A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 41

Tales of Supernatural Horror, stories by Shantnu Tiwari

Whenever I come across an author I've never read, I get excited. There's always  great expectation and with a title like Tales of Supernatural Horror, how could one go wrong?

Shantnu Tiwari is an author with at least eighteen books under his belt. With most stories ranging from zompoc to self-help on loving your work life, this guy's written it all. I have to admit, I probably will never read the other books though, due to unprofessional artwork. What drew me with this book was the cover's fab, HD quality photo. BUT, did the enticing,  eye candy artwork live up to the promises of a grand, horrific, supernatural story?  No. I'm just going to cut to the chase on this one. It was not horrific, as the introduction suggested and it left me pondering: What exactly did the author want me to take away from this? I'm not saying the book was terrible, but ... it wasn't good either.  And I say this in the kindest way possible. 

Some books just don't have IT. Some books are written and the author just gives up, publishing something lackluster instead of leaving well enough alone. Tales of Supernatural Horror is one of those books. A collection of three stories, the author does his best (I really hope that's not true) to give you a good scare, but he thrill of the stories are lost on the lack of detail and proper editing. What began as a narration, with the first story, quickly fizzled with my experience as dead as the people Tiwari killed off.

As though written with a sense of great urgency, sentences jump, from one situation to to the next, without any information but what the author force feeds. Here's an example:

I jumped off the bed and ran to the bathroom to get a candle. As I picked it up, I saw...
...an old man standing behind me. He was wearing sixteenth century clothes, his eyes were red, as were his teeth. He was staring right into my eyes. I dropped the candle. The toilet went dark. In panic, I ran down the stairs in complete dark, and at the bottom, I slipped on something. It felt like a human body. A candle was lying by the body I picked it up to see the body. It was Lisa.

Tell me that's not coarse and I'll tell you Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 was a horrible adventure.  Uh... that would be a serious LIE!

This story just didn't work for me. There was so much awkwardness going on, I didn't push any further.  And the contradiction was so In My Face, I nearly threw my iPad across the room- and it's on a stand! Here's another example- when character 'James Smith' claims he was injected with a drug to make his body comatose; all he cold feel was his feet:

I tried to move. My torso wouldn't respond, but my feet still had sensation. I used them to push myself up, coming into a sort of a triangle pose. I took a deep breath. I had one chance. Once chance only (and no that's not my typo). I clenched my fists as tight as I could and pushed all my strength into arms...

What the heck man!?  I just quit. Do not pass GO nor shall I collect $200.  

Cheers- I'm on to the next book!

Tales of Supernatural Horror
Shantnu Tiwari
Amazon Digital Services
November 5, 2016    

The Autobiography of Satan, a story by William Glasser

Have you ever pondered Satan's side of the biblical story? I haven't either, but I was given the opportunity to read it anyway. Surprising enough, I found it very humorous; I hope that was the author's intention... I found myself entertained by The Autobiography of Satan, by William A. Glasser. I found myself laughing while reading; as it was laced with humor as much as fact. Written as though Satan were having his story transcribed, he shared how he was not created as the epitome of true evil, that evil was around long before he even came to be! He also wanted to share how God was not the creator of all things, nor the center of it all. Understand, I'm a Christian, so this did a bit of digging on my upbringing- but I put it all aside, for the sake of this book.

I found The Autobiography of Satan entertaining, but not enough for me to be happy with everything shared. I found Satan's words, humorous at times, I even felt bad for him, but came away feeling the story was more for those who love a good argument. A lot of work went into this novella, great research, but it just didn't hit me right. Satan went as far back as the age of man's scientific beginning and told of how an excuse for evil came to be, for the wrong of the world, as a painting on a cave wall. It was good, but books that clash with my faith usually go on my furthest shelf. Not because I'm brainwashed, but because I'd never change how I feel on the words of Satan- Hello! lol

I have great respect for Glasser; he's a highly intelligent man and he worked hard to make this a book many non-believers would love, but as for me...? Nope. Excellently written and full of biblical exploration, check out The Autobiography of Satan in both paperback and ebook.  Cheers!

The Autobiography of Satan
William A. Glassner
Open Books
February 21, 2017 

The Z Virus: Episode's 3 & 4

ScreenMagic Films Online Series Thank goodness for getting on reviewer lists!  Though The Z Virus doesn't carry a huge budget, it's pretty cool, and episodes 3 and 4 do not fail to keep the story going. I just wish it was a bit longer, to not have to wait so long in-between! Nowhere To Hide About Last Night Everybody knows that during the apocalypse, you do not hang with any more than four people. The crew in The Z Virus was already two people deep; it was doomed from the start!

