Review: Demonspawn by Glenn Bullion

Demonspawn
Author: Glenn Bullion
Purchase Information:
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*Novel provided by the author for a honest review

For more information please visit Glenn Bullion's website.

Alex Teague tried to live a normal life. He was a normal high school senior . . . until he talked to his first ghost, exorcised his first demon, and cleansed his first haunted house.

If only it ended there.
Now a young man in his twenties, Alex makes a horrifying discovery.

He is part demon. And the supernatural world won't leave him alone.

Demonspawn by Glenn Bullion is a wonderful mix of horror, urban fantasy with just a twist of sexual tension to strum you along late in to the night. Thrilling, suspenseful, action packed and above all else utterly engaging, this novel kept me up far past my bedtime eager to know more about these wonderful characters and the intricate and mysterious world they live in.

First off, let me just say the scope of this novel was amazing. We literally follow these characters from childhood in to adulthood, learning pretty much everything that there is to know about them. This was beyond unusual, but I must say that the insight in to the childhood of Alex and his deep friendship with  Cindy and his connection to his sister Alicia was amazing. I don't think I've ever enjoyed the journey of a character more. The emotions and fears of Alex as he tries to understand what is happening to him came across perfectly making him a sympathetic characters, but he is still very much in control and accepts these oddities making him a strong and likable character that doesn't mope or whine about the lot he was given. In fact, I found him to be rather impressive allowing his friends and family to help him cope with the question of what he is and the unpalatable answers that he comes to find. And likewise, the other characters are wonderfully developed as well, from Cindy, his lifetime friend and the crush of his life, to his sister Leese and a rather varied assortment of other friends that come and go. The group dynamic was wonderful and very fluid creating a ensemble cast that was very devoted and loyal to one another. I really loved that aspect, the loyalty and love between characters. It pretty much went without explanation that any one of the characters would do anything to help the others as well as accept Alex no matter what he was or what he could do. And overlying it all was a heaping helping of sexual tension between Alex and Cindy, yet another aspect that was wonderfully created, extremely organic and utterly intriguing. It really helped to keep the pace of the story while melding perfectly with all of the chaos that Alex is experiencing and only serves to heighten all the emotions running rampant.

The world building was also quite impressive. With not only ghosts and demons in the forefront, we come to find a world where pretty much anything can and does exists, including vampires. But, what I loved was the ever expanding depth in which we become immersed. And from the beginning Bullion does a wonderful job of bringing to life the horrific atmosphere of the ghostly demonic presences that Alex comes in to contact with. Truly, the air horror was chilling and the visceral details really add to this aspect. There is some vivid imagery involved, so reader be warned. However, I feel that it was perfectly placed to get across the true nature of both the demons and the inhuman feats that they are capable of. But, there was also a healthy dose of urban fantasy that I really loved with lots of action and some great suspense. And the culmination? Wow. Just wow. I was so pleased with how this novel ended and only hope to see future ones take place within this world and with these wonderful characters.

The story was highly developed and extremely well thought out taking the reader on a journey. While most novels have a very quick insight in to what the plot will actually be, this novel is fifty miles of hard road. We literally live from moment to moment, problem to problem, and I utterly enjoyed ever single moment! I never once wished for anything else instead relishing in the wonderful evolution of the characters and the ever changing situations that they find themselves in.

What kept this novel from being a 5 from me? Seriously, not much. Literally, it was some editing issues with quite a few missing or wrongly placed or chosen words. Seriously, it isn't much, but given the high quality of everything else, it was a bit bothersome to be so engrossed in the moment only to have to stop and puzzle out an oddly written sentence. But, like I said, this is minor and really didn't detract too highly from the novel as a whole because frankly, I want more.

In the end, I highly recommend this. Unique, original and above all else, I couldn't get enough. These characters are beyond endearing and the world is intriguing. As I said before, I can only hope that this turns in to a series because there is so much greatness left to explore with an ending that certainly left a great opening. So definitely, if you love demons, horror or urban fantasy, then be sure to check out this novel! You won't be disappointed.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Graphic horror related violence some sexual content

Review: The ElectroLive Murders by Don Broma

The ElectroLive Murders
Author: Don Broma
ASIN: B004SYA76G
Purchase Information:
Amazon

*Novella provided by the author for a honest review

When a rich old man is brutally murdered, detective Richard Dashiell loses all patience for protocol. Rookie inspector Natalia Helenas, assigned to the same case, finds herself caught between respect for her partner and respect for the rules. As the investigation leads them from the immaculate halls of a cutting-edge medical business, to the seedy chambers of a twisted sex club, Helenas and Dashiell learn that sometimes not even the dead get to rest in peace.

