Michael Noe's Blog, page 14
June 21, 2016
How To Start A Fire
How To Start A Fire - Lisa Lutz 5/5
How To Start A Fire is an interesting novel that takes conventional storytelling and sends it packing. If you like your stories to start at point A and end at point B then clearly this book isn't for you. It's not the type of novel that you can read and set it down for a bit and pick right up again. It's not told in a sequential manner which I'm sure will piss off quite a few readers. The beauty is that Lutz has given us these characters that aren't perfect, and sometimes not very likable but the way the story unfolds you become invested them and want to see how it all unfolds and ultimately ends. The way the book was written works well and tells the story in key elements. These key elements hinge onto each other giving us a book that is never dull or boring.
The characters are the driving force of Fire. They are all complex in their own right including Kate who appears to be the most levelheaded of the three. Each of them have their own levels of tragedy and sure, maybe it is a bit cliched at times, but it's an interesting story that seems to hinge on Anna and just how damaged she truly is. Each of these characters balance each other out. It's a friendship that has endured despite it's many pit falls. Each of these characters are an important piece of the puzzle that Lutz has created. It's easy to grab onto Anna, George, and Kate and pick a favorite. The problem is that any one of them may turn out to disappoint you in the end.
What's funny is that as a guy I'm probably supposed to hate a book like this. The truth is that I'm attracted to a great story. and I like characters that are a bit flawed. If a book is well written and grabs my attention I don't care what it's classified as. I've never read Lisa's work before but after reading How To Start A Fire I'm a fan. I like the complexity of the story. It's a risk that paid off and while most readers may find this book tedious due to its structure I found it highly engrossing. Because of how it's told added something unique to it. You have these timelines that seem random, but they all link together showing us that sometimes a great story can be told in an unconventional manner. What others may see as a weakness I see as a strength and a fresh take on themes that have already been explored. Is it easy to read? It depends on what you call easy. The fact is that How To Start Fires is a well written novel and one that demands your attention.
How To Start A Fire is an interesting novel that takes conventional storytelling and sends it packing. If you like your stories to start at point A and end at point B then clearly this book isn't for you. It's not the type of novel that you can read and set it down for a bit and pick right up again. It's not told in a sequential manner which I'm sure will piss off quite a few readers. The beauty is that Lutz has given us these characters that aren't perfect, and sometimes not very likable but the way the story unfolds you become invested them and want to see how it all unfolds and ultimately ends. The way the book was written works well and tells the story in key elements. These key elements hinge onto each other giving us a book that is never dull or boring.
The characters are the driving force of Fire. They are all complex in their own right including Kate who appears to be the most levelheaded of the three. Each of them have their own levels of tragedy and sure, maybe it is a bit cliched at times, but it's an interesting story that seems to hinge on Anna and just how damaged she truly is. Each of these characters balance each other out. It's a friendship that has endured despite it's many pit falls. Each of these characters are an important piece of the puzzle that Lutz has created. It's easy to grab onto Anna, George, and Kate and pick a favorite. The problem is that any one of them may turn out to disappoint you in the end.
What's funny is that as a guy I'm probably supposed to hate a book like this. The truth is that I'm attracted to a great story. and I like characters that are a bit flawed. If a book is well written and grabs my attention I don't care what it's classified as. I've never read Lisa's work before but after reading How To Start A Fire I'm a fan. I like the complexity of the story. It's a risk that paid off and while most readers may find this book tedious due to its structure I found it highly engrossing. Because of how it's told added something unique to it. You have these timelines that seem random, but they all link together showing us that sometimes a great story can be told in an unconventional manner. What others may see as a weakness I see as a strength and a fresh take on themes that have already been explored. Is it easy to read? It depends on what you call easy. The fact is that How To Start Fires is a well written novel and one that demands your attention.
June 9, 2016
The Slaphappy Fun Time Interview With Jimmy Pudge
I have been a huge Motherfuckin' Pudge fan for a long time. I stumbled onto Bad Billy and then read everything I could get my hands on including the limited edition chap book When Doves Cry released through Dynatox Ministries, I've been lucky enough to interview Mr Pudge twice and I thank him for taking the time to do this interview. You can also get his latest release Game of Hos on Amazon.
Q: You disappeared for quite a while. What prompted the disconnect?
The bottle and I had a passionate love affair for about two years. That was one reason. Another was that I was getting more and more concerned about what others thought about my writing. I didn’t like the pressure of delivering a story that was better than the last story and wondering if Citizen X would enjoy it. Meanwhile Citizen Y would read my tales and email me, “Wow, that was such an original idea! If only you had done it this way…” I was just getting tired of all that pressure, man. I was sweating. Sweating like a motherfucker. I was making about two dollars a month at that point. Yeah, the money was good, and I was living the high life, but I decided to take some me time off and get real. I feel good now, I’m back to the bottom where I crawled out of once upon a time ago. I’m ready to be dirty and not give a fuck about delivering that perfect story. I’m also ready to make that big money again.
