Posts Tagged ‘Short Stories’

Teaser Tuesday #175 ~ Fear Of The Scarecrow

Posted: October 18, 2016 in horror, reviews, Short stories and collections
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Teaser Tuesday | BooksAndABeat.com

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB at Books And A Beat.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

My Teaser for this week is from

Fear Of The Scarecrow

by Anthony Renfro

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Genre: Horror

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My Teaser

He read these words out loud.

“By the light of the moon!” “Avenge Me!”

Tommy looked from the moon to the scarecrow, who was now alive.

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My Review

They say that vengeance comes at a price. One man sure learns that the hard way when he calls something up from hell to to his bidding. And so do his targets.

This would be the perfect campfire tale. The author sets the tone. Gives you the plot. Then scares the crap out of ya.

As this is a short story, there’s not a lot of character development. Not much is needed. You get the picture pretty quick.  It’s all over in about 15 minutes. If you like small bites of good old fashioned horror, you”ll enjoy this one.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

This short story is about a desperate man hungry for revenge seeking justice. Sometimes justice comes with a price.

Amazon

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There’s also a bonus short story included in the eBook.

Gluten Free

My Teaser

What’s that? I hear a car pulling up outside, footsteps on the gravel parking lot, footsteps on the concrete stoop in front of the door, a knock, my death rattle. Okay, folks, let me answer the door.

“You order the pizza?”

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My Review

I love cheese. Macaroni & cheese. Lasagna. Tacos. All cheesy good. But, best of all….Pizza! I could eat pizza every day. Imagine not being able to eat your favorite food. Not being able to eat anything with gluten in it. Talk about being miserable.

One man has taken all he can take. He’s denied himself all of his favorite foods for more years than he cares to remember. He wants his pizza. And he’s gonna have it. Will it kill him? Yes. Does he still want it? Yes.

Anthony sucked me in right from the beginning. He chose a fascinating way to tell this story. I was squirming in no time.  It’s a hard one to swallow. A really good horror story that chews you up and spits you out.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

Suicide by Gluten? In this short story one man opts out in a most unusual way.

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And one more Bonus short story included in this eBook.

A Haunted House Tale

My Teaser

“Do you think we should go up there? I mean, it looks unsafe and super spooky. What if the stories about this place are true?”

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My Review

They must have seen the movies, read the books. Yet these five friends think it won’t happen to them.

Clearly something will and does.

The legend is, if you survive the night, you receive untold riches.

The temptation lures them in.

There’s safety in numbers, right?

Then it all goes south and everyone is scrambling to get out.

I never get tired of these stories. I was thinking of Scream, the movie, where they go over all of the rules of what not to do.

If these characters had any sense, they’d know not to go in that house, but then I wouldn’t have had such fun reading what happens to them.

3 Stars

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Synopsis

This short story is about five students on Halloween night who discover the secrets and terrors of the town’s most infamous haunted house. Will they live to see the morning?

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How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Check out my list of reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky kitty below!

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If the dead could speak…..Hidden Truths & Lies ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: July 29, 2016 in giveaways, horror, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Short stories and collections, suspense
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Partners In Crime Tours

Hidden Truths & Lies

by Fran Lewis

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My Review

I enjoy short stories and collections, especially creepy ones.  And I take into account that they are just nibbles, not complete stories.

Some of these were great. They gave me the shivers and I truly thought the characters got what they deserved. And a couple had me a bit confused. Perhaps because the dead were too.

The dead speak from their graves in Golden Stone Cemetery. They have some ghastly tales to tell. Just how wicked were they to be buried and forgotten?. Would they repent if they could? Do they lust for revenge? Are their souls worth saving?

The answers lie in these pages. It takes talent to spin good tales using so little words, and this author passed my test. While the stories are short, they leave a lasting impression.

This is one that I couldn’t stop reading until I read the last word. Several of the stories had me thinking long afterwards. That’s why I’ll be reading more from this author.

To quote R.L. Stine: “Beware, you’re in for a scare!”

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Each story in this series teaches a lesson the person behind the stone should have learned before committing crime, hurting someone else, or generally failing at life.

