Stephanie
As always, I devoured Hanson's new book. Hanson's novella is dark and disturbing with a surprise at the end that will chill you to your core. Perfect for readers who enjoy guts and gore without the overworked tropes of extreme horror.
It's not all fun and gore because this novella also touches on darker themes, including grief, loss, neglect, and many other heavy themes, creating a gloomy atmosphere.
If you're a fan of multiple narrators, including the serial killer's perspective, you will love this novella.
No spoilers, see for yourself the horrors contained between the pages of The Stepney Green Killer.
Two spooky stories perfect for a quick read. I enjoyed the plot to both of these stories as well as pacing. Not too fast, not too slow. The writing kept me invested enough to finish and I wasn't disappointed.
The first story reminds me a lot of other popular thrillers. I especially like the whole “live in caretaker” element. It adds a nice touch of eerie mess, knowing our MC lives alone in a stranger's home.
I don't want to spoil too much, think The Housemaid vibes.
The next tale screams Folklore horror and familial horror with a dash of creature feature. Right up my alley. This was a spooky, shocking twist to Winter Solstice and the lengths we will go through for our family and wealth.
Overall I enjoyed this little palette cleanser. I will definitely read more from the author.
One tip I would suggest is editing the formatting but maybe that's just for the ARC. I think it should be double space or broken up into paragraphs or sub chapters. Other than editing and formatting, I would say nice work
Set in 1990's Mexico City, Silivia Moreno Garcia's new book Silver Nitrate brings me retro/vintage vibes perfect for those who love the mysteries behind “cursed films” and occultism. Silvia Moreno Garcia blends together Nazis, film culture, tragedy, secrets and mysticism. It's so hard to put into words how ‘atmospheric” this book is. Her writing literally pulls you into the story. I found myself invested in the characters, and even more invested in the layers of mystery surrounding the cursed film.
From unique, intriguing characters to mysterious plot twists, this book had me hooked for days, recalling all the details before bed, almost as if I was part of the story. I love when writing is able to pull my attention in this way, blocking out the world fully immersed in an alternate life. There's something eerie about old films that gives me the spooks and I live for it. Easily one of my top reads. of the year.
It was okay. It had some interesting information relating to weed and witchcraft but I feel like it was mainly focused on sex and there's way more you can do than just use weed for sex. I also feel like it's super specific to the author because as a heavy marijuana smoker/user I feel like I use weed for so many other purposes. A lot of other smokers I spoke to also said they don't use weed for arousal so it was odd to me how sex was mentioned in almost every chapter.
I'd understand if the title was “Witchcraft and Weed, a guide to using weed for sex magic” or something like that but considering it's supposed to be an overall guide, it's a bit much.
I don't get why the author wouldn't go heavy into the medicinal benefits of marijuana and it came off very basic.
I'm sure beginner or baby witches will benefit from this guide but as someone who has been into the craft for over 15 years I didn't get anything new from this.
One other issue I had with this is when the author writes about reggae stating that “if you don't know what reggae is it's probably because you're white.” To make such a bold statement when you don't even know your readers, especially one that has to do with race. I'm white and I love reggae, it's actually one of my favorite genres. Most stoners I know or have come across at festivals etc also love and know reggae too. Music taste has nothing to do with race. You may grow up listening to certain music because of your culture/family etc but just because someone is white doesn't mean they are ignorant to a specific genre. It leans a little bit on trying too hard to impress social Justice warriors. Also for someone to write that but go and mention Bob Marley it seems almost comical. Bob Marley is well known by everyone and he's not the only reggae artist. Seems like the author may not know much about reggae music herself but says that statement..
Very basic info, surface level that doesn't dive deep.
I thought this book would bring me more as a witch who uses weed in my craft but unfortunately I ended up wasting a credit on audible.
I was so excited to see this. title on Netgalley.
I have read the previous graphic novels Delicates and Sheets and immediately fell in love with the story and illustrations.
Lights follows our main character Marjorie as she reconnects with old friends. Marjorie loves having multiple friends but Eliza feels betrayed. Why is Marjorie hanging out with the people who made fun of her? But really, why is Marjorie even interested in more than just Eliza? This volume deals with the many levels of friendships and different connections. On a side note, Wendell keeps having flashbacks of his past. He embarks on a journey with Eliza, and sometimes Marjorie by his side to discover the haunting truth behind his death, using bits and pieces of memories, and a mysterious stranger lurking in the shadows. Will Marjorie be able to keep all of her friends happy? Will Eliza get over her jealousy? Will Wendell uncover his past?
