Dreamspawn

by Christa Faust

Review by James R.Cain

'Dreamspawn' is a Nightmare on Elm Street novel penned by Christa Faust, whose previous novels include Triads with Poppy Z. Brite.

Now, I'm of mixed feelings about the Nightmare of Elm Street movies.  While on the one hand I regard some of them as being brilliant, particularly the first in its time, others haven't been the greatest in my mind.  Subsequently, I was of mixed feelings having to review a Nightmare on Elm Street book, however upon reading Faust's offering my reservations were quickly dispelled.

In 'Dreamspawn' the author weaves the complex tale of four girls, Jane, Lola, Amber and Rose, the self-proclaimed "Geek Girls".  The girls revive the dream essence of the child killer Freddy Krueger for vengeance after one of their number is brutally raped, and get far more then they bargained for.  

Sounds like a simple revenge plot, but don't be fooled.  Faust provides her readers with a complex back story.  She made me care about the protagonist and her peers and in so doing injected new life into tired old Freddy.  The book's a horror tale, a romance, a tale of developing friendship and teenage frustration, social commentary and more.  Freddy is Freddy and won't disappoint the die-hard Elm Street fans, but on the stage Faust provides he becomes somewhat of the true monster he was in the first film.  The story compelled me to read on, and it's been a while since a horror book has done that.

If you're an Elm Street fan, I'd say buy this book.  In many ways I found it superior to the films as the movies really do lack the character insight found in 'Dreamspawn'.   If you were once an Elm Street fan but your passion has faded with the demise of the film, then I'd say give the book a go, as I think your love for this genre may well be revived.  If you're not an Elm Street fan, I still think 'Dreamspawn' is worth getting.  Faust gives us a lot in this horror novel, and you won't be disappointed if you're after a good read.

Publisher: Black Flame

ISBN: 1-84416-173-0 - Paperback (407 pages)