reviews | fuonlyknew

June 2026
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30

Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

What’s New On My Bookshelf #301 and The Sunday Post

Posted: February 24, 2019 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: fuonlyknew, my weekly news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

~~~~~

Some chit chat.

It’s Mardi Gras here on the Gulf Coast and the parades are rolling, beads, moon pies and all kinds of fun stuff are flying off the floats. Great music and food are in order. I used to love this time of year. I’d buy the expensive ball gown. Go to the dance and party all night. And join the crowds to catch the bounty that’s tossed my way. Now, I stay at home. Been there. Done that. I leave it to the enthusiasts to enjoy. I can always pull up a book on my Kindle that involves Mardi Gras and stay safe and snug at home. Many people mistakenly believe Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans when in fact it was started in Mobile, Alabama. Right across the bay from me. Just a fun fact I wanted to share.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Let The Good Times Roll!

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.

~~~~~

My new books this week.

~~~~~

Movies and shows I watched this week.

I’m continuing b

my binge of Criminal Minds. Now on Season 9, Episode 4. I thought I’d come across some episodes I’d missed. Come on, there are 277 episodes. But so far I’ve seen everyone.

I watched Mandy starring Nicholas Cage. I really liked him in this one. The movie…not so much. It’s so out there and really violent. And that’s where Nicholas really pulled it off. He looked deranged and he needed to be to get the job done.

Then I watched Kiss And Cry. I didn’t realize it was a true story. Carley Ellison was 17 when she was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. Sarah Fisher played her character in the movie and she was brilliant. I smiled so much it hurt. Cried so much I was exhausted. And was so uplifted. And truly thankful Carley’s story was shared. She was brave beyond words, with a heart so big, it enveloped all those around her.

~~~~~

And here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

~~~~~

Click on the covers for this week’s reviews.

~~~~~

Saturday Screams #62 ~ Dark Corners Three Times Around

Posted: February 23, 2019 in horror, reviews, thriller
Tags: Horror, reviews, Saturday Screams, thriller

Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share books that thrill and chill!

Today I thought it would be fun to share three scary books with similar titles.

~~~~~

Dark Corner

by Brandon Massey

Genre: Horror

My Review

Okay, I didn’t know exactly what this story was going to be about going in. I missed the clue in the blurb that mentioned something undead. When I found out what that was, I was thinking, oh no, not sure this book is what I was hoping it would be. About 8 chapters later I realized I didn’t want to put the book down.

Told from several points of view, you learn exactly what evil is hovering over the town. I think the multiple POVs made this story a richer experience for me. I really came to know the characters, to like them, to despair for them and, yes, to loath some of them. That goes without saying when evil comes out to play. Or bite you in the…..

I’d like to tell you more. Perhaps make some references to books and movies that came to mind while reading this, but why spoil things for you. I enjoyed Massey’s writing and how he had me wishing the one bad guy wasn’t so bad.

~~~~~

Synopsis

From award-winning author Brandon Massey comes a terrifying new novel about a town besieged by evil . . . and the one man who is determined to fight the darkness . . .

When renowned author Richard Hunter dies in a boating accident, his son David travels to Mason’s Corner, Mississippi, to find out more about the father he never really knew. At first, Mason’s Corner seems friendly and unassuming-–the perfect small town. But after a newcomer moves into the old-–and supposedly haunted-–mansion on the hill, everything changes . . .

People begin to disappear. Dogs viciously attack. And soon David discovers that the terror consuming this place has its roots in his own family tree . . .

For something has risen in Mason’s Corner. Something with bloody ties to the town’s past. Something undead–and hungering for vengeance . . .

Amazon

~~~~~

Dark Corners

by William Andrews

Genre: Horror / Short Stories

My Review

I enjoy short story collections. It gives me a fun way to sample the authors writing. From the synopsis and cover art I was expecting some pretty dark tales. They really weren’t. And of those offered, I’d say a few were good and some missed the mark.

I did enjoy the writing and would be curious to read some longer works by the author. Perhaps then I would get more involved in a story of his.

Not wowed but I’m glad I read these.

