Super twisted haunted house tale that is completely unique. Based on concept alone I would have rated it higher, but because the narrative follows 5 cSuper twisted haunted house tale that is completely unique. Based on concept alone I would have rated it higher, but because the narrative follows 5 characters and I found it difficult to keep them all separated, I knocked a star off....more
Science fiction is generally outside my reading comfort zone, but there’s something about the genre that keeps me coming back for more. I love the refScience fiction is generally outside my reading comfort zone, but there’s something about the genre that keeps me coming back for more. I love the reflections on society and humanity these books offer, yet they’re often written in a style where the reader must work hard to discover what the commentary is saying, and that aspect is where I tend to stumble. It’s not that I mind being an active reader, I just end up feeling like much of the themes fly straight over my head. Despite this love-hate relationship I have with science fiction I decided to read The City Around the World by Elliot Harper and I’m glad I did.
The book reminded me of a smash up of Trainspotting and The Matrix – an unlikely pairing, but it worked quite well. I’m pegging this story as science fiction due to thematic and stylistic choices, although it could just as easily be called dystopian fiction or dark speculative fiction, and there are even sections which fit well inside cosmic horror.
The story begins as our unnamed main character awakens from his latest drug binge and finds a mysterious object in his possession. His first thought is to sell the object to buy more drugs, so he journeys to the dangerous Pau Market to make some cash. As the reader begins to see the character’s city, a dystopian area known only as the Slums, you can almost feel and smell the grime. Soon into the book you realise that drug use is rampant throughout the city as a coping mechanism to deal with the squalid conditions from which there is no escape. The Slums stretch around the globe, bordering the only other place in existence known as Equatorlis, which is supposedly a paradise although no one from either side can cross the wall between them.
At the centre of the market is Miss Ebonvar, leader of the Brotherhood of the Great Wanderer, and she’s as terrifying as you would guess someone with authority in the Slums would be. She soon tosses our guy out, saying never to bring the object into her temple again, providing no explanation for her anger. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want the thing – why exchange something for goods when it can be stolen? Soon the main character finds himself pursued through the Slums by Ebonvar’s goons known as her Children, and they are terrifying.
Each chapter ends with a few paragraphs from somewhere else entirely. Known only as the Boy, this character plays video games and goes to a circus, trying to fill time between visits from “Her.” At first these sections feel very disjointed to the rest of the story taking place in the Slums, but by the end there’s a mind-blowing connection between all the characters, tying everything together.
Themes include class warfare, the dangers of trickledown economics, and the origins of religion as quotes from theology texts on “the Great Wanderer” are infused into the chapters. Heavy stuff to cover in just over a hundred pages, yet it works thanks to the author’s stripped-down prose and implications through subtext.
Simultaneously simplistic and complex, The City Around the World by Elliot Harper is a great book to read slowly and ponder long after you’re finished.
When I was growing up, there wasn’t a huge selection of horror aimed at a younger audience. I missed out on series like Goosebumps and even books by CWhen I was growing up, there wasn’t a huge selection of horror aimed at a younger audience. I missed out on series like Goosebumps and even books by Christopher Pike by just a few years, so I’m absolutely delighted to see the variety of works available these days for budding horror fans. Not having been exposed to a lot of middle-grade (MG) stories when I was the right age, I do find myself occasionally checking out titles I wished had been around in my pre-teen years, and The Last Shimmer by Sage Hyatt captured my full attention.
Imagine waking up to find your friends and family have disappeared. The only trace of other people are blurry shadows that move before you get a good look at them. That’s exactly what happens to Tiger Lily Dander before she manages to find her best friend, Stacy. Together the two girls hope to find everyone and avoid the menacing shadow people who threaten to extinguish every ounce of joy the friends have left.
This short book packs a lot of punch - plenty of tension, interesting plotline, and the shadow people genuinely creeped me out. In a way, the story reminded me of a kid-friendly version of Jordan Peele’s Us.
