The story begins with a melting. The homes suddenly seem to be melting but not dissolving. People begin to melt. In one instance the author describes a woman’s eyes appearing to be three inches wide. Another woman discovers she has the power to control her body. She stretches her breasts until they are so large she has nothing to wear. This is all related to a hole in the ground. There is an oily creature that can burn a victim with the mere touch of its hand.

The setting is a small town in Kentucky. As usual the residents are presented as brainless hillbillies. Let me assure you not all Kentucky residents fit the stereotype. As a matter of fact the majority do not.

The Melting is a difficult book to review, because it leads the readers in so many directions. There are twists and plots that keep the readers interest. Like Stephen King’s books of horror, the reader has no idea where the plot is going and yet cannot stop reading. Brad Rieman’s The Melting is an over the top journey into the unknown. The book is 402 pages of fright. While Rieman is not at the top of the genre yet, Stephen King may want to watch out.