Review originally posted at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Summer Sons takes a long, hot, minute before it reaches down to stiReview originally posted at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Summer Sons takes a long, hot, minute before it reaches down to stir up all those horror vibes simmering just under the surface.
The story centers on the relationship between Andrew and Eddie. Their seemingly indestructible bond is threatened when Eddie decides to go away for school. Ultimately, Andrew feels like he needs to be with Eddie no matter the cost but before they can reunite, Eddie takes his own life.
In classic, slow, Southern Gothic style, Mandelo plunges Andrew into the dark mystery surrounding his friend’s suicide. Part of learning what happened forces Andrew to tap into Eddie’s new scene of fast cars, wild nights, and new faces; a part of his friend’s life that developed apart from him, and it conjures up some feelings.
There’s a delicious hook within the first few chapters, and the storytelling voice is immediately appealing. Heading into the middle of the book, the story gets bogged down some. Having zero interest in cars, I skimmed all the “Fast and Furious” scenes but even still, I had trouble staying interested. The main issue is a lack of character development. Mandelo doesn’t go deep with Andrew until closer to the end and, by that time, the emotional impact doesn’t land as hard as it could have had there been that early investment. He’s not the most endearing of characters. But this isn’t to say readers won’t be able to connect emotionally because this story has the potential to tap into everyone’s personal experiences with loss, grief, and that horrible feeling of too-little-too-late.
I think it’s powerful that Mandelo crushes queer stereotypes with Summer Sons. Andrew is definitely not openly gay and some of the other queer relationships are complicated. This is an honest reflection of the queer community — love is love and this means that sometimes people fall in love with people regardless of their sexual identity or gender, which can be confusing. I’m sure readers will complain that they were expecting more clearly defined queer characters, but I actually appreciated the fluidity.
This is the perfect book to bring with you to the lake house or on a vacation where there are endless hours available to get lost in a story that is in no real hurry to leave. The haunting atmosphere coupled with Mandelo’s intimate, seductive prose will compliment anyone’s fantasy of sipping iced tea on a sweltering day with a book that gives you the chills....more
I’m officially a fan of authors breaking the fourth wall within their novels in order to communicate directly to their readers in their own voice. I’m here for it. Red X is the second book I’ve read this year to use this literary device.
This book wouldn’t have been the same experience without Demchuk’s personal and vulnerable account of his own struggles as they relate to the story.
Both Red X and Demchuk’s first novel, The Bone Mother, tell essential stories from marginalized people threatened by suppression and persecution.
Demchuk shines a bright, focused light on Toronto’s gay district, The Village. A growing number of men are going missing while authorities turn a blind eye to the outcry of fear and concern from friends and family. The author’s personal account underscores what fuels this apathetic response by explaining how his generation viewed queer people as living a dangerous, alternative lifestyle. Gay men going missing was seen as a consequence. The HIV/AIDS pandemic — a consequence. Getting fired from your job, church exclusion, family exclusion — all consequences.
Demchuk paints a grim picture as the reality of this situation comes to a boiling point. A whole group of people living in fear and isolation are totally ignored, leaving them vulnerable to whatever (or whoever) desires to prey on them.
It is truly horrifying and frankly, difficult to experience. My reading journey was that of immense concern, a heavy feeling of dread and anxiety, as well as this growing sense of urgency to check on my queer friends and family to make sure they’re not suffering from the neglect communicated in this book. It was easy to forget that some of this book is fictionalized, supernatural horror as the pace quickened and the pages flew by; and then David would step in with an interlude with that identifying font and I would remember that, ah yes…I can put my feet back on the ground. *big sigh*
It requires so much inner strength and bravery for marginalized creatives to share their work with society. The onus on society is to make sure it is well received, engaged with, honored, valued, and celebrated.
