Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share books that, well, make you scream!
Today I’m inviting, no, daring you to take a tour of a haunted forest. Beware, there be monsters. So many monsters!
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The Haunted Forest Tour
by James A. Moore & Jeff Strand
Genre: Horror
My Review
I had to catch my breath after reading this one.
Want some thrills? Take a tour of the haunted forest. It’s perfectly safe. Are the monsters real? You’ll soon find out.
The ride begins. Of course, one of the trams breaks down. I couldn’t wait to keep reading and my face grew a maniacal grin because I knew this was where the monsters would come creeping in. I swear, I will never go into the woods again without thinking of this book. It’s creepy, then it’s suspenseful, then it’s creepier, then more suspenseful, and so on. It doesn’t slow down but ramps up and up.
Every kind of creeping, crawling, flying thing you can imagine and then some are prowling the forest. Some want to bash you. Some want to eat you or drain your blood. Some just want to rip you to pieces. All of them want you dead. The party has begun and the lookie loos are the favors.
This was fodder for my horror appetite. I wanted crazy bloody mayhem and I got it. Did I love this book? Yes. Would I recommend it? Most definitely.
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Synopsis
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Haunted Forest Tour! Sit back and enjoy a smooth ride in air-conditioned comfort as your heavily armored tram takes you through nature’s most astonishing creation. The forest is packed to capacity with dangerous and terrifying creatures of all shapes, sizes, and hunger levels, and you’ll get to observe these wonders in complete safety. Howl with a werewolf! Gaze into the glowing eyes of a giant spider! Look right through a spooky ghost! See horrific monsters you couldn’t even imagine, only inches away from you! Things with fangs, things with claws, things with dripping red jaws-you’ll see them all! Not thrilling enough? Well, it’s Halloween, and so we’re offering a very special tour through the Haunted Forest. The new route goes deeper into the woods than any civilians have ventured before, and you’re guaranteed to get a good scare! Rest assured that every possible security precaution has been taken. The Haunted Forest Tour has a 100% safety record, and technical difficulties are unheard of. You will be in no danger whatsoever. We promise. Bram Stoker Award-nominated authors James A. Moore and Jeff Strand have teamed up to take you on an action-packed, monster-laden adventure that will make you laugh, scream, and think twice before going near ghastly oversized beasts that want to devour you. “[An] absolute gem of a read…What comes next is over two hundred pages of non stop, in your face, gore drenched action…You will be exhausted by the time you reach the satisfying last page…Think Jurassic Park with bloodthirsty demons on an adrenaline rush and you have The Haunted Forest Tour.” – GoreZone magazine “James A. Moore and Jeff Strand are a literary dream team. Devout readers of the genre are in for a real treat as these two horror heavyweights combine forces and battle their characters to the bloody death…Remember how it felt to inventory and consume your candy on Halloween night? That’s the atmosphere in the forest. You feel like a glutton, like you couldn’t possibly stomach one more gooey demise, but you turn the page and unwrap another nightmare anyway.” – Horror-Web “Moore and Strand heap scares upon plot twists in one of the freshest and most entertaining novels in recent years. The authors offer a frightening and high-octane tale, presented as an apocalyptic disaster movie.” – Horror World
A violent attack. The victim recovers only to be found strangled several days later. Adina can’t let it go. The safety of people she cares about hangs in the balance. The assailant struck so close to home.
This was a fun, quick read. Finished it in a couple hours. There’s a bit of a mystery in a mystery as the two attacks could be the same or two different assailants. I quickly grew to bond with several of the characters. Adina and her policeman boyfriend, Jonathan, were adorable. And retired policeman and neighbor Bart Crockett is someone I’d like to have living in my neighborhood. I spid a little romance brewing between Bart and Joan, owner of the Cutie Pie dog rescue center. His recent adoption of one of her puppies doesn’t appear to be the only reason she comes to visit.
While I haven’t read the previous books in the series. I had no trouble following along and enjoying the characters. And being a huge fan of cozies, I’m sure I’ll be going back to the beginning to see how the series began.
