Tag Archives: horror

May 15, 2023 · 7:00 am

A Wretched Little Book of Poems: Remastered by Allen Isom (Book Review)

This Wretched Little Book is a must-read for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Where the Sidewalk Ends. It promises to leave you both delighted and frightened. Embark on a spine-tingling journey through the pages of this book, featuring 10 brand new poems and eerie illustrations crafted by artificial intelligence in this remastering of the original.

Explore the bone-chilling tales of the Man in the Mask, Squid Face Girl, and The Depths, as you immerse yourself in the haunting and poetic stories of this collection. With a perfect blend of macabre terror and spooky fun, these poems are bound to stay with you long after you finish reading.

So, beware of the Little Beasties and other malevolent entities that may be Waiting in the Woods. And, above all, never look Behind You! Each page is filled with dread and suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Get ready to uncover the horrors that lie within your closets and under your bed, and experience the thrill of this illustrated horror poetry.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

We’ve all heard the familiar statement, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I judged A Wretched Little Book of Poems: Remastered by its, and my assessment proved accurate. Every image would please horror, supernatural, paranormal, or occult fans. His poetry contained the right blend of suspense and horror, making me thirsty for more. 

My favorite selections revolved around the living dead. “The Deadwoods” was one of my favorite poems. I also enjoyed the horde of the “walking dead” image that followed “Zombie Town.” Each made me itch to watch a zombie flick. 

“Squid Face Girl” was hauntingly sad. Kali, the girl with tentacles on the lower half of her face, never felt love. She’s never been kissed. Kids were horrific towards her. Poor Kali was alone and only wanted someone to look past the squid face and see the beauty within. “Squid Face Girl” illustrates how the real monsters are the ones who look normal to the naked eye. 

“Dream Come True” was phenomenal. It gave readers a horrific twist on the power of a genie and how one should take great thought into stating a wish. The mother/monster image also scared the holy heck out of me! 

“Something Ate Me” gave me goosebumps, especially the line, “At least it cannot eat me twice.”

I’ll never look at my daughter’s rock collection after reading “Pet Rock.” NEVER! 

While many, MANY drawings sent shivers down my spine, one will definitely haunt my dreams tonight and many nights in the future. The severed head that accompanied “Old Severed Head” had a realness quality to it. It didn’t look like a creature straight from hell. It looked like an everyday man whose path crossed with the worst evil imaginable. Wait until you see the drawing…seriously, SHIVERS! Further into the book, the writer drew an axe-wielding man who reminded me of Jason from Friday the 13th. Again, images that show plausible monsters are the scariest (in my opinion). 

“What’s for Dinner” made me think of tall tales centering around “witches” capturing children to cook and eat them. The writer’s picture of the person sitting in the pot of boiling water made me shift nervously in my seat. His eyes seemed to stare at me, and I almost expected him to jump out of the book and grab me, bringing me into the bubbling cauldron with him. 

If you loathe bugs, you’ll want to avoid “Timmy’s Tummy,” “Creepy Crawlies,” and “Infestation.” The images are cringe-worthy! 

Allen Isom’s spine-tingling poetry book needs to be transformed into several 30-minute episodes. His creative mind designed drawings that any special effects artist (make-up and digital) would jump at the chance to bring to life. 

Poem after poem, drawing after drawing, each page is more haunting than the last. Evil lurks everywhere, even in space.  

Grab a copy of A Wretched Little Book of Poems: Remastered and step into the world of the strange, the frightening…YOUR worst nightmare!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

When Allen Isom isn’t conjuring up spine-tingling tales of terror, he can be found lurking in the shadows, cackling maniacally and muttering to himself. Born in a haunted house, Allen Isom has always had a fascination with the darker side of life. His writing is a twisted mix of horror and humor.

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May 10, 2023 · 7:00 am

Invitation to a Nightmare: Short Stories of the Macabre by CLIVE OWEN BARRY (Book Review)

From the pen of Clive Owen Barry comes a collection of terror.