This is an important work for the horror community. A representation of an entire group of people with a voice not to be heard, but listened to; not just acknowledged, but seen. I personally want to thank David Demchuk. By telling your story, you told a bigger story and that will live on in this book for generations of readers to come....more
You might be surprised to learn that Queen of Teeth is the debut novel from Hailey Piper. Her name is everywhere! How can this be her debut? Well, up until this book’s release, Piper has had a string of successful book releases in the novella page count range: The Possession of Natalie Glasgow, Benny Rose the Cannibal King, The Worm and His Kings, a short story collection, and a Short, Sharp, Shocks from Demain Publishing called An Invitation to Darkness. There is also a variety of short fiction published in dozens of anthologies and magazines. Through this whirlwind of storytelling, Piper has gathered unto herself a massive fanbase. Personally, I show up for anything with her name on it. I’m a sell-out for Piper’s unique brand.
Queen of Teeth is special. Her first novel and what a way to crush a debut!
Setting a new standard for body horror, this book begins with the main character, Yolanda “Yaya” Betancourt, making a startling discovery about her body in the bathroom of a woman she barely knows. She makes a quick exit, her mind buzzing with questions. Ultimately, Yaya settles on her body changes being a new side effect of a medical experiment she has been a part of since birth.
Later, as Yaya’s condition is developing, a powerful scientific entity known as AlphaBeta Pharmaceutical is hunting her down…and she is falling in love.
One of the most important themes of this book is the protection of a woman’s agency; the ability to take control of her own life at all costs. The world tries to override agency all the time, especially when it comes to mental and physical health. Women are groomed from a very early age to be silent about the issues that are troubling us. It’s too awkward or uncomfortable to share sexual health concerns. We fear being labeled negatively by society if we can’t perform or live up to the world’s standards of normalcy. We’re supposed to take a step back and allow others to guide our futures instead of advocating for ourselves and claiming ownership.
This book speaks to all of this and more because Piper also infuses the narrative with an LBGTQ+ point of view.
Horror fans who are willing to go on an exotic journey into strange and wonderful world-building unlike any other will enjoy this blend of romance and horror. Hailey Piper is at the top of her game, literally machete-chopping through new territory, blazing an exciting trail for others to follow. The future of horror looks so invigoratingly queer and progressive. I love being a part of the celebration....more
If you found yourself entering into your Rio Youers fandom through WESTLAKE SOUL, HALCYON, or THE FORGOTTEN GIRL, let me urge you to pick up LOLA ON FIf you found yourself entering into your Rio Youers fandom through WESTLAKE SOUL, HALCYON, or THE FORGOTTEN GIRL, let me urge you to pick up LOLA ON FIRE and jump into it immediately. It's exactly what you're looking for. If you know Rio from his horror/supernatural stories, let me set some early expectations: this is a straightforward thriller. But it has all the dynamic relationships and heart fans have come to expect from Youers. Full review coming to Cemetery Dance! ...more
It’s one of the most beloved horror tropes: A group of friends travels to an abandoned building rumored to be haunted. The friends are either going to film a documentary, or just see what happens when they attempt to spend the night.
Horror ensues.
It’s tempting to believe this trope has been done too many times to promise anything original but, thankfully, horror writers disagree and keep telling the story in their own, unique voice. Nothing But Blackened Teeth is the tale of a dysfunctional group of friends who are gathering together for an experiential, destination wedding ceremony inside a Heian period mansion notorious for its ghost-bride legend.
Strong comparisons to The Ritual by Adam Nevill in the set-up, with the focus on the tense dynamic between friends in order to build tension.
The setting is rich with potential for mind-numbing horror. The author holds back at first, developing an atmosphere rife with past hurts and wrongs; soon, the book slowly begins its descent into darkness.
All the characters are self-absorbed and preoccupied with their own circumstances. They are highly sensitive people; reactive to every small offense. Much to the reader’s dismay, everyone is utterly oblivious to the nature of their surroundings as they argue over mundane things.
The drama is entertaining and Khaw’s prose is wickedly sharp, but the emphasis on the characters’ relationships is a disproportionate distraction for such a short ghost story.
Eventually, Khaw indulges in terror-inducing imagery and some seriously unsettling scenes but it was quickly upstaged by more bickering and banter.
I enjoyed the darker twists and turns but ultimately, I wanted more. This is such a tease! I’m hoping that Cassandra Khaw has a lot more horror up her sleeve. I’m here for it....more
This is a possession story with a twist. A few friends gather together to channel their inner witch vibes and unintentionally conjure up an ancient goddess. This sudden presence in the friend group causes some concern among the girls and their parents. A priest is summoned which only manages to make the situation worse and more dangerous.
