Welcome to Thursday Theatre
Here is where I’ll be posting video clips about books and movies and fun stuff.
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Remember how terrifying Strangers was?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1TBIPelvbe]
Well check out You’re Next!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGvRfn82O1U]
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The Highlight Tour with Prism Book Tours
Shudder
348 pages
Published June 15, 2013
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It’s only been three days, and already everything is different.
Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa’s life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she’d counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she’d thought she’d tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she’s discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.
And then there are the visions.
The memory-altering “stitch” unlocked something in Alessa’s mind, and now she can’t shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers – and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world’s sorry history – will soon leave Alessa reeling…
24 – The Reading Diaries – The Mystery!
Why does Alessa keep feeling something following them through the woods? – Review at Here’s the Story
Shudder is filled with surprises around every corner, keeping me guessing till the very end.
– The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl – Raving Fans!
Can I just freaking say how much I LOVE this series?! Stitch was good. Shudder? AMAZINGLY AMAZING!!! I can’t even express how much I just LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. Everything about it was perfection. – Review at Literary Meanderings
– Rose & Beps Blog – Crushing on Side Characters!
Lizzie: I’ll support whoever can deliver that future, whether it’s the rebels or even the leaders of Paragon, if they were willing to change. I do believe in second chances. – Character Interview at Mousehead & Tales
25 – Chapter Break – Vile Villainy!
Samantha: …the Engineers(the bad guys) are based on a variety of people I’ve met and disliked over the years for their general arrogance and lack of ability to connect with people (though I’m not naming names, haha). – Interview at Joanna In the Sky With Books:
Review:
I enjoyed the merging of genre and thought it was a unique twist on sci-fi and dystopia, with a little paranormal aspect until we learn otherwise.
– Wonderings of One Person – Review
Shudder by Samantha Durante is a deeply touching and sensational story of discovery and freedom laden with heavy doubts and uncomfortable choices. I was swept away…
– Mortal Moments – Crushing on Characters!
Do YOU have any favourite fiction crushes or book boyfriends? Care to share them… so we can all swoon together! 🙂
Issac is one to add to the list of “book boyfriends”. – Review at A Thousand Lives
26 – A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner – Review
…what an ENDING! This story is keeping my head bent to my kindle. Ms Durante has IT, ladies and gentlemen. That thing that some authors have that just keep you turning the pages…
27 – Kindred Dreamhart – Catch some STYLE!
– The Bookish Daydreamer – OMG Endings!
Samantha: My favorite scene to write in Shudder was definitely the big revelation in the very last chapter. Heart-wrenching. – Interview at Lovely Reads
– Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Developing Deep Characters
Things get even more complicated when Alessa discovers something new about herself, a twist that I sure never saw coming. Again kudos Samantha for a great job well done. ~Review at Total Book Nerds
28 – YA Book Addict – Review
The one constant thought that kept coming at me while I was reading Shudder was the originality of it. I remember feeling the exact same way while I was reading Stitch. Personally, I have never read anything like it before and I have to give huge applause to an author who can create such a fantastically original, well written, engaging piece of writing.
– Library of a Book Witch – POV Perfection!
…the transitions between character to character are smooth and never feel unnatural or jarring, each character’s situation has a different aura to it, I could immediately tell which character I was currently reading about… Review at Book Adoration.
– Mommasez… – Writerly Wisdom
Do what you love. – Guest Post “Celebrating the Stitch 1 Year Anniversary” at Head Stuck in a Book
Imagine the world ended tomorrow. – Guest Post “Family & Relationships in a Dying World” at My World in Words and Pages
Review
Samantha teases us with two girls, one stoned by an angry mob, the other in a prison cell. We don’t know who is who. And it’s deliciously mysterious!!
29 – Mel’s Shelves – Praise for Pacing!
Fast paced with not a single dull moment, this book will have you turning pages until the end. – Review at Little Hyuts
Review
Oh, my! Dystopia at its finest! A quick word on Stitch (book 1): It had been a while since I’d read what it was about so I just started reading. It seemed like a nice time travel romance with a hint of something else and then BAM!, in came the dystopia element. At that point, I couldn’t put it down…
– Fundinmental – Painstakingly Plotted World
The complexity of the plot and the dynamics have you wondering what exactly Samantha has in her mind to be able to imagine this complex world. I never one time imagined that what happens in the book could actually happen but now the idea is planted firmly in my mind. It is a little freaky. – Review at Cynthia Shepp Book Reviews & Editing
Review:
Shudder… has so many things going on that, at times, I was torn about where I wanted the story to go.
