Book Review: Filaments by KZK

18/12/202519/12/2025Dark Fiction, Horror, noir, psychological thriller, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: KZK
Release Date: 23 September 2025
~~Series~~:
Genre: Horror, Body Horror, Psychological Thriller, Eco-Horror
Format: E-book
Pages: 215 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
When Thea returns to her quiet Minnesota hometown, she expects to confront her mother’s erratic behavior. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a chilling mystery: two men have vanished without a trace, and whispers of prejudice and paranoia ripple through the community.
As Thea digs deeper, secrets buried in the bog begin to surface. Family lies, hidden forces, and small-town grudges collide in a suspenseful story where survival means uncovering the truth before it consumes her.
Fans of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, and dark rural thrillers will be gripped by Filaments — a haunting tale of disappearances, betrayal, and the dangerous threads that bind us together.

Review

Filaments by KZK is the kind of uneasy read that creeps into your bloodstream and refuses to leave. It is a richly atmospheric eco-horror story that blends fungal body horror, grief, myth, and psychological tension into a narrative that feels intimate as well as deeply unsettling. From the very first chapter, author KZK establishes a voice that is confident, immersive, and unafraid to linger in discomfort, and that is precisely what makes this book so compelling.

At the heart of the story is Thea, a protagonist shaped by loss, guilt, and unanswered questions surrounding her mother’s death. As she searches for the truth, the natural world around her begins to feel increasingly hostile and alive. The forests, bogs, and soil are not just backdrops but active participants in the story. KZK’s treatment of mycelium and fungal networks is particularly striking, as they are used not merely as a horror device, but as a metaphor for inheritance, interconnectedness, and the way trauma spreads invisibly, and relentlessly.

One of the strongest aspects of Filaments is its atmosphere. The writing is lush and tactile; you can feel the damp earth, the creeping tendrils, the oppressive stillness of the bog. The horror here is not loud or gratuitous; it is slow, biological, and psychological. When the body horror does appear, it feels earned and meaningful rather than sensational. This restraint gives the novel its power.

The emotional core of the story is equally strong. Themes of female rage, autonomy, grief, and control are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The relationships, particularly between women, are complex and fraught, adding layers of moral ambiguity that take the book beyond a straightforward horror novel. By the time the story reaches its climax, the tension feels both terrifying and inevitable.

The ending is haunting, resonant, and perfectly suited to the tone of the novel. It does not rush to comfort the reader, nor does it over-explain. Instead, it lingers, much like the filaments themselves.

Overall, Filaments is a standout eco-horror novel that is original, disturbing, and beautifully written. If you enjoy atmospheric horror, fungal or biological themes, and stories that balance emotional depth with genuine unease, this is a book you should not miss.

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Book Review: Burn My Shadow Issue #2 by Sebastiano Lanza

26/09/2025Comics/Graphic Novels, Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Graphic-Novel, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Sebastiano Lanza
Release Date: September 22, 2025
Series: Burn My Shadow (Book 2)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Format: E-book
Pages: under 100 pages
Publisher: Markosia Enterprises
Blurb:
In Leipzig, Tharmas devises a plan to kidnap Thomas Crowley. To do so, he’ll need assistance from a quite extravagant tech wizz, a rather inhumane amount of patience, and a very light footstep. Even so, plans rarely unfold as first imagined.

Review

Burn My Shadow #2 takes readers deeper into its dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired world, where surveillance and control dictate every aspect of existence. This issue ramps up the tension by placing Tharmas and young K in the thick of shadowy deals, infiltration missions, and encounters with faceless enforcers. At the same time, we see propaganda speeches from the ruling elite, dripping with doublespeak that reframes oppression as progress. The contrast between the cold sterility of those in power and the grim desperation of those in the streets makes for a sharp and unsettling read.

The writing is dense with themes of compliance, resistance, and survival, while the artwork excels at amplifying the mood. Stark whites and clean lines dominate the scenes of propaganda, while the rain-soaked cityscapes and back-alley dealings pulse with grit and urgency. Tharmas, weary yet determined, is fleshed out further as a morally complex anti-hero, while K brings both innocence and moral tension to the story.

Issue #2 successfully balances world-building with forward-moving plot, setting up the confrontation with Crowley that promises bigger stakes ahead. Though some of the political speeches may feel lengthy, they reinforce the chilling reality of this authoritarian future. With its mix of noir tension, political allegory, and cinematic visuals, Burn My Shadow #2 is a gripping continuation that solidifies this series as one to watch out for.

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Book Review: Face in the Sand (Burn My Shadow Issue #1) by Sebastiano Lanza

11/08/202511/08/2025Comics/Graphic Novels, Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Graphic-Novel, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Sebastiano Lanza
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Series: Burn My Shadow (Book 1)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Format: E-book
Pages: under 100 pages
Publisher: Markosia Enterprises
Blurb:
November 2113. Tharmas and K – outcasts of society – are in dire need of supplies. They journey to Leipzig, the nearest megalopolis. Here, Tharmas comes to knowledge of an impending speech by Thomas Crowley – the head of public relations of the European Commission. Tharmas is positive Mr Crowley holds a dark truth, which will lead him to what he’s after.

Review

From the very first panel, Face in the Sand pulls you into a bleak, wind-scoured world where survival is as much about grit as it is about sheer luck. This opening issue of Burn My Shadow doesn’t waste time with exposition dumps, instead, it drops us straight into the desperate trek of Tharmas and K, two unlikely companions bound together by necessity. Hunger gnaws, water runs low, and the only constants are the endless desert and the shadow of danger that seems to follow them.

The sepia-toned palette by Iacopo Calisti sets the perfect tone for this dystopian landscape where the muted colours aren’t just aesthetic, but they press down on you, almost making you feel the grit in your teeth and the oppressive heat on your skin. The dialogues keep the pacing sharp, giving urgency to their terse exchanges and adding weight to the silences between them.

What I loved most was how quickly the author establishes a sense of moral tension. This isn’t just another survival story; it’s about the choices you make when the world has stripped away comfort, civility, and certainty. The city they eventually reach is no haven, it’s a place of masks (literal and metaphorical), rigid control, and desperation. The faceless enforcers are unsettling, their uniform anonymity acting as a chilling contrast to the raw humanity of the people scraping by.

The action sequences are tight and cinematic. The supply run chase had me flipping panels with bated breath. If this first issue is any indication, Burn My Shadow promises a gritty, morally complex journey where every step forward costs something. It’s tense, atmospheric, and unflinching. It is a story that asks how far you’d go to survive, and who you might become along the way.

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Book Review: Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theater by Suze Leonie

22/05/202521/05/2025Dark Fiction, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Magic Realism, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Suze Leonie
Release Date: October 1, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Contemporary Fantasy
Format: E-book
Pages: 161 pages
Publisher: Fidessa Literary
Blurb:
When famous new media artist Eli Schmidt inherits a mysterious chest from his emotionally detached grandmother that he is instructed not to open, he can’t curb his curiosity. Inside, he finds a lost and lonely doll named Devorah, who begins to heartbreakingly scream for the love of her life, Yonah. Wishing he had obeyed orders, Eli has no choice but to go on a journey to reunite the pair. To his great distress, this means he must give up his treasured peace and quiet and do what he loathes the most: interact with other people. While Eli desperately tries to break free from this burden, Devorah amplifies her control, embroiling him in a battle that will forever change the course of his life.