The ElectroLive Murders by Don Broma is a futuristic noir romance that was wonderfully intriguing, highly developed with a great horrific twist. Nicely written with a great tone and word that is a Frankenstein-like mix of various genres, this was a fun hard boiled detective mystery that I really enjoyed reading.

The world building, considering the length of the novella, was actually really well done bringing to life a world that was advanced without being too far fetched from the world that we know. With bits of science fiction and horror thrown in to an atmosphere that felt as it were straight out of a Dashiell Hammett noir novel, this was an eclectic and original mix that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

The characters, while being only two dimensional (something that pretty much always goes without saying in shorts and novellas for obvious reasons) were interesting with great voices and conflicting personalities. Dashiell is a hard boiled detective who has no problems getting his hands dirty and stepping outside of the law to solve a case is paired with Natalia Helenas, a fresh recruit eager to work with a living legend. But, while a bit green behind the ears, she is willing to toe the line with Dashiell in order to get their man. They had a decent 'partner' camaraderie that came across nicely.

The story itself was nicely developed with some good twists and turns that managed to keep the balance between science fiction, horror and mystery nicely. Well written, this novella had a great flow that perfectly captured the tone of the Gothic noir novel, something that I found myself r highly impressed by, especially since this story wrapped up so quickly. It seems like there should have been something missing or lacking and I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall, as it were, for the chink in the armor. But, by the end the short tale was wrapped up rather nicely.

In the end, I was quite impressed by this short tale and really enjoyed the quick read. If you love a story that has a bit of everything, then this story is for you. The perfect quick read that is entertaining and at the same time has some nicely executed twists and turns. It definitely wasn't what I had expected, and was all the better for it!

My Rating:

Review: Burn Down the Sky by James Jaros

Burn Down the Sky
Author: James Jaros
Publisher: Harper Voyager
ISBN: 006201630X
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Pre-Order Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

*Novel provided by the publisher for a honest review

For more information please visit James Jaros's website.

After the destruction of nature and the death of the world . . .

After the Wicca virus drove billions to madness and suicide, replacing order and reason with violence and terror . . .

In the parched ruins of what once was civilization, one commodity is far more valuable than all others combined: female children.

When well-armed marauders roll in at dusk to brutally attack a fiercely defended compound of survivors, Jessie is unable to halt the slaughter—and she can do nothing to prevent the ruthless abduction of innocents, including her youngest child. Now, along with her outraged teenage daughter, Bliss, Jessie must set out on a journey across a blasted landscape—joining up with the desperate, the broken, the half-mad, on an impossible mission: to storm the fortress of a dark and twisted religion and bring the children home.

Never before have I read such a vivid, intense novel as Burn Down the Sky by James Jaros, the pen name for acclaimed journalist and author Mark Nykanen. This bleakly oppressive read definitely hits chords that resonate unease and suspense by the bucket load focusing on subjects that send shudders down the spines of parents everywhere. If you are squeamish about graphic, brutal violence or child abuse, then this is certainly not for you! With disturbing plot lines and thrilling, nail-biting action, this is definitely not bed time reading!

From the first paragraph, Jaros's amazingly descriptive writing set the stage for a word that was bleak and filled with hardships from not only the chaos left by the sky rocketing temperature, but from the sheer plight of resources. It is painfully obvious that nothing comes easily in this broken world and that the dangers that lurk in the blazing sun are beyond numerous. The tone and atmosphere were intensely created, bringing the reader directly into a frightening, brutal world where simply surviving is as good as it gets. The absolutely chilling thing though was the plausibility of this barren world. The sheer horror of the possibility is what definitely sets this novel apart as it keeps a very realistic edge.

The characters weren't exactly what I had been expecting. They're brutal and violent, far removed from hope for a better world. But, despite this, there is still an unyielding love and sense of loyalty about family that drives these characters passed survival as they feel the only hope possible-the safety of their children. Each is complex, making the toughest possible decisions with tragic and complicated histories that have shaped them, some for the better, but some for the worse. But, because of the horrific consequences of a raid that stole young girls to be delivered into a church formed of child molesters, the young girls really stole my heart with their strength and bravery. Their never ending faith that their parents would come, that someone would stand up and recognize how wrong and disturbed this world had become waiting really sparked great emotion, especially as the girls realized that while you can hope for the best, ultimately you have to fight for your own survival as well. There was also a lot of twists as characters surprised me throughout, something that I didn't think possible. But, by the end I was so conflicted about some of the characters that I simply had to say that this is one world truly dominated by shades of gray and black with little to no white.

There was a lot of great action within this story with each chapter propelling you deeper and deeper into darker territory. The gripping suspense as the girls are drawn closer and closer to a church built around child molestation and the thrilling chase of the parents bent on rescuing their them truly made this an adrenaline packed novel. But, there was definitely a lot that left me cringing on the verge of feeling violated myself. The writing style definitely pulls you into the moment, which at times is a good thing and at others simply makes you feel dirty fearing the possibilities that this future holds.

