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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated The Sick House in Books
Jun 8, 2018 (Updated Jan 18, 2019)
Last month, the #spookyfriendsbookclub voted on Jeff Strand’s Sick House as our selection and though I’m a month behind on reading it, I am so glad I did. This book is amazing–or rather, it is if you’re a fan of snarky, gory horror.
The Gardner family moves into a house that turns out to be haunted. Readers find out what happened there fairly early, which is unusual in most haunted house tales that I’ve read. Despite that, Strand manages to keep me hooked with his fast-paced, delightfully dark prose. The family of four, comprised of husband, wife, and two daughters, show readers just how strong the bond between family members can be while simultaneously exploring the darker regions of the teenage mind–as seen with the older of the two girls. This provides a nice depth to the family, which thankfully isn’t comprised of a bunch of Mary Sues (though the wife is debatable).
Fast-paced, gory, and definitely not for the squeamish, Sick House progresses quickly with non-stop action. The terror begins from the first few pages and lasts throughout the entire novel, which elevates it above the many I’ve read where the first eighty percent is a snooze fest with all the excitement at the end. I definitely recommend this book to horror fans and will be reading more of Strand’s work. I have Dweller sitting on my shelf!
The Gardner family moves into a house that turns out to be haunted. Readers find out what happened there fairly early, which is unusual in most haunted house tales that I’ve read. Despite that, Strand manages to keep me hooked with his fast-paced, delightfully dark prose. The family of four, comprised of husband, wife, and two daughters, show readers just how strong the bond between family members can be while simultaneously exploring the darker regions of the teenage mind–as seen with the older of the two girls. This provides a nice depth to the family, which thankfully isn’t comprised of a bunch of Mary Sues (though the wife is debatable).
Fast-paced, gory, and definitely not for the squeamish, Sick House progresses quickly with non-stop action. The terror begins from the first few pages and lasts throughout the entire novel, which elevates it above the many I’ve read where the first eighty percent is a snooze fest with all the excitement at the end. I definitely recommend this book to horror fans and will be reading more of Strand’s work. I have Dweller sitting on my shelf!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen in Books
Nov 10, 2021
186 of 250
Book
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen ( Six Tudor Queens book 3)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
THE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR.
Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.
She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.
This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and Anne. In doing so, can she expose a gentler side to the brutal King?
I went into this not knowing very little of Jane Seymour and I found the book enchanting. She was a pure soul and in Alisons words she was portrayed so well. You felt the love she had for Katherine and the love she had for Henry and of course the shared dislike for Anne! I actually cried reading the last two chapters it was a very unjust end for a woman who had just become a mother to a son that was craved so much! I absolutely love this period and I find Alisons books just a brilliant outlook on the events. After i read Anne Boleyn I was just angry with the ending of this I’m saddened. Highly recommend such a beautiful tale of a short lived queen.
Book
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen ( Six Tudor Queens book 3)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
THE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR.
Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.
She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.
This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and Anne. In doing so, can she expose a gentler side to the brutal King?
I went into this not knowing very little of Jane Seymour and I found the book enchanting. She was a pure soul and in Alisons words she was portrayed so well. You felt the love she had for Katherine and the love she had for Henry and of course the shared dislike for Anne! I actually cried reading the last two chapters it was a very unjust end for a woman who had just become a mother to a son that was craved so much! I absolutely love this period and I find Alisons books just a brilliant outlook on the events. After i read Anne Boleyn I was just angry with the ending of this I’m saddened. Highly recommend such a beautiful tale of a short lived queen.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated It in Books
Sep 10, 2017
An absolute classic in the horror genre
I read this as a 10-year-old and had to sleep with the lights on for a while! Stephen King's IT is an absolute classic in literary horror, which as a genre, is no mean feat to achieve.
It involves a group of old friends who are haunted by a nameless malice encountered in their childhoods. They are subsequently confronted again with this horror after the death of one of their friends as adults.
The main moral of this story is about facing demons in order to overcome fear. Looking forward to watching the new movie version of this book and hear the words "We all float down here" once again.
It involves a group of old friends who are haunted by a nameless malice encountered in their childhoods. They are subsequently confronted again with this horror after the death of one of their friends as adults.
The main moral of this story is about facing demons in order to overcome fear. Looking forward to watching the new movie version of this book and hear the words "We all float down here" once again.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated The Hidden Staircase (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Nancy’s friend Helen asks for Nancy’s help is discovering why her family’s mansion is suddenly haunted. Meanwhile, Nancy’s father Carson is working on a case that leaves him in danger. Can Nancy solve both cases?
I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and I enjoyed it just as much now. The plot is good with enough twists to keep me entertained, although the climax was a bit easy. Likewise, the characters are a tad flat, but not too bad. It’s easy to bit on the flaws, but this book shows why Nancy is still so popular today.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-hidden-staircase-by-carolyn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and I enjoyed it just as much now. The plot is good with enough twists to keep me entertained, although the climax was a bit easy. Likewise, the characters are a tad flat, but not too bad. It’s easy to bit on the flaws, but this book shows why Nancy is still so popular today.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-hidden-staircase-by-carolyn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This fun between the books e-novella focuses on Kelly, the daughter of the main character. She's just beginning to develop her gift of seeing and speaking to ghosts, but she gets involved in a mystery when a woman approaches her and asks if Kelly can figure out if the woman's condo is haunted. Will Kelly solve the mystery? I found it fun to see a minor character from the series take a larger role in this book, and Granny is a hoot as always. I just wish it had been longer.
