Take a photo of a barcode or cover
morganjanedavis's Reviews (396)
I’ve already changed my rating from a 3-4 star review 4 times so I’m just gonna leave it here and call it a 3.5. This was a book with a very captivating plot. Alicia’s storyline interested me and I predicted 3-4 different outcomes without ever guessing the end of the book which kept me hooked! I didn’t really enjoy the characters as I wish they all had a bit more depth. The book following Theo’s pov made the twists less predictable and had me pinning multiple characters to these scenarios. With that being said, the timeline following Theo’s marriage not being revealed until it was convenient to include a twist was rather annoying. The only reason it was a twist at all was because it wasn’t revealed that those issues were taking place years in the past. I did not enjoy the ending of the book at all, as the open ending left me feeling like something was lacking. I would’ve liked a little more finality. Overall, this was a quick and fun thriller! I would recommend to a friend but it would’ve been more enjoyable if the twist wasn’t reliant on a timeframe shift and was *just* a good twist.
I was looking for something in the way of gore/extreme horror and I definitely found it. This book is not for everyone and if you are strictly a classic horror or thriller reader I wouldn't go for this novel.
The novel follows a lawyer, Jefferson through a split timeline. One consists of a wild fetish party where Jefferson is looking for a ponygirl (I had no idea what that was until this novel but here I am now, fully aware and wishing that I wasn't LOL). The other timeline follows Jefferson after the party confused and looking for answers to what has happened.
This was an extremely short read, clocking in at 177 pages. I understand that in that timeframe it's hard to keep a plot moving and build strong characters but, I wish I had more background on Jefferson than what was given which was barely anything, just an odd flashback to childhood that did not explain or relate to anything. The book was plot-driven with a lot of what I assume were meant to be *things better left unsaid in order to add allure* but ended up seeming like poor writing and planning in my opinion. So many things are left unsaid and I feel that the author relied on the extreme gore and fetishism to make up for these things and they just didn't for me. Where the book failed in plot and character presence it made up for in extreme horror. I was truly disgusted by what I was reading and the insanity of the acts happening to the unnamed characters. Since I was seeking something blood and guts filled, this was what saved the book for me.
If you're someone who is actively seeking out something gruesome or you tend to stick to this genre in particular, I'd say go for it. If not, I'd pass this title up.
The novel follows a lawyer, Jefferson through a split timeline. One consists of a wild fetish party where Jefferson is looking for a ponygirl (I had no idea what that was until this novel but here I am now, fully aware and wishing that I wasn't LOL). The other timeline follows Jefferson after the party confused and looking for answers to what has happened.
This was an extremely short read, clocking in at 177 pages. I understand that in that timeframe it's hard to keep a plot moving and build strong characters but, I wish I had more background on Jefferson than what was given which was barely anything, just an odd flashback to childhood that did not explain or relate to anything. The book was plot-driven with a lot of what I assume were meant to be *things better left unsaid in order to add allure* but ended up seeming like poor writing and planning in my opinion. So many things are left unsaid and I feel that the author relied on the extreme gore and fetishism to make up for these things and they just didn't for me. Where the book failed in plot and character presence it made up for in extreme horror. I was truly disgusted by what I was reading and the insanity of the acts happening to the unnamed characters. Since I was seeking something blood and guts filled, this was what saved the book for me.
If you're someone who is actively seeking out something gruesome or you tend to stick to this genre in particular, I'd say go for it. If not, I'd pass this title up.
Man oh man. This book is a big fat fatty so I’ve been nervous to read it because large books intimidate me. I always fear I’m going to get bored and/or overwhelmed with the length. After finishing, it was evident I had these fears for NO GOOD REASON AT ALL.
When Leland Gaunt moves to Castle Rock and sets up his shop Needful Things, residents are intrigued. The shop becomes even more enticing when residents find out the items are seemingly affordable and tailored to their specific interests. As the novel progresses, it’s evident the residents got more than they bargained for. In true King style this story turns horrific on a dime, making it impossible to put down.