Overall, this was an intense read that really took my breath away. But, while it was a marvelously well done work, it definitely left me quite conflicted about how to rate it. There was a lot of merit to the author's writing style as well as the development of the world and characters, but there was just so much that put me on edge, which was definitely the purpose of the novel. Burn Down the Sky is without a doubt NOT for the light hearted as there are a lot of elements that are disturbing and brutal, I would definitely not recommend it to younger readers. That said, if you can handle a dark, intense read focused on disturbing and bleak subject matter, this is definitely an interesting and gripping read that definitely illicits some strong emotional responses.

My Rating: 4 out of 6 Scars

Advisory: Brutal violence, disturbing subject matter focusing

-NOT recommended for younger readers-

Review: Department 19 by Will Hill

Department 19
Author: Will Hill
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: Department 19, Book 1
ISBN: 1595144064
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depsotiory

*Novel provided by the publisher via Library Thing Early Reviewers

For more information please visit Will Hill's website.

Jamie Carpenter's life will never be the same. His father is dead, his mother is missing, and he was just rescued by an enormous man named Frankenstein. Jamie is brought to Department 19, where he is pulled into a secret organization responsible for policing the supernatural, founded more than a century ago by Abraham Van Helsing and the other survivors of Dracula. Aided by Frankenstein's monster, a beautiful vampire girl with her own agenda, and the members of the agency, Jamie must attempt to save his mother from a terrifyingly powerful vampire.

Department 19 takes us through history, across Europe, and beyond—from the cobbled streets of Victorian London to prohibition-era New York, from the icy wastes of Arctic Russia to the treacherous mountains of Transylvania. Part modern thriller, part classic horror, it's packed with mystery, mayhem, and a level of suspense that makes a Darren Shan novel look like a romantic comedy.

Department Nineteen, the debut in a wonderful series by Will Hill, has had a lot of hype surrounding it, and if ever there was a book that justified all of that attention, then this is it! It has a little bit of something for everyone: romance, action, horror, and a world where Dracula isn't simply fiction, but actual history. From the amazing writing, to a masterfully developed world, I was captivated, finding myself reading every spare moment that I could find! Fans of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series will love this supernatural twist filled with horror and adventure!

From the first page, this story is filled with action and lingering mystery creating a world that is diverse, complex and has a scope that I honestly didn't see coming. The highly original spin on the well known lore of such legendary creatures as Frankenstein and Dracula was fresh, pulling these fan favorites into a new generation. This created an interesting world that I constantly wanted to know more about with such wonderful and richly developed histories that I couldn't get enough of. The tone and atmosphere of this story were wonderfully pitched as well, pulling of a air of suspense, action, and horror that mingled perfectly together. In truth, I must admit that I sort of put off reading this novel because how can it possibly compare to the original classics, or the sense of horror that they entailed? Well, all of that worry was completely unjustified, because this novel perfectly captures all of the world development and tone that is comparable to Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley's, perfectly fitting the wonderful breadths of these unparalleled worlds!

That characterization was utterly amazing, with lovable characters that were engaging and diverse. Jamie is such a wonderfully strong character that reader's can easily sympathize with him due to the vast amount of hardships that he's had to endure. There's so much pain in his history, and yet, he doesn't allow himself to wallow in self pity. Instead, he uses it to his advantage as he strives to bring pride back to the name of Carpenter. And while there is a lot of hardships that he must endure as he struggles to find his kidnapped mother, he has some wonderful friends in his corner. Most notably, the monster Frankenstein. Never before has this monster held such appeal to me. He's wonderfully devoted and loyal, but there is the monstrous rage underlying the calm demeanor that he is most well known for. There is also a great complexity within his emotions that really appealed to me as well that I  really hadn't expected to see, which really made me love the dynamic and growing bond between him and the teenage Jamie. Also in Jamie's corner is the teenage vampire, Larissa. Never knowing what to expect from her, I found her timid relationship with Jamie endearing, perfectly capturing the shyness of first love. But, we also never know exactly where she stands due to her vampiric nature, but as the story progresses we come to find out the truth behind this mysterious and complex girl.

But, it isn't only the team of good guys that were so wonderfully explored, but past generations of Blacklight figures such as Van Helsing and other notable characters from Bram Stoker's famous Dracula. We get new rich histories as well as insights into the aftermath of the famous demise of Dracula at his castle, and the plague that was unleashed by his disappearance by his brothers Alexandru, Valentin, and Valeri. We also come to get some insight into these monstrous relations to the most famous vampire in history with each possessing a unique personality that I always enjoyed seeing explored. There is definitely little doubt as to the evil that these figures possess creating a wonderful sense of good and evil within the story. But, the mystery surrounding their nefarious plot is what really held me captive because we don't know until the end exactly what their overall goal truly is.

