A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 39
October 9, 2017
Bob Howard's Book 3 of The Infected Dead: Die For Now
Why does every apocalypse have a set of people that think they can run my life better than me? It's like the government trying to pick itself right back up, except there's not martial law here. And no government. Things have changed for The Crew of Ed, Jean, Kathy and Chief. They've got an issue: Mo' People, Mo' Problems! In Die For Now, our heroes are ready to bring the world back into a civilized society, but it's not that easy. The dead are still dead and walking and others just want to be left to their own devices. So here's where the reality sorta faded away for me. The kids, especially Molly were way too perfect! Had I been some those kids, I'd have been all over the place, getting into everything- and trouble! Also, everyone seemed way too perfect for me. I loved the story and the thrills, but exactness and perfection during the apocalypse? Nah...There are a few typos going on, so do your best to read over them and you'll enjoy the story anyway- there's a huge BOOM going on! I promise!
Cheers!
Bob Howard's Book 4 of The Infected Dead: Exist For Bob Howard
So here it is: Exist For Now.This novel takes the crew on a not-so-perfect journey. Someone special needs bringing back home, Leadership is fought for and lives hang in the balance. It's not as happy as book one, where they were laughing all the time to relieve stress. So much has gone wrong with the world- more than just zombies! Can our favorite people survive? And will they ever stop going out to find more people?!
I found myself getting mad at people in the final book. There was so much going on and they weren't always making choices I thought they'd make. It was a bit upsetting, but that's the best part of a book, yeah? When it makes you made or upset, because you find yourself tied in to the lives of the characters. I think you'll find this one just as good as I did!
So there it is- reviews without giving any of the plots or happenings away. The Infected Dead series is a quick, adventurous journey that holds a bit of non-fiction to your fiction. Check them all out while I move on to the next read.
Cheers!!
The Infected Dead series
Bob Howard
Published by Bob Howard, Amazon Digital Services
October 3, 2017
Alien Series Week: Out of the Shadows, a novel by Tim Lebbon & Dirk Maggs
*An AudioBook Review
Narrated by Jeff Harding
The first book in my Alien Series is the amazing Alien: Out of the Shadows, by Tim Lebbonand narrated by Jeff Harding. If you recall correctly, I'd reviewed Out of the Shadows before (2016), but the audio drama instead of the novelization. I found it very exciting, especially with voices like Rutger Hauer! But it was a novella and not the real deal. Once I saw this one, I had to purchase it.
Check out my review on the continuation of a story, derived from the movie that terrified me as a child...
Written as a short story in-between Alien and Aliens, Out of the Shadows gave Ripley insight that pushed towards a richer understanding for both Aliens and Prometheus. I listened to it once, then again- excited with each incident, thanks to actors like Rutger Haur, Corey Johnson, Matthew Lewis and the almost duplicate voice talent of Laurel Lefkow, as Ripley. She was on point, sounding just like Sigourney Weaver!
The story begins at the end with Ripley's famous lines:
"This is Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off."
She placed herself in stasis, only to wake up with the crew of the DSMO Marion. Somehow Ripley's shuttle, the Narcissus, didn't head towards earth to possibly meet up with the company, as we all knew. She was forced deeper into space, towards a particular area... a mining colony. (Oh boy!) When she's awakened, she's already in neck deep in feculence. The miners have been attacked and their escape shuttles are on a collision course with their mother ship, the Marion!
With a bang up cast, awesome effects and a storyline that blends smoothly, any Alien lover will love this short story. Check it out- it's totally action-packed and spooky to listen to.
Cheers!
Alien Out of the Shadows
Tim Lebbon and Dirk Maggs
Audible Studos
April 26, 2016
Narrated by Jeff Harding
The first book in my Alien Series is the amazing Alien: Out of the Shadows, by Tim Lebbonand narrated by Jeff Harding. If you recall correctly, I'd reviewed Out of the Shadows before (2016), but the audio drama instead of the novelization. I found it very exciting, especially with voices like Rutger Hauer! But it was a novella and not the real deal. Once I saw this one, I had to purchase it.Check out my review on the continuation of a story, derived from the movie that terrified me as a child...
