Tag Archives: creatures

Steel Horizons by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Spotlight)

 

The Ashlands were never meant to be conquered. Ravaged by war and poisoned by time, this vast wasteland was the last stronghold of the machines—a relentless force threatening humanity’s survival. For the Pacific Union fleet, battered and weary from countless battles, there is no choice but to fight. Failure means extinction.

Akira Tanaka, Maile Kaulani, and Kento Mori have led their crews through impossible odds, dismantling the machines’ network node by node. But with every victory comes heavier losses, and the final push tests the limits of their strength, resolve, and unity. As they venture into the heart of the machines’ fortress, where every step could be their last, the cost of survival becomes painfully clear.

Set against a backdrop of steampunk-inspired technology, relentless action, and haunting landscapes, Steel Horizons is a gripping tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding human spirit. Will the fleet endure, or will the Ashlands claim their last hope?

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Meet the Authors!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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Nightmares in the Neighborhood by Rocky Leplin (Book Spotlight)

NIGHTMARES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is a sequel to HORRORS OF THE HOUSEHOLD.But is it SCARIER? Or does that depend on what page you’re on?

 

The DOORKNOB DEMON probably isn’t too scary, unless of course you’re trying to turn a doorknob. But what about other creatures FROM HERE TO THE CORNER? Here are three.

 

TREE TROLLS, TREE TROLLS, they’re hungry and they have no souls!
So should you want to hug a tree
Be sure it’s all there is to see.
Or Snap! (your spine), and Crack! (your back),
When the tree you’re hugging hugs you back.

 

THE SIDEWALK SERPENT
sucks your bones out through your skin
Till you’re narrow as a pin,
And doesn’t stop till the sidewalk
Bangs your chin.

 

THE LAMPOST GENIE
Lights its globe
In a manner quite insane:
It draws off the electricity
You use to light your brain.

 

HORRORS JUST A STROLL FROM HOME features some bad dudes, such as

THE PIGEON IMPOSTER
It looks just like a pigeon;
It pecks just like one too,
But after it’s through digesting its food,
It drops what’s left on you.

 

THE DUMPSTER MUMMY
Will shriek just for the shock,
Blasting foul breath in your face,
Then plunge you deep in the dumpster’s
Oozy, putrid, rank embrace.

 

THE APARTMENT BUILDING BORE
is never angry, never sore.
Its voice is never loud,
It doesn’t scream, it doesn’t roar.
It talks to you in monotones,
Its voice just drones…and drones…and drones…
Like the tones of ancient telephones
Or the moan of wind across dry bones.

 

And watch out for WEIRD WALLS,
When you’re snoozing in your bed,
Walls you breathe in through your nose
That tunnel through your head.

The closer to the edge of town you get,
The more challenging are the circumstances.

 

If you catch TUNNELITIS,
You’ll hear harsh noises in the dark—
A hiss, a howl, a growl, a bark,
A flutter of many wings, and then
The mutterings of mad old men.

 

In the GHOST MALL
Though the air feels motionless,
Drafts sigh through the holes
Of the donuts in the donut shop
Like the cries of long lost souls.

The male mannequins look lifeless,
But then you see what’s wrong:
Their chins sprout hair, and their fingernails
Are several inches long.

They rise up from their pedestals
And writhe around in the air,
As if they’re being tortured
By the clothes they have to wear.

 

I can’t expose to anyone reading this to the POPCORN PANIC, or the TRAINIAC. You’re probably too young!

 

Finally, farther than the edge of town, there is THE VISITOR.

They found it there one midnight
It had washed up on the shore
And no one ever said
That they had seen it there before.
But they must have all been waiting for it,
That’s how it looked to me—
For several days I’d seen them
Standing staring out to sea.

 

Read Nightmares in the Neighborhood at your own risk! The author is not responsible for the cost in time and treasure to revive someone who has fainted dead away.

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Meet the Author

Rocky Leplin

Author of six books of rhymed verse, including the epic novel Humphrey’s Long Journey Away from the Sea.

In 2020 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his story The Incredible Man-Eating Marshmallow.

In 2022 his wacky how-not-to manual A Psycho’s Guide to Animal Companionship— Instructions for the abnormal pet companion was a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

In 2023 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his poem The Apartment Building Bore.

In 2024 he was a Finalist in the Humor category of the Next Generation Short Story Awards for his story The Tumultuous Tire Revolution.

He has written three novels, the musical The Purpose of the Moon and over 500 songs, many of which can be heard on this website.

His next publication is called Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk, a field guide to ominous animals.

 

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Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains by Stacie Green (Book Review)

Kindle is OUT NOW!
Hardcover Releases March 5th!

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a journey into the heart of Appalachian folklore and childhood wonder. In this beautifully illustrated memoir, Stacie Green shares the stories passed down by her grandparents, filled with signs from nature, superstitions, and folklore of creatures that roam the woods. Perfect for young readers ages 7-12 and educators exploring regional culture. This book invites readers to discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is an educational story divided into sections, offering insight into the Appalachian people, food, weather predictions, omens and superstitions, deaths and traditions, paranormal encounters, language, and influences/heritage. The writer also included an index and vocabulary section, resource lists, and festivals. But, before they dived into the mountain’s rich history, we learn what or, better yet, who inspired this book’s creation.

The author wrote Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains as a tribute to their grandparent and to preserve the Appalachian history for future generations. In the introduction, readers will discover how far the Appalachian Mountains stretch, its highest point, and which river measures the same length as the mountain range. The author graciously provides a map of thirteen states and details about this wondrous Blue Ridge Mountains. They also share a bit about their maternal grandparents, Howard and Lucy, and parental grandparents, Treva and Raymond. They taught Stacie Green (the writer) about the rich history of the mountains, how to be self-sufficient, and the importance of appreciating the beauty and abundance of nature. You can feel the author’s love for her family and gratitude for their teachings. Love and respect continue to be felt on every page of Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Uncover the full spectrum of information, starting with what cultures and animals call the mountains home and how people survive on the land. We learn how observing animals and insects signals rain is imminent, expect an early winter, snow is coming, or alerting us about upcoming bad weather. Read and store this section’s helpful info because it can be useful!

