A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 15
November 5, 2018
Our Bloody Pearl, Book 1 from These Treacherous Tides series
Novel by D. N. Bryn
When I was given Our Bloody Pearl to read, I thought, "Oh, another pirate novel." I didn't think anything other than, until I began reading. It starts off with a situation that I never expected and carried in a manner that perked my interest from the get-go.
Normally I read ebooks at night, in bed before falling asleep. If it's good, I wont' sleep for a while, so caught up within the pages. That's what happened with Our Blood Pearl. I took to the characters, the locations, the time setting and even the steampunk aspects. It's no ordinary tale and the main character is not who you'd expect.
#element-912bacf3-09c7-40a8-937d-e871608a3d02 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I love female heroes in a story and this book is filled with them. there's still a male lead and he's awesome, but he's placed in a situation that not only allows the women of the story to grow and shine, they also thrive!
I believe many of my readers will love this one and I hope to see D. N. Bryn grow with book 2. It's a story that gave an amazing cliffhanger and was written with a witty style in mind. The voice was relatable and I could easily see what was being shared. That's what people like to read. It's what I enjoyed reading.
If you need an adventure, you have to check out Our Bloody Pearl. I'm moving on to the next read- Cheers!
Our Bloody Pearl, Book 1
These Treacherous Tides series
D. N. Bryn
Published by Avos Publishing
Released July 2018
200 pages
When I was given Our Bloody Pearl to read, I thought, "Oh, another pirate novel." I didn't think anything other than, until I began reading. It starts off with a situation that I never expected and carried in a manner that perked my interest from the get-go.Normally I read ebooks at night, in bed before falling asleep. If it's good, I wont' sleep for a while, so caught up within the pages. That's what happened with Our Blood Pearl. I took to the characters, the locations, the time setting and even the steampunk aspects. It's no ordinary tale and the main character is not who you'd expect.
#element-912bacf3-09c7-40a8-937d-e871608a3d02 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I love female heroes in a story and this book is filled with them. there's still a male lead and he's awesome, but he's placed in a situation that not only allows the women of the story to grow and shine, they also thrive!I believe many of my readers will love this one and I hope to see D. N. Bryn grow with book 2. It's a story that gave an amazing cliffhanger and was written with a witty style in mind. The voice was relatable and I could easily see what was being shared. That's what people like to read. It's what I enjoyed reading.
If you need an adventure, you have to check out Our Bloody Pearl. I'm moving on to the next read- Cheers!
Our Bloody Pearl, Book 1
These Treacherous Tides series
D. N. Bryn
Published by Avos Publishing
Released July 2018
200 pages
October 31, 2018
The Becky Carmichael Fan Club
An Independent Production by Workobey 2018
Movies these days, are passionate when it comes to symbolism. Instead of coming right out with the message they attempt to share through a number of situations set in motion that distract. These obstacles, in most cases, cause confusion and leave the viewer in a lethargic state instead of projecting them into what could be a fabulous ending. My review today: The Becky Carmichael Fan Club.
#element-3314b79f-fd65-4244-9ee3-0ee9bd71bd3a .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Becky Carmichael Fan Club is about, well Becky Carmichael. She’s a famous musician who’s hit a slump. She’s not played nor written anything for a while, leaving her fans melancholy. Literally! Instead of taking up a hobby until her next release, they decide to find ways to reach out to her. They play acoustic versions of her songs, post on FaceSpace to share and converse with her and much more. What she doesn’t expect is to become a sort of godhead to the fanatics in some sort of cult. Her confusion becomes depression when she later discovers someone close to her may be the cause of it all.
When the movie began, I instantly became irritated- the movie’s in black and white! But it bounces to color later, only to return to B&W. I couldn’t determine the significance, but that’s not so bad. The soundtrack was. The female who recorded the music must have a girlfriend of the director or producer and it dominated sound. Another issue for me was when they were supposed to be looking at images, on a mobile phone, after a Google search. They were supposed to be on a website but I could see the reflection on Jesse’s eyeglasses. He wasn’t thumbing through images but swiping to and from the home screen- I could see it mirrored on his lenses! That was pretty funny, but enough on the negatives.
