Review: Mary: Unleashed by Hillary Monahan

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Jenn
Review: Mary: Unleashed by Hillary MonahanMary: Unleashed by Hillary Monahan
Series: Bloody Mary
Published by Disney-Hyperion on September 8, 2015
Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, YA
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover
Friends Shauna, Kitty, and Jess barely survived Mary's attacks. They lost a dear friend and now continue to shield themselves from any and all reflective surfaces.  Just when they thought it couldn't get worse, Jess reveals that she's unleashed Mary into the world, breaking her from the bonds of her mirror.  Putting all anger and animosity aside, the girls must bound together to finally put an end to Mary's murderous rage.  To do so, they must go to the heart of Mary's past, where it all began: Solomon's Folly.  They must finally put Mary's soul at rest.  To do so, they have to piece together the mystery surrounding not only her death, but the death of many of those close to her.  They are running out of time; Mary is on the hunt and now anyone is a potential victim.

This is the second book in the Bloody Mary series by Hillary Monahan.  The first, Mary: The Summoning was a terrifying book that took me back to my youth, where groups of friends attempted to call upon Bloody Mary.  In that book, we learned a little about Mary’s backstory but, in this most recent novel, we learn a great deal more about what caused Mary to be a murderous ghost.

Monahan could have followed the tradition of sequels and simply rehashing or doing a replay of the events of the previous book. Instead, she takes readers to the heart of the story, immersing us in a chilling tale of murder, jealousy and deceit.  She expands upon what was already revealed in the previous book and takes it to a whole new level.  She gives credence to the history of Mary’s death, bringing in urban legends and local lore to craft a truly haunting tale.

Though I didn’t find this one to be as chilling and terrifying as the previous novel, I adored it for the background info on Mary and why she chose to haunt/stalk who she did. Oftentimes, authors craft their own urban legend without providing a reason why, or an origin story.  Monahan does so, doing an exceptional job of using local history to tell the tale. I’m hesitant to reveal more; you truly need to read the books to discover on your own.

If you are looking for a haunting series to read this Halloween season, let it be this one. Highly, highly recommended.

 

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

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Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon (October 2015): Update Post

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Jenn

dewey

 

It’s here! It’s here! Dewey’s 24-hour read-a-thon.  Ok, I lied. Technically, it’s Friday night and I’m writing this post so I can get off to a good start on Saturday morning.

This post shall serve as my read-a-thon update post.  I don’t do posts for each and every update.  Instead, my “live updates” are done on Tumblr.  I then link those Tumblr posts below.  Also, I don’t update every hour (I feel it breaks up my concentration), instead posting an update when I finish a book, or after a break, etc.  Read more about it on my read-a-thon post from yesterday.

So, while it looks like there is nothing happening here on the blog, there is. Just scroll down to see updates.  I’ll also be updating on Twitter & Instagram.

Each update will follow the following format:
Currently Reading:

Books Finished:

Pages read since last update:

Running total of pages read:

Snacks:

 

I use a spreadsheet to do all my calculations, so every update should take less than 5 minutes, allowing me to get back to my reading! So, without futher ado…

8:00 AM: Kick-off Post!
10:00 AM: Update #1
12:00 PM: Update #2
4:00 PM: Update #3

Sunday 10 AM

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Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon: October 2015

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Jenn

dewey

 

Tomorrow I will be taking part in Dewey’s 24 Hour read-a-thon, a wonderful community event that, this year, will bring together over 1,000 readers!  Like the title suggests, participants have the option of reading for 24 hours.  I won’t be reading for that long (you don’t want to see me if I haven’t received my mandated 8 hours of sleep), but plan to read a majority of the time.  This year, since we have a wedding to attend tomorrow night, I’ll be making up for lost time by continuing to read through Sunday while everyone else is sleeping!

As I started to write this post, I wanted to find out how many of these read-a-thons I’ve participated in.  My first seems to be the Spring/April read-a-thon in 2009.  Since then, I’ve participated in every read-a-thon but one, bringing my total to 11 read-a-thons.  Looking at that post, I see that I joined roughly 100 readers; this year we are topping 1500! If I had the time and patience I’d calculate the total number of books I’ve read.  Instead, since I average about 5 books per read-a-thon, that means I’ve read approximately 55 books.  Quite impressive, I must say.

