Michael Noe's Blog, page 6
November 8, 2017
Brother Sam The Short, Spectacular Life Of Sam Kinison 3/...
Brother Sam The Short, Spectacular Life Of Sam Kinison 3/5 stars
I will never forget the first time I saw Kinison on HBO. It was late and I was probably 11 or 12 at the time, and it was about midnight which meant whatever I watched, I had to be quiet. Then I saw Sam, and I could not stop laughing. At the end of his set my stomach hurt, I had tears pouring out of my eyes, but I knew I saw something ground breaking. Sam was the voice of the people. He said what most guys thought, and even wished they had the balls to say. When he passed it stunned me, and I remember listening to Have You Seen Me Lately and tried to imagine a world without Sam. I heard about the book many years later, but it took me a while to track it down. Hell, I don't even think it's in print anymore. I own the hardback and when I did a search for it, that's all I could find.
So, reading the book there was a lot that stood out. Sam was truly a genius, and he was out of control which really didn't surprise me. This was a guy who connected with his audience, but I didn't realize how long it had taken him to achieve success, and I didn't realize just how many demons Sam had. I think the one thing I learned from the book was that Sam just wasn't emotionally mature enough to handle success, and it shows in all of the choices he made. This was a guy who lived fast, and partied hard. The way he died was truly tragic, and came at a time when he was finally cleaning himself up, and trying desperately to change his image. Reading the book there's the usual amount of heartbreak and sadness, but Bill Kinison rarely strays from the bad Sam. The guy that was out of control, the guy that couldn't keep his shit together very long.
What I didn't know was that Sam had a two year affair with his girlfriend's sister, or he didn't even want to marry Malika at all, and felt pressured into it. Bill Kinison doesn't hold back on his dislike of Malika at all and after this book came out, she promptly sued him. Sabrina was really the only woman he really loved, and it seemed that of all the women he was with, she was the one that maybe could have pulled him from the brink of disaster. Also here is the brief affair with Jessica Hahn. Not much is here of course, and what we learn is that Sam actually fell asleep while still inside her. What didn't surprise me was the drinking, and the overall insanity of what it was like to be Sam Kinison. Warts and all is the correct way to describe this bio, but while it's not perfect it's an okay book that seems to quiet down the need for a book about Kinison's life. Hopefully a better one will come along that fills in the gaps that this one left behind.
I will never forget the first time I saw Kinison on HBO. It was late and I was probably 11 or 12 at the time, and it was about midnight which meant whatever I watched, I had to be quiet. Then I saw Sam, and I could not stop laughing. At the end of his set my stomach hurt, I had tears pouring out of my eyes, but I knew I saw something ground breaking. Sam was the voice of the people. He said what most guys thought, and even wished they had the balls to say. When he passed it stunned me, and I remember listening to Have You Seen Me Lately and tried to imagine a world without Sam. I heard about the book many years later, but it took me a while to track it down. Hell, I don't even think it's in print anymore. I own the hardback and when I did a search for it, that's all I could find.
So, reading the book there was a lot that stood out. Sam was truly a genius, and he was out of control which really didn't surprise me. This was a guy who connected with his audience, but I didn't realize how long it had taken him to achieve success, and I didn't realize just how many demons Sam had. I think the one thing I learned from the book was that Sam just wasn't emotionally mature enough to handle success, and it shows in all of the choices he made. This was a guy who lived fast, and partied hard. The way he died was truly tragic, and came at a time when he was finally cleaning himself up, and trying desperately to change his image. Reading the book there's the usual amount of heartbreak and sadness, but Bill Kinison rarely strays from the bad Sam. The guy that was out of control, the guy that couldn't keep his shit together very long.
What I didn't know was that Sam had a two year affair with his girlfriend's sister, or he didn't even want to marry Malika at all, and felt pressured into it. Bill Kinison doesn't hold back on his dislike of Malika at all and after this book came out, she promptly sued him. Sabrina was really the only woman he really loved, and it seemed that of all the women he was with, she was the one that maybe could have pulled him from the brink of disaster. Also here is the brief affair with Jessica Hahn. Not much is here of course, and what we learn is that Sam actually fell asleep while still inside her. What didn't surprise me was the drinking, and the overall insanity of what it was like to be Sam Kinison. Warts and all is the correct way to describe this bio, but while it's not perfect it's an okay book that seems to quiet down the need for a book about Kinison's life. Hopefully a better one will come along that fills in the gaps that this one left behind.
