12/23/2023
BETA
By Sammy Scott
Today's first breakdown is for "BETA" by Sammy Scott:
I went into this book based off of it being called, "a technological nightmare". This book is a bit of a slow burn, but I felt the payoff delivered. I was able to call 2/3 of the twists in this one, it wasn't quite what I expected but I still found myself gripped to find out what would happen next with the story told. It did also have some cool ideas presented about why people read that I liked...
“Maybe that’s another reason why people read,” he continued. “Because books can offer the kinds of satisfying conclusions that life often denies us.”
This book has a lot of greatly written passages like that, give it a try to find the others.
4/5 stars.
TOXIC MATERNAL
By C. A. Baynam
Second breakdown of the day is for "Toxic Maternal" by C.A. Baynam:
This story oozed unpleasantness from page one. If you're looking for twisted for the sake of it, this one should please you. I would have liked to have seen some more back story to the childhood of the main victims to get a better feel of what they endured to lead up to what happened to them as adults. Be advised, the family in this one is very dysfunctional...
3/5 stars.
12/16/2023
DESPERATE WISHES
BY CANDACE NOLA
Today's first breakdown is for "Desperate Wishes" by Candace Nola:
Very few can fill me full of disgust the way Candace Nola can. Packed with despicable characters and beautiful revenge, this book was a true work of art and a great representation of how powerful the written word is. There were a lot of passages that made me stop and reflect on society and how women are viewed, treated and portrayed. The theme of this one centers around women rights/equality and empowering the oppressed.The concepts were strong and moving, some of the content left me exhausted and angered to my core. Be advised, this one could be heavy for some.
My only complaint is that this is not a work of non-fiction in its outcome. I hope that many read this one and feel compelled to do better or be greater. There's a lot to dissect with this book, but every piece is worth examining.
5/5 stars.
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PHROGGER
BY CANDACE NOLA
Second breakdown of the day is for "Phrogger" by Candace Nola:
Candace has done it again with a brutal and creepy tale about loss, a video game and the fight for survival. Her more recent titles have gone more descriptive in their violence and gore and I'm here for it all day. I am a little torn on the ending, not really what I expected but suitable given the context of the situation.
I did find myself a little more paranoid after reading this one, a person living in your home for the purpose of being an unaccounted for member that plays tricks is damn frightening!
4/5 stars.
10/28/2023
HANK FLYNN
BY CANDACE NOLA
Today's first breakdown is for "Hank Flynn" by Candace Nola.
Half historic, half religious, and a whole lot of bloodshed, Hank Flynn delivers it all! This story was mysteriously dark with no shortage of gore, and it kept me hooked until the blackened end. I couldn't call the twist, but I did enjoy what it turned out to be. Candace Nola is a very valid storyteller and if you're not reading her books, you're doing yourself an injustice.
This was one of the first Indie Horror books I ever tried, I've been an addict ever since...
4/5 stars.
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AMERICAN PURGE
BY BRANDON BURNSIDE
Second breakdown of the day is for "American Purge" by Brandon Burnside.
I read this book with no idea what I was in for. A wild, post-apocalyptic adventure is what was in store for me. Not at all what I was expecting, in the best ways, and a story that I'd love to see turned into a film. I did feel that the opinions on body image were a little one-sided, but it wouldn't make me hesitate to try another one of his books.
4/5 stars.
10/21/2023
OBITUARIES #3
GIFTS, STARS, AND SLAYINGS
By Aron Beauregard, Kristopher Triana, and Daniel Volpe
Today's first breakdown is for "Obituaries Issue #3" by Daniel J. Volpe, Aron Beauregard and Kristopher Triana.
The more I read by Volpe, the more I realize how much I enjoy his work. Out of the first 3 issues, this was definitely my favorite from him. An uplifting tale about a cultist and his unleashing of holiday horrors.
All hail King Beauregard! He made Christmas the most wonderful time of the year indeed. The ending I hoped for, I received.
