Walker’s  Vale, by John J. Zelenski

Peasantry Press, 2017 (original publication 2012 by Tate Publishing & Enterprises)

ISBN: 978-1-988276-19-9

Availability: Paperback, Kindle edition

Walker’s Vale is a quick, 120 page religious horror novella that is a good story, and the first faith-based horror I have encountered. Zelenski’s use of religious faith in this story is not only unusual, it allows him to take the story in directions that most authors won’t try, and it allows for some unique character development.  Couple this with an entertaining plot containing demons, angels and a few nice corkscrew twists in the plot, and you have a winner.

James Cooper, his wife Maria and his autistic, mute daughter Maria have left the frustrations of city living behind to set up in the tiny township of Walker’s Vale, in the boonies of Pennsylvania.  James’s frustrations are twofold: he is unsatisfied with their lives, and he’s lost his faith in God (he’s at the stage of  “if there is one, how can so many bad things happen?”).  Odd things start happening quickly, and they are familiar elements to the horror genre: an eclectic, possibly nutty old preacher (who reminded me of Kane from Poltergeist II),  strange figures appearing in the basement, midnight ceremonies… all tried and true ways to scare people, effective when used correctly, and Zelenski uses them well.   The faith aspect adds a new dimension to what might otherwise seem like a standard story, and sets it apart from other books.

Occasional characters do appear in the story that might seem like they don’t belong, but when you add in the fact that Heaven and Hell are players in this story, it makes sense.  The religious influence on the story allows the author to turn the unbelievable into the believable for the characters, if they allow themselves to trust their own beliefs.  It also makes for a very good climax to the story, with the forces of good and evil slugging it out over the fate of one child, who may be important to the future fate of the world.  The epilogue does a nice job tying up all the story ends, and will leave the reader with a case of the warm fuzzies.  Walker’s Vale is a enjoyable romp through the world of good and evil, and certainly worth the time to read it, due to its short length.  Here’s hoping for more adventures from the town of Walker’s Vale; the backstory of the town would make for some good books in the future.  Recommended.

Contains: mild violence

Reviewed by Murray Samuelson