<b>Truly Terrifying!</b>

This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last! I literally started reading late last night and have spent the entire day engrossed in this sorry.

I'm very desensitized, to the point where nothing really scares me anymore, but if that wasn't the case, this book would do it. It's a tight, intense thrill ride from beginning to end. I know it's been compared to Golding's Lord of the Flies, but Children of the Corn came to me quite a bit as well, especially with the religious aspect.

Seriously, if you like horror (and if you're reading my reviews, you probably do), you need to get this book. You won't regret it.

It was alright.

I liked some of it, some of it was boring. The characters are strong and some you root for, but the overall theme was not as fun as it could have been.

Thank you NetGalley and TOR for the advanced copy.

It is not easy growing up in a turn of the century group home for boys run by priests like the orphans in this religious horror story. Peter is a 16 year old orphan trying to choose between becoming a priest and being with the girl he loves. The toughest things the boys have to deal with are punishments from overzealous staff and small food rations until one night the sheriff rolls in with someone he believes to be possessed. That is when all hell breaks loose.

This was a super scary thrill ride of a novel. The characters were all developed so well. There are characters to love and some to hate, but none are one sided. Well, except the demon who is all evil. The boys have had to deal with so much in their lives and I did not want anything to happen to them. If you cannot handle reading harm coming to children I would steer clear, but if you love a novel with high stakes than this story is for you. Fracassi loads so much heart into this coming of age story and does not shy away from the violence and scares that keep the story moving.

I highly recommend this novel to those that love a good religious horror novel.

This novel was an exciting thrill ride I could not put down. Equal parts terrifying and gruesome, it explores the unknown of a supernatural evil in a straightforward manner. The characters are all well developed if a bit wooden; all remaining in their lanes as expected, but it gives the plot a propulsive edge to expect certain things and be surprised by unimaginable twists.

I just finished Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi and he has delivered a superb story with classic old-school horror vibes. The story takes place in an orphanage for young boys in the early 1900s during the dead of winter with a severe storm on the way. An uninvited and unexpected midnight visitor to the orphanage leaves behind pure evil and it pits the boys against each other and in a fight for their souls and lives. I have heard this book has been described as The Exorcist meets the Lord of the Flies and while I agree there are elements of both, Fracassi has delivered a unique story I won’t forget anytime soon. This book releases on a July 11th and anyone who loves a horror story should not miss it. Five enthusiastic stars and tied for my top read of 2023 and in my top 5 of all time! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Both terrifying and heart breaking. A fantastic, engaging horror read. This will sit with you and leave you thinking about it for a while. I couldn’t put it down.

This was a decent book! Don't really have much more to say about it. It was a gory horror, which doesn't really impress me, and I thought the multiple POVs didn't work as well. I feel like horror feels a lot more claustrophobic if there's only one POV, which would've worked well if we just followed the main boy, David.

There was a lot more religious discussion than I thought, and it has such an action-movie pace that I didn't really have time to get attached to any of the wide cast of characters. Still, decent read!

Thanks to Tor Nightfire for the eARC in exchange for my honest review

I’m always on the lookout for a good horror book and this one is a contender! This is being promoted as Lord of the Flies meets The Exorcist and I can't argue with that.. Set with the backdrop of the Pennsylvania countryside in early 20th century, There’s a remote orphanage which becomes the site of demonic possession. So clearly it’s dark and bleak with some violence and honestly I don’t know what’s more scary than a catholic boys orphanage, the author chose the perfect horror location to tell a horrifying story. So if you’re looking for something to keep you up at night, this is for you my friend.
Full review on YouTube

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi follows a group of boys in a catholic orphanage. Told mostly from the point of view of Peter, this story quick descends into horror when a man shows up at the orphanage blood and covered in occult symbols. As boys begin dying and alliances are formed, there is only one thing that’s certain and that is it is going to be a very long night.

