Horror Books

It's one of the best books I've ever read...actually THE BEST one yet!!!I simply love this book as soon as I started reading I couldn't just wouldn't put it down!When I finished it I wished that Sam Siciliano would make a sequel to this book!WOW!!!This book is so brilliant.La Contessa di Rospo is my favorite character.In the end I cried 'cause it had a dramatic ending yes but I will not tell if it was happy or sad you'll have to read it to find out.(hehehe)But if Sam Siciliano did make a sequel do tell me please do tell and if he will and does tell me.P>Thanx

this is such a great book that when i started reading it i was so interested at what would happen that i simply couldn't put it down! i would recommend this book to anyone and... i already have! The ending is wonderful it ends soooo....well i don't want to tell you but...you have to read it to find out. he he he!

I was impressed with this book set in the 1800s. Probably one of the best vampire novels I have read set in the late 1800s. The book was very detailed without making you fall asleep. It was also very romantic and I loved the mood of the story.

I definitely would suggest reading this book.

This vampire tale in particular is different from the others you would read from Anne Rice. It focuses on what love really is and how one can change in such a long period of time. The relationship between Andrew and Contessa is real and not one of those superficial tales you would see in a teen drama. It's probably one of the most gothic tales I've read in a long time and goes into deep description when it comes down to the time of era.

Lately I hadn't read any good vampire novels until i came across this one in particuliar. It was well detailed and plotted out. Not just a saffy romance but also a turned series. Once I started reading I couldn't possibly stop. Sam Siciliano has just earned herself a new fan.

Darkness Won't Rest is a great short story. It's exciting, thrilling, chilling, and entertaining. McGee's writing style is clear and concise, and the editing is nearly flawless.

This story is definitely worth a read!

An excellent follow-up to Phil's Place. I was able to feel a certain closeness to the characters. The story grips and doesn't let go. And the ending has me in a tizzy. Bravo! Bring on the third installment.

Joseph McGee's prose only gets better and surpasses his own first installment. This sequel to Phil's Place continues the story. Sean MacLeod cannot forget the horror that he witnessed in the abandoned cabin the year before. He has become obsessed with finding answers. So the reader joins him on his journey back into the disturbing cabin, to seek those answers.
What transpires is an intensely written journey, that is taunt, and twisted. Residing on the darker side of just plain creepy. Vivid descriptions help frighten and terrorize the reader, because you can easily visualize the place, the rooms, the setting in general, and all of the unimaginable things that happen along the way. Some questions are best left alone. Horrifying and creepy. Terrifying and suspenseful. I look forward to the third installment Phil's Place saga.
Highly Recommended, by Matthew Alan Pierce, Author of: The Dark Curse of Whispers

It had been almost one year since that fateful night. Sean was still haunted by what he witnessed in the strange cabin last January. The cabin was a living breathing thing to him, it called to him. Beckoning him to come back inside the gates of Hell.

Sean let his curiosity get the better of him. He went back in search of the cabin to find out what really happened there. The cabin stared at him with cold knowing eyes. When he crossed the threshold rooms appeared and the house began to expand. Something was very wrong, but Sean had to put this cabin and souls to rest. Upon exploring the hallway into Hell, he heard the chains and moaning. He knew something was here waiting for him.

A little girl around the age of twelve stood immobile in a room full of dozens of candles. She informed Sean he was not the one to make things right. It would be in a little over 24 years when his son Jonathan would put everything to rest including Sean.

Phil, Sean's brother found the note lying on the bar informing him of Sean's intentions involving the cabin. Phil immediately went in search of his brother knowing he may not make it out alive this time. When Phil neared where the cabin should be, there was nothing.

Joseph McGee's second short story in the set, Darkness Won't Rest: Phil's Place II, is just as chilling as the first. Mr. McGee continues to capture the reader's attention with skillful detail and mysteriously eerie events. I look forward to having the hairs on my arms stand up when the next story in the series is introduced. 5 Hearts

Joseph McGee's sequel to Phil's Place showed to be a very exciting one, though it starts of slow at first, it picks right up to a fast-pace get out while you still can supernatural-horror story.
Fans of early-Koontz and Richard Laymon would be happy with this one!