~~~~~

Synopsis

DARK CORNERS is a short story anthology showcasing the various styles, genres and influences of William Andrews. Most of these are dark as Hell. Embrace the darkness and read on…. If you dare!

Amazon / B&N

~~~~~

Dark Corners

The Elle Reynolds Series #1

by Liz Schulte

Genre: Paranormal / Horror / Thriller

My Review

After the murder of her husband, Ella withdraws from everyone. Shuts herself away. But someone or something won’t let her heal. As time passes, she sinks deeper into grief and doubt. Is the house causing the eerie events? Or is it someone who wants to harm her? Or is she just going insane?

The author smoothly takes you back to past events and forward to the present, keeping you unsettled and clueless about what is real and what could just be in Ella’s mind. I couldn’t help but sympathize with her. She went through such a tragedy and now she fears she’s either haunted, stalked or crazy. Closing herself off from the world aroused suspicion with people that maybe she killed her husband. i wondered about that myself.

Of course, I read this at night. Read it straight through, my eyes darting to the dark corners whenever I thought I heard something. There are some really spooky scenes in this that made me question why I waited until dark to read it. I guess I wasn’t expecting to get scared as I read a lot of horror. But scared I got and I couldn’t stop. This reads like a ride on a tilt-a-whirl. It went one way then the other, jerking me from one conclusion to another. A dizzying, haunting story and so well executed.

I had this book on my kindle for several years before reading it. That won’t happen with the rest of the series. Yes, there are more books and I’ve got them lined up to read.

If you enjoy a scary, haunting story with a good mystery and some drama and thrills thrown in, I recommend you give this a go.

~~~

~~~~~

Synopsis

Ella Reynolds knew from the first moment she walked into the old house someone or something was watching her. Waiting. Her husband’s violent murder sent her spiraling into a world of grief and isolation, but Ella isn’t alone. Who or what is responsible for her husband’s death is still with her.

Darkness has engulfed the past year of Ella’s life. Everyday reality slips a little more between her fingers as she struggles to break free from her memories. She must look deeper into her past as well as the present to discover truth of her husband’s homicide. A string of uncanny events takes place and practical explanations run thin as Ella follows the terrifying road to closure. As the past and present come to a head, Ella must decipher who or what the murderer is before it takes her as well.

Amazon / B&N

~~~~~

The above cover is the one I own.

Here is an alternative cover.

Which do you like more?

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

That Which Grows Wild ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: February 22, 2019 in Dark Fantasy, giveaways, horror, reviews, Short stories and collections
Tags: dark fantasy, giveaway, Horror, review, Short Stories

That Which Grows Wild

by Eric J. Guignard

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Short Stories

That Which Grows Wild collects sixteen dark and masterful short stories by
award-winning author Eric J. Guignard. Equal parts whimsy and weird,
horror and heartbreak, this debut collection traverses the darker
side of the fantastic through vibrant and harrowing tales that depict
monsters and regrets, hope and atonement, and the oddly changing
reflection that turns back at you in the mirror.

Discover why Eric J. Guignard has earned praise from masters of the craft such
as Ramsey Campbell (“Guignard gives voice to paranoid vision that’s
all too believable.”), Rick Hautala (“No other young horror
author is better, I think, than Eric J. Guignard.”), and Nancy
Holder ( “The defining new voice of horror has arrived, and I stand
in awe.”)

Stories include:

• “A Case Study in Natural Selection and How It Applies to Love” – a
teen experiences romance, while the world slowly dies from rising
temperatures and increasing cases of spontaneous combustion.

• “Dreams of a Little Suicide” – a down-on-his-luck actor unexpectedly finds
his dreams and love in Hollywood playing a munchkin during filming of
The Wizard of Oz, but soon those dreams begin to darken.

• “The Inveterate Establishment of Daddano & Co.” – an aged undertaker
tells the true story behind the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre, and
of the grime that accumulates beneath our floors.

