A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 12
January 28, 2019
Death In Shangri-LA
A Novel by Yigal Zur
Here’s another, making it book number three where there’s some sort of political message, terrorism or governmental insanity taking place. You all know me- I don’t do these. And yet, in 2018 I read three. This is book number three. Death in Shangri-La (A Dotan Naor Thriller), by Yigal Zur is a novel that reads like a television series! The action, the betrayal and the killings... OMG!
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Death in Shangri-La is - I think - about a man, Dotan, going to find the son of an acquaintance. Willy, the father of the missing son, even though hired Dotan, decides to go and seek out his son himself. The man is soon killed, setting off a war unlike anything I’ve ever read before! Not to mention there are kids who live in the Himalayas, who’ve graduated from a rite of passage that are being picked off by terrorists! Then there’s Dotan who’s traveling with Maya, an ex-Moussad agent- OMG!
Though the story is good, I couldn’t keep up. This is the book that would have made a perfect movie. I can watch, rewind and watch again to catch what I’m missing, but to read it... it sorta became what I call gobbly-goop! My head was swimming with everything that took place. If anything, I have to call Zur an excellent novelist for being able to keep up with it all!
Though Death in Shangri-La wasn’t my sort of novel, I can’t knocked it one bit. It’s perfectly written and kept me interested. I”m not kidding, I wanted to know and understand what was going on. I just couldn’t.
If you are a lover of thrillers, conspiracies, murders and a lot of legal tape- this is your story. Check out Death in Shangri-La while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Death in Shangri-La
Written by Yigal Zur
Published by Ocean View Publishing
Released August 2018
272 Pages
Here’s another, making it book number three where there’s some sort of political message, terrorism or governmental insanity taking place. You all know me- I don’t do these. And yet, in 2018 I read three. This is book number three. Death in Shangri-La (A Dotan Naor Thriller), by Yigal Zur is a novel that reads like a television series! The action, the betrayal and the killings... OMG!#element-7e9ba2d7-9a7c-48cb-b37c-7298074ad381 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Death in Shangri-La is - I think - about a man, Dotan, going to find the son of an acquaintance. Willy, the father of the missing son, even though hired Dotan, decides to go and seek out his son himself. The man is soon killed, setting off a war unlike anything I’ve ever read before! Not to mention there are kids who live in the Himalayas, who’ve graduated from a rite of passage that are being picked off by terrorists! Then there’s Dotan who’s traveling with Maya, an ex-Moussad agent- OMG!Though the story is good, I couldn’t keep up. This is the book that would have made a perfect movie. I can watch, rewind and watch again to catch what I’m missing, but to read it... it sorta became what I call gobbly-goop! My head was swimming with everything that took place. If anything, I have to call Zur an excellent novelist for being able to keep up with it all!
Though Death in Shangri-La wasn’t my sort of novel, I can’t knocked it one bit. It’s perfectly written and kept me interested. I”m not kidding, I wanted to know and understand what was going on. I just couldn’t.
If you are a lover of thrillers, conspiracies, murders and a lot of legal tape- this is your story. Check out Death in Shangri-La while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Death in Shangri-La
Written by Yigal Zur
Published by Ocean View Publishing
Released August 2018
272 Pages
January 23, 2019
S.P.I.D.A.R
An Arachnaphobic novel by Bryan Alaspa
There’s nothing creepier than deadly insects. Vicious insects. Intelligent insects- oh, okay! Arachnids. To-may-toh, To-mah-to! The thing is, S.P.I.D.A.R. is one of those stories that gives you the heebie jeebies!
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A small Alaskan town has fallen under siege. Across the water, on an island owned by the government, an experiment went out of control and spread like wildfire. The residents of Whittier are in danger of more than death!
I can not even begin to tell you how strange this tale was. I loved it, even though it raised a ton of questions concerning robotics/nanobyte technology and procreation. Creatures, created by man are taking over the population in more ways than one, and a quick death is the furthest thing from reach.
The story is fast-paced and filled with activity that keeps the story smooth and interesting. Not one time did I dislike it. The only issue I found with S.P.I.D.A.R. was the narrator. This review was audio, narrated by Robert Keesecker and I have to say that the guy’s voice wasn’t the best. He droned one, like one of my old college professor’s. It wasn’t right for the story. Had someone with a bit of life been the one, it could have been so much more of an adventure.
Anyway, the story’s not bad and quick-like. Check it out.
S.P.I.D.A.R.
Written by Bryan Alspa
Narrated by Robert Keesecker
Beacon Publishing Group
February 2018
284 pages
Runtime: 8h 3m
There’s nothing creepier than deadly insects. Vicious insects. Intelligent insects- oh, okay! Arachnids. To-may-toh, To-mah-to! The thing is, S.P.I.D.A.R. is one of those stories that gives you the heebie jeebies!#element-e26e4806-035b-4921-a880-23c782882bc5 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
A small Alaskan town has fallen under siege. Across the water, on an island owned by the government, an experiment went out of control and spread like wildfire. The residents of Whittier are in danger of more than death!I can not even begin to tell you how strange this tale was. I loved it, even though it raised a ton of questions concerning robotics/nanobyte technology and procreation. Creatures, created by man are taking over the population in more ways than one, and a quick death is the furthest thing from reach.