The writing style itself was fluid, and highly enjoyable. Truly, Hill utilizes mystery, suspense, action and horror to his advantage, never shying away from violence or horrific gory scenes. Instead, this novel unflinchingly captures the supernatural world that the original monsters emerged from. The plot line was masterfully developed with never ending action that really kept me engaged throughout. While the mystery surrounding the traitor within the Department was quickly discernible, this didn't detract from the story as there were so many other aspects that keeps the reader on their toes.

Overall, this is a marvelous beginning to what promises to be an epic series. I absolutely loved the characters, tone and plot as well the the utilization of some of my favorite monsters from literary history. With a little something for all readers, I think this is a great read for teenagers and adults alike and I look forward to reading more in Hill's second installment!

My Rating: 5 out 5 Scars

Advisory: Some graphic horror related violence

Review: Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Sweetly
Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little, Brown
Series: Sisters Red, Book 2
ISBN: 1444900595
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Pre-Order Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

*Novel provided by Book It Forward ARC Tours

For more information please visit Jackson Pearce's website.

SWEETLY is a modernization of Hansel and Gretel and a companion book to SISTERS RED.

Twelve years ago, Gretchen, her twin sister, and her brother went looking for a witch in the forest. They found something. Maybe it was a witch, maybe a monster, they aren’t sure—they were running too fast to tell. Either way, Gretchen’s twin sister was never seen again.

Years later, after being thrown out of their house, Gretchen and Ansel find themselves in Live Oak, South Carolina, a place on the verge of becoming a ghost town. They move in with Sophia Kelly, a young and beautiful chocolatier owner who opens not only her home, but her heart to Gretchen and Ansel.

Yet the witch isn’t gone—it’s here, lurking in the forests of Live Oak, preying on Live Oak girls every year after Sophia Kelly’s infamous chocolate festival. But Gretchen is determined to stop running from witches in the forest, and start fighting back. Alongside Samuel Reynolds, a boy as quick with a gun as he is a sarcastic remark, Gretchen digs deeper into the mystery of not only what the witch is, but how it chooses its victims. Yet the further she investigates, the more she finds herself wondering who the real monster is, and if love can be as deadly as it is beautiful.

Sweetly is the second novel in the Sisters Red series by Jackson Pearce, a series that breathes new life and brings fairy tale lore into the modern world. In this case, the novel is a great re-imagining of the story of 'Hansel and Gretel' creating a dark and enthralling world that was at times gruesome and mysterious. Nicely written with interesting twists and turns, this was a fun read that is sure to appeal to any fan of fairy tale re-tellings.

Pearce's world building is amazing as the story starts off with a thrilling chase perfectly capturing the finer nuances of the original tale. This creates a wonderful melancholy tone that gives an almost oppressive atmosphere as the heat of the setting and the emotions both serve to weigh heavily on the characters. This atmosphere is a great breeding ground for mystery and suspense, and surprisingly an enticing romance that only adds to the building pace as the sinister aspects of the plot become clear. The descriptive quality of the writing also helps to create the world, from the wonderfully intoxicating smell of the Choclatier to the malevolent and claustrophobic feeling of the woods that surround Live Oak, a deliciously small town full of interesting and often cantankerous characters.

The characters, however, are what really caught my attention. I loved Gretchen. She's such an desolate character with a deep seeded desire to save others from suffering the soul wrenching loss that she and her family endured. But, because of the circumstances surrounding her twins disappearance she is very withdrawn, knowing that to share the truth about that day only serves to make her appear crazy. Her brother Ansel is also quite appealing, though he is more easily swayed to believe that what they saw as children was nothing more then an illusion. But, because of his love of his sister and need to protect and support her, he never questions her convictions and instead trusts her even above his own reservations. There was something about that stalwart devotion that really tugged at my heart. The shared love between them is so pure, and extremely evident as Gretchen watches the romance between Ansel and Sophia flourish with nothing but hope and enthusiasm for her brother's happiness. But, as Gretchen comes to discover all the secrets Sophia is hiding she quickly becomes worried about her brother's unflinching devotion to a woman who conceals so much about herself and her past.

And as the story progresses, Gretchen comes to realize that she hasn't escaped the horrific creatures that stole her sister as she discovers the alarming string of girls that have gone missing from the small town of Live Oak. But, feeling the need to confront her fears she treads into the threatening darkness of the forest only to come face to face with the nightmare that has haunted her since her youth. Saved by local 'madman' Samuel, who plays the part of the woodsman perfectly, she comes to discover that there is someone else who shares in her terrifying knowledge, the witch she has always feared is a werewolf, or rather the Fenris, does in fact exist and is responsible for the string disappearances. The romance that quickly blooms between these two unpredictable allies was definitely one of my favorite aspects of the novel as Samuel allows Gretchen to regain not only her strength and confidence, but herself as well.

