Monsterland by Michael Phillip Cash

This horror novel has many elements of the paranormal-including zombies, vampires and werewolves.

Vincent Conrad is hailed as a future thinking hero who will make up for the government's failure to contain the zombie infection. Vampires and werewolves were outed many years previously and due to strict reproduction and feeding laws, their numbers are dwindling at a rapid rate. Vincent has created viewing parks to contain all these creatures-scientists can then study them and the public can get their horror fix. On opening day a few lucky people have been granted VIP access-a chance to see behind the scenes and get up close to the monsters. But why has Vincent gathered so many of the world's presidents in one place at the same time with the promise of seeing life changing attractions? Are his motives really pure? And if something goes wrong will people be able to survive not just the zombie infection but a horde of vampires and werewolves too?

This is one of the author's better novels. He takes everyday situations like blended families and fitting in at school, and weaves it into the narrative. The dynamic between Wyatt and his stepfather, who is trying his best to be accepted by Wyatt and his brother, is well written and reflects many of the issues experienced by people in similar situations. The characters of the kids at school embody many groups in current society-the jock, the nerd, unrequited love, loyal friendships and competitive animosity.

The storyline was not your average zombie/vamp/wolf tale. Some of the account was obvious from early on, so when it came to crucial parts of the story there were really no surprises. The back stories of each of the monsters was only touched upon, and considering the monsters were meant to make the story, they really didn't get enough airtime. Yet in saying that, not all monsters are who they seem to be.

Some editing errors cropped up but nothing that stuck out too badly. I felt the ending wrapped up too quickly and there could have been a lot more horror in the story.

Entertaining, with a twist in the usual run of the mill creature story, but not riveting enough to warrant 5 stars.