Archive for the ‘horror’ Category
Five Slices of Halloween Horror coming soon! Bad Apples by authors you may know ~ Want to win a copy?
Posted: August 28, 2014 in Anthology, Book Blast, giveaways, horrorTags: Bad Apples, horror anthology, multiple authors
Monday Minis Reviews #30 ~ The Rain Dancers and Communion ~
Posted: August 18, 2014 in horror, Monday's Minis, reviews, Supernatural, thrillerTags: Communion, reviewing supernatural horror, The Rain Dancers

Welcome to my Monday Minis Reviews
I have two for you today.
First up is
Communion
by Richard Freeland

Genre: Horror
My Review
What first drew me to this book was the cover. Lovely and mysterious. Then I read it was about the ill-fated Donner Party and I got more curious. Then I read there was something evil stalking them. They had more to fear than freezing and starvation.
I wanted to know what it was.
Was it a yeti?
Was it a Windigo?
At only about 50 pages, it didn’t take me long to find out.
Even without a mysterious creature, this would be a chilling story. I’ve read the true reports of the fate of the Donner Party and the author has provided his own horrific account of the conditions and the ordeals the characters suffer through.
After reading about the frigid conditions, the slow starving of the children, the weakening of the men who struggled to provide shelter and food, I was glad I was here on the comfort of my couch. We take so many things for granted, and these people just wanted to survive, to save their families.
To also have to worry about the thing outside, sniffing around, scratching to get in and consume their bodies and souls only compounded the suspense.
I came away from this book wondering how I would have fared. Would I have given up?
Not only the freezing blizzard will chill you to the bone in this tale.
4 Stars
**
Synopsis
At the urging of Robert Teal, half-Cherokee John Nye, his pregnant wife Anna, and her father Ben Teal sell all their belongings to migrate to California. Along the way, they join with a wagon train heading the same way – the Donner Party.
After taking an unproven “short-cut” that leaves them a month behind, the emigrants are caught in the mountains by the freezing snows of an early winter.
Snowed in, unable to cross the divide, their food running out, and no relief in sight, the exhausted men, women and children of the Donner party settle in to survive.
But something else is out there. Something unseen. Something evil. And it’s stalking them.
John can deal with the elements. But can he save his family from starvation? Can he stop the demon of the frigid wastelands from taking his wife and child?
As food – and time – run out for the Donner party, John and Anna must make a decision. To stay, and starve with the others? Or attempt a harrowing trek out of the mountains – with a creature of myth on their trail?
There are some decisions you shouldn’t have to make.
~~~
Next up is
The Rain Dancers
by Greg F. Gifune

Genre: Supernatural,horror,thriller
My Review
The book cover really drew me in and I really wanted to read it after this read the blurb, so I grabbed it. I liked it from the opening passage. Made me think, “It was a dark and stormy night,” because it was. Creepy reading and very suspenseful.
If a stranger showed up at your door after dark, claims he knows you, and asks to come in, would you let him in? Not me, but Will and Betty did.
The old man, Bob Laurent, gave me the creeps. His insidious manipulation of Betty and his behind the back smirks at her husband, Will, set my teeth on edge. As they did Will’s. This guy was a liar and he was up to no good. But he seemed to have Betty under his spell.
At first she didn’t remember him, despite his claims he was friends with her late father, and his references to her calling him Uncle Bob. But then her memories started returning.
The night gets darker, the rain falls harder, and the devil dances.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the pacing. The author gives you a mystery right from the beginning, then he gives you some background on the characters, just enough to get you familiar with them, and then the discomfort creeps in like a cold mist, slowly.
At one point I thought the worst might be over, but the malevolence returned, creeping me out. And then I caught a little clue the author dropped in and had an idea where things might be going. I stayed up late, continuing to the end to see if I was right.
A good horror story that wraps itself around you and gives you a cold, ghostly hug.
3 Stars
**
Synopsis
He arrives in darkness, in the middle of a violent downpour…an affable old man with tales to tell…
When Will and Betty Colby return to Betty’s hometown to settle her late father’s affairs and prepare his house for sale, they assume they’ll be faced with some cleaning, basic repairs and making runs to the local dump. Will also hopes it will afford Betty a chance to reflect on the difficult relationship she had with her father. But something more is happening in this quiet little town, in this dark old house at the end of this seemingly deserted dirt road.