As always, Brenna Thummler writes wonderful, personified characters. Each with their own back story and events that shape and mold the story into a tale of friendship and breakthroughs. I love the color palette of all three graphic novels but this one most. It consists of beautiful pastels that blend together to bring vivid images amongst a wholesome story.
“You're a witch, b***h.” Cresca called behind her. “Start acting like it.”
Fat Witch Summer by Lizzy Ives is a coming of age story that is chock full of laughs, adventure and sisterhood. Thrash has a knack. Knacks are burst of magic that are specific to a single person. When a teenager gets their knack, it means they are a witch and it's up to their parents to offer the gift of glamour, sight or growth. Thrash's mom is a high profile glamour witch, but Thrash has an issue. She doesn't want the gift of glamour. She wants the gift of sight, like her other mother, who recently passed away from cancer. Cresca, Em and Saki make up a group called the Lunes. When Cresca catches wind that Thrash doesn't want her gift, she recruits Thrash for an epic journey and heist to steal gifts from the New Salem University. Can Thrash actually pull this off, and will she make new friends along the journey? Or is she just a tool for the girls to get what they want? Fat Witch Summer is an epic tale that will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the girls.
This book is perfect for anyone who has issues with self image, body image etc. I love how the author created a strong female character that doesn't hide behind makeup, trends or perfect hair. Thrash is unique, brave, powerful and loves herself. She is a wonderful role model for girls, teens and women of any age.
I love all the characters, even the ones that are supposed to be “antagonist.” The author created a wonderful world of magic with unique settings and characters. I love the little quirks that each character has as well as the different knacks the girls possess. It's also cool that the author kept in mind that these girls are just teens so they will experience mishaps and distractions along the way.
I loved the inclusion of familiars, especially since the familiars were funny. It added a nice touch. I also love how accurate the author was in wiring about witchcraft and related objects to the craft. It's important to get things right to avoid it being trendy or cheesy.
The plot twist with the magic is also super cool. I love how the story included groups that were against the government as well. It gives a way more realistic feel to this fantasy novel and I love some realism in my fantasy. The author really did a wonderful job building an entire world and I would love to see this made into a series.
I love this comic so much. The artwork is beautiful and the colorist chose a beautiful color palette that tied everything together.
The story follows four best friends and their awakening into witchcraft. If you're a 90s baby like me, think The Craft, Teen Witch, Practical Magic etc
I love the attention to detail as well as the extensive knowledge of witchcraft. The lore is spot on.
I'm begging to the literature Gods that this is not a standalone. I need more.
This book is ok.
The author had a good idea going but unfortunately there were a few issues with the book including a lot of grammatical issues, repetitive words and “telling” I wouldn't say this is a bad book hence the 3 stars over a one or two star read, but it needs an edit.
One thing is for sure, any book that showcases the evil and moral issues of the Christian religion gets a thumbs up
In my book. I love how the author showcased the ridiculous, outrageous views of Christians, especially the extreme ones. As much as this may offend some readers, I'll never believe in an organized religion that oppresses women or gays or controls what a person does with their own body. As far as I'm concerned, those people can go kick rocks. Kudos to the author for touching on a sensitive subject.
Some spoilers
Omg this book is jam packed with emotions. I found myself moved to tears at a few parts because many of the events in this book hit close to home with my own relationships.
I would definitely say this book falls into the sub-genre of familial horror.
Night's Edge focuses on Mia and her mother Izzy. When Mia is only 10 years old, her mom is infected with a vampiric disease. They call the infected people Saras. Mia's mom had her own insecurities which often leads her to hook up with toxic men who manipulate and abuse her. Enter Devon, a Sara on a mission to turn and recruit as many people as he can for his own pleasure and agenda. Devon bites and turns Mia's mom forever altering her life. Mia and her mother must adapt to a new dangerous lifestyle. But will Mia sacrifice everything, including herself to keep her mom comfortable and protected?
This novel is absolutely gripping. It invokes so many emotions that I often had to put it down for a few minutes to let everything sink in. Codependency is a huge theme for the entirety of the book and it showcases how intense and toxic those relationships tend to become. The book also showcases how serious addiction can be as well as domestic abuse. Mia's mom assaults her several times and literally feeds by Mia draining her own blood. She also acts as if Mia is not allowed to be her own person or have her own life.