London, England, is known around the world for its historical sites and tourist attractions, as well as for its thriving metropolitan atmosphere. However, London is also notoriously known for its dark past. One may wonder how a place can change so much, especially since the Victorian Age. Yet the past and present still seem to co-exist.

For Jonathan Starling, London is a place that never ceases to interest him. Despite having lived in the capital for most of his life, the 14-year-old finds its atmosphere to be an escape from his troubled school and home life. Jonathan is often in trouble for truancy and lives with his father Alain, a quiet intellectual. They get along well, despite not having much of a relationship. When Alain isn't locked away in his study --- a place that Jonathan has never been allowed in --- he is often in the hospital, gradually recovering from what he refers to as a "darkening." As a result, Jonathan has become self-reliant over the years and tries to care for his father as much as possible. Their neighbor, Mrs. Elwood, provides them support, since Jonathan's mother disappeared years ago. Alain refuses to talk about her, much to Jonathan's frustration.

When Jonathan's father ends up in the hospital again, Jonathan can't help but feel unnerved by the other patients' behavior, even though he has visited the hospital's mental ward many times before. They're afraid, and the atmosphere couldn't be more ominous. Although Jonathan has a strange feeling that something isn't right, he shrugs it off. However, when an apparent burglar breaks into the Starlings' house that night, and deep scratches appear on the door of his father's study, Jonathan begins to think that there is something more here than meets the eye.

His suspicions are strengthened when, the next day upon entering his father's study, he discovers a never-before-seen photograph of his parents and a reference to a book called THE DARKEST DESCENT. Why would anyone want to break into his father's private study, and what secrets has his father been keeping from him?

Jonathan goes to the British Library to check out the rare book and finds a possible link to his father's "darkenings" --- a place called Darkside. Before he can make sense of this surprising discovery, he is befriended by a strange, charismatic woman with fluorescent hair and sweet-smelling perfume named Marianne. When Marianne and her two associates, Humble (a mute giant) and Skeet (a creepy, little bald man), attempt to kidnap him, Jonathan realizes that he must turn to his father for answers.

As Alain goes in and out of an apparent stupor, he acknowledges Darkside and manages to make reference to "Carnegie," who, a dismayed Mrs. Elwood explains, is an old friend of Alain living in Darkside and can protect Jonathan. Jonathan must find Carnegie, even as the danger becomes alarmingly too close for comfort.

When Jonathan manages to cross over to Darkside, it appears as though he has gone back in time, where factories filled the air with choking, black soot, and dangerous thieves could be around every corner. The boy tracks down Carnegie, but the introduction isn't exactly what he hoped for when he learns that the private detective is a werewolf --- and narrowly avoids becoming his next meal!

Jonathan learns from the "wereman" about the origins of Darkside --- an alternate version of London founded during the Victorian Age and currently ruled by the descendents of Jack the Ripper --- but he also discovers a potential clue to his past and that, while all the residents come from "bad blood," some are more dangerous than others. It seems as though everyone is after Jonathan, and he must keep his wits about him as he begins to uncover his father's secrets.

Debut novelist Tom Becker transports readers to the thrilling, often creepy (and at times grisly) Darkside in this first book of a new series that fans of horror, adventure and Victorian history will enjoy. Without a doubt, they will look forward to the release of its sequel, LIFEBLOOD.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

London, England, is known around the world for its historical sites and tourist attractions, as well as for its thriving metropolitan atmosphere. However, London is also notoriously known for its dark past. One may wonder how a place can change so much, especially since the Victorian Age. Yet the past and present still seem to co-exist.

For Jonathan Starling, London is a place that never ceases to interest him. Despite having lived in the capital for most of his life, the 14-year-old finds its atmosphere to be an escape from his troubled school and home life. Jonathan is often in trouble for truancy and lives with his father Alain, a quiet intellectual. They get along well, despite not having much of a relationship. When Alain isn't locked away in his study --- a place that Jonathan has never been allowed in --- he is often in the hospital, gradually recovering from what he refers to as a "darkening." As a result, Jonathan has become self-reliant over the years and tries to care for his father as much as possible. Their neighbor, Mrs. Elwood, provides them support, since Jonathan's mother disappeared years ago. Alain refuses to talk about her, much to Jonathan's frustration.

