The Unloved is a disturbing tale of madness and the macabre that's both atmospheric and suspenseful, complimented by a slow-burning plot in which the The Unloved is a disturbing tale of madness and the macabre that's both atmospheric and suspenseful, complimented by a slow-burning plot in which the tension simmers and steadily rises to great effect. ...more
A slow burn horror with a surprisingly good pay off. The tech-speak rationalizes the monkey/man bond to perfection; the creepy factor in this one is hA slow burn horror with a surprisingly good pay off. The tech-speak rationalizes the monkey/man bond to perfection; the creepy factor in this one is high. ...more
Laymon always delivers and No Sanctuary is no different. Camping horror porn at its suspenseful finest; within these woods awaits horrors no characterLaymon always delivers and No Sanctuary is no different. Camping horror porn at its suspenseful finest; within these woods awaits horrors no character is immune to. Fast paced and a hell of a ride. ...more
Good but disjointed opening, followed by a boring middle portion with too much tech-talk leading in to an intense and horrifying ending.
Side note; HolGood but disjointed opening, followed by a boring middle portion with too much tech-talk leading in to an intense and horrifying ending.
Side note; Holman, the lead character and his partner Cassie did nothing for the book, the Fog is the winner here and well worthy the price of admission alone. With a better cast of characters this would be an easy 5 star read. ...more
Camp Blood is a wartime pulp set in the jungles of Timor where a troop of Aussie fighters are pinned down by a Japanese contingent, hellbent on eliminCamp Blood is a wartime pulp set in the jungles of Timor where a troop of Aussie fighters are pinned down by a Japanese contingent, hellbent on eliminating the Australians in order to strengthen their hold on the jungle and its surrounds.
I'm not one for reading wartime fiction but took a chance mostly due to the delicious pulp cover and I wasn't disappointed. Camp Blood reads more like a men's adventure story rather than a classic war novel; largely centered around 'Big Ben', an Aussie soldier who gets separated from his comrades during a heated battle only to find his way into the waiting arms of a Eurasian beauty who'd been hiding in a hut with her father deep in the jungle.
From there things get pretty interesting when the couple are captured and by the Japanese and sent to the notorious Camp Blood for interrogation.
While light on description, the implied torture of the couple at the hands of the vicious bad guys adds a dark element to the narrative and exemplifies the good verses evil tone of the book.
I'd given Camp Blood a solid 3 (out of 5) stars. Published by renowned Australian pulp published, Horwitz Publishers in 1963, the story holds up pretty well and is just the thing to spice up your pulp collection. I'll be on the look out for more John Slater books in the secondhand bookstores....more
The House That Jack Built goes beyond the haunted house horror trope, sure its pages are seeped in the blood of horror staples (ghost-like figures, seThe House That Jack Built goes beyond the haunted house horror trope, sure its pages are seeped in the blood of horror staples (ghost-like figures, sex, violence, cults, the supernatural) but it's the plot on the peripheral which gives this novel it's meaty feel, coupled with characters which are both deep and interesting.
The House That Jack Built captures the readers attention and maintains it in a vice-like grip through to the murderous end. The long abandoned, secluded and notorious mansion that is Valhalla is as much as a character as Craig and Effie Bellman, the two unfortunate souls caught in Valhalla's curse. Its carpeted halls, hidden rooms, and shadowy figures glimpsed from the corners of eyes instill an omnipresent sense of dread which kept the hair raised on the back of my neck and the goosebumps on my arms standing at attention.
My rating: 5/5 stars. Tailor-made for haunted house readers who like their horror gory and loaded with interesting characters and equally interesting backstories....more
Whilst I don't typically read all that much YA and never really got into Harry Potter, I was intrigued by the premise of Nevermoor and for the most paWhilst I don't typically read all that much YA and never really got into Harry Potter, I was intrigued by the premise of Nevermoor and for the most part, I wasn't let down.
