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Creepy, intense, teen horror fans won’t be able to put down this first solo novel from Wicked Dead author Thomas Pendleton.

To say I was pumped when I received the advanced ready copy of Mason is an understatement. I could not wait to delve into the latest from Pendleton, who pens the spine-chilling Wicked Dead series with Teen Inc. author Stefan Petrucha. That series hooked me from the first word, and I wondered if Pendleton’s break away effort would be just as engaging.

What I got was even more than expected. Pendleton offers up an eerie, suspenseful tale that catapults him to the top of his genre, and puts King’s creepy efforts to shame.

Mason Avrett is a slow-witted teen with an evil drug-dealing brother, Gene, who beats on him every chance he gets. His parents died when he was young, and Mason and Gene live with an aunt who chooses not to see Gene’s bad side. Mason has no one to turn to at home, and, as his childhood friends fade into the social conclaves of teenhood, he soon finds himself truly alone, battling more demons than just Gene.

Rene Denton can’t stand how Gene and the other teens at her school treat Mason. She maintains their childhood friendship, while trying to keep her friends from falling into dangerous drug traps set by Gene’s friends. But when Rene takes her protective instincts too far, Gene decides she needs to be taught a lesson. When Mason discovers that Rene was hurt by one of Gene’s deadly schemes, he releases an intensely terrifying power to avenge his friend. 

Mason is a fast-paced 256-page novel packed with action, suspense and just enough creep to make you jump every time the bed bugs bump your bed at night. Pendleton’s style is a fluid mix that keeps you glued to the pages until the thrilling end. And once you read that final page, you’ll be ready for Pendleton’s next solo effort.

Mason hits bookstores July 1. This HarperTeen novel is written for ages 14 and older, or teens in the ninth grade. 

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