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Blood Stitches
It’s called El Toque de la Luna—The Touch of the Moon. At least that’s how nineteen-year-old Gabby’s older sister, Esperanza, refers to the magical powers she inherited from their Mayan ancestors. Esperanza says women with El Toque weave magic into their knitting, creating tapestries capable of saving—or devastating—the world. Gabby thinks Esperanza is more like touched in the head—until a man dressed like a candy corn arrives at their Seattle home on Halloween. But "Mr. C" is far from sweet…
Soon, Gabby and her almost-more-than-friend, Frank, find themselves spirited away to a demon ball, complete with shape shifters—and on a mission to destroy Esperanza’s tapestries before they cause an apocalyptic disaster…And before it’s too late to confess their true feelings for each other.
Soon, Gabby and her almost-more-than-friend, Frank, find themselves spirited away to a demon ball, complete with shape shifters—and on a mission to destroy Esperanza’s tapestries before they cause an apocalyptic disaster…And before it’s too late to confess their true feelings for each other.
85 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2015
About the author
Erin Fanning
10 books81 followersErin Fanning splits her time between the lakes and woods of northern Michigan and the mountains of central Idaho. She's the author of "Cloud Warrior" (Saddleback, 2018), "Blood Stitches" (Kensington, 2015), "The Curse of Blackhawk Bay" (Sam's Dot, 2008), "Mountain Biking Michigan" (Globe Pequot, 2002), and numerous short stories, essays, and articles. Visit www.erinfanning.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 9, 2015
Both romance novel and thriller, Blood Stitches is a deliciously scary story—one that takes you on a terrifying thrill ride and leaves you a little breathless. This can’t-put-down book is immediately engaging as Fanning takes you down, deep into an underworld that gives new meaning to the word ‘hell.’ Original and fully conceived by Fanning, this underworld is both suffocating in its darkness and entertaining in its unique setting. The author’s expert touches of humor keep the story fresh and original.
As protagonists Gabby and Frank search for a collection of strange tapestries that have power to destroy the world, they meet a cast of characters that, I promise, are unlike any you’ve ever read. This troupe of shadows, phantoms, and spirits will find their way into your nightmares, as Fanning creates a fantasy world like no other. The Candy Corn Man, Flame-boy, and Señor Caquix will be with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Fanning’s tight, visual writing is a major asset to Blood Stitches, and you’ll be hooked by the first few pages. From there, Fanning is relentless in pushing you further into a nightmare that handcuffs you in horror yet buoys you with comic relief. It is one of Erin Fanning’s best works, and it competes with 'The Curse of Blackhawk Bay,' one of my all-time favorites. Blood Stitches will hold you hostage as you cheer on Gabby and Frank in their efforts to emerge intact from an underground carnival of terror. Highly recommended!
As protagonists Gabby and Frank search for a collection of strange tapestries that have power to destroy the world, they meet a cast of characters that, I promise, are unlike any you’ve ever read. This troupe of shadows, phantoms, and spirits will find their way into your nightmares, as Fanning creates a fantasy world like no other. The Candy Corn Man, Flame-boy, and Señor Caquix will be with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Fanning’s tight, visual writing is a major asset to Blood Stitches, and you’ll be hooked by the first few pages. From there, Fanning is relentless in pushing you further into a nightmare that handcuffs you in horror yet buoys you with comic relief. It is one of Erin Fanning’s best works, and it competes with 'The Curse of Blackhawk Bay,' one of my all-time favorites. Blood Stitches will hold you hostage as you cheer on Gabby and Frank in their efforts to emerge intact from an underground carnival of terror. Highly recommended!
February 24, 2015
A fantastical yarn, Erin Fanning’s Blood Stitches weaves ancient Mayan history with the goblins of nightmares in this tale of Gabby, a young college student, fighting for redemption for her sister. A fun, quick read that keeps up a good pace as the mystery unravels, this story would appeal to anyone young adult to college age…or anyone who thinks she has inherited the magic.