There is also a wonderful sense of mystery and suspense throughout the novel that the author perfectly captured. With concise, clipped sentences the tone is nicely set capturing the essence and emotions of Gretchen. There is also a certain amount of distance that comes through perfectly mirroring the disassociated appeal of her emotions. As the story progresses so too does the evolution of the writing, turning from mildly apathetic to more engaged with more confident thoughts as Gretchen comes to choose a new destiny for herself choosing to no longer mirror the path of the missing. As the climax begins, there is a wonderful sense of action creating a thrilling ending that perfectly complimented the build up going on throughout the novel, answering all of the underlying questions that spanned the story, plaguing not only Gretchen but her brother as well. Truly, this was a delicious culmination that was no less satisfying then the title implies.

But, while there was a lot that I loved about this novel, there were still some things that held up the flow at times. For instance, the pace was a major factor for the first half of the novel as Gretchen's character flounders to create a new life for herself leaving her childhood fears behind. It isn't until she meets Samuel that she truly opens up, creating a character that is engaging and far more interesting. Also, there seems to be an odd mentality from Gretchen at times, as she has seen the horrific dangers that lurk in the woods, but seems determined to ignore it. Often times this makes her seem fairly naive in her choices. And finally, the lack of exploration into the supernatural realm of the Fenris sort of nagged at me. They just seem to appear with no explanation in a town that seems plagued by disappearances. It just really seemed odd that they could remain undetected in such a small town where only two people was aware of their presence.

Overall, this was a fun read that captured all the wonderful elements that made 'Hansel and Gretel' a classic. This is a wonderful world full of such great potential with a writer that definitely knows how to spin a yarn unlike any other creating a series that is as addictive as the confectionery treats present within this tasty tale. Definitely a great read for fans of fairy tale re-tellings, or for any fan of Dark YA that is perfect for a quick read that will keep you utterly engaged!

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Scars

Review: Monster Story by McCarty Griffin

Monster Story
Author: McCarty Griffin
ISBN: 0011144777
Purchase Information:
Apple iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Diesel |  Smashwords | Sony

*Novel provided by the author via Book Lovin' Bitches eBook Tours

For more information please visit McCarty Griffin's website.

Christy McCauley has returned to West Virginia at last, but her homecoming quickly turns into a surreal nightmare. In the deep hollows and woods of rural Augusta County, something unspeakable is slaughtering people in the dark of night. Authorities don't know if its human or animal, or how to stop it. Christy and her friends only know they must hunt it and destroy it, before it kills again.

If ever there could be a horror story considered as a cozy horror, then Monster Story by McCarty Griffin is it. With a wonderful appeal that matches the campy flair of the SyFy channel's original movies, this book has a back country redneck atmosphere that was at times priceless and at others, extremely visceral. Mixed with some truly humorous characters, this is a light read that still manages to deliver all the graphic horror one could expect!

The atmosphere is nicely captured with a deep back woods 'hillbilly' appeal that was wonderfully written. It often brought to mind the movie Slither, only instead of mutant slugs we get a vicious werewolf. In truth, that's the best way to describe this novel except only with slightly less humor and a disturbing lack of Nathan Fillion. But, that aside, the world is actually pretty well captured, with ample hunting scenes, a very important past time in the back woods. The isolation of the characters' as well as the oppressive atmosphere created by the mysterious and brutal murders are nicely created making settings that were perfectly suited for a vicious monster to roam free.

The characters of the story was an eclectic mix, which isn't surprising given the amount of characters. There are some that only appear for a few pages, some a few chapters and then there are the main characters. At times, all of these characters could become a little confusing as you try desperately to remember who is who, especially when they are getting mauled and torn to pieces. But, the main characters start to become clearer as the story progresses and you come to like them. However, being that the focus is so obtuse, there is a lack of dimensionality, leaving them a bit two dimensional and few just plain flat. Yet, they all seem to play a part within the story with some offering humor, some offering minor insights, and then there's the monster himself exuding heavy doses of crazy.

The writing style is flowing and overall pretty easy to follow given the meandering scope of the novel. There is a very cinematographic quality about it that played out nicely with the amount of characters and scenes making the constant shift of characters and locations create an ever changing pace. While some passages play out more slowly then others the overall effect was actually pretty perfect for the novel despite the fact that I often don't like the use this particular technique. In fact, I found myself liking this one because of the genre of writing with the unique mix of campy horror and cozy mystery. It really seemed to fit.

