group of reviews of books for good reading. There are some books by old
favorites that you don’t want to let go. Also we have some brand new
books. And even one carryover from the holidays. So enjoy!
D.W. Jones
Relentles by Dean Koontz
Koontz has always been a favorite and that is all I
need to pick up any book by him. I know it will be good and
an entertaining read. Relentless didin’t disappoint and also
wonder how much of himself he has put into this book,
which made it that more enjoyable.
Cullen Greenwich is a novelist who has been
successful but with his last book, it put him on top. He gets
rave review from everyone but one person. Sherman Waxx,
reclusive but well known critic who with his reviews have
been known to make or break a career. So after Cullen
reads it, he can’t let it go. His wife insist he lets it go but
doesn’t. With a little luck, he finds out where he will be.
Cullen can’t help but check him out.
After a chance encounter with the critic in a restaurant
bathroom, things start happening. The critic starts calling him and then there is a
home invasion that leave him and his wife bruised. Things starts escalating until
Cullen decides to go on the offensive because if he doesn’t, he might end up dead.
All this over a book review.
This book had a little bit of everything; good dialog, interesting character, drama
and a few things out there. Koontz doesn’t go for the hardcore horror that use to be
present in his earlier books but it’s enough to call it PG-13. With that said, there is
plenty of action and some shocking moments. The story flows through which makes
it for a quick read. I would recommend this for the usual Koontz fan and for those
who want a easy read.
Just After Sunset by Stephen King
Here is the latest short story collection for King and
according to him, he was glad to get back to the short story
format. Some of the stories were previously published in
other venues and some are new. But they are all vintage
King. Below are a couple of favorites.
The first one I enjoyed is Stationary Bike. It tells the
story of Richard who just came from the doctors and told
he needs to lose weight or he could suffer major health
problems. Not liking the gym or running, he bought a
stationary bike. To help the workout, he paints a mural.
After awhile, he get obsessed and imagines traveling a
road. This obsession leads to blacking out and
hallucinations. He tries to stop but he’s afraid now for his life.
Another one I enjoyed is The Cat From Hell. This was made into a short feature
in Tales from the Darkside. It is about a old wealthy man who hires a hit man to kill
the cat living with him. He claims that the cat has already killed his sister and a
couple of other people. The hitman finds out soon enough the truth of the matter.
The last story I enjoyed is N. It is a story about a woman who receives her
psychiatrist brother’s notes about a patient and passes on to a friend to look at it.
The notes tells her brother’s story of a patient and how his patient’s obsessive
compulsive disorder affects him. It takes a turns that surprises him and leads to an
unexpected ending.
These stories are everything you like about King. Some are very subtle and
sneak up on you and then there are others that you see coming and throws you for
a hook. King gives you a variety or stories that keeps you interested as you go from
story to story. I definitely recommend this book for any King fan and readers of a
good short story.
The Santa Thing by Robert Freese
Here is the newest book by Freese and it was just
release before Christmas which give the horror reader
something besides the feel good stories of Christmas. This
is the first that I hae seen a story like this and Freese does
a great job with telling a unique story.
The story begins with Franklin Morris, a man haunted
by his childhood and the death of his sister. Now he is
being summoned by Santa’s elves because of his
reputation of ridding the world of things supernatural.
Something has happened to Santa and the elves are
counting on Franklin to heal Santa in time to save
Christmas.
But from the time Franklin reaches the North Pole,
things aren’t what they should be. And things don’t get better when he is taken to
Santa. Now time is running out and Franklin has the free world resting on his
shoulders and the biggest holiday in mankind depending on him with only hours
before it’s too late.
Freese tells a great story that from the beginning has you thinking; Where did he
come up with this? He takes such opposite items like Christmas and blood and
horror and makes it work. The story flows and has you just wanting more and
looking to see what is on the next page. And just wait until you get to the ending. I
recommend this for anyone tired of the usual feel good stories of the holidays. The
easiest way to pick up this book is go to Amazon.com and type in The Santa
Thing.
The Wizard of Odd by Soda
This is the first book by Soda, who has written for this
magazine before and is now branching out. Though the
title sounds familiar, it is a unique story that is perfect for
young adults.
It begins with Donovan Bale, a normal kid ready to go
on vacation with his parents. While on the plane,
something goes wrong and the next thing Donovan knows,
he wakes up in a strange land with pink and blue people,
bright colors and clouds for the ground. He is chosen to go
on a quest to resuce the wizard from an evil witch bent on
taking over the world.
With his new friends and his stuffed bunny who is alive
in this world, they set out on the journey that maybe noone
will come back from. Will Donovan step up and help save the world even though he
is only a kid and dealing with his own loss?
Soda tells a nice story that is perfect for the young adult. It moves quickly and
while it does have it share of scares and thrills, it is appropriate for all ages. It has
important lessons and the characters are interesting enough for kids to enjoy. Even
though this is targeted for young readers, I believe that anyone will consider this a
good read.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