March 2, 2015
Even the most devoted fantasy reader can get tired of dragons, knights, and princesses, or alternately of Greek Gods and Goddesses dragged into the modern world. Meanwhile, huge chunks of the world’s mythology remain unknown to readers in the US. In Blood Stitches, Erin Fanning mines Mayan myths found in the Popul Vuh. The story begins in very real, ordinary, and rainy Washington State. Gabby knows a little about her Mexican heritage, but she has grown up in the US. Ten years ago, her parents were killed as the only casualties of a minor earthquake, but Gabby has done her best to move on. She is busy attending college, and hanging out with Frank who is ‘just a friend,’ or might be more.” Gabby’s comfortable life is supported by her older sister, Esperanza, a noted fiber artist whose knitted masterpieces hang in galleries around the world.
But one rainy Halloween, Gabby realizes that there is more than aesthetics to her sister’s knitting. Esperanza is following in the ancient Mayan tradition of working magic into and through their weaving and knitting. Esperanza has inherited the magic and learned from her Abuela to control it. By knitting bits of hair, clothing, toys, or paper into her work, Esperanza can make things happen according to her wishes. Unfortunately, in her attempt to support her younger sister, she has dabbled in the ‘dark side,’ and some of her knitted pieces have the power to cause natural disasters. Esperanza is attempting to knit herself out of this peril, but the dark side is not willing to let go of her. Much to Esperanza’s horror, Gabby and Frank are drawn into the tangled web.
The book’s cover makes this look like a bodice ripper, but the only thing ripped out is a bunch of stitches. This is actually an epic quest. Gabby and Frank must symbolically climb the pyramid to face the powerful Senor Caquix and then descend into the underworld of Xibalba to defeat him. They meet many strange mythological characters along the way, and since neither they, nor the reader are familiar with Mayan mythology, they can’t always guess who will help them and who will hinder them. They have to rely on themselves and each other.
I am eager to see where Fanning will go with her characters, Mayan mythology, and knitting. What is so significant about twins? What are the limits of Esperanza’s powers? And has Gabby inherited it also?
But one rainy Halloween, Gabby realizes that there is more than aesthetics to her sister’s knitting. Esperanza is following in the ancient Mayan tradition of working magic into and through their weaving and knitting. Esperanza has inherited the magic and learned from her Abuela to control it. By knitting bits of hair, clothing, toys, or paper into her work, Esperanza can make things happen according to her wishes. Unfortunately, in her attempt to support her younger sister, she has dabbled in the ‘dark side,’ and some of her knitted pieces have the power to cause natural disasters. Esperanza is attempting to knit herself out of this peril, but the dark side is not willing to let go of her. Much to Esperanza’s horror, Gabby and Frank are drawn into the tangled web.
The book’s cover makes this look like a bodice ripper, but the only thing ripped out is a bunch of stitches. This is actually an epic quest. Gabby and Frank must symbolically climb the pyramid to face the powerful Senor Caquix and then descend into the underworld of Xibalba to defeat him. They meet many strange mythological characters along the way, and since neither they, nor the reader are familiar with Mayan mythology, they can’t always guess who will help them and who will hinder them. They have to rely on themselves and each other.
I am eager to see where Fanning will go with her characters, Mayan mythology, and knitting. What is so significant about twins? What are the limits of Esperanza’s powers? And has Gabby inherited it also?
March 26, 2015
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In theory, I should love novels about knitting because I love novels and I love knitting. However, many of the works I've read where knitting was featured were not great. I went into the reading of this novella with a hopeful, but critical eye.
Both technically and thematically, this short work was refreshing. It wasn't just about knitting...it was about magical knitting. While the potential for campiness was there, the author delivered well without dosing the story in cheese.
The basis of this novella is a family granted the power to knit magic with their needles...The Touch of the Moon. While the main character, Gabby, doesn't have the power, her sister does. Unfortunately, in her sister's quest to make money with the gift, she's sold her magical work to a buyer who could use it to cause a catastrophe. To stop this from happening, Gabby and her friend Frank set off to destroy the works before this can happen.
The main setting of the story was fun, as the characters travel to a fantastical underground club where strange creatures are found as well as the mysterious customer who wants to use the power of the knitted tapestries to further his own means.
