Tag Archives: review

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Dreams Of Lake Drukka:

For a while, I was wondering when the horror would begin in Dreams Of Lake Drukka. For a couple dozen or so pages, it was mostly sisterly squabbles. Basically, arguments many siblings have or had partaken in a time or two (or more). It wasn’t until Jeannette and Sharla crossed over the fence leading to Lake Drukka when things finally started to look up. Well, for us horror readers it did…not so much for these two gals or their daddy.

The terror-filled moments starring the phantom were spooky in written form. However, it would downright terrify viewers in 2 or 3D. This would be one of those movies you’ll be screaming at the screen, “Run, chick, run!!!!”

Since my mind tends to operate like a movie projector, I can visualize it in 2D.

First ½ of the Dreams Of Lake Drukka: 2 hearts (stars)

Last ½ of the story: 4 and1/2 hearts (stars)

Overall score: 3 and 1/2 hearts (stars)

Exhumation:

Exhumation started off creepy, progressed to F***ed up and stayed firmly in that position until the very end.

From the start, Norm proved to be a strange character but I had no idea how quickly things would go from strange to I WANT TO HURL!

If you like creepy, weird, and/or grotesque scenes then you must read Exhumation.

Score on this story alone: 4 ½ hearts (stars)

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)

Overall Score:❤❤❤❤

Mike Thorn is the author of Darkest Hours and Dreams of Lake Drukka & Exhumation. His fiction has appeared in numerous magazines, anthologies and podcasts, including Dark Moon Digest, The NoSleep Podcast, Turn to Ash and Tales to Terrify. His film criticism has been published in MUBI Notebook, The Film Stage, The Seventh Row, Bright Lights Film Journal and Vague Visages. He completed his M.A. with a major in English literature at the University of Calgary, where he wrote a thesis on epistemophobia in John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness. Visit his WEBSITE, connect with him on TWITTER and follow him on GOODREADS.

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as gore, horror, phantom, review, short stories

January 10, 2020 · 5:00 am

The Shop Before Life by Neil Hughes (Book Review)

After two happy centuries in the prelife, Faythe is battling the most dangerous human emotion. She’s bored.

But when she accepts a once-in-a-prelifetime opportunity to become Apprentice at the magical Shop Before Life, her days become dreadfully interesting.

Now she helps customers with the most important choice they’ll ever make: who to become in the afterprelife–or “life”, for short. Will they be born on Earth with MATHEMATICAL GIFTS? Or perhaps they’d prefer DELIGHTED BY CATS?

But Faythe has questions of her own. Like–what exactly is in these jars of human traits? And who is the mysterious Supplier who creates them?

Unfortunately, these questions could awaken an ancient conflict and even destroy the Shop itself. They should maybe mention that sort of thing during orientation.

Management are going to be furious, but their divine punishment must wait. Right now, Faythe needs to discover the secrets of the Shop in order to save it.

If she fails, nobody will become themselves ever again . . .

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Life is a fickle b!tch. People are born. People live. People die.

People speculate what comes after death. Some people believe there’s a heaven and hell. While others stand firm in the knowledge, nothing is awaiting us in the afterlife. With all the discussion on the after, people rarely speak of the before. This is where The Shop Before Life became very interesting to me.

Whether you have faith in a higher being or not, this story will get you thinking. I can’t disclose the bombshell Faythe discovered when she met Management; however, I will briefly talk about the shop and the jars of traits.

Every possible trait was available to those who entered the shop.

1.) Grab a basket and browse the numerous aisles.

2.) See something you like, add it to your basket.

3.) Once you fill your basket and can’t carry anymore, head to checkout.

4.) Now, you are all set to journey to Earth and be born.

Sounds simple, right?! Ah, the simplest ideas and jobs often prove most challenging.

Have you ever been to the store and the shelves haven’t been restocked yet?

Something you want is out of stock?

Maybe your favorite store closed down?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then how upset did you become?

The people of prelife reacted in the same manner you’d expect a living, breathing person to behave. Yup, they went off the rails.

Life on Earth was affected because of the events happening in and around the shop. I won’t say how though. (No Spoilers)

I encourage everyone to read this story. It’s highly entertaining, thought-provoking, and the perfect book for many age groups.

