He Watches by J.A. Barnes is a well-written and engrossing story that keeps you glued to the story right until the end. He Watches is an awesome tale of personal conflict and resolve. J. A. Barnes may be a new author, but can be compared to the likes of Stephen King and C.S. Lewis with his ability to pull you into the story. This book is well recommended.

He Watches tells the story of Jason Scottsdale, a seemingly average teenage kid with run-of-the-mill friends and the normal childhood problems. However, under the surface Jason is having the most unusual and extraordinarily frightening problems. The problems begin with vivid and horrific dreams of a figure cloaked in shadows that is torturing and murdering the people close to him. When the blackouts start and the dreams begin to become reality, Jason fears that the truth behind the shadow figure lies within himself. As the death toll rises, he reluctantly realizes that he must face the truth about himself and discover exactly what he is capable of.

Jason Barnes has written an expertly plotted novel that ratchets up the suspense from page one successfully carrying it though until the final terrifying sentence. His perfect sense of pacing is evident as he generously doles out the major plot twists only when he feels it absolutely necessary to peak the reader’s interest. It is this competent skill that raises the “been-there-done-that” plotline far above the run-of–the-mill novel and into the realm of exceptional storytelling.

With well-drawn characters and enough atmosphere to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand at attention, He Watches is a chilling supernatural thriller by a writer with a firm grasp of the horror genre. If you are interested in reading a haunting thrill-ride that will hold you enthralled well into the night, I recommend picking up a copy of He Watches by Jason Barnes, but be sure to leave the lights on.

I strolled through the Borders book store not intending on purchasing anything. Near the new releases shelf I came across the book signing table of one J. A. Barnes. The title intrigued me so I took a chance and bought the book. I wasn't disappointed.

He Watches is an exciting tale with the right blend of suspense and horror. You remained transfixed to the story as the main character, Jason, struggles with the accusations of murdering those surrounding him. At the same time, Jason strives to learn who or what the mysterious, grinning, dark figure is that has been tormenting him through his nightmares.

With the right cast, this supernatural thriller would make a great motion picture. You'll be thoroughly entertained as J. A. Barnes takes you on a journey full of psychological twists and turns. He'll keep you guessing as to who or what the maniacal murderer is. If you like horror, you'll like He Watches .