Tag Archives: horror

by

The One Percenters by John Podgursky

The One Percenters

In this dark psychological thriller/horror, The One Percenters, the reader has an insight into the mind of Edward Caine, who believes himself to be a one-percenter. A one percenter is one that can assist the natural selection process by ending the lives of those that do not seem fit to breed. Those that are only alive due to advances in medicine, technology and money.

Edward did not always think in this manner but after his wife’s rape and murder by a serial killer his mind drifts over time (and over a drink or two!) and he begins his mentally spiralling journey. His wife, Jill, was a good, loving human being with a kind heart. She was innocent. She didn’t deserve to die. In fact, Jill would have been perfect in the natural selection process, with her beauty and all. She most definitely wouldn’t have been picked by a one percenter!

Ed’s character, I thought, was fairly easy to connect with considering all he had been through with Jill. He is bitter and begins wanting revenge for her murder. However, as his thoughts become so dark as to even consider taking lives of those that had absolutely nothing to do with what happened, the reader begins to understand how disturbed this guy is. Although the connection largely gets lost by this point, I felt I just had to read on to know the outcome as John Podgursky leaves the reader asking questions of what path Ed is going to take and what will become of him.

In the beginning, even though it is a serious subject matter and Ed is in a state of depression and drink after losing Jill, he is so open with his thoughts that some off-the-wall suggestions and sarcastic, cynical remarks are made. However, as the novel continues it does become much more darker and serious.

The story is told from Ed’s POV. The written style of The One Percenters is as if Ed were talking to the reader directly as he tells his story in first person, past tense and the use of language is quite direct. The use of the direct and casual language can, at times, lighten the mood by making Ed’s cynical, sarcastic remarks a little comical. Because of this, I did find myself smiling to myself in some instances at Ed’s dry humour. Due to the written style it is a fairly quick read and set at a reasonable pace.

I was initially surprised as it read as a narrative from Ed’s POV. I was expecting the story to be told in third person, however after reading the story, that idea certainly wouldn’t work so well on the psychological side. I was also expecting the story to follow fellow one-percenter , as the synopsis mentioned ‘Edward and his brethren’. The further into the book you delve the more psycholgical horror you come across as Ed’s actions and indeed his thoughts become darker and darker. This story is definitely not for the faint of heart. The One Percenters is an adult read due to the seriousness of Ed’s thoughts and the violence and pyschological horror that this story offers.

There is a reference to ‘Doctor’ every now and then. This makes the reader think that Ed is possibly speaking to a psychiatrist at the end of the book. Will this be revealed towards the end? What will become of Ed, and will he accomplish what he set out to do? The reader has many questions and must read to the very end to reveal the full truth of this great thriller.

It is the significance of Jill’s rape and murder that start Ed’s pyschological problems. She was so innocent, so helpless. Ed begins to question the behaviour of humans and life, which leads to him believing that those that are ill, are ill for a reason: they are weak and so must die. It is only through money, technology and medicine that the ill are kept alive. This in-turn allows them to breed and pass on their weak genes and possibly weakening mankind. He, as a chosen one-percenter must help control this and eliminate these people. Will Ed allow his thoughts to control his actions, or will he give in?

I would like to thank the author, John Podgursky, for providing us a copy of his book in return for an honest and fair review. If you would like to contact the author, you can e-mail him at darwinspal@hotmail.com.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Bloodroom and Release of A Bad Death, by Naima Haviland

13609447[1]A Dark Paranormal/Horror Romance

One of the first books that I reviewed for this blog was Bloodroom by Naima Haviland. It is one of those reads that has stayed with me – the hero, a vampire, has been the subject of both my dreams and my nightmares ever since!

In Bloodroom we see Julian Mouret, a master vampire, have his loyalties torn between upholding vampire law and letting Natalie, the human he has become obsessed with survive when he is honour bound to kill her. I recommend this book to lovers of dark paranormal romance and horror, especially for those with a love of the modern gothic and the erotic. I have reblogged this review alongside this post in case readers missed it the first time around – so scroll down after this post if you want to read the review.