V. Castro does a remarkable job bringing all the characters to life on the page. The friends, Fernanda, Perla, Lourdes, Ana, and Pauline have individual personalities that really shine in dramatic sections of dialog.
A few times this book had me laughing out loud — Lourdes is sassy and spirited. Toward the middle of the story, one part made me gasp in surprise! A tantalizing revelation. Castro clearly enjoys keeping her readers on their toes. I especially enjoyed the backstory of the goddess and her mission. The cultural aspects of ancient folklore, religion, and sexuality play a strong role in enriching the intricacies of character development.
So many times I found my heart responding to everything the girls were experiencing. In one part, a quiet young woman is harassed in the bathroom by her female peers, and it felt so realistic and authentic. There is some intense, vivid imagery here to entertain all horror fans from all walks of life. Castro’s storytelling voice is strong and memorable....more
Full review coming to Cemetery Dance. Blurb: "Haley Newlin's Take Your Turn, Teddy is a dark, psychological horror story exploring the manifestations oFull review coming to Cemetery Dance. Blurb: "Haley Newlin's Take Your Turn, Teddy is a dark, psychological horror story exploring the manifestations of early childhood trauma. Newlin uses themes of domestic violence, anxiety, and isolation to create a provocative landscape for her characters to encounter and battle, The Shadow. A disturbing glimpse of how a broken spirit can unleash powerful demons of the soul. Absolutely captivating, I couldn't put it down."...more
“A debut novel that discovers brand new territory and claims it as its own."
A full review to come! Fans of an interactive format like HOUSE OF LEAVES “A debut novel that discovers brand new territory and claims it as its own."
A full review to come! Fans of an interactive format like HOUSE OF LEAVES by Mark Z. Danielewski or THE LANTERN MAN by Jon Bassoff; tons of notes at the bottom of the pages that are important to the reader. Also that weird feeling that none of the "true accounts" are true and that YOU the reader are actually a witness to the "truth". Just a really strange, experimental book that leaves a lasting impression....more
“Do you like scary movies?”- Scream (1996) Sometimes movies take their inspiration from books and sometimes books are inspired by movies. In the case of My Heart is a Chainsaw, author Stephen Graham Jones lets his “horror movie fan” flag fly inside the soul of his teenage protagonist, Jade Daniels.
Not only is Jade a horror movie cinephile, but slasher films are the framework of support she has built around herself out of self-preservation. She is an outcast at her school, a burden to her dysfunctional family, and part of a marginalized community in her small town of Proofrock, Idaho. To cope, she loses herself in the comfort and dependability of formulaic horror tropes. At first, Jade comes off so strong on the page, it’s difficult to relate, but give it time. She grows on you.
In between glimpses of Jade’s bleak home life and scenes at school, life in Proofrock is getting interesting. There’s a new housing development called Terra Nova, catering to a specific demographic.
Members of high society are enticed by Terra Nova and targeted by a killer. The local authorities are pressured to get a lead in their investigation and make Proofrock “great again.
Of course, Daniels, with her extensive knowledge of horror tropes, is also on the case (much to the annoyance of resident officials and grownups).
This story has a totally different vibe than Graham’s huge 2020 hit, The Only Good Indians. Readers showing up for a similar storytelling tone should set early expectations for Chainsaw to be somewhat lighter horror fare.
Jade is quirky, unpredictable, and sassy, which makes for some hilarious dialogue exchanges with other characters. It’s fun being in Jade’s head as she wrestles with her potential as the town’s “final girl.”
Jones generously seasons the plot with slasher movie references. Those unschooled in the ways of “slash & bash” can either feel totally out of their element or choose to embrace it as a learning opportunity.
The recommendation is to hang on and go for the ride. The payoff is worth it in this modern coming-of-age horror story capitalizing on themes of revenge and redemption. ...more
As far as introductions to an author’s work goes, I can’t think of a better offering than a collection of three, novellas differing in style and substance but sharing the same universe and characters.
