A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 19
August 6, 2018
Kronos Rising: Diablo
from the Kronos Rising series by Max Hawthorne
Narrated by Rich Miller
There's are four books in this series, but I happened upon this copy in Audible.com. Me, loving monsters of all sorts and feeding my phagophobia, I had to read a book on great sea creatures that eat anything alive! Introducing
Max Hawthorne
's Kronos Rising: Diablo. Very different and written from the views of even the monster itself, the story is a true winner. Eventually I'll read them all, but for now- it's all about Diablo! This short story is an introduction. It tells where this massive creature comes from and who worshipped/worships it. The inhabitants of a hidden island do not welcome visitors. They don't even hold one another in high esteem when it comes to times of worshipping the great beast. Anyway, their god is in a volcano, or rather the waters beneath it.
Periodically it is necessary to send out a sacrifice. A raft goes out with a person tied to it. The god is called and it makes an entrance! It's intelligent, and you now this because you get a sort of internal monologue of both prey and predator. It's nice combination and makes the story interesting and entertaining.
It's a excellent read, with visuals clear enough to be a movie. I wrote my review almost a month after reading it and I still remembered the details well. As I previously stated, I will be reading the entire series- I just hope it doesn't become redundant, because who doesn't love a good monster story?
Once I have all the books, I'll refer back to this one. Until then, I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Diablo: Kronos Rising
Max Hawthorne
Running Time: 1 H 25 mins
Audible Books Audio
Book is 47 pages
July 2016
Narrated by Rich Miller
There's are four books in this series, but I happened upon this copy in Audible.com. Me, loving monsters of all sorts and feeding my phagophobia, I had to read a book on great sea creatures that eat anything alive! Introducing
Max Hawthorne
's Kronos Rising: Diablo. Very different and written from the views of even the monster itself, the story is a true winner. Eventually I'll read them all, but for now- it's all about Diablo! This short story is an introduction. It tells where this massive creature comes from and who worshipped/worships it. The inhabitants of a hidden island do not welcome visitors. They don't even hold one another in high esteem when it comes to times of worshipping the great beast. Anyway, their god is in a volcano, or rather the waters beneath it.Periodically it is necessary to send out a sacrifice. A raft goes out with a person tied to it. The god is called and it makes an entrance! It's intelligent, and you now this because you get a sort of internal monologue of both prey and predator. It's nice combination and makes the story interesting and entertaining.
It's a excellent read, with visuals clear enough to be a movie. I wrote my review almost a month after reading it and I still remembered the details well. As I previously stated, I will be reading the entire series- I just hope it doesn't become redundant, because who doesn't love a good monster story?
Once I have all the books, I'll refer back to this one. Until then, I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Diablo: Kronos Rising
Max Hawthorne
Running Time: 1 H 25 mins
Audible Books Audio
Book is 47 pages
July 2016
August 2, 2018
Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen
An Audiobook Review 
HEY! I don't do this very often, but I'm laughing at myself today. I've been making blunders left and right- but I won't let this book review be one of them. Normally I don't post reviews on Thursdays, since I focus on reading and writing, but today was an accident. I didn't mean to post this review today, but what the heck! Let's go with it and share Harry's Trees, by
Jon Cohen
. #element-6887380e-4e87-4f5e-ad08-242625be13fe .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Everybody loves a fairy tale these days. They're told and retold with major variation but they are what they are. But what happens when you get one that is nothing like any of what you've read before, though they carry slight references to ones you've lived with every single day of your life. THEN you discover, as you read, you discover that there's really no fairy tale at all? Well, that's sorta what happens in Harry's Trees.
In this audio review, I'm going to tell you bout a guy who gains a great fortune from a terrible tragedy! He's constantly harassed by a wolf and there's a girl in red in the woods... Sound familiar? Well Harry's Trees is not about Red Riding Hood and there's no granny-eating wolf. But there is a wolf! You'll see.
Harry Crane is a guy down on his luck. He's lost his wife and he can find no joy in his life- no matter where he looks. So he leaves life behind and seeks a solution to his woes. Instead, someone finds him and he's taken on a journey. This journey says that he's part of a story, filling in the gaps with instances of his own life. He has to do particular things to find his ending where everything changes for his happy ending. Can he do it? Is he strong enough? Can he escape the big, bad wolf?
Cohen writes very well but not enough for me to rant and rave about this book. I know I'm a green-horn, so I can't bad mouth the story. What I can say is that there is way too much detail for every single person in this book! Everyone's got a backstory and it's told. I quickly found I was deterred by the telling, due to being over-informed. I found I didn't really care after a while. Some bits to me weren't worth the telling, making the tale drag more than it should have.
