Archive for the ‘horror’ Category

New Release! Taking on the Dead by Annie Walls

Posted: September 22, 2012 in fiction, horror, Release day, reviews, Series, Zombies
Tags: , , ,
14

Taking on the Dead, The Famished Trilogy, Book One

I really wanted to hurry and get this read for release day, but I forced myself to take my time. I did not want to miss one tiny bit of it!

Taking on the Dead (The Famished Trilogy, #1)

1771e-addtogoodreadsblack

I love the grainy image of the cover. It sets the tone for the story and this girl is perfect for the protagonist, Kansas. I am loving her dreadlocks and she knows how to use that machete, as you will see when you read Taking on the Dead!

Let’s get to the book shall we?

So here you are at the carnival, walking hand in hand with your boyfriend, anticipating a night of rides and games, taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells. Suddenly, zombies are everywhere, and you are in for the fight of your life.

That’s what happened to Kansas. She survived that night, but paid a heavy price.

Fast forward to four years later. Kansas City Sunshine Moore, also known as Kansas or Kan for short,  has been surviving, hiding out in her family’s underground bunk all alone. A betrayal by a group of people she offered shelter to forces her to leave her home and search for a new one. She quickly discovers there is much she doesn’t know about the zombies. There are the fresh ones, the Famished, and they are very fast and strong. What else doesn’t she know? She has been secluded for four years and now it looks like that wasn’t the smartest thing to do.

The first time Kansas meets Rudy, they don’t actually meet. With the long reach of his compound bow, he helps clear zombies from her path, but Kan is still wary of strangers and jumps in her car and races away. It’s a good thing Rudy decides to follow her, because the next time they meet he saves her life.

Kan comes to in the back of Rudy’s van. Well actually, it is an armored truck, the kind used to transport money, and it’s perfect for keeping out the pesky zombies. It can also mow them down easily. After a brief scuffle, Rudy convinces her he means no harm. Through conversation, Kan learns about the Famished, the dangerously fast zombies, and how different they are from the others. She learns a lot about what’s been happening while she was isolated in her bunker the first four years. Staying with Rudy, at least for now, is her best bet.

My thoughts and Ramblins

I’m going to warn you, I feel this story is for the older reading audience. There are no graphic sexual scenes but there is some mature content.

I love my zombies and I sure did get plenty of them in Taking on the Dead. I also got one heck of a great story about survival and humanity, and the lack of it. Not everyone that survives is nice, just like before the apocalypse. The characters are diverse and all too human.

Of course, there is some romance in the story. It is subtle, creeping up on you, just like it does to Kansas. It is not the focal point, but it definitely makes the story better. Wouldn’t you want someone to have and to hold when your world is overrun with zombies? I know I wouldn’t mind having someone to care about, otherwise, what’s the point of surviving?

Kansas is strong-willed and independent, but not necessarily a loner. Enter Rudy and her life gets complicated. Who could resist a man like him. Strong and gentle, with a large dose of sexiness and endearing humbleness. They are a good fit.

Here are some of my favorite scenes:

I almost elbow Rudy to wake him until I see how he looks when sleeping…Despite all the fighting, his nose is straight. Small scars from past fights etch his skin. A small, wide one dresses his lower lip. One much longer goes from his lower jaw to underneath the chin, his stubble efficiently covering it up. A chipped tooth adorns his bottom row of teeth.  The scar on his right eyebrow no longer allows hair to grow, splitting the eyebrow in half. He might get another scar on his left eyebrow, the cut is scabbed over now, and it’s wider then the scar on his left side. Very small imperfections, not even noticeable unless you look closely. It doesn’t take away from his handsome face. It enhances his masculinity, as if he needs it. The small flaws have history and give him character. Flaws I want to know about, and could grow quite fond of if I’m not careful.

Jesus. This chivalrous barbarian is beautiful. What am I getting myself into?

