Author: Wrath James White
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Pages: 324
ISBN: 8790843963120
I've known about Wrath James White's stuff for a while now, but haven't either had the time to pick any of his titles up, or had the money. Now, I'm glad to say, that I have both.
When it comes to the genre of Horror, there are only a few names that stand out when a person mentions blood and guts, and in general: sick and sometimes raunchy writers. Two come straight to mind: Edward Lee, and Wrath James White. But unlike many authors out there who go straight for the blood and guts and rely on nothing more than that to carry their stories, Wrath uses it as a tool, and writes it with an eye and an understanding. Some for the shock value, but mostly to scare the living crap out of you.
And scare the crap out of you he does!
I knew before cracking open The Resurrectionist, that it was going to be everything -- and probably more -- that I've been cautioned about. Sex and blood and violence oh my! Now, just as I was cautioned before picking up The Resurrectionist, I think it would only be right for me to caution the next batch of readers: it's bloody and graphic in some parts, so, if you have a weak stomach you'll want to make sure you're careful with this one.
Dale McCarthy is a strange man with an incredible ability, a sick addiction and a screwed up childhood. He's also Sarah's newest neighbor. On a street where half the houses have been foreclosed or are for sale, it's a surprise for Sarah and her husband when they find that there's a new addition to the neighborhood.
After their first meeting, Sarah comes to the conclusion that Dale is nothing more than a creeper. But he's more than that. Strange dreams begin to worry Sarah as she dreams of being raped and then killed by Dale. Soon, she realizes that some things are realer than what she would like them to be, and begins a quest to prove that Dale is her rapist, killer and her resurrectionist.
The idea of The Resurrectionist is an absolutely brilliant idea, and Wrath does a wonderful job with building a story around it and pulling the reader in. My biggest issue -- and only issue -- with this novel is that there are several scenes that felt slow and didn't really need to incorporated into the novel. Also, there was quite a bit of filler that wasn't necessary and didn't really carry the story.
Overall, I'd recommend The Resurrectionist to anyone who's looking for a twisted book with a good story... and a strong stomach. Although this book isn't everyone's cup of tea, I have a feeling that the readers who will find the contents agreeable and tolerable, will also immensly enjoy it. That's why I'm giving The Resurrectionist 7 out of 10 T.A.R.D.I.S.'s.
~Rodney
