When the Rain Begins to Burn by A.L. Davidson
Disturbances by Alycia (October 2023)
140 pages
Reviewed by Chandra Claypool (Instagram) (TikTok)
Noland and Judah are finally on a vacation together and they stop in the Appalachian wilderness to be one with nature and enjoy the gorgeous views. Well off the beaten path to avoid the local yokels, they get stuck when an unexpected storm leaves their RV cemented into the mud. As if things couldn’t get worse, a deadly rain has come upon them, which Judah finds out about when a few drops eat away at his hand. As this acid rain continues, there appears to be no ending and they watch animals being consumed in disgusting fashion making their beautiful view into one of death and despair. Now they’re trapped inside their RV, not knowing when this will end. Not only do they have to endure what is happening outside, but they quickly have to deal with their own personal demons as well.
Oh my freakin’ beating black heart. Yes, this is an eco-horror novel with some gruesome scenes, but it’s the relationship between Noland and Judah that truly shines. Their forced isolation truly brings out the good and the bad within themselves and to each other. All I want to do is take them both into big bear hugs and tell them everything is going to be okay. Each moment of their tenderness pulled at my heart strings and each time they put themselves in danger, in their relationship and in the terrible death rain, I held my breath and hoped for a happy ending. I really want to discuss more but I feel you should read this with little information and let the words pierce you as they did me.
This is a fantastic read for those seeking a haunting and introspective horror story that explores the complexities of personal relationships and the terrors of the unknown. Come for the dread and stay to see what happens to the cutest couple in horror history.