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Synopsis
Adina can’t resist snooping when someone she knows turns up dead. Again.
When a colleague at a prestigious think tank meets a violent death, Adina’s not convinced any of the obvious suspects disliked him enough to want him dead. Can the young research assistant, a quirky neighbor, and a lovable rescue pup help the police put together the pieces of the puzzle?
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Author Cassidy Salem
Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of mysteries (both cozy and traditional) and police procedurals. Cassidy also enjoys reading historical fiction focused on American and world history, as well as the classics. When she’s not reading, she enjoys music and spending time with family and friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible. Her travels have taken her to destinations throughout the United States, Europe, and Scandinavia.
Award-winning author Claudette Melanson offers eleven new and original stories to
make your skin crawl at any time of the year. This horror anthology
also includes an original short by Amazon International Best-Selling
Author, Lynn Lamb, titled “Bring Me Flesh and Bring Me Wine.”
A special bonus story is also included by Melanson, “Mislead,”
previously published only on the Halloweenpalooza blog. Grab a cup of
cocoa and make sure the windows and doors are locked tight as you
settle in by the fire to enjoy these tales of terror, but be
warned…locks have never succeeded at keeping Santa from gaining
entry. If you enjoy a slice of horror with your holiday cheer, this
collection of Christmas horror shorts will satisfy all your dark
cravings during the holidays…and beyond.
Terror One:
Who is Santa really? Does something sinister lurk beneath the red suit
and apple-cheeked visage? More importantly, what does Santa want for
Christmas?
Terror Two:
It is said that every wish bears a cost…even a wish of good intent.
What do Detective Talbot and his son, Mallory, stand to lose when the
pair seek to right a wrong on Christmas Eve?
Terror Three:
Christmas can be a time for great joy…but also for heart-wrenching regret.
Can the magic of Christmas Eve turn back the clock before time runs
out for Morana and her family?
Terror Four:
Snow falls white and clean, seeming to purify the small town of Moon,
Pennsylvania, but the woods behind Vaughn’s home have taken on a
sinister cast. The snow keeps falling in record-breaking depths, but
does evil lay hidden beneath its seemingly-innocent luster?
Terror Five:
As his elves scurry to fill the toy orders for the busy season, unknown
terror creeps toward the workshop intent on releasing an evil meant
to cancel Santa’s yearly deliveries forever.
Terror Six:
A well-meaning elf casts a spell which could inadvertently reveal the
dark truth about Santa’s workshop and its inhabitants. The world’s
children may end up paying a terrifying price, proving that the path
of good intention oftentimes does indeed lead to hell.
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Terror Seven:
A scary twist on a classic Christmas poem
Terror Eight:
Santa’s sleigh plummets to the ground, tearing all hope of a merry Christmas
to bits and pieces. Will the elves be able to employ enough magic to
stitch together some sort of solution? Or will their efforts only
deliver greater horror and loss?
Terror Nine:
Trinette is preparing to celebrate her first Christmas in love. Her boyfriend
says he found the perfect gift for her, but beneath the shiny red
paper and ribbon lies a secret he’s kept hidden during all the months
of their courtship…
Terror Ten:
The world’s population explosion means business is booming at Santa’s
workshop, with the need to expand making a difficult excavation below
the permafrost necessary. But the elves should use caution lest they
dig up an evil best left buried.
Terror Eleven:
A special holiday treat for Maura DeLuca fans! Riptide ended on a happy
note, but how did Maura’s extended family celebrate Christmas? Could
it be that the holiday didn’t quite play out the way the vampires planned?
Terror Twelve:
It’s a dangerous time to call oneself a non-believer. Those who scoff at
Santa’s existence are melting all over the world. But could the
benevolent head elf turn out to be the murderer?
Vampires, ghosts, demons, elves, werewolves, serial killers and a rampaging
Krampus are just a few of the monsters creeping amongst the pages
of The 12 Terrors of Christmas.
Are you brave enough to venture inside to experience the flip side of
the typical Hallmark-themed Christmas?
A Christmas stocking stuffed with chilling tales or were-deer, zombie elves, all manner of scary beings and a Santa like no other. It sure puts a new light on the holiday and being naughty or nice.