And of course some humor

“I’m thinking of naming your truck. I must be out of it.” I prop my head on the pillow against the window.

There’s slight amusement across his features. “What did you have in mind?”

“I don’t know. Something domineering and associated with a big ass.” I motion with my hands.

He surprises me by saying, “Agatha. I had a teacher in the sixth grade, and that was her first name. She liked her power over us weaklings and she had a gigantic ass.” He starts laughing and shaking his head as if to clear the thought.

“Yeah, that fits. Agatha.” I say, trying it out.

“She was scary. I was glad when sixth grade was over.” We both laugh at this. I can’t picture him afraid of anything. It feels good to be laughing about something completely stupid. I can see he needed to laugh too.

The humor is well placed throughout the story, lightening the mood and giving you a break from the stress of survival, just as it would in real life. You know the scenes, where the cop makes a joke in poor taste about a victim?  That is a coping mechanism, and everyone needs one. The humor makes this story believable.

In one part Kansas poses an interesting question about zombies. One I am now curious about as well.

Do the souls get stuck to watch and feel their bodies decompose, all the while having an uncontrolled, insatiable craving? I guess that’s why I like killing them, just in case. No one deserves that fate.

There are some colorful characters you’ll be meeting.  There are the good, the bad, and the ugly. They all play their part, keeping you entertained and engaged.

This is my stopping point. I don’t like to tell much about the story past the one-third point. I like to draw you in and get you interested, much the way Annie Walls did to me.

I loved every second I was in it, and yes, it felt like I was a part of it. Fantastic job Annie!

Just one more thing and then you can go get Taking on the Dead.

About the ending!

I was talking to Mandy over on Goodreads. She is right about the ending! That’s all I’m saying.

