Review going in an upcoming issue of SCREAM Magazine! Short message: J.A.W. McCarthy is an author to keep an eye on. Capable short horror fiction storyReview going in an upcoming issue of SCREAM Magazine! Short message: J.A.W. McCarthy is an author to keep an eye on. Capable short horror fiction storytelling with a variety of tone, style, sub-genres, and narrative. Impressive!...more
Originally published in SCREAM MAGAZINE Title: Slattery Falls Author: Brennan LaFaro Published: Independent
Slattery Falls is perfect for when you’re in tOriginally published in SCREAM MAGAZINE Title: Slattery Falls Author: Brennan LaFaro Published: Independent
Slattery Falls is perfect for when you’re in the mood for a fast haunted house horror you can read in one sitting. A trio of college kids enjoys spending their free time visiting haunted locations. They hear about The Weeks House, a local legend in a small town called Slattery Falls, MA. Of course, once they get there, they quickly begin to realize The Weeks House is not your garden variety abandoned house, there really is something going on in Slattery Falls.
LaFaro spends the first act developing the characters and the dynamic that exists between them in order to draw readers in for emotional investment. Horror is definitely more effective when the audience gets attached to the protagonists. By the time the narrative descends into the bowels of Weeks House, there is some genuine concern that our trio of silly, good-natured friends might not make it out alive. As far as debut novels go, this is a great example of the depth of LaFaro’s imagination, storytelling voice, and ability to build and maintain horror for the duration of the book. There are still some things left to be desired. The last third of the book moved at a fast clip which made the ending seem rushed; almost hasty. I felt like there was room for the author to draw it out longer in order to create a balance between the time spent with the build-up in relation to the time spent winding down from the climax.
Also, I feel LaFaro had the reader in the palm of his hand regarding the backstory and historical aspects and maybe just didn’t know it. This will come with experience. He could have spent more time developing those timelines and given us some chapters exploring the antagonist further which would have set Slattery Falls apart from other paranormal, ghost-hunter stories. The components were all there, they just weren’t utilized to their fullest potential. That being said, I believe in LaFaro’s voice and I hope there’s more to come. I would definitely show up for another book by this author.
Title: WE ARE HERE TO HURT EACH OTHER Author: Paula D. Ashe Publisher: Nictitating Books
The first two stories in this collection, Aspects of Emptiness aTitle: WE ARE HERE TO HURT EACH OTHER Author: Paula D. Ashe Publisher: Nictitating Books
The first two stories in this collection, Aspects of Emptiness and Carry On, Carrion are clear indicators of what the reader can expect from the rest…pure, unadulterated horror. The author, Paula D. Ashe is not messing around. A man with severe facial deformities is stalking people-men, women, children, it doesn’t matter, and using the power of suggestion to mutilate their own faces. Sometimes worse things happen. Nightmare fuel.
“He held my hand as the chemical ate away at my mask, leaving the bone and muscle somewhat damaged but relatively intact. I am a blistered, blasted nightmare. What, underneath, are you?”
The third story, All the Hellish Cruelties of Heaven will excite Clive Barker fans. Paula D. Ashe has a full mastery of language using it to plumb the depths of utter darkness. She introduces readers to a religious cult that practices the Gospel of Suffering. These people prey on vagrants and outcasts, the invisible people of the streets to make “converts” out of them through despicable methods of pain. Utterly horrifying but compelling at the same time. You can’t look away. One of my favorite aspects of this collection is how the stories are so different in style and substance but also interconnected. A dark thread line through the whole book. There are absolutely awful, horrible people in this book. I found nothing relatable, only cruelty after brutal cruelty, and yet, Paula D. Ashe’s prose is so lavish, so provocative, I can’t help but sing this book’s praises. Just don’t fault me for the depravity inside. I honestly can’t recommend We Are Here to Hurt Each Other, enough. Immediately upon finishing, I sought more work out. Reader beware.
