Annette's Book Spot: horror

Showing posts with label horror. Show all posts

Monday, December 10, 2018

Book Review: Broken Lands by Jonathan Maberry @JonathanMaberry @simonschuster

Broken Lands by Jonathan Maberry book cover and review

Wow! Wow! Wow! I'm so happy to be back in the Rot & Ruin. Well, actually, I'm very glad I'm not actually there, but Broken Lands was such a welcome addition to the world that Maberry created in his Benny Imura (Rot & Ruin) series.

Gutsy is our main character. She lives in New Alamo, a very protected and seemingly thriving community, safe from the "Los Muertos" (her mother's name for the undead.) Her mother has just died from tuberculosis - yes, many of the old diseases have returned. And when Gutsy buries her in the Catholic tradition - tied up but not quieted--someone digs her up and brings her back to Gutsy's house. Who would do that?

Gutsy has a great group of friends, both young and old, that are helping her through her loss. But when Gutsy witnesses many of the dead being dug up, she realizes that all is not what it seems in New Alamo. The danger isn't just from the undead, there is danger within.

Meanwhile, Benny, Chong, Nix, and the others are safe (and a little bored) in Reclamation. The people have established contact with many other towns, including Asheville, North Carolina, where there is a huge settlement and the beginnings of a new government. When all contact is lost with Asheville and Joe Ledger's (who was on his way to Asheville) whereabouts are unknown, the teens decide they can't wait for the adults to do something. After all, Chung's medication comes from Asheville and without it, he succumbs to the virus. So they craft a daring plan to leave the safety of Reclamation and go in search of Joe Ledger.

It is fairly obvious that these two groups of kids are going to meet up. But the why and how isn't clear. And what about Joe? Well, there is a big surprise there too.

I loved the Rot & Ruin series. For some reason, these characters grabbed me from the start. The tension is palpable as they fight off both Zombies, bad guys, and everything nature can throw at them using an unusual and creative variety of methods. So, to have the story continue in Broken Lands is very satisfying. I'm "all in" and can't wait for the next installment--huge cliffhanger in this one, by the way.

Broken Lands is the start of a new series and could be read without reading the previous books. There is enough backstory given to help everything make sense. But...WHY would you not want to read Rot & Ruin first? I think Broken Lands will be much more enjoyable if you have the whole story. So, what are you waiting for? I can't recommend these books enough to horror lovers. Even horror likers. Maberry is exceptional.

Published by Simon & Shuster BFYR, December 11, 2018
eARC obtained from Edelweiss.
544 pages

Rating: 5/5

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Book Review: The Outsider by Stephen King

The Outsider by Stephen King book cover and review

King has once again creeped me out (and just in time for Halloween) with The Outsider.

A teen boy has been brutally and horrifically murdered, and after a short investigation, Detective Ralph Anderson is confident that the perpetrator is a pillar of the community, his son's (and many other young boys') little league coach, Terry Maitland. After a very public arrest, during a championship game in front of thousands of people, questions begin to arise about Terry's guilt.

Terry's fingerprints and DNA evidence are everywhere. There are multiple eyewitnesses that place him with the victim and with blood on his clothes. But...Terry has an airtight alibi, corroborated by several colleagues. He was miles away from the victim at the time of the crime.

How can this be?? Well, The Outsider tries to explain. I really don't want to say too much else about the plot, but that should be enough to hook you. King's usual ability to ramp up the tension, as well as the dread, shines as The Outsider progresses. A character from the Mr. Mercedes series makes a large contribution, but it isn't necessary to have read those books. I've only read the first one, and there are several references made to that case that were entertaining but not essential to understanding.

This is the kind of stuff that can give you nightmares. And the door is open for a sequel to The Outsider, which I would happily welcome. If you are a King fan, this is classic Steve. Don't miss it.

Published by Scribner, May 22, 2018
eBook obtained from the library
576 pages

Rating: 5/5

Monday, September 10, 2018

Book Review: Sawkill Girls, by Claire Legrand

Teens (or even adults) who are looking for horror stories should check out Sawkill Girls--it is truly horrific!

Marion has moved to Sawkill Island with her mother and sister. Her mother is the housekeeper for the Mortimers - Val and her mother. When Marion is injured after falling off a spooked horse, Zoey is one of the people who are first to reach her. Zoey's father is the chief of police.

Over many years girls have been disappearing from Sawkill, and none of them are ever found. Their deaths are never explained. The most recent was Thora, Zoey's best friend, who had recently dumped her for Val. It seems the Mortimers have been somehow involved in all of the disappearances. Zoey is determined to find out what is going on. The three girls' lives begin to intertwine as more girls disappear.