The plot was solid, the characters were interesting and quirky, and I really enjoyed the premise of magical knitting. There were a few places where I got lost in the action, but overall, the story flowed well.
Though this was a novella, the author left it open for more stories, and I look forward to reading them.
In theory, I should love novels about knitting because I love novels and I love knitting. However, many of the works I've read where knitting was featured were not great. I went into the reading of this novella with a hopeful, but critical eye.
Both technically and thematically, this short work was refreshing. It wasn't just about knitting...it was about magical knitting. While the potential for campiness was there, the author delivered well without dosing the story in cheese.
The basis of this novella is a family granted the power to knit magic with their needles...The Touch of the Moon. While the main character, Gabby, doesn't have the power, her sister does. Unfortunately, in her sister's quest to make money with the gift, she's sold her magical work to a buyer who could use it to cause a catastrophe. To stop this from happening, Gabby and her friend Frank set off to destroy the works before this can happen.
The main setting of the story was fun, as the characters travel to a fantastical underground club where strange creatures are found as well as the mysterious customer who wants to use the power of the knitted tapestries to further his own means.
The plot was solid, the characters were interesting and quirky, and I really enjoyed the premise of magical knitting. There were a few places where I got lost in the action, but overall, the story flowed well.
Though this was a novella, the author left it open for more stories, and I look forward to reading them.
May 4, 2015
Erin Fanning's Blood Stitches brings a unique twist to the well-loved paranormal genre. Elements of Mayan mythology add freshness to the story, and Fanning's writing stands out, crisp and clean.
The book is surprising from the start. Creatures come out on Halloween and disrupt the heroine’s life, starting with a man dressed as a piece of candy corn. College student Gabby is suddenly thrust into a world of deeply hidden family secrets that she must uncover in order to save herself and her sister.
Containing a touch of horror, Blood Stitches is like stepping into a funhouse world where everyone Gabby meets is distorted and strange. Fortunately, she has help in the form of Frank, a combo sidekick/love interest who is with her every step of the way. The romance develops throughout the novel and hopefully will be continued in the next installment, which can't come soon enough.
I recommend this fresh story for fans of new adult paranormal romance, especially those with an interest in mythology.
The book is surprising from the start. Creatures come out on Halloween and disrupt the heroine’s life, starting with a man dressed as a piece of candy corn. College student Gabby is suddenly thrust into a world of deeply hidden family secrets that she must uncover in order to save herself and her sister.
Containing a touch of horror, Blood Stitches is like stepping into a funhouse world where everyone Gabby meets is distorted and strange. Fortunately, she has help in the form of Frank, a combo sidekick/love interest who is with her every step of the way. The romance develops throughout the novel and hopefully will be continued in the next installment, which can't come soon enough.
I recommend this fresh story for fans of new adult paranormal romance, especially those with an interest in mythology.
October 2, 2015
I read this book for NetGalley.
What a charming and delightful knitting fiction book. Usually, I do not like knitting novels (I knit, and I also am not a big fan of formula writing in any genre, including the craft novel) due to the lack of imagination, exciting plot, formulaic characters and dialogue, etc. This book is refreshingly different in so many ways.
First of all, Ms. Fanning interweaves one of the most unusual mythologies, the Mayan, into this horror/YA novel. This is an exciting change from the same old, same old. The Mayan part is central to the story and the characters, and it lends and exotic and exciting atmosphere to the book.
The characters are interesting, with believable dialogue and and interesting plot. Great entertainment read. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Fanning's works!
What a charming and delightful knitting fiction book. Usually, I do not like knitting novels (I knit, and I also am not a big fan of formula writing in any genre, including the craft novel) due to the lack of imagination, exciting plot, formulaic characters and dialogue, etc. This book is refreshingly different in so many ways.
First of all, Ms. Fanning interweaves one of the most unusual mythologies, the Mayan, into this horror/YA novel. This is an exciting change from the same old, same old. The Mayan part is central to the story and the characters, and it lends and exotic and exciting atmosphere to the book.
The characters are interesting, with believable dialogue and and interesting plot. Great entertainment read. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Fanning's works!
