Horror Books

The back cover says: "The most violent and explicit book you will read" . I have to agree to a point, (Richard Laymons "One Rainy Night" is worse in my opinion). The villain(s) are very sick people. I haven't read anything else by Johnstone but I would like to one day. Like the other reviewers have said it is a gory battle of good vs. evil. I would recommend this if your looking to kick back and read something that doesnt take alot of thinking. I gave it 4 stars for the fact that the story kind of takes a weird turn in the middle with the whole neighborhood cult and vigilante business but overall it was a cool book.

I have read almost all of Mr. Johnstone's published work. I enjoy most all of his books, but my favorites are still the ones from his horror genre. There are many that prefer his para military and his western genre. "Night Mask" would not disappoint any of the groups. It is well researched in that locations are recognizable in real-life and that characters act consistent with their chosen profession and created personalities....until they surprise you. The twists and turns in the plot are many, but don't retract from the "readability" of the book. Mr. Johnstone has a way of refining the story of good vs. evil so that it is re-invented again and again in his books and never turns mundane. He can be graphic without the turning it gross. "Night Mask" is an above average example of Mr. Johnstone's talent as an author and I highly recommend giving it a go.

This book was one that I had trouble putting down. Every page became more exciting than the last. I have read almost every book Mr. Johnstone has written and this one rates as good as "Out Of Ashes". All congressmen and judges should read the "Ashes" series. Keep up the GREAT work, maybe we can convert a few bleeding heart liberals

This book is the first Mystery story I have read by Johnstone, and I am not dissapointed. This book contains most of the things that peoples attention: rape, murder, phony leads, and a unexpected ending. I hope others read this book and to those who do I say good for you. But to those who think this book is beneath you I would have to say it's your loss. Fight the evil and enjoy the thrill of the chase.

Good or evil. In this day and time most people would chose evil. But there are a few who not only chose good, but chose to fight evil. This is such a story. When you read this book you not only can picture the evil, but you can feel it also. Life is not safe and this book points out that, we really don't know our neighbor or the people around us. Evil is not prejudice and hero's aren't born every day. The writing is simple, but descriptive. Facts and places in the book are real and you can see Mr. Johnstone did alot of reseach into the occult. You can not read this book only once, it will entice and keep you coming back for more. I have a collection of over 8000 books and by far this is one of my favorite

Sleep has eluded me since I read this book. I jump at shadows.
Freddie has been eclipsed. Night now comes too soon. Stephen King has some heady competition. I look forward to Drew's next book with anticipation... and dread.

If, ten years from now, you want to be able to say "I was a fan before anybody knew who he was," buy this book today. Here's hoping we haven't seen the last battle between Steve Wykoff and Dust!

Chris has been fostered at the Crowley boot camp since he turned seven. At sixteen, he is finally ready to run away because his foster father is an abusive person who works Chris and the other children to the point of exhaustion. All he has left of his mother is a picture of her when she somehow communicates with him when he is troubled; her advice is always accurate. When he reaches Caldera New Mexico, she no longer transmits to him.

Caldera is a strange and frightening city that has an alarming growth rate. Julian, an environmentalist for Project Earth, has scientific proof that alarms him. At the same time psychiatrist Saney finds evidence that frightens her as she sees too many people suffering from bad dreams and psychoses than any other place she has encountered. These two individuals along with Chris connect with one another to find the cause of the problems at Caldera and attempt to stop them if they can even if they are supernatural in nature.

Anyone who likes a supernatural thriller similar to the "Left Behind" series will want to read THE APOSTATE. Unlike the "Left Behind" series this novel is more subtle and the supernatural elements more covert. The story line is very entertaining and enriching while the protagonists are people like the neighbors next door, caring and helpful when called upon in need.

Harriet Klausner

Night Terrors is a very fast-paced and frightening novel. The author has a very enjoyable writing style that keeps the pages turning. This book is scary, well written and a lot of fun.

