An unexpectedly deep journey into the depths of the insane asylum, Fractured Spirits was an easy read. I love non-fiction, as I'm always eager to lear...moreAn unexpectedly deep journey into the depths of the insane asylum, Fractured Spirits was an easy read. I love non-fiction, as I'm always eager to learn. The writing is smooth, descriptive and concise without the usual fact-tsunami boredom. Although there was a few instances of repetition, I didn't feel they took away from the experience of reading. Anyone fascinated in hauntings, ghosts in general or the old insane asylums now long-since closed will enjoy. The author educates on people who lived and died in the rooms, the buildings and their current state and recounts both personal experiences and those of others who believe they've been witness to supernatural events. Whether you believe at the end or not, the book will bring to light years of forgotten history and introduce you to some memorable patients and staff of Peoria State Hospital.
I have to say, this book surprised me with the sequence of events. Once I started and was about 20% into the story, I knew I was in it for the long ha...moreI have to say, this book surprised me with the sequence of events. Once I started and was about 20% into the story, I knew I was in it for the long haul.
Ian Kelly, what's not to like about him? Lily is swept off her feet in a rampage of new and somehow familiar emotions. Entwining Tarot cards as indicators for the characters, the author gives a grand display of her profound knowledge of the cards. The story has plenty of twists, much like the title's namesake and is quite engaging with the sex scenes just enough for my liking, as I don't need a medical description of exactly what's going on. With a touch of innocence along with the passion, this story brought a smile to my face, time after time, as I rooted for the protags.
Recommended for those who love their romances sweet and fiery and for those who enjoy Celtic lore.(less)
This book is reminiscent of an Alice In Wonderland type-tale which starts out as an ordinary teen under duress as a result of her parents' divorce. Wh...moreThis book is reminiscent of an Alice In Wonderland type-tale which starts out as an ordinary teen under duress as a result of her parents' divorce. When a strange boy shows up on her balcony one night, a chain reaction begins that culminates in a snowball of wow after WOW! on this fast-paced, energetic read. No plodding lulls to be found in this volume which kept me latched on until the end that left me positively exploding with questions and wants. Of course I want to see a sequel. As characters go, Nerine paints a diverse canvas of personalities with every sort of nook and cranny covered. From a boy struck with dwarfism to a girl whom appeared to me as a retro-Goth along with the requisite bullies, Camdeboo Nights doesn't pull punches when presenting a vivid picture of South African culture. Descriptions in the story were incredible. Nerine knows her plant life and architecture and certainly has a knack for describing Spielberg-movie-quality action. Highly recommended for the inquisitive teen and up who has a thirst for a story that isn't spoon-fed by the mother of Duh and fathered by too-stupid-to-live.
I like the character in his various adventures but would like to get more insight into his head. This was a grisly sort of adventure as these tales te...moreI like the character in his various adventures but would like to get more insight into his head. This was a grisly sort of adventure as these tales tend to be horror westerns more than anything else. Short read consumable in about a half hour. (less)
I've never done heroin or coke but this book was compelling and revealing to me as the horrors of Tom's decisions unfolded. The story starts out with...moreI've never done heroin or coke but this book was compelling and revealing to me as the horrors of Tom's decisions unfolded. The story starts out with Tom making a call that seems to change the course of his life. His past is filled out by simple and brief flashbacks, some including very recognizable names. None of it is glorified, just stated matter-of-fact. An honest and stark representation.(less)
As a teen in the nineties, I had a deep appreciation for Nirvana's music. As the author points out, none of us really suspected the true extent of Kur...moreAs a teen in the nineties, I had a deep appreciation for Nirvana's music. As the author points out, none of us really suspected the true extent of Kurt's plight and even though he was selling millions of records with Nirvana he faced a lot of real obstacles, the darkest one being himself.
He's an interesting character, even with all the ugliest details thrown in. I can't say much of it shocked me because I have other books about him so had a bit of preparation.
It's a tragic story, this book, and if you finish it without feeling a little sadness, I'd have to say you're made of stone.
Like many of the other readers, I feel that the author took creative license with Kurt's final moments, but it was such a small portion of the book and of course I knew it was coming. Courtney is painted in a decidedly positive or negative light (positive in this one)in any of the Nirvana/Kurt-related biographies and I have no real opinion of her. I appreciate her music and know a little bit about her background to understand she and Kurt fit together because of their brokenness.
This book was definitely one of the best biographies I'd read of Kurt, mainly due to the author's skill in unfolding events police-report style but without the dry ho-hum of factual detailing.
James “Jamie” Guillaume starts out as a thirty-something man who runs an occult shop, has a proud reputation as South Africa’s “Wickedest Man”, has hi...moreJames “Jamie” Guillaume starts out as a thirty-something man who runs an occult shop, has a proud reputation as South Africa’s “Wickedest Man”, has his pick of all the kindergoths in town at his disposal, and wears carefully applied make-up, completing his immersion in his self-constructed fantasy world. Piece-by-piece, this meticulously-maintained environment is slowly reduced, laying bare the true man beneath the veneer and positioning him against larger-than-life adversaries.
Khepera Rising is a stunning masterpiece of dark paranormal urban fantasy beyond typical glittery fae or vampires. This book is reserved for readers who want to sink chest-deep in satiny prose, vivid descriptions, and a plot that keeps them turning the page long after their body has made the call for sleep in the wee hours of the morning.
I finished this book in two day’s time only because I simply found it impossible to put the book down. The characters are each bright and memorable, and I didn’t run into the problem I encounter often, which is forgetting who is who and wondering what exactly their significance in the greater scheme of things is. No, every individual is well-placed, an essential piece of a magnificent chess set in Dorman’s universe.
Dorman further flexes her literary skills by exposing her in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and takes her reader by the hand to lead them through a labyrinth of blacker subjects than your typical St. Martin’s novel. This book provides a deeply engrossing and educational read, set on the shores of Cape Town, in South Africa.
Not since Dean Koontz’s olden horror-writing days have I been so enthralled by a story. (less)
With a seemingly standard opening, (lost kid) SL Grey drew me in thinking it'd be a read I'd most likely abandon midway from the yawn factor. No. Scar...moreWith a seemingly standard opening, (lost kid) SL Grey drew me in thinking it'd be a read I'd most likely abandon midway from the yawn factor. No. Scary by page 40, it sucked me in until the end with twists and turns, coupled with so many bizarre (albeit greatly-detailed descriptions, yeek) circumstances I was intrigued enough to keep going. It's fast-paced with a delicious lull, just enough to get you all comfortable until the real game begins.
My nitpicks are few about this book because from what I noticed, the editing was very tight and concise with little waffle or fluff and a keen razor edge style. However, there were a few instances where facts established in the story contradicted one another (it could have just been me, you be the judge) and oft-times I felt like smacking the characters over the head with a Duh Stick. Yes, it's a screwed up horrific alternate mall. Stop being so dimwitted.
But really, how would I react in a situation as grotesque and unbelievable as that? I can't say I wouldn't try to fool myself either.
The characters themselves, Daniel and Rhoda, go through a tremendous amount of change throughout the course of the story in a nod-your-head-makes-sense manner and are very personable.
Recommended for those who not only like horror, but horror with a bit more substance and culture beyond your usual slash-and-gore fare.(less)
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