This is my first time reading something written by Glenn Rolfe and I definitely have thoughts on this one.

This story is a pretty standard plot, something tragic happened when the main character was younger and now the characters past is coming back to haunt them.
I actually do like this sort of plot, as long as the author tries to go about it in a new and different way. I will say, I do think that was the author’s intent with this story. They tried to make the plot fresh and unique. However, it wasn’t fully successful.

There is a good blend of real human evil and the supernatural, which are two areas of horror that I enjoy immensely. However, I feel as though the supernatural elements were not as strong as they could’ve have been. I was left feeling a little puzzled on how everything meshed together. I honestly would have preferred the author focus on the more human/realistic route and forgo the supernatural part entirely. That is just my personal opinion, but the supernatural elements were just lackluster and didn’t add anything to the story.

I really liked the idea of the plot, it does deal with molestation and pedophilia, so be warned if that is something you aren’t interested in reading.

I also felt the writing was just a little choppy and didn’t flow completely. Some of the dialogue between characters felt too forced and unrealistic. I was left thinking, “I don’t believe this conversation would have occurred this way in real life” too many times. It felt a little too over the top at points. I also felt that the characters themselves were a little unrealistic, there were a few times I was taken out of the story because of how unrealistic it made everything feel.

I also enjoyed the last half of the book way more than the beginning half, but the ending was just a little too abrupt and a little too obvious for my liking. The second half of the book really picked up speed and I did find myself enjoying it a bit more, but it was just too predictable for me. I knew what kind of ending was going to occur before it even had, which is always a letdown for me.

Overall, the story was okay. I don’t think it particularly stands out as anything crazy original, but it’s definitely not a bad book. I liked some aspects more than others and wish some things had been different, but that’s just me. I would definitely be open to reading more from this author in the future.

Not as engaging as Until Summer Comes Around, but a solid story that is easy to get in and ride to the end. Rolfe's writing brings to mind YA horror, even of he takes things a little further in content. My full review will appear on my normal outlets soon.

Thank You NetGalley for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a nightmare fueled (literally) ride through a haunted cemetery, in a haunted town, with a haunted man as a main character:

The characters were deep and flawed. Which made them feel all the more real. There’s trauma here and it plays out in every action or lack of action that the main character, John, takes. He makes lots of mistakes, but he’s suffering from a terrible case of PTSD. From what? You’ll have to read to find out!

Loved the town of Spears Corner. Such an unassuming small town that harbors a terrible secret. The world building was amazing.

The characters along with the setting made this an easy 5 stars for me. If you love horror, a good haunted tale or strong, likable characters you’ll love this book!

When I was in elementary school, I took the school bus home. My grandparents lived out in the country and had a long driveway. One day after the bus dropped me off and I was about a third of the way down said driveway, a red car pulled in behind me and stopped. A man got out of the car and started walking towards me. I didn't recognize him so I ran as fast as I could to the house. I didn't look back. For whatever reason, I didn't tell my parents when I got in the house and forgot about it. I didn't remember that happening until I was almost 30. The brain has a way of protecting us from things.

In AUGUST'S EYES, John starts having nightmares and visions set in a land of graveyards. He gets wrapped up in a decades-old mystery that won't stay buried.

This is the first book I've read by Glenn Rolfe and I loved every minute of it. The characters felt like real people with real problems that I grew attached to quickly. The town of Spears Corner (with way too many graveyards) was a creepy setting that felt like a place right out of a King novel- especially with the novel being set in Maine. I don't know if any of Rolfe's other stories are set there, but I think he could do that if he wanted to. I'd happily visit again.

I don't want to get into the plot much because I don't want to spoil anything. I will say that I tore through this book- I'm not a fast reader and it only took me two days to get through it. I wanted to know what was going to happen and as the stakes go up, this book gets harder and harder to put down. Without saying why, the ending of this book had me in tears and that's not a thing that happens to me often. I love when books make me feel things and I think it speaks to just how well these chapters were written that I cared that much about them. Bonus points for the "cameos" of some other authors in the small press horror scene and the musical references were fun too. Just a head's up...the horror of this story is mostly based in reality and when children are involved, none of it is ever easy to read. That said, none of it feels explicit or exploitative and manages to get the emotions of the events across.

