A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 55

Children's Book: City of The End, Book 1 (Minecraft) by Mark Mulle

*An eBook Review      This is a very quick read. Mark Mulle is the creator of the Minecraft  game guides has a series of books to match.  The stories are geared towards youth and young adult, maybe even adult lovers of the game.  This is book one of a book series, and there are many to the Over and Under Worlds!  This review is on City of the End, book 1 of The World Above.

     The Story is about a girl who's been sent through a portal, to the Over World, in search of help for her people who are under attack.  If you've played the game, you may know these creatures, called Creepers.  But what she doesn't know is, there's some sort of conspiracy, because she's #1 deposited in the wrong location after stepping from the portal and #2 is wanted by the king's men as a criminal!      Two strangers, children themselves offer to help her but there's more to these two than meets the eye. 

​     The story is short and sweet.  It's very simple so kids can easily get through it in about 30-40 minutes.  It's a fun story, but it will only get the reader into the tale.  It's about 45 pages and ends with a huge cliffhanger.  The problem is, I'm couldn't get in to the story.  I didn't find myself caring because when it's all described, it's not blocky and dorky as it is in the game and book covers.  It felt as though it was missing something.  I guess what I'm saying is, it's good for the kids, but maybe not adults.

     If your kids like the games, get this book and the series.  I'm off to the next read!

*The Eighth Day is next.
City of the End, Book 1
Mark Mulle
Independent Author, Amazon Digital Services
July 13, 2016

Certain Dark Things by M. J. Pack

*Audiobook Review      Narrated by Jacob York, this collection of the macabre kept me both entertained and even a tad bit spooked.  I have to admit though, many are just simple beginnings and not really even a short story.  They're odd and offish, but the good ones are so, so good.

     The ones I truly enjoyed were engrossing, and wicked!  These favorites were Women Seeking Men, The Skinstealer, BubbleHead Road, The Nightmare Club and the one about the roaches- best listen!  There are 22 chapters but the best were those five.  I liked them because they were complete, clever and very, very devious.  

     What was most upsetting about the book were the bulk of intro stories. Though true to the title, there were dark, but brief tellings that left me a bit empty.  It's like they were placed to peak interest just to fizzle out, and none with the magnitude of the five previously mentioned stories.       About half of this book is awesome, but that's all.  If you're looking to be entertained, this book can work, but get if for free, like I did.  I just wish it had been much better.  Anyway, I'm off to the next read!       *Mrs. Zant and the Ghost is next.
Certain Dark Things
M. J. Pack
Audible Studios & Thought Catalog Books
October 23, 2015

Mrs. Zant and the Ghost by Wilkie Collins

*An Audio Short Story Review      Mrs. Zant and the Ghost is not a scary story, but a sweet one.  Narrated by Gillian Anderson, the short story by Wilkie Collins is brought to life.  Just not a good life...

     The story tells of a woman dealing with the spirit of her long, lost husband.  She needs help because her brother-in-law is quietly taking advantage of her.  Lucky for her, in comes a good samaritan...  

     I appreciate the story and Collins, but this tale was severly hurt by the narration.  Anderson's monotoned voice and lack of inflection made it difficult for me to enjoy., thus I found myself totally uninterested.  I may grab an ebook version to be fair about the story, but for now...

     I wanted to like this story from the Victorian era, but sadly, I feel the narration  developed a callous that prevented me.  As for the story itself, I think I sorta liked it... I think.  If I do purchase the ebook, I'll come back and revise my review, but for now, I'm off to the next read!

Mrs. Zant and the Ghost
Wilkie Collins
Narrated by Gillian Anderson
Audible Studios
December 23, 2015

One For the Road: a family zombie story by Chad Lutzke

*eBook short story review      This short story was fab.  It was a different take on zombies and it was good.  Simple, good  yet a little sad.  One for the Road: A family zombie story, by Chad Lutzke, is about a boy and his grandpa.  His grandpa, who's a zombie.

