A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 37

Stranger Things, Season 2

Netflix Original Series I knew the show was going to be good, soon as I saw the preview last year. I binge watched and finished around 2 am. So when Stranger Things, season 2 was confirmed, I put the release date on my calendar and anxiously waited for my iPhone's reminder to watch... Friday. Yesterday! I started around 11:45 am and finished a few minutes before 9pm. I was blown away! The Duffer Brothers did not let me down. From seeing new faces, to cocky villains, everyone one and everything had a purpose. Oh, and that leak about someone returning? Sorta.

Season two was ominous, with the fate of the world in the hands of the residents of Hawkins, Indiana. But what got me was the interaction. Relationships grew deeper, connections stronger and mom's were overly protective. I'm doing my best to be careful and not tell what happened- can you tell?

So what can I say? I can say the show was better than season one. It was horrific, yet explanatory. It also allowed you to wonder who the good guys were for a bit. You'll see why. The thing is, when it was time to get things resolved, no one hesitated or fell back. Because of this, I expected a bit more from the show. The boys: Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Will had the opportunity to become closer, but not in the way you think. Not like they did in season one, but there was appreciative growth.

Something I've wondered is, with so much going on in Hawkins, why didn't the entire town react? Weren't they all affected or was the insanity localized? Why didn't everyone call and complain about that spooky sky and storm or demodogs? And lastly, why did Dusty still have such a filthy mouth!? 

Check out the Netflix original series, Stranger Things 2. I won't tell you you'll enjoy it. If you're a fan, it's innate knowledge.

Cheers!

Stranger Things, Season 2
Created by the Duffer Brothers
Produced by Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen
21 Laps Production
Stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matazzaro, and Caleb McLaughlin

Freakish, season 2

A Hulu Original Series I will NEVER regret purchasing the non-commercial plan of Hulu.com. They bring you original shows, you won't find anyplace else, and there's no interruptions. One of the first shows that hooked me, other than the various movies and such, was Freakish- a Hulu original.  The story's about a handful of teenagers who are trapped in their high school after the first season's explosion of a nearby chemical plant. Those trapped indoors are semi-safe, but the ones who didn't manage to get inside pose a mortal threat to the uninfected. 

This season was obviously meant to focus more on the relationships that developed while being trapped within the walls of their school. I mention this because the battle against the ones who'd caused the deadly gas that refuses to dissipate, even with rain, are in the show with a hint of presence. The end result left me with a daytime soap instead of a horror show. 

There were more tears for the liars and betrayers than for the dead! Then when the dead and deadish were dealt with, it had some cheesy song attached to it, ruining everything! Season One (of which I also binged) was so different, and much better. The story progressed, but not enough. I was left with a gassy taste in my mouth, much like the "Freaks". 

Maybe season 3 will get better. We shall see. If you like zombies and teen angst/drama, this could be your show. If you don't have Hulu, you may want to invest in it- there are a few plans that could work for you, and they're definitely worth the purchase.  Here's a YouTube share of season 2's Episode 1. Don't say I never gave you anything!

Cheers!

Freakish
Season 2
A Hulu and Awesomeness TV

Mark Tufo Week - Zombie Fallout, Volume 7: For The Fallen

Okay, so Mrs. Deneaux has really messed up, making me hate her more and two of our beloved Talbot's (One not by blood) are in danger! So Mike's out to fix things.

The best part of this book is that the family is strained to the point of breaking. I mean, family has already died, and those who weren't for the Talbots are gone. You know who your enemies are... or so you think! But now that things have changed, shouldn't their only troubles be the zombies?
Nope! In today's installment- I almost typed episode- things have changed dramatically. Mike's best friend and one of his sons have been infected. Well, his son has been sick for a while, but now that Eliza's been dispatched, things have changed. But they also haven't changed too!  HUH, you ask?

I can't tell you. What I can say is that this next adventure in the Talbot Journal, lives are at stake and Mrs. Deneaux has been a thorn in everyone's side; they do not realize how busy she's been!

