Dark Humor from a dark mind...it shouldn't be funny, actually. But what should be and what is isn't always the same, right?Dark Humor from a dark mind...it shouldn't be funny, actually. But what should be and what is isn't always the same, right?...more
How fortunate I was to get an early peak at this - and to come to the pleasant conclusion that this is the best one in the series so far.
Caston's "FooHow fortunate I was to get an early peak at this - and to come to the pleasant conclusion that this is the best one in the series so far.
Caston's "Food" world is intricate, dark and completely unforgiving - and any post-apocalyptic story fans should get their hands on these stories. ...more
If you like coming of age stories, this one is an absolute must. I got lost in the pages throughout the story - I love the way this guy writes and I amIf you like coming of age stories, this one is an absolute must. I got lost in the pages throughout the story - I love the way this guy writes and I am hungry for more of his work....more
If you haven't heard of this author yet, it's time to rectify this hole in your life that you didn't even know was there. This name should be known by If you haven't heard of this author yet, it's time to rectify this hole in your life that you didn't even know was there. This name should be known by every fan of indie horror - and this collection showcases her talent.
I have said it before and I will say it again - she is a better writer than I am....more
While the first story might not be the most unpredictable that this author has produced, the second one is very unique and I think people will either While the first story might not be the most unpredictable that this author has produced, the second one is very unique and I think people will either love it or hate it. Well worth the read....more
Bowyer's tight prose and writing without judgement, makes this story incredibly believable despite its bleakness.Bowyer's tight prose and writing without judgement, makes this story incredibly believable despite its bleakness....more
Bowyer's writing style is unique and his voice holds power, as he manages to get maximum impact with very few words.Bowyer's writing style is unique and his voice holds power, as he manages to get maximum impact with very few words....more
Stockton creates empathy for those who are usually looked down on and powers through the hardest of circumstances until you are part of their world. AnStockton creates empathy for those who are usually looked down on and powers through the hardest of circumstances until you are part of their world. And then the carnage starts....more
Imagine an 80s action movie, directed by Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker, starring Leslie Nielsen and the Wayans brothers, and you might get a glimpse of Imagine an 80s action movie, directed by Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker, starring Leslie Nielsen and the Wayans brothers, and you might get a glimpse of the type of story you have in store. With the main framework of Lethal Weapon and Die Hard, this escalates to include reference upon reference upon reference of movies you will (or at least should) know. And if you’re wondering about Wicksy, you’re probably not too far off. I have read a few spoofs in my time, but I can safely say that this book is the closest thing I’ve found to matching the jokes of AIRPLANE, in both amount and hilarity. Not sure how many of these jokes will fly over the head of younger readers � simply because they probably wouldn’t have seen some of these movies � but I still think it was done well enough for them to enjoy. If you don’t like spoofs or parodies, you’ll do well to avoid this one. But if you enjoy this type of thing, you need this book in your life. ...more
James G. Carlson is a builder of fantastical worlds.
This story starts out as a serial killer/detective tale as old as crime, but it makes a segue intoJames G. Carlson is a builder of fantastical worlds.
This story starts out as a serial killer/detective tale as old as crime, but it makes a segue into a different dimension where everything is new, different and dangerous. Madeline Sharpe � P.I. and former disgraced detective � finds herself trapped in the eleventh realm, where nothing makes sense and anything might potentially kill her.
I saw some reviews comparing this to Clive Barker and I can see why, as Carlson’s writing is clear and vivid. My problem is I don’t read stories with an almost sci-fi feel too much, and I struggle to compare it to something I have read in the past. Also, I do like myself some realistic serial killer thrillers, so this clashes with my personal taste.
This left me feeling like a bit of an outsider to the audience this book is meant for. It’s not a case of having an argument of pineapples on pizza, but more of a debate on savory or sweet muffins. It can taste great even though it might not be what you prefer.
And I have to take a step back and judge this story with a different perspective from my own. As a writer and with some of the knowledge I have built up about writing style, pace and quality, I can’t fault this story. If this is something that floats your boat, you can’t go wrong on it � it deserves 5 stars. But for my personal taste, with the story venturing in the direction it did � again, I tend to prefer absolutely realistic when it comes to my serial killers � it pushed me further than I wanted to go. I have to go with 3 stars.
Which leaves me with splitting it down the middle � 4 Stars. But, it is very highly recommended to those who wants to travel to different worlds, let’s say like AVATAR, and fans of Clive Barker � you may just find a new favorite in this author.
“There’s something in your mouth,� she said. “No, there isn’t!� I replied, but it sounded more like “Oo, ee eeng� because I shoved the entire cupcake i“There’s something in your mouth,� she said. “No, there isn’t!� I replied, but it sounded more like “Oo, ee eeng� because I shoved the entire cupcake in my mouth when I heard her coming.
That is not something from the book, it was last night when my wife caught me having a midnight snack. Of course, that was after I read this book and was gathering my thoughts on the review. And if we can be totally honest here, it was that awesome cover by Christy Aldridge that caught my eye.
As a city boy, living on the farm is as scary as to me as it must be to shove your hand into a deep, dark hole with unknown terrors inside. Sure, there’s a 50/50 chance you might look like a brave hero who conquered his fears, but there’s also a 50/50 chance you might lose your hand and look like an idiot. So the concept of working on a farm is scary enough without adding some sadistic killer into the mix. And killing will occur in this story. Sick, psychotic, bloody murder. Did I mention this is a Splatterpunk story and it will freak you out if you aren’t into that scene?
Honest opinion � going into this there’s always the danger of reading something that is torture porn for no other reason than to try and get under your skin. While some stories are written this way for a certain audience, it just doesn’t float my boat. And I was hovering around 4.5 stars through most of the story. Then there was this one scene (can’t elaborate) that didn’t work for me � and it dropped my rating � mostly because I couldn’t figure out how it could be done. I won’t lie � I was disappointed. But then…oh man, when that story pulled together at the end, that is the reason you read this kind of story. To get to that ending, to go on this dark journey, because the destination made everything worth it.
I loved the way this story concluded � and I am overlooking that one scene to push it up to 5 stars, because extreme fans need to read this one, and I highly recommend it to that specific crowd. ...more
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