A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 51

Toward the Brink (The Apocalyptic Plague Survival Series, Book 1) by Craig McDonough

     Toward the Brink, The Apocalyptic Survival Series by Craig McDonough, snatched my attention from the moment I opened the newsletter!  If you've been with me a while, you know I'm a sucker for a good looking book cover.  This one caught me instantly...      This story was very interesting, but it wasn't implemented well.  The story had bits and pieces that appeared to place well together but didn't quite fit; the first being Elliot; the boy hero. Because this is a New Adult novel, I can't beat it too badly; people want to see the kids of today save the world.(just like YA). I get that, but this was just silly!  The boy who has to help dad run the surplus store was suddenly an expert, because his mom said she'd seen first-hand proof of what was happening in town. All he ever shared was here-say, but evidently in Twin Falls, that's enough!

     Then there were parts like, kissing amidst people being green-foamed to death.  Finding romance in the worst of places; it was very foolish to me.  Then Cindy, the love interest, was a feeble-minded ninny one minute, and a shotgun blasting maniac the next- how in the world!?  Okay, that's the simple stuff. Now  ​to get to the Goo-Shooters. to the rumors and monsters,

     Baer Industries (I think that was the name) created a hormone that was used on spuds all over Idaho and possibly nationwide.  They had spuds in their pockets and brought about brief illness. But after a scare, the goo came back, with a vengeance.  I didn't understand it, due to lack of detailed information, but it did.

     First the green, foamy goo was vomited.  Anyone near to smell or be touched by it was immediately infected.  They in turn, spewed it on to others - instant plague.  BUT, then somewhere in there, some people were changed by it.  They began to either cry green tears of goo, or attacked people covered in the stuff.  Then, out of nowhere, they began to eat. People.  I was confused by what McDonough wanted them to be!  And since the boy wasn't military, the cover was deceptive.  I just got too confused.

​     There are two other books to this series; maybe you'll enjoy them, but sadly, I was not.  I'm off to the next read!   Toward the Brink
The Apocalyptic Plague Survival Series Book 1
Craig McDonough
Amazon Digital Services, LLC
April 22, 2015

Unchained by Noel Jesse Heikkinen

Litfuse Book Tour      As with most books that catch my eye, I wanted this because of the cover. I read and was enticed by the blurb, but oh what a lovely book sleeve! What made me want to read Unchained, by Noel Jesse Heikkinen, was the opening line, that went along with what my pastor at church is speaking on: 
"Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free."
And so I read...      Unchained speaks on something many, many, many Christians have battled with. It's about actually BEING a Christian. How you feel, self-conduct  and living the life, when your perspective on what an actual Christian really is. There's a truth we're aware of, but do not comprehend. It's not just about: The Walk.

     My dad always told me, and I quote: "You have to be a good person and do the right things. Your mistakes can always come back and bite you in the backside." And he was right, but as a Christian, you don't have to carry that fear! You're chained to your past and it weighs down your spiritual life and growth.      Heikkinen tells how you can unburden yourself of the shame and guilt of things like praying and bible reading. He shares how the world affects us, but we do not have to conform- there are rules that can assist.

     Lastly, the author offers clarification on verses that may have confused many. Once you become a Christian, you feel you have to be perfect and will never sin again. Heikkinen goes in depth, for those without understanding, giving hope to those who felt they were doomed to constant sin, apology, guilt, repentance and so much more. Once you're free, you are free, but there is more. Unchained helps those on their new road to Christianity, how to prepare, understand and grow.
​
Unchained 
Noel Jesse Heikkinen
Published by David C. Cook
February 1, 2017

Night Kaleidescope

*Movie Review Chris Purnell, a man who’s no novice to movie production, had a vision.  Having once been a cinematographer, he knew exactly what he wanted to see in the making of Night Kaleidoscope. With a very small budget, he and Grant McPhee filmed the entire movie in one week, taking a gory vampire tale beyond creative measures.

The story tells of Fion, a down on his luck paranormal investigator, on the prowl for a vamp couple. Killing savagely for as much sport as dinner, they prey on the drugged, the promiscuous, and the beautiful. When they lose one of their victims, they are compelled to hunt her down, but they realize, much too late, she's approached an enemy of theirs.

It takes a while to really understand what’s happening in this film. There were various aspects of the movie that raised questions on the two powerful creatures. Many  concerning Fion, who needs a continuous flow of illegal narcotics in order to track them, which wasn't truly explained. Sadly, his process doesn’t work well, causing near misses of his opponents and more death amongst the city's nightlife.
 
The story doesn’t carry enough meat to be attention-grabbing, in my opinion. The antagonists come off as cannibals, more than vampires, using a dull knife to cut open their victims, instead of their bare hands or fangs. Then there’s some sort of love concern between the so-called heroes, and it comes out of the blue, making the interaction bland.
 
