Horror Books

I admit it, I sort-of dreaded sitting down and reading a novel on my computer screen. Please don't let this keep you from reading this book. It's as fine as anything I've read in the past several years. The author, who is a very fine reviewer in her own right, really shows that she can spin a captivating, energetic, and above all fun story herself. There are elements of science fiction, mystery, horror, thriller, and comedy all intermixed in this thoroughly entertaining ride. The unexpected twists are worth the price of admission alone. The book itself would make a great movie, and it's got to be one of the greatest bargains available. If you have the slightest interest in science fiction or mystery, you owe it to yourself to grab this book while you still can.
I only have one question, Lisa, when is the sequel coming?

Philly is a typical P.I. type (security consultant) who has retreated far, far from mother Earth. He buys bachelor food-frozen pizza-while flirting with Gina, the cashier at the convenience store. And, at the request of his obsessed neighbor, Percy, he tries to find out who is turning some of the Hades residents into zombies. Against their will. Because plenty are willing to become zombies-after they're dead. Payment is rendered in advance and gives them a comfortable stretch before their not-so-permanent departure from this plane. But when the zombie gangs get you, you don't get paid and you get taken well before you're ready to go.

Then, when Percy gets arrested for breaking into computer files, Philly starts to dig deeper in the case, revealing the darkest side of this darker society.

Author Lisa DuMond has hit the hardboiled nerve peg on, a talent for tone that she combines with her science fiction and horror inclinations, resulting in a novel that's both fun and a real whodunit puzzle book. DuMond is wickedly, but wryly funny, yet keeps the thriller angle coming on strong.

A sci fi horror mystery with overtones of romance, Darkers crosses all the genres but remains accessible to fans of each category of fiction. This is an entertaining story that carefully details a really weird type of place, as a sort of social satire. But the story and its crime tale twists are never left behind, since DuMond vigilantly maintains her focus on the plot-as a mystery author most properly should.

This novel is an armchair-clenching ride. The author combines many of the elements of fantasy, horror, mystery and science fiction into a story that will make you shake your head in wonder, bring a smile to your lips, put a chuckle in your throat and bubble up a laugh from your belly. It's hard to imagine she can do this during a story of murder, serial killing and organ farms. But she does. Our tough-talking gumshoe, Philip Lew, is a fountain of wise-cracks, noxious asides and subtle innuendo -- and he keeps the reader distracted from the horrors he uncovers.

It only took me a few chapters to realize that the novel was an adventure, a puzzle, a snide distraction from the weather, all manner of fun which is sorely missing from many of the titles I read. Grab a copy; you won't find the novel's like anywhere.

This story is a whale of a ride on a Grand Guignol roller coaster through Addams country -- Charles Addams country, located for the purposes of this novel in an environment familiar to people who enjoyed "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Hades as a cracked mirror of modern culture is a fully realized creation of depth and complexity whose fascination is matched only by the intrinsic wry humor of its paradigm.

Phil the protagonist is a great character, a Man With A Past and a Terrible Secret in the mean streets of a surreal world that could almost be described as Kafka-esque if it wasn't for the fact that Kafka is a downer to read, and this is fun. This is great fun. You're gonna like Phil, you're gonna emphathize with his problems, you're going to be glad it's him -- and not you -- running from one end of Hades to the other in pursuit of and being pursued by the Ungodly.

A fun book, engagingly presented in a prose style perfectly matched to its subject matter, "Darkers" is a great way to spend a few hours when you need to get away from it all. This is an absolute romp. Go for it.

Philip Lew is a sharp-tongued sleuth, reminiscent of Archie Goodwin from the old Nero Wolfe detective series, plopped down into the late 21st century. A time when humans have emerged beyond the confines of Earth to colonize an enormous orbitting satellite, and beyond the constraints of ordinary life into the realm of the living dead. Hades, the satellite as cold as its namesake, is populated with cannibalistic creatures of the night; werewolves, vampires and zombies, all courtesy of modern science's new genetic "enhancement" technologies. Life on Hades for a plain old regular human like Lew is dicey at best, and that's before he becomes the target of a station-wide manhunt.

DuMond paints a terrifyingly realistic picture of life among these creatures and the grim station they inhabit. At the same time, her hero Lew is immensely human, flailing desperately to work past his emotional wounds and carve out a meaningful existence (and a meaningful relationship) in a world where the very definition of existence has changed.

Through it all, the striking images of this inverted world and Lew's funny observations at every turn make it good fun reading. From the titillating opening to the gripping conclusion, Lew's irreverent and caustic humor enlivens virtually every sentence of this fast-paced murder mystery thriller. I would have been frightened if I hadn't been laughing so hard. Don't miss this one!