Tiger Lily is a wonderful character to cheer on as she tries to hold onto her joy, or shimmer, which is the only thing keeping shadows from taking over her. There are also a surprising number of themes throughout the book, like standing up for what you believe in, being a beacon of hope for others, and knowing that light is always the best defense against the dark. As Tiger Lily says, “You either have a shadow, or you are a shadow” – powerful stuff!
My only quibble is that I wished the story had been slightly expanded. The length falls somewhere between a short story and a MG novel. With Hyatt’s lean writing, there’s not anything that could be cut out, however there were a few sequences that could have been extended. Part of my opinion, I’m sure, is because I’m not used to reading chapter books aimed for kids, but it could also be that I just wanted to spend a little more time with Tiger Lily.
Pulling off such an impressive story would be a feat for any writer, but I was absolutely stunned to learn this author, Sage Hyatt, is only a middle-grader herself! Her imagination and talent at this young age is phenomenal, and she’s an author I will definitely be following as her career continues.
Whether you’re looking for a book to give to your own horror fan in training, or even as an adult want a quick and creepy read, I would highly recommend checking out The Last Shimmer by Sage Hyatt....more
I've been a fan of Polanski's film version of Rosemary's Baby for longer than I can remember, so I can't believe this is my first time reading Ira LevI've been a fan of Polanski's film version of Rosemary's Baby for longer than I can remember, so I can't believe this is my first time reading Ira Levin's novel. I LOVED it and anticipate rereading it until the spine falls apart.
The film is very faithful to the source material, even including some of the clothing choices, but the book does bring extra, so if you like the movie I'd highly recommend reading the book.
Fantastic slow-burn pacing, reflections on theology and faith, and what I consider brilliant dialogue. On the surface, the exchanges between characters can almost seem like discussions about nothing important, but the subtext is deliciously rich....more
If you’re reading this, you’re probably plugged into the virtual world, connecting with people across the globe, and perhaps even building relationshiIf you’re reading this, you’re probably plugged into the virtual world, connecting with people across the globe, and perhaps even building relationships online. But how well can you really know the person on the other side of the screen? How much of yourself do you reveal on the internet? This is just one of the themes Eric LaRocca explores in his phenomenal novella Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke.
As detailed in the fictitious “Author’s Note” at the beginning of the book, the entire story is told through the online correspondence between Agnes and Zoe collected by the Henley’s Edge Police Department, with some information redacted due to an ongoing investigation into the part Zoe played in Agnes’ demise. You might think you can extrapolate where this story is going from the opening, I did, but believe me nothing can prepare you for the actual horrors that unfold.
The first exchange between the two characters is innocent enough - Agnes is strapped for cash and posts an ad to sell an antique apple peeler on the online community board QueerList.org, to which Zoe expresses an interest in purchasing. From there the two women continue exchanging emails, chat via instant messaging, and a relationship begins to blossom.
Harmless flirting soon progresses into divulging family secrets, dares to rebel against the workplace status quo, and evolves into a sadomasochistic Master/Slave contract. While that might sound like an enormous leap, the author has crafted the correspondence so authentically that the journey of this online relationship feels almost natural. Throughout the story the characters subtly test each other’s boundaries before pushing into deeper conversations. The former loneliness experienced by both Zoe and Agnes drives them into a codependency which results in stomach churning decisions after Agnes pleads to have a baby.
By no means am I a squeamish reader, but holy hell there were sections in this story that made me wish I hadn’t eaten before I started turning the pages. As much as this novella serves as a character study, the author also incorporates body horror, and I’m talking Cronenberg levels of terror. What I found most disturbing about these scenes was how firmly the story stays planted in reality – there’s no supernatural force, or science fiction conjecture, this could actually happen. I should also note there is a scene involving animal abuse (a salamander), but it is easily identifiable and can be skipped if needed.
