Title: The Croning
Author: Laird Barron
First published May 1, 2012
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781597802314 (ISBN10: 159780231X)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
Unspeakable horrors lurk in the shadows, waiting to ensnare us in their grasp. Dark magic and ancient cults threaten to tear apart the fabric of our reality.
The Children of Old Leech have always been watching, always waiting for their chance to strike. Donald Miller, a renowned geologist, has spent his life on the brink of something unspeakable.
But now, as he approaches 80 years of age, his world is about to be shattered. As he delves deeper into the mysteries of his past, he will uncover the twisted truth about his wife, his children, and the very foundations of his reality.
Laird Barron, the award-winning author of The Imago Sequence and Occultation, presents The Croning – a gripping tale of cosmic horror that will leave you trembling with fear.
About the Author
Meet Laird Barron, a writer who hails from Alaska but now calls New York State’s Rondout Valley home. Barron has penned numerous books, including The Imago Sequence and Other Stories, Swift to Chase, and Blood Standard.
He’s currently working on new tales that explore the dark side of human nature. Representing Barron in the literary world is agent Janet Reid of New Leaf Literary & Media.
Photo credit goes to Ardi Alspach.
Editoral Review
The Croning by Laird Barron is a standout in the horror and weird fiction genres. The author, Barron, is a well-known name in these genres and has won numerous awards for his work.
Published in 2012, The Croning is one of his most celebrated works. The book follows the life of Donald Miller, a retired geologist, and his wife, Michelle.
They seem like a typical elderly, married couple, enjoying their retirement in the Pacific Northwest. However, things take a turn when Donald starts to experience strange visions and memories, leading him to investigate his family’s dark past.
As the story unfolds, we are taken on a thrilling journey through the twisted history of the Miller family and the horrors they have unleashed. The Croning is a masterclass in horror writing.
Barron’s prose is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into Miller’s world with ease. The pacing is measured and deliberate, with enough tension to keep the reader on edge without overwhelming them.
The characters are well-drawn, with Miller and his wife being particularly memorable. Both are complex and flawed, making them feel real and relatable.
Barron’s use of atmosphere and setting is exceptional. The Pacific Northwest is a perfect backdrop for the dark and foreboding events of the story.
The forests and mountains are described in vivid detail, creating a sense of place that adds to the book’s overall sense of dread. While The Croning does delve into the supernatural, it is grounded in the real world.
Barron draws upon elements of myth and folklore, weaving them into the fabric of the story in a way that is both believable and terrifying. The book doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore to generate fear but instead uses a creeping sense of dread to keep the reader engaged.
One of the book’s few weaknesses is its sometimes convoluted plot. As Miller delves deeper into his family’s history, the narrative can become difficult to follow, making it hard to keep track of what is happening at times.
Overall, The Croning is a fantastic horror novel that is sure to please fans of the genre. It is a well-crafted, impeccably written, and genuinely scary book that delivers on all fronts.
Anyone looking for a terrifying, immersive reading experience should give this book a chance. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