For as long as she can remember, Morrigan Crow has been cursed; the cause for bad happenings and the single focus of blame by her family. As Eventide approaches, Morrigan's life is scheduled to end; a long standing sacrifice of sorts for those cursed few who make it to the ripe old age of 11.
However, just as the wolves snap their bloodthirsty teeth at her heels, Morrigan is whisked off to the fantastical providence of Nevermoor. There, she's tasked with 4 trials, should she pass, she'll live a long life as one of society's elite. The first book in the Nevermoor series, The Trial of Morrigan Crow details her quest to conquer the trials and escape the harsh world she once lived, and nearly died.
My rating: 3.5/5 stars, there's is a lot to like about this; fantastical world building inhabited by colorful and interesting characters, and a likable protagonist who is a much deeper character than meets the eye. What stops this book from being a 5 stars read imo, are the 'filler chapters' where nothing really happens to progress the plot but overall The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a pretty decent form of escapism. I'm looking forward to reading where book #2 takes Morrigan and co....more
IT is a book which enables and exploits a child’s imagination through horrifying clarity. Pennywise is the embodiment of horror, a clown who goes abouIT is a book which enables and exploits a child’s imagination through horrifying clarity. Pennywise is the embodiment of horror, a clown who goes about terrorising the youth of small town Derry, a rein of fear spanning back to the towns founding fathers. Only when a group of determined and like-minded preteens face their fears and battle the unimaginable does the Derry secret seeped in blood surface and question it’s longevity.
I loved this book (and the 2017 film adaptation). The storytelling is deep and varied; King has a way of telling a story within a story and there’s no shortage of side steps and rabbit holes here. Constant readers will also note the spattering of Easter eggs to his other work, namely the Dark Tower series which was fun to stumble across.
My rating: 5/5, despite taking some time to get through (my paperback edition clocked in at just under 1200 pages), the book is well paced (for the most part) and consistently engaging. The print is just as scary as the visual medium. ...more
The first book in the Monsters of Verity series sets the scene for a dark and blood thirsty horror-fantasy tale that is sure to capture readers of JonThe first book in the Monsters of Verity series sets the scene for a dark and blood thirsty horror-fantasy tale that is sure to capture readers of Jonathan Maberry to Charlaine Harris. Despite opening with a distinct young adult feel, This Savage Song quickly develops into something more dark and dangerous. Sure the protagonists are high school age and a fair amount of the book is set in their high school but it’s what happens when the bell rings that brings the horrors.
The monsters of Verity are literally monsters; a twist on the vampiric, zombie, and demonic with a twist of avenging angel. It’s an interesting mix that forms an equally interesting dynamic. With a city divided in two, a civil war simmering beneath a facade of peace, the monsters lurk in wait. Harker and Flynn – leaders of the respective sides of the city have their own means for taming / eradicating the monsters but their ultimate goals come under fire when their respective sides heir-apparents unite for survival.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from This Savage Song and was glad a dipped my toes in before falling head first into a completely immersing tale. Bring on book 2! 5/5 stars. ...more
Set in the beach-side town of Newcastle, Something for Nothing is a colorful and darkly humorous crime tale about an unassuming criminal, Lachie MunroSet in the beach-side town of Newcastle, Something for Nothing is a colorful and darkly humorous crime tale about an unassuming criminal, Lachie Munro who seems to be a beacon for trouble. He poaches abalone when he's not painting houses or throwing back a couple of beers with his mate, and co-poacher, Dave to earn a living. However, a chance encounter with a torso and a wad of heroin brings with it danger and the potential for a payoff too big to ignore.
Loaded with Australian colloquialisms and encompassing a true Aussie feel, Something for Nothing is a must read for readers of Australian crime fiction. Offering a lighter side to the dark drug trade, author Andy Muir infuses some naivety and nice-guy characteristics into his protagonist making the whole turn of events become plausibly accidental and without menace.
This is the first book to feature painter turned amateur drug dealer Lachie Munro with the author alluding to a return. I'm not sure what is in store for Lachie next but if it's half as fun as Something for Nothing I'll be sure to jump straight on it.
