Robin Goodfellow's Blog, page 29

Book Review for Never Ever by Sara Saedi

Never Ever, by Sara Saedi, is a paranormal romance that details the story of the Dalton siblings, Wylie, Joshua, and Micah, as they travel to a timeless island where no one ages, and are forced to deal with the harsh realities of growing up, and see the dark, sickening truth through decades of deception.

The book begins with Wylie, a seventeen year old girl, and her two younger brothers, Joshua and Micah. After Joshua is sentenced to juvie for three years for a drunk driving incident, Wylie decides to celebrate his last night by throwing a party. During the party, she meets Phinn, a mysterious young man whom she quickly becomes smitten with. After learning about the siblings’ broken home and troubles, Phinn decides to steal them away to an island where no one ever ages. Initially, the siblings are content, and with the budding romance between Phinn and Wylie, things couldn’t seem better. However, as time goes on, Wylie realizes that Phinn isn’t who he says he is, and soon realizes that the depth of the dark secrets of the island, as well as dangers of the boy she thought she knew. The novel is a dark retelling of Peter Pan, where the siblings struggle to weave through the lies, cruelty, and demented insanity of the boy who refuses to grow up.

I am a sucker for dark fairytales, so Never Ever already had a special place in my heart. The characters, Wylie, Joshua, and Micah are incredibly close. Because of their parents’ constant arguing, they sought comfort in one another, and this is clearly shown throughout the story. Wylie refused to abandon her brothers throughout their journey, and despite her mistakes, she continues to play her part as the oldest sibling, caring for her brothers until finally, they decide to leave the island as a family. I resonated with this, mainly because I have two brothers as well, both of whom I would do anything to protect. Another interaction I enjoyed seeing was that of Lola and Wylie. Lola had a fascination with the outside world, which, of course, Wylie kept encouraging. Despite the hardships the two girls faced on the island, Lola has remained by Wylie’s side, right to the very bittersweet end.

It’s through these interactions that make the characters so strong, despite the cruel world they’ve been forced into. Alcohol, a dysfunctional family, and even the truth of growing up; having loved ones by your side makes these experiences worthwhile. Saedi meticulously illustrates the theme that though growing up might seem scary, time waits for no one, and that you need to take advantage of the life you’ve been blessed with. At the very least, it’s a better alternative to staying with a psychotic little bastard for the rest of your life.

The story was enchanting. Though I’d prefer more detail, the character’s relationships made up for it. Coupled with the simplistic lessons of growing up, the book reminded me of the fairytales I used to read. Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4.3 out of 5 stars, and would recommend this for anyone who enjoys Peter Pan, Gothic Romances, and dystopian worlds.

Book Review for Kleenex Theory

Kleenex Theory, by Emeniano Somoza, is a book of poetry dedicated to the finite details of life and showcasing their beauty, however small they may be.

Like a kleenex tissue ruffling within the wind, the poems are organized in a way that’s unpredictable, turbulent, and at times, even messy. Even so, each poem has a deep, philosophical message hidden within whimsical phrases and seemingly distracting words. From comparing people chasing their hopeless dreams to a conveyor belt, to a the simplistic fact that poetry knows no limits, the poems are absolutely stunning as they are fascinating. Somoza shows just how meaningful life can be if you are patient, and simply look at the words from another perspective.

At first, I was a bit put off by the book. There was no title page, neither was there much of an introduction. The book was rather abrupt in almost shoving its poetry in my face. But despite this, I was eventually won over, both by Somoza’s words, and by their meanings. One of my favorite poems is “Certain Laws of Physics”, where, while gravity is a very real thing, you can’t help but wonder if you can actually prevent someone from slipping away. Like its other counterparts, the poetry in this collection helps bring a more humanistic light to the world around us, and as well as gently nudges us to remember a sort of magical thinking we had when we were little. It’s enchanting, to say the least.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Somoza intertwines the words together and interlaces them with what he perceives around him. The poems demonstrates a craftsmanship not found elsewhere, accompanied by a lessons that hide within seemingly humorous phrases. As such, I would give this collection a 4.7 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to fans of Catching a Dream, by J.R. McRae, and Written Constellations by Hanzel Writes.