Harry's Trees is good, but not enough for me to re-listen to it. I received an advanced reader copy so maybe I can reread it one day, capturing different thoughts at a later date. Check it out for yourself. Cheers!
Harry's Trees
Jon Cohen
Published by MIRA June 2018
432 Pages
HEY! I don't do this very often, but I'm laughing at myself today. I've been making blunders left and right- but I won't let this book review be one of them. Normally I don't post reviews on Thursdays, since I focus on reading and writing, but today was an accident. I didn't mean to post this review today, but what the heck! Let's go with it and share Harry's Trees, by
Jon Cohen
. #element-6887380e-4e87-4f5e-ad08-242625be13fe .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Everybody loves a fairy tale these days. They're told and retold with major variation but they are what they are. But what happens when you get one that is nothing like any of what you've read before, though they carry slight references to ones you've lived with every single day of your life. THEN you discover, as you read, you discover that there's really no fairy tale at all? Well, that's sorta what happens in Harry's Trees.In this audio review, I'm going to tell you bout a guy who gains a great fortune from a terrible tragedy! He's constantly harassed by a wolf and there's a girl in red in the woods... Sound familiar? Well Harry's Trees is not about Red Riding Hood and there's no granny-eating wolf. But there is a wolf! You'll see.
Harry Crane is a guy down on his luck. He's lost his wife and he can find no joy in his life- no matter where he looks. So he leaves life behind and seeks a solution to his woes. Instead, someone finds him and he's taken on a journey. This journey says that he's part of a story, filling in the gaps with instances of his own life. He has to do particular things to find his ending where everything changes for his happy ending. Can he do it? Is he strong enough? Can he escape the big, bad wolf?
Cohen writes very well but not enough for me to rant and rave about this book. I know I'm a green-horn, so I can't bad mouth the story. What I can say is that there is way too much detail for every single person in this book! Everyone's got a backstory and it's told. I quickly found I was deterred by the telling, due to being over-informed. I found I didn't really care after a while. Some bits to me weren't worth the telling, making the tale drag more than it should have.
Harry's Trees is good, but not enough for me to re-listen to it. I received an advanced reader copy so maybe I can reread it one day, capturing different thoughts at a later date. Check it out for yourself. Cheers!
Harry's Trees
Jon Cohen
Published by MIRA June 2018
432 Pages
August 1, 2018
The Void, book 7 of the Alex Hunter series
*Audiobook review by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
FINALLY!
I am all caught up with the Alex Hunter series by Greig Beck! Seems like just a short while ago that I found the series. I'd actually purchased one of Beck's ebooks years back but hadn't read it. It wasn't until I'd decided to read Arcadian Genesis that I realized I'd been sitting on an adventurous goldmine! So what is The Void about?
Are there monsters? Will there be gruesome deaths? Will there be the handsome Alex Hunter, code name Arcadian? Bank on it!
#element-904518a3-1de7-4a82-9653-c1a232644199 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Sometimes lessons are never learned. Oh- I guess I'm ahead of myself. When the US sends out a shuttle for a mission, all is well, but the return raises issues no man ever expected. Something begins to follow the shuttle before reentry to the earth's atmosphere. They can't seem to escape it, since changing trajectory of the shuttle also causes the object to change direction as well. Instead of ignoring it, they reach out and bring it into the shuttle...
Mistake.
Mission Control can't reach their team, they only know the shuttle's crashed into a crater that seems to be emitting a sort of gaseous fog. Since the trouble began after bringing the asteroid onboard, they know there could be contamination. They have to get information pertaining to the mission as well as any survivors of the crash. Carefully.
Which is near impossible because something's going on below the fog. A lot of something. Some things actually. When the HAWC's are deployed, they take with them a news reporter who refuses to take no and a specialized crew fo know about the mission and possibly what the shuttle crew came in contact with. They're wrong. They're all wrong and there are thigns no man could ever imagine down there and they're hungry.
So The Void is not just a science fiction thriller, this book is scary and creepier than any of the other Beck novels! I cringed and frowned and could not stop my imagination from seeing all of there horrible things! Alex Hunter is the man, for real! And then there's a situation going on, at home with Joshua, his son. How can anyone escape all of these horrors?
This book was freaking phenomenal! I love his stories so much! I loved The Void so much, I sent a message to Mr. Beck, thanking him for such a fab read! If you've touched any of his books, you know the accolades I raise for this series. I probably said too much about the story but I couldn't help it. And that only sets things oup! Read The Void! Read the series! You will not be sorry!
Off to the next read. Cheers!
