The Mountain King

This title is definitely for the horror/monster loving fan. I recommend this at anytime but think it is a great read around that Halloween time of year or maybe on a camping trip. I highly recommend anything by Hautala. If you love King you will absolutely have to own Hautala's books as well.

When I first started Hautala's The Mountain King, I have to admit that I felt like this was going to be just another shlock horror book. But the more I read on, the more I got into the story. This one is pure horror; a book that relies on plot and mood more than anything else. And surprsingly enough, it works superbly!Mark and Phil are hiking across the mountains somewhere in Maine when a horrible accident leaves Phil badly injured. As Mark is about to rescue his friend, he sees a large hairy beast steal Phil's body away. From then on, the book follows Mark's trek as he tries to rescue his friend from this unknown creature.There is also a subplot about Mark's daughter and wife that I truly enjoyed. The good thing about this book is that you cannot really predict what will come next. The events are truly original and often terrifying. The book is somewaht of a cross between Jack Ketchum's Off Season and John Darton's Neanderthal. If you liked either of these books, or if you're a fan of the horror genre, then you should really enjoy this one.My only problem with the book was its length. It's very short, not even 300 pages long. At least the writer was good enough to provide us with three additional short stories in order to have the book clock in at a more reasonable 380 pages. These short stories are fun and enjoyable, if only that. So overall, not a bad one at all. It surprised me and I cannot wait to read another book by this author!

I really enjoyed this book. It was not boring,Kept your attention and interest. Hautala is a favorite of mine. He has a wonderful imagination and has a great way with words. This was one of those books that I had a hard time putting down.Some books it takes me as long as a week to read, this one I read in 2 days. Am looking forward to more of his books.

Long before the European reached the North American shore, Mount Agiochook in what is now Maine was considered taboo because demons lived on the mountain. Modern people know that the so-called demons are only legends and myths of a superstitious race. Mark Newman and a friend Phil are on the mountain when a sudden snow squall erupts. They mange to attain shelter. When the storm ends, they begin their descent, but Phil falls off the edge of a cliff. Mark sees Phil's body and start to climb down towards it praying that his friend still lives. Before he reaches Phil, a creature standing on two legs with a grotesque human-like visage effortlessly carries Phil with him. Mark manages to make it to the nearby town, but the sheriff rejects the story of a creature. Mark returns to the mountain to track down the creature also tracking down Mark. Anyone interested in the Bigfoot legend will enjoy reading THE MOUNTAIN KING, a fast-paced horror tale loaded with action. Rick Hautala may have written his best work to date in the obsessively heroic Mark who refuses to give up his quest despite impossible odds of succeeding. As an added bonus to Mr. Hautala's fans, the author includes three short stories starring the Untcigahunk from LITTLE BROTHERS.Harriet Klausner

I have read all of Ricks books, and find this one of his best.. he keeps the story moving ,and you up all night. but dont take my word for it read it you're self by all means read it.. and keep the lights on all night.