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I don’t like Christmas books. Usually. I like A Christmas Carol, but I tend not to read many modern Christmas books - unless they’re children’s ones at work, or when I used to read them for my own children when they were little. Which is probably why I liked this so much. Usually in anthologies, there will be a few standout stories that make reading the collection as a whole worthwhile, but I’ve really struggled to single out one or two - I enjoyed them all far too much for that.

Most of the stories are set around Christmas with only a couple of exceptions. That didn’t cause me to like them any less though. The real standouts for me (if I absolutely HAVE to choose!) were: Phoebe Morgan’s Unexpected Present - the gift wrapped so nicely in expensive M&S paper being the main protagonists husband; The Switch by James Delargy had a Stephen King vibe to it (and I should add that it wasn’t because of The Green Mile!); Fresh Meat by Elle Croft gives new meaning to a raw meat diet for your cat; and The Vigilante by Clare Empson was a sad story of a Charles Dickens look-a-like who tries to save victims of crime in the dead of night.

If you need an excuse to buy this, then the proceeds go to ESDAS and Rights of Women, both domestic abuse charities.

Many thanks to The PIgeonhole for serialising this book, and to the authors who joined in. As always, it was a great experience!!
  
The Mortuary Collection (2019)
The Mortuary Collection (2019)
2019 | Horror
The Mortuary Collection is the latest in a long line of Creepshow style horror anthology films, a particular sub genre that can be hard to pull off, but director Ryan Spindell rises to the challenge pretty damn well.

The short stories presented here escalate in tone and subject as the film progresses, starting off relatively fun, but getting increasingly darker and in depth. This is something that the characters comment on between the segments, showing a nice sense of self awareness, but not going over the top with it.
Some of the later stories are hard to watch at times, and are quite emotional in places, especially the one that features actress Sarah Hay as a woman in a vegetative state. It's a genuinely sad story, topped off with some fantastic creature design. An interesting mix to say the least.
The stories are all good in their own right, but are tied together with a clever twist and a satisfying conclusion.
The main character is Montgomery Dark played by a brilliant Clancy Brown. He has a proper Phantasm/Tall Man/Angus Scrimm vibe to him (definitely no accident) and is suitably creepy as this movie's story teller.

The film is pretty damn visceral, and employs both practical effects, and decent digital effects to achieve what it does. It's all looks disgustingly awesome. It also has a great music score by Mondo Boys to compliment all the creepiness.

I was pleasantly surprised by The Mortuary Collection. It's a good time, a competent anthology film, and well worth a watch for horror fans.
  
Chaos (Guards of the Shadowlands, #3)
Chaos (Guards of the Shadowlands, #3)
Sarah Fine | 2014
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This one carries on exactly where book 2 left off. Lela is now jumping off a cliff in the hopes of having an audience with The Judge so she can go and rescue her friends from the Mazikin realm. The Judge grants her request but only if they do something else while they're there: Kill the Queen and destroy the portal. Teaming up with old friend and fellow Guard, Ana, they journey into the domed city of the Mazikin to free Malachi and those they love.

Every book has had a different setting - Book 1: Shadowlands, Book 2: Rhode Island, Book 3: The Mazikin City. Being in the Mazikin city was different. I wasn't sure what to expect but it had its own industries. They could make their own glass and burn coal for power but still relied on human blacksmith's and tanners for clothing and weapons. It was an unusual environment.

This one seemed to have non stop action from the start. There was always something going on, no lulls or unneeded information. It was one hell of a journey from the Sanctum to the Mazikin City back to Rhode Island.

I felt this was a rather good ending to the series. Everything was wrapped up, everyone had their happy ending, though I was sad at times. It's really hard to express my feelings without giving too much of this story away but if you've started the series then I recommend you continue it and if you haven't started it yet, than I think you should give this a try.
  
There is a new book out for the holiday season. I know children are excited for them to come. This latest book, "Rambee Boo & and the Christmas Sock," has just been released. What a lovely story and heartfelt to get into the Christmas spirit.

I thought this was adorable. The first page has something special. What is Rock reading? Can you spot it? Maybe your child can. This book counts down to Christmas and gets the house ready. Will Rock and the family find Rambee Boo's favorite sock?

I find this book to be great for children to learn a few skills and reading skills. Children can somewhat play hide and seek with trying to find Rambee Boo's favorite sock. Can you see it or your child or children? There is rhyming in this book as well. What adventure will Rambee Boo get into during this holiday season?

The pictures are enjoyable to look at and done well. Children will love following Rock and Rambee Boo as they search and look for the sock. There are holiday traditions shown throughout the book, along with getting the house decorated for Christmas. Will Rambee Boo find his favorite sock, or will he be sad. You do not know, but a Christmas miracle can happen. I hope your children enjoy this book and continue to believe in Christmas magic.

I wonder what Rambee Boo's next adventure will be? I can't wait to find out more and read more to see what's in store for Rambee Boo and his family.