205 – Jonathan Janz & The Bittersweet Magic of Sixteen

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Remember those books you read in the summer when you were young? Kids fighting evil in their small town? Bikes, and blood brothers and promises to keep? 

If you love those kinda stories then you’re in good company. This week Jonathan Janz joins me to talk about the coming-of-age horror in his ongoing epic, Children of the Dark. Book One was rereleased earlier this year, just in time for the sequel The Nightflyer’s to continue the story of Will Burgess and the monstrous secrets in his backyard. 

As well as a whole lot of chat about favourite movies, a million book recommendations and Jonathan’s beautifully wholesome horror movie bond with his daughter – we also discuss the canon of coming of age horror, how to write honestly about childhood, the role of theme in a story, and where Jonathan’s monsters originated.

Climb up to our treehouse. Bring snacks.

Enjoy.

• Savage Species (2013), by Jonathan Janz
• Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962), by Ray Bradbury
• Dandelion Wine (1957), by Ray Bradbury
• The Body (1982), by Stephen King
• The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012), by Stephen King
• Boy’s Life (1991), by Robert R. McCammon
• The Dark Valley (1998), by Joe Donnelly
• The Deer Kings  (2021), by Wendy Wagner
• The Reformatory (2023), by Tananarive Due
• Summer of Night (1991), by Dan Simmons
• Ghoul (2007), by Brian Keene
• The Beast House (1986), by Richard Laymon
• The Girl Next Door (1989), by Jack Ketchum
• Incidents Around the House (2024), by Josh Malerman

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