The book starts slow initially giving painstaking details about the town’s many characters. At first, I was like hmm this seems absolutely unnecessary get to the scary shit please but, as a I read on and events started to heavily unfold, the most minute details were woven into the larger more sinister events that unfolded.
King repeatedly refers to Castle Rock residents feeling revulsion when making physical contact with the proprietor of the new shop Needful Things, an eeriness no one can quite put their finger on. This running theme throughout the book paired with the unraveling of Mr. Gaunt from cheerful proprietor to demanding destroyer made this story extremely difficult to put down. As if this wasn’t enough, the characters are so intricately intertwined, I felt like a bird on a wire watching Mr. Gaunt’s terrible domino affect make its way through Castle Rock one by one. HIGHLY recommend this book! So so so good.
When Leland Gaunt moves to Castle Rock and sets up his shop Needful Things, residents are intrigued. The shop becomes even more enticing when residents find out the items are seemingly affordable and tailored to their specific interests. As the novel progresses, it’s evident the residents got more than they bargained for. In true King style this story turns horrific on a dime, making it impossible to put down.
The book starts slow initially giving painstaking details about the town’s many characters. At first, I was like hmm this seems absolutely unnecessary get to the scary shit please but, as a I read on and events started to heavily unfold, the most minute details were woven into the larger more sinister events that unfolded.
King repeatedly refers to Castle Rock residents feeling revulsion when making physical contact with the proprietor of the new shop Needful Things, an eeriness no one can quite put their finger on. This running theme throughout the book paired with the unraveling of Mr. Gaunt from cheerful proprietor to demanding destroyer made this story extremely difficult to put down. As if this wasn’t enough, the characters are so intricately intertwined, I felt like a bird on a wire watching Mr. Gaunt’s terrible domino affect make its way through Castle Rock one by one. HIGHLY recommend this book! So so so good.
This was such a fun novella! Ollie is less than thrilled to stay with his Nana overnight while his parents attempt to work out their relationship issues privately. He tags along to what was supposed to be a run of the mill talent show night in a retirement community. This quickly turns ominous, leaving Ollie to fend for himself during the turmoil that unfolds.
Towse did a wonderful job with this story, providing specifics that felt fully immersive while creating a fast-paced plot that made me devour the work in one sitting. Obviously, aging is not as unglamorous as described in Nana but, the way that the old people were described made me contemplate my personal unease surrounding mortality. Acute attention to detail created an aesthetic throughout the work that was sinister and unsettling, leaving me with a feeling of dread as I worked my way through. The macabre nature took me by surprise in the best way, as I would have never expected the story took the twists and turns that it did.
Thank you to Mark Towse for providing me with the ARC of Nana to read and review. The novella is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. If you are a horror fan, I highly recommend this!
Towse did a wonderful job with this story, providing specifics that felt fully immersive while creating a fast-paced plot that made me devour the work in one sitting. Obviously, aging is not as unglamorous as described in Nana but, the way that the old people were described made me contemplate my personal unease surrounding mortality. Acute attention to detail created an aesthetic throughout the work that was sinister and unsettling, leaving me with a feeling of dread as I worked my way through. The macabre nature took me by surprise in the best way, as I would have never expected the story took the twists and turns that it did.
Thank you to Mark Towse for providing me with the ARC of Nana to read and review. The novella is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. If you are a horror fan, I highly recommend this!
McDowell is the king of writing seemingly normal narratives where you feel as if something sinister is lurking beneath the surface, in wait, ready to reveal itself at any moment.
The Flood introduces the Caskey family, after a flood that destroyed the town of Perdido. In the aftermath of the flood, Oscar Caskey discovered a mysterious woman, Elinor Dammert, trapped in the town’s hotel. After rescuing her, Elinor became a staple in the Caskey family helping James Caskey with the care of his child Grace. While most everyone loves Elinor, it is noticeable that she has a strange and deep connection to the Perdido river and odd incidents have occurred since she has come into town. Elinor’s presence changes the dynamics of the Caskey family and leaves the reader wondering what her intentions are—and if the Caskeys will make it out of this alive.