One of my next reads, which I am really looking forward to, will be The Bad Death,  TheBadDeath-KindleCoverwhich is both a sequel and a prequel to Bloodroom. It features Julian before he was a vampire and is set in South Carolina in 1788. It has recently been released in paperback and the Kindle version is now available. Here is an abridged version of the book blurb:

The African beauty emerging from his family crypt is a stranger to plantation owner Julian Mouret. A mystery, she spins a dark tale of peril and flight. Though he fears she must be mad, the handsome slave owner is soon lost to this enchantress. But there can be no safe haven. A series of horrifying mutilation murders screams of the presence of “plat-eyes”—shape-shifting blood-sucking supernatural creatures —and only Anika can end the rampage. But to face the vampire horde she will have to master the darkness within. And the price of  victory in the battle ahead may well be the eternal soul of the man she is coming to love.

The Bad Death can be enjoyed without first having to read Bloodroom, but the author advises readers interested in Bloodroom to read it first as The Bad Death does hold a Bloodroom spoiler. If you like the sound of this series, look out for the review of The Bad Death in the coming weeks and also for details of a giveaway by the author on this blog.

Tina 🙂

http://naimahaviland.com/

Amazon UK

Amazon US

by

Wolfen Domination (Project Nemesis #1) – a short story by Celeste Anwar

Wolfen DominationCeleste Anwar’s Wolfen Domination (Project Nemesis #1) is a dramatic erotica short story which is suitable only for the adult reader (18 yrs+) due to its content. Full of adventure Wolfen Domination follows the consequences of a captured Lycan, Jesse Stone, and the part that scientist, Erin Maddox, played in him being physically used (and non-consensually) – all in the name of science!

Project Nemesis is a secretive, government supported project that involved capturing a Lycan once their existence was discovered and its mission was to find out as much as possible on this new discovered species. However, head scientists Doctor Wagner and Doctor Freda Dallas appear to get carried away with their experiments and the reader soon discovers that Jesse has been starved and tortured. The reader instantly wants Jesse to escape any way he can.

The only part of Jesse’s day that was a small compensation was seeing the young scientist, Erin, when she came to leave him some food. But over time, after countless tests and torturous moments, Erin showed up in his cage seemingly willing to take part in the science experiments herself. It wasn’t until after the deed itself that it dawned on Jesse that Erin had been willing – willing to use him. The one moment he looked forward to, in seeing her, now completely enraged him. She was one of them. Jesse was furious and longed to escape in order to kill them, to avenge his mistreatment of physical and mental torturous hell! He plans to kill Erin last due to the pain and betrayal she has made him feel.

Celeste Anwar throws the reader straight in the deep end with the experiments having taken place, Jesse having been tortured and Freda and Wagner discussing how they can perform a further experiment with Jesse. The reader is made aware of the callousness of Doctor Wagner and Doctor Freda and the extremes that they will go to without taking any moment to think of the rights of Jesse.

There are moments when I felt that Wolfen Domination was rushed. The reader is not provided with much, if any, background information on Jesse or any of the other Lycans. We are made aware of what Jesse is from the beginning but apart from that there are no real dramatic descriptions of him ‘turning’ or much about his characteristics. Also, the on/off attraction between Jesse and Erin at times doesn’t seem believable as aside from the experiments we know too little about these characters. I do think this story would have benefitted from a more intense build-up and allowing the readers to get close to the main characters. That said, Wolfen Domination is quite adventurous and becomes moreso as the story moves on.

In terms of erotica, the reader is provided with some very intimate scenes between Jesse and Erin. Jesse is obviously attracted to her quite strongly. These scenes are mostly at the beginning of the story and the story then unfolds into a more paranormal action/adventure. However, some of these scenes are non-consensual, hence the recommendation for ADULT readers only, and therefore this may not be for everyone – a more erotic/horror. These scenes are necessary for the main plot, however, and if you can bear reading scenes of this nature the plot thereafter is quite interesting, following the consequences of the experiments and Jesse’s reaction to all that he has been through.

To mention what takes place after the experiments on Jessie would spoil the story. However, it is a worthwhile read and I would consider reading more of Celeste Anwar’s work. There are moments when the reader is completely involved in the story and connected to the characters, although there are moments that the reader could possibly struggle with following the concepts due to a lack of background knowledge. However, reading the whole story certainly allows for the reader to see where the plot is actually going and the potential it has.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

The Wolfstone Curse, by Justin Richards

WolfstoneThrilling Paranormal Adventure Age 12+

The Wolfstone Curse by Justin Richards is a fast paced novel, full of action and adventure with a paranormal theme.  At its centre are the mysterious Wolfstone Circle and Wolfstone Manor, whose dark secrets slowly unravel. The tale extends across Europe to Russia and back in time to World War 2 and the more distant past of myth and magic surrounding werewolves. Scroll down after reading this review for links to Caroline’s review and to an exclusive interview with author Justin Richards.