Is this story dark? Unflinchingly. Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree press for the review copy

Childhood trauma is one of the worst things a person could ever experience. So, what if that trauma started manifesting in adulthood, in your nightmares?

First, I just want to warn. This book contains sensitive subject matter so be warned. Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to brass tacks. Rolfe knows horror.

This isn't my first foray into a Rolfe book. Blood and Rain and Chasing Ghosts were standouts for me. This book joins them. Yes, it is a coming of age tale, but it's much more than that. Beyond the horrific moments, there is a story here of human nature and relationships. It gets to the heart of what's at stake when horror enters a life.

I never go into much detail about the story because I really hate spoilers. I'm sure others do as well so you're welcome. I just have to say that this was a book I did not want to put down. For every parent who has ever feared that lurking stranger, the exact one we warn our children about, this book will chill you to the bone. Be warned.

I have more of Rolfe's backlist which I plan to read, but if he keeps writing books like this, it's going to be difficult to find the time to get back to them.

Gather all your twisted friends, this is a great book club read- which is hard when reading the ARC for review because I wanted to discuss this so bad. I wanted to praise the characters, and curse out the characters, and speculate about what was going on and what was going to happen.
August Eyes is full of small town horror. Welcome to Spears Corner Maine, a town with a dark history and more graveyards than a town this size has any right to have.
Johnny’s friend Ethan was kidnapped and murdered when they were kids. It was so traumatic that Johnny blocked it from his memory. Now as an adult, he is suffering from recurring nightmares that may be tied to his past, however, his nightmares don’t only occur when he sleeps.
I am not typically a fan of dream sequences to advance a plot but it works in this book because of the tension, the creepy characters, and those damn spiders.

This was an awesome book! Glenn is a master storyteller. Pacing is great, with short paragraphs that end with something that makes you want to get propelled forward in the story, and the transitions to new chapters make sense.

The list of main characters is fairly short so that allows for some intimate characterizations. The dreamscape is creepy, and the blending of aspects from the dream world into the real world does not feel forced.

One of the things I especially loved about the story was the unending music references, and the inclusion of the impacts of that music on the characters. Music plays a huge part of most people's lives. It's part of culture and setting, and it really helps paint the world in this book.

I would have liked a deeper dig into the shamanism aspects of the book...with the therapist playing more of a role than he did. His character felt like he could have been more there at the end of the book.

I think most people will enjoy the way the book ended since it was wrapped up in a nice way. I tend to enjoy endings that feel a bit unfinished, and that was not the case here.

But...Great, great book. Pat was one cool cat and I loved the relationship he shared with Mr. Fuller. If you enjoy creepy with a mostly happy ending, look no further!

When John was a child, he witnessed something so traumatic that his mind has blocked it out. Now years later he is suffering from strange nightmares in which he is still a kid. John may have forgotten what he saw all those years ago, but it has not forgotten him! As his dreams begin to interfere with his real life they also threaten people around him, putting himself and his wife at risk. Do they still count as dreams if other people can see them too?
This was a very dark tale that takes place in a town with an evil history. I'm not usually one to bother with trigger warnings because I assume horror readers are expecting and prepared for some horrifying events. In this case, since the synopsis I was given does not really give much detail I feel that I should mention that this book contains child molestation and child murders. Not in an overly graphic way, but it is a big part of the story. It's a supernatural horror but a very emotional read. Some readers may recognize some of the names used, others may not, and I thought it was kind of cool to see the author has enjoyed some of the same works as I have. If you don't recognize them that's ok too, it doesn't detract from the story either way.
4 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review !

August's Eyes
by Glenn Rolfe

A dark and frightening monster roams a quiet town searching for the next victim. A bit of a coming of age story combined with edge of your seat terror.

Johnny has forgotten something terrifying that happened in his childhood.
As an adult he now suffers from nightmares and hallucinations that he doesn't understand.
After seeking help from a therapist and doing his own investigating, Johnny realizes his problems are not just dreams. He must remember a real life tragedy or he may not live to regret what he forgot.

Super scary horror novel.