"He had no use for skinny bitches. What the hell was sexy about bones?" Haha. Triana, those lines were felt in my heart. A jolly tale about the consuming nature of Christmastime. I felt with this one like I did with Volpe's story in issue #1, where I'm half grinning and thinking what the hell is wrong with this author, all the while being entirely fascinated to read more, captivated with the grotesque.
5/5 stars.
DEAD GIRLS AND DEAD THINGS
EDITED BY RJ ROLES
Second breakdown of the day is for "Dead Girls And Dead Things" a women of Books of Horror anthology.
The foreword let me know what I was in for, and this anthology delivered without question. My favorites were from Angelique Jordonna and Michelle von Eschen.
I rarely revisit a book, but this one definitely has re-read value. If you are intrigued by the title as I was, you'll find the insides just as delightful.
5/5 stars.
10/15/2023
PIECES OF ME
BY RJ ROLES
Today's first breakdown is for "Pieces Of Me" by RJ Roles.
Diverse in what it offers, this collection did a great job of showcasing the writing abilities of RJ Roles. Some stories I liked a lot, others were just okay for me, but none of them were a poor read. I wish most were expanded a little more. I'd say they just kept getting better as you read on, my favorites were "Until That Time Comes" and "Old Soul".
4.5/5 stars.
OBITUARIES ISSUE #2
Second breakdown of the day is for "Obituaries Issue #2" by Kristopher Triana, Daniel J. Volpe and Aron Beauregard.
The opener here was Triana. I read this on October 1, 2023, and it kicked off the spooky month just right. Malevolent and horrific.
I wasn't sure what Volpe was going to offer after his story in the first issue, but the one in here was visceral and relentless and really showed that he can write about anything and make it interesting. No humor to be had here, Daniel was out for blood, loved it!
Beauregard always delivers. He sometimes writes passages and characters that reflect my own thought patterns. I shared common traits with Georgina, and he absolutely nailed the ending to the wall here! Brilliant.
5/5 stars.
10/07/2023
OBITUARIES ISSUE #1
By Aron Beauregard, Kristopher Triana, Daniel Volpe
Today's first breakdown is for "Obituaries Issue #1" by Aron Beauregard, Kristopher Triana and Daniel J. Volpe.
I had read a few books by Aron before and his story in this one certainly did not disappoint; I still giggle from it...
The story from Triana in this was my first from him, same with Volpe.
First, Kristopher, this was my favorite read from this volume, it was dark and seductive and relatable to a degree. I'm an instant Triana fan!
Then there's Daniel, what a weird story that was both repulsive and satisfying. It was a gross tale that makes me wonder what he sits and thinks about in his spare time, haha.
All three are excellent writers and I really am glad to have been gifted a copy of the omnibus because I am eager to read the next two! If you want it depraved and without limitations, this is a quick read that should suit you.
5/5 stars.
09/30/2023
HALLOWEEN LAND
BY KEVIN KENNEDY
Today's first breakdown is for "Halloween Land" by Kevin J. Kennedy.
Sometimes, I read a book that gives me an "adult Goosebumps" vibe, where they're a blast to venture through and give off an aura of nostalgia. This one definitely checked that box for me. It was full of some fun imaginative imagery as well. I do wish there was deeper explorations of the different carnivals they visited that were hardly mentioned, they sounded neat.
I especially loved the Clown character and her loopy eyeballs, there is a drawing of her at the very end so be sure to give that a look! Kudos to the artist!!
4/5 stars.
09/30/2023
VENUS
BY CANDACE NOLA
Second breakdown of the day is for "Venus" by Candace Nola:
Few authors make me despise their characters like Candace. I absolutely hate the villains, who are usually the people, in her works. I loathed the humans, but adored Venus herself. I say this with all honesty, I think Nola just keeps getting stronger in her craft as her career goes on. She is a force in Horror Literature, take heed.
5/5 stars.