When Jonathan's father ends up in the hospital again, Jonathan can't help but feel unnerved by the other patients' behavior, even though he has visited the hospital's mental ward many times before. They're afraid, and the atmosphere couldn't be more ominous. Although Jonathan has a strange feeling that something isn't right, he shrugs it off. However, when an apparent burglar breaks into the Starlings' house that night, and deep scratches appear on the door of his father's study, Jonathan begins to think that there is something more here than meets the eye.

His suspicions are strengthened when, the next day upon entering his father's study, he discovers a never-before-seen photograph of his parents and a reference to a book called THE DARKEST DESCENT. Why would anyone want to break into his father's private study, and what secrets has his father been keeping from him?

Jonathan goes to the British Library to check out the rare book and finds a possible link to his father's "darkenings" --- a place called Darkside. Before he can make sense of this surprising discovery, he is befriended by a strange, charismatic woman with fluorescent hair and sweet-smelling perfume named Marianne. When Marianne and her two associates, Humble (a mute giant) and Skeet (a creepy, little bald man), attempt to kidnap him, Jonathan realizes that he must turn to his father for answers.

As Alain goes in and out of an apparent stupor, he acknowledges Darkside and manages to make reference to "Carnegie," who, a dismayed Mrs. Elwood explains, is an old friend of Alain living in Darkside and can protect Jonathan. Jonathan must find Carnegie, even as the danger becomes alarmingly too close for comfort.

When Jonathan manages to cross over to Darkside, it appears as though he has gone back in time, where factories filled the air with choking, black soot, and dangerous thieves could be around every corner. The boy tracks down Carnegie, but the introduction isn't exactly what he hoped for when he learns that the private detective is a werewolf --- and narrowly avoids becoming his next meal!

Jonathan learns from the "wereman" about the origins of Darkside --- an alternate version of London founded during the Victorian Age and currently ruled by the descendents of Jack the Ripper --- but he also discovers a potential clue to his past and that, while all the residents come from "bad blood," some are more dangerous than others. It seems as though everyone is after Jonathan, and he must keep his wits about him as he begins to uncover his father's secrets.

Debut novelist Tom Becker transports readers to the thrilling, often creepy (and at times grisly) Darkside in this first book of a new series that fans of horror, adventure and Victorian history will enjoy. Without a doubt, they will look forward to the release of its sequel, LIFEBLOOD.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

I LOVE this book. I stayed up half the night to finish it....the story is well written. It made me feel like I was in Darkside, running through the alleys with the "wereman" and the boys. I read a lot of Young Adult books so I can recommend books to the kids and teens who come to our Library (yes, I do work in a Library.)and I must say Tom Becker will be an author I will suggest. Especially to fans of the Twightlight series by Stephanie Meyer and The Great and terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray. The Darkside books are a little "darker" but in a great, exciting way. I ordered the other 2 in the series and cannot wait for them to arrive! Spinetingling fun!

I enjoyed this book very much. Reminded me of Cirque du Freak. From the first page I was hooked. It's very much a page turner. I love the twist of vampires and werewolves in it. The mystery to it is just right, it keeps you wanting more. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

Picture a windy dark night. The rain is hammering against the house. The lights are flickering from the wind pounding the power lines. The rest of the house is asleep. The clock slowly inches towards 2:00am.

Does that catch your attention? Well, I had to set the mood for how I found myself last night with the horrible weather and DARKSIDE in my hands. I had spent the better part of the day in bed with a migraine. So, finally feeling better, the rest of the family was asleep, and I was wide awake. And in more ways than one.

DARKSIDE had my pulse racing from page one, and with the weather conditions going on outside, I wasn't sure if I should keep reading or put the book down and wait until the sun came out the next day. But I was already wrapped up in the developing story of Jonathan Starling and his journey to Darkside.