30 – Literary Meanderings – Top Ten Raving Fan Moments!
Shudder is one of the best dystopians I’ve read so far! It’s so intense, so captivating. There’s a lot in it, and it’s so well written. The action, the suspense, the thrill… All of it will leave you begging for more. I know I am! Samantha, you’ve really set the bar with this one. I enjoyed every second of it. ~ Review at City of Books
31 – My Devotional Thoughts – More Crushing On Characters!
Interview with Isaac at Always YA at Heart
– Green Mountain Couple – More Vile Villainy!
“The memory alteration research mentioned some, well, unfortunate side effects…” – Guest Post at Crys Book Reviews
Review
I absolutely LOVE LOVED this book. It was one of those books that I picked up and didn’t want to set back down even after it was finished.
Sept. 1 – The Book Rogue – Review
Some things were not that unusual for a Dystopian, but there were also some shocking aspects — in the regard that I don’t find them too absurd to actually happen, like right now. Genius and insanity are utterly and truly a very fine line that tends to blur a lot.
Quote:
“What we haven’t told you yet–“
He paused, searching her eyes before he dropped his bombshell.
“– is that the outbreak wasn’t exactly a mistake.”
See what you’re missing… read Stitch & Shudder now!!
Also available in the iTunes store, Kobo, and wherever e-books are sold!
Samantha Durante
Tour-Wide Giveaway:
5 Winners. August 24 – September 16, 2013
* Signed print copy of Stitch & Shudder for you and two friends (USA only)
* Signed (via Authorgraph) e-book copies of Stitch & Shudder for you and two friends (Int’l)
* Signed Stitch & Shudder bookmarks + e-book copies of Stitch & Shudder (Int’l)
* $10 Amazon Gift Card (Int’l)
* $5 Amazon Gift Card (Int’l)
Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?
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What are you currently reading?
As The World Dies
Untold Tales #2
by Rhiannon Frater
THE FIRST DAYS: AS THE WORLD DIES introduced Jenni and Katie and their harrowing journey to the makeshift fort in the Texas Hill Country. FIGHTING TO SURVIVE: AS THE WORLD DIES continued their story as the two women joined the members of the makeshift fort in Ashley Oaks in the fight for survival against not only zombies, but the evil designs of bandits.
But theirs is not the only tale to be told.
In the second volume of the AS THE WORLD DIES UNTOLD TALES experience three terrifying tales of those who are forced to face the unrelenting and hungry walking dead.
In a nearby town Ken and Lenore have started their regular routine at Ken’s Beauty Salon. A terrible accident brings the undead plague to their front door and soon the best friends are scrambling to escape their overrun town…
Katarina is just finishing her shift at a roadside café when a badly injured man stumbles through the front door. She quickly realizes that to survive she must learn to kill…
And finally, a trapped family must face the fearsome truth that sometimes zombies are not the worst monster they have to fear as the world dies…
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What did you recently finish reading?
As The World Dies
Untold Tales #1
by Rhiannon Frater
THE FIRST DAYS: AS THE WORLD DIES introduced Jenni and Katie and their harrowing journey to the makeshift fort in the Texas Hill Country. But theirs is not the only tale to be told. In the first volume of the AS THE WORLD DIES UNTOLD TALES experience three terrifying tales of those who are forced to face the unrelenting and hungry walking dead.
Deep in the Texas Hill Country, a man and his little dog takes refuge in a bed and breakfast located in the hills above a doomed town where an infested rescue center might unleash the hungry undead…
On a deserted highway slicing through the desolation of West Texas, a woman struggles to survive as she faces the horrifying aftermath of the rise of the zombies…
And finally, discover what happens on the first day to Katie’s beloved wife, Lydia, as the world dies…
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What do you think you’ll read next?
As The World Dies
Untold Tales #3
by Rhiannon Frater
So, whatcha readin?
Have I got a New Release for You!
It’s my stop on the tour for Resilient and I get to tell you all about it!
Check out Resilient, enjoy my review and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Resilient Book Description:
Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier. Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone. Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart.
Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.
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My Review
It would be difficult to be around people if you were an empath. Imagine feeling everyone’s anxiety, fear, and anger. It would be overwhelming. I could see where this would be especially difficult for a teenager. It’s hard enough dealing with all the angst of becoming an adult. Add to that constantly fighting to keep up a barrier and anticipating and dreading a birthday.