  Still loving it and feeling it!!

~~~~~

More good news! There are two more books in this series coming out.

Controlling the Dead, Book Two

Living with the Dead, Book Three

About Annie Walls

Author of dark fantasy and sub-genres of horror. Voracious Reader and Googler. Lover of dark humor. Horror Buff. Zombie Apocalypse Enthusiast. Loyal Cracked follower. Pinterest Addict. Wife of adoring husband. Mother of a five year old Bruce Wayne. Cook. Maid. Kisser of boo-boos. Ultimate Time Waster. Perfect Procrastinator. Lolly Gagger. Trubie. Cake Decorator. Tea Drinker. Sculpey Sculptor. Girl Gamer. Perfectionist in the art of Facebook stalking. And now, God help me, a blogger. Oh yeah, and a twitter, twatter, tweeter. Well yeah, I’m one crafty bitch

You can find Annie here:

http://www.AnnieWalls.com

https://www.facebook.com/annie.walls

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5777960.Annie_Walls

http://www.twitter.com/TheAnnieWalls

You can purchase Taking on the Dead by clicking on the cover image below.

Related articles

Thorne Manor…and other bizarre tales by Diane Wing

Posted: September 18, 2012 in Creatures, fiction, giveaways, horror, Interview, Mystery, Paranormal or fantasy, Short stories and collections
Tags: , , , , , , ,
24

I really do like to be scared. I have always loved books that make me jump at every little noise.  I have read so many books and watched so many movies, that it takes something to really scare me.

When Diane Wing asked me if I would be interested in reading and reviewing her collection of scary stories, I was all for it. Nothing like a good fright to get those endorphins pumping!

Thorne Manor: And Other Bizarre Tales

Diane is being very generous. She has one paperback copy of her book to giveaway on my blog! AND she has agreed to an interview! Just keep reading:)

My thoughts and ramblins

Thorne Manor is the longer story in this collection.

Heather has finally found the strength to leave her abusive husband and start out on her own. She has always wanted to run her own business, and when the house of her dreams seems to call out to her, she ignores her friend’s advice and buys it. Thorne Manor has been empty for five years. It’s dark history has many people believing its haunted. That doesn’t worry Heather. The mansion, with its three levels will be perfect.

The house needs some TLC but no major reconstruction. While the workers are doing the repairs and adding the cosmetic touches, Heather sets out to get some tenants to rent the available rooms. Her plan is to make Thorne Manor a place of psychic entertainment and she needs to find various occult practitioners to provide  services to the clients. Kind of like a psychic smorgasbord.

There is one major problem with the old manor. It comes with some very unwelcoming inhabitants. Gypsy, a trance medium, suggests a good cleansing ritual. It’s going to take more than that. Heather needs to clean house of these nasty spirits  before her tenants move in. It proves much more difficult and dangerous than she thought.

My thoughts

This was a really creepy haunting. Diane knows how to create an atmosphere that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. I was almost looking over my shoulder while reading it. With a limited amount of words, she got me engaged with the characters. I felt protective  and proud of Heather, and her psychic friends were my kind of people. Someone I would want on my side when things got bad.

Don’t get too comfortable. This story moves fast and the scares are many and intense.

By Invitation Only

Loretta is lost without Toby. He was her constant companion for 15 years.

Five years have passed and  her grief is just as heavy.  She really should move somewhere so she isn’t constantly reminded of Toby, her silken haired dog, but she fears losing the good memories.

Something strange starts to happen. There is something in the wall of her bedroom. Something trying to get out, chipping away at the plaster.

My thoughts

I would have moved. If something was pushing, trying to get out of the wall, slowly making a bigger and bigger hole, I would be so out of there. Curiosity killed the cat, people!!

This was an eerie tale, making me edgy and fearful of what was going to come out of that wall!

Dream State

Judith has a problem. A big one. There are living things in her mouth. Worms! Then she wakes up. It was only a dream. Or was it?

My thoughts

The title of this book says …and other bizarre tales. Well, this one is very bizarre. It is also kind of gross, which makes the creep factor high. For some reason, maybe I’m bizarre, I liked that.

Good Riddance

That’s it! Justin has had it with the mangy cat that keeps sneaking up onto his porch, covering his expensive furniture with its hair. The hair was everywhere. Finding out where it lived proved impossible and it just kept coming back, night after night. Something would have to be done.

This went on for months and Justin began to fantasize a gruesome ending for the nasty feline. He should have been more careful what he imagined.

My thoughts

