The best way to start off this review of Graeme Reynolds’s High Moor 2: Moonstruck is with a glance back at what I had to say about the original High...more The best way to start off this review of Graeme Reynolds’s High Moor 2: Moonstruck is with a glance back at what I had to say about the original High Moor:
I truly loved this book. Once I started to really read it, I finished the novel in a day and a half. Whenever I put it down, I found myself coming back to it almost impulsively. I haven’t been this addicted to something since I downloaded Angry Birds. Recommended without reservation to anyone who is a fan of horror or anyone that wants to be. High Moor is the kind of book that will make converts of us all.
It goes without saying that I was anticipating High Moor 2 immensely, but also with some trepidation. After such a great debut, could Reynolds keep it up? Was there any way that he could match the intensity of the original, the page-turning ferocity of its werewolves? Would we end up with a mindless retread? More werewolves, more killing, more boring? I was afraid, my friends. Well, now I’ve read the book and I have my verdict.
Not only is High Moor 2 an incredible ride worthy of my expectations, indeed, it accomplishes something truly rare—it surpasses the original.
SPOILERS AHEAD
High Moor 2 begins precisely where High Moor left off. John Simpson is in police custody, accused of brutally murdering (and eating) several people. The love of his life, Maria, is in the morgue, the authorities under the impression she is dead. Meanwhile, werewolf hunter Steven is in a coma, with the first stirrings of the beasts he has spent his life hunting surging through his blood. Meanwhile, teams of werewolves are on their way to High Moor, intent on destroying the evidence and keeping the existence of the pack a secret. And that means killing John Simpson.
END SPOILERS
One thing that is certainly the case—if you liked High Moor, you will like this book. Reynolds writes as if the last book never stopped. The style is crisp, the story doesn’t seem forced, and the action doesn’t let up. New characters are introduced with ease, and Reynolds makes us care for them almost immediately. Which just makes it all the better when werewolves start eating them. I’m going to repeat from my original review, because it is appropriate here.
The werewolves in Reynolds’s novel are of two varieties. Most can change at will, controlling the beast within while also harnessing its power. Others are “moonstruck,” able to change only upon the full moon. They are wild and vicious, and the pack werewolves hunt them down, lest they reveal their secret to the world. And let me tell you, there is a lot of hunting, a lot of fighting, and a lot of killing. No character is safe in Reynolds’s world, and that he establishes this fact early on heightens the tension in every werewolf encounter. His descriptions of the attacks are so rich and vivid that you will see them in your mind’s eye with a clarity normally reserved for movies. And it is that talent with description that may be Reynolds’s strongest suit. The man isn’t just writing a scene. He is creating a world for his characters to inhabit.
This book is amazing. It has some of the most gut wrenching scenes of horror I have ever read, and Reynolds is an absolute master of an action scene. If you haven’t read the High Moor series, don’t worry. These books are so good that I fully expect they will have a Hollywood treatment at some point in the future.
Verdict: Reynolds has knocked it out of the park. High Moor was shortlisted for a Bram Stoker Award. I wouldn’t be surprised to see High Moor 2: Moonstruck win the whole shebang.
I like Benjamin Kane Ethridge. He’s a fantastic writer, and a nice guy to boot. When I found out I’d be working with him on Limbus, Inc., I decided th...moreI like Benjamin Kane Ethridge. He’s a fantastic writer, and a nice guy to boot. When I found out I’d be working with him on Limbus, Inc., I decided that I would do a little research on the guy, and what better way than to read his latest, Bottled Abyss. I was not only impressed—I was surprised as well.
Here’s the book’s description.
Herman and Janet Erikson are going through a crisis of grief and suffering after losing their daughter in a hit and run. They've given up on each other, they've given up on themselves. They are living day by day. One afternoon, to make a horrible situation worse, their dog goes missing in the coyote-infested badlands behind their property. Herman, resolved in preventing another tragedy, goes to find the dog, completely unaware he's on a hike to the River Styx, which according to Greek myth was the border between the Living World and the world of the Dead. Long ago the gods died and the River dried up, but a bottle containing its waters still remains in the badlands. What Herman discovers about the dark power contained in those waters will change his life forever...