I'm a big fan of the Harriet Blue series and hadn't read this prior to reading the two full lengths (Fifty, Fifty and Never, Never). I was eager to fiI'm a big fan of the Harriet Blue series and hadn't read this prior to reading the two full lengths (Fifty, Fifty and Never, Never). I was eager to find out more about the Georges River Killer and the investigation which led to Harriet's brother Sam, being accused of the heinous spate of murders.
However, Black & Blue only touches the surface of that investigation, rather, the novella serves as a way to introduce Tox and provide his character with depth through a chilling backstory. Black & Blue also paves the way for Tox and Harriet to work together and their page chemistry is undeniable. Credit to both authors.
The plot is almost pulled kicking and screaming from the dark alleys where noir dwells, only to fall into that tried and true mainstream trap of cat and mouse policing and drawn out chase sequences as the story steadily builds to a climax.
My rating: 4/5 stars. The opening chapters of Black & Blue are great; dark, moody, and evocative. Whilst this pitch wasn't maintained throughout the story, the novella, as is standard for these 'books shots' was a lot of fun. ...more
Gun Street Girl was my favorite Sean Duffy book (#4 in the series) so naturally I was interested to see how the next installment held up, and, true toGun Street Girl was my favorite Sean Duffy book (#4 in the series) so naturally I was interested to see how the next installment held up, and, true to form, Rain Dogs is a great follow-up (or listen, thanks to Gerard Doyle).
Rain Dogs is the perfect, though more complex take on the popular locked-room mystery sub crime genre. A female reporter is found dead of a supposed suicide in the courtyard of Carrickfergus Castle, having jumped from atop the castle. However, once Duffy, Lawson, and Crabby investigate, suspicion soon turns to the more sinister theory; murder. Her shoes are on the wrong foot, she has a well known fear of heights, and she had head injury not sustained from the fall. As with many of the cases Duffy investigates, leads take him abroad and have his theories tested rightly and wrongly. Crossing international borders adds a political element that give the case a deeper and more complex feel as Duff and co wade their way through bureaucracy hurdles and withheld evidence.
One of the staples of the Sean Duffy series is the broader side of the key characters away from the core plot. Rain Dogs, whilst centered around the death of a young female reporter is just as much about Duff himself; his latest failed relationship, his encounter with Muhammad Ali in the early pages of the book, and his ever growing bond with his fellow police. Lawson's, the 'up and comer' added page time is a bonus, with his general naivety and police smarts on display.
I really enjoyed Rain Dogs, this series feels like it's going from strength to strength. The latest book, Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly has recently been made available on Audible and I'm looking forward to finding out what author Adrian McKinity has to throw at Duffy in the latest go-round. ...more
Eagle in Exile picks up where Clash of Eagles left off with Gaius Marcellinus on the outer of the inner circle of Cahokia despite playing a significanEagle in Exile picks up where Clash of Eagles left off with Gaius Marcellinus on the outer of the inner circle of Cahokia despite playing a significant role in repelling the Cahokians sworn enemy, the Iroqva in the previous book. Beware, Eagle in Exile is not new reader friendly, if you've not read Clash of Eagles, pick that up first before delving into this as the story is a seamless continuation of the events from the previous book.
Eagle in Exile is one of those rare sequels that reads better than the first, which is saying something given how much I enjoyed Clash of Eagles. The alternative history 'what if' trilogy goes from strength to strength as author Alan Smale explores the native tribes and townships along the mighty Mizipian while world-building the Roman footprint on native America thanks the Maecellinus's influence in construction and modern warfare.
There is so much to like about Eagle in Exile, I just didn't want it to end; from characters such as Tahtay, Sintikala, Kimimela, Hadrianus, Aelfric, and Entopy to name a few, to the creative and somewhat plausible flying inventions of the Cahokians, Eagle in Exile is jam-packed entertainment.