The story is fast-paced and filled with activity that keeps the story smooth and interesting. Not one time did I dislike it. The only issue I found with S.P.I.D.A.R. was the narrator. This review was audio, narrated by Robert Keesecker and I have to say that the guy’s voice wasn’t the best. He droned one, like one of my old college professor’s. It wasn’t right for the story. Had someone with a bit of life been the one, it could have been so much more of an adventure.
Anyway, the story’s not bad and quick-like. Check it out.
S.P.I.D.A.R.
Written by Bryan Alspa
Narrated by Robert Keesecker
Beacon Publishing Group
February 2018
284 pages
Runtime: 8h 3m
January 22, 2019
Broken World by Kate L. Mary
An eBook Review
You can always tell when someone's paying homage to The Walking Dead. There's something that suddenly strikes you, it clicks and then you're like, "Oh... ok." That's what Broken World did to me. While reading, things happened that helped me like it but know that this author is a lover of the undead, just like the rest of us. She's not just writing what she likes, she's been affected by it.
Today's review- Broken World, book one in a series by Kate L. Mary.
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The story tells of a woman trying to get to her daughter during the beginning of a plague that strikes many, leaves few. If you're lucky and immune, you have nothing to worry about. If you're not immune, you become sick, you die. You rise.
Vivian manages to obtain travel papers to get to California but ends up with car trouble along the way. She's picked up by a set of brothers who help her out, but they're trouble. During the journey, Vivian learns a lot about herself and the mysterious, temperamental Axel. Just like with most zompoc tales, they encounter others on their journey and emotions run high. The $100,000.00 questions are: Will she find her daughter in time and will she learn something about herself along the way?
I liked Broken World because It brought people from diverse backgrounds, but they all worked together. There are characters you immediately dislike, but somehow find their personalities seem to adjust, making you want to like them more. Then there's the protagonist, who you want to attach to but find she's a pain in the butt and you don't want to like her or feel sorry for her anymore! What the heck?! That's what makes the story likable.
What I didn't enjoy was the Daryl from The Walking Dead wannabe. Axl is moody, with an attitude as shifty as a cloud on a stormy day. I kept seeing this guy just like Daryl and that bothered me. I also didn't like how his brother, Angus was practically a mirror to Merle! It was near a copy, except Angus seemed to carry redeeming qualities that could cause his character to change. Problem is, I'm not sure I'm ready to get into the rest of the series to find out.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good story, it's just that if it's going to be so similar, and the plot of the story going along the lines of what I'd already figured out, then it's a possible no-go for me. I don't know. I can't judge just yet. I may revisit the Broken World. We shall see. If you're interested, please, check out the series by Kate L. Mary. I'm going to move on to the next read. Cheers!
Broken World
Kate L. Mary
Published by Twisted Press, LLC
Released July 2014239 Pages
You can always tell when someone's paying homage to The Walking Dead. There's something that suddenly strikes you, it clicks and then you're like, "Oh... ok." That's what Broken World did to me. While reading, things happened that helped me like it but know that this author is a lover of the undead, just like the rest of us. She's not just writing what she likes, she's been affected by it. Today's review- Broken World, book one in a series by Kate L. Mary.
#element-fd5efba4-444c-400c-8aea-20980c3be4de .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The story tells of a woman trying to get to her daughter during the beginning of a plague that strikes many, leaves few. If you're lucky and immune, you have nothing to worry about. If you're not immune, you become sick, you die. You rise.Vivian manages to obtain travel papers to get to California but ends up with car trouble along the way. She's picked up by a set of brothers who help her out, but they're trouble. During the journey, Vivian learns a lot about herself and the mysterious, temperamental Axel. Just like with most zompoc tales, they encounter others on their journey and emotions run high. The $100,000.00 questions are: Will she find her daughter in time and will she learn something about herself along the way?
I liked Broken World because It brought people from diverse backgrounds, but they all worked together. There are characters you immediately dislike, but somehow find their personalities seem to adjust, making you want to like them more. Then there's the protagonist, who you want to attach to but find she's a pain in the butt and you don't want to like her or feel sorry for her anymore! What the heck?! That's what makes the story likable.
What I didn't enjoy was the Daryl from The Walking Dead wannabe. Axl is moody, with an attitude as shifty as a cloud on a stormy day. I kept seeing this guy just like Daryl and that bothered me. I also didn't like how his brother, Angus was practically a mirror to Merle! It was near a copy, except Angus seemed to carry redeeming qualities that could cause his character to change. Problem is, I'm not sure I'm ready to get into the rest of the series to find out.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good story, it's just that if it's going to be so similar, and the plot of the story going along the lines of what I'd already figured out, then it's a possible no-go for me. I don't know. I can't judge just yet. I may revisit the Broken World. We shall see. If you're interested, please, check out the series by Kate L. Mary. I'm going to move on to the next read. Cheers!