This was as good as I was anticipating. I am pretty much an UDON faithful at this point, what with their outstanding Street Fighter stuff. If you are a Darkstalkers fan, you owe it to yourself to grab this one. My only complaint is that half the group is introduced, but the other half remains missing. (They are only seen in cameos in the beginning.) Of course, this just makes you beg for a Volume 2, which, as far as I know, is not on UDON's current schedule. One can hope, though.

I love Darkstalkers, and this graphic novel does the game justice. The drawings are beautiful first of all, and the story is very good. I read it quickly, its kinda short but other than that I had no problems with it at all. This is a great find for Darkstalkers fans, or even just someone who has no prior knowledge of the game series, and is just looking for an interesting fantasy read. Two Thumbs Up!!!!!

Very nicely drawn. I give it like a 4.8 because it says there will be a vol. 2 but capcom comics hasn't made a darkstalkers comic in 7 months or so. I liked it. i must buy for all capcom and comic readers.

I've been in the manga scene for a while. And although there is nothing new or differant about Darkstalkers Volume 1, it is thoroughly enjoyable from begining to end.

The artwork is very well done, the colours, consistency and style of the art just rocks. Plus all the characters are drawn very close to their original concepts.

The story line of the comic is not exactly brilliant. It's rather straight forward, but that does not mean it's not entertaining. I don't know how true the story is to the actual video game as I unfortunetly never got to play Darkstalkers.

I loved this graphic novel, and would not hesistate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading manga's that are beautifully drawn, beautifully executed and are filled with a beautiful lead female characters.

I cannot wait for the next volume.

For those who've never heard of Darkstalkers:

Based on Capcom's game series of the same name, Darkstalkers. The story goes something like this... Strange and bizarre things are happening in the world. Undead walks the earth, demons rampage the countryside, global warming is on the rise... Ok, that last part isn't part of the story. But something is causing all this strange phenomena. And this something is drawing closer to Earth. Its goal? It seeks to devour the planet. Earth's inhabitants have no knowledge of this sinister being. They are having enough troubles with the Darkstalkers already. What are Darkstalkers? Creatures with tremendous power, some malicious, some harmless, and some even nice. Scantily clad succubus, cat woman, werewolf, the undead, possessed suit of armor, you name it. They are the main characters of this lovely series called Darkstalkers.

For those that are somewhat familiar with the Darkstalkers series:

Darkstalkers vol 1, The Rise of The Dark Ones, is a collection of issues 1-6. I'm sad to say that the volume collection is missing the short (about 3-5 pages) story that deals with each character's background, and the humorous one page Darkstalkers Mini that are found in each issue. Example of the short story: Cool sword, but where did it come from? The two things that AREN'T in the normal issue (to my knowledge anyway) are the extra illustrations at the end, and a short story concerning Morrigan when she was born. If you know who Lilith is and the story behind her, then you are not missing much. It's a nice little bonus. You'll understand the main story fine even without this origin story.

IMHO, this is something that most Darkstalkers fans will enjoy. It is very silly of me to presume that every fan and none fan will enjoy this book. Story-wise, I think they did a very good job of conveying the atmosphere and character backgrounds. There are some action scenes. Only some minor characters are injured or dead. The art is very consistent, excluding the cover arts. I'm only saying this because some graphic novels have drastic art changes over the issues (Thundercats.)

Below is a list of characters that actually get story coverage. List in the order of appearances:

Pyron
Morrigan
Donovan
Bishamon
Felicia
Talbain
Victor
Demitri

B.B. Hood actually gets some coverage, but that's in the short story that the volume lacks. For those who are curious, check the last few pages of issue #6 to see her origin story.

In J. Eric Millers dark tale, "Decomposition," he takes us on a journey running to and from something, but proving rather convincingly that the ultimate destination may be somewhere in the middle.

Our unlikely heroine is a young woman who has just killed her boyfriend, although the specific circumstances surrounding the murder do not come to light until much later in the story. She is driving from New Orleans--fleeing a hurricane as well as the scene of the crime--to the lover she jilted in Seattle with Jack's body in the trunk of her car. And while Seattle may be at the end of the journey, she reaches milestones well before she ever reaches George whom she supposes is waiting for her there. She begins her story with an explanation: "What's going on now, it's a love story, kind of. And in it, I'm my own hero. If there was a dragon, it was Jack, and I had to slay him myself and escape the cave in which he kept me. In this fairy tale, George is kind of like the sleeping beauty." (p.2)

As you may infer from the title and subject matter, it is a dark story, sometimes violent and sexually explicit. But not gratuitously so, because sometimes life is just this raw, and Miller does a masterful job at presenting it intelligently and without apology.