There were some things that definitely needed some working on though. There were a lot of editing issues with repeated words fragments and places were grammar could be improved, and no, I'm not referring to the southern slang or phrases. I am also not sure if it was just the copy that I was given, but there were a lot of formatting errors as well, with changing fonts and font sizes that could be distracting in the frequency that it occurred. But, as a whole, most of these issues were minor and not a deterrent when reading.

Overall, this was a fun read that had some great horror aspects that at times were campy, graphic and viscerally visual, all things that I greatly loved. The tone was unique and I would say that any fan of B Movie horror, will absolutely love this novel.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Graphic horror related violence

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review: Phantom Evil by Heather Graham

Phantom Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Publisher: MIRA Books
Series: Krewe of Hunters, Book 1
ISBN: 9780778329534
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Pre-Order Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

*Novel provided by the publisher via NetGalley

For more information please visit Heather Graham's website.

Alive or dead, everyone is looking for something…

A secret government unit is formed under the oversight of Adam Harrison, famed paranormal investigator. The six members he’s gathered know a little of the otherworldly—each has honed a psychic talent of their own.

Jackson Crow, part English, part Cheyenne, heads the group. Haunted by his experience with an ancestral ghost who saved his life as a child, and the recent murders of two previous teammates, Jackson can’t tell if Adam’s demoted him or given him an extraordinary opportunity. Despite his link to the realm of spirits, he’s well aware that the living commit the most heinous crimes, with spiritualist charlatans existing merely to fool and seduce the unwary.

To counterbalance Jackson’s careful skepticism, Adam Harrison has paired him with Angela Hawkins, a young woman who learned the painful lesson of loss at an early age. A police offi cer utilizing her paranormal intuition in Virginia, she already has her hands full. But Adam’s call to New Orleans is strong.

The case: In a historic mansion in New Orleans’s French Quarter, a senator’s wife falls to her death from a balcony. Most think she jumped, distraught over the loss of her young son. Some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits that inhabit the house—once the site of a serial killer’s grisly work.

Whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion, greed and desire will cast the pair into danger of losing their lives...and their immortal souls.

Phantom Evil is the first novel in the new Krewe of Hunters series by best selling author Heather Graham. Thrilling, suspenseful and at times just plain creepy, this novel had an amazing atmosphere with great world building and historical development that really brought it to life. With an interesting blend of the paranormal and the tangible evil that man is capable of, this is an engaging tale of horror and mystery with just the right amount of the romance for which Graham is famous for and that fans will love!

The story begins with a bang, instantly propelling us into the opulence of the infamous Newton house, a home to one of New Orleans' most nefarious mass murderers. At once, the eerie feeling the radiates from the historical residence is tangible with a colorful haunted history that Graham wove effortlessly, creating a chilling backdrop for this novel.  Truly, the amount of descriptive detail vividly creates an amazing world that is substantial in building a New Orleans that seems to spring to life within the pages. This admirably developed atmosphere had me jumping at every creak of my own house as I read late into the night, eager to discover the secrets of not only the Newton house, but of it's otherworldly inhabitants.

The marvelous, horrific atmosphere paired with the suspense surrounding the teams' investigation into the supposed suicide a Louisiana Senator's wife begs the question, 'can evil extend beyond the grave?' With each uncovered atrocity perpetrated by an evil, vile man a century before the answer seems to be an unequivocal yes. However, as alibis and motives of those closest to the deceased are uncovered it becomes obvious that the ghosts the reside within the walls of the Newton house aren't the only suspects in this baffling and cold blooded murder. This gripping mystery has more then a few twists and it's impossible to tell who or what may be responsible for the heinous act as Graham weaves an interesting tapestry that is at times complex and deliciously shocking.

The characters themselves are also quite interesting as the eclectic ensemble comes together, each with a unique skill and personality. There is an instant warmth and camaraderie between them that endears them to the reader, their easy relationship seemingly effortless and immediate. The easy acceptance by the group that there is more out there then meets the eyes is refreshing, but the dash of skepticism presented by team leader Jackson Crow keeps the story firmly grounded with a more relatable mindset that begs for tangible proof instead of blind belief. Angela Hawkins, his second in command, is quite a contrast as she is easily able to communicate with the lingering spirits residing within the house. Looking to them for guidance and answers surrounding the murder, her innate perceptive ability helps crack the seemingly stubborn facade of Jackson as she not only penetrates the walls of his beliefs, but those surrounding his heart as well. And though each carries a lot of pain and loss within themselves, or perhaps because of it, they come to bridge the chasm within themselves by giving in to the strong chemistry between them and falling into an organic and engaging relationship. The romance that ensues is refreshingly free of the complexities that often plague such characters within the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres with no possessiveness and no angst, simply a touching bond filled with easily accepted equality and warmth.