November 5, 2017
Ketchup On Everything - Nathan Robinson 5/5 stars &...
Ketchup On Everything - Nathan Robinson 5/5 stars
Okay, first things first. This is not a horror novel, at least it doesn't appear to be in the traditional sense. The only real horror comes toward the end of the novella, and that's where you have the obligatory: "Well, I didn't see that coming!" It's a huge moment, but up until that point, the only horror is the loss Elliot and his wife feel when their son disappears out of thin air. If anything, this is a sad, depressing book that you simply can't stop reading. How does a kid just vanish? Will they ever find him? If you're overly sensitive to missing kids, or know one who has recently gone missing, well, you should stop reading right away. Seriously, just don't even attempt reading this novella. Put it down and pick up something else.
Ketchup is going to disappoint horror fans, but if you're a fan of well written books, this is a must read. Robinson taps into real grief so you know exactly how Elliot and his wife feel. They each go through their own coping mechanisms which makes you feel even closer to them. If you're a parent you can't help but wonder what you would do in a situation like this. It's the connection to the characters that really pull you in. They act as any parent would, and as depressing, and slow as the story moves, it's still well written. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Nathan throws a curve ball and shatters everything. As slow, and depressing as it is, it's got one hell of a reason to keep reading, and Ketchup On Everything is a must read novel.
Okay, first things first. This is not a horror novel, at least it doesn't appear to be in the traditional sense. The only real horror comes toward the end of the novella, and that's where you have the obligatory: "Well, I didn't see that coming!" It's a huge moment, but up until that point, the only horror is the loss Elliot and his wife feel when their son disappears out of thin air. If anything, this is a sad, depressing book that you simply can't stop reading. How does a kid just vanish? Will they ever find him? If you're overly sensitive to missing kids, or know one who has recently gone missing, well, you should stop reading right away. Seriously, just don't even attempt reading this novella. Put it down and pick up something else.
Ketchup is going to disappoint horror fans, but if you're a fan of well written books, this is a must read. Robinson taps into real grief so you know exactly how Elliot and his wife feel. They each go through their own coping mechanisms which makes you feel even closer to them. If you're a parent you can't help but wonder what you would do in a situation like this. It's the connection to the characters that really pull you in. They act as any parent would, and as depressing, and slow as the story moves, it's still well written. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Nathan throws a curve ball and shatters everything. As slow, and depressing as it is, it's got one hell of a reason to keep reading, and Ketchup On Everything is a must read novel.
November 4, 2017
The Darkness In The Woods - Kasey Hill, and Elias Raven 5...
The Darkness In The Woods - Kasey Hill, and Elias Raven 5/5 stars
I received a copy of The Darkness In The Woods in exchange for an honest review
The Darkness In The Woods is the sort of horror novel that doesn't tread a lot of new ground, but works amazingly well for what it is. We've read stories like this before, and we know exactly what to expect, but sometimes, the best horror comes from the familiar. I know exactly what you're thinking. if it's unoriginal why are you giving it five stars? I'm glad you asked and I was going to tell you anyway. It's an occult/paranormal novel, and it's set up pretty well. You have a great back story that ties everything together, and let's be honest, if you have a story set in the woods with any sort of family drama ending in tragedy, shenanigans always ensue.
What starts off as simple little horror novel twists itself into something creepy, and let's be honest here and admit that the characters don't really matter in a novel like this. They are there for one reason, and one reason only. To keep the plot moving. The faster it moves, the less we care about them. We have campers there to let us know when bad things are about to happen. They do this job well. When things go sideways they act accordingly, and I expect them to. Believe me when I say things do go sideways thanks to Gavin and his decision to read from an old spell book. What I love is how it all unfolds. We know how it's all going to end, but the fun is getting there. A great horror novel doesn't try and pretend to be something it's not. It takes all of its influences and blends them together to create something exciting.
The reason I gave this as many stars as I did is simple. It's a great horror novella that adds so much into its small page count. With Darkness, it's all about atmosphere, and using what you can't see to scare you. As a horror writer myself, I enjoy talented authors, and that's what we're dealing with here. These are people that know how to structure a story so that it slowly builds tension until the final moments of the book. Getting to the finish line is what matters, and it doesn't matter how many times we've read this type of story. If it keeps you turning pages, that's what matters most. Effective horror doesn't care about creating something you haven't read before. It's more about taking what's around and using what works, and discarding what doesn't. This is a novella that makes horror fans, and keeps the genre alive. I had a blast reading this one and I hope these two collaborate again in the future.