In The Wolfstone Curse, Peter  is dismayed when his archaeologist father asks him to accompany him and his associates  on what he believes will be a less than exciting dig of a stone circle near the village of Wolfstone in the Coltswolds, a quiet backwater which has little to recommend itself to a teenager on the cup of adulthood. However, Peter is soon drawn into the history of Wolfstone, where the ancient inhabitants of the old manor were said to be afflicted by a curse, and where werewolves and the mystical Wolfstone Circle also feature. He soon discovers some strange goings on at the dilapidated Wolfstone Manor, the adjacent land of which is being redeveloped into a new housing development by the mysterious Sebastian Forrest, who has employed his father to investigate the circle.

He is further encouraged to stay by an unlikely friendship he strikes up with Carys, the daughter of the lady who runs the Fleece Inn, where he and his father are staying. Carys ‘ family is a font of wisdom concerning the old myths and legends of the local wolves, legends which the locals still take seriously, avoiding  going outside on nights which fall on and around the full moon. Indeed, it is said that no good comes of anyone who decides to investigate the mysteries of the stone circle…… It is not long before Peter suspects that Carys and her family know more than they are letting on and that they have their own secrets. When Peter witnesses some shocking events one night centred on the manor and the stone circle, his life and that of others is put in danger and he and Carys must travel deep into Europe to delve deeper into the mysteries and events linked to the manor and the circle and their apparent connection to experiments undertaken by Nazis in World War 2. They must use all of their intelligence and guile to work together to escape their enemies and destroy the threat of great evil before its plans can grow to fruition.

The relationship between Peter and Carys is central to the story as they work together to uncover the secrets surrounding the Wolfstone Circle and overcome the evil that is connected to it. After a bit of a shaky start, they form a tight friendship and their mutual respect grows into a budding romance as the tale progresses. Their bravery and tenacity are tested to the full as they find themselves in many fearful, hair raising and truly horrific situations, where their lives are threatened. The supporting cast includes Carys’ mother and her grandfather, Peter’s father and the owner of the Wolfstone Manor and surrounding land, Sebastian Forrest and his son David. There is also a mysterious character known as The Old One, who plays a key role.

I enjoyed how Justin Richards’ novel referred to fictional events from the past, specifically the experiments undertaken by the Nazis in World War 2 to produce genetically created Wolfen soldiers. I also liked how he referenced many of the werewolf myths and legends which exist within Europe, particularly how the power of the moonlight was harnessed by the stone circle. The use of ‘source documents’ throughout the text, including letters and a journal, add considerable depth and interest. There are a number of twists and turns in the novel which I did not see coming and I was entertained throughout.

I recommend this book to those with a reading age of 12 and above who enjoy exciting, nail biting, paranormal tales with strong elements of mystery, suspense and horror.

Copies of ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ were given to A Reader’s Review Blog by Templar Publishing in return for an honest and fair review.

Cover art by the-parish.com

Click here for an exclusive interview with author Justin Richards

Click here for Caroline’s review of The Wolfstone Curse

Templar Publishing Website

by

LAST CHANCE to enter our Tim O’Rourke GIVEAWAY!!!

Hi everyone, this is the last 24 hours of our fantastic TIM O’ROURKE GIVEAWAY! Tim is kindly giving away a copy of his brilliant paranormal novel, Vampire Shift (Keira Hudson, Series One Book 1), and a copy of his paranormal horror Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy Book 1). Both books will be signed paperbacks. You can enter for either book OR both. All you have to do is follow us via our blog, Facebook or Twitter and leave a short comment to let us know which book (or both) you’d like. 🙂

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!!! THE WINNER/S WILL BE REVEALED SOON! THANKS TO ALL OF THOSE THAT ENTERED 🙂

Thank you for those of you that have already entered. Good luck everyone!!! 🙂

Caroline

Check out Tim O’Rourke’s recent author biog/post here. Original giveaway post here. (Feel free to reblog, share on Facebook and/or reTweet!)

Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy, #1)

by

Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy, Book Two) by Tim O’Rourke

Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy, #2)Wow! Wow! And wow! Tim O’Rourke never ceases to amaze as reading his books provides the reader with shock after shock! Recommended for readers of 17 yrs and over, Moonbeam (Book 2 of The Moon Trilogy) is a very dark paranormal horror that also ticks all of the boxes when it comes to drama, love, action and adventure as well as it’s fair share of gore.

After being acquainted with the characters of Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy, Book One), Thaddeus Blake and Winter McCall – where the setting was, if anything, a little eerie and strange – the  reader was provided with a great deal of action as the story unfolded and especially towards the end which is right where Moonbeam takes over. Thaddeus’ mansion is left burning as Thad and Winnie make their way to Scotland  in the hope of finding the Moonbeam, as well as trying to escape from the police and the vampires that will be sure to hunt them down.

The Moonbeam is a precious stone believed to destroy all of the vampires and it may be Thad’s only hope in preventing the vampires fom tracking him. Unfortunately, even this precious stone does not come without its history, as Thaddeus is well aware. Thaddeus had the Moonbeam in his possession many years before and it had caused nothing but deep, dark troubles – all of which the reader hears about as the story drifts in and out of the present to Thaddeus’ dark past. It seems that with small doses of happiness, Thad’s life has been overrun with tragedy. As we learn more of Thaddeus’ history the reader cannot help but feel for him deeply, which is a different take of him than we are used to with Moonlight.

Events and settings are not so eerie and strange in Moonbeam as Thaddeus and Winnie have a deeper understanding of each other. Winnie has to come to terms with the events that have taken place and the reader hopes that she can put her trust in Thaddeus to look out for her and protect her. As we begin book 2 the adventure is well under way, not only with Thad and Winnie travelling to Scotland, but with the police following up on Thaddeus’ burning mansion and trying to locate him. Therefore, there is a faster pace throughout Moonbeam. However, the horror is as equal to or even moreso in Moonbeam especially the scenes of Ruby Little (the ghost of Winnie’s best friend) that are very disturbing. You’ll definitely be wanting to pull those bed covers over you when you read this!

As I explained in my review of Moonlight (Book 1 of The Moon Trilogy), at the time I wanted to jump into the story to pull Winnie out – to free her from all danger and from the strange Thaddeus. However, with Moonbeam I wanted to be Winnie, in the knowledge that Thaddeus would protect me from danger and that my feelings towards him were growing stronger. In a short space of time she has come so far with Thad; after him finding her begging on the streets of London, offering her accommodation in return for her to carry out household duties (and occasionally stand in the moonlight!) and then being attacked and watch their home burn to presently making their way to Scotland.

With every one of Tim O’Rourke’s sequels I have read so far they can all be read as stand alone’s as Tim is kind enough and clear enough to provide just enough information for the reader to understand the characters and the events taking place. HOWEVER, the reader will seriously be missing out on sooo much more! I strongly recommend that the earlier books are read to completely follow these characters on their great journey, to see them blossom. And I can promise you that you’ll fall in love with them.

I loved every page of Moonbeam until I reached those dreaded words, ‘To be continued…’, at which point I just wanted to scream, ‘No! How can he do this?!’ Talk about leaving the reader in suspense! ‘That’s a little dramatic!’ I hear you say in regards to my reaction – well, you most probably haven’t read a Tim O’Rourke book. They are frightfully addictive, powerful, exciting, horrific and fun. Believe me, you’ll constantly find yourself rooting for your favourite characters as Tim passes his passion onto the reader!!!

Moonbeam was provided by the author, Tim O’Rourke, for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Ways to see a Ghost, by Emily Diamand

WaysToSeeGhost CvrTeenagers Unite to Combat Evil in Explosive Paranormal  Thriller              

for ages 11+

If you are seeking an exciting paranormal read which includes everything from  murder, mayhem and ghosts to an ancient evil and UFO hunters you cannot do better than read this adventure filled novel  by Emily Diamand, which will appeal to young readers and adults alike. Caroline has also reviewed this book and if you would like to have a look at her review too click on the link at the end of this post.