“A playful brew of madcap humor and inventive intelligence.” — Kirkus Reviews

Review

Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theater by Suze Leonie is a whimsical yet poignant tale that effortlessly blends elements of magical realism with a reflective exploration of artistic legacy and personal discovery. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet meticulously portrayed European art scene, author Leonie’s writing is thoroughly captivating.

At the heart of the narrative are Yonah and Devorah, two exquisitely crafted puppets whose destinies are intricately woven into the life of Eli Schmidt, an eccentric artist grappling with familial expectations and his grandmother’s complex legacy. The author expertly explores the enchantingly surreal as well as the achingly human parts, crafting characters that resonate with genuine emotion and vulnerability.

The plot intricately unfolds as Eli embarks on an ambitious and sometimes perilous quest to reunite the puppets and restore their music theater. Through Eli’s transformative journey, the author beautifully articulates themes of obsession, identity, and the power of art to both imprison and liberate. The novel’s richly descriptive prose brings every scene to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotional backdrop Eli traverses.

While the pacing occasionally wavers due to moments of introspective depth, the author’s narrative ultimately thrives because of its thoughtful exploration of deeper truths beneath the fantastical veneer. The humor is sharp and well-placed, often balancing the more intense moments of emotional and psychological exploration.

Overall, Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theater is a captivating read, expertly crafted by author Leonie with care and sophistication. It’s a heartfelt testament to the enduring power of storytelling, heritage, and the inextricable bond between creator and creation. I highly recommend it to readers who appreciate profound narratives wrapped in whimsical charm.

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Book Review: The Cul-de-sac by Christopher Null

16/02/2025Dark Fiction, psychological thriller, Surreal Fiction, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Christopher Null
Release Date: February 10, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Dark Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 392 pages
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Blurb:
How well do you really know your neighbors?
Veteran serial killer Klaus Fischer is determined that his most recent murder will be his last, but like many retirements, this one isn’t sticking. No one has come close to suspecting he’s buried the victims on his quiet suburban California cul-de-sac property—but he’s feeling the urge to kill again, and this time he’s set his sights on a target dangerously close to home.
Widowed Peg Jurgensen has lived on the cul-de-sac for the past fifteen years, and she’s ready to shed her doldrums and re-enter the world around her. And where better to start than with mothering the curious young teen Eliza van Damal, whose family just moved to the cul-de-sac in order to expose their daughter to a better life.

Eliza, however, prefers to coerce the enigmatic hermit next door, Alex, into helping her pass math. Alex wishes the lot of them would disappear. The closer these misfits become, the more danger even the most ordinary conversations invite. As the body count rises, can these residents trust anyone hiding behind their doors on this street?

Review

The Cul-de-sac by Christopher Null is an unsettling, slow-burning thriller that takes the classic suburban neighbourhood setting and transforms it into a web of secrets, paranoia, and, yes, murder. With its sharp prose and eerie atmosphere, this book takes readers on a psychological roller coaster through the lives of neighbours who may not be as harmless as they seem.

At the heart of the novel is Klaus Fischer, a veteran serial killer who has successfully hidden his crimes for years, until the itch to kill again proves too strong to resist. But his little cul-de-sac in suburban California is not as quiet as he once thought. Enter Peg Jurgensen, a lonely widow yearning for connection, and Eliza van Damal, a bright but rebellious teen who gets caught in the middle of secrets surrounding her new neighbourhood. These characters, along with a cast of seemingly ordinary residents, create a complex narrative that slowly tightens around the reader like a noose.

The book does a great job of building suspense. The multiple perspectives allow for a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and fears, adding layers of tension as the story unfolds. The writing is crisp, the dialogue feels natural, and the pacing is deliberate, slow enough to build dread, yet quick enough to keep you flipping pages.

That said, The Cul-de-sac does have a few elements that may not work for everyone. The narrative takes its time, which means the first half is more about setting up characters and atmosphere rather than immediate action. Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers may find this a bit of a slow burn. Additionally, while the book’s multiple perspectives add depth, they can sometimes slow the momentum, making it feel like some reveals take longer than necessary to unfold.

However, once the pieces start falling into place, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Author Null beautifully builds suspense, and the final act delivers a chilling conclusion that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that dig deep into the dark corners of suburbia and human nature, The Cul-de-sac is definitely worth reading.

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Book Review: Evolving Ecstasy (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 3) by Melanie Nowak

01/10/202429/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, RomanceLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 331 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
The relationship between Cain and Felicity has crested to a peak that leaves them unsure whether to step back from each other for safety, or jump into a future united in death. Felicity is unlike any human Cain has known before. She treats him as an equal; a man worthy of friendship, respect and even… love. She embodies qualities of gentleness and loving trust that he has never found among his own kind. This makes her far more desirable to him than any creature of darkness could ever be. The venom of Cain’s bite could protect Felicity from hostile vampires, but it would give him a measure of psychic control over her as well. Would Felicity only accept becoming a vampire, due to his addictive venom, coupled with the foolishness of a young girl in love? Perhaps there is a brighter future for her in the human world. Is Cain’s desire for Felicity’s love worth the loss of her life?

*ALMOST HUMAN is a series of successive trilogies, not stand-alone books. Each trilogy is self-contained enough to be read alone as a 3 book set, but the story unfolds chronologically, and the characters do continue from one trilogy to the next. Main storyline closure is in each 3rd book, but there are also story-ties leading from one trilogy to the next in the series.
*For series updates and previews, visit: MelanieNowak.com

Review

Evolving Ecstasy is the third book in Almost Human: The First Trilogy by Melanie Nowak (the first book is Fatal Infatuation and the second one is Lost Reflections). Evolving Ecstasy is an exhilarating and emotional ride, especially for fans of character-driven paranormal romance like me. I found myself completely drawn into the complex relationships and the heart-pounding tension between Felicity and Cain.

The book does a fantastic job balancing action with deep emotional moments, especially as Felicity grapples with her feelings for Cain and the dangers that come with loving a vampire. What I loved most was the evolution of their relationship, particularly how Cain’s internal struggles as a vampire play a central role in their dynamic. The scenes between them are both tender and thrilling, making you root for them even as you fear for their survival.

Nowak’s writing shines in this installment, especially when describing the complexity of Cain’s character. As one of the more memorable lines goes: “To drink from a host, for a vampire, is the ultimate experience. Just as sex may be for a human being. Blood, that is true ecstasy.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the intense emotions that run throughout the novel.

While the book is packed with action, particularly as Felicity faces off against zombies and vampire enemies, it’s the quieter moments of vulnerability that stand out. One of my favorite quotes is when Cain reassures Felicity: “For you, I’d fight Satan himself.” The devotion and passion between these characters elevate the stakes and make the story even more compelling.

Overall, Evolving Ecstasy delivers all the suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue you’d want from a paranormal series. I give it 5 stars for its gripping narrative and emotional depth. The Almost Human: The First Trilogy by Melanie Nowak is an addictive blend of romance, danger, and the supernatural. With captivating characters like Felicity and the enigmatic vampire Cain, the trilogy takes readers on an emotional journey through love, loss, and survival in a world filled with vampires, zombies, and moral dilemmas. It is perfect for fans of paranormal romance who crave deep character development and heart-racing action!

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Book Review: Lost Reflections (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 2) by Melanie Nowak

24/09/202424/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, Romance1 Comment

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 353 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
Felicity has helped her friends to escape the venomous vixen Sindy, but cannot divine the motives of Cain, the vampire who captured first her gratitude, and then her heart.
She finds the historical account of Cain’s past enthralling and frightening. Now she must determine whether the addictive venom in Cain’s kiss is clouding her judgment, and if his thirst for her blood is a driving force too strong for their love to conquer.
It’s difficult to contemplate such questions while under the attack of a vengeful vampire and his zombie slaves. Felicity’s heart has already been lost to Cain; will she lose her life as well?