LP Hernandez showcases an impressive ability to write skillfully in a wide variety of horror sub-genres. Even though each story is unique in its tone,LP Hernandez showcases an impressive ability to write skillfully in a wide variety of horror sub-genres. Even though each story is unique in its tone, they all share the author’s uncanny attention to detail; descriptions of smells, textures, and visuals. Everything works together to create the desired atmosphere of horror and dread.
THE RAT KING boasts fourteen stories with full-page illustrations. It’s remarkable how the accompanying artwork works together with the words on the page to really land a punch. The story, TO GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE WE GO, is about a brother and sister staying at their elderly grandmother’s house. As soon as their mother leaves them there, they realize something is off about their grandmother. Her nocturnal behaviors are particularly concerning. As the suspense and terror build to a crescendo, the reader turns the page to see grandma exactly as the narrator sees her and it is both terrifying and revolting. Fans of body horror will appreciate the grotesque manipulations and transformations represented in LACUMBRA, IN THE VALLEY OF THE HEADLESS MEN, and the last story, BEYOND THE VALLEY–JESS. One scene in particular from LACUMBRA triggered my Trypophobia. I gagged a little bit reading the descriptions and then seeing the artwork depicting what I had just experienced. Disgusting and delightful. The author’s wheelhouse is when he’s writing stories of human monsters. DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL is about a child predator, THE MAGICIAN is about a harmful, horrible magic trick, THE NIGHTMARE ROOM reveals a man’s horrifying secret, and A SUNDOWN TOWN explores the horrors of racism.
There’s not one story in this collection that lacks and together, they are a striking example of what Hernandez has to offer; an author to watch. Highly recommend this book and whatever else is to come....more
Title: The Watchers Author: A.M. Shine Publisher: Head of Zeus
Clearly influenced by Gothic horror icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker, A. M. STitle: The Watchers Author: A.M. Shine Publisher: Head of Zeus
Clearly influenced by Gothic horror icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker, A. M. Shine makes his debut mark on the modern horror landscape with, THE WATCHERS. There are a lot of little secrets in store for readers so this review will tread lightly to preserve those nuggets of discovery. Mina is a struggling artist grieving the loss of her mother. She’s approached by a friend to see if she would be interested in delivering a bird to a buyer in exchange for some quick cash. She accepts but quickly regrets this decision as she finds herself with a broken-down car in the middle of nowhere. Mina travels on foot into the woods. Hearing some bone-chilling screams, Mina panics and eventually is taken in by some strangers living in an unusual bunker. The story revolves around the mystery of this compound and the unnatural screams in the woods.
THE WATCHERS is a unique blend of character-driven, psychological horror in the drama that plays out among the people surviving in this bunker and a creature feature; outside in the dense woodland are threatening creatures that cannot be seen but they are holding the people in the bunker captive. The dynamic between the characters is always shifting and evolving as circumstances call upon each of their strengths and weaknesses. Also, the way each person handles the reality of their situation forces the reader to choose among them, who is the most likely to lead the group through this nightmare. And this will change as the story progresses! The horror capitalizes on the unknown threat of what The Watchers want and not being able to physically see what they look like or how to escape them. Because of the nature of The Watchers, there were elements of this book that were extremely similar to Josh Malerman’s BIRD BOX and Tim Lebbon’s THE SILENCE. Although, there were enough differences to set this one apart enough to make the experience original. I recommend it to readers who enjoy atmospheric, tense, survival horror stories set in the thick, remote forests of Galway. ...more
Writing up my review for SCREAM Magazine. Thank you, Creative Onion Press for publishing this book in its purposefully raw, unfiltered style. And readWriting up my review for SCREAM Magazine. Thank you, Creative Onion Press for publishing this book in its purposefully raw, unfiltered style. And readers, make sure you add the name Duvay Knox to your list of emerging artists to watch. This one is rising to the top....more
Originally published in an issue of SCREAM Magazine
There is a warning on Goodreads right at the beginning of the synopsis. “Warning: this book containsOriginally published in an issue of SCREAM Magazine
There is a warning on Goodreads right at the beginning of the synopsis. “Warning: this book contains graphic violence and sexuality most readers will find offensive.” Readers would be wise to heed this warning. It’s not an exaggeration. There are scenes in this book that are so disgusting and disturbing, it’s hard to keep your eyes in your head and your mouth closed. I typically don’t show up for books like this. Extreme horror can be exploitive-capitalizing on graphic violence or sex for the purpose of shock. Some authors are unskilled storytellers. The characters are underdeveloped. The plot is thin. They don’t have anything of value or importance to say. I will opt out of a book like that every time (unless I’m reviewing it for SCREAM). WOOM has an actual story and Ralston has chops. Room 6 at The Lonely Hotel carries a special significance for Angel. He has a plan to face his past head-on by spending one night with a sex worker in the room to see if she would be willing to carry out his wishes. The night that these two spend together is told in a series of vignette-style stories the two tell each other. Both Angel and the sex worker, Shyla, are well acquainted with pain, suffering, and trying to fill the void of emotional wreckage their trauma has left behind. As the evening goes on, their level of intimacy grows closer and closer building to a climax that promises to be...unexpected. And it delivered on this promise in spades.
