Monday, October 30, 2023

Gollitok by Andrew Najberg



This story is amazing!! This is what literary horror looks like. The story draws you in and does not let go until the very last word is written.

Gollitok is an old prison ground on an isolated island. The government sends Varka to join a crew of people to determine what happened to the prisoners, the guards, and the warden. As soon as Varka sets foot on a small boat to take him and his colleague to the island, everything begins to go wrong. Between personal vendettas and unknown ‘things’ prowling the island – there is no telling what Gollitok’s history has to tell them. There are so many questions and so much fear for three, high adrenaline packed days. Just when one question is answered, dozens more come up. Is it supernatural? Is it humans doing barbaric misdeeds? Are the ghosts of the island’s past unsettled?

Andrew Najberg is an excellent writer, in my opinion. His ability to grip the reader by the eyeballs and grab hold of your emotions with what seems very little effort on his part is truly a gift. He weaves a story rife with history while also moving through current events as we follow the group of researchers. There is no break in dates in the book… it just comes together with perfect unity.

For an immersive, intense, and devouring tale… read Gollitok. You can not go wrong in choosing Andrew Najberg. Now to read the rest of his writing. Yes, he is that good at storytelling.

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Dead Girls and Dead Things edited by RJ Roles

 


Here is an anthology of stories by some of Books of Horror’s fabulous women. Each story carries the distinct, amazing voices of these women. There is no way anyone can pick a favorite in this book. Below, I share the synopsis of each story.

One For Sorrow by AJ Mullican. A young lady crosses paths with a crow. A dark and twisted story. A fantastic story to lead us into this anthology. 

The Watcher by Angelique Jordanna. Aja has a stalker who is looking after her. I haven’t read many Jordanna stories, but this one seems different from what I have read. I absolutely think this story is so unique and amazing. 

Admission by Rayne Havok. Avery wants to go to this club and is going to do whatever it takes. Havok always brings her best to her writing. Freaking loved this one!

Living in Sin by Nat Whiston. A woman is grieving her husband’s death. I was blown away by this story. So many twists and turns and the ending was so unexpected.

Stay Awhile by Donna Latham. Lilly has a fascination with death. By now, Latham has put herself on my favorite author’s list. Great writing and storytelling. You never know what to expect from Latham.

In Her Reflection by Tara Losacano. Chelsea has lived a hard life and just wants a break from it all. Wow, this story was unexpected! Totally jaw-dropping.

The Doll’s Revenge by Peggi Boone. James, newly single, is having a hard go of life lately. A fun and quick story, a kind of palette cleanser story. 

Shuffler by Regina Watts. Opal is a young lady trying to survive day-to-day life. I really liked this story, but the ending!!! Ugh… 

Modern Relationships by Natasha Sinclair and Ruthann Jagge. Two women battle over what each other wants and deserves. These two authors are amazing with imagination and expressive writing.

Don’t Look In The Box by Allisha McAdoo. Maria is having a really bad run of luck lately. A dark, twisted, fantastic story to keep your heart rate up!

Good Eatin’ by Judith Sonnet. Ryann is a homeless man that spends the night in the woods. If you’ve read Sonnet, you know it’s a rough story. Highly emotional writing that puts you in the story and gives you everything you need to feel the darkness. Fantastic story.

The Cavity Wall by Michelle von Eschen. A married couple are in mourning and rely heavily on each other for support. A completely unexpected, warped story. I’d love to know how Eschen came up with this story. 

I think every story in this book is a hit. Amazing stories by very talented female authors. RJ knows how to find the stories that give a wide range of emotions. Every single story ranges from dreadful to happiness. It is like RJ makes a list of emotions and checks off each one as he finds the story to fill that feeling. You need this book!!


Monday, October 9, 2023

Frost Bite by Angela Sylvaine


 

Question: What do you get when a meteorite lands in your yard and prairie dogs go psycho?

Answer: Frost Bite by Angela Sylvaine

This story is amazing and undoubtedly one-of-a-kind. There is something for everyone in this book. Nostalgia, horror, blood and guts, friendship and family, laughing, crying, and getting anxious. It’s a story that has it all. It’s fast-paced and keeps you wanting more. It’s the perfect book for anyone looking for a good, reminiscent story, and a scare.

When a meteorite lands next to Realene’s home, she and her best friend Nate, spend hours trying to protect the ones they love and survive an apocalyptic event that is spreading through the town. 

The character development and world building is just right to get absorbed and lost in the story right away. The writing is smooth and not once was I ever taken out of the story. The main characters, Realene and Nate, are totally relatable and authentic. The scenes all throughout the story were written well and I could imagine the events happening, like an actual movie playing in my head.

Thank you so much, Angela, for reaching out to me and providing me with a copy of Frost Bite. I am definitely ordering a physical copy as soon as possible. I truly appreciate your kindness and LOVED your book.


The Deading by Nicholas Belardes

 This is genuinely a wonderful story. The Deading is one of the best pieces of literary horror I have read. It guides you through so many em...