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09/30/2023
THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER
BY ERIC BUTLER
Third breakdown of the day is for "There's Something In The Water" by Eric Butler:
A bloody tale with a vicious Cryptid, I found this one pretty cool. I had a hard time seeing the creature in my head, but learned from Butler that it is based off ab Irish legend known as "Dobhar-chu", which is quite terrifying if you look up what that is... do it, then read or listen to this book!
*I listened to the audiobook version of this story on Audible and really enjoyed the narration.
4.5/5 stars.
09/23/2023
A BOUQUET OF VISCERA
BY BRIDGETT NELSON
Today's first breakdown is for "A Bouquet Of Viscera" by Bridgett Nelson:
This debut of short story collections is brilliantly dark and has me in line for the next Nelson release with anticipation! My favorites were "Spores" and "Invader", but "Jinx" was a perfect display of what I crave when it comes to the unpredictability in Horror. This book also marks the first time I got interested based solely on the cover art so kudos to Lynne Hansen for that!!
5/5 stars, an easy rating to give this book.
09/23/2023
DOOMSDAY DOGS
BY JESSE D'ANGELO
Second breakdown of the day is for "Doomsday Dogs" by Jesse D'Angelo:
I'm not a Comedy guy, like at all, but this book made me chuckle quite a few times, making my first experience with a Comedy/Horror book a blast. Not a Comedy fan, then buy this book for the lovely works of D'Angelo Werewolf artwork that is at the beginning of each chapter and showcase Jesse's sketches over the past few decades.
This book is also in the process of becoming an audiobook and I think it will be a smash hit and work perfectly with how the text is written. This title is a MUST own in all formats!!
5/5 stars.
09/23/2023
SERIAL
BY JUSTIN BOOTE
Third breakdown for the day is for "Serial" by Justin Boote.
I went into this title blindly and had a fun time. Drenched in blood and plentiful in murder, this story also took a supernatural turn seldom seen in such a plot. Read this one if you're looking for a quick and engaging book that will satisfy your Horror cravings!
5/5 stars.
08/26/2023
WARM DARK PLACES ARE BEST
By Mike Duke
Today's first breakdown is for "Warm, Dark Places Are Best" by Mike Duke.
I put this one off for some time, fearful of what it would entail. It was pretty much exactly what I expected and full of moments to make one squirm in disgust.
If you are terrified of crawlers with many legs, be sure to give this one a try! Stick around for the afterward too, some cool tidbits there from the author regarding the species and what inspired this story to be written.
5/5 stars.
08/26/2023
'PEDE
By James Longmore
Second breakdown of the day is for " 'Pede" by James H. Longmore:
If there is one phobia I have, it is insects. It would also be fair to state a phobia of things that tower over me... combine the two and this tale and you'll know why my skin still itches. An excellent tribute to the classic black and white films that warn of nuclear mishaps resulting in gigantism, I'm gonna take a shower and try to fight the urge to check the corner for multi-legged creepers now...
5/5 stars.
08/26/2023
DARK MUSINGS
By Xtina Marie
Third breakdown of the day is for "Dark Musings" by Xtina Marie.
Xtina has such a natural voice for dark poetry. This collection had an assortment of ideas and themes that almost told a wrap around story and I liked how some of the poems had sequels.
I was digging this book from the first page to the last. Marie should be required reading for all, I'll definietly be reading more of her work soon. If you're seeking blackened words of perfection, I recommend starting with Xtina Marie.
5/5 stars.
08/19/2023
DOUBLE TROUBLE: A Book For Corrina
By Kelvin A. Allison
This book was excellent. The first story was giving me Hitchcock vibes, while the second was reminiscent of an adult Goosebumps tale. A stellar tribute to Horror reviewer Corrina Morse of NoRemorse Reviews! If you want a few quick reads that are both fun, get your fix with this one.
4/5 stars.
*If you're looking for grade A Horror Lit reviews, be sure to checkout NoRemorse Reviews by Corrina Morse!!
08/19/2023
VENOMOUS WORDS
By Jeffrey Oliver
Macro-photography by Gordon Reilly
Second breakdown of the day is for "Venomous Words" by Jeffrey Oliver with macro-photography by Gordon Reilly.