I received a copy of The Darkness In The Woods in exchange for an honest review
The Darkness In The Woods is the sort of horror novel that doesn't tread a lot of new ground, but works amazingly well for what it is. We've read stories like this before, and we know exactly what to expect, but sometimes, the best horror comes from the familiar. I know exactly what you're thinking. if it's unoriginal why are you giving it five stars? I'm glad you asked and I was going to tell you anyway. It's an occult/paranormal novel, and it's set up pretty well. You have a great back story that ties everything together, and let's be honest, if you have a story set in the woods with any sort of family drama ending in tragedy, shenanigans always ensue.
What starts off as simple little horror novel twists itself into something creepy, and let's be honest here and admit that the characters don't really matter in a novel like this. They are there for one reason, and one reason only. To keep the plot moving. The faster it moves, the less we care about them. We have campers there to let us know when bad things are about to happen. They do this job well. When things go sideways they act accordingly, and I expect them to. Believe me when I say things do go sideways thanks to Gavin and his decision to read from an old spell book. What I love is how it all unfolds. We know how it's all going to end, but the fun is getting there. A great horror novel doesn't try and pretend to be something it's not. It takes all of its influences and blends them together to create something exciting.
The reason I gave this as many stars as I did is simple. It's a great horror novella that adds so much into its small page count. With Darkness, it's all about atmosphere, and using what you can't see to scare you. As a horror writer myself, I enjoy talented authors, and that's what we're dealing with here. These are people that know how to structure a story so that it slowly builds tension until the final moments of the book. Getting to the finish line is what matters, and it doesn't matter how many times we've read this type of story. If it keeps you turning pages, that's what matters most. Effective horror doesn't care about creating something you haven't read before. It's more about taking what's around and using what works, and discarding what doesn't. This is a novella that makes horror fans, and keeps the genre alive. I had a blast reading this one and I hope these two collaborate again in the future.
November 3, 2017
Boobageddon - Jimmy Pudge & Jack Savage 5/5 stars&nbs...
Boobageddon - Jimmy Pudge & Jack Savage 5/5 stars
I'm a huge fan of Pudge's and was bummed out when he decided to stop writing. When I heard he was co-writing a book with Jack Savage I was excited and then sad to hear that this may in fact be the last book we see from the king of white trash fiction. It was great to see a final release, and it's nice to see that nothing has changed. It's still white trash fiction filled with larger than life characters and two heroes who are clueless, and then slowly turn into a pair of bad asses. Pudge and Savage have created a fun book that will never be considered classy fiction, but who cares? These may be the only authors who have created a drinking game to go along with their book. Every time you see boobs mentioned, you have to drink. You should get a group of friends to read this with you. Makes those stuffy book reads a lot more entertaining.
Boobageddon is the type of book you simply don't read if you're easily offended, or need trigger warnings for every purchase you make. It's a simple enough plot that moves pretty quickly, and like all Pudge books, it's full of interesting characters that you don't normally see in the suburbs. When I say this is white trash fiction, I don't mean that as an insult. Edd and Earl are white trash who have somehow traveled through time, and end up in the future, and they're immortal. I love these guys, and would love to read another book featuring these two characters. Now, they're on a mission to save the world from a vile cult who plans to blow up the world using breast implants. As I read it, I found myself laughing at loud at the majority of what was happening. I don't know how these guys plotted out the book, but it worked, and it shows that while most writers want you to take their work seriously, these two are more than happy to create something unique, and funny.
It's nice to see Pudge return with a new book, but at the same time, it sucks that this could be his last one. This is a blast to read and I wish I knew more about the co-author so I can check out some of his work because Boobageddon is a great book that not everyone is going to like, but there are people like me out there who will find this and share it with their friends. It's juvenile, but so what? We need books like this because the world is already serious enough without our fiction reminding us of this sad, simple fact. This is one that I will share as often as I can because I loved it, and if you weren't so stuffy, you would too.