This was a goodie!  What Justin conjured up in his imagination is unspeakable and the ending was not what I expected to happen.

Guardian of the Gate

Anzuth makes the long, grueling climb from the bowels of Hell to Earth’s surface, but he is not where he expected to be.  Spotting a beauty salon that’s still open, he decides to get cleaned up there, knock the stink off of him.

He gets a makeover straight out of The Twilight Zone!

My thoughts

Loved this. It was so different. I don’t know where Diane found this idea, definitely from left field. I think we need more beauticians like the one you meet in this story.

The Black Sheep

Amy can’t explain it. It’s a mystery to her. Why is she so drawn to The Black Sheep. It’s just a restaurant, isn’t it?  Given, its outside is coated in red paint and there is a skull of a ram, complete with horns, displayed in the window, so maybe that’s where her sense of foreboding comes from.

She seems unable to stay away from the building, despite repeated warnings from her guardian spirit to stay clear. Each time she passes the building, the pull to enter is stronger.

My thoughts

I would have never entered that building. If something made me uneasy, I would avoid it, not seek it out. I don’t know, maybe she was meant to enter.

The Quiet Neighbors

Ever since Henry lost his job, it seems all Emma does is clean up after him. He stays glued to his chair, stuffing his face with Cheese Doodles, chasing them down with sweet tea, and watching endless TV. She longs for the future that should have been theirs. Not this.

Then she finds this book, Manual of Retribution – A Guidebook for the Oppressed. What she finds in it just might be able to make her life better.

My thoughts

Good for Emma. No one should have to put up with a loser like Henry. I don’t know if I could have done what she did, but since it’s a story, I say go Emma.

My overall review

Excellent writing. Diane quickly lays out the plots and gets right to the heart of each story. There is something for everyone here. Each story has its own atmosphere or flavor.  She makes you connect with the characters. I was surprised at which characters I was drawn to. I felt a slight nudge towards them by the author. I got everything I hoped for out of this collection, and more.

     Very Scary Good!

A special treat today! Diane is here to answer a few questions.

Welcome Diane. Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions. It gives us a chance to get to know you.

 1) Most of my readers know I love to read and review short stories and collections. I find them very challenging to review without giving too much away. Can you explain your writing process when doing short stories?

I start with a scenario and let it run from there.  I get into a zone where I am experiencing the story as it unfolds and love to see where it takes me.

2) Where do your ideas come from?

Inspiration comes from many places and can happen at any time.  I carry a notebook with me, for the idea can strike while having dinner with friends, walking in the woods, or looking at an object, person, or situation and asking myself what if?  People-watching can trigger all sorts of ideas.

3) What do you think makes for a good story?

Atmosphere, intriguing characters, and the strange and unusual introducing itself into daily life.  Having an out-of-the-ordinary component that brings about a mental or emotional reaction is important to keep my attention.

4) Do you have a favorite story in this collection, or perhaps a favorite scene?

Guardian of the Gate is the one I had the most fun writing. It’s hard to say more about that without giving away the plot.

5) Did you draw on anything from your own life when writing Thorne Manor… and other bizarre tales?

I think every writer draws a piece of themselves into their writing.  Even in fictional works, a writer’s underlying philosophy is exposed, albeit taken to the extreme within the storyline.  By Invitation Only was written while grieving the loss of my own beloved pet.  Thorne Manor incorporated experiences from a controlling relationship and an actual business idea I had.  A house that was in severe disrepair where I live sparked the idea for The Quiet Neighbors.

6) What is your favorite thing you like to do when not writing or working?

I like walking in the woods and going to concerts – a wide variety from classical music to classic rock.  They are such opposite types of activities – one peaceful with few people for contemplation and rejuvenation and the other loud and crowded, to stimulate new ideas.  Each of these activities serve to move thought in new directions – one internally and one externally.

7) Are you writing something now, and if so, can you tell us something about it?

Right now I’m working on The True Nature of Energy: Secrets of Energetic Consciousness.  It is an exploration of the energetic dynamics between the physical and the divine and ways to interpret the energies we are exposed to, as well as the energies we create ourselves.  By increasing energetic awareness, it increases the ability to see things objectively, reduces drama, and enhances personal growth.  My vibrational scale and associated quiz are included, so readers can determine their energy level and find ways to raise their vibrational level.  Target date for release is early 2013.

