Stephanie
I enjoyed Daphne up until the ending. I feel like the ending was rushed and it knocked a few stars off for me. I also would have liked more backstory on Daphne and the crimes she committed. Other than that, The story was fun, creepy and original. I also like the whole spin on “Bloody Mary” and chain letters etc.
As a fan of basketball it was cool to see it take center stage throughout the novel. I'm still a little bothered by the abrupt ending but I would recommend this his book to a friend especially if that person is a fan of the cliche happy ending.
Book Review✨ Nocturnal Creatures by Robert Ottone
Who doesn't love a good creature feature? But this isn't your typical tale of ghouls and goblins. This story features a mysterious yet well sought after monster of the night. It's big, it's hairy, but is it human? Ottone delivers a story that will make you wonder. Or question your own morals. Are monsters really terrible? Or are they just trying to live their lives, surviving any way they can?
Ottone delivers a spooky setting, exciting plot and strong characters and relationships. This is a must read for anyone who appreciates good character development and excellent suspense.
Oh and let's not forget GORE!!
Cassie and her family face off in the ultimate battle between human and monster. Who will be the victor?
The synopsis intrigued me but I feel like the book didn't live up to it. It's mostly small talk about the hunt between characters, and not much else. No back story of why the world is in the current state it's in. Not much description about the wightsights or much on them at all to be honest. I found a lot of it to be random and some parts to be rushed. Characters were a little dry and flat. I ended up skimming the end. These are my personal opinions. Obviously give it a try if you're super interested, but it's a no for me.
I like the writing and the characters. Each character has their own personality and I can definitely see the characters as existing in small, close-knit towns. Thorne's writing really works for me because he doesn't “tell” you the story. Also, there are zero grammatical errors. (At least that I could see
Book Review✨ Slaughter at Seabridge by Cassidy Frost
Donna can't wait to leave her small town and follow her dreams of being a famous singer. But before leaving her extremely religious father in the dust, Donna plans to attend one last get together at her friend Jeff's cabin. Little does she know that someone or something lurks deep inside the woods watching... waiting and ready for blood.
Slaughter at Seabridge is fun, fast paced and gruesome. I'm always on the look out for a good slasher book and Slaughter at Seabridge delivers.
I love the campy dialogue and the dynamic between Donna and Frankie. I particularly enjoyed that there are two LGBT+ badass characters/final girls. I always applaud authors for diversity in their characters.
The amount of gore is perfect and satisfying. There is a supernatural mystery in this book as well that helps the atmosphere feel even more creepy.
The ending was surprising and original with a shocking twist that sets this tale aside from other slashers and tropes. Cassidy Frost is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
James doesn't believe in ghosts. So when a challenge arises to go to a local “haunted house,” he's all for participating. Even better, he's going to bring back an artifact for extra credit. Tagging along are his sister Lizzy, and his two friends Dawson and Evelyn. As the kids are exploring the old yellow house on Millard Road, eerie things start to happen around them. Is it haunted, or is just an urban legend?
The Haunting of the Old Yellow House on Millard Road is a fun middle-grade paranormal mystery book. Perfect for those who enjoy shows like Scooby-Doo, and books like Goosebumps. It's fast paced and entertaining. Characters are like able and have their own little personalities. I enjoyed the small details throughout the book as well such as James' affinity for fluorite, and the significance of the blood moon. Also, the author adds a story within the story which I thought was cool.
Children, young adults and even adults can enjoy this book and it's puzzles and mystery. A good book for readers wanting to get into Paranormal/spooky books. Love that cover!
Writing is very good, entertaining and builds a spooky, creepy atmosphere. The main character was interesting but a little underdeveloped. I love the overall gothic tones of this novella and I don't think it was a bad take on Poe's “Fall of the house of Usher.” However the ending was lackluster and a bit rushed. I felt let down to go through all that awesome ambiance and gothic feel to have a flat, boring ending that literally wrapped itself up in a few scenes. I did enjoy the story but the ending definitely knocked off a few stars for me.