The face on the cover gives me the shivers. The words within gave me sweating fear.

Night Terrors is such a visual book. It begs for film adaptation. Imagine Fred Krueger more whacked out than the norm and then make him exist only in your lousy dreams. Throw him into a town of crummy folks who don't have the most pleasant of thoughts. Imagine that and you only get Fred Krueger in need of meds...you don't get Drew William's own Dust. I will let you discover Dust on your own when you read Night Terrors and later dream. Dust is the villain of Night Terrors who, thanks to meds gone mad, is enabled to be given strength.

I love Night Terrors! I've been jumping at shadows and it is delicious fun! It doesn't hurt that the premise behind the book was one that intrigued me and made me think.

I want more from you, Drew Williams.

Great story. We love G.G. Garth! Read all four of G.G.'s books!

Great story. We love G.G. Garth! Read all four of G.G.'s books!

Great story. We love G.G. Garth! Read all four of G.G.'s books!

What a concept! Although poorly edited, we loved the concept, the detail, the inventive plot. Would love to see it on film. The special effects described in the story would be terrific on celluloid. Bravo! Has Hollywood read G. G. Garth's books?! Hurry up Hollywood.

What a concept! Although poorly edited, we loved the concept, the detail, the inventive plot. Would love to see it on film. The special effects described in the story would be terrific on celluloid. Bravo! Has Hollywood read G. G. Garth's books?! Hurry up Hollywood.

Have you ever picked up a booked and just not wanted to put it down again? With in the first two pages I was so curious that I would not even consider putting this book down, by page five I was lost in a story that gave me chills while making me smile. This book is full of action and adventure; as well as truth and justice. The author shows great talent within the pages of this book, talent that some even thought long forgotten.

Good vs. Evil wage war in a action packed page turner. I couldn't put the book down. If you enjoy Comic Books, Martial Arts Movies, or any of the action packed Hollywood blockbusters this novel is for you

I'm not usually an action book kind of girl, but I've got to say that Nightwalker was truly an exception to the rule. Gaynor's story is fast-paced and catches the reader's attention, holding it tight until the last page! The characters are enjoyable and the reader finds it easy to bond with them. The plotline is creative and contains a fine balance of dramatic and humorous moments. The description of the action is incredible, page-turning material. I am dying for the next book!

NightWalker engages the reader's imagination. It traps the reader in what becomes ritualistic and euphoric page turning, satisfying the need to discover the plight of the questing heroes and heroins. I anxiously await the next installment.

Incredible! This book is a must-read for every fan of comics, super-heroes, or even just cutting-edge fiction. The characters are well-defined and immediately bring you into their world. And what a world it is! Ancient wisdom, revenge, dark and light powers, super-abilities, good vs. evil... it's non-stop action from the first page. The author effortlessly blends old-world philosophy with modern attitudes and the future of the human race. Para-normal abilities among the `chosen few' create a power struggle on many levels, both past and present. For anyone who misses the days of brilliant graphic novels and anyone who just loves spectacular SciFi - NightWalkeR is one to remember and read over and over again! Well done!!

I had searched for a copy of this book for weeks. I am soooooooo glad that I finally found a copy. Nightwind is a chilling, incredible read but it is not for everyone.

Lauren Fowler is in her forties, plain and somewhat mousey. She has never known love, not from her parents or from anyone in the town in which she lives. She has no friends and is somewhat tormented at work. She is constantly overlooked and is utterly alone. One night, her desolate cries of anguish are heard and are about to be answered.

Syntian Cree, a NightWind Demon, hears her cry. It is different from all the rest and he centers in on it, instinctively knowing that Lauren is different. She is meant to be his and his alone. He rises out of Hell's own pit, bent on claiming her.

As soon as Lauren encounters Syn, life begins to change for her. He is alluring and seductive. With his charm and handsomeness, he easily sweeps the lonely Lauren off of her feet. She cannot prevent herself from falling madly in love with him. But there is a chilling side to Syn one which she does not see. Bad things happen to those who hurt Lauren . . .

