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
This is another book I read to my kids at bedtime. They have been very into Minecraft lately. I cannot say that I understand it and I definitely wouldThis is another book I read to my kids at bedtime. They have been very into Minecraft lately. I cannot say that I understand it and I definitely would not have chosen this book to read on my own. I will comment on my thoughts on the book, but I should probably rate it based on the target audience: my kids . . . and they loved it!
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I am not sure the publishing history of this book and other books in the series. The cover says unofficial, so definitely not endorsed by the game’s creators. The quality of the grammar of spelling tells me that it likely was never reviewed by an editor. The story is interesting enough despite being quite repetitive. In the end, lessons were learned about how being different does not mean that we have to be enemies and fighting is not always the answer – so at least it had some positive vibes going for it. I am glad that my kids are into having me read books to them and having material they are into helps . . . even if I couldn’t wait for it to be over!
So . . . if I was rating it just for myself, I would probably give it 2 Stars
I am sure my kids would give it 5 stars
In the end, I will give it 4 stars and will be thankful for material that gets kids into reading. Also, I have watched them play Minecraft and the strategy and building aspects are pretty cool and educational. So, I am also thankful that they are into a game with a constructive and educational aspect.
I will just be over here playing Borderlands 3 or Red Dead Redemption . . . ...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
My first thought after finishing The Halloween Tree is that it should be a Halloween tradition in the same way A Christmas Carol by Dickens is a ChrisMy first thought after finishing The Halloween Tree is that it should be a Halloween tradition in the same way A Christmas Carol by Dickens is a Christmas tradition. They are both stories of how characters have forgotten the meaning of the season and the mysterious supernatural spirits that help them find it again. In The Halloween Tree, it is a group of boys dressed as the usual Halloween characters (mummy, skeleton, grim reaper, etc.) who don't know anything more about Halloween than it is costumes and Trick or Treating. Then, they run into the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud who takes them on a journey to show them why they dress up and what Halloween really is.
I love Bradbury and I love his writing. That was no different with The Halloween Tree. The flow of the book was perfect and I was enthralled every step of the way. He is so good at combining reality with fantasy - it is always a pleasure to read one of his works. I can't say that everyone will have the same experience with this book, but if you are a Bradbury fan, you CANNOT go wrong giving this one a try.
Another fascinating thing about this one is that it is non-fiction in a way as well. As the characters journey through time to learn the meaning of Halloween, they learn the history of the superstitions that combined to create the Halloween we know today. From Egyptian tombs, to Druidic rituals, to witch hunts, to the towers of Notre Dame, to the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico - you are definitely going to learn something along the way!
And, finally, after all that a very harrowing "what would you do?" climax. All of this in a novella length story. A lot is packed in here so that you can get a complete and fulfilling Halloween experience in a short period of time.
I don't know if everyone will agree that this is Halloween perfection, but it is pretty darn close!
Bonus: our 2020 Jack-o'-lanterns as designed by my 8 and 6 year old:
I went back and looked at my review of volume 1 of this series. Other than different pictures, I could pretty much copy and paste my review!
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FirI went back and looked at my review of volume 1 of this series. Other than different pictures, I could pretty much copy and paste my review!
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First similar point: This is Twilight Zone, Tales from the Darkside, Creepshow, etc. If you enjoy those, you may enjoy this series.
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Second similar point: Stories were okay, but not super tight or mind blowingly awesome. This is a bit understandable with the limitation of getting every story in within the limitations of one comic book issue. But, some of the stories in this collection so far have handled that limitation better than others. Positive note: there is some really interesting creativity in this series.
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Third similar point: The artwork doesn’t do much for me in this series. Overall, feels a bit sloppy. There will be one really awesomely drawn frame followed by one where the proportions of the faces and the bodies feels off. As I stress in my review of volume 1, it is not that I can do better, but, then again, I don’t draw comic books at all! ...more
After volume one of this series, I was skeptical. It was super weird, which, in this case, was more distracting than cool. And, I wasn’t even sure I uAfter volume one of this series, I was skeptical. It was super weird, which, in this case, was more distracting than cool. And, I wasn’t even sure I understood what happened at all. I only hesitantly picked up volume two figuring I would give it one more chance. But, I did and it was better! I was really getting into it. With volume three, I have come full circle – this series was great!
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While great, it is not for everyone. At times gruesome, at other times irreverent – the imagery is often 100% nightmare fuel. If this is not your jam – stay away! If this is your jam, you must hop on this twisted and wild ride.
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Speaking of imagery, the artwork remained top quality for this volume. While I did not look for the specifics, I am pretty sure that the artist was not the same for each issue of this volume (or, at least parts of issues). Luckily, it meshed well and was not so distracting that it ruined the story (I’m looking at you The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 3: Commercial Suicide) This series as a whole was a joy to look at!