 

Book Review for Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Velveteen, by Daniel Marks, is a dark adventure about finding justice, all the while walking the ever fading line between the living and the dead.

Sixteen-year old Velveteen Monroe was tragically murdered by a killer named Bonesaw, and has come back as a ghost. After witnessing yet another victim fall in his hands, Velveteen is called to Purgatory on an assignment in the aftermath of a shadowquake, a destructive force that is capable of shattering Purgatory. She and her team handle the assignment, leading to the rescue of a ghost named Nick. When threats against Purgatory begin to escalate, Velveteen must choose between protecting the ones she loves, and achieving her revenge.

This dark, gripping fantasy introduces a whole slew of characters that build up Velveteen’s development. From Luisa’s teasing, to Nick’s interest towards her, they all play a part in maintaining Velveteen’s humanity, however ironic it is. Still, I would’ve preferred that Velveteen not fall for Nick, since the relationship seems moving incredibly fast. Another thing that didn’t sit well with me was how, since she was murdered, she wasn’t that wary when dealing with Nick. Alongside the fact that she is one of the elite soldiers in Purgatory, I didn’t think Velveteen really had time for romance. While it is good that Nick joins her in the fight, to me, it seems his idolization of her was more than a little eerie, to say the least.

Still, I enjoyed the concept of regaining life in the book. The idea has always been the subject of many horror novels, and it helps that this book makes you realize how much you take for granted. The relentless pursuit of finishing what you started was something Marks did very well. Not only that, but he also shows the many shades of morality Velveteen has. She knows the cost of her revenge, but she still tries to secure it anyways, despite some part of her knowing what could happen. The fact that she was robbed of her own life makes the book all the more intriguing.

I liked the story, to say the least. The snarky dialogue between the characters made me laugh more than once, and a dystopian afterlife is always an interesting thought to dwell upon. Nevertheless, I did not enjoy the romance between Velveteen and Nick; it felt too rushed, so much so that half the times I had to ask myself, ‘What does she see in him?’ Still, it was a fairly decent book. I would rate this novel a 3.3 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who love the afterlife, complex wars, and ghosts in general.

Book Review for The Cabin of the Witch: A Short Horror Story by K.D. Raine

The Cabin of the Witch: A short horror story, by K.D. Raine, is a fun read that recreates iconic horror scenes that makes this a perfect for a scary story to read on Halloween night, a seance, or pranking any friends who are easily frightened.

The story revolves around sixteen year old Mason, his girlfriend Aubrey, and their friends, who decide to visit the supposedly haunted Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery when their car breaks down in the middle of the woods. They see a cabin in the middle of the roads, and Mason, along with Daniel, Aubrey’s brother, decides to see if they can get any help. Of course, the shallowest of the friends have the most common sense, but they veto her idea, and go anyways. The ending is humorous, to say the least.

The sensory imagery pulled me in, and the supernatural creatures depicted in the story were terrifying. There were a few grammatical errors, and the plot was also predictable, but enjoyable nevertheless. I give this story a 3 out of 5 stars.     

~I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

Book Review for A Madness so Discrete by Mindy McGinnis

A Madness so Discrete, by Mindy McGinnis, is a dark tale about a young woman who finds her place in the shadows, as she struggled to understand the thin line she walks between sanity and pure madness.

The story begins with Grace Mae, whose father impregnated her with his child, and is thus now a resident at a mental asylum. After a violent altercation with a doctor, Grace is sent to the cellar, where she meets the odd but well-intentioned Dr. Thornhollow, a visiting physician who is intrigued by the instability of the human mind. Grace proceeds to strike a bargain with the doctor; in exchange for helping her escape the asylum, she would become his assistant to solving various murder cases. However, not long after her escape the body of a woman is found on the street. As her terrifying past continues to haunt her, Grace slowly starts to lose herself to the monster that had always been lurking in the dark of her mind.

