Considering this is only 28 pages long, each page punches well above its weight. I can't really delve into reviewing the story itself because of the lConsidering this is only 28 pages long, each page punches well above its weight. I can't really delve into reviewing the story itself because of the length but can say that Joe Hill definitely hit the nail on the head with this one. One to check out for sure....more
Of the Flesh is an extremely accessible collection of horror stories, which contains just about something for everybody. The stories within cover a hugOf the Flesh is an extremely accessible collection of horror stories, which contains just about something for everybody. The stories within cover a huge range of themes, from the opening story being a tale of creeping retribution, then on to themes such as dystopian worlds where people switch bodies and then on to what we would call more conventional horror. There is even a short graphic novel/comic within the varied pages. The only drawback with this publication is that the quality can highly differ from story to story, this seems quite common when reading collections such as this, this alone is my reason for downgrading the rating from four to three stars. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read from cover to cover....more
An exceptional book of historical fiction. This is from a genre which I generally don't read but this one has turned out to be the exception. The story An exceptional book of historical fiction. This is from a genre which I generally don't read but this one has turned out to be the exception. The story is set between two timelines, one in the modern day and the other in the 1500's. This method of storytelling was delivered with perfection by Cooke. The storytelling was exceptional and kept making me want to read on and on.
The House of Last Resort is a classic haunted house horror. The story focuses on a couple who have emigrated from the United States to a small villageThe House of Last Resort is a classic haunted house horror. The story focuses on a couple who have emigrated from the United States to a small village on the Island of Sicily. Who wouldn't take up a bargain offer of moving across the world to an idyllic village? Unfortunately, in tried and tested form, things do not work out quite as they had hoped. You know what, after reading this I would second guess my choice. This book is very well-written and gives plenty of description of the main character's surroundings and emotions. My biggest issue was that I felt the pacing was a little pedestrian at times and got bogged down in some of the details. Would I recommend this book? Sure, it was entertaining and not too predictable for a book of its subgenre....more
I went into this expecting a modern take on The Pied Piper story, what I got was way, way more than that. Set deep in the wetlands of Louisiana, this sI went into this expecting a modern take on The Pied Piper story, what I got was way, way more than that. Set deep in the wetlands of Louisiana, this supernatural horror tosses and turns, playing with your mind from start to finish. It's an absolute masterclass in horror writing, delving deep into the lives of a select group of swamp dwellers and then even further into their colonial and a possible new future for all. Don't not sleep on this cosmic delight!...more
This is my second time reading a book from this author, and I have to say his writing is exceptional. This novella is a 50/50 mix of horror and scienceThis is my second time reading a book from this author, and I have to say his writing is exceptional. This novella is a 50/50 mix of horror and science fiction set in an asylum unlike any you have known, it's on the moon and it's safe to say that things aren't as they initially seem. As far as novellas go, this is a top-drawer effort. It has it all, a great storyline, amazingly well-drawn characters, with plenty of mystery and action thrown in for good measure. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Exceptional and highly recommended!...more
An absolute juggernaut of a slasher, aka the slashers bible! I've spent the 24 hours since finishing reading this book wonder how the hell I can reviewAn absolute juggernaut of a slasher, aka the slashers bible! I've spent the 24 hours since finishing reading this book wonder how the hell I can review this and truly do it justice? The simple answer is that I can't do it justice at all, but I'll still share a few words regardless.
This is a slasher with a difference, yes there is pretty of blood and gore as you'd expect but the real standout feature of this novel is the relationship between Tolly (the main character) and his best friend, Amber. Stephen Graham Jones managed to write such realistic, relatable and authentic interaction between the two, it drove the story onwards and pulled me deeper into the narrative. I could whole heartedly relate to these characters and put myself in their shoes. In fact, this is why I'm having such a hard time writing this review, I'm in absolute awe. Maybe in time I'll add more but right now I don't want to, I don't want to leave any kind of spoilers or lead anyone in any way.
I'd recommend this to anyone and especially to those who enjoyed Billy Summers, The Angel Lake trilogy or even The Colorado Kid. Book of the year so far, Stephen Graham Jones at the very top of his game.
P.s, I'll probably add to this soon and I so wish I'd taken notes as I read. Then maybe my thoughts would be more focused....more
A good old fashioned slasher with a few modern twists. I picked this book up not knowing what to expect and luckily it ticked a fair few of the boxes wA good old fashioned slasher with a few modern twists. I picked this book up not knowing what to expect and luckily it ticked a fair few of the boxes which I would call a necessity for a good compelling read, it even ticked a few I never new existed too. Following the well trodden cliche of a group gather at a summer camp, this story delves deeply into the lives of a extremely varied collection of characters, each having fallen foul of cancel culture. All in an effort to rejuvenate or cleanse themselves of these modern issues. That's exactly where this tale starts to become darker, more foreboding, menacing as events unravell.
