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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Shantallow in Books
Aug 31, 2019
Supernatural horror is one of my favorite genres. Through the blogging universe, I came across Shantallow by Cara Martin. After reading the synopsis, I was hooked. When the opportunity arose to review Shantallow, I couldn't turn it down. Luckily, I enjoyed it!
I felt like the plot of Shantallow was a little confused to begin with. It started out as a teen love story between to high school kids gone wrong thanks to jealousy. However, after about thirty percent through the book, it quickly became a supernatural horror story about an evil haunted house. I thought this would focus on the nightmare that the main character, Misha, has about Tanvi. The nightmare, to me, only seems brushed upon. This didn't take away my enjoyment from the story though. I will admit that the whole love story in the beginning was a bit slow, and I did find myself wondering if I should continue. I'm really glad I persevered because after the love story, this book really takes off. It was as if Shantallow sank it's teeth into my attention span and didn't let go. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next in the evil house known as Shantallow. The creepy factor was definitely there throughout!
The ending of Shantallow felt a little as if the author didn't know how to end the book. It seemed rushed and too quick to end without being explained. Although Shantallow didn't end in any cliffhangers, I was still left with unanswered questions. Perhaps Shantallow will end up being a series, and my questions about the house will be answered.
The diversity of characters in Shantallow was done fantastically. I also enjoyed each of the characters once this book got going. Tanvi was an interesting character throughout the book. Although I could picture all the characters in my mind, Tanvi was the easiest one to bring alive in my head. She felt so realistic and like she could be someone I know. Misha comes across as really selfish, jealous, and controlling to being with. However, he redeems himself during his time in the Shantallow house with how protective he is over everyone. Lauren was my favorite character. I loved scenes that she was in. She seemed like such a sweet innocent kid.
Trigger warnings for Shantallow include violence, jealousy, murder, death, attempted murder, profanity, sex between teens (although not graphic), evil spirits, and underage drinking.
Despite the hurried ending, Shantallow really is a good read. It's got a very spooky plot and great characters once you get past the love story. I would recommend Shantallow by Cara Martin to older teens and adults aged 17+. If you love scary stories that will keep you up late at night reading with the lights on, Shantallow is the book for you! It definitely made my nights scarier (but I enjoy being scared)!
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(A special thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with an eBook of Shantallow by Cara Martin in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
I felt like the plot of Shantallow was a little confused to begin with. It started out as a teen love story between to high school kids gone wrong thanks to jealousy. However, after about thirty percent through the book, it quickly became a supernatural horror story about an evil haunted house. I thought this would focus on the nightmare that the main character, Misha, has about Tanvi. The nightmare, to me, only seems brushed upon. This didn't take away my enjoyment from the story though. I will admit that the whole love story in the beginning was a bit slow, and I did find myself wondering if I should continue. I'm really glad I persevered because after the love story, this book really takes off. It was as if Shantallow sank it's teeth into my attention span and didn't let go. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next in the evil house known as Shantallow. The creepy factor was definitely there throughout!
The ending of Shantallow felt a little as if the author didn't know how to end the book. It seemed rushed and too quick to end without being explained. Although Shantallow didn't end in any cliffhangers, I was still left with unanswered questions. Perhaps Shantallow will end up being a series, and my questions about the house will be answered.
The diversity of characters in Shantallow was done fantastically. I also enjoyed each of the characters once this book got going. Tanvi was an interesting character throughout the book. Although I could picture all the characters in my mind, Tanvi was the easiest one to bring alive in my head. She felt so realistic and like she could be someone I know. Misha comes across as really selfish, jealous, and controlling to being with. However, he redeems himself during his time in the Shantallow house with how protective he is over everyone. Lauren was my favorite character. I loved scenes that she was in. She seemed like such a sweet innocent kid.
Trigger warnings for Shantallow include violence, jealousy, murder, death, attempted murder, profanity, sex between teens (although not graphic), evil spirits, and underage drinking.