Broken World
Kate L. Mary
Published by Twisted Press, LLC
Released July 2014239 Pages
January 16, 2019
Bird Box
Netflix Thriller Movie Review
What do you do when something that wants to kill you uses everything you’ve ever loved, feared, and wanted against you? And then once you see it, you’re dead. That’s what happens in this apocalyptic thriller.Bird Box, starring Sandra Bullock, is one of those movies that takes you to a supernatural precipice, then plunges you into an understanding that sorta reminds you of somethign else. Peep my thoughts...
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A woman and two children have to survive, alone in a world that’s wants to destroy. With a story line that reminds you of The Happening and ending like the Book of Eli, they embark on said journey facing one near impossible obstacle that could hurt most. Icy, watery rapids. Can they traverse the terrain and river, let alone survive the invisible force determined to destroy all mankind?
Bird Box is both spooky, saddening, frightening, loving, shocking and more. It’s one of those films that makes you want to be strong while remaining transparent enough to save those you love.When I first heard about it, I doubted it would be any good. So many movies promise terror but always end up predictable and disappointing.
I have to admit, I managed to understand some of Bird Box enough to know what was coming, but it wasn’t one of those you could easily figure out. It’s a precious movie that crosses several genre lines, yet brings tears to your eyes.
Netflix did a great job with this one- check it out! I’m off to the next read.
Bird Box
Starring Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Sarah Paulson,John Malkovich, and Lil Rey Howery
Directed by Susanne Bier
Screenplay by Eric Heisserer
Based on the novel by Josh Malerman
Released December 2018
What do you do when something that wants to kill you uses everything you’ve ever loved, feared, and wanted against you? And then once you see it, you’re dead. That’s what happens in this apocalyptic thriller.Bird Box, starring Sandra Bullock, is one of those movies that takes you to a supernatural precipice, then plunges you into an understanding that sorta reminds you of somethign else. Peep my thoughts...#element-1b6e8cb8-f461-4108-b812-1a01f8fe5696 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
A woman and two children have to survive, alone in a world that’s wants to destroy. With a story line that reminds you of The Happening and ending like the Book of Eli, they embark on said journey facing one near impossible obstacle that could hurt most. Icy, watery rapids. Can they traverse the terrain and river, let alone survive the invisible force determined to destroy all mankind?Bird Box is both spooky, saddening, frightening, loving, shocking and more. It’s one of those films that makes you want to be strong while remaining transparent enough to save those you love.When I first heard about it, I doubted it would be any good. So many movies promise terror but always end up predictable and disappointing.
I have to admit, I managed to understand some of Bird Box enough to know what was coming, but it wasn’t one of those you could easily figure out. It’s a precious movie that crosses several genre lines, yet brings tears to your eyes.
Netflix did a great job with this one- check it out! I’m off to the next read.
Bird Box
Starring Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Sarah Paulson,John Malkovich, and Lil Rey Howery
Directed by Susanne Bier
Screenplay by Eric Heisserer
Based on the novel by Josh Malerman
Released December 2018
Broken Monsters
A Novel by Lauren Beukes
First off, this cover is tots-amazing! Is it still okay to say that? It's part of my personality; I'm programmed to say that concerning certain things- especially book covers. I'm not one of those reviewers who spends time searching through my thesaurus to sound overly full of myself. I'm an expressionist. Anyway, Broken Monsters is today's novel for review and review I shall!
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When I first began to read Broken Monsters, by Lauren Beukes, I thought: There are way too many people to keep up with. How am I going to know what's going on? Well, there really aren't, I just didn't like the variations, but it was SO necessary. The story needed the pieces, the chapters, the characters. The book is terribly intense, unlike anything I've ever read before.
The story is about a killer of the worst kind. He feels he's not in control, he doesn't do anything, he's compelled. He has to do what he does. Around him are people who eventually connect with him but how they fare upon interaction... I can't share. This book is cray-cray to the utmost!
Broken Monsters is the first novel I've been introduced to by Beukes, but I do not believe it will be my last. If her other books are like this, I am a fan! She's an award-winning journalist and it showed in this book. Written with a theme that could be compared to Se7en and The Silence of the Lambs, it's crude, crafty and beautifully monsterous, this book is one I will keep on my bookshelf and return to from time to time. It's that good.
The murders are what will have you engrossed. The killer is prone to creation and beauty and art. The way he leaves his victims is baffling and anything but previously mentioned. He calls this experience, this thing The Dream. The story makes you think, are there people out there who could really do this crap? It makes you leery of who you're around and the creep factor is unlimited.
Check out Broken Monsters. It's so freaking good. I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Broken Monsters
Written by Lauren Beukes
Published by Mullholland Books
June 2015
464 pages
Runtime: 13h 24m
First off, this cover is tots-amazing! Is it still okay to say that? It's part of my personality; I'm programmed to say that concerning certain things- especially book covers. I'm not one of those reviewers who spends time searching through my thesaurus to sound overly full of myself. I'm an expressionist. Anyway, Broken Monsters is today's novel for review and review I shall!#element-7b0fdf74-d95f-4186-84c2-19e92008f2f8 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
When I first began to read Broken Monsters, by Lauren Beukes, I thought: There are way too many people to keep up with. How am I going to know what's going on? Well, there really aren't, I just didn't like the variations, but it was SO necessary. The story needed the pieces, the chapters, the characters. The book is terribly intense, unlike anything I've ever read before.The story is about a killer of the worst kind. He feels he's not in control, he doesn't do anything, he's compelled. He has to do what he does. Around him are people who eventually connect with him but how they fare upon interaction... I can't share. This book is cray-cray to the utmost!