All three tales in In Nightmares We’re Alone are told from a first person POV. Greg Sisco takes readers through a character’s own, personal nightmare as they are living it. . .alone. But they’re not really alone, are they? We are with them.
The first story, “Good Little Dolly,” tells the story of a young girl living with her mother and her older sister. One of the girl’s earned rewards from her busy, distracted mother is to open the package whenever a new doll arrives at their house. The large dolls come pretty frequently. Both daughters have different feelings about their mom’s expensive doll collecting hobby.
One day, the girl opens the box to find a doll with unsettling eyes. I enjoyed this classic “creepy doll” horror tale. It builds suspense and tension as it moves along at a quickening pace. Perhaps even more unsettling than the doll with the strange eyes was the family dynamic between the mother and her two daughters.
“Growth,” the middle story, is perhaps my favorite. Sisco’s drastic change in narrative from the young girl to a narcissistic, manipulative con man is a powerful transition. Readers will find themselves in the mind of a vain, shallow individual whose life is turned upside down when he discovers that his fingernails are sprouting some kind of plant life. The man’s attempts to deal with his condition in various different ways is body horror at its best. It’s both humorous and disgusting. The fact readers won’t find themselves totally empathetic to the protagonist’s situation makes for a very entertaining read and a surprising conclusion.
The final story, “That Thing We Don’t Quite See,” is yet another startling change of pace. The woman in this story is tormented by unusual messages from her deceased father’s typewriter. As more of a quiet, existential nightmare, this last protagonist was my favorite character’s head to be inside of as she spirals into herself pondering her own, heavy thoughts.
A writer must be extremely confident in his own ability to pull off the telling of a whole story in three parts through three acts with multiple first-person POVs. I’m impressed. One nightmare told three ways — a wholly unique and terrifying way to blindside readers. Greg Sisco nailed it. I’ll be looking for more of his work in the future. ...more
Original review published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... My favorite book series for the longest time was “The Little HouseOriginal review published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... My favorite book series for the longest time was “The Little House” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. These books were set in the American Midwest in the late 1800s. Hearts Strange and Dreadful transports us to New England in 1821 and I, for one, could not have been more eager to make the trip back in time to this familiar era.
Tim McGregor vividly sets up time and place as he introduces his readers to Hester Stokely, a capable young woman orphaned at an early age. She has been adopted into her aunt and uncle’s family to help care for the Stokelys’ modest home and farmland.
I can’t stress enough how indulgently delicious this book is in its setting and atmosphere. I was so fully immersed in this world and invested in the affairs of McGregor’s citizens of Wickstead, I had difficulty pulling myself out of it on occasion. He does an amazing job developing characters with meaningful interactions and setting up small-town drama in order for readers to truly get a sense that all of this is real and authentic.
Of course, this also speaks to a point I tend to make over and over again which is: Horror is the most successful when there is some kind of emotional investment. So, the more I felt myself caring for the lives of these fictional people, the more vulnerable I felt to the ominous dread building behind the scenes. What was Tim McGregor going to unleash on these lovely people?
At first, it’s disease. Later, it’s something far more evil and insidious. The most exciting aspect of this tale for me was that I had listened to a podcast recently where the real life supernatural aspect of this story was explained and it was the very first time I had ever heard of the unusual events that transpired in New England during a plague. As soon as some of the same details began manifesting themselves in Hearts Strange and Dreadful, I was beside myself with joy. I love when authors are inspired by true events and I couldn’t wait to see how some of the horrifying details would play out.