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If you are into darker and less mainstream comics, this is a title worth checking out. Also, as far as I can tell, this is only a three-volume series (it definitely feels over), so there is not too much of a commitment. Just remember, if you enter Astrid Mueller's Clean Room, you are under her control . . . don’t kid yourself otherwise!
This graphic novel series is still very weird, but it started to make a little more sense in this volume . . .
Just a little . . .
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If I had a gunThis graphic novel series is still very weird, but it started to make a little more sense in this volume . . .
Just a little . . .
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If I had a gun to my head and was being forced to explain the plot of Clean Room, I would be in big trouble. It is sci-fi/horror with a bit of supernatural demon stuff going on. Each chapter combines normal goings on with the extremely bizarre. Just when you settle in to the plot, it throws you for a curve with disturbing imagery and jarring plot twists. I have to say, I am actually enjoying this bumpy and crazy ride (even if I am not quite sure why!)
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The art of this is very eye-catching. The depiction of human characters is well done, and when things get into the bizarre, it is quite striking and often horrific. Some of it is very Lovecraftian. For some reason, I found the depiction of mouths on the creatures particularly disturbing. This is definitely one to give you nightmares if you have a weak constitution for the visually unsettling.
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This graphic novel series is not for everyone. In fact, it may not be for many. But if you have a thing for confusingly bizarre horror, then you really must try it out.
This continues to be a wild and weird ride . . . and, it's getting even weirder (if that is even possible)
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This issue deals not only with Lewis This continues to be a wild and weird ride . . . and, it's getting even weirder (if that is even possible)
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This issue deals not only with Lewis and Clark's continuing bizarre adventures, but also has flashbacks to the story immediately preceding adventures. The flashback segment is super trippy and kind of hard to follow, but a decent addition to the story all the same.
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And, probably sounding like a broken record from my previous reviews in this series, but the art work is very good and fun to look at. The switch from straightforward human interactions to gargantuan beasts and demons is well done. Overall, a visually pleasing series so far.
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A good issue and I still feel a series worth checking out - especially if you like your historical fiction combined with a bit of supernatural.
Cycle of the Werewolf is touted as a novel in many places. But this really isn’t even long enough to be considered a novella. It’4 stars – 5 in places
Cycle of the Werewolf is touted as a novel in many places. But this really isn’t even long enough to be considered a novella. It’s a short story; I paced myself but could probably have read this whole thing in under an hour. This observation is not a complaint, I just want to make sure anyone reading this based on my review know exactly what they will be seeing.
Also, every chapter includes artwork by Bernie Wrightson. These pictures are very cool and add a lot to the story, however, they are sometimes a spoiler and depict a scene coming up in the next few pages. Since they are large and colorful it is hard for your eye not to be drawn to them. So, proceed with caution if you want to learn the story from the words and not the pictures!
Here is one that is not too spoilerish!
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I have been working my way through King’s works chronologically and I have to get a shout out to Dichotomy Girl for getting my mind right in the comments on her review of The Gunslinger so that I did not forget this one! I put The Talisman on hold about a month ago and just got in my mind that is what I would read next after Pet Sematary. If it wasn’t for her, I would have started The Talisman before Cycle of the Werewolf and it would have ruined the whole thing! I would have had to start over! (Well, maybe not, but it makes the save sound so much more dramatic!)
Thank you, Dichotomy Girl!
If you want a very good but quick scare, pick this one up to read under the covers one night. It is a good sampling of Stephen King if you really don’t have a lot of time to try him out. Or, maybe you just need a quick fix and don’t have time for It or The Stand!
Side note: This is the book the 80s movie Silver Bullet was based on. ...more
I believe I have frequently started off my review of books like this by saying that I 100% understand that I am not the demographic that this book andI believe I have frequently started off my review of books like this by saying that I 100% understand that I am not the demographic that this book and series was written for. I am always interested in checking out books I see getting a lot of attention on Goodreads, but I know that in some cases I may run into some things that just are not for me but are not an overall criticism of the book. As you read this review, keep that in mind. If you think you are like me, you might feel the same. If normally books in this genre appeal to you, you should probably take it all with a grain of salt.
THE GOOD
I have enjoyed the journey in this fantasy faerie world. The magic, the monsters, the conflict – all of it very interesting. Maas did a very good job with her world-building and I enjoyed being in it a bit more with each book. Sure, sometimes a turn of events seemed a bit cheesy or convenient, but it was all in the name of entertainment!
THE BAD
Is it just me, or is there a “I am writing a trilogy and the first two books were big, but a manageable size, so I have to make the final book in the trilogy HUGE” syndrome? Compared to the other two, I thought there were large sections of this book that dragged on and did not seem to advance the plot with their over-analytical length. A 100-page meeting could have been summed up in a 20-page chapter. I think the content was all necessary, it just kept losing me to repetitive boredom. If this book had been edited a lot more, it would have been a great improvement.