My full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-silent-ghost-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
My full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-silent-ghost-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Ghost (Boston Underworld, #3) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
What an incredibly fabulous book!! I devoured the first two books in the series and Alexei & Talia's story sucked me in from page one! My heart broke over and over for these two, both two haunted souls unable to move beyond their pasts. Struggling to feel worthy in anyone's eyes... Talia finds strength in his overpowering dominance and in her he finds solace. A dark yet incredibly beautiful book about two people who slowly come to realize that no matter how screwed up any of us are, we are all worthy of love and forgiveness. HIGHLY recommended book, series and author!! Five stars just aren't doing my heart any justice on this one!? ;-)
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated The Fade in Books
Dec 31, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley And the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is strange. The first half is a slow burn creepiness which I did not mind at all. Then the last fourt of the book is at breakneck speed and really confusing.
So. Plot. Haunted house. Dead girls. Creepy small child. Angty guy with past.
I liked the writing although the main character Haley seemed to be written about twelve instead of fifteen and that was...odd.
Also I really really hated the ending. I'll fully admit that that's a me thing though and has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
This book is strange. The first half is a slow burn creepiness which I did not mind at all. Then the last fourt of the book is at breakneck speed and really confusing.
So. Plot. Haunted house. Dead girls. Creepy small child. Angty guy with past.
I liked the writing although the main character Haley seemed to be written about twelve instead of fifteen and that was...odd.
Also I really really hated the ending. I'll fully admit that that's a me thing though and has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated Curse of the Dead-Eyed Doll in Books
Dec 31, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to read this book because the title reminded me of a John Bellairs book and then i found out it was based on the Robert doll!
So thanks, Jolly Fish Press, because it was an absolute delight!
Al for some reason taunts a doll in a museum and starts to see spooky things. Nothing too nefarious, thought, because this is a middle grade book.
The atmosphere is wonderfully creepy as Al wonders if he's really being haunted or losing his mind.
I really liked the illustrations. I feel they added a lot to the atmosphere of the story.
I wanted to read this book because the title reminded me of a John Bellairs book and then i found out it was based on the Robert doll!
So thanks, Jolly Fish Press, because it was an absolute delight!
Al for some reason taunts a doll in a museum and starts to see spooky things. Nothing too nefarious, thought, because this is a middle grade book.
The atmosphere is wonderfully creepy as Al wonders if he's really being haunted or losing his mind.
I really liked the illustrations. I feel they added a lot to the atmosphere of the story.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Legend of Hell House (1973) in Movies
Mar 21, 2020
Broodingly effective British horror movie is strikingly unlike anything else of its time - not much resemblance to a movie by Hammer, or Amicus, or AIP. Four people move into a haunted house for a week; their beliefs about the supernatural vary, but they are forced to agree there is something funny about the place...
Understated, almost pseudo-documentary atmosphere works in the film's favour; the actors also know to underplay it until the big histrionics are required. Unsettling soundtrack by radiophonic genii Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson is a major plus. The script goes a bit nuts towards the end (don't think too hard about the plot) but the journey to get to this point is more than worthwhile.
Understated, almost pseudo-documentary atmosphere works in the film's favour; the actors also know to underplay it until the big histrionics are required. Unsettling soundtrack by radiophonic genii Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson is a major plus. The script goes a bit nuts towards the end (don't think too hard about the plot) but the journey to get to this point is more than worthwhile.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Oculus (2014) in Movies
Aug 5, 2019
Mirror of misfortune
Oculus- a underrated horror jem that more people should watch.
It is spooky, thrilling, chilling, horrorfying, terrorfying, twisting, suspenseful, and overall a great horror film.
The plot: Haunted by the violent demise of their parents 10 years earlier, adult siblings Kaylie (Karen Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) are now struggling to rebuild their relationship. Kaylie suspects that their antique mirror, known as the Lasser Glass, is behind the tragedy. The seemingly harmless reflections contain a malevolent, supernatural force that infects the mind of anyone who gazes into it. As Kaylie gets closer to the truth, the siblings become caught in the mirror's evil spell.
A highly reecordmend horror film.
It is spooky, thrilling, chilling, horrorfying, terrorfying, twisting, suspenseful, and overall a great horror film.
The plot: Haunted by the violent demise of their parents 10 years earlier, adult siblings Kaylie (Karen Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) are now struggling to rebuild their relationship. Kaylie suspects that their antique mirror, known as the Lasser Glass, is behind the tragedy. The seemingly harmless reflections contain a malevolent, supernatural force that infects the mind of anyone who gazes into it. As Kaylie gets closer to the truth, the siblings become caught in the mirror's evil spell.
A highly reecordmend horror film.