I was not sure if I would finish the Gwendy trilogy. I really liked the first book but did not care much for the second one. If it was not for the facI was not sure if I would finish the Gwendy trilogy. I really liked the first book but did not care much for the second one. If it was not for the fact that this book was available on Overdrive when I was looking for something to listen to, I am not sure I would have given it a shot.
I must admit I am glad I did. It was much better than the second book and a fitting end to the story.
A mix of mystery, sci-fi, and horror; it has all the elements you love from Stephen King. His collaboration with Chizmar was very good on this and I wonder how much of it is King and how much of it is Chizmar. Something I read previously (don’t ask me to site my source because I honestly don’t remember) led me to believe this series is mostly Chizmar with King mainly serving as inspiration. I cannot say if that is truly the case, but it would make sense.
One maybe “complaint” is that this book gets very political. I didn’t used to have an issue with politics in books, but after the past few years I am exhausted by it and want my books to be an escape. You are definitely not escaping modern political opinions in this one. I am not going to focus on which side of things the politics fall in this book (I am bet all of you probably can guess which way they fall) because all of it exhausts me!
So, politics aside, it is a better book than the second one, has a good ending, and I am 100% glad I finished this adventure. Should you try the trilogy? I am not sure that I can recommend it, but I am also not sure I can discourage you. At least each of the books are short so if you get to a place you just don’t feel like it is working for you, at least you will have not committed too much time to it! ...more
If you do, are you surprised when bad things happen?
A decent “bubble gum” suspense thriller. Some good tWho opens a hotel in a creepy old sanitorium?
If you do, are you surprised when bad things happen?
A decent “bubble gum” suspense thriller. Some good twists and turns but a lot of suspending reality. But, with many “bubble gum” thrillers, reality is found no where near the plot! Definitely worth a try if you are looking to escape somewhere creepy for a while.
The book appears to be setting up to be a series (with The Retreat expected in 2022). I am not sure that I was into this one enough to go out of my way to continue the series. However, I bet if I give it a try some day, I will find myself somewhat entertained . . . and that will not be a bad thing!
Side note: I have been reading a lot of Riley Sager over the past few years – I think this book will appeal to fans of Sager. ...more
I have read two other Jonathan Janz books before this and loved them. That is why it pains me a bit to have to report my mediocre experience with thisI have read two other Jonathan Janz books before this and loved them. That is why it pains me a bit to have to report my mediocre experience with this one. I think it is a book that can still be appreciated by those who are really into gore and shock value in their horror stories, but for me it did not work as well as the others.
Castle of Sorrows is the sequel to The Sorrows. I LOVED The Sorrows – I thought it was perfectly creepy with the right level of horror, gore, shock value, etc. But, as perfect as The Sorrows was is as overbalanced I felt with Castle of Sorrows. It seemed like it had very little coherent plot for the sake of lots of gory shock value scenes frequently using gratuitously violent sex. I am okay with everything in the previous sentence as long as the entire plot doesn’t lean on it and it helps move the story along. In this case, it kind of felt like those Saw movies: how many gruesome ways can we kill people for no really good reason.
But I have to step back and say that I do enjoy the Saw movies, and I like a good slasher film every now and then. I guess with those I kind of just expect mindless, gory entertainment. In this case, after reading The Sorrows I expected more intricately woven plot driven horror and gore. But instead I just got an 80s horror b-movie highlight reel.
Maybe gore and shocks are what you are looking for. If that is the case, this is a book worthy of your attention. Just be sure to read The Sorrows first as it is a much better and well-crafted book overall, in my opinion. ...more
Also, every one if Moore’s books are not too long. Not that I miI just love reading Christopher Moore!
It’s silly!
It’s irreverent!
It’s un-put-downable!
Also, every one if Moore’s books are not too long. Not that I mind a long book, it is just nice every once in a while to get in a quick, fun read. And, as Moore usually does not seem to release one-offs, there are more books in the world of Practical Demonkeeping to read.
This book is about as much horror as it is comedy. And, the horror is kind of funny. And the comedy is kind of horrific. A perfect tale for lovers of dark humor.
