A monster in the garb of holiday merriment, Billy Chapman (Robert Brian Wilson) slashes his way through 1984’s Silent Night, Deadly Night.
This cult classic among horror fans was as controversial as it was gory and gratuitous. Naturally, this gift seemed destined to be opened when considering a novelization.
And now, your Christmas wishes have come to fruition because the Board gaming experts at Stop the Killer bring the holiday slasher back to life with bloody details from author Armando Muñoz. How much deeper can this holiday horror go? Open the pages to find a new look at the classic film. It’s grisly goodness is the book you didn’t know you needed.
But you do.
Christmas
We begin with Christmas Joy, the Utah town that Billy grows up in. A place brimming with Yuletide wishes year-round. The novel helps to incur discomfort right away, showing the layered web of experiences that caused this madman to be born and shaped and how his *naughty* intentions were nurtured.
While the movie was a sampling of a holiday massacre, this is a full-course meal. It comes with all of the disturbing fixings and plenty of new recipes based on and inspired by the classic film.
Armando Muñoz wields his weapons well, utilizing the violent narrative littered with the evil we know while introducing us to the ones we don’t.
It feels like the film, including the specificity of exact scenes and dialogue. Yet, there’s more violence, more sexual material, and it’s dressed in a decidedly darker shade of red.
All of the additions feel at home here. He has done extensive research and taken careful consideration when penning this version of his Santa.
Has arrived
We get further examination of characters, allowing us darker looks that only a novel representation could allow, including Mother Superior. She’s a villain herself, and the book provides ample opportunity for us to learn and be disgusted by the character.
Many plot points are fleshed out, and some of the less coherent script problems are ironed into a much smoother trajectory. And, of course, this includes even more murder!
It’s as if this novelization is the film we wanted but didn’t get. An evenly-paced, aptly salacious story that doesn’t feel rushed. Its depravity is unmatched, and it drives the reader to discover how unhinged Billy and company can become.
Tonally, Armando Muñoz gives a retelling that matches the movie. Through twisted invention, the book succeeds in becoming its own sort of nightmare. One that fans of Silent Night, Deadly Night, will proudly embrace. Those who are unaware of the film but love some deviance with their cheer will also be pleasantly pleased. This is a horror book you can devour regardless of your previous fandom.
Bolder and bloodier: Silent Night, Deadly Night the novel is a Christmas gift you’ll be too afraid to return.
And you wouldn’t want to; it’s a fantastically wicked read.
The eBook will be released on March 1st. For more information on this and the other offerings from Stop the Killer click here.