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)

Score:❤❤❤❤

As well as The Shop Before Life, Neil Hughes is the author of Walking on Custard & the Meaning of Life, a hilarious and useful guide to life with anxiety. Along with writing more books, he spends his time on humorous talks about mental health, standup comedy, physics, computer programming, and everything from music, video games, languages and pub quizzes. He struggles to answer the question “so, what do you do?” and is worried that the honest answer is probably “procrastinate.” He would like it if you said hello at enhughesiasm.com

Twitter Link

4 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as action, adventure, fantasy, humor, magic, mystery, philosophical, review

December 14, 2019 · 5:00 am

The Crown for Castlewood Manor: My American Almost-Royal Cousin Series by Veronica Cline Barton (Book Review)

The English ancestral manor of Cherrywood Hall is ready to compete for selection in an upcoming British TV period drama series: the grounds are manicured, the mansion is polished, and the servants are poised. American heiress Gemma Lancaster Phillips has crossed the pond to help her cousin defeat the three other stately homes vying for the prize.

What Gemma doesn’t realize is that this competition is life or death, and someone is taking that challenge literally. The occupants of one home are killed in an automobile accident, and murder becomes a frequent occurrence at the other locations. Who is behind the mayhem? Selection would be a major coup for both the estate and the community. At first the other contestants seem to be likely suspects, but no one is quite certain as the tragedies continue. Could it even be Emma’s beloved cousin Evan, the surviving heir to the Lancaster fortune, or Kyle, his best friend and estate manager? With the Royal family in attendance at each event, the puzzle becomes a crucial one for Scotland Yard, and they enlist Gemma’s help to solve the mystery.

When the competition’s winner is announced on New Year’s Eve, will Gemma’s future be forever tied to her ancestral past?

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Wow, royal families really know how to throw a party. No matter where the competition events were being held, pandemonium was soon to erupt.

Shots fired. Drinks poisoned. Suspicious car accidents.

Who was the killer and was he or she working alone?

This was not a simple murder mystery book. Veronica Cline Barton (the author) will have you guessing right up until the end when Chief Inspector Marquot explains all the motives behind each illegal act.

BTW: I would be shocked to know any reader was 100% correct in all the who’s and why’s of this multiple murder mystery.

I do have some bit of advice before you crack open this book. Grab snacks!

Veronica mentioned food so many times that I was starving by the time I finished the book. 🙂

Good luck, super sleuths!

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

Veronica Cline Barton earned graduate degrees in both engineering and business and has had successful careers in the software and technology industries. Her lifelong love affair with British murder mysteries inspired her to embark on a literary career. The Crown for Castlewood Manor and Cast, Crew, & Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood Manor are the first and second books in what she calls her My American Almost Royal Cousin Series. When not traveling and spinning mystery yarns, she lives in California with her husband, Bruce, and her two cats, Daisy and Ebbie.

Amazon Author Page Link
Twitter Link
Website Link
Instagram Link

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as British, Christmas, detective, Holidays, love, mystery, review, romance, royalty, suspense, thriller

November 26, 2019 · 5:00 am

Breaking Eselda & Redeeming Jordyn by Tabatha Shipley (Two Book Reviews)

~ Book One: A Kingdom of Fraun series ~

Strength, humility, speed, mirth, and wisdom are perfectly balanced in the kingdom of Fraun where council leaders make decisions in the best interest of all Fraunians. Meanwhile, young Princess Eselda is being groomed to eventually take the throne of Enchenda. But as her reign draws closer and long-held secrets are revealed, she realizes that her title comes with challenges she never imagined.

In Fraun, there are rulers who will kill to keep their secrets hidden; and rulers who will kill to change the council.

What kind of ruler will Eselda be?

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Murder, mystery, deception, secrets, scandals, and a love triangle await you amongst the pages of Breaking Eselda.

Eselda’s life is not dull. As she prepares to take the throne, her life is bombarded with questions. Is she ready to rule Enchenda? Should she get married? Whom should she marry? Is she prepared to birth an heir to the throne?

Being in charge of a realm is a taxing job. There are so many decisions to be made. There’s also the worry of becoming dark and malicious around your 20th birthday.

In Breaking Eselda, a lifespan isn’t nearly as long as what we have in real life. At age marker ten, a royal individual reaches full height. When he or she reaches forty annuals, their hair turns gray, and their bodies begin to fail them. Death soon follows.

I wouldn’t want life to end this soon.

I also wouldn’t want to ride on a talking cockroach or eat earthworm stew. For sure, the only bug I would ever consider using for transportation is a Volkswagen Beetle. 😀

No, I like my bugs small, and my meals bug-free.

This book is labeled young adult, but even people with many years under his or her belt will find enjoyment with it as well.

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

~ Book Two: A Kingdom of Fraun series ~

King Jordyn is realizing things in Fraun were not what they appeared to be. With Queen Eselda of Enchenda making the choice to side with King Tin of Sarcheda, it seems like war is coming to Fraun.

Does Jordyn have what it takes to save Fraun?