The Void
Book 7 of the Alex Hunter series
Written by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Kindle Edition, 329 pages
Audible Running Time: 14 Hrs 25 mins
Published February 13th 2018 by Momentum
Released July 2018
Narrated by Sean Mangan
FINALLY!I am all caught up with the Alex Hunter series by Greig Beck! Seems like just a short while ago that I found the series. I'd actually purchased one of Beck's ebooks years back but hadn't read it. It wasn't until I'd decided to read Arcadian Genesis that I realized I'd been sitting on an adventurous goldmine! So what is The Void about?
Are there monsters? Will there be gruesome deaths? Will there be the handsome Alex Hunter, code name Arcadian? Bank on it!
#element-904518a3-1de7-4a82-9653-c1a232644199 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Sometimes lessons are never learned. Oh- I guess I'm ahead of myself. When the US sends out a shuttle for a mission, all is well, but the return raises issues no man ever expected. Something begins to follow the shuttle before reentry to the earth's atmosphere. They can't seem to escape it, since changing trajectory of the shuttle also causes the object to change direction as well. Instead of ignoring it, they reach out and bring it into the shuttle...Mistake.
Mission Control can't reach their team, they only know the shuttle's crashed into a crater that seems to be emitting a sort of gaseous fog. Since the trouble began after bringing the asteroid onboard, they know there could be contamination. They have to get information pertaining to the mission as well as any survivors of the crash. Carefully.
Which is near impossible because something's going on below the fog. A lot of something. Some things actually. When the HAWC's are deployed, they take with them a news reporter who refuses to take no and a specialized crew fo know about the mission and possibly what the shuttle crew came in contact with. They're wrong. They're all wrong and there are thigns no man could ever imagine down there and they're hungry.
So The Void is not just a science fiction thriller, this book is scary and creepier than any of the other Beck novels! I cringed and frowned and could not stop my imagination from seeing all of there horrible things! Alex Hunter is the man, for real! And then there's a situation going on, at home with Joshua, his son. How can anyone escape all of these horrors?
This book was freaking phenomenal! I love his stories so much! I loved The Void so much, I sent a message to Mr. Beck, thanking him for such a fab read! If you've touched any of his books, you know the accolades I raise for this series. I probably said too much about the story but I couldn't help it. And that only sets things oup! Read The Void! Read the series! You will not be sorry!
Off to the next read. Cheers!
The Void
Book 7 of the Alex Hunter series
Written by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Kindle Edition, 329 pages
Audible Running Time: 14 Hrs 25 mins
Published February 13th 2018 by Momentum
Released July 2018
July 31, 2018
Kraken, book 6 of the Alex Hunter series
*Audiobook review by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Every novel I nab by Greig Beck makes my skin crawl and the exciting hunger for more intensify! This review is is for book number six in the Alex Hunter series. Kraken Rising is the return of a previous foe of great intelligence, but this time, there's not only trouble for the HAWC's but for the world! This is Kraken Rising... #element-54810c06-26e5-49c5-9ed9-07afb7783762 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} 
I am so used to listening to the voice of Sean Mangan now. His voice is now that of Alex Hunter, but it's the amazing story that keeps you mesmerized. This time, Alex was sent to prevent what could possible be another world war, but when he's lost Hammer sends someone in to possibly save him. Who could that be?
There's so much going on in this book that I must be extremely careful when telling how much I enjoyed it. The book carries four groups through the Antarctic tunnels and dangers of Area 24. The American's did their best to warn China off but they didn't listen. Now there's the threat of war while people below the icy landscape fight for their lives from dangers unknown. Horrific things that eat you alive. Drink you alive... It's unreal!
The best bits of Kraken Rising are when you're down below, running from things that shouldn't exist. Beck managed to bring alive the most nightmarish of creatures and even bipedal beings. How does he do it? Where does he get his information and is this guy truly the King of Geeks? He wields a mastery of word and imagination that makes me want to listen and read his novels all day and night long.
This book, along with all the others are perfect if you love to be grossed out while fighting for your imaginary life. Greig Beck is the best- now if only I can get him to like the American Military! LOL Check out the Alex Hunter series- Cheers!
Kraken Rising
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Publishing, PTY LTD
Audible
Listeing Time: 18 H 2 M
November 2015
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Every novel I nab by Greig Beck makes my skin crawl and the exciting hunger for more intensify! This review is is for book number six in the Alex Hunter series. Kraken Rising is the return of a previous foe of great intelligence, but this time, there's not only trouble for the HAWC's but for the world! This is Kraken Rising... #element-54810c06-26e5-49c5-9ed9-07afb7783762 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} I am so used to listening to the voice of Sean Mangan now. His voice is now that of Alex Hunter, but it's the amazing story that keeps you mesmerized. This time, Alex was sent to prevent what could possible be another world war, but when he's lost Hammer sends someone in to possibly save him. Who could that be?There's so much going on in this book that I must be extremely careful when telling how much I enjoyed it. The book carries four groups through the Antarctic tunnels and dangers of Area 24. The American's did their best to warn China off but they didn't listen. Now there's the threat of war while people below the icy landscape fight for their lives from dangers unknown. Horrific things that eat you alive. Drink you alive... It's unreal!
