Disclaimer: I am friends with the author, who provided me with an advanced electronic version of this book for review. This is the first book I've read in years to give me nightmares. Lane's debut novel is an intricate and descriptive historical horror that encompasses some of my favorite tropes in speculative fiction. Jacqueline is … Continue reading Review: Invisible Chains by Michelle Renee Lane
Review: “Eidolon” (Whyborne & Griffin #1.5) by Jordan L. Hawk
This short story takes place near the beginning of Whyborne and Griffin's relationship, and reading it after seven full novels is an interesting trip into the past. In this story, there's still a bit of relationship angst that I now know to be completely unfounded, but it's not so angsty as to make me roll … Continue reading Review: “Eidolon” (Whyborne & Griffin #1.5) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Fallow (Whyborne & Griffin #8) by Jordan L. Hawk
Whyborne's angst starts out deep in this story, but after the revelations of the previous book, he's certainly got a lot on his mind. Luckily, this book continues the trend of splitting the narration between Whyborne and Griffin. Griffin's life isn't exactly cheery at the moment, as he struggles to connect with his dour husband, … Continue reading Review: Fallow (Whyborne & Griffin #8) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: “Into the Darkness” (Taine McKenna Adventures #1.5) by Lee Murray
This short story is not to be missed for any fan of the Taine McKenna adventures. It features everything I love about the series, condensed into an action-packed, bite-size piece. Well, not quite everything. This takes place in a small town in France rather than a New Zealand locale, but I promise everything else is … Continue reading Review: “Into the Darkness” (Taine McKenna Adventures #1.5) by Lee Murray
Con Report: StokerCon 2019
If you're here to find a copy of my alternate history presentation, you're in the right place! Scroll, read, and enjoy. I might not be a horror fan, but you won't find a nicer group of creative people. I was immediately welcomed into the fold at StokerCon 2019, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I … Continue reading Con Report: StokerCon 2019
Review: Hoarfrost (Whyborne & Griffin #6) by Jordan L. Hawk
Something different about this book is immediate from the first page -- scenes from Griffin's point of view! This made me nervous at first, but Hawk obviously has a great handle on his character. Switching between two first-person POVs is never difficult, because Griffin's voice is so distinctive from Whyborne's. The need for scenes to … Continue reading Review: Hoarfrost (Whyborne & Griffin #6) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Into the Ashes (Taine McKenna Adventures #3) by Lee Murray
Disclaimer: I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. The third installment of the Taine McKenna adventures follows the format of the two previous books without becoming formulaic or predictable. It's an action-packed adventure featuring human and supernatural dangers, full of both familiar faces and new characters I hope to see again in … Continue reading Review: Into the Ashes (Taine McKenna Adventures #3) by Lee Murray
Review: Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1) by James S.A. Corey
I purchased this ebook when the first season of the television adaptation aired, but didn't get around to reading it until a recent vacation. I've seen three seasons of the show so far, so that will obviously color my interpretation of the book (such as visualizing actors as their characters and such). My husband and I … Continue reading Review: Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1) by James S.A. Corey
Review: “Remnant” (Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery) by K.J. Charles& Jordan L. Hawk
This short story is available as a free download from K.J. Charles' website. It is best read after Stormhaven (Whyborne & Griffin #3) by Jordan L. Hawk and the full collection of The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles because it contains significant spoilers for both. There need to be more cross-over stories between authors I enjoy … Continue reading Review: “Remnant” (Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery) by K.J. Charles& Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Threshold (Whyborne & Griffin #2) by Jordan L. Hawk
This book was an excellent follow-up to the first in the series, proving that Hawk is now comfortable with their world and their characters. We leave behind the Lovecraftian city of Widdershins for a company town in the Appalachian mountains, haunted by creatures who are both horrifying and unique. The relationship development between Whyborne and … Continue reading Review: Threshold (Whyborne & Griffin #2) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Into the Mist (Taine McKenna Adventures #1) by Lee Murray
Disclaimer: I consider the author a friend; however, I purchased an electronic copy of this novel for full price. For those of you who are averse to the horror genre, I'm happy to report that this novel is instead a thrilling action-adventure. There are some gory bits, but it's not gratuitous, and the moments that … Continue reading Review: Into the Mist (Taine McKenna Adventures #1) by Lee Murray
Review: Teeth of the Wolf (Path of Ra #2) by Dan Rabarts & Lee Murray
Disclaimer: I read this book as part of the editorial process; I look forward to purchasing a hardcopy to add to my collection. I was honored to be one of the first people to read this book, and it blew me away even more than the first in the series. I didn't realize near-future noir … Continue reading Review: Teeth of the Wolf (Path of Ra #2) by Dan Rabarts & Lee Murray
Review: The Litany of Earth (Innsmouth Legacy #0) by Ruthanna Emrys
This novelette is available to read for free at Tor.com. This novelette serves as a fantastic introduction to the universe of this set of stories, giving intriguing background and introducing us to an interesting character while still leaving the reader wanting more. The relationship between Aphra and Agent Spector was the more interesting plot thread; … Continue reading Review: The Litany of Earth (Innsmouth Legacy #0) by Ruthanna Emrys
Author Interview with Jessica McHugh
By now, you all know that I'm a total wuss. I don't like jump scares. I can do gore in movies/on television because I desensitized myself through a research binge on practical effects, but there's no protective layer between the visceral on the page and my imagination. So while I desperately wanted to read Jessica … Continue reading Author Interview with Jessica McHugh
Review: Snowbound (Bloodline of Yule #2) by Maria Alexander
Disclaimer: I consider myself friends with the author; I received an electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I finished reading this book at the height of summer in my very warm home office. But I didn't even think of turning on the ceiling fan, because Alexander brought the freezing cold of … Continue reading Review: Snowbound (Bloodline of Yule #2) by Maria Alexander
Review: Escaping Exile (Escape #1) by Sara Dobie Bauer
Disclaimer: I consider the author a friend; I received an electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The first thing you notice about this novella is the vibrant narrative voice. You learn everything you need to know about the main character and his circumstances within the first chapter, during the inciting incident, … Continue reading Review: Escaping Exile (Escape #1) by Sara Dobie Bauer
Author Interview with Matthew Warner
While it wasn't quite up my alley, Matthew Warner's Cursed by Christ book seemed intriguing enough that I had to pick the author's brain about it. Maybe you'll find yourself interested in my stead. ABOUT THE BOOK CURSED . . . Living at her family’s rice plantation, Alice Wharton learns some disturbing news from her … Continue reading Author Interview with Matthew Warner
Review: The Boogeyman’s Intern by Matt Betts
Disclaimer: The author is a friend, and I reviewed this novel as part of the publication process. I look forward to purchasing a hardcopy version of my own. This was a weird book set in an even weirder landscape. Betts proves that the supernatural creatures created as part of all human cultures are very similar … Continue reading Review: The Boogeyman’s Intern by Matt Betts
Review: City Ash and Desert Bones by Laurel Myler
Disclaimer: This book was produced by the publishing company that also publishes my current series of novels; however, I purchased a hardcopy version of this novel for full price. The mystery about Reesa, one of the narrators and main characters of this novel, hooks you from the very first line of the book. As reminders … Continue reading Review: City Ash and Desert Bones by Laurel Myler
Review: Canyon Shadows (Dark Tyrant #2) by C.R. Langille
Disclaimer: I consider myself friends with the author, via the graduate writing program we both attended. However, I purchased the hardcopy version of this novel for full price. Though this book is the second in a shared world of stories, you do not have to read the first in order to get full enjoyment from … Continue reading Review: Canyon Shadows (Dark Tyrant #2) by C.R. Langille