I enjoyed all of these. And I also liked how some of them connected to each other. While they didn’t particularly scare me, the author sure put a wicked fun spin on some legends. I’d like to see several of these as full length stories. Especially one on how Santa came to be what he was.
If you’re a fan of short stories and holiday horror, these would be some tasty nibbles for you. Be careful though. It’s not all sugarplums and gaily wrapped presents. Some of these bite back.
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Claudette Melanson writes dark fantasy, horror and children’s books in
Kitchener, Ontario with seven bun babies at her side: Tegan, Pepper,
Butters, Beckett, Sansa, Daenerys & Caramel. She graduated from
Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English, BS in
English Education and an MA in Literature. Harboring a deep
admiration of vampires since the age of five left her with the desire
to eventually become one, and now fuels the creation of her favorite
paranormal characters. She hopes to one day work full time as an
author, since there are many, many stories playing out inside her head.
Inher very scant spare time, she enjoys watching Japanese Anime and
reading vampire stories…along with other genres of great fiction,
as well as riding every roller coaster she encounters in both her
hometown and away at signings. An advocate for good health and
ketogenic eating, her favorite foods are bulletproof coffee,
cashew-flour crust pizza and treats made with xylitol and almond,
coconut or cashew flours.
Future dreams include a cabin boasting a roaring fire, isolated inside a
snow-filled wood in the Yukon—the perfect writing spot—and the
completion of dozens of future novels and stories. A Rabbit Rescue
fanatic and loving bunmom, she also hopes to help rescues all over
the world save many innocent lives.
Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share books that, well, make you scream!
Today’s book is one I can’t wait to share. I’ve read most of Kathryn’s books and they never fail to keep me reading straight through until I reach the last word!
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The Last Vampire
by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Genre: Horror
My Review
Kathryn never lets me down. Whenever I open one of her new books, I expect something that won’t allow me to be distracted from the story. Thus is the case with The Last Vampire. I honestly couldn’t pull myself away until I had finished it. And it was unlike any vampire story I had ever read. So many times I was asking myself what just happened.
The story starts after humanity has been brought to the brink of extinction. But they aren’t the only ones who’s existence is threatened. Those that drink blood to survive are also desperate. Vampires no longer hide in the shadows. They boldly hunt down and drain every last drop from the remaining humans. And these vampires are different. They have a secret ability that makes them even more deadly.
I loved Emma. She was a survivor. Not only did she struggle against the elements and starvation, she also had to elude the blood thirsty vampires. Even though the future was bleak, she never gave up hope. I can’t count the times I yelled out loud, cheering her on or dreaded reading what was coming for her.
And those pesky vampires. They were much more than they appeared. I cringed at some of the scenes of carnage. They had a primitive yet rigid living arrangement. I tried to picture what they would look like. I came up with a cross between 30 Fays Of Night and John Carpenter’s Vampires. I dare say I probably wouldn’t have survived an encounter.
This needs to be made into a movie. It wisso visually written and filled with edge of your seat events. Just take a gander at that amazing cover. A perfect depiction of the story. I’d tag The Last Vampire as a horror dystopian. If this is your thing, grab a copy. Plenty of surprises await and you’ll be entertained from the beginning to the haunting end.
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Synopsis
The earthquakes with their falling ash, the global floods and the devastating fires arrive first. Then the worldwide plague with its stench of death. And as mankind suffers and dies out, vampires, their numbers dwindling, struggle and fight fiercely among themselves to survive in a world where there aren’t enough humans to prey and feed upon. As the weeks go by they become fewer, more desperate and more ruthless. Emma, as the world disintegrates around her, finds herself alone, family all have perished…and fending off an unnatural hunger as she becomes one of the undead. Fighting her unwanted destiny she’s determined to resist the bloodlust she feels, the need to kill and feed on humans, of losing her humanity, for as long as she can bear it…but she’s so hungry…and the night calls.
A mermaid’s supernatural beauty serves one purpose: to lure a sailor to
his death.