In the middle of a rainstorm, a man calling himself Bob Laurent appears in the night on their doorstep, claiming to be an old family friend. He seems harmless enough, only Betty has no memory of him. Yet he knows everything about her, her father and their lives. He even knows intimate details about Will and his life. While the storm rages on, a cauldron of tension, suspicion and fear builds between the couple and the stranger, dragging Will and Betty to the very brink of madness.
A vile and unrelenting evil has returned to claim what was taken from it long ago, and all the demons of the past, present and probable future have come home to roost. Before the storm clears and the sun rises, Will and Betty Colby will come to know the horrifying truth.
People live and die…but the evil they do is eternal.
~~~
So, read any good books lately? Got any suggestions?
Leave a comment to let me know and thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
Freakin Fridays #32 ~ The Morning Dew by Edward Lorn ~ Fear the coming storm
Posted: August 15, 2014 in Freakin Friday, horror, New Release, reviews, Short stories and collectionsTags: Author Edward Lorn, short horror story, The Morning Dew
Freakin Fridays
Freakin Fridays is my own little meme. I’ll be posting about books, movies, and all things scary.
Feel free to join in and do your own Freakin Fridays posts!
Tune in every Friday. Get your scare on!
Let’s have some fun!
~~~
The Morning Dew just released yesterday so I jumped right on it and read it last night.
Check it out!

My Review
I’m always looking for the next Edward Lorn story and the minute I heard this was available I hopped over and bought me a copy.
The first thing that happened was I got confused.
The opening was not anything like the book description and I thought I might have got a messed up copy. But then it became clear. I was inside Jimmy’s head as he was playing a make believe game. A fun and interesting beginning and it introduced me to his vivid imagination.
Jimmy and his two best friends are roughing it. They’re going to spend the night in his tree house, no adults allowed. Should be a fun night of loud music, games, and doing what young boys do.
Since losing his mother, Jimmy and his dad have been coping, supporting each other and beginning the healing process. When his dad tells him they have to come inside if the approaching storm begins to thunder, Jimmy agrees with no argument.
It’s not long after the boys enter the tree house that it begins to rain, So far, no thunder or lightning so they get out the games and crank up the music. As the rain continues, they are drawn to the window by the sound of the neighbor’s cows bellowing in pain. When nothing further occurs, the boys go back to their game.
In the morning, the storm is gone and the dew sparkles, so Jimmy is startled when one of his friends crawls out the window onto a tree branch.
What could make him so desperate? What scared him enough to make him leave? Where did he go? The two remaining boys soon see for themselves and now it’s a race to survive the dew.
After the unique beginning to the story, the author doesn’t take long to build an atmosphere of suspense. You know the storm is coming. You suspect something is coming with it. You encounter that something. Then it’s all fear pumping action to the end.
I wish I had as vivid an imagination as Jimmy did. Then I could have had a mental image of the things that came out of the storm. Perhaps it’s better that I didn’t.
You easily become familiar with the characters, the writing flows smoothly, and the ending isn’t predictable. Plus you get some out of this world creatures. All scary good.
4 Stars
~~~~
Synopsis
Ten-year-old Jimmy Dougal can’t wait for his sleepover. Twelve hours in the treehouse out back, accompanied by his two best friends, listening to tunes and devouring Fig Newtons… with no parental interference.
During the night, a vicious storm blows in – a storm that terrifies the neighbor’s livestock.
The next morning, all seems right with the world. That is until one of the boys goes missing. Now the two remaining friends must fight to survive…
The Morning Dew.
~~~
You can find my reviews for other books by Edward Lorn HERE.
Edward Lorn is an American horror author presently residing in the southeast United States. He enjoys storytelling, reading, and writing biographies in the third person. Once upon a time, during a session of show and tell, a seven-year-old Edward Lorn shared with his class that his baby brother had died over the weekend. His classmates, the teacher included, wept while he recounted the painful tragedy of having lost a sibling. Edward went home that day and found an irate mother waiting for him. Edward’s teacher had called to express her condolences. This was unfortunate, as Edward had never had a baby brother. With advice given to her by a frustrated teacher, Edward’s mother made him start writing all of his lies down. The rest, as they say, is history. Edward Lorn and his wife are raising two children, along with a handful of outside cats and a beagle named Dot. He remains a liar to this day. The only difference is, now he’s a useful one.