This book is being pitched as Lord of the Flies meets The Exorcist and I think that is very accurate description. Some of the characters are menacing before anything even happens and that only amplifies throughout the story. Once this book starts going, it never lets up. It is nonstop action and the short chapters make it something you won’t want to put down.

This book is very terrifying especially if possession stories creep you out. There is some mild body horror. I wish that it would have leaned a little more into the body horror aspect just because that always leaves a longer lasting impression on me. I feel like some people will be disappointed in the lack of answers you get in this story but it’s something I don’t mind at all. I like being able to fill in the blanks with whatever my mind can create. I actually didn’t read this book at night at all because I thought it would creep me out too much!

My biggest issue with this story is the narrative style the author went with. This book is told in first person and third person, depending on the chapter. This is a style that historically just does not work for me. It always takes me out of the story as the switch off often feels abrupt and while this book has the switches at the beginning of each chapter, it just don’t work great for me. It is something that some readers may not even notice though.

I really enjoyed my time with this book and I’m very interested in reading other books by this author as this is the first one by him I have read. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to read something spooky. I think this would be a good book for any level of horror reader whether or not you are really familiar with horror or just getting into the genre.

Once again Fracassi has left me wanting more. I started this book shortly after I was lucky enough to get it from Netgalley and I could not wait to dig in. The story starts off a little slow but builds and builds until the end...and the ending I was not expecting. It was an interesting take on the whole being possessed idea, and really makes you question the whole "group" mentality and how one person can influence so many others. The main characters were relatable and flawed and truly made this story what it was for me. I highly recommend it and it will leave you wishing the story could have continued.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Boys in the Valley is a visceral ride of hair-raising fear and stark reality that keeps you on the edge of your seat, always guessing, always dreading. The book blends the spiritual horror of "The Exorcist" with the savage portrayal of humanity in "Lord of the Flies" to create an entirely new entity that is altogether thrilling, shocking, and poignant.

From the onset, the author masterfully paints a vivid, foreboding landscape within the confines of a secluded valley. The book slowly peels back the layers of innocent camaraderie among a group of boys, only to expose a dark, brooding underbelly that simmers with supernatural horror and human depravity.

The book weaves together two distinct threads: the loss of innocence that echoes the savage realism of "Lord of the Flies", and the chilling touch of demonic possession reminiscent of "The Exorcist". The parallels to these two iconic works are clear, yet Boys in the Valley stands on its own as a dark exploration of youthful naivety shattered by stark reality.

Character development is a strong point in this novel. The boys, each with their unique personalities and backgrounds, are convincingly portrayed. As the plot progresses, their descent into fear and madness is palpable, making the narrative all the more compelling.

While there are many high points, readers should be aware that the book does not shy away from graphic descriptions and intense scenes. Some may find this disturbing, but for those who enjoy horror and psychological thrillers, these elements add to the book's overall grim atmosphere.

Boys in the Valley is a chilling read that lingers long after the last page is turned. It is a powerful exploration of innocence corrupted, the line between sanity and madness, and the lengths to which people will go when pushed to their limits. A must-read for any fans of psychological horror and supernatural suspense.

I've waited a long time trying to get my hands and eyes on this book!
A dark coming of age story mixed with religious horror in an isolated orphanage during a snow storm ..... all the ingredients for a deliciously terrifying story! Although I walked away heartbroken I did not walk away disappointed!

Always on the lookout for a good horror book, and this author doesn't disappoint. While not my favourite of his, still solid.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!

A fantastically written/crafted story, compelling, dark, and entertaining. It paces well, keeps you invested in the characters, and does a good amount of freaking you out. It's one of the best I've read in a while, and I'm looking forward to getting more Fracassi in the future.