This is an incredibly written story filled with love, sadness and betrayal. The ending totally left me stunned.

I would recommend this book to all who love paranormal romances. If I could change one thing, though, it would be the ending. No! I won't give anything away but for me, Syntian Cree was the ideal "dark" hero. I know there are those out there who would totally disagree with me but I (like Lauren) grew to love Syntian Cree. Despite his chilling wickedness, I didn't want his story to end in the manner in which it did. Despite this, NightWind was an incredible, chilling read.

Highly Recommended!!

I highly recomend this book as well as all her others. Each book captures your attention and you won't stop reading till the very last page. In "NightWind" you will find, love, happiness, obsession, magic, and triumph, all of which Lauren finds as well as finding her ancient heritage and magic. And Sentian, a very sexy man and one who finds love across the ages proving that love can be found everywhere. This is a very compelling story that will stay with you, a story that you will not soon forget. For all you dark fantasy fans and romance fans alike, Charlotte Boyett-Compo's books are not to be passed up. She gets better with every book she writes.

As my introduction to this genre (dark fantasy/romance) I found Nightwind to be an entertaining and fast moving story. The heroine Lauren Fowler does not fit the standard writer's guidelines for romantic female characters. She's forty-four, and old maid, not particulary good looking, and a bit of a wimp as she first appears. Of course a handsome intelligent hunk (chisled features and all) arrives on the scene to engage her disused libido, and by the end of the first chapter a lurid crime is committed on her behalf.

It takes off from there at a high pitch, no dull backstory warm ups, no interminable descriptions of romantic landscapes or gothically furnished drawing rooms, nor the usual catalog of cute quirky personality traits so common to the perky and spunky young woman setting off on a romantic go-away-closer escapade with dark and handsome virile male destiny. Not that Synthian Cree, the male interest, does not fit that description to a tee. But he's hardly Mr. Right.

Indeed, potential male readers can rest assured that Nightwind is not a ladies book per se. It holds some shocking surprises. It could have benefited with is little more mundane guy appeal. A little more machinery or technology, maybe. Indeed there were two glaring lapses of your basic car knowledge that threatend to nosedive my suspended disbelief. Now, if Lauren could have been a shy female computer programmer or auto mechanic...

This is a well crafted story and it's obvious that Charlotte Boyett-Compo has done this sort of thing before. The plot is well paced and structured. There is always some element of trouble brewing for the heroine, pushing the reader on to the next chapter. Its linear unfolding of events and graphic scenes would make it work well as a screen play. Background information on the characters is inserted deftly with short narrative summary instead of story-stopping flashbacks. Not a pretty story, it's actually gets rather ghastly and gory, as Lauren moves on to her real destiny, with romance on the back, albeit hot, burner.

If I could give this review more than 5 stars I would. This book has surpassed all of the other books I have read by Ms. Boyett-Compo. To say it is spellbinding, fantastic and outstanding would still not be saying enough. If you haven't read this book yet, you are missing a true treasure.

Syntian Cree, a NightWind demon has come back to Earth. The lonely and desolate cry of a woman has beckoned him once again. This time he knew it was different, she was different than all the others before her. He was lost to her even before he arrived; she would be his and his alone.

Lauren Fowler is in her mid-forties and has never known love from anyone, not even her parents. She is lonely and friendless, even in the town she has lived all of her life. She does not know her cries have not only been heard and answered, but also her life is about to change in a way that she never could have imagined.

Syntian sweeps Lauren off her feet, courting her in the old-fashioned way that befits a lady. Although strange things have been happening since Syntian arrives in town, she never questions him and allows herself to fall deeply in love with him. So much so that she agrees to become his wife, without knowing the truth behind him and what he is.

This begins a story of love and heartbreak, betrayal and deceit. The results will stun and shock you, leaving you speechless and wanting more, all at the same moment.

