Al Ana’s Curse, by Jerome McGinn, is a supernatural thriller set in the quiet town of Cheboygan, where a centuries-old demon, Al Ana, haunts the residents, stealing souls and creating chaos. The story follows Aedan, a young man, alongside his friends Tim, Lindsey, and Mary who are determined to unravel the mystery behind the eerie occurrences linked to the river and the ancient demon. As they dive deeper into local lore and the strange happenings around them, Aedan and his friends face increasingly terrifying encounters with the malevolent force of Al Ana.

From the start, the book pulls readers into its atmosphere with richly detailed settings. The descriptions of Cheboygan, especially the ominous Chook River, make you feel like you’re standing right there, sensing the dread that lurks in the water. McGinn’s writing style is gripping and suspenseful. The pacing is excellent, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The banter between Aedan and his friends feels natural and relatable, reflecting the way teens interact. It is full of humor, hope, and occasional moments of self-doubt. McGinn does a great job of using dialogue to build tension, especially in scenes with old Man Harry, who adds layers of mystery with his cryptic warnings.

McGinn crafts incredible lore surrounding Al Ana. The myth feels real, blending seamlessly with the town’s history. The stakes feel higher every time Aedan and his friends inch closer to discovering the truth. I loved the creepy build-up, especially in scenes like the one where they face the mist at Chook River. It’s those moments where you can feel the characters’ fear that the book truly excels. McGinn knows how to paint fear into the landscape itself, turning even simple things like a ripple in the water into a sign of doom.

Al Ana’s Curse is a solid read for anyone who enjoys supernatural thrillers with a mix of mystery and eerie folklore. If you’re into stories about small towns hiding dark secrets, and if you love the slow burn of supernatural horror, this book is for you. It’s got enough suspense to keep you hooked and enough spookiness to give you chills long after you’ve turned the last page.

Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0DCT744RV