WHAT I'M READING
ESCAPING FROM THE INSTITUTE
by Christopher Zisi
5 stars Horror revisited
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Every time I read the awesome reviews posted on his blog “Zisi Emporium for B Movies” I thought that Christopher Zisi should adventure into writing his own book. And I was very pleased he did.
After the initial shock I had because of the word “poetry” right in the title, I appreciated right from the acknowledgments the way Zisi introduced his vision of Horror and how the genre inspired him. And definitely yes, it is a peculiar and cheerful vision of Horror, written for fans of the genre who share his viewpoint.
The book is written in a rather peculiar form, quite distinct from the usual formats. It is made up of “un-poetic poems”, as Zisi himself describes one of the pieces, which makes them much more intriguing. Each poem has an introduction disclosing his inspiration, followed by the poem itself, ending with an equally insightful and entertaining comment.
There are 43 poems covering varied Horror themes, or references to them, and 4 colorful interludes. Among my favorites poems, either because of the connection they evoked, or just because I loved them are: The Clown, Death Machine, Check-Out Line, Beautiful, Dear Leadership, Anticipation, Giving Back, Carla, Witnesses.
And, of course, I must highlight my favorite one “Escape From the Institute”, in which I was honored to know my book was an inspiration for this extraordinary poem.
To make a long story short, I totally recommend it. It’s a book that every Horror fan will love to read. And the best is that Zisi is already teasing our imagination with his next book theme: Horror SciFi. I am looking forward to reading it!
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Tags: Horror; Poetry.
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SICK B*STARDS
by Matt Shaw
5 stars A must read for sure!
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This story is really sick. I should say in a very good way, at least for me, a lover of horror stories. As the author describes, is a very dark and twisted story, and believe me when I say, it is exactly what he delivers to us. I just couldn’t put it down until I finished reading.
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You simply need to know all about the characters, why they are there, what the hell is going on with them, and most importantly, what’s next? Even if you think you know how it will end, and for the most of the readers will be a surprise, the very end is really unexpected.
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Tags: Horror; Gory; Sex; Taboo; Psychological Thriller.
MEAT
by Bones Monroe
4 stars 4.5 stars
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The plot intrigued me. As I began to read, my curiosity increased every page. I wondered what was going on? Where will this story lead us? I have to admit, I did not figure that out. It was a very interesting ending to the story before the author’s explanation at the closure. There was no need for that. It totally ruined the ending, and that is the reason as I rated it 4.5 stars.
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Tags: Horror; Short Story.
THE REAPER'S GAME
by Layton Green
5 stars Outstanding mysterious suspense
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The intriguing plot got me. As I had not read the previous book, and this is #5 in the series, I was worried I could not follow, or rather be connected to the lead characters. But I couldn't be more mistaken, I loved them both.
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Without giving any spoilers here, since the entire series involves mysterious and unexplained phenomena, you wonder if the killer actually committed his crime beyond the grave, or is it all a hoax to free him from the death penalty? And the question is not answered until the very end.
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A very well built plot, believable characters, interesting background of religious phenomena and occult elements makes me want more from this author. This is my first by Layton Green, but definitely not my last.
Tags: Mystery; Crime; Serial Killers; Private Investigators; Paranormal.
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BREAKING IN BEN
by Nick Skeldon
4 stars A 4,5 stars short stories
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Breaking in Bed and the bonus story #SorryNotSorry are such as usual erotica short stories. Quick reading, taboo themed, hot sex scene and end of story. Or maybe not. In those particular stories the endings are unusual, and that make them quite interesting reading.
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Tags: Erotica; Taboo; Short Story.
LOVE BLEEDS BLUE
by Emma Calin
5 stars An exhilarating romance within a thrilling political mystery
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Plot: Sophia, a London Sergeant, finds herself in a terrorist shooting and ends up wrapped in a political plot that can change not only her own destiny but also the fate of the entire world. In addition, a real unexpected romance.
And what is so original about this plot? Probably nothing. Just as most of the stories told today. So, it all comes to how these stories are told. And I can guarantee that the author of Love Bleeds Blue has found a very interesting way of telling us this story.
A lot of this is due to the characters. And they are many, but each one of them was very well built, their profiles are coherent with the plot. A good example of this is the main character, Sophia, who shows all the strength of a skilled brave cop with the fears of a single mother in her late 30s, and her emotions and relationships with the other characters. In order to avoid spoilers I'll just mention four other captivating characters that make up the plot in a fascinating way. They are Charles, Bastian, Mel and Martine.
As it is the third book in the Passion Patrol series, yes of course, we can expect romance. Again, the author surprises us by the way she presents it. In a short time, Sophia finds herself involved in several different sorts of love, and she surrenders to them fully. Impossible love; Admiration, sexual attraction, seduction. Unexpected love. And the big romance of the book is not merely a silly love story; It's erotic, it's intense, it's sexy.