The crotchety, old chain smoker has bounced with a secret she's hoping she can carry to her grave. Worse yet, the zombies are different. There's something happening in the zompoc world that evolution never saw coming- and everyone, everywhere is in trouble!

ZF 7 is is one of those books that you love to see coming. Once you get past the germophobia, the mysophobia, and the descriptives of both the dead and flatulence, along with Mike's comedic relief, you have a serious story that is unforgettable!

​Check out Zombie Fallout 7: For the Fallen, because it's for those who have left the Talbot Clan for sure. Cheers!

Mark Tufo Week - Zombie Fallout, Volume 8: An Old Beginning

So as the saga progresses, you find yourself in the midst of a constant battle. The zombies are causing a great deal more than a growing fear of being eaten. They are making it so you're never safe. EVER!

Remember back when Mrs. Deneaux escaped at the time of... Ha-Ha! You thought I was going to give away a spoiler didn't you!  Nope, but I can say that you find out so much more about the 3.5 short story, Dr. Hugh Mann. You also discover the true beginning of the zombie outbreak. You learn who caused it and why... And it's totally ridiculous! Not in a bad way, but in a bad way as far as the story goes. 

The Talbots's find themselves totally out of the frying pan and into a roast of a fire... but can Mike get them out? The reason this chapter in the storyline was so good is because it showed just how Bad A*$ed Mike Talbot really is. So much happened and he showed how he didn't give a care about anything but stopping the people who caused everything, as well as wanted to harm his family. He went above and beyond the call of Father and Husband and it was totally cool! Loved every bit of it and I think you will too.

If you don't want to read the physical books, I've also provided the audio covers for the novels too. Mark Tufo chose a guy named Sean Runnette to narrate and he does a magnificent job. The guy is the voice of Mike throughout the entire series and does the job 100%. The inflection, the jibes he makes, everything is spot on and makes the hellish journey perfect. I believe he's the official voice of anything Mike Talbot, like the Indian Hill series as well as Lycon Fallout, Timothy and more. Check them all out on his website !

Mark Tufo Week - Zombie Fallout, Volume 9: Tattered Remants

The world has officially gone insane! It was already bad, but now- there's more trouble and it comes in three. 

Tommy never indicated there was anything or one at the head of the paranormal world. Now an inquisition is coming, and they want to know how and why Eliza perished and who did it. The thing is, it may add another danger for the Talbot Clan. 

And how in the world do the zombie keep evolving?! No matter what our heroes do, they can't seem to win... The danger is real. The mysterious three have arrived, along the east coast and are headed towards the Talbots. You keep discovering, the story goes so much deeper than a family surviving the apocalypse. If you're been reading the books, do you remember Paul's wife?  If not, it's okay, but if you do- be prepared. 

The title, Zombie Fallout 9: Tattered Remnants holds truth. They're being shredded left and right, not to mention family issues need resolving. Brother Gary is wanting to take charge and blaming Mike for everything! Then there's Tommy, who's been acting a little strange. The story is full of hope, but that's not what brings home the survivors. 

Can Mike keep going? Will his hold on his loved ones be lost? And who's helping them out of the oddest and most dangerous of jams? Possibly divine intervention? It's time to come to some sort of conclusion with the next and final installment to the ZF series.  Keep reading while I move on to the next read!
​Cheers!

Mark Tufo's Final Day: Zombie Fallout, Vol. 10: Those Left Behind & Zero

And so now, it all comes to a head. The final installment of the Zombie Fallout series... or is it? Book 10: Those Left Behind takes you, the reader on a journey like no other. But before I go into the review, I was wondering, do you read/listen to the various epilogues at the end of each book?

I noticed that one, I'm was pointed into something that was totally unexpected! Mrs. Deneaux is a bad-a$$ and surely set for more trouble than anyone could ever imagine, other than Mr. Tufo himself. Then there's Indian Hill. 