The best bits of Kraken Rising are when you're down below, running from things that shouldn't exist. Beck managed to bring alive the most nightmarish of creatures and even bipedal beings. How does he do it? Where does he get his information and is this guy truly the King of Geeks? He wields a mastery of word and imagination that makes me want to listen and read his novels all day and night long.
This book, along with all the others are perfect if you love to be grossed out while fighting for your imaginary life. Greig Beck is the best- now if only I can get him to like the American Military! LOL Check out the Alex Hunter series- Cheers!
Kraken Rising
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Publishing, PTY LTD
Audible
Listeing Time: 18 H 2 M
November 2015
Hammer of God (short story) of the Alex Hunter series (Book 5.5)
*AudioBook Review by Greig Beck 
This one's a short story but it carries a punch! Hammer of God, by Greig Beck, is one you can't skip over. You may find yourself reading about this enemy again later! #element-e6a47b22-3ca2-4f03-ba18-666a9ac3b5b1 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} 
When a nuclear explosion sets off in the Middle East, everyone watches. A lone man, a stranger to all simply walked with a few tons on their back to a particular spot and set it off, killing thousands. Hammer think's he's got a lone situation, but when the occurrence takes place again and again, the HAWC's are sent in to investigate. Sadly, it's difficult to sneak in without assistance in such a country. That's where an old friend of the series returns to assist the Arcadian with a mission. What they find is something... not quite of this world!
Hammer of God is only four hours long but it is a story that will make you salivate for the next installment with the enemy. Each of Beck's books are different. This one is original and superb. The fights, the military threat and even the creature- all are ripe for the reading. Check out this book- even if you don't read all of the series. I betcha you can't stop... Cheers!
Hammer of God
Greig BeckAudible AudiobookListening Length: 4 hours and 33 minutesProgram Type: AudiobookPublisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty LtdAudible.com Release Date: September 24, 2015
This one's a short story but it carries a punch! Hammer of God, by Greig Beck, is one you can't skip over. You may find yourself reading about this enemy again later! #element-e6a47b22-3ca2-4f03-ba18-666a9ac3b5b1 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} When a nuclear explosion sets off in the Middle East, everyone watches. A lone man, a stranger to all simply walked with a few tons on their back to a particular spot and set it off, killing thousands. Hammer think's he's got a lone situation, but when the occurrence takes place again and again, the HAWC's are sent in to investigate. Sadly, it's difficult to sneak in without assistance in such a country. That's where an old friend of the series returns to assist the Arcadian with a mission. What they find is something... not quite of this world!Hammer of God is only four hours long but it is a story that will make you salivate for the next installment with the enemy. Each of Beck's books are different. This one is original and superb. The fights, the military threat and even the creature- all are ripe for the reading. Check out this book- even if you don't read all of the series. I betcha you can't stop... Cheers!
Hammer of God
Greig BeckAudible AudiobookListening Length: 4 hours and 33 minutesProgram Type: AudiobookPublisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty LtdAudible.com Release Date: September 24, 2015
July 30, 2018
Furyborn by Claire LeGrand
A Magical Book Review. 
Normally I don't get into a book series unless I have all of them to read. Furyborn happened to show up time and time again, raising interest enough for me to go grab an introductory chapter. I liked it, so I went ahead and paid $10 for the full novel. NEVER in my life have I paid so much for an ebook before. The question is, did I find ten dollars worth of satisfaction in book one of the Empirium trilogy? #element-73b8225a-1a2f-4b2a-8cbd-fad787ad4c95 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Furyborn is the telling of two stories. One for the Blood Queen and the other for the Sun Queen. Throughout the novel, you're given excerpts from religions books, journals, prayers and more, concerning the two women. When one arrives, she will be the people's champion but the other follows bringing destruction.
You're given two worlds during two different points of time, but they're connected, thanks to the "prophecy"! Even though you see they're from different times, they're actually from the same! I know that sounds confusing but should I say more, I'll be giving away the process pertaining to the plot of the story. No SPOILERS here!