We’re about to enter Golden Stone Cemetery, where these unfortunate people are buried so deep you can barely find their markers. Their crimes are so heinous and their deeds so cruel that family members buried them here because they want to forget they ever existed.

Enter at your own risk.

Genre: Horror; Paranormal Suspense
Published by: Fideli Publishing Inc.
Publication Date: April 7th 2016
Number of Pages: 98
ISBN: 1604149124 (ISBN13: 9781604149128)
Series: Hidden Truths and Lies is the 4th book in Fran Lewis’s FACES BEHIND THE STONES series of stand alone novellas.
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords Goodreads

More Reviews:

“The stories in this collection by Fran Lewis are gripping in suspense and demonstrate a vivid imagination. I picked them up planning to read for a few minutes and couldn’t stop until I had finished the last story. Fran understands well and expresses the dark side that many people have. Motivated by greed or self-interest, some in these stories who seem like people we encounter every day are willing to undertake terrifying actions. It makes for an excellent read.” — Allan Topol, author of !e Italian Divide and The Washington Lawyer

“Hidden Truths and Lies is a compilation of stories told from beyond the grave each one filled with terror as the character faces his or her own fate. The final two stories are pure science fiction and will hopefully allow readers to see the magnitude of this talented writer.” — Susan Ross, Board Of Education, NYC

Read an excerpt:

Introduction

Each story in this series teaches a lesson the person behind the stone should have learned before committing crime, hurting someone else, or generally failing at life. We’re about to enter Golden Stone Cemetery, where these unfortunate people are buried so deep you can barely find their markers. Their crimes are so heinous and their deeds so cruel that family members buried them here because they want to forget they ever existed.

Welcome to Golden Stone Cemetery, where the voices of these unfortunates can be heard loud and clear. Learning what they did and what their fates became will make you shudder. When you find out just how cruel they were in life, you’ll be glad they’re gone. You’ll be relieved that their families made sure the spirits of each of these nefarious characters will never rise again.

Who lies behind these unmarked stones? Let their stories unfold…

© Copyright 2016 Fran Lewis All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

Author Fran Lewis

Fran LewisFran Lewis: Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three masters Degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who’s Who of America’s Teachers and Who’s Who of America’s Executives from Cambridge. In addition, she is the author of three children’s books and a fourth that has just been published on Alzheimer’s disease in order to honor her mom and help create more awareness for a cure. The title of my new Alzheimer’s book is Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey; Ruth’s story and Sharp as a Tack and Scrambled Eggs Which Describes Your Brain? Fran is the author of 13 titles.

Catch Up:
Fran Lewis's website Fran Lewis's twitter Fran Lewis's facebook

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow The Tour

Click here to view the ‘Hidden Truths and Lies by Fran Lewis’ Tour Participants

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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 click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Saturday Screams #15 ~ Weird

Posted: April 30, 2016 in Fantasy, Series, Short stories and collections
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Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share reviews of all things scary.

For today I have three books in the Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive series to share with you. I really like this series. So fun and so weird. They aren’t really scary or horror, but weird. LOL

And now, without further adieu….

Weird

A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive #1

by Julie Elizabeth Powell

eBook – Pages: 32

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My Review

I’m a big fan of short stories and nothing shows off an author’s ability to spin a good yarn more than to thrill me in just a limited amount of words. This author did that very well.

Another thing i want to mention is her ability to write a male character. Sometimes, it doesn’t work that well, but Julia’s character, Henry, came across as all male. He’s quirky, scatter brained, and sweet, and so protective of his wife, Clara. And very patient with Brett, the ghost who followed him back from death.

Yep, Henry died of a heart attack and was revived, bringing back with him a ghost. Neither Henry nor Brett knows how it happened, but they make the best of it, and Clara gets along with Brett quite well.

Clara can see Brett because she is a witch. Not the evil kind. She’s a good one and belongs to coven lead by the kind Ms. Peabody.

Since Henry’s return from death, he collects oddities. Most come with a riddle or mystery to solve. In this case, a book he picked up at a yard sale. A book that can’t be opened. Thus begins the first of many adventures for these three characters.