The first novella in Blackwater perfectly laid the groundwork for the rest of the series. When I saw that the book included a family tree, I was hesitant to begin—I was under the impression that keeping up with the Caskeys would be daunting. It was anything but that. The way the Caskeys operate is very textbook of classic Southern families (Mama knows best, women keep the house in line, etc.) and some of the southern nuances reminded me, for better or for worse
The Flood introduces the Caskey family, after a flood that destroyed the town of Perdido. In the aftermath of the flood, Oscar Caskey discovered a mysterious woman, Elinor Dammert, trapped in the town’s hotel. After rescuing her, Elinor became a staple in the Caskey family helping James Caskey with the care of his child Grace. While most everyone loves Elinor, it is noticeable that she has a strange and deep connection to the Perdido river and odd incidents have occurred since she has come into town. Elinor’s presence changes the dynamics of the Caskey family and leaves the reader wondering what her intentions are—and if the Caskeys will make it out of this alive.
The first novella in Blackwater perfectly laid the groundwork for the rest of the series. When I saw that the book included a family tree, I was hesitant to begin—I was under the impression that keeping up with the Caskeys would be daunting. It was anything but that. The way the Caskeys operate is very textbook of classic Southern families (Mama knows best, women keep the house in line, etc.) and some of the southern nuances reminded me, for better or for worse
I wanted one more quick read to round out my spooky season and this one did not disappoint! I loved The Return by Harrison so I’ve been excited for her second novel. In Cackle, the main character Annie sullenly moves from NYC after a breakup to a small town called Rowan. She’s living a pretty humble existence pining over her ex-boyfriend and going through the motions at work. Annie meets a woman named Sophie and it turns her experience in Rowan on its head. Sophie is well known and respected throughout town despite the fact that she lives in the woods and ~strange things happen around her~. Could Annie’s new friend be dangerous in ways she never knew possible?
Y’all I really loved this book. It wasn’t very dark and riddled with gory horror details like I usually prefer but, this worked so well! By mid-way through the book I painted fantastical images in my mind of Sophie and her dreamy woodland existence and wanted to be transported there myself. I lived for the chapters where Annie and Sophie were just hanging out doing witchy things and living my personal Stevie Nicks fantasy. I know why they had to be included but, I could have done with far less pathetic bargaining and wishing that Annie did over Sam. I was definitely on Sophie’s side during this and couldn’t see what Annie saw in him…at all. There were points where the book could have taken a darker turn and I was happy that it didn’t. I loved the themes of friendship, females forming a united front, and the *lite* spooks that ensued. There were portions of it that were cheesy in my opinion (Ralph’s entire character) but, I loved that cheese! I recommend this for light-hearted witchy fun with a dash of true spook.
Y’all I really loved this book. It wasn’t very dark and riddled with gory horror details like I usually prefer but, this worked so well! By mid-way through the book I painted fantastical images in my mind of Sophie and her dreamy woodland existence and wanted to be transported there myself. I lived for the chapters where Annie and Sophie were just hanging out doing witchy things and living my personal Stevie Nicks fantasy. I know why they had to be included but, I could have done with far less pathetic bargaining and wishing that Annie did over Sam. I was definitely on Sophie’s side during this and couldn’t see what Annie saw in him…at all. There were points where the book could have taken a darker turn and I was happy that it didn’t. I loved the themes of friendship, females forming a united front, and the *lite* spooks that ensued. There were portions of it that were cheesy in my opinion (Ralph’s entire character) but, I loved that cheese! I recommend this for light-hearted witchy fun with a dash of true spook.
