Archive for the ‘Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer’ Category
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on August 31st, 2010
MORPHEUS TALES – DARK SORCERY SPECIAL
Dark Sorcery: An Introduction By Tommy B. Smith
Power Drunk By John “JAM” Arthur Miller
The Word By Aaron Gudmunson
Secret Ingredients By Bill Ward
Moon And Shadow By Dennis McDonald
Veil Of The Weary One By Lee Clark Zumpe
Jackie’s Lost Children By Lee Thompson
One Last Trist By Samantha Wood
Magic Coin By Scott M. Sandridge
Black Maggie’s Secret By Robert Walton
My Master’s Work By Justin Simpson
Seeds of Apocalypse By Kesh Butler
Cover By Sergey Urlapov, Back Cover By Lin Bo, Interior Artwork By: Candra Hope (Page 5),Justin Coons (Page 10), Geff Bartrand A.K.A. Dr. Twistid (Page 13), Lisa Anderson (Page 22), Christopher L. Stine (Page 28), Sexforfood (Page 33), Robert Leija (Page 40)
Unfortunately for me I don’t get a chance to read a lot of the great horror fiction magazines that are being published right now. Time and financial constraints make it very difficult to keep up on all that is going on in the short fiction market. I am happy to say that Morpheus Tales sent me a PDF of their Dark Sorcery Special Issue and it is a winner.
I’ve heard of a few of the authors featured in this issue, while most are complete strangers to me. That is not a bad thing, I love discovering new writers of short fiction.
As you can imagine by the title of the magazine the tales within are steeped in the realm of dark sorcery and they deliver in spades. While some were better than others they all strike a good balance of magic, monsters and fantasy. I breezed through the Dark Sorcery Special in one sitting and found myself lost in the wonderful worlds created within. If this is an indication of the quality of fiction being published by Morpheus Tales we are all doing ourselves a disservice if we don’t order a subscription.
Jackie’s Lost Children by Lee Thompson and Seeds of Apocalypse by Kesh Butler were my favorites in this issue and Magic Coin by Scott M. Sandridge was a nasty little tale
The cover art is exceptional as well as the art within the pages. The images add greatly to the atmosphere of the writers words.
If you haven’t had a chance to read Morpheus Tales this is a good place to start. You can order all back and current issues on their website here; www.morpheustales.com
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on August 25th, 2010
Ouroboros by Michael Kelly and Carol Weekes
In a small coastal town, an ancient force stirs, drawn by the cumulative power of life and death, grief and sorrow, and ultimately, endless love.
OUROBOROS – life out of death.
Tom Christiansen’s wife of 35-years, Dolly, is dead. His world suddenly shattered, Tom takes refuge in his house to grieve and reflect. Tom’s thin veil of reality and fantasy begins to crack and slip. He hears things: the rusty creak of the backyard swing; the tap to tiny feet from an upstairs room. And he sees things, as well: a small rubber ball bouncing slowly down the stairs; birds like silent sentinels on electrical wires; a strange little pigtailed girl suddenly appearing in his yard, and what is that mysterious figure lying in the upstairs bed that he used to share with his beloved wife?
OUROBOROS – a new cycle has begun.
Tom’s long-time neighbors, and dearest friends, Mick and Robbi Hamlin begin to notice strange behavior from grief-stricken Tom. The witness dinner place-settings for two. They hear hushed conversations from the old house, as if Tom is speaking to himself, as if he is not alone. There is a pale little girl in the backyard, swinging ceaselessly. And something is rustling in the bushes, peering out from the undergrowth with inquisitive eyes.
OUROBOROS – the end is just the beginning.
I have been reading books for a long time, most of my life actually (but I won’t divulge how long that is). I can count on one hand the books that have scared the daylights out of me. The first being “The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty”, followed by “The Shining by Stephen King”, “Ghost Story by Peter Straub” and “Black Cathedral by Maynard & Sims”. These tales stick with me most because of the unrelenting terror and fear they caused; nightmares, jumping at sounds, sleepless nights, everything a good scary story should do.
Ouroboros by Michael Kelly and Carol Weekes just got added to that list. This is no ordinary book my friends; deep down this is a love story, a character driven tale of a man lost after the death of his soul mate and the crushing loneliness and loss that follows.
The first few chapters are the most heart wrenching I have ever read. If you don’t shed a tear after reading the start of this book, you are quite possible already dead.