Q: After such a long gap between books how hard was it to write again?
It’s hard in the sense that you feel like a virgin. When “Game of Hos” gets released and the reviews start coming in (if any do) it’ll be like getting my cherry popped again. I said I don’t give a fuck about delivering that perfect story, and that is truth. I do care about my readers hating my new material though. I don’t want my first time to be bad. I don’t want people talking about me in the school hallways, saying he can’t fuck worth a shit or he’s working with a little package. I want to hear that orgasm.
Q: Where did the idea for Game of Ho’s come from?
I was watching “Game of Thrones” one night and this bitch took off her clothes and had about the nicest pair of titties I have ever laid eyes on. You know, the ones with the big areolas. I said, “Goddamn, look at that ho!” and the idea just hit me. “Game of Hos.”
Q: You were afraid that you had lost your edge with this one has that ever happened before?
Yeah, I was thinking less about writing what I wanted to write and more about what my audience wanted. So, yeah, I lost my edge a little bit. I tried going soft. The last project I was working on before my hiatus was a Christian Romance book. I was selling out, man. Selling out for the money. I don’t even know anything about being Amish. But there I was, writing PG13 prose about this little Amish boy who falls in love with a city girl named the Easy One.
Q: For those who have never read your work what would you call it? I always thought of it as white trash fiction but that’s kind of offensive isn’t?
I am offended, sir. I’d call it high quality poor man’s satire. I don’t write no single-wide trailer shit. I write double-wide. No, I’d call my work Satirical Crime Fiction with supernatural elements. My characters are lower class, many criminals, all having little to no income. Basically, I’m writing a little bit of myself into each character.
Novelist W.D. Gagliani once reviewed my short story collection “Yo A$ Is GRA$: Tales From a Rednek Gangsta,” and pretty much hit the nail on the head. He wrote, “With snarky, evocative titles such as ‘The Wine, the Bitch, and the Broom Closet’ and ‘Everything She Touch Turn to Doo Doo’ and ‘Pissing the Night Away,’ you may realize you've entered satirical territory as well as that little-known tract known as trailer park horror. Never heard of it? Well, some was done (perpetrated?) by that old group of splatterpunks, back in the day, but Mr. Pudge here resurrects it to great effect - and great comedic effect, it should be pointed out - with his stories, which are for the most part peopled by the down and out, the meth-addled, the insane, the irretrievably criminal, and the odd serpent-haired one.” For the rest of the review, go here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FWZ7Q7L8VS7R/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005G59IAM&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
Q: You once had an advice column. How hard was it to offer advice to people? If given another opportunity to do it again would you?
It’s never hard for me to offer advice to people. The one thing fools are good at is giving advice. Man, I can give advice all got damn day! Yes, I’d offer advice to people, but I’m pretty much an unknown author now. So I would be seriously surprised to find my inbox full of questions if I did write an advice column answering folks’ questions.
Q: You have a pretty loyal cult following. How does that affect the writing process?
I was lucky to have met a bunch of fucking weirdos like me, so I’m very fortunate. Many of these lowlife pieces of shit like to read my stuff, and they’ll tell me I misspelled something. Someone actually caught that I had misspelled my name on the title page of one of my books. That was a good fucking call! It doesn’t affect the writing process, but it does make you doubt yourself when you try something different. You wonder how they’re going to feel about a Romance story like the “Booty Goblin” after they just read the horror tale “Bad Billy,” you know?
Q: You’ve talked about a sequel to Bad Billy. Is there a release date yet or is it still in the planning stages?
Still in planning stages. Bad Billy 2 probably won’t be ready for release until December of this year.
Q: Of all the books you’ve written which one would you say is the one that truly defines your writing style?
That’s difficult. My short story collection offers a wide variety of what I can do. I’d say that one offers the most insight into my different writing styles. I generally write whatever I find funniest at the time, so my style changes a good bit at times. I prefer to write serious shit, like “When Doves Cry” or “Corn Bred” or even “Bad Billy,” but the silly bone gets a hold of my ass, so I’ll often produce masterpieces like “The Dick,” “Kitty’s Revenge,” or “Run, Teddy Bear, Run.”
Q: I’ve seen the cover to Devil Inside and it’s impressive. Is this a straight up horror novel? Who did the cover?
Yes, this one is straight up horror. The humor is absent. This one is dark. I don’t remember who did the cover. He was having a going out of business sale in 2013, I believe, and I scooped it up for $10.
Q: When you’re writing are there any weird rituals that you have?
I like to turn off all the lights in the trailer, except for my desk lamp. I write under the desk lamp. I also eat Vienna sausages with a fork because I don’t want no damn drip juice getting on my keyboard.
