C. J. Daley

I got this for kindle for free during a spooky sale. It's a quick and enjoyable 25 pages. 

Septimus has lost his job even though he's born from pretty good stock. If that wasn't bad enough, his wife, who's still working, has grown to revile him for it. So when they're on vacation and the long case clock starts speaking to him, the craziness doesn't seem so extreme. 

The most unbelievable part of this story to me, is people who hate each other, and spending time together, going on a vacation. Maybe that's just me. 

At only 25 pages, I found this very enjoyable. Supernatural and murdery horror at its finest, short. (At least in my opinion!). A bit creepy, a bit random, and definitely bloody. 

This is the first in the Fear Street Relaunch series. I really like this cover, so I ordered it not really paying attention to if it was the original series or not, not that I care anyway. 
For all intents and purposes honestly this is a young adult take on And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. At the very least in original concept, it differs from there. Brendan Fear throws his 18th birthday on the island in the center of the town's lake. Then it storms and they don't have access to the boat...some pretty spooky YA mayhem ensues here. 
This book continued with so many twists and tricks that it was just a fun ride from start to finish. The pacing itself kept it a little outside the realm of becoming scary overall, but I couldn't put it down. Regardless if this isn't an original, I think Stine's still got it, sometimes you just need a break. 

I got this off a free e-book list that was sent to me! This is a sequel to the novel Empty Gold, which kindle did not tell me anything about, so I didn't figure it out until around page 230?? I just thought the book was referencing something in the characters' past to kind of avoid having to have the reader see it all happen ‘on screen'. It was around the 200 page mark where I was like, okay...this is happening too much, what did I miss here? 

I strangely read this before/at the same time as/during/ two other reads (Daphne by Josh Malerman/ Goosebumps: Hall of Horrors: Claws by R. L. Stine) that all starred young kids/teenage girls. It's interesting to see how all of the author's portrayed them and the differences. The novel is in the perspective of 15 YO Zoe. A character that was kidnapped by a cult and sent to hell, however she survived and now has what is called a demon-stain, something that enhances her agility, strength and stamina at night. Oh and it also attunes her to all things supernatural. I think this was well done in terms of being age appropriate, but some of things they talked about seem kind of outdated already? (Candy crush still??)

This was an interesting YA supernatural/urban fantasy-y book. Definitely some spooky feels and some action as well. Werewolves and sirens all over the place. This had a pretty solid group of people represented, which was a plus. But for a book that takes place during COVID, but isn't “about” it, it's a very significant mainstay. Frequently mentioned, constant obstacle. 

The only gripe I have, is this definitely could have used an additional edit. While not incessant, the errors were definitely much higher than the typical novel. Still didn't deter my enjoyment though. 

This was included with audible, and it was fitting for Spooky Season, so I decided to give it a go. 
The story takes a group of people through the Grand Hotel as they listen to various stories from the longterm tenants. For all intents and purposes, this is a writing devise used to link a horror anthology series. I know this isn't uncommon, but it's the first of the style I've personally read. 
As a reader, I know stories are all about suspending your disbelief. However, the major thing I thought throughout this entire novel, is that the audio is roughly 10 hours long...who the hell would allow themselves to be toured around for 10 hours?? And the idea of a hotel kept making me think, like...don't they want to go to their rooms? And during each character's tale, the tourists would interject and comment randomly...so it's not even like they were transported into the stories and time didn't matter. It might have just been an odd choice. 
Some of the stories were spooky, some were strange, and some were kind of boring. Also, the novel itself didn't entirely wrap up in my opinion. 