From crushing anguish to monstrous fright, Kelly and Weekes weave a tale of madness and reality, friendship and love, and last but not least…terror. The characters that populate Ouroboros are as real as it gets. You will genuinely feel the myriad emotions that they feel…and you will be scared!
Once Ouroboros grabs hold it will not let go. This is the most frightening book I’ve read this year. Long after you finish this book it will stay with you. It will make you to think about your own mortality and those around you, and what exactly happens after we leave this mortal plane.
If you are easily scared and prone to nightmares you might just want to skip this book. But if you revel in being terrified, wondering what that sound is out in your yard at night or that small creaking sound above your head coming from the attic, and enjoy turning the lights out knowing your can’t possibly fall asleep, then this book is for you.
This is an absolute must read period, no matter what genre you favor. A book this real and frightening does not come along very often. Buy it and savor it you will not be disappointed.
I want to thank our friends over at Dark Regions Press for sending over another fantastic read. Pay them a visit and see what they have to offer, one of the best horror publishers around.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on August 16th, 2010
A Host Of Shadows – Harry Shannon
“Everyone carries a shadow,” wrote analyst Carl Jung, “and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.”
Few of us see the shadow with any clarity. Turn around for a peek, it slips away. Our violent, sexually tinged fantasies are indulged regularly in darkened theaters, savored in eerie prose, celebrated in song, sometimes reluctantly encountered within the depths of a reoccurring nightmare. When we do look hard at one, long enough to recognize it as our own, the experience can challenge reality. We can then choose to become wiser as a result–or spin totally out of control…
How many fragments of a shattered mirror could you examine and still survive?
In this collection, his first in nearly ten years, award winning author Harry Shannon gives us twenty three short stories, some published here for the first time.
Dark Regions Press is proud to present “A Host of Shadows.”
Table Of Contents
Introduction by Rick Hautala
Blood and Burning Straw
The Easy Way
A Handful of Dust
Lucky
And the Worm Shall Feed
Jailbreak
All The Dead Lie Down
Thus Was His Death
Violent Delights
Mobius Dick (with M. Stephen Lukac)
The Fever Called Living (with dgk goldberg)
Another Hell
The Name of the Wicked
Night Nurse
Tokens
Darkness Comprehended (with Gord Rollo)
In Darkness, Screaming (with Jack Fisher)
The Need For Illusion
Concrete Gods (with Kealan Patrick Burke)
Blacktop
Some are Born to Endless Night
The Place of Excrement
Araneida
Suffer the Children
A Host of Shadows
A Few Notes
Biography
A Host of Shadows was my first journey into Harry Shannon’s fiction, and what a journey it was. A Host of Shadows is staggering in scope and imagination. This is no simple short story collection; this is a group of macabre tales from somewhere dark…very dark.
Mr. Shannon knows what scares us and brings it to life with vivid detail, impeccable writing and atmosphere that literally drips from the pages. In short, this is a must for anyone who loves short fiction.
His tales are varied, deep and disturbing. The frights range from a terribly lonely woman, to a nurse that will give you second thoughts about checking into a hospital again to the earth itself.
While all the stories were extremely strong a few of my favorites were;
Lucky – Things are not always what they appear to be as an unfortunate soul discovers in this one.
Night Nurse – You will never look at the nursing profession the same way again.
The Fever Called Living (with dgk goldberg) – A gripping desolate tale of loneliness and pain.
Darkness Comprehended (with Gord Rollo) – For you zombie lovers Mr. Shannon and Mr. Rollo deliver a skin crawling tale with an ending that will leave you breathless.
Concrete Gods (with Kealan Patrick Burke) - My favorite of the book and one of the best short stories I’ve read this year.
These are only just a few of the highlights contained in Mr. Shannon’s latest collection. One of my favorite books this year and a must read. I highly recommend it.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on August 9th, 2010
Nocturnal Emissions by Jeffrey Thomas
Supernatural “Black Dogs,” UFOs, a vampire shark, parasite-infested children, and a foul-mouthed marionette from another dimension.
These are just some of the dark delights to be found in the forthcoming collection set for release by Dark Regions Press in September, 2010. NOCTURNAL EMISSIONS, from Jeffrey Thomas – the fertile imagination behind the Punktown and Letters From Hades series, and finalist for the Bram Stoker and John W. Campbell awards. Thomas demonstrates the wide range of his ability in these short stories, novellas and poems, which include:
Godhead Dying Downwards, Thomas’ acclaimed novella, in which a 19th Century priest seeks to solve ghostly mysteries in the British countryside.