In the "Afterward" of NIGHTWIND, Charlotte Boyett-Compo tells the story of sitting in a bus station waiting for family members to arrive. She loves to watch people, and a young woman who went totally unnoticed by everyone around her captured Boyette-Compo's interest. Her skirt was a little too long, her blouse a little too loose, her hair mousy, and she seemed to shrink into her surroundings. Amid the hustle of the terminal, she was an isolated island of loneliness. A gorgeous guy approached where she sat, and as her gaze lingered on his sexy attractiveness, he didn't see her, but looked right through her as if she didn't even occupy space. Boyette-Compo vividly carries this image of loneliness, of a woman who longs for her presence to be noticed, in a vivid, haunting tale of the paranormal in NIGHTWIND.

At forty-six, Laureen Fowler had never been kissed, had never been on a date, had never had friends, and had never even been given a polite greeting by her neighbors. She was the target of disdain and cruelty at the bookstore where she worked and of her mother's cruelty outside of her job. In her loneliness and isolation she often cried herself to sleep, crying out to the universe her agony. She didn't know someone heard and answered.

Syntian Cree, the NightWind, heard Laureen's call and takes vengeance on Laureen's oppressors. Under his loving attention, she grows into her full potential, becoming a strong, forceful, beautiful woman. Syn's victims lie damaged or dead, and Laureen is vindicated. She's also in love with a force she does not understand. And as powerful as he is, Syn is oath bound to another. Refusal to answer this other's call will cast him into the pits of the Abyss. Indeed, Laureen has many powerful, dangerous secrets to learn and battles to fight if she is to find the answers and results that she seeks.

The first novel in the WindDemon Trilogy, NIGHTWIND Combines elements of the paranormal, including demonology, witchcraft, and the supernatural. Indeed, Boyette-Compo captures the very essence of what it is to be isolated, and the amazing transformative power of love and faith in one's self. NIGHTWIND is one of those gripping novels that shocks, horrifies, and mesmerizes the reader. The highly developed characters, the mythology that provides the foundation of the tale, and the deft plot twists and turns lead to a satisfying, though shocking, conclusion. This novel is a must read.

I've read some of the Blame! manga by Tsutomu Nihei, and being based on the same universe, this is just beautiful. To me, this book feels only natural to read before reading the Blame! manga.
All in all breathtaking and brilliant!

Noise is a self-ending manga, based on the plot of BLAME. It's a sort of prequel, but for who has never read anything of Tsutomu Nihei, is a well beginning.
It'a a police-story set on a not-well specified age, maybe on the Heart.
I recommend this short story because Nihei is a genius, one of the best mangaka ever. I've enjoyed the dark atmosphere, the adult plot and the sense of the action that are his particularities.

Every story has its beginnings - and the story of BLAME! universe starts here... or not.

"Noise" is set as a prequel to the hardcore cyber sci-fi thriller known as "BLAME!" which is the must read manga for every manga lover out there. Story takes place many many centuries before the aforementioned BLAME! and tells the story of a policewoman Musubi Susono and her partner Kloser and their fight against the mysterious Order. Telling anything more than that is spoiling the story and you wouldn't want that. As a story takes of like a jet plane starting from the first pages you are thrown into the whirl of blood, tears and silicon. And it has quite a number of culmination moments that take you by surprise and you are left wondering - AND WHAT WAS THAT?? After reading through once, twice or even more you just know that you need more (and here you go and order all 10 volumes of BLAME!) of this crazy silicon action.
One of my best ever spent 10 bucks - feast for eyes, pleasure for mind.

If you like Blame! then you should like this - they are set in the same universe and seem to have the same themes and weird creatures.

If you haven't read Blame! then Noise is a far-future sci-fi manga that features silicon creatures, engineering on a massive scale, and human societies that struggle to survive.