I like to read something GB or Stine every year for the Spooky Season. I was grabbing a couple things from ThriftBooks this year, and added this one on for some cat thrills. 
I strangely read this at the same time as/during/after two other reads (Wild Things by Ian Thomas/ Daphne by Josh Malerman) that also starred young kids/teenage girls. It's interesting to see how all of the author's portrayed them and the differences. This one features Mickey and Amanda, two twelve year old neighbors set to the task of cat-sitting for their vacationing neighbors. Amanda is the snarkier, bossy friend, and Mickey is more docile and aiming to please. Both are nicely age appropriate, screaming and crying at the right moments, especially when you think they should. 
This is Hall of Horrors 1, which is one of the earlier Goosebump original spin-offs. With that being said, it is kind of darker than the 90s series was. There's more ridiculous and somewhat violent things that happen to the characters too. Back in 2020, I read Fear Street: Cat, and although those were meant more YA, I feel like these read similar. Both in feline context and writing. 
I feel like this book is what someone would write for children after seeing the 2019 trailer for Pet Sematary and nothing further (I know it came out before that).

This author has been an auto buy for me since reading Bird Box (although I don't always read them immediately). I didn't get it on release day, but I'm into the timely release. 

I strangely read this before/at the same time as/during/ two other reads (Wild Things by Ian Thomas/ Goosebumps: Hall of Horrors: Claws by R. L. Stine) that also starred young kids/teenage girls. It's interesting to see how all of the author's portrayed them and the differences. Malerman's features high school characters from the girl's basketball team, and it was nice to see him have them act/speak age appropriate. One thing that surprised me though was that it's meant to be current, but there wasn't anything indicting the generation in any way in terms of slang. 

This book very heavily leans into basketball. It bleeds into the plot, the settings, the characters, everything. As someone that doesn't really care for it, it made it kind of hard to get into the story for me. While I understand that reading is a way to learn and experience perspectives we do not live ourselves, it just doesn't work for me in that way. IE. I've never been a teenage girl living through the trauma of a horror novel, therefore that's a perspective I can get behind. However, entire pages about free throws is not the same in my opinion, although I've never been a basketball player either. 

After reading the afterward where the author speaks to his love of basketball I can accept it though. He also speaks of his experience with anxiety, as this novel goes pretty heavily into bad anxiety, anxiety attacks, and panic attacks. I myself suffer from some pretty bad anxiety, and although what the author is describing does not match my personal experience, knowing it entails a bit of his personal experience makes it more enjoyable. 

One writing technique that the author uses that I thoroughly enjoyed was doing away with normal chapters. The novel does feature typical breaking points, but there is not a single conventional chapter in its entirety. At first I think it took me a while to get into in terms to pacing, as well as making a few points confusing, but it lead to one hell of an explosive ending. 

Another good entry from the author. 

I came across this at 12:30 this morning, the only tagline was, “There must be no compulsion to hide the bodies. Otherwise I'd have never found them,” and I paid the $1.99 for it immediately. Didn't even know what else it was about. 
Ultimately, this is a spooky, horror-y short story that's about being afraid to get older, and the act of change. It's something mostly everyone can relate to. The cyclist plot line, however, was not something I have experience with, so I'm sure there were metaphors and analogies that simply went over my head. 
Enjoyable and quick though, personally a 3.5/5*. 

This was on my wishlist for so long! I recently saw it on a list of great ‘horror novellas,' so I decided to finally grab it for this spooky season. Such a cool cover and nice quality for a little hardcover novella. 
Firstly, this story is very inventive. A dark and criminal world, the dark and criminal city of Elendhaven, the dark and criminal population, all of it read well for me. This is best labeled as a fantasy horror. There's world-building, magic, a sorcerer, an industrial-era-esque cityscape, an assassin/gutter rat, and a mage-hunter. I enjoyed the writing and also how the author presented the world. Whenever a story has swords/knives, magic, and firearms, my mind always goes directly to the Dishonored video game franchise. Which is a good thing, because I love Dishonored. Not to mention the dirty, back-alleyed hustle of the city. Definitely a hit for me. 
Secondly, with this being a novella, the pace was fast. With that being said, I still kind of felt like it didn't exactly lead somewhere, there should have been more, or a more definite ending. I didn't dislike the way it ended, it just felt like it didn't exactly jive with where it was headed originally, but maybe that's the point... 
Personally a 3.5/5*. Enjoyable, quick, spooky. 