For more about Edward Lorn and his books:
Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
Friday Cover Reveal and Giveaway ~ Horror Business by Ryan Craig Bradford
Posted: August 15, 2014 in Cover Reveal, giveaways, horror, SupernaturalTags: Author Ryan Craig Bradford, Horror, Horror Business, Supernatural

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Horror Business by Ryan Craig Bradford
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presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
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Armed with a passion for classic B-grade horror movies, a script co-written by his twin brother, and a wicked crush on his death-obsessed neighbor; hardcore horror fan Jason Nightshade must finish his student film.
But his plans are derailed when the children of suburban Silver Creek start disappearing – his twin brother among them. Battling a possessed video camera, a crazy zombie dog, a monstrous bully, and a frighteningly broken down family life, Jason embarks on a mission to find his lost brother so the two can write an ending for his story.
As any horror fan knows, saving the day won’t be easy, as Jason finds himself forced to face the real world where death isn’t just a splash of fake blood on a camera lens.
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Title: Horror Business
Publication date: February 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Ryan Craig Bradford
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Ryan grew up in Park City, Utah. His fiction has appeared in Quarterly West, Paper Darts, Vice, Monkeybicycle and [PANK]. He currently lives in San Diego where he acts as Creative Director for the nonprofit literary arts organization So Say We All. He’s the co-editor of the anthology Last Night on Earth and founder of the literary horror journal, Black Candies.
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter
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An eBook copy of Horror Business and a $10 Amazon Gift Card.
Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.
(Winners will receive their book on release day)
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!
The Friday 56 #32 ~ Waking the Merrow by Heather Rigney ~ Not so nice mermaids
Posted: August 15, 2014 in Fantasy, horror, Meme, The Friday 56Tags: Author Heather Rigney, horror fantasy, mermaids, Waking the Merrow

The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.
The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find any sentence or a
few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.
~~~
I shuddered violently and reached for the handle to close the door. As if I had suddenly cut myself, my hand recoiled, and I sucked in a sharp breath.
The handle was wet and it wasn’t raining…
I noticed for the first time, just how many windows faced the porch. Many. Too Many. “Why didn’t we ever get blinds?”
I reached for the remote. I was going to watch my vampire show, damn it.
I had my shit together. Then my pocket buzzed, and I skyrocketed off the couch.
~~~
Waking the Merrow
by Heather Rigney

Synopsis
In 1772, angry Rhode Island colonists set fire to a British ship, sparking the American Revolution. Taxation without representation was a motivator. So was the vengeful, man-eating mermaid who had it out for the commanding officer.
That was then. This is now.
Mermaids, or merrow, still hunt in Narragansett Bay, but these days they keep a lower profile.
At night, centuries-old Nomia seduces smutty frat boys, lures them into icy waters, and feeds them to her voracious kin. By day, she and her half-breed daughter attempt to blend in at the coastal Village Playground.
But Nomia slips up. She makes a friend. Then she makes that friend disappear, and someone notices.
Thirty-something Evie McFagan just wants to make it through working motherhood. But she’s a blistering stew of issues—snarky alcoholic and a friendless funeral director who just witnessed Nomia dismembering a guy at the nearby yacht club.
When Evie believes a mermaid stole her baby, who will help? The merrow of Ireland? Or maybe anti-hero Evie will surprise everyone, including herself, and summon the strength to save her own family.
Intertwining the stories of two primordial families with the colonial history of Narragansett Bay, Waking the Merrow is a dark historical fantasy.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
Monday Minis #29 ~ Just Short of Paradise and Full Moon Over Cedar Hill ~ My Reviews and some freebies
Posted: August 11, 2014 in horror, Monday's Minis, reviews, Short stories and collections, SupernaturalTags: Author Edward Lorn, Full Moon Over Cedar Hill, Horror, Just Short of Paradise, Short Stories

Welcome to my Monday Minis Reviews.
Got two for you today!
I read both of these stories back to back. Just Short of Paradise is a free flash fiction story available on Goodreads HERE. And Full Moon Over Cedar Hill is a short story that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
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My Review
Katlyn chooses the long road trip to California as an opportune time to tell her mother something important. Trapped in the car with miles to go, she’d have to listen.