This short story is told from Henry’s rambling point of view and feels like he’s telling the story directly to you. I found that especially fun.

The character’s give a strong presence, quirks and all, and the plot is unique, you won’t know what to expect.

Had such fun, I opened the next book immediately and continued with this series.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Henry Ian Darling is a collector of oddities, those that bring him closer to an enigma, one he hopes will be a great thing.

But maybe it isn’t.

AMAZON

~~~~~

Weird

A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive #2

by Julie Elizabeth Powell

eBook – Pages: 58

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My Review

Henry’s tag-long ghost, Brett, isn’t the only thing he brought back from death’s door. He also brought back an otherworldly knack for finding oddities, whether objects or situations, and he continues to discover new things about himself.

A seemingly innocent walk in the fresh fallen snow with his wife Clara, changes when a mysterious white cat appears. It only shows up when there’s snow on the ground, and Henry realizes there’s more to this walk when his wife shows no surprise at the cat’s arrival.

When a car accident happens before their eyes, Clara tells Henry they aren’t there for the occupants in the car. They’re there for what’s in the trunk of the car.

Inside the trunk is a tortured werewolf, trapped in it’s animal from. Henry and Clara, along with Brett and help from Clara’s coven, must face a rogue witch to free the wolf and stop a dangerous adversary bent on ruling the paranormal world.

I’m liking this series more and more. The characters are becoming familiar and I’m getting attached to them. There’s some humor laced in with the action, and the plot is another unique one that you can’t predict. It’s all good and getting better.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

What is the significance of what Henry Ian Darling found in the boot of a car?

And how did his wife know of the event? How could anyone be cruel enough to do such a thing?

Find out where the discovery leads this collector of oddities and what it may mean for Henry’s ultimate quest – finding the enigma, that which will save or destroy all dimensions.

AMAZON

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Weird

A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive #3

By Julie Elizabeth Powell

eBook – Pages: 28

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My Review

I was wondering when we’d get to know more about Brett. He’s the ghost that followed Henry back from beyond when he died and was revived after a heart attack. Neither Henry nor Brett, nor Clara know why he came back, and Brett has proven himself to be invaluable over the course of recent events.

Henry’s dream proves prophetic when he’s thrust into the Shadowlands to protect Brett’s soul from a demon. I was hoping to get to know more about Brett and his story is finally revealed.

I like where the author is going with Henry. He’s becoming quite the hero. And I also wonder what big event is coming. Henry keeps mentioning he senses something is coming. I can’t begin to imagine what it will be and sure look forward to finding out.

It’s been fun following these characters and watching them grow and become a better functioning team. I hope for only good things to come for them, but that’s not up to me. The author may have other plans.

4 Stars

Synopsis

A weird dream tips Henry Ian Darling into the Shadowlands.
What has this to do with Brett?
Ms Peabody has a plan, but will Henry survive his quest?

AMAZON

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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 click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Some thrills and chills ~ Darkness With A Chance Of Whimsy by R J Sullivan

Posted: October 1, 2015 in Blog Tour, horror, reviews, Short stories and collections, thriller
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Most of you know how much I love short stories and collections.

I have some fun ones to share with you today!

RJ Sullivan’s Darkness With a Chance of Whimsy Blog Tour

My Review

Short stories and collections are like a cornucopia of snacks for me.  And I binged with these.

There are ten stories in this collection. Some are flash fiction, super short. And then there are some longer ones. All of them made me ‘think.’

Since they are short stories, I can’t really say much without spoilers. Instead I’ll give you some snippets from my head.

If you were offered the chance to see inside your loved ones head and find out how they see you, if they really love you, would you? Should you?

Never, ever put on strange head gear. Especially if your father invents psychic gizmos.

Good cop, better cop? Split the difference? This was such a strange, twisted tale and my favorite in the collection.

How an infant’s memory can get so twisted out of whack. I had to laugh at the ending.

Two young lovers and a second chance angel.

A computer that makes you smart? I’ll take one, please.

Sometimes it’s better not to keep a secret.

It’s true. The past should stay in the past.

Just how big is the universe and what cause the Big Bang?

The last story and my second favorite. What you get when you cross a vampire with a…..

All of these were great. All of them made me think. While they’re short in words, those words were strongly written.

You’ll zip through this collection in no time and reach the end feeling a bit out there. Take a step into the outof.

5 Stars

Book Synopsis for Darkness With a Chance of Whimsy

Collected for the first time since their initial publications, Darkness with a Chance of Whimsy presents ten tales from the imagination of R.J. Sullivan. Thrills and chills await you, but you may also get blindsided by the absurd. This volume includes a pair of stories featuring Rebecca Burton, the mysterious investigator of R.J.’s acclaimed paranormal thriller series. Among the ten stories, you’ll find:

