The Terror At Love Lake by Joey Powell
Mad Axe Media (May 2024)
Reviewed by Haley Newlin
The Terror At Love Lake is a cosmic, snack-sized tale of a teenage cheerleader, Diane. Coming of age for women incites fear. Men look at you a little too long. Sure, they were creepy before, but now it’s like a hunter spotting prey. The vulnerability of a child transpires into a fight for autonomy.
This reviewer was impressed by author Joey Powell’s ability to create an authentic narrative that explores women’s constant struggle for personal agency and the threat of coercers.
Powell establishes dread early on with each of Lloyd’s advances, which he feels entitled to as a star football player. I think everyone woman can relate to this pressure, how quickly a “safe” person, or a “boy being a boy,” becomes a total stranger whose every act says, “fear me.”
What makes these situations worse is isolation. After Lloyd and his team win the big game, he takes Diane to a lakeside party. Neither of them know the host or owner of the home. When Diane protests and demands to be taken home, Lloyd erupts in fearsome fits of anger. No matter how brief, it’s effective and enraging all at once. But that’s not to say Powell creates a helpless damsel. Quite the opposite.
When things go sideways, beneath the blood moon, Diane will do anything it takes to make it out alive. Lloyd isn’t her protector. She knows that. As she wields an axe, in her cheer uniform and all, Diane is every bit as fierce as Samara Weaving in fan-favorite Ready Or Not. Bloodied, pissed off, and will be damned if she falls into this pathetic occult power play.
There’s something in The Terror At Love Lake for every horror fan. It has wicked body horror, a shroud of mystery around Diane’s character reminiscent of Ziggy Berman (Sadie Sink) in Fear Street 1994/1978, and plenty of heart-thrumming tension to keep readers turning the pages.
I would’ve liked another 30 or so pages to really explore the occult elements of The Terror At Love Lake, but that’s personal preference. Perhaps that’s for another story. A prequel, maybe.
Either way, Joey Powell proves his ability to create a well-rounded and relatable protagonist — someone to root for. Everyone horror fan wants that. We love cheering on Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) against the killer-stalker Ghostface and Sally Hardesty as she leaps from windows to escape Leatherface.
Powell’s story is perfect for spooky season. Fans of slashers, campy horror, and previously mentioned films will enjoy The Terror at Love Lake.
I’m looking forward to picking up Powell’s YA Horror novel, Nightmare From the Gray.