The October read-a-thons are always my favorite. The cool weather, crisp smell of leaves on the wind.  Oh, and the fact I have an excuse to curl up with some dark and spooky books is quite appealing!

Below is my initial read-a-thon TBR pile.

IMG_4934

 

In case you can’t see the titles they are:

  • Bloody Mary, Book 2 Mary: Unleashed by Hillary Monahan
  • Catacomb by Madeleine Roux ( the previous two books in this series were also read during read-a-thons of past!)
  • Carry On by by Rainbow Rowell
  • The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff

Not pictured are a few books I have on my iPad, including Persuasion by Martina Boone and a stack of comics/graphic novels to include: Island (# 1-3), Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and more.  Though I like to have a stack of books to choose from, I’ve been known to change tactics midway and read something completely different.

Additionally, I have a nice mix of healthy/junk food lined up to sustain me as I read.  This includes:

  • Appetizers! Potato skins, mozzarella sticks, fried green beans.  I want them all!
  • Cookies: perfect to fuel that rush of energy around midnight!
  • Carrots/celery sticks: just something to munch on.
  • Cinnamon rolls! I put these on the oven & set the timer for it to start around 8 am on Sunday. No matter how successful a read-a-thon I have, at least breakfast will be waiting.

This year, I’m once again contributing prizes for participants.  This year, I’m contributing five bookmarks from my Etsy store.

I don’t blog much during the read-a-thon. I don’t want people to open their feed readers on Monday and see dozens of posts from me.  Instead, I post my updates on Tumblr, then link them back to one generic update post on my blog. Easy peasy.

Are you participating in the read-a-thon? Which books are looking forward to reading most?

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Comic Book Review: Survivors’ Club # 1 (Vertigo Comics)

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Jenn
Comic Book Review: Survivors’ Club # 1 (Vertigo Comics)Survivors Club by Dale Halvorsen, Lauren Beukes
Published by Vertigo Comics on October 7, 2015
Genres: Horror
It starts with a mysterious email. The recipients, six in total, were found on a list on the internet.  All of the other individuals on the list or missing or dead. The survivors are all in the Los Angeles area, and something horrorific happened to them in 1987.  The email suggests a meeting, which they all consent to. All but one.

One was possessed by a poltergeist. Another was trapped in a haunted house. Still another has a life-like doll with murderous intentions. Something connects them all. They are survivors of a horrific actions that took place in the late 80s.  It is only together that they can find answers that explain what happened then...and what may be happening again.

I have been counting down the days until I could hold this comic in my hands.  Originally hinted at several months ago, when I heard the great Lauren Beukes (Broken Monsters) was collaborating on a new comic series, I was sold.  All I knew at the time was this teaser: “What if 80’s horror movies were real? Where are those kids today?” DUDE.

So, I finally got my hands on this much desired comic last week. And my expectations were not only met, but exceeded. We don’t learn much about the characters in this first issue, instead more of what brought them together.  The one character we do learn about is Zira, who grew up in South Africa under apartheid. Her mother was a victim, her father turned to alcohol. She spent most of her time in an arcade.  It is there that she comes across a game called Akeron. It takes hold of her, she finally feels alive inside.  When a bolt of lightning hits the arcade, Zira believes the game is responsible. She continues to play, certain that whatever door she opened in playing it needs to be closed. The arcade burns around her, killing her father. She survives.

With reason, she becomes obsessed with this game. In doing some research online, she uncovers a game that is strikingly similar to Akeron.  The title, Happy Hero Toast, sounds less than ominous. Yet when she shows a video of the game to the “Survivor’s Club,” they are all taken back to the horrific acts in 1987. The game has an effect on them, and apparently others across the world. The occult events that transpired in 1987 are happening once again. Somehow this game, and these individuals, are connected.