I enjoyed the disturbing qualities of the characters. Grace, a young noble who had her silver spoon taken away from her the moment her father touched her:;Dr. Thornhollow, a man who prides himself in his observation skills and humanity; and even the murderer, a person who seems so self-depreciating that he ends up a victim of his own crimes. Each of their flaws intertwine with one another as they drag one another further and further away from the realm of normalcy. Perhaps the most frightening was Grace’s transformation; her eerie way of dealing with her pain allowed her to give into her demons for a while, and it was an aspect of the book I enjoyed thoroughly.

Which brings me to one of the overarching themes of this book, that society tends to reject those it cannot understand. McGinnis brings to the book a horrific level of realism that is hard to dismiss. Whether it be a jilted spouse, a stain to someone’s reputation, or even a small hindrance in the grand scheme of things, anyone can be declared insane. It doesn’t matter the cruelties the orderlies inflict, or the abuse the doctors put their patients through; innocence is robbed regardless. As McGinnis has shown, there is no telling who the actual monster is, and where your demons are lurking. Time and time again we endeavor to know, but even then, it slips our understanding, as does our flaws, our instincts, our morals. How powerful a hold society has on its prisoners, I cannot say.

While I wish that more details and character flaws could be fleshed out, I loved the book. Its dialogue is hauntingly beautiful, reminding humanity of an irrational edge we tend to walk towards. The obsession is like a drug, one that could drown us in one fell swoop, covering us in the dark until we’ve wasted away, with nothing left for society to burn. I would give this book a rating of a 4.6 out of 5 stars, and would recommend this to those who enjoy reading about nightmares, Stephen King’s Carrie, and the criminally insane.

Book Review for Updrift by Errin Stevens

Updrift, by Errin Stevens, is a paranormal romance that tells the story of two lovers. The book is reminiscent of a children’s story, shrouded by innocence and magic, as their love unfolds.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part introduces Kate, a young girl who meets the enigmatic Gabe and his family, as well as illustrates their budding friendship. The second part focuses on Kate struggling to grow up, and not only addresses her growing romantic feelings towards Gabe, but also explores the relationships she has with her family members. The last part describes how Kate reacts when she finds out Gabe is a siren, and how she adjusts to his world.

The main lovers, Kate and Gabe, have always been together since they were little; there wasn’t any real source of conflict between them. Although Stevens makes it clear that Gabe and his family are keeping something from Kate, she simply allows them to tell her at the right time, which was admirable, to say the least. The two then go to focus on their own careers and academics, before getting together again. But what’s more, there’s a sense of wonder whenever Kate describes the things around her. Even when Kate becomes an adult, it’s clear that neither she nor Gabe loses this wonder.

The book is reminiscent of a fairytale. Two love interests meet, grow to love one another, and then finally living Happily-Ever-After. There is a dark force lingering near, but through love, Kate and Gabe manage to be together in the end. What makes the book so relaxing is that there is a clear definition of good and evil, along with the age old lesson that love conquers all. It’s hard to remember lessons like that, so the story serves as a good reminder.

Still, there were instances in the book where I was a bit confused. I would’ve preferred more details both in the setting and Kate’s life, rather than just summarized it. Some of the interactions between the characters were eerie; there were times where it got to the point when I half-expected Gabe to draw a knife and kidnap Kate, or any other unfortunate character who got in the way.

Overall, the book had a wonderful fantastical atmosphere to it, as well as the strong bond between the two love interests, made the story endearing. Though it could use more detail, it maintains a sense of innocence that adults sometimes take for granted. I would give this book a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, and would recommend this book to lovers of fairy tales in general.

Book Review for Thatcher’s Tree by James Shipway

Thatcher’s Tree, by James Shipway, is a horror mystery that tells the story of a young film student named Polly, who becomes stranded on an island filled with monsters. The book’s gripping setting paves the way for a unique illustration of how eerily beautiful humanity can truly be.

The book begins with the introduction of an emotionless killer who under psychiatric evaluation. As doctors try to uncover their patient’s secrets, Shipway rewinds time and introduces Polly, who is setting sail for a film project. The ship, however, ends up in a strange storm, and leaving Polly and two other sailors stranded on the island. As she encounters the horrific monsters on the island, as well as the feral, but enchanting Thatcher, she begins to see the dangers of slipping into her own, demented mind, all the while endeavoring to seek out a balance between her humanity, and her savagery. The plot is complex and reveling, so much so that nothing is as it seems, and that at times, the safest place you could be is hiding behind the monsters who watch you from the dark.