What a phenomenal book! Full of visually stunning photographs of creepy crawlers and dark poetry that has a lyrical type of prose, this is a work of pure brilliance!! In time, I expect to see this title on every shelf of every home! The physical copies may run a little high in price, but there's no shortage of quality to be found within the covers.
5/5 stars.
08/12/2023
Second breakdown of the day is for "Survivor's Guilt" by Aron Beauregard and Matt Shaw.
This was my second work from Beauregard and my first from Shaw, and I loved it so very dearly. I found Connie more relatable to me personally, but both characters were written really well. However, Connie was one of the most reflective characters of myself that I have ever read about, bravo Aron, she was spot on to that personality type and how our minds operate.
I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen next, this may be the quickest I've ever finished a book! The ending was not what I was expecting nor wanting, but it was somehow perfect for the psychopathic game being explored throughout this work. I tried to get a physical signed copy of this when it hit the pre-order but for whatever I couldn't, but now that I have read this, I need to try to make amends.
4.5/5 stars, as I expected a different outcome and would love to read the original ending.
08/05/2023
THE UNICORN KILLER
By Candace Nola
Today's first breakdown is for "The Unicorn Killer" by Candace Nola.
A fun, fabulous tale of mayhem. The title says it all, and it delivers fantastically. When homicide becomes boring, what is the cure? Throw a little glitter on it honey! Naturally. Go read this, now.
I want to quote a passage from this just to help showcase Candace's writing ability:
"The tired that evil brings with it and weighs you down until you can only feel the weariness. The aching weight of the knowledge of all the evil that exists in the world, and you are powerless against it. This was that kind of tired."
5/5 stars.
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08/05/2023
LOST MINDS, WANDERING SOULS
Vol. 1
By George Adamcyzk
Second breakdown is for "Lost Minds, Wandering Souls Volume 1" by George Adamczyk.
I enjoyed the book overall, with each of the four stories like roller coasters of thought. My favorite was the third one. No complaints here, though I'll state the humorous analogies throughout made it read like a dark comedy at times, a mere reflection of the author's personality. Read this one for short twists of your psyche!
Adamczyk has 6 volumes out now, be sure to give them a look.
4/5 stars.
07/29/2023
THE SCAMPERING
By Alana K. Drew & A.W. Mason
Second breakdown of the day is for "The Scampering" by Alana K. Drex and A.W. Mason.
I went eww, then winced once, then finally cheered. What a fun, gory read! Mason and Drex took a revenge story involving squirrels and thrilled me to the core!! Bravo to both!!! If you want a quickie, whose royalties benefit a good cause, give this a go. Maybe one day I'll fancy trying that recipe...
4/5 stars.
07/29/2023
ROADKILL KING
By Dan B. Fierce
Today's first breakdown is for "Roadkill King" by Dan B. Fierce.
A quick, fun read about vengeance. If you like vehicles built for brutality, or stories about animals getting their due revenge, check this one out. I look forward to the promising future of Fierce's writing!
4/5 stars.
07/22/2023
BEFORE I DIE or TRAPPED IN 1937 HOLLYWOOD
By Bob Gunner
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: EBOOK IS FREE ON AMAZON FROM JULY 22 - JULY 26!!
Today's first breakdown is for "Before I Die" by Bob Gunner.
I thought this book was pretty neat, and really enjoyed the various "conspiracy theory" explorations throughout it. I have not read a ton of Sci-Fi Lit, but this story definitely seemed well thought out and researched.
If you enjoy time travel books, and a bit of Hollywood history, give this one a go.
4/5 stars.
07/22/2023
Karaoke Night
By John Watson
Third breakdown of the day is for "Karaoke Night" by John Watson.
I've been obsessed with the Horror genre most of my life, and generally I see the same tropes and ideas revisited. However, the same cannot be said for this book. It felt completely original and was very clever in making the stories connect.