I have just recently become interested in the whole horror film genre and a friend recommended that I read Mr. Soister's book. I'm glad I did. I learned lots of interesting stuff about the whole Universal horror film business and had an easy time pouring through the chapters. It was fun reading and Mr. Soister's keen insights and humorous style kept me wanting more. I hope he has another book waiting in the wings! Congratulations on delivering a winner.

John Soister has been a contributor to various horror books in the past. His ability to capture the details of the horror films of the 20's & 30's truly entertaining. He expresses his opinions with humor yet based on fact.

Mr. Soister has done a remarkable job here! Not only has he covered some of Universal's greatest horror films, he has given them a new, fresh perspective. All the greats are covered here, FRANKENSTEIN, DRACULA, THE MUMMY, etc., but he has also written about much lesser known and borderline horror films that I've NEVER seen written about, like the entire Crime Club series of the late 1930's. His book covers in great detail Universal's horror and mystery output from the 1930's, and wonderfully so! Here's hoping he does another volume for the 1940's films. Can't wait to see what he writes about JUNGLE WOMAN!! A 'must have' for any horror film fan!

Wonderfully written, full of intelligent, objective opinions, Soister's book is a breath of fresh air on a subject that I suspect most fans feel they already know thoroughly. "Of Gods and Monsters" opened my eyes to the many dozens of "forgotten" Universal films made in the 1930s, particularly their oddball mysteries (like the fascinating "Inner Sanctum" series). Sadly, few of these films are available on home video... yet. One hopes that perhaps NBC-Universal's execs will read this book and learn about their past history, and open up the vaults so that fans can enjoy these classics again, instead of having them gather dust.

If you have Soister's book, along with the Brunas/Brunas/Weaver "Universal Horrors: The Studio's Classic Films" (also from McFarland), you've got a fairly well-rounded coverage of Hollywood's great horror classics. I only wish that the publishers would consider allowing the author to do a second volume covering the rest of Universal's classic mystery/SF/horror films from 1940-1959. That would tell the rest of the story, particularly for the 1940s, which was a very rich period for the studio.

Usually I skip long, detailed plot synopses in movie books, but with Soister I look forward to them. Like most critics, Soister is even more entertaining when discussing a bad film -- I laughed out loud through his description of several stinkers in this entertaining book -- but this teacher from Pensylvania is never less than authoritative. Soister covers all the Universal horror, sci-fi, and related films 1929-1939 in this handsome volume, which no fan of the genres should be without. It doesn't matter that "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" have been discussed at length in previous works -- do yourself a favor and "see" them once more through the eyes of John Soister!

A totally absorbing tale with the most lovable heroine. Gun blends history with fictional yet full-fledged characters, and creates a wonderful athmosphere.

If you want to lose yourself for a while and enter into the world of adventures, islam culture, romance and fairy tales, this is exactly the book for you. It is one of the most capturing stories that I have ever read and I have just bought a pile to give away for all my book loving friends. I hope that more books will follow by this marvellous writer

Any dedicated person can do the same amount of research and reading to write a book, but only very few can combine that with a big heart in an extremely clever way. This book certainly has everything in correct proportion; especially the humour. I honestly feel embarassed to have been advised this book by a foreign friend.

This is the best book I've read in a long, long while. I picked it up, planning to read a chapter before bed, and instead stayed up until three, polishing it off. Who could resist a wry, spunky Turkish heroine travelling to far-off times and places? Not to mention the colorful cast of supporting characters she meets along the way.... I'm giving copies to all my friends.

If you want a book drags you to your bookshelf over and over again, this is definitely it. I enjoyed every minute of it and amazed by the unbelievable imagination and talent of Guneli Gun.

I just got done reading a great book called Cave of the Painter's Mind by Joe Dennis. So, Matthew Warner's book, 'The Organ Donor', was the second act to follow. And, if the first act is great, usually the second act has a hard time surviving. However, this is not so with 'The Organ Donor'.

From the beginning the story takes off like a rocket, with enough thrust to blaze to the end. Not only is Matthew Warner a good story-teller, but he's also a good writer. If you like Richard Matteson, who is famous for stories such as "I am Legend', then you'll like 'The Organ Donor'. If you like horror books, then I recommend this book.