Every few years, around her birthday, Livia develops a new ability.
That’s why Livia’s parents moved the family to the Pacific Northwest. To Seattle. They could live on their large estate, far from crowds, and Livia could have some peace of mind.
Her Uncle Henry helps her with her abilities and she’s discovered that when she’s underwater, the only emotions she feels are her own. So even saying the word water over and over in her mind helps to drown out the emotions.
Then there is Adam.
Unbeknownst to anyone except his family and his best friend, he also is an empath. He can feel people’s anger and uses his ability to calm them down, like tamping out a fire. You could call it mood control
He trains horses and that’s how he meets Livia. Her parents bought some horses from his parents farm and he’s stilling training Livia’s so they have to work together.
Their first meeting doesn’t go so well, but they grow on each other.
Livia wonders if not being able to read Adam is the only reason he gets on her nerves or is it that he seems to have the upper hand that puts a burr under her saddle.
As they get to know each other, their feelings change. They begin to like each other, a lot.
They both have secrets and fears. They have more in common than they know.
Will these two be able to trust each other? Be able to set aside their fears and reveal their secrets?
And are they prepared for the danger that’s approaching fast?
I enjoyed when Livia and Adam swapped quotes to each other.
“A mistake is just another way of doing things.”
“A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil.”
I looked forward to these.
The transition from one point of view to the other was smooth and easy to read. I never felt like I didn’t know who was speaking. It worked well for this book.
Livia and Adam are very strong characters and won a place in my heart.
I’m still not too sure about their parents though. I’ll have to see how they are in the next book.
Livia’s Uncle Henry is mysterious and keeps things close to the vest. Getting information out of him was work. I’d like to know more about him. Read his story.
There are many more characters that add to this story. Some I thought were villains were actually good guys and sometimes I had my doubts about others. Kept me on my toes and curious.
A good story makes you ask questions. Resilient made me ask many. I got some answers but not all, and the ending raised more. That’s why I’ll be watching for the next book. I need to know what happens next.
I was surprised to learn this was Patricia’s debut novel. When you read this book you’ll enjoy her easy writing style and eloquent phrases. Resilient reads like writing comes naturally to her.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the ending. I read it twice and I’ll probably read it again.
4 stars
Thought from Livia that I really liked:
“With Adam, I can only see what is on the outside. Reduced to the limitations of any normal person, I’m left wondering: How does anyone ever learn to trust?”
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About Patricia Vanasse:
Patricia Vanasse was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now she lives on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two adorable children, and two crazy dogs. She has been trough Culinary Arts, Psychology, LawSchool, and now has finally found her passion in creative writing. She also loves traveling, cooking, and is an avid reader. Her strength- believes that everything is possible.
Author Sites:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
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Prizes:
Kindle Paperwhite (US)
Signed Resilient paperback (INT)
Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways go HERE.
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I do enjoy a good love story.
Audrey’s Promise sounds promising.
Sorry, I just had to say that!
Find out more about Audrey and Ethan and don’t forget to enter the giveaway.
Also,Audrey’s Promise is FREE on Amazon right now!
Go HERE to get yours
Title- Audrey’s Promise
By- Susan Sheehey
Publication Date- July 24, 2013
Published By- The Wild Rose Press
Synopsis
Audrey Allen is poised to become the youngest Texas senator, a position that fits her nickname, The Peacemaker. But she’s unable to make peace with many in her hometown, where memories and grudges run deep from a decade-old tragedy.
Ethan Tanner, an ambitious and tantalizing journalist, joins her at Thanksgiving for an in-depth look at the promising candidate. But he has an agenda of his own that’s not entirely honorable.
Ethan could stir up trouble for her budding career, or awaken the deep passions she’s buried for so long. Will Ethan find that he values love more than getting the story?
Links-
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Join the Facebook Event!
Blitz- https://www.facebook.com/events/172285792973504/
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About Susan Sheehey
Susan writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction. After spending six years in the corporate world, her true passion wouldn’t let go and she’s been writing ever since. She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and son.
Links-
Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7189847.Susan_Sheehey
Website- http://www.SusanSheehey.com
Twitter- https://twitter.com/SusieQWriter
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/SusanSheehey
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Prizes:
2 Fall Themed Raffle Prizes
Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways go HERE.
