Everything dies in the desert.
Orphan Rock, that little sundown town in the middle of the Ghost River Nation.
Locals call the land haunted. Wiser folk call it cursed.
Whatever the case may be, something evil's stirring under the dirt.
This is the story about the folks who still live out there. And the dead ones too. Part horror, part American magical realism, Chad Ryan's Ghost River is a dark, gritty, and desolate journey into the peaks and gulches of the human spirit.
ADVISORY:
This dark tale is for mature readers (age 18+). It explores sensitive subject matter, including scenes of graphic violence, sexual situations, and disturbing imagery, language, and concepts that readers may find unsettling. Themes of misogyny, domestic abuse, and sexual assault may be triggering for some readers. Proceed with caution.
For a detailed list of content warnings (w/light spoilers): https: //lostboyspress.com/ghost-river-content-warning/
REVIEWS:
"The thing I enjoyed most about the book was its success in building a world where seemingly fantastical creatures and events could believably exist alongside the mundane modern world we live in. There is a vivid imagination at work here with effective and descriptive prose that evokes a visceral and sensual picture in the mind of the reader. The level of creativity and originality on display is undeniable and there is no doubt the author is a skilled and confident writer. I think fans of King and other pure horror masters will find this ambitious book to be both as thought-provoking and unforgettable as I did."
- Helen Whistberry (https: //www.helenwhistberry.com/)
"For his debut novel, Chad Ryan throws you into a unique and expansive world. As you read you will find yourself on the same adventure as the characters - a dark and gritty adventure. You'll feel close to each character and the lives they live; you'll feel many emotions, and find yourself connecting to the people, and places, on a deep and personal level. In other words, the town of Orphan Rock will consume you."
- Emily Trupp (https: //emthewritinglich.wordpress.com/)
Industry Reviews
"Wildly original, warped, and creepy as hell!" - Char, Goodreads Reviewer
"The most gripping horror story I've ever read." - Matt Hardman, Author
"A truly spectacular horror unlike anything you've ever read before." - Cassondra Windwalker, Author
"I have never read anything remotely like this fantastically insane book... Genius." - Danielle Vinson, Goodreads Reviewer
"For a debut novel to be THIS good is... almost insulting. This book will challenge you. It is DARK. But it will also make you want to hold these characters and tell them everything is going to be okay." - Braden M, Goodreads Reviewer
"Ryan's writing style rivals any of the horror superstars. This book is dark. It's gritty. It's an in your face, down in the muck, beat-the-hell-out-of-your-soul ride." - Matt Hardman, Author
"The writing style reminded me of a mashup between Clive Barker and Stephen King. I'd highly recommend it for any Barker or King lovers." - Dawn Hosmer, Author
"Chad Ryan has created not only religions and monsters, but a method of storytelling I've never encountered before. Truly unique and mind-blowing." - Tanweer Dar, Author
"This book is award-worthy like the Bram Stoker awards. A must-read for any horror fan." - Marc Tizura, Author
"At times poetic, which I didn't realize tough and gritty horror could be. I've never read anything like it before." - Shane Blackheart, Author