The author did a marvelous job of covering lgbtq issues but without making it become overbaring and undermining the narrative. This was a breath of fresh air for me, as many stories seem to get bogged down with similar topics lately. Overall this was a fun, exciting read and one that is well worth checking out....more
This was a fun well written psycological thriller which initially focuses on you young mother to be and a deal she makes with hopes of making a betterThis was a fun well written psycological thriller which initially focuses on you young mother to be and a deal she makes with hopes of making a better life. With plenty going on throughout, Tamar manages to create many vivid and memorable moments as this story weaves it's way to the conclusion. Ultimately I gave this three stars due to developing a strong dislike for the main character and on occasions finding it difficult to truly understand what was going on. With that said ill be sure to check out some more of the authors work in the future....more
My words cannot express how great this book was. I wish I had the flair and eloquence Ronald Mafli displaAn astonishing read from the very first page.
My words cannot express how great this book was. I wish I had the flair and eloquence Ronald Mafli displays within these pages, to then be able to do this book justice in my review. What I will say is that if you want an intense, well drawn supernatural story to read then this is for you. Superb!!
More to come once I manage to fully process my thoughts on this excellent book....more
The final part of Amazon's Creature Feature series of short stories. This happened to be my least favorite of the six stories in this series. It was weThe final part of Amazon's Creature Feature series of short stories. This happened to be my least favorite of the six stories in this series. It was well written but somehow lacked any urgency or excitement. For the most part I had no idea what was happening until the very late reveal. Enjoyable enough for me to finish but that is all....more
A fun and fast paced creature feature. I'm a huge fan of this sub genre and thoroughly this quick read. Don't get me wrong, this story wasn't genre defA fun and fast paced creature feature. I'm a huge fan of this sub genre and thoroughly this quick read. Don't get me wrong, this story wasn't genre defining or setting any new trends, but its still an enjoyable read....more
A compelling, emotional, and exceptional supernatural thriller. 4.5⭐️ rounded up.
This was a delicious and gripping read-through and through. I went intA compelling, emotional, and exceptional supernatural thriller. 4.5⭐️ rounded up.
This was a delicious and gripping read-through and through. I went into this with no knowledge of the plot or even read anything by Simone St James. I love starting a book with no real knowledge of its plot and with zero expectations. St. James' is now high on my list of authors I want to read. Somehow she managed to make this book engaging from early on, drip-feeding information, with a nice blend of action and suspense. Giving each character plenty of body and backstory without slowing or breaking the flow of the narrative. I cared for the characters, which is huge for me. I felt like I was part of the story, I felt each character's emotions and could understand their motives or motivations.
I'd recommend this novel to almost anyone and would urge them to go in open-minded. Exceptional storytelling!...more
On being accepted to read this novel by Ally Wilkes I was full of excitement, sadly it did not quite fulfil my expectations
This was an exceptionally On being accepted to read this novel by Ally Wilkes I was full of excitement, sadly it did not quite fulfil my expectations
This was an exceptionally well-written story and felt entirely authentic to its time period but for me was too slow paced and I had issues with keeping track of the events due maybe to it being a period piece. On the other hand there were some extremely tense moments during the story and it was by no means a terrible read. No doubt an author to watch out for but this book simply wasn't to my taste....more
A great short story from Grady Hendrix. For me he is an elite writer with the midas touch. This story is a twist on the boogeyman theme and typically A great short story from Grady Hendrix. For me he is an elite writer with the midas touch. This story is a twist on the boogeyman theme and typically for Grady is written with casual flair. If you don't want your kids roaming the house at night, then I recommend this as a bedtime story ...more
Jo Nesbo is mainly known for his Scandi Noir novels, namely the Harry Hole series. Here he flips the script and gives us a nicely crafted slice of horJo Nesbo is mainly known for his Scandi Noir novels, namely the Harry Hole series. Here he flips the script and gives us a nicely crafted slice of horror. I want to avoid going into plot details here, it's best to go in as a blank slate. All in all, I loved this book, it twists and turns throughout. Once you think it's heading in a certain direction, Nesbo then flips things 180° and then back again. In summary, this is a thought-provoking masterclass of horror and I'm hoping there will be more to come on the same lines from this author. Highly recommended!...more
This turned out to be a solid fantasy horror story which had me intrigued from the very start. Kiersten White managed to create an off the wall theme This turned out to be a solid fantasy horror story which had me intrigued from the very start. Kiersten White managed to create an off the wall theme which was well developed and essentially had its feet planted firmly within the real world with themes many will be able to relate to or recognise. We all have our own memories of kids tv from our youth, some which we look back on with fondness and some not so much, but what if those memories were tainted or distorted by a rose tinted lens? If you want to read a unique and at times mind bending tale, then this might be the one for you....more
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