October 11, 2015
A vividly surreal excursion on Halloween. Gabby’s sister, Esperanza has been blessed with a power that allows her to knit magic into tapestries capable of destruction. When Gabby learns of a series of destructive knitting Esperanza has done, Gabby, her quasi-boyfriend, Frank, and a series of colorful characters embark on a journey to destroy the tapestries.
If you like bizarre settings with twists of the paranormal and horror, you’ll love this novel. The entire journey feels like a fantasy adventure at carnivale as Gabby and her friends descend to an underworld club where a masquerade ball is taking place. There is adventure, Mayan folklore, some intriguing twists and even a touch of romance. Some of the dialogue and action is done tongue-in-cheek, making the story every bit as fun as it is unusual. I enjoyed all of the characters, especially Mr. C and Tory. An entertaining read!
If you like bizarre settings with twists of the paranormal and horror, you’ll love this novel. The entire journey feels like a fantasy adventure at carnivale as Gabby and her friends descend to an underworld club where a masquerade ball is taking place. There is adventure, Mayan folklore, some intriguing twists and even a touch of romance. Some of the dialogue and action is done tongue-in-cheek, making the story every bit as fun as it is unusual. I enjoyed all of the characters, especially Mr. C and Tory. An entertaining read!
April 22, 2015
Blood Stitches is an intriguing story of magic and myth.
I loved the way the author found bits of Mayan mythology and wove it into the story. I really liked Frank, the “sort of” love interest and would have liked more of his feelings and thoughts in the book. Gabby spends a lot of time in her head, which is typical of women her age.
It’s a strange journey for two young people discovering the world and their feelings. It pushes the limits of reality, but in a good way. I think the NA crowd would enjoy Blood Stitches even more.
I loved the way the author found bits of Mayan mythology and wove it into the story. I really liked Frank, the “sort of” love interest and would have liked more of his feelings and thoughts in the book. Gabby spends a lot of time in her head, which is typical of women her age.
It’s a strange journey for two young people discovering the world and their feelings. It pushes the limits of reality, but in a good way. I think the NA crowd would enjoy Blood Stitches even more.
March 20, 2015
I love the creative concept of this book! Knitting causing disaster on a global scale? Knitting saving someone's life? Sounds incredible, but with Fanning weaving the story together with Mayan folklore it becomes believable, entertaining, and a fun read. This would be a great book any time, with a great cast of characters, but if you're looking for something to read to get you in the Halloween mood, this fits the bill.
April 21, 2015
I truly enjoyed Blood Stitches. I read it while attending an athletic event and even with all the commotion around me I became submersed. I could envision the surroundings and was vested in the characters. I cared about what happened to the alux twins and I was relieved that Gabby and Frank didn't just let them go. It flowed with such a good rhythm and had the right amount of mythology mixed in. And I'm really looking forward to the sequel!
February 15, 2015
In Blood Stitches, Fanning takes a unique topic and weaves it into a fun yarn. It has everything from magic tapestries to a man dressed as a candy corn. Things really start hopping when Gabby and her best friend Frank get spirited away to a demon ball where they must prevent an apocalyptic disaster. Want to kickback with an entertaining adventure? Try Blood Stitches.
June 9, 2015
The author stitched a very intriguing unusual tale with the premise of knitting evil into a tapestry. One immediately became enthralled with the story because of the antics of Mr. Candy Corn, Flame Boy, Xta, Tory, and Senor Caquix. Hopefully the author is knitting a sequel with the same memorable characters.
March 10, 2015
What a unique story! As a fan of horror and fantasy this entwines flavorable characters pulling you along a dark mystery of the tale until finalizing it in the end for the reader. Erin Fanning's writing is precise and to the point and quite engaging.
June 22, 2015
Very imaginative book. Great descriptive writing. It was a novella and therefore a quick read. I don't usually read fantasy books, but I was pleasantly surprised to find I enjoyed this one. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
June 6, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Blood Stitches is a crazy paranormal story filled with unique characters and non-stop action.
Opening Sentence: A gust of wind scattered leaves across the University of Seattle campus.
