The Republic of Reality-Welcome to Hyleberia

I had no idea what to expect going into this book. The plot sounded interesting, and I was willing to give it a try. I have to admit, I was not disappointed, and I very much enjoyed the story.

Joseph Sheilds is a young man living in England and is having a rough go of things. Hes working a dead-end job at his family's store and up to his eyeballs in debt. His father, who has passed on, was from Spain and he has decided to disappear to there and start his life over, leaving all his troubles behind. He goes to what I can only assume is some sort of flea market, where he purchases a used toaster. Unfortunately, the toaster is his undoing as it catches fire, and he dies.

Joseph wakes up on an island in the middle of the ocean. A place called Hyleberia. He is met by a man named Peter who tells Joseph that he is the Prime Minister of the island. The island is in another dimension and Joseph has been revitalized and is in fact, not dead. From this island the whole world is ran with Peter at the helm. Joseph is tasked with going to school to study for a test to determine what his job on the island will be. He keeps hearing whispers of a Dark Prince and his inevitable return. Joseph makes some friends and all too soon he has got to decide if his new home is worth fighting for. The fate of the island and possibly the world rests on his shoulders. 

I was really surprised by how much I liked this story. Not because I thought it would be bad but because its not my typical genre. There is a nice mix of myths, historical figures and weird creatures. If nothing else, you must read this book for the imagination of the author. The setting and the characters are fantastic, and it made me want to visit Hyleberia just to see some of them. I forgot to mention one important character, a sweet, endearing sloth named Gabriel who will play an important role in the life of Joseph. All in all, this is a great book and I very much hope there is a sequel. For a debut book, this author has knocked it out of the park in my opinion. I received this book free from the author for an honest review. 

I Saw The Devil's Face-My Life With Joseph Michael Kalady

My normal go to true crime is usually serial killers and murder mystery books. However, the author of this book reached out to me personally, and after reading the description, I was willing to give it a try.

Joseph Michael Kalady was not a name that I recognized. As I said, most of the true crime I read revolves around serial killers. This man was a serial abuser. This man was a monster masquerading as a person who was kind and caring and helpful. He escaped what he deserved because of the times these crimes occurred and although he was ultimately arrested and served time, it was for crimes against the government and not the numerous crimes he committed against children. 

The book is written from the viewpoint of the person the abuse happened to. I know that I have not read another true crime book from this viewpoint, and it was every bit as horrific as you would think. The absolute hell that this person was put through as a child a through the actual abuse and then the subsequent hell she went through after being basically told to shut up and just move on with life is nothing short of heinous. The author doesn't give the gory details of what happened to her but what she does share is something no one ever, should have to experience, let alone a child. 

The book can be read as a stand-alone, although the author does allude to this possibly being part of a series. I believe this book has only scratched the surface of the gruesome tale. The only saving grace here is that Kalady is dead, and I can only hope that he is experiencing the exact same suffering he inflicted on those around him. This is a remarkable book, and I am thankful to the author for sending me a copy. I hope the author gets to the other books as I would read them and that she never gives up in her quest to speak out about her experiences. 

Camp Slasher Lake-Volume 1

As a longtime lover of 80's slasher horror films, I knew when I saw this title that I would not be disappointed! Ten stories, by different authors that bring back everything you remember about 80's slasher films. From the tight camp counselor outfits, the hunky counselor everyone wants, to the girl tripping in the woods while being chased, you will definitely feel nostalgia.

Out of the ten stories, there is not a bad one in the bunch. I have a few favorites, one being Bad Party. It takes place in Oklahoma, (where I live). Camp Hell; Tall, Dark and Rancid; The Backwoods Decapitator, and Work Retreat were a few of my other favorites, but as I said, there isn't a bad one in the bunch. The cover art for this book is fantastic! I really enjoyed this collection of stories, and I cannot wait for volume 2! I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review. 

The Intellectual Barbarian-A Humorous Short Story Collection

This book was lots of fun to read. I received the second book Unquestionably Monstrous as an ARC last week and immediately purchased this book for my birthday. 

I was not disappointed. The author definitely has a knack for humor and satire. My two favorite stories were Axe-Murderers' Gorge and Ghosted. There were a few that weren't my favorite but overall, there isn't one bad story in the bunch. Much like anything else, it's all about taste and preferences. If you like humorous and clever stories, then this is the book for you!

Tales From The Gas Station-Volume One

"Working at a dead-end retail job in the middle of nowhere can be hard. The long hours. The helpless customers. The enormous eldritch horror living deep below the building.........."