Despite the hurried ending, Shantallow really is a good read. It's got a very spooky plot and great characters once you get past the love story. I would recommend Shantallow by Cara Martin to older teens and adults aged 17+. If you love scary stories that will keep you up late at night reading with the lights on, Shantallow is the book for you! It definitely made my nights scarier (but I enjoy being scared)!
--
(A special thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with an eBook of Shantallow by Cara Martin in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<b>Anna Dressed in Blood</b> is a good book but I wasn't blown away by it. I was interested in it because the synopsis reminded me of Supernatural (the television series), aside from the obvious differences, so along with the awesome cover art I was all for the book. It's unfortunate that I didn't enjoy it more. The characterizations are fine, just detailed enough to give an impression of who they are and why they act as they do, I just didn't feel much of a connection to any of them. The plot worked until the focus shifted away from Anna about two-thirds through, which is a shame, and some of the dialogue was a little iffy and forced, especially in the beginning. I can't quite say why else the book didn't totally work for me, other than there were a few moments that felt off somehow, but either I was really into the story or I wasn't. Sorry I can't be more specific. Although the author writes some mean scenes that have the perfect creepy atmosphere, so those stand out as a big pro. Now I see that this might be the start of yet another YA paranormal series, though it's perfectly fine as a standalone and as I'm not all that interested in reading more with these characters, I think I'll pass if there are any sequels. With all that said, take this review with a grain of salt, I think others, and definitely teens, would like this book more than I did.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Halloween (2018) in Movies
Mar 4, 2019
Great tension throughout (2 more)
John Carpenter returns for the music
Jamie lee curtis is back
The best halloween movie?
I loved this movie. There was so much tension all the way through and i enjoyed every second. A lot of that is down to the amazing but eerie score in which we see John Carpenter return for.
Another return is Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode who is great as usual. The whole cast does a good job. With a couple of familiar faces.
This is a direct sequel to original movie. In some ways i like that. It retcons some stupid stuff where they turned Michael Myers into a supernatural entity. But in other ways it means Halloween H20 is pointless and nor canon which i actually enjoyed. It wasnt as scary but it was entertaining.
This movie goes back to scary Michael. He is brutal and for some someone who does not say a single word, speaks volumes with just his presence and proves to be a real threat to anyone he comes into contact with. We even see the original Myers actor, Nick Castle, see a return for a cameo in a window shot which was a nice touch.
Its easily 1 of the creepiest horrors ive seen in a while and 1 of the greats of 2018 and would happily watch again. From what i hear, development is already going for a sequel with a story already written and i am excited. I just hope they can keep that tension.
Another return is Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode who is great as usual. The whole cast does a good job. With a couple of familiar faces.
This is a direct sequel to original movie. In some ways i like that. It retcons some stupid stuff where they turned Michael Myers into a supernatural entity. But in other ways it means Halloween H20 is pointless and nor canon which i actually enjoyed. It wasnt as scary but it was entertaining.
This movie goes back to scary Michael. He is brutal and for some someone who does not say a single word, speaks volumes with just his presence and proves to be a real threat to anyone he comes into contact with. We even see the original Myers actor, Nick Castle, see a return for a cameo in a window shot which was a nice touch.
Its easily 1 of the creepiest horrors ive seen in a while and 1 of the greats of 2018 and would happily watch again. From what i hear, development is already going for a sequel with a story already written and i am excited. I just hope they can keep that tension.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
Apr 9, 2019
A Boston doctor moves his family to what is believed to be a quiet town in Maine. He soon discovers that the town has a secret past and supernatural powers. A good horror movie requires an atmosphere and a good movie based on the book makes you want to read the book to see what was left out. Neither requirement is met in this version of "Pet Sematary." The setting of the atmosphere I may have missed due to longer credits attached to "Shazam" that my gig required me to view. When I entered the theater, the family was already in their Maine house. In the short time I was not there, two things were established, the gas trucks that constantly careen through the town, a ominous sign of accidents to come and the family move to Maine to get away from the hustle of the city. The shadow of death could not have come until I was already in the theater. This aspect of the family dynamic was firmly established later when Ellie sees an animal dead on the road. The titular pet cemetary was also introduced while I was in attendance. The directors did not set up any foreboding specters for the cemetary or the family past, a sign of people in need of paying attention to their own creation. Throughout the film, there should be moments that terrify you from Church to the zombie child to Judd's mysteriously dead wife. None of these approach master level suspense.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Dark Net in Books
Jun 5, 2019
The Dark Net by Benjamin Percy is a complex story in which the horror is the realisation that it could happen to all of us, and we’d be unable to stop it!