3.5 for this thriller. The novel revolves around 2 besties, Emily and Kristin who satiate their wanderlust through yearly bestie trips together. When a trip to Cambodia turns deadly, these friends have to stick together (RIDE OR DIE YANNO?) to ~do what they need to do~ to maintain their freedom. When an almost identical situation happens in Chile, the girls yet again stick together and take care of business. As the book progresses, one of the friends begins to act oddly: possessive, secretive, threatening? Will Emily and Kristin's friendship prevail and their secrets be kept locked away? Or will distrust create a wedge between them that will change everything, forever?
The beginning of this book was fast-paced and strong. I was hooked due to the initial situations that took place outside of the country, and I was prepared for this book to revolve around jet-setting murderers who creeped through foreign countries without suspicion due to the fact that they're young well to-do white women. I was completely wrong, as this book took a different approach, which I feel slowed down the plot substantially. After Kristin moved back to the states, the majority of the novel was just picking apart Emily's thoughts and suspicions about those around her. The constant back-and-forth she had with herself about her friend was understandable but, the book would have been far more interesting if more was actually HAPPENING. By about 70% through, I was becoming bored with the story and wishing for the events that took place to be more jolting/shocking instead of so subtle. The build-up also would have been more worth it if the climax was more interesting. Finally, the end of the novel felt extremely out of place and contradictory of the conclusion Bartz painted for this story...I love a good twist but only if it makes sense. Overall, I loved the premise of the book but, it was a tad too slow for my taste. The pace took most of the thrill out of this thriller.
The beginning of this book was fast-paced and strong. I was hooked due to the initial situations that took place outside of the country, and I was prepared for this book to revolve around jet-setting murderers who creeped through foreign countries without suspicion due to the fact that they're young well to-do white women. I was completely wrong, as this book took a different approach, which I feel slowed down the plot substantially. After Kristin moved back to the states, the majority of the novel was just picking apart Emily's thoughts and suspicions about those around her. The constant back-and-forth she had with herself about her friend was understandable but, the book would have been far more interesting if more was actually HAPPENING. By about 70% through, I was becoming bored with the story and wishing for the events that took place to be more jolting/shocking instead of so subtle. The build-up also would have been more worth it if the climax was more interesting. Finally, the end of the novel felt extremely out of place and contradictory of the conclusion Bartz painted for this story...I love a good twist but only if it makes sense. Overall, I loved the premise of the book but, it was a tad too slow for my taste. The pace took most of the thrill out of this thriller.
"...everything, here, goodbye to everything on this, the Day of the Pig."
Pukin' good Malerman novel! When Jeff goes to his grandpa (Walt Kopple)'s farm, he inexplicably feels drawn to the pig pen. Once there, he hacks off the head of a pig, then claims that Pearl, one of the other pigs made him want to do this. This story quickly spreads through the small town of Chowder, enticing 2 dopey teens and Susan, their unlikely companion, to the farm to check out this ~magic pig~. The night turns wild SO FAST, with the teens, cops, and other characters fighting for their lives at the hands of...pigs (pig)?
Malerman's writing style is unique and to see it paired with such an insane concept as a pig who is capable of telepathy that makes you do horrific things was truly a treat to experience. The story wastes no time in picking up, immediately drawing me in with the allure of Pearl and his wicked ways. It turns trippy fast with gory imagery and disgusting deaths, all at the hands (well, sort of) of the monster that is Pearl. For me, stories that are over the top like this are polarizing: they can be too fantastical and turn juvenile or they can have a perfect balance of insane/realistic to keep me interesting. Malerman made this work 2 ways: With the characters' past interactions with Pearl (minor and major) and the characters' reactions: most were too stupefied to even consider Pearl playing a hand in the events that took place before it was too late., even after sensing a dark presence about the creature. I don't want to give too much away but, if you enjoy quick, over-the-top, blood n' guts horror you've got to read Pearl!
