How fortunate to have been able to read an advanced copy of this book. I have read the entire series and John O'Brien brings so much to the table that...moreHow fortunate to have been able to read an advanced copy of this book. I have read the entire series and John O'Brien brings so much to the table that you will want to keep this series around and read it again over time. This book is one that will leave you gasping and wondering just how soon before the next book in the series comes out.
O'Brien brings in an element to this genre that adds vast amounts of credibility. Yes, it is an apocalyptic even, but infuse it with some "Tom Clancy" styled military flavor and this story goes where so many fear to tread. Yes, the central protagonist has some skills that the average "Joe" lacks, but he is not perfect, nor is he infallible. He just happens to have his stuff wired a little tighter than most people.
A New World: Takedown is O'Brien's risky expansion into giving his night runners a sense of cognition. While I was hesitant at first out of my odd sense of "traditionalism", this story won me over because it was done right by a talented author who has etched his name into a slot of my favorites.
No spoilers here. Read it for yourself....then set it down for a few minutes...pick it up and read it again.(less)
First thing is that I love it when somebody takes an established genre like zombies and goes their own way w...moreHere is what I took away from this book...
First thing is that I love it when somebody takes an established genre like zombies and goes their own way with it. There is as much science fiction as horror going on here and it works very well. As you know, I do not offer spoilers, I think you should be able to discover the twists, turns, and icky moments on your own. Just know that there is a very cool vibe and twist on the standard post-apocalyptic tale here that you won't regret discovering. Also, kudos on the strong female characters here.
Gregory does not "dumb" down his story. And I could be mistaken, but there is a noticeable lack of profanity which makes this a title that you can put in front of your younger house members and introduce them to some cool horror without all the cliches of gutter-speak that some might find offensive. Yes, it is still horror, but I can not explain it any more than to say it is handled in a way that opens itself up to young audiences as well as old.
I look forward to whatever Gregory has next and make this suggestion...get this book. (less)
Forever Road is the debut novel by Catie Rhodes. I suspect there will be many who jump on what is destined to be quite a bandwagon. Having received an...moreForever Road is the debut novel by Catie Rhodes. I suspect there will be many who jump on what is destined to be quite a bandwagon. Having received an advance copy, it was with the understanding that I do not pull punches in my reviews. I am thrilled to say that this was a fun read, and had me scratching my head trying to figure out the "whodunnit" portion. I am always impressed with writers who can misdirect the reader and have them guessing right up to the reveal. Heck, I was ready to pin it all on Meemaw before it was over. Kudos on plot twists and making everybody seem as innocent and guilty all at the same time so that when the "bad guy" is finally revealed, you slap your forehead and then try to remember how many times you suspected and then crossed that person off the list.
So, Peri Jean Mace can see ghosts. People around her think she is a bit off her rocker. Okay, you might think that it has been done, so what makes this any different? What makes it stand out? The answer is simple: The dialog. Many writers tumble when it comes to making their characters sound like individuals...much less real people having a conversation. If Ms. Rhodes has a strength, it is her passages of dialog and how she uses them to not only bring her characters to life, but also how she uses it to propel the story.
Overall, this is an entry book into what will reportedly be a series. It does not bog down introducing you. Again, this is where Rhodes excels in using dialog. If you are still trying to decide if this is a book for you...I say compare it to discovering a little local bakery and being able to tell all your friends. This is some good old, down home paranormal fun.(less)
Mark Tufo, author of the best-selling Zombie Fallout series has created a world that he can dip into at his leisure and pluck nasty little tidbits fro...moreMark Tufo, author of the best-selling Zombie Fallout series has created a world that he can dip into at his leisure and pluck nasty little tidbits from for his devoted fans. Timothy (2) is one of those stories. However, you do not need to be a ZF reader to dive into this book. You don't even need to read the first Timothy book (but I highly recommend doing so).
This is a perfect example of what is so great about the Indie writing scene. Mark Tufo rips away all pretense and delivers some of the nastiest horror imaginable. He is not restrained by focus groups or people telling him what might or might not be acceptable. After all, this is horror.
Timothy has absolutely no redeeming characteristics. He is a vile individual, but you can not help but be sucked into his mind as he allows you to see through the eyes of a cognizant zombie who not only knows what he is doing, but takes pleasure in the terror that he instills in those he meets. And if he isn't scary enough...he makes himself up in the guise of a clown. That should just about cover scaring the bejeezus out of everybody.