As Jack's body decomposes, so do many of her illusions of life; specifically her relationships between her parents, George, and, of course, Jack. But these metaphors and lessons come from an honest dialogue with herself that is sometimes shocking, sometimes humorous; but always captivating for the reader.

And because she's her own hero re-writing fairy tales along this winding road, the villains are not always obvious, and happy endings are not always ensured. But she learns the important lessons albeit alarmingly and indirectly. "I don't need to thank anybody, but I say it anyway, Thank you, and I look at my own two eyes in the rearview mirror. A heat pulses through my stomach, the way I feel when I look at someone I think I love. So I love myself, that's what I've learned, that's the final epiphany I get from stopping home one last time." (p.68)

This is a short read made shorter by its easy flow and for the fact that you won't be able to put it down.

Perhaps in the end it is not a twisted modern fairy tale, but a ghost story because it will haunt you long after.

The novel draws you in and is a roller coaster ride to the last page. It reminded me of an adult Robert Cormier novel or David Lynch flick - interesting, intense, bizarre and deeply illustrative that each person's reality is a proprietary thing. How can I like the protagonist and even understand her as her mind flows from beauty to horror without any discernable difference in perspective or conscience? I guess I liked it in a way drivers slow down to watch the aftermath of an auto accident - I wanted to look away, but couldn't stop reading. It is definitely a page turner. I highly recommend it.

"Decomposition" is by far J. Eric Miller's best work yet. His "Animal Rights and Pornography" collection of short stories was only a glimpse of his truly remarkable storytelling. With "Decomposition" we see Miller at his best. The story's pace never falters as the reader is pulled into the mind of the tale's protagonist without ever wanting to look back. This was a great read! I definitely recommend this book!
CK Gauntt

Like Miller's Animal Rights and Porngoraphy, this disturbed me. The tone is not as dark as that of some of the stories in Animal Rights and Porngraphy, but the subject matter is certainly similiar (a lot of sex stuff and a little animal stuff--though this time it is an animal doing things to a corpse!) What was disturbing about it was what Miller seems to be tryign to show us about love relationships; I guess I was bothered because I bought into it. It was more satsifying in that we really have time to get to know and empathize with our main character. I also like the idea of the author being male and the book being about a female who has a dead writer named Jack in the truck of her car (makes you wonder what the J stand for in J Eric Miller). Anyway, as with the last of his works, I have trouble recommending it because it gives my mind too much pause on too many unpleasant things, and yet, I found it more than worth it. I'm sure I'll be rereading it again soon, and I don't do that with many books.

Decomposition is the truth about men and women taken to its most morbid outcome. At first, it drives the reader by sick curiousity to peer into this woman's trunk, which is holding her ex-boyfriend's corpse, and into her decomposing psyche. Decomposition draws on themes of the need to possess disguised as love or lust, and the freedom that comes from destruction. The protagonist, even in her most depraved states, is relatable and even loveable. We're taken, willingly or not, to the limits of disgusting human capability because of a shared understanding that what we want, and even need, is not always what is 'good' for us.

The Devil's Own Work is a little jewel of a novella: polished, enticing, and beautifully crafted. A modern Faustian tale narrated by the friend of a famous writer, it is at once a straightforward mystery and a moral parable on writing and success. The plot is best left a surprise; its patient unfolding is what makes the novella irresistible. Indeed, this is a remarkably effective work considering its neglect of characterisation, for which it hasn't space. Perhaps this has something to do with Judd's writing which, stylish without wasting words, is pointed, vivid and insightful.

A spare but meaningful read. Copies should be automatically sent to all newly-appointed 'literary darlings'. A must read for 'serious readers' as well. Do we settle for too little in the name of contemporary fiction

So you want to become a famous writer? One way to achieve this success is to sell your soul to the devil, a price not unheard of since Faust willingly paid that price in works by Marlowe and Goethe. Alan Judd's little novel, THE DEVIL'S OWN WORK, reworks the Faust legend with humor and a literary economy comparable to Hemingway. The novel is a mixture of strangeness and mystery; it was written as an homage to Ford Madox Ford and THE GOOD SOLDIER. This story explores the supernatural nature of creativity and the perils confronted an artist with more ambition than he perhaps has talent. It is a delightful tale that not only examines the nature of the creative act as well as the demon temptations to which an artist may be subjected, but also the vacuous literary elitism that often honors personalities above their literary merit. Alan Judd, author of a critically acclaimed biography on Ford Madox Ford, has also written four previous novels

I was lucky to find Devil's Own Work in a discount bin with Stephen King's praise, "Best novel I read this year" on it. And it was a great novella, so great I wanted to teach it in my English course. But it's out of print. There's no justice in the publishing world. This classic needs to find a reissue--fast!