I did find a message in The Becky Carmichael Fan Club movie. It touched on subjects like courage, cyber-bullying, stalking, cults, information invasion and social awkwardness. It also shared the obsession of social media. It’s not until the movie is near completion that the true purpose arises, but the ending was a bust. The meaning fizzled as it ended most horror movies from the 80’s did.
It’s a small production but if you can tolerate dominating music and minor acting, you may enjoy The Becky Carmichael Fan Club. I believe this movie short released this summer and is available on YouTube. Cheers!
Watch it here!
The Becky Carmichael Fan Club
Written and Directed by Andrew J.D. Robinson
Produced by Workobey Films ©2018
Starred: Gabrielle Banville, Tristan McIntosh, Maissa Houri-Charron and Dean Perseo
Movies these days, are passionate when it comes to symbolism. Instead of coming right out with the message they attempt to share through a number of situations set in motion that distract. These obstacles, in most cases, cause confusion and leave the viewer in a lethargic state instead of projecting them into what could be a fabulous ending. My review today: The Becky Carmichael Fan Club.#element-3314b79f-fd65-4244-9ee3-0ee9bd71bd3a .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Becky Carmichael Fan Club is about, well Becky Carmichael. She’s a famous musician who’s hit a slump. She’s not played nor written anything for a while, leaving her fans melancholy. Literally! Instead of taking up a hobby until her next release, they decide to find ways to reach out to her. They play acoustic versions of her songs, post on FaceSpace to share and converse with her and much more. What she doesn’t expect is to become a sort of godhead to the fanatics in some sort of cult. Her confusion becomes depression when she later discovers someone close to her may be the cause of it all.When the movie began, I instantly became irritated- the movie’s in black and white! But it bounces to color later, only to return to B&W. I couldn’t determine the significance, but that’s not so bad. The soundtrack was. The female who recorded the music must have a girlfriend of the director or producer and it dominated sound. Another issue for me was when they were supposed to be looking at images, on a mobile phone, after a Google search. They were supposed to be on a website but I could see the reflection on Jesse’s eyeglasses. He wasn’t thumbing through images but swiping to and from the home screen- I could see it mirrored on his lenses! That was pretty funny, but enough on the negatives.
I did find a message in The Becky Carmichael Fan Club movie. It touched on subjects like courage, cyber-bullying, stalking, cults, information invasion and social awkwardness. It also shared the obsession of social media. It’s not until the movie is near completion that the true purpose arises, but the ending was a bust. The meaning fizzled as it ended most horror movies from the 80’s did.
It’s a small production but if you can tolerate dominating music and minor acting, you may enjoy The Becky Carmichael Fan Club. I believe this movie short released this summer and is available on YouTube. Cheers!
Watch it here!
The Becky Carmichael Fan Club
Written and Directed by Andrew J.D. Robinson
Produced by Workobey Films ©2018
Starred: Gabrielle Banville, Tristan McIntosh, Maissa Houri-Charron and Dean Perseo
October 30, 2018
Hereditary
A Haunted Movie Review
Sometimes there are movies that you see the trailer to and simply know it’s one to not miss. Others say, Leave It. Then there are those that leave you in a state where your eyes glass over, a bit of drool hangs from the corner of your mouth and you don’t move for days on end. That’s what I did after watching the actual movie, Hereditary. I was comatose, confused and at a loss for words. What the heck had I watched!? #element-ddbe148c-2114-4ddb-85e1-97ace8efb061 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So Hereditary is all about secrets. Secret lives, secret desires and secret secrets. They’re buried so deep, not even the relationships between spouse and children can penetrate it. Hereditary - produced by Franks, Knudsen and Patrick and written by Ari Aster - is a movie easily be summed up in one word: Creepy. Or would I use: Weird? Maybe: Baffling?
The story surrounds a distraught, emo-like family dealing with loss. But is that really true? They’re dysfunctional to the utmost! Both of Mom’s parents, (played by Toni Collette) had a slew of issues as deep as DID (Disassociative Identity Disorder), schizophrenia and suicide. She’s a hot mess. The father seems loving and caring and normal. Can’t say a bit towards the children, who came off unbelievable empty, dry and disconnected. They weren’t even real enough to sympathize with. I can’t tell (No SPOILERS) but understand, none of them are ever in a good place. You find out, in the first half hour, just how broken they all all.