The Night Swimmers, in which two brothers investigate UFO sightings in a New England forest.
The Possessed, a “New Weird” style science fiction/horror novella in which three explorers utilize a strange method of traveling to a far world.
Nocturnal Emissions, a novella (or collection of mini stories, if you’d rather) about imbalance, love, TV, a giant floating eye, and other enigmas – one chapter of which features pop star Walter Egan (Magnet and Steel) as its protagonist.
Table Of Contents
Godhead Dying Downwards
The Hosts
The Pool Of Tears
The Night Swimmers
Demeter
Thirteen Poems
Star EST Control
The Possessed
Nocturnal Emissions
Jeffrey Thomas’s latest story collection from our friends over at Dark Regions Press is a dark cornucopia filled with juicy tales of the macabre.
The collection starts off with one of the best stories I’ve read this year, “Godhead Dying Down”. A simple priest, (who we soon find out isn’t just a simple priest), returns to find his ex-flock of worshipers beset by supernatural forces.
Jeff continues from there with the most skin crawling story in the book “The Hosts”.
Another exceptional tale is “The Possessed”. Three explorers find life on a distant planet that isn’t what it appears to be.
The “Thirteen Poems” are just that, thirteen poems. Though I am not a big fan of poetry, I did read through these and found them fun and intriguing.
I really didn’t find a weak story in the book, just some I enjoyed better than others. Jeffrey Thomas continues to show his great imagination and writing skills. This is an exceptional collection and should be at the top of your to be read pile. Just click on the links above to order.
One final note, Joe Morey from Dark Regions Press has an all new interview in Rue Morgue Magazine.
Editons
A-Z Lettered: 6”x9”, bound in leather, front cover stamped and spine stamped with the title and the author’s name, includes artsy end papers, signature page which is signed by both author and artist, colored book ribbon with nice full colored header, 60lb. natural vellum stock, a beautiful slipcase and dust jacket.
100 Signed and Limited Hardcovers: 6”x9”, bound in leatherette, stamped on the spine with the title and author’s name, includes 80lb. natural vellum end papers, signed by the author, colored book ribbon, multi-colored header, 60lb. natural vellum stock, and has a beautiful dust jacket.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on August 2nd, 2010
Hell Hollow by Ronald Kelly
“From out of a shadowy backwoods hollow, echoes a dark threat from the past, nearly a century lost and forgotten.
The rural town of Harmony, Tennessee possessed a disturbing secret; a secret so ancient that most of its residents were completely unaware of it. Even the last survivors of a vigilante raid long ago have filed the tragic events of that autumn night away, totally unaware of the evil that remains, dormant, but forever patient, among the tall pines and thick-leaved kudzu of a place known only as Hell Hollow.
There it would have remained, unrevealed, if not for a handful of unknowing participants. Four kids, bored for excitement during one of the hottest summers on record. A killer on the run, dodging his latest atrocity. And a rape victim on a deadly mission – scarred in both body and mind. All have a hand in bringing forth an unspeakable evil from the dark woods of Hell Hollow.
He is a skeletal figure in top hat and tails, brandishing a handful of magical cards and a patented elixir that was brewed in the very depths of Purgatory.”
Ronald Kelly makes his triumphant return with an absolutely stunning book. Hell Hollow is storytelling at its finest.
A coming-of-age tale of four friends faced with an evil thought long dead and mostly forgotten. A deranged killer and one of his victims are set on a collision course with Harmony Tennessee’s long buried secret.
Ronald Kelly uses his extraordinary storytelling skills to weave a tale of horror, friendship, family and redemption.
Ron’s writing is dark, yet hopeful; his descriptive prose drips with atmosphere. He sets you in the rural world of Harmony Tennessee and manages to convince you that you are actually there.
His characters, especially the four friends, are breathing living entities. You will grow to feel for these wonderful creations and all that they go through.
You will laugh, you will cry and you will be frightened.
One thing Mr. Kelly doesn’t do is wallow in the explicit gore and violence that is prevalent in a lot of today’s horror. He leaves it up to his readers’ imaginations. If you like your horror atmospheric, suspenseful and character driven, this book is for you.
Ronald Kelly left the world of horror fiction for ten years. Let’s hope he’s back to stay.
I highly recommend Hell Hollow for all Ronald Kelly fans, and for those of you that have not had the pleasure, Hell Hollow is a great place to start.
You can purchase Hell Hollow at Cemetery Dance Publications.