Its been said that the extraordinary Jack Ritchie wrote entire novels disguised as short stories. Alan Judd seems to be able to do the same thing. This story is "fat-free", stripped of all nonessentials, a taut, high grade piece of work. At 115 pages, this book can not be confused with a door stop, nor would you want to use it as such.

The Devils Own Work is the story of a writer possessed, as told by his closest acquaintance (the author has no real friends--his work is all consuming). This Faustian allegory works as a deal with the Devil story and as a commentary on authorial integrity and control. Either way, it's and engaging little tome, and well worth your time.

just finished reading DRACUL. IT IS VERY RIVITING. I LOVE THE WAY JAMES WARDLAW DESCRIBES IN DETAIL HOW EACH PERSON IS FEELING. I LOVED THE WAY HE DESCRIBES JEFF'S DREAM IN CHAPTER 11. THE MIST FLOWED INTO THE ROOM LIKE A WATERFALL FILLING THE SPACE AROUND JESSICAS BED. THE MIST GLOWED GREEN THEN RED BOIING OVER THE TOP OF THE CANOPY. WELL YOU WILL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT MORE OF HIS DREAM. THE MORE YOU READ THE MORE YOU WANT TO KNOW. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND I AM WAITING FOR THE NEXT ONE. I HOPE HE DOES NOT TAKE TO LONG TO GET ONE ON THE BOOK STANDS. IF YOU LIKE A REAL GOOD BOOK TO READ THEN YOU WILL LOVE THIS ONE

The book was enjoyable. I couldn't put it down. I want to know when he will have another out. The handling of Jeffrey HARKER'S BIRTH WAS INOVATIVE. this is true to the Dracula tradition. Keep them coming!

This is a modern tragic tale. The scenic images, violent, and [explicit] scenes are well crafted. The ending comes at a fast intense pace leaving few able to stand or crawl away. Wardlaw leaves just enough wiggle room for many sequels and hopefully the answer to one question: Are the undead ever really dead?

Wardlaw has the great ability to bring intensity to his characters, their situation, allowing us access to their hopes and dreams. I have enjoyed reading other stories by this author. He is very able to handle anything from flash fiction, to short stories, (The Snowstorm, Neon Moon, Eating Joe, The Phone, and Don't Go Near Neally Swamp are my personal favorites), to Dracul. I am looking forward to reading his next creative endeavor.

just finished reading DRACUL. IT IS VERY RIVITING. I LOVE THE WAY JAMES WARDLAW DESCRIBES IN DETAIL HOW EACH PERSON IS FEELING. I LOVED THE WAY HE DESCRIBES JEFF'S DREAM IN CHAPTER 11. THE MIST FLOWED INTO THE ROOM LIKE A WATERFALL FILLING THE SPACE AROUND JESSICAS BED. THE MIST GLOWED GREEN THEN RED BOIING OVER THE TOP OF THE CANOPY. WELL YOU WILL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT MORE OF HIS DREAM. THE MORE YOU READ THE MORE YOU WANT TO KNOW. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND I AM WAITING FOR THE NEXT ONE. I HOPE HE DOES NOT TAKE TO LONG TO GET ONE ON THE BOOK STANDS. IF YOU LIKE A REAL GOOD BOOK TO READ THEN YOU WILL LOVE THIS ONE

Dracul-The Vampire Continues was one of the best I've read in a long time. I couldn't put it down. It captures the essence of evil that is Dracula. I am ready for another. When is a sequel scheduled out. By the Way, the publisher is Publish America.

While Shauna Michaels is an experienced traditional romance author, with dozens of books to her credit, the question remains, can she once again deliver on the promise of the paranormal romance novel? (Her earlier paranormal "Hold Onto The Night" is a five star tour de force.)

There are two important questions to ask about a paranormal romance:

(1) do the paranormal powers act to enhance the sensual romantic potential? and
(2) does the author successfully utilize these powers to enhance the lovemaking experience?

In "Dream Snatcher" the answers are absolutely YES and YES!

Shauna Michaels fully delivers on the paranormal promise.

The paranormal powers in this story are the ability of the alien Cintarians to read human minds, tap into the human life-essence, and even mind-meld with humans (to become one with the human ala the Star Trek Vulcan "mind-meld".)