This book is weird and strange. And like I said, it really gave me genuine creeps at times. Horror isn't a common genre for me, but I have read some. I really appreciated the writing. Legrand can really describe a scene vividly. That is the main positive for me from Sawkill Girls. However, this book just wasn't for me.

The storyline was a bit too far out and unbelievable for me. That is definitely a personal threshold, but I had trouble suspending my disbelief. My main issue was that it was, at almost 500 pages, just so looooong. At about 50%, I thought we were going to start wrapping things up. But...50%. At 75%, I actually started skimming. I wanted to know the resolution, but I was getting tired of it. Which is strange, because I said the writing was compelling, but along with that it was very descriptive and the segments of action were just too far apart.

I would definitely recommend this to teens who enjoy gory, creepy, macabre stories that are a bit fantastical. It is not easy to find a real horror book. And Sawkill Girls is one. It just wasn't one of my favorites.

Published by Katherine Tegen, October 2, 2018
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
464 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Book Review: The Dark Beneath the Ice by Amelinda Bérubé

The Darkness Beneath the Ice by Amelinda Bérubé book cover and review

It took The Dark Beneath the Ice a while to get going, but once it did, it brought all the chills.

Marianne's life is falling apart. Her mother and father are splitting up, her mother has been hospitalized, and she must go live with her aunt. Additionally, Marianne is having weird dreamlike episodes where she feels she's being dragged under the water. And she's breaking things during lapses of consciousness. These episodes are getting worse and worse.

She makes a new friend, Rhiannon (Ron), whose mother is a psychic. When she finally convinces Ron's mother to help her get rid of what is after her, she only makes things worse. Now Marianne feels like everyone she loves or cares about is in danger. The creature tells her she's stolen something and wants her to give it back, but Marianne has no idea what it wants.

I liked that Marianne has a support system, and she does get counseling. She's pretty honest with the counselor too. The tension during the second half of the book is palpable at times and genuinely creepy. It just takes too long to get to this part. The back story and setup is drawn out and a bit too detailed.

However, fans of creepiness will enjoy The Dark Beneath the Ice. I was not surprised by the ending, but that doesn't really matter if you just want to feel the thrills and chills.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire, August 7, 2018
ARC Copy obtained from School Library Connection Magazine
327 pages

Rating: 4/5

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Book Review: Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley book cover and review

For a classic novel, Frankenstein is fairly easy to follow and kept my interest.

If you don't know the story, here are the basics. First of all, remember Frankenstein is the doctor that created the monster. Many people mistakenly believe that the monster is Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein is a talented scientist and becomes obsessed with creating a living being from parts of other beings. He finally brings life to this hideous creature, who he then allows to escape (one of the fallacies of this plot, but just let it go.)

The reader gets the perspective of the creature, as he struggles to survive and become a part of society. No way that's going to happen, because he's too hideous. He reveals himself to a blind man and is just about successful, but no, we can't allow that to happen or we wouldn't have a story. We also get the perspective of Frankenstein as he realizes this creature is wreaking havoc and is out to get Frankenstein and steal away everything dear to him.

Shelley does a good job of building tension and also sympathy. But at the same time, I thought Frankenstein (the character) was really stupid at times. And some of the monster's evolution was a bit far-fetched (Of course. I get that is to be expected), and his abrupt change of heart at the end was not very credible. Frankenstein's evolution, however, is what makes the story a classic, I think. His abject misery and eventual breakdown are utterly heartbreaking.

It sounds like I didn't enjoy Frankenstein, however, I did. With all it's plot holes and suspension of belief, I appreciated the feelings evoked and all the trials and tribulations associated with the story. Shelley is good at creating an atmosphere that gives you chills. It's a classic and worth the read.

Published by Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, 1818
eBook obtained from Serial Reader
280 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Book Review: The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

The Phantom of the Opera is a tragic and exciting tale.

I've seen the musical a couple of times live, as well as the movie, so I have always wanted to read the book. For a classic, it's pretty easy to read and follow. I'm going to assume you are at least familiar with the basic premise of the story. (If not, click on the link for a summary.) The beginning goes much like the story in the musical, but after Christine is taken by the Phantom (although he is never called that in the book), it is much more exciting!

There is an additional character, the Persian, not in the musical, who along with Raoul are tortured and barely escape with their lives! We also learn about the Phantom's past, which helps explain why he is so evil. The reader is asked to have sympathy for him, but it is difficult, given what he put everyone through.