In Ways to See a Ghost, Gray, the teenage son of a UFO conspiracy theorist and Isis, daughter of a charlatan psychic, are thrown together when their parents start dating, after meeting at the scene of a strange death. Both teenagers come from broken homes and whilst Isis lives with her mum, who has parted from her dad some time ago, Gray, whose mum has custody, visits his dad regularly and accompanies him on UFO seeking missions.

After a rocky start, Isis and Gray form a close friendship and uncover the sinister intentions of the charismatic Philip Syndal, the head of an elite psychic society that Isis’ mum has been inducted into.  The tale unfolds into one of great intrigue and danger, involving a series of bizarre and ever increasing sinister events, where Isis’ sanity and even her life is under threat. Unlike her mother Isis can really see ghosts, an ability which manifested itself after her little sister Angel died in a car accident.  Indeed, Angel’s ghost plays an important role in the story. Isis has never revealed Angel’s existence to her mother for fear that it could traumatize her.

The book is full of strange and sometimes horrific events. Indeed, its opening scene is in the middle of a wheat field where Gray and his dad witness unexplained lights in the sky, which create a series of crop circles which Gray manages to capture on film. There are also references to the many ghosts who seek to communicate with Isis, who is a powerful, albeit unwilling psychic. I enjoyed the descriptions of the paranormal events, which were very vivid and swept me up into the story. As the book progresses, we learn of a connection between the lights seen by Gray and his father and ghosts and events become more and more terrifying before the plot unravels.

I enjoyed all of the characters in the book. Gray and Isis, both strong and likeable characters,  form a close bond and their friendship deepens as the book progresses. Whilst Isis is sceptical of the research carried out by Gray’s father to prove the existence of UFOs, Gray is equally sceptical of Isis’ claim that she can see ghosts, until she gives him proof that Angel exists. I loved the character of Angel, who, even as a ghost is a typical precocious and playful three year old, often exasperating her older sister. The way Isis, Gray and Angel interact and work together to try and defeat the evil which manifests itself is one of the most satisfying aspects of the novel. Other characters include Cally, Isis’ mum and Gil, Gray’s dad, who are both a little eccentric, playing their respective parts as a fake psychic and a committed UFO hunter to the full. Gil is a bit of a ‘Jack the lad’ who usually plays the field, but has fallen hard for Cally and Cally, who has been in a dark place since Angel’s death and the breakdown of her marriage, finds that loving Gil has given her a new lease of life.There is also a ghost called Mandeville, who has a key role as the tale unfolds, and Phillip Syndal who runs the elite psychic society, who has many secrets and harbours great evil. A fun character, Stu, a friend of Gil, known as ‘The Keeper’, who holds a lot of information on worldwide conspiracy theories, provides some humour.

The novel covers the usual tensions between parents and teenagers and I found it amusing that the reader sees their parents’ relationship through the eyes of their children, who both find actions such as kissing and hand holding yuk! Some chapters are told in the first person from Gray’s point of view, looking back on events and others in the third person. This is effective in that we are able to view events from multiple perspectives and time frames and adds depth to the story. There is also a mystery person interrogating Gray in his chapters and the author does not reveal to us who this is, which I find fascinating and I am hoping to find this out in the subsequent novel. The book also has an environmental subtext throughout, in its references to the harm man has inflicted on the natural environment.

I recommend this book to young and adult readers who enjoy exciting con temporary tales of the paranormal.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

For Caroline’s review click here

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Templar Publishing www.templarco.co.uk

Cover art by Ben Kovar

Publication July 2013

by

The Purple Haze, a short story by Gary Richardson

The Purple HazeIf you are a fan of the movie ‘Dawn of the Dead’ or a fan of the tv series ‘The Walking Dead’ then this is certainly a novel for you to read. I find it even more intriguing, being English, as it is set in England.

This short story is very exciting from the very beginning. If you imagine a bank robbery scene from ‘The Sweeney’ tv series, this is how the novel begins. However, a few chapters into the book and it completely changes into a horror/zombie type novel. It actually reminds me a little of ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’.  One moment it is a crime/thriller and the next it is some action-packed horror. I found this to be an exciting, fast-paced read with well written characters and a well thought-out plot.

Also, because of the turn of events, it forces characters to work together when they should be opposed to each other, i.e. bank robbers working with civilians and the police, etc. This adds another layer of tension amid the main story.