The Review:
Blood Stitches is filled with unique characters you don’t often find in paranormal stories. The story is highly influenced by Mayan gods, goddesses and superstition. Blood Stitches is a short story that is so jam packed with action that it kind of lacks a bit of character development. I would have liked to have a more detailed back story that wasn’t glossed over as the story moved along. I also wouldn’t classify this as romance, it has more elements of an urban fantasy story mixed with some horror elements. It is kind of a New Adult story since the main character is nineteen, but it could almost pass as an older young adult story. (I would liken it to elements of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series or any of Christopher Pike’s teen horror stories.)
Gabby is just a happy college student hanging out with her best friend and long-time crush, Frank, when she is confronted by a strange looking man. The man who looks like a Candy Corn is looking for her sister. Candy Corn, dubbed “Mr. C” wants a piece that Esperanza, Gabby’s sister, is finishing for his boss. What Gabby doesn’t know is that her grandmother and sisters’ penchant for knitting actually has some paranormal qualities. These qualities are infused with the feelings of the knitter and items that have been included in the piece. It is Gabby and Esperanza’s Mayan ancestry that makes this possible. Although, Gabby doesn’t have the talent for it.
Esperanza has been working on several “Disaster” pieces that when put together could bring about the end of the world. Mr. C’s boss has all but one of them. With some quick thinking and brash wit, Gabby and Frank force Mr. C to take them to the pieces because they need to be destroyed. Also, Gabby and Frank’s wrists end up stitched together so they have another reason to destroy the works. Gabby and Frank end up on a wild ride together learning all about the unseen who only come out on Halloween. I forgot to mention that it is Halloween during this story. This wild ride introduces them to all manner of strange creatures with Mayan folk lore as its’ basis.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the wit and banter of the characters of this story. The conversations were pretty funny and strange. I really enjoyed the strange character of Tory, I would gladly read another story that features him. The overall world was nicely detailed and put together. I would really like that to be expanded upon in a future story too, if possible.
I was just a little disappointed in the development of Gabby and Frank. I really thought it was more of a romance by the synopsis and the cover. Gabby just didn’t interest me until close to the end. I was really hoping to see more development with her. I also just didn’t get Frank’s obsession with Lester Ruben and why he was constantly singing his lyrics. It happened so much that I thought something would come of it besides confusing the bad guys for half a second. Or maybe I just missed that in all the action?
Blood Stitches is a Crazy story that earns the big “C” in crazy. I would recommend this short story for someone who wants something a little different. The crazy creatures in this novel do take honorable mention for creativity.
Notable Scene:
We soon arrived at a street filled with partygoers weaving along the sidewalk and spilling into the road. A group of kids wearing Goth makeup, dark eyeliner, lips, clothes, the works, threw rocks at a parked car. Ropy scars crisscrossed a boy’s face, and instead of a nose, two nostril holes gaped. He yawned, and a stream of fire shot out.
“Kids today.” Tory shook his head.
A man with pointy elf ears ran across the street. His cap fluttered after him, along with three giant cockroaches. Demons dashed beside the sidewalk in pursuit of teenage girls shrieking and squealing. Heavy metal blasted from taverns, and masked people danced around a jaguar. The big cat snarled and crouched, ready to spring.
“I’ve never seen such great costumes,” Frank said. “They look real.”
“Because they are. Real, that is.” Tory said.
FTC Advisory: Lyrical Press/Kensington provided me with a copy of Blood Stitches. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Blood Stitches is a crazy paranormal story filled with unique characters and non-stop action.
Opening Sentence: A gust of wind scattered leaves across the University of Seattle campus.
The Review:
Blood Stitches is filled with unique characters you don’t often find in paranormal stories. The story is highly influenced by Mayan gods, goddesses and superstition. Blood Stitches is a short story that is so jam packed with action that it kind of lacks a bit of character development. I would have liked to have a more detailed back story that wasn’t glossed over as the story moved along. I also wouldn’t classify this as romance, it has more elements of an urban fantasy story mixed with some horror elements. It is kind of a New Adult story since the main character is nineteen, but it could almost pass as an older young adult story. (I would liken it to elements of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series or any of Christopher Pike’s teen horror stories.)