There’s a large cast of characters at the beginning, which I have to admit you could easily lose track of, and it’s not everyone’s preferred writing style, but you just know there’s a reason these people are mentioned straight up and that they are all going to meet somewhere along the storyline to make sense of it all. As I read this it was like I had a movie playing out in my mind. We see shots of a dodgy run server group in one scene. Next we meet Hannah with a high-tech prosthetic that restores her sight, but can’t understand why she can now see shadows surrounding certain people. Then there’s Lala a technophobic journalist, (Hannah’s auntie ), Mike the gun hoarder who sees things that can’t possibly be there, Derek a genius hacker and, to top it all, a virus spreading through the net that had a very old-school, Shaun Hutson, evil, demonic force feel to it. Who can stop this evil presence from getting out of control and fight back?
Dark, creepy, urban-techno horror with an old-school, supernatural feel that I particularly enjoyed. What would we all do if the devil got inside our homes, schools, offices through our computers? Who’d save us? Not our anti-virus protection, that’s for sure!
There’s a large cast of characters at the beginning, which I have to admit you could easily lose track of, and it’s not everyone’s preferred writing style, but you just know there’s a reason these people are mentioned straight up and that they are all going to meet somewhere along the storyline to make sense of it all. As I read this it was like I had a movie playing out in my mind. We see shots of a dodgy run server group in one scene. Next we meet Hannah with a high-tech prosthetic that restores her sight, but can’t understand why she can now see shadows surrounding certain people. Then there’s Lala a technophobic journalist, (Hannah’s auntie ), Mike the gun hoarder who sees things that can’t possibly be there, Derek a genius hacker and, to top it all, a virus spreading through the net that had a very old-school, Shaun Hutson, evil, demonic force feel to it. Who can stop this evil presence from getting out of control and fight back?
Dark, creepy, urban-techno horror with an old-school, supernatural feel that I particularly enjoyed. What would we all do if the devil got inside our homes, schools, offices through our computers? Who’d save us? Not our anti-virus protection, that’s for sure!
Michael Packner (32 KP) rated Black Christmas (1974) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019 (Updated Jun 15, 2019)
The ultra dark atmosphere, even with the beautiful Christmas setting. (7 more)
The super gritty and dark tone of the film.
The acting, especially Olivia Hussey is perfect.
A terrifying boogeyman who is not supernatural in any way.
Even being made in 1974, the film still holds up and is just as terrifying today.
John Saxon
The plastic bag.
The touching on hot button issues such as abortion still resonates today, and may be one of the best uses of the issue ever.
There is truly only one word to describe this movie: PERFECT. This is everything a perfect score film should be. Black Christmas is suspenseful, intense, and absolutely provocative. The film is deeply disturbing even by today's standards. Most films don't hold up in that department. What was provocative and disturbing in 1974 is by comparison tame and cheesy in 2018. Not Black Christmas. This film is just as terrifying and just as vile as it was when it came out. Nothing makes your skin crawl quite like this film. If you were to pair this as a double feature with 2008's The Strangers, you just might need to take some heart medication, and just like the latter film, the ending to this film is a nihilistic mindfucking piece of genius. If you haven't seen Black Christmas, what in the he'll are you waiting for? I think this film is a better Bob Clark Christmas film than his ever popular family film, A Christmas Story, but that's just my opinion.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Sadie's War (A Supernatural Uprising Novel, Book 1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sadie is all alone in the world, blind, homeless, starving, and cold. She's in an area she's never been, the surrounding unknown, and there's no one to help her. However, she fends for herself as well as she can, until the "food man" shows up and changes everything for her. All of a sudden, Sadie knows kindness that she's never known before, and she makes new friends. However, her past demons still haunt her, and she must also deal with being a supernatural in a world that considers them societal threats. Will she and her friends be able to survive together, and what will be the cost of getting to that point?