     An old guy was attacked, when the apocalypse was in its early stages I guess, and he gets home, just in time to die, then he came back.  Now in a situation, such as this, you're supposed to report a family member once they've switched teams.  The world is trying to segregate the living to dead, for extermination,  but this family doesn't follow the rules.  What happens next is a testament to families trying to stay together, and not heartless and uncaring.  The story was totally cool and a bit gory.

     I liked One for the Road because there was love and sympathy for the dead, but a strong sense of responsibility.  Even though it came from a kid, he did what was necessary- something you don't always see in books of this genre.

     Zombie friends, I think you'd like this one!  Check out Lutzke's One for the Road: A family zombie story, and to learn more about Chad Lutzke, please click on the mobile phone to be directed to his Amazon page.  I'm off to the next read.
Cheers!
*Infestation is next.
One For the Road
Chad Lutzke
Independent Author, Amazon Digital Services
August 9, 2014

Infestation: A Small Town Nightmare by Tanya R. Taylor

*An eBook Review      Infestation: A Small Town Nightmare, by Tanya R. Taylor is actually three ebooks telling one story.  I received book one free, then discovered, by purchasing book 2, I got book 3  free as well! So .99¢ for three short stories;  Not too shabby.

​     So Infestation is a story that put me in mind of Ted Dekker and Frank E. Peretti.  Though Peretti is heavier with his Christian darkness, Tanya R. Taylor did a nice job.  The horror of Infestation was a milder version of what the devil can do when the so-called Christians aren't practicing what they preach.

     In the small town of Bringham, things are happening that just don't quite fit the sleepy, know your neighbors and their business persona.  Suicides are on an all-time high and murderers are rampant and very violent, with confessions like "I don't know why I did it!"  What could be happening?          Marie is different.  She grew up knowing things she shouldn't have, and still does as a married woman with her own family.  When she publishes a book, speaking on the gifts she knows are from God, she receives mixed emotions from her community.  But when she wakes from a dream, showing her people taking lives, including their own, she's struck with a sense of responsibility.  She has to do something.

     This is a story of when people don't extend a loving hand to those around them.  The residents of Bringham are displaying actions that show they do not love their fellow man, and something sinister picks up on that.  It uses those feelings and actions against them, bringing death and destruction to a once quiet town  

     It's because of the Christian in me that makes this story so interesting.  It speaks volumes without being too preachy for those who just want a good story.  This is not horror though.  Strange things happen, people are compelled but there's no horrifying horror; it's more like soft horror and I was cool with that!  For many, this may be just what they're looking for in the horror genre.  The characters were fleshed out, making them pretty much realistic.  The only thing that didn't feel quite right were a few of the conversations.  People just don't talk that way- but it didn't hurt the story.  It was just a bit more proper than I'm used to, and I'm proper!  

​     The story is good because it carries a strong moral sense of community and explains, when things fall apart, we have to look to ourselves to fix it.  Ignoring the problems only exacerbate the situations and brings on more problems.  The goal wasn't to preach, but to show how town's like Bringham, which are supposed to thrive on faith, fall short, they must work with one another to fix it.  Or go to hell!  

     I think anyone would be able to read this mini-series and feel comfortable.  Just what some want in good, clean, wholesome horror!  Ha!  I'm off to the next read!  Enjoy!
*A new Guest Post is next.
Infestation: a Small Town Nightmare
Tanya R. Taylor
Independent Author, Amazon Digital Services
July 2, 2015

Guest Post: Mixtus Media on What They Do & Why!

     

     My name is Jenn dePaula and I’m the co-owner of Mixtus Media. We help authors find and connect with readers online so they can sell more books and be more effective with their efforts. We are passionate about helping authors use social media, their blog, website, newsletters and online resources to make a genuine and authentic connection with readers. It’s an approach that doesn’t feel like “marketing” and it actually produces incredible results. We love what we do and that we get to work with amazing authors every day - it’s the best!  
Jenn dePaula
MIXTUS MEDIA 
615-491-5366
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The Eaton by John K. Addis

*eBook with Whisper Sync      I found this book on Amazon's Kindle Unlimited list.  I chose this book for a couple of reasons.  The first is  because of Whisper Sync.  Do you know Whisper Sync?  It's an awesome feature with Amazon, where you can have an ebook and an audiobook in one!  With The Eaton by John K. Addis, it was as close to an audio drama as it could get!  