In a truly spectacular sensual experience, the lovers become one in the act of joining and cease to be individuals. They become something other than themselves. They lose the lonely sense of "otherness" which alienates them from the universe. During this experience lovers not only lose themselves in another but also seem to become one with the universe. This is because there is no longer an "I" or individual "ego" to experience feelings.

This is a "heady" experience and much poetry has been written about it in an effort to re-capture or even explain the feeling. In Hemingway's "For Whom The Bell Tolls", the hero talks about the "earth moving" after his first ever such experience. The French call it a "petite mort" or a "little death" of the self.

In "Dream Snatcher", the alien hero, a Cintarian, can make sure the heroine has an "earth moving" loving experience every time because of his mind-melding powers. The heroine also has some psychic powers herself because it is thought she has some Cintarian blood as well. To this mix they add a deep abiding love. This is the ultimate use of the paranormal theme. It is also a story the reads very quickly, as the plot skillfully combines, suspense, intrigue and mystery. The lives of the heroine and heroine's sister, as well as the entire Cintarian race, are at stake. The stakes are high and the emotions run higher.

As a reader you have a choice. If you are going to read both books, I would suggest you read Dream Snatcher first, then the more primitive Amazonian tale "Hold onto the Night". If you are going to read only one book, you might want the very powerful "Hold onto the Night"; but that depends. As an adventurous woman, which would you enjoy more: a five star romantic experience with a very civilized James Bond (Dream Snatcher)or a five star wild lovemaking exchange with Conan the Barbarian (Hold onto the Night)? Of course, you can have both.

While Shauna Michaels is an experienced traditional romance author, with dozens of books to her credit, the question remains, can she once again deliver on the promise of the paranormal romance novel? (Her earlier paranormal "Hold Onto The Night" is a five star tour de force.)

There are two important questions to ask about a paranormal romance:

(1) do the paranormal powers act to enhance the sensual romantic potential? and
(2) does the author successfully utilize these powers to enhance the lovemaking experience?

In "Dream Snatcher" the answers are absolutely YES and YES!

Shauna Michaels fully delivers on the paranormal promise.

The paranormal powers in this story are the ability of the alien Cintarians to read human minds, tap into the human life-essence, and even mind-meld with humans (to become one with the human ala the Star Trek Vulcan "mind-meld".)

In a truly spectacular sensual experience, the lovers become one in the act of joining and cease to be individuals. They become something other than themselves. They lose the lonely sense of "otherness" which alienates them from the universe. During this experience lovers not only lose themselves in another but also seem to become one with the universe. This is because there is no longer an "I" or individual "ego" to experience feelings.

This is a "heady" experience and much poetry has been written about it in an effort to re-capture or even explain the feeling. In Hemingway's "For Whom The Bell Tolls", the hero talks about the "earth moving" after his first ever such experience. The French call it a "petite mort" or a "little death" of the self.

In "Dream Snatcher", the alien hero, a Cintarian, can make sure the heroine has an "earth moving" loving experience every time because of his mind-melding powers. The heroine also has some psychic powers herself because it is thought she has some Cintarian blood as well. To this mix they add a deep abiding love. This is the ultimate use of the paranormal theme. It is also a story the reads very quickly, as the plot skillfully combines, suspense, intrigue and mystery. The lives of the heroine and heroine's sister, as well as the entire Cintarian race, are at stake. The stakes are high and the emotions run higher.

As a reader you have a choice. If you are going to read both books, I would suggest you read Dream Snatcher first, then the more primitive Amazonian tale "Hold onto the Night". If you are going to read only one book, you might want the very powerful "Hold onto the Night"; but that depends. As an adventurous woman, which would you enjoy more: a five star romantic experience with a very civilized James Bond (Dream Snatcher)or a five star wild lovemaking exchange with Conan the Barbarian (Hold onto the Night)? Of course, you can have both.

Vampire Romance with a Difference - Anna denied her psychic abilities for years. Then her younger sister is found in a coma a victim of a psychic vampire. Anna now much use her powers to help catch her sisters killer. FBI Agent Ian MacGregory has a secret. He draws Anna into his investigation knowing her strong psychic powers will draw out the killer.. A killer who threatens to expose Ian and his people to the world something they can not have. Ian know he must do anything including sacrifice Anna but what he had not counted on was falling in Love.. Master story from the author Hold Onto the Night.. a keeper

While Shauna Michaels is an experienced traditional romance author, with dozens of books to her credit, the question remains, can she once again deliver on the promise of the paranormal romance novel? (Her earlier paranormal "Hold Onto The Night" is a five star tour de force.)

