Horror Books

I and my wife are both big fans of the Vampire genre, and we both thoroughly enjoyed Queen Of Darkness by Miguel Conner. The main character, Byron, is both believeable and sympathetic. Meaning, one can relate to him on a human level, despite the fact that he's a vampire.

The world that Miguel Conner has created is both surreal and real. There's nothing hokey or silly here. One believes this world is very real while one is reading. There are shocking surprises aplenty here, including unexpected deaths. Very gritty, much like reality only "writ large." The ending left me wanting more. A sequel. Mr Conner, a sequel please! This would be an excellent movie.

NJM

Author of JEHOVAH UNMASKED and I WAS A TEENAGE JEHOVAH'S WITNESS.

This unique, science fiction-fantasy novel completely absorbs the reader. The author paints vivid, unforgettable images. Surprises lurk around every corner. Surrealism abounds. There is a mystery which gradually unfolds surrounding the life of the protagonist Byron Solsbury. From the shocking opening pages, where the reader learns that Byron is a vampire, to the epilog, there is one fantastic event after another, which, because of Conner's brilliant writing, seem plausible.

It soon becomes apparent that this is a love story and a story of heroism - a story of high principles, a desire to do what is right even when trapped in base circumstances. It is a story of searching for one's identity, and finding that there is more than one. Byron's human memory was erased by the Queen of Darkness, the epitome of evil, who led the Stargazers, as the vampires were called, to trigger the atomic destruction that rained down on the former civilization, blotting out the sun (the bane of all vampires) allowing them to rise to supremacy. Humans were branded and kept as little more than cattle waiting for slaughter to provide blood for the vampires.

The story is set in new cities built by the Stargazers after the nuclear war. Byron is a vampire with no memory (except in his dreams) of his life before as a human leader of the opposition to the Queen of Darkness. There is no dearth of action. Our hero, impelled from one crisis to another, measures up each time. He is often wounded and battered, but never surrenders.

The Queen of Darkness, although the title character, plays a lesser role than Medea, a Warm One (human), who becomes the object of Byron's affections. He took this human with him one night when he flew, as a vampire, to a distant place. The flight is one of the best scenes in the book, awakening latent desires, which I believe everyone has, to be able to fly.

This is not a book for children, but for the rest of us who enjoy imaginative writing, it is one of the best - the kind that begs for another by the same author. I am surprised it does not have a cult following. Or does it?

ummm.... im just a 8th grader , but it doesnt take much intelligence to know that this book is good. The plot , the characters , and pretty much everything of this book is great.The ending could be better and more suspensful, but overall the book is a winner. I hope there is a sequel!!!!!

Two centuries have passed since the Stargazers conquered the earth. To the victors go the spoils and the ability to rewrite history in their image. The Stragazers breed the conquered humans so that they can suck their blood as nourishment.

The MoonQueen assigns the eccentric Byron to travel to the farms to investigate any recent threats that have arisen among their food supply. However, Byron meets one of the "Warm Ones, a beautiful Shaman Appointed who heads up a new religion. The Shaman Appointed begins to convince Byron that all the Stargazers were once humans. He also learns that at one time, he was the biggest threat to the MoonQueen as the leader of the last major human revolt. Will Byron choose to travel the path of rebellious leader or remain on the path of loyalty to his queen?

THE QUEEN OF DARKNESS is a fantastic fantasy novel about a future earth that is not a good place for humans to reside. Byron is a first rate character, who Miguel Connor brilliantly and effortlessly switches back and forth between human savior and cold-blooded monster. This novel is one of the best fantasies in several years because the story line feels real, making vampires seem like another species on the planet. Great opening work by Mr. Connor, who with more novels like this one, could be the next genre superstar.

Harriet Klausner

In the movie Contact, one of the researchers commented: "Who would make the best Astronomers...(followed by a string of reasoning)?" Answer: Vampires.

The Queen of Darkness extrapolates this to the extreme. Sparked by global nuclear war, which blotted out the sun, the glorious new rulers of Earth are the Vampires -- now known as Stargazers. With this premise, I immediately could see only "camp" possibilities for a storyline, but Miguel Conner did something really wonderful and fascinating. He created a well plotted, intriguing and suspenseful novel -- filled with memorable characters of distinction -- and making a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly Recommended.

This book is a dream and even more so if you enjoy Sci-Fi and/or mythology! Also some fascinating insights into Mayan culture, real gripping stuff!