There’s fab cinematography though, and an energetic soundtrack. With there being more scene flashing and slow motion than dialogue, Night Kaleidoscope seems to focus on becoming a type of visual art, instead of a story share. Night Kaleidoscope is due to release later in 2017. Night Kaleidoscope
Story by Megan Gretchen and Chris Purnell
Directed by Grant McPhee
2017

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier

*Narrated by David Linski      When I saw movies like The Bad Seed and The Good Son, I wondered: How on earth does a child manage to manipulate in such a way?  How do they kill and nobody notice?  It was always a mystery to me; a disappointing mystery.  I was hoping this story wouldn't disappoint me. I can understand a parent not wanting to see the ugly truth, but simply turning a blind eye...?      Che is an Aussie teenager with a sister who admits things like, "I love ice cream. I love chess and mathematics... I love getting away with things.  But I don't love people.  They're either useful or they're not.  You're useful to me, Che.  But I don't think that's love."
-Rosa,
Che's sister, is clever, highly intelligent, fearless, callous and so much more.  All the qualities of a Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD).  She's a developing psychopath.

This story was a breath of fresh air, but there were a few issues that kept nagging at me.  The first: I believe this book should sit in the New Adult category.  Yes, it's a teen story, but there are a few scenes I wouldn't want my teen reading.  I even felt a bit voyeuristic, but not a huge deal-buster. 

     Where I had the biggest issue is with the parents, David and Sally raised their children to be inquisitive and discover information for themselves.  They were also atheist.  So why in the world were they calling Jesus and God and Jesus Christ so much?  Is that a norm for atheists   If you don't believe, why call on him?  Again, it's no big deal, but since it was a major point in the story, I found it rather vexing.  There are other issues with the story, but they weren't as bothersome.  I can say that I was surprised by the ending.  I also felt so terrible for Che, who'd dealt with everything for so long, it affected him adversely- he was the true loser of the story, and yet, a quiet hero.  

     I walked away from this novel in a morose state.  I felt so bad for Che- which was obviously the goal of Larbalestier.  She did a great job telling the story, and the narrator, also an Aussie, made the story.  It moves at a medium pace.but it's not slow. Check it out while I move on to the next read!   My Sister Rosa
Justine Larbalestier
Soho Teen
November 15, 2016

Cold Moon Over Babylon by Michael McDowell

*Audiobook ReviewNarrated by Scott Brick      Omg! Omg! Oh - my - Gosh was this book a fantastic listen!  I wish I'd learned of it so much sooner!  If all of Michael McDowell's books are like this, I am a fan for life!  Do you like ghost stories?  Do you like hauntings?  And do you like it when the bad guy gets his just desserts?  (Oops!  Did I say too much?)  You have to either read or listen to this book.  I say, "Listen!" because it'll give you the shivers...     Now I haven't seen the movie, but THERE'S A MOVIE!  I want to see it- just to see if it's anywhere near as perfect as the book.  Which I know ever happens...

  So the story begins with the killing and disappearance of a girl, Margaret Larken.  She's a good girl and doesn't deserve what happens to her, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.  Or so all believe.  In this tale, the cookie is poisonous and seeks out a torturous revenge. A haunting so vicious, it drives people to the brink. 

     The characters are very real- fleshed out and countrified. They feel and behave in a natural manner, that makes the paranormal almost every day, and you develop an attachment that makes you root for the good and maniacally cheer for the bad.  When the action takes place, and it doesn't take long, it hits from all sides and people see exactly what they should see - justice from the grave!  
  
     Can you tell I loved this?  Oh, the narrator, Scott Brick, has the perfect voice for the tale- heavy when necessary, he made the story for me.  You have to check out Cold Moon Over Babylon, and if you can, seek out Cold Moon, the movie.  I know I will   
Cold Moon Over Babylon
Written by Michael McDowell
Narrated by Scott Brick
Published by Cormudgen
June 15, 2016

Evil Rises by Wesley Robert Lowe

*Both eBook and Audiobook      I had no idea this wasn't a full novel, but a prequel.  I gave it a go anyway, but I was sorta bummed.  It reminded me of the old movies on Kung Fu Theater, that I used to watch on the USA cable channel, back int he day.  

Am I showing my age?

     Anyway, Evil Rises, by Wesley Robert Lowe is about the rise of an empire based on Shaolin beliefs. Sadly, Chin took the teachings of Master Wu and became a Chinese Kingpin, but that's not really what this introduction to the Noah Reid series is about.  

     It gives background, history to what made Chin what he was.  How he found a teacher and a family, who offered the best of Shaolin tradition and corrupted it.  He became what Master Wu detested most.  The short story shared a lot of information that will be necessary for the following three novels.   

     I can tell you, this story will have you riveted.  Though I found a bit predictable, I have a feeling I'll be grabbing the other books.  This was good and with later, listening to Lowe read the story through Audible, I found myself still happy with the storyline.  Cheers to this guy!