There are two important questions to ask about a paranormal romance:

(1) do the paranormal powers act to enhance the sensual romantic potential? and
(2) does the author successfully utilize these powers to enhance the lovemaking experience?

In "Dream Snatcher" the answers are absolutely YES and YES!

Shauna Michaels fully delivers on the paranormal promise.

The paranormal powers in this story are the ability of the alien Cintarians to read human minds, tap into the human life-essence, and even mind-meld with humans (to become one with the human ala the Star Trek Vulcan "mind-meld".)

In a truly spectacular sensual experience, the lovers become one in the act of joining and cease to be individuals. They become something other than themselves. They lose the lonely sense of "otherness" which alienates them from the universe. During this experience lovers not only lose themselves in another but also seem to become one with the universe. This is because there is no longer an "I" or individual "ego" to experience feelings.

This is a "heady" experience and much poetry has been written about it in an effort to re-capture or even explain the feeling. In Hemingway's "For Whom The Bell Tolls", the hero talks about the "earth moving" after his first ever such experience. The French call it a "petite mort" or a "little death" of the self.

In "Dream Snatcher", the alien hero, a Cintarian, can make sure the heroine has an "earth moving" loving experience every time because of his mind-melding powers. The heroine also has some psychic powers herself because it is thought she has some Cintarian blood as well. To this mix they add a deep abiding love. This is the ultimate use of the paranormal theme. It is also a story the reads very quickly, as the plot skillfully combines, suspense, intrigue and mystery. The lives of the heroine and heroine's sister, as well as the entire Cintarian race, are at stake. The stakes are high and the emotions run higher.

As a reader you have a choice. If you are going to read both books, I would suggest you read Dream Snatcher first, then the more primitive Amazonian tale "Hold onto the Night". If you are going to read only one book, you might want the very powerful "Hold onto the Night"; but that depends. As an adventurous woman, which would you enjoy more: a five star romantic experience with a very civilized James Bond (Dream Snatcher)or a five star wild lovemaking exchange with Conan the Barbarian (Hold onto the Night)? Of course, you can have both.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Anna Stanfield is a young woman with incredible psychic abilities. She has refused to use them for years, ever since an incident as a young child, which made her swear to never use her ability again. Her younger sister also has strong abilities, though not as powerful as Anna's. When her sister is stalked and put into a coma after an attack by a psychic vampire, Anna is left to pick up the pieces and solve the mystery.

Ian McGregory is an FBI agent who has been tracking the killer for many years. He has reason to believe the man who attacked Anna's sister is the same person who has attacked women in other cities over the years. His stake in this case is personal... he has ties to the villain he does not want exposed to the world, for it would reveal secrets best left alone.

Ian and Anna need each other. He needs her to use her abilities to see what she can find out about the psychic vampire and to draw him out of hiding. She needs Ian to solve the mystery of who attacked her sister and to stop him from killing more people.

Through the investigation, Anna and Ian become drawn to each other, unable to resist the allure of their mutual attraction. Ian starts to realize he cannot use Anna as a pawn to keep his secret safe and find the attacker. He finds himself wanting to confide in her; even at the risk his secret will push her away forever. Can they overcome the odds to solve the mystery and find love with one another?

This book by Shauna Michaels was a winner. It keeps the reader enthralled from the very first chapter and doesn't let up until the end. There are a few unique twists, which come as a surprise when the mystery is solved and the villain's destiny revealed. There is also a touch of sci-fi as well, in Ian's secret he doesn't want revealed.

Ian and Anna work well together, in and out of the bedroom, matching wits and each having strengths where the other is weak. The complement each other well, and their love is strong, leaving no doubt in the reader's mind that they will have their "Happy-ever-after."

This book was the reviewer's first one by the author, but it certainly won't be the last. If one is looking for adventure, mystery, and romance, with paranormal elements as well, this is the book to read. It is certain not to disappoint.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2003. All rights reserved.

This book is certainly one of the most unusual I've ever read. Step by step an intriguing and compelling story unfolds itself until in the end the line between reality and the inexplicable vanishes. The reader has to be prepared to let go and to get involved in a story about love and insanity, murder and justice, the shadows of the past and, finally, hope. The rich and inventive language of the author makes this read a real treat and I can only highly recommend this novel to everybody who enjoys to read a book that demands something from the reader as well as offers a few hours of excitement. I truly hope that this wasn't the last novel by Matt Spencer!

This is a wonderful tale that is totally unpredictable. Every time I thought I knew were the story was headed, the story went in another direction. It is a complex tale with an ending that left me wanting to know still more about the story. An excellent read that I highly recommend to anyone who is look for a different type of tale.