“The Assurance Salesman” shows five strangers more about themselves than they ever guessed.

You don’t want to venture into Daddy’s basement in “Fade.”

Rebecca Burton tries to talk someone out of a bad idea in “Backstage Pass.”

A bullied police detective finally defeats his rival in “Able-Bodied.”

A desperate father finds the “Inner Strength” to save his young daughter, “Becky” Burton.

A child seeds his aquarium with a most unusual “Starter Kit.”

A brilliant robotics engineer creates a “Robot Vampire.”

Amazon Links for Darkness With a Chance of Whimsy

Print / Kindle / B&N

 

 

RJSullivanAuthorPhotoBWAbout the author: R.J. Sullivan’s novel Haunting Blue is an edgy paranormal thriller and the first book of the adventures of punk girl Fiona “Blue” Shaefer and her boyfriend Chip Farren. Seventh Star Press also released Haunting Obsession, a Rebecca Burton Novella, and Virtual Blue, the second part of Fiona’s tale. The short stories in this collection have been featured in such acclaimed anthologies as Dark Faith Invocations by Apex Books and Vampires Don’t Sparkle. His next book due out very soon will be Commanding the Red Lotus, which collects the series of science fiction novelettes in the tradition of Andre Norton and Gene Roddenberry.
R.J. resides with his family in Heartland Crossing, Indiana. He drinks regularly from a Little Mermaid coffee mug and is man enough to admit it. www.rjsullivanfiction.com

Author Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

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Tour Schedule and Activities

9/28/2015 Jorie Loves a Story Review
9/28/2015 Book in the Bag Review
9/28/2015 I Smell Sheep Review
9/30/2015 Bee’s Knees Reviews Review
9/30/2015 Deal Sharing Aunt Author Interview
10/1/2015 fuonlyknew Review
10/2/2015 L. Andrew Cooper’s Horrific Scribblings Review
10/2/2015 Shells Interviews Guest Post
10/3/2015 Azure Dwarf Top Tens List
10/4/2015 Coffintree Hill Top Tens List
10/4/2015 Armand Rosamilia, Author Guest Post

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Until the next time…..

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

A Smorgasbord Of Freebies!

Posted: August 30, 2015 in Freebies!, horror, Short stories and collections
Tags: , , ,
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Anthony Renfro has a bunch of his stories free right now!

With Halloween and Christmas fast approaching, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone’s holiday reading!

If you click this link (https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/atothewr) you can get all of these short stories free.

 

 

A Zombie Christmas and A Haunted House Tale will eventually go up to a dollar again, but for now you can download them for any E-Book reader that supports EPUB.

He also has these two on Leafless for free.

Haunted House Tale - High Resolution

https://leafless.co/?browse&*=info&id=245

Zombie 2 - High Resolution

https://leafless.co/?browse&*=info&id=203

The cool thing about Leafless is that it allows the audience to choose the price. The two stories above will remain free until the demand pushes them up to a certain price. They are also available in EPUB, MOBI, and PDF files on that site.

Finally, this short story is available for free on Noise Trade. You can also get it in EPUB, MOBI, or PDF there as well.

Man

http://books.noisetrade.com/atothewr/the-man-from-the-road

You can find Anthony on his blog HERE.

Stop by and say thank you!

Monday Minis #29 ~ Just Short of Paradise and Full Moon Over Cedar Hill ~ My Reviews and some freebies

Posted: August 11, 2014 in horror, Monday's Minis, reviews, Short stories and collections, Supernatural
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Welcome to my Monday Minis Reviews.

Got two for you today!

I read both of these stories back to back. Just Short of Paradise is a free flash fiction story available on Goodreads HERE. And Full Moon Over Cedar Hill is a short story that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.

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My Review

Katlyn chooses the long road trip to California as an opportune time to tell her mother something important. Trapped in the car with miles to go, she’d have to listen.

Her mother does her best not to. She doesn’t want to hear it and when she’s forced to, her religious intolerance rears its ugly head. Hurtful thing are said.

Both women don’t back down and only a traffic jam stops the bickering.

What comes next is pure Edward Lorn. You may see the ending coming but he takes you on a twisted path to get there.

The mother may be firm in her belief but who is she to judge?

When I finished reading this story, I wore a wry grin, just like Katlyn.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Just Short of Paradise is a piece of flash fiction from Edward Lorn, author of Cruelty and Life After Dane, and is only available as a free download on Goodreads HERE.

During a cross-country trip to California, Katlyn decides to come out of the closet. Mom’s upset, but she’ll be okay. It’s not like it’s the end of the world … Right?

The consequences of intolerance can last an eternity.

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My Review

When Peter first suffered a debilitating stroke that left him trapped in his body, his loving family was very supportive. But as time revealed he would never get better, he wouldn’t ever speak again, they placed him in a rehabilitation center, and their visits dwindled, leaving him to suffer alone as they moved on.

I can only imagine how bitter Peter must have become. Sure, he can’t communicate, but he’s still alive, still able to hear and see. How could his family just abandon him?