     Secondly, the cover was weird enough to strike my fancy   Thankfully, the story was a good choice.  It wasn't scary, but offered situations and deaths that were as close to a horror movie as it could get.  It entertained me and kept me listening, even when I thought I was getting bored with it. That's hard to do! read.        The story is about a young man who's finally living his dream, owning his own nightclub.  With his fiancé and best friend, Sam takes a tour of a future purchase: a building.  Surprisingly, they discover it's atop a 12-floored hotel... that's below ground!  Thinking he's gotten more than he'd ever imagined, the three, along with a professional decorator and a family friend who'd assisted him in gaining a tour the facilities.  But something is down below,  waiting.  It wishes to not be disturbed and is very unhappy.

     The Eaton tells two stories, well honestly it tells several.  The main storyline takes place in the here and now, but the one that gives all the what's and why's takes place in the past.  The author, John K. Addis, did well with keeping the periods separate and offered up an explanation that tied everything together flawlessly.  Though a bit wordy from time to time, it didn't hurt the tale nor annoy me.

     The horror was in great taste and rather gruesome, but that's what I like in haunted stories.  I don't think he could have done anything different.  What also helped was the Whisper Sync, which turned my ebook into an audiobook!  There were times I was able to read in bed, or listen while cleaning house and I'm going to tell you- the screams and crabbiness in the voices was pure perfection.  This book was a trip and a half and I can't wait to find my next Addis book!

     Check out this haunted story while I move on to the next read! 

The Elementals by Michael McDowell

*An Audiobook Review      The Elementals, by Michael McDowell and narrated by R. C. Bray is a ghostly tale of family, family issues and family land.  The author used odd situations, a haunted mansion and people with strange names share a story with dysfunctional, southern flare.  I didn't expect to walk away from this book happy, but I did.

     The Elementals is about the Savage and the McCray families after dealing with the death of their matriach.  To recover from their loss (for some it was a good thing), they decided to visit their land, with three beach houses, in Beldame, along the Alabama Gulf Coast.  When a grandchild decides to inspect one of the three houses on the property, strange occurrences begin.  The third house is known for strange goings-on, but there's something angry in The Third House and it is hostile.

     First off, let me say: This book is phenom!  There are a few dry spots where they have to get into the lives of the characters, but the ghostly hauntings make the story unbelievably real, and very spooky!  There's a lot going on, and most of it has to do with Marian Savage's children coping with their dysfunction, but the story in its entirity is written in a style that's both gothic and horrific.  I found myself rooted in the story and looking for more- I wanted to peek inside The Third House!      The story's only issue (for me) is between Luker and his daugher, India.  The girl is thirteen and speaks to her father like he's either a brother or a boyfriend.  She drinks and because of her terrible relationship with her father, is disrespectful to other adults.  But her character is pivotal to the story, thus making her, and her idiosyncrasies necessary.

     I have to admit, the story is way good.  I can't say it's a classic, but the author is definitely under rated.  Check out The Elementals and see for yourself while I move on to the next read! *The Torment of Rachel Ames is next.
The Elementals
Michael McDowell
Valencourt Books, Audible.com 
June 24, 2016

The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus

     The Torment of Rachel Ames, by Jeff Gunhus is an enigma.  Its mysterious ending left many readers wondering, but for me- it was perfect.

     The story introduces you to Rachel, on her way to a writing retreat.  She's literally a struggling author and looking to make something of herself.  She became popular with the critics due to an odd situation with an instructor, but nothing she followed up with could maintain her success.   That's not her real problem.  She's seeing things in her rented cabin and a nearby local displays disturbing behavior, that causes Rachel to question her sanity and safety.  