So what did I think? Was I happy to bounce back and forth with this novel, learning about the two women, their trials and difficulties? I did. I liked what took place because I paid attention. I saw where things were coming from, even if I didn't understand them. I surprisingly found great appreciation in the method of the storytelling. I don't always like bouncing back and forth, the way the author did, for an entire novel, but it worked. I do admit, I grew weary from time to time with it all but it didn't take from the story.
I managed to figure out a few things and that was cool too, no disappointment there, which brings me to what I didn't like. First, it was the back and forth through the entire novel. It irritated me! I know many don't want a story that simply states what's going on, but to go back and forth all the time was way too much for me. Secondly, the way LeGrand wrote made the read feel choppy from time to time. It's like she preferred shot sentences, instead of throwing a conjunction or even a semi-colon in there from time to time. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either.
Before I read the novel, many called the book sexy and intense. A little intense, yes but not sexy at all. Where'd they come up with that? Also, it wasn't breath-taking. Something happened rather quickly, to the point I didn't quite understand what I was supposed to be seeing. It happens I guess. The thing is, I didn't see all the pizzaz I'd heard about.
For me, Furyborn was a decent read. I don't know if I'm deep into it enough to spend another ten bucks, or if I want to bounce for another novel in order to see who wins the battle and such. It's just too much bounce. You'll see if you read it. Don't get me wrong, it's good. I just don't know if I'm willing to invest anymore in to it.
Grab yourself a copy while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Furyborn, book 1 of the Empirium Trilogy
Claire LeGrand
Published by Sourcebooks Fire
516-pages
Released May 2018
Normally I don't get into a book series unless I have all of them to read. Furyborn happened to show up time and time again, raising interest enough for me to go grab an introductory chapter. I liked it, so I went ahead and paid $10 for the full novel. NEVER in my life have I paid so much for an ebook before. The question is, did I find ten dollars worth of satisfaction in book one of the Empirium trilogy? #element-73b8225a-1a2f-4b2a-8cbd-fad787ad4c95 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Furyborn is the telling of two stories. One for the Blood Queen and the other for the Sun Queen. Throughout the novel, you're given excerpts from religions books, journals, prayers and more, concerning the two women. When one arrives, she will be the people's champion but the other follows bringing destruction. You're given two worlds during two different points of time, but they're connected, thanks to the "prophecy"! Even though you see they're from different times, they're actually from the same! I know that sounds confusing but should I say more, I'll be giving away the process pertaining to the plot of the story. No SPOILERS here!
So what did I think? Was I happy to bounce back and forth with this novel, learning about the two women, their trials and difficulties? I did. I liked what took place because I paid attention. I saw where things were coming from, even if I didn't understand them. I surprisingly found great appreciation in the method of the storytelling. I don't always like bouncing back and forth, the way the author did, for an entire novel, but it worked. I do admit, I grew weary from time to time with it all but it didn't take from the story.
I managed to figure out a few things and that was cool too, no disappointment there, which brings me to what I didn't like. First, it was the back and forth through the entire novel. It irritated me! I know many don't want a story that simply states what's going on, but to go back and forth all the time was way too much for me. Secondly, the way LeGrand wrote made the read feel choppy from time to time. It's like she preferred shot sentences, instead of throwing a conjunction or even a semi-colon in there from time to time. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either.
Before I read the novel, many called the book sexy and intense. A little intense, yes but not sexy at all. Where'd they come up with that? Also, it wasn't breath-taking. Something happened rather quickly, to the point I didn't quite understand what I was supposed to be seeing. It happens I guess. The thing is, I didn't see all the pizzaz I'd heard about.
For me, Furyborn was a decent read. I don't know if I'm deep into it enough to spend another ten bucks, or if I want to bounce for another novel in order to see who wins the battle and such. It's just too much bounce. You'll see if you read it. Don't get me wrong, it's good. I just don't know if I'm willing to invest anymore in to it.
Grab yourself a copy while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Furyborn, book 1 of the Empirium Trilogy
Claire LeGrand
Published by Sourcebooks Fire
516-pages
Released May 2018
Darkness Reigns
*Horror Movie Review 
What makes a good ghost story into a movie?
Location! Location! Location!
In Darkness Reigns, Daniel - once a nobody in the movie industry – depressingly arrives at the premier of his popular movie Defanitus Soul. The monologue sets the pace, letting you know he’s not relishing the idea, though he should be. He’s famous! Darkness Reigns shares the one-time experience of an entire film crew and cast when they encounter a vile demon who welcomes and devours every soul. Upon request! #element-9e73fe20-475a-4a4a-ba11-0b32b4957c96 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
There is something to say about a movie that practically decimates the entire movie’s cast within minutes of beginning. When I saw Casper Van Dien’s face in the trailer I got excited; I loved him in Space Troopers (an all-time favorite). But to see what happened to him- whoa! I cracked up in both surprise and laughter! Who kills off the biggest star in their movie like that? I wonder if the gig was a favor to a friend or something?