The other manuscripts I’m working on include five new short stories, a book of tarot combinations, and Coven II (sequel to Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds).

Now for Five Fun Shorts!

1) What psychic power would you wish for?  To hear the thoughts of all living things

 2) What is your favorite animal?  Hawk in the wild; dog in the house
 3) Have you ever had a supernatural encounter?  Many!
 4) What is the scariest book you’ve read?  The Shining and Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
 5) What is the scariest movie you’ve seen?  I’m still looking for the movie that is the scariest.  There is a 15-second scene in Exorcist III that creeps me out and stays with me.
 I really enjoyed this opportunity to get to know you Diane. Thanks so much for everything!

And now for the giveaway! Giveaway is over. Thank you.

I have one paperback copy of Thorne Manor…and other bizarre tales to giveaway. US and Canada only.

To enter just leave your email address along with a comment, Do you like to be scared?

Not required, but you’d make me smile if you followed my blog and twitter.

Giveaway end September 26th.

You can find Diane here:

dianewing@forestwitch.com and www.forestwitch.com

More about Diane

Diane Wing, M.A. is an author, teacher, personal transformation guide, and intuitive consultant. She has a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and has been providing valuable insights for the highest good of her clients for over 27 years.

Diane is the author of the books “The True Nature of Tarot: Your path to personal empowerment,” a collection of short fiction titled “Thorne Manor…and other bizarre tales,” and the novel, “Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds.”

Diane works her clients to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives by helping them find their Inner Magick and empowering them to create the lives they really want.  Her website is www.forestwitch.com.

You can purchase Thorne Manor by clicking on the image below.

International Giveaway is Over/ REVAMP by Beck Sherman

Posted: September 18, 2012 in fiction, giveaways, horror, Paranormal or fantasy, Vampires
Tags: , ,
29

I have 3 e-book copies of Revamp to give away to some very lucky people. Beck Sherman’s story will make you afraid of the dark, as you should be.

Revamp

I loved this book and will read anything  Beck writes. You can read my 5 STAR review and interview with Beck Sherman here .

Here’s the book description to wet your whistle.

FOR THREE DAYS, IT WAS DARK.
News reporters scrambled. This was the biggest story to come along in weeks.
They called it a blackout.
The last one was in New York City in 2003, but this one was different, special, because the grids in six major cities across the country had been fried, kaput, see-you-next-Sunday. Everyone with some jurisdiction blamed each other, and when there was no one left to blame, terrorism rode in on its gallant steed.
It was the media’s fault. They were so busy stuffing fanatical Muslims with a penchant for Allah and decapitations down the American citizen’s throat, that they never saw it coming. I guess I shouldn’t be too hard on them.
They were partially right.
It was terror after all, but a whole new kind. And when the lights came back on, things had changed.

The dark had brought us visitors.

For your viewing pleasure:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA6GEtgc0yY]

Okay! Let’s get ya’ll entered shall we?

All that is required is to leave your email along with a comment. When the lights go out, what scares you?

Bonus

My sister Sherry and I are doing a tag team giveaway! For another chance to win, just hop over to Fundinmental .

Though not required, I would love it if you followed my blog and twitter.

To follow Beck or learn more:

http://www.becksherman.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807332.Beck_Sherman

https://www.facebook.com/revampnovel

Contest ends September 30th.

To purchase Revamp just click on the image below.

About this author

Beck Sherman was born and raised in Massachusetts. Beck attended Syracuse University undergrad, has a master’s degree in photojournalism from the University of Westminster, London, and when not writing, enjoys exploring abandoned insane asylums and photo-documenting the things that go bump in the night, when they’re kind enough to pose.

Related articles

A Fly in the Ointment/Little Bernie’s Map

Posted: August 27, 2012 in Creatures, fiction, horror, reviews, suspense
Tags: , , , , ,
3

Here I am doing one of my favorite things, reading and reviewing another short story. Man, I love doing these, and have I got a good one today.

Little Bernie's Map

This was just supposed to be a nice, relaxing family trip. A way to escape the daily grind and forget, for a while, the problems and worries at home.