Jonathan is fourteen, a loner, and can pretty much do as he pleases. His father is often hospitalized for what he calls "the darkening," leaving Jonathan to fend for himself. After his father's latest hospital admission, Jonathan and their neighbor, Mrs. Elwood, venture off to find Carnegie.

Jonathan has never heard of this Mr. Carnegie before, and Mrs. Elwood is evasive. Driving toward the Thames River, Mrs. Elwood's car is attacked. The passenger door is literally ripped off the side of the car. Mrs. Elwood tells Jonathan to run, and the heart-pounding adventure begins.

Jonathan has investigated his father's study (which he has usually found locked) and discovered references to this Darkside. His father has never mentioned it before, and Jonathan can only surmise it is the reason behind his dad's illness. Following hints he's uncovered, he is able to find his way to Darkside and to the well known Mr. Carnegie.

Darkside is the opposite of Lightside, or the world as we know it. Darkside is the meanest, vilest parts of London. Inhabited by the likes of weremen, vampires, and the progeny of Jack the Ripper, Jonathan is forced to survive if he has any hope of helping his dad recover from his latest hospital admission.

Mr. Becker has written a fast-paced, page-turning adventure. I am not usually a fan of the fantasy genre, but I was pulled into the action of the book from the first page. The story is a bit graphic in the descriptions of Darkside, so the younger reader should be warned. But the book was quite thrilling and the ending has been left open for more adventures featuring Jonathan and Carnegie.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

That may sound like a very profound statement, but I am dead serious when I say it. Maybe even the best novel in the last 10 years. Nothing comes to mind that tops it. King's Bag of Bones is up there. Laymon's Traveling Vampire Show as well. But those 2 aren't debuts. This one is! Usally, books with this much hype don't pan out to be much. Overhyping and all that goes with it. I've been a fan of Oliveri's for several years and now I'm one for life. I love his short stories. I went into this book a bit skeptical and came out astonished and marveled and its greatness. I also came away baffled. Not by the book's content mind you, but why they haven't reprinted this instant classic. It's beyond my logic. This book is damn good. It's also damn rare. Let's see you try to find one. If you search for awhile you'll probably be able to track down a ex-library copy for about $40.00 or so. The versions that were printed, I believe, are a limited HC, a trade HC, and a trade paperback. There was also like 2 or 3 copies of an ultra rare publisher's edition copy. The limited was a 300 copy print run and the trade HC I'm not sure, though most trade HC's ended up in libraries. The paperback's must have been rare as well. I haven't seen one of those in ages. I own the limited edition, which as you would expect is signed by Oliveri. Some of the trade HC's I've seen have been signed. All versions, from what I've heard, have a bunch of typos. This is the case with my copy, but it doesn't really affect the overall reading experience, because once you get in the Oliveri ride it goes full speed till the end and what a ride it is. I read somewhere, might of been Oliveri's website(mikeoliveri.com), where Mike would like to get this one back in print in a cleaned up version. This novel won the Bram Stoker award for best first novel in 2001 and I can see clearly why. I won't tell you what it's about and ruin anything in this amazing novel other than a man being stranded in a mountainside town full of women cut off from the outside world. Sounds like some place I'd like to find and be or so I thought until I read this amazing novel. You know what baffles me most of all? WHY DOESN'T MIKE HAVE MORE NOVELS IN PRINT??? THIS IS IT FOLKS. HIS ONLY NOVEL. WAKE UP PUBLISHERS!!! WHERE'S AN OLIVERI SHORT STORY COLLECTION AT AS WELL PUBLISHERS??? SIGN MIKE TO A 3 OR 4 BOOK DEAL AT LEAST. HE'S UP THERE WITH LAYMON AND LEE AND KING AND HE'S ONLY BEGUN! Another profound statement. You better believe it. Were Laymon, Lee, or King's first novels this good? Hell no! If publisher's will grab this guy he'll be the next big enchilada and you can quote me. Such originality. Masterful! Peeps, if you can track down a copy of this, buy it that second. Put your life savings on it. Do whatever. Even get a temporary job if you have to. If you're lazy and you can't afford it, steal it. If you don't want to risk prison sentence for stealing, ask Mike nicely and he might lone you a copy or sell you one. Then again, he tell you to get your own copy. That's what I'd do. It's that good. Bravo Mike! You deserve much acclaim for Deadliest of the Species. Like Mike's buddy Mr. Keene, he's going places. Big places! Track this one down and guard it with your life, because sometime in the near future everyone else is going to want it too. Then you can tell them what Mike told you. Get your own!

