Boys in the Valley immerses the reader in the harsh, prison-like environs of St. Vincent’s Orphanage, deep in the hills of rural Pennsylvania, 1905. Here Peter Barlow and 31 other boys spend monotonous days working the fields and participating in church services under the watchful gaze of a handful of Catholic priests. Any perceived infraction or impiety is met with withheld meals, corporal punishment, or a trip to the dreaded “hole”: a subterranean cell dug into the grounds outside the dormitory. The boys’ already grueling situation goes from bad to worse with the midnight arrival of the local sheriff and his deputies with a grievously wounded suspect in tow. The injured man is combative and raving, with the sheriff evasive about the circumstances of his arrest. Former military medic Father Poole attempts to provide treatment, but what begins as first aid soon devolves into a harrowing exorcism that the wounded man does not survive. After the man’s death and interment in the orphanage grounds Peter notices an unsettling change come over a number of his fellows, beginning with one just returning from an overnight stay in the hole. Formerly cheerful boys have become inexplicably malicious and conspiratorial. They huddle together, darkly plotting and recruiting others, while the priests refuse to acknowledge that anything unusual is occurring. Violence seems imminent, and as the oldest boy with a strong sense of responsibility it’s up to Peter to protect his comrades. Assuming, that is, he can distinguish friend from demonic foe.

Like Fracassi’s previous novel, Gothic, Boys in the Valley involves devil-worship and demonic possession. The publisher’s pithy tagline describes Boys in the Valley as “The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, by way of Midnight Mass.” Similarities to The Exorcism are obvious, and both the absence of effective adult supervision and the pervasive child-on-child brutality certainly bring to mind Lord of the Flies. But despite being—at its heart—a religious horror novel, I would also recommend it to fans of John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). Isolated and snow-bound, the orphanage may as well be as remote as an Antarctic research station, and its immediately clear that no outside help is forthcoming. Unlike many horror stories, where a singular devil flits from one host to the next in serial fashion, possession is treated here almost like an infection. Some demonic hosts are more insidiously subtle than others, engendering a heavy atmosphere of paranoia as alliances shift and former friends become lethal enemies.

Despite the claustrophobic setting of Boys in the Valley, Fracassi effectively manages a large cast of characters. The various boys are all named and given evocative quirks. The lion’s share of characterization is given to the oldest two boys, the noble aspiring priest Peter and his cynical counterpart David, but through brief passages and conversations Fracassi manages to communicate each boy’s essential nature with surprising economy of words. With the end goal, of course, of making the reader really feel the blow whenever a particular boy meets a savage end at the hands of his fellows.

The pacing is another highlight of Boys in the Valley. Many authors would be tempted to prolong the first third of the novel, after the first boys start to change. Those authors would drip-feed the reader a series of unsettling events over several more chapters before the first murder takes place. Fracassi’s demons are impatient and ready to get to the carnage, however, with the whole sequence of events escalating very quickly. I appreciated the apparent confidence Fracassi had in the strength of his basic premise and his scene-setting ability. Rather than dragging things out unnecessarily, all hell breaks loose within the orphanage soon after Peter uncovers the demonic threat.

Previously published in 2001 as a 500 copy limited edition by Earthling Publications, Boys in the Valley is now being released by Tor Nightfire. Hopefully this mass market edition from a major publisher will introduce Fracassi to a wider audience of readers. After reading both Gothic and Boys in the Valley I am firmly convinced that Philip Fracassi is a name worthy of being included alongside other contemporary horror greats like Paul Tremblay, Nick Cutter, and Stephen Graham Jones. Boys in the Valley is a tense page-turner, absolutely gripping.

Thank you NetGalley and TOR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I felt like overall this was a decent horror novel with lots of action packed scenes, body horror, and disturbing imagery.
I do feel that perhaps this is a case of “it’s not you, it’s me,” in that I may just not love possession stories? I wish that aspect of the story had more backstory. A little more history on the front end of the story would have been helpful, in terms of the possession.
If you’re a fan of historical possession horror then you will be entertained. For me, it was just okay.

What do you get when you take an isolated all-boys orphanage in a church in a valley in 1905, a snowstorm, scared kids, one good guy priest, an ex-con, and make it into something like The Exorcist?

This. This book is what you get.

Add in Fracassi's balls-to-the-wall writing that has you rooting for even the gross adult to make it out of this mess alive, and you have a proper page-turner novel. It starts up a bit slow, setting the scene and making you care about at least the handful of important characters, and then once you're a third in it takes off at breakneck speeds, to a nail-biting climax, and then it just ends.