Daniel and Gina, along with their son Bernie, are heading home after a trip to Disney World.  Daniel just lost his job, but they decide to go on this vacation anyway. It may be the last one they can take for a long time.

Bernie and his father have a game they play. Bernie loves map, he collects them. At random points in their trip, Daniel would ask Bernie how much farther they had to go and he would look on the map to track their progress.

Bernie had one map that was special. A map given to him by an old woman when they stopped for a break at the Florida Welcome Center. She told him to be careful with it and Bernie tried to be.

But when weird and frightening things start to happen, the map is not first on any of their minds. All they can think about is what just happened. 

What came down from the sky that day would be discussed for years to come. Each person would draw their own conclusions. One thing most agreed on was what they saw, what it looked like.

My Thoughts

Ha! My thoughts are all over the place. It has been a long time since I have been this surprised by a story. I had to reread several scenes just to wrap my mind around what was happening. I wanted to try to form an image in my head. I sure wish this had been a movie. You’ll know what I mean when” The Flashpoint” happens.

Troy has a wonderful way of leading you into the story. There is much about this family that you can relate to. The characters are genuine and very likeable. I felt their anguish and their perseverance and really wanted things to be alright for them.

When the event happens I am stunned. I can’t wait for you to read it. It is so wild and kind of funny. It definitely makes you think. Think and say, yeah, I hear ya.

If you like Twilight Zone and Tales From the Darkside, you will love this. I also got a flash of that dread you feel in the scene from the movie The Mist by Stephen King. The one where they are driving into the mist and you just know something inexplicable is going to occur. The feeling lasts long after you finish reading.

 Couldn’t get enough. Still thinking about it. Want more now!

Book Blurb

The world is a funny place with funny people and some things just happen for no reason at all. Still, every family deserves a vacation, a break, even when times are tough and backs are against the wall. Daniel, a recently out-of-work family man, is returning home with his wife and child from a lovely prescheduled vacation before they must face the harsh reality back home. What they would never have expected was the surreal nightmare they would experience on their journey back.

About Troy Aaron Ratliff

Troy Aaron Ratliff was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio and self-educated in writing, art and voice impersonations. When he’s not reading, writing and cooking up his next monstrosity, you can generally find him defending the galaxy from the forces of evil, feeding hippopotamuses, dining with foreign dignitaries and Zen masters, waking up to his supermodel wife, altering the space-time inter-dimensional warp or, more than likely, stuck in traffic somewhere in Southern California.

From Troy

If you are looking for a story behind the story, I can’t honestly recall what sparked the idea for Little Bernie’s Map all those years ago when I originally wrote it. Although I can say that after hearing about the disheartening news about the debt crisis, along with the various problems many people in the Rust Belt were experiencing – a personal hit for me since I’m from southwestern Ohio – a terrifying thought started eating at the back of my mind: What if I was in one of those situations? What if I had a family to feed and I was out of work? It’;s scary, and my heart truly does go out to those families. Of course, this was around the time that I found Little Bernie’s Map(originally conceived as Little Ian’s Map for those who care) in my writing desk. Naturally, the cogs and gears started turning like they do when I start thinking about the serious issues in the world and how I would express my feelings toward them. In other words, when guys like me consider the money problems of the world, we consider how we would react to a giant mutant….(left blank by me so as not to avoid spoiler). Then again, maybe that’s just me and why I’m not running the show.

For more about the author:

Website: http://troyaaronratliff.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5086239.Troy_Aaron_Ratliff

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TARatliff

To Purchase your copy, click on the image.

Come See The Revamp Book Trailer!/Author Beck Sherman

Posted: August 25, 2012 in Book Promos, fiction, horror, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Vampires, Videos
Tags: , , ,
3

I love book trailers. Whenever I find a new one, I like to post it here so I can share it with you. They are such a fun and cool way to promote a book!

Today I am sharing the trailer for Revamp by Beck Sherman.

After the video, follow this link to read my 5 STAR review: http://wp.me/p27ipo-dT

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA6GEtgc0yY]

Related articles

Do You Remember These Monsters? Vintage Video!

Posted: August 24, 2012 in Creatures, horror, Videos, Zany