The likes of the repentant grave robber, to the single mother who inadvertently sought refuge in the home of a serial killer, or the wealthy wine merchant, possessed by the image of a beautiful woman.

Shadows that haunt the darkest corner of your imagination, to the violence inflicted by a deformed lunatic, severing body parts within the city slums.

These together with so many other gruesome tales of the macabre, can be found haunting the pages of this single volume of short stories, ready and eager to torment your peaceful slumber.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Invitation to a Nightmare houses a collection of haunting tales focusing on the unexplained, the unimaginable, and even plausible scenarios. 

While the synopsis states this is an anthology of short stories, that is not an accurate characterization of the contents. Five of the fourteen works read more like poems or one-page inner thoughts. “Nightmare” begins the collection and is a prime example of what I would consider a poem rather than a short tale. This poem and the others created will get your heart racing. They’ll have you flicking on lights, making you notice every noise in your home. They were frightfully well-constructed. The short stories, though, had a more profound effect on me. 

Serial killers are real. People are capable of horrendous, hideous acts of violence. “Does The Bogeyman Live Downstairs?” is a work of fiction, but the real possibility that such evil might reside in the world, might your neighbor amped up the fear factor of this story. Taxidermy always creeped me out before the story. My feelings regarding it have not changed. Thanks to this cringe-worthy story, I will never look at a stuffed animal the same way again. 

Another realistic story that gave me the shivers was “Dark Shadows.” How frightening it must be to question your own sanity. To discover that your nightmares have become a reality. I felt every bit of Claire’s anguish. Her pain was undeniable. I would commend her on her powerful performance if she were an actress. 

Other short works had a different effect. “The House In Belvedere County” contained a shocking twist, but this story lacked genuine emotion. The narrator spoke of brutal murders in the same tone one would talk about the weather. The only saving grace to this tale was the mic drop moment. 

Monotone is how I’d describe most of the works in the anthology. Sure, pieces like “The Hangman,” “Torment,” and “Portrait” were creepy, but they were one-dimensional. They didn’t wow me. I wish more material resembled “We Wish You A…” It’s the type of supernatural story that has you feeling a character’s confusion and fear. Plus, what an ending! 

The foundation for the anthology was good. The author does have a vivid imagination. They know how to tap into the supernatural and real-world equally well. However, they were several editing mistakes, and most characters and stories felt lifeless, like the corpses in the stories. 

This anthology does have good bones. Many readers will find some of the stories terrifying. And, the author does give you what they promised, stories that will “torment your peaceful slumber.”

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Clive Owen Barry is a British author living in the north east of England. Together with short stories of dark literary fiction he has independently published adult crime novels, as well as mid-grade fantasy novella’s and more recently a collection of short stories of the macabre.

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February 24, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Broken Darkness by Theresa A Braun (Book Review)


In her debut collection, Theresa Braun explores the inner workings of the human heart and what it is we most desire-forgiveness, acceptance, love, fame, or merely to escape who we really are. Whether we are battling ghosts, demons, mythical monsters, the past, or other dimensions, we are really facing the deepest parts of ourselves. These thirteen tales of horror and dark fantasy may appear to be a matter of good versus evil, but they are all a reflection of the hidden corners of the soul that are often shades of broken darkness. The characters in these stories must face their inner and outer terrors, or else suffer the consequences.

Contents:
“Dead over Heels”
“Collecting Empties”
“The Celestial Assignment”
“Guilty As Cell”
“Lost Time”
“Heathen”
“Stillborn”
“Legend Trippers”
“Dying for an Invitation”
“Homecoming”
“Stay Tuned”
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps
“Heirloom”

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Before I began the horror anthology, I noticed that I’d read and reviewed about half of them in the past. I will briefly summarize a few before pushing forward with the new reads. 

“Dead over Heels” – As a fan of science fiction/paranormal shows, I love storylines that tap into the unknown. In “Dead over Heels,” we watch as the past meets the present in the forms of spirits reliving traumatic moments, aka their deaths by the same murderer.

