Goblins by David Bernstein
Samhain Publishing (August 4, 2015)
210 pages, e-book $4.24, paperback $14.99
Reviewed by Frank Michaels Errington
David Bernstein makes his home in NYC and is likely hard at work on his next novel. David writes all kinds of horror, from hair-raising ghost stories to gore-filled slashers to adventure-filled apocalyptic tales of terror. Recent works include The Unhinged, Witch Island, and Apartment 7C.
His latest book, Goblins, is a genuine monster-fest featuring…are you ready for it? GOBLINS. I don’t think you can call that a spoiler since it’s the title and there’s a nice picture of one right there on the cover.
From the opening page of this book, I knew I was in for a treat and Bernstein did not disappoint. Of course, this is one of those stories which requires the reader to suspend their disbelief, but if you can do that and you love gruesome, over-the-top horror then be ready for a wonderfully disgusting read.
If you were paying attention in middle school history, you may remember the story of The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. Over thirty years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, a group of 117 weary men, women and children waded ashore and made history on Roanoke Island in July 1587, establishing the first permanent settlement of its kind in the Americas. Shortly after arriving John White departed for England promising to return with more supplies. It was the last time he would ever see his family. He returned three years later only to find the settlement deserted, plundered and surrounded by overgrown brush. On one of the palisades, he found the single word “CROATOAN” carved into the surface. To this day, the mystery remains unsolved, but David Bernstein has some ideas on the matter.
Filled with stomach-churning prose that should not be read during or shortly following mealtime, Goblins contains numerous visceral images. The stuff nightmares are made of. And once again try not to get attached to any of the characters in the story. It’s like everyone in a David Bernstein novel has a wardrobe loaded with red shirts.
Totally recommended.