Stylistically, I wasn’t sure the format of electronic correspondence would be effective, but LaRocca uses the form to his advantage, creating a voyeuristic and compelling read. The writing is lean and purposeful with each sentence revealing the characters, their motivations, and actions. For the best reading experience, I recommend devouring this story in one sitting.
I was absolutely blown away by this novella. Visceral, brutal, and engrossing, Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke is masterfully written by Eric LaRocca and needs to be in your horror collection.
Within horror fiction we often find characters plagued by impossible choices, trapped in hellish circumstances, and exploited by the forces of evil. SWithin horror fiction we often find characters plagued by impossible choices, trapped in hellish circumstances, and exploited by the forces of evil. Sound familiar? If you’re part of the working class those unfortunate situations probably don’t sound like fiction at all. Have you had to weigh putting off medical treatment against paying bills you already have? Stuck in a soul-sucking job? Do you think your boss is in league with the Devil? Yes friend, there are many horrors of capitalism, and that’s exactly what you will find within the anthology ProleSCARYet: Tales of Horror and Class Warfare.
These 19 stories blend genuine experiences and fiction to explore feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and the inability to escape our station in life through inventive and disturbing ways. Some tales expose the absurdity of capitalism, while others lean into horrific savagery of the class system. You’ll find familiar, terrific authors such as Hailey Piper and Laurel Hightower, as well as writers that might be new to you. The following are just a handful of my personal favourites in the collection.
In “Salen’s Found” by Corey Farrenkopf a landscaper is faced with subjecting himself to anaphylaxis from poison ivy or losing his job by refusing the boss’s orders. Feeling there must be more to life, he contemplates joining a local religious commune, but sometimes it’s better the devil you know. The author did an amazing job of infusing this story with a tangible sense of desperation.
And speaking of the devil, “Beelzebub (Gas Station 1)” by Nathaniel Lee takes the title of ‘Lord of the Flies’ in a literal direction. What begins as a comical take on working the dreaded nightshift at a gas station soon takes a turn to terror when a menacing figure approaches the clerk with a buzzing suitcase. I had an idea of where this tale was going, but the details and writing style were so good I reread it a few times.
Ever feel like your job will be the death of you? At Frozen Yoggie’s House of Yogurt if your death means keeping the customer happy, then so be it. At least that’s what store manager Jane expects of her employees in “Empty” by Noah Lemelson. When a customer requests an item needed from the storage room, staff suit up and load M16 riffles to face the infestation lurking in the dark backroom. This was a fun and scary story, and I loved the satirical undertones.
But workers aren’t the only people to be exploited in capitalism, as displayed in “The Price of Motherhood” by Tiffany Michelle Brown which looks at the role consumers play instead. Depressed over her ex-husband’s new family, Leslie turns to the company Lyfelike to make her dream of motherhood come true. In this story the character is both the victim of consumerism and part of the problem as her need for wish fulfilment overrides her emotional and financial responsibilities. Leslie isn’t exactly a sympathetic character, but she’s relatable and understandable, which makes the story even more impactful.
Throughout the collection there were a few stories that didn’t quite resonate with me, but overall, it’s a strong anthology. Whether you’re looking to commiserate with characters stuck working for the man, or need to vent your frustrations on inequalities, and want some chills along the way, ProleSCARYet: Tales of Horror and Class Warfare is a unique take on capitalist horrors you won’t soon forget.
And the talented editors behind this project (Ian A. Bain, Anthony Engebretson, J.R. Handfield, Eric Raglin, and Marcus Woodman) are putting the money where their mouth is as all profits of the book will be directed to “Labor Rights” an organization working to improve the rights of workers around the world.