Written as a short story in-between Alien and Aliens, Out of the Shadows gave Ripley insight that pushed towards a richer understanding for both Aliens and Prometheus. I listened to it once, then again- excited with each incident, thanks to actors like Rutger Haur, Corey Johnson, Matthew Lewis and the almost duplicate voice talent of Laurel Lefkow, as Ripley. She was on point, sounding just like Sigourney Weaver!The story begins at the end with Ripley's famous lines:
"This is Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off."
She placed herself in stasis, only to wake up with the crew of the DSMO Marion. Somehow Ripley's shuttle, the Narcissus, didn't head towards earth to possibly meet up with the company, as we all knew. She was forced deeper into space, towards a particular area... a mining colony. (Oh boy!) When she's awakened, she's already in neck deep in feculence. The miners have been attacked and their escape shuttles are on a collision course with their mother ship, the Marion!
With a bang up cast, awesome effects and a storyline that blends smoothly, any Alien lover will love this short story. Check it out- it's totally action-packed and spooky to listen to.
Cheers!
Alien Out of the Shadows
Tim Lebbon and Dirk Maggs
Audible Studos
April 26, 2016
Alien Series Week: River of Pain, an Audio Drama by Christopher Golden & Dirk Maggs
*An AudioDrama Narrated by Anna Friel, Philip Glenister, Colin Salmon, Alexander Siddig, Marc Warren, Michelle Ryan & William Hope 
Now here's a good one - Ellen Ripley's back! If you've been following her story, from way back in 1979, when I was but eight years old. Yes- I know, I'm begging to grow old. I never managed to lose the love of the movie, nor falter when a new movie released since (1986, 1992 & 1997) Naturally, when I'd spotted the audiobook for this, filling in another gap of Ripley's space journey, I hopped onto the bandwagon! 
My very first heroine is back and not very happy. She's discovered planet LV-426, where the Nostromo first came into contact with a Xenomorph has been renamed and has new residents. It also offers up background to one of our favorite Alien Saga characters: Newt. It's always nice to know these things, but the story is very sad... and full of totally amazing action, as dreams of making a new life, away from earth become nightmares. Trouble brews between the Marines and the scientists, with the colonists trapped, as collateral damage, in-between.
The audio-drama is amazing and won awards. With a cast of familiar voices, you will be drawn in to this science fiction horror. And you'll remember why you hate that darned Weyland-Yutani corporation all over again. Man may not be meant to leave earth; there are way too many other things out there1
Cheers!
Alien: River of Pain
Written by Tim Lebbon
Narrated by Jeff Harding
Published by Audible Studios
June 8, 2016
Now here's a good one - Ellen Ripley's back! If you've been following her story, from way back in 1979, when I was but eight years old. Yes- I know, I'm begging to grow old. I never managed to lose the love of the movie, nor falter when a new movie released since (1986, 1992 & 1997) Naturally, when I'd spotted the audiobook for this, filling in another gap of Ripley's space journey, I hopped onto the bandwagon! My very first heroine is back and not very happy. She's discovered planet LV-426, where the Nostromo first came into contact with a Xenomorph has been renamed and has new residents. It also offers up background to one of our favorite Alien Saga characters: Newt. It's always nice to know these things, but the story is very sad... and full of totally amazing action, as dreams of making a new life, away from earth become nightmares. Trouble brews between the Marines and the scientists, with the colonists trapped, as collateral damage, in-between. The audio-drama is amazing and won awards. With a cast of familiar voices, you will be drawn in to this science fiction horror. And you'll remember why you hate that darned Weyland-Yutani corporation all over again. Man may not be meant to leave earth; there are way too many other things out there1
Cheers!