My interview with Mr. Kelly.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on July 23rd, 2010
Monsters by Paul Melniczek
“Monsters… they are seen all around us, and yet no real proof has ever been discovered. Fact, or Fiction? Every culture describes them, and countless documentation and ancient texts mention their presence. The tales are passed down from one generation to another, whispered around campfires, and told to trembling children. Modern day adventures seek them out in hopes to discover evidence of their existence, and signs of the mythical truth. Are they real? Regardless of the truth, pray that you never encounter one… Paul Melniczek takes us on a monster quest across the continents you will soon not forget. Stories which compel and frighten us as if we ourselves are hunted through dark and primeval forests, and confronted with the terrible and ultimate truth: Monsters do exist!”
Table of Contents
White
Twilight’s Embrace
Purgatory Calling
Retribution
In The Night, Heels Clicking
Devil Man Of The Hollow
Where Trails Sometimes Lead
The Bunyip
Monsters, how can you not like a book with at title like that? Well, if the writing is terrible, the monsters not scary and the stories boring, that’s how.
But fortunately for us that is definitely not the case here. Dark Regions Press just might be the best publisher of short fiction today, and Paul Melniczek’s Monsters is no exception.
Monsters is full of well crafted tales of things that shouldn’t be, creatures of legend come to life. A delectable feast of man’s search for the unthinkable and the realization that we are powerless against those things in the dark.
I really couldn’t really come up with a weak story in the bunch and I enjoyed them all and the book was a hell of a lot of fun to read. Though if I had to choose a favorite, it would be The Bunyip, a tale of a man in search of new species in the unforgiving wilderness of Australia and boy did he find what he was looking for.
My second would be White, a tale of the search for a creature of the snow that turns decadently different.
And is usual with any of Dark Regions books, the cover art is exceptional.
So if you are looking for a nice leisurely way to pass a hot summer afternoon, reading Monsters is right at the top of my list.
So pay a visit to our friends over at Dark Regions Press and pick up Monsters, and take a look at what else they have to offer, it will be well worth your time.
And another big thank you to our friends at Dark Regions for sending me another awesome book.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on July 22nd, 2010
A Gathering Of Crows by Brian Keene
Brinkley Springs is a quiet little town. Some say the town is dying. They don’t know how right they are. Five mysterious figures are about to pay a little visit to Brinkley Springs. They have existed for centuries, emerging from the shadows only to destroy, to kill. To feed. They bring with them terror and carnage, and leave death and blood in their wake. As the night wears on, Brinkley Springs will be quiet no longer. Screams will break the silence. But when the sun rises again, will there be anyone left to hear?
Brian continues his long list of novels published by Dorchester Publishing with his latest book A Gathering Of Crows. And Brian Keene fans you will not be disappointed.
A Gathering Of Crows is an exceptional book. I read it in two nights, I could have read it in one if I didn’t have to get up for work at 5:00am.
It starts out fast and picks up speed as you feverishly turn the pages to get to the next chapter. As is usual with Brian, his characters stand out amongst the frights, blood and carnage. He populates Brinkley Springs with a diverse group of characters that you come to know and feel for.
Also in A Gathering Of Crows we again meet Brian’s Mr. Fix-It, Levi Stoltzfus For all of you who have read Ghost Walk and Dark Hollow you are familiar with Levi, and what he is and does. I compare him to F. Paul Wilson’s Repairman Jack and James Moore’s Jonathan Crowley. All three are exceptional characters and you should definitely read the books they are in.
Another great thing about A Gathering Of Crows is Brian goes into a lot more detail of the underlying mythos behind his stories. You are finally able to experience The Labyrinth and find out more about The Thirteen. Personally, I can’t wait to delve into more stories about this.
And for all you hardcore horror fans, don’t worry, there is enough blood and carnage to satisfy what you are looking for. The five mysterious figures are evil, bloodthirsty and decadently awesome.
In what seems to be a recurring theme with Brian’s books with me is that I absolutely loved A Gathering Of Crows. Brian’s writing has never been better, his storytelling abilities seem to be endless and most importantly his books are a lot of fun.
Brian in one of our greatest writing talents and there appears to be no end to his fertile imagination and for that we should be thankful.
My advice is to head on over to Dorchester Publishing and pick up Brian’s latest work.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on July 16th, 2010
Well horror fans and monster kids, the dog days of summer are fast approaching and what a summer it has been here in New Hampshire. Sunny and hot with barely a taste of rain. I hope all of you are enjoying your summer’s so far, it seems like most summers are over as soon as they begin but because the warm weather started early this year this summer seems to be just getting started.