This is not for the faint-hearted or those with a weak stomach. This is psychological, terrible stuff, about demons within and demons without. It is about coming to terms with your own darkness; about magic, horror and love. It is scary, original and deeply touching. Even if this book wasn't the fascinating story it is, it would be a pure joy to read something by a writer who uses the English language like Mr. Spencer does. He writes cleverly and inventive, and every description paints vivid images in my head.

This book's strongest point is the totally weird ideas the author is constantly throwing at you, and the unique language he uses to express them. You trully feel as though you've been taken to another world, even though the events take place in "real life." The images and characters from "The Drifting Soul" will stay with you long after the final page has been turned, and you'll be left waiting for the next instalment, for surely Mr. Spencer has more plans for Angela Wrecker, and the wicked new world she's just stepped into!

I was recommended this book by a friend, who knew I liked horror novels, and that I was in the market for something different than the usual horror fare, ala King, Barker, Rice, etc. This book is written very much like a play-by-play description of a very strange dream, which starts out as very surreal and kind of romantic, then bit by bit, turns into a nightmare. Or to be more accurate, there are two stories going on, one that seems to be in the "waking world," and another that feels more like a dream, where most of the true horror plays out. The last 50 or 60 pages contain some of the most vivid, disturbing material I have ever read dealing with the supernatural. For a while, I was wondering where the parallel story was going, but by the end, the author manages to tie everything together nicely. If you are looking for a gruesome, imaginative story with memorable characters, this is for you.

This is by far a must-own collection for the Tales from the Crypt fans.
It features original comic books from 50s and 60s.

I was too young for the originals, but the reprints in the late-80s/early-90s were amazing.

The only issue I have is that the ink is sooo freakin' glossy that you get glare from overhead lighting.

Johnny Craig is the best artist!

There is an overuse of exclamation points in the writing, which can be irritating but the drawing is top notch and it's worthwhile to purchase for the fan of the old comics. Graham Ingels' work is the best of all.

The story of EC Comics really is one of the most intriguing in the lore of comic history. EC's founder, Max Gaines is really the father of the modern comic, having been the first one to devise the idea of printing newspaper comic strip re-prints into a magazine format. Gaines was also co-publisher of All-American Comics, the sister company to National Periodical Publications, AKA DC Comics, which published titles such as All Star Comics, Green Lantern, and The Flash. Gaines was bought out by his partner and eventually formed EC Comics, which then stood for Educational Comics but later would change to Entertaining Comics.

Gaines was killed in a boating accident, leaving his son William Gaines to reluctantly take over the company. Gaines soon changed the focus of the company and began to concentrate on publishing titles with horror, Sci-Fi, war, and suspense themes. Thus, Gaines created a legend. EC had perhaps the finest stable of artists ever assembled in one company that included Al Feldstein and Harvey Kurtzman who also wrote and edited most of the titles, along with other greats such as Johnny Craig, Graham Ingels, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, Al Williamson, Bernie Krigstein, George & Marie Severin, Reed Crandall, Basil Wolverton, Joe Orlando, and Frank Frazetta.

EC's horror comics were well ahead of their time and were really the pre-cursor of magazines like Creepy & Eerie. The stories in Tales from the Crypt, Haunt of Fear, and Vault of Horror were often quite gruesome and gory. Because of this, EC became the prime target of Psychiatrist Dr. Fredric Wertham who, in 1954 published Seduction of the Innocent, a book that blamed the violence and horror in comic books for juvenile crime and delinquency. A Congressional investigation resulted in the formation of the Comics Code Authority to censor comic books. Books had to be submitted and receive the stamp of approval and subjects like zombies & vampires were prohibited. While the CCA had no legal authority, most magazine distributors would not carry a comic if it did not have the code stamp. EC was forced to cancel their horror titles and shift it's focus to dramatic titles like "MD" and "Extra!", as well as the humor title Mad which was later changed to magazine format.

Much like it's Crypt Keeper, EC would not stay dead, thanks in large part to zealous fans and the efforts of Russ Cochran and Gemstone publishing that began re-printing the EC Comics in various formats in the 70's with the Complete EC Library, and then actual comics in the 80's and 90's. Among the latest projects are the EC Archives which collects several issues of the original EC comics into gorgeous hardcover editions.


Tales from the Crypt may seem tame by today's standards where blood and gore oozes off the pages, but when these stories were originally published back in the early 1950's, they were well ahead of their time in terms of their subject matter and artwork. While most comic art of the 50's was bland, mass produced house art, EC gave its artists unrivaled creative freedom. It's the reason why those issues are so highly sought after by collectors today.