While getting to know one another, David's paranoia on zombies grows too thick to handle rationally. So... I can't tell! Anyway, tension is so thick, it can be cut with a simple karate chop. Now AJ, Gina, Nicole, Apple and Curtis remain. What's going to happen next? Dealing with the aftermath, the remaining survivors have to learn to get along. That means TRUST, but do they have it? Also, AJ isn't dealing with the death of a friend too well. Can Gina kick his butt in gear?

Before the end hits, something new is added. You finally get a look into David's paranoia and what comes next will surprise you.  Unless you're a zompoc fanatic, like myself and you've been waiting since the first three episodes!  LOL The Z Virus Because ScreenMagic Films is pushing to go big with The Z Virus, I'm expecting more with massive production.  Until then, I am happy to say I'm enjoying mini episodes. There's a thrill in the game as you watch from the very beginning.  What still hasn't presented itself is if something caused the outbreak, or if it's the every-tiring government conspiracy to create a super-soldier.  Whatever the case, they're doing well in building the storyline.

I just need AJ to kick it in gear, Marine! Solar his wife has more gumption than he does and that worries me. In the back of my mind, I already see who's going to live and die... Will AJ be one of them. I also like Curtis, but right now, he and Apple have this Clerks thing going on where the girl is Silent Bob. WHat's up with that? We shall soon find out; I hope. 

Anyway, check out The Z Virus. All four episodes are available via clicking on that button above or visiting Amazon Prime. Keep watching while I move on to the next read!

Cheers!

*Available at Vimeo On Demand, Amazon.com Prime, Roku’s ScreenMagic and ScreenMagicTV.com

The Z Virus
Written & Directed by Joey Moran
Executive Producer: Rick Jenkins
Actors: Freddie Degrale, Moran Carew, Every Changeux and John Kviklys
January 2017
*All photos courtesy of ScreenMagic Films

Pitchfork

*A Movie Review There are secrets, then there are demented enigmas that are harmful to anyone’s health, should they be nearby. Pitchfork, set in the lush, farm country of Michigan, is the story of a demonic being with a thirst for blood… for some reason. Hunter has returned home, with a group of friends from NYC. Traveling in a van, decorated in rainbows and streamers, he plans to break devastating news to his hardnosed, uncompromising father. His friends, who carry no redeeming qualities, save but one, are unlikable and a poor choice to take on such a life-altering journey, but planned a barn dance to celebrate his endeavor. In the end, none of it even mattered because an outlandish creature, with a pitchfork for a hand, is on the prowl and killing with no discrimination.
 
This movie easily fits into the classic 80’s and 90’s slasher, horror genre. With a low-budget creature (wearing worn-out boots, jeans and a face a fennec fox could love), and characters so shallow, even I wanted to kill them, I found it to be a perfect SyFy or Chiller, made for tv movie that struggled to entertain. With its crude, new adults and weak comic relief, I walked away feeling I hadn’t lost ninety-four minutes of my life. This is a good thing.
 
I did some reading and discovered Pitchfork won seven awards from its September 2016 premiere, with one being for "Best First Time Filmmaker Horror". It also won six others, so props to the creators, producers and crew, but if I had to score this movie, sadly it would be low. Regardless, I still think it’s worth the watch. You have been forewarned!
 
Check out Pitchfork, available anywhere you can rent a video.   Pitchfork
Written by Darryl F. Gariglio and Glenn Douglas Packard
Produced by Pioneer Motion Pictures
Directed by Glenn Douglas Packard
Starred Daniel Wilkerson and Brian Ruetz
September 23, 2016

The Dragon and The George by Gordon Dickinson

Remember when I shared how my dad gave me books to read, and how I had to give oral book reports as a form of punishment? Well this was one of the books! I read it back in either fifth or sixth grade and it stuck with me. So much, I reread it for review in this day and age... ages later! lol

Jim's got problems. Anger problems, money problems and a problem with his girlfriend's boss carrying a torch for her. And through it all, he's willing to do anything for Angela- even travel for a potation device.

When Angie's late getting off work, Jim charges in to the lab to watch her vanish before his eyes! Ready to attack her boss, he finds out he can reach out to her and hypnotize her to bring her home. But things don't go quite right. Especially when Jim arrives... not in the way he was supposed to! 

The Dragon and The George, by Gordon R. Dickinson, is a hilarious tale of a man on a journey to save the girl. Not at all cliché, the story is all fantasy that rubs against your funny bone and you can't help but laugh throughout the book.