Ok, so I probably gave away more than I should have, but can you understand why I am so excited about this title? Hello! 80’s horror movies! I grew up on them; they shaped my love of the horror genre.  I was a bit wary, as this whole “old is new” fad with things sometimes fails miserably. In this case it is completely the opposite. I’m sold.

survivorsclub

If you add all the other comic elements to this, you get a completely absorbing and truly phenomenal reading experience.  Two-page spreads, vividly drawn characters and an impressive and evolving color palette.  Diverse characters (including a strong, POC female character, that doesn’t seem forced or like she was thrown in there to appease readers). I can’t wait for the next issue!

STORY BY: Lauren Beukes, Dale Halvorsen
ART BY: Ryan Kelly
COLORS BY: Eva De La Cruz
LETTERS BY: Clem Robins
COVER BY: Bill Sienkiewicz

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

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Review: The Vampire Combat Field Guide: A Coloring and Activity Book For Fighting the Bloodthirsty Undead by Roger Ma

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Jenn
Review: The Vampire Combat Field Guide: A Coloring and Activity Book For Fighting the Bloodthirsty Undead by Roger MaThe Vampire Combat Field Guide: A Coloring and Activity Book For Fighting the Bloodthirsty Undead by Roger Ma
Published by Berkley Publishing Group on October 6, 2015
Genres: Horror
Pages: 64
Format: Paperback
Adult coloring books are all the rage right now. The intent is to calm and relax the user.  But what if, instead, it helped prepare you from the walking undead?

Roger Ma is an expert in hand-to-hand combat against the walking undead.  In his previous books, The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead and The Zombie Combat Field Guide, he shows readers how to stand up against the walking dead. In this most recent guide, Ma provides a multitude of resources to help the average Joe Citizen from a vampire attack.  He does so using richly illustrated drawings with vivid descriptions.  From how to anatomical drawings to aid in identifying a vampire, mental and physical exercises to help you prepare for battle, to worksheets on preparing your weapons stash, this workbook is a must have commodity in fighting a vampire battle.

I’ll admit it; I jumped on the adult coloring book bandwagon.  I’ve always been a fan of coloring; I’ve found it to be quite relaxing and fulfilling.  So, when I was contacted to review this particular coloring book (hello, vampires!) how could I resist!?

It is assembled into a true field guide format, The Vampire Combat Field Guide: A Coloring and Activity Book for Fighting the Bloodthirsy Undead legitimately provides some valuable training, even if you don’t believe in a pending vampire attack.  It’s fun, it’s quirky. A must-add to your  Halloween reading/coloring line-up!

VampireGuide

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

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Murder, Monsters & Mayhem Discussion Post: Favorite Villains

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Jenn

 

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Villians are an integral part of any murder mystery or horror movie. Yet they often get the least amount of respect. It’s time to show our love to those evil, murderous individuals that cause chills to go down our spine, forcing us to lock all the doors and turn off the lights.

So, share with us: who is your favorite villain?  The character you hate to love?

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Review: Nightfall by Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Nightfall by Jake Halpern and Peter KujawinskiNightfall by Jake Halpern, Peter Kujawinski
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers on September 22, 2015
Genres: Horror, YA
Pages: 368
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Things are a bit different on Bliss island.  The sun doesn't rise every 24 hours, it rises every 28 years.

Nightfall is just around the corner.  The citizens hurry to prepare their homes for Nightfall. This includes removing all the locks, removing all traces of their scent, before the climb aboard the ships that will take them south to ride out the Night.  Not the typical way to prepare a home for long-abandonment but it's what has been done for as long as they can remember.

Marin and her twin brother rush to help their parents prepare.  This is their first Night, so they question the strange rituals they must perform.  Why must they set the table and rearrange the furniture? Their concerns intensify when their friend Line goes missing.  Only they know where to find him and they don't have much time. The ships will sail soon.  If they don't hurry, they will be left behind.

The moment I received this book I knew I would adore it.  Let’s start with the marketing:

Before I even started to read the book, I had the chills.