Soon, Peter has something else to worry about. He hears the screams, the snarls, the rending of limbs from bones coming from outside his room. He can only imagine what’s out there. He can hear the slaughter coming closer, moving from room to room.  And then the click of claws on linoleum stops outside his door. And the door starts to open.

The author gives you some horrific creatures. They like to play with their food and have a sadistic sense of humor. Which Peter soon discovers.

I wondered how I would feel. Lying there, unable to defend myself, unable to hide, as the beasts came calling. What fate would be the worst?

I have to say thank you to Edward. I rubbed my hands together in fiendish glee as he gave me just the ending I was hoping for.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

Peter Hoskins has spent the last three years confined to a bed at Cedar Hill Rehabilitation Center. A massive stroke rendered most of his body useless, but his mind is as sharp as ever.

When the screaming begins, being trapped in his own head is the least of his concerns.

Hungry beasts are roaming the halls, and death might be Peter’s only escape.

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A new release coming soon and I can’t wait!

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Emergency Room Physician Brent Cummings is harboring secrets he’d rather leave in the shadows of his past. But, when he finds a dead woman in a foggy park, all his skeletons come tumbling out of the closet.

In a deadly race against time, Brent attempts to alter the future so that he might finally let go of the past.

Will he heed the warning in the fog, or will fate prove more dependable than the good doctor?

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Other books by Edward Lorn

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The first 5 episodes in the Cruelty Serial

with more coming soon.

Click on the cover for my reviews.

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And you can click HERE to read my reviews for Edward’s other stories.

Among my reviews is World’s Greatest Dad which you can get free for the next 5 days by clicking on the cover below!

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About Edward Lorn and where to stalk him.
Edward Lorn

Edward Lorn is an American horror author presently residing in the southeast United States. He enjoys storytelling, reading, and writing biographies in the third person. Once upon a time, during a session of show and tell, a seven-year-old Edward Lorn shared with his class that his baby brother had died over the weekend. His classmates, the teacher included, wept while he recounted the painful tragedy of having lost a sibling. Edward went home that day and found an irate mother waiting for him. Edward’s teacher had called to express her condolences. This was unfortunate, as Edward had never had a baby brother. With advice given to her by a frustrated teacher, Edward’s mother made him start writing all of his lies down. The rest, as they say, is history. Edward Lorn and his wife are raising two children, along with a handful of outside cats and a beagle named Dot. He remains a liar to this day. The only difference is, now he’s a useful one.

For more about Edward Lorn and his books:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

Edward’s page on RAP

Edward’s blog

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

A trip fantastic ~ Reviewing these three short stories

Posted: July 4, 2014 in horror, otherworldly, reviews, Short stories and collections, Zombies
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You are now entering the…..

Just kidding. But I do have three very different short stories for you.

Take a gander!

The Dead of Penderghast Manor

by Julianne Snow

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My Review

Zombies that don’t want to eat me? This I had to read.

Chester works at the family mortuary, preparing the recently deceased for their viewings. It should be easy. But these dead don’t hold still for embalming. They don’t lie still. They walk and talk.

He can’t have any disappearing so he has to handle them with care. This proves difficult when the local senior playboy wants to keep on being the ladies man, even after he’s dead.

Chester’s father doesn’t believe him when he tries to explain this, so he keeps it to himself and does the best he can.

Until a strange body arrives from the carnival. And has an even stranger request.

If you have a good imagination, you’ll be able to visual Chester’s struggles and have some good chuckles.

The zinger the author threw at me  with the carnival corpse was creative and gave the ending a boost.

A fun and creepy told you so.

If you’re looking for a humorous take on a new kind of zombie, I suggest you try this story.

3 STARS

Synopsis

What would you do if you knew the Dead could talk?

For Chester Penderghast, it’s not the easiest of questions to answer…

Ensconced in the basement of his family’s mortuary business is the last place he wants to be, but when the conversation starts flowing, Chester’s the only living person who can hear it. What do the Dead want, and why is he the only one who can hear them?

This is not your average zombie tale—the Dead don’t want to eat your brains, but they will chew your ear off!

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Kellie’s Diary

by

Thomas Jenner 

and

Angeline Perkins

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My Review

I like finding something different and that’s what I got in Kellie’s Diary.

What first surprised me was the way the story was told. Not just that it was presented in diary entries from a third grader. It was that it was in her printed words. It read slowly at first until I got used to the way she printed her letters, then it took off and I read it in about 20 minutes.