As you can imagine, the living playing unwilling bystanders to this horrific scene is one thing — the victims being someone near and dear to their heart is another matter entirely. It amplifies the experience 1000%. 

For fans of the ghosts/spirits, I assure you this ending was perfection. It wasn’t your typical ending to a ghostly tale, and I like my plot twists.

“Stillborn” combined science fiction, mystery, suspense, gore, and shock. I didn’t want the story to end! 

“Legend Trippers” had gore, blood, and moments where I was happy I wasn’t reading this short story after sundown.

 

There were six short stories in the horror collection that I hadn’t read in the past: “Collecting Empties,” “Guilty As Cell,” “Lost Time,” “Heathen,” “Stay Tunes,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Half of those scored five stars because they each possessed unique qualities that had me cringing, contained a fascinating turn of events, or possessed a plot that stood out from other stories in the horror genre.

“Stay Tuned” had vigilante justice served that would make the most vial and evil psychopath stand up, clap, and say, “Well done.” 

“Guilty As Cell” had me giving my cell the side-eye. It had a vengeful spirit, a possessed cell phone, and an ending that might be a trigger scene for some readers. Not the ghost, but, heck, maybe that too. Who am I to know who believes in the supernatural world and who might’ve seen a less-than-friendly spirit? 

I thought I knew the path “Heathen” was taking, and then Theresa wrote an enlightening scene that changed everything. I love Theresa’s plot twists!

 

Theresa’s works have always impressed me. She thinks outside the horror box and always leaves me wanting more. 

I recommend you pick up this collection! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Theresa Braun was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and has carried some of that hardiness with her to South Florida where she currently resides with her two fur babies, who are her creative sidekicks. She enjoys delving into creative writing, painting, photography and even bouts of ghost hunting. Traveling is one of her passions—in fact, her latest adventure took her to Romania for a horror writers’ workshop where she followed in the steps of Vlad the Impaler. She writes horror fiction and the occasional romance. Oh, and she likes to guest blog about writing, television shows, movies, and books, mostly in the horror genre.

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February 20, 2023 · 7:00 am

Ferryman (Creepy Creations) by T.B. Phillips (Book Review)

A coastal town faces dark magic in this spine-crawling thriller by T.B. Phillips!

Here is a gripping novel blending historical fiction, set in the New England town of Newport, Rhode Island. In 1695, this haven for pirates boasted names like the notorious Thomas Tew and William Mays, each among the wealthiest pirates in history. Taking place not long after the Salem Witch Trials, witches were abundant in the colony as well, and dark magic had made its way up from the West Indies via Africa.

As a coven hides its rituals beneath a rocky shore, Curtis Charles, a young man terrified of the sea, stumbles upon family secrets. Swept into a tempest of betrayal, lies, and schemes, the fabric of his world rips apart while pirates and witches compete over a sinister treasure. Their greed will be judged when the Ferryman comes…

A full length-novel adaptation of the Ferryman Tales comic series created by Chris Hays and McLain McGuire.

Written by T.B. Phillips, Master Storyteller of Pirates, Science Fiction, and Fantasy.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Ferryman (Creepy Creations) by T. B. Phillips is based on the Ferryman Tales comic series created by Chris Hays and McLain McGuire. I haven’t read their comic series, but after reading this book, I want to. 

First off, the cover was sensational. It was spooky and mysterious, sparked fear, and the Ferryman’s eyes were mesmerizing. I could see a person becoming lost in them while their body trembled in fear over his arrival. When the transporter of the dead comes for you, you best be prepared to answer his riddle or your dues. Those who can’t pay are cursed to drown for 100 years. Not a fate I would want to live.

Many characters in the Ferryman (Creepy Creations) faced judgment day, and they had to answer for their sins. Greed and power were the roots of evil expressed. This story hammers home the point of not letting greed corrupt your soul.