I am glad that I can confidently pick up a Christopher Moore book and know I am in for a few hours of enjoyment. There are very few authors that I am confident with in that regard. I hope you have the same experience! ...more
I am a fan of Terry Moore. I have been reading his stuff for about 25 years. Strangers in Paradise is fantastic. I really loved the first few issues oI am a fan of Terry Moore. I have been reading his stuff for about 25 years. Strangers in Paradise is fantastic. I really loved the first few issues of Echo. I had been hoping for big things from Rachel Rising
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There may still be big things to come, but volume one was not, for me, a spectacular start - 2.5 to 3 stars. If I was not already a Terry Moore fan, I am not sure that there is enough here to motivate me to move on to volume two. I think I have come to expect that, if I am going to like a series, the first issue or volume should give me a cliffhanger or some serious motivation to continue. I have started several TV shows lately where the first episode has such a bang, I just have to keep going. I did not find that "WOW" with Rachel Rising volume 1.
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The standard character and mystery introductions are here. There are a couple of interesting events that occur. But, I am not connecting to any of the characters yet - they just all kind of blur together for me. I am hoping that when I continue with volume two, what has been flat so far starts to develop some depth.
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The art is great. I love Moore's art and I don't think that will ever change - no matter how well I am connecting with the story. His black and white drawings are always captivating and well detailed. This is probably enough by itself to keep me coming back.
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If you are looking to try Moore, try Strangers in Paradise. If you are already a Moore fan, at least this is some more of his work to read if you are done with SiP!...more
Usually, I enjoy Riley Sager . . . that was not really the case here.
The book was a series of far-fetched coincidences that made the book laughable inUsually, I enjoy Riley Sager . . . that was not really the case here.
The book was a series of far-fetched coincidences that made the book laughable instead of thrilling. Seriously, instead of being blown away by how the plot progressed I found myself laughing out loud instead. In fact, at one point I said to my wife (we were listening to it together) wouldn’t it be stupid if this is the next plot twist . . . and then it was . . .
So, if you are used to gems from Sager, be prepared to not be quite so blown away this time. One book like this will not sour me on Sager overall, but I really hope this is not a sign of things to come....more
Remove the killer clown and this book can be summarized in one image:
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Interested in some cheesy horror fun heavily reliant on the conflict betweRemove the killer clown and this book can be summarized in one image:
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Interested in some cheesy horror fun heavily reliant on the conflict between generations with some tongue in cheek hinting at our current political climate? Well, then step right up to this crazy circus and behold: FRENDO THE CLOWN!
This was a 3.5 to 4 star book for me. It was fun to read and I was into it the whole time. I did do some groaning and eye rolling from time to time when it got a bit too silly or seemed to be forcing an idea into the plot to make a point. But, overall, I was able to enjoy a bit of escapism with this one.
Horror fans might ask is it really scary? Is it really gory? Well, I will say the cheesiness makes it scary in the same way that 80s serial killer films are scary. I was never really scared by Friday the 13th, but they are still some of my favorite films. Gore? Sure – there is some decent gore here if you need a little chop-chop, stab-stab, hack-hack, and/or shoot-shoot in your horror fiction.
If you prefer to avoid politics completely, some of the tongue in cheek content might bother you. To be honest, a couple of times I said to myself “oh, no . . . I hope politics doesn’t become the focus of this book”, but it stayed in the background . . . nearing the surface a few times, but generally stayed behind the scenes.
Clown in a Cornfield is worth it if you are looking for a fun, not too long escape read. Don’t go in expecting to be truly scared, but I think the suspense and action will satisfy – if you are not too busy eye rolling like I was! ...more
This was a Goodreads Choice winner but I had never heard of it until it appeared on the nominee list. I saw it was available from the library, so I haThis was a Goodreads Choice winner but I had never heard of it until it appeared on the nominee list. I saw it was available from the library, so I had to see what all the fuss was about. It was very good and very creepy . . . but is is award worthy??? Maybe . . . I am not sure I would always come to the conclusion that it moved me to the point I would shower it with victory statues, but I bet a few discussions about it would end with me heaping accolades on it.