I was fortunate to read this prior to its release and can say that this is Mark Tufo's best work to date.(less)
I am a huge fan of David Wellington. I fell in love with his Monster Island, Nation, and Planet books. Then...he decided to explore other elements. I...moreI am a huge fan of David Wellington. I fell in love with his Monster Island, Nation, and Planet books. Then...he decided to explore other elements. I am not against a horror writer in the zombie genre toying with other ideas, but I also think "you dance with the girl what brung ya" and this story just felt like it was thrown together to shut up his zombie fans. His heart just didn't seem to be in this. His story telling was mediocre and he gave us characters that were flat, unlikable, and uninspiring.
I am not against his 13 Bullets story or anything else, but when he does throw his zombie fans a bone, I would hope that he put more into it. I will wait eagerly for the next one, and I will get it with the hope that the Wellington I am a huge fan of will return.(less)
The Island by Michael Stark has the distinction of being able to lure the reader in with the first part being free. Stark has truly reaped the benefit...moreThe Island by Michael Stark has the distinction of being able to lure the reader in with the first part being free. Stark has truly reaped the benefits from the "old way" that Amazon operated. He got his first part out and listed as free. That keeps a steady stream of people downloading it. Of those, if 10% actually read it (let's face it, a lot of people download plenty of freebies and then never read them, then the ones who enjoy it will move on and purchase future installments. I mention this only because Stark has managed to write an introductory piece that should lure in many more readers.
The story swirls around William Hill and begins just as a strange sickness is sweeping through the global population. He uses this first piece to lay the groundwork not only to his characters, but also the world they live in. This is a compelling read and the characters all make you want to know just a little more about them (especially D. Little...read and you you will know what I am talking about).
Overall, this is a clean read. A few editing gaffs, but none that are distracting and glaring. The story is smooth and believable. Grab this for free and you will be back for the additional installments.(less)
The Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski is now my favorite read of 2013. However, this book came out in 2011, so I feel like I stumbled on t...moreThe Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski is now my favorite read of 2013. However, this book came out in 2011, so I feel like I stumbled on to a great party just as everybody was leaving.
The premise is that a group of old men with A LOT of money "acquire" young men who are considered--at least by them-- to be disposable. Nobody will miss them if they vanish. Since it is my rule not to give away any spoilers, I will simply say that there are twists and turns throughout this book that will keep you turning pages or tapping your e-reader depending on your preference.
This is a fantastic story that swirls around Danny Boy. Mr. Bertauski does a fantastic job of keeping you off balance. You want to believe that everything will turn out for the best, but you are always kept wondering.
I highly recommend this wonderful book and have just heard that there will be a sequel later in 2013. (less)
Flesh & Blood by Jerry McKinney should move to the front of your TBR list today. As with his other work, Mr. McKinney is able to stuff an entire n...moreFlesh & Blood by Jerry McKinney should move to the front of your TBR list today. As with his other work, Mr. McKinney is able to stuff an entire novel's worth of entertainment into a very short amount of space. Told from the perspective of a young adolescent teen living in the sticks, this story does some wonderful things. Especially notable is the way it comes full circle from the opening scene to the closing.
There are no distractions as the editing is clean and the story reads very well from start to finish. I would highly recommend that you pick this one up today. It is a front runner for one of my favorite reads of the year and will be used as my benchmark for what other stories will need to do in order to impress me.(less)
Mark Scioneaux has some good stuff going on in this short story, The Glass Coffin. There is plenty of story crammed in to just a few pages. The chain...moreMark Scioneaux has some good stuff going on in this short story, The Glass Coffin. There is plenty of story crammed in to just a few pages. The chain reaction works as an explanation for how the zombie outbreak spreads from this central location. The action scenes are fast-paced, albeit just a bit generic in spots. Overall, the story is pretty good for a morning read on the elliptical.
On the other side of the coin, there were some things I did have just a bit of trouble with. For one,whether it was in formatting or the writer, there were paragraphs that went on forever. Also, the characterization was a bit over the top and generic. Too much time given to the heel of the story, more could have been done to make the wife sympathetic. There were a few spots (very few) where the editor dropped the ball on some fixes, but overall, it was fairly clean. I wanted to love the story, but the semi-generic quality that surfaced too often just made me like it...a lot, but it could have been better judging by some of what is offered here.(less)
Mark Tufo is well know for his best selling Zombie Fallout series. I was fortunate enough to read Callis Rose before release. I have to say that there...moreMark Tufo is well know for his best selling Zombie Fallout series. I was fortunate enough to read Callis Rose before release. I have to say that there is a roller coaster of emotions that flow through these pages. If you are expecting the tongue-in-cheek humor of Talbot or the engrossingly cute Riley, you need to set that aside and allow Mark to show you yet another aspect of his talent.
