Getting Lost in Good Fiction
I love Grady's narrative voice, and though an "older" novel, his wit and terror are still prominent throughout, making "My Best Friend's Exorcism" another solid read. His characters come to life through the bonds of past and present as the two coalesce into well-formed relationships that feel earnest and real.
My favorite bit of this story was simply the nostalgia of the late-twentieth century. Not only is it well-done, but it gives life to the tale through the zeitgeist of songs and movies of the 80s.
There was really only one part of this book that I didn't care for, and it involved a single scene with animal abuse. However, it was carried out by a demon, so ya know, it served the plot. I'll add that I appreciated how Grady came back to this scene for trauma exposition in the end. While, not enjoyed, it was certainly well executed.
This novel is definitely for fans of 80s horror, music, and movies and those who have found strength and value in their friendships.
2) By The Light of Dead Stars (Audio Narrator Tom Jordan) by Andrew Van Wey
If you are a fan of Stranger Things and the unseen cosmic horrors of H.P. Lovecraft, then “By The Light of Dead Stars” is 100% for you.
However, it’s the human element that really steals the show in BTLODS.
That’s not to say that the cosmic horror doesn’t exist. Hell, it might even get a bit more “face time” than you’d expect in a Lovecraftian tale. But our protagonist Zelda leads a much more “traditional” existence than ST’s heroine. Although, her tale is just as tragic, if not more so.
Why? Because Zelda’s trauma remains grounded in a reality that we all know. The trauma of having and losing.
The way trauma and grief dictate the flow of life’s decisions roots itself deeply in the heart of this story. Whether it’s the death of a loved one or the torment of a bullying step-parent, it’s all on full display.
Moving on from those invisible wounds proves easier for some. Others it tattoos their personality and decisions for the foreseeable future.
Van Wey masterfully twists his narrative in ways that might convince readers this is a “chosen one” / “hero’s journey” tale.
But that’s not it.
BTLODS uses these themes subtly. Ultimately becoming something wholly original, as the characters develop depth that is far from expected in modern TV or classic Lovecraft. Because at day’s end, this isn’t a story of good vs evil.
This is a tale of individuals finding the light in the dark.
Unfortunately for them, that light isn’t always blinding and warm.
Sometimes, it’s dark, violet, and whispers tantalizing offers of infinite possibility.
These themes ultimately aid in producing a deep conclusive narrative that can stand on its own, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the sequels to stand tall.
I love this story by Andrew Van Wey so much that I had to go back for the audio book and was incredibly satisfied with this audio adaptation. Jordan brings the characters to life with chilling cadences and emotional gravitas.
For those fans of Stranger Things looking for a fresh set of kids to tackle a cosmic horror, look no further than The Lost Coast. Whether reading or listening to this tale, prepare to be enveloped by the light of the dead star....
Returning to the Lost Coast proved a bittersweet reunion for this reader. Our characters are settling back into life following the Raven's Valley fires. Unfortunately, peace is short-lived as the cosmic being, J'harr, has set her infinite gaze on the invasive presence of Zelda Ruiz. She will learn the horrifying truth that the fires were just the beginning and that the violet light of the cosmos has dug its tendrils in far deeper than Zelda, or anyone for that matter, could have imagined.
So, she reluctantly accepts the tutelage of a master who can help her navigate the dark cosmic energies for her own benefit. But at what cost?
Tides of Darkness sinks the hook of book one deep, pulling readers into shadowy nightmares and celestial machinations where vastly more repugnant secrets fester beneath the surface of Greywood Bay, and death waits to feast on a fresh offering cultivated by the town's undying gentry.
I cannot recommend this series enough, and I hope to see this title popping up on more readers' timelines as the third novel, "The Black Lantern" approaches its end-of-year release.
If you are unfamiliar with Ito’s “Uzumaki” know that it is one of the best-known horror manga in the world. Meaning if you haven't encountered it yet, that probably just means you're not looking.
But maybe you shouldn’t be looking for it… As there may be far more spirals lurking than anyone could imagine…. Because that's what this horror is. A symbol. A sign that keeps repeating ad infinitum across 20 chapters.
I was hooked instantly. The hook itself is incredibly gripping.
Things start off playing on themes of mental health and familial trauma. But also, readers might get these possession and haunting vibes as our first secondary character, Shuichi, watches his father devolve into an obsession with the spiral. And that first chapter—I think it's the first chapter—leaves us with something truly haunting in the form of someone's death and the repercussions that come with it. Things like grief and loss and fear. Everyone knows the madman was obsessed with the spirals. But I think my favorite chapter involves mosquitoes. Let's just say I learned something. Mainly that only female mosquitoes suck blood, and that's to incubate the eggs they're carrying.
Do with that information what you will.
I mean, it's still sitting with me a couple of days later. The images and the scenes and the things left unsaid all coalesce into something truly haunting.
My one complaint with this volume is that there's a point in the narrative where we kind of leave the horror elements behind. The story transitions toward mystery, and things feel more contemporary. And the supernatural ends up filling the role of an undertone. It was at that moment, “Uzumaki”slowed up for me. After all, what had been hitting, was hitting hard, with some pretty horrifying images and allusions.
But as the narrative moves toward a conclusion, it feels like those supernatural moments give way to a more character-driven story. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it didn't match the precedent, in my opinion.
If you like horror, you like manga; Ito’s spiraling tale of depravity and Lovecraftian influence should be worthwhile. I knocked this out in like five days. And yes, it's a lot of pages, but for those who don’t know manga, it's synonymous with a comic book. So you can really plow through a lot of pages in one sitting. However, I’d recommend readers also sit with them. Stew in these images and the narrative repercussions.
All that, to say, I loved it, and I won’t stop recommending “Uzumaki” to people.
A final note for any readers considering this crazy work of horror, heed this warning: It is graphic. Not in the sense of American graphic novels, but trigger warnings would definitely include death, mutilation, self-harm, violence, LOTS of body horror, and honestly plenty more. There are enough scenes between these covers that give me the confidence to recommend anyone who finds themselves triggered easily not touch this one.
Otherwise, don’t forget—always be looking for the spiral, my friends.
5) PTO by RJ & Jessica Roles
Aside from a smattering of grammar/syntax concerns, I have never been so viscerally affected by the words of a chapbook. The principal antagonist is truly detestable, and I found myself balling up my fist repeatedly. I may have even struck a page or two....
Certainly a worthwhile quick read for those who want to enjoy some cathartic rage vengeance as a newcomer slinks into Scarletville and turns the entire town on its head.
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