Some could say a negative about this novel is that similar stories have been written, but if you are interested in this type of story I would urge people to read it.

I also like the fact that the author, Gary Richardson, has written a couple of pages at the end explaining where the idea came from for the novel and how it became a part of his life.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

I have been meaning to post this review on A Reader’s Review Blog for a while. Written prior to our blog being created, I have decided to post my original review as it is written with the feelings I had at the time of reading ‘The Purple Haze’ and this short story is one I haven’t been able to forget!!! You can find ‘The Purple Haze’ on Amazon UK for 99p or on Amazon US for $1.54!

by

‘The Wolfstone Curse’ by Justin Richards

Wolfstone‘The Wolfstone Curse’ is an action-packed thriller of horror and adventure where teenager Peter, visits the remote village of Wolfstone with his archaeologist father, Professor Crichton, who is due to be carrying out his work at the ancient Wolfstone Circle in the Cotswolds. As a teenager, in a very isolated place, Peter becomes bored and goes to explore the surrounding area, in particular the Wolfstone Manor. As the story unfolds Peter discovers the existence of werewolves and the curse that is placed upon them.

The story begins with a diary entry, dating from the Second World War, by a soldier who has just been briefed on the Nazi experiments taking place at Castle Wolfenburg. His group of commandos are sent to attack the genetically engineered SS Wolfen soldiers to prevent these experiments from taking place. There is no holding back with Justin Richards as the reader enters the story at the very beginning with plenty of action taking place. The reader is gripped from the first page!

I love the historical element of the story as the reader has insights to generations before in order to learn of the origins of the Wolfstone Circle and Manor. This in itself gives the story a great deal of depth, enabling the reader to have a great deal of background knowledge and to see the full picture and the development of the werewolves and their curse.

Whilst in Wolfstone Peter and his father are staying at The Red Fleece, a seventeenth century inn that is run by Faye Seymour, with the help of her teenage daughter, Carys. As events take place and Peter talks to them about what he has seen the reader becomes aware that Carys and her mum are not oblivious of the village life. As Peter becomes more curious and decides to explore further, Carys assists him and their relationship grows as they rely on each other during the dark and horrific times.

Peter and Carys are great, strong characters. Even when frightened they handle situations well. Although the book began with Peter, and it appeared that he alone was the hero and focus of the story, I feel that over time Carys’ character opened up and was equally as heroic as Peter. Carys seemed to be very determined to get to the bottom of the Wolfstone mystery, when Peter begun having doubts when events took a turn for the worse, and yet there were times that this led them into even more danger. However, Peter worked well with Carys and on several occasions helped her out of trouble.These two characters really compliment each other and both take on the lead roles, making them great heroes for both genders.

This action-packed adventure takes us across Europe as the characters discover a similar stone circle in Vrolask, Russia. Is there a connection between Vrolask and Wolfstone?

The way in which Richards describes Wolfstone Manor, the wolves and their actions is absolutely brilliant. These descriptions make it a fast-paced and very visual story and it is accompanied with plenty of dialogue from the characters. The reader grasps the characters and the story very easily due to this style of writing, enabling the reader to connect very quickly with the characters.

Justin’s description of some of the scenes is fantastic. His use of onomatopoeia, with words such as, smash, snap and crunch and the context in which they are used allow the reader to really get a feel for the horror and gore. There are great descriptions of the transformations, blood, gore and bones. And yet written so brilliantly in a way that is suitable for its young target audience. Short, sharp, punchy sentences are also used to emphasize the actions and their speed, which in turn helps the reader to play out the scenes in their mind. This also helps to connect with the characters and easily helps  the reader to visualise the characters and their actions. Thus, making it a more exciting read for the reader. It never loses momentum from start to finish, despite being around 430 pages.

I feel that this book is suitable and will intrigue readers from the age of 12 onwards. When reading ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ I experienced feelings that I had as a child when reading Enid Blyton’s Famous Five novels – there is this great mix of young people, mystery and curiousity that creates an eeriness. (However, ‘The Wolstone Curse’  has a more modern twist and a darker and eerier entity.) For example, when Peter checks out Wolfstone Manor it is an eery, dark and mysterious ruin in a very remote area. He and the reader knows he shouldn’t be there so he and the reader are afraid and yet far too curious to leave the story there and so Peter and the reader alike continue to delve into the unknown!. As the story moves on it becomes even more darker and horrific with the introduction of the wolves!