There are some elements here that will be reminiscent of Stephen King's "Carrie" but it goes beyond that. One of the real beauties of this story is that, by the end, you really do not know who to "cheer" for. I avoid spoilers in my reviews because I believe that the reader should have the pleasure of that discovery. What I will say is that Tufo manages to make you feel sympathy for the "villains" and almost root against the main protagonist. That is a credit to his talent and the reason he sits where he does in the Top Horror writers on Amazon.
There were some moments where I wanted to think that he dropped the ball, but every twist and turn proves to have a reason. Set aside all that you thought you knew about Mark Tufo and read this book.(less)
The Quiet by Robert S. Wilson has one of those opening scenes that draws you in and has you reading so fast that your eyes get whiplash. It had me on...moreThe Quiet by Robert S. Wilson has one of those opening scenes that draws you in and has you reading so fast that your eyes get whiplash. It had me on the edge of my seat and anxious. The mood was set and well maintained. I cared about the central character and felt his anxiety and trepidation. You are just as confused as the narrator (in a good way) as he tries to understand.
Unfortunately, I felt that the intensity waned and it just seemed to fade into a so-so offering. Perhaps the author was married to the "novella" idea and simply wanted to reach the end (which was predictably open ended). I wanted the intensity to be maintained. The author certainly showed that ability early on.
It is an okay book. It has the promise of something fantastic, but for me, it fell short.(less)
If you look at the history of the books I read, you will see that this is not one of my regulars reads. Still, it looked interesting and since the gir...moreIf you look at the history of the books I read, you will see that this is not one of my regulars reads. Still, it looked interesting and since the girl on the cover reminded me of Maggie Gyllenhaal, (who I think is amazingly beautiful) I decided to grab it. Once I started reading, I got really engrossed in the story. It is very deep and will wrap its tendrils around your heart. There are some very poignant and emotional scenes as you struggle with the narrator while she tries to piece together her life leading up to the moment when she lost her memory.
This has Hallmark Movie or Lifetime movie of the week written all over it.(less)
Billie Sue Mosiman is one of the most prolific female writers that I know. Her library is immense and she has had her share of awards and nominations....moreBillie Sue Mosiman is one of the most prolific female writers that I know. Her library is immense and she has had her share of awards and nominations. She had to be very confident in her skill to attempt to enter and add to the Shelley mythology. This is no knock off or cheap grab at an established horror icon, this is a continuation of Shelley's story told in a voice that meshes with the original.
The strength of Mosiman's writing is on display here in Frankenstein: Return From The Wasteland. She has the same ability to use beautiful prose and paint a picture that is terrifying in that classic gothic horror style that does not rely on cheap tricks and gratuitous gore as if that were all it took to write true horror.
Just as Shelley did so long ago, Mosiman creates sympathy for the horrific. I suspect that the original tale was a favorite of hers and that she could not get past the ambiguous ending in the arctic. (For those unfamiliar with the book that the Karloff classic is based on, it is not angry villagers, but rather the monster's own awareness of what he is that is the undoing.) She obviously needed to have her own closure and it is good for readers of good old fashioned horror that she chose to put pen to paper as it were.
This might seem tame by today's standards, but for lovers of the classics, this is a must read.(less)
I have read a few of Armand Rosamilia's titles. Hands down, Miami Spy Games:Russian Zombie Gun is my favorite. If you were not following the episodes...moreI have read a few of Armand Rosamilia's titles. Hands down, Miami Spy Games:Russian Zombie Gun is my favorite. If you were not following the episodes of this as they came out, then now is your chance to get the whole package at once and skip the terminally long waits (at least it seemed so) between the serial episode issues.
This rips a story from the news (remember the "zombie face eater in Miami of 2012?) and turns it into a Return of the Cold War thriller that would make Tom Clancy envious. The story actually manages to push the envelope and seem "real" through out. If the James Bond franchise ever wants to dip its toes in the zombie craze, this is the work they would want to use as the template.
One of this stories greatest strengths is the dialog. I am not familiar with Mr. Waters, but I have read Rosamilia's work and he does an exceptional job of making the dialog seem conversational. It also acts as an excellent tool to propel the story and suck the reader in deeper to this world where the zombies have a plausible explanation for their existence.