Without ruining anything for you or offering hints, let me tell you that you have to watch this movie twice. Maybe not back to back, but I fully watched two days in a row and got it. There’s a slew of small impressions that heighten the horror of this non-horrorific but nightmarish movie. You will find your lips continuously pursed, pressed against the hollow of your scrunched up nose. Your brow will never be the same again, because after it presses so tightly while watching Hereditary, you will walk away with a uni-brow. It’s like watching The Exorcist but without the head spinning. But believe me- it will creep you the heck out!
I didn’t buy this one but Hereditary is the one to watch Halloween night, if you haven’t watched already. Or if you are alone for an over-night. Yeah... that’s the perfect set up for it. The movie takes you into a world of the... well, it’s a 2-hour nightmare that will keep you guessing a short way into the beginning to it’s very end. Supernaturally, it’s a house of cards you don’t want to watch yourself stack, but like the proverbial train wreck, you won’t stop watching for the crash.
That’s my take on it. I hope this gets you interested; I’m off to the next review! Cheers
Hereditary
Produced by Kevin Frakes, Lars Knudsen and Buddy patrick
Written & Directed by Ari Collette
Starred: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Ann Dowd and Milly Shapiro
Running Time 2h 7m
Sometimes there are movies that you see the trailer to and simply know it’s one to not miss. Others say, Leave It. Then there are those that leave you in a state where your eyes glass over, a bit of drool hangs from the corner of your mouth and you don’t move for days on end. That’s what I did after watching the actual movie, Hereditary. I was comatose, confused and at a loss for words. What the heck had I watched!? #element-ddbe148c-2114-4ddb-85e1-97ace8efb061 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So Hereditary is all about secrets. Secret lives, secret desires and secret secrets. They’re buried so deep, not even the relationships between spouse and children can penetrate it. Hereditary - produced by Franks, Knudsen and Patrick and written by Ari Aster - is a movie easily be summed up in one word: Creepy. Or would I use: Weird? Maybe: Baffling?
The story surrounds a distraught, emo-like family dealing with loss. But is that really true? They’re dysfunctional to the utmost! Both of Mom’s parents, (played by Toni Collette) had a slew of issues as deep as DID (Disassociative Identity Disorder), schizophrenia and suicide. She’s a hot mess. The father seems loving and caring and normal. Can’t say a bit towards the children, who came off unbelievable empty, dry and disconnected. They weren’t even real enough to sympathize with. I can’t tell (No SPOILERS) but understand, none of them are ever in a good place. You find out, in the first half hour, just how broken they all all.
Without ruining anything for you or offering hints, let me tell you that you have to watch this movie twice. Maybe not back to back, but I fully watched two days in a row and got it. There’s a slew of small impressions that heighten the horror of this non-horrorific but nightmarish movie. You will find your lips continuously pursed, pressed against the hollow of your scrunched up nose. Your brow will never be the same again, because after it presses so tightly while watching Hereditary, you will walk away with a uni-brow. It’s like watching The Exorcist but without the head spinning. But believe me- it will creep you the heck out!
I didn’t buy this one but Hereditary is the one to watch Halloween night, if you haven’t watched already. Or if you are alone for an over-night. Yeah... that’s the perfect set up for it. The movie takes you into a world of the... well, it’s a 2-hour nightmare that will keep you guessing a short way into the beginning to it’s very end. Supernaturally, it’s a house of cards you don’t want to watch yourself stack, but like the proverbial train wreck, you won’t stop watching for the crash.
That’s my take on it. I hope this gets you interested; I’m off to the next review! Cheers
Hereditary
Produced by Kevin Frakes, Lars Knudsen and Buddy patrick
Written & Directed by Ari Collette
Starred: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Ann Dowd and Milly Shapiro
Running Time 2h 7m
October 29, 2018
The Dented Head of Joey Pigza
An Audible Original by Jack Gantos 
The Dented Head of Joey Pigza is one of those stories where you can't figure out if it's meant for children or for adults, or adult children! It's got the silly things children do but intermingled are thins an adult would truly place to the situation.
The story's about Joey Pigza, a kid who's known by all for always being a winner. He runs fast and one thing they do in this town is run. They have races and contests against each other all the time, but Joey always wins. One day, his coach challenges him to a race he should have known he'd not win but ... what happens sets the precedent for a clumsy kid who's only goal is to win. No matter who he bothers or hurts- even himself!