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Design-wise, Breaking Eselda and Redeeming Jordyn couldn’t be any different. Breaking Eselda’s cover is bold, eye-catching; whereas, Redeeming Jordyn’s cover is dull and lifeless. When you open up the books, you’ll notice the story setups are also vastly different. Breaking Eselda has zero double spacing between lines and paragraphs while Redeeming Jordyn was littered with them. If you placed these two books side by side, you’d swear they had two different designers and editors. I also found more editing errors in Redeeming Jordyn than its predecessor.

As for plot and execution, Redeeming Jordyn had its share of shocking developments. As with any war, people rose up to fight their oppressors. Blood was spilled, lives were lost, but it wasn’t all for naught.

Leaders emerged, hearts mended, and the land of Fraun has hope once again.

All in all, Redeeming Jordyn was an okay read. Was it as good as Breaking Eselda? No, but I would still recommend it to others. 😉

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

Tabatha is the author of the Kingdom of Fraun series,Projection, and 30 Days Without Wings. She believes strongly in the power of helping others and is always willing to help out a fellow writer or reader. Find and connect with her on whichever social media platform you love best.

Amazon Author Page Link / Website Link

Twitter Link / Instagram Link / Goodreads Link

Facebook Link / YouTube Channel Link

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as battles, fantasy, king, love, prince, princess, queen, review, sorcery, sword, teen, war, YA

November 18, 2019 · 5:00 am

30 Days Without Wings by Tabatha Shipley (Book Showcase)

Faeries are real.

Elise is a faerie who has experienced terrible heartache and just needs a change before she is forced to choose the path she will walk forever. She will risk everything for one chance at happiness. But is the cost of the risk more than Elise bargained for?

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Purchase Link

Here goes nothing. My shoes make a light tapping noise on the polished floor as I make my way across it. Normally you probably wouldn’t hear it, but the echo off the domed roof is deafening. As my heart thuds away in my chest I have to wonder if they can hear that too. Are they used to the children sounding nervous?

The elder who walked me in takes to the air instead, crossing the chamber in half my time. I watch her drop delicately into her seat, smiling at a few fae on either side of her. Flying was a good idea, I wish I’d thought of it.

I reach the middle of the room and stop. The man before me has so much gold on his wings you can no longer see any clear. It sends beams of light flying out in every direction around him, giving the impression that he is glowing. He has years of impressive service to this community. He wears a long white beard, but it doesn’t hide the youthful expression in his eyes. I wonder what this man does for our society.

I tip my head downward in greeting. “Thank you all for seeing me.”

“We are here today to allow Elise an opportunity to choose the path of her future. Today she will choose the direction of her training. Elise, today you will tell us what future will earn color in your wings. What say you?” the elder asks. His voice echoes through the chamber.

I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat. Here goes nothing. “Can I request a manifest period?”

There’s an audible gasp from a few of the elders assembled. They range in age, I know. Some are no older than me, really, but have shown themselves to be adept at their field. Each sector of our society, each job held, has an elder who presides over it. They are all here today to hear my choice. Evidently, this is not what they wanted to hear. My wings begin to flutter nervously. They are well within their rights to tell me no, although it’s not normally done that way.

“Well, yes child. This would allow you a one-month period to travel to other colonies and decide where you would like your future to play out.” He commands the attention of a few elders who have reverted to whispering in the back by clearing his throat. “I believe we are surprised, Elise, because this practice is typically reserved for fae who have family in other circles. To be blunt, my dear, we are all you have.”

“But I could be allowed to try?” I ask.

The man looks to his right. A beautiful faerie sits along the lowest row of chairs beside him, her wings sending off silver rays instead of gold. She is our leader. Once she chose her path, the change was instant. Her silver wings are rumored to have fully colored right then, in the prediction of service she would do. It is strange that she has been our leader for as long as anyone can remember, and yet she looks so young. Her face is thin, her eyes forgiving. Her long white hair reaches her waist. The hair tugs a little as she nods once to the speaker. My eyes immediately lock back on him.

“Yes, of course. We would need to see you again in one month’s time to hear your decision. You would be required to return for that second meeting and the decision you express at that time would be final.”

My heart flutters with the permission. I’m so close now. “That is what I wish, then. Thank you.”

It has gone dangerously quiet in the chamber again. All eyes are on me; I can feel them melting into my face. I gulp. They have to have the final word. It is not official until they speak.

The face of the speaking elder reveals nothing. He remains stoic. Finally, he nods once. “So be it.”

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Purchase Link

Amazon Author Page Link / Website Link

Twitter Link / Instagram Link / Goodreads Link

Facebook Link / YouTube Channel Link