I felt so terrible for Mia the entire time I was reading this. It's almost as if you want to shout at her through the pages. It's easier to be the one on the outside looking in. There's more clarity.
Honestly this book felt too real but I sort of needed it to recognize some of my own issues with my parents.
I also really enjoyed how the author wrote this story with its own pandemic, including blood scanners that paid ode to temperature checks during Covid-19. We all went through a rough few years (and still going through it) so reading about something so similar adds extra tension and anxiety. It's too familiar. It's perfect.
I like how the book focused in on a mother-daughter relationship. Often times it felt like the roles of caregiver were reversed. It's sad because Mia's relationship with her mother should be different. You expect different from a mother and daughter. A lot of us experience similar situations where sometimes parents are not mature enough to make the right decisions. (Or they are going through some serious mental battles and demons of their own.) still, children are never to blame and that's a lesson a lot of adults need to learn.
I felt heavily for Mia when she had to grow up and grow up fast because I've been through that situation myself. No time to be a child, no time to live a carefree life. And remember, just because someone is family, doesn't mean you must put up with their constant abuse and toxicity.
Often times we forget that horror doesn't mean gruesome monsters or boogeymen lurking in the closet. Horror is human and very real.
Everyone needs to read this book.
I noticed a lot of one star reviews but how do you judge the entire new series on a 34 page issue?? It's issue 1 at that!
Is it full of tropes, sure but aren't all good slashers full of tropes? I love the art style, but no surprise there. As an artist myself im often inspired by Archie Comics.
I'm looking forward to the next issue.
Honestly I'm completely surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Hear me out. I didn't like Nothing But Blackened Teeth AT ALL! The writing was too flowery and heavy with purple prose. The characters were flat and nothing really happened, especially nothing horror related.
But The Salt Grows Heavy is nothing like Nothing but Blackened Teeth. The plot is unique. It screams gothic horror. I absolutely adored the theme of “the Hunt” incorporating characters like a Plague Doctor and a mermaid who eats humans. Characters were interesting and different.
She absolutely crushed it with the body horror. All I can say without spoilers is if you have a weak stomach, good luck.
Khaw's writing is beautiful in this novella. It was way less “purple” and it showcases how strong of a writer she really is. I'm happy I took another chance on her writing.
Khaw spun a love story amongst all the gore and body horror that really brought the story together showing that true love really can withstand anything.
For those who have read All Things Deadly by E.C. Hanson, this will be a treat. The Clairvoyant follows Sutton Frost, who made her first appearance in All Things Deadly.
Don't sleep on this short novella. The Clairvoyant is a gut-punching, emotional read that highlights tough topics such as loss, grief and suicide. As always, E.C. Hanson writes characters full of personality. It's easy to root for Sutton and to empathize/sympathize with her as she struggles to deal with her grief. I also like how the relationship dynamic between Terry and Sutton changes throughout the story. I don't want to spoil too much so I will leave that there.
Throughout the story the reader is given some paranormal elements to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's emotional, it's fun, it's creepy, it's entertaining.
The writing is great. The story flows well and keeps you fully immersed. No surprise here. E.C. Hanson is one of my favorite indie authors and anything he publishes is a must read.
I am hoping to see more from Sutton and her clairvoyance in the future. There is a part in the story where Sutton has visions of little snippets all involving an entity. I'm hoping these possessions lead to more and more novellas starring our favorite MC, Sutton. But that could be wishful thinking because I love a good possession story.
Once again Stephen Graham Jones delivers a fun, entertaining slasher novel full of our favorite iconic slasher movie trivia and facts. Jade is back and after (coming to her senses)better than ever. She is after all a final girl.
I have no obvious issues with this book, but I enjoyed My Heart is a Chainsaw a little more. They do say the sequel never lives up to the original right?
I wanted more blood and gore. I wanted more amazing kills.
There was a lot of dialogue, and as much as I love dialogue, I would have liked more action.
One thing I totally loved was the twist SGJ threw in there surrounding who is commuting these serial killings. Although I figured it out early on, it was fun to see the utter confusion and shock from the characters when they eventually figured it out.
I'm looking forward to book 3!
WARNING This book contains graphic scenes of torture.
