Stephanie

After years in the Queen's Army, Luke is suffering from PTSD. One night, in a drunken stupor, Luke beats a man to death. Luke's criminal past catches him a death sentence but is saved at the very last moment by his old friend Lazare . Luke soon joins Lazare and his crew on an expedition to obtain new land. While on this trip, he begins to see apparitions of his dead wife Lucille. Lucille was executed for witchcraft, although Luke knows Lucille was simply a healer using basic science to advance medicine. But, is that the truth? Mysterious, deadly events begin to unfold as Luke stumbles across an ornate dagger resting inside a stump surrounded by glowing mushrooms. What secrets does the mysterious land hold? What secrets will Luke unveil? Most importantly, will Luke discover the real reason for Lucille's appearances?

I don't usually read fantasy books but I enjoyed this dark novella. I love that the author spun fantasy elements with horror elements. It worked perfectly for the story.

The author created an interesting story about the Roanoke colony that I enjoyed a lot more than other spins on the tale. The novella is well written, entertaining and has a good amount of gore.

Characters are written well and dialogue between characters is natural and realistic. My favorite character is Lucille, but I won't say much about her because it's important to the storyline.

At first I was a bit bothered by the portrayal of Lucille by the other villagers, considering I am a practicing witch, and the heavy Christian elements made me nervous that witchcraft was considered “evil,” in this story, but that's not the case at all. Any hatred towards witchcraft is written on purpose to showcase the characters disdain and hatred for witches and witchcraft. After all the setting takes place during an era where Christianity was on the rise and hysteria about witches was extremely widespread, but the ending was satisfying and exactly the choice I expected Luke to make. Bravo to the author for catching me off-guard!

Overall Against the Void by Luke Bushman is a fun, eerie, dark read with copious amounts of gore to leave even seasoned horror fans like myself satisfied.

When I heard there was a new novella by E.C. Hanson I immediately knew I HAD to read it. Wicked Blood is a fun, fast-paced novella that tells the story of an extremely dysfunctional, and twisted family.

Mom and dad are dead, it's the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and Marina is left to fend for herself as well as her younger brothers, Dev and Samuel who have their own demented version of a good time. Desperate for money, Marina has an idea for a haunted house. But this haunted house is more so a house of horrors and no one, including Marina is safe.

I read Wicked Blood in one sitting, literally scrolling page after page, needing to see what happens to Marina and her brothers. Hanson writes interesting and realistic characters that the reader connects with. I particularly like Marina and her witty thoughts and comments. I also enjoyed the overall setting. What's creepier than terror in a small town during a worldwide pandemic?

Hanson brought all kinds of nostalgia. Whether it be the references to our favorite 80s slashers or penny candy, I was definitely feeling the vibe, bringing me right to my childhood where my love for horror began.

Oh and let's not forget there is blood, lots of wicked blood.

Once again Christine brings the terror, fear and drama in the third book of the Brother's Curse Saga. Moments of gore mixed in with suspense work together for a fast-paced thriller that feels like a tv series! I'm talking Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Supernatural vibes.

Christine is known for surprises, so naturally I knew I was in for some shocking moments. If you're a fan of paranormal romance, you will be delighted. I feel like out of the 3 books, this one has the most romance.

I always love the design of Christine's book and her clever chapter titles. Also, her setting always stands out. Lakeview Falls is a spooky, nefarious town with supernatural creatures lurking around every corner. Perfect for that Halloween vibe we all love.

I really enjoyed the different story arcs. Christine's shapeshifter world is full of characters with different personalities. Some you will adore and others you may loathe. It was cool to revisit with characters from the past two books as well. Fair warning, don't fall in love with any of the characters, because you never know who will get skinned alive.

Christopher's Curse will pull on your heart strings, get you all in the feels, disgust you, and frighten your socks off. I'm trying my hardest to keep this spoiler free so, if you enjoy paranormal romance, horror, suspense and strong characters, pick up the Brother's Curse and jump down the Lakeview falls rabbit hole.

Oh and how could I forget, I love love love the witchcraft and voodoo throughout this book and series. Well researched and I love to see witches represented in a positive light.

Little Lugosi: A Love Story by Douglas Ford

Trevor and Madeline have a normal relationship. At least until Madeline insists they need a pet. Trevor doesn't really want a pet but gives in to Madeline's request because he fears one day he'll end up losing her. When Madeline comes home with a more unconventional pet, Trevor tries hard to keep an open mind, soon finding himself in a world of blood, pigs and a cult. Little Lugosi is a leech, and leeches need to eat...