Her mother does her best not to. She doesn’t want to hear it and when she’s forced to, her religious intolerance rears its ugly head. Hurtful thing are said.
Both women don’t back down and only a traffic jam stops the bickering.
What comes next is pure Edward Lorn. You may see the ending coming but he takes you on a twisted path to get there.
The mother may be firm in her belief but who is she to judge?
When I finished reading this story, I wore a wry grin, just like Katlyn.
4 Stars
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Synopsis
Just Short of Paradise is a piece of flash fiction from Edward Lorn, author of Cruelty and Life After Dane, and is only available as a free download on Goodreads HERE.
During a cross-country trip to California, Katlyn decides to come out of the closet. Mom’s upset, but she’ll be okay. It’s not like it’s the end of the world … Right?
The consequences of intolerance can last an eternity.
~~~

My Review
When Peter first suffered a debilitating stroke that left him trapped in his body, his loving family was very supportive. But as time revealed he would never get better, he wouldn’t ever speak again, they placed him in a rehabilitation center, and their visits dwindled, leaving him to suffer alone as they moved on.
I can only imagine how bitter Peter must have become. Sure, he can’t communicate, but he’s still alive, still able to hear and see. How could his family just abandon him?
Soon, Peter has something else to worry about. He hears the screams, the snarls, the rending of limbs from bones coming from outside his room. He can only imagine what’s out there. He can hear the slaughter coming closer, moving from room to room. And then the click of claws on linoleum stops outside his door. And the door starts to open.
The author gives you some horrific creatures. They like to play with their food and have a sadistic sense of humor. Which Peter soon discovers.
I wondered how I would feel. Lying there, unable to defend myself, unable to hide, as the beasts came calling. What fate would be the worst?
I have to say thank you to Edward. I rubbed my hands together in fiendish glee as he gave me just the ending I was hoping for.
5 Stars
~~~
Synopsis
Peter Hoskins has spent the last three years confined to a bed at Cedar Hill Rehabilitation Center. A massive stroke rendered most of his body useless, but his mind is as sharp as ever.
When the screaming begins, being trapped in his own head is the least of his concerns.
Hungry beasts are roaming the halls, and death might be Peter’s only escape.
~~~
A new release coming soon and I can’t wait!

Emergency Room Physician Brent Cummings is harboring secrets he’d rather leave in the shadows of his past. But, when he finds a dead woman in a foggy park, all his skeletons come tumbling out of the closet.
In a deadly race against time, Brent attempts to alter the future so that he might finally let go of the past.
Will he heed the warning in the fog, or will fate prove more dependable than the good doctor?
~~~
Other books by Edward Lorn
The first 5 episodes in the Cruelty Serial
with more coming soon.
Click on the cover for my reviews.
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And you can click HERE to read my reviews for Edward’s other stories.
Among my reviews is World’s Greatest Dad which you can get free for the next 5 days by clicking on the cover below!
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Edward Lorn is an American horror author presently residing in the southeast United States. He enjoys storytelling, reading, and writing biographies in the third person. Once upon a time, during a session of show and tell, a seven-year-old Edward Lorn shared with his class that his baby brother had died over the weekend. His classmates, the teacher included, wept while he recounted the painful tragedy of having lost a sibling. Edward went home that day and found an irate mother waiting for him. Edward’s teacher had called to express her condolences. This was unfortunate, as Edward had never had a baby brother. With advice given to her by a frustrated teacher, Edward’s mother made him start writing all of his lies down. The rest, as they say, is history. Edward Lorn and his wife are raising two children, along with a handful of outside cats and a beagle named Dot. He remains a liar to this day. The only difference is, now he’s a useful one.
For more about Edward Lorn and his books:
Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon
~~~~
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
It’s Release Day for Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler
Posted: July 29, 2014 in Dark Fantasy, Excerpt, horror, Release day, Series, WesternTags: Author Michael Hebler, Horror, Legend of the Chupacabra, series, western
The Legend of the Chupacabra is now available! Today is Release Day!
This is the third book in a six book series and the last one to take place in this era. The author will be taking us to new territory as the series continues.
Michael has provided an exciting excerpt from the book and you can click on the link below the book cover for my 5 Star review.
After checking out Michael’s fantastic cover art and learning all about his series, you can find purchase links, news about his upcoming release of the audible books, and catch a fun chuppie video!