Besides the hypnotic cover, the story had other elements that kept me engrossed to the ending credits. First, the story’s broken up into parts that contain different points of view from key characters such as Curtis Charles, Mary Griggs, and Captain Thomas Tew. Scenes were replayed but viewed through their eyes. We got to witness how they interpreted the events and who caused the train of events that would bring about the arrival of the Ferryman. Curtis’s POV was filled with unimaginable pain and unthinkable sights. Mary’s scenes were the most horrifying, in my opinion. She saw things of pure horrors and ghostly figures. Visions that would drive anyone insane and did. 

I hope a movie studio discovers the Ferryman (Creepy Creations) and works its cinematic magic to bring it to life. If they do, I will be there on opening night! 

If your reading tastes center on mythology, witchcraft, dark magic, or the paranormal, you must read Ferryman (Creepy Creations). It’ll hook you from the “Prologue,” where the Drake sinks, to the ending scenes when the Ferryman delivers the souls to their final destination. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

T.B. Phillips debuted in 2019 with his award winning series Dreamers of Andalon, a cautionary science fantasy set in the age of sail. He is a former sailor and educator, teaching English and History before becoming a public school administrator. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas.

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October 26, 2022 · 7:00 am

Come One, Come All by E. Gilliland (Book Review)

The Pied Piper Circus lures in the lost, the lonely, people who wish to be stronger or faster or prettier…but once you join, you can never leave. 

Louisa knows the dangers of the traveling carnival, but she cannot afford to stay away. Not if she wants to get rid of the white owl that’s been haunting her, invading her dreams. Not if she wants to know about the dark, sinister mark in her eyes that convinces people to follow her every whim, no matter how terrible. Not when she fears what she might do with that power.

Ringmaster Amos Cain has the answers Louisa seeks, but like everything else in the Pied Piper Circus, they won’t come without a price. And there’s something hungry living in the heart of the carnival that will never be satiated, no matter how many lost souls She consumes.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from R&R Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Years and years ago, I grew up in a tiny town. Every fourth of July weekend, a carnival would be set up less than a block from my house. During the day, the carnival didn’t look scary. At night, I had the opposite feeling regarding the place. I’m sure the carnie workers were friendly enough, but at night, I was afraid of them and who might grab me on the way back to my house. This story made me remember all those uneasy feelings from years past. 

The Pied Piper Circus had an acrobat, clown, a strong man, and a tiger that entertained the visitors. The circus also housed a very dark secret – a monster that feasted on the souls of the lost and lonely. When hunger struck or anger boiled over, the monster, referred to as “Lady,” would peel the skin off her victim’s flesh. She was the stuff of nightmares! 

Amos was the circus’s ringmaster, but he also helped corral the Lady when she awoke. It was no easy task keeping the Lady pleased; she was a jealous and heartless beast. 

The book’s summary was an attention-grabber. The cover and title are perfect! The story itself left me with mixed feelings. The story’s plot was unique. However, the first half often gave off a sequel vibe. For instance: It was written as if I should know who certain characters are, their past interactions, and why they behaved or reacted in certain ways. I looked up the book to verify this was not a sequel in a series. 

Since this book is labeled “horror,” I craved more Lady feasting scenes. Her hunger wasn’t capitalized on enough to make this a typical horror book. This story was more supernatural in nature. 

I was pleasantly surprised who came out of nowhere to help Louisa when we saw Lady’s anger unleashed. I thought they were gone forever. (No spoilers.)

With the superbly written book summary, I was ready to be blown away by the contents. Unfortunately, I wasn’t. It felt incomplete. Even though I had mixed feelings regarding the story, I recommend you read it. It was a nice supernatural read, and the ending opened it for a sequel. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2

 

 

About the Author

Writer Elizabeth Gilliland was photographed in Mobile, Alabama.

Elizabeth Gilliland mostly believes in ghosts and other supernatural spooks, but she has a standing agreement with them to keep a respectful distance. When she isn’t writing, she is most likely sneaking classic Gothic novels into her class curriculum, or arguing why we need to value adaptations as art. She is also the author of the Austen University Mysteries, and she lives in Alabama with her husband and son.

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