• “A Journey of Great Waves” – a Japanese girl encounters, years later,
the ocean-borne debris of her tsunami-ravaged homeland, and the
ghosts that come with it.

• “The House of the Rising Sun, Forever” – a tragic voice gives dire
warning against the cycle of opium addiction from which, even after
death, there is no escape.

• “Last Days of the Gunslinger, John Amos” – a gunfighter keeps a decimated
town’s surviving children safe on a mountaintop from the incursion
of ferocious creatures… until a flash flood strikes.

Explore within, and discover a wild range upon which grows the dark, the
strange, and the profound.

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * B&N * Kobo

My Review

I usually find that when reading a collection of short stories, some of them are great, some are okay and some miss the mark. I was thrilled to find that I was happy with all sixteen tales in That Which Grows Wild.

The book begins with A Case Study in Natural Selection and How It Applies to Love. I’m a huge fan of dystopian and apocalyptic tales and this one adds human combustion to the mix. The fact that the author made it seem like something that could actually occur was like sprinkles on an ice cream cone. Tasty.

From there I went on to devour the book. I was expecting to need a break somewhere. For my interest to taper off. But, no. I kept right on to the end, encountering tormented beings, creatures big and small, aliens and ordinary people facing difficult and fantastical situations. But that wasn’t all I found. There were some deeply moving scenes and some characters I wanted to tuck under my wing and keep safe from harm.

I was going to list my favorites but I found myself adding another and then another. The writing is powerful and the stories intoxicating. Eric is a storyteller in the true sense of the word.

Eric J. Guignard is a writer and editor of dark and speculative fiction,
operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles. He’s won the
Bram Stoker Award, been a finalist for the International Thriller
Writers Award, and a multi-nominee of the Pushcart Prize. His stories
and non-fiction have appeared in over one hundred genre and literary
publications such as “Nightmare Magazine,” “Black Static,” “Shock Totem,”

“Buzzy Magazine,” and “Dark Discoveries Magazine.” Outside the glamorous

and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and
college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children,
cats, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles.

Website * Facebook * Facebook Page * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Kid’s Korner #34 ~ The Firefly

Posted: February 20, 2019 in Children's books, horror, middle grade, reviews
Tags: Horror, middle grade, review

Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing another spooky fun tale from Nancy Gray’s Spine Chillers!

~~~

The Firefly (Spine Chillers)
by Nancy Gray

Genre: Horror
Age category: Middle Grade
Release Date: November 19, 2018

My Review

The fireflies appeared in autumn. Strange, as they’re only supposed to appear during the summer. Leila asked her mother for a net and jar to capture some in. They didn’t act like normal fireflies because… they weren’t. She spies something lurking in the woods. A bug man with skin the color of charcoal. She soon learns what it wants and has to make the toughest decision of her young life. Lives hang in the balance.

This book would have given me such shivers of delight when I was young. It did a pretty good job of doing that now. Leila was a brave little girl. Her love for her baby sister and her sense of right and wrong put her between a rock and a hard place and I admired her bravery.

The bug man was creepy as all get out. The author’s description had me visualizing a cross between a praying mantis and The Crooked Man. Once Leila confronted the thing I knew she couldn’t defeat it by herself and was excited when she discovered the Spectral Investigator’s Society. It’s supposed to be a boys club but exceptions are made. Supernatural creatures don’t distinguish between boys and girls.

The story really picks up the pace as Leila realizes she doesn’t have to fight this battle alone and a plan is formed to stop the creature. This is fiction, but how they kids rallied together and executed their trap reminded me so much of my childhood and how my friends and I would stand by each other, even when scared.

A good campfire tale to raise the goosebumps and make you jump at those bumps in the night.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Leila’s sister has come down with a terrible fever that the doctors can’t explain. It started with the fireflies that mysteriously appeared in November, and then when she was visited by “the bug man.” When Leila confronts the FIREFLY that has made her sister sick she must make a terrible choice to save her sister or offer it another victim to satiate its terrible appetite! The monster needs to feed on blood and it needs another body to inhabit. His eyes are set on Leila!

You can find The Firefly on Goodreads

You can buy The Firefly on Amazon

About the Author:
Nancy Gray has published a number of works including her young adult fantasy series Blood Rain. Her short story “Chosen” appeared in Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal Author Quest: a Penguin Special from Grosset & Dunlap. Her work also appears in various anthologies.
Nancy Gray has been writing for over ten years. Gray lives in South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys books, video games, anime, manga, and horror.

Other Works by Nancy Gray:
Blood Rain
Blood Moon
Blood God
Spine Chillers: The Scarecrow
Spine Chillers: Big Bad Wolf
Spine Chillers: The Beast of Black Pond
Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes
Spine Chillers: The Firefly

You can find and contact Nancy Gray here:
– Website
– Blog
– Facebook
– Goodreads

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Puppy Who Knew Too Much ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: February 19, 2019 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway, review

The Puppy Who Knew Too Much

A Dog Club Mystery

by V.M. Burns

The Puppy Who Knew Too Much (A Dog Club Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Lyrical Underground (February 12, 2019)
Paperback: 190 pages
ISBN-10: 1516107918
ISBN-13: 978-1516107919
Digital ASIN: B07D233MVK

My Review

Lilly is eager for a fresh start. Three months ago her cheating husband was murdered and she was the prime suspect. She’s finally cleared of suspicion and moves to Chattanooga and a new beginning, Her tiny poodle, Aggie, isn’t so keen on the move and finds creative ways to make it known. Fate is on Lilly’s side and she finds the perfect rental house and a great new job at the museum. But her rosy new life hits a bump in the road when she stumbles upon a dead body. Then her new house is ransacked. She won’t sit idly by when her new beginning is threatened.

I was surprised when I reached the end of this book. It felt like I’d just started it. I was immediately charmed by the characters. Lilly is so authentic and likable and would be such a great friend to have. Some other favorites are her boss and co-worker at the museum. I loved how they welcomed Lilly, made her feel at home, and how they actually used some of the antique pieces. Dixie is the perfect best friend. And her daughter and son-in-law are very supportive and a great couple. As for the grouchy neighbor, I couldn’t wait to see if she could win him over. The author brought them all to life and I had such fun getting to know them.

I don’t want to forget the other characters. The four legged ones. So many dogs in this book. I say, the more the merrier. Each have their own personalities and charms. And the part where Lilly’s daughter rescues a stray golden retriever had me almost in tears. So sweet.

The mystery here wasn’t easily solved. There were some obvious suspects and then some that lurked off the radar. I picked my culprit and followed the story closely, sniffing out clues, wandering off the obvious paths, and I was wrong. What a fun surprise.

This is my first book by V. M. Burns and I’m thrilled to discover another cozy author and series. I’ll be following these characters to their next adventure and I’ll miss them til we meet again.

~~~~~

Lilly Echosby and her toy poodle Aggie find a fresh start in Chattanooga, Tennessee, spoiled by the scent of murder . . .

Having solved the shooting death of her cheating husband, Lilly’s left behind the drama of Lighthouse Dunes, Indiana, to start over in the hometown of her best friend, Scarlett “Dixie” Jefferson. As she gets settled in her new rented house, Lilly gives Aggie, short for Agatha Christie, her own fresh start by enrolling her in the Eastern Tennessee Dog Club, where Dixie is a trainer.

But drama seems to hound Lilly like a persistent stray. Her cranky new neighbor appears unfamiliar with Southern hospitality and complains that Aggie barks too much and digs up his prized tulips. But what the poodle actually unearths is the buried body of a mysterious man who claimed ownership of the lost golden retriever Lilly recently rescued. Now it’s up to Lilly and Dixie to try to muzzle another murderer . . .