Author: Michael Hebler
Style: Series
Theme: Dark Fiction / Horror / Western
Length: 372 pages (print) / 85,500 words
Binding: Perfect bound, digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf ), & audiobook
Retail: $17.95 (print) / $9.99 (audible) / $4.99 (e-book)
Click HERE for my 5 Star Review
~~~~~

Synopsis:
Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure, and the futility of their sacrifices, when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy, but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.
Earlier this year, Hebler’s first volume in his Chupacabra Series, Night of the Chupacabra, earned him top honors in the category of “Horror” from the National Indie Excellence Awards. The NIEA was founded by Ellen Reid, the current President and CEO. Reid comments, “The awards celebrate the best of books in print, and represent a diverse group of first-time authors and seasoned authors.” Hebler was extremely honored to have received such extraordinary recognition for a story that had lived within his mind and heart for 20 years before its 2012 release.
In reference to Legend of the Chupacabra, Hebler hopes his fans and readers will enjoy their reunion with Jessie and Suzanne. There is no shortage of action, mystery, humor, drama, romance, or, of course, horror. And as usual, there are surprises around every turn. “I’m especially excited about including a little piece of Oregon’s scandalous history with the Portland underground,” states Hebler. “I think that particular element rivals the callousness of the chupacabra itself and examines the similarities between monster and man.”
In addition to the release of Legend of the Chupacabra in trade paperback and eBook on July 29, 2014, Hebler will also release an audiobook of his reading, which will accompany the release of the audiobooks of the first two series novels, Night of the Chupacabra and Curse of the Chupacabra.
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EXCERPT:
Blood poured out of the chief’s wound, cueing the squaws to form a ceremonious line at Eagle Claw’s feet. With their jars ready, each dancing warrior paired with a woman. It was Raven Child and Mighty Wind who were the first to concoct the sacrificial mixture. Raven Child caught Eagle Claw’s blood with her jar, while Mighty Wind poured the mountain goat’s blood out of the beast’s skull into the same, creating a broth that Eagle Claw lifted into the air, once ready. He presented the bequest to the spirits, calling the goat spirit forth with the offering of its own powers of agility and energy joined with his powers as chief, and then spouted, “Goat, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”
Eagle Claw took a sip from the jar and swallowed. He, then, poured the rest of the contents into the fire.
Storm Cloud stood at the edge of the platform. He gazed down at the flames still flipping about as the burning mixture sizzled and sparked.
With bated breath, everybody watched to see if the goat spirit had been properly deceived. Eagle Claw did exactly as instructed by Atraco. The Pniese’s instructions were to simply ask the spirits for their wisdom and protection; making sure to keep all truth from them. Deceit from a heart filled with rage and hatred was the only way to conjure revenge; the requests for help needing to be as treacherous as the act of revenge itself. The one responsible for Loud Fire’s death would suffer mercilessly before dying.
The strength of the fire changed; the flames whipped about like a blistering weapon, and the escaping smoke blackened. It was happening; the goat spirit had been fooled into accepting the offering.
Storm Cloud continued to gaze over the edge as the thick smoke began to take the shape of a mountain goat. It rose into the air–as common smoke would–but gave the illusion of the goat charging towards him. Once he and the entity met, Storm Cloud took a deep breath and inhaled the smoldering spirit. The moment the possessed fumes filled his lungs, it took every ounce of self-restraint to suppress his urge to cough, but Atraco had warned him ahead of time of this egregious mistake as it would release the spirit back into the universe, never to return. He only needed to wait a short time before the smoke spirit would find its path and seep into his body like a cancer; and the old Pniese had been right. He could feel his need subside as the spirit began to take control.
The moment the smoke spirit had been born, the black stallion became restless. He and Tree Cradle had lived most of their years together, and she thought of Black Wild as family, as he did the same of her. So it was with considerable ease that she was able to calm her four-legged brother by stroking his elongated nose and looking him in the eye to let him know all would be fine.
Tree Cradle twisted her head back to the ritual, saw that the smoke spirit was gone, and Storm Cloud’s body was beginning to relax. She wondered if Black Wild would continue to listen to her when the next eight spirits were called.
Water Stone and Talking Bear were next. As before, Eagle Claw’s blood seeped into the jar while Talking Bear poured the blood from his bear’s head.