Oliveri is, quite simply, one of the most talented authors to spring forth from this much heralded "new wave" of horror. This is grim, brutal, and emotionally wrenching stuff. Highly recommend it!

Just wanted to let everyone know that Mike Oliveri's DEADLIEST OF THE SPECIES won the 2001 Bram Stoker award in the First Novel category. Check out the book, it's a great read from a rising talent.

Deadliest of the Species was a pleasant surprise, a first novel that did not read like a first novel. Deadliest is not your typical male vs. female novel. It dug deeper, to deal with faith and belief, without being preachy or boring.

I found that Deadliest of the Species kept up a good pace throughout the novel and it was difficult to put it down without wanting to pick it right back up and see what happened next. I've been a fan of Oliveri's short stories for quite a while now, and it was nice to see that his novel did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to more like this in the future!

Michael Oliveri's debut novel is more than just great entertainment, and it's more than just the winner of the prestigious Bram Stoker Award from the Horror Writers Association (First Novel category for 2001).

In part, it's a study of socio-economic and gender subjugation--of what happens when an entire class of people is forced into the servitude of another, denied its basic civil liberties, and cowed into performing the most demeaning acts imaginable to ensure its survival.

Sound familiar? A member of the National Organization for Women will read this book and say, "That's me." A member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will read this book and say, "That's me."

But this isn't a novel about subjugated women or subjugated African-Americans. The genius in this story is in how it turns the tables: the raped gender is men--white men. And the dominant class is women.

Anyway, that's one thing I got out of this book, and my point is that there's something in here for everyone. While horror lovers will admire it for all of its perfectly executed trappings of the genre, mainstream audiences will also have much to appreciate. Written by a new master of the craft of story telling, DEADLIEST OF THE SPECIES is a modern parable: a commentary on gender warfare, class warfare, the value of religion, and the importance of hope and loyalty in the face of deadly crisis.

this book is amazing!! Mr. Bellow is my teacher in Long Island, NY and he is the greatest teacher ever!! His book is one of the best i have read ever.

This book was incredible. Don't be fooled it is not based on or about that crappy movie. This book was great. I saw it online on some website about up and coming books / authors - oh man was this cool. A short book, but worth it. The writing is superb with a story that really gets under your skin. A great summer read - Derailed!

I am not in the habit of writing reviews for things I like, but this book was different. I work in New York City and saw someone reading this book on the subway riding home from work. Being curious, I asked the guy about it and he talked about the book for the next three stops. I ordered the book from Amazon and when I read it the night it arrived. I can't tell you stongly enough how great this book is. It has action, suspense, and a creepy ending that left me breathless. I hope that this gets turned into a movie or something - it is really an awesome story... check it out!

This book was great. I loved Derailed so much that I actually read it twice to go back and catch all the little hints which lead up to the big ending. The writing is really pretty. That may sound odd for a book that makes more than one reference a dead baby, but the language the author uses is really captivating and vivid. I just finished the Da Vinci code, and I must say that although this is a different style, this book was throughly entertaining and engaging. You all should read it - you won't be disappointed!

This book was really great! It is suspenseful, creepy, entertaining, and really enjoyable. I loved it and totally recommend it!

Full of death, magic, and romance, Robert Weinberg made a masterpeice when he wrote this novel. I kept finding myself caught up in this book, having to force myself to put it down. Mr. Weinberg must have done his research when he wrote this book, there is just enough fact to make the fiction seem almost real. And with a twist ending, this book keeps you guessing to the very last sentence.

Weinbergs "The Devils Auction" is one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read. Excellent, logical and breath taking adventure. The idea of Auction itself is very interesting, not to mention the Devils one (Witches and Warlocks included). I even like the cover. Go for it.