I'm glad I read the story, but I wouldn't read it again. If you are a true fan, it's a must-read. If you enjoy macabre classics, this is a good one.

Published by Pierre Laie (originally), in 1910 (in English in 1911.)
eBook obtained from Serial Reader
270 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Book Review: Last Chance, by Gregg Hurwitz

Last Chance, by Gregg Hurwitz book cover and review

For teens who can't get enough of books with non-stop action, Last Chance will be sure to please.

Last Chance is the sequel to The Rains, so you may want to read that review first. There may be spoilers ahead...

We pick up where we left off in The Rains. Chance, Patrick, and Alex are trying to survive while trying to save the world. It is one ordeal for them after another.

I feel pretty much the same about Last Chance as I did The Rains. Here's what I said: For the young adult intended audience, The Rains is a non-stop thriller. For a somewhat jaded adult reader like myself, it was just kind of "more of the same."

Last Chance is just one near-death, thrilling escape after another. It does keep you turning pages, but for me, there was a bit too much of that and not enough plot movement. The teens just get way too many lucky breaks. When the plot does move, it's a good one with more unexpected twists and turns than The Rains, which is why I actually liked Last Chance better.

I like the premise, the apocalyptic tension, and Horowitz gives pretty good explanations, reasons, and solutions for the situation. I thought the "bullying" aspects were also overdone. How many times did Ben and his gang attack one of the main characters? (Too many...)

Hurwitz isn't afraid to kill off characters -- in horribly gruesome ways. So be warned. No one is safe.

There is a not-entirely-happy but hopeful resolution. This series (a duology!) is a good one for reluctant readers who love action and can handle the gore. They should start with The Rains first.

Published by Tor Teen, October 17, 2017
ARC obtained from the publisher
384 pages

Rating: 4/5

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Book Review: Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll book cover and review

I don't read many graphic novels, but the Abraham Lincoln High School Book Award list of nominated titles for 2017 was released (Illinois' readers' choice award for high school) and Through the Woods was on it, so I decided to give it a try.

There are five short stories in Through the Woods and each of them are macabre. I get that. But some of them didn't make sense to me. They just end after something violent. I'm really bad at stopping and studying the pictures -- which is my problem with graphic novels in general -- so that might be why.

The drawings are very good. They convey a very dark, creepy tone that goes with the story. Lots of red blood.

My lack of attention when reading graphic novels coupled with my usual unhappiness about the lack of details in short stories really worked against Through the Woods.

However, if you are a fan of the macabre and enjoy the graphic format, Through the Woods might be just up your alley.

Published by Margaret K. McElderry, 2014
Copy obtained from the library
208 (unpaginated) pages

Rating: 3/5

Monday, January 25, 2016

Book Review: Shallow Graves by Kali Wallace @kaliphyte

Shallow Graves by Kali Wallace book cover and review

Shallow Graves is gruesome and horrible -- and good! While not for the faint of heart, Shallow Graves offers something substantial for teens who can't get enough demons and goblins and the associated murderous behavior that goes with it.

Breezy Lin was murdered a year ago. And when the story begins, she has just reawakened from a shallow grave. In her "undead" form, she has the ability to see people's shadows -- and sometimes those shadows indicate they have killed someone (at least one). When Breezy touches them, they die, and all the memories of those murders now belong to Breezy. She also can't be killed and heals very quickly from any injuries.

She wanders aimlessly, needing no food or sleep. As the story continues we get flashbacks to Breezy's life before she was murdered, and eventually of her actual murder. Breezy hooks up with some really evil people, a cult who is trying to rid the world of evil, and some really dangerous, otherworldly creatures (that look like people!) Yes, it turns out that all those creatures from our nightmares really exist. If you can't buy into that, then Shallow Graves probably isn't for you.

Breezy is trying to figure out just what she is and why this happened to her, while trying to figure out who she can trust and just what her place in this world is. Things get violent and bloody. Breezy is very brave, and decides to take on the ultimate "mother" of all demons. It's tense and very readable. Once you get going in Shallow Graves, you won't be able to put it down.

I can't really think of any book to compare Shallow Graves to, but the blurb compares this one to the writings of Holly Black (maybe, a little?) and Nova Ren Suma (who I've never read.) I thought this one was a bit scary, and certainly gory. So those are the reader's that you should target for Shallow Graves. And I haven't heard anything, but Wallace could certainly continue Breezy's adventures in another book. There's definite potential...

Published by Katherine Tegen, January 26, 2016
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
368 pages

Rating: 4/5