Highly entertaining and an easy five stars, I'll be recommending this book for years and years!!! I'm very curious to see what other imaginative tales Watson has out, he has proven himself a promising author.
5/5 stars.
07/22/2023
EARTH VS THE LAVA SPIDERS
By Candace Nola
Second breakdown of the day is for "Earth vs The Lava Spiders" by Candace Nola.
If you love B-movie monster flicks, this one is for you! I had a blast reading about the Lava Spiders and their crusade of chaos, I wish this was a movie too, maybe they will make it into one someday, it sure is deserving.
5/5 stars.
07/08/2023
FRUT OF HER LOIN
By Sea Caummisar
Today's first breakdown is for "Frut Of Her Loin" by Sea Caummisar:
If you enjoy torturous Horror, this one is for you! Idk if it was for me as I felt the cruelty was unjust, but it was well written, and the visuals were explicitly detailed.
I kept trying to guess the end, but I wasn't able to call it. A terrifying story about lust and revenge. It is even a bit educational as I have come to realize that there is a market for everything.
4/5 stars.
07/08/2023
A RAVEN'S TOUCH
By Linda Bloodworth
Second breakdown is for "A Raven's Touch" by Linda Bloodworth.
This book began intense and easily kept up enough momentum to keep my interest until the end. It is a compelling work of Fantasy with some dark touches placed throughout. I got to the end and needed more, thankfully there is a second book out!
4/5 stars.
RAVEN'S REVENGE
By Linda Bloodworth
Third breakdown is for the sequel to the second one, "Raven's Revenge" by Linda Bloodworth.
Who knew that Hell could be depicted as such a beautiful place? With writing by Bloodworth, all things seem possible! While being gorgeously written, there was no shortage of Horror as the second book took us through Hell itself. I enjoyed the first installment, but this one was extraordinarily better.
Mixed with touches of Dark Fantasy, this tale was one I'll be recommending to as many as possible. With plenty of twists, turns and breathtaking scenery throughout, I truly loved this book!! I wish I could immediately dive into part three, but it is still being wrote, so for now I will be revisiting Linda's version of Hell over and over and over, what a fascinating depiction!!!
5/5 stars.
07/01/2023
COLD WATER FOREST
By Frederick Niles
Today's first breakdown is for "Cold Water Forest" by Fredrick Niles.
My first Niles entry and I gotta say it was an odd but ribbiting, er..uh, riveting one. I liked it, but I am unsure I truly grasped the point. I had to have a discussion with the author to really understand what was happening.
That said, it is filled with a lot of wild imagery that was a blast to imagine. I will be tuning in to another Frederick program with anticipation!
4/5 stars.
07/01/2023
SOUP
By Kate DeJonge
The second breakdown of the day is for "Soup" by Kate DeJonge.
Really liked the originality of this story, and the fact that it centered around one central location. The process described in this story is a real thing, which is fascinating in of itself and has led me to informing others of it existing, I thought the dark aspects of the story were interesting, but I did feel like the ending ended rather abruptly. I was expecting one more chapter and it just kinda ended.
Despite that, I liked this story and definitely intend to peruse more DeJonge works!
5/5 stars.
06/24/2023
BEHEMOTH
By HP Newquist
Full of suspense, each chapter builds up and keeps you guessing until the end, and what a satisfying ending indeed! This book hit all the points for me and as a bonus was built around Biblical aspects. This was my first work from Newquist, but certainly not my last.
As a side note, this was the initial Indie Horror book that I gave a shot outside of mainstream names, it single handedly got me hooked on the underground world of Dark Lit.
4/5 stars.
06/24/2023
IN THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYR
By Erica Summers
As a person who grew up around the type of church services presented in this story, I found it pretty spot on to the outrageousness often depicted in the Pentecostal movements. That aside, the story was definitely interesting to me and seemed a bit metaphoric to the foundation of Christianity.
I did very much relate to the "devil made me do it" theme in this one and how pathetic it is, a cop out so many use to try to avoid personal accountability and something I absolutely loathe. The main character in this tale seeks redemption through the blood of her abuser, will she achieve what she sought? Read this short story to uncover the outcome!