Merged review:
Writing is very good, entertaining and builds a spooky, creepy atmosphere. The main character was interesting but a little underdeveloped. I love the overall gothic tones of this novella and I don't think it was a bad take on Poe's “Fall of the house of Usher.” However the ending was lackluster and a bit rushed. I felt let down to go through all that awesome ambiance and gothic feel to have a flat, boring ending that literally wrapped itself up in a few scenes. I did enjoy the story but the ending definitely knocked off a few stars for me.
It's ok. I can see people enjoying this story, but it seemed a bit fast paced/rushed. The storyline is interesting and characters have good foundations, but the parts about the shadow figure were super quick. When I read books I enjoy atmosphere and a lot of tension leading up to scarier parts or main parts of the story. Dialogue between Kristoff and Marie is natural and flows well. The overall storyline is cool and there are a lot of good elements in the story, but I feel like it could be cleaned up a bit with more added to it. I also feel like it was more of a “telling” which takes away from the story and atmosphere. It reminded me a little of Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell, which I personally didn't enjoy but if you're a fan of Stolen tongues you will enjoy Kristoff too.
Once again Christine brings the terror, fear and drama in the third book of the Brother's Curse Saga. Moments of gore mixed in with suspense work together for a fast-paced thriller that feels like a tv series! I'm talking Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Supernatural vibes.
Christine is known for surprises, so naturally I knew I was in for some shocking moments. If you're a fan of paranormal romance, you will be delighted. I feel like out of the 3 books, this one has the most romance.
I always love the design of Christine's book and her clever chapter titles. Also, her setting always stands out. Lakeview Falls is a spooky, nefarious town with supernatural creatures lurking around every corner. Perfect for that Halloween vibe we all love.
I really enjoyed the different story arcs. Christine's shapeshifter world is full of characters with different personalities. Some you will adore and others you may loathe. It was cool to revisit with characters from the past two books as well. Fair warning, don't fall in love with any of the characters, because you never know who will get skinned alive.
Christopher's Curse will pull on your heart strings, get you all in the feels, disgust you, and frighten your socks off. I'm trying my hardest to keep this spoiler free so, if you enjoy paranormal romance, horror, suspense and strong characters, pick up the Brother's Curse and jump down the Lakeview falls rabbit hole.
Oh and how could I forget, I love love love the witchcraft and voodoo throughout this book and series. Well researched and I love to see witches represented in a positive light.
Little Lugosi: A Love Story by Douglas Ford
Trevor and Madeline have a normal relationship. At least until Madeline insists they need a pet. Trevor doesn't really want a pet but gives in to Madeline's request because he fears one day he'll end up losing her. When Madeline comes home with a more unconventional pet, Trevor tries hard to keep an open mind, soon finding himself in a world of blood, pigs and a cult. Little Lugosi is a leech, and leeches need to eat...
Oo I really enjoyed this novella! Idk, maybe it had to do with the amount of blood. I literally felt like blood was dripping off the pages. If you're squeamish, this will be a treat.
When I heard there was a new novella by E.C. Hanson I immediately knew I HAD to read it. Wicked Blood is a fun, fast-paced novella that tells the story of an extremely dysfunctional, and twisted family.
Mom and dad are dead, it's the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and Marina is left to fend for herself as well as her younger brothers, Dev and Samuel who have their own demented version of a good time. Desperate for money, Marina has an idea for a haunted house. But this haunted house is more so a house of horrors and no one, including Marina is safe.
I read Wicked Blood in one sitting, literally scrolling page after page, needing to see what happens to Marina and her brothers. Hanson writes interesting and realistic characters that the reader connects with. I particularly like Marina and her witty thoughts and comments. I also enjoyed the overall setting. What's creepier than terror in a small town during a worldwide pandemic?
Hanson brought all kinds of nostalgia. Whether it be the references to our favorite 80s slashers or penny candy, I was definitely feeling the vibe, bringing me right to my childhood where my love for horror began.