WOOM is not my cup of tea. I thought some scenes were over-the-top nasty, making me feel uncomfortable and dirty for reading them. I admit to skimming through some explicit descriptions just to get back to the present-day narrative between Shyla and Angel. But I know this book has its audience. It’s a well-written story for this genre. I will likely read more from Duncan Ralston.
Just turned in my review for the October SCREAM mag issue. This book is perfect for cozy-horror fans. Think Darcy Coates meets Murder She Wrote with AJust turned in my review for the October SCREAM mag issue. This book is perfect for cozy-horror fans. Think Darcy Coates meets Murder She Wrote with Angela Lansbury...more
Currently writing my review for SCREAM Magazine. There is a wide variety of stories drawing from several sub-genres. Native American folklore, classicCurrently writing my review for SCREAM Magazine. There is a wide variety of stories drawing from several sub-genres. Native American folklore, classic ghost stories, historical fiction, creature-feature, and horrors of war. ...more
Review originally published in SCREAM Magazine issue #67 July/August 2021 A married couple is on their way to meet the parents of their daughter’s fianReview originally published in SCREAM Magazine issue #67 July/August 2021 A married couple is on their way to meet the parents of their daughter’s fiance. The in-laws, Lord and Lady Farrell-Hawke at their estate in Scotland. The couple’s marriage seems strained. They arrive to find the large, iron, security gates to the estate wide open. The main protagonist, Susan Tucker, wife to Dale Tucker, thinks everything seems a little off but Dale is dismissive about her suspicions. Turns out, Susan was right and all hell breaks loose. The couple will have to fight for their lives. Susan Tucker is one of the most off-putting characters I’ve ever read and I don’t think it is intentional. Through this woman’s POV, female readers over the age of forty, who have grey hair, who went up a few dress sizes since motherhood, and are above the average height, will feel attacked. I was offended, honestly. Susan’s insecurities are very specific to the point of shaming/alienating the author’s own audience. Susan’s voice is critical, sharp, insecure, judgemental, and just plain annoying. By the time she finds herself in life or death situations, I couldn’t care less what happened to her. Her husband Dale isn’t developed enough to care about him either. The “kids” Seb and Natasha are on their way for the better part of the book and once they arrive, they aren’t given much in terms of personalities before they too are put in harm’s way. Natasha had some real “final girl” material but ultimately, the author seemed to have other plans. The plotline of Langdon Manor is too thin to support the larger-than-life antagonists. At one point in the story, a character literally reveals half of the story through a long-winded monologue as his victim just stands there asking questions. The audience is just kept in the dark about everything, wondering why the hell all this crazy shit is happening until this big reveal in the form of an awkward info-dump. It’s not enough. I’m not satisfied or entertained by violent, graphic, unmotivated behavior just to be handed an undeveloped reason at the end. If the author isn’t interested in giving their readers characters to invest in or an intricately plotted storyline with a purpose,then I’m not sure what is being offered in its place. Gory kill scenes and raunchy sex acts without a storyline is boring.
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