Q: For those who don’t know you or haven’t read one of your books how would you describe yourself and your writing style?
I’m not a great person or a great writer, but you’re going to have a good time reading my shit, maybe. Some people absolutely detest my shit. Go to Amazon or Goodreads, look me up and laugh at some of the reviews.
I’m a lowlife living the highlife. My writing style varies from horror to suspense to satire to comedy. My books are full of gore and they’re as filthy as a red light pussy.
Q: Where can readers find you and your work? Anything you’d like to add?
Readers can find me on my Facebook page. Just type in Jimmy Pudge. My work is on my author page at: http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Pudge/e/B008AEZW10/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1
The only thing I’d like to add is thank you for the interview. Thanks for giving this worn out fighter a fighting chance. Much love!
You can also find him here https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.pudge?pnref=story
Game Of Hos
Game of Hos - Jimmy Pudge - 5/5 stars
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Hos-Jimmy-Pudge-ebook/dp/B01FJ3NVOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465500403&sr=8-1&keywords=Game+Of+Hos
When Jimmy Pudge gave me a copy of his latest book to review it was as if Christmas had come early. For those unfamiliar with his work there’s no correct way to describe his it. It’s a bunch of different genres thrown into a blender and made into a tasty genre smoothie. You have splatterpunk, satire, horror and sometimes even a little romance. Hos is a ghetto version of Game Of Thrones and for those without a sense of humor you should avoid this. Pudge is a writer that knows how to create a story that’s both repulsive and entertaining. The entire novel is about an impending drug war and none of these characters have any real redeeming qualities. It’s the writing style that hooks you. He has a knack for creating characters that we normally wouldn’t care about and makes them interesting. On top of that you have a great deal of violence and buckets of gore.
If you follow Game Of Thrones the similarities are quite amazing but this isn’t a parody. It’s not taking the piss to the show or even the book. It stands up well and you even get a twist at the end that reminds us why we hate George R.R. Martin. After a long absence it’s good to see that Pudge has not only returned but he has returned with a vengeance. Hos is laugh out loud funny and also gross at times. The beauty of it is that it’s a highly addictive story that keeps you turning pages. If you like your books to have a bit of an attitude this is one that you shouldn’t miss. As a fan all of the trademarks are intact which is a wonderful thing. Pudge is a talented writer and Hos is a worthy addition to your collection.
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Hos-Jimmy-Pudge-ebook/dp/B01FJ3NVOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465500403&sr=8-1&keywords=Game+Of+Hos
When Jimmy Pudge gave me a copy of his latest book to review it was as if Christmas had come early. For those unfamiliar with his work there’s no correct way to describe his it. It’s a bunch of different genres thrown into a blender and made into a tasty genre smoothie. You have splatterpunk, satire, horror and sometimes even a little romance. Hos is a ghetto version of Game Of Thrones and for those without a sense of humor you should avoid this. Pudge is a writer that knows how to create a story that’s both repulsive and entertaining. The entire novel is about an impending drug war and none of these characters have any real redeeming qualities. It’s the writing style that hooks you. He has a knack for creating characters that we normally wouldn’t care about and makes them interesting. On top of that you have a great deal of violence and buckets of gore.
If you follow Game Of Thrones the similarities are quite amazing but this isn’t a parody. It’s not taking the piss to the show or even the book. It stands up well and you even get a twist at the end that reminds us why we hate George R.R. Martin. After a long absence it’s good to see that Pudge has not only returned but he has returned with a vengeance. Hos is laugh out loud funny and also gross at times. The beauty of it is that it’s a highly addictive story that keeps you turning pages. If you like your books to have a bit of an attitude this is one that you shouldn’t miss. As a fan all of the trademarks are intact which is a wonderful thing. Pudge is a talented writer and Hos is a worthy addition to your collection.
June 4, 2016
Diary Of A Madman
I Am Ozzy - Ozzy Osbourne & Chris Ayers 2/5
First I have to be honest and say that I'm not a die hard Ozzy fan. Didn't really like Black Sabbath until Dio joined and then I heard Born Again and I stuck around a little longer. Of Ozzy's solo work I have Blizzard Of Oz, Diary Of A Madman, and The Ultimate Sin on vinyl. The last two records are by far the best work that the Oz has ever created and are the only records of his that I listen to regularly, The book has never been too high on my list of books to be read. Finally I figured what the hell, I may as well check it out.
