Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

To everyone around him, Mason Avrett isn't the smartest or brightest person on the planet. He has no friends, no parents, and no one to look out for him. The only thing he has going for him is his drawing, and even that can't help him. He does have his Aunt Molly, but she can't protect him against the evil forces of his brother, Gene.

One look at Gene and everyone can tell that he spells trouble. Gene just so happens to find satisfaction in hurting those around him. Since the very beginning, Gene has hated Mason, his parent's "special" son. Gene uses Mason's gullibility as an advantage, making sure and influencing his brother that he is always doing something wrong, that he is "as dumb as a doorknob," someone who just doesn't deserve to even be alive.

Rene Denton is at first skeptical of Mason, but after continuously seeing how rude and dangerous Gene can be, she suddenly feels like she needs to become friends with him. Not caring what her other friends think, Rene begins to spend time with Mason, only to get a better view of what Mason thinks and how his life is.

Getting closer to Mason makes Gene want to hurt Rene even more, and he begins to plot a plan to take his brother's only friend away from him.

Even though people might think Mason's mind is weak, he will soon find out that it is the strongest thing he has and, even though it may help him, past events will show Mason how it ruined his life forever.

Unique, lovely, and all the more scary, MASON takes readers on an adventure they will never forget. Mind-over-matter is important in this novel, and Thomas Pendleton creates well-developed characters you will both love and hate. With an ending that will take your breath away, this is a story that will be remembered forever. ( )

A FANTASTIC book. Very gripping and a perfect balance between reality and fantasy.

Read this book! ( )

It moved along quickly. It was not scary like a slice and dice story. I'm sure if the film industry got a hold of it, it would be probably be very gory. It seemed a pretty realistic (unfortunately) picture of high school life. I did not like any of the characters except Rene and Mason. I appreciate the courage exhibited by Rene even though it cost her a great deal. Of course, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Mason would pay the biggest price. I wish that had not had to happen.

Mason, by Thomas Pendleton, was an excellent horror story. Guaranteed to frighten, this book had just enough moments of terror to balance out any happy moments that occurred. Mason is a must-read for any teen who enjoys a healthy dose of fear. ( )