My friends and family will tell you that I know a disturbing amount of serial killer information. When I’m not reading or writing I’m scouring streamiMy friends and family will tell you that I know a disturbing amount of serial killer information. When I’m not reading or writing I’m scouring streaming services for new documentaries on the scariest humans the world has produced. My fascination has nothing to do with glorifying their behaviour, but more a morbid curiosity on how individuals can become internally broken to a point that they become something almost inhuman. So, when I saw Lee Allen Howard’s novel The Bedwetter: Journal of a Budding Psychopath, I had high hopes of falling down that familiar rabbit hole, and I’m pleased to say it exceeded all my expectations.
First off, this will not be a book for everyone. If you cannot handle subjects such as psychological and sexual abuse, homophobia, urination fetish, and animal abuse (to name but a few), then this is not a story for you. To give you an example of what level of uncomfortable you can expect, the novel begins with a dream sequence where the main character pisses on his naked mother to induce electrocution because she has electric hair clippers shoved up her vagina. And that’s only the first paragraph! However, for those of you who can handle these triggers, The Bedwetter is a transfixing read that gets up close and personal in the thoughts and actions of a serial killer in the making.
The entire story is told in a journal format, written by main character Russell Pisarek. He’s 26 years old, lives with his sister and young nephew. For the past few years his life has been fairly stable – his sister Becky helped him get clean from drugs, he works at an animal testing lab, and he adores taking care of his nephew Aiden. But everything is about to change. Becky is getting serious with her boyfriend and Russell doesn’t fit into her new life. These changes trigger Russell starting to wet the bed again, awakening memories of his abusive past and building his dark obsessive thoughts of shaving women’s pubic hair.
In no way does the author try to portray Russell as a sympathetic character, but by showing the reader Russell’s reflections on his own urges, we get a glimpse into his twisted logic. Everything the character does and says serves a purpose, sometimes to display his stunted maturity (like referring to his mother Melanie as Melanoma) and other times to show his connection with other people is merely to serve his own purposes. If you happened to come across an uncensored diary of killers like Edmund Kemper, I think it would bear an uncanny resemblance to this book.
The absolute honesty and mindset of Russell throughout the novel is what makes this such a compelling read. As disgusting and disturbing as he is, there’s such an authentic feel to the story that you can’t help but push through to find out what happens next.
Lee Allen Howard’s writing is exceptional, not wasting a single detail or line within the story. He even manages to make mundane experiences feel hyper-realistic, like Russell making grilled cheese sandwiches. In those moments you almost forget Russell’s monstrosity, and I think that’s part of the point – as reprehensible as killers are, they also do normal things, and outsiders don’t always see the monster lurking within.
The Bedwetter: Journal of a Budding Psychopath is an immersive and uncomfortable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone captivated by serial killers.
*I reviewed this book as part of a Blackthorn Book Tour*...more
Homes are supposed to be our sanctuary from the world and when that safety is violated by malignant forces it’s absolutely terrifying. In a good hauntHomes are supposed to be our sanctuary from the world and when that safety is violated by malignant forces it’s absolutely terrifying. In a good haunted house story the sense of danger builds, nearly suffocating the characters. But in the best haunted tales, that sense of dread bleeds off the page, drowning the reader in despair. Society Place by Andrew David Barker is one of the best novels in the haunted house subgenre I’ve ever read. The setting, characters, and evil entities are all chilling, but the style of writing is so immersive I almost felt I had to claw my way out of impending doom.
The story begins during a heat wave in August 1976 in Normanton, Derby, UK. With notes of Led Zeppelin rocking through the air, kids kicking ball in the road, and nothing but pavement and bricks in view, Heather Lowes walks up to her new home, number two Society Place. Recently widowed, Heather is pregnant, alone, and trying to hold onto a glimmer of hope that her life is about to get better.
Of course, because this is a horror story, the reader knows things are only going to get worse for our main character. However, the set up is filled with so many rich details you can’t help but want to hold onto hope with her. Even as we see her grappling with grief, other past traumas, and her upcoming single motherhood, there’s a strength to her character which I found endearing and quickly gained my emotional investment. In fact, all the characters are captivating and engaging.