If you're a die hard Ozzy fan this book should be right up your alley. It contains a great deal of humor and a lot of stories about his drunken misadventures. I expected a lot more about Randy Rhoades, but there isn't a whole lot here which was disappointing and I'm not sure why he chose to not include more about Randy other than the fact this his death still affects him, or maybe due to all the drugs and booze he just can't remember much about those days. There's no mention of Jake E. Lee's tenure either and again I'm not sure why he chose to leave those years out, but it leaves a gaping hole in the history of Ozzy's career. The book itself is more about Ozzy's drinking with a bit of his life thrown in. As a co-writer Chris Ayers should take a lot of the blame. When he was conducting the interviews he should have asked for more detail, but he didn't and the book suffers for it.
It's not the biography that I expected at all. It was boring in parts and the main question I had at the end was; "How is he still alive?" There was so much more that I wanted to know, but instead it left me with more questions than answers. He barely mentions his replacement in Sabbath and seems unaffected by all that has happened to him. We do get a glimpse of remorse when he almost murders Sharon and when Randy died you can tell that his loss affected him deeply. As a whole the book just stumbles around like Ozzy after a night at the pub. The stories of just how much he drank, and how many drugs he took is the common theme here. Didn't the publishers even push him for something else? The casual Ozzy isn't going to find much to like here, and I even struggled to finish the damn thing due to how boring it was. There could have been a great bio here, but instead it's just okay, Nothing special and
man does it drag.
First I have to be honest and say that I'm not a die hard Ozzy fan. Didn't really like Black Sabbath until Dio joined and then I heard Born Again and I stuck around a little longer. Of Ozzy's solo work I have Blizzard Of Oz, Diary Of A Madman, and The Ultimate Sin on vinyl. The last two records are by far the best work that the Oz has ever created and are the only records of his that I listen to regularly, The book has never been too high on my list of books to be read. Finally I figured what the hell, I may as well check it out.
If you're a die hard Ozzy fan this book should be right up your alley. It contains a great deal of humor and a lot of stories about his drunken misadventures. I expected a lot more about Randy Rhoades, but there isn't a whole lot here which was disappointing and I'm not sure why he chose to not include more about Randy other than the fact this his death still affects him, or maybe due to all the drugs and booze he just can't remember much about those days. There's no mention of Jake E. Lee's tenure either and again I'm not sure why he chose to leave those years out, but it leaves a gaping hole in the history of Ozzy's career. The book itself is more about Ozzy's drinking with a bit of his life thrown in. As a co-writer Chris Ayers should take a lot of the blame. When he was conducting the interviews he should have asked for more detail, but he didn't and the book suffers for it.
It's not the biography that I expected at all. It was boring in parts and the main question I had at the end was; "How is he still alive?" There was so much more that I wanted to know, but instead it left me with more questions than answers. He barely mentions his replacement in Sabbath and seems unaffected by all that has happened to him. We do get a glimpse of remorse when he almost murders Sharon and when Randy died you can tell that his loss affected him deeply. As a whole the book just stumbles around like Ozzy after a night at the pub. The stories of just how much he drank, and how many drugs he took is the common theme here. Didn't the publishers even push him for something else? The casual Ozzy isn't going to find much to like here, and I even struggled to finish the damn thing due to how boring it was. There could have been a great bio here, but instead it's just okay, Nothing special and
man does it drag.
May 30, 2016
Beyond Helter Skelter
The Life And Times Of Charles Manson - Jeff Guin 5/5 stars
The Life And Times Of Charles Manson sounds like quite a whimsical little book doesn't it? Almost sounds like a feel good story that will pull at your heart strings a little and make you weep with joy. This isn't that kind of book. I have read a few books on Manson and the Family but most are terrible. They don't offer any new insight or even tell us who Manson really is. How was he able to convince these people to kill for him? The only book that came close was Helter Skelter. That was a fascinating glimpse of the Family and the Tate/Labianca it was the Holy Grail of Manson And The Family. Now we have The Life And Times Of Charles Manson which gives us an even deeper glimpse who Manson really is.
The book not only gives us the full Manson story but also ties in the historical events of the sixties. We learn how Manson was able to manipulate his followers and yes even get them to kill for him This is the perfect companion piece to Helter Skelter and offers deeper insight into just who Manson really is. Once you begin reading Guinn's book it's impossible to put down. Guinn has clearly done his homework and it shows. You aren't getting rehashed moments copied from the same sources. You get the idea behind Helter Skelter and how Manson felt that his hold over his followers was slipping so he had to do something drastic to keep them from moving on.
It doesn't make you want to like Manson or his followers. It merely explains who he is and how he came to be one of those people that we continue to be fascinated by forty years later. If you want to understand just how vile, or maybe even desperate Manson is to be accepted then this book provides a lot interesting facts that expose Manson and shows us that he's manipulated us all. He wanted to be famous and he's done a bit more than that. He's become infamous. That;'s what he wanted all along and we gave it to him and keep giving it to him.