This book is a dream and even more so if you enjoy Sci-Fi and/or mythology! Also some fascinating insights into Mayan culture, real gripping stuff!

The author takes a unique and utterly fascinating aspect of Mayan mythology, combines it with 21st century scientific experimentation and a quirky, odd-ball cast of characters, and produces an exciting, horror sci-fi novel that keeps you guessing until the very last page and thinking about it long after you finish.

This is an awesome book! A combination of sci-fi and thriller. A must have for any serious fan Sci-Fi fan.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves stories featuring scifi, horror, mystery or the supernatural. The plot has something for everyone, from monsters to mythology. This futuristic story is highly imaginative, full of twists and turns, with the suspense building to a gripping climax. If you love books by Michael Crichton, you'll really enjoy this one.

I love this book. I met the author at Shelfari and she recommended that I try reading her works, and I'm glad that I did. I enjoy every page from beginning to end and looking forward to reading some more of her series. Its entertaining, and kept you thirsting for more. The characters are heart-warming and so endearing that you would fall in love with each and everyone of them. So if you're looking for a little mature anime, this one is for you. Not your usual manga type but still, a great read! ^_^

This book is, as the title of my review says...AWESOME. The story is very well rounded bringing the characters to life in a very realistic way. Sounds confusing but that's the way this reader sees it. Set in the past and in the modern day, it is enough to make you laugh, cry and, of course, root for the good/bad guy. Wanna know what I meant by that last statement? Read it! *grin*

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RI7AHCJS5QOL5

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3VRCJ32JCFXZL The Guardian Heart Crystal Art

Kyoko is an ordinary college student who has realized an extraordinary destiny. Reincarnated from the Maiden of the Guardian Heart Crystal Kyoko has been charged with the quest of finding the shards to make the Crystal whole once more. Unfortunately, evil sects of demons are also determined to own the crystal and will stop at nothing to do this. For their nefarious purpose the demons have chosen to possess Hyakuhei, former guardian of the crystal and love of Kyoko's maiden ancestor. Luckily Kyoko is not alone on her journey. Five immortal brothers have carried on the heritage of protection of the crystal and of Kyoko. As her journey has gone on Kyoko has grown to love all of the brothers, but her the passion of her heart belongs to only one, Toya. Cursed with a dark side of his own, held back only by the ceremonial daggers he carries, Toya returns her affection hundred-fold, but both are afraid to admit their feeling to the other. However, when Toya's oldest brother, Kyou, decides that he also wishes Kyoko for himself Toya is determined not to give Kyoko up without a fight. Trapped in a love triangle, Kyoko has no desire to be further cause of conflict between the two strong willed brothers. With time running out and demons closing in Kyoko makes her choice of mates. Unfortunately fate is not always kind, turning love to obsession and thrusting Kyoko from past to present believing she has betrayed the very reason for her existence.

When I first ordered this book I really wasn't sure if it was a young adult story, romance or fantasy. Now, if I were to choose a genre I would say it lands firmly in the fantasy category. I found the story to be very unique involving time/dimensional travel, demons, romance and horror in an easily read and engrossing manner. It only took me a day and a half to read this 400+ page book. There is some word and tense confusion which could have been corrected with a little extra editing, but I didn't find these mistakes to be hugely distracting from the story. It is also obvious from the language that the author enjoys both manga and romance, which I certainly appreciate since I read both of these genres avidly.

One thing I did notice is that the story kind of lands you in the middle of an already ongoing adventure. This leaves you guessing a bit at what happened in the past. I just realized that this is actually the second book of a series and think I'll have to go back and check out the first at some point.

Overall I really enjoyed this story very much. It is certainly a fantasy with an emphasis on romance which is a preference to me in the fantasy genre. I think this book works well as a stand alone story if one wanted to try this author and series.

I do not normally read mystery or horror stories. The reference to Indian legend caught my interest. The book kept me there! I got into the characters and their lives. Mr. Hargett weaves a tale while teaching the reader a little of Cherokee history and legend. This story had it all-- action, adventure,romance, mystery, horror I enjoyed it. It reminded me of The X Files! (I loved that show) so thats a good thing!I kept thinking of the story in the context of a movie- I could see the character of Steven very clearly- There was a character in the movie Predator-(Sonny Landham)a big Indian figure like "steven"--THATS who I saw when I read this story! Great Characterization!