You don't have to be a zombie fan to get a kick out of this outstanding cross-genre tale. This is, simply put, a well told action adventure.(less)
One of my guilty pleasures are the books of Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, H.P. Mallory, and a few others. As a guy, I realize that I am not exactly...moreOne of my guilty pleasures are the books of Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, H.P. Mallory, and a few others. As a guy, I realize that I am not exactly the target demographic for these authors, but we all have our weaknesses. Me and My Ghoulfriends by Rose Pressey caught my eye and I decided to give it a whirl.
The story is fun, engaging, and reads clean (bravo to the editor!). Those are all positives. This obviously serves as the intor to the series so it is important to lay out some character trait material in the first book. I get that. I did feel it was a bit labored at times and seemed to drag the pace down. Also, I kept waiting for Larue to show me something. The villain was telegraphed from the moment that you met her and I was a bit baffled that somebody who deals with the supernatural had such a hard time connecting the dots to come up with "witch".
The ghost of Abe Lincoln was a nice touch. Overall the book was okay enough that I will probably try the second to see where she goes from here now that introductions have been made and the characters do not need their every reaction explained.(less)
Usually, Permuted Press offers up some of the best in the zombie genre. They have given us J.L Bourne, Kim Paffenroth and one of my favorites, Tony Mo...moreUsually, Permuted Press offers up some of the best in the zombie genre. They have given us J.L Bourne, Kim Paffenroth and one of my favorites, Tony Monchinski. Sadly, this was not a book that I could give the same praise to. The story has some decent ideas, but the characters are simply dreadful. That is the only word that I can come up with. I won't belabor what others have already said, but the ineptness of the scientist, the over-the-top stereotypical 'religious nut' and some inconsistencies that just become too frustrating. Also, you do not "absolve" and amendment, you abolish it. I could nit pick, but that is not my style.
All I can say is that, in my opinion, Permuted has given me some GREAT reads over the years. This just is not one of them.(less)
John O'Brien has found a way to meld military knowledge and jargon into a story that anybody can pick up. Yes, it does go into technical explanation a...moreJohn O'Brien has found a way to meld military knowledge and jargon into a story that anybody can pick up. Yes, it does go into technical explanation at times, however, that has to be seen as the strength to this series. So often, the military are either depicted as villains, or they are glossed over and ignored due to the lack of in depth knowledge a writer has on the subject.
Jack is not an "every man". He is a bona fide hero. He has a military past and history that puts him ahead of the game. His experience is needed to save those around him and he uses it. For once, we get a guy with "MacGiver" skills that are actually believable.
The zombies are O'Brien's own construct and they do not behave in typical fashion which makes this an even bigger thrill. If you want a series that takes the action fast and furious, this is your book. And perhaps keep it handy. It might make a great survival guide should the 2012 fanatics be right.(less)
I am fortunate to receive review copies from time to time. It is the proverbial "Box of Chocolates" mentioned by one Mr. Gump. You never know what you...moreI am fortunate to receive review copies from time to time. It is the proverbial "Box of Chocolates" mentioned by one Mr. Gump. You never know what you're gonna get. In this case...I have to say that if you are a fan of the zombie genre, yet are not familiar with Wormwood by Michael James McFarland, you are missing out.
The zombie scene has been deluged with titles in the past few years...some good, other not so much. I would dare to say that Mr. McFarland is one of the best writers you have not heard of yet...but should. He is exceptional at creating a tight scene...and offering a variety of characters to love or hate. In addition, he is not shy about exposing the darkness that lurks under the surface of humanity.
One of the true strengths of Wormwood rested in the set up. So often, readers of the zombie genre are plopped down in the middle of the story. There is something special about watching a plausible chain of events unfold that bring on the apocalypse. Like the tide, the central characters in this story watch the horror start out east and head toward them with a painful slowness. This is where McFarland really shines. The tension built in the first third of the book is a rarity that you have to read for yourself to enjoy.
I give this book all five of its well deserved stars. I offer no spoilers, but will warn you that there are some scenes that may be a touch brutal. My only fault that I could mention was that I felt the "gas station" scene with the splash of "Deliverance" happened a bit soon in the chaos. While I certainly feel that there is a dark, lawlessness that would ensue, I felt that particular scene happened a shade too soon. That would be my only complaint if I were to nitpick. Regardless, this is a super entry and deserves more attention.(less)
Reading this book, The End of the World Playlist, by Dan O'Brien, I was impressed with his style. His words flow in a literary manner that almost seem...moreReading this book, The End of the World Playlist, by Dan O'Brien, I was impressed with his style. His words flow in a literary manner that almost seems too highbrow for the genre.