Broken Monsters is the first novel I've been introduced to by Beukes, but I do not believe it will be my last. If her other books are like this, I am a fan! She's an award-winning journalist and it showed in this book. Written with a theme that could be compared to Se7en and The Silence of the Lambs, it's crude, crafty and beautifully monsterous, this book is one I will keep on my bookshelf and return to from time to time. It's that good.
The murders are what will have you engrossed. The killer is prone to creation and beauty and art. The way he leaves his victims is baffling and anything but previously mentioned. He calls this experience, this thing The Dream. The story makes you think, are there people out there who could really do this crap? It makes you leery of who you're around and the creep factor is unlimited.
Check out Broken Monsters. It's so freaking good. I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Broken Monsters
Written by Lauren Beukes
Published by Mullholland Books
June 2015
464 pages
Runtime: 13h 24m
January 15, 2019
The Nun
Another horrific Installment of The Conjuring movie series
When The Conjuring movie came out, I knew it was one I had to not only see in theaters but I had to own it in my movie collection. The movie was creepy-spooky as ever and I never get tired of watching it. When the second movie came, I was just has happy. After all, it was in England. I can't say I was happy with the Annabelle movies. No, they sucked. But then after two greats, here's the absolute best! The Nun took me back to a day when horror was classic and beautiful.
#element-c2508c8c-fc68-4fb0-84df-699769ffbda9 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So if you know the stories, you know this is no ordinary movie in a collection of movies. This is a story's beginning. It gave meaning to the nun spotted in The Conjuring 2.From what I recall, the figure was so creepy, they decided to make a movie on her, because who can incite terror more than the ones who are married to The One so holy?
I grew up on classic horror. As I’ve mentioned in past reviews, original horror is pretty much in my blood. So when The Conjuring franchise came out, I had to see them. They carried an ancient feel that passed from one movie to the other.
Now the Annabelle movies, to me sucked and weren’t horrific at all. But I can say they were creepy enough for me to watch and enjoy them. But The Nun is true to the storyline and stood strong.
With a win of $21.5 million over the cost to make it, The Nun brought passion, fear and the belief that if you aren’t good a nun will make sure you go to hell! Nah, I’m kidding but yes, it was creepy-scary! The Nun is set in Romania, at an actual abbey. When a sister of the faith is found hanged, the Vatican sends a priest to investigate. He’s also assigned a young nun who has yet to take her vows. Together, with a guide named Frenchie, they venture into the abbey. The place carries a terrible past and actually, the present isn’t much better.
When they discover they’re in for a battle against an ancient evil, they know they must seal a portal, using the blood of Christ before they can ever think of leaving for home.
The movie is fantastic. it feels old, haunting and evil. What makes The Nun such a great movie is the eerie feeling of impending doom. You know, watching them go in, that they are not going to have a pleasant visit to the abbey. it’s huge, dark and filled with a deathly past. There can be no good in such a place.
They made this movie like a Bela Lugosi flick. I watched in amazement more than fear. But I do hat quite a bit. The difference between those movies and The Nun is that this was really good horror. Scary, creepy and with little gore. You will enjoy this if you like good horror.
Check out The Nun. It’s released in iTunes already and will be available for purchase on December 4th. Cheers!
The Nun
Written by James Wan
Directed by Corin Hardy
Produced by Atomic Monster, New Line Cinema
Starred Damian Bichir, Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet and Bonnie Aarons.
When The Conjuring movie came out, I knew it was one I had to not only see in theaters but I had to own it in my movie collection. The movie was creepy-spooky as ever and I never get tired of watching it. When the second movie came, I was just has happy. After all, it was in England. I can't say I was happy with the Annabelle movies. No, they sucked. But then after two greats, here's the absolute best! The Nun took me back to a day when horror was classic and beautiful.#element-c2508c8c-fc68-4fb0-84df-699769ffbda9 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So if you know the stories, you know this is no ordinary movie in a collection of movies. This is a story's beginning. It gave meaning to the nun spotted in The Conjuring 2.From what I recall, the figure was so creepy, they decided to make a movie on her, because who can incite terror more than the ones who are married to The One so holy?I grew up on classic horror. As I’ve mentioned in past reviews, original horror is pretty much in my blood. So when The Conjuring franchise came out, I had to see them. They carried an ancient feel that passed from one movie to the other.
Now the Annabelle movies, to me sucked and weren’t horrific at all. But I can say they were creepy enough for me to watch and enjoy them. But The Nun is true to the storyline and stood strong.
With a win of $21.5 million over the cost to make it, The Nun brought passion, fear and the belief that if you aren’t good a nun will make sure you go to hell! Nah, I’m kidding but yes, it was creepy-scary! The Nun is set in Romania, at an actual abbey. When a sister of the faith is found hanged, the Vatican sends a priest to investigate. He’s also assigned a young nun who has yet to take her vows. Together, with a guide named Frenchie, they venture into the abbey. The place carries a terrible past and actually, the present isn’t much better.When they discover they’re in for a battle against an ancient evil, they know they must seal a portal, using the blood of Christ before they can ever think of leaving for home.