Alien: River of Pain
Written by Tim Lebbon
Narrated by Jeff Harding
Published by Audible Studios
June 8, 2016
Alien Series Week: Alien Covenant, a novel by Alan Dean Foster
*An Audiobook Review
Narrated by Tom Taylorson
I have been watching the Alien movies all of my life. Ever since the original release in 1979, when I was just eight years old (yes, I'm older...), I was caught up. I'd been terrified then from the monsters, but growing up, watching the story mature in almost reverse through the years, I've managed to stay horrified. I've also seen the movie, and I can tell you- Alien Covenant is unbelievably good reading! 
I had to hurry and listen to this book. I'd seen the movie preview a while ago, but there'd been no release date- as far as I knew. Sadly, when I went to see Guardians of the Galaxy, I noticed the date: May 19th! I was like, "Oh crap! I haven't read it yet!" So as soon as I caught the audio release, I snatched it up and began listening.
I am so happy I did!
I loved this book! It carried all the frights that make monsters real, just like the rest of the books (and movies). I do have to admit, I figured one bit out, at the end, but there's nothing predictable in this story. There is nothing ordinary about this book and in a way, it's like a prequel, or a sequel, depending on how you look at it - but it is definitely stand alone! BUT Promethius did set it up... you'll see. That's as good as it's gonna get as far as any sort of SPOILER from me!
Taylorson did a bang up job with his narration performance. He definitely has the voice. And though his female character didn't sound female, you could hear the character. I loved this book and you will too!
Check out Alien Covenant while I move on to the next read.
Cheers!
Alien Covenant
Alan Dean Foster
Blackstone Audio
May 23, 2017
Narrated by Tom Taylorson
I have been watching the Alien movies all of my life. Ever since the original release in 1979, when I was just eight years old (yes, I'm older...), I was caught up. I'd been terrified then from the monsters, but growing up, watching the story mature in almost reverse through the years, I've managed to stay horrified. I've also seen the movie, and I can tell you- Alien Covenant is unbelievably good reading! I had to hurry and listen to this book. I'd seen the movie preview a while ago, but there'd been no release date- as far as I knew. Sadly, when I went to see Guardians of the Galaxy, I noticed the date: May 19th! I was like, "Oh crap! I haven't read it yet!" So as soon as I caught the audio release, I snatched it up and began listening. I am so happy I did!
I loved this book! It carried all the frights that make monsters real, just like the rest of the books (and movies). I do have to admit, I figured one bit out, at the end, but there's nothing predictable in this story. There is nothing ordinary about this book and in a way, it's like a prequel, or a sequel, depending on how you look at it - but it is definitely stand alone! BUT Promethius did set it up... you'll see. That's as good as it's gonna get as far as any sort of SPOILER from me!
Taylorson did a bang up job with his narration performance. He definitely has the voice. And though his female character didn't sound female, you could hear the character. I loved this book and you will too!
Check out Alien Covenant while I move on to the next read.
Cheers!
Alien Covenant
Alan Dean Foster
Blackstone Audio
May 23, 2017
October 2, 2017
The Month of Halloween Means A Horrifying Book Each and Every Day!
I'm so excited to share nothing book horror this month. I'll be posting books, audiobooks, movies and even nightmarish experiences in celebration of the season. I just love Halloween, don't you? But I don't dress up. My son turns 13 this month (the 30th), and I haven't dressed in a costume since his 5th birthday's costume party. It was awesome, btw.So what can you expect? How about reviews from the Alien series, Mark Tufo's Zombie Fallout, and so many more! Stories from me and how much I love spooky stuff, and anything you'd love to share with me. I'll post things from my social media and ask that you send me feedback if you want. I'll share them here!
Stick with me,
Cheers!
Alien Covenant, the movie
So if you're like me, aliens and the Alien movie saga has been a part of your life since always! It put science fiction on the map for the 80's- not that it wasn't already there with super cool movies like Them (giant spiders), Forbidden Planet (with Robby the Robot) and so many more, but this gave us a woman as the hero and monsters that made the bravest of men scream like banshees! What did the Alien Covenant movie do...? 