Eagle Claw lifted the jar containing the powers of defense and transformation, calling to the bear spirit, “Bear, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”
He swallowed a single mouthful of the blood mixture then threw the remainder into the fire. Again, the blood spoke as it burned and the waves of the flames grew more intense.
Storm Cloud readied himself, now with the understanding of what was to come next should the bear spirit accept the offering.
It did.
The flames released another cloud of smoke that transformed into an earthly bear. Once more, the spirit rose towards the sky, charging at Storm Cloud as though he were its prey, only to be sucked into the young man’s body with one long breath.
Tree Cradle had guessed correctly; Black Wild did not like the bear spirit’s summoning, and he had not been as easy to tame the second time, but they both would have to endure since they were bound and could not leave. Each had a purpose for being there, as the wandering shaman had previously inculcated.
~~~~
For all of you who like audio books, great news!
Michael has a tentative release date of Sunday, August 10th for all three chupacabra books. And he’s priced them at a steal for around $10 each. So keep on the lookout.
Purchase Links
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Booksamillion
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Author Michael Hebler
Prior to becoming an award-winning author of his dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Michael was a full-time international film publicist who had worked on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, and the 2013 Academy Award-winning Best Forgein Language Film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty).
Born in the early 1970′s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and a homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by becoming an actor. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. However, creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community for Meals on Wheels, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.
To date, Michael’s publications include Chupacabra Series Novels, “Night of the Chupacabra,” “Curse of the Chupacabra,” and now “Legend of the Chupacabra,” the first three of his six-part series, as well as his first publication, “The Night After Christmas,” a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael also authored the micro story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra,” (currently unavailable) preceding the events of Book I, and will release his first novella, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” on October 7, 2014. [Ghost] is a spiritual story placing the popular Dickens character in the center of its own afterlife, and life, while aiding a woman’s complicated past.
CONTACT DETAILS
Email ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog
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Fun short chupacabra footage.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler ~ My Review and the Winners Announcement
Posted: July 17, 2014 in Creatures, horror, reviews, Series, Western, Winners!Tags: Author Michael Hebler, Legend of the Chupacabra, series, western horror
The “Legend “of the chupacabra continues
Press Release
Newport Beach, CA
– June 14, 2014 – On July 29, 2014, dark fiction author, Michael Hebler will release the latest installment in his Chupacabra Series. Legend of the Chupacabra, Book III in his 6-part series, is the final chapter of an independent trilogy before the narrative of the infamous “goat-sucker” transitions into new and thrilling territory.
Author: Michael Hebler
Style: Series
Theme: Dark Fiction / Horror / Western
Length: 372 pages (print) / 85,500 words
Binding: Perfect bound, digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf ), & audiobook
Retail: $17.95 (print & audiobook) / $4.99 (e-book)
MY REVIEW
In this third book in the Chupacabra series, you once again follow Suzanne and Jessie . It’s been six years since they killed the chupacabra and broke the curse. Or did they?
Suzanne seems to be settling down in Portland, believing things will be better now. Jessie, on the other hand, is her own worst enemy. She’s as sassy and quick to fly off the handle as ever. Even though she works in a rough and tumble saloon, she’s still expected to cater to the customers and is often mistaken for something other than a server, and she makes the poor sap pay for that mistake, often painfully.
The owner would like her to be more than a server, the bartender creeps her out with his puppy dog drooling, and a handsome young stranger sets her nerves on edge. He seems to enjoy it when she fights of the groping hands and off-color comments of the patrons. Just who is he?
It isn’t noticeable at first, the men disappearing, because they’re strangers. But then some local men disappear too and this sets off Jessie’s radar. Could it be the chupacabra? Did they kill it? Is it another one? Or is it something else?
The author excels at putting his characters in new and stranger situations. There are some new nasty characters to despise, which I always like, as they can be used as fodder for the chupacabra. But the chup isn’t selective, and likes his blood from good or evil people.
Maturing his characters, having their personalities change after each new encounter with the chupacabra, is another area Michael excels at. Especially with Jessie, as she’s gone from a young girl to a young woman. He did leave her as feisty and fearless as before, allowing me to savor her victories, worry when she lands in tight spots, and hope she’ll finally let someone get close to her.
Even the chupacabra is different, like it’s evolved, become even more evil and cunning. It likes to play with its food, and it’s always hungry. Which gives you some excellent scenes of bloody mayhem.