The movie is fantastic. it feels old, haunting and evil. What makes The Nun such a great movie is the eerie feeling of impending doom. You know, watching them go in, that they are not going to have a pleasant visit to the abbey. it’s huge, dark and filled with a deathly past. There can be no good in such a place.
They made this movie like a Bela Lugosi flick. I watched in amazement more than fear. But I do hat quite a bit. The difference between those movies and The Nun is that this was really good horror. Scary, creepy and with little gore. You will enjoy this if you like good horror.
Check out The Nun. It’s released in iTunes already and will be available for purchase on December 4th. Cheers!
The Nun
Written by James Wan
Directed by Corin Hardy
Produced by Atomic Monster, New Line Cinema
Starred Damian Bichir, Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet and Bonnie Aarons.
January 14, 2019
Leviathan
A Horror Novel by Lucas Pederson
Who doesn't love a good underwater, monster story? I know I eat them up whenever possible.
This cover, and this image is just a small piece, made me think I wanted to be all over this read. I snatched it up for practically nothing and dove right in. I managed to finish it quick, but was my need for monsters satiated? This is Leviathan: Ghost Rig by Lucas Pederson.
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So a man and his crew are hired by a millionaire to repair an abandoned rig in the middle of the ocean. With no money to pay his employees and about to lose his house plus no information on the location of his wife and daughter, he can't say no. With the encouragement of his crew, he accepts the offer and they're whisked away. Immediately he’s wired around five million dollars with the rest upon completion of the job. But what exactly is the job?
The crew believes they’re simply going to get a rig going with a few repairs. What they find is something irreparable and inhabited by something huge, fierce and hungry for blood.
Leviathan: Ghost Rig is a dystopian tale, set in the not so distant future. Oil is sparse, air can be toxic but money still makes the world go round. I’ve never read a Pederson book before, so I didn’t know what to expect.
This story wasn’t all that great of a read, honestly. I was surprised to find the story bordered 1982’s The Thing and 1989’s Leviathan movies more than its own original horror. The book has a creature with angry tentacles that alter a body on a molecular level into another monster. Then said transformed creature does its best to attack and morph the others. It even had a victim with ragged teeth protruding from their chest with a broken neck at an odd angle. I just saw bits of inspiration and no real story.
Not only that, the job they were meant to do either didn’t exist or the millionaire really did think they could do it. I don't know. Then after all that, it ended so abruptly I couldn't understand why the guy quit on the story. This isn't to be mean but only a person's who's read this book would really know what I'm saying.
The final issue I had with Leviathan: Ghost Rig, is that the monsters you see on the cover of this book isn't the same thing in the book. This looks like the mouth of a great crocodile or worse. What this a pre-made book cover or something? See- if so, this is why I have a segment in the blog section of this site, discussing book covers. Seriously, what attacks in the story is nothing like the monster on the cover of this book. What happened? I do not know, nor will I try and find out because I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Leviathan: Ghost Rig
Written by Lucas Pederson
eBook published by Severed Press
Released September 2017
175 pages/ Runtime 5h 9m
Who doesn't love a good underwater, monster story? I know I eat them up whenever possible. This cover, and this image is just a small piece, made me think I wanted to be all over this read. I snatched it up for practically nothing and dove right in. I managed to finish it quick, but was my need for monsters satiated? This is Leviathan: Ghost Rig by Lucas Pederson.
#element-622e0588-fc86-4c19-a901-337c89a9de0f .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So a man and his crew are hired by a millionaire to repair an abandoned rig in the middle of the ocean. With no money to pay his employees and about to lose his house plus no information on the location of his wife and daughter, he can't say no. With the encouragement of his crew, he accepts the offer and they're whisked away. Immediately he’s wired around five million dollars with the rest upon completion of the job. But what exactly is the job?The crew believes they’re simply going to get a rig going with a few repairs. What they find is something irreparable and inhabited by something huge, fierce and hungry for blood.
Leviathan: Ghost Rig is a dystopian tale, set in the not so distant future. Oil is sparse, air can be toxic but money still makes the world go round. I’ve never read a Pederson book before, so I didn’t know what to expect.
This story wasn’t all that great of a read, honestly. I was surprised to find the story bordered 1982’s The Thing and 1989’s Leviathan movies more than its own original horror. The book has a creature with angry tentacles that alter a body on a molecular level into another monster. Then said transformed creature does its best to attack and morph the others. It even had a victim with ragged teeth protruding from their chest with a broken neck at an odd angle. I just saw bits of inspiration and no real story.
Not only that, the job they were meant to do either didn’t exist or the millionaire really did think they could do it. I don't know. Then after all that, it ended so abruptly I couldn't understand why the guy quit on the story. This isn't to be mean but only a person's who's read this book would really know what I'm saying.