Verdict: I was horrified. There’s one scene in particular that lingered well past the point of closing the book and laying it aside. Some people might grow impatient with the slow-building dread and tension. The horror genre can sometimes spoil readers with too much action upfront. There could be a temptation to rush through to get to the climax, but I’d like to urge readers to succumb to McGregor’s deliberate set-up and just enjoy this carefully plotted story, well-developed characters, and masterful storytelling. I’m already adding this to both my Best Of 2021 List and my All-Time Favorite Books List. I loved it that much. ...more
Wow! This is only my second Ramsey Campbell book and I'm hesitant to confess that we did not have the best of introductions. But this book has turned Wow! This is only my second Ramsey Campbell book and I'm hesitant to confess that we did not have the best of introductions. But this book has turned things around! I'm so excited this is the first in a series. Writing up my review for Cemetery Dance now! (Thank you Flame Tree Press Team for sending me a very early NetGalley )...more
*I wrote this review for Cemetery Dance and it was published but the author then *unpublished* this particular book and now the stories can be found i*I wrote this review for Cemetery Dance and it was published but the author then *unpublished* this particular book and now the stories can be found in his 2021 release, THE STRANGE THING WE BECOME AND OTHER DARK TALES. Nonetheless, here is my original review The best thing about reading an author’s work who is totally brand new to me is that I never know what to expect. The hope is that the storytelling will make a lasting impression and I will be able to add a new favorite author to my “Big List”.
Eric Larocca is a new favorite. A BRIGHT ENCHANTED SUFFERING has made a lasting impression. This book is comprised of two novelettes. The first, YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE begins so innocently. I urge readers to go into this story blind. This review is spoiler-free, but don’t read the back of the book or other reviews. Trust, Mother. A married couple is enjoying a day outdoors at a park with their small child. Their day is interrupted by an odd stranger. Done. That’s all you need to know. Please go! Read! Be shocked and amazing and enjoy.
The next story, WHERE FLAMES BURNED EMERALD AS GRASS has a similar setup, so again...no peeking! Enter at your own risk and fully uninformed. A widower and his daughter are vacationing in paradise when they encounter an eccentric individual with a proposal.
Larocca has an alluring storytelling voice. There’s a mesmerizing, soothing tone to the narrative that is utterly irresistible. I was drawn into the stories immediately. A healthy appetite developed and I knew I wouldn’t be able to set the book down until it was finished. I absolutely read it one sitting. So my recommendation is to allow yourself the time to get fully absorbed into the suffering of fictional characters because once Larocca enchants you, there’s no going back. When you’re finished, you’ll want to get some more. I’m here for every story he wants to tell. ...more
3.5 stars There’s kind of this unofficial debate among readers concerning those who enjoy unlikable characters and those who need protagonists to be to3.5 stars There’s kind of this unofficial debate among readers concerning those who enjoy unlikable characters and those who need protagonists to be tolerable in order to invest in their story.
I like despicable, flawed people. I think protagonists should be as varied as the people we encounter in real life. I don’t need to like people in order to emotionally invest in their stories — sometimes, hating them is just as fun as loving them.
In Kathe Koja’s The Cipher, Nicholas and Nakota are pretty loathsome people. They happen upon a strange, black hole in Nicholas’s apartment building and become obsessed with experimenting with it. Obsession, as we all know, does not end well, and horrible things do happen; mostly because Nakota is self-destructive, impulsive, and a bit of an emotional “black hole” herself. Nicholas is co-dependent and passive. The mystery of their relationship was as fascinating to me as the affectionately named “Funhole.”
This is not my first time reading Koja’s work. I’ve read a few short stories in her collection Velocities, also released by Meerkat Press this year. Some of the stories, like “Baby,” really worked for me, and some of them didn’t. I find Koja’s style a bit jarring and disorienting at times. The narrative in The Cipher head-hops a bit from one character to another. Sometimes I thought I was reading exposition and then realized it was the inner dialog of Nicholas. Almost like a stream of consciousness but too intermittent to get used to it. Little stumbles like that pulled me out of the story on a few occasions.
That being said, Koja’s imagination and particular brand of body horror is on another level.
The dynamic between Nakota and Nicholas and their friend group reminded me of the movie Reality Bites — it really has that whole ’90s twenty/thirtysomething vibe — where everything is sarcastic or done ironically and everyone seems too self-absorbed and unsure of themselves to function.
These are the perfect people to get caught up with a horrible Funhole. There are some memorable, classic horror scenes that will stay with me forever. Cringy sex-stuff, gross-outs, and jaw-dropping moments. The Cipher is a good time....more
Original Review published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... For anyone that’s ever lived in a small town where everyone knows Original Review published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... For anyone that’s ever lived in a small town where everyone knows each other and seems to hold secrets about their next-door neighbors, idyllic town horror is a satisfying trope. Truth is always stranger than fiction and if you live in one small town long enough, you’re bound to uncover some of the strange history and unusual happenings. Sometimes what appears to be perfectly quaint is really just good at hiding its seamy underbelly.