THE SEXY
Now, this is the one that I think the normal target audience looks for in these books, but was lost on me. At least once every 50 to 100 pages there is a pretty intense and graphic sex scene. Lots of groping and dirty talk – stuff to stimulate the readers libido, but not much to add to the plot or the story. If they had cut these out, the only thing that would have been lost would be the sex scene itself. Some may argue that the passion between the characters would be lost, but I think that was pretty obvious without those parts.
Now, to be clear, I am not saying it is bad they are in there or that they should be removed. I fully understand the entertainment value for those who are into some hot sexy-time in the books they read. I just wanted to point out that I didn’t feel it added much and, if you are a reader like me, you may have the same experience.
THE SUMMARY
• A fun and creative fantasy world with lots of interesting characters, magic, and monsters • Drags on a bit in several places. Could have been much shorter • If you like in-depth descriptions of your favorite characters getting it on, step right up! ...more
Another great volume of American Vampire! This one is quite epic as it collects two full stories spanning 12 issues.
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This is the WWII part of thAnother great volume of American Vampire! This one is quite epic as it collects two full stories spanning 12 issues.
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This is the WWII part of the overall storyline. One story in this collection takes place in the Pacific Theater and the other in Nazi Germany. The setting and mythology of World War II meshes perfectly with the addition of vampires.
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While these two stories have some stand alone elements, they do also carry on the timeline of the American Vampire series overall. There are a few recurring characters from previous issues, flashbacks, etc. It had been a while since I read the last volume, but it was not hard to get back into it.
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The art of this series continues to be fantastic. Sometimes it is impressionistic. Sometimes it it's detailed and precise. Sometimes it is outlandish - especially when monsters and gore are featured. But, whatever it is, it is always eye-catching and cinematic. It's such a fun book to look at!
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Overall, I have been very pleased with this series and the volume has continued the awesomeness. I can't wait for more!
As I loved World War Z, I was excited to read another one by Max Brooks. Since I had high expectations, I suppose I needed a big payoff 2.5 to 3 stars
As I loved World War Z, I was excited to read another one by Max Brooks. Since I had high expectations, I suppose I needed a big payoff to consider this a success. Unfortunately, I didn't get one.
While the format was a bit like World War Z - interviews post tragic event - this one more focused on one specific event. Basically, Mt. Rainier erupts and Bigfoot attacks (I don't feel like I need to mark that sentence as a spoiler as that is in several book summaries I read - so it should not be a surprise!). The premise sounded cool with lots of potential. It was potential that was, in my opinion, never realized.
First and foremost, the pace and story was completely clouded by the exposition. I would probably put this in my top ten books for number of times I found myself saying "GET ON WITH IT!" And, when it finally felt like things were moving along, there would be some more random exposition to slow things up again.
Next, the characters and their actions/relationships were so cheesy and unbelievable. At first I would think that I wasn't following a conversation, but I was. It was just that the conversation was so silly, and the way the characters were acting towards each other so bizarre, my mind couldn't comprehend it.
I mentioned the Rainier eruption earlier. As a fan of a good volcano disaster story, I was disappointed in how much the eruption was just an afterthought and minor footnote. It was like "Oh, Rainier erupted and now we are trapped. What do we do next?" - except the sentence I just wrote has more intensity than what was in the book. I know the focus of this book was the Sasquatch Massacre, but he could have had some more intense and interesting details about the Rainier part and it would have greatly heightened the urgency of the story.
Most of my review has been things I didn't care for. But, it did have some interesting high points and I am not sad I read it. I just wished there had been a lot more high points!...more
Whoa! This is worth it just for the shocking cliffhanger. It has me shaking my head and the sad disregard for others that the concept of Manifest DestWhoa! This is worth it just for the shocking cliffhanger. It has me shaking my head and the sad disregard for others that the concept of Manifest Destiny supported in real life!
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Creepy, thrilling, action packed, and thought-provoking - the ultimate What-If of American Historical Fiction continues. Seems like more of a transition volume than the previous two, but still the story stays interesting – introducing new characters and new storylines. And, just when you think you know where it is going, it throws you for a loop!
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I cannot get into too many details here without spoiling the story, but I really think the story had a major turn in this volume and started taking a lot more risks. That has turned this from just a fun sort of sci-fi retelling of Lewis and Clark into a thought-provoking commentary on how Americans viewed their place in the world as they took over the continent. Bringing hard truths into a graphic novel with such shocking force is pretty daring and amazing.
