They Feed

By: Jason Parent

Narrated by: Joe Hempel

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

The night uncovers all we wish not to see.

A troubled man enters a dusky park before sunset. A young woman follows, hidden in shadow. Both have returned to the park to take back something the past has stolen from them, to make right six long years of suffering, and to find justice or perhaps redemption - or maybe they'll settle for some old-fashioned revenge.

But something evil is alive and awake in those woods, creatures that care nothing for human motivations. They’re driven by their own insatiable need: a ravenous, bottomless hunger. The campgrounds are full tonight, and the creatures are starving. Before the night is over, they will feed.

An unrelenting tale of terror from Jason Parent, acclaimed author of People of the Sun and What Hides Within.

©2018 Jason Parent (P)2019 Jason Parent

Decent story, fab narration!

I always enjoy a good monster audiobook. Jason Parent gives us a good solid storyline. There's tons of action, gore, a bit of mystery, and crazy monsters that'll delight all you horror lovers like myself! I was pleasantly surprised with the depth of the story. I feel like the author tried hard to give a story that had really structure... a who, what, when, where, how, and why. I appreciated that!

I'm sure it's no surprise by now that I enjoy a good Joe Hempel narration. Honestly, it's the original reason I purchased this audiobook. He always give great strength to the characters he becomes. I really enjoyed the way They Feed was written and Mr. Hempel's narration. I felt like instead of becoming the characters and/or playing a part that Jow read me a story. It's exactly how I'd want this story to go!

A Tour de Force Horror Novel

I haven’t read a book in basically one sitting in a long time. They Feed sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go. I started listening while doing some editing on my blog earlier in the day – and I ended up sitting down in the evening because I couldn’t get it out of my head. It was like the monsters in the book were real and they were calling to me.

The beginning of They Feed reminded me a bit of another book that I’m currently listening to that Joe Hempel narrated – but it pretty quickly diverged and became its own monster horror story. The first half of the book was setting up the characters, the setting, and slightly into what horrors would come.

Just know that after reading They Feed, I’m going to have a hard time going into the woods near dark anymore. It scared me in one of those “I’m going to think about this all the time” ways. It wasn’t full of jump scares or cliched banter – it was just a tour-de-force mental scare. Parent was able to pull this off without giving away what was actually causing the issue until near the very end of the book.

Without giving it away I’m going to mention a line about the final reveal. Good lord, I did not see that coming. Not. At. All. Parent, while scaring me half to death throughout the book and taking me on an emotional roller coaster came out with a final haymaker to absolutely knock me off my feet with that final reveal.

Overall, a great horror novel narrated perfectly by Joe Hempel. A book that I was excited for when I saw the original cover reveal only to be bummed that the audiobook wasn’t slated for any time near the ebook release. I was then re-excited when I saw that the voice of horror – Joe Hempel was chosen to narrate it. I wasn’t let down at all from any of my enthusiasm. I’ll be looking for more horror stories from Parent (hopefully narrated by Hempel).

Decent Creature Feature

I thought this was a decent creature feature. I liked how broken the characters were, although I had hoped for a different outcome. In the end I felt the story was a bit depressing. I get horror stories aren't supposed to be feel good stories but I was a little disappointed with the ending. Other than that I enjoyed the story and was kept glued to my earbuds.
The plot line was great. I really liked how the story unfolded and thought the monsters were unique. Turns out that the monsters you are battling aren't always the creatures you think you are fighting. All the characters seemed to have their own internal demons they were battling and I felt sorry for most of them. That was the more depressing part as I didn't think anything could lead to a good outcome. Again I thought the story was a good one but was a bitter pill to swallow. Joe Hempel did a fantastic job. His ability to bring the words to life and really make you feel them is great. The tension he brings to this story was perfect and he definitely lulls you into a need to keep listening. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Average

this is definitely an average story. it wasn't gripping but it was somewhat entertaining. I probably wouldn't listen to it again but it might be good for some people.

Standard Creature Feature

Pretty much what you’d expect from a monster story. Characters and narration are decent and interesting enough to keep listening. Not too long either which is nice if you’re looking for something quick. Would recommend if you are into this sort of genre.

beware cabins after dark

Really enjoyed the time the author took to introduce each of the characters. The story was an interesting cabin in the woods horror tale. Kept my interest all the way through the end. Look forward to listening to more from the same author or narrator.

Meh

The story was okay at best. The best parts are at the end when it gets unexpectedly darker. Overall I didn't like the story though. the writing was not great, dialogue was clunky and cliche.

They Feed

I finished this book and my wife and I went on a hike into the mountains. I kept asking her if she wanted to hear about the book I just finished listening to... must have been the smirk on my face or the smile in my voice, but she was having none of it. I wish she had taken the bait. This book was fun. I like the small band of survivors trying to make it until dawn. Haha... I also love how Jason Parent has no problem pruning the characters as the immanent conclusion comes at you like a freight train. And I appreciated how the characters I despised at the onset became the characters I wanted to make it the most in the end.

good story, kept building, never guessed the plot

i got a free copy of this book

lots of memorable character's. felt for all of them. good job

Disturbing in a bad way

Rape, attempted gang rape and incestuous pedophilia (father/son) scenarios which were completely unnecessary to the plot. There should have been a warning. Also, there was never any explanation as to what the "leeches" were or how they evolved. Once day the lake was clear and fine; the next, it was as if an environmental disaster happened. I would NOT recommend this book to anyone.

Very good horror

A very good horror novel. My first Jason Parent novel and I was pleasantly surprised a good old horror story no slasher, will look for more of his books

Great

great creature feature with a nice surprise at the end. good character development and sense of foreboding and terror built up.