I received an advanced e-copy from NetGalley and the publisher, Flame Tree Press, in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

Since the publication of Blood and Rain in 2015, Glenn Rolfe has not stopped. Like a man on edge or a character possessed, Rolfe refuses to let anything deter him from giving life to some of our most dreaded fears. His passion for the bizarre and the macabre (spanning the gamut are werewolves, serial killers, demonic possession, vampires, hauntings and more,) are seemingly bottomless. What's more, his brand of storytelling isn't one-dimensional, albeit dark, very disturbing, and unequivocally adult-themed. What he delivers isn't your typical horror. Instead, he presents common clichés and spins them on their tops, and then pens narratives that only he can. But despite their bleakness, there's inevitably light. There is hope, even for the damned. Maybe especially for the damned. He writes with heart and soul, and I think that's what I admire most about his work.

Similar to his local counterpart, Stephen King, Rolfe's stories are often set in small Maine towns. They also tend to be coming-of-age tales set in the 80s and 90s, with a palpable nostalgic feel, whose primary focus are children.


"What makes you think he gets to pick one?" August, a tall kid with a clawed hand, asked. His hollow eyes matched the straight black hair that touched his funny shoulders. Johnny thought it looked like he was wearing shoulder pads made of baby skulls beneath his faded blue Superman t-shirt. Johnny didn't like that August's shoulders made him think of baby skulls, but he thought that was August's fault. Somehow. And those damn eyes. Just two black holes..


From the initial sentence, the author made the overall mood and tone of Spears Corner clear. Over time, he painted images of a town almost reliant on deception, ambition, greed and angst. Spears Corner was complex and secretive. It felt, in a lot of ways, like my hometown, all of which made it scarier and more relatable.

True to life, there were pockets within August's Eyes that brazenly defied explanation. Sometimes spiritual, often psychological, the intricate tale spun by Rolfe felt seamless, horrific, and was, in turn, downright magnetic. Regardless of the unexplained, those pockets were primarily rooted in trauma, yet they were also mysterious. Those scenes were the epitome of creativity, fascination, and originality. The entire novel was a lot of fun, but Graveyard Land, in particular, was pure delight.


"Dreams are a gateway to the spirit world," the doc said. "The shaman I mentioned, he delved into places beyond our realm. Places we are not meant to tread. Not the way he intended, at least."


The spirit world played a significant role, though the reader and characters didn't unearth those truths until much later. In fact, I shudder to think how different things might've turned out if not for a certain Passamaquoddy man. August's Eyes was a much stronger work because of the Indigenous mythology, which gave it some really nice fantastical elements. They were compelling on their own, but they helped deepen the mystery and profoundly strengthened the work as a whole. The Native elements were really refreshing and I wouldn't want August's Eyes without them. I can't see it any other way. More impressive yet, the character, Dr. Rik Soctomah, wasn't just there to aid John's journey. His purposes were numerous. His character was fully realized.

I loved the believability of these characters and the fact that they're vulnerable and deeply flawed. There were times I cheered them on; grieved with them, sympathized with their suffering. There were times that I genuinely empathized. There was one emotionally brutal scene when I was SHOCKED by John's actions. I remember feeling very angry. I really felt the sense of loss and betrayal. And as much as I loved John, Sarah, and Dr. Soctomah, I adored Pat even more. He's one of those characters with instant likability, as though etched from the fabric of real life. I can't begin to convey my adoration for Pat. Or how much I wish he was real. We all need a friend like Pat.


It was true, Spears Corner was a shiny, happy, American flag-flying town on the outside. Pot luck dinners at the local churches every weekend, yard sales by the dozens, and as much school pride as any of the football-loving Texas towns of the South, but beneath it all was an oozing river of deceit, jealousy, and outright hatred between the haves and have-nots.


However, there were a few things Rolfe could've handled better. The ending, for one. It was too easy, too neatly wrapped up. Given everything that came before, particularly the vile nature of the villain, I was expecting further complexities. Which isn't to imply a lack of escalation, but I was anticipating something grand. Diabolical. I really wish the antagonist had been three-dimensional, as opposed to your typical serial killer dossier. Interestingly enough, Rolfe was inspired by John Wayne Gacy, the prolific serial murderer commonly known as the "Killer Clown," in suburban Chicago, circa 1970s. With that in mind, I'd hoped for a more diverse creation, someone I could relate to on some level. Even an abstract one. I wanted more gray and less black and white. My third and final critique centers around the mythology of Graveyard Land. More than anything, I wanted--maybe needed-- to know how it became a reality. Its origin, the role of the shaman and everything pertinent. It was such a cool and creative pocket, entrenched in Passamaquoddy lore, but knowing those big details piqued my curiosity about the small ones.