Check out The Witch On Twisted Oak.
I have a lot to show you today.
Susan is talking about her book covers and I have a sneak peek from inside her book.
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
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Enjoy this guest post by Susan Muller
I recently had the good fortune to attend a workshop by Mark Cocker, founder of Smashwords. While his talk was geared toward indie publishing, his advice applied to everyone.
His most important piece of advice was to write a fantastic book. Then do it again.
Next, he said that writing is a business and most writers don’t make much money, so be careful what you spend your money on. Professional editing and your book cover are not places to skimp. Your book cover is the first thing people see. Be sure it makes the right impression.
This was a subject I heard discussed over and over at RWA Nationals Atlanta.
Some of the advice I knew, but hearing it again made an impression. For instance: your cover should target your reader. If you have vampires on your cover, there better be vampires in the story. If your cover features a couple in a deep lip-lock, the story shouldn’t be a sweet romance. It’s the feel or impression the cover gives that’s important.
Your covers should bear some similarity to each other so that the reader can recognize your work. The picture can be different, but keep the same font and placement of the title and author name.
One piece of advice surprised me. Your name is more important than the title of the book. That should be the first thing the reader sees.
I didn’t know any of these things when my first book came out. I wish I had. The font for the title of that book is hard to read in the thumbnail version. When my second book came out, I realized this was a series and the two covers should resemble each other. I even made sure the title hinted at a connection.
When my publisher sent me the two page questionnaire for cover information, I filled it out in excruciating detail.
In my first book, The Secrets on Forest Bend, the cop is standing on the left, looking toward the right. In the next book, The Witch on Twisted Oak, the cop is standing on the right, looking toward the left. The image of a badge and gun are switched, also.
Both covers feature the silhouette of a woman walking away and a building in the background. On one cover, it’s a house, and on the other it’s a lake cabin, indicating where the story takes place. On the second cover, my name is featured inside a box, making it more prominent.
I got lucky on the cover of The Witch on Twisted Oak. My hero is a 6’8” Hispanic guy. Photos don’t show height, so I didn’t have to worry about that part. I was very specific about who I wanted on the cover, and I got him. I even found the exact photo that would fit, and my cover artist, Rae Monet, did just what I asked.
Last February I attended a workshop on marketing and branding. The speaker was cover model and founder of Romance Novel Covers (RNC,) Jimmy Thomas. I already knew he had a wide fan base. Books sold on the basis of his photo alone.
When I saw him, I realized I had found my Ruben Marquez.
Here are my two covers, my first book, The Secrets on Forest Bend, and my new release, The Witch on Twisted Oak. Tell me what you think. Did I manage to convey what I wanted?
The next book in the series, Voodoo on Bayou Lafonte, will be out in January. My cop is half Jewish and half Cajun with a touch of Native American thrown in. If you know a model who will fit that description, let me know. This might be a tough one.
**Here’s a short excerpt from The Witch on Twisted Oak.**
Ruben’s desk looked just as it had when he left on Friday. No little elves had come in and cleared it for him.
“Morning, partner. You look like shit.” Adam gazed at him over the rim of his coffee mug.
“Thanks. You look like sunshine yourself.” Actually, Adam did look pretty good. Smiling. Who smiled at 8:00 on Monday morning? Someone who’d had a better weekend than he had.
“Ready to go catch us a bad guy?”
“Couldn’t happen too soon for me. Someone broke into Tessa Reyna’s house on Saturday. I’ve had her stashed at my cabin all weekend.”
Adam’s eyebrows rose. “Was she hurt? Any idea who did it?”
“No, and no. Not unless I have a report hidden here somewhere about fingerprints.” Ruben shuffled through his in box. Nothing.
He glanced at Adam. “I’ll call Tessa and make sure she’s okay before we head out to question Jacinto.”
“She’s a witness, Ruben.” Adam sat his mug down and stared at him.
Wow, he must be serious. He let go of his coffee. He wouldn’t dare give me the same lecture I gave him about Jillian. Would he?
“I know exactly what she is and I don’t need a Romeo, even a reformed Romeo, to remind me.” I also know what she thinks she is; a witch with magical powers.
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Synopsis
A powerful psychic is brutally murdered. Secrets are revealed. An old enemy is out for revenge.