Tags: , , , ,
8

I love my monster movies.  I especially like the vintage ones. They just have something about them. I know they don’t look real like the CG ones we have now, but they have a draw all their own.

Ray Harryhausen set the standard for special effects, using stop-motion animation to give a distinctive look to his terrifying monsters.

Check out this amazing video of his accomplishments! I have seen every one of these. Some of them still creep me out!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9kmjW73-v4]

My all time favorite is Valley of the Gwangi. Have you seen it. I remember this one so well. I loved the miniature horse. Couldn’t find a video of it, but check out this video. I love it!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXRkwR9zDRc]

Did you see some familiar monsters? What is your favorite vintage creature feature?

Related articles

Free Carnage! A Delta Legend

Posted: August 22, 2012 in Book Promos, Creatures, fiction, horror
Tags: , , , ,
7

I have some great news. Delta Legend is free to download from amazon.com on August 22nd and 23rd! Details are below.

Not too long ago I had the opportunity to read and review Delta Legend by Kelan O’Connell and also to host a giveaway, which was awesome. To read more about Delta Legend and Kelan go here: http://wp.me/p27ipo-9P .

Check out this cover art! Is it not beautiful?

My rating: Surpassed the Stars!

What is inside the book is fantastic also.

So here’s the details straight from Kelan!

As summer winds down and cooler weather, back-to-school, and back to wearing more clothes, looms just around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect time to hold my first ever Free Promo Days. Here’s the link to Delta Legend on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Legend-ebook/dp/B0064VK8Ed2  .

What better way to celebrate and savor the Dog Days of Summer than with a book that takes place in summer and is chock full of the things we love about this time of year: fishing, boating, water sports, outdoor parties, summer romance, s’mores, and of course, carnage.

There’s just something about summer carnage that tastes sweeter.

Thank you Kelan.

Be sure to visit Kelan/s blog: http://kelanoconnell.blogspot.com

and the Delta Legend website: http://deltalegend.com

A great read any time of the year, tuck it in your picnic basket. Be careful not to get too caught up or the ants will steal your lunch!

Related articles

Winners Announcement/Latter-Day Of The Dead

Posted: August 18, 2012 in giveaways, horror, Zombies
Tags: , , ,
3

I have winners! I want to thank everyone who entered and visited my blog.

I also want to thank Kevin for being so generous and for sitting down to chat with me.

Okay, I’m getting to it!

Just had to take a detour around these zombies. I don’t think they can catch a horse and buggy!

The Winner of the signed paperback is: Alene

The Winners of the two e-books are:

Carrie  and  Jujuwiz!       

Congratulations!

I will be emailing each of you and will send your contact information to Kevin. He will get in touch with you about your prize.

Emma puts the H in Horror

Posted: August 13, 2012 in Creatures, horror, Paranormal or fantasy, Videos, Zany, Zombies
Tags: , ,
9

Have you met Emma Audsley? She is my go to gal over at  HHHB . I don’t know how she does it, but her blog always has such cool scary stuff on it. Like the trailer below. You are in for a treat!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVnfyradCPY]

 

The Horrifically Horrifying Horror Blog Is all about Horror. I’m sure the name gives it away.

Go on over and check it out. Emma and the gang are always cooking up new scary goodies.

Hey Emma! Can’t wait to see what you have for us on Halloween. Are we in for a trick or a treat?

I’ll be keepin an eye out!

Related articles

A Human Element ~ International Giveaway and Review

Posted: August 4, 2012 in Creatures, fiction, giveaways, horror, Mytery/Thriller, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews
Tags: , , , , ,
34

In July I did a post asking for help with choosing the next books I should review. To view it you can go here: http://wp.me/p27ipo-cL .  A Human Element was one of the books chosen for me to review next. The author kindly provided me with a copy of her book and I am so happy to tell you about it.

 A Human Element

by Donna Galanti

?????????????????????????????????????????????

Doesn’t this cover just grab you?

In my review of the first book on the list, I mentioned that I had received two books in the mail on the same day and thought I was reading the one about aliens. Nope, I was wrong. It turns out A Human Element was the book with aliens.

Before I start my review, I wanted to tell you that Donna has kindly offered 3 e-book copies for a giveaway. The details to enter will be after my review.

My Review of A Human Element by Donna Galanti

Ben is hiding from his parents on the shore of Coopersville Lake when it happens.

A meteorite crashes. What was once the sight of a dozen or so cabins, one of them containing his parents, is now only a huge crater of steam and fire. In one bright green flash, Ben’s life is forever changed and for another, it has just begun.