The Dented Head of Joey Pigza is a book series. I don't know if I'll go into the rest of the books, but this one's number six. It's funny, I'll give it that but I found myself bored with it. It seemed way too goofy for me, even though I thought it was supposed to be. I thought it was a kid's book, but then things would be stated or said that weren't so childish and it made me uneasy. Not adultish- don't get me wrong. Just not for kids. So I was a bit torn whether to like it or not.
I guess it's okay. What I rave about is the voice of Jack Gantos. He's got the voice for narration. He made every scene come to life. He's hilarious with inflection, purpose and rive in this tale. If he reads all his books, confusion or not it's a winner!
If you're going to let your kid listen or read this book series, check it out yourself first. You don't want to just hand it over and then have your kid asking about certain things. Be sure to check it out first is all I'm saying. So that's it- I'm on to the next read. Cheers
The Dented Head of Joey Pigza
Written and Narrated by Jack Gantos
Published by Audible Studios
Release date: September 2018
Running Time: 3h 40m
The Dented Head of Joey Pigza is one of those stories where you can't figure out if it's meant for children or for adults, or adult children! It's got the silly things children do but intermingled are thins an adult would truly place to the situation.
The story's about Joey Pigza, a kid who's known by all for always being a winner. He runs fast and one thing they do in this town is run. They have races and contests against each other all the time, but Joey always wins. One day, his coach challenges him to a race he should have known he'd not win but ... what happens sets the precedent for a clumsy kid who's only goal is to win. No matter who he bothers or hurts- even himself!
The Dented Head of Joey Pigza is a book series. I don't know if I'll go into the rest of the books, but this one's number six. It's funny, I'll give it that but I found myself bored with it. It seemed way too goofy for me, even though I thought it was supposed to be. I thought it was a kid's book, but then things would be stated or said that weren't so childish and it made me uneasy. Not adultish- don't get me wrong. Just not for kids. So I was a bit torn whether to like it or not.
I guess it's okay. What I rave about is the voice of Jack Gantos. He's got the voice for narration. He made every scene come to life. He's hilarious with inflection, purpose and rive in this tale. If he reads all his books, confusion or not it's a winner!
If you're going to let your kid listen or read this book series, check it out yourself first. You don't want to just hand it over and then have your kid asking about certain things. Be sure to check it out first is all I'm saying. So that's it- I'm on to the next read. Cheers
The Dented Head of Joey Pigza
Written and Narrated by Jack Gantos
Published by Audible Studios
Release date: September 2018
Running Time: 3h 40m
October 24, 2018
The Child Thief by Brom
Have you ever pondered the Peter Pan story? Have you ever wondered if the cute, Disney version of the tale is even remotely close to the original tale? Because we all know it's not and the real story, written by James Matthew Barrie, is gruesome and nowhere near as happy. So is The Child Thief by Brom. This book will make you wonder: Was Peter really happy?#element-be8e49bf-50fe-4bce-8a48-aca785b09c77 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Child Thief is about our hero, Peter! Not Peter Pan, from Disney. This boy's got pointed ears and smiles to make the children happy, even says all the right things to make you follow him anywhere but that's where the similarities end. This boy doesn't fly; he takes you to Avalon, after walking through a soul-sucking mist that consumes all who stray from the path. No, this isn't your Peter.There's a war going on and the land of Avalon needs warriors (The Lost Boys). For some reason, child warriors. If you follow Peter, you will live forever. Well, actually that's not even true. It may be at a slower rate but you still age and when you're too old...
Brom used many of the finer details from Barrie's first telling of Peter, but The Child Thief is so different, so dark and violent that you won't see the boy flying about in tights ever again! There are creatures from your worst nightmares, the children can become something else too! Then there's a man resembling Captain Hook.
I loved the adventure of it all, especially i how Peter convince the children of New York they needed to follow him. It made the story believable, even if it wasn't. I also found the story deep, emotional and heavy. I didn't compare this to the original story, because it can't be done. This is a Brom tale, though I kept wondering: Will he fly? Can he fly? LOL
I loved this audiobook, especially the narrator. Kirby Heyborne was great and gave the characters personality and depth. Brom's a great storyteller, allowing Heyborne's voice to give me everything I needed to see it all happen. I finished the book faster than expected and honestly wanted more. It wasn't as addicting as Krampus or Lost Gods, but I definitely love Brom's style of writing.