I'm a huge fan of Pudge's and was bummed out when he decided to stop writing. When I heard he was co-writing a book with Jack Savage I was excited and then sad to hear that this may in fact be the last book we see from the king of white trash fiction. It was great to see a final release, and it's nice to see that nothing has changed. It's still white trash fiction filled with larger than life characters and two heroes who are clueless, and then slowly turn into a pair of bad asses. Pudge and Savage have created a fun book that will never be considered classy fiction, but who cares? These may be the only authors who have created a drinking game to go along with their book. Every time you see boobs mentioned, you have to drink. You should get a group of friends to read this with you. Makes those stuffy book reads a lot more entertaining.
Boobageddon is the type of book you simply don't read if you're easily offended, or need trigger warnings for every purchase you make. It's a simple enough plot that moves pretty quickly, and like all Pudge books, it's full of interesting characters that you don't normally see in the suburbs. When I say this is white trash fiction, I don't mean that as an insult. Edd and Earl are white trash who have somehow traveled through time, and end up in the future, and they're immortal. I love these guys, and would love to read another book featuring these two characters. Now, they're on a mission to save the world from a vile cult who plans to blow up the world using breast implants. As I read it, I found myself laughing at loud at the majority of what was happening. I don't know how these guys plotted out the book, but it worked, and it shows that while most writers want you to take their work seriously, these two are more than happy to create something unique, and funny.
It's nice to see Pudge return with a new book, but at the same time, it sucks that this could be his last one. This is a blast to read and I wish I knew more about the co-author so I can check out some of his work because Boobageddon is a great book that not everyone is going to like, but there are people like me out there who will find this and share it with their friends. It's juvenile, but so what? We need books like this because the world is already serious enough without our fiction reminding us of this sad, simple fact. This is one that I will share as often as I can because I loved it, and if you weren't so stuffy, you would too.
November 1, 2017
Halloween Carnival Volume 3 - Various Authors  ...
Halloween Carnival Volume 3 - Various Authors
I received a copy of Halloween Carnival in exchange for an honest review
Wow, volume 3 already, and I have to say as a reviewer, and a fan of horror, this is one series of anthologies that shows no signs of slowing down at all. If you're a fan of either of those things, well, this is one series that delivers. These are short, easy reads with the theme being Halloween. I had planned on reading the entire series before Halloween but I fell behind, so here we are at the beginning of November and I have two books left. As a series, I love the idea behind it, and I love that a lot of these stories aren't built on gore, or even typical horror that we've all come to expect. As a horror fan, I like that it's trying something unique and putting out stories with a true sense of purpose. Even if you're not a big fan of horror, there's still something here to draw you in.
I will even go out on a limb and say that each volume captures the spirit of Halloween perfectly. There are five stories here, and there's not a clunker in the bunch. For me the best stories here are The Way Lost, and the last three stories. These are the reason to buy this, but in reality, you should buy the first three anyway because it's chock full of classic horror that relies more on mood than blood, and violence. The book is short enough to knock out on a Saturday afternoon, or if you're brave enough, right before you go to sleep. The folks of Hydra have done a great job so far, and have given me a bunch of new authors to check out. Now onto Volume 4....
I received a copy of Halloween Carnival in exchange for an honest review
Wow, volume 3 already, and I have to say as a reviewer, and a fan of horror, this is one series of anthologies that shows no signs of slowing down at all. If you're a fan of either of those things, well, this is one series that delivers. These are short, easy reads with the theme being Halloween. I had planned on reading the entire series before Halloween but I fell behind, so here we are at the beginning of November and I have two books left. As a series, I love the idea behind it, and I love that a lot of these stories aren't built on gore, or even typical horror that we've all come to expect. As a horror fan, I like that it's trying something unique and putting out stories with a true sense of purpose. Even if you're not a big fan of horror, there's still something here to draw you in.
I will even go out on a limb and say that each volume captures the spirit of Halloween perfectly. There are five stories here, and there's not a clunker in the bunch. For me the best stories here are The Way Lost, and the last three stories. These are the reason to buy this, but in reality, you should buy the first three anyway because it's chock full of classic horror that relies more on mood than blood, and violence. The book is short enough to knock out on a Saturday afternoon, or if you're brave enough, right before you go to sleep. The folks of Hydra have done a great job so far, and have given me a bunch of new authors to check out. Now onto Volume 4....
October 18, 2017
The Doll House - Phoebe Morgan 5/5 st...