Oo I really enjoyed this novella! Idk, maybe it had to do with the amount of blood. I literally felt like blood was dripping off the pages. If you're squeamish, this will be a treat.

It's ok. I can see people enjoying this story, but it seemed a bit fast paced/rushed. The storyline is interesting and characters have good foundations, but the parts about the shadow figure were super quick. When I read books I enjoy atmosphere and a lot of tension leading up to scarier parts or main parts of the story. Dialogue between Kristoff and Marie is natural and flows well. The overall storyline is cool and there are a lot of good elements in the story, but I feel like it could be cleaned up a bit with more added to it. I also feel like it was more of a “telling” which takes away from the story and atmosphere. It reminded me a little of Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell, which I personally didn't enjoy but if you're a fan of Stolen tongues you will enjoy Kristoff too.

I noticed a lot of one star reviews but how do you judge the entire new series on a 34 page issue?? It's issue 1 at that!
Is it full of tropes, sure but aren't all good slashers full of tropes? I love the art style, but no surprise there. As an artist myself im often inspired by Archie Comics.

I'm looking forward to the next issue.

Book Review ✨The Bucket List by Mark Towse and Chisto Healey

If you like horror and comedy, plus lots of blood, check out The Bucket List. The setting is absolutely perfect. A “quaint” motel in the middle of nowhere run by two eccentric and may I say “odd” elderly people. Talk about creepy!

The story follows two couples, Judy and Chris and Melody and Richie. Both couples have their own reasons for stopping at the motel, run by Marge and her doting, husband Alby. (Albert) but one thing is for fact, a night of hospitality will end in living hell.

The writing pulls you in with anticipation. The atmosphere and foreshadowing builds from the very beginning leaving a tense feeling in the air. Characters are well rounded and interesting and the plot is straight up fun! Let's not forget, if you happen to have a funny bone in your skeleton, you'll love the quips and bits of humor.

One thing is for certain, the bits about toes in this story really got to me, giving me body horror to the max. I also dig how the authors would use certain words to “trigger” flashbacks to some of the more gruesome parts. I don't know if that was intentional or not but kudos to you both for skeeving me out.

Find out who gets to check off their bucket list!

Book Review✨ Nocturnal Creatures by Robert Ottone

Who doesn't love a good creature feature? But this isn't your typical tale of ghouls and goblins. This story features a mysterious yet well sought after monster of the night. It's big, it's hairy, but is it human? Ottone delivers a story that will make you wonder. Or question your own morals. Are monsters really terrible? Or are they just trying to live their lives, surviving any way they can?

Ottone delivers a spooky setting, exciting plot and strong characters and relationships. This is a must read for anyone who appreciates good character development and excellent suspense.

Oh and let's not forget GORE!!

Cassie and her family face off in the ultimate battle between human and monster. Who will be the victor?

Book Review✨ Slaughter at Seabridge by Cassidy Frost

Donna can't wait to leave her small town and follow her dreams of being a famous singer. But before leaving her extremely religious father in the dust, Donna plans to attend one last get together at her friend Jeff's cabin. Little does she know that someone or something lurks deep inside the woods watching... waiting and ready for blood.

Slaughter at Seabridge is fun, fast paced and gruesome. I'm always on the look out for a good slasher book and Slaughter at Seabridge delivers.

I love the campy dialogue and the dynamic between Donna and Frankie. I particularly enjoyed that there are two LGBT+ badass characters/final girls. I always applaud authors for diversity in their characters.

The amount of gore is perfect and satisfying. There is a supernatural mystery in this book as well that helps the atmosphere feel even more creepy.

The ending was surprising and original with a shocking twist that sets this tale aside from other slashers and tropes. Cassidy Frost is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Book Review ✨ Conjured Darkness: Six Macabre Tales by Michael Jess Alexander

This collection includes six terrible tales that will send shivers down your spine, creep in your mind and maybe sneak into your nightmares.

I really enjoyed the cosmic horror elements in a few of the stories. I don't tend to read a lot of cosmic horror, but Michael Jess Alexander brought new, fresh ideas to the sub-genre piquing my interest to delve into more

Super fun middle grade book showcasing facing your fears even against opponents that are tougher/bigger/stronger than you. Rise of the Princess is a coming of age, adventure featuring strong female characters which is always a treat in literature. I loved the whole “save the princess” trope but rather than being saved by a male hero, the reader follows strong, independent female heroes. I love a good adventure of feminism and female empowerment.

One of my favorite aspects of this book are the characters. They each have their own personalities, spot on to how young girls actually behave. Having my own kids I see a lot of quirks and things they say similar to the girls in the book.