I picked up this book at a thrift store one day on a whim, just from reading the description on the back, I was intrigued. I finally decided to sit down and read it this week and I was not disappointed and even better there are three more volumes after this one!

Our anti-hero for this book of weird is Jack. Jack works at a gas station on the edge of a small, weird town. He is the only full-time employee due to the fact that he has an incurable disease that keeps him awake. Literally, he cannot sleep. Part of the disease is also memory loss and hallucinations. His psychiatrist suggests he keep a journal to keep his memories straight. He decides to do a blog as well and things go crazy shortly after he begins publishing the wacky and at times dark things that happen at this remote gas station. 

Whatever is going on at the gas station, whether imagined by Jack or not, is nothing short of weird, hilarious, dark and twisted. Garden gnomes that appear out of nowhere in droves, a local death cult, a man that keeps being cloned and killed, plants that grow into human hands, crazy F.B.I. agents that may or may not be legit and rumors of a dark god lurking somewhere below the station. What exactly is going on at this gas station and is Jack really seeing all these things or are they just a product of the disease?

I really enjoyed this book. I love a good, weird story. As a huge fan of The X-Files, Fringe, and Twin Peaks, this story was just what I needed right now. I really like the main character, he's kind of a smart-ass but also endearing. I found myself laughing out loud at times and for the most part, I could not put this book down. It's a little over 300 pages but it reads fast. I have already downloaded volume 2 and I am very much looking forward to it. If you love strange and outlandish, then this is the book for you!

Crow Calls-Volume One

I have to premise this review with a confession: I am typically not a fan of poetry. 

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this collection of dark poetry. As with most poetry, some can be clear, and others can be abstract giving the person the ability to decipher the meanings themselves.

This is a dark and macabre collection of gothic poetry and as usual with everything I have read from Quill and Crow Publishing House, I was not disappointed. 

Hell Spring

Initially this was an author request via an email. I received it as a PDF download, but it was too hard to read on my tablet. So, when looking through NetGalley shortly after, I came across it and requested it. I was granted the request and dove in pretty much immediately.

I have to admit this story starts off really weird. I almost stopped reading it. But I really like to concept of the book and was hoping it would get better after the weirdness of the first chapter. And it did. The concept is definitely interesting. A small town in 1955 is overtaken by a devastating rainstorm that washes out a bridge near a local general store. Eight people are caught in the storm and take refuge in the store. What they don't know is that there is one among them that is not what they seem. They have a hunger, a hunger for sin and human souls. Can the townsfolk survive not only the storm outside but the one also brewing inside the store? 

While I really enjoyed the concept of this story it was a tough read. The book long and very detailed. Now, I realize that I am not a writer and maybe some people enjoy the deep details and that's fine, but I feel this could have been a novella. The author is very talented and as I've already said, I really like the concept of this story. Overall, I was happy to have been contacted and happy to have read it. The horror aspect is definitely there, and, in the end, the story is rather interesting. I received this book free from NetGalley for an honest review.  

Unquestionably Monstrous: Tales of Monsters, Madness and Romance

This book is really fun. All the stories are connected, but each one is a different monster story. This is a great collection of short stories and is perfect for #shortstoryseptember. 

My personal favorites are the stories "I Hate Instant Mashed Potatoes" and "Matchmaker". However, there is not one bad story in the bunch. This is the second book in what the author calls "The Unhinged Trilogy". The first book is called "The Intellectual Barbarian". If you like monster type short stories and a quick read, then this is the book for you. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

Lost

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. This book blew me away and I could not put it down, literally, I read it in one sitting. 

Erin is recently divorced, having escaped an abusive relationship and has decided to go on a cruise with her friend Marcella. Erin is an aspiring writer, and the cruise is a way to meet up with other writers-all strangers except Marcella-and to really get serious about her writing. Her ex was not at all supportive in her writing ventures.

The story opens with Erin facing some serious motion sickness. The boat is caught in a storm and has decided to go around it. She lays down and when she wakes, she's told by the other writers she's met that the ship is off course and they're holding in place for a bit so everyone can calm before they get caught in the storm again. From the ship they can see an island, but they're told that it is no longer in use, and they won't be visiting it. However, one of the people in the group she's with, Lauren, says she has a friend who can get them to the island for the day and then they can sneak back that night. All 7 of them decide to go for the day, to enjoy the beach and get some much-needed writing done.

They arrive on the beach and are told by Andrew, the guy that snuck them off) to stay out of view of the ship just in case and he'll be back at nightfall. The day is wonderful. They all get some writing done, soak up the sun and enjoy the peace and quiet. That is until someone notices that the ship is gone. They are stranded. Stuck on an island in the middle of nowhere with no chance of getting off. Things go from bad to worse when they run out of water and food and then suspicious things start happening and they begin to wonder if they are along on the island. Is someone messing with them? It definitely feels like someone wants them to stay. What exactly is going on here and can Erin figure it out before it's too late?