The Doll House - Phoebe Morgan 5/5 stars
I received a copy of The Doll House in exchange for an honest review
Phoebe Morgan is on hell of a writer. She has a talent here for creating characters that you can relate to even when they become slightly annoying. We know what's happening to Corinne, but no one believes her, and let's be honest, if we were telling people things like this were happening, who'd believe us? Are these the ravings of a woman slowly losing her mind? What's going on with her sister Ashley? Is her husband having an affair? These plot lines add to the underlying tension of the novel, and then you have this creepy third person who appears truly insane. It's clear she and her mom are following someone but who? The thing is, this type of novel has been done before, but Doll House holds its cards close to the vest. It's not an easy novel to figure out and no matter how much I tried to figure how all these things were connected, I wasn't sure I was right at all.
Clearly this a slow burning tale of revenge, but why? There are a lot of secrets holding the plot together, but the how and the why aren't easy to come by. With this book, the tension, and the questions slowly build, and I found myself liking this book a lot. Sure, the sisters appear whiny, and may grate on your nerves a little, but that's what they're supposed to do. We're supposed to view them as crazy, and even a little needy. For what the book is supposed to be, they work extremely well. Each character has a job to do and they all do it well. The Doll House is a novel that pulls you along slowly while gaining momentum until the conclusion. Some people reading this may figure out what's going on way before the end, but it's a lot of fun getting there.
Keep in mind, this is Morgan's debut novel, but it doesn't feel like a debut. There's never a lull in the action, and you feel sorry for Corinne and Ashley because you know what they're going through, and wish someone would believe them. This is a perfect Psychological Thriller because you never see what's coming. There's a creepiness just under the surface that I loved. The reasoning behind it just seems random, and then you find there's a much darker secret just under the surface. It's that creepiness that I loved the most. The Doll House is an excellent book that adds a lot to the thriller genre while treading familiar ground. This isn't a bad thing at all and it's a strong, addicting debut.
I received a copy of The Doll House in exchange for an honest review
Phoebe Morgan is on hell of a writer. She has a talent here for creating characters that you can relate to even when they become slightly annoying. We know what's happening to Corinne, but no one believes her, and let's be honest, if we were telling people things like this were happening, who'd believe us? Are these the ravings of a woman slowly losing her mind? What's going on with her sister Ashley? Is her husband having an affair? These plot lines add to the underlying tension of the novel, and then you have this creepy third person who appears truly insane. It's clear she and her mom are following someone but who? The thing is, this type of novel has been done before, but Doll House holds its cards close to the vest. It's not an easy novel to figure out and no matter how much I tried to figure how all these things were connected, I wasn't sure I was right at all.
Clearly this a slow burning tale of revenge, but why? There are a lot of secrets holding the plot together, but the how and the why aren't easy to come by. With this book, the tension, and the questions slowly build, and I found myself liking this book a lot. Sure, the sisters appear whiny, and may grate on your nerves a little, but that's what they're supposed to do. We're supposed to view them as crazy, and even a little needy. For what the book is supposed to be, they work extremely well. Each character has a job to do and they all do it well. The Doll House is a novel that pulls you along slowly while gaining momentum until the conclusion. Some people reading this may figure out what's going on way before the end, but it's a lot of fun getting there.
Keep in mind, this is Morgan's debut novel, but it doesn't feel like a debut. There's never a lull in the action, and you feel sorry for Corinne and Ashley because you know what they're going through, and wish someone would believe them. This is a perfect Psychological Thriller because you never see what's coming. There's a creepiness just under the surface that I loved. The reasoning behind it just seems random, and then you find there's a much darker secret just under the surface. It's that creepiness that I loved the most. The Doll House is an excellent book that adds a lot to the thriller genre while treading familiar ground. This isn't a bad thing at all and it's a strong, addicting debut.
October 14, 2017
Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss  ...
Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss 3/5 stars/
Just when you think you have the entire story behind Kisstory another book comes out, and it's just as ugly as the last one. I'm not talking about the bio Nothing To Lose because that was as close to the truth as you're going to get to the behind the scenes world of all things Kiss. Criss' bio is full of anger, and even bitterness. Every time he cries, you should take a drink. Hell, you should invite your friends over to group read this one just so you can create a new drinking game. This is an interesting read, and what surprised me was that Peter is supposed to be uneducated, yet he wrote a better book than Gene Simmons. You want dirt? Here is a book you full of it. Criss holds nothing back and just like all the other bios, you have no idea what's true, and what's pure fiction.
