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
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
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
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
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
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.
After enjoying Stage’s Baby Teeth, I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much. In fact, at one point in the book I After enjoying Stage’s Baby Teeth, I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much. In fact, at one point in the book I was pretty sure it was going to be a 2-star review. But, the ending ended up redeeming it somewhat and I was not unsatisfied that I read it.
My biggest issue with the first 2/3 of the book was that it was drawn out and repetitive. Have you ever read a book where it felt like all the meat was in the last 50 pages or so and the buildup only had about 10 pages of material . . . but the author stretched out to 250? If so, you know what this one felt like to me. The story was interesting and unique, but the only was to expand the exposition was to get the same inner monologue from the main character over and over again until the climax was finally reached. But, the climax was pretty decent so it was at least kinda worth it!
At first, this book made me think a lot of The Shining. If stories where people seclude themselves in the snowy wilderness and start to lose their minds is your jam, then it is worth checking this out. I listened to this while walking in 85 to 95 degree weather so there I was sweating like crazy while my characters were freezing . . . the dichotomy of it crossed my mind several times!
If you are willing to read/listen to slow burn supernatural thrillers, this one is worth a try for the sake of the resolution. But, if you don’t have patience for the slow burn, this may end up in your DNF pile.
Note on the audiobook: The Xe Sands narration was not great; a very whispery and uncomfortable delivery. (Just my opinion!)...more
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
This is the issue of the graphic novel series where we join the events of the original book series at the beginning of the first book. While the quoteThis is the issue of the graphic novel series where we join the events of the original book series at the beginning of the first book. While the quote didn’t make an appearance, here is a reminder:
“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.”
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For those who have not read the series . . . you probably should before reading the graphic novels. Or, at least start at the beginning of the graphic novels. It has been my opinion as I have gone along that these graphic novels are best read after you have already gathered everything from the books. But, honestly, they do a pretty job at sharing the story, so you will get everything if you just read these
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The art continues to be great! It does a fantastic job at graphically presenting the essence of the Gunslinger’s world. A world on its way out. A world in decay. A world of darkness and mystery. A world lacking in beauty and rich in death. A world where the choice to head off across the barren desert with no idea of what is on the other side is actually the best choice. All of these things are represented in every line and every brushstroke.
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I hope that this series continues strong. I have heard rumors that it doesn’t hold up the farther that it gets into the story line from the book series. Also, it appears that they published the last volume back in 2017 with the series unfinished and, at this time, there is no information as to whether it will ever continue. I kind of hate knowing this early on that I may get to the end and it will be unfinished – even knowing what happens from the book series. We shall see!
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Regardless of any concerns for the future, this series has been great so far – very enjoyable! I highly recommend it to any King and/or graphic novel fan. ...more
I enjoyed this collection of Joe Hill short stories and flew through the audiobook – I could not stop listening! It hFinal Average Rating – 4.07 Stars
I enjoyed this collection of Joe Hill short stories and flew through the audiobook – I could not stop listening! It had its high points (Late Returns) and low points (Thumbprint) but, overall, a solid collection.
I have included my short review of each story below – you may have already seen them as my status updates as I was reading.
Also, interesting note on the audio edition: It does not include Twittering From The Circus of the Dead. After finishing the audio yesterday, I had to go out to the library and check out the large print edition of this book (the only copy they had) so I could finish it. I have included my quick analysis of it between The Devil on the Staircase and Mums which is where it falls in the print edition.
Introduction- 5 stars - King family intros are always a pleasure!
Throttle - 4 stars - I listened to this previously when it was combined with Matheson's Duel. A dark and gritty story of revenge - very much in the same spirit as Matheson's story. Written with Stephen King.
Dark Carousel - 4 stars - Hill's take on the evil carnival. Basically, don't mess with or disrespect creepy people at a travelling carnival. If there are consequences, don't say that Hill didn't warn you!
Wolverton Station - 4 stars - A commentary on American capitalism taking over the world. Anthropomorphic mayhem! Warren Zevon would be a fan of this one!
By the Silver Water Of Lake Champlain - 3 stars - A decent little creepy story for fans of Cryptozoology. Took me a while to get into and kind of left me feeling like there should be something more.
Faun - 3.5 stars - I liked the way this one started. It fell off for me towards the end. Not your C. S. Lewis Narnia
Late Returns - 5 stars - The best so far! I loved every part of this story. Well crafted, mysterious, and tugs at the heart-strings. This is a short story worth visiting even if you don't try any of the others.
All I Care About Is You - 4.5 stars - I am not quite sure why I liked this one so much. In fact, halfway through I didn't think I liked it at all. But, the ending really brought it home for me. Very clever storyline and twists.
Thumbprint - 2.5 stars - a story of PTSD. This one didn't really do much for me. It was okay, but I couldn't get into and then it was suddenly over
The Devil on the Staircase - 3.5 stars - the shortest story in the book so far. Interesting and chilling. A take on the "selling your soul" story.
Twittering From The Circus of the Dead - 4.5 stars - clever and entertaining! Silly but scary! Glad I went and got a physical copy from the library so I could read this one.
Mums - 4.5 stars - Very well done story of madness, horror, paranoia, and revenge. Sowing the seeds of family dysfunction.
In The Tall Grass - 5 stars - creepy and disturbing excellence. Not for the easily queasy. This one is about as shocking as they come! Written with Stephen King.
You Are Released - 4 stars - straight forward, not tongue-in-cheek, commentary. If you are easily terrified by flying and the current political climate of our world, this one will definitely scare the crap out of you!...more
This was a very good adaptation of the short story from King's collection Everything's Eventual. At times I thought I was going to go 4 stars (I didn'This was a very good adaptation of the short story from King's collection Everything's Eventual. At times I thought I was going to go 4 stars (I didn't really get into it until about halfway through), but it ended at a full 5 stars.
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The story of the Little Sisters is very creepy and mysterious. Also, it's perfect transition story between Roland's early life in Gilead and the Dark Tower stories from the novels. As the world decays around Roland and unknown evil begins seeping in, Roland must find inner strength and divine intervention to continue his quest toward the elusive Tower.
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The art in this volume is fabulous. From beauty to absolutely terrifying images from the bowels of hell itself - all of it is music for the eyes. These are the images that dreams and nightmares are made of.
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I have heard rumors that the graphic novel adaptations of The Dark Tower story begin to stumble as they move farther along. So far I am not seeing it - and will gladly continue this awesome series!
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