I say that Justin Richards’  ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ is a must-read for any reader that enjoys mystery, action/adventure and paranormal fantasy novels that are fast-paced with great heroic characters as well as fantastic supporting characters. There is never a dull moment. It is a very, very exciting thriller. Roll on July 2013 when ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ will be released and available to the public. You will not be disappointed!!!

‘The Wolfstone Curse’ was received by A Readers Review Blog by Templar Publishing in return for an honest and fair review.

Cover art by the-parish.com

Please check out Justin Richards,  the Creative Consultant for BBC Books on the Dr Who titles, author biog and look out for Tina’s review on ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ in the coming weeks with a video exclusive! ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ will be available from July 2013!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

‘Cursed (A Werewolf’s Tale #1)’ otherwise known as ‘Frostbite’ by David Wellington

Cursed: A Werewolf's TaleThe first book to be reviewed for our Werewolf theme, ‘Cursed: a Werewolf’s Tale’, otherwise known as Frostbite, is an urban fantasy that will blow your mind with panic and horror. A very quick-paced novel with plenty of action that the reader will read in no time at all. David Wellington surely knows how to scare the pants off you and yet allow you to completely endure the ferocious attacks and animalistic behaviour no matter how chilling and raw!!!

The story begins with Cheyenne Clark lost, hungry, cold and lonely in the Arctic amid the trees and snow. Before too long she is being tracked by a pack of wolves. Knowing that she couldn’t possibly run from them, and with very little energy, her only chance is to climb a tree high enough so that the pack can’t reach her. However, when howling of another is heard nearby the pack of timber wolves below Cheyenne’s feet soon flee, leaving her sitting on a branch of the tree. Moments later Cheyenne meets with the wolf whose howling she heard. Much larger than the timber wolves and much more ferocious this one tries to reach Cheyenne, jumping at her, lashing at her with large paws. Until he reaches her ankle and manages to claw into her flesh!

Although the beast couldn’t quite attack Cheyenne completely, enough damage was done to make Cheyenne’s world come crashing down. She would never be the same again. She was a werewolf, a monster, a Lycanthrope. There are many names for these species and now she herself carried the curse! For every time the moon rises, Cheyenne would transform, having to learn a different way to survive and avoiding the one element that could kill her: silver, silver, silver!

Loneliness is not natural for a wolf as they tend to live and move around in packs. As a new lone wolf, Cheyenne could really do with a companion. This proves to be just as difficult as trying to deal with her new ‘self’ as the only one who could truly understand is the one that tried to kill her. Now a wolf, Cheyenne not only needs to worry about being the victim, the prey, but also has to live with being a hunter. Will she kill the one that cursed her? Will he return to kill her?

Cheyenne’s character is written with a great deal of contrast from how she feels and thinks as a human and how she is in her wolf state. The natural animalistic behaviour takes over when she is transformed, her sense of smell and hearing is much greater than her sight. As a wolf she doesn’t reason, she doesn’t use logic she survives the only way she can. Back in human form, Cheyenne wakes frozen, naked and never fully aware of what her wolf has done.

Without trying to spoil the story one of my favourite areas of the novel was when the reader begins to understand the man of the wolf that attacked Cheyenne, Powell. The reader is educated in Powell’s history as a man and how the curse affected him and we also learn a little of werewolf mythology! I found this to be very interesting and exciting but cannot elaborate more than that. This novel simply needs to be read without much explanation beforehand. It truly does speak for itself!

On a different note, David Wellington has written the setting of the scenes beautifully as one can imagine the freezing cold of the Arctic wind, the icy water of the small streams and lakes, all silent and remote from most civilisation with only the sun or moonlight to estimate time. Although not a novel of romance it most certainly is a novel of survival! But can one survive alone? Would one want to survive alone? Or is their only option to try and kill the other to eliminate a dangerous threat?

‘Cursed: A Werewolf’s Tale’ is an absolutely fascinating read. For more fur, fangs and fear I am hoping to read the sequel, ‘Ravaged’, otherwise known as ‘Overwinter’, very soon!

Cover design: Unreal-uk.com

Photograph: Getty Images

Reviewed by Caroline Barker