Emma Calin offers us a seductive thrilling story, which holds us from the beginning to the end. In each chapter, the author instigates us by revealing small parts of the story keeping us wondering what is really going on. It is almost impossible to say if the thriller is the background for the romance or vice versa. It is a consistent story that holds the mystery until the end when everything is then reveal.
It was the first book I read by this author, and I just couldn’t put it down. I fully recommend it. Emma left me willing for more and I'm sure I'll soon read her other books.
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Tags: Mystery; Thriller; Romance.
THE NOTE
by Andrew Barrett
5 stars When the past comes back to bite you
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“Ever had that feeling of being watched but when you turn around no one’s there?” Well, it is definitely worse when someone is actually there.
After received a creepy threatening note, CSI Eddie Collins went through frightening hours of true terror.
The author leads us through this story in an amazing pace in which we can barely breathe. I couldn’t put it down and kept turning pages until I could find out Eddie’s fate.
For me, characters are the most important thing in a book (or movie). Despite being a short story, the author delivered very well built characters. Eddie Collins is specially created. He is not that stereotype hero that can handle everything without ever being harmed. He is pretty much as any human being, with feelings and fears. And I have to admit, I loved him.
It is my first reading by Andrew Barrett, but for sure it will not be the last.
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Tags: Mystery; Crime.
TOXIC DESIRE
by Ellie Douglas
5 stars A Very Hot Psychological Thriller
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I am a huge fan of horror stories. I was looking for the Zombie Dogs series by this author and found this book, a psychological thriller about the awakening of a serial killer with graphic sex scenes. Yes, I like Erotica as well.
Annabelle’s childhood was really horrifying. She went through hell. And when she thought she would get rid of all the torments of her past, life once again fails to her and brings her nightmares back.
She is a loner, with only two friends to rely on. Especially Ivy, the one that is always there for her, understanding and supporting her blindly, even helping her in a very special way.
For me, the characters are the most important part of any story. Ellie Douglas built them very well. In addition to the interaction between Annabelle and her friends, in each murder, we know a little of the victims and soon afterwards their fate takes place. The way the author tells us the story leaves us curious about what is to come. Not giving any spoilers here, but even if you find out the mystery of Annabelle's blackouts before the ending, it is still a very intriguing and exciting story.
I totally recommend ‘Toxic Desire’ and will definitely read her other books.
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Tags: Serial Killer; Thriller; Suspense; Crime; Erotica; Horror.
SEA MONSTER CINEMA
by Christopher Zisi
5 stars The best Sea Monsters films reviewed by the greatest authority in horror movies
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If you are a fan of horror movies like me, you probably know Christopher Zisi. His popular blog, "Zisi Emporium for B Movies" brings together a series of terrific reviews. Every week, he amazes us with a few ones.
Zisi is not only a true horror fan himself but he is currently retired, so, he has a chance to watch hundreds of films that we have not even heard about regardless of how aficionados for horror movies we are.
His reviews are always terrific. Zisi's accurate knowledge of horror films and the unique way he writes his reviews, teasing us, and sometimes even making us laugh at his unusual comments makes it a real delight to read them.
In this book, Zisi has collected 45 reviews of his favorite sea monsters films which have already been published in his blog. If you are a huge fan of his blog, you've certainly read some or all of them. However, don't let it discourage you; it is always a pleasure to reread them all over and over again.
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Tags: Horror; Sea Monster; Reviews.
TOUCH OF DARKNESS
by Dawn Husted
5 stars An intriguing beginning to a series
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I don’t usually read YA, or Romance to that matter, but when scythes are involved it always catches my attention, and in this case, I decided to give it a try. I am very glad I did.
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This prequel to the Scythe of Darkness series is a very well written short story. I loved the first person POV and the flashbacks. They gave a good pace to the story.
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Whether I am watching a movie or reading a book, characters are the most important piece for me in storytelling and Thanatos is particularly interesting. He is a very well developed character and we can feel his anguish to get rid of his family’s dark legacy and simply live as any other young man. Not forgetting the mystery behind it all.
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As soon as I turned the last page, I was ready for more. Soon after that, the author gifted us readers with the first chapter of book 1, which has only increased my desire to read what follows.
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Tags: Fantasy; Supernatural; Romance; Young Adult; Short Story.
THE END OF LIES
by Andrew Barrett
5 stars The biggest lie ever!
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I couldn’t put it down, and when I turned the last page I was already missing the book. It is outstanding!
Andrew Barrett created fantastic characters. The story is a gripping thriller that makes you wonder all the time what the hell is going on. If there is a truth.
Barrett presents the characters to us, one by one, and we can see they are all like real people, full of flaws, even the good guys. The story goes back and forth most of the time, but it is so well written that we readers can follow it perfectly.
There are plenty of turns and twists. And trust me when I say, you will never see what is coming. When you think the story is finished, a big turn leads you to think ‘oh no, it could be ending here’. But as I said, the biggest twist made the ending superb.
The End of Lies is a must read for all who love a good thriller with a deep mystery.
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Tags: Thriller; Mystery; Crime.