The final issue I had with Leviathan: Ghost Rig, is that the monsters you see on the cover of this book isn't the same thing in the book. This looks like the mouth of a great crocodile or worse. What this a pre-made book cover or something? See- if so, this is why I have a segment in the blog section of this site, discussing book covers. Seriously, what attacks in the story is nothing like the monster on the cover of this book. What happened? I do not know, nor will I try and find out because I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Leviathan: Ghost Rig
Written by Lucas Pederson
eBook published by Severed Press
Released September 2017
175 pages/ Runtime 5h 9m
January 9, 2019
The Rot Collection
The Origin of the Feces Collection by Aidan J. Reid
Six books, six short stories, about a fairy (ex-tooth fairy) named Ray Jones. Every situation this fairy found himself in was of the most ignorant, making me think, in the very beginning, that this character and author were out of their minds!
But I quickly found myself laughing out loud, in the middle of the night, at this guy! I ended up loving everything about Ray. The titles in this series can be purchased either separately or all combined in one novel.
The titles:
The Rot
The Tooth Hurts
Flossed and Found
Plague to The Future
Gum But No Forgotten
Filling Time
#element-6c61a25b-cae4-4d03-985d-baeb61a72394 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So first know this, Ray's not a bad guy. As a mater of fact, he’s a hard worker and a husband. A loving one at that. So how does he managed to wind up in six books, all filled with the most unbelievable situations, leaving carnage of sorts in his wake? In Rot: The Origin of the Feces, he managed to become a tooth fairy. Did you know there’s more than one? Probably so- if you watched that Dwayne Johnson movie. Anyway, he manages to land a sweet job as one of many tooth fairies and ends up loving the fairy dust, the sparkly stuff that allows you to walk
through walls... and gets you high. When he begins to cut corners and gets caught, Queen Fairy G decides he’s the right man for special project. That’s what walks you in to book 2, Flossed and Found.
In three, The Tooth Hurts, Ray goes out on his mission, as ordered by the tooth fairy. He has to kill a man believed to be creating a product that will end the very purpose and existence for tooth fairies around the world! Their kingdom will be lost, but can Ray do it? In Flossed and Found, Ray's actions have placed himself and Lena on the run. Off they go to cross the border and into a life on the run, as fugitives. Can they survive and will they manage to make a new life for themselves, away from all they've ever known?
In Plague to the Future, Ray has to return to The Kingdom but he's got a partner with him now. Ian, a creature half man-half deer, joins in to save Mrs. Ian and Lena from the vile clutches of Fairy G. She's angry and wants Ray's blood. Will he walk back into a trap or can he get in and save the woman he loves and take Fairy G down for good? This one is freaking funny- especially when he shares about how his father told him how he'd now when he was in love. Wow! LOL
Gum But Not Forgotten places Ray in a crap situation. Captured and placed inside a well filled with the gelatinous remains of who knows how many people, he does his best to survive in darkness. he's vomited on, urinated and more- all for comic relief as he waits his turn in the.. arena? Lastly, Filling Time is book six and the end of the exciting tale. How in the world does Ray get out of his predicament? How can he and Lena, his wife ever get back together and be happy again? It's definitely going to take a lot of fighting and bloodshed. But will a fairy be the one to end the tyranny of the immaculate Fairy G?
This series is one of the best I've read in a very long time. It's funny, gross, hilarious, sorta sad and filled with hooks that kept me going. This short series is what it's all about when it comes to be a captivating author. If you want snarky comebacks, terrible tag lines and organized cinematography (you have to read this to know), this is your next mini-series! I loved it and will definitely read more by Reid. This was the best!
On to the next read. Cheers!
The Rot Collection
Series written by Aidan J. Reid
Published by Amazon Digital Services
Six books, six short stories, about a fairy (ex-tooth fairy) named Ray Jones. Every situation this fairy found himself in was of the most ignorant, making me think, in the very beginning, that this character and author were out of their minds! But I quickly found myself laughing out loud, in the middle of the night, at this guy! I ended up loving everything about Ray. The titles in this series can be purchased either separately or all combined in one novel.
The titles:
The Rot
The Tooth Hurts
Flossed and Found
Plague to The Future
Gum But No Forgotten
Filling Time
#element-6c61a25b-cae4-4d03-985d-baeb61a72394 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So first know this, Ray's not a bad guy. As a mater of fact, he’s a hard worker and a husband. A loving one at that. So how does he managed to wind up in six books, all filled with the most unbelievable situations, leaving carnage of sorts in his wake? In Rot: The Origin of the Feces, he managed to become a tooth fairy. Did you know there’s more than one? Probably so- if you watched that Dwayne Johnson movie. Anyway, he manages to land a sweet job as one of many tooth fairies and ends up loving the fairy dust, the sparkly stuff that allows you to walk through walls... and gets you high. When he begins to cut corners and gets caught, Queen Fairy G decides he’s the right man for special project. That’s what walks you in to book 2, Flossed and Found.
In three, The Tooth Hurts, Ray goes out on his mission, as ordered by the tooth fairy. He has to kill a man believed to be creating a product that will end the very purpose and existence for tooth fairies around the world! Their kingdom will be lost, but can Ray do it? In Flossed and Found, Ray's actions have placed himself and Lena on the run. Off they go to cross the border and into a life on the run, as fugitives. Can they survive and will they manage to make a new life for themselves, away from all they've ever known?