This was suggested to me by Mark Holloway, author of The Soul's Aspect, which is tremendous, so how could I ignore him...I ordered it immediately. 
Known for being a very early feminist work, the short story focuses on the way women's physical and mental health was viewed in the 19th century. While written well, it's written quite plainly in a way that could still be picked up and read today as a more modern piece if you were unawares, and that tracks well for me, especially when people still throw around the work “hysterical” about people as if it holds weight. 
For me this was surprisingly atmospheric, claustrophobic, and paranoiac. I feel like I may have had to read this during schooling, but it definitely was beyond me at the time. The writer feels that she needs the exact opposite of what her husband (and doctor) believes is best for her, going so far as to even say what he wanted was making her worse. There's something to be said for the first person perspective and their self awareness that perhaps mentally they are losing it, or perhaps the others are. It lends credence to both sides of the argument while still being firm that she's misdiagnosed. 
And all this through that godforsaken yellow, orange, green patterned wallpaper. Personally a 4/5* for me. A great short story 

I wanted this book since DelRey first posted the cover reveal. I thought it looked so cool and the premise was promising. This was my pick in a bookstagram giveaway! 

This is a fourteen person, seven day hide-and-seek competition. Two people can get out a day and there is only one single winner. With $50,000 on the line, even with the game running from sunup to sundown daily, who wouldn't be enticed into playing? Of course nothing is as it seems, there's the horror. 

At only 240 pages, this is a rather short one. Yet it still felt like kind of a slog to me. The story takes a strange amount of time to get going, the characters' backgrounds play so heavily into the story and yet most of them are pointless or even unbelievable. The exposition takes away almost all of the creepiness...and let me tell you, this could have been a really creepy story. 

The last section of the book though I really did enjoy (although even that felt like it went on for a little too long) which saved it. Once the truth is out the novel kind of goes balls-to-the-walls for the last 40 or so pages. Still in no way creepy or scary, but at the least I was entertained and interested to see what happened. 

Kind of into it, but I didn't love it.

This is one that I have had on my radar for a long time, but simply never picked up. Recently I saw it was included with Audible, so I gave it a go. 
If you've read any of my reviews, I'm not much for classic ‘horror'. And this is a classic that mostly suffers from being written when it was. The horseman was not featured in 70% of the story itself, and even then it doesn't really add much for me. I will say this one did at least have a one-scene climax! I feel like some of the ones I've read before are just kind of literally nothing the entire time. That was not this one! Ichabod has his own run in with the headless horseman!
Terrible time period descriptors of people's color did not add an ounce to the enjoyment. 

This is the fifth, and final tale in Tales from the Perilous Realm, and  another reread for me. I once again feel like I grasped this more, and enjoyed it more, the second time. 
This was a nice, easy read to get through, as it is a short story but published as it's own release. With that being said there is certainly a deep metaphor here to life, unexpected departure, suffering and purgatory, and the great beyond. Not much of a believer myself—and don't misunderstand, Tolkien is not giving a overhanded Christian/religious tale here—but I do really enjoy the way Tolkien conveys all that through the little things, in the littlest story. Niggle wants to finish his painted canvas before his big journey, but he can't seem to get anything done for all the needless interruptions. Kind of a silly, fun way to describe life itself. And there is of course other views on what is meant here as well...this is just the most direct take on it I feel. 
I personally feel this a lot lately, so this was a timely reread. We constantly have our time planned or micromanaged, even if it's by ourselves, and it's up to us to make the most of it. Being kind throughout the hiccups and ‘interruptions' is the key. 
A quick and wonderful reread, personally a 5/5*. 