The Life And Times Of Charles Manson is the follow up to Helter Skelter and actually edges it out to become the best book on Manson. You learn the truth and sometimes it's truly stranger than fiction. If you've ever wanted the true story of Manson and his Family this is the book to read. Shocking and riveting it's probably the one book Manson himself doesn't want you to read.
The Life And Times Of Charles Manson sounds like quite a whimsical little book doesn't it? Almost sounds like a feel good story that will pull at your heart strings a little and make you weep with joy. This isn't that kind of book. I have read a few books on Manson and the Family but most are terrible. They don't offer any new insight or even tell us who Manson really is. How was he able to convince these people to kill for him? The only book that came close was Helter Skelter. That was a fascinating glimpse of the Family and the Tate/Labianca it was the Holy Grail of Manson And The Family. Now we have The Life And Times Of Charles Manson which gives us an even deeper glimpse who Manson really is.
The book not only gives us the full Manson story but also ties in the historical events of the sixties. We learn how Manson was able to manipulate his followers and yes even get them to kill for him This is the perfect companion piece to Helter Skelter and offers deeper insight into just who Manson really is. Once you begin reading Guinn's book it's impossible to put down. Guinn has clearly done his homework and it shows. You aren't getting rehashed moments copied from the same sources. You get the idea behind Helter Skelter and how Manson felt that his hold over his followers was slipping so he had to do something drastic to keep them from moving on.
It doesn't make you want to like Manson or his followers. It merely explains who he is and how he came to be one of those people that we continue to be fascinated by forty years later. If you want to understand just how vile, or maybe even desperate Manson is to be accepted then this book provides a lot interesting facts that expose Manson and shows us that he's manipulated us all. He wanted to be famous and he's done a bit more than that. He's become infamous. That;'s what he wanted all along and we gave it to him and keep giving it to him.
The Life And Times Of Charles Manson is the follow up to Helter Skelter and actually edges it out to become the best book on Manson. You learn the truth and sometimes it's truly stranger than fiction. If you've ever wanted the true story of Manson and his Family this is the book to read. Shocking and riveting it's probably the one book Manson himself doesn't want you to read.
May 14, 2016
The Crazies
One Rainy Night - Richard Laymon 5/5 Stars
If you've missed Laymon you've missed a treat. No truer words have ever been spoken when it comes to the late Richard Laymon. He was a man that delved into the darkest parts of the human soul and showed us that the greatest monsters are actually ourselves. One Rainy Night seems to show Laymon at a point in his career where he wanted to give everyone what he was accused of giving them. A total gorefest without any real characters or purpose. It would seem on the surface that One Rainy Night is just Richard Laymon being Richard Laymon. Horror that has all the charm and subtlety of a chainsaw cutting into your stomach. He's a hack after all right? I have read tons and tons of reviews of Laymon's work and all of the bad ones all tell us this.
One Rainy Night is by far one of the greatest books that Laymon has ever written. All of the key elements are there and we see that not much has changed. Laymon is still violent, and it would seem that he doesn't like women all that much, The thing is that the book has an interesting premise and yes, it's by far the most violent Laymon book that I've read so far. The very idea that the rain is causing these people to become homicidal maniacs is intriguing but then you have the the survivors who are simply trying to survive. It's that element that keeps the pages turning. Why is this happening? Laymon has taken something simple and turned it sinister. Every time it rains my heart beats a little faster.
Laymon knows how to keep a story moving. The pace just never lets up and you almost feel as if you should stop just to catch your breath. He knows how to weave a story and even at its most brutal and shocking it's impossible to look away. At its core, One Rainy Night is a tale of revenge. As the plot unfolds the reasoning behind the rain becomes clear. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but it's still a damn fine read that once again shows us that given the right conditions the real monsters are ourselves. Laymon knows exactly what his fans expect and this one ups the ante a little. For Laymon fans this is classic Laymon that delivers, but if you're not a fan, you're not going to like it and will tell as many people that will listen that he's overrated and not worth the praise that writers like myself continue to heap upon him. This one is what splatterpunk is all about it. This is Stephen King without a conscience my friends.
If you've missed Laymon you've missed a treat. No truer words have ever been spoken when it comes to the late Richard Laymon. He was a man that delved into the darkest parts of the human soul and showed us that the greatest monsters are actually ourselves. One Rainy Night seems to show Laymon at a point in his career where he wanted to give everyone what he was accused of giving them. A total gorefest without any real characters or purpose. It would seem on the surface that One Rainy Night is just Richard Laymon being Richard Laymon. Horror that has all the charm and subtlety of a chainsaw cutting into your stomach. He's a hack after all right? I have read tons and tons of reviews of Laymon's work and all of the bad ones all tell us this.