In Plague to the Future, Ray has to return to The Kingdom but he's got a partner with him now. Ian, a creature half man-half deer, joins in to save Mrs. Ian and Lena from the vile clutches of Fairy G. She's angry and wants Ray's blood. Will he walk back into a trap or can he get in and save the woman he loves and take Fairy G down for good? This one is freaking funny- especially when he shares about how his father told him how he'd now when he was in love. Wow! LOL
Gum But Not Forgotten places Ray in a crap situation. Captured and placed inside a well filled with the gelatinous remains of who knows how many people, he does his best to survive in darkness. he's vomited on, urinated and more- all for comic relief as he waits his turn in the.. arena? Lastly, Filling Time is book six and the end of the exciting tale. How in the world does Ray get out of his predicament? How can he and Lena, his wife ever get back together and be happy again? It's definitely going to take a lot of fighting and bloodshed. But will a fairy be the one to end the tyranny of the immaculate Fairy G?
This series is one of the best I've read in a very long time. It's funny, gross, hilarious, sorta sad and filled with hooks that kept me going. This short series is what it's all about when it comes to be a captivating author. If you want snarky comebacks, terrible tag lines and organized cinematography (you have to read this to know), this is your next mini-series! I loved it and will definitely read more by Reid. This was the best!
On to the next read. Cheers!
The Rot Collection
Series written by Aidan J. Reid
Published by Amazon Digital Services
January 8, 2019
Anna Dressed In Blood series
Novels by Kendare Blake
For about a year I saw this book series. I figured I had to have it. So I purchased teh hardcover books and added to my library. Then one day I spotted them in Audible. I purchased them and found myself downloading them that day and listening to them a month later.
I've read a couple of Kendare Blake's books before so I knew that this one would be interesting enough to hold my attention. But did I like the Anna Dressed In Blood series?
#element-7da20f32-8225-4a70-8614-bebfc5e1d5a0 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The series is two books that have some amazing covers. That’s what struck me first- One because they almost appear in a sort of Japanimation artwork. It’s vivid, using red, white and black. And secondly, it’s eerie with the hazy sketchy theme. They’re well thought out an just up my alley. So now that you know I love the book covers to the series, what did I think of the actual stories?
Anna Dressed In Blood introduces Cas Lowood. A ghost killer.
Given the chore by family blood, he is a hunter who travels from town to town, with his mother, researching lore, then killing them. It’s a sort of cheesy tale but the purpose of his being in in a sleepy town grows intense when he meets a female ghost who’s more powerful than anything he’s ever come across. The ghost has killed, but she doesn’t simply give someone a heart attack- oh no! She trips people apart, disembowels them or worse! Yeah, what can be worse?
Amazingly, he forms a bond with some of the local teens and together they find the source of her power and do their best to stop her before she takes another life.
Anna Dressed In Blood is about friendship, trust in one’s self and naturally, young love. I found the story, as a whole to okay, nothing too big. Since it was an audiobook, I listened mostly while driving and working out. I found the narrator, August Ross, to be a bit on the annoying side. he paused almost robotically. It didn’t sound or feel right and was more of a distraction. Maybe if it had been a book that wasn’t telling a story it could have Ben easier, but then again, who knows. He’s not bad, just not smooth.
In book 2, Girl of Nightmares, Cas has decided to stay in the small town instead of move on. His mother is fine with his decision, since there are more ghosts to handle and Cas actually has friends and a life, but something’s wrong.
Anna is back... in a way. She’s reaching out to Cas, making him see things that aren’t there. Making him feel confused and lost. Making everyone around him think he’s doing drugs or something! it’s not good either way.
Since Cas is in love with his long, dead ghost girlfriend, he’s determined to help her. No matter what the cost.
Without being mean, I sorta found myself a little bored with the second book, but the series itself was okay. From what I understand, there's a movie coming as well. It's still in development but with any luck, they'll make it better than the books. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Anna Dressed in Blood & Girl of Nightmares
Written by Kendare Blake
Released:
(ADiB) July 2012
Runtime: 8h 43m
(GoN) August 2012
Runtime: 10h 3m
Published by Audible Studios
For about a year I saw this book series. I figured I had to have it. So I purchased teh hardcover books and added to my library. Then one day I spotted them in Audible. I purchased them and found myself downloading them that day and listening to them a month later. I've read a couple of Kendare Blake's books before so I knew that this one would be interesting enough to hold my attention. But did I like the Anna Dressed In Blood series?
#element-7da20f32-8225-4a70-8614-bebfc5e1d5a0 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The series is two books that have some amazing covers. That’s what struck me first- One because they almost appear in a sort of Japanimation artwork. It’s vivid, using red, white and black. And secondly, it’s eerie with the hazy sketchy theme. They’re well thought out an just up my alley. So now that you know I love the book covers to the series, what did I think of the actual stories? Anna Dressed In Blood introduces Cas Lowood. A ghost killer.Given the chore by family blood, he is a hunter who travels from town to town, with his mother, researching lore, then killing them. It’s a sort of cheesy tale but the purpose of his being in in a sleepy town grows intense when he meets a female ghost who’s more powerful than anything he’s ever come across. The ghost has killed, but she doesn’t simply give someone a heart attack- oh no! She trips people apart, disembowels them or worse! Yeah, what can be worse?