It seems like all four members of Kiss wanted to tell their stories, and each book has differing events, and viewpoints. Peter even goes as far as outing Paul Stanly as a homosexual and constantly pointing out how disgusting Gene Simmons is. The fact is, Peter comes off as a bit of a whiner and you want to feel bad for him, but didn't he make these mistakes? He was the one that grew tired of Kiss so he left. When his solo career tanks whose fault is it? Its the guys in Kiss holding him back. This is a guy who you want to feel bad for, but he comes off as a bit of an asshole. Throughout the book he paints himself as an addict who is addicted to illicit sex, and cocaine. His life derailed because of bad choices, and somehow, I almost hoped that just once he'd finally get a break or at least take some fucking responsibility.
Fact is, he always paints himself as the victim, but does anyone really care when it just keeps happening? The only real money he's ever made was with Kiss, and even then he still thinks he deserves more. Okay, maybe he did, and maybe Ace did betray him, but because of those tours, he's managed to become a millionaire again. Thanks Gene and Paul for allowing him to earn some money. The fact that Criss' solo records never sold should tell you something, but does Criss quit? Are you kidding?? He keeps coming back hoping things will be better, and they never are.
It took me a long time to read this, and I guess in a way I'm glad I finally did because at least now you can see that in a way, Gene and Paul were right. Of course according to Peter being in Kiss was horrible and Gene and Paul were fun suckers who were more into the business of Kiss than the music which I guess makes sense. Hearing Pete's story is interesting, but if you can get this one from your local library, do that instead of buying it. Peter may need money, but you can should get a better book by a former or current member of Kiss. Just don't get Gene's unless you have trouble falling asleep at night. So, it's not the worst book I've ever read, but it's also not the best. As a Kiss fan you should give it a look and buy one Criss' solo records so he can finally retire!
Just when you think you have the entire story behind Kisstory another book comes out, and it's just as ugly as the last one. I'm not talking about the bio Nothing To Lose because that was as close to the truth as you're going to get to the behind the scenes world of all things Kiss. Criss' bio is full of anger, and even bitterness. Every time he cries, you should take a drink. Hell, you should invite your friends over to group read this one just so you can create a new drinking game. This is an interesting read, and what surprised me was that Peter is supposed to be uneducated, yet he wrote a better book than Gene Simmons. You want dirt? Here is a book you full of it. Criss holds nothing back and just like all the other bios, you have no idea what's true, and what's pure fiction.
It seems like all four members of Kiss wanted to tell their stories, and each book has differing events, and viewpoints. Peter even goes as far as outing Paul Stanly as a homosexual and constantly pointing out how disgusting Gene Simmons is. The fact is, Peter comes off as a bit of a whiner and you want to feel bad for him, but didn't he make these mistakes? He was the one that grew tired of Kiss so he left. When his solo career tanks whose fault is it? Its the guys in Kiss holding him back. This is a guy who you want to feel bad for, but he comes off as a bit of an asshole. Throughout the book he paints himself as an addict who is addicted to illicit sex, and cocaine. His life derailed because of bad choices, and somehow, I almost hoped that just once he'd finally get a break or at least take some fucking responsibility.
Fact is, he always paints himself as the victim, but does anyone really care when it just keeps happening? The only real money he's ever made was with Kiss, and even then he still thinks he deserves more. Okay, maybe he did, and maybe Ace did betray him, but because of those tours, he's managed to become a millionaire again. Thanks Gene and Paul for allowing him to earn some money. The fact that Criss' solo records never sold should tell you something, but does Criss quit? Are you kidding?? He keeps coming back hoping things will be better, and they never are.
It took me a long time to read this, and I guess in a way I'm glad I finally did because at least now you can see that in a way, Gene and Paul were right. Of course according to Peter being in Kiss was horrible and Gene and Paul were fun suckers who were more into the business of Kiss than the music which I guess makes sense. Hearing Pete's story is interesting, but if you can get this one from your local library, do that instead of buying it. Peter may need money, but you can should get a better book by a former or current member of Kiss. Just don't get Gene's unless you have trouble falling asleep at night. So, it's not the worst book I've ever read, but it's also not the best. As a Kiss fan you should give it a look and buy one Criss' solo records so he can finally retire!