The Massacre is supposed to bring peace to Eriana Kwai. Every year, the
island sends its warriors to battle these hostile sea demons. Every
year, the warriors fail to return. Desperate for survival, the island
must decide on a new strategy. Now, the fate of Eriana Kwai lies in
the hands of twenty battle-trained girls and their resistance to a
mermaid’s allure.
Eighteen-year-old
Meela has already lost her brother to the Massacre, and she has lived
with a secret that’s haunted her since childhood. For any hope of
survival, she must overcome the demons of her past and become a
ruthless mermaid killer.
For the first time, Eriana Kwai’s Massacre warriors are female, and Meela
must fight for her people’s freedom on the Pacific Ocean’s deadliest
battleground.
How could I resist a book about mermaids, especially some deadly ones.
This isn’t a whimsical, romantic tale of beautiful mermaids. Yes, they can be beautiful, but when they change to feed, their true nature is unmasked and they become monsters with red eyes, scaly skin, and teeth like pointed daggers.
No one knows why the mermaids came to the island of Eriana Kwai or why they started to attack the sailors. For many years now, the islanders have sent out ships filled with warriors to try to destroy the mermaids. Year after year the ships don’t return and the mermaids continue to rule the seas, cutting them off from the bounties of the deep, forcing them into poverty and desperation.
No matter what they tried, even training the men to fight blind to resist the hypnotic eyes of the sirens, fails. Then, what was tossed out as a futile suggestion was implemented and a new ship set sail, armed with twenty young girls, maiden warriors that will not fall to the sirens call of the mermaids.
All hope rests on these maidens. Hope they will succeed. Hope the fishermen can return to the seas. Hope for freedom once again.
I read this book in one evening, completely captured by the characters and action.
A young girl, defying the edicts of her people, ventures to the beach and rescues a young female mermaid. The two become secret friends until a betrayal brings Meela back to earth. These creatures killed her brother, killed so many brave young men. They are a parasite that must be destroyed.
Meela is wise for her years and becomes a fierce warrior. When they maidens set sail to the the mermaids nest, I was confident they would succeed. Until the first encounter.
These mermaids are smart, working together and using the seas resources to battle the humans, and they are relentless.
Some of the descriptions of their change from alluring to lethal really chilled me and the battles were bloody and cold-hearted on both sides, the seas red with blood There’s no room for mercy or humanity against them.
There’s emotional conflict too. Meela isn’t heartless and is torn between protecting her people and what she can do to change things.
As the girls battle the mermaids, they also battle each other. Being trapped on a ship together in the vast ocean, they are bound to clash and leaderships will be challenged.
Girls become women become warriors in a bloody battle for survival.
The war is ongoing and I’m looking forward to more high seas action.
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Ice Crypt
Mermaids of Eriana Kwai Book 2
From award-winning author Tiana Warner comes the sequel to Ice Massacre,
the #1 Amazon Kindle Best Seller.
*
Meela has just returned from the Massacre—the annual attempt to wipe out
the mermaids threatening her people’s survival. After forming an
unlikely connection with Lysi, a mermaid she was trained to kill,
Meela is determined to stop the war between humans and merpeople for
good. She knows of a legendary weapon that could bring peace if she
uses it against King Adaro, ruler of the Pacific Ocean. But her
people have plans for future Massacres and refuse to help her uncover it.
While Meela works in secret to unearth the Host of Eriana, Lysi is held
captive under Adaro’s tyranny. Sent to the battlefront, Lysi joins
forces with a band of rebels that could either bring her freedom—or
have her executed for treason.
Separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, Meela and Lysi must find a way to defeat
King Adaro and end the war that has been keeping them apart.
The final adventure in the Mermaids of Eriana Kwai trilogy …
Meela and Lysi have unleashed Sisiutl, legendary two-headed serpent of the
Pacific Northwest. It was supposed to be an ally that would help them
win the war. Instead, it has fallen under the control of King Adaro,
ruler of the Pacific Ocean. If Meela and Lysi can’t stop him, Adaro
will use the deadly serpent to rid the oceans of mankind.