It is obvious from the first page that Warner put a lot of care into "The Organ Donor." Every word is carefully handpicked, creating a sleek, consistent story. The characters are real, the facts are well-researched, the dialogue is natural, and the action flawless.

There are moments of genuine terror in this novel. There are times where the suspense will have you cringing in your seat. But, there is also a brutal humanity to the story. You will be taken on an adventure through sympathy, sorrow, depression, anticipation, love, support, anger, happiness and loss.

I highly recommend this book! It sparkles with originality rarely seen in author's debut novels.

I recently bought the book in E-Book format, and I sure wasn't dissapointed. Matthew Warner's fiction tends to get a little unbelievable sometimes, but since this novel is based on a true story, the horror-factor is amplified. Those who like your supernatural thrills hardboiled, this is your book.

Matthew's fiction is well-researched and original, which is wonderfully portrayed in this novel. The scene is China, and the focus is it's illicit organ trade, a place well-obscured from public scrutiny. Hours of research must have gone into this, and it has paid off.

It's clear why this has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Preliminary Ballot. Pick up the paperback or download the E-Book, whichever you prefer. Smashing read either way.

Soaked in mythology and foreign affairs, the plot is more reminiscent of old-time horror. With limited gore and subtle scares, Warner keeps the story neat and focused. Although upon first glance, it will appear to be nothing more than your average ghost story, you'll soon find out it is so much more. Is there a message underneath it all? Yes. Will it distract you? No. Will you be enlightened while still being scared? Hell Yeah!

Set to a calculated speed, the pace is comfortable. It stays loyal to the story, making it easy for the reader to adjust to. Warner's style of writing is short, sweet, and to the point. The descriptions are thorough, but not intimidating and the dialogue compliments the story instead of inhibiting. My only problem was that he tended to get a little too technical at times, sterilizing the descriptions and killing my mood.

Warm and empathetic, the characters are true to life. Realistic to a fault, their suffering is understandable, their reactions believable. You can place yourself into the picture and the outcome wouldn't change. The atmosphere is bitterly cold and oppressive, leaving you anxious and feeling just a little dirty. It summons the taste of iron in your mouth, and the smell of rot and corruption on your clothes. I suggest a scalding hot shower afterwards.

Matthew Warner makes an impressive debut with this novel. The plot is suspenseful and horrific, and has plenty of gory scenes. It's also a heart-felt book. The characters are well drawn, making them people the reader really cares about. There is a lot of emotion too, and not just the emotion of horror. The characters feely deeply about one another, and this really comes through in the prose. Unlike many first novels, the writing is smooth and polished. Pick up The Organ Donor. You won't be disappointed.

So Awesome, so horrible, and so refreshingly different. Looking forward to future works by this author.

What better three letter word can describe this book. WOW! I absolutley enjoyed it. While I read it was like watching a movie the one's that make you go "Oh yeah I remember him/her or that from earlier" which makes the movie or in this case book that much more thrilling. Bailey has truley created a piece of artwork as everyone else has previously stated its hard to believe that this was his first book. Kudos on the great book Bailey and the start of a new and promising career.

I can't say enough how wonderful (or should I say wonderfully "horror-ible" ?) this book is! Not only is the cover appealing (great design, by the way) but the 5 stories found inside brilliantly connect to eachother unveiling more secrets from the surrounding stories. Almost written backwards, hence a palindrome, I enjoyed piecing this mysterious, yet unfortunate, puzzle together. It is hard to believe this is the author's first book and I will be looking forward for future books written by Michael Bailey.

Different than anything I have ever read. I love horror books and this one will stay on my shelf for a long time and read more than just once. I can't wait for his next book.

You'll hear Michael Bailey's name up there with Stephen king and Dean Koontz one day soon. Very powerful and well written for being his first book. Deffinately a must read for horror fans!