Similar to Gothic, which I read and absolutely loved earlier this year, there's gross gore, there's helplessness and tough emotional trauma, not quite the same level of body horror but a good amount of possession and the struggle of what makes you a good or a bad person. Here, it's all rolled up into a coming-of-age story that cuts no corners, and forces kids to grow up during a 48-hour or so decent into chaos.

You bet I'm going to get my little claws on a paper copy as soon as it drops, and once our store gets it, I'll be telling everyone to get it for their favorite horror nerd this coming winter because. Wowee.


Original final thoughts: wtf? i love this? did i find a new favorite author? more at ten.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

I had the privilege of receiving an advance copy of Boys in the Valley through NetGalley, and let me tell you, this YA horror novel by Philip Fracassi took me on a thrilling and chilling ride. With a unique blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and complex characters, it's a book that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

Set in the eerie confines of Saint Vincent's orphanage, Boys in the Valley introduces us to Peter, a young protagonist grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that claimed his parents' lives. As he embarks on his journey to becoming a priest under the guidance of Father Andrew, unexpected events unfold. When a group of enigmatic men arrives at the orphanage, accompanied by one who is gravely injured, a malevolent force is inadvertently unleashed. What follows is a descent into chaos as this evil entity infects some of the other boys, leaving Peter and his newfound companions fighting for survival.

One of the strengths of Boys in the Valley lies in its skillful exploration of possession horror. Fracassi deftly crafts a narrative that balances suspenseful moments with an atmosphere of dread, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The vivid descriptions of harrowing events throughout the story serve to heighten the tension, compelling me to turn each page with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The author's ability to create a sense of unease is truly commendable.

Furthermore, the depth and complexity of the characters in this tale are a standout feature. Peter's journey from the depths of grief to a position of resilience and courage is a captivating arc that resonates strongly. However, it is the development of Brother Johnson's character that truly adds a layer of richness to the narrative. Fracassi skillfully weaves their growth into the story, and their presence becomes both a source of intrigue and a catalyst for the evolving events within the orphanage.

At times, I found myself encountering chapters that felt longer than necessary, causing the story's pace to falter. Conversely, there were instances when crucial scenes seemed rushed, leaving me longing for more depth and exploration. This uneven flow disrupted the overall narrative rhythm, and I wished for a more consistent pacing throughout.

Additionally, I noticed some repetition and overlap in certain scenes, presented from different viewpoints. While multiple perspectives can enhance a story, in this case, I felt that the additional viewpoints didn't contribute significantly to the overall plot or character development. It led to moments where the story felt momentarily stagnant, diluting the impact of the tale.

Nevertheless, despite these minor hiccups, Boys in the Valley remains a commendable read. Its unique blend of possession horror and intricate character dynamics captivated me, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the fate of the protagonists. Philip Fracassi's ability to weave together suspense, dread, and unexpected twists is impressive, and it leaves me excited to explore more of the author's works.
I highly recommend Boys in the Valley to fans of horror, particularly those intrigued by the supernatural and possession subgenres. Philip Fracassi's masterful storytelling and intricate character development make this novel an engrossing read. With its blend of suspense, palpable dread, and unexpected twists, it is a commendable addition to any horror aficionado's bookshelf.

Overall, I believe Boys in the Valley deserves a solid four-star rating. It presents a compelling story with genuinely memorable moments, and the flaws I encountered did not overshadow its strengths. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers seeking an engaging and chilling tale, eager to witness the talents of Philip Fracassi unfold within the pages. I eagerly await future releases from this promising author.

Note to the Publisher: Boys in the Valley showcases Philip Fracassi's ability to craft an engaging narrative in the possession horror genre. While a few areas could benefit from refinement, the novel overall presents a captivating story that will resonate with readers. I anticipate that fans of the genre will find much to appreciate within its pages, and I eagerly anticipate the author's future endeavors.

This was a pleasant surprise! But when Stephen King recommends something: we ball.

This was a historical horror about demons infiltrating a religious-based orphanage for boys and man, did it pay off.

I felt like this book was super cinematic in nature - I could easily see it becoming an A24 type film. it was moody and atmospheric and the horror was SCARY and visceral. It was a wintry themed gem, the impending cold season a threat to the already limited amount of food to go around with too many mouths to feed.

One day, in the middle of the night, strangers arrive at the orphanage and there's something wrong with one of them, having been found with a butchered, dead girl.

With a gust of wind and a falling cross, you know something is up and after that, It's a matter of guessing if the evils you're seeing are demonic or just human - this is my favorite kind of horror. Great stuff! Looking forward to reading from this author again.

Thank you to the publishers, author and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"When I am asked how many demons there are, I answer with the words that the demon himself spoke through a demonic: 'We are so many that, if we were visible, we would darken the sun."

