This is not your typical boy meets monster, boy befriends monster book. There are enough twists and turns throughout the book to keep the excitement level ratcheted up throughout the book. This is one of the best horror novels I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed each page. ( )

I have read quite a few of Jeff Strand's lighter horror novels. Make no mistake, those books are dark and twisted, but there is a humorous tone that really sets them apart. I wasn't sure what one of his serious horror novels was going to be like. It didn't take long to realize why this was nominated for the Bram Stoker. This is dark fiction with real heart and insight.

Dweller has a dark humor to the story, to be sure. But it is the humor of a man who is deceiving himself and we cringe each time he does it--begging him to reconsider. It is the humor that masks deep hurt and alienation....and rage. You are left many times wondering who the real monster is in this story: "Owen"--the creature, or "Toby"--the boy who finds him.

A tragedy about a pair of outcasts who find each other. There is very quickly a bond that can't be broken. A choice is made by both and the cards fall into place from there. And along the way the reader is treated to a fascinating character study of a very damaged yet dangerous man and his relationship with a noble yet only partially controllable beast. Safety is an illusion as one cannot change one's true nature, even through love. Reality and other people keep getting in the way. The sacrifices made by each of them are inevitable and the deepest that one can make.

Deeply moving with profound insight into the many ways we fool ourselves. Toby is one of the most interesting characters I have come across in a long time, and Owen one of the most tragic. This is a very, very good book. ( )

Loved it.

This book is amazing! I loved it and couldn’t put it down. A quirky look at bullying, life and lifelong friendship. ( )

Jeff Strand does an amazing job with this book.
Young Toby encounters a monster in the woods, but when he tells his family no one will believe him.
So begins a lifelong relationship between Toby and the monster.
The reason I say Jeff Strand did an amazing job is twofold. First, you really care for Toby, even though his relationship with the monster takes some nasty turns (and when I say nasty, I mean VERY nasty). You can't help but feel sorry for him. Second, you really care for the monster although he does some horrific things. Mr. Strand brings an humanity to the monster that I didn't expect, but it worked.
In my opinion, this story isn't really scary in the usual way. What's scary about it is how far these two will go to maintain their friendship, above ALL else. I know people say this all the time, but I couldn't put this book down. It is fast paced and well written and best of all, it is a fascinating story that will keep you engaged. ( )

Soo, Yeah, I slammed this book in 3 hours straight. I couldn't stop, I took it to the bathroom, kitchen, slammed it down at 3am, exhausted.
Jeff, people do need to get some sleep around here, and be productive. What you are doing isn't fair!
"One more chapter then I am going to bed"
::finishes book, flips off light::
::lays awake wondering what happens to that monster::
::flips light back on::

The truth is, I loved this story! It was poignant, and a truly horrifying account of a love shared between man and ugly beast. Humans are SO CRUEL. I wish the world had more beasts and less Humans.
There will be a huge gaping hole in the shape of a monster with long sharp talons in my heart forever... fondly remembering where Owen used to be. *tears*
That was the first time I actually enjoyed the ending of the book! ( )