Robin Goodfellow's Blog, page 33

Book Review for Monsters I Have Known by Jess Hartley

Monsters I Have Known, by Jess Hartley, is a collection of short stories that delve into the mind of the author, whilst she lovingly invites the reader to dance with her around the edge of light and dark.

The collection has thirteen short stories, with each story containing an introduction from Hartley. These introductions explain the story’s background, the thoughts and inspirations for writing them, and the sins that each character may be hiding. From inspiring others to fighting against domestic abuse (preferably with the undead), to encouraging restless spirits to try and find peace, to even teaching others how to kill dragons, each story represents a piece of morality the author carries. They contain valuable lessons that the reader can comprehend, all beneath the guise of a horrific dream.

The stories I remember being frightened of in this collection are Love Never Dies or To Duty Sword. These stories are a blood soaked representation of the darkness present within humanity, as well as the curse of what happens when we fall prey to our own ignorance. Love Never Dies is about a young, abused woman who comes back from the grave, if only to see her “beloved husband” one last time. Meanwhile, To Duty Sworn is about a girl named Catherine, who is sent to kill a hero that has questioned his faith. These stories involve a certain corruptness in human nature, and that, despite what we morality we may believe in, or what our brand of justice is, in the end there is nothing, if not for our own selves to be sacrificed to the shadows. It’s also remarkable to note that the book carries an almost aristocratically sagacious air to it, as if it really is trying to teach the reader something, although it can only speak in parables.

The way Hartley tells these hauntingly beautiful tales is incredibly stunning. The themes and details were meticulously well done, as were the characters. Because of this, I would give this book  a rating of a 4.4 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy Stephen King and Anne Rice.

Book Review for The Rosegiver by Sandy Benitez

The Rosegiver, by Sandy Benitez, is an enchanting mystery detailing the disappearances of the young girls in Thistle Grove, all the while following the macabre trail of a demonic creature that feasts on human blood.

Rachel Harper is a young rosegiver in training who is sent to Rose Thistle to study underneath her aunt. To become an accomplished rosegiver, she must act as a messenger that conveys the ails and likely future of her clients. At first, the tranquil atmosphere and wonderful companions, including the mystery writer John Walters and the graveminder Ronan, help Rachel consider Rose Thistle as her second home. However, when people begin dying, alongside the appearance of terrible monsters that only appear at night, Rachel soon finds herself in a race against time as she endeavors to uncover the legends surrounding the bloody history of Rose Thistle.

Personally, I love the eerily elegant atmosphere Benitez painted. I fell in love with the inn, as well as the town, and even the train, but as people began mysteriously falling ill, the scenery slowly morphed into a haunting battlefield. What’s more, with every word I read I felt as if someone was watching me from the background, so much so I’ve had to look up a couple of times. The book is also rife with symbolism, and brought a ghostly beauty to the book whenever I read about the rosegiver’s roses and their different meetings. I remember from Amelia Atwater-Rhodes’s books that the black rose had been symbol of the vampires for centuries, so in this book, it’s appropriate.

I also enjoyed the gradual loss of humanity each of the victims go through before turning into a monster. Blood is, after all, associated with life; from religion to medicine, blood is something to be admired, even if it is a bit disgusting at times. It’s the reason why I loved reading about how these victims kept drinking it, consuming newer lives while their former ones slowly wilt away.

Although there were mistakes littered throughout the book, it was an enjoyable read. It felt like a gruesome fairytale that was unveiling before my eyes, with an unsettling peace slaughtering all pretenses of normality. What’s more, Benitez reminded me that though we may not see them, monsters do, in fact, exist. Whether they be hiding beneath our beds or in our dreams, however, is completely up to whether or not we choose to acknowledge them.

As such, I would give an overall rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy mystery and gothic horror.

Book Review for Sleep, Savannah, Sleep by Alistair Cross

Sleep, Savannah, Sleep, by Alistair Cross, is a gothic mystery about being haunted by a dark past, one that recklessly drowns everything you hold dear.

Jason Crandall, a recent widower, has decided to move to Shadow Springs in the hopes of starting over. He has two children, the sweet, innocent Amber and the rebellious but well-meaning Brent. As the family learns to cope with the loss of a beloved mother and wife, Jason decides to open a massage therapy business, where he meets his boisterous neighbors. Everything seems to go well, until he meets Savannah Sturgess, a beautiful woman whom he rejects when she tries giving herself to him. Several days later, Savannah is found dead, buried in the grave of another. Nightmares start suffocating Jason, as he endeavors to find her killer and keep his family together. Before long, he soon finds himself trapped in a world where the dead don’t sleep, and shadows t stalk him from the depths of his memories.