Author V.M. Burns

V.M. Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs, British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the Midwest, she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Eastern Tennessee with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com

Author Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – IndieBound: – Books-A-Million – Kobo

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 11 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

February 11 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

February 12 – Mythical Books – GUEST POST

February 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 13 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

February 15 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

February 15 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – GUEST POST

February 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 17 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 18 – Carla Loves to Read – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 19 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

February 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – GUEST POST

February 20 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

February 20 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – RUFF DRAFTS – GUEST POST

February 21 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

February 22 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

February 23 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 24 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

~~~~~

This counts towards my They Call It Puppy Love Challenge

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

What’s New On My Bookshelf #300 and The Sunday Post

Posted: February 17, 2019 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: fuonlyknew, my weekly news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

~~~~~

Some chit chat.

Did you notice something in the title to today’s post? I’m so excited! Hard to believe I’ve done 300 Sunday Post’s! It’s been a grand experience. I’ve met some wonderful bloggers and book lovers. Found some fabulous new authors and books. And made some awesome friends. I started blogging by joining Twitter and meeting other book lovers. A few people reached out to me and encouraged me to start a blog. I never looked back! I discovered some fun memes along the way and The Sunday Post is a favorite. I love sharing what I did and discovered each week. And I try hard to visit as many other posts as I can to see what everyone else has been up to. Let’s hear it for Kimberly! She’s an amazing host and blogger. Always cheerful, eager to give tips and help when you have something techie needs fixing, and she shares some wonderful books.

Thanks so much for being such a fabulous host all these years, Kimberly. I’m looking forward to many more! And have a lovely Sunday everyone.

~~~~~

My new books this week.

And once again I grabbed a couple of books after reading Chuckle’s reviews!

Thanks to Sherry at fundinmental for sharing her review for this one. It was free so I had to grab it! Click the cover to grab a copy. Just be sure it’s still free.

And Huner Shea’s newest book, Antarctic Ice Beasts was just released! Had to grab this beauty!

Click the cover to grab your copy!

~~~~~

And here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

~~~~~

Click on the covers for this week’s reviews.

~~~~~

Hot Diggity Dogs!

Posted: February 16, 2019 in Children's books, reviews
Tags: challenge, children's books, reviews

I did this last year and had so much fun I knew I had to do it again!

Welcome to the They Call It Puppy Love Challenge!

February is drawing near and Barb over at Booker T’s Farm is once again hosting the Puppy Love Challenge!

It will last all month long and the rules are simple.

Make a sign up post and link it here to Barb’s blog.
Read at least one book which: has a dog (or cat) on the cover or features a dog (or cat) in it.
Do a wrap up post at the end of February with links to your review(s).

So easy and loads of fun! At the end of the month, Barb will put all the participants in a bowl and Booker T will pick a lucky winner. That person will receive a $10.00 gift certificate to Amazon or Book Depository.

~~~~~

Here are two from my list.

How Dachshunds Came To Be

A Tall Tale About A Short Long Dog

by Kizzie Jones

Age level: 3 – 8 / Grade level: P – 2

Genre: Children’s Book

My Review

Ever wondered why a dachshund looks like it does?

This was a cute story about a lonely girl who loves spending time with her ocean friends. She longs for a friend she can bring home with her. The creatures of the sea love the little girl and decide to create the perfect friend to live with her.

The illustrations are colorful and fun, breathing life into the characters. And I liked how each creature contributed something of themselves to bring to life some friends for the little girl. It was creative and fun to see how well it all worked.

My son is grown up and I don’t have a small child to read to. I read this book out loud to myself as if I was reading to a child and it really added to the fun. What a delightful tale.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Charming color illustrated tall tale not just for dog lovers everywhere, but for readers of all ages who ever wished for a friend. Discover how creatures of the ocean, the power of love, and the magic of the sea came together to make a little girl happy.

Amazon

~~~~~

A Dachshund And A pelican

by Kizzie Jones

Genre: Children’s Book

My Review

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and this one is every bit as fun.

The little girl still loves visiting the beach seeing her ocean friends. And now she has her three fun dachshunds to share the adventures with. One of the dogs spies a pelican and tries to make friends with it.