October 12, 2017
Halloween Carnival Vol 2 - Various Authors 4/...
Halloween Carnival Vol 2 - Various Authors 4/5 stars
I received Halloween Carnival Vol 2 in exchange for an honest review
It's hard to keep momentum going throughout an anthology series especially if the theme is Halloween. I liked this one better than the first volume because the stories here were a bit darker, and didn't start out wanting to depress you. I like where the series is going and each story presents you with something different. What I'm finding is that these stories aren't about the scares, but the atmosphere. These stories embody the dark, almost foreboding atmosphere of what the holiday is about.
It does stumble a bit, but still, it's not a terrible read and shows a great deal of promise. These five stories are meant to be read in a dark room, or told around a bonfire. It reminds me a lot of the anthologies I read in the eighties. It all about finding a new author, and exposing myself to stuff I probably would never find on my own. Vol 2 of the Halloween Carnival is shaping up to be an interesting series and Hydra really knows how to put together a solid anthology series.
The best stories here are the first three. They each offer something unique, and keep your eyes glued to the page. The remaining stories aren't terrible by any means, but when you have three strong stories open your book, it's hard to keep the momentum going. For fans of horror this is a series you should definitely be checking out.
I received Halloween Carnival Vol 2 in exchange for an honest review
It's hard to keep momentum going throughout an anthology series especially if the theme is Halloween. I liked this one better than the first volume because the stories here were a bit darker, and didn't start out wanting to depress you. I like where the series is going and each story presents you with something different. What I'm finding is that these stories aren't about the scares, but the atmosphere. These stories embody the dark, almost foreboding atmosphere of what the holiday is about.
It does stumble a bit, but still, it's not a terrible read and shows a great deal of promise. These five stories are meant to be read in a dark room, or told around a bonfire. It reminds me a lot of the anthologies I read in the eighties. It all about finding a new author, and exposing myself to stuff I probably would never find on my own. Vol 2 of the Halloween Carnival is shaping up to be an interesting series and Hydra really knows how to put together a solid anthology series.
The best stories here are the first three. They each offer something unique, and keep your eyes glued to the page. The remaining stories aren't terrible by any means, but when you have three strong stories open your book, it's hard to keep the momentum going. For fans of horror this is a series you should definitely be checking out.
October 11, 2017
Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven & Hell With Black...
Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven & Hell With Black Sabbath 5/5
At best, I would consider myself a casual fan of Black Sabbath. There's no denying the fact that they invented not only heavy metal, but paved the way for every other band after them to pledge their allegiance to Satan. I didn't get into the band until Ronnie James Dio joined and believe me, I got a lot of grief for not enjoying the original lineup as much as everyone else did. The point here is that Iommi's biography is meant for a wide audience. Even a casual fan can pick this book up and enjoy it which is cool. The book is merely the story of the band, not exactly Iommi and that makes the book a bit more interesting than most bio's.
What's interesting is that Iommi really doesn't hold anything back when it comes to Sabbath and even comes clean when it comes to the question of the band being Satanic, and their run ins over the years with people of different faiths. With any bio, you get to see what they want you to see. There's very little mention of Ozzy for obvious reasons, but I loved the inclusion of the Ian Gillen era of the band. For me, Born Again was a great Sabbath record so it was nice to be able to peek in and see how the record was created, and the story about the midget will make you laugh out loud. Iommi is almost careful in what he presents to the fans which means there's not a lot mentioned about his personal life including his two year relationship with Lita Ford.
This is all about Sabbath so for those with a passing, or even vested interest in the band this is actually better than Ozzy's book, and paints no one in a bad light. You see in the end despite all of the band's turmoil, Iommi doesn't hold grudges at all, and gives the fans something interesting about the band, and even a little about Iommi himself. My only complaint is that he seems a bit guarded, and leaves out things that may put him in a bad light, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The guy's a legend so why tarnish that? It's a great way to look inside the band and how everything progressed. It's the history of a band that influenced just about everyone so it delivers what it's supposed to without offending anyone.