Bottled Abyss is different from your average horror novel. Somehow, both the protagonist and the antagonist turn out not to be who you think they are, and nobody really does what you expect. In fact, there’s not really a bad guy at all. And then, about three-quarters of the way into the story, things get weird on a cosmological scale. What does that add up to? Not only an incredible read, but one that will leave you pondering it for weeks to come—the sign of something like literary genius.
Bottled Abyss is a book I would recommend to anyone who is willing to break out of the ordinary mold and enjoy something truly extraordinary. I don’t know that it is for everyone, but as with most things, that’s the ultimate compliment. (less)
Anyone who has ever read Faherty's work knows that he is a real talent. I was delighted to receive an early copy of this novel, and I liked it so much...moreAnyone who has ever read Faherty's work knows that he is a real talent. I was delighted to receive an early copy of this novel, and I liked it so much I gave it the following endorsement.
"JG Faherty has delivered a fantastic novel that will delight fans of dark fiction. Horror drips from every page, and his mastery of folklore and the Cthulhu mythos adds an air of reality to THE BURNING TIME that’s impossible to ignore. I highly recommend it."
Great book, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (less)
I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this book, and I enjoyed it so much that I gave it an endorsement. I'll begin this review by saying w...moreI had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this book, and I enjoyed it so much that I gave it an endorsement. I'll begin this review by saying what I said there--"A psychedelic descent into madness and cultural insanity, Greatshell has given us a tale of ancient gods and nameless cults that practice their rites not in some wasted land far away, but right in our backyard. This book never slows down until the high energy climax."
How to describe this book? A man decides to reconnect with his mother. Insanity ensues. Yep, that's about all one can say without giving anything away. The book takes place on Catalina Island, and it is my impression that the description of the place is pretty accurate. For those who don't know, Catalina Island is only a few miles off the coast of Los Angeles (I imagine folks from the area will find this book to be quite a trip.) Choosing to place the madness of the narrative so close to civilization is a brilliant choice by Greatshell.
I'm being vague--more so than I like in a review--so let me just say this. If you enjoy mysteries, if you like to have your mind blown, if you like to never know what is real and what is imagined, and if you like a touch of the Lovecraftian in your fiction, check out this book. I think you'll enjoy it. (less)
Ronald Malfi’s Floating Staircase was nominated for a 2012 Bram Stoker Award in the Best Novel category and for good reason. Ghost stories can be hard...moreRonald Malfi’s Floating Staircase was nominated for a 2012 Bram Stoker Award in the Best Novel category and for good reason. Ghost stories can be hard to pull off (I mean, they’ve all been told, right?). But somehow, Malfi manages to infuse his story with a tension and air of horror that is all too often missing in lesser novels.
Travis Glasgow is a writer (stories about writers are a sub-genre in themselves it seems) who’s seeking a new start with his wife, Jodie. What better place than Westlake, across the cul-de-sac from his brother. But Glasgow carries a secret—years before, he was responsible for his younger brother’s death. Perhaps it’s appropriate, then, that the home he has bought also has a dark story to tell—that of the son of the previous owners, a young boy who mysteriously disappeared in the lake, never to be found. And now, Glasgow is convinced that the same boy’s spirit haunts the house, seeking justice for his death.
Malfi is a genius when it comes to characterization. There’s really no other way to put it. The man doesn’t write his characters, he somehow brings them into the world. They are as real as you or I, and we live their struggles through Malfi’s books. And that is where the horror comes in. I’ve had more chill bumps from Malfi’s writing than every horror movie I’ve ever seen combined.
