Stephanie
DNF at 25 percent.
I'm open to different sub genres of horror but this book had me confused. It was everywhere. When I started reading the book it felt like I was thrown into the middle of the story. I didn't care much for the characters or their personal conversations. I didn't like the book so I didn't finish it, so I'll leave it with no rating.
Ooo this book!
I'm always looking for books about possession, but let's be honest there are not a lot of options. The Exorcist still stands as one of my favorite books of all time and I would easily say Incidents Around the House holds a flame to it. I devoured this book.
I literally stayed up late, couldn't put it down. The atmosphere is absolutely frightening and there were moments I had to look over my shoulder. I recall listening to all the bumps in the night and instantly thinking of this book. It's scary, it's creepy, it's full of surprises. The ending was unexpected and not typical which I adored.
Written from the perspective of a child, Josh Malerman slayed. It's like Bela is real and I could see a lot of her characteristics and interactions in my own daughters of similar age.
Characters are flawed, perfectly and the interactions between them are organic.
I don't want to spoil too much about the “entity” so go in blind and let go of every trope you associate with possession/demon books or movies.
Incidents Around the House is a treat for us seeking books about possession and one that will shock and wow you. I expect this book to have a lot of hype and it's well worth it.
I'm going to start by saying I was pleasantly surprised to see the setting of this book is in Rhode Island, my home state. It's always a treat when RI is mentioned, being the smallest state we tend to be forgotten. I've also been to Block Island a bunch of times so it was easier to envision the setting of the story as well as events.
There are 5 main characters and the reader follows each through a different narrative/perspective. Characters in this novel are diverse and morbid. My favorite is Chrissy, and Angela. There is a ton of family drama and tension, so if you're into that, pick up this book asap.
My only small complaint would be the family bickering even during times of survival. It seems odd to me that characters would pick fights with each other during crucial moments.
This is my first time reading a book by this author and I like his writing. I'm definitely interested in reading more by him. The horror elements were spot on and the scene in the beginning of the book really set the tone for the entire novel. Creepy, disturbing and straight out of your nightmares.
It's refreshing to read a creature feature that isn't too cheesy and over the top. Much like the creatures in this story, I devoured this book.
“Mother knows best, Listen to your mother....”
I'm a sucker for familial horror, especially terrifying, hauntingly beautiful, even psychotic mothers. Let's be honest, lots of us have our own horror stories about our mothers and some of the stories and poems in this anthology were like a punch to the gut. This is my kind of horror. Raw, real and rips your heart out.
Something is amiss in Eynhallow. A monster lurks in the shadows at night. A strange visitor shows up to a desolate town. Who is he? Explorer? Nobleman? Mad Scientist?
Agnes is strong, she is a matriarch holding her family together. She will do anything to provide for her children, including stay married to a man she wouldn't have chosen to love. Tired of the mundane, a mysterious stranger peeks her interest. Almost free from her boring, labored life, Agnes runs into trouble. Something dark is lurking in her town, Eynhallow, and Agnes can't help but wonder if the mysterious stranger is tied to recent events.
I absolutely devoured this book! Tim McGregor's has a way of putting you directly into the story. I could feel everything Agnes experienced. I love when an author creates a world that feels real, filled with dynamic characters and real world problems amongst fantastical elements. It's hard to find Creature Feature books that give you genuine terror, Eynhallow delivered. A modern day Frankenstein.
Although I do empathize with Gypsy, I do not support her and I have a bunch of doubts about her story. I like to take on all information to form my opinions so I had to read this book. After reading this book it confirms that she's a liar. She contradicts herself multiple times throughout and paints Nick as this master manipulator when she's the actual manipulator.
My opinions aside, the book was edited well and I enjoyed the format. I liked how the book used her actual prison calls which made it more intimate, too bad I don't trust her enough to believe everything she says. Overall worth it if you want to obtain all information regarding Gypsy Rose and the murder she committed.
I've read a few books by this author and Witch Ever Way You Go is not my favorite. It could be personal taste because I'm not too big on splatter or sexual scenes etc The story was fun, sometimes it felt rushed but I would say it's overall fast paced and action packed. If you enjoy quick, lighthearted, fun action-horror with a Cult twist, this one is for you. I still would recommend Robert Herold as he is an excellent story teller.
I'd put this in a genre called Post-Apocalyptic Cosmic Horror. It was fun, it was scary in the sense of constant dread and anxiety. When your world is collapsing, what can you really do? Who is prepared for an alien invasion or zombies or even natural disasters? This novella touches on the fear of the unknown, the fear of survival and the fear of creatures out of this world.
What would you do to save your family from something unknown? The constant anxiety I felt through the MC made this book work. I couldn't imagine going through a similar situation. I like the family dynamic because that adds extra terror, especially as a parent. My mind immediately goes to the sacrifices I would do for my children. I love that this is a work of fiction but could easily be a very scary reality.
Thank you for NetGalley for the ARC
Maybe I can finally leave my review for this literal waste of time.