The ending is rather abrupt, but knowing this is told in parts, I expected that. It’s going to be fun reading more of this series.

You follow Kellie as she’s trapped in the school bathroom when the zombies attack. And follow her through her diary entries as she struggles to get home.

The author did an excellent job of expressing the thoughts of a young girl. It never felt like an adult trying to write as Kellie. It rang true.

I’m anxious to find out if Kellie finds her family? If she finds anyone, so she won’t be all alone.

3 STARS

Synopsis

A series of diary entries through the eyes of a little girl as she tries to survive the end of the world.

What if the early 1990’s didn’t happen as we remember it? What kind of world would we live in today?

This story is told from the viewpoint of 9-year-old Kellie, a typical third-grade girl living her life as anyone else would, and she shares her daily activities with her diary. When the world crumbles and the dead walk, Kellie struggles to survive and find her way home, all the while sharing her tale with her diary.

This is an account of our hypothetical past, present and future.

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It Came From Hell And Smashed The Angels

by Gregor Xane

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My Review

Ben used to be somebody. Now he lives in a rundown trailer, at the beck and call of a senior couple.

One night, he snaps. He hops on his treasured motorcycle and heads off into the night with no plans of returning. Just hits the open road.

When he spots a fire up ahead he slows and stops to investigate. Lying next to a huge hole in the ground is the mangled body of a woman. She was thrown from her car in the accident and before she dies, claims a huge creature attacked her car.

Ben hops on his bike and heads to the local watering hole to call for help. What happens next is out of this world.

I kept hearing the theme to Twilight Zone as I read this story. It had a dark, surreal feel to it.

Bizarre and a bit disjointed but I liked the idea.

3 STARS

Synopsis

Thanks to his big ugly mug, Ben Coburn always played the heavy in Hollywood. Yeah, his name was in the credits of a bunch of low-budget B-movie horror shows, but at least he could say he was in the movies.

That was a long time ago.

Now Ben sits alone in a trailer park listening to an old married couple across the way argue about money, just nursing a beer, waiting for something to happen.

But nothing ever happens. That pisses him off.

No, Big Ben Coburn isn’t going to wait around anymore. He jumps on his motorcycle and tears off into the night.

Intent on escaping into a new life, he races past a field of scarecrows, barreling headlong down the highway toward a blazing inferno and a bottomless pit.

This short story is FREE to download from the following locations:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (Canada) | Amazon (UK)
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iBook | PayHip (Mobi & ePub)

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Reading anything scary lately? Got some recommendations? Let me know!

And thanks for visiting fuonlyknew!

Win one of three ARCs of Portals being given away by Roane Publushing

Posted: May 8, 2014 in Anthology, Book Blast, giveaways
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Roane Publishing is giving away THREE ARCs of Portals!



 Genre: Fantasy Anthology (mixed sub genres)
Release Date: June 5, 2014
Publisher: Roane Publishing
Keywords: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Short Stories, Picture Prompt

Description: No matter what world you call home, or what your station in life, there are just some paths that weren’t meant to be tread.

Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas
Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson
Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea
Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano

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Roane Publishing is giving away THREE ARC copies to three lucky winners!


You don’t even have to be a blogger.



If you are willing to leave an honest review between the dates June 5th and July 3rd, you are eligible to enter.

How? Simply fill out the form!
You have until Midnight of May 16th when three winners will be chosen by random drawing.


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Thanks so much for participating & best of luck!
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Giveaway and Free Book! The Fragile Things Part I and Release of Part II!

Posted: October 2, 2013 in Freebies!, giveaways, horror, New Release
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I’ve been waiting for The Fragile Things Part II  to be released!

It’s here and I can’t wait to read it!

Check out this cover art. Both books look awesome.

Keep reading to learn more about these stories and how you can get the first book free and a chance to win the second book!

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FragileThingsPII

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Description

Part II of the epic horror serial
Jennifer’s world continues to spiral out of control, but a chance meeting with her sister, Gwen, may or may not provide the lifeline she so desperately requires. Yet healing old family rifts is the least of Jennifer’s problems.
A monster has come to Blackcross, one who wears the skin of a girl and is capable of ripping a man to pieces.
Jennifer is the only one who knows its secret, and might be the only one who can stop it.
Tony has his hands full. Looking for Morris, his search takes him to an abandoned block of flats where an unfortunate event puts him upon the beginnings of an even darker path.
Ebony needs blood. Good blood. With the clock ticking and her strength rapidly fading, there may be only one way out.