Though I enjoyed the list and explanations surrounding omens and superstitions, especially those focused on “death,” my favorite sections dealt with the paranormal world—the “otherworldly” creatures that also call the mountain home. The Wampus Cat, half human and half feline, was most fascinating. I had no idea of its theorized origin. The same goes for the Bell Witch Legend. While I wouldn’t like to cross paths with a Wendigo, Mothman, or Dogman, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Brown Mountain lights in North Carolina.

After we unravel the Appalachian language, the author steps back in time and gives us a history lesson on the native people. These factoids would make great conversation starters! For instance, did you know that the making of moonshine can be traced back to the 17th century? This is merely the tip of the iceberg of all the fascinating information you’ll learn and want to share with your family, friends, or students!

The text presentation hit a snag on a few occasions. The (sometimes) extra spacing between letters made a single world appear as two. Occasionally, it looked as if there was an attempt to erase a handwritten letter, but it didn’t entirely erase, leaving behind a wisp of lines. Those minor glitches aside, I highly recommend you read Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll walk away from the story with a new appreciation for Appalachian culture, particularly the Blue Ridge Mountains, which the writer’s family and many others call home.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

Reedsy’s Review Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Stacie Green is an author-illustrator based in North Carolina. She has written and illustrated several books featuring monsters including Monsters Need Breaks Too! and Monster Problems A to Z. Her illustrative style is richly colored, full of patterns, and brings nature and folklore together.

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Monster Problems A to Z by Stacie Green (Book Spotlight)

Journey through the alphabet with mythical creatures as they confront real-life challenges. From anxious aliens to zoned-out zombies, this vibrant hand – illustrated book combines fantasy and empathy with clever vocabulary to create a world where monsters are a lot like us. Delight in this story from the author of “Monsters Need Breaks Too!” and continue the fun with these relatable whimsical mythical creatures!

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PREVIEW

 

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Meet the Author

Hi. I’m Stacie Green, Illustrator and artist. My love of art started around the time I learned how to hold a crayon. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, I would spend countless hours outdoors with paper and crayons in hand. One of my earliest memories is sitting outside next to a tree stump watching my grandparents’ brown and black farm dog, asleep stretched out in the sun. As I began to draw him, I noticed how the light played on each color of his fur differently. I was fascinated by all the little details around me, especially in nature. The repeating patterns in leaves, the spots on the back of a crawdad in the creek, and the tiny seeds of a dandelion were all beautiful and interesting to me.

I seek to capture those little details in my artwork, whether it is hand drawing, paintings, or graphic designs. There is often a story or memory behind my work. Many of my characters and creatures are from stories I’ve written and developed. As you take in my work, I hope you will find the beauty in the details and come to appreciate lines, patterns, color, and texture as much as I do.

My background is in Studio Art and Fibers. I hold a Masters in Art Education and taught in public, private, and international schools for over 10 years. My family includes my engineer hubby and three quirky kids. In my free time, you will find me studying more about surface pattern design, reading, drawing with my favorite oil pastels, traveling, and hanging out with my friends. I love Boho style, flowy clothing, and lots of jewelry. When we meet, I will probably remind you of your favorite quirky art teacher!

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How to Keep Monsters Out of Your Room by Catie Cat (Book Review)

Dru has monsters in his room! After several attempts, he finally figures out how to get rid of them! This rhyming picture book includes a project so YOU can get rid of YOUR monsters too! Afraid of the dark + problem solver.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Every night, kids worldwide fear the possibility of a monster lurking under their bed or in the closet. They sleep with lights on, fearing what could creep out from the shadows if they are left in complete darkness. Dru, like so many other young children, has difficulty falling asleep due to fear and anxiety over bedroom “creatures.” 

Due to vivid imaginations, every monster’s appearance varies to some degree. Dru’s unwelcomed guest has large, pointy teeth and green bulging eyes. He looked like a cross between a wolf and a dragon. I can understand why the beast was causing such a fright. I applaud the artist’s skills. Each page looked like a painting.

Dru yelled at the beast to leave his room immediately, but his demands went unannounced. He then remembered the warning signs he’d seen with his mom and recalled their meanings. No left turns. No dogs allowed. No cell phones. Everyone followed these signs and more, promptly Dru to have an ingenious idea. He knew how to keep the monsters out of his room for good! 

Children will witness Dru’s plan in action. They’ll cheer at his success. Then, after the story’s conclusion, they can follow Dru’s instructions and make a “No Monsters Allowed” sign to hang up anywhere in their room. 

When bedtime calls, kids can’t help but fear darkened corners, what supposedly is waiting under their bed, or what else is in their closet besides toys and clothes. How to Keep Monsters Out of Your Room aims to teach kids how to scare “monsters” away so they can get a peaceful night’s sleep. I think everyone will agree that is a great end goal!

Studies show that fear of darkness begins around the age of two; therefore, I recommend sharing the picture book with children as young as two. I also recommend creating your monster “stop” sign. 

Let’s squash those fears before they keep anyone up all night! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤

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Meet the Author 

Catherine Castoro (Catie Cat) is an author and illustrator. How to Keep Monsters Out of Your Room is her third children’s book. Published Adult non-fiction: THE FERRY TO DUBLIN, January 2018 edition of The Ocotillo Review. She has two grown children and lives with her husband in Austin, Texas.

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