Well, I can say no men screamed- with the exception of this guy here! This scene was THE SCARIEST part of the entire movie. And when I say scariest, I don't mean scary/horrorific, but scary as in 'OMGosh- just kill him already! I can't stand his pain; I'm dying with him' scary. I felt so bad for him... But that's what a good movie does. It was done in great taste, though I didn't understand why it ripped through him the wait did, with all the back shredding and total body destruction... but I won't go into more detail. The movie released in May 2017, but I held off on my review due to wanting to share the other Alien reviews. I just went together well. I'm sure many of you have seen the movie too- but what did you think? How did you feel? Were all your questions answered? I fell they did a great job, but it still didn't quite clear the air and why the heck was/is Weyland always trying to capture the ever elusive xenomorph? Neomorph?
In this chapter of the story, we understand what happened to David and Shaw, survivors of the Prometheus. Sadly guys, the future doesn't look bright for anyone who lives past the 2050's... Everything that can go bad goes to hell and there's not one ounce of future in sight for the humans!
Though extremely dreary and without hope, this movie still made my iTunes library. I love them all. Diehard fans will still own it, even if they felt it was just filler information, but made to be a primary movie. Or was it? I'll let you decide. I know that I enjoyed it; i just wanted more with my explanation and for David to not be such a cybernetic/synthetic narcissist! Oh well...
Check out Alien Covenant. It made for good science fiction and horror.
Cheers!
Alien Covenant, the movie
Directed by Ridley Scott
Screenplay by John Logan & Dante Harper
Produced by David Giler, Walter Hill, Ridley Scott & Mark Huffam
Starring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride and Damián Bichir
Released May 19, 2017
September 26, 2017
Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle
*A Proper Movie Review 
When the movie trailer hit tv for the first Kingsman movie, I was smitten! I knew it was going to be both a movie I'd love and a part of my video collection in iTunes. But my brows did furrow when I'd heard there'd be a part two. Not with negativity, but with concern that it would be even better than the first. Sequels don't always do well.
So did Kingsman, The Golden Circle measure up? The movie has Eggsy in a bit of a bind. The world's been taken hostage and the people who'd succumbed are the easiest to wash from the face of the planet. Attacked by a villain who'd thought every "T" had been crossed and "I" dotted, the world is in for a rude awakening. The heart of London's spy center is attacked, leaving them to run in one direction: The US. With the help of Statesmen, they hope to find a solution that will not only save the world, but Eggsy's girlfriend too! I totally loved this movie for several reasons. Number One- it's Kingsmen! Secondly, the action was non-stop with laughter that kept me squirming in my seat. The story was nice because Eggsy was allowed to grow up. Considering he was a young man-child in the first movie, you got to see so much in him. The potential Harry saw in him bloomed.
Characters shined and complimented one another, making them easy, to me, to grow attached to. Even Julianna Moore's insane character was likablej- as much as S. L. Jackson's in movie one. I was left guessing as to who the turncoat was, and I can honestly brag that I'd had it narrowed down to two, and wasn't far off- happy to say. I also loved seeing the return of a few people- which could have easily ruined the movie. But Did Not.
I could give many more reasons why you should see Kingsman, The Golden Circle, but it would offer up SPOILERS, and I just don't do that. What I can say is, if you loved the first movie, you will enjoy this one too. It's good when the movie that took IT from the number one spot was just as good! Two different genres, but both excellent to watch.
Cheers!
*P.S. The movie posters were taken from Google and do not belong to me.
Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle
Starring Colin Firth, Taron Egerton Julianna Moore, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, and Elton John and Jeff Bridges
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Written by Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn
Released September 22, 2017
When the movie trailer hit tv for the first Kingsman movie, I was smitten! I knew it was going to be both a movie I'd love and a part of my video collection in iTunes. But my brows did furrow when I'd heard there'd be a part two. Not with negativity, but with concern that it would be even better than the first. Sequels don't always do well.So did Kingsman, The Golden Circle measure up? The movie has Eggsy in a bit of a bind. The world's been taken hostage and the people who'd succumbed are the easiest to wash from the face of the planet. Attacked by a villain who'd thought every "T" had been crossed and "I" dotted, the world is in for a rude awakening. The heart of London's spy center is attacked, leaving them to run in one direction: The US. With the help of Statesmen, they hope to find a solution that will not only save the world, but Eggsy's girlfriend too! I totally loved this movie for several reasons. Number One- it's Kingsmen! Secondly, the action was non-stop with laughter that kept me squirming in my seat. The story was nice because Eggsy was allowed to grow up. Considering he was a young man-child in the first movie, you got to see so much in him. The potential Harry saw in him bloomed.
Characters shined and complimented one another, making them easy, to me, to grow attached to. Even Julianna Moore's insane character was likablej- as much as S. L. Jackson's in movie one. I was left guessing as to who the turncoat was, and I can honestly brag that I'd had it narrowed down to two, and wasn't far off- happy to say. I also loved seeing the return of a few people- which could have easily ruined the movie. But Did Not.
I could give many more reasons why you should see Kingsman, The Golden Circle, but it would offer up SPOILERS, and I just don't do that. What I can say is, if you loved the first movie, you will enjoy this one too. It's good when the movie that took IT from the number one spot was just as good! Two different genres, but both excellent to watch.
Cheers!
*P.S. The movie posters were taken from Google and do not belong to me.
Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle
Starring Colin Firth, Taron Egerton Julianna Moore, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, and Elton John and Jeff Bridges
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Written by Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn
Released September 22, 2017
RJ, Boy Detective #1: The Mysterious Crate by P.J. Ryan
*Children's Book Review Illustrated by Carolina Storni 
I always get excited when I'm sent a children's book. The joy in my reading it, as well as to my children, is something I'll never grow weary of. Here's the book blurb for RJ - Boy Detective #1: The Mysterious Crate by PJ Ryan:
RJ - Boy Detective #1: the Mysterious Crate, by PJ Ryan, is one of those books. According to the blurb:
RJ Spencer is a lucky 12 year old. He lives in the big city and his parents are landlords of the high-rise apartment building that is his home.
The many tenants in the building, along with the endless possibilities of adventures in the city itself, are the perfect setting for the young detective as he sets out to solve every case he can get his hands on.
In this mystery, RJ and his younger pal Joey come upon Mr. Porter, the new tenant in 3B, while he is trying to maneuver a very large and mysterious crate into his apartment. What is inside the mysterious box and will RJ and Joey solve the mystery without blowing their cover?
(Actual book blurb, Amazon.com) The story carried a childlike mystery that my little ones enjoyed. Though the story is fun for ages 9-12, I found RJ a bit on the Caillou side. He became annoying to me and probably in need of a spanking. The kid is nosy as all get-out! Who's business is it of yours what I carry in to my apartment building, regardless of the day? I know he needed something to get in to, but seriously? LOL
I found myself thinking of all the things RJ could have been doing, instead of getting his little buddy into odd situations, but all in all, the book was cute. RJ - Boy Detective #1 is part of an 8-book series; check them out.
I'm off to the next read!
Cheers!
RJ, Boy Detective #1: The Mysterious Crate
P. J. Ryan
Magic Umbrella Publishings
December 22, 2013
I always get excited when I'm sent a children's book. The joy in my reading it, as well as to my children, is something I'll never grow weary of. Here's the book blurb for RJ - Boy Detective #1: The Mysterious Crate by PJ Ryan:RJ - Boy Detective #1: the Mysterious Crate, by PJ Ryan, is one of those books. According to the blurb:
RJ Spencer is a lucky 12 year old. He lives in the big city and his parents are landlords of the high-rise apartment building that is his home.