~~~

The Fragile Things is episode one of V. Shaw’s 4 part serial horror story.

The Fragile Things

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My Review

Jennifer has kicked her long time drug habit, but temptation is great as she’s living with her drug dealing boyfriend, Tony.

In desperation, she flees Tony and his druggie friends and camps out in the woods. She’s estranged from her family and has nowhere to go.

Her neighbor, Ebony, from across the street, happens upon her and they form a tentative friendship.

It’s difficult for either woman to trust anyone, or themselves, as they both have baggage.

Jennifer is fighting her soul-eating craving for drugs and Ebony is fighting her craving to not drink Jennifer dry.

Two damaged women with no one to turn to but each other.

This book reads like a serial episode on TV.

You know before you start reading it,  it’s going to be short and leave you hanging.

That didn’t bother me, as I’ve read another of the authors books and loved her writing.

This book is a dark, psychological read about hope, friendship, and overcoming huge adversities.

I was immediately drawn to Ebony and Jennifer. These flawed characters are genuine and my heart went out to them.

Sure, ones an ex-addict and the other is a vicious vampire, but you forget that somewhat as you learn what makes them tick.

The town of Blackcross has its secrets and something evil is coming.

There’s no shortage of suspense and the horror jumps out and says Boo!

A great beginning to this series and excited to read more, for sure!

5 Stars for excellent  campfire storytelling.

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx_jDqd8eAg?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent]

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I’ve also read and reviewed V. Shaw’s The Lady of Chains and Other Stories