I was pulled into this book from the start, and I read it all in a day. It's very moving to get involved in Sadie's story, both her present and her past, and try alongside Fester and Michael to figure out just what all she's been through. There are many heartbreaking scenes, and I'm glad I don't have the power of empathy as Chloe does. The way they all work together, for better or worse, and try to get through this strange life of theirs is admirable, and I sometimes felt, along with Sadie, that the shoe would eventually drop at some point. It was a very well-done tale, and I look forward to more from this author in the future.
4 1/2 stars
Sadie is all alone in the world, blind, homeless, starving, and cold. She's in an area she's never been, the surrounding unknown, and there's no one to help her. However, she fends for herself as well as she can, until the "food man" shows up and changes everything for her. All of a sudden, Sadie knows kindness that she's never known before, and she makes new friends. However, her past demons still haunt her, and she must also deal with being a supernatural in a world that considers them societal threats. Will she and her friends be able to survive together, and what will be the cost of getting to that point?
I was pulled into this book from the start, and I read it all in a day. It's very moving to get involved in Sadie's story, both her present and her past, and try alongside Fester and Michael to figure out just what all she's been through. There are many heartbreaking scenes, and I'm glad I don't have the power of empathy as Chloe does. The way they all work together, for better or worse, and try to get through this strange life of theirs is admirable, and I sometimes felt, along with Sadie, that the shoe would eventually drop at some point. It was a very well-done tale, and I look forward to more from this author in the future.
4 1/2 stars
Kristin (149 KP) rated All The Dead Things (Deathling Chronicles #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Groundhog's Day" meets "Supernatural" in this exciting tale of Death and his minions!
Stan can see monsters. He's been able to do it since he was a toddler, and he saw one kill his father right in front of him. His mom doesn't believe him, of course, and he's been seeing a shrink ever since. That hasn't stopped him from seeing them, though; he's just learned how to ignore them and act "normal" over the years. That is, until this one day where he just snaps after seeing one at the end of the road. He screams at it, and it vanishes; Stan feels like he's accomplished something, after all this time. However, he wakes up the next day to find it's not ACTUALLY the next day; he's stuck in a time loop, and nobody else seems to realize it. How did this happen? And better yet, how does he fix it?
This was such a great story that I read it all in one sitting! I couldn't put it down; I had to know what was going to happen next. It's such an interesting take on the idea of the Grim Reaper, and it had all sorts of wonderful aspects: humor, love, loss, a little horror, members of the kinda-dead, and more. I really hope to read more from this author very soon, and I will be sure to pass along this title to all my friends.
5 stars =)
"Groundhog's Day" meets "Supernatural" in this exciting tale of Death and his minions!
Stan can see monsters. He's been able to do it since he was a toddler, and he saw one kill his father right in front of him. His mom doesn't believe him, of course, and he's been seeing a shrink ever since. That hasn't stopped him from seeing them, though; he's just learned how to ignore them and act "normal" over the years. That is, until this one day where he just snaps after seeing one at the end of the road. He screams at it, and it vanishes; Stan feels like he's accomplished something, after all this time. However, he wakes up the next day to find it's not ACTUALLY the next day; he's stuck in a time loop, and nobody else seems to realize it. How did this happen? And better yet, how does he fix it?
This was such a great story that I read it all in one sitting! I couldn't put it down; I had to know what was going to happen next. It's such an interesting take on the idea of the Grim Reaper, and it had all sorts of wonderful aspects: humor, love, loss, a little horror, members of the kinda-dead, and more. I really hope to read more from this author very soon, and I will be sure to pass along this title to all my friends.
5 stars =)
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Keeper in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book is what I like to call a "slow burn". It started off at a steady pace and continued at a steady pace until the end where it exploded into an awesome end.
The book starts off introducing the Lainey and her "sidekick" which is referred to often in the book, and who I personally adore - I don't know what it is with me and the side characters in books but damn she's just so awesome I can't help myself.