The many tenants in the building, along with the endless possibilities of adventures in the city itself, are the perfect setting for the young detective as he sets out to solve every case he can get his hands on.
In this mystery, RJ and his younger pal Joey come upon Mr. Porter, the new tenant in 3B, while he is trying to maneuver a very large and mysterious crate into his apartment. What is inside the mysterious box and will RJ and Joey solve the mystery without blowing their cover?
(Actual book blurb, Amazon.com) The story carried a childlike mystery that my little ones enjoyed. Though the story is fun for ages 9-12, I found RJ a bit on the Caillou side. He became annoying to me and probably in need of a spanking. The kid is nosy as all get-out! Who's business is it of yours what I carry in to my apartment building, regardless of the day? I know he needed something to get in to, but seriously? LOL
I found myself thinking of all the things RJ could have been doing, instead of getting his little buddy into odd situations, but all in all, the book was cute. RJ - Boy Detective #1 is part of an 8-book series; check them out.
I'm off to the next read!
Cheers!
RJ, Boy Detective #1: The Mysterious Crate
P. J. Ryan
Magic Umbrella Publishings
December 22, 2013
Besetment
*Movie Review 
This is one of the good ones!
I was a little concerned when I heard the dot matrix printer running the background. I even ignored the “Who’s Clark Gable” question- who doesn’t know him? I watched with an open mind, but expected a thin storyline for a mild thriller. Was my preconceived notion on the up & up…? Besetment is about Amanda: unemployed and no longer capable of pulling from the state check, unwanted by her alcoholic mother and unable to find some self-fulfillment. All she wants is to stand on her own two feet, but seems the cards are stacked against her. Until she receives a call, asking her to interview for a position at the Oregon Hotel. Set back in the furthest reaches of a sleepy- no, near deserted town, she accepts the job. Now she’s got full time work, a roof over her head and… a whole lotta problems!
Here is where the thrills kick in! Besetment is one of the better independent movies I’ve seen all year! The budget is fair, fits the location and setting, and the acting wasn’t too shabby. And the score removed the cheesiness one expects and associates with indie movies. The story is direct and keeps the viewer. Honestly, I love this movie—
But not the ending…
I know endings can be difficult, but this ending deflated. I expected some sort of twist, but not the hokey one given. STILL, Besetment is an fun watch! Besetment
Written, Produced & Directed by Brad Douglas
Starred Abby Wathan, Marlyn Mason and Michael Meyer
June 2017
Reviewed by A. Renee Hunt
This is one of the good ones!I was a little concerned when I heard the dot matrix printer running the background. I even ignored the “Who’s Clark Gable” question- who doesn’t know him? I watched with an open mind, but expected a thin storyline for a mild thriller. Was my preconceived notion on the up & up…? Besetment is about Amanda: unemployed and no longer capable of pulling from the state check, unwanted by her alcoholic mother and unable to find some self-fulfillment. All she wants is to stand on her own two feet, but seems the cards are stacked against her. Until she receives a call, asking her to interview for a position at the Oregon Hotel. Set back in the furthest reaches of a sleepy- no, near deserted town, she accepts the job. Now she’s got full time work, a roof over her head and… a whole lotta problems!
Here is where the thrills kick in! Besetment is one of the better independent movies I’ve seen all year! The budget is fair, fits the location and setting, and the acting wasn’t too shabby. And the score removed the cheesiness one expects and associates with indie movies. The story is direct and keeps the viewer. Honestly, I love this movie—
But not the ending…
I know endings can be difficult, but this ending deflated. I expected some sort of twist, but not the hokey one given. STILL, Besetment is an fun watch! Besetment
Written, Produced & Directed by Brad Douglas
Starred Abby Wathan, Marlyn Mason and Michael Meyer
June 2017
Reviewed by A. Renee Hunt
