This book was voted on by my followers on Instagram as my next read and damn, they picked a good one for me to read.
I’ve been saying for a wh4.5 stars
This book was voted on by my followers on Instagram as my next read and damn, they picked a good one for me to read.
I’ve been saying for a while that Stephen R George was/is criminally underrated as an author of many Zebra novels, so it’s no surprise that I would enjoy Near Dead. It’s more of a surprise just how freaking good this one was.
Obviously the idea of the dead being able to communicate through mediums and psychics is nothing new in the world of fiction (and even reality if you’re inclined to believe that stuff), yet George takes that cliche and turns it on its head. This results in a book that feels like Koontz and Saul teamed up with Masterton, combining horror and heart into one of the best Zebras I have read in a long time (and probably the best Zebra I have read since George’s last masterpiece Deadly Vengeance).
It’s crazy to think that while good old Zebra staples Patrica Wallace and Stephen Gresham peddled crap like The Children’s Ward and Abracadabra, respectively, George was also there, writing some of the best horror that Zebra EVER published.
Sure, this book isn’t the best thing ever written, but you’re doing yourself a major disservice to the 80’s horror boom if you don’t give Near Dead or any of George’s other stuff) a chance. Seriously. Read him! You won’t regret it. ...more
As if there was ever any doubt that the most recent full length Matthew Corbett novel wasn’t going to be an absolute masterpiece…
Robert McCammon has pAs if there was ever any doubt that the most recent full length Matthew Corbett novel wasn’t going to be an absolute masterpiece…
Robert McCammon has proven time and time and time again that he’s quite possibly the worlds best (or at least insanely consistent) author of all time, and, The King of Shadows only cements that fact permanently.
Continuing right where Cardinal Black left off, The King of Shadows plunges readers smack dab into the continuing story of Corbett and the quest for the infamous mirror of Valeriani and Ciro. Obviously things go wrong pretty much right away and the trajectory of the story changes yet again, going in a direction I didn’t expect, but still managing to make this series compelling and instantly addictive. Especially as we finally get backstories to the 2 antagonists McCammon has so expertly crafted and weaved into this ongoing drama.
This novel is everything (and I meant freaking EVERYTHING) we have come to expect both from this series and McCammon itself. It’s deep, dense, and dark, taking twists and turns that leave the reader shocked and begging for more.
It’s nuts to think how different this series has become since Speaks the Nightbird yet it’s also nuts to think that 9 books in and every single novel has been perfect. No other author can boast of such amazing consistency or raw, unadulterated talent. ...more
I’ve never considered myself a huge Masterton fan. I like his stuff well enough (The Pariah still being one of the most creepy and unsettling horror nI’ve never considered myself a huge Masterton fan. I like his stuff well enough (The Pariah still being one of the most creepy and unsettling horror novels I’ve ever read), but unlike McCammon, I can’t ever say he’s truly excellent in everything he does. And while I’ll still stand by that statement, after reading Mirror, I might have to start rethinking it a bit.
Because Mirror is freaking wild. Straight up bonkers. A creep fest of highest regard with a plot I didn’t see coming and still don’t fully understand how Masterton managed to pull off. Somehow the varying almost unrelated ideas of dead movie stars, mirrors, the end of days, and Satan, all combines into a perfect mix of a story that I couldn’t put down.
This book never manages to be truly “scary”, but damn if it ain’t creepy, eerie, and claustrophobic for the entirety of its 440 pages. Creepy kids, spooky mirrors, passages of relative calm and even comedy, punctuated with unexpected shocking tension and some surprisingly violent and creatively gory moments. It’s all here, and all mashed together in a way that only Masterton can pull off.
While this book does suffer the typical lackluster and rushed Masterton conclusion we’ve seen in previous books, it’s still a minor complaint when the rest of this novel ended up being so good and exceeding my expectations....more
Whether you love him, hate him, or are entirely apathetic towards him and his creations, the fact remains that Elon Musk is one of this generstion’s mWhether you love him, hate him, or are entirely apathetic towards him and his creations, the fact remains that Elon Musk is one of this generstion’s most successful individuals and easily one of the most interesting.