What better way to spend your time under the shade of a tree, on a blanket in a sun covered field or relaxing next to a lake or pool than scaring yourself silly with a pair of new novels by two of the best in the business; John Everson and Brian Keene. Don’t miss out on these two books, head on over to our friends at Dorchester Publishing to pre-order these so you have them as soon as possible.
Siren by John Everson
“Night after night, Evan walked along the desolate beach, grieving over the loss of his son, drowned in an accident more than a year before. Then one night he was drawn to the luminous sound of a beautiful, naked woman singing near the shore in the moonlight. He watched mesmerized as the mysterious woman disappeared into the sea. Driven by desire and temptation, Evan returned to the spot every night until he found her again. Now he has begun a bizarre, otherworldly affair. A deadly affair. For Evan will soon realize that his seductive lover is a being far more evil…and more terrifying…than he ever imagined. He will learn the danger of falling into the clutches of the… SIREN”
This is an awesome book by John, I think his best yet. I was fortunate enough to have John send me an early preview of this and did a review on it, which you can find here.
A Gathering Of Crows by Brian Keene
“Brinkley Springs is a quiet little town. Some say the town is dying. They don’t know how right they are. Five mysterious figures are about to pay a little visit to Brinkley Springs. They have existed for centuries, emerging from the shadows only to destroy, to kill. To feed. They bring with them terror and carnage, and leave death and blood in their wake. As the night wears on, Brinkley Springs will be quiet no longer. Screams will break the silence. But when the sun rises again, will there be anyone left to hear?”
Those of you familiar with my reviews know how much I love Brian’s work and am looking forward to this one, I am sure it will not disappoint.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on July 14th, 2010
Confessions of a Scream Queen by Matt Beckoff
“In Confessions of a Scream Queen, writer Matt Beckoff interviews fifteen legendary ‘Ladies of Horror.’ Spanning over nine decades of cinema, Confessions is filled with entertaining and informative recollections and personal insights about Hollywood’s best-loved horror films. Included are some rare and never before seen pictures. “
Table Of Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Author’s Note
Carla Laemmle
Lupita Tovar
JanetAnn Gallow
Elena Verdugo
Colleen Gray
Kathleen Hughes
Judith O’Dea
Karen Black
Ingrid Pitt
Jessica Harper
Marilyn Burns
Betsy Palmer
Dee Wallace
P.J. Soles
Adrienne Barbeau
Conclusion
About The Author
Scream Queen, any Monster Kid when they hear those two words can immediately be transported back in time to a favorite movie and favorite actress, well at least I can. My childhood was full of monsters and Scream Queens, the memories fresh and exciting.
Matt Beckoff’s new book Confessions of a Scream Queen is a who’s who’s list of stars that evoke those wonderful memories of yesteryear.
Who can forgot Carla Laemmle’s “Amongst the rugged peaks…”; Judith Odea in Night Of The Living Dead; Karen Black, need I say more; Dee Wallace, from ET to werewolves to a killer St. Bernard and my personal favorite Adrienne Barbeau, how many male pubescent fantasies did she inspire.
These are just a few of the actresses Matt interviews in this absolutely must have a book. The interviews are informative and funny. You learn a lot of what went on behind some of the biggest horror classics and you also learn about the actresses and what they feel about being called a “Scream Queen”.
Obviously you are on this site because you are a monster fan. My advice, click on the link above and buy this book. Matt did a marvelous job and your monster memories and collection would be sorely lacking if you don’t buy and read this book. I have to give it one of my highest recommendations.
Also Matt has a couple of book signings coming up with some of your favorite “Scream Queens”.
The book signings are July 16th at Dark Delicacies in Burbank. At that event will be Matt, PJ Soles, Dee Wallace, Kathleen Hughes, Coleen Gray, Janet Ann Gallow, and Bob Burns.
Sunday at 1pm there is one at Larry Edmunds in Hollywood. Joining Matt will be Carla Laemmle, Elena Verdugo, Kathleen Hughes, Janet Ann Gallow and Bob Burns.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on July 8th, 2010
Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson
“Fourteen-year-old Alex has no idea that he’s descended from the world’s most famous vampire hunter, but that changes fast when he arrives at Glenarvon Academy and confronts two vampires in his first three days. Turns out Glenarvon isn’t the only school near Lake Geneva. Hidden deep underground lies an ancient university for vampires called the Scholomance. And the deadly vampire clan lord known as Icemaker? You might say he’s a visiting professor.