I really enjoyed this book! The chapters are short, and they are each told from one of the seven viewpoints. I had no idea where this was going.  I was about halfway through when I found out what is going on, I started to have suspicions as to who might be behind it and in the end, I was right. I would like to have seen what happened when Erin really does discover who was behind it. Maybe we're meant to speculate or make up our own conclusions. Either way, I was really shocked by this story, but in a good way. If you love a good psychological thriller, then this is the book for you! I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

Anomalies and Curiosities-An Anthology of Gothic Medical Horror

My third foray into Short Story September and I chose a book from what has become one of my favorite publishing houses, Quill and Crow Publishing House. This is the 5th anthology series that I have read from them and I again, was not disappointed. This book is filled with 10 stories of gothic medical horror, each from a different author. 

Each of these stories are creepy, disturbing and horrific yet entertaining. They also remind of the years gone by of shocking medical treatments and insane asylums where people were often held against their will. All the writers bring their own take on the topic and even though the theme is the same, each story is original and unique in its own way. 

This is a fantastic collection, and it is very hard to choose a favorite. I really enjoyed "The Cannibal and the Barber" by Spyder Collins; Embryo by Nick Petrou and "Merciful"by Cassandra Thompson, although I appreciate all the stories and the efforts each author put into making medical horror come to life.

The Inn-Sitter

When I requested this book, I had no idea the ride that I was in for! Part ghost story, part mystery, this paranormal thriller, will take you on a fast paced, heart thumping ride.

Temperly Jacobs is a young woman on the run. Having escaped her abusive boyfriend, she's taken a job sitting at an inn for an older couple while they attend to an ailing family member. The inn located at the base of the Virginia mountains is in a remote area close to the town of Fox Valley. She can't believe her luck, a week of solitude and the chance to make some money to get further away from her drug dealing ex. 

Except that she soon discovers that she may not be alone after all. Strange things start to happen, lights flicker, banging can be heard in the attic, even the tap in the bathroom turns on by itself. Temperly isn't sure what's going on but she's positive it's not ghosts. One day while in town she's introduced to a woman who turns out to be a medium and she warns Temperly that she should leave the inn immediately as it is not safe for her. Being skeptical she just shrugs off the warning, that is until things begin to get dangerous. Temperly reaches out to the woman who brings in a local paranormal investigator, who turns out to be a child, and they come to help. 

What happens next is nothing sort of action packed, scary and thrilling all at the same time. Secrets will be uncovered and as her past catches up with her an all-out showdown will take place, threatening all who are involved. 

This book was fantastic. I was shocked by the end and literally could not stop reading. The writing is fast paced and well written. By the end of the last chapter, I had tears in my eyes. If you love a great paranormal thriller, then this is the book for you. I definitely look forward to more from this author. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review. 

The Copy/Paste Killer

This book really took me by surprise! I was contacted by the author to see if I would read this book and I am so glad that I accepted! This book is set during the very early days of the world wide web and before the internet really took off.

Harriet Gershwin is a young woman who lives in Bearmouth, New England and works at a dentist's office. Pretty much just the girl next door. Her boyfriend, Roger, has just procured an expensive laptop. He has told her not to touch it but one night she just can't help her curiosity and she stumbles upon an address that he copied and then pasted into his clipboard. On the surface, it seems like an innocuous address, that is until she hears on the news that a double murder has taken place there. 

Is Roger a murderer? Even worse is he a double murderer? Harriet is confused and not sure what to think and being new in town, she doesn't really have anyone she can turn to. She ends up going downstairs to her neighbor, Claudette Soto and they begin to form a friendship. Claudette immediately throws herself into figuring out if Roger is involved with the murders. Unfortunately, all too late, they will both uncover secrets that should have stayed hidden. Can Claudette uncover who the killer really is before she herself becomes a victim?

This book is full of twists and turns, false clues and dead ends. I had no idea how this was going to end, and I literally gasped when the killer was revealed. I had so many ideas on who it might be but had completely ignored the one person that made sense. The story is well written and entertaining. If you love a good mystery, then this is the book for you.

High Tea and Low Opinions- Tea and Sympathy Mystery #8

This is the 8th book in the series but only the second one that I have read. Although they are a part of a series, I feel they can be read as a stand-alone. 