In much the same way he chronicled the equally fascinating Steve Jobs, Isaacson’s biography of Musk is nearly complete in its depth, entertaining in its writing, and eye opening in its expose of the founder of Tesla, SpaceX, Nuerolink, the Boring Company, and a few other successful business as well.
Isaacson pulls no punches in his biography, more often than not highlighting Musk’s abrasive style of management, incredible drive, and lack of empathy for his fellow coworkers, leaving most readers with the impression that even though he’s massively successful, Musk is a bit of an ass and bares some shocking similarities with the aforementioned jobs.
I do feel like Isaacson went into this project with a preconceived notion of Elon and it does show a bit in his almost defense of Musk’s maniacal behavior. Sure, he’s often quoted Musk’s own admission of possible Asperger’s, but there’s never been any medical diagnosis, and it’s still a pretty flimsy excuse for the way Musk treats fellow employees and family.
Regardless, this is still a fascinating read, that even at 680 pages never feels stuffy or exceptionally long. So for that, it’s worth all 5 stars. ...more
History has always been my thing…especially American history. Because of that I feel like I tend to know more than the average person about my countryHistory has always been my thing…especially American history. Because of that I feel like I tend to know more than the average person about my country’s past. Sad that the Osage murders was never something I was taught or was even aware of before discovering this book (which I only knew about because of the Scorcesse film).
Needless to say, Killers of the Flower Moon is one of those rare nonfiction books that’s reads like a contemporary mystery/murder novel. Or at least a popular podcast.
Grann’s handling of the subject matter is done in a such a way that what you read feels like a fabrication. It’s incredibly twisted, multilayered, and drops bombshells every few pages. And while that’s awesome for a nonfiction book, it’s also incredibly sad and frustrating from a historical aspect. You almost forget that the Osage Indians were a real indigenous tribe that, like most native Americans, got totally screwed over by the rest of the country.
I’m not one to apologize for things I had nothing to do with, but damn, this was just straight up disgusting and sad. I’ve read more brutal nonfiction but few have made me feel so disappointed in the past. ...more
Yet again I finish a Matthew Corbett novel and have to pause, pull myself back to reality, and thank the lord above that I’m alive and have had the exYet again I finish a Matthew Corbett novel and have to pause, pull myself back to reality, and thank the lord above that I’m alive and have had the experience to read yet another McCammon masterpiece.
As with every McCammon novel, I’m left without many words to describe just how many happy emotions are circling my brain…and that trend continues for the 7th time in a row with Cardinal Black This novel is everything I have come to expect from my favorite author…and more, upping the ante in terms of pacing, details, action, and plot. Every Corbett novel is an example of literary excellence but for whatever reason Cardinal Black elevates that to another stratosphere, especially with its excessively darker tone and major plot twists. There are also some truly action packed sequences to rival Mark Greaney or Matt Reilly, once again showing McCammon at the pinnacle of his craft.
It’s true this one might not have the same feeling of Speaks the Nightbird or the perfectly orchestrated antagonist of Mister Slaughter however I would wager this may be my favorite of the series so far and it’s already a front runner for best book of 2023…unless King of Shadows manages to be even more incredible (which based on the trajectory of McCammon’s god tier writing, isn’t too wild a thought). ...more
Keene already took the world by storm with “The Rising” and it’s sequel “City of the Dead” so taking zombies to the ocean was aSpooktober 2023 Book 14
Keene already took the world by storm with “The Rising” and it’s sequel “City of the Dead” so taking zombies to the ocean was a no brainer and, unsurprisingly, another straight up banger of a novel.
Like previous attempts at the walking dead, Keene’s take is perfect from beginning to end, never once slowing down or trying to hard to be something it’s not. From a fantastic protagonist to the zombies that devour the living, there isn’t a single thing wrong with this book.
Sure his first 2 zombie books revitalized the zombie genre but it’s this one that is the best and, and is, in my opinion, probably his magnum opus. Why this one never seems to receive the love it rightfully deserves, I have no idea, but believe me, if you want a zombie novel that is action packed, gory as hell, has a lot of heart and contains one of the best endings in almost any book ever published, THIS is the book you need to be reading....more
Berry doesn’t have anything to prove at this point, but I guess he really likes making everyone know how great of an author he Spooktober 2023 Book 11
Berry doesn’t have anything to prove at this point, but I guess he really likes making everyone know how great of an author he is, since his rewrite of The Pail is, unsurprisingly, a ton of fun and the exact kind of read you need to pick up for the spooky month of October.