The book progresses into learning about the Lainey's past and her role as being the Keeper of the Grimoire - reminded me truly of Charmed and their protection of the Book of Shadows and that's one of my favourite shows of all time - and then we learn about all the twists and turns of Lainey's past (spoilers upon spoilers so no mention here) but some twists, some turns, some predictable spots but overall exciting.
The one liners in this book are epic - by one liners I mean solid laugh out loud lines that I just had to re-read multiple times for more chuckles before I moved on because they were that entertaining. I did not think this book would have that much humor in it and I absolutely adored that! SUPER AWESOME.
I definitely recommend this book - I don't read much about witches, etc. this had a plethora of supernatural beings in it which is exciting and I definitely think it's set up for another book - at least I hope so, I'd read more of this world.
The book starts off introducing the Lainey and her "sidekick" which is referred to often in the book, and who I personally adore - I don't know what it is with me and the side characters in books but damn she's just so awesome I can't help myself.
The book progresses into learning about the Lainey's past and her role as being the Keeper of the Grimoire - reminded me truly of Charmed and their protection of the Book of Shadows and that's one of my favourite shows of all time - and then we learn about all the twists and turns of Lainey's past (spoilers upon spoilers so no mention here) but some twists, some turns, some predictable spots but overall exciting.
The one liners in this book are epic - by one liners I mean solid laugh out loud lines that I just had to re-read multiple times for more chuckles before I moved on because they were that entertaining. I did not think this book would have that much humor in it and I absolutely adored that! SUPER AWESOME.
I definitely recommend this book - I don't read much about witches, etc. this had a plethora of supernatural beings in it which is exciting and I definitely think it's set up for another book - at least I hope so, I'd read more of this world.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Noroi: The Curse (2005) in Movies
Oct 3, 2018
Creepy Japanese Mockumentary hits the right notes
My word, the Japanese just do great horror huh?
A lot of my favourite Horrors are Japanese, from the classy Ringu, Kairo and Ju-On films to the trashier 'One Missed Call', but they all sure a singular understanding of tension, and most of all dread.
These movies revelled in slow horror, in knowing that the threat is inescapable, and like Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees (In the good films) it needn't rush.
Noroi: The Curse continues this theme, with a slow burning documentary style movie about some curious supernatural phenomena, that leads an investigator down a jagged and twisting path to discover the origins of the titular curse.
Whilst the movie is slow paced, the feeling of unease kicks in very early...there is something lurking on the edge of the screen, threatening to show you something horrifying at all times, but remaining patient until the tension is built to an almost unbearable level.
The story moves between a few pivotal characters, all of whom are able to provide a very genuine performance, that helps keep the viewer in the moment and suspending disbelief enough to enjoy the movie as it was meant to be enjoyed.
I really enjoyed this one, and to be fair it ticked a lot of the boxes for me:
Found Footage
Documentary Style
J-Horror Style
Creepy Mythos
Dread over Jump Scared
highly recommend this, check it out!
A lot of my favourite Horrors are Japanese, from the classy Ringu, Kairo and Ju-On films to the trashier 'One Missed Call', but they all sure a singular understanding of tension, and most of all dread.
These movies revelled in slow horror, in knowing that the threat is inescapable, and like Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees (In the good films) it needn't rush.
Noroi: The Curse continues this theme, with a slow burning documentary style movie about some curious supernatural phenomena, that leads an investigator down a jagged and twisting path to discover the origins of the titular curse.
Whilst the movie is slow paced, the feeling of unease kicks in very early...there is something lurking on the edge of the screen, threatening to show you something horrifying at all times, but remaining patient until the tension is built to an almost unbearable level.
The story moves between a few pivotal characters, all of whom are able to provide a very genuine performance, that helps keep the viewer in the moment and suspending disbelief enough to enjoy the movie as it was meant to be enjoyed.
I really enjoyed this one, and to be fair it ticked a lot of the boxes for me:
Found Footage
Documentary Style
J-Horror Style
Creepy Mythos
Dread over Jump Scared
highly recommend this, check it out!