At best, I would consider myself a casual fan of Black Sabbath. There's no denying the fact that they invented not only heavy metal, but paved the way for every other band after them to pledge their allegiance to Satan. I didn't get into the band until Ronnie James Dio joined and believe me, I got a lot of grief for not enjoying the original lineup as much as everyone else did. The point here is that Iommi's biography is meant for a wide audience. Even a casual fan can pick this book up and enjoy it which is cool. The book is merely the story of the band, not exactly Iommi and that makes the book a bit more interesting than most bio's.
What's interesting is that Iommi really doesn't hold anything back when it comes to Sabbath and even comes clean when it comes to the question of the band being Satanic, and their run ins over the years with people of different faiths. With any bio, you get to see what they want you to see. There's very little mention of Ozzy for obvious reasons, but I loved the inclusion of the Ian Gillen era of the band. For me, Born Again was a great Sabbath record so it was nice to be able to peek in and see how the record was created, and the story about the midget will make you laugh out loud. Iommi is almost careful in what he presents to the fans which means there's not a lot mentioned about his personal life including his two year relationship with Lita Ford.
This is all about Sabbath so for those with a passing, or even vested interest in the band this is actually better than Ozzy's book, and paints no one in a bad light. You see in the end despite all of the band's turmoil, Iommi doesn't hold grudges at all, and gives the fans something interesting about the band, and even a little about Iommi himself. My only complaint is that he seems a bit guarded, and leaves out things that may put him in a bad light, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The guy's a legend so why tarnish that? It's a great way to look inside the band and how everything progressed. It's the history of a band that influenced just about everyone so it delivers what it's supposed to without offending anyone.
October 8, 2017
Disturbed - Jennifer Jaynes 5/5 stars ...
Disturbed - Jennifer Jaynes 5/5 stars
I received a copy of Disturbed from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
You ever read a book that totally blows your mind, and leaves you wondering what the hell you just read? This is one such book. Seriously, Disturbed is the kind of book that dares you to figure out the who and the why, and even gives you some clues. Turns out, none of it matters! This is all about pacing, and creating characters that not only enhance the story, but keep the reader guessing until the very end. What happened to Chelsea that night? Why did she survive? Those are the recurring questions, and Jaynes even gives us a character from the past to enhance the mystery of it all. Disturbed slowly pulls you along slowly adding tension until the very end.
If you're looking for the perfect thriller that does everything right while staying original, without faltering, well this is one that I highly recommend. Everything about Disturbed is perfect. The plot, the pacing, and don't even get me started on the ending. This is a writer that knows how to create something unique, and yes, even a bit creepy. Once you start reading it, you simply can't stop. Once Jayne's has her hooks in you, you're in for the duration of the novel. With these novels, I always think I have everything figured out halfway through, but with this one? Totally wrong! Yeah, it was upsetting, but sometimes it's okay to be wrong. Especially when you're reading a book like this. What you should do is stop reading this review and pre-order yourself a copy https://www.amazon.com/Disturbed-Jennifer-Jaynes-ebook/dp/B06Y69D9KT/ref=nav_ya_signin?ie=UTF8&qid=1507470686&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Jennifer+Jay+Disturbed&
I received a copy of Disturbed from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
You ever read a book that totally blows your mind, and leaves you wondering what the hell you just read? This is one such book. Seriously, Disturbed is the kind of book that dares you to figure out the who and the why, and even gives you some clues. Turns out, none of it matters! This is all about pacing, and creating characters that not only enhance the story, but keep the reader guessing until the very end. What happened to Chelsea that night? Why did she survive? Those are the recurring questions, and Jaynes even gives us a character from the past to enhance the mystery of it all. Disturbed slowly pulls you along slowly adding tension until the very end.
If you're looking for the perfect thriller that does everything right while staying original, without faltering, well this is one that I highly recommend. Everything about Disturbed is perfect. The plot, the pacing, and don't even get me started on the ending. This is a writer that knows how to create something unique, and yes, even a bit creepy. Once you start reading it, you simply can't stop. Once Jayne's has her hooks in you, you're in for the duration of the novel. With these novels, I always think I have everything figured out halfway through, but with this one? Totally wrong! Yeah, it was upsetting, but sometimes it's okay to be wrong. Especially when you're reading a book like this. What you should do is stop reading this review and pre-order yourself a copy https://www.amazon.com/Disturbed-Jennifer-Jaynes-ebook/dp/B06Y69D9KT/ref=nav_ya_signin?ie=UTF8&qid=1507470686&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Jennifer+Jay+Disturbed&