I liked Jason’s character. It’s clear that he cares about his family, especially Brent, however difficult he may seem. I love how he deals with Travis, alongside any other obstacles that threaten his family, as well as how level-headed he seemed, despite the fact that Savannah was murdered. I also enjoyed reading about Savannah; she herself was abused, and although she did hurt many people, she was only doing the only thing she knew how. She felt like she needed to sleep around to survive, learning from her brutal lessons from when she was a child. Their relationship was well-executed, and the fact that Jason was the first man who refused to sleep with her set off a good tone between the two. Perhaps that was the reason why she went to him in the first place, to help her because she knew he wouldn’t take advantage of her.

This leads me to see the rather wonderful theme of being followed by a bloodstained past. Jason remembered what it was like to be abused as a child, a devastating experience that was later recreated with Brent. Savannah was sexually assaulted as a child, which was one of the prominent factors that led to her promiscuous behavior. There was an eerie atmosphere that the town laid in, despite Brent’s warning to not get involved. It’s as if Shadow Springs is marked by a cycle of tragedy, one that carries a solemn note of despair. Even at the end of the book, there was a sense of forebodance that I couldn’t shake off, that somehow, I knew this was going to happen again, though I don’t know when. This was an aspect Cross did exceedingly well.

But despite these good qualities, there were things in the book that didn’t sit well with me. I couldn’t help but feel that Brent could have had a more fleshed out storyline. His emotions did hint at a darker mystery, and it was a shame that I didn’t get to see more. I would have also liked the relationship between Marlee and Travis to be more detailed; whenever they were brought up, I kept asking myself, ‘Why is she still with him?’ It was a bit distracting, to be honest.

Nevertheless, the book was wonderful. Cross delivers a frightening enigma where the dead communicate with the living, and secrets don’t stay buried. In the end, there’s only a bittersweet memory that might as well fade with time. Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 4.0 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy V.C. Andrews’s Petals in the Wind, and Thorne and Cross’s very own Witches of Ravencrest series.

Book Review for Drip: A Gothic Bromance

Drip: A Gothic Bromance, by Andrew Montlack, is a gothic comedy about two young men who, by a series of unfortunate events, were led astray by money, power, and vampires.

J.D. and George were best friends who both wanted to climb the corporate ladder of BrewCorps, a coffee retail company they were both working for. J.D. gets the idea to use a pipeline to help make coffee production more efficient. However, when George relays this idea to the President of the company and becomes Vice President, the mens’ friendship begins to crack. But soon, J.D. takes notice George’s now nocturnal nature, alongside his co-worker’s paranoia. As he tries to unveil the mystery behind the company, J.D. realizes that he’s backed himself into a corner. With the pipe he built now being used shuttle human blood, for once in his life, J.D. finally realized…that he f*** up.

While J.D. was outgoing and confident, George was shy, and, in his own mind, a loser. It’s no why he pushes J.D. like he does, trying to show the world that he can be just as useful. He does forget himself, from using his friend to become Vice President, to giving up his humanity to join the ranks of the elite, but I still felt sorry for him, because he was a pawn. J.D. was the reason why George managed to get where he was, but J.D. also had the power to take that away. It was heartbreaking, to see these two friends fighting one another.

This shows one of the prominent questions Montlack seemed to keep asking; just how much are you willing to throw away for the power? Although George the vampire was funny (dude, you levitated three feet off the ground), it stopped being humorous the moment I realized what the pipe was for. That pipe was used to allow vampires to syphon off blood from their unsuspecting customers, but even so, to think that George just went along with it, just to not get left behind, was disturbing enough. This illustrates the cutthroat atmosphere most companies have, with co-workers willing to backstab each other to be on top. That in and of itself is vampiric enough, and George beautifully illustrated that.

Overall, I would give this book a 3.6 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the friendship between George and J.D. despite their contrasting characters. The question on morality was also a good addition to the book. Although much of the humor did fly over my head, other than that I liked the story, and would recommend it to those who enjoyed the movie Vampires Suck, and the young adult novel Eighth Grade Bites.

Book Review for Wrath of the Ancients by Catherine Cavendish

Wrath of the Ancients, by Catherine Cavendish, is a gothic horror about an unrequited love forever trapped in the depths of evil.

The book is separated into three parts. The first part introduces a widow named Adeline Ogilvy, who goes to Vienna to translate a manuscript by the late Dr. Quintillus. When she begins her job however, she soon finds herself face to face with a terrifying entity, one that continues to haunt her after she leaves. Part two takes place five years after Adeline’s arrival, where Wilheim and his beloved bride move into the house. While Wilheim is initially ecstatic about the move, it’s not long before he meets the same spirit, one that refuses to let them go, no matter what. In the third and final part of the book, Count Markus von Dürastein faces off against this evil, and with innocent lives at stake, he attempts to put a stop to this evil once and for all.