Malfi’s “Mourning House” was one of the best pieces of writing I have come across in years. With Floating Staircase, Malfi has officially become my favorite horror writer. I can’t wait to read more. (less)
In life, there are times when one comes upon a work of art that is so stunning, so brilliant, and so fantastic that the mind struggles to accept that...moreIn life, there are times when one comes upon a work of art that is so stunning, so brilliant, and so fantastic that the mind struggles to accept that it is real. So is Ronald Malfi’s “Mourning House.” For years, I have searched for a piece of storytelling, a novel, a short-story, a movie, a television show, that could chill me. That could reach down in my soul and twist it. That could make me shudder and break out in goosebumps. Something I could savor every moment of and enjoy at some deep, transcendent level. It’s a rare thing, a piece of fiction like that. But “Mourning House” accomplished it. I loved this story. I loved every word, every syllable. I found myself reading it line-by-line, both afraid and excited to scroll down and see what was next. I cannot recommend it highly enough(less)
Terrific and chilling short story from Bryan Hall. I'm becoming a big fan of the Southern Hauntings Saga. Crate Northgate just gets better and better....moreTerrific and chilling short story from Bryan Hall. I'm becoming a big fan of the Southern Hauntings Saga. Crate Northgate just gets better and better. Highly recommended. (less)
My review certainly isn't typical of those of Die, You Bastard! Die! so take it with a grain of salt. I really enjoyed the first 20 pages or so of the...moreMy review certainly isn't typical of those of Die, You Bastard! Die! so take it with a grain of salt. I really enjoyed the first 20 pages or so of the book. The EMT set-up was really well done, and the characters were nicely developed. But after the main character receives a phone call from home about her ailing father, the whole thing fell apart for me.
And before you say it, I'm not squeamish about this type of work. I loved Last House on the Left, for instance, and think it is one of the greatest works of horror ever produced. This work was more akin to I Spit On Your Grave to me, but more over-the-top, more unbelievable, and more gratuitously sexually depraved.
Like I said, take it with a grain of salt. The book is certainly well written and well-edited, and if you are a big fan of the genre, you may find this book right down your alley. (less)
I thought this was a tremendously well-written horror novella, one that reminded me of some of Stephen King's best short fiction. Like King's work, th...moreI thought this was a tremendously well-written horror novella, one that reminded me of some of Stephen King's best short fiction. Like King's work, the best part of Malfi's After the Fade (other than the fantastic title) is the human interaction. And though I won't give it away, I loved the ending. (less)
I feel very fortunate to have stumbled upon Lee Thompson. He is a real talent, and his ability to craft creepy, bizarre, and terrifying scenes is on p...moreI feel very fortunate to have stumbled upon Lee Thompson. He is a real talent, and his ability to craft creepy, bizarre, and terrifying scenes is on par with any writer I've experienced. I give this piece four stars only because I haven't read the story to which it is a sequel--might up my rating after doing so--and because one of Thompson's other pieces, When We Join Jesus In Hell, was so compelling that I wanted to differentiate between the two. Read the guys work. It's fantastic. (less)
I like my novella's short. I always feel like if I am going to read a long piece, I'd rather just read a novel. So when I started Subject 11, I was gr...moreI like my novella's short. I always feel like if I am going to read a long piece, I'd rather just read a novel. So when I started Subject 11, I was grumpy because of the length. But then the story pulled me in, like the oily black tentacles of some extra-dimensional beast. This is a hell of a story--a crazy, freaky, bizarre, story that grabs on and won't let go. The ending is confusing, but only because it has to be. But in the end, or should I say in the beginning, everything comes together. (less)
Another great piece from J.G. Faherty. People are going to start thinking I am him in disguise, but Faherty's short works, particularly those focusing...moreAnother great piece from J.G. Faherty. People are going to start thinking I am him in disguise, but Faherty's short works, particularly those focusing on children, are chillingly good. (less)
The King in Yellow is one of the most brilliant--and one of the most disappointing--collections of short stories I have ever read. The first five stor...moreThe King in Yellow is one of the most brilliant--and one of the most disappointing--collections of short stories I have ever read. The first five stories were tremendous, transcendent, stunning. I could not look away. The last few stories were woefully disappointing. It is clear to me that they were added solely to fill out a word count. It's disappointing, but it does not diminish the power of those five stories. Pick the book up and read those stories. You will not be disappointed. (less)
Whenever you read a book that’s received nearly universal praise, it’s always hard not to assume the hype will outpace reality. Not so with Southern G...moreWhenever you read a book that’s received nearly universal praise, it’s always hard not to assume the hype will outpace reality. Not so with Southern Gods. In this homage to Lovecraftian fiction, John Jacob Horner has smashed a homerun and served notice to all who are paying attention that his is a talent to be reckoned with.