I'd not read another serious, outside of the first book in the Lycan Fallout series. I liked it, but I had other books to read. I'm going to do so now. The Indian Hill and Lycan series- I think you will too. The best part, it's always about our friend, Mike Talbot!   So these books were first timers for me. I'd not listened nor read them prior to now. I am still a fan and I will keep going, as long as Tufo steers me and has Sean Runnette narrating. Those Left Behind showed me how the Talbots can make enemies anywhere they go. 

​From Tommy losing his ability to keep an ethereal eye open for the dangerous trio, to Mrs. Deneaux resurfacing (Ugh!). Then there's a new villain who was totally unexpected, along with others who just don't seem to want anything more than to do wrong! Why is it, whenever there's an apocalyptic story, nobody's nice? Why is humanity pretty much the bottom of the barrel? 

​I won't tell what happens, but this one was just as adventurous. I loved how there's never the same issue arising. It's not just about zombies, but the Z's are evolving! There are the regular zombies, then there are Bulkers and Screamers, and then you have the conniving, backstabbers like Deneaux. You never know what's coming and it makes for an thrilling read.

Also, the conversations, arguments and situations that take place with our survivors are hilarious! You never know what's coming- especially with John the Tripper. I believe another book is coming, and I'm totally fine with that. I can't wait to see what happens next, especially after Epilogue 1 of this book.

In ZF: Zero, Tufo share's the beginning of the end in another fashion. From the front lines of those defending cities when the attacks began. When crowds of lumbering peopler thought to be rioters instead of the walking deceased. It's brief, about two hours long, but nicely stated, gives you the famed title: Zombie Fallout. It's good, brief, explicit and fun. 

The Zombie Fallout series ends my Horror series month of October. I hope you enjoyed my share of great authors, great stories and will check them out for yourself as well. I'm off to the next read-
Cheers!

Mark Tufo Week - Zombie Fallout, Book 6: 'Till Death Do Us Part

Book six of the ZF series is one of the biggest, and with good reason. So much happens and it's tough to read. It's hard to handle and you just want to fall to your knees, throw your hands over your head and cry out, "WHY!?"

In this installment, someone dies. Okay, i'm sure you're like: It's the Zompoc, of course someone dies, right? Well, when you read this, you'll know what I mean. The world has gotten just that much worse and the Talbot clan has to deal.
​
Oh, and Eliza still want them all dead. Zombie Fallout 6: Till Death Do Us Part is full of feels, as well as annoyances - but in a good way!  This is where a man named, well I guess I can't tell you, but you'll love him when he shows up. You'll get a kick outta him one minute, then annoyed as all get out! But it's fun! Someone is totally gone, while another is brought back to us and all is well.

NOT!

It's the bigger of the other books for a reason, and every moment shared is necessary. I'm impressed that I still enjoy reading these books as much as I had the first time around. And I never read books again and again, unless it's Stephen King or a few Koontz novels.

Hurry up and read this now! I'm on to the next read.  Cheers! 

Mark Tufo Week - Zombie Fallout

*Audiobook Series Reviews Yes, I own both the audio and physical copies of this series! It's my favorite zombie saga  and it's so hilarious (realistic) I can do nothing but crack up, be grossed out and become attached to every single character.  The voice of Mike is perfectly represented by  Sean Runnette , which helps immensley; it's like his emotional lull become a prominent part of my audio family. These books belong on every zombie lover's shelf.
​
​So why do I love Mark Tufo 's Zombie Fallout story...? Zombie Fallout V. 1 In book one, you are introduced to the Talbot family. You find out how the apocalypse began and how people dealt with it all. Many books begin with the battle already going, but the ZF series is different. You get a beginning, but later you get the REAL story. It's purely human error, but there's also a great deal of  supernatural- and that makes it better.  Explanations come in pieces, but what you're fed suffices. Mike Talbot is the best part of the entire story. Not because he's the main character (because he is), but because of his personality, how he feels, what he thinks and how much he loves not just his family, but those he chose as extended family members.