The relationship between Cleopatra and Dr. Quintillus was truly stunning, however strange that may be. The man was clearly obsessed with the Egyptian Queen, so much so he willingly buried his workers alive, if only to supply her with an army. It’s because of his kidnapping of Cleopatra that he also incurred Set’s wrath, a seething rage that had taken up residence in the doctor’s house. Arsinoe was just another piece in this macabre nightmare, as shown when she bound her sister to the rotting corpse of Dr. Quintillus himself. In some twisted way, their story could have been seen as tragic, perhaps even romantic, like a child’s fairytale growing in a field of thorns. Needless to say, whenever I close my eyes, I see both their corpses lying in that lonely basement floor.

I particularly enjoyed the dark history between Arsinoe and Cleopatra. The two sisters clearly had a demonic sibling rivalry, to the point where Cleopatra killed her sister, where Arsinoe endeavored to bury her sister with an obsessed paramour. Their hatred of one another remained long after their death, so much so they allowed it to distort their humanity, erasing it until they’re but a shadow of their former selves.

The context and settings of the story were also well written. There was a time in England when Egyptian relics were “fashionable”, to say the least. As such, it opened the door for many unnecessary consequences, such as demonic curses, horrific hexes, and vengeful deities. Cavendish combines this morbid fascination with the age-old fear of the unknown. She masterfully weaves this concept alongside the detail of when love becomes too dark to bear. The apprehension was so intense that I kept looking up from the book, checking every dark corner in my room, making sure no portraits were staring at me.

As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The characterization of Cleopatra, Arsinoe, and Dr. Quintillus was well-done, as was the eerie atmosphere of when the story took place. The tale of the two rival sisters had added to the story’s Gothic insanity. Thus, I would recommend this book to fans of Clemenceau’s Daughters by Rocky Porch Moore and The Witches of Ravencrest by Thorne and Cross.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Death

Whether we’re old, young, rich or poor, Death is an eventual inevitability that we cannot fight against. The peaceful sleep we all want to occur to us, the hope that everything will be fine in the end, and even the relief of knowing that you’ve done your best in life; despite all this, we still try to fight it.

Oftentimes, this is because we’ve been taught to fear death. In Western culture, especially American culture, we emphasize our youth over anything else. We don’t like talking about death because it can be uncomfortable, and while it may seem far away, it still haunts us, follows us around like a dark shadow. Whenever someone brings up, we even think the person is mental ill, even suicidal.

Even so, we cannot have life after death. And while it’s common to fear it, our obsession to try and avoid it can be an unhealthy obstacle for us. Below, however, are some things you can do to better live your life.

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Write down what you think about death

Take some time to think about why you’re so afraid of death. Sit down in a quiet place, and with a paper and writing utensil in hand, write down what you usually associate with death. Try to be thorough, and remember where those thoughts come from. When you’re done, look down at that list. What do emotions are those words often associated with? Fear? Loneliness? Be honest with yourself, and remember that in the end, this experience is yours and yours alone.

If you find yourself struggling, remind yourself that fearing death isn’t uncommon. However, remember that sometimes, the fear of death can be worse than actual death itself.

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Spend time in the present

By simply living your life, you can come to terms with the inevitable end of death. Try something new, or follow a longtime passion. Spend time with your family and friends, or any loved ones that will help support you and encourage you. You can also turn your attention to other belief systems, and learn something more about the people who believe in the afterlife. Learn their language and culture, and connect with them in a way that allows you to grow.

But it’s not just religiously; promoting physical health can also be a way to ground yourself to the present. Focus on living healthier; fruits, vegetables, and even a few sweets or two can help your mental clarity and improve your mood. Using a few natural oils here can also relax you, and give you a sort of confidence you may not have thought otherwise.

But no matter what, live your life for the better, whether it be for yourself, your loved ones, or even strangers.

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Reflect on your experiences

Though we may wish to change some things in the past, we know we can’t change them. Even so, we may reminisce on what could’ve been, dwell on memories we’re most fond of, relive our lives with clearer minds. By learning from your past and self-reflecting, you’ll be able to come to terms with what’d happened. It helps you learn what you could’ve done better, and give you a bigger picture on just where things are in your life.