When two of Alex’s friends are kidnapped by Icemaker, it’s up to Alex to infiltrate the Scholomance and get them back—alive. Assisted by the Polidorium, a top-secret vampire-hunting organization with buried ties to the Van Helsings, Alex dodges zombies, bullets, and lots—and lots—of fangs on his way to thwarting Icemaker’s plans and fulfilling his family destiny.”
Why am I reviewing a teen vampire novel you ask? Any book with a title like this is bound to get my attention. That is not to say that I didn’t have any doubts when the author contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in reviewing his book. He was right up front with me and said it was a young adult novel.
Now about the book, I genuinely liked it. I loved how Jason wove Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein into his Van Helsing & vampire lore in the book. It was very original and added a lot to the depth of the story.
The characters I though were quite realistic and enjoyable. The story was fast paced and action filled with a little bit of everything for everyone; hero’s, secret society’s, zombies, cool weapons, teachers who aren’t at all what they appear to be and of course vampires…real vampires. Not these whiny ass, lovestruck, wimpy vampires that seem to rise from everywhere these days (pun intended).
Jason’s vampires want to drink blood, kill humans and take over the world as any good vampire should do, in other words my kind of vampires. Vampires you can really sink your teeth into (again pun intended). Now, are these Lumley’s vampires, no, but what are; Anne Rice’s, God no (and that’s a good thing) and I won’t even bother mentioning the current craze but you no doubt get my drift.
Jason also left a few threads untied which I am sure will get cleared up in the coming books as this is going to be a series.
I usually don’t read young adult fiction, especially young adult vampire fiction but decided to take a chance and try this one and I am glad I did. I will be looking forward to the following books in the series.
No matter your age, if you are a Monster Kid I think you will enjoy this original take on the Van Helsing and vampire legends and highly recommend you give it a shot.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Reviews, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on July 1st, 2010
“To the spoiled rich kids on spring break the rented beach house seemed like the perfect setting for partying, drinking and general fooling around. The neighbors wouldn’t be able to hear their music. But the unhinged killers about to crash the party think the house is perfect too—the neighbors won’t be able to hear the screams. And there will be much more blood flowing than booze. One by one as the night of terror wears on, the college friends will learn the gruesome results of meeting a very different kind of people… The Killing Kind”
First off, let me unequivocally state that Bryan Smith creates the most fantastic, sick, demented and twisted characters in horror fiction today.
His newest novel, The Killing Kind, available from our good friends at Dorchester Publishing continues Bryan’s seemingly meteoric rise to the top of today’s best in horror fiction.
Bryan’s fiction is not for the faint of heart or those of you with, what shall we say, somewhat weak constitutions. But what Bryan will give you is a grisly, action packed, fast paced, blood soaked ride that you won’t soon forget.
The Killing Kind starts off hard and fast and then picks up speed as you tear through the pages to learn what new atrocities await those that get in the path of the main antagonists. And Bryan’s main antagonist in The Killing Kind is an absolute blast. She is definitely not the one you want to bring home to meet your parents. Well, unless you loathe your parents and want them killed in a truly horrible and ingenious fashion.
Sorry Monster Kids, no more spoilers from me. You will have to read The Killing Kind to find out more.
If you like your horror over the top, blood soaked and violent with characters you grow to love but would not want to meet in a dark alley, then Bryan Smith is the writer for you. Everyone deserves a little guilty pleasure in their life, and Bryan Smith’s books are one of my favorites.
Posted by Peter Schwotzer in Books, Latest News, Terror Tales with Peter D. Schwotzer on July 1st, 2010
A little something my fellow Famous Monster lovers will enjoy. A book trailer for David Herter’s Halloween masterpiece October Dark, done by the author himself. You can find my review here.
“I used techniques not far removed from my days as a thirteen-year-old 8mm animator. Instead of my old Bell & Howell 252 regular-8 wind-up camera, scissors and a synced tape recorder for sound accompaniment, I used Microsoft Windows Moviemaker, MS Paint, a mouse, and some mp3’s for accompaniment. The marvelous illustrations are by Chris Nurse, taken from the cover. To order October Dark, or any of Earthling Publication’s terrifying horror books, visit www.earthlingpub.com.“
This trailer captures the mood of the book so well and David did a tremendous job on it. You can check it out here.
Like the trailer? Discuss it at the Famous Monsters of Filmland forum!
