It Rides a Pale Horse

By: Andy Marino

Narrated by: Brian Telestai

The Larkin siblings are known around the small town of Wofford Falls. Both are artists, but Peter Larkin, Lark to his friends, is the hometown hero. The one who went to the big city and got famous, then came back and settled down. He's the kind of guy who becomes fast friends with almost anyone. His sister Betsy on the other hand is more . . . eccentric. She keeps to herself.

When Lark goes to deliver one of his latest pieces to a fabulously rich buyer, it seems like a regular transaction. Even being met at the gate of the sprawling, secluded estate by an intimidating security guard seems normal. Until the guard plays him a live feed: Betsy being abducted in real time.

Lark is informed that she's safe for now, but her well-being is entirely in his hands. He's given a book. Do what the book says, and Betsy will go free.

It seems simple enough. But as Lark begins to read he realizes: the book might be demonic. Its writer may be unhinged. His sister's captors are almost certainly not what they seem. And his town and those within it are . . . changing.

And the only way out is through.

©2022 Andy Marino (P)2023 Tantor

This book is a trip!!

I loved it! Every second! Very cosmic horror, grotesque even in some parts. But all in all the story alone was just brilliant. 10/10 for me.

Dark, Surreal ,Entirely Original

It Rides a Pale is the shot in the arm horror fiction needs. A completely original and dark story of the power of art and it's world changing properties. Extremely well written. Not your run of the mill horror novel. Thank you Andy Marino!

An interesting read

Overall, the first half of the book was a little difficult to get into and enjoy. The second half improved pacing, and was keeping me on the edge of my seat more often. Though I thought the ending was a little short of what I was hoping for, and felt a little abrupt. I also unfortunately did not enjoy the narrator, and may be partially the cause of not enjoying this as much as other listeners. Overall not a terrible listen, once I got past the narrator.

I love the way it played such a good image in my mind

I loved this book it itched my brain in all the right ways to keep me sucked in at all times

Loved it!

It was a very enjoyable listen! it kept me ln the edge of my seat!

Clive Barker-esque

this is a pretty original idea and that really sets this apart

I was entertained but it felt like it needed more development.

there are many unanswered questions.

It needed a proper denouement

also one of the most brutal horror novels that I have ever read and I have read a lot.

Finally something truly unique and incredibly well crafted.

This is sort of a Lovecraftian, cosmic horror novel that may be especially entertaining for anyone who is a fine artist or has experience in the art world. As I said…it is unique. The story weaves the process of art making and the feverish abandon that sometimes accompanies it with the possibility of an impending apocalyptic event. The author conveys a specific feeling with extraordinary detail. Working beyond the limit, being consumed by a primal need to finish the work, lost in the fury of one’s own creative mania. It’s all there and he nails it. I couldn’t stop listening to story. It has some truly shocking moments. It is a bit gory in a few parts. But, if you’ve watched slasher flicks, this isn’t any worse than those films. I’ve read some reviews saying they found parts confusing. Part of the story is told by a 1st POV narrator from another location. It was an odd choice, but in my opinion it works. I understand why the author chose to switch between the two POVs. I highly recommend this story. It’s a refreshing break from all the predictable, formulaic stuff that has been circulating for years.

Kinda confusing at times

Kinda confusing at times but the lore was pretty neat to learn about. It’s worth a listen.

Wild ride

I can see why this book is a bit polarizing. It’s odd and bleak and violent and quirky. Great character interactions and development. Kept me enthralled throughout. I will say the ending came abruptly, but endings have become less and less important to me as time goes on. There’s a charm in its abruptness. Highly recommend this book. The reader did a good job too.

Am I Stupid or is this book bad?

Overall, Audible did a great job it is not their fault that this story was so confusing, not cohesive, and didn’t even have a good ending. I couldnt even finish this book because it was not linear, did not make sense to me, and had a real lack of cohesive description.