Lilly Tweed is the owner of the Agony Aunt (I'm guessing Britain's version of Dear Abby) and the tea shop in town, the Tea Emporium. She is also an amateur sleuth. She lives in Plumpton Mallet, a quaint British village in Northern England; a popular stop for tourists and bus tours given its rich historical background. 

With her friend and business partner Abigail, who runs the cafe, they are contracted by the mayor and his assistant to cater their council fundraising event. It's also an election year and the mayor has gone unopposed for years, until now. Russell Davis is running against him and unfortunately, he is also found dead at the event. However, this time Lilly is determined not to get involved with this murder. 

After several days of restless sleep, she decides that asking around and looking into things couldn't hurt. She soon uncovers a rivalry between the town officials and discovers that Russell wasn't well liked by more than a few people in and around town. Lilly, along with her boyfriend Archie and a local detective Bonnie, set out to set a trap to catch the killer. 

This is another great book in this series. So far, I have not been disappointed. The characters are endearing, the setting is perfect, and I love the world building this author has done so far. The chapters are short, and the writing is great, it all comes together in the end. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review. 

Emporium of Superstition-An Old Wives' Tale Anthology

My second choice for Short Story September, a collection of old wives' tales and superstitious stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is not one bad story. All of these authors were new to me; however, I will definitely be checking out all their works now that I have been introduced to them.

Each story is either based on an old wives' tale or a superstition (or maybe both, Im not familiar with a lot of old wives' tales). Here is a list of the stories with a short description:

Mirror Mirror- A man's wife is dying; he makes a deal to save her not knowing that he's dooming them both.

An Axe in the Storm-A story of vengeance after the death of a child. 

Oh Cruel Darkness-This story was not only really dark but incredibly sad. A woman is pursued by a demon who lusts after her.

Shes Come Undone- A woman walks over a crack and her life is turned upside down when she discovers someone impersonating her.

One Last Breath- A story about demon cats and witches.

Once Upon a Storm Drain- A young girl returns to her hometown after the death of her mother to discover long held secrets that just might kill her.

(Hair) Suit- A woman begins finding hairs all over face and no matter how much she plucks they won't go away. All too soon she discovers just why this is happening to her and she must make a difficult choice on what to do about it.

Perfection- An elderly woman discovers her doppelganger and must choose what she's going to do about her.

Stay With Me- A woman lives in a haunted house and its taking a toll on her health.

Whistle For Me- After discovering her husband is having an affair with her sister, a a woman moves into a haunted apartment and things get really strange from there.

The Seventh Crow- A 200 yr. old ghost is haunting a woman's house. A brutal death from long ago and a murder of crows protecting her home makes for a great story.

SleepWalker- A college age man is tasked with taking care of his sleepwalking father who is mourning after the disappearance of his wife. The son is hiding some pretty big secrets.

This is a fantastic collection of creepy tales. I have a few that I would say were my favorite but overall, all the stories are great. As a Bigfoot enthusiast, I am partial to (Hair)Suit. If you really enjoy these kinds of stories, you will not be disappointed with this collection. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review. 

If Only A Heart and Other Tales of Terror

My first entry into Short Story September and it opens with a bang! I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. A nice collection of eerie tales all centered around the heart. Most of the stories focus on families, the emotions and all the suffering that comes along with it. 

There wasn't one story that I did not like. Each one was well written and at times the stories were heart wrenching. The stories are short and some of them connected with another story through location. I love this blurb from the description of the book "If Only a Heart and Other Tales of Terror is a visceral collection of thirteen stories that explore what happens when we open ourselves to others and dare to let them in. There are monsters on these pages, yes, ones whose teeth cut deep, but never as deep as the teeth of the monsters in the mirror." 

If you enjoy short stories, but in particular, horror stories, then this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed with this collection, and I very much look forward to more from this author. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

Shadows That Speak

I wasn't really sure what I was getting into with this book. I would classify it as a disturbing psychological thriller.

Daniel Manly is an orphan living on the streets in 19th century London when he encounters a shadow figure he names "Father". Father guides him in his acquisition of wealth, ultimately leading to his delve into madness. Daniel is narcissistic, vain and from what I can tell, psychotic. He believes that Father is leading him to rid the world of those he has deemed inferior. 

This book is disturbing, graphic and a true horror novel. I'm not one who is easily affected by stuff like this as I love a good serial killer book complete with pictures. My issue with the book and why I only gave it three stars is it is very wordy. The chapters are long and at times the descriptions were repetitive, and I found myself skimming. Overall while I found the premise interesting it just fell flat for me. This is the first in a series of three, so maybe the other two worth my trying. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review. 

(My maiden name is Manley so of course, I had to at least give this book a chance.)