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The artwork continues to be top notch. I just love looking at this book! From the classic look of the wild frontier to the bizarre twistedness of the creatures encountered, it is just a beautifully eye-catching adventure. I cannot remember a graphic novel that I have spent this much time looking over each page after I finished reading it.
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If you like graphic novels, I still cannot recommend this one enough! Usually by volume 3 I can tell if it is going to be a winner for me. Since I cannot wait for more, this is the real deal!
In the immortal words of the celebrated thespian, Keanu Reeves . . .
"Woah"
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This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mIn the immortal words of the celebrated thespian, Keanu Reeves . . .
"Woah"
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This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mix of historical fiction and sci-fi horror. It is suspenseful. It is funny. It is gruesome. A little part of me really wishes the exploration of the American West was just like this.
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I'm still loving the art. For the most part, the panels have a bit of a sepia aura to add to the historical feel - as if pulled straight from the journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition. But, then, every few pages there is a full page image with intense colors and dramatic presentation highlighting one of the key horrors being encountered. Great stuff!
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This title is just great, creepy, horror-filled fun. If you are looking for a graphic novel that is a complete escape to enjoyable reading, give this one a shot.
Have you seen at least a season of Stranger Things?
Have you heard enough about Stranger Things from you3 to 3.5 stars
Are you a fan of Stranger Things?
Have you seen at least a season of Stranger Things?
Have you heard enough about Stranger Things from your friends or seen enough about it online that you think you understand what it is about?
If your answer is no, step slowly and quietly away from this review. No need to go on. No reason to read this book at all. This book is the very essence of connection to source material, and proceeding without knowledge of that material is folly.
Now . . . I see some of you are still here . . . good! Onward!
This is the Stranger Things origin story. What happened in Hawkins before season one? Look no further! Find out here!
Now, while I was excited to learn some more background from this universe, the story was a little bit mediocre. When putting it up against the awesomeness of the show, it is kind of plain vanilla. But, if you are looking for something to fill the void while waiting for season 4 (or whichever season is pending when you happen to be reading this), definitely check it out.
Note: I think my favorite part was that the author kept a focus on interlacing pop culture of the time. This one takes place in the late 60s and early 70s so there are lots of references to things popular at that time (i.e. Woodstock, Lord of the Rings, The Beatles, etc.) As a pop culture buff, that is one of my favorite things about Stranger Things, so I was glad to see it here....more
Hmmm . . . I dunno . . . still pretty good, but so strange. I have read a couple of graphic novels recently where the story just flowed and gra[image]
Hmmm . . . I dunno . . . still pretty good, but so strange. I have read a couple of graphic novels recently where the story just flowed and grabbed me. This one still feels a bit like work.
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I will say that I am not completely lost. But it is a case where I start to feel like I know what is going on and then the story goes on some seriously odd, hallucinogenic-fueled side trip and I am totally lost again. It’s a mental tennis match with my mind going back and forth: “AH-HA!” – “WHAT?” – “AH-HA!” – “WHAT?
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The art continues to be really impressive. At least I know if I am totally confused in the story I can take a few minutes to stop and enjoy the scenery.
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Am I still enjoying the series? Yes! Has my understanding of things digressed? Absolutely! Will I continue to the next issue? You betcha! Will I start to understand the story more? Not a chance!
If you want to read this because you loved Chbosky’s Wildflower, proceed cautiously. If you love long, weird, existential battles between good and evil, then this should probably be on your TBR ASAP!
In the end I am going 4 stars because the positives I took from this greatly outweighed the low points. ...more
This is the ongoing tale of vampires in America. Volume 2 sticks moves on to the next step in the Wild West theme as modernization hits the West with This is the ongoing tale of vampires in America. Volume 2 sticks moves on to the next step in the Wild West theme as modernization hits the West with the rise of Las Vegas and the building of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. I am really enjoying the historical fiction feel of this vampire story. I think it is really great that I have found many vampire stories in this genre that I have enjoyed (Another example was Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – I thought it would be cheesy, but actually pretty good).
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I do think I enjoyed the story in Volume 1 a bit more than Volume 2. I don’t think there is any reason more than this volume felt transitional; not as much of a complete story in itself. There are many connections to volume 1 and lots of foreshadowing to future volumes. But, only a couple of climatic moments happen. Again, not bad and seems to be a not all that uncommon trend for graphic novels
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I am kind of torn on the art. Some of it is very cool, some of it seems kind of off – as if the artist occasionally loses the ability to draw things in correct relational perspective to each other. One example that stood out every time it happened: When someone was yelling it was like their mouth suddenly became 95% of their head. That criticism aside, I enjoyed all the rest and the variety of vampire art – from subtle to fully vamped out – is pretty cool!
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I think horror, historical fiction, and vampire fans will find a lot to like here. I have no issue (so far) recommending this series to fans of any of those genres.
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