​Not only does Jim have to learn how to maneuver though the foreign, new world, but you get to see him change. His way of thinking, behaving and what matters most to him. I think this book is for anyone who loves fantasy and loves escape! 

READ this!

The Dragon and The George
Gordon R. Dickinson
Nelson Doubleday
1976

Spidarlings

*Movie Review Who doesn’t love a cult classic? They’re great because there’s a special something, from the movie that imprints onto a person’s memory. They never forget it, and the title thrives by word of mouth more than any form of managed publicity. I don’t know if this will happen with Spidarlings, but I’m sure some place underground, it’s deep underground... The story tells of two losers- I mean lovers, Eden and Matilda, who are living in a tiny apartment, rent-free! By avoiding their landlord, who’s extremely upset with not being paid they do their best to be eat and be happy. Surprisingly, their troubles aren’t at home- not at first.
 
The movie is dark, moody and a musical of all things! When I viewed the first number, I instantly thought of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but not in a good way. Then, none of the situations made much sense- I was totally confused until something arthropidic crawed onto the scene, making everything worse. I’m not exaggerating either.
 
The movie lacked a focused storyline, the singing was crummy and I barely stayed awake, the full 120 minutes, to catch what was going on! I honestly wish I could say something positive about Spidarlings, but there really isn’t anything I can say, except Spidarlings released 1 July 2017.  Spidarlings
Produced Rahel & Salem Kapsaski
Written * Directed by Salem Kapsaski
Starring Sophia Disgrace, Rahel Kapsaski, Lee Mark Jones & Rusty Goffe
Released July 1, 2017

Quinsey Wolfe's Glass Vault by author Candace Robinson

First off- check out this beautiful book cover! I instantly fell in love with it; you know me and book covers; they are eye candy!

​So what's the deal with Quinsey Wolfe's Glass Vault, Candace Robinson's break-out novel? Here's a quick blurb:

Some see it... Some don't...
People in the town of Deer Park, Texas are vanishing. There is a strange museum, known as Quinsey Wolfe's Glass Vault, that appears overnight. Perrie Madeline's best friend and ex-boyfriend are among the missing. Perrie, along with her friend August, go on a pursuit to search for them in the mysterious museum. Could the elusive Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault have anything to do with their disappearances?

So the question is, did this book's actual read live up the fun and mysterious summary provided? This is Robinson's first novel and I'm so proud of the amazing work she's produced. The story shares courage and going the extra distance for those you care for. I found great appreciation in Perrie Madeline. Her background and the background in her relationships allowed understanding as to why she chose to dive into such a mystical journey. I also loved that August was willing to go the distance with her. That was some serious... seriousness! LOL Especially since he'd readily admitted he was no knight in shining armor. I also liked Maisie- but man, she was WAY too chipper for me, and I'm Chipper!

The story hooked me in, and though I was growing weary with nursery rhymes and fairy tales, QWGV took a turn so twisted, I had to keep reading, even laugh through most of the horror. It was written that way- don't worry! Like when Perrie found Maisie: "They did an awful thing to me, but I taught them." (That's the sick person in me; I loved that part!) 

QWGV is original in its telling and I flew through the pages. The only issue I found in the telling was during conversations. Sometimes it can be difficult to write banter, and have it feel natural, fluid and actual. Many times, it may break literary rules, but you've gotta use contractions and slang to make it real. With this book, there were times when the characters were upset or in the midst of danger, and they used EXACT, PROPER English- it was weird. It threw off the talk, but it didn't ruin the story, not by a long shot!

I loved Quinsey Wolfe's Glass Vault and I am sure you will enjoy it too. It's about 168-pages, making it a quick and fun read.  Check it out while I move on to the next read!
Cheers!

Quinsey Wolfe's Glass Vault
Candace Robinson
Amazon Digital Services, LLC
May 16, 2017

Peanut & Sparky: A Story About New Friendships by Arnie Lighting

*An Audiobook Review Children's books always have a special place in my heart. I am influenced by the artwork most of all, but I adore the stories and play. It takes me back to my own childhood and so much more.

The artwork in Peanut & Spanky by Arnie Lightning  this series is soft and sweet, like the story, but there is a huge issue here. One that will have many mother's worrying what their little ones bring home as pets....  The story tells of a boy who gets a new pet, but it's not one most households take on. It actually follows them home, but what it is is disturbing. I admit, I liked the book, but there's something terribly wrong here. 