Shipway’s attention to detail is extraordinary. He pulled me in with grotesque imagery that’d left me speechless many times over; the bodies in the water, the darkness of the jungle, and even the majesty of the evolution of the island itself. He establishes a sense of isolation and depression, as he details Polly’s descent to madness. The innocence Polly had, as she watches her friends fall before her, is incredibly addicting. As the story progresses, Shipway doesn’t shy away from details, as he dangles Polly somewhere between life and death.

And it was through this did I fully witness Polly’s degradation. I could feel her humanity slipping away, first when she thought about killing her friends and no one finding out, then to callously abandoning Thatcher, a companion that had kept her alive for so long. She’s changed from this sweet, innocent girl, to something more evolved, something advanced enough to effortlessly look down in disgust upon humanity, to kill without hesitation. She was beautiful, in my eyes. Beautiful and abominable.

Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4.0 out of 5 stars. I loved the setting that Shipway has established; they almost take a life of their own, twisting and changing the characters until finally, they evolve. Still, the book does have its detractions, such as the punctuation errors that are littered throughout the book. However, I did enjoy this story, and would recommend it to those who enjoy religious horror, nihilists, and people who simply love a good scare.

Book Review for Madam Tulip, by David Ahern

Madam Tulip, by David Ahern, is a heartwarming mystery about a young psychic who is thrust into a world of money and drugs. As she tries to prevent innocent lives from being taken, her strength of character and her admittedly frustrating relationships help her realize an inner strength she didn’t know she had.

The novel begins with Derry O’ Donnell, a struggling actress whose mother is trying to convince her to find a conventional job, and whose father is running away from a love he keeps forgetting not to sleep with. One day, Derry accompanies her father to the horse races, where she predicts the winning horse and captures the attention of two important celebrities. She is introduced to higher society, filled with glamor and elegance. However, Derry soon becomes entangled in a plot that threatens to endanger both her and everyone she loves. Derry must use her skills as a psychic and amateur detective to try and save herself and her friends before it’s too late.

I found the characters playfully whimsical, with Derry being the most endearing. From dealing with her somewhat overly enthusiastic parents, to the lovable awkwardness she shares with Bella, it’s clear that Derry is a nice girl who, as is, will not survive a day in the corrupt den of the elite. Well, at least not without the help of her friends. Though I’ve grown frustrated with their antics more often than not, it’s enjoyable to see her interact with them. I also admire Derry’s strength of character, which was one of the pinnacles of the book.

Ahern leaves many plot points to be explored. I still couldn’t help but ponder on if Derry and her love interest would get together, if her best friend would stop getting herself into trouble, if Madam Tulip will continue to aid investigators. But even then, there is a constant in the novel that I found refreshing; that Derry has a gift that, though it will no doubt take her to many horrific places, will lead her to do the right thing in the end. Not only that, but she also has friends and family to support her. It was a little cheesy for me, but relieving nonetheless.

There were certain things I’ve noticed that did detract from the book. For instance, some of the wording was a bit awkward, and there were a few mistakes that were pretty noticeable.

Nevertheless, I would give this book a rating of a 3.7 out of 4 stars. It is certainly different from all the books I’ve read; although Madam Tulip does encompass a wide range of genres usually found in the more sinful places of human imagination, Ahern spun these genres to make it lighthearted, and at times, amusing. Derry’s relationship with her family and friends will be important in the upcoming books, and it’s a nice constant to the screwed up mess around her. The book is a good way to introduce readers to the mystery genre, and I would consider it appropriate for all ages.

The Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Just this week, my boyfriend got sick. Because we ran out of tea, I decided to go to the local convenience store near my university and buy him some. It was a sort of celestial herbal tea that I had trouble wrapping my head around. But since I saw that they had honey and vanilla mixed together, I figured, “Why not?” So I bought it for him. The next morning, I made him some, asked (coerced) him to take his medications, and gave him some tea to drink. I looked at the worn out tea bag in the sink, and thought to myself, “That was chamomile, wasn’t it?”