I read this book while on a ship during Desert Storm. I could not put this book down. I read the whole thing in 18 hours, and it was not that I was not going anywhere either. The outcome is not what you expected.

Every generation, a dread auction is held at a secret place that only those especially invited may reach. It is always held by the same man, simply known as Ashmedai. For centuries, countless witches and warlocks have vied in vicious bidding wars with one another to attain the auction's mysterious prize. No one knows what this prize is, only that it contains immeasurable power and thus is worthy of bloody contention. Rumors whisper of unfathomable danger and death and a fate worse than death - that, of those who choose to participate in this auction, no one ever ever returns...

Valerie Lancaster goes looking for help from history professor Alex Warner, who was a friend much held in esteem by her father. Valerie's father was recently murdered and the daughter wants certain questions answered and seeks a redressing. But things get even more muddled. Jake Lancaster, Valerie's dad, was a capable true mage and was brutally slain in order to obtain an object he had received - an Invitation to a legendary auction, whose location can only be determined in the presence of said Invitation. It seems the only way to uncover Jake Lancaster's murderer is to go to the auction. Alex Warner, along with Valerie (who herself is a nonpracticing sorceress), is sucked into the sinister world of the occult, where magic is terrifyingly real. Their journey to find the whereabouts of Ashmedai is unendingly fraught with attacks by werewolves, golems and powerful black sorcery. But, as it turns out, getting to Ashmedai's auction is the easy part. Alex and Valerie will undergo ultimate peril when they at last come face to face with the true nature of the auction's prize...

The Devil's Auction is definitely somewhere in my top twenty all-time favorite books. Robert Weinberg weaves a harrowing tale of horror, fantasy, and exhilarating high adventure. There are hairbreath escapes, old-fashioned romance, heroic derrings-do (mostly perpetrated by the intrepid Alex Warner, who seems to be an updated version of Indiana Jones) and nasty supernatural creatures, all of whom are intent on causing irreparable, not-covered-by-insurance damage unto our duo. Weinberg has lots of sadistic fun here, constantly throwing his two leads into dire jeopardy after jeopardy. The result is a wild, adrenalin-rushed occult thriller, a story that rarely pauses to take in oxygen. Man alive, I just love this book. From start to finish, there isn't a word, sentence or passage that rings false. You sink into the pages (to quote Rakim) like you were ink. The closing pages offer up a very nice reveal, providing a nice dessert to what has been a sumptuous feast of a novel.

If I could, I'd give this horror story more than five stars. I highly, highly recommend it. And, fellow reader, once you've inhaled The Devil's Auction, do yourself a favor and go get the sequel The Armageddon Box, to see what else Weinberg can do to torture his characters, all the while in good, clean fun, I'm sure.

I hagve to admit, I was skeptical at first about how good this book would be. I was greatly surprized when I couldn't put it down. Throughout the book you are given hints to the Auction's purpose, but not until the last page are you told who is offering the untold talisman. An excelent addition to any library!

Sunbi was never treated right in the village she grew up in South Korea because she came from a family of shamans. This is pretty ironic because her grandmother, Okboon, was the reason the village prospered at one time and allows it to survive even to this day. You see, Okboon could see and communicate with spirits and was able to talk these gods into helping the village. Okboon raised Sunbi after her mother went crazy and died and her father abandoned her as he moved on with his life in the city. Now Okboon is dead and Sunbi moves in with her father and his new wife and step-daughter, who aren't too happy about her intruding on their lives. What Sunbi will have to figure out is whether she truly belongs there or is her destiny tied to the village she left behind? And what will she do with the power she has inherited from her grandmother, the power to see and talk to spirits in an age when such beings are becoming obsolete and fading into legend?

Dokebi Bride has a nice mood of strangeness, beauty, and passion for nature that make a great combination. I was impressed by the author's storytelling skills here in which most of the book was a flashback that still kept my interest and gave a lot of depth to the plot and Sunbi's character that would have been lacking if told chronologically. Marley gets you to care a lot about everyone involved here, from Sunbi to her grandmother to the gods and the village. The art is great and unique. This first volume gets me excited about the next installment.