4/5 stars.
06/24/2023
QUIET PLACES
By Jasper Bark
Omg, this one is good!! Jasper writes gorgeously. A tale that I wish Lovecraft could read because it bent my mind in the same directions as his work.
Bark spins an elegant story of terror, love and dire consequence, this is one I'll be recommending for years to come, just as the author predicted in his bio section...
5/5 stars, this one had some passages about the existence of God and life that I found very interesting and valid.
06/17/2023
WITHIN HER THOUGHTS
By Kristen Vincent
Today's first breakdown is for "Within Her Thoughts" by Kristen Vincent:
This collection of poetry is sometimes heartbreaking, other times it is tormenting, but it is a real and vulnerable look at a woman affected by life's storms. As a father and husband, it impacted me to keep striving to be better. As a son whose dad abandoned him, I could feel every bitter, hateful and longing emotion. This is not a simple book of poems, the words on these pages touch the soul. For a debut, it was hauntingly beautiful, and I see a ton of potential in this blossoming poet.
5/5 stars.
WITHIN HER THOUGHTS: BOOK TWO
By Kristen Vincent
Today's second breakdown is for "Within Her Thoughts: Book Two" by Kristen Vincent;
Another great collection of painful reflections and reminiscing heartaches. A proper sequel to her first book, K Vincent has written another masterpiece! There was a poem in this one about a tornado warning that I found pretty neat to have been included also. I think that the last few lines summed up Kristen's thought process when she writes, I found it a perfect ending, read this book to find out what they were...
5/5 stars.
06/10/2023
THEY'RE COMING TO GET YOU, BARBARA
By J.D. ALLEN
Today's first breakdown is for "They're Coming To Get You, Barbara" by J.D. Allen:
Not usually one to read a lot of fan fiction, but being a major fan of Romero's Night of the Living Dead, I decided to give this book a chance. I quickly engaged with the familiar story and before I knew it was flipping through the gore filled pages to the terrifying end! At one point, I turned on the movie as background noise, and on three occasions the film scenes aligned perfectly with the written passages!! I love this book passionately and will be getting a signed copy immediately!!!
5/5 stars.
06/10/2023
NO QUARTER
By Amanda Worthington
Today's second breakdown is for "No Quarter" by Amanda Worthington:
I love it when an author allows themselves to be publicly vulnerable, this novella in verse demands the reader to explore themselves in full, as every word travels the road of grief, loss, trauma and personal truths. This book is a journey one won't soon forget, it even beckons multiple reads as the messages conveyed seem layers deep, every revisit will likely unravel new thoughts and emotions. I've read Worthington in the past, this book definitely stapled her into my future.
5/5 stars.
06/03/2023
UNMASKED
By Candace Nola
Today's breakdown is for "Unmasked" by Candace Nola:
Dark poetry can allow us a glimpse into someone's inner turmoil. This personal collection had many lines that will haunt my soul, and thoughts, for the rest of my life. My jaw dropped, my heart ached, every passage had an effect on me in some way.
Words have power, Candace Nola wields their potential in this book mercilessly. This one will resonate with the darkest corners, and the moments of triumph. Read this book to peer into the depths of what it means to be human.
5/5 stars.
I must also mention Lynne Hansen for the fantastic artwork, every shelf needs a copy of this one!
06/03/2023
Sirens and Seaweed
By Candace Nola
The second breakdown for today is for "Sirens and Seaweed" by Candace Nola:
This is the first Pirate themed book that I've read in at least 15 years, with the initial one being, "Treasure Island", in the mid to late 90s. I found it just as well written and engaging as that classic. Deadly mermaids, what is not to enjoy?!
I have yet to pick up a book by Candace Nola that wasn't a frightful delight, her trope expanding talent never ceases to amaze me. This is one in a five part series, with each entry written by a different author, that centers around "Splatter at Sea", I'm definitely diving into the others.
4/5 stars.
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