Throughout this incredible experience, I couldn't help but compare it to The Window
(the only other book I've read by Glenn Rolfe,) and I marveled at how far he's come in only three years. His prose was more refined, the concepts felt fresh and inviting; the storytelling flowed with ease, like ink streaming across the page; the wording was more precise; the primary characters were fully realized.


Highly addictive, delightfully strange, creepy as hell and exceptionally written. Plausibly Rolfe's finest yet.


*A note regarding possible trigger warnings: they include cruelty to children and rape. Although they were present and gut- wrenching, it was never gratuitous. The author should be commended for that. Those horrible things happened, but they were never given specific details. They were only mentioned, and that's an excellent example of "Show, Don't Tell" being the exception to the rule.*

Rolfe’s new novel uses the nostalgia of the 90’s and occurrences in the past can haunt our present.

The characters are well drawn although there are a couple of characters who sometimes balanced on realism and fantasy. John is a very well balanced character and this is our main character. His in depth views and the psychological aspects give John an interesting character curve which gives the emotional centre of the book. Sarah is wife could be better drawn but everyone else is well established giving you a full investment of their predicaments.

The plot is well constructed and the mechanics of the horror work well within this reality. The novel opens with a nostalgic look of teenagers in America 1990’s before paranoia would steal childhood forever which gives a nice yet horrifying passage. The story then moves to present day and though the world seems slightly unchanged we are thrust forward to where our main character is today. The story moves and enraptures the reader as they enter this world. The psychological dream explanations work extremely well and though there is some stuff that was thrown in, the horror aspects do make sense in this world.

Overall, this is a great horror read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Rolfe books have always delivered and the horrors mixed with reality are very well handled. The explanation could have had a bit more focus but overall this did not take away from my enjoyment. I strongly urge horror fans to read Rolfe as he has his own unique voice within horror that always makes him a great read.

There is so much I liked about this one, the characters were great but some really seemed superfluous. The story felt a bit disjointed at times but overall it came together. And even though it started out a bit slow for me, once I got started I finished it in one sitting.

A chilling and intense tale of a man haunted by mistakes from his past; pursued by serial child-killer and his victims. The horror that begins in his nightmares crosses over into his real life, bringing violence and carnage in it’s wake. Trigger warning for child sexual abuse.

August's Eyes by Glen Rolfe was truly an eerie read. It is about John who is plagued by horrific nightmares as well as his traumatic incident as a kid of seeing his friend being kidnapped and then later his murder body found. There were a lot of flashbacks to these events throughout the novel and the reader finds out the reason for this at the end of the novel. John’s wife Sarah was really interested in getting to the bottom of his nightmares, which start to hint at the possibility of something more supernatural. But fertility struggles start to provide conflict to their relationship, which seems to be the central conflict in the story that propels a horrific series of events to unfold. While it was painful to read about, I found the characters quite likable and the plot very compelling to continue to read the story.

I also loved the subplot of another character, Alvin’s, work in the graveyard. I have a real weakness for stories that take place in cemeteries and the setting was described really well. But the good descriptions are also the reason for my 4 star instead of 5-star review. Insects in horror, especially done well, really bug me quite a bit. However, the usage of creepy crawly characters does fit into the way that the story develops and is not overly gratuitous.

This was a compelling read that I found very difficult to put down. My husband may have seen me cringe and shriek at times, but isn’t that what a good horror novel does? As a lover of dark fiction, I really enjoyed the ride that August's Eyes took me on.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced readers copy.

Over the last few years, I’ve read a number of Rolfe’s works and have fast become a fan. When I read and reviewed ‘The Window,’ I stated that it was amazing to read a novel that while reading it, you know you’re experiencing a book that will become a classic in the genre. I still believe that.

His last release, ‘Until Summer Comes Around,’ was a throw-back, coming-of-age vampire story. Vampire stuff has lost some of its appeal for myself, but it was Rolfe’s writing strengths that made that book enjoyable for me. I was excited for ‘August’s Eyes’ when it was announced. Big thanks to Netgalley, Flame Tree Press and Rolfe for approving this.