I was attracted to this series because of the chupacabra. Curious about the legend, and of course, its bloody path through the book.. Then I became attached to the characters and, with each new book, I looked forward to seeing what new mystery the author put them in. What, besides the chupacabra, they had to deal with.
It’s never dull, no stumbling through slow parts, as there aren’t any, and Legend of the Chupacabra leaves you hungry for more. Just like the chupacabra.
5 STARS
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Synopsis:
Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure, and the futility of their sacrifices, when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy, but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.
Earlier this year, Hebler’s first volume in his Chupacabra Series, Night of the Chupacabra, earned him top honors in the category of “Horror” from the National Indie Excellence Awards. The NIEA was founded by Ellen Reid, the current President and CEO. Reid comments, “The awards celebrate the best of books in print, and represent a diverse group of first-time authors and seasoned authors.” Hebler was extremely honored to have received such extraordinary recognition for a story that had lived within his mind and heart for 20 years before its 2012 release.
In reference to Legend of the Chupacabra, Hebler hopes his fans and readers will enjoy their reunion with Jessie and Suzanne. There is no shortage of action, mystery, humor, drama, romance, or, of course, horror. And as usual, there are surprises around every turn. “I’m especially excited about including a little piece of Oregon’s scandalous history with the Portland underground,” states Hebler. “I think that particular element rivals the callousness of the chupacabra itself and examines the similarities between monster and man.”
In addition to the release of Legend of the Chupacabra in trade paperback and eBook on July 29, 2014, Hebler will also release an audiobook of his reading, which will accompany the release of the audiobooks of the first two series novels, Night of the Chupacabra and Curse of the Chupacabra.
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This is my favorite part!
It’s time to announce the winners!
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For the giveaway of The Chupacabra Series
by Michael Hebler
1 Grand Prize: signed copy of [Legend] print (US only)
1 First: e-books of all three Chupacabra Series novels (Night, Curse, and Legend) (Worldwide)
3 Runners-Up: e-book of [Legend] (Worldwide)
The Grand Prize Winner is : Audrey
The First Place Winner is : Candi
The Three Runners-up are :
Justin
Robin
Jessica
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And now a word from Michael
Thank you everyone for taking a moment to enter the “Legend of the Chupacabra” giveaway, and a “congratulations” to the winners. It is such a comfort to know that there are so many like-minded readers. There is no greater joy for an author than having his/her work read, and I am comfortable in speaking for all authors to say that your support is appreciated beyond any words we can write. We are your servants. As for my series, three more volumes are in the works, and scheduled to release one year apart. I hope to see you back then. Enjoy reading the Chupacabra Series even more than I enjoyed writing it.
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Congratulations!
Winners have been notified.
Thanks to everyone for your comments.
I do love reading them and hope you continue to visit fuonlyknew!
Thanks so much to Michael Hebler for his wonderful books!
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Other books in the series.
“Night of the Chupacabra” was announced as Best Horror at the 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards.
Click HERE for my review.
There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread since anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account.
In the Chupacabra Series, a vampire-like, cryptozoological creature (which literally translates to “goat-sucker”) takes a supporting role to a cast of memorable characters who struggle to survive while finding their place in developing America. Currently slated for six books, the Chupacabra Series echoes strong family themes and the sacrifices required for that nature of love; and while some characters do survive long enough to make it through multiple novels, each volume will host a different protagonist to lead the reader through its continuing journey.
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Click HERE for my review.
They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.
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Author Michael Hebler
Prior to becoming an award-winning author of his dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Michael was a full-time international film publicist who had worked on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, and the 2013 Academy Award-winning Best Forgein Language Film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty).
Born in the early 1970′s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and a homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by becoming an actor. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. However, creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community for Meals on Wheels, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.
To date, Michael’s publications include Chupacabra Series Novels, “Night of the Chupacabra,” “Curse of the Chupacabra,” and now “Legend of the Chupacabra,” the first three of his six-part series, as well as his first publication, “The Night After Christmas,” a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael also authored the micro story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra,” (currently unavailable) preceding the events of Book I, and will release his first novella, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” on October 7, 2014. [Ghost] is a spiritual story placing the popular Dickens character in the center of its own afterlife, and life, while aiding a woman’s complicated past.
CONTACT DETAILS
Email ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog
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