I bought Dokebi Bride vol. 1 and 2 because the artwork (even the limited amount that was shown on Amazon's search inside feature) was absolutely breathtaking. I am not a huge fan of the traditional, "cartoony" sort of graphic novel, and though it does occasionally make appearances in Dokebi Bride, the artwork is mostly carefully done, intricate, delicate, detailed and-- beautiful.

Vol. 1, like most manga/graphic novels tends to be less on plot and more on introduction (which is as it should be). That being said, I was intrigued enough by young Sunbi, her grandmother, and the estranged father to read on to volume 2.

Volume 2 was absolutely amazing. Dark, yes. It has some scary images, including a "The Grudge"-like monster. I don't think it would be anything to frighten a more mature young teen, but it will put a little trepidation in their hearts next time they look in a mirror. :)

The story just starts to develop in Volume 2, as Sunbi attends school (or doesn't attend, as the case may be) in Seoul, and she finds a friend, though reluctantly on her part, in the class president.

I have no complaints on the story line, though the translation seems a little off in places.

I am eagerly looking forward to Volume 3 in September.

Sunbi, the granddaughter and main character has been blessed(?) with special abilities to interact with dokebis. Whether it pays to be able to communicate or the possibility that these demons will haunt her as was the case of her grandmother(?) it deserves a read, as this story seems to intensify and fly me back to a land of dragons and spirits. The storyline is captivating and drawings, awesome.

A story of young Korean girl, Sunbi, who can see spirits that other cannot and living with society that does not accept it. As she grows older, she learns more about shamans and Dokebis from her grandma. She also becomes more isolated from society as she is the subject of ridicule from her classmates. The story is interesting adding a mixture of fantansy in a modern day of life in Korea. It is simple to follow each page as it leads to the next without being lost. The artwork is clear and concise as characters are distinguishable from each other, especially the beautifully drawn Sunbi. The Dokebis are spirits that may look scary, but are actually quite comical. Just check it out on netcomics.com

Okay, so we call these Manhwa rather than manga.
But whatever the category it falls into, this is the best graphic novel I have ever read in my entire book-reading life!
I would recommend this book to everyone from even elementary school kids (there's a few parts with ugly Dokebis but there's no violence) to mature readers. Adults will find this book more engaging than any other graphic novel they are used to.
Plus, they will learn about a completely new culture: Korean culture. This is a fresh new title everyone should check out.
This book has completely changed my conception of manga.

Just got a few of this series for my 8 year old and he is reading about 1 a day and has asked for more of them. They are admittedly short but my son has been a resistant reader and loves these!! So keep them coming!!

Kirk! I finally got some of your books. Don't ask me why it took so long. I have no idea, but my daughter is reading now (not yet this advanced) and it reminded me that you were publishing some. These are fantastic! I will be scrutinizing every detail in search of familiar cameos. Hope you are doing well and I am honored to have learned so much from you so long ago. -Brian

My three sons love to read books filled with humor and this book delivered many laughs.

Grampa and Wiley have a wild adventure when they decide to attend a monster truck show, starring Dracula (a man who resembles a 'red-neck' Elvis) and his amazing 'Mudsucker.' It just so happens that the day of the monster truck show is Halloween and the weather is expected to be fierce- with an F5 tornado fast approaching. Not only will the two have to fear the tornado and the sary creatures at the truck show, but also Gramma's wrath. Which is worse? They soon find out.

This book is filled with many laughs and a great adventure. Just when you think it's gonna get scary, things start to surprise you! Very cute. Can't wait to read #2.

Grade A, prime cut chapter book material for your kid. We LOVE all 4.

I love the Wiley & Grampa series by Kirk Scroggs. Dracula vs. Grammpa at the Monster Truck Rally is great for the Christmas season. It's the first in the series. So, be sure to check out the rest. These books are a lot of fun for boys who might be picky about what they read. If your child loves the Captain Underpants books, then turn him on to these.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

I'm not quite sure where John Bellairs finished and Brad Strickland started, and that's probably a good thing. All the characters from the other Johnny Dixon mysteries are back: timid Johnny, the outrageous professor, meek Dr. Coote, practical Father Higgins and matter of fact Fergie.