And then I actually began reading it. The tone of the overall book isn’t chilling to start with, instead building slowly to a truly monumental climax. As you read, there are definitely hints of something dark and spooky happening on the island.   The fact that the adults proceed with these strange rituals without question is quite terrifying.   The rituals have an ancient feel to them, the adults constantly repeating phrases/instructions  they’ve been using for decades.

Though the book does a good job of explaining Nightfall, I would have loved a little more backstory or history to the island.  When/how did it begin?  Perhaps this is a great opportunity for a prequel. Heck, I want a sequel.  So much is left to the readers imagination!

I know it sounds cliche, but I honestly haven’t read anything like this.  The premise is completely unique, the characters are genuine and true to their age.  I mean, who else to question tradition but a teenager?  I genuinely hope that Halpern and Kujawinski have more up their sleeves. My interested and curiosity is piqued!

This is the perfect read for the Halloween season.  I’d classify it as spooky, but not too spooky, perfectly for the age group it is geared toward (young adults) but “more seasoned” readers as well. Highly recommended.

 

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

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Review: Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Everything She Forgot by Lisa BallantyneEverything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne
Published by William Morrow on October 6, 2015
Pages: 432
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Margaret Holloway has a lot of things on her mind as she is driving home during a blinding snowstorm.  Suddenly, her car is rear-ended and she becomes one of many victims in what is later referred to as "the worst pileup in London history."  Right before her car becomes engulfed in flames, she's rescued by a disfigured stranger.  Before she can thank him, he disappears.

Margaret's injuries are minor, yet she finds herself struggling to get past the accident.  Her memories of the accident are bringing up memories from her past, memories she realize she consciously chose to forget.  Somehow, everything ties back to the stranger that saved her life.

As she confronts her past, she awakens memories that have lasting impact on her future.  Told in alternating time frames, Everything She Forgot is a heart-wrenching story about redemption.

Novels with family secrets are my kryptonite; I’m drawn to them instantly.  This one is no different.   Set in two time periods, this thriller involves quite a host of interesting characters.  In the current time period, readers are introduced to Margaret, a school teacher caught in a terrible accident.  The man who saved her has no other family and Margaret is compelled to sit by his bedside as he recovers.

Flash back to 1985.  Molly, a seven year old girl, is abducted by her father.  “Big George” McLaughlin is the youngest child in a notorious crime family.  He has no desire to hurt his daughter; though he was present at her birth he’s been denied access to her all these years.  He only meant to say hello, maybe spend a few hours with her, but instead he finds himself on a mission to avoid authorities.

Angus is a small-town journalist. A devoutly religious man, Angus is a walking hypocrite. He treats his own family as animals, handing out strict punishments when they disobey.  Angus is on George’s tail, determined to be the one responsible to bring this child abductor to justice.

What makes this novel so remarkable is the complex level of character development.  Additionally, Ballantyne creates characters that will invoke the strongest of feelings from readers, but not in the way one would predict.  The characters one would think you would root for are the ones you despise the most.  Instead, you are falling for those characters you should hate.  This is a true feat, one the author executes phenomenally.

Though labeled as a thriller, this is one that will definitely pull at your heartstrings.  The bonds of family, the unrelenting love between a parent and child, all of this leaves a lasting impact that extends beyond the final pages.

If you are looking for a captivating, intensely crafted thriller, this is the title for you. Highly recommended.

 

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

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Audio Production: Locke & Key by Joe Hill (illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez)

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Jenn
Audio Production: Locke & Key by Joe Hill (illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez)Locke & Key by Joe Hill
Series: Locke & Key
Published by Audible Studios on October 6, 2015
Genres: Horror
Format: Audiobook
Source: personal copy

As part of last year’s Murder, Monsters & Mayhem, I reviewed the first volume in Joe Hill’s Locke & Key series.   It is, by far, one of my favorite series, one of the many reasons I got back into reading comics and graphic novels.  I’ve been a fan of Hill’s for some time, before his parentage was made public. This dude can write, both novels, short stories and graphic novels. When I heard an audio production was in the works, I was a little concerned. I mean, how do you do an audio production of a graphic novel? Won’t you miss out by not having the visuals before you?  When I saw the cast lined up for this production (Haley Joel Osment, Tatiana Maslany, Kate Mulgrew, Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez, and Stephen King, as well as 50 additional voice actors) I knew this would be quite the experience.  And it is!