What’s more, it raises your awareness, and breaks stereotypes, intentional or unintentional, that may have otherwise barred your experiences on other life. You also benefit from learning to appreciate your achievements, no matter how small, as well as learn from mistakes in order to help improve your life. In other words, it allows you to take a big step back, and just breathe.

 

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Conclusion

Death is a part of life. Whenever we think of it, we often reject the notion that we’re going to die, that there are ways we can cling to life, whether it be through medication, lifestyle, or achievements. Even so, by spending time with friends and loved ones, and pursuing our passions, we can ground ourselves to the present and come to terms with our own mortality. By reflecting on experiences, and figuring out just what we truly think of Death, we can lessen our fears, and divert our attentions elsewhere, such as building our lives up, and falling in love with other people and their kindness. So yes, Death is inevitable. But Death is also apart of us, and is something we should embrace, not reject wholeheartedly.

 

-Featured image by webandi from pixabay 

Book Review for Witches of Ravencrest, by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross

The Witches of Ravencrest, by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross, is a gothic horror about the terrifying wishes the dead tend to leave behind.

Belinda Moorland is the governess living in the beautifully foreboding Ravencrest Manor. Though her budding romance with the wealthy Eric Manning continues to blossom, dark forces begin to move from beyond the grave. From zombies rising, to wandering ghosts seeking out revenge, Belinda must use her unique gifts and wits to protect her loved ones. However, when a woman named Rebecca approaches her with an ominous request, suddenly, Ravencrest Manor is thrust into a horrifying situation where no one, not even Belinda, is safe.

I loved reading about Belinda and Eric’s relationship, and saw their relationship paralleling with other couples in the book. From the tragic pasts of Edward and Alice, to the more stable, peaceful relationship of Grant and Riley, each couple showed me a new aspect of their relationship, one I never even considered before. I also loved how Cordelia interacted with the others, including Belinda, however stuck up she is. She’s so arrogant to the point she can’t even see the corner she’s putting herself in. But I feel that she does redeem herself by putting down the more annoying characters in the book, even if she can be a bit unbearable at times.

I especially enjoyed the haunting setting Thorne and Cross set up. It compliments their characters; from the doomed lovers living in a lonely mansion, to the walking, killing scarecrow, to even the utterly disgusting mother whose humanity had long since faded, each of these elements add a certain mystery to the manor. And like with all well-executed gothic novels, it’s as if the atmosphere had come alive, hiding the monsters in plain sight. The fact that Ravencrest also honors innocents who were killed during the witch trials is a testament to its peculiar nature.

I do have to admit, when I picked up this book I was more than a bit confused, though it was probably due to the fact that it was the second book out of a series. But despite that, I loved it, and would give this book a rating of a 4.4 out of 5 stars. The relationships between the characters, as well as the manor itself, enchanted me. Thorne and Cross have outdone themselves, and it’s because of stories like these I was reminded why I fell in love with the gothic genre to begin with. I would recommend this book to fans of the Fallen series and The Moth Diaries. 

Book Review for The Devil in Black Creek by D.R. Bartlette

The Devil in Black Creek, by D.R. Bartlette, is a southern gothic story of the demons that lurk behind arrogance, and an innocent child that could see these demons.

The book is separated into three parts. Part I introduces a young girl named Cassie, who’s family is falling apart due to financial difficulties and alcohol abuse. As life goes on, a boy named Jason Jared Moore goes missing, and is later found dead in Black Creek. Part II deals with Cassie’s issues at school, as well as her meeting of a pastor named Butch Goodwin, whom she already has her suspicions with. Part III finally shows Cassie taking her fate into her own hands, as she endeavors to bring a monster to justice. This eerie story tells of a nightmare of being disgraced, though living through that disgrace allows someone to see the truth hidden behind lies.

I loved how strong Cassie was. I enjoyed reading about how she took charge of the house when she and her mother fell on hard times, as well as when she stood up for herself at school. She understood that no one else was going to rescue her, so she had to do whatever it took to fend for herself. It hurt that she was the only one who suspected the truth, and whenever she tried to tell anyone, she was targeted, either by the monster himself, or by adults who were supposed to protect her. Still, despite that she did manage to find a few havens from time to time, such as her wonderful dog, and the teenagers outside the school. While I can’t say that skipping school is the best way to solve your problems, I was still happy whenever Cassie was with them. Personally, the rest of the town irritated me, even the three ladies who took care of Cassie.

The town’s behavior revealed an all too truth of life. As long as you’re wealthy enough, you’re beautiful enough, or you know the right people, you’re considered one of their own. However, should you fall out of favor with any of them, you will be completely ostracized. Cassie particularly resonated with me, because I grew up in school just like that. People stereotyped me because I wasn’t white, because I didn’t like talking with people, because I didn’t share the share the same political views as they. I identified with Cassie because she was an outsider, so whenever she suffered, I suffered.