It's good horror. If you're wanting something different, gruesome and fantastical, check out The Child Thief by Brom while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
The Child Thief
Brom
Published August 2009
Harper Voyager Publishigns
Audiobook Runtime: 19 Hours 40 Minutes
October 23, 2018
Homegrown
A Novel by Dave Winkenden
Ripped straight from the headlines and the nightmares of every parent, Homegrown, by Dave Wickenden, takes you on a journey that within a year's time swipes a child from his mother's arms without even knowing it. It's something that's really happening in today's world and mostly why I stay away the news, periodicals on current events and pray like crazy!
#element-e1ec5f0b-8cc1-464a-94ac-5a8aa7cfcd3f .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Dalton is a young man with a heavy heart. His father and others were killed in an accident and accusations are flying that his father was the cause. It's been rough for him and even tougher for his mother, who now works two jobs to make ends barely meet. It's during this trying time that Dalton decides to seek out assistance, for comfort and understanding. He finds it in the wrong place.
Dalton finally lands a job that helps pay the bills and to take a new girlfriend out on a date, but life isn't what it should be. Soon Dalton is learning to do things that make no true sense. He finds himself immersed in conversations he could never truly understand. Lastly, he'll receive a betrayal where he'll realize only the unconditional love of his mother and a kind-hearted girlfriend can truly save him.
I was excited to receive this novel from Mr. Wickenden himself! I love when I'm sought out with a book.What I didn't imagine was to find myself so emotionally caught up in the story. I worrked for Dalton and I despised the terrorists that manipulated and enveloped such an innocent kid who only wanted to find purpose after losing his father. His source of strength and identity.
Homegrown is relatable, realistic and emotionally upsetting. I felt for the kid- I even, sorta, felt for the villains of the story. There is a GOOD and a BAD in this book. It's political, but not in the way you think. There's a stand here but Wickenden gives you both sides of the spectrum. No matter how crazed it is, how monstrous and evil, you see through evryone's eyes. It make the book so darned real, I almost couldn't stand it.
This is one of those thrillers that keeps you locked in till the final page is turned. It's a fab read and I'm so honored I had the opportunity to read it. Grab yourself a copy of Homegrown and become lost within the pages. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Homegrown
Dave Wickenden
Published by Crave Press
Released June 2018
296 Pages
Ripped straight from the headlines and the nightmares of every parent, Homegrown, by Dave Wickenden, takes you on a journey that within a year's time swipes a child from his mother's arms without even knowing it. It's something that's really happening in today's world and mostly why I stay away the news, periodicals on current events and pray like crazy!#element-e1ec5f0b-8cc1-464a-94ac-5a8aa7cfcd3f .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Dalton is a young man with a heavy heart. His father and others were killed in an accident and accusations are flying that his father was the cause. It's been rough for him and even tougher for his mother, who now works two jobs to make ends barely meet. It's during this trying time that Dalton decides to seek out assistance, for comfort and understanding. He finds it in the wrong place.Dalton finally lands a job that helps pay the bills and to take a new girlfriend out on a date, but life isn't what it should be. Soon Dalton is learning to do things that make no true sense. He finds himself immersed in conversations he could never truly understand. Lastly, he'll receive a betrayal where he'll realize only the unconditional love of his mother and a kind-hearted girlfriend can truly save him.
I was excited to receive this novel from Mr. Wickenden himself! I love when I'm sought out with a book.What I didn't imagine was to find myself so emotionally caught up in the story. I worrked for Dalton and I despised the terrorists that manipulated and enveloped such an innocent kid who only wanted to find purpose after losing his father. His source of strength and identity.
Homegrown is relatable, realistic and emotionally upsetting. I felt for the kid- I even, sorta, felt for the villains of the story. There is a GOOD and a BAD in this book. It's political, but not in the way you think. There's a stand here but Wickenden gives you both sides of the spectrum. No matter how crazed it is, how monstrous and evil, you see through evryone's eyes. It make the book so darned real, I almost couldn't stand it.