Yes, it’s short at only 84 pages, but, as do pretty much all his books, it packs a pretty good punch in its brief length, feeling like the best combinations of King, Lovecraft, and Curran, with that seedy low budget 80’s VHS feel that we’ve all come to expect from his stories. It’s also a damn near perfect mix of cosmic and creature horror, all thrown together in a sort of coming of age tale, meaning it’s a bit less extreme and over the top than previous works (the kind of horror I actually tend to prefer in my middle, dadbod age). I’d also like to add in, that like Grim Weaver, the ending to this one is so amazing bleak and one of best examples of horror done right.
I’m a bit bummed this wasn’t longer, but at the same time, if that’s my only minor gripe, then there is nothing to complain about.
Im almost willing to argue that aside from the already mentioned Grim Weaver, The Pail may very well be Berry’s best non-shark related story…it’s seriously that good!...more
Yet another unique take on the werewolf legend, Big Bad proves that lycanthropy still has a place in modern horror fiction.
UnliSpooktober 2023 Book 6
Yet another unique take on the werewolf legend, Big Bad proves that lycanthropy still has a place in modern horror fiction.
Unlike sappy and overdramatic (and borderline beastiality) tropes, the plot in this short story is far more action packed and eschews romance for straight up werewolf violence.
Like pretty much every short in this collection, the writing was well done and Barker’s focus on a family dealing with a loved one infected with lycanthropy and a father’s pledge to protect his children no matter the cost made for the most emotional of the bunch. This one wasn’t big or brash or in your face, but Barker’s use of a single setting with a small cast of characters only added to the strength of story.
I think most surprising of all is just how great this entire collection was. Aside from the lame as expected Tremblay story, every short was fun, exciting, and made me a fan of horror in a way I haven’t been in quite some time. I guess there is still hope that Amazon can publish good stuff…just wish it was far more frequent and consistent. ...more
As a kid I, like millions of others, was terrified of my ankle getting grabbed from under the bed and now, thanks to GradyHendriSpooktober 2023 Book 2
As a kid I, like millions of others, was terrified of my ankle getting grabbed from under the bed and now, thanks to GradyHendrix, I might have to turn the light on when I gotta get up to pee in the middle of the might.
While Hendrix has never been my favorite author, with Ankle Snatcher he finally does something with horror that isn’t trying to be funny or lighthearted.
Instead this short is a fun take on the bogeyman mythos. It is a lean, mean, and fast reading short story that, as the collection implies, delivers on the promise of creature feature and horror in general, actually managing to be the perfect amount of spooky that this time of the year needs....more
Every time I finish a Matthew Corbett novel from Robert McCammon, I’m left having to sit and contemplate my existence, taking a deep breath and lettinEvery time I finish a Matthew Corbett novel from Robert McCammon, I’m left having to sit and contemplate my existence, taking a deep breath and letting myself come back to reality.
And, as seems to be par the course, it’s no different with Freedom of the Maskthe 6th phenomenal book in an already phenomenal series.
McCammon proves for the umpteenth time just how amazingly talented he is with this entry, weaving suspense, thriller, mystery, horror, historical fiction, gratuitous violence, and even a bit of romance into this pre-colonial era story.
No other author seems to be able to combine so many elements into such a readable and addictive novel that twists, turns, shocks and gives so many other forms of emotion, especially in such a unique time period and/or setting. It’s done so flawlessly and smoothly that it’s amazing the plot and overall story arc works as well as it does.
I’ll admit this one could have been cut by about 20 pages and still held the same level of perfection, however, it’s impossible to complain when a book (and series) so consistently great, continues to deliver and be so freaking satisfying. ...more
I really enjoyed Masterton’s first foray into the legends and myths of the the native Americans with the first Manitou book, however I would be the fiI really enjoyed Masterton’s first foray into the legends and myths of the the native Americans with the first Manitou book, however I would be the first to agree that it never quite felt serious enough and was a bit too lighthearted at times.