With the American military using catastrophic weapons of their own to
retaliate, Meela and Lysi must make peace between humans and
merpeople before one race destroys the other. The journey will risk
their lives and put their relationship to the test—but the
vengeance that has been consuming Meela’s thoughts, day and night,
might prove even more dangerous.
Tiana Warner is the best selling author of the Mermaids of Eriana Kwai
trilogy. Her books have been acclaimed by Writer’s Digest, Foreword
Reviews, and the Dante Rossetti Awards. She holds a bachelor’s
degree in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia.
Tiana enjoys riding her horse, Bailey, and is an active supporter of
animal welfare.
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 a collection of illustrated poems by a talented brother and sister writing team.
check to see if still free
20 Degrees From Normal
Creative Poems For All Ages
by Anissa and Antonio Ferris
Genre: Poetry / Illustrated Chidlren’s Book
My Review
Anissa and Antonio Ferris, sister and brother teen writers, show a lot of imagination in their poems dealing with situations kids face in their every day lives. Younger readers and teens will surely relate to some of the messages presented in them. I sure did with Fly Invader and Inverse Nurse. My son’s favorites were Pet Rex and Pet Spider.
The vibrant and fun illustrations by Fanny Liem connect you with each poem. They pop right off the pages.
Sweet and funny, this rhyming book, whether read together or alone, will become a family favorite.
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Synopsis
By teens for teens. Who better understands teens than teens themselves? In this funny poem collection siblings, Anissa and Antonio Ferris, explore a plethora of subjects.
You will be amused be the rant of an unappreciated wheel. You’ll relate to the alarm clock failing to work. You’ll acknowledge the wisdom of the lighthouse. You’ll laugh at the battle with the fly. You’ll ponder the joys of friendship. You’ll be amused by what happens to those who are unprepared. You’ll marvel at what a best gift is. You’ll laugh at the havoc a pet rex would create. You’ll be amused by the shampoo phenomenon. You’ll nod your head as you read the teenagers’ and the parents’ point of view. And many more! Whether you’re a high school freshman or senior, scroll up and grab your copy now to finally enjoy a book by authors who get you!
I got hooked quickly in the first book in this series and while the author wrapped it up nicely, she introduced a new character and a new twist to lead to the next story. And I enjoyed this one every bit as much.
Old characters dip into and out of the action as they all work together in one way or another. The ladies may play the part of a damsel in distress, but they don’t wait for one of the sexy alpha’s to rescue them. They get right in the thick of things.
And the part I’m sure you are waiting for. The dogs! Not only can Katie give us genuine human characters, she also does this with her four legged ones. you’ll fall in love with each one. You’ll fear for their lives as much as their human partners. They are working dogs, trained for specific duties and highly intelligent, yet also gentle, loving, and up to some silly antics.
A series like this is made to order for me. I met all of the character’s in the first book and each one that comes after has a secondary character step up and have their own story.
Suspense, romance and sharp and witty dialogue keep the story moving at a fast clip. I’d love to this made into a movie or series. there would never be a dull moment.
Read by Callie Beaulieu
Callie does such a great job narrating. I’m happy to see she will continue to do this series. I’ve come to recognize her vocalizations for the characters and feel comfortable with her telling their stories.
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Synopsis
The sole witness to a horrific crime, Kaylee Ramay flees to the Colorado Rockies to start a new life. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel employee desperately trying to avoid attention—especially from dangerously attractive K9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.
Because Hugh is tall, dark . . . and nothing but trouble.
Hugh is anxious to get back in the field after an act of heroism left him warming the bench.Until then, he and his K9 partner Lexi spend their hours teasing the town’s mysterious newcomer. But when their simmering attraction is nearly cut short by a sniper’s bullet, Hugh’s mystery woman must come clean about the secrets she keeps . . .
i can’t get enough of this series. And I love ones like this where each new book brings forth some secondary characters, letting their stars shine. Double tough women in danger, alpha men with soft spots for their women and animals, dogs that risk their lives for their humans yet also get up to fun antics, makes this a golden series for me.