This is the fourth tale in Tales from the Perilous Realm, and this is the only other story I had not read prior. I have to say I'm not sure how I feel about it, but like the others, I'm sure I'd like it more a second time. 
This was one of Tolkien's tales trying to explain the meaning of faery, or at least whatever that meant to him. It was apparently supposed to be part of a preface he was writing for George MacDonald's ‘The Golden Key', but became its own thing. (I'm no expert, I looked it up) 
Other than his usual and original use of the term Faery, this is not linked to his middle-earth legendarium, and in my opinion, has more of the lighthearted silliness of the other novellas in it. A great cook and his apprentice (referred to as ‘prentice) make a great cake filled with 24 trinkets and coins for the children. However, this year they include a 25th item, a star from faery. The smith's son swallows it, later spitting it out and affixing it to his forehead. This serves almost like a blessing from the faeries, and he is blessed with skills and personality. 
This one was not really my favorite, I was a bit confused at points, which isn't unusual for Tolkien, but it was short, so I thought it'd be easy going. Maybe it'd be an easier read than a listen. Personally a 4/5* for me. 

I was gifted this in order to get into the e-ARC for Remnant, and truly, if I had researched how long it was, I would have known I wouldn't finish in time. So sorry! So glad to have read it though. And I'm definitely reading Remnant ASAP. 

First and foremost, the prologue to this was a wild ride. This novel is truly on such an epic scale. Not only was it practically the length of a novella anyway, but it covered the amount of things you could see happen in a book itself. A great introduction to the world, lore, and magic system. 

This is one of the best fantasy and science fiction blends I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The prologue starts with swords, shields, axes, and the remainder of the novel progresses further with firearms, ships, and futuristic technologies. Hand-to-hand weapons are still prevalent, but the blend feels kind of steam punky or flintlock-era-ish (w.o pirate feels). 

The magic is superb. There are certain characters with truly unbelievably amounts of power, but even then there is always a cost. The balance is there, and I thought it was really well done. Men'ar, or the blood and being all around you, can be harnessed by some and used in amazing ways. I loved that it wasn't to the point where the weapons and enemies seemed helpless or pointless. 

The only little nitpick I had was character development. I know with there being a sequel, meaning this is most likely a series, that there will obviously be time for development. I was just a little surprised with the length of the first novel that no one has seemed to grow very much, or it's begun only with the final chapter or two. Like I said though, this is a small needle. 

Personally a 5/5* read for me, can't wait to get into more. 

This is the third in Tales from the Perilous Realm, but this one was a first time read for me. I admit that the ‘other verses' kind of went over my head or I misunderstand, because about halfway through I was like “what in the world does this have to do with Tom Bombadil?” So I actually listened to this twice today. 
This is actually a collection of poems by Tolkien. It includes two about Bombadil, who readers will know from Frodo meeting him in The Fellowship of the Ring. As one of the strangest characters I personally think he ever created, it still does not surprise me that Peter Jackson skipped that part entirely. 
The collection includes three that are actually featured in The Lord of the Rings as well, and the book had a very cool ‘in-universe' (esque) preface. It speaks of how some of the stories are written by Bilbo or Sam, and how one featured is actually a dream that Frodo had, although probably not actually written by him. 
During my first listen through, as I stated above, I was looking for the Tom Bombadil context and was super confused. On the second, I enjoyed it and appreciated it for what it was. Poetry is not really my thing, but some of these are considered to be very good works by Tolkien, so I'm glad to have experienced them. 
The 16 featured poems are: The Adventures of Tom Bombadil Bombadil Goes Boating Errantry  Princess Mee The Man in the Moon Stayed Up too Late The Man in the Moon Came Down too Soon The Stone Troll Perry-the-Winkle The Mewlips Oliphaunt Fastitocalon Cat Shadow-Bride The Hoard The Sea-Bell (OR ‘Frodos Dreme') The Last Ship
Enjoyable, well down works written throughout his life. Personally a 4/5* for the king. 

This review is based off of the Harper Collins Pocket Hardcovers sold in a set as the “Tolkien Treasury.” This book includes the published version of the story, the first manuscript version, and the short outline for the sequel. I'm including that info because I don't know if other versions include the same. 

