Naw. It started out okay with an evil kid (with the main character heavily hinted at being probably evil), but got ridiculous and unforgivably bad a bit over the half-way mark. It's like the author just started throwing stereotypical "psycho" shit at the wall to see what would stick. No thanks. I'll pass on the second half of the book. I don't care about what happens to any of them. ( )

Gave it 4 stars for the quality of the writing. I didn't "like" it however because it was so disturbing. I had to finish it to see what happened but I really almost stopped anyway at least twice. Weird to give 4 stars to a book you wish you hadn't read. ( )

Sometimes it's really fun to let yourself go down the abyss. This is one of those super-fast reads that pretty much never lets up as it drags you through the mud. We open with a trademark suicide watch to set the tone and then sit back to see what turned Alex into the quivering wreck he becomes.

The novel is deceptively simple: he's hounded by a psychopath who thinks Alex is just like him and only needs a little push to blossom.

Of course, one push becomes a constant stream of pressure, and it's thanks to the happy times in-between that this novel succeeds so well. Its simplicity lends itself to some really great scenes throughout. It's deceptive and quite wonderful.

That, and there's the humor. There are some really twisted moments scattered throughout.

All in all, it's a super tight thriller that aims for the guts and the heart and the pure, unadulterated rage. In other words, this ain't a tale that's good for little children to read. *insert bloodcurdling scream of murder/suicide* ( )

This is my original review....from Jan 2011

As a long time reader of horror I have always been fascinated by this particular genre depicting as it does, when well presented, a dark and fearful world and a journey into the evil realms of the human condition. The works in particular of James Herbert and Stephen King familiar and multi-layered have never cease to amaze me and feed my addiction. Sadly it appears to me that most modern horror writers are unable to engage the reader for any length of time or indeed reach the dizzy heights of their renowned predecessors. Perhaps this is a result of many so called aspiring authors now having the facility to store and publish books online and thus able to reach a wider audience. By this I mean that we, the reader, now have a never ending source of digital ebook material to read and in my opinion this abundance of "literary" material is destroying the quality of the printed word...put simply anyone can now write a book and whether that book holds merit is a matter of personal taste!

Pressure by Jeff Strand, on one level, is a simple story of a small boy's obsession with evil and the effect that this has on his best friend.... thereby lies the problem. This book is written only on one level, it is not multi-layered or complicated, it does not task the reader or treat him with any level of intelligence. It tells a simple story, in simple language and could only be described as boring in the extreme. It is written in a style that is reminiscent of a high school student, and holds no literary merit whatsoever. I find most modern horror writers ( there are a very few exceptions ) are a sad reflection of what has gone before, and if this is an example of the future of this genre then those culpable should hang their heads in shame! It is little wonder that few book stores in the United Kingdom stock quality horror books, indeed few retain a horror section at all and if this book is purported as a example of this genre frankly I am not surprised!

I'm not sure why I thought so badly off this book in 2011 but having just reread this time I really enjoyed. The obsessive psychotic Darren and his friendship or association with Alex, his attempt to control and be a part of Alex's life is almost stalker like in its execution. Alex will regret the day he ever made the acquaintance of Darren, it will almost destroy his life and make him question every value that he has ever believed in. This is a quiet and very easy to read horror story one man's psychotic lifestyle and the effect it has on those around him...Great little story from Jeff Strand and my apologies that it has taken me so long to realize this :) ( )

This book is a departure from Strand's normal horror / comedy novels. And I loved it! As he points out in his afterword, the story is pretty straight forward. Not very complex. But it is well worth his straight line approach.

The story is about a relationship between two guys: Alex, a good natured boy dealing with a hard life, and Darren, an introverted boy with psychotic tendencies. As they both age, mature and grow older, their two lives intersect at key points. From a mutilated dog through kidnapping and beyond, Darren is constantly making Alex's life harder. Applying pressure to become and do things Alex does not want to do.

While there might not be the extra material to flush out the story, there does not need to be. Everything focuses on Darren and Alex and what they do. From that point, every works perfectly. The characters are complex and engaging. While dealing with crazy situations, everything that occurs makes total sense. Their actions are what one would expect. It makes the book extremely enjoyable and well worth it. ( )