It’s new danger, new romance, and the suspense keeps the plot edgy and fast. In fact, I’d say this one had the most thrilling scenes yet. When I wasn’t anxious for the safety of the characters, I was tickled by the blooming romance, the snappy, sometimes snarky dialogue, and the antics of the dogs and one crazy goat.
I can’t decide who I love more. Katie’s human character’s or her canine ones. Good thing I can love them all!
Still an addictive series and one I very much recommend.
Read by Callie Beaulieu
Callie did another super job narrating this story. Her vocalizations of the characters are familiar and something I’ve come to look forward to. It was a pleasure to listen to her and I’m happy she will be continuing with this series.
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Thanks so much to Tantor Audio and the author for the complimentary copies.
My reviews are voluntarily given.
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Synopsis
K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe’s very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path—but for all his big heart, he’s never been in love.
Until he meets Sarah Clifton’s haunted eyes. Until he realizes he’ll do anything to save her.
All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there’s no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth . . . but he’d never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado, by her side, Sarah’s finally ready to face whatever comes her way.
I’m always up for a haunted house story. This has that and much more. Oasis sounds like the perfect little town. But, of course, all is not as it appears. The denizens are reclusive and strange, rarely seen during the day and partying at night. Phantom figures prowl the dark streets and vandalism occurs for no apparent reason. The younger adults are kept separate from the older inhabitants. Offered housing in the apartments while the elders live in posh estates tucked away from the town’s center.
An invite to a party at the abandoned and supposedly haunted End House is extended to the younger residents and they decide to go. What happens there is the stuff of nightmares. I felt like I stepped into Stephen King’s Rose Red mansion when I followed this group of people into End House. It seemed to have a mind of it’s own, and evil was at it’s core..
The beginning of the book was slow for me. So many character’s to distinguish and it was hard to connect with them. Plus. I would have liked more showing. Lots of telling at the start and it kept the reading slow. Once I got to enter End House, things sped up fast. Lots of weird things happened and some sinister beings came out to play. That was more of what I was looking for. From then on the story got very interesting.
While The Dead Game didn’t really scare me, I was kept entertained. If you don’t mind a slower start and a large cast of characters to get to know, I’d recommend you give this a go. It sure has it’s moments.
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Synopsis
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Linda Bennett leaves New York for the slower-paced lifestyle of Oasis,
Florida. She opens a bookstore and makes new friends. Life is simple
that is until the dead body washes up onshore. She is horrified to
learn that dead bodies and disappearing tourists are typical for this
small town. Rumors abound of secret parties held by the original
residents in their secluded mansions. Once night falls, the
tourist-friendly community becomes a haven for evil and dark shadows.
However, this is only the beginning.
Linda and her group receive an unsigned invitation to a party at End House,
the deserted house in the forest behind the town, a mansion with a
violent history. They are pursued through revolving rooms and
dangerous traps, barely escaping with their lives, leaving two of
their friends trapped inside.
It is up to Linda and her friends to search out The Dead and find the
evil one controlling their once peaceful community. Can they trust
the Sheriff and his best friend, Todd?
I have always loved to read. I grew up with Agatha Christie, Alistair
Maclean and so many other authors who filled my imagination with
intrigue and mystery. The TV show, Murder She Wrote, kept me
entertained when I was not reading late into the night.
Over the years, my taste in books has expanded to include the supernatural
and paranormal genres as reflected in my selection of shows, such as
Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, and The Originals.
My first book, The Dead Game, is a paranormal suspense/mystery. It
brings fantasy and the surreal to the simple murder mystery. It has
dead bodies and suspects. However, it also has vampires, vampire
derivatives, and a touch of romance to spice up the mix.
Welcome to Polo Springs, a sleepy little town on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s
a great place to live—if you don’t mind the hurricanes. Or the
flooding. Or the unusual wildlife . . .
Iguanas. They’re Everywhere.
Maybe it’s the weather. But the whole town is overrun with the little
green bastards this year. They’re causing a lot of damage. They’re
eating everything in sight. And they’re just the babies . . .
Humans. They’re What’s For Dinner.