To me this was a great little tale, falling just short of me loving it. I think this is a cute, silly story that could so easily fall into the realm of other fairytale stories/the same popularity, if only it was more readily available. Although, it is again one of those older children's stories where while I'm reading I'm like, “this was told to kids?!” So with that being said this could easily have been dulled down or “Disney-fied” or made even more adult in a longer version/adaptation. 

I feel like pretty much from top to bottom this story is about greed. While Giles is considered to be good to his people, and well liked, he is also still tempted by the gold of the dragon. Albeit, not as grossly as the king and his court. 

Of course we also get the dual pleasure of something light and enjoyable as with most of Tolkien's earlier works (ie. Roverandom or even the full length The Hobbit), mixed with the lush imagination of the king of fantasy Himself.

Personally a 5/5* for me, as I liked it even more the second time around. 

Working my way through Tales From the Perilous Realm for the first time, but I've already read a couple. This was a re-read. 
This was originally written for Tolkien's son, Michael, when he lost his toy dog. With that being said it's incredibly silly, and lighthearted. Rover the dog bites a wizard on the seat of his pants and is turned to a toy dog. This is the story of his journey through that, and his journey home. 
My favorite thing about this little tale is that you can still see the grand scope in which Tolkien writes. His mine clearly always saw the big picture, and what could be, rather than just weaving a little something-something...even for his 4 year old son. 
Personally a 5/5* for me. I liked it even more the second time. 

This kept popping up for me every time I would finish something on audible, and as it's 42 minutes long, and includes him reading some of his own work, I decided to spend the credit on it. It's definitely awesome. This has actually been released multiple times apparently so ‘rare' doesn't really work. Also, despite the audible picture used, this definitely sounds like him as an older man. 
Description:
Listen as Tolkien reads The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, The Hoard, Perry-The-Winkle, and The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon. Also included is a reading of A Elbereth Gilthoniel in Elvish and “The Road Goes Ever on,” sung by William Elvin with music by Donald Swann.
This is definitely worth checking out if you have the time. You can really hear the lyrical and poetic prowess Tolkien had. And how cool to hear him read it himself? I wish there was more, but of course it's not an actual audiobook. 

I got this from a free indie scifi BookFunnel link and signed up for the author's newsletter! I love the concept of this as they are labeled as a mini-trilogy, while all together they're around a novellas length. I would love to continue, but they only show as being on kindle unlimited, with no purchasing option. 
Dario is an archeology student that has a leaning towards ancient architecture...ancient alien architecture. Since seeing a flying saucer as a child, he's thought of little else, but he wants to put actual facts and study towards proving it. 
The author writes an enticing opening in only 33 pages. The character has depth and personality, and even a nemesis. The facts, although not deeply gone into, read as researched and real, and I enjoyed the idea of a scifi story that simply reads as real life. 
If you know a way to get the others, let me know!

The author very kindly sent me an eARC, and I'm happy to have read it. This just released on August 15th, so check it out. 

Firstly, I think the thing that held me up the most—as this took me longer than usual to finish—was that I didn't find any of the characters to be likable. They are all either brats, bastards, cowards, or pigs. The two main characters are royal siblings, and they both are awful for their own reasons. Only one of them has much of a change of heart and it didn't occur until 84% of the way through the story (I read it on kindle). That's not to say that the story itself isn't good or likable, I think I would have just read faster with someone to root for. 

This novel is filled with political intrigue, maneuvering, betrayals, treachery, and backstabs. All of which is spread out within a crumbling society filled with rage-filled zombie-like soldiers and citizens. The story is so so bloody, like incredibly bloody. Violence to the max, and danger is at 100. Blood-pumping sword fights and extreme measures to survive. Betray everyone, kill everyone. 

Overall I enjoyed this. The writing is well done and the author does well with a distinct voice throughout.  