Darkness Reigns isn’t one of those films you’ll stash in your horror collection to watch once or twice a month. It’s really not that good, but the premise was cool. As you watch, you try to dig benath the mass killing, to figure out the plot. But you don’t until you’re told. You never see the punch coming, at least I didn’t. I think that’s why I enjoyed it.
The movie’s slow and the acting, excluding Van Dien’s was okay. Now the special effects were pretty cool. The mirrors, the intestines (no spoilers, sorry) and especially the first attack are killer. I also found great appreciation in there being no mood music. Not one time did an ominous tune play, warning you of impending doom. To me, that makes a horror movie real. I can’t brag about much else, sadly.
I have to admit, though it drags, Darkness Reigns is entertaining enough to at least view once. Check it out anywhere video can be rented. Darkness Reigns
Written & Directed by Andrew P. Jones
Produced by Darkness Reigns Films and Picture Palace Films
Starred Casper Van Dien, Zachary Mooren, Linara Washington and Peter Mayer
Released 10 July 2018
What makes a good ghost story into a movie? Location! Location! Location!
In Darkness Reigns, Daniel - once a nobody in the movie industry – depressingly arrives at the premier of his popular movie Defanitus Soul. The monologue sets the pace, letting you know he’s not relishing the idea, though he should be. He’s famous! Darkness Reigns shares the one-time experience of an entire film crew and cast when they encounter a vile demon who welcomes and devours every soul. Upon request! #element-9e73fe20-475a-4a4a-ba11-0b32b4957c96 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
There is something to say about a movie that practically decimates the entire movie’s cast within minutes of beginning. When I saw Casper Van Dien’s face in the trailer I got excited; I loved him in Space Troopers (an all-time favorite). But to see what happened to him- whoa! I cracked up in both surprise and laughter! Who kills off the biggest star in their movie like that? I wonder if the gig was a favor to a friend or something? Darkness Reigns isn’t one of those films you’ll stash in your horror collection to watch once or twice a month. It’s really not that good, but the premise was cool. As you watch, you try to dig benath the mass killing, to figure out the plot. But you don’t until you’re told. You never see the punch coming, at least I didn’t. I think that’s why I enjoyed it.
The movie’s slow and the acting, excluding Van Dien’s was okay. Now the special effects were pretty cool. The mirrors, the intestines (no spoilers, sorry) and especially the first attack are killer. I also found great appreciation in there being no mood music. Not one time did an ominous tune play, warning you of impending doom. To me, that makes a horror movie real. I can’t brag about much else, sadly.
I have to admit, though it drags, Darkness Reigns is entertaining enough to at least view once. Check it out anywhere video can be rented. Darkness Reigns
Written & Directed by Andrew P. Jones
Produced by Darkness Reigns Films and Picture Palace Films
Starred Casper Van Dien, Zachary Mooren, Linara Washington and Peter Mayer
Released 10 July 2018
July 25, 2018
Tale of Tales
A Netflix Movie Review 
When I first spotted this movie in the Netflix library (also suggested for me), I read the summary and figured it was one to pass over. It was fantasy, my second favorite genre but it was more than that. Tale of Tales is one of those movies that leaves you with a sense of wonder, sickly fascination and a splendid surprise. Here are my thoughts. #element-c1685e27-d748-4d26-bc5c-ee4540cc8969 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Tale of Tales is a telling of one by three. In Story #1, There is a mysterious kingdom, ruled by a loving king and beautiful queen. Though pleasant, the queen is depressed due to not being able to produce an heir. She'd suffered a recent miscarriage, leaving her desperate to have a child- but someone arrives and brings her the offer of a challenge. If the king does one thing, then she another, they will conceive that very night. But it comes at a price.
Story #2 is about a king who wishes to marry his daughter. She wishes to marry for love, he out of obligation to the kingdom. What happens is he develops a fascination for a creature that brings about terrible circumstances - dire to his princess and livelihood.
Story #3 tells of a woman and her sister. They're very sickly but you're not told why. Because of their illness, they're unsightly and hide away during the daylight hours. But one afternoon, the eldest sister sits outside to sing and is overheard by their lech of a king. He desires her more than any of his other concubines and seeks her out. He lavishes her with gifts but the issues that ensure share a lesson on greed and sexual immorality!