Pukin' good Malerman novel! When Jeff goes to his grandpa (Walt Kopple)'s farm, he inexplicably feels drawn to the pig pen. Once there, he hacks off the head of a pig, then claims that Pearl, one of the other pigs made him want to do this. This story quickly spreads through the small town of Chowder, enticing 2 dopey teens and Susan, their unlikely companion, to the farm to check out this ~magic pig~. The night turns wild SO FAST, with the teens, cops, and other characters fighting for their lives at the hands of...pigs (pig)?
Malerman's writing style is unique and to see it paired with such an insane concept as a pig who is capable of telepathy that makes you do horrific things was truly a treat to experience. The story wastes no time in picking up, immediately drawing me in with the allure of Pearl and his wicked ways. It turns trippy fast with gory imagery and disgusting deaths, all at the hands (well, sort of) of the monster that is Pearl. For me, stories that are over the top like this are polarizing: they can be too fantastical and turn juvenile or they can have a perfect balance of insane/realistic to keep me interesting. Malerman made this work 2 ways: With the characters' past interactions with Pearl (minor and major) and the characters' reactions: most were too stupefied to even consider Pearl playing a hand in the events that took place before it was too late., even after sensing a dark presence about the creature. I don't want to give too much away but, if you enjoy quick, over-the-top, blood n' guts horror you've got to read Pearl!
Blackwater: II The Levee continues the Caskey saga, focusing on the processes revolving around building the levees that will prevent another flood. The entire family with the exception of Elinor believe that they are a great way to protect Perdido and ensure that the losses that occurred with the first flood don't happen again. During this endeavor, Caskey family dramas continuously unfold, strengthening already looming tensions between the family members. Sinister events continue to take place, making the reader wonder if/when these will all come to a head and affect the Caskey family directly.
The second novella in the Blackwater series is a slower go than the first. Instead of focusing on the supernatural elements within the Caskey family, McDowell instead highlights small town politics that encompass the seemingly never-ending work of building the levees that serve to protect Perdido. There are some eerie events that transpire but, these are few and far between compared to Blackwater I: The Flood. While these happen towards the end and tie together the building of the levees and the underlying darkness that has been rooted in both books, I still wish there was more OOMPH in the middle chapters. Because I have become invested in the Caskey family and their characters, I enjoyed this! If you're more of a plot-driven reader, this will probably be one of the more lackluster books in the Blackwater series for you but, it's necessary for the plot and the spooky ending does make it better.
The second novella in the Blackwater series is a slower go than the first. Instead of focusing on the supernatural elements within the Caskey family, McDowell instead highlights small town politics that encompass the seemingly never-ending work of building the levees that serve to protect Perdido. There are some eerie events that transpire but, these are few and far between compared to Blackwater I: The Flood. While these happen towards the end and tie together the building of the levees and the underlying darkness that has been rooted in both books, I still wish there was more OOMPH in the middle chapters. Because I have become invested in the Caskey family and their characters, I enjoyed this! If you're more of a plot-driven reader, this will probably be one of the more lackluster books in the Blackwater series for you but, it's necessary for the plot and the spooky ending does make it better.
This graphic novel is the prequel to Hill’s N0S4A2, a horror/fantasy involving the supernatural entity Charles Manx, who snatches children up and whisks them away to Christmasland in his old school Wraith. In this, information about Manx’s backstory is shared, shedding light on how he came to be the monster that he is.
If any of Hill’s books deserve a graphic novel in the same universe, N0S4A2 was the one to choose. Being able to SEE Christmasland come to life kept me highly engaged since I loved N0S4A2. I felt the actual story was a little weak and I would have enjoyed it more if there was more that tied the two works together. This is a fun and fast read, perfect for the holiday months if you’re looking for a Christmas scare
If any of Hill’s books deserve a graphic novel in the same universe, N0S4A2 was the one to choose. Being able to SEE Christmasland come to life kept me highly engaged since I loved N0S4A2. I felt the actual story was a little weak and I would have enjoyed it more if there was more that tied the two works together. This is a fun and fast read, perfect for the holiday months if you’re looking for a Christmas scare