One Rainy Night is by far one of the greatest books that Laymon has ever written. All of the key elements are there and we see that not much has changed. Laymon is still violent, and it would seem that he doesn't like women all that much, The thing is that the book has an interesting premise and yes, it's by far the most violent Laymon book that I've read so far. The very idea that the rain is causing these people to become homicidal maniacs is intriguing but then you have the the survivors who are simply trying to survive. It's that element that keeps the pages turning. Why is this happening? Laymon has taken something simple and turned it sinister. Every time it rains my heart beats a little faster.
Laymon knows how to keep a story moving. The pace just never lets up and you almost feel as if you should stop just to catch your breath. He knows how to weave a story and even at its most brutal and shocking it's impossible to look away. At its core, One Rainy Night is a tale of revenge. As the plot unfolds the reasoning behind the rain becomes clear. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but it's still a damn fine read that once again shows us that given the right conditions the real monsters are ourselves. Laymon knows exactly what his fans expect and this one ups the ante a little. For Laymon fans this is classic Laymon that delivers, but if you're not a fan, you're not going to like it and will tell as many people that will listen that he's overrated and not worth the praise that writers like myself continue to heap upon him. This one is what splatterpunk is all about it. This is Stephen King without a conscience my friends.
May 8, 2016
All Hail The Sisters Of Slaughter
Mayan Blue - Michelle Garza & Mellissa Lason 5/5 Stars https://www.amazon.com/Mayan-Blue-Michelle-Garza-ebook/dp/B01F14TYPG?ie=UTF8&keywords=MAyan%20Blue&qid=1462741895&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3
I was given a copy of Myan Blue to review and I was excited as hell because I planned on buying it as soon as it was released. I still plan on snapping up the paperback because that is a cover that shouldn't be hidden on a Kindle screen. The Sisters Of Slaughter have been making quite a name for themselves in the horror genre and I for one am a huge fan. Forget this idea that women can't write horror because they can. The Sisters write horror that's so good it'll reach up and smack your momma! This is a debut that a lot of writers and horror fans have been chomping at the bit for and Mayan Blue is one hell of a debut.
What I love the most about this is that sure, this may be their debut, but Michelle and Melissa write with confidence and a knack for writing scenes that are so terrifyingly real you may want to sleep with a night light on. This is the greatest novel that Clive Barker never wrote. When I read Mayan Blue it reminded me of The Hellbound Heart, but I have to tell you that this is no clone. It's all original, but it follows the same dark tone and doesn't hold anything back. This is a dark and violent novel that clearly shows that the Sisters did their homework and have written a novel that grabs you by the nuts and gives them a hearty squeeze. Clearly, this will no doubt please even the most jaded horror fan that thinks that there aren't any original ideas left in horror. Mayan Blue is the shot in the arm that we all needed.
This is one of my favorite horror novels. It's dark, and gritty, and best of all it's well written. This is going to be one those horror novels that people are going to talk about and no doubt place high on their end of the year list of the best horror novels. If you haven't heard of Michelle and Melissa you will soon. Mayan Blue widens the blazing path that their short stories have already started. As a writer I'm scared of these women because they're so damn good. Mayan Blue offers horror fans a fresh idea that captures the imagination. One hell of a debut and one you should pre-order immediately.
I was given a copy of Myan Blue to review and I was excited as hell because I planned on buying it as soon as it was released. I still plan on snapping up the paperback because that is a cover that shouldn't be hidden on a Kindle screen. The Sisters Of Slaughter have been making quite a name for themselves in the horror genre and I for one am a huge fan. Forget this idea that women can't write horror because they can. The Sisters write horror that's so good it'll reach up and smack your momma! This is a debut that a lot of writers and horror fans have been chomping at the bit for and Mayan Blue is one hell of a debut.
What I love the most about this is that sure, this may be their debut, but Michelle and Melissa write with confidence and a knack for writing scenes that are so terrifyingly real you may want to sleep with a night light on. This is the greatest novel that Clive Barker never wrote. When I read Mayan Blue it reminded me of The Hellbound Heart, but I have to tell you that this is no clone. It's all original, but it follows the same dark tone and doesn't hold anything back. This is a dark and violent novel that clearly shows that the Sisters did their homework and have written a novel that grabs you by the nuts and gives them a hearty squeeze. Clearly, this will no doubt please even the most jaded horror fan that thinks that there aren't any original ideas left in horror. Mayan Blue is the shot in the arm that we all needed.
This is one of my favorite horror novels. It's dark, and gritty, and best of all it's well written. This is going to be one those horror novels that people are going to talk about and no doubt place high on their end of the year list of the best horror novels. If you haven't heard of Michelle and Melissa you will soon. Mayan Blue widens the blazing path that their short stories have already started. As a writer I'm scared of these women because they're so damn good. Mayan Blue offers horror fans a fresh idea that captures the imagination. One hell of a debut and one you should pre-order immediately.
April 28, 2016
The Last Horror Novel In The History Of The ...