Gabby is just a happy college student hanging out with her best friend and long-time crush, Frank, when she is confronted by a strange looking man. The man who looks like a Candy Corn is looking for her sister. Candy Corn, dubbed “Mr. C” wants a piece that Esperanza, Gabby’s sister, is finishing for his boss. What Gabby doesn’t know is that her grandmother and sisters’ penchant for knitting actually has some paranormal qualities. These qualities are infused with the feelings of the knitter and items that have been included in the piece. It is Gabby and Esperanza’s Mayan ancestry that makes this possible. Although, Gabby doesn’t have the talent for it.
Esperanza has been working on several “Disaster” pieces that when put together could bring about the end of the world. Mr. C’s boss has all but one of them. With some quick thinking and brash wit, Gabby and Frank force Mr. C to take them to the pieces because they need to be destroyed. Also, Gabby and Frank’s wrists end up stitched together so they have another reason to destroy the works. Gabby and Frank end up on a wild ride together learning all about the unseen who only come out on Halloween. I forgot to mention that it is Halloween during this story. This wild ride introduces them to all manner of strange creatures with Mayan folk lore as its’ basis.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the wit and banter of the characters of this story. The conversations were pretty funny and strange. I really enjoyed the strange character of Tory, I would gladly read another story that features him. The overall world was nicely detailed and put together. I would really like that to be expanded upon in a future story too, if possible.
I was just a little disappointed in the development of Gabby and Frank. I really thought it was more of a romance by the synopsis and the cover. Gabby just didn’t interest me until close to the end. I was really hoping to see more development with her. I also just didn’t get Frank’s obsession with Lester Ruben and why he was constantly singing his lyrics. It happened so much that I thought something would come of it besides confusing the bad guys for half a second. Or maybe I just missed that in all the action?
Blood Stitches is a Crazy story that earns the big “C” in crazy. I would recommend this short story for someone who wants something a little different. The crazy creatures in this novel do take honorable mention for creativity.
Notable Scene:
We soon arrived at a street filled with partygoers weaving along the sidewalk and spilling into the road. A group of kids wearing Goth makeup, dark eyeliner, lips, clothes, the works, threw rocks at a parked car. Ropy scars crisscrossed a boy’s face, and instead of a nose, two nostril holes gaped. He yawned, and a stream of fire shot out.
“Kids today.” Tory shook his head.
A man with pointy elf ears ran across the street. His cap fluttered after him, along with three giant cockroaches. Demons dashed beside the sidewalk in pursuit of teenage girls shrieking and squealing. Heavy metal blasted from taverns, and masked people danced around a jaguar. The big cat snarled and crouched, ready to spring.
“I’ve never seen such great costumes,” Frank said. “They look real.”
“Because they are. Real, that is.” Tory said.
FTC Advisory: Lyrical Press/Kensington provided me with a copy of Blood Stitches. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
February 11, 2017
Originally reviewed at Dark Faerie Tales: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-blo...
Quick & Dirty: Blood Stitches is a crazy paranormal story filled with unique characters and non-stop action.
The Review:
Blood Stitches is filled with unique characters you don’t often find in paranormal stories. The story is highly influenced by Mayan gods, goddesses and superstition. Blood Stitches is a short story that is so jam packed with action that it kind of lacks a bit of character development. I would have liked to have a more detailed back story that wasn’t glossed over as the story moved along. I also wouldn’t classify this as romance, it has more elements of an urban fantasy story mixed with some horror elements. It is kind of a New Adult story since the main character is nineteen, but it could almost pass as an older young adult story. (I would liken it to elements of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series or any of Christopher Pike’s teen horror stories.)
Gabby is just a happy college student hanging out with her best friend and long-time crush, Frank, when she is confronted by a strange looking man. The man who looks like a Candy Corn is looking for her sister. Candy Corn, dubbed “Mr. C” wants a piece that Esperanza, Gabby’s sister, is finishing for his boss. What Gabby doesn’t know is that her grandmother and sisters’ penchant for knitting actually has some paranormal qualities. These qualities are infused with the feelings of the knitter and items that have been included in the piece. It is Gabby and Esperanza’s Mayan ancestry that makes this possible. Although, Gabby doesn’t have the talent for it.