*ALMOST HUMAN is a series of successive trilogies, not stand-alone books. Each trilogy is self-contained enough to be read alone as a 3 book set, but the story unfolds chronologically, and the characters do continue from one trilogy to the next. Main storyline closure is in each 3rd book, but there are also story-ties leading from one trilogy to the next in the series.

Review

If you enjoyed Fatal Infatuation, you’re in for another exciting ride with Lost Reflections, the second book in The Almost Human Trilogy. Melanie Nowak delivered a fantastic mix of romance, danger, and supernatural intrigue that kept me hooked from start to finish.

This time around, Felicity is grappling with her feelings for Cain, the mysterious and brooding vampire who’s managed to capture both her heart and her trust. But, of course, things are never that simple! Felicity is starting to wonder whether Cain’s vampire venom is clouding her judgment, and it doesn’t help that she’s also caught up in a deadly game involving vengeful vampires and zombie minions. Talk about complicated! One thing’s for sure: her heart may be lost to Cain, but the bigger question is, will she lose her life too?

The best part of this book is definitely the deeper dive into Cain’s backstory. His past is both fascinating and dark, and we get a much clearer picture of why he is the way he is. It’s both enthralling and, at times, a little unsettling. And Felicity’s struggle to figure out whether their connection is real or just a result of his vampire nature adds an emotional layer that keeps the reader invested in their relationship.

There’s a lot more action in this one compared to the first book, and the pacing really picks up. There was vengeful vampires, zombies, and plenty of suspense to keep me on my toes. The romance is still at the heart of the story, but the stakes feel higher now, and Felicity is forced to make some tough decisions about what she really wants.

Overall, Lost Reflections is a great continuation of the series. The characters are even more developed, the action ramps up, and the romance has a darker, more complex edge to it. If you’re into vampire stories with a good mix of danger, drama, and romance, you’re definitely going to enjoy this one. Can’t wait to see how things unfold in the final book!

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Book Review: Fatal Infatuation (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 1) by Melanie Nowak

21/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, Romance2 Comments

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 353 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
Shy Felicity never expected to attract the attention of a handsome young man… or a vampire, but if she can keep them both from killing each other she’ll need all the help she can get to navigate discoveries of desire; perils of zombies and vampires; and struggles with friendship, morality and…college.
Cain is an elder vampire who displays quiet confidence even as he struggles to overcome sins of his past. Surprisingly, he found that in losing his life he gained his faith and a purpose. His mission: find the hostile vampires that inhabit this small college town, and educate them to live in peace with humans. Their leader, Sindy, is a wicked temptress who has set her sights on Felicity’s new friend Ben. She will be difficult to control, but after meeting Felicity, Cain’s most difficult task lies in controlling himself.

Review

Fatal Infatuation by Melanie Nowak is an amazing vampire romance novel, the first in the Almost Human trilogy, with a mix of suspense and exceptional characterisation.

The story centres around Felicity, this shy and kind-hearted college student who suddenly finds herself in a very complicated situation. Not only does she catch the eye of a charming human, but also Cain—a brooding elder vampire who has his own messy past to deal with. Cain’s not your typical vampire though. He’s trying to make peace with his past sins and even works to help other vampires coexist with humans. One line from Cain that really stood out to me was: “In losing my life, I found my purpose.” That just sums up his whole internal struggle so well.

I loved the mix of romance, danger, and a bit of moral dilemma in this book. Felicity is trying to figure out her feelings while literally navigating a world with vampires and zombies, and honestly, I was here for it! There’s a part where she says, “Navigating friendships and desires was already hard enough—now there’s the small matter of survival,” and I think that perfectly captures the vibe of the story.

The characters, especially Cain, are really well-developed. He’s not just a brooding vampire—there’s a lot more to him, and you can’t help but root for him. And then there’s Sindy, a seductive vampire who just loves stirring up trouble, especially when it comes to Felicity’s new friend, Ben.

The only thing I would say is that some parts were a little predictable, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. There’s plenty of tension and excitement to keep you turning the pages. If you’re into vampires with some emotional depth and a good mix of romance and action, Fatal Infatuation is a fantastic start to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Book Review: Profana’s Faceless by Mason S. Haynie

31/08/2024Dark Fiction, DystopianLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Mason S. Haynie
Release Date: July 13, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Dystopian, Dark Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 276 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
There are secrets we must learn to exist. After the devastation at The Kolosaio, a wounded Ecclesia and the fledgling community of Profana must discover unique means of staying alive in their shared desert wasteland. Can they heal the scars of past faults and reconstruct? Meanwhile, inexplicable new threats attempt to shatter their paradigms and transform reality altogether. The question both Amaru and Saios must face is this: what do you find when you look into mystery?

Review

Profana’s Faceless by Mason S. Haynie is a dark and complex exploration of survival, identity, and the mysteries that define our existence. Author Haynie explores the story of a community struggling to rebuild and find purpose after a catastrophic event against the backdrop of a desert wasteland! What is there not to like about this book?!

I would like to commend the author on the atmospheric world-building and the richly descriptive prose that was able to evoke a sense of desolation and tension that permeated every page. The book’s desolate world is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, actively shaping the lives and decisions of its inhabitants.

The characterisation of all the major characters is compelling, revealing their complexities and vulnerabilities in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The interplay between their need for survival and their search for meaning adds depth to the story, making their journey both physically and emotionally engaging.

The novel’s central theme—the exploration of mystery and the unknown—is handled with a deft hand. The author raises questions about the nature of reality and the secrets we must confront to survive. The introduction of new, inexplicable threats serves to heighten the tension and challenge the characters’ understanding of their world, leading to moments of existential reflection that will echo in the readers’ minds long after the book is over.

In spite of all these amazing things, the novel’s dense narrative and philosophical undertones may pose a challenge for some readers. The pacing, while deliberate and effective in building suspense, occasionally slows down in favour of introspection.

Overall, despite these minor drawbacks, Profana’s Faceless is a thought-provoking and atmospheric read that rewards readers who appreciate layered storytelling and philosophical concepts. I’d strongly recommend it to all readers, as it is a haunting tale that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to look into the mysteries of their own lives and consider what they might find.

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Graphic Novel ARC: Harry Rides the Danger by Lancelot Schaubert

31/05/202331/05/2023Children's Fiction, Dark Fiction, Graphic-Novel, Lancelot SchaubertLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Lancelot Schaubert
Release Date: 10th October 2023
~~Series~~:
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Graphic Novel, Dark
Format: E-book
Pages: 36
Publisher: —
Blurb:
Harry woke at night: in his doorway stood THE DANGER. Harry learns first to face and follow Danger, then to court Danger. Harry takes the Danger out for chocolate cake, for jumping over mountains, for leaping over pits of snakes. Then he wields Danger to save lives, homes, and worlds from a world ending fire.
A children’s book written in the wake of the historic Joplin tornado, HARRY RIDES THE DANGER teaches the abstract concept of courage in a fun way. It will quickly become an early reader classic.

Review

Harry Rides the Danger by Lancelot Schaubert is a dark children’s fiction graphic novel that will steal any horror lover’s heart. This book is perfect for a nice little spooky read for kids and even for adults who like adventure with a twist.

The characterisation is the heart of this book and I hope the author comes out with more books in this series so that we can read more of Harry’s adventures. This one was a perfect blend of thrills and chills and the brilliant narration and beautiful illustrations took it to an entirely different level.

I’d strongly recommend this book to all children and adult alike.

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Book Review: A Head Full Of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

12/10/202111/10/2021Coming Of Age Drama, Dark Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Paul Tremblay, psychological thrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Paul Tremblay
Release Date: 2nd June 2015
Genre: Horror, Psychological Mystery
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 309 pages
Publisher: William Morrow
Blurb:
The lives of the Barretts, a normal suburban New England family, are torn apart when fourteen-year-old Marjorie begins to display signs of acute schizophrenia.
To her parents’ despair, the doctors are unable to stop Marjorie’s descent into madness. As their stable home devolves into a house of horrors, they reluctantly turn to a local Catholic priest for help. Father Wanderly suggests an exorcism; he believes the vulnerable teenager is the victim of demonic possession. He also contacts a production company that is eager to document the Barretts’ plight. With John, Marjorie’s father, out of work for more than a year and the medical bills looming, the family agrees to be filmed, and soon find themselves the unwitting stars of The Possession, a hit reality television show. When events in the Barrett household explode in tragedy, the show and the shocking incidents it captures become the stuff of urban legend.
Fifteen years later, a bestselling writer interviews Marjorie’s younger sister, Merry. As she recalls those long ago events that took place when she was just eight years old, long-buried secrets and painful memories that clash with what was broadcast on television begin to surface—and a mind-bending tale of psychological horror is unleashed, raising vexing questions about memory and reality, science and religion, and the very nature of evil.

Review

In one sentence, this book is a heart-breaking read. One that I don’t think I will be able to get out of my head for a while.

This book is so well-written that at times I’d have to pause to fully appreciate the gravity of a simple sentence that the author adds in between a seemingly benign paragraph that leads to an unsettling realisation that the book is told from the perspective of a child who doesn’t fully understand the consequence of anyone’s (least of all their own) actions or decisions, whereas at the same time failing to understand the gravity of their predicament or the situation going on with others around them.

This book makes one confront the odd truth of life that memories are always polluted and diluted by one’s ever-changing perspective, other’s perception of their reality and truth and their own quest for filling up the ‘gaps’ – the blank spaces that the mind cannot recall or would not recall. It is a heavy read and cannot be read as a casual or a horror read because it covers so much ground that it will baffle, shock and stun you at times.

The ending is obviously a very lucrative thing in this book. The author leaves it to the reader to make of it as they please and so it is a haunting end in its own right.

“To be honest, and all the external influences aside, there are some parts of this that I remember in great, terrible detail, so much so I fear getting lost in the labyrinth of memory. There are other parts of this that remain as unclear and unknowable as someone else’s mind, and I fear that in my head I’ve likely conflated and compressed timelines and events.”

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ARC Review: Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear by Cathy Burnham Martin

31/08/202130/08/2021Cathy Burnham Martin, Dark Fiction, HistoricalLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Cathy Burnham Martin
Release Date: 31st August 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 242 pages
Publisher: Quiet Thunder Publishing
Blurb:
What happens when an American girl of Eurasian descent finds herself suddenly immersed in all facets of her Armenian ancestry? Told with an often soulfully introspective voice, “Destiny of Dreams” follows the true story of a teenager and her grandfather, retracing loving, learning, and terrifying footprints of the past. While survival remains center stage, love and courage must emerge, or all will be both lost and forgotten. More fact than fiction, the author reveals her Armenian roots in this historical novel, chronicling her family members’ love, strength, and resolve to both survive and thrive in treacherous times. Reflecting the traumas suffered by all people displaced from their original homelands, this Armenian story focuses on one family’s challenge to find light in the dark days of the waning Ottoman Empire. Anyone with the diaspora in their family heritage will relate. Whether thinking of Jewish people from Israel, Africans scattered through slavery, Armenians fleeing annihilation in Turkey, so-called boat people escaping Asia, or Syrians fleeing life-threatening violence in their own nation, humans continue to rise up in the face of the toughest times. Who would emerge from extraordinarily desperate places, and how could they choose to set positive examples of humanity during highly inhumane times? Set in the early 1900s and flashing forward to the 1960s, the story’s themes ring with tolerance and intolerance, dreams and destroyers, family and friends, amidst challenges that eerily parallel life in current judgmental scenarios.

Written for Young Adult and Adult audiences, the book contains some explicit descriptions and a couple of disturbing, though not graphic, violent scenes. While not gratuitous, the depictions may be unsuitable for young readers

Review

Destiny Of Dreams: Time Is Dear by Cathy Burnham Martin is a beautifully written historical fiction book about survival and the darkness that plagues our society.

This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, along with quiet graphic descriptions of violence, which lent this book an air of seriousness that otherwise would have been missing. I liked reading this book from cover to cover because the plot was very engaging, the writing was good, the characterisation was well done and the execution of the story was really good.

I would recommend this book to all historical fiction buffs. Although do keep in mind that this book has some graphic violent scenes (for those who might find them triggering.)

You can also read this review on:

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Releasing in Sept

Book Review: The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

17/06/202016/06/2020Dark Fiction, Mystery, psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Riley Sager
Release Date: 3rd July 2018
Genre: Dark Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages: 384
Publisher: Dutton Books
Blurb:
Two Truths and a Lie. The girls played it all the time in their tiny cabin at Camp Nightingale. Vivian, Natalie, Allison, and first-time camper Emma Davis, the youngest of the group. The games ended when Emma sleepily watched the others sneak out of the cabin in the dead of night. The last she—or anyone—saw of them was Vivian closing the cabin door behind her, hushing Emma with a finger pressed to her lips.

Now a rising star in the New York art scene, Emma turns her past into paintings—massive canvases filled with dark leaves and gnarled branches that cover ghostly shapes in white dresses. The paintings catch the attention of Francesca Harris-White, the socialite and wealthy owner of Camp Nightingale. When Francesca implores her to return to the newly reopened camp as a painting instructor, Emma sees an opportunity to try to find out what really happened to her friends.

Yet it’s immediately clear that all is not right at Camp Nightingale. Already haunted by memories from fifteen years ago, Emma discovers a security camera pointed directly at her cabin, mounting mistrust from Francesca and, most disturbing of all, cryptic clues Vivian left behind about the camp’s twisted origins. As she digs deeper, Emma finds herself sorting through lies from the past while facing threats from both man and nature in the present.

And the closer she gets to the truth about Camp Nightingale, the more she realizes it may come at a deadly price.

Book Review

This is my 2nd book by Riley Sager. I can imagine why my big expectations weren’t met by this book – because I read the 3rd book by him before this one and now reading a previous work feels like reading a weaker book so I only ended up liking this book. It was a great read though, entertaining for sure and fast-paced. I enjoyed the entire bit about camping as I’ve never been to a camp so it was a welcome side-plot.

I think I am only disappointed with the ending – I was hoping for a scandalous reveal or bomb-shell climax (which I was blind-sided by in Lock Every Door.) That was what was missing in this book. The entire thing about the asylum was really, really good and by that point, I was sure that the author is going to pull out something big in the end, but sadly it was an okay-ish ending. I’m sure a lot of people will love the ending as it was good from a thriller book’s perspective, but I guess in my case the author penned the 3rd book so well the 2nd one seems a bit bland in front of it. So I am not sure now if I should read Final Girls, their first book. Though I am sure as hell going to be reading the next one by Sager as I’m sure it is going to be good!

If you haven’t read anything by Riley Sager yet, then follow the chronological order of the books. That way you can enjoy the building momentum in each book and will be blown away by their awesomeness individually rather than comparing their best work to the previous ones.

You can also read this review on Goodreads

Audiobook Review: Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky

16/06/2020Dark Fiction, Horror, Stephen Chbosky, Supernatural, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Stephen Chbosky
Narrator: Christine Lakin
Release Date: 1st October 2019
Genre: Supernatural, Horror, Thriller, Dark Fiction
Series:
Format: Audiobook
Length: 24 hrs and 32 minutes
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Blurb:
Imagine… Leaving your house in the middle of the night. Knowing your mother is doing her best, but she’s just as scared as you.

Imagine… Starting a new school, making friends. Seeing how happy it makes your mother. Hearing a voice, calling out to you.
Imagine… Following the signs, into the woods. Going missing for six days. Remembering nothing about what happened.
Imagine… Something that will change everything… And having to save everyone you love.

Book Review

I started out reading this book with this big paperback copy that I had received as one of the books on my birthday. But as I started reading and progressed, I realised it was straining my back to hold this book up and read (I had spine surgery in Feb 2020 due to spine degeneration.) I tried to read it while laying down, but it simply didn’t work as is the case with bulky physical books, so I had to abandon the book reluctantly… that is, until I got my hands on the audiobook! And then what a fun ride it was! Although it was a long, long book – 24 hours and 35 minutes, it was a real treat!

This book is super amazing, for the most part. It had everything I generally crave in a good dark supernatural thriller. The characterisation was brilliant, as was obviously expected from Mr Stephen Chbosky, whose first book I absolutely fell in love with – The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.
The story was great, the concept although seen before felt fresh and unique and the plot well thought out. This book was everything I had expected and a lot more.

The twists were good, but I did see the main one coming. I think the author’s pacing lacked there and therefore he revealed the twist a couple of pages before it should have been revealed. There was a fair bit of wandering but it was mostly good so I enjoyed reading it.

The only thing I didn’t like was the whole Jesus angle. I mean, it seriously came out of nowhere. Or maybe not, but I guess I just wasn’t expecting it. I mean what the hell was that even about – Eve voluntarily staying in hell to keep the devil in check?! That was way too cringe-worthy and too spiritual for my taste. Apart from that, there was only the issue of repetition where I was going insane and wanted to shout at the author to move on already! I mean how many times do we need a reminder about David and the baseball glove smell.

BUT, the narration, guys! IT WAS SPECTACULAR!! The narrator’s dramatic reading made me jump out of my skin when the first couple of times she said CHRIS….TO….PppppHER….. HZZZZZZZZZZ… I mean it was totally insane! And then there was the part where she cried like a baby… that was way too creepy than anything I’ve ever heard! Hats off to Christine Lakin.

THIS IS HOW YOU NARRATE AN AUDIOBOOK!!!

Overall, I’d say that I’d recommend the audiobook over all the other formats and that is only because of Christine Lakin’s narration.

You can also read this review on Goodreads

Audiobook Review: If It Bleeds by Stephen King

16/06/202016/06/2020Dark Fiction, Short-Stories, Stephen King, SupernaturalLeave a Comment

Author: Stephen King
Narrator: Will Patton, Danny Burstein and Steven Weber
Release Date: 21st April 2020
Genre: Short Stories, Horror, Thriller, Dark Fiction
Series:
Format: Audiobook
Length: 15 hrs and 12 minutes
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Blurb:
If it Bleeds is a collection of four new novellas —Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, The Life of Chuck, Rat, and the title story If It Bleeds— each pulling readers into intriguing and frightening places.

A collection of four uniquely wonderful long stories, including a stand-alone sequel to The Outsider.
News people have a saying: ‘If it bleeds, it leads’. And a bomb at Albert Macready Middle School is guaranteed to lead any bulletin.
Holly Gibney of the Finders Keepers detective agency is working on the case of a missing dog – and on her own need to be more assertive – when she sees the footage on TV. But when she tunes in again, to the late-night report, she realizes there is something not quite right about the correspondent who was first on the scene. So begins ‘If It Bleeds’ , a stand-alone sequel to The Outsider featuring the incomparable Holly on her first solo case.
Dancing alongside are three more long stories – ‘Mr Harrigan’s Phone’, ‘The Life of Chuck’ and ‘Rat’.
The novella is a form King has returned to over and over again in the course of his amazing career, and many have been made into iconic films, If It Bleeds is a uniquely satisfying collection of longer short fiction by an incomparably gifted writer.

Book Review

If It Bleeds by Stephen King is a brilliant read!

You can also read this review on Goodreads

Book Review: Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry

16/09/201907/09/2019adult, Dark Fiction, Lucinda Berry, Mystery, psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Lucinda Berry
Release Date: 1st March 2019
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Dark Fiction
Series:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 364
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Blurb:
A page-turning debut of suspense about a young couple desperate to have a child of their own—and the unsettling consequences of getting what they always wanted.

Christopher and Hannah are a happily married surgeon and nurse with picture-perfect lives. All that’s missing is a child. When Janie, an abandoned six-year-old, turns up at their hospital, Christopher forms an instant connection with her, and he convinces Hannah they should take her home as their own.

But Janie is no ordinary child, and her damaged psyche proves to be more than her new parents were expecting. Janie is fiercely devoted to Christopher, but she acts out in increasingly disturbing ways, directing all her rage at Hannah. Unable to bond with Janie, Hannah is drowning under the pressure, and Christopher refuses to see Janie’s true nature.

Hannah knows that Janie is manipulating Christopher and isolating him from her, despite Hannah’s attempts to bring them all together. But as Janie’s behavior threatens to tear Christopher and Hannah apart, the truth behind Janie’s past may be enough to push them all over the edge.

REVIEW

★★★★★

HOLY–F**k!!! THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE

When I started reading this book it gave me an intense “Orphan” (movie) vibe, but then the plot started to change its track and I was like, “Okay… well, this is different, but nothing new.” But then somewhere around the last third of the book, I was completely and irrevocably mind-blown!

This book is AMAZING!!!

And the reality of how the author played with the reader’s mind using seemingly-normal characters and a seemingly-normal plot still continues to mesmerize me…

And I did NOT see that coming!!!

And that one line in the last pages of the book (where a man’s voice is mentioned) is still driving me insane! Was there really someone? Was it a supernatural presence? Was it just the broken psyche of the child? Or was it something else entirely?

OMG, I guess I have fallen in love with Dr Lucinda Berry’s intelligence and cannot stop thinking about how brilliant she is! For once, someone has dared to write about how complicated human psyche is and that some people are damaged forever and that there is absolutely nothing that can be done.

This book is full of triggers and can be dangerous if you are sensitive towards more than half of the things that is wrong with this world. But if you want to read a truly chilling work, then go for it.

Prose-wise, the author had completely re-defined the meaning of unreliable narrator for me. And it has completely changed my perspective on the subject.

This book is a gem for anyone who loves reading about sociopaths, people with psychosis and other troubled souls. This book is intense, dark and unforgivingly chilling. I loved every bit of it!

You can also read my review on Goodreads

Book Review: Maybe The Dream Knows What Is Real by Steve Grogan

15/09/201922/09/2019Dark Fiction, Horror, Steve GroganLeave a Comment

Author: Steve Grogan
Release Date: 24th June 2018
Genre: Horror, short story, dark
~~Series~~:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 61
Publisher: Self-Published
Blurb:
He was lost, directionless, unable to find his identity.
He thought he found it in her, which was good because he was teetering on the edge of madness.
She had no way of knowing her actions would push him over the edge.

This is a story about the dangers of depending on others to give you a sense of self-worth, taken to the extreme. It is a graphic, dark story not meant for the faint of heart. The graphic content makes up only 15% of the prose, but it is some of the most harrowing writing ever committed to page.

Steve Grogan has published several collections of poetry and short stories. This is his first story of extended length to be published.

REVIEW

★★+1/2

Maybe The Dream Knows What Is Real by Steve Grogan is a unique little book which is sure to make you squirm in your seat no matter how big your appetite for dark violence is. This book is a quick read which will make you feel unsettle and uncomfortable with a story and a character as unique as the book’s name.

I liked the book, even though I felt a bit queasy while reading it, but I would have enjoyed it more had the main character been developed a tad more. The story was okay but the characterization compromised the plot because it was a character-driven story which needed a very strong lead. Still, I won’t write it off only based on characterization because it was a short story and not a full-length novel.

If you have a stomach for violence and if you are okay being uncomfortable then go ahead and give this book a read.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Why She Lied by Julie Coons

14/07/2019adult, crime, Dark Fiction, Julie Coons, Mystery, psychological thriller, Suspense, Thriller2 Comments

Author: Julie Coons
Release Date: 3rd March 2019
Genre: Psychological thriller, Dark Fiction, Crime, Adult, Suspense, Mystery
~~Series~~:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 183
Publisher: Self-Published
Blurb:
Will she have to lose her child to save her child?
The day she tells her boyfriend she’s pregnant, is the same day he tells her he’s been accused of molestation. His trial is set to begin the following day.
She needs answers…
To get them, she tricks her boyfriend into signing a release form, giving her full access to all of his legal documents. She uncovers the truth, he’s guilty.
To save her unborn child from this monster, she gets an abortion.
FIVE YEARS LATER and still rebuilding her life, Julie finds out her ex-boyfriend has just become the most wanted man in America, involved in human trafficking. When detectives ask for her help locating him, she gets drawn into a baffling mystery. What began as a seemingly simple search soon turns into a much darker reality.
Someone from her past is watching…
Bit by bit, the tapestry of her own secret childhood begins to unravel. What she learns about her past will haunt her forever: family isn’t always what it seems.
Can she help bring this predator to justice, or will she die trying?

WHY SHE LIED is a gripping psychological thriller full of mystery, intrigue, and buried secrets.

REVIEW

★★★★

Why She Lied by Julie Coons is a refreshing new dark psychological thriller with a great concept, a nicely executed plot and decent characterization. This book had just the right amount of complexity to make it an engaging read without being too overly complex.

Overall, this book was a gripping thriller. The characterization wasn’t exactly spot on, but I cared for the main character, Julie, enough to read through the entire book with interest. The layers of background made her a likeable lead and, although the flashbacks and some character traits felt redundant, I felt she was a decent protagonist. Though, again, I wasn’t able to connect or relate to her entirely for some reason.

The writing was good for most parts, though at times the narration felt redundant and there was more of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing.’ As it was on the simpler side, the reading was easy and the book, because of the tight pacing, turned out to be a surprisingly quick read even for a less-than-200-pages-book.

I liked this book and would recommend to all thriller lovers, especially the ones who love reading dark thrillers with layered and complex characters.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Strange Weather by Joe Hill

26/02/201921/02/2019Dark Fiction, Horror, Joe Hill, Short-Stories, SuspenseLeave a Comment

Author: Joe Hill
Release Date: 24th October 2017
Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Dark, Short Stories
~~Series:~~
Edition: Hardback
Pages: 448
Publisher: Gollancz
Blurb:
Four short novels from the author of THE FIREMAN and HORNS, ranging from creepy horror to powerful explorations of our modern society.
One autumnal day in Boulder, Colorado, the clouds open up in a downpour of nails, splinters of bright crystal that tear apart anyone who isn’t safely under cover. ‘Rain’ explores this escalating apocalyptic event, as clouds of nails spread out across the country and the world. Amidst the chaos, a girl studying law enforcement takes it upon herself to resolve a series of almost trivial mysteries . . . apparently harmless puzzles that turn out to have lethal answers.
In ‘Loaded’ a mall security guard heroically stops a mass shooting and becomes a hero to the modern gun movement. Under the hot glare of the spotlights, though, his story begins to unravel, taking his sanity with it…
‘Snapshot, 1988’ tells the story of an kid in Silicon Valley who finds himself threatened by The Phoenician, a tattooed thug who possesses a Polaroid that can steal memories…
And in ‘Aloft’ a young man takes to the skies to experience parachuting for the first time . . . and winds up a castaway on an impossibly solid cloud, a Prospero’s island of roiling vapour that seems animated by a mind of its own.

REVIEW

★★★

This book turned out to be an okay read. I had a lot of expectation from this one, mostly because I had heard a lot about Joe Hill’s writing but also because he is one of the offsprings of my favourite writer. Overall, I liked the concepts of the stories, but what I did not like was the way they started to feel “lost” after a good beginning. The writing was good, no doubt, but the narration seemed to have faltered a lot as the story reached a certain point and then it went downhill from there at a fast speed.

Snapshot – 3/5 – Being a king fan, I felt this was very much like his works. I liked this story, but do feel that the ending was a slog. Hill could have totally ended the story 10-20 pages before and it would have been a great read rather than having over-stretched it.

Loaded – 1/5 – I read the first 2 pages and I left it there itself. I didn’t find the writing very appealing in this one nor did the story made any sense to me (I mean it is a short story, it has to make some sense in the first 2 pages, right?!) So… DNF

Aloft – 4/5 – A very good story. I loved the backstory more than anything else but overall, I really enjoyed this one. This book was a big relief and felt like a glass of chilled water in the desert heat as after such average stories, it was good to read something Hill is famous for – his unique imagination and style.

Rain – 3/5 – I really liked the beginning of this story and thought that this one would be my favourite one from this collection but towards the end, it started to feel like a burden and I was not sure where was it even headed to (something that I felt in the first story, Snapshot, too.)

You can also read this review on Goodreads

Book Review: Ghost Tribes: The Ghost of Africa by Venancio Cadle Gomani Jr.

27/01/2019adult, Dark Fiction, Venancio Cadle Gomani Jr.Leave a Comment

Author: Venancio Cadle Gomani Jr.
Release Date: 1st January 2019
Genre: African Fiction
Series: Ghost Tribes (Book #1)
Edition: Ebook
Pages: 199
Publisher: Venancio Gomani Books
Blurb:
In a semi-fictional verisimilitude of the continent of Africa, all the tribes are ruled by kings, smaller breakaway tribes are ruled by chiefs, and all are governed by the council of paramount—a legion of the noble tribes of the continent.
The principal story follows the tale of Likando and the war of the brother kings. Likando is the Lozi tribe’s princess, heir-elect to the throne, and the only legitimate child of the Lozi king, Simasiku Lumeta. However, growing without the presence of her mother, and her father never having told her the story of who her mother is or where she is or if she is even alive today, causes her to begin searching for the truth against her father’s permission and/or consent. She stumbles upon darker truths that result in her to learn that her birth may not have been a result of love or mere chance, but a carefully considered and planned series of events. This leads the princess into taking courses of action that bring her tribe, family, and overall kingdom to the brink of near-extinction.
The second part of the tale which begins eight years before the events of the first novel follows the story of Kaleya, the lost son of nothing who, after waking up alone in the jungle with no memory of his identity or his past prior, goes on a quest to discover the truth behind his stolen memories but entangles himself in a series of circumstances that result in him having to fight for his survival more often than not. The second part of the story simultaneously chronicles the Ghost of Africa, an enigma thought to be a demon that terrorizes tribes around a territory it claimed as its own three years before the events of the novel. Before the Ghost of Africa occupied the territory it occupies, there lived a thriving tribe with an organized structure and an army of possessed soldiers, ten thousand strong. However, when the Ghost of Africa first emerged, it led an army of exiled tribesmen-turned cannibal, who form the population referred to as the cannibals tribeless in the millions, against the growing tribe and thus, overwhelming its army and having the cannibals devour the raw flesh of the men, women, and children of the tribe. After wiping out of existence the tribe that existed in its territory prior, the demon goes on to fence that very territory with the skulls of the tribe’s populist on barbed wooden stakes in the hundreds of thousands all around that territory as a warning for anyone who ever dared to trespass.
The first book in the series, The Ghost of Africa, opens with Likando, the heir-elect to the Lozi throne, preparing for the maturity ceremony who gets ambushed by a gang of purported ‘mixed-breeds’. This series of events leads her to come face-to-face with the Ghost of Africa.

REVIEW

★★★★

Ghost Tribes: The Ghost of Africa by Venancio Cadle Gomani Jr. is a beautiful book that is culturally so rich that it is impossible to not like it. It is an enriched and captivating tale which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

The book opens with a bang and ends on such a high note that I was left thoroughly impressed by the author’s ability to pull off something like this, which is conceptually so heavy, with such ease and precision. The writing is commendable and I am looking forward to reading more works by the author.

The characterization could have been better, but it is one of those books in which story is the main hero and the characters come next. So overall it proved to be a pretty good read and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes reading books with more emphasis on the story than characters.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: The Subject And The Scientist by Montana Stayer

16/06/2018Dark Fiction, Montana Stayer, Science-FictionLeave a Comment

Author: Montana Stayer
Release Date: 6th February 2018
Genre: Science Fiction, Dark Fiction
~~Series:~~
Edition: E-book
Pages: 187
Publisher: –
Blurb:
The Scientist’s daughter was dying and he was desperate to save her by any means necessary. He illegally and artificially created the Subject, the perfect donor body, but was taken by surprise when the Subject turned out to be a fully conscious child. Faced with the choice of taking care of the child he accidentally created or saving his daughter, the Scientist chose the latter. He kept the Subject locked in the basement with full intent to kill her to save his daughter.
The Scientist’s plan ultimately failed and his daughter died, leaving him with the “thing” meant to save her.
It’s been years since his daughter died and the Scientist has kept the Subject locked up alone in the basement, refusing to acknowledge that she is a child and treating her strictly as an experiment. He keeps a rigid routine when visiting her and attempts to be completely objective, which proves to be difficult as the Subject has grown to be a very friendly child who insists on trying to build some sort of relationship with him.
Nothing’s changed in a long time. The Scientist begins losing sleep because of his worsening mental and emotional states and his exhaustion leads to mistakes, which cause problems with the Subject. When the Subject’s health starts rapidly deteriorating because of him, the Scientist’s forced to reconsider his objectivity but he is adamant about remaining indifferent, endangering the Subject’s life.

Review

★★★

The Subject And The Scientist by Montana Stayer is an unusual sci-fi tale about a man who does something he never intended to do and then ends up, quite unhappily, living with the consequences of his acts.

The plot described in the blurb of the book is simple enough, but the story is not; it is way more than one might expect after reading the summary. For one, the emotional aspect of the story was something I really found interesting, especially the detachment of The Scientist, the lead character, towards the girl, The Subject.

The writing style was simple and okay but the characterization was something I wasn’t overly impressed with. Overall, I feel that the story demanded two very, very strong characters to take the story to another level and that was something I found missing. The ending was different and made sense.

I’d recommend this book to light sci-fi fans and readers of the dark genre.

this review is also posted on goodreads and amazon

Book Review: Purgatorium by J.H. Carnathan

07/05/2018Dark Fiction, J.H. Carnathan, Mystery, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: J.H. Carnathan
Release Date: 27th May 2016
Genre: Dark Mystery, Thriller
~~Series~~:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 430
Publisher: J.H. Carnathan
Blurb:
When his watch resets to zero, his morning starts again. Everyday his time always ends right at 60 Minutes, giving him only 5 minutes to stay at one particular place in his normal routine. The empty streets and familiar places are strange facsimiles of his previous life. He keeps reliving these same events over and over, barely able to remember anything and unable to maintain mental order as he stumbles through a strange existence. He soon learns that his physical body is in a coma and his consciousness is currently in a purgatory-like realm. As his body lies in a coma, his mind has been living a lavish lifestyle at a price: his sinful memories and his autonomy. After finding out his life support is coming to an end he must now run the last race for his life to decide if he is a “soul survivor” ready for a second chance at life or a lost soul willing to give it all up. He needs to outrun reapers, outthink the clock, and chase down his inner demons if he is ever going to get free. The race is on, and if he is going to survive, he’ll have to confront the world he’s always been so desperate to escape from.

Review

★★★+1/2

Purgatorium by J.H. Carnathan is a unique book with a story so intricate you wouldn’t mind being lost in it for hours.

When I first read the summary of the book, I was very intrigued and that was the main reason I picked it to read. Initially, it took me some time to get a hold of the theme of the story (obviously I knew it, but it took some getting used to) and once I got into the rhythm of the story flow, it only got more and more interesting.

Without giving away much, I’d just say that this book is more like a puzzle than a story; it has lots of clues and red-herrings and takes you on a mind-bending journey only to leave you baffled at the end. This is the first book of this kind that I’ve read and I did enjoy it. Though, my only problem was that I wasn’t able to feel a connection with the main character. I do get the abstractness of his identity, still, I wasn’t able to root for him to find himself amidst all the chaos.

I’d recommend this book to dark fiction lovers and to anyone who loves solving peculiar puzzles.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Graphic Novel Review: Manga Classics – The Stories Of Edgar Allen Poe

23/03/2018Classics, Dark Fiction, Graphic-Novel, Horror, Manga Classics, Mystery, Short-Stories, Stacy King, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Adapted By: Stacy King
Illustrator: Several
Release Date: 17th October 2017
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Short-Story Collection, Graphic Novel
~~Series:~~
Edition: PDF
Pages: 308
Publisher: Udon Entertainment
Blurb:
The Tales of Edgar Allan Poe is a brilliant collection of some of his best-known stories: The Tell Tale Heart (a murder s haunting guilt), The Cask of Amontillado (a story of brilliant revenge), and The Fall of the House of Usher (an ancient house full of very dark secrets). Also included in this collection are The Mask of the Red Death (horrors of ‘the Plague’), and the most famous of all his poems: The Raven (a lover s decline into madness). Best read in a dimly-lit room with the curtains drawn, Poe s brilliant works come to life in darkly thrilling ways in this Manga Classic adaptation.”

Review

★★★

The Stories Of Edgar Allen Poe is another adaptation by Stacy King, who has adapted several other Manga Classics including Sense And Sensibility. This was my first encounter with any of Edgar Allen Poe’s works, and to say that the stories creeped me out would be an understatement considering that I write horror and creep-worthy fiction myself.

To be honest, this book did not please me like some of the other Manga Classics did; maybe it was because I wasn’t able to connect with Poe’s writing, or maybe because there were only a couple of stories. Either way, I didn’t like this book enough to get and read other works by Mr Poe because having previously read Stacy King’s other adaptations, I know that that it wasn’t because of her or the illustrations, which were beautifully done, to say the least.

The illustrations, as mentioned above, were awesome and spell-binding (literally!) They felt eerie and many times I stopped reading only to examine the illustrations more closely as they had such amazing details. Unfortunately, I received a very early ARC edition of this particular book, so some of the illustrations were only in black and white. Nonetheless, the illustrations were remarkable.

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If you’re anything like me and dread reading most fo the classics, then go ahead and give this one a read. It never hurts to have read the condensed and illustrated version of the most famous works of one of the greatest authors of their time.

Bookstagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/BexQFMKjiq1/?taken-by=thereadingbud

Review also posted on: Goodreads and NetGalley

Book Review: Something Needs Bleeding: The Final Novel by Thomas Singer by Christopher Long

18/05/201729/06/2017Christopher Long, Dark Fiction, HorrorLeave a Comment

Author: Christopher Long
Release Date: 28th September 2015
Genre: Horror, Dark
Edition: E-book
Pages: 334
Publisher: Wallace Publishing

Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb:

Kensington Gore is a man on a mission. He always aims to give his readers something fresh from the world of horror. Only this time he is offering you something a little different. This time he is offering you a piece of horror history to call your very own. Collected in this volume are the final works of one of the great unsung heroes of horror, Thomas Singer. Singer was a man who truly knew how to terrify his readers with his strange, nightmarish tales. Sadly, though, he never received the acclaim in life he so rightly deserved. Following the mysterious death of the reclusive writer earlier this year, Kensington Gore Publishing author Christopher Long was invited to help edit Singer’s final five bone chilling tales and introduce them to the world. There are many rumours and theories about what secrets these stories may hold. Singer himself selected them from his extensive back catalogue and held them back to be released only after his death. So read Something Needs Bleeding, if you dare. See what you can find hidden in the final pages Thomas Singer had to offer the world. Just be careful you don’t come away with blood all over you.

Review

Something Needs Bleeding by Christopher Long is a compilation of horror stories by Thomas Singer, a talented but recluse author and wanted who wanted these stories to be published and read by his readers only after his death.

The fact that this book has stories by a dead author who wanted them published only after his death is disquieting in itself. I did feel a queer feeling when I finished reading the introduction and started reading the first story and once I got started there was no turning back. The uncertainty that these stories could very well have been real experiences of the author made my nerves stand on end throughout the book.

I liked the introductions by Christopher Long, mostly because they added a layer of intrigue and uneasiness to the stories that followed. They were also quite informative, as not having known Thomas Singer at all, they helped me know a lot about him and hence, develop a connection with the stories. They added a layer of intimacy between the stories and the reader and it felt like I’ve known Singer all my life.

The stories… well, they were all masterpieces. And I say this being a horror author myself. They weren’t outrageously spooky or even scary, but they were quite firm in holding the reader’s attention and the detailing and the easy flow of the writing and the beautiful progression of each and every story was spot on and more than enough for me to give this book a full 5/5 rating.

In fact, I’m going to dig up other books by Thomas Singer and read them all because his writing deserves to be read and relished. I’m sure he’s smiling from up there reading this review and I hope that he did not meet his end in the way one of his stories end (Something Needs Bleeding – 3rd incision.)

I found each and every story to be a work of genius. I loved each and every single story and I found myself completely losing in them and losing the track of time. The narration (and the first person POVs) were written in such a way that it made me feel as if I was right there and it was all happening right in front of me. The imagery (the proper term for what I just said) was superb!

I’d recommend this book to all the horror readers and to those who won’t mind reading dark and creepy stuff. If you love the horror genre, then you simply can’t afford to miss this one.

More from the author: Author Interview: Christopher Long

Goodreads and Amazon

Novella Review: Fly And Other Stories

28/10/201528/10/2015Anneliese Poelsma, Book Reviews (by Genre), Books Reviews (by Author), Dark Fiction, Short-Stories4 Comments

Author: Anneliese Poelsma 
Release Date: January 12, 2015 
Series: None
Genre: Short Stories |Dark Fiction | Psychological Fiction | Adult
Edition: E-Book (mobi) 
Pages: 68
Publisher: Self-Published 
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon

Blurb

A book of six short stories.

Winner of the 2014 Ada Cambridge Prose Prize, ‘fly’ tells the story about a power struggle between two women whose relationship is doomed from the start yet neither can let go, one because of a desire for power and control, the other because of an inability to let go of her need for escapism and change.

‘I live in the bathroom. My husband locked me in here in a fit of rage…’
Winner of the 2002 Verandah Literary Award for fiction, ‘I Live in the Bathroom’ is an unsettling psychological tale about a woman’s disturbing fight to retain her sanity in a domestic setting gone awry. After being locked up by her grieving husband, she takes us on a dangerous journey into the bugs and viruses of the human mind as she struggles to make sense of her reality and the consequences of her dark feelings of jealousy and rejection.

Jennifer… an innocent, socially awkward woman being bullied by her chic office colleagues, or an obsessed, narcissistic stalker capable of the darkest of deeds?

‘Where Maisy Went’
Longlisted for the 2014 Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize.
Desperate for a baby of her own, a stroll through the inner city gardens turns into an impromptu kidnapping for middle-aged, mentally challenged Georgia. Ill equipped for the sudden demands of motherhood and with the mind of a child herself, Georgia unwittingly embarks on a journey towards infanticide.

The food the food the food…
‘Skin’ tells the story about the role food can play in the struggle against self-loathing, the fear of rejection and the fight for control and preservation of self in the face of psychological manipulation and abuse. Skin outlines one lesbian woman’s battle to free herself not only from the power of false love but the demands of a society and its concepts of what constitutes feminine beauty.

‘Jump’
One man’s search for his family in a busy shopping center becomes a search for meaning and purpose in his life. As he loses hope at every wrong turn and the resulting disasters continually test his lacking confidence, the man must decide if his life is worth the continued struggle against disappointment, disapproval and death.

‘fly and other stories’ explores human strength and fallibility in the face of failed emotional connections. It investigates the fragility of sanity and the desire to hold onto hope, sometimes where there is none. Each character seeks to achieve a sense of self-improvement, freedom and happiness, sometimes successfully, sometimes misguided, sometimes with horrific consequences as they struggle to force their worlds to make sense.

Rating

Review

Fly And Other Short Stories is a short-stories collection of 6 brilliantly written short stories. The main theme of the story is exploring the dark rooms inside a person and the author has done it to perfection.

I enjoyed each and every story and was left craving for more. All the stories were short, to-the-point and smart. I really liked reading them and they really creeped the hell out of me (yeah, I just made that up. But you get the drift, right?)

To be honest, when I first saw this book on Goodreads, I had no idea what to expect from it. I mean the name itself felt bizarre and then as soon as I read the blurb, I was sold! I immediately accepted the review request and now, that I’ve read it, I’m really happy that I read it.

If you like the works of Stephen King and Gillian Flynn then this book is a must read. It’s a novella, but it packs a serious punch. All the stories are 5/5. In fact, they are so good that I can’t even pick a favorite one.

I’d recommend this book to all the readers of dark fiction, especially those who have a thing for creepy stuff and don’t mind the negative side of things.

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Other Stuff

Opening Line: I sit on the edge of the couch, perched and stiff.

Highlights: Brilliant storytelling.

Lowlights: None.

Final Thoughts: A brilliant short story collection.

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★★★★★

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