The story was very interesting, very creepy, and very unique. If I had a complaint it would be that it was somewhat predictable with the eventual outcome being telegraphed through the narrative very early on in the story. Because of this, I was not surprised by any of the climatic events. But, that aside, it keep my interest and was a pretty cool story.
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If you are looking for a good suspenful mystery with a very dark side and a bit of gore, Mexican Gothic should be on your list....more
Terrifying, disturbing, twisted, gory, and EXCELLENT!
In fantasy novels you often hear the term "world-building" and many will base part of the5+ stars
Terrifying, disturbing, twisted, gory, and EXCELLENT!
In fantasy novels you often hear the term "world-building" and many will base part of their enjoyment of the book on how well the author does this. For The Sorrows, I am going to use the phrase "Haunted House Building", and Janz does it perfectly. I just love what he has done here is creating a creepy castle on a creepy island and all of the related creepy lore. If you love a good haunted house story, look no further.
There area few things I could be nit-picky about. At times things are coincidental and convenient. Maybe it is a little obvious that something happens just to keep the plot moving. But, at no point did these things distract to the point of lessening my enjoyment.
One plot hole that kind of bugged me (view spoiler)[ one of the main characters inflicts a fairly significant injury to their abdomen while having a sleepwalking nightmare. Later on, other characters see her naked - including a sex scene where someone gets up close and personal with her abdomen. But, no one acknowledges that she has an abdominal injury. It seemed odd - maybe the injury was a figment of her imagination, but I didn't think it was described that way. (hide spoiler)]. Oh well, it was not big enough of a deal to ruin the plot or my enjoyment.
If you like your horror a bit demented, and your suspense intense (this book did not let up AT ALL during the last 1/3) then you have to try The Sorrows. This is my second Janz book and after having great experiences with both I am surprised he is not yet more widely known among horror readers.
Maybe the Gaiman curse is over for me because I loved this book.
As those who follow my reviews may know, I have been trying Gaiman for years w5+ Stars
Maybe the Gaiman curse is over for me because I loved this book.
As those who follow my reviews may know, I have been trying Gaiman for years without much luck. I could never really put my finger on it except for two things:
- Sometimes it felt like it was being artsy and weird in order to be cool and trendy - Often the magic and supernatural happenings felt contrived and convenient. Fantasy is made up, but it should not feel like it is made up.
However, I did not encounter that at all with The Graveyard Book. The fantastical story was unique, flowed organically, and was super fun. While it was a bit dark in places, it was not scary - a light-hearted ghost story most of the time. The characters were excellent and I enjoyed my journey with them - I did not want it to end and I hated saying goodbye.
I highly recommend this one and will more than likely be pointing fellow readers to this one if they want to try Gaiman.
So . . . the curse is broken . . . will I have additional success if I try others or do I end my pursuit on top?...more
I need to listen to my wife more often. She read this years ago and said it was terrible. I have had it on my TBR, saw it was nominated for 1.5 Stars
I need to listen to my wife more often. She read this years ago and said it was terrible. I have had it on my TBR, saw it was nominated for some awards, noticed it was available from the library, and figured it couldn’t be all that bad so I might as well try it. Well, my wife was right!
The only reason it is not 1 star is the first third or so was actually pretty good and interesting. But, don’t you just hate it when the awesome plot development dissolves into non-sensical ramblings and time jumping? That is exactly what happened here. It is never a good sign when you are fully invested at 1/3 and could care less by 2/3 because the plot has completely devolved and become almost incomprehensible.
Also, the character relationships and their actions really bugged me. I didn’t understand motivations and I didn’t believe the discussions people were having. Then, someone would do something really outlandish without giving me, as a reader, any reason to believe that it was logical behavior for their character or the plot. It was just kind of a silly mess.