The finale book in the trilogy, Eagle and Empire can't come quick enough (due to be published early 2017)!...more
A Darker Shade of Magic is an inter-dimensional traveler story that, to an extent, captures the essence of China Mieville's The City and The City and A Darker Shade of Magic is an inter-dimensional traveler story that, to an extent, captures the essence of China Mieville's The City and The City and is written in a style not dissimilar to Brent Weeks' the Night Angel Trilogy; fast paced and easily consumable.
The core fantastical element is the use of multiple London's which can be accessed by a scant few who have the ability to travel between these alternate cities, each with varying degrees of magic - Grey London for instance has very little to no magic whilst Black London, on the other end of the spectrum, is all but consumed by magic. The few who are able to travel to and fro are known as Antari, a dying breed of magicians. In A Darker Shade of Magic we're introduced to Kell, the protagonist and Holland, the antagonist (of sorts), each from different London's (Kell - Red, Hollan - White) and each equally powerful in the dying arts. The two make for an interesting dynamic and have a ying and yang presence throughout the book.
The evil magic of black London is an omnipresent threat that, with the help of a couple of ruthless power-hungry royals from White London looks to break the pattern of peace and establish a new world order across the color spectrum.
Reading the book for a second time I was surprised at how violent some passages were, however, the shocking brutality of Antari on Antari and White London rulers on peasants wasn't without warrant and did convey the intentions and personas of the wielders of violence well and within context of the broader plot.
The characters (Holland, Kell, Lila) are as multidimensional as the London's they traverse with each London having as a unique feel to it that separates them from their namesake be it the language, inhabitants mannerisms or easy / rare use of magic.
The atmospheric London's are a place the author makes the reader want to visit over and over again. Where danger lurks so do interesting and limitless surreal stories. A Darker Shade of Magic provides a mere glimpse into the potential of these interesting places and I, for one, can't wait to get lost in that magic once more.
My rating: 5/5 - I enjoyed this book the first time reading it but found it even better the second time round. The characters are well developed and the fictional landscape atmospheric and interesting. I'm particularly interested in White London which looks to be a great mixture of danger and the unknown given it's history, relationship with Red London and proximity to Black London....more
A clever and not all that far reaching techno thriller reminiscent of the best from Michael Crichton. Influx centers around the idea that a there is aA clever and not all that far reaching techno thriller reminiscent of the best from Michael Crichton. Influx centers around the idea that a there is a covert government agency responsible for manipulating mankind's technological advancement, containing it's progress and monopolizing new tech to further their own agenda. Conspiracy theories abound and you can't help but glimpse behind the curtain of semi-paranoia in the real world while reading. I loved every page of this book. 5/5 stars. ...more
Jason Starr is perhaps the best writer of modern white collar noir I've come across. His stories are laced with an undercurrent of vehemence that steaJason Starr is perhaps the best writer of modern white collar noir I've come across. His stories are laced with an undercurrent of vehemence that steams from normalcy ever so delicately nurtured to noir. TWISTED CITY (published 2004) is everything I'd come to expect from a Jason Starr and then some. Early on Starr plants the seeds that something is a little off about the character lead in David Miller, a journalist for a financial magazine who is still mourning the death of his sister some time ago.
This dark and almost obsessive compulsion to seek his sister in the eyes of his prospective partners or casual hook-ups is creepy and, well, twisted (hence the title) yet the reader can go along with it - clearly Miller is a victim of long lasting grief bordering depression. Scratch the surface and it goes much deeper.
As with any good book, there are multiple plot threads interlocked with one another that drives the narrative. In TWISTED CITY David Miller is the center of a murder investigation, and victim of blackmail while being stuck in a seemingly abusive relationship with a highly unstable young woman - naturally things don't end all that well for David.
I first read this book in 2014 and loved rereading it; the characters still read fresh and the accidental murders still have the same impact as the first time around.
TWISTED CITY is a fun, easy read that offers everything you'd expect from a Jason Starr book; dark humor, easy violence, smooth storytelling, and messed up characters.
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