This is Threadlight book 3, and the finale in the trilogy. I was fortunate enough to not only be picked for the ARC group, but also for the special edition physical ARC. 
Firstly, this book is brilliant, and a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. If you remember or check out my review of book two, I said the author had amped up the action, dialogue, and emotion...well he's done so again. And this is once again leaps and bounds better than the second! (Which was also a 5* read.) The author really subverted my expectations for the finale, nothing was the easy route, and every time I thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong. The multi-perspective changing of chapters made the pace absolutely explosive at the climax. Grip the edge of your seat...fall off anyway...continue reading from the floor. 
Secondly, the amount of emotion this author drives home is insane. Did you not see this side character for a book and a half? Did you just meet this one, or this creature, in this one? Don't care, doesn't matter, prepare for tears. I'm so impressed because you can tell the author cares, these characters are his own. Therefore, the reader feels it too, and he destroys us. 
Personally, a great conclusion and 5/5*. I will probably also listen to it when the audio drops to hear Adam Gold conclude his fantastic narration. I've got my eyes on the signed hardcover trilogy now for my collection!

The author very kindly sent me a copy for my reading enjoyment! This is my second short story collection in a row, and I'm about to start a third. Have I turned a new leaf?
en·an·ti·o·dro·mi·a: the tendency of things to change into their opposites, especially as a supposed governing principle of natural cycles and of psychological development. 
This short story collection is certainly one of the more diverse ones I've ever read. The author takes you from post-WWII Madagascar all the way to ancient Babylon and back. I'm impressed with the author's ability to write about perspectives I can only imagine he has never experienced.
My favorite for sure was ‘You Might Get It'. An alcoholic widower wishes for nothing more than for his wife to come home...but he doesn't specify how. Definitely some dark humor and a bit morbid, but it was also a cool take on a sometimes overused horror story. 
The writing is great, I found that all of the diverse places read as well done and researched, and I enjoyed every page. 
Personally a 5/5*. Absolutely worth your time, effort, or money to read! 

The author very nicely sent me a copy of this, as well as their release titled Tracker. 
So I usually have some issues with or problems getting into anthologies or short story collections. I'm glad to say that this totally subverted my typical feelings about them entirely. It was refreshing, and spooky, and even the half-page stories were so good! The author gives us 16 stories in this collection. Like I said, some are half to one page, and others are quite longer for a short story. Each one tells a unique tale, and they all mix horror, thriller, and mystery. My very favorite is the first story, titled ‘My Brother', which just absolutely threw me off (in a good, surprising way!). 
I'm really impressed, especially with my struggle with short fiction, that the author was able to keep me hanging on with every page. 
Personally a 5/5*. Absolutely worth your time, effort, or money to read! 

I've been seeing this all over bookstagram for some time now and when I saw that like 90% of this author's work is free on audible, I decided to give it a shot. 
This is a quick listen, so therefore I'm going to assume it would be a real quick read too. For me this would be best labeled as a comedy-horror. It's not very serious, the copycat IKEA setting is pretty funny, and the writing itself isn't really anything to write home about. But again, this one is kind of silly in its entirety. 
It still has some good spots, and the horror is still present for sure. I especially enjoyed the chapter headers being done by another person and how they get progressively more unhinged. Both performances are good! 
Personally a 3.5/5* for me. 

This is the second novella in The Bound and the Broken series. It's technically about Dayne's time before Of Darkness and Light, but the author suggests reading it after book two. I would agree for the reader's enjoyment. 

The author yet again does a fantastic job making a novella feel like a full length novel. Also again, there is amazing emotion, locations, and action, much like The Fall. From paragraph to paragraph your blood may be pumping, or your eyes may be tearing up, or sometimes both! Dayne has lived through some stuff. 

I love how the author gives us this character's background and struggles. And I hope he continues giving us novellas throughout his writing. I'm impressed in his ability to mix short and long fiction with the same success, and for the same series.  I believe this is his best work yet.