fear. The characters are fast-moving as well as the adrenaline. If you dont finish this book in a day then you have got the wrong one. My advice to you is...read on. I loved it!
Absolutely great from the start til the end!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
The only thing I can tell from this book is it's one of my all time favourite books. It's totally wonderfull. When you get to know Marjory, who has a very strong character, and her sister Enid, who is a big dreamer and also a bit posh, you realise it's going to be a great book. "Fiends" is less recognized than it should be. However, those who may get to read it, might find it has a very personal plot. Enid works in a kind of hospital where she takes care of old people with mental problems, and everything goes right until Arne, one of his patients, dissappears and steals a radio, by which he would be able to comunicate with his dead mother. Soon the "huldúfolks" (the unwashed Adam an Eve's children) will come back alive and wake up from their big sleep which has lasted many years. Marjory, Enid, Rita Sue, Boyce, Duane and the crazy Brittanny will have to do something about it before they do. Streamingly marvellous, really not a book to miss. Sorry for the possible mistakes as I'm not english.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.