Each story is grim and to say there's a happily ever after is a matter of opinion. This dark fantasy, taken from Italian fairytales set you in mind of the popular readings by Grimm. There are parts that cause you to cringe, feel great sympathy and then there's the shock. You can't have dark fairy tales without shock factor. Each story is brought about with great detail and emotion. I found I couldn't understand much of the story- I could only go along with what took place. You can't figure it out!
Take a peek at Tale of Tales, available on DVD as well as Netflix. I'm off to the next movie! Cheers.
*All images found via Google.
Tale of Tales
Directed by Matteo Garrone
Starred Selma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, Toby Jones, John C. Reilly and Shirley Henderson
Produced by Matteo Garrone, Jean Labadie and Jeremy Thomas
Based on Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile
Released April 2016
Runtime 2h 14m
When I first spotted this movie in the Netflix library (also suggested for me), I read the summary and figured it was one to pass over. It was fantasy, my second favorite genre but it was more than that. Tale of Tales is one of those movies that leaves you with a sense of wonder, sickly fascination and a splendid surprise. Here are my thoughts. #element-c1685e27-d748-4d26-bc5c-ee4540cc8969 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Tale of Tales is a telling of one by three. In Story #1, There is a mysterious kingdom, ruled by a loving king and beautiful queen. Though pleasant, the queen is depressed due to not being able to produce an heir. She'd suffered a recent miscarriage, leaving her desperate to have a child- but someone arrives and brings her the offer of a challenge. If the king does one thing, then she another, they will conceive that very night. But it comes at a price.Story #2 is about a king who wishes to marry his daughter. She wishes to marry for love, he out of obligation to the kingdom. What happens is he develops a fascination for a creature that brings about terrible circumstances - dire to his princess and livelihood.
Story #3 tells of a woman and her sister. They're very sickly but you're not told why. Because of their illness, they're unsightly and hide away during the daylight hours. But one afternoon, the eldest sister sits outside to sing and is overheard by their lech of a king. He desires her more than any of his other concubines and seeks her out. He lavishes her with gifts but the issues that ensure share a lesson on greed and sexual immorality!
Each story is grim and to say there's a happily ever after is a matter of opinion. This dark fantasy, taken from Italian fairytales set you in mind of the popular readings by Grimm. There are parts that cause you to cringe, feel great sympathy and then there's the shock. You can't have dark fairy tales without shock factor. Each story is brought about with great detail and emotion. I found I couldn't understand much of the story- I could only go along with what took place. You can't figure it out!
Take a peek at Tale of Tales, available on DVD as well as Netflix. I'm off to the next movie! Cheers.
*All images found via Google.
Tale of Tales
Directed by Matteo Garrone
Starred Selma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, Toby Jones, John C. Reilly and Shirley Henderson
Produced by Matteo Garrone, Jean Labadie and Jeremy Thomas
Based on Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile
Released April 2016
Runtime 2h 14m
Gorgon, book 5 in the Alex Hunter Series
*Audiobook review by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
I simply can not get enough of this series! This book was awesome because it was one of those monsters that came from Greek mythology. It carried a backstory that was a bit disheartening but filled with pretty cool deaths, real-world action and of course, Alex Hunter! This is Gorgon, by
Greig Beck
! #element-b293fb86-5023-4706-aab1-dd062aa3e543 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I've always been a mythology lover, so when I read the blurb for Gorgon, I knew I'd love it. The story tells of something that escapes a hidden chamber deep within the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Headed towards Crete, a strange fog creeps across the land, leaving the most detailed of stone statues in its wake. Nothing can stop it.
Back on US soil, Hunter's been found and requested to drop his vigilant hiatus and return to the HAWCs. When he takes on a mission, given by The Hammer and his good friend Sam, he finds himself back with people who'd joined him on another journey, as they dive in to what's killing people on the other side of the world.
The adventure of Alex Hunter is powerful. Alex gains new information on who he is, as well as the life he'd left behind. He's hurt but he manages to focus enough to get the job done, when he needs to. Gorgon brings characters back, both good and evil, dropping them in the midst of something that wants nothing but to kill and continue. Can Alex and his HAWCs stop it?
Check out Gorgon and other books by Greig Beck. I love this guy's writing because all his books are linked in some sort of way. You're immersed in a world of action, fighting, monsters, drama and even a tad bit of romance. All in that order! LOL Cheers!