So, while the technical aspects that created this world are quite good, there were still a few things that nagged at me. The most predominant being the dialogue as at times it seemed rather cheesy given the maturity of the characters. There is also a lot of repetition that I felt was unnecessary with flashes of memory, tidbits of history and just general thoughts and responses being excessively repeated. All of these aspects tended to slow down the pace of an otherwise interesting and engaging plot. While it's not enough to detract from the inherent merit of the novel, these elements could still be irksome at times unless you easily forget components within an intricate storyline.

Overall, this was a good read that managed to shock and surprise me, and at times even gave me the willies! With an interesting cast of characters that possess such a great chemistry and seemingly familial bond, I definitely look forward to seeing what other mysteries they'll be called in to solve and see how their relationships evolve within the ensemble.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Some sexual content

Review: The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

The Demon Trapper's Daughter
Author: Jana Oliver
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Series: The Demon Trappers, Book 1
ISBN: 1429992840
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

*Novel provided via Book It Forward Book Tours

For more information please visit Jana Oliver's website.

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

The Demon Trapper’s Daughter, the stellar first novel in Jana Oliver’s Demon Trapper’s series, is a thrilling YA geared more towards older readers. Filled with mystery, suspense, action and romance this novel also explores the darker topics of loss and finding your place within the world. Wonderfully written and utterly enthralling, I highly recommend this novel to any fan of YA lit or demons in general.

The futuristic world created within this novel is bleak and unlike anything that I have read in the past. This futuristic landscape is not so unlike our own as the world finds itself in a long standing depression where metal and fuel are commodities hard to come by. This unsettling atmosphere makes for a wonderful back drop to a world where demons roam throughout the city, hunted by Demon Trappers and Rome’s Demon Hunters. The atmosphere mirrors the backdrop: grungy, dilapidated and down trodden, which all seem to soak into the very bones of the characters creating a plight that is on the verge of oppressive. The demons of this novel are not the ones we have come to expect from other series, the humanoid and alluring beings who are more seductive then nefarious, but the demons represented in this series are monstrous refugees from hell. Creatures bent on destruction that are beyond dangerous and cunning in their own animalistic way. However, what I really liked about this novel are the varying levels of demons. The higher levels are exactly what you would expect a demon to be while the lower ranking hell spawn are actually pretty cute if not amusing. But, the demons aren't the only source of strife within this novel as reanimators, or necromancers who bring back to life the dead and sell them as slaves to the wealthy, play quite a despicable role as well. However, like everything else within this world that Oliver created there are varying degrees of unseemly behavior within this group as well.

Characterization was beyond wonderful in this series as well. Riley is a pretty typical teen aside from the fact that she is an apprentice Demon Trapper. She's quite gutsy, if not reckless, in her bid to become a Demon Trapper with a determination that is admirable. But, she's also really pretty resilient given all the curve balls that she has to contend with within the novel. I know if I had to endure half the things she does I'd be a sniveling wreck curled up in a ball in the corner of the room. This makes me love her simply for the strength that she exhibits in the face of adversity. Of course, that's not to say that she doesn't have those inconsistent moments, but that can only be expected from a teen as she struggles with finding her place within the world and ultimate battle to find out who she really is. But, Beck was without a doubt my favorite character within the novel and I can only hope we see more of him in the future. Older then his years, he is a veteran of the armed forces carrying a large weight within him. He has flaws and some serious emotional issues that are nicely explored, but despite this he comes across as a strong, caring man bent on protecting Riley even if that means from herself. But, having issues seems to be the norm within this bleak and semi-oppressive world and the other Demon Trappers are not immune. Harper, Riley's new master, is not without his intense flaws, but there is so much going on within his character. Honestly, at the beginning I really despised him thinking that him being in charge of Riley's training would be nothing if not deplorable. And while I was right to a degree, he has his lucid moments when you have to wonderful what is beneath his prickly facade. And then of course there is the romance between Simon and Riley. How sweet can you get? This alter boy actually makes for an interesting compliment to Riley's less then angelic character, but it's the friction that this creates with Beck that I truly found interesting. This is definitely something that I can't wait to see explored within future novels to see if Beck can continue to fool himself into thinking that he is only looking out for Riley's well being, not because of any emotional tie that he has for her. But, likewise I am eager to see how long Riley can be happy with the 'good boy' when her heart keeps turning towards Beck.

But, truly the best part about this novel was the writing. There's a wonderful narrative style to this novel with a shifting point of view between Riley and Beck that give great insight into the world and the characters. The differences between the styles of the characters, the way they think and the things that they observe was truly interesting and really enveloped me into the story. While dual point of views isn't something new, this novel definitely did it in a way that was beyond appealing. Especially as the emotional quality within this novel wasn't quite was I was expecting. The POV's really explore the differences in the way people deal with loss and the different types of loss and struggles that we go through. It was quite intense at times and often had me tearing up.