I'd rate it 0 stars but since Goodreads only has 1 star as the lowest rating I'm leaving it at 1.
This book is terrible. Not only are the characters flat, dry and unlikeable, but the author's personal views bleed through into the story. There is so many cliches about women in this novel I found myself questioning whether he ever had relationships with sane, healthy women. The author cannot write in the perspective of a woman. A lot of the choices the MC made throughout the story were ridiculous and didn't make a lot of sense. It was supposed to be satire but nothing about the book is comical. I saw that the author considers this a “romance,” which is alarming. Not one scene in this book is romantic, or screams smut/romance. It does say “I'm a creep who never had experience with strong women in my life so I write sick juvenile fantasies about rape and fill my mediocre, trashy books with misogyny. “ Also, that creepy introduction talking about his personal life, made me want to vomit. Let's not forget he dedicated the book to a woman and called her a Nazi and a trout. Yikes. This author is problematic and inappropriate to readers. I added him to my do no read list.
Honestly, his poor character isn't even the reason I rated this 0 stars. His writing is messy, characters are flat and there is literally no development to the MC. This book is clearly his attempt to show the world that he lacks in his personal life so much that he needs to spew sick fantasies.
Ghost Roast is perfect for lovers of the paranormal. Think ghost busters with a flare for mystery. I adore the historical vibes. I'm a sucker for anything historical.
Characters are charming and unique. Chelsea's relationship with her friends is cute. I love how she is accepted as a nerd despite the other characters “cool kid” lifestyle. It's also sweet to see Chelsea fall for mysterious Oliver, adding some paranormal romance aspects into the story. I won't say too much on that. Read it to find out!
There is a serious topic amongst this fun adventurous graphic novel that speaks on slavery and racism. I love where the story went with this arc.
Ghost Roast is fun. Kudos to the Gibbs sisters Shawnelle and Shawnee. I also adore the artwork and coloring by Emily Cannon (illustrator) and Aishwarya Tandon (colorist) The illustrations are captivating.
A favorite of 2023 for me.
Although there are a lot of good stories in the collection, there are a number of boring ones that made it hard for me to finish, but I pushed through.
I enjoyed the stories that focused on creatures and folklore tales. I also enjoyed the stories that dealt with racism. I was pleased to see Cherie Dimaline in this collection. Her story was one of my favorites out of the collection.
All of the authors brought their A game when it comes to writing. Pacing is excellent, styles are cohesive. I would recommend people to read this collection because every story is written by an Indigenous author, which you don't see often in horror.
I love Neil Gaiman so when I saw this retelling of a popular classic fairytale, I was excited to dive in. The story is creepy, sad and warrants an important lesson. I love the dynamic between Hansel and Gretel.
The illustrations are simple, yet spooky. The illustrations truly tie into the atmosphere giving a creepy, eerie experience. My children absolutely loved this retelling. It was quick paced, easy to read and not overly childish. Definitely a good experience and a tale we will read many times again throughout the years.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
I read a lot of graphic novels and this one felt disjointed and rushed. Pacing was good at the start but towards the end the story became jumbled, and random. I started having issues with the story after the characters would commit crimes but act like victims. Although I think character choice is excellent and inclusive, I feel like it was odd that the characters would do something immoral such as assault someone and then use an excuse that they're being targeted because they are queer. Kind of an odd way to get your point across. I also feel like some of the content fits our generation more than the 70s. Like the whole pronoun thing. I understand during the 70s that there was talk about pronouns where people would shorten they to te and things like that but pronoun talk is much more relevant today. I didn't feel a 70s vibe.
By the time the “devil” came into the story I was already checked out and wanted to get it over with.
What saved it for me is the inclusion of different characters and the art style.
This book is beautiful. The author really knows her stuff when it comes to Witchcraft and I adored the little lessons thrown in from Connie. The conversations between Jaime and Connie made me yearn for my own Mentor and may actually seek one.
Well written and perfect for any witch, baby to old crone.
I can appreciate that this book is considered a classic and brought us generations of haunted house stories but for me, it doesn't hold up to current time.
I can see how it was scary for 1959 but tbh I enjoyed the Netflix series a lot more.
I wouldn't say it's iconic, but times were different and maybe if I wasn't born in 1990 and exposed to so much more horror, I'd find it to be spooky.
3 stars because although the initial premise had me intrigued, it fell short because the book was never-ending.
The idea about a psychotic, sexist indie author stalking and attempting to murder a book reviewer for a bad review was fun, and hit close to home. Although I haven't been stalked by an indie author, I have definitely taken heat for my one star reviews. That plus stalking equals, chilling, right?! Meh, the story lost a lot of its appeal because it dragged on. I wish there was more creepy stalking, because that's what scares me, because i was a victim of stalking, twice. I love plot twists but there is such thing as too much. By the end I was over it.
I will say I enjoyed the relationship between Lyca and Emma. Animal babies are always a plus. I also thought there were some genuine sad parts that made me feel terrible for the MC. I also have no complaints about the author's writing.
3 stars for keeping me slightly entertained.