Bull Ingram is the kind of guy you seek out when you have a job that needs doing, no matter what it takes to get it done. Hired by a Memphis DJ to hunt down a missing employee, Ingram finds in the backwoods of Arkansas an ancient evil. And Ramblin’ John Hastur goes before him.
Southern Gods is a masterful combination of southern gothic and Lovecraftian fiction. Horner’s descriptions are captivating, and as a native southerner myself, I felt as though every page was covered in kudzu and dripping with Arkansas humidity. The horror is fresh and real, with some of the most vivid and disturbing scenes I can remember. This is an adult book folks, and it is not for the faint of heart.
Is there room for improvement? Probably. The first half of the book is superior to the last half, and the scene at Ruby’s is by far the highlight of the novel. But these are nitpicks at worst. Worthy of the hype, I would recommend Southern Gods without hesitation. But beware, once you hear the song of Ramblin’ John, you will find it hard indeed to escape its power. (less)
I read a lot of books. It’s sorta part of the job. Most of my reviews are good. There’s a reason for that. I rarely review books I hate, which makes i...moreI read a lot of books. It’s sorta part of the job. Most of my reviews are good. There’s a reason for that. I rarely review books I hate, which makes it seem as though I am an easy reviewer. So let me be clear about how I feel about Twice Shy—this is the best book I have read in the last year. Hands down, no doubt. If you don’t like this book, you should give up reading.
What’s particularly amazing about Twice Shy is the hurdle it had to overcome. I am a stickler for the zombies. I don’t like zombies that do anything other than form massive hordes and try and eat humans. That’s it. I don’t like talking zombies or smart zombies or zombie animals. Any of that jazz. So about a page into Twice Shy, I thought I was going to hate it. Then I read page two and changed my mind.
Ani is like most kids. She has trouble at school. She has to deal with guy issues. And she’s a zombie. It’s a problem. She doesn’t breathe or have a heartbeat or need to eat, and if anyone finds out, they’ll incinerate her. If it sounds like a brilliant premise, it is.
I read this book in a single day. I’d recommend it to anybody. Seriously, anyone. It is a fantastic debut, and it needs to be read. Tell your friends—this book has Stoker Award Finalist written all over it. (less)
This book deserves to be a horror classic, in my view. The Devil of Echo Lake takes the story of Robert Johnson and the crossroads and infuses new, 21...moreThis book deserves to be a horror classic, in my view. The Devil of Echo Lake takes the story of Robert Johnson and the crossroads and infuses new, 21st century life into it.
Billy Moon is a rock star in search of a transcendent record. He comes to Echo Lake to pursue that goal, led by a producer who might be the personification of Satan himself. But there’s more than meets the eye to the idyllic lake in the forest, and something may haunt the studio that once was an abandoned church . . .
This book is really terrific. It's woven together from several different threads, each of which tells a compelling and enjoyable story. The characters are well-realized and far more complex than we expect from the genre (for better or worse), and I admit to being surprised by the ending.
I highly recommend The Devil of Echo Lake. It is a breath of fresh air, and a wonderful debut by an up and coming writer. I look forward to seeing much more from him. (less)
In this fine novella, Philip Hemplow takes us back to Innsmouth and speculates on what might have transpired in the 80 years since the shadow fell ove...moreIn this fine novella, Philip Hemplow takes us back to Innsmouth and speculates on what might have transpired in the 80 years since the shadow fell over the eponymous town. Dr. Carla Edwards comes to Innsmouth to investigate the genetic mutations for which it is famous. Upon arriving there, the skeptical doctor learns that the illness has nothing to do with radiation or disease. Vividly described and dripping with atmosphere, Hemplow gives a loving tribute to H.P. Lovecraft, and fans of the mythos would be well advised to pick up this volume.(less)
Loading...