This is one of those thrillers that keeps you locked in till the final page is turned. It's a fab read and I'm so honored I had the opportunity to read it. Grab yourself a copy of Homegrown and become lost within the pages. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Homegrown
Dave Wickenden
Published by Crave Press
Released June 2018
296 Pages
October 22, 2018
The Carrow Haunt
A Haunting Tale by Darcy Coates
What do you do when the haunted house you took a tour in decides to visit a time slip? Do you enjoy the ride or bug out? Well, Carrow House is more than a simple place where the ghosts and ghouls hang out. There's a purpose to everything and the more is obviously the merrier!
Today's book review is the newly released The Carrow Haunt by Darcy Coates. I've read two or three other books by her and believe me, this one is worth the read.
#element-aade3cc3-3c4c-4b72-ac0a-a814d8a758d1 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Remy is a tour guide who's led visitors through Carrow House for quite some time. A history fanatic of the home, she knows about the owners, many visitors and many more deaths. The story behind Carrow House is dreary but people travel from far and wide to walk through its halls and hear of is grisly background.
When one of the tourists decides to hire Remy for a paranormal study of Carrow House, she goes along with it. Nothing bad could happen right? Even though no one's ever stayed overnight in the mansion. Mayhem, seances and death soon follow the experience. Can Remy and her friends survive the stay, and the killer of Carrow House?
I have to admit, I really liked this one. Coates is a lover of haunted houses and such- just my thing. She tells a good story, though not haunting for me. A ghost story is just that, a ghost story. I can admit, she tells them exceptionally well. Enough that I believe I've read three or so by her. If you love the paranormal, you will dive into her books one after the other.
The Carrow Haunt is mysterious, curious and give a hectic ending. All of these things are needed when ghosts, specters and poltergeists are on your heels. This is one of those books that you will finish quickly, needing more to ride on. If it didn't have books on my list for review behind this one, I'd have purchased another Coates novel. Check her out on Amazon- she's got lots to choose from.
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Carrow Haunt
Darcy Coates
Published by Black Owl Books
Released March 2018
372 Pages
What do you do when the haunted house you took a tour in decides to visit a time slip? Do you enjoy the ride or bug out? Well, Carrow House is more than a simple place where the ghosts and ghouls hang out. There's a purpose to everything and the more is obviously the merrier!Today's book review is the newly released The Carrow Haunt by Darcy Coates. I've read two or three other books by her and believe me, this one is worth the read.
#element-aade3cc3-3c4c-4b72-ac0a-a814d8a758d1 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Remy is a tour guide who's led visitors through Carrow House for quite some time. A history fanatic of the home, she knows about the owners, many visitors and many more deaths. The story behind Carrow House is dreary but people travel from far and wide to walk through its halls and hear of is grisly background.When one of the tourists decides to hire Remy for a paranormal study of Carrow House, she goes along with it. Nothing bad could happen right? Even though no one's ever stayed overnight in the mansion. Mayhem, seances and death soon follow the experience. Can Remy and her friends survive the stay, and the killer of Carrow House?
I have to admit, I really liked this one. Coates is a lover of haunted houses and such- just my thing. She tells a good story, though not haunting for me. A ghost story is just that, a ghost story. I can admit, she tells them exceptionally well. Enough that I believe I've read three or so by her. If you love the paranormal, you will dive into her books one after the other.
The Carrow Haunt is mysterious, curious and give a hectic ending. All of these things are needed when ghosts, specters and poltergeists are on your heels. This is one of those books that you will finish quickly, needing more to ride on. If it didn't have books on my list for review behind this one, I'd have purchased another Coates novel. Check her out on Amazon- she's got lots to choose from.
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Carrow Haunt
Darcy Coates
Published by Black Owl Books
Released March 2018
372 Pages
October 17, 2018
Delivery Bear
Story by Laura Gehl & Illustrated by Paco Sorbo
This is one of the cutest stories ever! I haven't read it to my ewoks yet, but they are going to love it. You will too! Here's my review for Delivery Bear by Laura Gehl.
Delivery Bear was a book win for me. When I first saw the contest, I knew it was one I had to have in my library. The illustrations are amazing; they reminded me of a Pixar movie where the Easter Bunny was evil and trying to do away with the holidays. Delivery Bear is nothing like that though- the story is about accepting yourself. Not being afraid to be kind and sharing who you are... with some cookies! I can't think of a better way of summarizing it up. You have to get this one for you little people. They will laugh and feel good about the cuddly bear and themselves!
Delivery Bear
Written by Laura Gehl
Illustrated by Paco Sordo
Published by Whitman, Albert & Company
32 pages
Released September 2018.