The book begins when Dr. Coote shows his friends a drum that was given to him by a mysterious young man. As usual, the professor scoffs at it, although Dr. Coote is still worried, because of his extensive knowledge of voudon, an evil voodoo cult on a fictional Caribbean island. Fergie then takes the drum and beats it while screaming "babaloo! babaloo!" which sets a chain of terrifying events into action.

Dr. Coote has a nervous breakdown and a horrible old woman stalks Johnny and his family to find the drum, all while the friends scramble to figure out where the drum is and save their own necks in the process. There are some genuinely scary scenes involving a zombie, and later an exorcism.

Bellairs and Strickland have done an excellent job creating the mythology of Baron Samedi and the Priests of the Midnight Blood, the evil voudon cult on a French Caribbean island. It's a bit formulaic, and not absolutely perfect, but a taut, enjoyable mystery/horror book.

This book and the entire Bellairs series are what got me into reading and reading a lot! Looking back as a college student, the vivid impressions made on me while reading the Bellairs books are what got me hooked on reading (the Hardy Boys were instrumental as well). To give a child a love for reading while they are young is probably the best way to ensure academic success in the future. I know this as I graduate now with a 4.0 gpa!

My only qualm is the artwork for the new books. Ugh! The cover illustrations of the old ones were MUCH better. Buy the book for the quality reading inside, though.

I got interested in John Bellairs books after I read a reader review of a Harry Potter book which talked about these books as even better than HP -- and you know, he was right! These are really well-written books. I've read about 6 Bellairs books with my kids (ages 10 and 11) and this was by far the scariest. This one seemed to have more: more humor, more fright, more heart, as well as the usual excellent character development. (oh yeah, my kids really enjoyed the book too.) The scary scenes are really vivid, but ideal for my boys' age group. They just love this stuff.

I have loved John Bellairs' gothic horrors since I was a liitle boy, and could not pass up the chance to read a new tale with my old friends Johnny Dixon and Professor Childermass. I admit my skepticism about the story being fleshed out by someone other than Mr. Bellairs, who, sadly, had passed away a few years ago. But in the first few lines, and through to the end, Brad Strickland did not fail me; the story came through with the same atmosphere and feeling of the best John Bellairs, complete with the warm humor that brings you back safely from the dark evils encountered by our heroes. This story is my favorite since The Curse of The Blue Figurine and I have reread it probably six times. To anyone considering the purchase of this book I say,grant yourself the privelage.

Good grief, this was amazingly, shriekingly good!

Johnny and Professor Childermass take a detour into the darkest side of voodoo, known as voudon. When, at a get-together with one of the professor's friends, Fergie begins playing and singing ("Babaloo") a tiny leather drum, the lights unexpectedly go out.

Soon the friend is ill, raving and finally falling into a coma. A creepy old woman and a mysterious man are lurking nearby. Some of the most affecting scenes is where the professor finds the hideous creature growing in a pillow, and when he battles the horrifying snakelike demon.

But taking the prize is the zombie mentioned in the title. Holy cow.

This is a genuinely scary book-for heaven's sake, don't read it at night.

I couldn't put this book down, I was drawn into the pages with this story. How exciting to find a book that I liked so much, they are so few and far between. If you like some drama and suspense this is well worth the read.

I loved this book. It is smart, surprising and great fun. If you love history, mystery, magic, or just a good old fashioned page turner, you will love it too. It will keep you guessing from beginning to end.

Dundury is an excellent book! This book captures love, excitement, and adventure as you follow the characters through the southern, gothic town of Dundury.

Read two thirds of the book in the first sitting. The only reason I put it down was because I had to be up for work in 4 hours. Intriguing characters, facinating plot. Well worth the read. Looking forward to book two.

This book is really, really fun! I enjoyed reading it and couldn't put it down. It is a book mixed with magicand begs to be read! It is very thought provoking! I can't wait for the author to get the next book out!!!