The mayor wants to address the iguana problem. But when Hurricane Ramona
slams the coast, the town has a bigger problem on their hands. Bigger
iguanas. Bigger than a double-wide. Unleashed by the storm, this
razor-toothed horde of prehistoric predators rises up from the
depths—and descends on the town like retirees at an early bird
special. Except humans are on the menu. And it’s all you can eat . . .
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MY REVIEW
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It’s only some little iguana’s. How bad can it be? Lots. These guys are emerging in record numbers and they aren’t afraid of us. What if there are larger ones? There are. Of course there are. It’s a Hunter Shea book, after all.
The poor little Florida town and it’s inhabitants are reduced to rubble and red smears on the ground once these monsters tear forth from underground. It’s all stompin, rompin, bloody good fun. Just look at the terrific cover and you get the idea.
We’re introduced to the characters. Come to connect with some of them. But, wait for it. Hunter is known for killing off his character’s and these iguana’s need to eat, a lot. So don’t get too attached.
The only niggle I had was the ending felt rushed. The carnage ended so quickly. Would have liked a bit more about it.
The first in a new creature series from Hunter and I can’t wait to see what he brings us next.
Hunter Shea is the product of a misspent childhood watching scary
movies, reading forbidden books and wishing Bigfoot would walk past
his house. He’s the author of over 17 books, including The
Jersey Devil (Pinnacle 2016)), Tortures of the
Damned (Pinnacle 2015), and We Are Always
Watching (Sinister Grin). Hunter’s novels can even be found on
display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. The Montauk
Monster (Pinnacle 2014) was named one of the best reads of the
summer by Publishers Weekly. He was selected to be part of the
launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line in 2011 alongside
legendary author Ramsey Campbell. His video podcast, Monster
Men, is one of the most watched horror podcasts in the world. Living
with his crazy and supportive family and two cats, he’s happy to be
close enough to New York City to see the skyline without having to
pay New York rent.
Publisher: WordFire Press Pages: 250 Genre: YA Fiction/Monsters/Thriller
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My Review
If you thought a theme park full of deadly monsters was bad, the aftermath when it all goes horribly wrong is even worse.
Michael Okon cranks up the craziness in his second book in the Monsterland series. The characters have to step up when the world falls into chaos and they battle new and deadlier monsters while also contending with the insane plotting of some dastardly villains.
I had such a blast reading this. It was fun to be back with the gang. I was really worried about one character in particular. He made quite the impression when he showed up again and quickly became a star in this follow up. I can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.
Yes, there will be another book in this thrilling series and I’ll be first in line. I am huge on horror and thrillers and anything monsters and this has it all. Also liked the apocalyptic tones. Once the action begins it doesn’t slow down. And there are some wild scenes that I think I’m glad I couldn’t see. LOL
Madcap fun through and through.
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Synopsis
After Monsterland has imploded, the entire world is thrown into chaos. World leadership is gone, economies have collapsed, and communications are non-existent. Wyatt must go beyond the boundaries of his small town to reestablish contact with the outside world, and alert the government about a traitor-in-chief.
During his journey he discovers a new threat released from the bowels of the defunct theme park.
When an army of relentless mummies, a life-sucking ooze called The Glob, and a hybrid reanimated Behemoth rise from the depths of Monsterland, who will survive?
A bright moon painted the desert’s surface pewter. Here and there, dark spots soiled the landscape like oil spills. Most of the bodies had been taken before the troops were ordered to leave. They carted away the corpses, bulldozing the zombies into mass graves, until radios chirped with urgent orders deploying the soldiers to the bigger threats that erupted in the main cities like a chain of angry volcanos.
Monsterland was extinguished, its carcass left for the vultures to pick, the exhibits silent as a tomb.
The dead president and his equally dead entourage were whisked away on Air Force One, along with the dark-clad special operatives that came and left like the brisk desert wind that now howled through the empty streets.
A gate screamed in the silence, slamming with a reverberating smash. The uneven gait of someone with a physical challenge filled the void. The scrape and plod of his limp echoed against the wall of mountains framing the theme park. His labored breathing huffed as he made his way down the streets.