All that changes with Revenge of the Manitou as this is a much better book. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel is a far darker novel, with far meaner spirits, moments, and situations. The pacing is quicker, the plot leaner, and the tension tighter than a Gordian knot. Even the returning characters are better fleshed out and far more sympathetic. Masterton’s attention to detail excels here as well, and the climax of this book is one of the most exciting and eerie moments I’ve read in horror in a long time.
I’ll admit this one suffers the same kind of lackluster ending the first book had, but it’s so minor compared to the other great things here.
It’s incredibly rare for a sequel to measure up or even supersede the original, but Revenge of the Manitou manages to do just that. Hell, even with my addiction to horror novels very few manage to creep me out or give me nightmares. Revenge was implicit in giving me one of the most vivid and creepy dreams I’ve had in a decade.
Needing a break from some of the excessive horror I’ve been reading lately, I turned to everyone’s favorite mutants and im glad I did as this first voNeeding a break from some of the excessive horror I’ve been reading lately, I turned to everyone’s favorite mutants and im glad I did as this first volume of Kyle and Yost’s X-Force is awesome.
The story is great, feeling like a perfect mashup of superhero fare, creeping apocalyptic tones, and a dark cyberpunk aesthetic…straight down to the sentient AI and anti-mutant religious cults. Clayton Craig’s artwork is fantastic. Like the storyline itself, it’s dark and violent, but also incredibly well done with some truly cinematic moments.
This was my first foray into x-force but it definitely won’t be my last. ...more
2023 has been the year I took the plunge and fell fully in love with the game of baseball and my hometown team of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
I’ve always2023 has been the year I took the plunge and fell fully in love with the game of baseball and my hometown team of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
I’ve always enjoyed the sport and been a fan of the boys in blue but for whatever reason, it’s been this year that truly embraced both and can’t get enough of the game and team.
They Bled Blue was the perfect addition to feed my appetite for all things Dodgers. As someone who wasn’t born for another 7 years after the infamous 1981 team and didn’t get to experience Fernando-mania or the the impossible World Series run, this book served as my history lesson, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
They Bled Blue somehow manages to straddle that line between hard hitting non-fiction for die hard fans of the game (those who need to know every statistic of every player), and a more easy flowing tone for those more casual fans. In other words, it’s incredibly well written, informative, and a fantastic true story of one of the most improbable successes of Major League Baseball.
Whether a fan of baseball or just a fan of sports in general, They Bled Blue is the book that all should read. ...more
It’s been no secret that I’ve really enjoyed Fatale. Its Cthunoic/eldritch horror mashed up with a noir plot, and the unique art of Sean Phillips haveIt’s been no secret that I’ve really enjoyed Fatale. Its Cthunoic/eldritch horror mashed up with a noir plot, and the unique art of Sean Phillips have made the first 2 volumes incredibly fun and original, but still confusing and leaving a lot of things totally and purposefully opaque .
“West of Hell” finally sets out to answer a ton of questions by giving readers a much needed history of our main femme fatale, and creating what is the best part of this story up to this point. Jo’s character is beginning to become fleshed out and her undying condition slowly begins to make sense…as does her “moth to flame” attraction of the opposite sex. So too does the cult of Lovecraftian horrors.
The pacing is the best it’s been, the plot continues to be absolutely addicting and Once again Phillips’ art is perfect for this story. ...more
We are 5 books into this series and it’s insane just how consistently fantastic the Matthew Corbett novels continue to be.
River of Souls keeps the trWe are 5 books into this series and it’s insane just how consistently fantastic the Matthew Corbett novels continue to be.
River of Souls keeps the trend going with one of the most jarring and exciting books to date. It’s so many different genres all mixed together with the blender that is McCammon’s genius and unmatched storytelling. There are elements of a thriller, a horror, suspense, mild romance, and survival, all set in a fictional historical pre-colonial America.
At only 214 pages The River of Souls is by far the shortest of the entire Matthew Corbett series but it’s lean, mean, and, like every other McCammon story, impossible to put down or look away from....more
I’m already believe that McCammon is pretty much incapable of writing a bad book, and now it seems that it’s impossible for him to pen anything less tI’m already believe that McCammon is pretty much incapable of writing a bad book, and now it seems that it’s impossible for him to pen anything less than 5 stars when it comes to his Matthew Corbett series.