As unsettling events creep over Heather’s life, she reaches out to the only family she has, her brother Mike and his life hasn’t been going that well either. Embracing the role of protector, Mike tries to shield his sister from a disturbing discovery in the cellar, and as the story progresses, he’s pulled between pursuing his own dreams and remaining Heather’s support system.
We also meet Rafferty, a young boy who lives just a few houses down. Normally I’m not drawn into child characters as they can often feel like unneeded distractions from the main plot, but the author has seamlessly woven Rafferty’s life into the heart of the book. From a dysfunctional home life to his encounter with the “Once-Man,” I found myself looking forward to every page spent from Rafferty’s point of view.
In the second half of the book, another character is introduced, with her experiences taking place in 2019. To avoid spoilers, I won’t tell you who she is, but she has an equally compelling storyline. From that point in the novel through to the end, the narrative flips back and forth between the events of 1976 and 2019. Both are incredibly intense, and the author deftly uses this timeline tug-of-war to heighten the anxiety of the reader.
I’ve purposefully left out most of the plot points because Society Place is a book best enjoyed by just experiencing it. However, I will say be careful not to disturb the nest of ghosts, the “Once-Man” is horrifying, and having a stress ball on hand while reading is advisable.
Society Place by Andrew David Barker is a gem of a book which deserves a space alongside the best haunted house stories.
If you’re looking for some thrilling action, strap on your combat boots and join Lance Corporal William “Fergie” Ferguson and his team of Marine ReserIf you’re looking for some thrilling action, strap on your combat boots and join Lance Corporal William “Fergie” Ferguson and his team of Marine Reservists as they battle unimaginable beasts in Wild Hunters by Stuart R. Brogan. Fans of military horror and 80s action movies will enjoy Brogan’s blistering pace as Fergie and the Marines barely escape one terrifying situation only to land in more peril.
The book begins in Somerset, England in 876 AD as surviving Viking warriors mark their triumph over a supernatural enemy by binding and burying the evil spirit. Now like any good horror fan you’ll know evil never stays buried, and as the story flashes forward to present day that’s exactly what happens. When the Reservists receive an urgent call to rescue nearby villagers from severe flooding as a terrible storm slams the area, they’re met by hell on earth. Trolls, elves, dwarves, dead Vikings, and other creatures of lore descend upon the troop driven by a hunger for human flesh and a desire to recruit new souls to join their Wild Hunt. Fergie and his men must soon pivot from rescuing civilians to trying to survive until backup arrives.
This was a fun and quick read which closely mirrors the standard structure of action movies – likeable good guys, vile bad guys, tough choices, a shadowy government agency, lots of bullets and blood, and keeps you hanging on until the very last scene. As you might expect in this type of tale, there’s not a deep dive into characterisation, but there’s enough that the reader is rooting for the good guys. One thing that Wild Hunters brilliantly added to this style of story was unexpected deaths of characters. Brogan keeps the reader on their toes by killing off characters you might peg as the “final guy” and really drives home how uncertain everyone’s future is in this battle.
As much as I did enjoy this novel, there were a couple of areas that weren’t as strong as I would have liked. The visual details provided on some of the creatures are so sparse I couldn’t clearly picture them. For example, there’s one scene with a river monster which is never quite defined other than being “hulking” and “monstrous.” My other issue had to do with the shadowy government type agency. Their exact purpose and mission are withheld from the reader for what feels like an overly long amount of time, which in these stories inevitably leads to an exposition filled speech by the villain. But really, those annoyances to me were small, and I’m sure there are lots of readers who will not see them as issues at all.
This is the second book I’ve read by Brogan and I’m excited to see what he comes out with next. He’s an author who knows exactly when to give readers a break from the tension and action, and when to slam down on the accelerator, which is no easy task.
If you’re looking for a wild and action-packed read, you’ll want to check out Wild Hunters by Stuart R. Brogan.
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