Gorgon
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Audible Audio, published by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2014
Runtime: 14h 42m
Narrated by Sean Mangan
I simply can not get enough of this series! This book was awesome because it was one of those monsters that came from Greek mythology. It carried a backstory that was a bit disheartening but filled with pretty cool deaths, real-world action and of course, Alex Hunter! This is Gorgon, by
Greig Beck
! #element-b293fb86-5023-4706-aab1-dd062aa3e543 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I've always been a mythology lover, so when I read the blurb for Gorgon, I knew I'd love it. The story tells of something that escapes a hidden chamber deep within the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Headed towards Crete, a strange fog creeps across the land, leaving the most detailed of stone statues in its wake. Nothing can stop it.Back on US soil, Hunter's been found and requested to drop his vigilant hiatus and return to the HAWCs. When he takes on a mission, given by The Hammer and his good friend Sam, he finds himself back with people who'd joined him on another journey, as they dive in to what's killing people on the other side of the world.
The adventure of Alex Hunter is powerful. Alex gains new information on who he is, as well as the life he'd left behind. He's hurt but he manages to focus enough to get the job done, when he needs to. Gorgon brings characters back, both good and evil, dropping them in the midst of something that wants nothing but to kill and continue. Can Alex and his HAWCs stop it?
Check out Gorgon and other books by Greig Beck. I love this guy's writing because all his books are linked in some sort of way. You're immersed in a world of action, fighting, monsters, drama and even a tad bit of romance. All in that order! LOL Cheers!
Gorgon
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Audible Audio, published by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2014
Runtime: 14h 42m
July 24, 2018
This Green Hell by Greig Beck
An Audiobook Review
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Greig Beck has my full and undivided attention. I am loving all of the Alex Hunter books, even if they're filled with military and political drive for some stories. You can't beat the monsters and the unbelievable talents of Alex, Codename Arcadian. This Green Hell is book #3 in the Alex Hunter series and I am going to stick with Beck until Alex either succumbs to his ailment slash magnificent strength or the author simply grows weary of writing. Either way, you have to read Beck's novel, This Green Hell! #element-4fa4e532-cbbc-44c5-94a3-7aa3d29bcf6e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} 
The story begins with Dr. Amy Weir working on a project that would allow the country, possibly the world to survive on a different kind of fossil fuel. Sadly, there's a primordial ooze that begs to differ.Something ancient and not of this world needs help and the nosy humans in the jungle are just the ones to aide. It's not until a special unit of Green Berets are taken down within minutes of departing the camp that an elite team of HAWKS, lead by Alex Hunter, are sent in to rescue. But can they handle what's waiting for them? Can he rescue Amy and the rest of the science team? And will Alex Hunter be able to handle the rage within him?
This Green Hell puts you in another jungle but up against a different sort of foe. It's different from the first stories, because the intelligence of this creature isn't like the others, but I can't say why. SPOILERS and all. What I can say is the you'll be grossed out and wincing for those that suffer it. Beck manages to create monsters with true science behind them. At the end of his books, he shares the history and truth in the science behind each of his tales. Especially when it comes to the church and missionaries of the story. You have to listen to it to. It gives you a greater scope into the tale.
I think anyone who enjoyed monsters, science and big guns will fly through this one. This Green Hell is a hell of a read. Cheers!
This Green Hell
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Publication by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2012
Runtime: 11h 23m
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Greig Beck has my full and undivided attention. I am loving all of the Alex Hunter books, even if they're filled with military and political drive for some stories. You can't beat the monsters and the unbelievable talents of Alex, Codename Arcadian. This Green Hell is book #3 in the Alex Hunter series and I am going to stick with Beck until Alex either succumbs to his ailment slash magnificent strength or the author simply grows weary of writing. Either way, you have to read Beck's novel, This Green Hell! #element-4fa4e532-cbbc-44c5-94a3-7aa3d29bcf6e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} The story begins with Dr. Amy Weir working on a project that would allow the country, possibly the world to survive on a different kind of fossil fuel. Sadly, there's a primordial ooze that begs to differ.Something ancient and not of this world needs help and the nosy humans in the jungle are just the ones to aide. It's not until a special unit of Green Berets are taken down within minutes of departing the camp that an elite team of HAWKS, lead by Alex Hunter, are sent in to rescue. But can they handle what's waiting for them? Can he rescue Amy and the rest of the science team? And will Alex Hunter be able to handle the rage within him?This Green Hell puts you in another jungle but up against a different sort of foe. It's different from the first stories, because the intelligence of this creature isn't like the others, but I can't say why. SPOILERS and all. What I can say is the you'll be grossed out and wincing for those that suffer it. Beck manages to create monsters with true science behind them. At the end of his books, he shares the history and truth in the science behind each of his tales. Especially when it comes to the church and missionaries of the story. You have to listen to it to. It gives you a greater scope into the tale.
I think anyone who enjoyed monsters, science and big guns will fly through this one. This Green Hell is a hell of a read. Cheers!
This Green Hell
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Publication by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2012
Runtime: 11h 23m