This is one of the cutest stories ever! I haven't read it to my ewoks yet, but they are going to love it. You will too! Here's my review for Delivery Bear by Laura Gehl. Delivery Bear was a book win for me. When I first saw the contest, I knew it was one I had to have in my library. The illustrations are amazing; they reminded me of a Pixar movie where the Easter Bunny was evil and trying to do away with the holidays. Delivery Bear is nothing like that though- the story is about accepting yourself. Not being afraid to be kind and sharing who you are... with some cookies! I can't think of a better way of summarizing it up. You have to get this one for you little people. They will laugh and feel good about the cuddly bear and themselves!Delivery Bear
Written by Laura Gehl
Illustrated by Paco Sordo
Published by Whitman, Albert & Company
32 pages
Released September 2018.
October 16, 2018
Blackwater: The Complete Saga
A saga written by Michael McDowell
If you've been with me for any sort of timeframe, you know that I truly enjoy and appreciate horror. I love monsters, creatures made by man, aliens and so much more. What I never imagined reading was a horror saga in the form of a slightly historical, backwater, slave keeping, creature from a local river sort of horror. Blackwater is my third novel by Michael McDowell. My first was Cold Moon- an excellent novel. My second was The Elementals- a seriously cool but slightly cool creepfest of a story. So the question is, did I walk away from Blackwater feeling the same way?
#element-ef2300f6-d7de-4817-86b0-84fba9e0b72f .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Blackwater is the sold body of six individual novels. It tells of the Caskey family, who live in Perdido, Alabama. Blackwater isn't one of those tellings of one
person's journey. It's a generational tale, like one of those mini-series television shows. This book is a collection of six books and it's about everyone in one family. Well, the family with extended family members and a few stragglers that come and go. I thought it was about the waters of the Perdido River in Alabama, but it's deeper than that too. The disappointing part is that this was supposed to be a horror novel series.
I don't know about you but I don't like my horror this safe. I need dangers, monsters and creepiness that makes my skin crawl. This book held none of that. What Blackwater holds is light mystery, something suepernatural that stirs maybe once every thirty chapters but nothing really monstrous. It was rather upsetting and a huge upset in that matter. When it came to storytelling and the intricacies of the Caskey family- it was great! Like War and Peace, The Color Purple and Dynasty. It was not what I thought it would be and didn't do anything that held me. The only reason I kept at the huge book was due to having paid for this one and it was too long in my collection to put away.
I really don't understand the genre placement but it's an interesting story. The best parts had to do with Eleanor and her daughter Francis when it came to being in the water. The supernatural mystery behidn them and the origin from whence they came. Other than that, this book was a darned let down. Don't get me wrong, McDowell wrote perfectly. Blackwater is a historical, multi-generational book on southern living, racism, and greed. Eventually it gets to love and peace but again... no real horror...
I'm on to the next read. Cheers!
Blackwater: The Complete Saga
Michael McDowell
Published by Valancourt Books
Released in August 1983
Running Time: 30 Hours 9 Minutes
If you've been with me for any sort of timeframe, you know that I truly enjoy and appreciate horror. I love monsters, creatures made by man, aliens and so much more. What I never imagined reading was a horror saga in the form of a slightly historical, backwater, slave keeping, creature from a local river sort of horror. Blackwater is my third novel by Michael McDowell. My first was Cold Moon- an excellent novel. My second was The Elementals- a seriously cool but slightly cool creepfest of a story. So the question is, did I walk away from Blackwater feeling the same way?#element-ef2300f6-d7de-4817-86b0-84fba9e0b72f .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Blackwater is the sold body of six individual novels. It tells of the Caskey family, who live in Perdido, Alabama. Blackwater isn't one of those tellings of one person's journey. It's a generational tale, like one of those mini-series television shows. This book is a collection of six books and it's about everyone in one family. Well, the family with extended family members and a few stragglers that come and go. I thought it was about the waters of the Perdido River in Alabama, but it's deeper than that too. The disappointing part is that this was supposed to be a horror novel series.I don't know about you but I don't like my horror this safe. I need dangers, monsters and creepiness that makes my skin crawl. This book held none of that. What Blackwater holds is light mystery, something suepernatural that stirs maybe once every thirty chapters but nothing really monstrous. It was rather upsetting and a huge upset in that matter. When it came to storytelling and the intricacies of the Caskey family- it was great! Like War and Peace, The Color Purple and Dynasty. It was not what I thought it would be and didn't do anything that held me. The only reason I kept at the huge book was due to having paid for this one and it was too long in my collection to put away.
