Well all you faithful readers, it's the tenth anniversary and we decided to
go mostly old school with two of the biggest authors in horror that we
began with. Also, we have a newcomer compared to the other who could
be the new face of horror for years to come. Well, enjoy!
D.W. Jones
House of Reckoning by John Saul
Saul has always been known for his subtle style of writing, his
even pace that leads to a big ending. This is no different and also
what isn’t different is a great story that does not disappoint.
The story is about Sarah Crane, through an assortment of
bad events has lead her to a foster home after a serious accident.
She knows it is going to be hard but not this hard. Despite being
exorcised by her foster family, having no friends and talked about
from her new school, things are going to get worse.
In her art class, she draws a scene of horror that she doesn’t remember drawing.
What is shocking is that the scene she just drawn came true and has now brought
more attention to her than ever. What she doesn’t know is that the neighborhood
kid who everyone says is crazy has seen the same thing in his head. Then she
draws another scene that is even more horrible and is afraid it will come true.
Should she tell somebody, hope for the best or is she just going crazy. Will some
allies help her through this or make it worse?
John Saul is a master of slowly telling a story, dropping crumbs to keep you
following a trail and makes it worth the trip. His storytelling is top notch and
characters are mostly fleshed out. The main character Sarah is relatable to most
people feeling the tough life of high school. The pace is good and the ending has
plenty of action and gore. I recommend this book for a good read and something
to pass the time.
Breatheless by Dean Koontz
This is Koontz newest book and though it is a good book, it
shouldn’t be considered horror as much as more mystery and
suspense. It saddens me a little to see that he has gotten away
from some of his earlier work.
The story follows several different stories that come together.
A man and his dog discover two creatures while on a walk that are
unknown to him. A vet is a witness to several specias of animals
together in a trance for fifteen minutes. A disfigured loner struggling for a reason
to live is suddenly on a mission he doesn’t know or understand.
How all of these connects is a mystery but many other instances around the
country. Will these be the stuff of a great new beginning or signs of something
darker in the shadows. The only thing for sure is that chaos will be constant.
Koontz will always tell a great story and the characters are alive with every page.
There is only one storyline that merely resembles something close to the horror
realm but it falls short. This is a good book for any Koontz fan because of the
language and rhythm he uses but not if you are looking for a good scare.
Urban Gothic by Brian Keene
Of the three books I reviewed here, this is probably my favorite.
It had all the gore and horror that one could hope for in a book.
One of the best things about this book is of course the cover. It
just sets the mood for the whole book.
The story is about six kids from suburban Pennsylvannia
coming home from a rap concert, when one of them wants to score
some weed. While looking, their car breaks down and due to
circumstances, they end up in a abandoned house.
But something is very wrong and now they are in the fight for their lives. But every
twist and turn brings them into more danger and there is no way out, not even the
way they came in. What turned out to be a good night changes into whether they
will survive or die.
Keane tells a great story with everything you would want in a horror story; blood,
gore, thrills and suspense. You never know what is going to come around the next
page. His pacing is quick and doesn’t leave much dead time. His writing style lets
you feel the desparation of the characters as they fight for their lives. This is a
definite must read for any horror reader.
go mostly old school with two of the biggest authors in horror that we
began with. Also, we have a newcomer compared to the other who could
be the new face of horror for years to come. Well, enjoy!
D.W. Jones
House of Reckoning by John Saul
Saul has always been known for his subtle style of writing, his
even pace that leads to a big ending. This is no different and also
what isn’t different is a great story that does not disappoint.
The story is about Sarah Crane, through an assortment of
bad events has lead her to a foster home after a serious accident.
She knows it is going to be hard but not this hard. Despite being
exorcised by her foster family, having no friends and talked about
from her new school, things are going to get worse.
In her art class, she draws a scene of horror that she doesn’t remember drawing.
What is shocking is that the scene she just drawn came true and has now brought
more attention to her than ever. What she doesn’t know is that the neighborhood
kid who everyone says is crazy has seen the same thing in his head. Then she
draws another scene that is even more horrible and is afraid it will come true.
Should she tell somebody, hope for the best or is she just going crazy. Will some
allies help her through this or make it worse?
John Saul is a master of slowly telling a story, dropping crumbs to keep you
following a trail and makes it worth the trip. His storytelling is top notch and
characters are mostly fleshed out. The main character Sarah is relatable to most
people feeling the tough life of high school. The pace is good and the ending has
plenty of action and gore. I recommend this book for a good read and something
to pass the time.
Breatheless by Dean Koontz
This is Koontz newest book and though it is a good book, it
shouldn’t be considered horror as much as more mystery and
suspense. It saddens me a little to see that he has gotten away
from some of his earlier work.
The story follows several different stories that come together.
A man and his dog discover two creatures while on a walk that are
unknown to him. A vet is a witness to several specias of animals
together in a trance for fifteen minutes. A disfigured loner struggling for a reason
to live is suddenly on a mission he doesn’t know or understand.
How all of these connects is a mystery but many other instances around the
country. Will these be the stuff of a great new beginning or signs of something
darker in the shadows. The only thing for sure is that chaos will be constant.
Koontz will always tell a great story and the characters are alive with every page.
There is only one storyline that merely resembles something close to the horror
realm but it falls short. This is a good book for any Koontz fan because of the
language and rhythm he uses but not if you are looking for a good scare.
Urban Gothic by Brian Keene
Of the three books I reviewed here, this is probably my favorite.
It had all the gore and horror that one could hope for in a book.
One of the best things about this book is of course the cover. It
just sets the mood for the whole book.
The story is about six kids from suburban Pennsylvannia
coming home from a rap concert, when one of them wants to score
some weed. While looking, their car breaks down and due to
circumstances, they end up in a abandoned house.
But something is very wrong and now they are in the fight for their lives. But every
twist and turn brings them into more danger and there is no way out, not even the
way they came in. What turned out to be a good night changes into whether they
will survive or die.
Keane tells a great story with everything you would want in a horror story; blood,
gore, thrills and suspense. You never know what is going to come around the next
page. His pacing is quick and doesn’t leave much dead time. His writing style lets
you feel the desparation of the characters as they fight for their lives. This is a
definite must read for any horror reader.
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Are you a writer with
a newly published
book? Want to have
it reviewed and get it
out there for others
to read? Contact us
and we will be glad to
review it and if good,
help do a little
promoting on our
website. Send us a
message at
dwjones@bloodmoon
risingmagazine .com
a newly published
book? Want to have
it reviewed and get it
out there for others
to read? Contact us
and we will be glad to
review it and if good,
help do a little
promoting on our
website. Send us a
message at
dwjones@bloodmoon
risingmagazine .com