I'd like to touch on my other favorite part of the book and that's how magical the entire world is written. The author has excellent world building skills and really brings the magic. From fairy sidekicks to magical unicorns Rise of the Princess is dripping with magic. The setting gives you this whimsical, magical ambience that totally absorbs you into the story.

I think/hope this is going to be a series. I had my 10 year old son read this with me and he enjoyed it a lot even with female protagonists. He keeps asking me for the next one

Once again E.C. Hanson blesses us with a short story collection that brings frights, spooks and terror. I love short stories especially when I'm feeling a slump coming on. I'm a mood reader so short stories offer a lot of different tropes and horror elements.

I love the author's writing style. Hanson is skilled at showing the reader what's going on rather than “telling” which keeps you fully submerged into the story.

There are 12 stories in this collection each bringing their own elements of horror. A few of my favorite stories are Salem Village, Fast Friends, She Who Laughs Last, Salem Sightseers and AK-47@11.

A lot of the stories are set during Halloween which I absolutely love. It really creates a vibe and atmosphere.

AK-47@11 chilled me to the bone and played on one of my fears as a teacher.

If you haven't picked up any of E.C. Hanson's books, you're missing out. His horror is fun, realistic and induces fear and anxiety knowing that even normal situations can turn into pure nightmares.

Check out some of his other work. All Things Deadly (which is one of my top reads and rests in its own special spot on my bookshelf to be displayed for all to see) and Wicked Blood which is the better side of Splatterpunk.

WARNING This book contains graphic scenes of torture.

I normally don't read a lot of fantasy, but I enjoyed Hive of Blood, which I would say is more dark fantasy with body horror elements. Whatever the genre, it worked. Body horror gets under my skin the most so I definitely appreciated those moments

For those who have read All Things Deadly by E.C. Hanson, this will be a treat. The Clairvoyant follows Sutton Frost, who made her first appearance in All Things Deadly.

Don't sleep on this short novella. The Clairvoyant is a gut-punching, emotional read that highlights tough topics such as loss, grief and suicide. As always, E.C. Hanson writes characters full of personality. It's easy to root for Sutton and to empathize/sympathize with her as she struggles to deal with her grief. I also like how the relationship dynamic between Terry and Sutton changes throughout the story. I don't want to spoil too much so I will leave that there.

Throughout the story the reader is given some paranormal elements to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's emotional, it's fun, it's creepy, it's entertaining.

The writing is great. The story flows well and keeps you fully immersed. No surprise here. E.C. Hanson is one of my favorite indie authors and anything he publishes is a must read.

I am hoping to see more from Sutton and her clairvoyance in the future. There is a part in the story where Sutton has visions of little snippets all involving an entity. I'm hoping these possessions lead to more and more novellas starring our favorite MC, Sutton. But that could be wishful thinking because I love a good possession story.

I love this comic so much. The artwork is beautiful and the colorist chose a beautiful color palette that tied everything together.

The story follows four best friends and their awakening into witchcraft. If you're a 90s baby like me, think The Craft, Teen Witch, Practical Magic etc

I love the attention to detail as well as the extensive knowledge of witchcraft. The lore is spot on.

I'm begging to the literature Gods that this is not a standalone. I need more.

As always, I devoured Hanson's new book. Hanson's novella is dark and disturbing with a surprise at the end that will chill you to your core. Perfect for readers who enjoy guts and gore without the overworked tropes of extreme horror.

It's not all fun and gore because this novella also touches on darker themes, including grief, loss, neglect, and many other heavy themes, creating a gloomy atmosphere.

If you're a fan of multiple narrators, including the serial killer's perspective, you will love this novella.
No spoilers, see for yourself the horrors contained between the pages of The Stepney Green Killer.

This book is beautiful. The author really knows her stuff when it comes to Witchcraft and I adored the little lessons thrown in from Connie. The conversations between Jaime and Connie made me yearn for my own Mentor and may actually seek one.

Well written and perfect for any witch, baby to old crone.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I read a lot of graphic novels and this one felt disjointed and rushed. Pacing was good at the start but towards the end the story became jumbled, and random. I started having issues with the story after the characters would commit crimes but act like victims. Although I think character choice is excellent and inclusive, I feel like it was odd that the characters would do something immoral such as assault someone and then use an excuse that they're being targeted because they are queer. Kind of an odd way to get your point across. I also feel like some of the content fits our generation more than the 70s. Like the whole pronoun thing. I understand during the 70s that there was talk about pronouns where people would shorten they to te and things like that but pronoun talk is much more relevant today. I didn't feel a 70s vibe.

By the time the “devil” came into the story I was already checked out and wanted to get it over with.

What saved it for me is the inclusion of different characters and the art style.