Goldie was such a sweet dog but she had something to learn about friendship. She thought looking alike was the same as having something in common and was sad that the pelican didn’t look like her at all. How could they be friends?

Once again the author used characteristics about the bodies of the animals. This time to explain the things they shared alike and those that were different while also explaining that you can like each other without having to look the same.

The illustrations are fun and colorful and this story would have me wagging your tail if I were a dog. Being human, I wore a big grin instead.

~~~~~

Synopsis

In this charming picture book- a sequel to her award-winning book, How Dachsunds Came to Be, Kizzie Jones shows us that true friendship is not just about looking past each other’s differences…it’s about discovering and celebrating those differences.

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Freakin Fridays #68 ~ Unidentified by Michael McBride

Posted: February 15, 2019 in Aliens, audible, horror, reviews, Science Fiction
Tags: aliens, audible, Horror, review, sci-fi

Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

I’ve been delving back into some science fiction. Those of you who know me won’t be surprised that this also has elements of horror. It’s time for some aliens!

~~~~~

Unidentified

by Michael McBride

Narrator: Joe Hempel

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Publication Date: July 10, 2018

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 2 hrs. and 24 mins.

Genre: Horror / Science Fiction

My Review

The opening scene is from 40 years ago. A group of friends slowly regain consciousness, battered and confused about what had happened to them. Flash forward 40 years and the suicide of one of the group. The event brings them back to the place they’d hoped never to return to. It was time to dust off the buried memories they couldn’t outrun and once and for all put an end to them.

This is a fairly short story and I think that worked well. I was quickly filled in on past events and the author kept the momentum of the story moving right along as the story leapt to the present and the scary stuff began.

Ever wondered about those reported cattle mutilations? Does the government know who or what is behind them? Michael McBride took those elements and gave me quite the scary read. He also kept me guessing. What really happened to all of those missing people? Was it aliens or wasn’t it?

As the childhood friends meet up 40 years later they have their own set of questions. Did they stop it all those years ago or did whoever or whatever was doing the killings just learn to hide their actions better? How could they not be discovered? This is where it got particularly creepy. As the characters get their answers so did I, and they weren’t what I was expecting. I leapt to one conclusion and then to another and back again.

I wish I could share how it all ends. Another surprise.

Did I enjoy Unidentified? Yes, I did. Especially when the story took a surprising and creepy turn. Would I recommend it? Sure enough. It’s a fun spin on alien’s that would make a great movie.

Read by Joe Hempel

Joe Hempel did a good with the creepy scenes and I could easily tell which character was speaking. He made this a fun experience and I’d gladly listen to him again.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Four teenagers awaken in a scorched cornfield with no memory of how they got there. All they know is that there were five of them when they found the carcass of the mutilated cow.

Forty years later, Eric Devlin sends a cryptic email to the other three survivors: I remember everything.

Karl Doering has spent the majority of his life trying to understand what happened that night and learn the fate of his missing friend. He responds to the mysterious message and finds that Eric has killed himself in a decrepit barn, behind which is a cornfield filled with mutilated cattle.

When a local girl goes missing, Karl realizes that he and the other two survivors are her only hope. To find her they must confront repressed memories so traumatic they’d driven Eric to take his own life . . . and creatures straight out of their worst nightmares.

Amazon / B&N / Tantor

~~~~~

The above cover is for the audible edition.

Here are some additional covers.

33285353 38310393

Which do you like more?

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

What’s New On My Bookshelf #299 and The Sunday Post

Posted: February 10, 2019 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: my weekly news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

~~~~~

Some chit chat.

The weather was so nice this week. Warm and… warm. LOL It did take a dip back to cold on Friday. But Saturday I got up to sunny skies and it warmed up quite nicely around lunch time. Supposed to stay high sixties to seventy all next week. Spring is in the air and I can’t wait!

Nothing much else to report. So I’ll just say……..

Have a lovely Sunday.

~~~~~

My new books this week.