The Gothic elements in this book were what I loved most. The fall from grace, the dilapidated household, a corrupted pastor; it all fit wonderfully into the setting. Cassie’s mother, who suffered from a failing marriage, before being left with a daughter with little to no money left; the town, who would defend a man they know nothing about; the kids at school, who had rather torment others than see the darkness in their own eyes; it was the perfect storm brewing.

I did wish the ending was more fleshed out; a really nice ending would be nice. But alas, it’s just wishful thinking. Other than that, I enjoyed this book. The Southern Gothic setting, Cassie’s strength, and the characters had all painted a tainted picture of the illusion of perfection. I loved it so very much, and as such, would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Thus, I would recommend this book to fans of Tennessee William’s The Glass Menagerie and Rocky Porch Moore’s Clemenceau’s Daughters.

Book Review for Snow by Mikayla Elliot

Snow, by Mikayla Elliot, is a gothic romance about trying to take back the life you once had, while innocence slips from your fingertips.

Lady Neva was delivered to Lord Argenal as a supposed wife, whom she later killed when she transformed into a vampire. She is then taken by Lord Thedryk, where she is used as a key to win a horrific war between vampires and corpses who have long forgotten their humanity. However, despite her reluctant peace, she soon finds herself targeted by Zachariah, a vampire who has taken a dark interest in her. With allies and bittersweet memories surfacing within the darkness. Neva must find her way through this decadent world, before she is forever lost in the shadows just waiting beneath.

I loved the dynamic between Eliza and Zachariah. While it’s clear that the two did love each other once, in the end they were separated by this gruesome world, left to wither away in their fate. While Zachariah did manage to show his human side through another, it’s still their romance I mourn for. In a way, it parallels to Neva and Alexander’s relationship. Every little love that blossomed beneath the sun seems to have wasted away, and only the thorns are left behind. At least, that’s what I felt like, until I came to admire Neva and Thedryk’s relationship. Past and present intertwine with these two, and with war looming near, Elliot weaves a wonderful, yet terrifying love that can only grow within the gleam of the cruel moonlight. The characters aren’t nearly as sappy as others in the paranormal romance genre, and it’s something I’m grateful to Elliot for.

What I enjoyed most about Snow was its attention to detail. Whenever Elliot described the castle, or even Neva’s room, it was as if I was being there myself. I could practically see every little shadow, and though I could see everything, it was as if I was still being haunted by something. The scenes were so vivid in my mind I can’t help but shudder. Perhaps my favorite scene of all were the ones between Zachariah and Amelia. There was a certain innocence behind their actions, and I felt as if Zachariah was trying to protect Amelia from the harsh realities of this world, like any other parent would. Tragically ironic is one way to describe it.

Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 4 out of 5 stars. The characters were well written, and the details were thrilling. It was everything I expected from a gothic horror and more, without the cheesy romances to chain it down. As such, I would recommend this book to fans of The Killing Cure by C.S. Kendall and The Rosegiver by Sandy Benitez.

Book Review for Cruel Angel Pass-by by Keishi Ando

Cruel Angels Pass-by, by Keishi Ando, is a short story about understanding sorrow through the corruption of the innocent.

The story begins with a man who has recently divorced his wife. Not long after, he begins to see a weeping angel, who is only visible to him. As he tries to approach her, however, the angel attacks him. The character sees her dancing then, laughing, band muses that the angel’s pain was so unbearable, that she must attack others.

This work is truly haunting. The angel, tainted by pain and corruption, and a man, who suffers from loneliness;i t was like I was seeing scenes from Dr. Faustus, ones where the demons dragged Faustus down to hell with them. Misery loves company, after all. And yet, even so, I felt there was something more laced within the words. Angels are famous beings, even in secular culture; they’re icons of comfort, prayer, and even for war. Angels are allies of humanity, and are perceived to be good. What would happen, then, if these beings were corrupted? If they could no longer handle the burdens of bearing those sorrows, if they could lay their pain to others, if only for the brief illusion of reprieve? This was a question in the story that Ando answered exceedingly well, an answer that echoes still through my mind.

There were a few problems. The wording was awkward, and there were phrases that I could do without. This, unfortunately, did detract from the story greatly. However, other parts of the story flowed beautifully, the Gothic feel of the atmosphere evident. Ando establishes what happens if this untainted nature bleeds out, when the pain becomes too much to bear. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 3.4 out of 5 stars, and would recommend this to individuals who fell in love with Milton and Edgar Allen Poe.