So, now I will add my 1 or 2 star review disclaimer. This review is based solely on my experience with this book (and apparently my wife’s experience, too). I am sure there are those out there who love it and will completely disagree with me. That is totally cool! I just must stay true to my personal experience with a book, and in this case, it was not a good one. ...more
I had to read through several parts of this one twice. Not sure why but sections just were not working for me the first time through. But after re-reaI had to read through several parts of this one twice. Not sure why but sections just were not working for me the first time through. But after re-reading a majority of it a few weeks after finishing the first time, I ended up feeling like it was another good entry in the series.
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Perhaps the need to reread comes from this volume having a different feel than the previous volumes. Each volume focused on the onslaught of one particular type of beast. In this one, the mystery is more of an existential crisis brought on by madness. Instead of the monster being a 20 foot tall sasquatch-cyclops (sas-clops?), the monster may be you!
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The art continues in the same vein as earlier volumes. Since I have enjoyed it all along, I continue to enjoy it here. There is some really cool fantasy-horror imagery; some of which is worth looking at even if you don’t read the story.
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Again, it’s another strong entry in the series. You may encounter some issues getting into parts of it like I did because of the slightly different feel. However, a second look goes a long way with this one!
Creative and creepy. Definitely a take on the Klan I never would have expected. It combines some actual history with an occult, Lovecraftian,3.5 Stars
Creative and creepy. Definitely a take on the Klan I never would have expected. It combines some actual history with an occult, Lovecraftian, Clive Barker-ish twist.
My 3.5 Stars means I enjoyed, but was not blown away. The story felt forced at times. At others it felt like the author was winking at me saying "see what I did there". Also, the way it was written made it a bit hard for me to get into it at times.
However, I will say that I can tell a lot of horror fans are going to be really into this one. Also, there is something to be said for an epic battle between a black heroine and the Ku Klux Klan (I mean, even with my minor complaints, I was cheering). Because of this, I give it some extra points and am rounding it up to 4 stars.
If you really like gruesome horror (this does not pull punches on the gore) and want to see some historically proven baddies get their comeuppance, this is worth checking out....more
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow might be one of the most perfect spooky tales to read, listen to, or tell on a cool October night. I listened to the wholeThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow might be one of the most perfect spooky tales to read, listen to, or tell on a cool October night. I listened to the whole thing on one, chilly, misty, fall walk. As the leaves fell from the trees and the dew from the fog condensed on my coat, I was transported to Sleepy Hollow and the mysterious tale of Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the Headless Horseman.
I am writing this review on Halloween (even though I read it a few days ago) and can tell you this story is short enough that if my review makes you want to read it, you still have time to fit it into your plans for Halloween night. In fact, after finally reading this story that I previously only knew from pop culture references, I might make it a tradition to reread it during future Octobers. Tonight I plan to watch the classic Disney cartoon with my kids and, from what I remember, it stayed pretty true to the story.
I guess you can tell by now that I was very pleased with my experience. For a classic, it is very easy to read and follow (not always the case with classics). It is the perfect balance of spooky supernatural legend, mystery, humor, and historical fiction. You will be transported across the years, maybe a little freaked out, and left to make your own decisions about the encounter between Ichabod and The Headless Horseman!...more
2020 was weird enough, so how did I decide to start 2021? With a title that screams “this is gonna be weird”: Basketful of Heads
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It’s Joe Hill a2020 was weird enough, so how did I decide to start 2021? With a title that screams “this is gonna be weird”: Basketful of Heads
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It’s Joe Hill and with that title, if you have had any experience with Hill, you know it is will be some pretty gory horror. He has a history of releasing some very decent graphic novels. If you haven’t tried the Locke & Key series you really should.
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Unfortunately, this was probably my least favorite of his so far. Not that I think everyone who likes Hill and/or horror comics will have the same lukewarm experience as I did. Overall, I just found it kind of silly – not horrifying or suspenseful at all. I guess you could say that it was a horror/comedy, but that doesn’t feel right either as it seemed more like it was accidentally silly. But, maybe not . . . maybe that is exactly what Hill was going for. It just didn’t feel like organic horror/comedy.