It’s not difficult to suspend disbelief in order to buy into the old adage, “Nothing is as it appears to be.” Or another fitting favorite, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
Sam Hardy is a sheriff’s deputy that becomes the only suspect in the brutal murder of a young girl in his hometown. Instead of internal affairs getting involved, he is ultimately asked to leave town and go to the community of Angels and Hope, a company town established to support a theme park, Captain Clive’s Dreamworld.
Dreamworld itself seems loosely based on what we know as “The Happiest Place on Earth” except there is something really wrong with Angels and Hope in a Twilight Zone(ish) way. After meeting Captain Clive and chatting up the locals, Sam Hardy knows there is something insidiously sinister about his new residence and sets himself on a mission to uncover it.
Jon Bassoff injects this quirky bizzaro tale with social commentary in the style of a crime-noir drama mashed with transgressive horror and it really works. I’m a huge fan of Bassoff’s imagination and flair for the unexpected.
The pacing is perfect. Bassoff skillfully guides the reader through a series of events that ultimately lead the protagonist on a pretty creepy journey. After reading The Lantern Man, it’s clear to me that Bassoff has honed his craft as a storyteller that can perfectly mash up crime-noir thriller overtures with straight-up horror sprinkled with whatever sub-genres he sees fitting for the tale; bizzaro, transgressive, psychological — you name the flavor and, chances are, Bassoff has toyed with it.
I particularly enjoy the fact that Bassoff almost always employs unlikable, flawed people to vehicle his character-driven horror. I never know what to expect and I’m always surprised by something — a particularly disturbing scene or a cruel twist of fate are true markers of his brand of horror. I highly recommend this book to fans who like a bit of everything and are looking for something unusual and original....more
Original review published at Cemetery Dance 12/11/2020 Women in Indie Horror have a powerful voice and if that’s a surprise to you, take note of the poOriginal review published at Cemetery Dance 12/11/2020 Women in Indie Horror have a powerful voice and if that’s a surprise to you, take note of the popular Best Of Lists from horror reviewers as 2020 comes to a close. You will see these names: Laurel Hightower, Gemma Amor, Samantha Kolesnik, Sara Tantlinger, Gwendolyn Kiste, Cynthia Pelayo, V. Castro, Stephanie Ellis, Jessica Guess, Briana Morgan, and many, many more.
One name I saved for last and special mention. Hailey Piper. Hailey is one to watch. She has had a stellar year of releases starting with the breakout novella, The Possession of Natalie Glasgow. Then it was just one winner after the next: Benny Rose, The Cannibal King (Unnerving), An Invitation to Darkness (Demain Pub), and several short stories in various anthologies.
This recent release rounds out an impressive year for Piper right to the top of the stack. The Worm and His King is the perfect selection for new readers. It showcases Piper’s greatest skill: versatility. I’ve read Hailey’s unique brand of Gothic horror, teen slasher, possession, and even romance (which is tucked neatly into the folds of horror, of course).
Monique lives on the streets, taking shelter when and where she can. Her sense of personal safety has been threatened with the sudden disappearance of her girlfriend, Donna. In a very Alice in Wonderland style, Piper leads readers on a journey through a landscape of madness where nothing is as it seems. Monique follows a stranger into a subterranean “wormhole” where she encounters an underground cult and a plethora of creatures — including the one she suspects has taken Donna.
Our “Alice” in this Wonderland, Monique, belongs in my reader’s heart forever. Her journey of self-discovery and identity apart from Donna is a gut wrenching and beautiful tale of transformation. Thrusting the story forward is that age-old power of love, but I love the way Piper crafted it around a cosmic transcendence. There are some bone-chilling moments. The ending almost breaks your mind.
If this book is any indication of where we’ll find Hailey Piper in 2021, it’s bound to be another year of confirming her as one of indie horror’s brightest stars....more
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