You see, Zombie Fallout doesn't just have a bunch of people fighting, being eaten and running for safety. It's about how much a love for family and those chosen to be added into the family will induce a courage to fight even when safety is right in front of them! It's courage building and makes you want to dive into the world with them. Volume one of the series gets you introduced and just as eager to push for survival as the characters do. You seriously do; you find you just love him and them.

Written while an indie author, Tufo's inspires imagination and the best of fun in the worst of it all.  Once you know everyone and develop a callous of sarcasm, you're a part of the family too. Check out his work by clicking on his name up there. It'll take you directly to his site and other books and series. Also, all this week and next week, you'll get a review on each of his ZF installments in celebration of Halloween. Enjoy, while I move on to the next installment!

Zombie Fallout, Vol. 1
Mark Tufo

Teleios (Beyond the Trek)

*Movie Review Dystopian, futuristic issues are pretty much the same as today's: We all want perfection. In Beyond The Trek, or Teleios (the released title), the future is dying. It's up to a special group of humans to venture, two years into space, to retrieve a particular item of cargo that can save planet Earth. Teleios tells the story of perfection… sorta. Teleios is the name of the ship, in which genetically modified humans have been missioned. The mission will save the lives of every human being of of all kinds, but the item they need, the cargo, isn’t aboard the ship they’ve been sent to intercept. And there’s none but one man alive, Travis, who can explain why, but he’s not talking.
 
The mystery begins with the realization that the crew of the Teleios is 100% perfect. Their make-up allows for them to perform their duties without emotional interruption and supreme efficiency. But when someone begins to forget, and another cries, they realize something’s terribly wrong- with them and with the errand.
 
The movie is visually stunning, and it’s not due to an over-abundance of special effects. The things that fascinate are in the background. The story is strong, healthy and realistic. The acting is primo and the story's ending was like a smooth slice of New York cheesecake added at the end of a steak dinner. I  savored every bit!
 
Teleios is eighty-nine minutes of science fiction thrill and well worth the watch. Beyond The Trek ( Teleios)
Written & Directed by Ian Truitner
Produced by Hayley Helmreich & Matthew S. Gore
Starring Sunny Mabrey, Lance Broadway, T.J. Hoban, Christian Pitre, Mykel Shannon Jenkins & Weetus Cren
Released 6 February 2017

Mark Tufo Week - Zombie Fallout, Volume 2: A Plague Upon Your Family

You know how you get attached to a character? Make them as real as you are. From cancerous thoughts, like thinking your invincible or you ate the wrong things and share an excessive amount flatulence. That's what brings this book to life- nothing is held back from its manly influence.

Mike Talbot's battle against the forces of evil has not ended. The story picks right back up, where it left you in book one, and the fight is heavier, crazier and more exhausting that anything you've read! Save the LOTR series, but that's not horrific.... So in the second book of the apocalypse, The Talbots, along with a few others, have escaped their home of Little Turtle. Nothing is the same and life as they all knew it is definitely over! So what do they do? They seek out safety, armed as heavily as possible. But the rules to the new world are not set in stone. Things are happening and Tommy is at the heart of a good explanation.

Written in the journalistic fashion, ZF #2, A Plague Upon Your Family sets human against, ... things. I can't say what they are, but the zombies are just the base to this horror series. Mike Talbot is struggling to understand, but nothing will stop him from protecting those he loves the most. 

There are also a few journal entries where Tracy, his wife steps in to share tribulations. No matter who's writing, you are given a personal view on what's going on and how the survivors are handling things. It's very emotional, which is another factor in making the story such a fab read. You can't do anything but grow attached to them all.

Filled with side jokes that will catch you off guard, and a love your eyes osmotically perceive as you read, the ZF series will compel you to move on to the next book, as I did. All of that's good, but it's the action, the horror, the gore and the battles against hordes of the dead that keep you reading.
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I listened to the audiobooks years ago- the books are just as fabulous!

Zombie Fallout, Vol. 2: A Plague Upon Your Family
Mark Tufo
DevilDog Press, LLC
December 4, 2013