The Providence Rider is the 4th book in this 9 book volume and, like those that came before it (and I would bet those that come after) it’s yet another perfect novel worthy of all 5 stars.
Yes, like most McCammon fans, I would agree that Mister Slaughter is still the highlight of the series, what with its razor edge tension and fantastically written antagonist, yet, as a follow up, Providence Rider delivers on all fronts. It’s full of rich characters (the bad guy Fell being almost as awesome and Slaughter), emotional moments, some thrilling set pieces, some shockingly brutal deaths, and a plot that in typical McCammon fashion, twists and turns and interweaves itself throughout this book, only coming together in an awesome (and explosive) conclusion, while, at the same time, leaving things wide open for the next book.
I can honestly say that the entire Corbett series is one of the best modern day set of books ever written and is very quickly becoming some of my all time favorite reading material. ...more
A lone badass protagonist against the evil ways of a cadre of terrorists hell bent on destruction?
A single setting set in the confines of a massive oA lone badass protagonist against the evil ways of a cadre of terrorists hell bent on destruction?
A single setting set in the confines of a massive oil tanker?
Explosions, death, violence and page turning action nearly every second?
Maybe it’s because I’m STILL hopped up on the adrenaline dump I received from both Extraction 2 and John Wick 4 but whatever the case Crude Kill delivered on every single thing I look for in a novel of this genre.
Don’t give me deep storylines or believable characters or even a believable plot. Just give me something like this. Chet Cunningham knows that THIS is how every Executioner novel should be. Lean, mean, frenetically paced, over the top, and non-freaking stop. I don’t know how it happens but it seems every 4 or 5 of these Mack Bolan stories end up being some of the best thrillers I’ve been fortunate to read.
And Crude Kill is no different, easily being the best Executioner novel since Doomsday Disciples.
If you want a lesson in dadlit done right, look no further than Crude Kill....more
If anyone tries to tell you that Robert McCammon can’t write, then they obviously have never read his Matthew Corbett series, and, to a greater extentIf anyone tries to tell you that Robert McCammon can’t write, then they obviously have never read his Matthew Corbett series, and, to a greater extent, not read Mr. Slaughter.
Taking the best parts of the first 2 books and adding a thriller element we haven’t seen yet makes this easily the most action packed and exciting of the series so far. It’s tense, fast paced and one of the most brutal of all of McCammon’s works, but with a title like Mr. Slaughter, that shouldn’t come as too much of surprise.
Tyranthus Slaughter, the main antagonist is by far McCammon’s best creation. He’s cunning, creepy, and just so well written, that even though you know he’s gonna trick, maim, or kill someone, his time on the pages make for enthralling moments of reading, despite his extremely evil nature.
McCammon also isnt afraid to make his main protagonists suffer either. Unlike a lot of authors, McCammon’s good guys are almost just as flawed as the bad ones. This time Corbett is selfish and self centered and it leads to quite a few moments of struggle while he reaps the consequences of his actions. Overall it makes him and the rest of this book’s cast of characters so much more realistic than they have any right to be in a mash up series like this.
I’ve long said McCammon is probably my favorite author of all time and with each new Corbett novel I read, that becomes just more and more true. ...more
Mark Greaney once again reigns supreme as the king of this brand of hyper intense, action packed, non stop, explosive thrillers.
Already proving his mMark Greaney once again reigns supreme as the king of this brand of hyper intense, action packed, non stop, explosive thrillers.
Already proving his mettle with the fabulous Gray Man novels, he showcases his extreme talent in Armored leading to what is probably his best book so far.
Armored seriously is a never ending thrill ride that, even at a pretty hefty 642 pages, never once stops or lets the reader ever truly relax. It’s tense as hell, with every page leading to Adrenalin fueled heart rates and sweaty palms. It’s populated with enough action to make Michael Bay and Sam Hargrave pitch a tent in their action oriented trousers. It’s perfect in its execution, as each new moment is packed with thrills, shady characters, and triple crosses where no one is safe.
Thrillers have long been one of my all time favorite genres, however having read this stuff since I was 13, it’s easy to become jaded with same ole, cookie cutter plots and predictable outcomes. Greaney has easily made all those fears of stale storytelling disappear…and the best part? He’s only getting better. ...more
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