They were young.In the prime of life and recently married.And then the diagnosis came.Cancer.George and Jason make arrangements to travel back to George’s home state of Vermont so he may pass away in the town where he grew up, but a terrible storm diverts the couple into the gates of an out-of-the-way hotel called Borderland.Sure, the employees are well dressed and polite. Sure, the food and … Sure, the food and entertainment is old time fare. But it’s all a schtick, right?
Or is there something far more sinister at work here?
Welcome to the Borderland Hotel, where you may check in, but you’ll never, ever leave.
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I’m reviewing the audio version. I don’t usually have anything to do with supernatural or anything like that in stories. But there was something that just drew me to this one. There is so much sadness for most of the book yet the love between these two characters almost breaks my heart. When I realized the ghost parts I was already so deep in the story it was impossible to stop. As the twists and turns really turn up the intensity of the story I couldn’t wait to see where it was going. I also felt the narration by Gary Taylor added a reality to the story. I really enjoyed this story and will be checking out more by these authors.
I’m familiar with Jamie Fessenden’s works but not F.E. Feeley Jr., even so, I think “Borderland” was an amazing collaboration. In my opinion, the more I read, I felt the horror and twisted terror could be straight from the Stephen King playbook. The authors have expertly written highly emotional scenes between George and Jason, along with the horror of Borderland.
The relationship between George and Jason is a long lasting love, with romance, determination, friendship, commitment and fear of loss, as both find themselves saving each other. Not only do they face a fatal disease but they come face to face with evil of the unknown. Is there any possible way they can overcome both?
The authors transport us from the year 2020 to the 1920’s with their description of Borderland and the various styles and music of the era. Borderland is haunting in several ways, suspenseful, chilling and a heart-stopping page-turner!
There’s an abundance of characters that George and Jason become familiar with. When they become aware of the evil residing at Borderland, they fight to save themselves and the sadly, odd occupants of Borderland. Without the help of George and Jason could they have faced their fate?
The authors give us an in-depth look into many of the lost souls of Borderland. Miss Rebecca Thibault, the owner; the mysterious Mr. Harvey; Thomas the handyman along with the staff, Tilly and Grace. Of course, it’s not without the revengeful and evil menace that’s determined to destroy everyone.
As for myself, I feel this is a fantastic read and I congratulate Feeley and Fessenden, for a great collaboration. They have a unique chemistry and I hope they have many plans to continue as a writing team!
5+ stars- utterly wowed
I made a calculated error when I started Borderland. I had a list of things to do on my days off and it all fell to the wayside once I stepped into this jarring, sometimes beautiful, but always intriguing world the authors created. I honestly never thought Mr. Feeley would top Closer in my mind, but his collaborative effort in Borderland with Mr. Fessenden was as captivating as it was spooky. I experienced the full range of emotions- I cried, smiled, laughed, awed over sweet moments, jumped with fear, sat on the edge of my seat, and got choked up with emotion…in short, I absolutely loved Borderland.
It’s difficult to classify Borderland. The story follows an established couple facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. While Borderland definitely explores the beauty of love and the pain love can cause, it’s hard to really call Borderland a romance. I’d probably term it more of a paranormal story with a romantic subplot. George and Jason were fantastic main characters who were easy to root for, but it was the range of secondary characters that made this story come alive and take hold. I simply didn’t expect it, and every time I thought I had it figured out, the characters encountered a new twist.
Borderland offers a memorable story featuring ghosts, demons, and the uncertainty of death and an afterlife. From the descriptive scenery to the energetic action scenes to the smooth writing and dialogue to the subtlety brilliant quotes, this book had everything to set it apart. If you are looking for a book that will ensnare you cover to cover, I’d definitely recommend this title.
Wonderfully clever and thoroughly romantic, F.E. Feeley Jr. and Jamie Fessenden’s novel Borderland is an incredibly fun read! These characters intrigued me to no end, and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the creative twists and turns this story takes. The thrill of never knowing what might come next. Plus, the heart-breakingly beautiful love story, makes Borderland a huge success.
F.E. Feeley Jr. and Jamie Fessenden bring their artistic genius together, and have created a paranormal romance like I’ve never read before. It’s going to be impossible to come close to explaining what makes this magical tale so special, but (darn it) I’m going to try!
First and foremost, is the ghost story. It is wonderful! Seriously, on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, butterflies in my stomach – wonderful. Can’t say more or I’ll give something away, and each of you deserve to read this and enjoy it as much as I did.
No less important, and equally breathtaking, is the romance. The love that George and Jason share, I admit, I’m totally jealous. These two men are simply incredible together. From their thorough devotion and mutual respect, to their obvious physical attraction. It’s a treat just getting to witness the absolute joy they find simply being together. I adored every moment I spent with them.
Finally, and what really blew my mind, is the world-building. What an achievement! From the moment these men step out of their car and turn to face the Borderlands Hotel, authors Feeley and Fessenden pull out all the stops. Lavish descriptions of the physical world they encounter, the beauty of the countryside and the sumptuous décor of the hotel. And when things get spooky, there are spine tingling accounts of the goings on within the spiritual world that take the story to amazing heights.
I don’t dare say another thing other than: read this amazing book! And here’s to hoping Borderland is the beginning of a long list of amazing novels by the team of F.E. Feeley Jr. and Jamie Fessenden.
Jason and George are a married couple. They were happy and loved each other so much – and then the diagnosis hit: George had cancer.
Spontaneously they decide to travel to Vermont, George’s home state, maybe to stay; or maybe to go further.
A storm unfortunately breaks their car and forces them to stay at the Borderland hotel. They feel like thrown back in time, to the early last century, to be precise. Rebecca, the owner of the hotel is a strict matron, a strong woman, but not without compassion and a surprising openmindedness considering the time she seemed to have grown up in.
Jason and George feel that the staff had been going through some rough time together. They seem to be a family, rather than only personnel. But still, their behavior does surprise the two men. When they find out there is no telephone in the hotel, they are startled, they had thought it was a joke.
After they meet the other guests, things start getting weird…
At this point I stop telling more about the story to not ruin the other reader’s fun, thrill and chill.
The story these two gifted authors created is one of love, devotion, connetion – not only between lovers and husbands, but also between friends and family members. The story is, in my opinion, a paranormal romance with strong and scary elements of the horror genre.
The characters are well developed, the fantasy element within the story is exciting.
The book is clearly a page turner. It took me about seven hours to read and I loved every single minute of it, despite the quite significant goose bumps.
Definitely recommendable.