Award-winning author R.L. Herron has created a modern horror/thriller based on an assassinated Cherokee prophet who defied a forced migration in 1838 known as "The Trail of Tears," whose dying curse has followed one American family for eight generations, with relentless, supernatural horror.
Assessment:
In this engaging horror story primarily set in the mountains of Tennessee, John Burnett is the latest member of his family to confront a Cherokee curse laid upon his bloodline in 1838. As he and the other men of his generation embark upon a fishing trip, they debate morality and religion before succumbing to terrors both mortal and supernatural. Strong prose and well developed characters are the novel's strengths. And while Herron crafts an atmospheric tale, he is frequently preachy about his message, which will distract readers from an otherwise promising tale.
Date Submitted: June 01, 2016
5 Stars! "From the opening pages of Blood Lake until the end of the novel, it is obvious that author R.L. Herron has a connection with Native American culture and has done his research on the Trail of Tears mentioned throughout the narrative. Linking the tragedy of the Trail of Tears with a curse that has been handed down through generations was extremely original. I enjoyed the writing and felt the plot was fairly linear and exciting. The story held my interest, and I recommend it to those interested in Native American culture and history."
~ Carla Trueheart, for Readers' Favorite
The novel "Blood Lake" a Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner, was also selected as a 2016 Foreword INDIE Book of the Year Finalist. It was named by the online review magazine Shelf Unbound as one of the "100 Notable Books of 2016" and it was awarded First Place for horror fiction by TopShelf Magazine.