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The art was decent. It reminded me a lot of the art in King’s Creepshow, so if you are nostalgic for an 70s-80s comic book feel, this should fulfill that need. While it was not consistently strong throughout, it was still one of the highlights of the experience.
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I can’t say I suggest you rush out and read this one. But, if you are looking for a Hill or horror title and have nothing better to do, it is not a terrible way to spend a couple of hours.
Side note: some of the alternate art/covers featured in the collected edition are very cool!
It isn’t Bird Box, but it is the bizarro horror/mystery fiction that I have come to expect from Malerman. I enjoyed the ride and in the end I was sortIt isn’t Bird Box, but it is the bizarro horror/mystery fiction that I have come to expect from Malerman. I enjoyed the ride and in the end I was sort of left with more questions than answers. But this is usually the case with his books. It is kind of like the Shyamalan twist, but in each case of the Malerman twist it is just as bizarre as everything before it. Because of that it is not really shocking, nor does it provide any answers, it just twists you into even more WTF-ness.
The plot of this one kind of reminds me of the movie Armageddon. NASA needed to destroy an asteroid by drilling into it and inserting a bomb. But, none of the people at NASA were good drillers, so they went and got professional drillers. In Black Mad Wheel there is a weird sound coming from the desert that seems to be some sort of weapon. So, who better to go investigate it than a popular 1950s rock and roll band? Might seem like they are ill-equipped, but the hard-core military types they sent in previously didn’t do any better, so why not!?
There is lots of time jumping from before, during, and after the desert expedition. Many bizarre and interesting characters including tragic heroes and twisted villains. I spent a lot of time confused, but in a good way. The writing as really good and the ride to find some clarity had some decent roller coaster-esque hills and plunges. If you want to go back and forth from kick back relaxed to edge of your seat, this book can do it for you. But, if I had to guess, 50% of the people who decide to read this book based on my review will hate it. Are you willing to try it to see which side you fall on?
So, have I made you want to read it or have I scared you away? You should be scared, but you should also read it! ...more
This is a classic book that I could not remember if I have read before or not. I know the story and have seen many different uses, references to it, rThis is a classic book that I could not remember if I have read before or not. I know the story and have seen many different uses, references to it, retellings, etc. My favorite is probably Angry Video Game nerd on YouTube who HATES the video game version from the original Nintendo. However, now I have 100% for sure read it!
This has a similar format to other Victorian horror novels: lots of letters and retellings from some of the main characters and some bystanders. This format is well known from the books Dracula and Frankenstein. In fact, when I was done, I tried to remember if the reader ever actually meets Dr. Jekyll, or if he is just referenced in other peoples' anecdotes.
It is a decent, quick read. Maybe not really all that scary or horrific (if that is what you are looking for). But, the mystery is a bit spooky and the characters interesting. Whether you like it or not, it will only take two or three hours of your life and then you can check another classic off your list (and, you can then see how it compares to all the other references you have seen to it!)
Click below for Angry Video Game Nerd's take on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:
Grady Hendrix is all about the weird horror humor and that is no different with We Sold Our Souls. It is all that is cheesy about Hard Rock and Roll fGrady Hendrix is all about the weird horror humor and that is no different with We Sold Our Souls. It is all that is cheesy about Hard Rock and Roll from the 1970s until now wrapped in a terrifyingly humorous package. If you have enjoyed previous Hendrix and/or are a fan of hard rock, metal, music culture, etc. I think you will find a lot to enjoy here.
The thing about Hendrix that I have found now having read three of his books is you just have to be ready for some silly, irreverent fun. It is pure escapism with a little gory horror and a lot of laughs – nothing to be taken too seriously. It reminds me a lot of Christopher Moore and since I like most everything I have read by Moore, I am having the experience of liking almost everything by Hendrix.
If you don’t like horror, might take offense if the sanctity of Metal is questioned, or prefer your books not have discussions about demons and the occult, this is not the book for you. But, if you need a humorous horror escape, it is time for you to go on tour with Koffin and Dürt Würk! ...more
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