The Last Horror Novel In The History Of The World - Brian Allen Carr 5/5 stars
This is clearly not a novel but what's in a title? The name of the book doesn't really matter anyway. It's just a title that certainly grabs your attention. It's a really short story that blurs the line between bizarro and horror to become something else entirely. Some writers can do that and make it look easy. That's the strength of The Last Horror Novel. This is a book that flows seemingly well despite its ending which is something you would expect from a bizarro novel. You don't see it coming. When it does you don't know whether to laugh or chuck the book across the room.
Horror novel works because of its characters and Carr's writing style. Once you start reading it's almost impossible to stop. It's a story that you become invested in even though it seems too crazy. You have a woman leading ghost children into a river, and an appearance from the devil himself. Carr is a writer that I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot from and this is certainly a bizarro/horror novel that you should read. It could very well be the evolution of a genre that has sadly grown stagnant over the last few year. It seems as if everyone has moved on and ventured into other areas, but now there's a shining ray of hope that it'll return. Whatever your thoughts are on the genre this is one that I highly recommend.
This is clearly not a novel but what's in a title? The name of the book doesn't really matter anyway. It's just a title that certainly grabs your attention. It's a really short story that blurs the line between bizarro and horror to become something else entirely. Some writers can do that and make it look easy. That's the strength of The Last Horror Novel. This is a book that flows seemingly well despite its ending which is something you would expect from a bizarro novel. You don't see it coming. When it does you don't know whether to laugh or chuck the book across the room.
Horror novel works because of its characters and Carr's writing style. Once you start reading it's almost impossible to stop. It's a story that you become invested in even though it seems too crazy. You have a woman leading ghost children into a river, and an appearance from the devil himself. Carr is a writer that I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot from and this is certainly a bizarro/horror novel that you should read. It could very well be the evolution of a genre that has sadly grown stagnant over the last few year. It seems as if everyone has moved on and ventured into other areas, but now there's a shining ray of hope that it'll return. Whatever your thoughts are on the genre this is one that I highly recommend.
April 24, 2016
Woah!!
Razor Blade Candies Book One: Loves Lies Dead Kyle M. Scott 5/5 stars
You ever read a book that seems like it's headed one way and then before you know it everything veers sideways and you find yourself cheering? Love Lies Dead is that sort of book. It's a short but brutal read that basically says; "I'm back did you miss me?" Yes, Scott, we did. The thing that makes this work is that Kyle uses emotions to suck you in. You can almost feel the loss that Paul feels and you can't help but feel for him. He's just lost his girlfriend and Scott details these scenes so vividly you aren't just reading about Paul you feel as if you're right there with him. This is going to be one of those novels right? Okay, maybe a ghost story? Oh, no, that would be too easy and Scott knows this and that's when the book becomes extremely twisted. When I say twisted Scott goes places that I have merely flirted with.
Love Lies Dead is clearly a novel for those who like their horror dark and twisted. The thing is that on one level it all makes sense. How much do you love someone? Paul actually loves a woman so much that he digs her out of a fresh grave and brings her home! That's true love my friends and that's the beauty in Love Lies Dead. Scott uses pure untapped emotions of grief and loss to pull us in. We get to see exactly what he wants to see before promptly shoving the curtain aside and showing us the things that he's had hidden all along. It's a dark and twisted love story even if it's one sided. As a writer Scott has clearly grown and each release keeps getting better and better. Despite its short length though Dead may in fact be the best thing he's ever written in or even despite its shocking subject matter. If you have a weak stomach this is clearly not something you want to read but you should because this is horror with an attitude, and a swagger all its own. This is dark horror at its finest. If there are voices inside every writers head I would hate to hear what his sound like.
You ever read a book that seems like it's headed one way and then before you know it everything veers sideways and you find yourself cheering? Love Lies Dead is that sort of book. It's a short but brutal read that basically says; "I'm back did you miss me?" Yes, Scott, we did. The thing that makes this work is that Kyle uses emotions to suck you in. You can almost feel the loss that Paul feels and you can't help but feel for him. He's just lost his girlfriend and Scott details these scenes so vividly you aren't just reading about Paul you feel as if you're right there with him. This is going to be one of those novels right? Okay, maybe a ghost story? Oh, no, that would be too easy and Scott knows this and that's when the book becomes extremely twisted. When I say twisted Scott goes places that I have merely flirted with.
Love Lies Dead is clearly a novel for those who like their horror dark and twisted. The thing is that on one level it all makes sense. How much do you love someone? Paul actually loves a woman so much that he digs her out of a fresh grave and brings her home! That's true love my friends and that's the beauty in Love Lies Dead. Scott uses pure untapped emotions of grief and loss to pull us in. We get to see exactly what he wants to see before promptly shoving the curtain aside and showing us the things that he's had hidden all along. It's a dark and twisted love story even if it's one sided. As a writer Scott has clearly grown and each release keeps getting better and better. Despite its short length though Dead may in fact be the best thing he's ever written in or even despite its shocking subject matter. If you have a weak stomach this is clearly not something you want to read but you should because this is horror with an attitude, and a swagger all its own. This is dark horror at its finest. If there are voices inside every writers head I would hate to hear what his sound like.