Oh and let's not forget there is blood, lots of wicked blood.
Ten Days in a Mad House is a true story about a female journalist named Nellie Bly who traveled to NYC in search of work. She went around to various newspapers finally sneaking her way into one to cover the next biggest expose “life in a Women's insane asylum.” After being deemed insane by a Boarding house for feigning erratic behavior, she is sent away to Blackwell Asylum on a remote island. When she goes to the asylum she experiences brutal conditions as well as unfair treatment by the nurses. She tries to blend in risking exposure, hoping to push for better living conditions for the inhabitants of the asylum.
Let's start with the illustrations. The artist, Courtney Sieh, is extremely talented. Each drawing is detailed and you can see the utter terror and emotion on the character's faces. I love how it's black and white which really gives you that “old timey” historic vibe. Even without words, the reader is able to tell what's going on in the story.
As for the story, it was shocking, intense and harrowing. It's sad that it's true but there is a bit of light at the end. A small step towards a better society if you may. If you're unfamiliar with this particular story, it could come across as fiction, that's how horrific it is.
I enjoyed this graphic novel a lot and it piqued my interest in the topic of insane asylums which is ironic since that's exactly what Ms. Nellie Bly intended to do.
Rob has an interesting backstory. One filled with mysterious apparitions and violence. When she notices her oldest daughter, Callie, talking to what appears to be ghosts and collecting Animal bones she starts to worry. Is her perfect life falling apart? Rob knows exactly what to do. She takes Callie to Sundial, her family ranch. Sometimes our past comes back to haunt us, and there's no escape, but Rob will do anything to save both of her daughters.
Sundial by Catriona Ward is a psychological horror that digs its nails into you. I could not put this book down! It's full of twists and turns that throw the reader into a whirlwind of dread and terror. When you think you've figured it out, Ward pulls the rug from under your feet. With realistic characters and intense emotions, Sundial is a perfect roller coaster that plays with your emotions up until the very end.
It's hard to say much without spoilers but if you're a fan of psychological horror pick this book up. You will not be disappointed. Catriona Ward is becoming one of my new favorite horror writers.
After years in the Queen's Army, Luke is suffering from PTSD. One night, in a drunken stupor, Luke beats a man to death. Luke's criminal past catches him a death sentence but is saved at the very last moment by his old friend Lazare . Luke soon joins Lazare and his crew on an expedition to obtain new land. While on this trip, he begins to see apparitions of his dead wife Lucille. Lucille was executed for witchcraft, although Luke knows Lucille was simply a healer using basic science to advance medicine. But, is that the truth? Mysterious, deadly events begin to unfold as Luke stumbles across an ornate dagger resting inside a stump surrounded by glowing mushrooms. What secrets does the mysterious land hold? What secrets will Luke unveil? Most importantly, will Luke discover the real reason for Lucille's appearances?
I don't usually read fantasy books but I enjoyed this dark novella. I love that the author spun fantasy elements with horror elements. It worked perfectly for the story.
The author created an interesting story about the Roanoke colony that I enjoyed a lot more than other spins on the tale. The novella is well written, entertaining and has a good amount of gore.
Characters are written well and dialogue between characters is natural and realistic. My favorite character is Lucille, but I won't say much about her because it's important to the storyline.
At first I was a bit bothered by the portrayal of Lucille by the other villagers, considering I am a practicing witch, and the heavy Christian elements made me nervous that witchcraft was considered “evil,” in this story, but that's not the case at all. Any hatred towards witchcraft is written on purpose to showcase the characters disdain and hatred for witches and witchcraft. After all the setting takes place during an era where Christianity was on the rise and hysteria about witches was extremely widespread, but the ending was satisfying and exactly the choice I expected Luke to make. Bravo to the author for catching me off-guard!
Overall Against the Void by Luke Bushman is a fun, eerie, dark read with copious amounts of gore to leave even seasoned horror fans like myself satisfied.
