This was a novel I opted to read from the Blackthorn Book Tour folks. I was glad I chose this book. If there was ever a reason to find an old abandoned mental asylum creepy enough to want to stay away from it, this book gives that reason. This novel combines not only urban exploration and tales of urban legends, but also adds a very human element to such subjects in a most intriguing and enlightening way. In this tale we have an average man in Kyle Hampton who is carrying an above average amount of weight on his shoulders for all kinds of things, some even stemming back to his childhood; a childhood spent at the Rose Hill Asylum in Pennsylvania. Although he has tried to forget about everything having to do with the asylum after being adopted there is one thing he cannot rid himself of. Thoughts of his little brother. The little brother he had to leave behind when he was adopted. But as we all know, life goes on and Kyle eventually grows up and lives a normal life. He has a girl, a new baby, a job that pays but not as much as he would like (but where is that not the case anymore) and he has a home. A real home with a real family, as so many orphans put it. Kyle has a very close friend named Randy and although Randy is his bud, he seems to push Kyle more towards doing what is fun and exciting rather than what is sensible and right. That’s all good and fine for a while but eventually things become a little complicated for Kyle and he has to figure things out before it all goes way too far. I found this to be a really entertaining novel that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I loved the way it was written as it switches back and forth between characters’ points of view. This keeps the pace going and keeps you wanting to turn pages. I got through this novel fairly quickly and even a few weeks later this tale is still on my mind. It’s the kind of thriller that sticks with you---because it is something that could really happen. A fantastical thrill ride for any psychological horror fans! RATINGS 5/5 Stars About the Author With a passion for writing, Award winning author Tamera Lawrence likes to entertain readers with edgy thrillers and mysteries. As a mother of six, Tamera draws on personal experiences to bring to life interesting characters set in today’s complex world. She loves meeting fans and writes book reviews upon request. Tamera also likes to play softball and clang out a tune or two on the piano. Other books include: THE POND, GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING & PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER 11
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Hungry Business
A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie The opportunity to read this short story came my way and I have to be honest, I jumped at it just because of the title. Hungry Business just sounds like a horror story, doesn’t it? I thought so, which is why I decided to read this story. At such a short length of twelve to fifteen pages, this is an easy, quick read for those that just want a little taste of horror before going back to work or retiring to bed. The only things I am willing to tell you in detail about this tale is that it involves a vicious contagion, intermingling of the infected and healthy and wait what’s this---dating in such a world. Yes, dating. I know, I am not a fan of romance in horror (or war stories, just to be completely honest, it always feels like they chose to ruin a perfectly good horror or war movie/story with a sappy love story, but I’m getting side tracked). I didn’t know when I started reading it that there would be anything about dating or relationships in there but it didn’t dissuade me from continuing to read on when I came upon the topic. I was exceptionally surprised and pleased at how skillfully the author laced all the elements of the story together. And the dating is an essential piece to this story. But it’s not anything like what I am used to when romance is thrown in so, it was a refreshing use of an age-old story topic. I also felt that while this story is obviously fiction, it read as somewhat metaphorical as well. I personally enjoyed this as it allows for the reader to explore various interpretations in their own mind and decide what the story means in their eyes. Conversely, if the reader does not go the route of analyzing the metaphorical aspect, it is still a superb tale of horror, woe and survival. I was also shocked at the amount of information DeBlassie was able to pour into only about fifteen pages. Every single page is essential to the tale and this, in my opinion, is what allows the story to progress so quickly and keep the reader enthralled at the same time. I think any horror lover would like this tantalizing tidbit for a quick horror snack. RATINGS 5/5 Stars |
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