The Lady of Chains and Other Stories

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Description

“Remember; you have seventy-two hours to do the deed and not a moment longer. Cut her throat and remove her heart. That, my girl, is the only way to destroy the wretched creature.” Greylock. A city supported by a network of scaffolding, bleeding rust and wheezing steam. Patrolled by an army of ‘metal men’ – creatures who’re designed for nothing more than to kill and destroy. Nothing grows. Nothing truly lives. Viola, a young orphan girl, has been thrust into this nightmarish world by the devious Mrs Casket, caretaker of the mysterious tower and maid to the Lady of Chains, a woman imprisoned without a sentence. A woman who almost single-handedly destroyed the world . . . Viola has been gifted with a task which could either see her demise or be her salvation. But who is the Lady of Chains? And why does she insist that she is connected to Viola? With the clock ticking and the metal men drawing near, Viola is about to learn that not everything in Greylock is what it seems. A spellbinding novelette with elements of steampunk. **** ALSO INCLUDES THE SHORT STORIES; Hansel and Gretel Rogan and the Gargoyle The Silent World BONUS MATERIAL: Also contains a preview of the up-coming horror serial, The Fragile Things.

You can read my review here.

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About V. Shaw

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V. Shaw is the author of the short fiction collection, The Lady of Chains and Other Stories. Born in Scotland, she studied Film and Media at Stirling University. Having reviewed horror films for the now defunct FatallyYours.com, she has turned her attention to creating her own stories.

Writer. Urban explorer. Climber. Horror junkie. Beer guzzler. Book obsessed. Cinema and television fiend. Nerd for life.

Her blog

Goodreads

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The Fragile Things Part I is free to download from Amazon Wednesday, Oct, 2nd and Thursday, Oct. 3rd.

Go HERE to get yours now.

To celebrate her new release , the author is giving away 25 copies of The Fragile Things Part II.

This is a quick giveaway!

The first 25 people to leave their email address and a comment will receive a copy of Part II.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

BBT Giveaway ~ The Chronicles of Orlando ~ City of the Un-dead and The Un-dead Circus by M.M. Shelley

Posted: October 1, 2013 in Blog Tour, Freebies!, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, YA
Tags: , , , , ,
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The Chronicles of Orlando Banner 450 x 169

Can you feel it? Fall is here and that means Halloween is coming!

What better way to get in the mood than with some zombies.

I have four stories for you. A fun, YA series about one of my favorite undead, zombies!

Check out The Chronicles of Orlando.

Download the first book for FREE.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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The Un-Dead Circus

The Chronicles of Orlando

Book Four

M.M. Shelley

 

A circus has arrived and it brought the Un-dead with it.

Since Orlando moved to Los Angeles he had been attacked by zombies, zombie bulls, ghost and now a band of immortals want him dead.
Betrayed by someone close and running low on resources Orlando has only one option– to join the enemy he had been fighting as he faces his biggest challenges– facing the mysteries of the Un-Dead Circus and keeping his friends alive.

Smashwords  Amazon

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City of the Un-Dead

The Chronicles of Orlando

Book Three

M.M. Shelley

What would you risk for immortality?

The Day of the Dead is celebrated once a year, a day when those who have died are remembered. This year the dead are returning and they are returning as an army to seek vengeance against Orlando.

Smashwords  Amazon

 

 fun zombies photo: Zombies have fun! ffdsafsafafdsaf.jpg

 

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Dead Relatives

The Chronicles of Orlando

Book Two

M.M. Shelley

After discovering what was hidden in Mexico and having to sneak back across the border Orlando returns to Los Angeles, but is unable to return to his home.

Instead of hunting Zombies he is now hunted.

Betrayed by those he thought he could trust, Orlando must keep the truth of what he knows to himself.

That is until dead relatives return with dire warnings.

 

Amazon

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The Zombie Story

The Chronicles of Orlando

Book One

M.M. Shelley

Unfolding on the streets of Los Angeles is a new breed of monster…
Orlando, fresh from the mid west, arrives at his new high school on his Harley Davidson.
All he wants is to make it through the day, and begin his training as a Zombie Hunter.

But someone has different plans for him.

Currently free for your Kindle

About M.M. Shelley

Image of M. M. Shelley

M.M. Shelley is a storyteller, word smith and dreamer. She has traveled the world extensively in search of the magic which is often overlooked in every day life. M.M. Shelley is a native of southern California, and a student of mythology from which she gets much inspiration.

Visit M.M. Shelley:

www.mmshelley.com

http://mmshelley.blogspot.com

Twitter   Facebook

Goodreads

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Enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

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