Detective Ruben Marquez is thrust back into his childhood memories when he investigates a gruesome murder that occurs only feet from his mother’s home. Is the killer somehow connected to his own past? Is the beautiful, mysterious daughter of the victim, someone he can trust? Or is her revelation that she’s a witch a sign he should stay clear. But how can he, when it appears she’s next on the murderer’s to-do list.
In the ultimate test of courage, he uses himself as bait to protect all he holds dear . . . his career, his family, and the Witch on Twisted Oak.
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Here’s a glimpse inside
Ruben stood beside her shattered back door, a huge mountain of a man in his bulletproof vest. A gun as large as he was hung from his side. His gold detective’s badge clipped to his belt looked out of place with his jeans and t-shirt.
“I’ve phoned this in, but you can’t stay here.”
What did he mean, not stay here? This was her home. The only place she’d ever felt truly safe. “It’ll be okay. I’ll get someone out to fix the door.”
He took her arm and placed her in front of the back door. “Look at that door. You had it locked, but one good kick and he was inside.” He turned her toward him and stared into her eyes. “You can’t stay here. It’s not safe until we catch him.”
He wasn’t going to keep her from her own house. She twisted out of his grip and ran inside. Her eyes darted from side to side, seeing the destruction but not taking it in fully.
She sank to the floor in the middle of her bedroom when he caught up with her.
“Who would do a thing like this?” She held up pieces of a broken orange and gold necklace. “I made this myself. And the shower curtain he ripped down in the bathroom? I hand painted that.”
He made a strange sound and she looked up. His face was flushed. Maybe he wasn’t as cold as she thought.
“You need to pack a small bag. Nothing much, just a few casual clothes. I’ll take you someplace safe.”
She glanced around the room. How could she pack? She’d never find two pieces that matched, or both of a pair of shoes. Her eyes fell on a pile of her underwear and bras, scattered across the floor and her breath caught.
Who did she mind the most seeing her underthings, a nameless, faceless intruder, or the man standing next to her?
Him. She knew him. He had no right to look at the contents of her drawers, her closets.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Susan C. Muller is a fourth generation Texan. She attended StephenF.AustinStateUniversity where she majored in Business Administration. She started her first novel at age eleven, but it wasn’t until after she had worked many years and raised a family that she returned to her first love, writing. She is a member of Northwest Houston RWA, Kiss of Death online RWA, and The Houston Writers Guild. Her novel, The Secrets on Forest Bend, has won several awards.
Susan and her husband, Sid, live in Spring, Texas with their rescue dog, Buster, a 120 pound black lab of advanced age. They have two children and four grandchildren. They love to travel and have been fortunate to see much of the world. Her favorite places include Kenya, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands. When not writing, she can be found doing volunteer work at a local hospital. She loves to read, travel, snorkel and take long walks.
Website: http://susancmuller.com/
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Susan will be awarding a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn host.
So leave a comment. What do you think about the covers? Who would be a good model for Susan’s next book? Just leave some comment love!
Remember, the more you comment, the more chances to win!
Follow the tour for more fun posts by clicking on the banner below.
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways go HERE.
If you love dark, brooding horror. If you think you’ve read the worst there is. Then think again.
I have a book that can and will horrify you!
I’ve been waiting awhile for another book by Beck Sherman.
Goodbye Nothing was so worth the wait.
Beck warned me this was a lot darker than Revamp, and that’s so true.
Cain has it all. The beautiful, loving wife, an adorable little girl, and a new baby. He’s just received a well deserved promotion and everything is coming up roses.
On his way home, all that changes in a flash of bright lights. A car slams into his jeep and darkness descends.
What wakes up in the hospital is no longer Cain. Well, it’s him but not him. The man everybody looked up to is gone. In his place is something so vile it’s unimaginable, except in the author’s mind!
You’ll have no time to ponder this as what happens next leaves you speechless. It’s so horrific and the author doesn’t spare you from visualizing it.
I like that about Beck’s writing. Not afraid to go the distance, giving you the horror like a straight shot of Tequila. It burns going down.
Cain knows who he is, but what he was is gone. In its place is the Nothing. A gaping hole inside that he feeds with so much blood and gore. It’s never enough.
Here’s where it really gets interesting. He kills at will, but no one seems to notice. It’s like the Nothing is so hungry, it makes his atrocious acts invisible. People don’t seem to ‘see’ what’s happening, only the aftermath.
Any serial killer would love that.
Cain finally catches up to the man who slammed into his Jeep and left him for dead. The man who left him ‘Nothing.’