This is an incredible book. Anyone who has an interest in Native American studies must read this one.
It is almost impossible to describe this book without giving too much away. It will test your heart and mind which makes it so special.
It not only deals with Cherokee lore but also addresses important social questions.
I must agree that this needs to become a film but any Professor should make this required reading for college classes.
I hear rumor that a second book is being considered so read this one now. It has a story line that will amaze you and spurs the same questions the Left Behind series has in many. Question what you know and what you believe you know is the backbone of this book. It is a real eye openning experience.

Man, what a surprise this book was. Ravenmocker is a book like no other I have read. It was a bit of horror, yeah, but it was mystery, history, action/adventure, even a touch of romance. The book is based on a Native American legend come back to life today and it really makes you think. I enjoyed all the Cherokee history and mountain settings (as well as Charleston) where the book is primarily set. I had no idea how the book was going to end and could not have been more surprised and I am usually good at figuring books out before the last chapter. This one I missed entirely. For a first novel it is especially good. I can't work for this writer's next work. With any luck, it will be a screen play for Ravenmocker!

Ravenmocker was a cool book. While it was horror, no doubt, it was full of the history of the Cherokee. A particular legend is the basis of the story. The combination makes it sort of hard to just "stick it in a slot" like horror. Either way, the settings were as much a part of the story as the people. I enjoyed the portions of the novel set in Charleston as well as those in the mountains. The story line was great and I think it would make a great movie actually. The ending and the prologue were a complete surprise. Well, for me anyway. Good book!

I was very pleased that I ordered this book. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Every page was written with such suspense that no matter how far you read you wanted to see where Morgan and his cousin would end up, or if they too would fall victim to the Ravenmocker. The geographical area that this book displayed was also interesting. I am from North Carolina and have visited the Mountains here several times, the story actually had places I have been through so I could almost visualize the places as the story went on. This author has done his homework and I hope to see more from him.

This is a work that in its day was seriously underrated because of what was considered its "unbalanced", "confused" structure (a mix between genre comedy with an attempt with serious historical reconstruction and Biblical criticism). But then it is actually a "premature" postmodern novel, reflecting good humouredly on the relations between truth and lie, history and legend, reality and writing. Therefore the fact that what could not be fully appreciated in the late XIXth Century, and that it should be universallt praised in the early XXIst. Century.

It is closing time at a New York Museum. Two brothers are lost in the long corridors and hallways of the big museum. They find a stair case leading to the dark subbasement. One boy pleads not to go down, but the other says that they are going. Then they go down, not knowing they will never return. This is a very good and very intense. If you are into horror and suspense, read it! It is not for the squemish, and it is very long read. It is told in such detail that you feel you are in the story. The movie and book have no compare, the book rocks, and is the best read i ever read!

Actually, I just want to correct the first on-line review about Eça's The Relic. That review or whatever that is does NOT refer to Eça's book. There must have been some kind of mistake. There are no brothers, haunted museums or anything of that sort in Eça's Relic which I, as a Portuguese enthusiastic reader and...professor of Literature, have read several times and studied/taught in College. Eça is unique, his writing equals only Saramago and Pessoa and he is the best possible approach to the Portuguese masterpieces of literature. I discovered his work when I was in my early teens and that decided my career. Please try to find a good translation of The Maias, Cousin Bazilio, The Sin of Father Amaro, The Illustrious House of Ramires or The City and the Mountain and bring them to the american public. I know some good translations by Carcanet Press in Manchester, UK. But please,correct your on-line review!

This is not, in my opinion Eça's best book. But for me everything he wrote has to be "5 stars" rated. it's a shame other books of his are not available on amazon.com. I consider Eça de Queiroz to be the best Portuguese novelist so my suggestion is that you discover his magnificence through those I consider to be his best novels: (I'll translate them but I'm not sure these are their titles) "Cousin Basílio", "The Maias", and "Cousin Basilio" (you can see this is my favourite). If you want to know about the Portuguese society of the late 18th century you'll find it all there. It's not that it had much to be proud of...

One has to be very cautious when reviewing this book, since there is much to give away about the plot and then ruin the reading for people. Teodorico Raposo becomes orphan as a child and is sent to Lisbon to live with his aunt, a terrible, unlikable and tyrannical religious fanatic who terrorizes everybody around her with her puritanism and obsessions. But she happens to be very rich and Teodorico her only relative alive. So he has to pretend ALL the time that he is just as fanatic as her aunt, while living a double life of pleasure and sin. One day, his aunt decides that before dying someone has to go to the Holy Land and get her some authentic relic of Jesus' times. And guess who she chooses to go there.
So Teodorico embarks towards Egypt and Palestine in what becomes a very funny adventure alongside his companion, the wise scholar Dr. Topsius. To go further would, as I said, risk giving away parts of the plot which are really unexpected and good. Suffice it to say that the travel includes a wonderful, colorful and vivid narration of the day when Jesus was crucified. It turned out to be a very enjoyable book by one of the best writers of the XIX century.