     From a nosy neighbor to a huge, black man sweeping the forest, Rachel can't make head nor tail of what's happening around her.  She can't remember things, she's struck with an immovable case of Writer's Block, and wolves along with monsterous birds are attacking.  What can Rachel do for solitude and a peace of mind?       Let me just say, I didn't get this novella quite figured out- but I was close!  It was baffling and funny to be honest, but not in a 'ha ha' way.  At first I wanted to get mad because she was allowing things to take place that no one in their right mind would allow.  Then I wanted her to just take some steps that could clear things up immediately- but she didn't!  Then when things began to make sense, I was like, "Ahhh-ha!  That shoulda happened!"  

     There is one part where I nearly cried- no lie.  My heart breaks when situtiaons, like the one in this story; you'll know it.  Anyone with a heart would take on The Feels, but I can't say much more- just know it's heart-wrenching.  Gunhus has a gift for description and emotion.  He writes with precision and gives only what's necessary to keep the reader hooked, eager to know what's coming next.  Because of Rachel's reactions to situation, I continuously grew upset, but that's what  interested (frustrated) me, yet kept me turning the pages.  I love that with a book.

     It really is hard to say much more without giving  SPOILERS!  What I can say is The Torment of Rachel Ames is a story with a much deserved ending.  And if you're lucky enough to see it coming, you'll probably react like I did: So sad, but deserving....  

     I'm off to the next read.  Have an amazing day! *Lost Gods is next.
The Torment of Rachel Ames
Jeff Gunhus
Seven Guns Press
November 10, 2015

Lost Gods by Brom

     Brom is an author of unimaginable skill.  The stories he weaves, along with detailed illustrations,  forge real life  and nightmare into an amalgam of epic proportions.  This is my second read and I am anxious to get my hands on more.  Lost Gods is not only a voyage, it is a soulful experience.        Chet Moran is freshly released from jail and on a mission to win back the heart of his girl Trish.  Two things are standing in the way of his true happiness: Trish's father, a very influential judge in the town of Jasper, and his foolish past.  But when they decide to flee, looking to hole up at Chet's grandmother's hideaway home, there's an accident.  Add that he's later killed by an ancient horror, and you have the beginning of Lost Gods.  

     The story puts Chet on a mission in, of all places, Purgatory.  He isn't waiting idly for a spiritual decision either. He has a serious purpose, where everything's at stake-- not just his soul.  A war is about to erupt in a land where grisly creatures seek to end a soul's existence and gods are itching to be remembered. #element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .waddons-car-wrapper:after { content: "."; display: block; clear: both; visibility: hidden; line-height: 0; height: 0;}#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--small,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--large { width: 100% !important; max-width: 100% !important; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;}#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--large .team-card__image--round div.wsite-image,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--large .team-card__image--round a,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--small .team-card__image--round div.wsite-image,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--small .team-card__image--round a,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--large .team-card__image--filled div.wsite-image,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--large .team-card__image--filled a,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--small .team-card__image--filled div.wsite-image,#element-884f8c0a-aff0-43b0-9387-b707622bbb7f .waddons_car_slider .team-card--small .team-card__image--filled a { width: 100% !important; 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there are gods stewing in Purgatory.  They're all looking for supplicants, days of old, and maybe a sacrifice or two.   Lastly, there are factions looking to free Purgatory- as if it can be a good place for souls to wander.  All Chet wants is to save his family...

     Lost Gods is a strong story, laced with love, family, painful deaths, gore and betrayal.  It's multi-faceted, rich in lore and all the negative aspects of faith and religion.  It's dark and so fast-paced, you never receive an inkling of boredom.  Purgatory is so fleshed out, you see it- you experience it!  Any reader and lover of horror will find a great appreciation in Brom's words, as well as the illustrations that bring it all to life.  Many times I found myself looking back at the pictures, seeing what the characters saw, making the read a legendary undertaking.  

     I'm so grateful to Monster Librarian for sending this novel to me.  I highly suggest checking out Lost Gods and other books by Brom.  I'm a fan now.  Cheers to you-
​I'm off to the next read!
*Certain Dark Things is next.

Lost Gods
Brom
Harper Voyager 
October 25, 2016