Scowler

Kraus, D. (2013). Scowler. New York: Delacorte Press. This horror novel features 19- year-old Ry Burke whose only wish is to forget the awful physical and emotional abuse inflicted upon his family by his father, Marvin Burke. Even though his father is in prison now for his awful crimes, Ry along with his mother Jo Beth and sister Sarah are trying to put their lives back together while living on the dying family farm. Just when they were about to escape the farm and all its horrific memories, a meteorite hits the farm and unleashes a fury on the entire family. Thanks to a meteor hitting the prison where Marvin was he is able to escape and find his family to get the revenge he has been waiting for. Marvin’s sole purpose of surviving prison is to destroy his family and Ry must find a way to survive and save his mother and sister. Ry’s best defense against Marvin is to bring back his imaginary childhood allies Mr. Furrington, Jesus Christ, and Scowler. This novel is recommended for students ages 14 and up who love horror. Kraus’ character development in this novel takes readers into a world of pure fear, hate, revenge, and confusing hallucinations.