I have been reading her books since 'Teacher's Pet' appeared in a Scholastic Newsletter, And 'Evil On the Bayou' was printed when I was in middle-school. I have re-read every book of hers that i know about and currently have, and I enjoy them all over again each and everytime I do. I Particularly enjoyed 'The house Next door' even if i think the ending might have been forced, and wrapped up a little too quickly. It just seemed to me that there was more to it left unsaid/unwritten/perhaps even unrealized. I hope she keeps the stories coming for many more years to come.
Thanks for giving me a reason to enjoy reading when there were so many reasons to hate it growing up.

CynD.

Just as good as the first book. I thought i would die because i didn't have the third book until awhile after i finished this one. Richie is an amazing author A MUST READ

this was a perfect way for Richie to end the unseen series

you can read the last page and think you have it all figured out

but really you have no clue what thrill and horrer lies behind the cover of the last unseen book

- A Fan

I loved this book. I didnfinish it because the next one had not been yet and I knew it was going to be a cliff-hanger, and was. I recommend this boone who liked the first, or even if you didn't, chance, it's better than the first.

I bought this book months ago from Amazon UK, because I am a huge Cusick fan and it hadn't been released in America yet. My only disappointment was reading it too quickly. I should have taken my time, because after I read it, I couldn't wait for the next part. The book itself was awesome. I couldn't put it down. It was even better than the first. I really like the story line between Lucy and Matthew. Also the fact that Lucy is changing. Really interesting. Definitely a must read for any Cusick fan or any fan of the horror genre. I just received book four from Amazon UK and I can't wait to see if book five is in the works.

Very original, haven't ever read anything in a POV like that... and I like the plot :)

Fantastic Book! I enjoyed every page of it. It's a tightly, well though out and well told tale. The ending was a nice suprise too.

I should have paid more attention when I picked up this book. I thought it said "a ghost story", "not a ghost's story". This book is told from the point of view of the ghost (Frank). Frank's brother, Herbie is about to begin his senior year and he has decided to go out for two sports--football and cross-country. He is now the same age as his brother was when he died.

The premise of the book is that there are some things that must be done while yet alive. It is a book that really gets you thinking about your own life and what you are doing with it.

While there are no objectionable words, I would recommend this for readers over age 12 due to subject matter. Definately one of the better books I have read.

Author Wallace is a natural at writing exciting, realistic sports action. However, RESTLESS is about so much more than sports. It's a surprising mystery filled with real teens. The dialog is amazing! It's how real people talk. Here are three non-sports reasons you'll love this book:
1. Everyone would like to be like Herbie, the main character.
2. Everyone would want a big brother like Frank.
3. Everyone knows someone like Eamon the Ghost.
Wallace's book is honest, funny and dramatic. I can't wait for the next one.

Herbie: When Herbie is running through the graveyard, building his endurance for his heavy sports schedule, he knows almost immediately that there is a presence with him. Even when he thinks about all of this afterwards, he knows he will not be able to stay away from the graveyard and the spirit that beckons to him.

Frank: Eight years older than his brother, Frank died of cancer at seventeen. He was not ready to leave and fought hard to hang onto his body, but it finally just gave out. He misses Herbie, his parents and all the passions that he could never have. Frank needs to let Herbie know that things are finally going to be all right and that he can move on. But something else is happening in the graveyard, and even Frank can't understand who the spirit is that is reaching for him.

Eamon: Killed in a tragic accident in the late 1800s, Eamon has not found his peace. He is looking for a way out but does not know where he really is. He has found a great energy in the running boy and a possible channel to another world.

RESTLESS is one of the most original YA books to come along in recent years. While there are themes of spirituality and time travel, what lies underneath the ongoing story are the themes of love and endurance. Author Rich Wallace has done some detailed research into theories about the afterlife and expresses this information beautifully through his characters and the story line. His characters are chained together in their common theme of grief and loneliness. Frank (who has been dead for eight years) narrates most of the story, which gives it an entirely fresh perspective.

This book grabs you from the first page and won't let you go until its exciting and rewarding climax. Get ready for one of the best reads of the season!