Evil Rises (A Noah Reid Action Thriller)
Wesley Robert Lowe
Published by Wesley Lowe Productions
June 5, 2014

The Bear in the Forest from the A JL Anthology, Vol. 1 by Kelsie Engen

     Short and sweet, The Bear in the Forest, by Kelsie Engen is filled with adventure, magic, curses and two girls, willing to do anything to protect the forest.

     Crystal and Scarlett are sisters, promised to care for the forest and its animals as Keepers.  When they find a bear, trapped in a poacher's snare, they do what they do best.  Little did they know they were stepping into a feud , over 200 years old.

     The story is short but very well written.  It's included in a book filled with excellent stories.  The book, From the Stories of Old, you'll find more than any one person's share of danger and heroes.  I read the entire book, but it was the author, Kelsie Engen, I was looking for.  I'm happy I did.

     Also, if you read From the Stories of Old,  in its entirety, you will LOVE Kris and Krampus!  That story is hilarious and evil!  {Insert evil laughter!} From the Stories of Old, Vol. 1 A JL Anthology:
The Bear in the Forest
​Kelsie Engen
Rowanwood Publishing, LLC
2016

Ithaca by Patrick Dillon

     This book review will be short and sweet.  Not because I didn't like the story or because it's been done before.  It's because when it comes to mythology and the stories of Odysseus and his son Telemachus, I can't be angry or cruel.  I've always been a lover of Greek tellings, but this one is more than adventure.  It was all about how a young boy became a man, without his father there to show him.

     Telemachus wanted to defend his mother, Penelope from those seeking to marry her, he he but also wanted to know if his father was still alive, after the whole Troy incident.  He wasn't a brute just curious.  He was a boy needing his father.  He needed to believe his father was still alive and so he headed out to find him.  The story was more of an emotional trial than an actual adventure.  It's great if you want to go to your next college course on mythology, but it was no Jason and the Argonauts or The Battle of Thermopylae.  It's just character building, honestly.  Not bad but not good for me, the reader.

     I gave the book a decent rating, but not one I'd say, "Oh man- you have to read this!"
Cheers!

Strange Medicine by Mike Russell

     So here is a review like no other. I've never read anything like this stories of Strange Medicine, by Mike Russell. Each and every story is unique and comparable to nothing else out there. Russell brings on the strange, the bizarre  and the totally mind-blowing!     Each story is crafted to leave you bewildered. To label the novel fantasy would be incorrect; it's like something plucked from the shelves of Rod Serling, or even The Outer Limits. Every chapter is more bizarre than the next, newfangled even (I've always wanted to use that word in a review), and leaves you in a stupor.

     From a fish growing out of a woman's shoulder, to Anthony Tobias Bradshaw (his full name is stated repeatedly for a reason) clasping his body together with bulldog clips, to keep from flying apart, these tales make you ponder things you really shouldn't- you can't, but you do! I believe the one I enjoyed the most is titled Telephone. It's a short story, composed of phone conversations between a girl, a guy and, wait for it... A Telephone! I kid you not- it's crazy and funny and so darned weird; I loved it.  There are more, like the world's most intelligent man with no brain, and mime on mime hatred. Queer and even humorous, but never normal is how I tag book. 

     If you're looking for something different, something strange, pick up Strange Medicine. I guarantee you a good, confusing time!

Strange Medicine
Mike Russell
CreateSpace Independent Services
May 5, 2016

Devil in the Dark

*Movie Review   Devil In the Dark is one of the better independent movies I've reviewed in a long while. The movie carried an ominous quality that didn't lure me in with jump scares and horrific music, but through a series of small flashbacks, telling of a troubled relationship between two brothers. Through a small town visit, and a hunting trip, things were supposed to smoothed over.
 
   Clint and Adam are trying to mend. They've been distant for most of their lives. Because of their father’s favoritism- a wedge pressed between them, they try to patch things by spending some time together, with ulterior motives. Adam decided on the camp out to clear his mind of haunting memories of a past experience in the forest. If things worked out with his brother, all was even better. Clint wanted to just hash things in a big brotherly, bullish sort of way, thus making the trip more troublesome than therapeutic. 
 
   Dwelling, high and deep within the forest is something sinister, and it remembers Adam from long ago. To it, there's an ethereal bond and it’s not been broken. It plans on finishing what it had started long ago, with or without Clint's intervention.      Devil in the Dark won me over with simplicity. There weren’t a load of special effects and unreal acting. It was smooth yet patchy, giving a serious view on how brothers actually behave. There was a bit of mood music, but what made the movie different was its focus on the actual story, the backstory of the woods (without great detail) and the creature.
 
     The ending brought a bit of confusion for me, in that I didn’t expect it. I loved all that happened, all they endured together and even the end- but the actual ending… something was off there and I can’t quite say why without giving SPOILERS , which is something I do not do.
 
     So check out Devil in the Dark when it releases on VOD, nationwide in the U.S., from Momentum Pictures on Tuesday, March 7th. Devil In The Dark
Momentum Pictures
Written by Darey Dickson
Directed by Tim Brown
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