Amazingly, he forms a bond with some of the local teens and together they find the source of her power and do their best to stop her before she takes another life.
Anna Dressed In Blood is about friendship, trust in one’s self and naturally, young love. I found the story, as a whole to okay, nothing too big. Since it was an audiobook, I listened mostly while driving and working out. I found the narrator, August Ross, to be a bit on the annoying side. he paused almost robotically. It didn’t sound or feel right and was more of a distraction. Maybe if it had been a book that wasn’t telling a story it could have Ben easier, but then again, who knows. He’s not bad, just not smooth.
In book 2, Girl of Nightmares, Cas has decided to stay in the small town instead of move on. His mother is fine with his decision, since there are more ghosts to handle and Cas actually has friends and a life, but something’s wrong.
Anna is back... in a way. She’s reaching out to Cas, making him see things that aren’t there. Making him feel confused and lost. Making everyone around him think he’s doing drugs or something! it’s not good either way.
Since Cas is in love with his long, dead ghost girlfriend, he’s determined to help her. No matter what the cost.
Without being mean, I sorta found myself a little bored with the second book, but the series itself was okay. From what I understand, there's a movie coming as well. It's still in development but with any luck, they'll make it better than the books. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Anna Dressed in Blood & Girl of Nightmares
Written by Kendare Blake
Released:
(ADiB) July 2012
Runtime: 8h 43m
(GoN) August 2012
Runtime: 10h 3m
Published by Audible Studios
January 7, 2019
Dead Ahead, A Colonial Radio Theater Production
Dramatization from graphic novel series
Narrated by The Colonial Radio Players
I LOVE old radio shows, so when I find a production audiostory, I'm all over it! That's exactly what Dead Ahead is; it's a production by The Colonial Radio Players, with voices, sound effects and a lot of heart. This story is simple, realistic and horrific fun, all rolled up in a near two-hour run time.
My review of today is Dead Ahead.
#element-e38daa10-1a71-454e-a6f4-c386d56ef87b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
A group on a fishing trip overhear a news report of mayhem taking place on the coast. When they return to see what's going on, they're told to stay at least five miles from the shoreline or they'd be shot. They later discover a plague has taken over the world!
While trapped on the ocean they must survive any way they can manage, but they also need supplies to prevent thins liek scurvey and other illness. It's when they find a luxury liner that they realize they're notup for this fliesh-eating adventure. How will they manage?
I enjoyed this one. It's very fast, so you can't grow attached to the characters, but you find you already know who you will like and dislike within the first twenty minutes of the story. The music, the voice acting and the drama that ensues is one for the records. The story is decent and easily relatable, even though I don't know if I could have stayed with the captain! And honestly, I didn't see that ending coming. I'd hoped it was a series, but nope. It's a done deal. Too bad.
I bought this audio drama for a few bucks and I regret nothing. It'well worth the listen and I hope you grap yourself a copy on Audible.com. You can read it too, especially since it came from a graphic novel series. I may grab myself a copy or two. You can too, but right now, I'm gonna just move on to the next read. Cheers!
Dead Ahead
Starring Joseph Zamparelli, Shana Dirik, Allan Mayo, and the Colonial Radio Players
Dramatized for audio by Jack J. Ward
Produced by Rich Matheson
Music by Jeff Gage
Directed by Jerry Robbins
Released July 2015
Running Time 1 h 51 m
Narrated by The Colonial Radio Players
I LOVE old radio shows, so when I find a production audiostory, I'm all over it! That's exactly what Dead Ahead is; it's a production by The Colonial Radio Players, with voices, sound effects and a lot of heart. This story is simple, realistic and horrific fun, all rolled up in a near two-hour run time.My review of today is Dead Ahead.
#element-e38daa10-1a71-454e-a6f4-c386d56ef87b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
A group on a fishing trip overhear a news report of mayhem taking place on the coast. When they return to see what's going on, they're told to stay at least five miles from the shoreline or they'd be shot. They later discover a plague has taken over the world!While trapped on the ocean they must survive any way they can manage, but they also need supplies to prevent thins liek scurvey and other illness. It's when they find a luxury liner that they realize they're notup for this fliesh-eating adventure. How will they manage?
I enjoyed this one. It's very fast, so you can't grow attached to the characters, but you find you already know who you will like and dislike within the first twenty minutes of the story. The music, the voice acting and the drama that ensues is one for the records. The story is decent and easily relatable, even though I don't know if I could have stayed with the captain! And honestly, I didn't see that ending coming. I'd hoped it was a series, but nope. It's a done deal. Too bad.
I bought this audio drama for a few bucks and I regret nothing. It'well worth the listen and I hope you grap yourself a copy on Audible.com. You can read it too, especially since it came from a graphic novel series. I may grab myself a copy or two. You can too, but right now, I'm gonna just move on to the next read. Cheers!
Dead Ahead
Starring Joseph Zamparelli, Shana Dirik, Allan Mayo, and the Colonial Radio Players
Dramatized for audio by Jack J. Ward
Produced by Rich Matheson
Music by Jeff Gage
Directed by Jerry Robbins
Released July 2015
Running Time 1 h 51 m