It was hard to read on as all of my senses came in to play. I visualized, I heard, I felt, and I smelled every bit of it. You’ve been warned, this is pure horror and it gets worse.
When the blind girl, Joey enters the story, I was relieved to have someone I could relate to in a way. Someone human. Someone nice. And I really liked Ren, her best friend. He’s a shining light in the story, funny and sweet.
But the author can’t just give you a bone . Beck wants you to gnaw on it. And I did with Joey. Something just felt off, felt sideways about her, and it worried me.
I love horror. I always have. I used to think demons were the scariest. Something that can possess you and you can’t even see it or touch it. Now I know the most horrific thing is right outside my door. Who knows. The person standing in line behind you at the grocery store may look human and act human, but be a monster waiting to strike. Waiting to follow you home and do terrible things to you.
Sometimes, the scariest monsters are human!
5 Stars
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I’ve also read REVAMP by Beck Sherman
Synopsis
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.
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About Beck Sherman
Beck Sherman was born and raised in Massachusetts, 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.
You can find out more about the author and other books here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807332.Beck_Sherman
https://www.facebook.com/revampnovel
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
Welcome to My Monday Minis.
This is where I review very short stories and flash fiction.
For today I’ll be telling you about The Devil’s Walk
by Brian Harmon
Carl Delsh is dying. He’s lived a long time and he’s ready to join his love who went 20 years ago.
His granddaughter and great granddaughter sit vigil as his time draws near.
In one of his last lucid moments, he tells his granddaughter, Amanda, about the tall man with long white hair who murdered his best friend Lonnie so many years ago.
This would be the perfect story to tell late at night, sitting in the woods, surrounded by trees, and the only light comes from the sputtering fire you sit around.
You’d be looking over your shoulder, squinting into the darkness.
Did something linger in the dark? Is someone peering back at you?
You’d be waiting from someone to yell Boo! You’d just want the suspense to end.
That’s how this story unfolds. Slowly gaining momentum and building in suspense.
This is not a ghost story. It’s a cautionary tale. And a really creepy one.
4 Stars
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I’ve also read another short story by Brian
In the six years Allan has owned his house, it has never been even remotely haunted. But after his wife is startled by an unknown noise, he begins to notice very strange activity throughout the house. At first, he’s excited by the idea of a ghostly visitor, but his enthusiasm quickly turns to dread as he realizes that his phantom guest has also begun to notice him.
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And on my next Monday Minis I’ll be reviewing another one of Brian’s short stories.
The Man in the Fire took everything Daniel ever held dear. Now Daniel sets out for one final confrontation.
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Brian Harmon
Brian Harmon is a writer of horror fiction, suspense and dark adventure. He grew up in Missouri and currently lives in Southern Wisconsin with his wife, Guinevere, and their two children.
You can find Brian and all of his books HERE.
Celebrating the release of Stripped (A Ferro Family Novel), author H.M. Ward is offering an amazing giveaway PLUS we have an excerpt! In Stripped, we get to know another Ferro brother, Jonathan Ferro!
Title: STRIPPED – A Ferro Family Novel
Author: H.M. WARD
Publisher: Laree Bailey Press
Release: September 2, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com
Links to the book:
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Book Description:
By New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling New Adult author H.M. Ward.
The V Card. Virgin. Most of us want to punch that sucker ASAP, and hide the fact until then, but not Cassie Hale. Three years ago she frickin’ covered hers in glitter and laminated the thing, proudly telling me that she’s waiting for the perfect guy.
So when I see her half naked, tangled together, rolling around on the floor with another stripper, I’m kind of shocked. Okay, that’s an understatement. I’m enthralled. I have to know what cracked her picture perfect world and landed her here, and I hope it’s something horrible-an event that broke her the way she broke me. Because, that’s who Cassie Hale is–the woman who stole my heart and crushed it in her hand.
Genre: New Adult Romance
Related Works: DAMAGED & THE ARRANGEMENT
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Here’s a peek inside Stripped
CASSIE (3 YEARS PRIOR)
My jackass cousin is speed-walking in front of me. She hauls through the glass mall doors and talks to me over her shoulder. “It won’t be that bad. My shift is only a few hours. You can shop the whole time and then we can meet up and hang out.”