The story stars in the middle...or the end. The reader feels like he or she is dropped into a scene of something much larger. While the characters are distinct in their nature, there does seem to be too much back story hinted at throughout. This is the only real problem that I had as I read.
O'Brien writes well, and a short story is a nice chance to get away for a few minutes while on the stair stepper or treadmill, but this story has depth that begs to be investigated. I did have one problem with a scene where one of the guys had been bitten. In previous similar instances, the infection was described as being visible, yet this one individual "didn't know what had happened in all the confusion" and then bites one of the others. A small gripe, but one I feel was worth noting.
The read is clean and well edited. I will read more of O'Brien's titles.(less)
When I nabbed this, I was expecting some insight to Sitting Bull. I am fascinated with history and always seeking new nuggets to savor. SSadly, this i...moreWhen I nabbed this, I was expecting some insight to Sitting Bull. I am fascinated with history and always seeking new nuggets to savor. SSadly, this is not as much about Sitting Bull as it is an introduction to the Lakota. I actually learned more about Sitting Bull in [[ASIN:B007MXB4TO The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn]] by Nathaniel Philbrick. If you have even a basic background knowledge, seek something else. If you are looking for a place to start...this is okay.(less)
Suzi M. has a real flair for painting a good scene and making it seem like you are standing just out of the picture watching. Enoch's Devil wastes no...moreSuzi M. has a real flair for painting a good scene and making it seem like you are standing just out of the picture watching. Enoch's Devil wastes no time building tension and pulling you into the story. Short stories can really be hit or miss. They have to hook you, keep you, and satisfy you. Suzi does just that here as she mixes in some Lilith AND some Cthulhu. How can you not be just a bit curious now?
A very clean read, Enoch's Devil may be just what you need for an afternoon lunch break. (less)
I am a horror buff. That is just my thing. My second favorite is fantasy like Song of Ice and Fire or Wheel of Time. This is a book that I would never...moreI am a horror buff. That is just my thing. My second favorite is fantasy like Song of Ice and Fire or Wheel of Time. This is a book that I would never have given a thought to on my own. I was given a review copy, and these are the types of surprises that remind me to expand my horizons.
With some very interesting and unique characterizations of some popular biblical figures, Beneath the Tor by Kat Yates is character-rich. This is not what I would consider a "casual" read, and demands that you actually spend some time with the book. It is engrossing and entertaining, and has a lot of "conversational" moments. I recommend that you read this with a friend because this is a story that you will want to talk about while and after you read it.
There were some editing touch ups that could make it smoother--mostly in the dialog, but there is nothing glaring that will distract the reader. So, find a friend, or tell your book club about this one. (less)
Not wanting to rain on this 5-star parade, but there just was not a lot here. I get that this is an introduction. However, I just did not get that inv...moreNot wanting to rain on this 5-star parade, but there just was not a lot here. I get that this is an introduction. However, I just did not get that invested in the narrator. Nothing much really happens other than some moaning and complaining. I think if this story really wanted to draw you to the next installment, there should be at least one zombie encounter that gives you an idea of what to expect.
Sadly, I just can not get too excited about Melanie Edmonds' The Apocalypse Blog: Book 0.(less)
I was fortunate to receive a copy of Progeny by Patrick C. Greene for review. I stress fortunate in this case. When doing reviews, it can be a real mi...moreI was fortunate to receive a copy of Progeny by Patrick C. Greene for review. I stress fortunate in this case. When doing reviews, it can be a real mixed bag. There are times where it becomes a real drudgery to finish something. However, that is not the case here.
For those of you who are tired of generic characters and horror that is driven solely by violence, THIS is the book for you. It is so much more than standard horror fare and Mr. Greene is very adept at building tension between his characters, balancing multiple little story lines that all feed into the main river of the tale.
There have been a number of "Bigfoot" based horror stories, and many are simply a waste of time. They are so "unrealistic" (I will not debate the existence of Bigfoot here) that they become too tedious to read. This does a wonderful job of making a myth seem VERY real without resorting to cheap tactics.
On the technical side, this novel reads very clean. Also, it is actually novel length. I could go on for day about some of the titles passing themselves off as "novels" and charging exorbitant prices. This book gives you all the bang for your buck. Kudos to Hobbes End Publishing and I now must add Patrick C. Greene to my watch list. (less)
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