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi
"Things are getting strange."
Overall (out of 5)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prose ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing(1=slow 5=fast)⭐⭐⭐💫
Character Development ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scary ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gore⭐⭐⭐💫
Atmosphere ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Library or Buy-worthy: I've preordered a signed copy.
Theme: Sacrifice (literal and figurative)

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi is a contender for best book of the year. This book is disturbing on so many levels. Let me start by saying trigger warning for violent child death. It's not splatterpunk and definitely not gore just for gores sake but this book evokes intense emotion in the reader. It's the wicked, sinister atmosphere that got me most. The writing and character work are exceptional. Initially the coming of age content and setting reminded me a lot of 'This Tender Land' by William Kent Krueger, one of my favorite books. As the story progesses tho it started taking on an Exorcist/Devil's Backbone vibe that I really enjoyed. I became so shockingly invested in the main characters well-being. All I can say now without giving too much away is, impressive work. Fracassi was able to shape a possession book without making it proselytic and I'm here for it. He's quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I cannot recommend this enough.

This might be the scariest book I've every read.....which is why I love it so much.

A remote orphanage becomes the site of demonic possession. That, combined with the harshness of being an orphan at the turn of the century all combined to make this one of the most compelling books of the year.

Thanks to NetGally and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

BOYS IN THE VALLEY is dark, religious horror that feels old school in its execution, and my eyes were glued to its pages from word one.

In a valley sits a Christian orphanage, full of thin boys and teens that have nowhere else to go. One winter’s night a stranger is brought in from the surrounding wilderness for emergency medical care and things are never the same again. What happened at this isolated orphanage? Will the boys survive it? You’ll have to read this to find out!

Setting aside the first thoughts that come to mind when thinking about Christians, especially Catholics, when it comes to young boys, this orphanage was a perfect setting for a horror story. One of the things I liked best about this one is that there aren’t any long expositions about what happened or how it came to be: it just IS. For me, that’s where a lot of stories fall apart. The characters here don’t know what’s going on and neither does the reader: you’re both in the same boat. I think that gives the tale more immediacy and it certainly jacks up the suspense factor.

A few of the characters wormed their way into my heart, which made it all so much worse as the narrative raced towards the denouement. I admit that I did tear up at the end, but hey, it’s spring and there’s a lot of pollen in the air. ;)

I believe this is my first Phil Fracassi novel, even though I already own a few of them. I’ll have to bump them up in my TBR and soon, because honestly, this tale blew me away.

My highest recommendation!

* Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC, in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*

Billed as Lord of the Flies meets The Exorcist, there couldn’t be a more fitting description. Set in the early 20th century in an orphanage in the Pennsylvania countryside, it’s a coming of age story that pits man against self, man against man, and man against an ancient evil. This was an excellent read! I highly recommend taking the time to check this one out.
5⭐️

St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys.
Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania.
Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future... a family.
Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides.
Others turn up dead.
Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives — and perhaps their eternal souls — are at risk.

Coming of age, demonic possession, religious horror? Ok yeah. I was 100% in it from the start. This was just dark and bleak all the way through. Some nice bits of graphic violence and gore that had me cringing (that's a positive for me lol). Fracassi painted a brilliant fucking picture of St. Vincent's Orphanage; like I could see it, could sense the cold and depression. I was hooked the entire time, I can't wait to read more from this author!

Once again, thank you to the brilliant team at Tor Nightfire for the opportunity to get my little paws on these incredible ARCs. Y'all bring so much joy to my life :)

The story is set at a remote Catholic boys orphanage in the early 1900s and is the coming-of-age tale of Peter who is deciding between becoming a priest or a family man. One night a man is brought to the orphanage caught performing a satanic ritual and now is possessed. An exorcism is performed and the demon gets loose in the orphanage. Over the next few days some of the boys start acting differently.

I thought this was OK. Somehow I was just expecting more. The horror just didn't do anything for me. As a Catholic I liked that the priests weren't the bad guy and the faith was portrayed realistically. Maybe I'm jaded or not that into possession horror as I found the horror scenes tame. I didn't not like this. I was engaged and read steadily in a couple of sittings. I've heard good things about the author and will give him another try.