For anyone who loves gothic religious horror, coming of age stories with a huge splash of demonic entities, evil children and some gore this is a book for you.

Reading this had me stressed out! By the time I got to the halfway point I decided to call it a night and get some sleep. Well....that turned into me tossing and turning with the lights on and the weather network playing on the tv in the background trying to soothe my nerves.

I look forward to reading more from this author as this was one heck a of debut.

This book, while difficult for me to get into initially, ended with a BANG.

I feel like it's not a spoiler to say this is a demonic possession story but it is also so much more than that. The characters are all very distinct and have their own voices and backgrounds. Everyone was interesting to read about. As I mentioned, the first 14% of the book was hard for me to get into it. The POV changes from first person to third person but focusing on one person. So there will be one chapter we're in Peter's first person POV and then the next chapter we're third person shadowing David with no indication. That combined with there being such a large cast of characters in the story, I got lost a lot. Once I read more and figured out which character was which, it became a lot easier to seamlessly go from the different POVs but still an odd choice of POV switches, in my opinion. That's really the only reason this is a 4 star for me instead of a 5. I thought the story was pretty fast pace and action packed, the horror elements were really fun and well done and the ending was done in a way I feel like a lot of authors are afraid to do.

I definitely recommend this book to any horror fans out there. Don't be too afraid of the historical fiction tag if you're not into that (neither am I, most of the time). This is one possession story done very, very right.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Hey, do you like possession stories? With a little touch of isolation and desperation? Boy, do I have a book for you.

After witnessing his father commit a murder/suicide in a fit of rage, Peter is sent to St Vincent’s Orphanage for boys. Life is hard with lots of hard labour and strict rules… but the boys are surviving, and Peter is contemplating joining the priesthood. When a stranger arrives acting erratically, the lives of the orphans changes drastically.

Boys in the Valley is visceral and terrifying while at the same time being extremely sad and hopeful. It’s a coming-of-age story steeped in blood and religion. It’s super fast paced and you’ll find yourself constantly muttering what the f****************.

I really enjoyed this, it did what it came to do and Philip Fracassi’s writing was so evocative and flowed so well. Looking forward to more stories from him!

<b>Truly Terrifying!</b>

This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last! I literally started reading late last night and have spent the entire day engrossed in this sorry.

I'm very desensitized, to the point where nothing really scares me anymore, but if that wasn't the case, this book would do it. It's a tight, intense thrill ride from beginning to end. I know it's been compared to Golding's Lord of the Flies, but Children of the Corn came to me quite a bit as well, especially with the religious aspect.

Seriously, if you like horror (and if you're reading my reviews, you probably do), you need to get this book. You won't regret it.

It was alright.

I liked some of it, some of it was boring. The characters are strong and some you root for, but the overall theme was not as fun as it could have been.

Thank you NetGalley and TOR for the advanced copy.

It is not easy growing up in a turn of the century group home for boys run by priests like the orphans in this religious horror story. Peter is a 16 year old orphan trying to choose between becoming a priest and being with the girl he loves. The toughest things the boys have to deal with are punishments from overzealous staff and small food rations until one night the sheriff rolls in with someone he believes to be possessed. That is when all hell breaks loose.

This was a super scary thrill ride of a novel. The characters were all developed so well. There are characters to love and some to hate, but none are one sided. Well, except the demon who is all evil. The boys have had to deal with so much in their lives and I did not want anything to happen to them. If you cannot handle reading harm coming to children I would steer clear, but if you love a novel with high stakes than this story is for you. Fracassi loads so much heart into this coming of age story and does not shy away from the violence and scares that keep the story moving.

I highly recommend this novel to those that love a good religious horror novel.

This novel was an exciting thrill ride I could not put down. Equal parts terrifying and gruesome, it explores the unknown of a supernatural evil in a straightforward manner. The characters are all well developed if a bit wooden; all remaining in their lanes as expected, but it gives the plot a propulsive edge to expect certain things and be surprised by unimaginable twists.

I just finished Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi and he has delivered a superb story with classic old-school horror vibes. The story takes place in an orphanage for young boys in the early 1900s during the dead of winter with a severe storm on the way. An uninvited and unexpected midnight visitor to the orphanage leaves behind pure evil and it pits the boys against each other and in a fight for their souls and lives. I have heard this book has been described as The Exorcist meets the Lord of the Flies and while I agree there are elements of both, Fracassi has delivered a unique story I won’t forget anytime soon. This book releases on a July 11th and anyone who loves a horror story should not miss it. Five enthusiastic stars and tied for my top read of 2023 and in my top 5 of all time! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Both terrifying and heart breaking. A fantastic, engaging horror read. This will sit with you and leave you thinking about it for a while. I couldn’t put it down.