No one could know the long-reaching consequences of that fateful night. Or of the horrors to come.

9 months later.

A young girl struggles to bring her child into the world. She came to the doctor in secret. Not even the Armstrong’s, the kindly couple who took her in, know where she is. The doctor doesn’t know why the mysterious man waiting outside wants the baby, he just wants to get paid.

In a rush, the baby enters the world. Sadly, the young mother does not survive the delivery. But wait, another baby is fighting to be born, a twin, a beautiful baby girl.

An exchange is made. The mysterious man leaves with the thing, the baby boy, but the doctor doesn’t mention the girl. He will give her to the Armstrong’s to raise.

Many years later, the baby girl, Laura, is all grown up and back home to find out why the people closest to her are being slaughtered. The answer lies here. Laura has always had the headaches and nightmares and she knows things are coming together now –  the monster chasing her in her nightmares, the mysterious man in black, who has always been on the periphery of her life,  and whatever happened on the night of the meteorite. It is all connected.

Laura and Ben are thrown together as death races towards them. Both need answers about the night of the meteorite if they are to survive what is coming.

I want to keep telling you more. I’ve only scratched the surface of this story.

Two babies were born that night, Laura and the boy child called X-10. One looks human in every way and the other looks like a monster.

The many secondary characters made this story real for me.

Everybody should have a friend like Jim, a grumpy curmudgeon with a gentle soul and a fierce love and loyalty to Laura.

The Armstrong’s, Laura’s adoptive parents, who though they knew she was different, had special talents, loved her as their own.

The mysterious man in black, who has always been around, lurking in the shadows.

The cruel and sadistic Dr. Bjord, who thrills in tormenting X-10, his failed experiment.

And X-10, the monstrosity who’s only thought is getting out, finding Laura, and tearing her to pieces.

From the first page to the bitter-sweet end, I was totally immersed in this book. A story of wonder, love, humanity and absolute evil.

Donna Galanti’s debut novel has, at its core, an energy, an essence, that gives it life.

Superb writing and a thrilling all-out race to the end, A Human Element is an excellent read.

5 STARS

A bonus from Donna Galanti!

A Hidden Element (Book II)

When one family’s son is taken, they learn its by the same unearthly evil that brutalized them fifteen years ago. In a race to find her son’s kidnapper, they discover his horrifying mission that binds them all together. But the killer’s desire to own them – or destroy them – leads to a survival showdown that puts their son’s future, and their lives, at stake. They must sacrifice all again to defeat a new terrifying enemy – an enemy that wants to rule the world, with their son as his heir.

Tentative release date spring 2013.

Sounds like more thrilling reading from Donna Galanti.

The Giveaway

I have 3 e-book copies Of A human Element to give away to 3 lucky winners. To enter is easy. Just leave a comment with your email address and please click on that tweet button. That’s it.

While it isn’t required, it would be much appreciated if you would follow my blog. Also show some appreciation to Donna for this awesome giveaway. Her links are provided below.

This giveaway ends on August 18th.

Good luck everyone!

For more about the author:

Her blog: http://blog.donnagalanti.com/wp/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiAuthor?-ref+hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonnaGalanti

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5767306Donna_Galanti

A Human Element:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/dg-the-Kindle

B&N: http://tinyurl.com/dg-he-Nook

Donna Galanti writes suspense and middle grade fiction. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Horror Writers Association, The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group, and Pennwriters. If she couldn’t write she would bike, hike, and kayak every day. She’s lived from England to Hawaii, including owning a campground in New Hampshire and as a photographer in the U.S. Navy. She operated a resume writing service for years until she closed up shop to write novels. Donna dreamed of being a writer at seven years old when she fell in love with Narnia and Roald Dahl. She lived in England at the time, attending school in a magical castle where her imagination ran wild in an itchy uniform. (bowling hat and tie included). She now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son,  and two crazy cats in an old farmhouse. It has lots of writing nooks, fireplaces, and stink bugs, but she’s still wishing for a castle again.

Thank you Donna for a thrilling and touching story and for allowing me to offer this giveaway. Keep wishing:)

Related articles
Older Entries
Newer Entries