Overall, this was a surprising novel that I truly enjoyed reading. Creative, edgy and wonderfully original there's still so much to be explored within the world and the characters. I really can't wait to see what happens next within this addictive series and eagerly recommend this to older YA readers as this deals with some pretty deep, dark and intense themes.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Adult themes dealing with sex and alcoholism

Review: Down the Road by Bowie Ibarra

Down the Road

Author: Bowie Ibarra

Publisher: Gallery Books

ISBN: 1439180695
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

*Novel provided by the publisher

For more information please visit Bowie Ibarra's website.

Around the globe, the dead are rising to devour the living. Hospitals are overrun, and martial law has been declared. The streets are in chaos. Society is disintegrating.

George Zaragosa is a young schoolteacher living in the shadow of his fiancée’s unsolved murder. Now he just wants to go home to his family. He has made the journey before, traveling from Austin to San Uvalde. It is usually a short drive, but he knows this time is going to be different.

Along the way, George must negotiate military roadblocks, FEMA camps, and street thugs, not to mention hordes of the living dead. He is determined to make it home, but only one thing is certain: his trip down the road will be a journey like no other.

Review:

Down the Road by Bowie Ibarra was a thrilling fight for survival and absolutely one of the best zombie novels that I have had the pleasure of reading. Filled with blood, gore, violence and the inevitable journey through the collapse of both humanity and society, this novel delivers to fans of zombie horror like no other.

The world Ibarra created is a devastating and frightening mirror to our own allowing us to easily slip into George's situation. This easy accessibility paired with wonderful characterization helps to make the situations and emotions experienced by him and the other survivors he encounters more relatable, thus helping to allow the struggle and slow dehumanization of society to resonate within the reader.  From the onset, the downfall of the world and civilization is nicely introduced to readers bringing to life the devastating situation the world comes to find itself in. This quick yet easily followed introduction sets a nice tone and the chronicling of George's journey through the world as the downward spiral continues creates a wonderful decaying atmosphere ripe with desolation and the ever growing sense of conflict. The acute sense of purpose residing in George and the detailed descriptions of his struggle for survival help to portray the collapse of civilization. I think what really helped draw me into this novel was the sense of disbelief within the first few chapters. The reality of society's end hasn't quite struck the main character as he takes foolish risks underestimating the zombies' threat. As the plot advances, not only are the zombies a threat, but the government which is tasked with protecting civilians becomes one as well. The heavy handed nature of 'Government knows best' adds an atmosphere ripe with distrust and frustration in an already horrifically maddening world.

The characterization of George is nicely done as we follow him through the initial stages of disbelief to the slow yet eventual chipping away of his humanity. The characters himself, while not overly emotional does have some empathic appeal based on the dismissed murder of his fiance Esperanza. His sense of loss is evident, and yet I liked that he didn't let his grief over take him. Instead, he feels the loss, but isn't ruled by it keeping his head as the world crumbles around him. He ends up showing a resourceful, strong and resilient nature that really appealed to me as we followed his slow progress across Texas. Slowly, the underlying violence inherent within him comes out as his need for survival increases. The loss of empathy and the quicker rush to violence is wonderfully described and mirrored within the world George is thrust into. The voice George is given is also quite insightful into both the situations he comes to find himself in and the de-evolution of his character. This voice helps to keep the sense of purpose in the forefront as well as keeping readers focused on the necessity of his journey as his 'need' for home drives him across the great state of Texas to his ultimate destination.

The cinematic quality of this novel helps to keep the pace moving, making this an extremely quick read. In truth, I could see this novel unfolding in my mind as if I were watching it on film. This was something that I greatly enjoyed about this book because there was a slight immediacy to it, while not making the reader feel burdened by the disasters that befall George. It gives a sense of distance separating the reader from the horror leaving them free to relish in it, which isn't that the great thing about zombie movies? You can watch it with a sense of detachment and even enjoying the eventual slaughter of humanity. It's sick, yet so true! Also, what absolutely made me fall in love with Ibarra's writing was that he doesn't shy away from the hard ending, because really, who wants to have the 'happily ever after' when horror is involved? And yet, despite the ending, which I thought was perfect, I loved the sense of closure to the novel. It doesn't leave you hanging with unaddressed plot lines, instead having a somewhat ironic closure that ties up everything fairly neatly.

In the end, I highly recommend this novel to all you zombie lovers out there. With highly enjoyable story telling this was one hell of a ride! I can't wait to see what Ibarra throws at us next!

My Rating: 4 out 5 Scars

Advisory: Some sexual content and graphic horror related violence