This was a decent book! Don't really have much more to say about it. It was a gory horror, which doesn't really impress me, and I thought the multiple POVs didn't work as well. I feel like horror feels a lot more claustrophobic if there's only one POV, which would've worked well if we just followed the main boy, David.

There was a lot more religious discussion than I thought, and it has such an action-movie pace that I didn't really have time to get attached to any of the wide cast of characters. Still, decent read!

Thanks to Tor Nightfire for the eARC in exchange for my honest review

I’m always on the lookout for a good horror book and this one is a contender! This is being promoted as Lord of the Flies meets The Exorcist and I can't argue with that.. Set with the backdrop of the Pennsylvania countryside in early 20th century, There’s a remote orphanage which becomes the site of demonic possession. So clearly it’s dark and bleak with some violence and honestly I don’t know what’s more scary than a catholic boys orphanage, the author chose the perfect horror location to tell a horrifying story. So if you’re looking for something to keep you up at night, this is for you my friend.
Full review on YouTube

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi follows a group of boys in a catholic orphanage. Told mostly from the point of view of Peter, this story quick descends into horror when a man shows up at the orphanage blood and covered in occult symbols. As boys begin dying and alliances are formed, there is only one thing that’s certain and that is it is going to be a very long night.

This book is being pitched as Lord of the Flies meets The Exorcist and I think that is very accurate description. Some of the characters are menacing before anything even happens and that only amplifies throughout the story. Once this book starts going, it never lets up. It is nonstop action and the short chapters make it something you won’t want to put down.

This book is very terrifying especially if possession stories creep you out. There is some mild body horror. I wish that it would have leaned a little more into the body horror aspect just because that always leaves a longer lasting impression on me. I feel like some people will be disappointed in the lack of answers you get in this story but it’s something I don’t mind at all. I like being able to fill in the blanks with whatever my mind can create. I actually didn’t read this book at night at all because I thought it would creep me out too much!

My biggest issue with this story is the narrative style the author went with. This book is told in first person and third person, depending on the chapter. This is a style that historically just does not work for me. It always takes me out of the story as the switch off often feels abrupt and while this book has the switches at the beginning of each chapter, it just don’t work great for me. It is something that some readers may not even notice though.

I really enjoyed my time with this book and I’m very interested in reading other books by this author as this is the first one by him I have read. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to read something spooky. I think this would be a good book for any level of horror reader whether or not you are really familiar with horror or just getting into the genre.

Once again Fracassi has left me wanting more. I started this book shortly after I was lucky enough to get it from Netgalley and I could not wait to dig in. The story starts off a little slow but builds and builds until the end...and the ending I was not expecting. It was an interesting take on the whole being possessed idea, and really makes you question the whole "group" mentality and how one person can influence so many others. The main characters were relatable and flawed and truly made this story what it was for me. I highly recommend it and it will leave you wishing the story could have continued.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Boys in the Valley is a visceral ride of hair-raising fear and stark reality that keeps you on the edge of your seat, always guessing, always dreading. The book blends the spiritual horror of "The Exorcist" with the savage portrayal of humanity in "Lord of the Flies" to create an entirely new entity that is altogether thrilling, shocking, and poignant.

From the onset, the author masterfully paints a vivid, foreboding landscape within the confines of a secluded valley. The book slowly peels back the layers of innocent camaraderie among a group of boys, only to expose a dark, brooding underbelly that simmers with supernatural horror and human depravity.

The book weaves together two distinct threads: the loss of innocence that echoes the savage realism of "Lord of the Flies", and the chilling touch of demonic possession reminiscent of "The Exorcist". The parallels to these two iconic works are clear, yet Boys in the Valley stands on its own as a dark exploration of youthful naivety shattered by stark reality.

Character development is a strong point in this novel. The boys, each with their unique personalities and backgrounds, are convincingly portrayed. As the plot progresses, their descent into fear and madness is palpable, making the narrative all the more compelling.

While there are many high points, readers should be aware that the book does not shy away from graphic descriptions and intense scenes. Some may find this disturbing, but for those who enjoy horror and psychological thrillers, these elements add to the book's overall grim atmosphere.

Boys in the Valley is a chilling read that lingers long after the last page is turned. It is a powerful exploration of innocence corrupted, the line between sanity and madness, and the lengths to which people will go when pushed to their limits. A must-read for any fans of psychological horror and supernatural suspense.

I've waited a long time trying to get my hands and eyes on this book!
A dark coming of age story mixed with religious horror in an isolated orphanage during a snow storm ..... all the ingredients for a deliciously terrifying story! Although I walked away heartbroken I did not walk away disappointed!