A door creaked loudly as it was blown by the wind. He stopped, his distorted figure silhouetted in the pale moonlight, his body turning silver. He looked at the broken glass littering the pavement like diamonds, then up to the still, pre-dawn sky. He considered the sun peeking over the jagged horizon in the east, its golden light painting the dips and hollows of the hills. Soon the coming day would chase the darkness away.
Time was the enemy now. He had to move faster, or it would be too late. He picked up his pace, lurching along the winding road. A keening howl ricocheted through the streets, bouncing off the walls. It sounded like a … no, he thought, it couldn’t be. The werewolves were all dead. Destroyed by Vincent Konrad when he made their heads explode.
The old man paused, listening for it again, and was not disappointed when the animal whimpered. He gauged it to be inside the defunct vampire exhibit. He moved toward the entrance. The storefronts had been destroyed. A few body parts lay on the pavement, as if people had discarded them in a rush. He heard the scraping of paws on the street and a shiver went down his crooked spine.
He knew the werewolves were dead; he had seen it with his own eyes. A figure detached from the shadows. Igor flattened himself against the wall. He watched it move stealthily down the street, stopping when it scavenged a morsel of rotting flesh. It looked up to stare at Igor, its eyes glowing in the darkness.
A coyote? He waved a hand, dismissing it. It had to be a coyote; it was too small to be a wolf, too big to be a dog. The beast twitched its ears, then resumed its meal.
Igor knew the coyote was not a threat, and he continued his mission. His lame foot hit a can, sending a cacophony of sound like an explosion in the deserted park. The beast dropped the bone it was gnawing on, sniffing the area. Its iridescent eyes searched the streets.
It could be a baby wolf, Igor thought, keeping himself as still as possible. He felt it watching him, even from this distance. It was not a threat, yet.
Igor skittered away, hugging the walls of Monsterland, putting as much distance as he could between them. Not an easy feat, considering his distorted hips. He muttered to himself about carrion and the wind. His eyes darted nervously, scouring the hills, not exactly sure what he was looking for. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. His heart pounded so loudly he was certain that the creature watching him could hear it too.
His feet stumbling to a halt, he bent over, gasping for air, cursing Vincent and those meddlesome teenagers, as well as the rest of the world.
The beast gave another mournful howl that went right through him. Igor glanced at his empty hands, berating himself for not bringing a weapon. He searched his surroundings for anything to protect himself.
Then he saw it, one of the axes they had on almost every corner. All of them had been pulled from their protective cases. One was lying in a pool of coagulating blood, the blade long gone. He picked up the broken axe handle, turning in a semicircle. He was ready for an attacker.
A new, larger outline made his heart quiver with fear. It crouched in a corner, its snout covered with blood. This one was bigger, not a coyote, a wild wolf. Wait, he thought. Weren’t the gray wolves of California all but extinct?
Igor narrowed his eyes. The beast was a light reddish brown and not the silver gray of a wolf’s pelt. A chain hung from its neck, the pendant of a werewolf’s head dangling, emerald eyes flashing. What was it? Was it a mutant coyote? A wolf? Some weird hybrid, he wondered for a minute, his breath harsh in his ears. They watched each other soundlessly.
A hybrid then. He’d heard about them, a rare mixture of wolf and coyote. What did they call them? Coywolves …? or was it Woyotes? He shrugged indifferently. Perhaps someone’s pet, he decided. Igor’s mirthless laugh came out like a snort.
The coywolf stood still, its ears alert, its head cocked as if it was observing him.
Igor dropped the makeshift weapon, calling out, “Eat the rest of your meal, you dumb beast.”
The animal continued to watch him, its two front paws on the remains of a zombie’s chest.
Igor wiped his forehead, waiting, his eyes coming back to search the village, confirming it was empty, except for the carrion eaters like the coyotes and vultures. He looked up, noting the circling predators waiting for him to move on.
“Interrupted your meal,” he chuckled. Just the local scavengers looking for food. That was all; the shadows revealed nothing else. Satisfied he was alone, he moved on. He had work to do.
~~~~~
Author Michael Okon
Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.
Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.
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