What I liked: ‘August’s Eyes’ opens up with two friends experiencing a horrible moment in a town’s history. Fast forward and we’re now following John, one of the two youth from back then, grappling with the ripples of that moment all those years ago.

Glenn does a great job of introducing the characters and giving them great depth (especially our teenager, Pat who had been dealt a tough hand) as well as making the small town of Spears Corner feel alive and real within a very short time.

Rolfe also introduces us to John’s dreams. More specifically Graveyard Land and his two friends there; August and One Eye. These two play an important role and, while August was fairly obvious to myself early on, Rolfe did a great job of teasing out their real identity and the place in John’s past that they hold.

One thing I always love with Glenn’s writing is that he always has characters that you feel like you’ve known your whole life, even within a few paragraphs of them arriving. No matter if they are good, bad or straight up creepy, Rolfe is a master at writing those folks who populate his books.

There’s a ton of emotion packed into this novel and the ending is both tragic, but fitting. One that’ll leave many readers gasping for air.

What I didn’t like: While the Indigenous storyline that plays out in the novel is necessary and really well done, I still don’t know if it completely worked for me. Or, more specifically, I can’t decide if it had a payoff moment for me.

As well, I found the epilogue to be a bit much and a bit too sweet. Not sure if it was a late addition, but it took some of the edge off of the ending for me. Some people will absolutely love it and theoretically it could set up a future sequel, but it was a bit deflating for myself.

Why you should buy this: Rolfe is really humming along and while this doesn’t read like some of Glenn’s traditional books that he’s released in the past, this one shows a really nice progression in how Glenn’s telling his stories and frankly, when a really great writer continues to better themselves with each and every release, the readers are in for a treat.

A book that’ll be a favorite of many readers this year, ‘August’s Eyes’ definitely delivered a fantastic read from start to finish.

** This review is live at https://stevestredauthor.wordpress.com/2021/06/12/book-review-augusts-eyes-by-glenn-rolfe/ **

Terror is the game, and it's a game best played in daylight! Amazing job of weaving real human horror with a bit of the supernatural - keeps you hooked until the last page to the somewhat bittersweet end. If you like a good scare, this is the one.

I love to find new Authors and August Eyes by Glen Rolfe is one of those so I went into this book with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised.

When dreams start bleeding into reality, a social worker has to face the mistakes of his past and so our story begins we follow John who is having reoccurring nightmares that are starting to effect is waking life, The book is well thought out as our story jumps backwards and forwards in time to tell its creepy tale and it is a good one at that.

The characters are well written and fully developed and are a pleasure to spend time with especially Pat a young adult who is one of Johns friends, I felt it was as much his story as Johns.

The horror is done well and is not over the top but I was more creeped out than afraid as I read the book, Rolfe's storytelling is very well done with good vivid descriptions of the event's that take place in the dream world.

The story flies by and before I knew it I was at the end of the book, it’s genuinely entertaining and an easy read and any fan's of this genre would be hard pushed not to enjoy this.

The writing style reminded me a little of Stephen King but not a copy Rolfe has his own voice here but one can see clearly where some of that inspiration comes from.

Rolfe hasn't reinvented the wheel here it's a good old creepy tale that is well worth your time and hard-earned cash.

I would like to thank Net Galley, Flame Tree Press and Glenn Rolfe for the opportunity to read this book.

August's Eyes is an enjoyable read. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, but the plot and world really pushes the story forward in a satisfying way.

I was provided this ARC of #AugustsEyes by #NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This is a slow burn. The first 45% or so, is a lot of explaining, events, and it doesn't seem to flow really well. The constant topic jumping makes the story stale.

Then, you get to that 50% mark and everything starts ramping up. All the loose ends start coming together and weaving into one solid, relative narrative.

To be absolutely honest, before getting to the meat of the story, I thought I may DNF this with a 1 star. That being said, I hate not giving something a fair chance. It is completely worth being patient and seeing this story through.

4 stars and they are well deserved.

Another great story by Rolfe. I have yet to read a book by this author that didn't pull me in. This was a unique storyline , probably one of my favorite books of horror this year.