~~~~~

And here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

~~~~~

Click on the covers for this week’s reviews.

~~~~~

Who survives the Night Shift

Posted: February 9, 2019 in reviews, Science Fiction
Tags: review, Science Fiction

Got a chilly one for you today. Thanks to Flame Tree Press I received this beautiful paperback ARC of Night Shift by Robin Triggs and I’m happy to share my review with you.

~~~~~

Night Shift

by Robin Triggs

Genre: Science Fiction

My Review

I was really wanting to love this. Stories that are set in Antarctica are a big draw for me. The harshness of frigid temps and the isolation from society. It brings group dynamics into play. Another favorite aspect for me.

It was fascinating to see how this group of miners would handle the challenges that were thrown at them. The long night is coming. A new Chief of Security, Anders Norvekdt, arrives. The crew lacks confidence in his abilities as the winter over starts. His own self doubt is evident and when the commander’s body is found frozen outside and communication with the outside world goes down, he’s the likely suspect. But, trust is in short supply, and the crew also turn their suspicions on each other.

Who would fall to the hunger, fear and isolation and who would rise to lead was the best part of this story. I can’t say it was the character’s personalities. I didn’t warm up to any of them. And I was disappointed in the world building. I gathered it was in the near future as the mining operation was a last ditch hope to discover a new energy source to keep society alive. But it was never really explained. You’re left to draw your own conclusions.

The last quarter of the book was pretty thrilling. As the last remaining crew members have to rely on each other to survive, despite their mistrust, their situation gets more dire. Lack of food and water and a way to stay warm force them into smaller and smaller locations. The author put me in their shoes as they despair, grow weaker and weaker. Crammed together, they wait for the night shift to end.

The issues that kept me from loving this book weren’t major, yet, they did add up. I can say I never wanted to stop reading and I did enjoy it.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Antarctica. A mining base at the edge of the world. Anders Nordvelt is over-promoted and he knows it. Arriving at Australis base on the last transport before the long night falls, he is to take over as Chief of Security. It should be an easy job. The crew have all been rigorously psychoanalysed and he’s there only because the rulebook says the position must be filled. The biggest challenge Anders anticipates is to find his place within an established group. But shortly after his arrival communications to the outside world are cut. Suspicion immediately falls upon Anders. It’s his job to uncover the culprit – but how can he find answers when the rest of the crew, bound by relationships, resentments and passions he knows nothing about, see him as the threat? Surely no-one can have crossed thousands of miles of wasteland – the sabotage must have been an inside job. But how could a criminal have got past the screening process? Then the commander’s body is found in the ice. The running of the base falls to the senior staff, Anders included, but there is open hostility towards him. Only the uncertain support of the engineer, Max, gives any hope. But can he trust her? Is he giving her too much leeway as it is? Amidst the fear the work must continue. In a world where every last scrap of fuel is precious, the minerals must keep flowing. But the attacks continue, leaving them with no heating and little food. As they shelter in a basement room, claustrophobia, starvation and madness become as big a threat as a murderer. Will Anders live long enough to find the killer? Will anyone survive the night shift, or will future explorers find only ice and frozen corpses in the last remaining wilderness on the planet? FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launching in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

Amazon / B&N

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

fuonlyknew

Follow Blog via Email

Recent Posts

categories

Find me on X

Follow me via Bloglovin

Say hi on Facebook

My Pins

Books I’ve Read

Archives

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

What’s New On My Bookshelf #301 and The Sunday Post

Saturday Screams #62 ~ Dark Corners Three Times Around

That Which Grows Wild ~ Review and Giveaway

The Kid’s Korner #34 ~ The Firefly

The Puppy Who Knew Too Much ~ Review and Giveaway

GIVEAWAY

What’s New On My Bookshelf #300 and The Sunday Post

Hot Diggity Dogs!

Freakin Fridays #68 ~ Unidentified by Michael McBride

What’s New On My Bookshelf #299 and The Sunday Post

Who survives the Night Shift