I struggle to keep up with her long legs. Robyn is the only person who’s even close to my age that I know in this entire state. My mom sent me to Mississippi for the summer to give me a break from the city. Like I needed a break from New York? Please. She was just sick of looking at me. “What the hell am I supposed to do for that long? I don’t have money to shop for hours every day. You said you didn’t have to work, Robyn.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t, but things changed, Yankee. Suck it up.” I roll my eyes and mutter things. Robyn suddenly stops short and glances over her shoulder at me. “Don’t be mad, but I think I have the solution to your problem.” I raise an eyebrow at her. This can’t be good. Robyn’s solutions typically make more problems. “You have nothing to do, and he has nothing to do…”
“What are you talking about?”
“He’s cute, and a friend with benefits is a promise if you hang out with him.” I must appear horrified because she gives me a funny look. I’m a couple of years younger than her, barely eighteen. “You’ve had sex before, right?”
I blink at her like she has two heads. I hiss in a low voice, “No, I haven’t and I don’t want to. Robyn, did you seriously tell some random guy to come to the mall so I’d have sex with him? Are you insane?”
A slow smile creeps across her face. “Oh my God! You’re a virgin! You’ve got to be kidding me?” She’s looking at me like I’m a toddler in a tutu—it’s that sweet endearing face. The problem is that she’s way too loud. People around us are looking as they pass by.
Just as she says it, a guy with dark hair and blazing blue eyes stops next to me. He’s smiling at her as he folds his arms over his chest. “So, I’m here. What’d you want?” The guy is beautiful, like completely and totally stunning. His face is perfection, his arms and chest are sculpted, and those eyes—are they even real? He glances at me like I’m not worth looking at and then back at Robyn. “Who’s this?” He jabs his thumb my direction.
“That’s my cousin Cassie, the virgin.” Robyn is still smiling at me. “Cassie, this is Jonathan Ferro.”
Hot guy turns abruptly and cocks his head to the side. His eyes travel over my body inch by inch before returning to my face. “Why is she a virgin?” His face scrunches when he says the last word, like it’s horrible that I’m not a slut. “She looks perfectly doable to me.”
My jaw drops open. “Excuse me?”
“Well, you do. You’re a beautiful woman.” His eyes sweep over me again as if he’s accessing whether or not he’d have sex with me, which makes my cheeks burn. He takes in my reaction and smirks. “She blushes. I love that. It’s so virginal.”
Robyn laughs and looks utterly amused. “I know, right?”
Up until that moment, I was very proud of my virgin status. I wasn’t putting out for everyone and anyone, but this guy is rattling me and I only met him a second ago. He’s arrogant and cocky and everything I can’t stand wrapped up into one beautiful body. “Hello, I’m right here.”
“I know,” he says. “With that body, I can’t see why you’d have a problem, unless…” There’s a questioning tone to his voice.
“Unless what?” I’m actually stupid enough to ask him.
“Unless you’re into girls.” He rubs his jaw lightly and looks me over again with a smile. “Is that the reason?”
“No,” I squeal a little too loudly as my face flames redder. People walking by stare at us, which makes it worse. My mouth opens and closes a few times before sputtering, “I haven’t done it yet because I wanted to wait.”
“Why?” He blinks at me like I’m absurd.
“Until I find the right person.”
“You’re waiting on purpose?” He glances at Robyn, truly entertained.
~~~
Author Event Giveaway:
(1) Kindle Fire Prize Pak: THE WINNER WILL GET: A Kindle Fire, Plus 32 of H.M. Ward’s hottest ebooks including: Stripped, NYT Bestseller Damaged 1 & 2, NYT Bestseller Scandalous 1 & 2, NYT Bestselling Series Arrangement Vol 1-9, Secrets 1-5, The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1-5, and Christmas Kisses. Demon Kissed 1-5, Bane 1 & 2 (Value $270US)
Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
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About the Author
H.M. Ward is the #1 bestselling New Adult author in the world, having sold over 2 million books in 2013. This NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, and Amazon #1 bestselling writer’s series include: THE FERRO FAMILY: DAMAGED, THE ARRANGEMENT, and STRIPPED; as well as SCANDALOUS, TRYSTAN SCOTT, and SECRETS. Ward was recently featured in FORBES, the WALL STREET JOURNAL, and the WASHINGTON POST.
You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard. Don’t want to miss a release date: Text AWESOMEBOOKS to 22828 and get an email reminder on release dates.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hmward; @hmward
Blog: http://Blog.DemonKissed.com
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways go HERE.