I normally don't read a lot of fantasy, but I enjoyed Hive of Blood, which I would say is more dark fantasy with body horror elements. Whatever the genre, it worked. Body horror gets under my skin the most so I definitely appreciated those moments
Super fun middle grade book showcasing facing your fears even against opponents that are tougher/bigger/stronger than you. Rise of the Princess is a coming of age, adventure featuring strong female characters which is always a treat in literature. I loved the whole “save the princess” trope but rather than being saved by a male hero, the reader follows strong, independent female heroes. I love a good adventure of feminism and female empowerment.
One of my favorite aspects of this book are the characters. They each have their own personalities, spot on to how young girls actually behave. Having my own kids I see a lot of quirks and things they say similar to the girls in the book.
I'd like to touch on my other favorite part of the book and that's how magical the entire world is written. The author has excellent world building skills and really brings the magic. From fairy sidekicks to magical unicorns Rise of the Princess is dripping with magic. The setting gives you this whimsical, magical ambience that totally absorbs you into the story.
I think/hope this is going to be a series. I had my 10 year old son read this with me and he enjoyed it a lot even with female protagonists. He keeps asking me for the next one
Once again E.C. Hanson blesses us with a short story collection that brings frights, spooks and terror. I love short stories especially when I'm feeling a slump coming on. I'm a mood reader so short stories offer a lot of different tropes and horror elements.
I love the author's writing style. Hanson is skilled at showing the reader what's going on rather than “telling” which keeps you fully submerged into the story.
There are 12 stories in this collection each bringing their own elements of horror. A few of my favorite stories are Salem Village, Fast Friends, She Who Laughs Last, Salem Sightseers and AK-47@11.
A lot of the stories are set during Halloween which I absolutely love. It really creates a vibe and atmosphere.
AK-47@11 chilled me to the bone and played on one of my fears as a teacher.
If you haven't picked up any of E.C. Hanson's books, you're missing out. His horror is fun, realistic and induces fear and anxiety knowing that even normal situations can turn into pure nightmares.
Check out some of his other work. All Things Deadly (which is one of my top reads and rests in its own special spot on my bookshelf to be displayed for all to see) and Wicked Blood which is the better side of Splatterpunk.
“Astrology is a language, if you understand this language the sky speaks to you.”
Horrorscope a Zodiac Anthology is a wonderfully crafted anthology of short stories and poems. It features many different authors with unique writing styles and fresh ideas. Edited by H. Everend this gem is one of a kind. Not often do you see horror books about astrology and as someone who has been studying astrology for a long time i was elated when she first dropped the concept of this anthology.
Each story/poem is different from one another, each brings the elements of the zodiac signs. It's interesting to see how each author uses traits and symbols etc to incorporate into their stories.
Aside from the stories/poems I have to point out the whole vibe/format/layout of this anthology. I love a book with a nice aesthetic and Horrorscope totally brings me that satisfaction. Each zodiac section adorns a beautiful illustration by the very talented Ashley Scheller and one story flows well into the next.
I loved all of the poetry. I find myself always loving poetry and the poems in this anthology didn't disappoint. Although I didn't like all of the stories as much as some, I did find new authors I'd like to read more from.
Book Review ✨ Conjured Darkness: Six Macabre Tales by Michael Jess Alexander
This collection includes six terrible tales that will send shivers down your spine, creep in your mind and maybe sneak into your nightmares.
I really enjoyed the cosmic horror elements in a few of the stories. I don't tend to read a lot of cosmic horror, but Michael Jess Alexander brought new, fresh ideas to the sub-genre piquing my interest to delve into more
Book Review ✨The Bucket List by Mark Towse and Chisto Healey
If you like horror and comedy, plus lots of blood, check out The Bucket List. The setting is absolutely perfect. A “quaint” motel in the middle of nowhere run by two eccentric and may I say “odd” elderly people. Talk about creepy!
The story follows two couples, Judy and Chris and Melody and Richie. Both couples have their own reasons for stopping at the motel, run by Marge and her doting, husband Alby. (Albert) but one thing is for fact, a night of hospitality will end in living hell.
The writing pulls you in with anticipation. The atmosphere and foreshadowing builds from the very beginning leaving a tense feeling in the air. Characters are well rounded and interesting and the plot is straight up fun! Let's not forget, if you happen to have a funny bone in your skeleton, you'll love the quips and bits of humor.
One thing is for certain, the bits about toes in this story really got to me, giving me body horror to the max. I also dig how the authors would use certain words to “trigger” flashbacks to some of the more gruesome parts. I don't know if that was intentional or not but kudos to you both for skeeving me out.
Find out who gets to check off their bucket list!