Then I realized I had absolutely no idea what chamomile even did.

So I did a quick search, made a list of the benefits, and breathed a deep sigh of relief. And since I already did that much research, I decided to make it into a blog post. As such, below are 4 benefits of chamomile tea.

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1. Improves Your Skin Health

As you may or may not know, the skin reflects the outward health of our body, and is oftentimes one of the main sources of our self-esteem. By drinking chamomile tea, you’ll be able to lighten your complexion, as well as reduce acne. Because it’s an antioxidant, it also helps soothes irritated skin, and helps disinfect wounds when necessary. Chamomile has also often been cited for improving conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

 

2. Soothes Your Anxiety

Perhaps one of chamomile’s most notable is its effect in soothing anxiety disorders. According to the National Institutes of Health, chamomile has even been used in treatments for generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. Because of this, chamomile has also often been noted to help decrease stress. This, in turn, leads to better mental health and emotional health.

 

3. Helps Your Digestive System

Chamomile tea is known for aiding in digestive problems. Major studies have noted the digestive usefulness of chamomile. It has also been used for many different digestive disorders, and can help promote gas release. This will help relax the muscles in your gastrointestinal system, making it easier for food to move through your bowel. Through this effect, the tea has other indirect benefits such as improved urinary excretion and nutrition uptake.

 

4. Helps Your Heart

Drinking chamomile tea is a good way to help improve your heart function. Not only has it been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in elderly men, but it can also lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of diabetes. Because of the constant discussions involving heart disease and its role in America’s mortality rate, drinking chamomile tea is a good way to help reduce it.

 

Conclusion

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Chamomile tea is a wonderful drink to have first thing in the morning. Not only is it full of wonderful benefits, but it also helps with a variety of issues that may trouble us later. From helping your cardiovascular health, to your digestive system, chamomile tea can improve our overall health. At the very least, it’s a good addition to add to your diet.

 

 

-Featured image by congerdesign

 

Book Review for Blacker by Richard Fairbairn

Blacker, by Richard Fairbairn, is a nightmarish novel about seeing the degradation of loved ones, all the while trying to survive an unknown threat humanity has no idea how to fight against.

John MacGregor is a blinded veteran who had previously survived hell, and is now living his life quietly. A friend of his comes parading back into his life, with a proposal to do an experiment for blind people, one that provides generously for its participants. Initially, MacGregor is skeptical about the entire affair, seeing as how Fraser had trouble keeping past promises before. Then, one night, he is kidnapped by a military personnel in order to investigate an energy dampening in Scotland, to which he goes along with, humorously enough. However, little did he know, both he and his newfound comrades were being dropped into a horrific world filled with corpses and darkness. It’s a race against time as MacGregor tries to exterminate this threat before more people lose their lives.

What I enjoyed most about this book was MacGregor and Hunter’s budding relationship. From past lovers to humorous banter, the two acted like best friends and lovers throughout the book, despite not knowing each other very well. Coupled with the somewhat entertaining soldiers surrounding them, it shows just how much of the outside world MacGregor left behind. To have people, even complete strangers, remind yourself of who you are, as well as the struggles you’ve been through, was engrossing to say the least.

Which, of course, was why it was so hard for me to let them go. In every end-of-the-world scenario, you can’t get overly sentimental, otherwise you could end up dying the next day. So it impressed me with how efficient MacGregor continued on. Perhaps it was because of his own experiences, or maybe it’s because they kidnapped him in the middle of the night, but either way it’s impressive.

Still, the book isn’t without its flaws. I was confused at the pronouns to address either MacGregor or Hunter. I also would like to see more detail, since an apocalyptic setting would be wonderful to read about.

Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 3.8 out of 5 stars. The characters’ interactions were well-developed and showed a more human side to the protagonist. Saying goodbye to his kidnappers was even harder, truth be told. Although the pronouns were a bit confusing, nevertheless it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy World War Z, and the Angel Fall series.