CreateSpace, April 28, 2011
ISBN: 978-1461006633
Available: Digital and Kindle
There’s no doubt about it: Ms. Frisch has talent. The reader can recognize it right from the beginning of Dead Spell, her debut novel about a violent, avenging spirit that torments two teenage girls. But, like a lot of independent authors who self-publish, the novel could have used a good editor’s touch.
Harmony and Brea are best friends, but Harmony is haunted by a specter named Tom, who tortures her as she tortures herself through several destructive acts. The only bright spot in her life is her boyfriend, Adam, who is a product of the foster care system and is also a heartbreaking figure, and is loyal to Harmony the point of insanity. When the hauntings of a ghost lead to a deadly end, the spirit settles on Brea and the cycle begins again, for the apparition will not rest until justice is done. The world of Dead Spell is dark, sinister, and addictive; events just keep getting worse, in a steep downward spiral, but the quality of the writing compels the reader to continue. The treatment of the main characters makes them sympathetic, and a ring of truth can be heard reverberating throughout the book as it chronicles their lives on the skids.
It wasn’t the grammar or punctuation that was the problem with Dead Spell, but rather some of its content and flow. What makes a good editor worth her weight in gold is not spellchecking, but the ability to point out problems with the storytelling itself. This book was that close to being great, but just couldn’t close the deal. The book didn’t really begin, but rather picked up in the middle of the action in a very awkward way. Jaxon, Brea’s supposed love interest, was unconvincing, and their whole relationship left a sour taste of disbelief in my mouth. (Adam, on the other hand, swept me off my feet, making me wonder why he put up with Harmony’s abuse—another unresolved issue.) When the ghost’s identity is finally revealed, it made absolutely no sense why he was doing the things he was doing. Finally, the ending was not in congruence with the rest of the story, it just…stopped. I am happy to report that she has been published by Anachron Press recently (The City of Hell Chronicles, Volume 1), so perhaps this lack of editing treatment has been remedied for future works.
I can recommend the e-book version ($2.99 at the time of this review), but suggest passing on the more expensive paper copy for now. (If she republishes after a good reworking, I’d be happy to revisit the novel and eat my words.) Do keep an eye on Ms. Frisch, horror fans—if she stays the course, there may be a quality author emerging.
Contains: gore, violence, sex, paranormal activity, mutilation
Reviewed by: W. E. Zazo-Phillips