Shane Hawk

Hell of a debut

Revisado: 02-16-21

Kolesnik published a well-written and polished product through Grindhouse Press, and True Crime marks her debut in the world of fiction. I listened to the audiobook which lent credence to my wandering brain's idea that this could very well be a true story. We get our hands dirty through the eyes of Suzy as she does indeed spiral out of control. Despite the examination of depravity's aspects, we readers get to truly feel for Suzy and her brother, Lim. Empathy was rising in my bloodstream as I kept listening.

This novella is a gut punch and reminiscent of Laurel Hightower's Crossroads. You'll feel grimy, but while you're sitting there in the mud with dirt under your fingernails, your heart will hurt. You'll reflect on why these terrible things came to fruition, what made Suzy and Lim this way. And your head will spin once you realize how close to reality this book is for many youth across the world.

Pay attention to Kolesnik's career. At the moment, she's busy with adapting a story to the screen for Worst Laid Plans: The Movie in the director's chair. And I'm sure we will see some great things in the coming years through the indie press she runs, Off Limits Press.

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A harrowing story of generational trauma

Revisado: 02-12-21

Hobson writes so beautifully. His characters all felt real and compelling. Loved his inclusion of Cherokee lore, some of which extends to other tribes like my own. I will always fear owls, haha.

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A Fast-Paced and Action-Packed Lovecraftian Tale

Revisado: 02-10-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Fireside Horror sent me an audiobook review copy.
What follows is my honest review:

Didn't know what to expect from this. Didn't read the synopsis, just looked at the cover and jumped in. Had seen the paperback at a local bookstore last autumn, but never took the plunge to purchase a copy. The cover sets perfect expectations for what's inside: a fast Dodge Charger and a Lovecraftian creature. You know which one.

The book begins in media res, an intense shoot out in the desert. From there, it's a non-stop action book with pauses for exposition and character development. Thumbs up to Parent for writing a Black protagonist and not hamfisting his readers with his identity—it doesn't feel convoluted, and his character is fleshed out and believable.

Eight Cylinders is the first action-packed horror book I've read... I'm pretty sure. It was interesting to blend these elements into a Lovecraftian tale. I liked it as it reminded me of Trevanian's Shibumi. Joe Hempel is a fantastic narrator and most likely added to my enjoyment of the story.

I'd read Jason Parent's fiction again without hesitation.

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Gruesome Summer

Revisado: 01-14-21

If you want beautiful prose and many multifaceted characters, look elsewhere.

If you want a horrifying thriller with grotesquerie and simple, yet descriptive prose, this is your book. Be forewarned: there is a lot of bodily torture.

Although the author doesn’t write with the fanciest syntax or vocabulary, I could visualize every scene and felt like I was there—for better or for worse.

3.5 stars. Recommended for those with stronger stomachs and a knack for tortured-captives-in-the-woods type books.

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McDowell Nails the Southern Gothic

Revisado: 01-14-21

Beautiful writing throughout.
Slow burner.
Wonderful character development.
The last act is when all the horror happens.
Recommended for fans of subtle horror.

Audio: R.C. Bray is a talented voice actor. He's easily in my top five narrators.

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A Fun Coming-of-Age Horror Tale

Revisado: 01-14-21

To start, Matt Godrey deserves a lot of praise. I've listened to quite a few horror novels narrated by this man, and he is so talented. Go Godfrey!

Personally, I had a lot of fun with this novel. It has everything I could want: caring and realistic characters, creatures, dumb small-town cops, a serial killer, teenage “love,” and a strong sibling bond. Janz’s book here should be optioned for film immediately and be given a decent budget, as I could see this being a hit on the silver screen. His writing isn't on par with other authors in the horror community, but that can be looked past, as the cool concepts and fun story are still on display. It had laughs, dread, action, heart, and a lot of fun. 3.5 stars.

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Cinematic Sci-Fi Horror in Written Word

Revisado: 01-14-21

Started this book Sept 2019.
The long time it took me to finish isn’t evidence of it being bad. Life got busy for a bit, interests temporarily changed, and I focused elsewhere.

An alien horror novel is perfect for these strange times we are enduring. It felt like I was reading a movie, which I assume is intentional on Cesare’s part. I’ve watched his YouTube channel a few times and know he is a (horror) movie buff. He’s got the formula down for an enticing creature-feature novel with cinema-quality creepiness and layered characters to care about.

It was quite an adventure and honestly, I’d love a silver screen adaptation of this at some point. I anticipate his next novel, which is due out this autumn.

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The Trials and Tribulations of Friendship

Revisado: 01-14-21

This was my third Hendrix book, second novel.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism is more of a novel about friendship than exorcism. With the first two acts, Hendrix really wanted you to care for and like the characters, which I did. Similar to his novel The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, the third act held the majority of the culminating weirdness and creepiness. Also similar to that novel was a focus on companionship and social class.

I originally added this novel to my Goodreads list when I saw a paperback copy at my local Barnes & Noble — the recreation of a VHS sheath from the 80s is truly exceptional and the book wasn’t complete until it mentioned Blockbuster Video. If you’re thirsty for some 80s nostalgia, know that this novel is chock full of references including each chapter title.

Overall, this book was a fun coming-of-age dramatic thriller with some classic horror elements in the mix. Recommended to those looking for fun, contemporary horror with a character-focused narrative and little, if any, time lent to gore.

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Zig Zag Zig...

Revisado: 01-14-21

Read this Tor novella as a part of the HOWL Society's book list for July. I’m not too familiar with H.P. Lovecraft (yet) but I liked the idea that this story serves as a rebuttal to one of Lovecraft’s stories, challenging the racism of his day. 4/5 stars

I’ll add more of this author’s work to my TBR list, the next book being The Changeling.

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Bartlett Dazzles and Horrifies

Revisado: 01-14-21

This collection serves as a sequel to “Gateways to Abomination” as many characters and stories continue on in this volume. Bartlett has created a fascinating mythos wherein I could read twelve more books. This is a great showcase of literary fiction in the vein of Barron and Langan. He’s breathed new life into self-published horror fiction and in doing so inspires many. 4.5 stars.

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