The Sad Taste Of Disappointment
Hidden Bodies - Caroline Kepnes 3/5 stars
How in the hell do you top a novel like You? It can't be easy but Kepnes does her best with Hidden Bodies. As I started reading it I wasn't sure what the hell she was trying to do. It was frustrating at first to see a character that I enjoyed so much turn into a whiny bitch. I get it though. In You, Joe was creepy, and in love, but the thing that made it work was that it all felt justified somehow. This was a man that wanted someone so badly that he would hack into her email and Facebook accounts just see what she was up too. Now? Joe is haunted by a cup of urine and this need to destroy Amy Adams a girl that pulled the wool over his eyes.
The first half of Bodies was tedious and boring. At times I felt as if Kepnes was simply trying too hard to make Bodies as good as You so she tried different angles and different ideas, but the problems were Joe. You can't take a character like that and make him appear weak. I get it though, Joe is a strong character that has to be in control at all times so his move to California almost made sense. This second half of the book is where Caroline really proves just how good she is, but there are some issues with the plot. Again, it seems as if she's so concerned with Bodies being better, or just as good as You. Joe really hits hits his stride with Love but his desire for happiness is thwarted by a few obstacles that he of course has to remove. Kepnes is a solid writer. She does give us some interesting characters, but the problem is that the plot of the book sometimes just feels like as if it's thrown together to shock us, and prove that she's capable of writing a decent sequel.
As a reader I was disappointed with some of the plot twists. Sure, they sort of make sense but I was yelling at my Kindle at one point at just how ridiculous some the twists were. I really wanted to see Joe and Love live happily after, but what the hell was that ending? What is up with Love just accepting everything that Joe has done and not feeling the least bit afraid that she could be next if she ever changers her mind and decides to leave Joe? Amy Adams who Joe followed to California even makes a brief appearance and that left me scratching my head too. There are so many good moments that could have made this as addicting as You, but it just wasn't. I wanted to Joe to really shine in this one but sadly he doesn't. As it is Hidden Bodies shows moments of brilliance but it's just doesn't have the same great qualities that You did. I'm left feeling a bit lost and confused, but as soon Kepnes writes another novel I'll buy it because I feel that once she's moved past You and found her comfort zone she's going to really blow our minds.
How in the hell do you top a novel like You? It can't be easy but Kepnes does her best with Hidden Bodies. As I started reading it I wasn't sure what the hell she was trying to do. It was frustrating at first to see a character that I enjoyed so much turn into a whiny bitch. I get it though. In You, Joe was creepy, and in love, but the thing that made it work was that it all felt justified somehow. This was a man that wanted someone so badly that he would hack into her email and Facebook accounts just see what she was up too. Now? Joe is haunted by a cup of urine and this need to destroy Amy Adams a girl that pulled the wool over his eyes.
The first half of Bodies was tedious and boring. At times I felt as if Kepnes was simply trying too hard to make Bodies as good as You so she tried different angles and different ideas, but the problems were Joe. You can't take a character like that and make him appear weak. I get it though, Joe is a strong character that has to be in control at all times so his move to California almost made sense. This second half of the book is where Caroline really proves just how good she is, but there are some issues with the plot. Again, it seems as if she's so concerned with Bodies being better, or just as good as You. Joe really hits hits his stride with Love but his desire for happiness is thwarted by a few obstacles that he of course has to remove. Kepnes is a solid writer. She does give us some interesting characters, but the problem is that the plot of the book sometimes just feels like as if it's thrown together to shock us, and prove that she's capable of writing a decent sequel.
As a reader I was disappointed with some of the plot twists. Sure, they sort of make sense but I was yelling at my Kindle at one point at just how ridiculous some the twists were. I really wanted to see Joe and Love live happily after, but what the hell was that ending? What is up with Love just accepting everything that Joe has done and not feeling the least bit afraid that she could be next if she ever changers her mind and decides to leave Joe? Amy Adams who Joe followed to California even makes a brief appearance and that left me scratching my head too. There are so many good moments that could have made this as addicting as You, but it just wasn't. I wanted to Joe to really shine in this one but sadly he doesn't. As it is Hidden Bodies shows moments of brilliance but it's just doesn't have the same great qualities that You did. I'm left feeling a bit lost and confused, but as soon Kepnes writes another novel I'll buy it because I feel that once she's moved past You and found her comfort zone she's going to really blow our minds.