Note that the title of this review indicates it is an audio production. It is not merely an audiobook narration with someone sitting in a sound booth. It is a full-fledged production.  With sound effects and not cheesy fabricated ones. It’s quite easy to close your eyes (not a good idea for me as I listen while driving) and imagine the cast of characters performing the scenes before you.  It is absolutely and most definitely the most engaging experience I’ve had with an audio.  And best of all? It’s free.  I’m not kidding at all about this.  Audible Studios is not charging a dime. How can you not try it?

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth

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Audio book Review: The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Audio book Review: The Dead House by Dawn KurtagichDead House by Dawn Kurtagich
Also by this author: And the Trees Crept In
Published by Hachette Audio on September 15, 2015
Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Suspense, Thriller, YA
Format: Audiobook
Source: the publisher
Over twenty years ago, a fire destroyed Elmbridge High, killing five teenagers in the process.  Little was known about what led up to the deadly night, or what happened to one student, Carly Johnson. Then, a diary is found in the ruins.  The diary, scorched from the fire, belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson.   Kaitlyn was not a student at Elbridge, so what is her connection to Carly Johnson? The diary uncovers secrets long buried in the ashes.  The police reopen the case. They examine the psychiatric reports, video footage, text messages, emails. What they uncover is far more sinister than what was relayed to the public.

Told using this found footage, The Dead House tells the story of Carly Johnson, a patient undergoing treatment at British school affiliated with a psychiatric facility.   She's being treated for dissociate identity disorder.  Her alter is Kaitlyn.  The two identities co-exist: Carly exists during the day and Kaitlyn takes over at night.  Carly's psychiatrist believes this disorder is a reaction to Carly's parents' death.  Only one of the identities knows what really caused the accident that tore her parents from her.

Carly and Kaitlyn refuse to believe in the diagnosis.  They have co-existed for so long, two souls in one body, since birth.  Even Carly's younger sister (living with foster parents) can see and differentiate between the two identities.  Carly and Kaitlyn communicate through journal entries and notes left for one another.  As part of her treatment, Carly's doctor attempts integration. What they believe to be a success is actually the downfall of Carly and Kaitlyn...with deadly consequences.

Just writing the synopsis for this review gives me the chills! I listened to the audio production of this novel and, I’ve got to say, it’s the best I’ve listed to this year.  It is absolutely terrifying.  The tone of the narrators, the sound effects used, truly added to the overall experience. It takes a lot to scare me, and this one had my heart pounding from the very beginning. I longed for excuses to listen; I couldn’t tear myself away.

Kurtagich has succeeded in crafting an incredibly unique and compelling read. As if the unique plot wasn’t enough, she used the newspaper clippings, diary entries, and video footage to add authenticity and intrigue. I was worried how these would carry over into the audio production, yet it was carried off without a hitch.  I felt as though I was immersed in the events that led up to the culminating event.  And that lead up? Wow, was it intense.

The takeaway from this novel is completely individual.  Those who believe Carly/Kaitlyn’s story will view it as a completely chilling and terrifying horror.  Those more skeptical, who believe the psychiatric diagnosis to be true will perceive it as an engaging and intense thriller.  No matter which path you take, it is certain you will be awed by the pure brilliance.  I’m still reeling over the experience, days after finishing it.

As if the novel itself weren’t enough, the author note gives an explanation behind her motivations for writing this book. Without revealing too much, it added authenticity and validity to what transpired.  I know there are some readers who skip over this portion of a book, but I do implore you to read it.

Though I have the print copy of the book and can state that the format is impressive, I can’t help but think the audio book route is the one to take in this instance.  No matter what format you use, prepare to devote every waking minute to this book. You won’t be able to tear yourself away, I guarantee it. Highly, highly recommended.

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