--- Reviewed by Sally Tibbetts (stibbetts@maine207west.k12.il.us)

Each of these short stories is a page turner. The writing style was like Charlee Jacob meets Anne Rice. I can't wait for a full length novel from this author.

This collection of short stories showcases erotic horror in its full glory. From the first line, which ensnares the reader with promises of ghastly aberrance ...to the last line, which encompasses the entire book's presence in one word... 'Darker.'; Gaines Galloway introduces us to a new dimension of the licentious, which lies hidden within tales of abject psychological and physiological terror. With stories like Severed and Coming, Gaines Galloway proves that even the grotesque has a sweet, sensuous side. Young Maiden Red, offers up an erotically exciting twist to an old favorite; while Prey serves up science fiction at its best, with a side order of...man. When I was finished reading the collection, I promptly reread it again. Sweet, erotic horror at its best which left me begging the author for more...

Fans of Horror Rejoice! All lovers of greats like Stephen King and Poppy Z. Brite will love Gaines Galloway's Revenant! Challenge your mind to absorb the horrors of these delightfully disturbing tales. I love Galloway's unique writing style, it will draw you in and have you screaming for more! Galloway delivers shivers with every word, horror fans will not be disappointed. I haven't been this impressed by an author new to me, since I picked up Pet Semetary by Stephen King 14 years ago!

I just recently finished "revenant". Wow, what an amazing collection. I highly recommend this collection to anyone who is a fan of erotic horror. The stories were so amazing, what an incredible mind this writer has. I have not read a short story collection that intrigued me soo much. I very much look forward to any future releases Gaines may have on the way.

Being a huge fan of the horror genre, I am always on the look-out for new authors. I found Gaines Galloway on myspace and decided to take a chance with Revenant. WHAT AN AWESOME COLLECTION! Every story has a different feel and theme. It isn't like one of those collections where every story is the same. I couldn't put the book down because I kept wanting to read story after story after story. And get this...some of the stories actually gave me goosebumps. That doesn't happen very often. This is a great book and I recommend it to all fans of horror. If you like Stephen King, Galloway is right up your alley.

This book is easily the scariest treatise on urban legends I have ever read. Instead of analyzing these stories, the author brings them back to what they should be: hair-raising stuff that will make u stay up late at night watching your windows.

One thing that totally enhances this book are the illustrations, especially in the stories dealing with psychotic killers. The pictures do not depict violence. They are representations of what the killers in the stories such as "The Hook" and "The Licked Hand" would look like.

Trust me when I say that the illustrator's attention to detail will chill you.

Scary Stories Reader is an awesome book about the world's most scary stories,from "Urban Legend Thrillers" to the jump ending stories.Each story has its own chill.Great selections will scare you to death.Read it to find the real scares and chills!You will really love this 5 star book.

The Scary Storie Reader was great. Almost all of my classmates checked it out of the library. I was lucky because the library only has 1 copy and I managed to get a hold on it. After I started to read a few stories, I could see why everyone wanted it. It had terrifying stories! I gave this book 5 stars because it really deserves it for its thrilling horror stories and its well written chapters. I recommend you buy this book or at least check it out of the library if you haven't already. It was truly a good book.

This is, without a doubt, the scariest book for young adults. The stories are told with a creepy voice, and the pictures add to the mood. I highly recommend it!

Scary Stories Reader is an awesome book about the world's most scary stories,from "Urban Legend Thrillers" to the jump ending stories.Each story has its own chill.Great selections will scare you to death.Read it to find the real scares and chills!You will really love this 5 star book.

I like Sea Monsters Don`t Ride Motorcycles because it takes place at the beach. And I like it at the beach. And I like motorcycles too. by Will (age 7)

There are some weird grownups in Bailey City. But is the winning rider at the motorcycle races really be a sea monster? THE BAILEY SCHOOL ARE GOING TO FIND OUT!

Eddie, Melody, Howie, and Liza get to go to a motorcycle race. Eddie sees a mototrcycle called the Monster. Howie thinks there is something fishy going on. He thinks that the rider on the Monster is a sea monster. Will the Sea Monster take over Bailey City and have its revenge trying to find her sister? Will she make Eddie's grandma move in with her and die? Or will Eddie's grandma go to her own house with Eddie? If the sea monster moves away then Bailey City will be fine. This book is really good and you should read it to find out what happens in the end.

I liked when they found out about when Eddies mom joined the motorcycle race. THe book was funny and adventurous. Jeanna age 10

It was very entertaining. I always like it when they are going to solve the mystery when the weird adult leaves and they can't finish the mystery.