The stories in Tales From the Crypt rarely deviated from the formula...they almost always ended with a shocking, ironic twist with a character getting their just desserts. Even when following this pattern, the gifted talent always kept things fresh and innovative. Inside these 212 pages you'll find stories featuring werewolves, mad scientists, zombies, animated limbs, ghosts, raving madmen (and women) and a host of other terrors. One of the most ghoulish tales is Johnny Craig's "Midnight Snack" in which a sleep walking man discovers he's been digging up bodies and eating them. This was pretty intense stuff for 1951. This book features the talents of legends Wally Wood, Graham Ingels, Johnny Craig, Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, and colorist Marie Severin.


These editions feature re-mastered color and also include special features such as an interview with Nancy Gaines, the widow of EC Comics founder Bill Gaines. The book lists for $50 but you can definitely find it online much cheaper making it well worth the price. If you've never read EC Comics before it's an experience you must have!

REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

I just can't get over how nice these EC Archives are. Printed on high quality paper and done with superb color. These books are a great way to get the old EC comics with out going broke. I can't wait for Gemstone to print the rest. A+ 10 out of 10!

This book is a perfect idea for a movie. Its was a new concept in this boring world. J. Bruno is definitely the new up and coming. I highly recommend reading it.

I tried to put this book down. I tried really hard to study for finals, but it didnt work. I finished this book in a day and a half. It's a great story, with colorful and interesting characters, and a plot line that will grab you and never let go.

This was an awesome book. It kept you captivated from the very beginning. Author kept a high intensity level throughout the whole book keeping you guessing the entire time.

Engrossing from the first page. What a concept, I can't wait for the movie.

Kept me guessing the whole time. Loved the ending. Hope someday J. Bruno writes a second book about about Euthanasia Island.

Leever has definitely arrived with 'Even In Darkness"! I couldn't put it down...if you enjoy suspense-filled novels, this one belongs in your collection!

This is a very intense read. The book grabs you and doesn't let go. I simply wasn't ready for the twist at the end, but whoa! Jay's (the main character's) a guy whose feelings I could really relate to. He's definately a man with "balls."

I really enjoyed this book. The suspense is right up there with the stuff on the bestseller list. I will read anything else this author comes out with.

For the person who doesn't read often (like me), this is the kind of book that keeps you engaged and needing to read on to the next section. The pacing is excellent, and the backdrop of the story--a university campus that takes on more and more of a menacing feeling as the book progresses--is excellently done and unsettling at the same time.

I particularly liked the character of Breeze, and what happens with Kristin near the end of the book. The scenes in the tunnel system underneath the campus with Kristin being pursued in the dark by two bloodthirsty thugs were enough to give one nightmares, but it was great suspense.

Overall, a great read.

Jeffrey Aran Leever is a publications manager for a nonprofit organization in Colorado. An English/writing major from the University of Nebraska (Kearney), he presently lives in Arvada, Colorado. He has co-authored two published non-fiction books.

Colleges often have immense power with the locals of the communities they serve...power which can be turned for dark purposes. When Jay Downing's friend Reed Manley doesn't appear for a preappointed "night on the town," and some strange girl tries to lure Jay into the University's long unused underground tunnels, Jay begins to fear for his friend's life. The police treat Jay as if he is on drugs, and when Reed's body appears outside of town, even the coroner seems to be in on the coverup. But it is the professors at Jay's school in Stratton who act the most bizarre:

"Jay looked again at his professor, and wondered what the man knew. What pieces of the truth he held. It was as if Lanum was trying to hold back something, and yet share it at the same time. As if there'd been something Jay had done that gave Lanum reason for contempt. It had to have been something independent of their never-quite-so-serious interactions in class. But what?"

The idea that a university setting could be used for nefarious purposes, and that professors (who, after all, are supposed to represent the creme de la creme) could be arch-fiends stirs up a shiver of recognition in all of us. (Who hasn't dreamt about not attending class and not knowing where their final was?)

Even In Darkness is a well written, spine-tingling, Gothic, Steven Kingish novel that grips the reader from page one. Leever's use of uncertainty in speech, action, and tone puts the reader into a nervous state from the beginning. It is an excellent tool to produce the results he wants, which is to scare us to death and keep us turning those pages. Even In Darkness is an great first effort in the genre for Leever, and presents him as a new talent to be reckoned with. It is entertaining, scary, infuriating, and deeply satisfying, all at once. A great read.

...

This book is a thriller from start to finish. Word to the wise; don't read this book before you go to bed at night, you may not be able to get to sleep.