The artwork, by Qian Chen, is fabulous, but without giving away the storyline, this is not what little people should be reading. It's cute; it's so cute that I think they'd love it, but it gives the wrong impression. Honestly, it could cause injury. Yes, injury! 

On Goodreads and Amazon, I gave the book a decent score, mostly because of the beautiful artwork and a cute story, but for the sanity of families and safety of children everywhere- Please let children know to not do this!

I'm on to the next read!

Peanut & Spanky, book 1
Arnie LIghtning
Smashwords
April 15, 2015

The Haunting of Winchester Mansion, book 0 by Alexandria Clarke

Today's the first day of my son's 8th grade year! I'm so proud and excited- especially since I'm the teacher. I had a ton of work to do, in preparation for this year, so I'm grateful I got so much prescheduling done for my reviews. 

Today's review is The Haunting of Winchester House, Book 0 (2-book series), by Alexandria Clarke. This novella tells the beginning story of Bailey and Bodhi Taylor- blogging house flippers and their adventures after the purchase the historic Winchester Mansion in Black Bay, Washington.
​   The story is about more than a couple who revamps houses. It's about the couple themselves. There was something going on with them, and purchasing the home only brought things to life and light. A popular family, the Winchesters died in 1996 from a family boating accident. According to news and history, all four members of the Winchester family were lost onto the bluff of jagged rocks.
But had they all died?

The seller of the house has vanished, with disconnected number, and the owner of the lumber mill, practically the mayor of Black Bay seems to know everyone and everything's business. What is going on and why has the house suddenly come to life, threatening Bailey's sanity and both her and her husband's well being.  And then there's the mysterious blood message: Help Us.

The introduction novella to the two-book series is wonderful and a breath of fresh air, compared to my usual readings. I enjoyed the build up of mystery and of course the hauntings. Paranormal is always exciting and Clarke wrote in a way that made if feel normal. Reality tv, blogs, flipping houses and of course, a huge mansion in a small, inviting town.  It's everything that makes me want to add the actual books, The Haunting of Winchester Mansion, books 1 & 2, to my TBR.  

Check it out and you'll see. It's got a sweet story and a cool cliffhanger!  I'm off to the next read.  Cheers!

The Haunting of Winchester Mansion of The Haunting of Winchester Mansion series
Alexandria Clarke
Amazon Digital Services
March 31, 2017

American Mummy

*Movie Review How does an Aztec Lord take over a new and modernized civilization? By passing on an archaic virus, of course! In American Mummy, a group of university students make the discovery of a lifetime, which can also bring about the end of the world. Lord Tezcalipoca is out for blood... which is like black gold (oil) in the our present day.  I wanted so much to like this movie; I really did. The story is about one thing, bringing back the reign of Lord Tezcalipoca, but the way it's carried out left me as desiccated as the mummy itself.

I'll just go ahead and itemize my top dislikes for this movie- not to bash it though. I would NEVER deliberately say things about a movie to be cruel. This is strictly what I did not like about the movie... which is quite a bit, okay:

First, Dr. Lorbachovsky (the Russian) carried an awful accent. He came off weak in either Italian or Spanish to me.  Whatever it was, it didn't sound Russian. Then there's the score. I am an a lover of movie scores, I own a ton of them, but this movie's soundtrack was a mix of spaghetti western and 1930's classical. It wasn't properly matched, unless it was supposed to be a spoof. Which leads me into my next dislike.

​I couldn't tell if American Mummy was supposed to be taken serious or not. The ineptitude of some of the characters took away from what I felt should have been an ominous atmosphere.  That's a great segue onto the topic of how poor the acting was. I couldn't attach myself to any of the characters and actually found myself happy when they were killed off. And speaking of dying, what was the deal with the "mummiphilia"? I wasn't grossed out, but making out with an ancient mummy- while still dried up and near fossilized? I died of laughter when that chic got her nasty up-comings. Not because she died, but because her feeble attempt of the stunt simply killed me.

What I can brag on, concerning American Mummy, was the cinematography was excellent in the break-away scenes. There's a scene of the mountains/boulders with an amazing blue sky and wispy  white clouds overhead- amazing, rushing by that was breathtaking! 

​And that's it.

I did not like the movie, but I still have to give props to the people who put this together. I can't make a movie and probably wouldn't have the patience. With that being said, my review is complete. American Mummy released July of 2014; catch the movie anywhere you can rent video. American Mummy
Directed by Charles Pinion
Produced by Greg Salman
Cinematography: Jenny Ramirez
Starred: Aaron Burt, Suziey Block, Peter Marr, and Aidan Bristow