I really don't understand the genre placement but it's an interesting story. The best parts had to do with Eleanor and her daughter Francis when it came to being in the water. The supernatural mystery behidn them and the origin from whence they came. Other than that, this book was a darned let down. Don't get me wrong, McDowell wrote perfectly. Blackwater is a historical, multi-generational book on southern living, racism, and greed. Eventually it gets to love and peace but again... no real horror...
I'm on to the next read. Cheers!
Blackwater: The Complete Saga
Michael McDowell
Published by Valancourt Books
Released in August 1983
Running Time: 30 Hours 9 Minutes
October 15, 2018
The Deep
An AudioNovel by Michaelbrent Collings
The Deep gives the reader a promise of something ancient, something evil waiting beyond the depths of the beautiful, blue sea. Michaelbrent Collings, the author of this terror story, shares how the ocean and an imagination can do more damage than any monster can.
#element-16be8bbf-8780-4e8a-9c7d-03e1ed67b998 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
When a chartered ship delivers a father and daughter, a couple of well-practiced divers and a crazed lunatic to a particular location for a deep sea adventure, they soon realize they’re all in more danger than anyone could have predicted. Everyone’s got a backstory that’s hidden from the others (but one) but no one’s ready for the parts they’re about to play.
Collings takes you into the sea, to a wreck of an unnatural kind. There’s paranormal activity brewing but no one truly understands until they begin to play with fishermen anecdotes and adages that allow them to realize each and every one of them are being played. But by what?
The Deep, an audiobook, deals more with the mind than with evil. Actually, I take that back, it’s more like the evils of man. Without giving away any SPOILERS, I found the story to be lacking what it promised. The summary says: A Creature that exists only to feed on those that would enter into its realm. A creature... or The Deep. This didn’t happen for me. Oh there’s something there, no doubt. It’s just not some thing.
To me, this book was a letdown. I wasn’t satisfied and the maniac who wanted to kill was a bit far-fetched. And when he reached... Oops! I almost did it! Sorry folks, you’ll have to read this one for yourself. Hopefully you’ll come away happier than I did. I mean, it was nominated for the Bram Stoker award back in 2015.
So I’m off to the next read. Cheers friends!
The Deep
Written & Published by Michaelbrent Collings
Narrated by Al Kessel
Running time 9 HRs 22 Mins
Released May 2018
The Deep gives the reader a promise of something ancient, something evil waiting beyond the depths of the beautiful, blue sea. Michaelbrent Collings, the author of this terror story, shares how the ocean and an imagination can do more damage than any monster can.#element-16be8bbf-8780-4e8a-9c7d-03e1ed67b998 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
When a chartered ship delivers a father and daughter, a couple of well-practiced divers and a crazed lunatic to a particular location for a deep sea adventure, they soon realize they’re all in more danger than anyone could have predicted. Everyone’s got a backstory that’s hidden from the others (but one) but no one’s ready for the parts they’re about to play.Collings takes you into the sea, to a wreck of an unnatural kind. There’s paranormal activity brewing but no one truly understands until they begin to play with fishermen anecdotes and adages that allow them to realize each and every one of them are being played. But by what?
The Deep, an audiobook, deals more with the mind than with evil. Actually, I take that back, it’s more like the evils of man. Without giving away any SPOILERS, I found the story to be lacking what it promised. The summary says: A Creature that exists only to feed on those that would enter into its realm. A creature... or The Deep. This didn’t happen for me. Oh there’s something there, no doubt. It’s just not some thing.
To me, this book was a letdown. I wasn’t satisfied and the maniac who wanted to kill was a bit far-fetched. And when he reached... Oops! I almost did it! Sorry folks, you’ll have to read this one for yourself. Hopefully you’ll come away happier than I did. I mean, it was nominated for the Bram Stoker award back in 2015.
So I’m off to the next read. Cheers friends!
The Deep
Written & Published by Michaelbrent Collings
Narrated by Al Kessel
Running time 9 HRs 22 Mins
Released May 2018