Esperanza has been working on several “Disaster” pieces that when put together could bring about the end of the world. Mr. C’s boss has all but one of them. With some quick thinking and brash wit, Gabby and Frank force Mr. C to take them to the pieces because they need to be destroyed. Also, Gabby and Frank’s wrists end up stitched together so they have another reason to destroy the works. Gabby and Frank end up on a wild ride together learning all about the unseen who only come out on Halloween. I forgot to mention that it is Halloween during this story. This wild ride introduces them to all manner of strange creatures with Mayan folk lore as its’ basis.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the wit and banter of the characters of this story. The conversations were pretty funny and strange. I really enjoyed the strange character of Tory, I would gladly read another story that features him. The overall world was nicely detailed and put together. I would really like that to be expanded upon in a future story too, if possible.
I was just a little disappointed in the development of Gabby and Frank. I really thought it was more of a romance by the synopsis and the cover. Gabby just didn’t interest me until close to the end. I was really hoping to see more development with her. I also just didn’t get Frank’s obsession with Lester Ruben and why he was constantly singing his lyrics. It happened so much that I thought something would come of it besides confusing the bad guys for half a second. Or maybe I just missed that in all the action?
Blood Stitches is a Crazy story that earns the big “C” in crazy. I would recommend this short story for someone who wants something a little different. The crazy creatures in this novel do take honorable mention for creativity.
Quick & Dirty: Blood Stitches is a crazy paranormal story filled with unique characters and non-stop action.
The Review:
Blood Stitches is filled with unique characters you don’t often find in paranormal stories. The story is highly influenced by Mayan gods, goddesses and superstition. Blood Stitches is a short story that is so jam packed with action that it kind of lacks a bit of character development. I would have liked to have a more detailed back story that wasn’t glossed over as the story moved along. I also wouldn’t classify this as romance, it has more elements of an urban fantasy story mixed with some horror elements. It is kind of a New Adult story since the main character is nineteen, but it could almost pass as an older young adult story. (I would liken it to elements of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series or any of Christopher Pike’s teen horror stories.)
Gabby is just a happy college student hanging out with her best friend and long-time crush, Frank, when she is confronted by a strange looking man. The man who looks like a Candy Corn is looking for her sister. Candy Corn, dubbed “Mr. C” wants a piece that Esperanza, Gabby’s sister, is finishing for his boss. What Gabby doesn’t know is that her grandmother and sisters’ penchant for knitting actually has some paranormal qualities. These qualities are infused with the feelings of the knitter and items that have been included in the piece. It is Gabby and Esperanza’s Mayan ancestry that makes this possible. Although, Gabby doesn’t have the talent for it.
Esperanza has been working on several “Disaster” pieces that when put together could bring about the end of the world. Mr. C’s boss has all but one of them. With some quick thinking and brash wit, Gabby and Frank force Mr. C to take them to the pieces because they need to be destroyed. Also, Gabby and Frank’s wrists end up stitched together so they have another reason to destroy the works. Gabby and Frank end up on a wild ride together learning all about the unseen who only come out on Halloween. I forgot to mention that it is Halloween during this story. This wild ride introduces them to all manner of strange creatures with Mayan folk lore as its’ basis.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the wit and banter of the characters of this story. The conversations were pretty funny and strange. I really enjoyed the strange character of Tory, I would gladly read another story that features him. The overall world was nicely detailed and put together. I would really like that to be expanded upon in a future story too, if possible.
I was just a little disappointed in the development of Gabby and Frank. I really thought it was more of a romance by the synopsis and the cover. Gabby just didn’t interest me until close to the end. I was really hoping to see more development with her. I also just didn’t get Frank’s obsession with Lester Ruben and why he was constantly singing his lyrics. It happened so much that I thought something would come of it besides confusing the bad guys for half a second. Or maybe I just missed that in all the action?
Blood Stitches is a Crazy story that earns the big “C” in crazy. I would recommend this short story for someone who wants something a little different. The crazy creatures in this novel do take honorable mention for creativity.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews