A Story With Bite

The Cursed Creatures

As I mentioned in my review of, The Cursed Caves (The Tales of Tupuqa), I was attracted to this series as it’s built on the ensuing mayhem that follows the recovery of hibernating specimens – belonging to an unknown species of animal – from a cave on an out-of-the-way Polynesian island. Not realizing what they’ve uncovered, those scientists pack their find away on a ship and make for the USA . . . only to discover to their cost those specimens aren’t as dormant as they think. By the time they make landfall, all hell as broken lose, as the blurb to this follow-up story, The Cursed Creatures reveals:

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The second busiest port in the world is a battlefield. National guardsman, Billy Swift and his squad are caught between evil creature’s killing all before them, and a black ops team who will try and cover the whole thing up at all costs. Dr Laura Rollins survived the crash, but can she assemble a group capable of destroying the species that she had longed to research?
The journey back to finish things at the caves of Tupuqa will be hell.
A dejected military man seeks retribution.
A scientist seeks redemption.
The caves have the answers.
The caves call to them.

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So, what happens this time out?

A similar blend of fast paced chaos and head spinning, think on your feet, Hail Mary maneuvers that see our ever dwindling band of survivors deciding anywhere would be safer than Long Beach Port and its environs. That’s what!

Along the way, we meet new characters – Some friendly, some downright sinister and obviously working to a secret agenda – Say goodbye to most of them fairly quickly. (This IS a gorefest after all). And follow along as the luckiest members of our shrinking cast make it to a seaworthy pleasure cruiser. Their intention?  To end this disaster movie in the making once and for all.

But to do that, they’ll have to make their way to where our story began. And who knows what terrors still lurk within the caves?

What could possibly go wrong?

You’ll find out, in a line-em-up and shoot-em-down extravaganza that is as fun to read as it is oh so refreshingly in-your-face. As the title says, we are dealing with cursed creatures after all.

 Amazon Review

Goodreads Review

 A 'Full Marks' Review For. . .

The Devil’s Mark

Like most of us, I’m inundated with adverts, filled with suggestions as to what I might like to read next. I don’t usually pay attention to them, as I have a pretty defined ‘go to’ source that never fails.

Saying that, the moment I saw the cover of, The Devil’s Mark, a crossover novel by Tony Acree and Lynn Tincher, I took a second look.

And then I read the blurb:

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Homicide Detective Paige Aldridge has caught her fair share of killers. Yet she knows the Devil's Mark Killer is something different. Each victim has the mark of the Devil carved into their skin. Using her powers as a Reader, she searches the Collective Conscious searching for anyone thinking about the Devil's mark.

And she finds someone. Through their eyes, she sees they are over the body of a woman with the same mark carved into her chest. She sends the thought for the killer to look at his license and he does. She has her suspect - Victor McCain.

In this thrilling crossover novel featuring Lynn Tincher's Paige Aldridge and Tony Acree's Victor McCain, demons are on the loose and the bodies are piling up as an ancient evil seeks revenge on those who imprisoned him, as well as an unknown player who wants to destroy both Paige and Victor.

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Those of you who follow my blog know I’m an avid fan of sci-fi & fantasy, dark fantasy, paranormal and good quality horror. On those occasions I do stray from that niche, I’m drawn to crime thrillers. (Think Clancy/Grisham, etc, and you’ll be on the right track).

Imagine my delight, then, when I read the blurb above, as it seemed to incorporate all the elements I would like. . .

And I wasn’t wrong!

No spoilers here, but what you get is a riotous, supernatural murder-mystery-whodunit, with just the right amount of (pull my finger) humor sprinkled in amongst the action. And there’s action aplenty in this saga of Good v Evil. Even better, the battle’s not as straight forward as you think it would be. There are fallen angels plotting foul deeds; demons running rampant; warriors of light wielding holy sword; mind-bending paranormal practitioners abusing decent, everyday folk; biker gangs ready to shoot anything that moves; and don’t forget the wayward band of religious zealots, hell-bent on making an already difficult situation nigh on impossible to deal with. You see? It’s all great fun.

And what I reeeally enjoyed about it?

Along with relatable characters, an engaging dialogue, and plenty of well paced action, The Devil’s Mark was built on the foundations of a firm plotline that – while giving you clues along the way – didn’t devalue the story by making it blatantly obvious as to who was responsible for what outrage . . . until it was time for the appropriate reveal, that is.

A definite ‘plus-mark’ there.
(And if Acree and Tincher incorporate this quality into all their novels, then I’m just gonna have to check out more about Victor McCain and Paige Aldridge, aren’t I?)

So, if you like your tales fiendishly fearsome and foul, this is one to add to your list.

Amazon DE Review

Goodreads Review

 Read My Bedeviling Review of. . .

The Cursed Caves

I was drawn to Adam Hulse’s, The Cursed Caves (The Tales of Tupuqa), as the premise centers on researchers unearthing a new – or possibly long extinct – species of animal in the caves of an isolated Polynesian island, Tupuqa. To me, it offered a refreshing change from the usual vampire/werewolf theme you find so often saturates the horror genre. And Hulse plays to that difference rather well, because, what would any scientist making such a discovery want to do?

Why, take them out and examine them of course. And THAT’s where the fun begins, as the blurb so succinctly reveals:

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Dr Laura Rollins is a leading Taxonomist brought to the island of Tupuqa after an exciting new species is found hibernating in recently exposed caves. The research team’s objective seems straightforward - travel by sea with the new species to America, where specialist laboratories await. Unaware that their cargo is the product of an ancient curse, the crew are trapped aboard the ship with creatures that rapidly breed and evolve.
Long Beach port doesn’t know what’s about to hit it…

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As you’ll find, nothing is straightforward about that journey back. And I have to say, it was rather fun.

Now, I’m never one to give away the plot with spoilers. But what I will say is that The Cursed Caves is a rather imaginative, well put together story that mixes science, ancient banes, mythology, and misadventure into a roister-doister tale of mishap and misery for all those concerned. It’s as character driven as it is jet propelled. And though the action is relentless, Hulse manages to keep the momentum going without the narrative becoming tedious or exhausting. In fact, it’s exhilarating, because Hulse takes a leaf out of George R. R. Martin’s book, and doesn’t insist on a happy ending. In fact, he’s rather cavalier about who lives and who becomes a mushy pile of blood and guts.

Gloriously visceral stuff. You’ll see.
(And I can’t wait to take a bite out of the next story)

Amazon Review

Also at

Goodreads Review

 Sirens Call Publication

It's always nice when I can include something personal on my blog.

And THIS is one of those occasions.

I'm pleased as punch to announce that a short story of mine

OFF THE WAGON

will be included in

The Sirens Call - Spring 2022 - Issue #57

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For those of you who haven't availed yourselves yet, Sirens Call Publications are open to all sorts of well-constructed tales of horror or dark fiction. The more quirky, offbeat, macabre and quirky, the better. So, if you like to be intrigued by stories that conjure insane imagery in your minds, then why not give them a try?

Follow the link below:

Sirens Call

 Struggling For Something To Read?

Try This. . . 

The Strife of Camlann

For those of you who haven’t yet considered ‘The Arthurian Age’ series, The Strife of Camlann continues the events depicted within the first book: The Retreat to Avalon, (which I read and reviewed a few years ago). I found this particular series intriguing, because it’s not so much pure fantasy, as it is based on historical and archaeological research, woven into the legend that surrounds one of the most mystical characters ever known. Arthur. And that adds a weight to this story I’ve found missing from other tales in this genre.

Here’s the blurb to set the scene:

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Arthur’s Men have returned to Britain to keep the peace between fractious allies. Gawain wants only to raise his family and forget the war, yet he carries a heavy burden: an oath to maintain a terrible lie.
But is it a lie?
Looming conflicts threaten more than any border or throne. The course of history, the future of the Britons, will be decided at Camlann.

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So, what do we get?

A rather compelling tale. That’s what. And it comes – mainly – through the eyes of a warrior who experienced it. Gawain. And Poage has very skillfully blended fact with fiction. We see great attention to detail of life during the dark ages – what everyday people did; what they wore; what they ate; how they dressed and conducted themselves; under what conditions they lived, etc, merged beautifully with an imaginary war. A war caused by the very real friction that existed between the warring tribes and factions of that time.

And that’s what makes The Strife of Camlann so appealing. The attention to detail, merged seamlessly with the allegory of folklore. It makes the characters come alive. Adds credence to their struggles. Helps you reflect on what it must have been like to endure such hardships, especially during a time when ancient Briton was only just starting to gel into a nation that went on to form one of the most astounding empires the world has ever seen.

Most of all, it’s a story about the catalyst that burns in everyone’s heart, and how that catalyst can go on to become a legacy, inspiring others, long after you’re gone.

I rather enjoyed it, and I’m sure you will too.

Amazon Review

 2022 Starts Off With A Real Bang

Maker’s Curse

It’s been a while since I read the previous book in the Millennium’s Rule series, (Thief’s Magic, Angel of Storms, Successor’s Promise), but I’m glad to say, it was well worth the wait.

For those of you who might not have availed yourselves of the previous books, the basic story arc centers on Tyen Ironsmelter and Rielle Lazuli. Two individuals from different worlds who discover they have a natural propensity for magic. The trouble is, such talents are either frowned on, or discouraged. In Tyen’s case, his home world is virtually depleted of magic, so its practitioners are few and far between. When he unearths an ancient ‘living’ book, it opens up a whole new universe to him. One filled with imminent and impending danger.

Life couldn’t be different for Rielle, for her land is ruled by corrupt, magic-practicing priests who teach the doctrine that using magic without permission is stealing from the angels. And as she find out, if you have a knack for something illegal, it gets you into trouble.

What follows is a journey of discovery. For the universe is immense, and there are sorcerers out there who are hell bent on seizing power and ruling a seemingly endless network of worlds. And Tyen and Rielle end up in the thick of it. In the midst of war and intrigue, Tyen fulfils many roles, only to end up as a teacher of magic, while Rielle discovers she is an actual creator of the raw essence of magic itself. And they are coveted by representatives of both sides in the war.

So, with that basic understanding of what has gone before, here’s the blurb for Maker’s Curse, the latest adventure from the Millenium’s Rule series.

 

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Rielle is the Maker, restorer of worlds. She has lost count of the number of worlds she has been sent to save.

Tyen has cast off his old identity. No longer a spy, he now attempts to teach new sorcerers and find ways to counteract the war machines that are spreading throughout the worlds.

But when an old enemy brings news of a dark threat - something far worse than magically dead worlds and dangerous sorcerers - Rielle and Tyen must reunite if they are to have any chance of saving humanity.

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Now, if that wasn’t a hook to draw you in, then I don’t know what is. Because the blurb is deceptively devoid of detail, allowing you to discover for yourself just what a great story Maker’s Curse is.

The universe is under threat from a vast, magically empowered machine army led by the enigmatic Kettin. A woman who is as cold-blooded as she is focused. She doesn’t view what she’s doing as wrong, and believes she is on a crusade to protect humanity, everywhere, from the evils of magic. She promises to end that evil, granting access to magic to a select few who will oversee the worlds on her behalf. All well and good?
The trouble is, her methods are draconian, for everywhere her army visits is left devoid of life. Their natural resources are stripped, all magical potential is drained, and the populace is destroyed. And that’s happening again and again, in world after world.

It’s up to Tyen, Rielle and their friends to stop them . . . if they can.

What follows is a rather engaging adventure that maintains a steady pace throughout. The machine army seems unstoppable, and will remain that way, unless Tyen and Rielle can discover a way to halt Kettin’s advance, and prevent her from doing any further harm. The only clue to doing so involves something called the ‘Maker’s Curse.’ Something that could prove devastatingly catastrophic in the wrong hands.

What that is, exactly, you can find out for yourself. But I rather enjoyed the way Trudi Canavan set up the finale so that it could go either way. And you don’t find out what happened until the final pages.

Excellent stuff!

And, if I may, give you something to ponder:

I noted from other reviews that some have complained that they think this story displays a poor/weak ending. As if the entire series has come to a sudden and hastily contrived end. I don’t agree. Canavan is a talented writer. You’ll see from this from her other series. She knows how to construct a sound story and how to conclude them in a satisfying way. She always has done.
The feeling I get from this particular story is that Tyen and Rielle’s journey isn’t quite over yet. There’s more to tell. That’s why this book ends in the way it does. She’s setting up a grand finale, and I can’t wait to see what that will be, even if we have to wait a while to get it.

Amazon Review

 See How Harry Digs a Hole for Himself In. . .

Grave Peril

Okay then. Here we go on Harry Dresden’s third outing, Grave Peril. And this one sounds as if it might be his best – and most difficult – caper yet.

Let’s take a peek at the Blurb:

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Harry Dresden’s faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career. Giant scorpions. Oversexed vampires. Psychotic werewolves. It comes with the territory, when you’re the only professional wizard in the Chicago area phone book.

But in all Harry’s years of supernatural sleuthing, he’s never faced anything like this: the spirit world’s gone postal. All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble—and not just of the door-slamming, boo-shouting variety. These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly. Someone—or something—is purposely stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc. But why? And why do so many of the victims have ties to Harry? If Harry doesn’t figure it out soon, he could wind up a ghost himself...

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So what do we get?

A story of – what I like to call – “start/stop/starts.” That’s what.

What do I mean?

Let me explain. It starts off well: this adventure takes place about twelve months after his previous one, and Harry has made some new friends. In particular, Michael. A holy knight with a blessed sword. Just the thing Harry needs when dealing with all things fiendish and foul. Which is exactly what you get from page 1. Harry and Michael are speeding toward a local hospital where a crèche full of infants are in danger from the specter of a dead nurse. She’s powerful. She’s nasty. And before her death, was desperately unhinged. You get an idea from the blurb that she’s also hyped up on some form of ghostly steroids.

So, we’re straight into a bout of magical mayhem and fisticuffs. Action that hooks you into the storyline and gets you invested almost from the moment you turn that first page . . . (That’s the great start I mentioned).

Then things grind to a near-stop when Harry is presented with the perfect opportunity to end the situation early on, only to do what I complained about in the previous novel. His Mr. Nice Guy/goody-two-shoes syndrome kicks in, and spoils what is a great opening action scene.

I mean, think about it. A nursery full of newborns is in peril. The ghost is killing them, draining their little souls away. One baby in particular has been singled out, and has already stopped breathing. Harry Dresden is gifted with an opening that would unbind the phantom and send her back where she belongs. What would any sane person in their right mind do?

Yup . . . ZAP! Goodbye spook. You’re already dead, so get yourself back into the spirit realm and stay there where you can’t harm anyone else.

Except, Harry doesn’t do that. Just as he’s about to dispatch the infant-murdering ghoul, he feels a pang of sympathy for what she went through in life and holds back. Not only does that turn everything upside down, increasing the danger for everyone present, but for me, (and this is only my personal opinion, mind you), it arrested the connection I’d made with the story. I just can’t imagine anyone in a position to save so many children acting so irresponsibly . . . and all because he didn’t want to hurt a poor ghost’s feelings?

Anyway, I stuck with it and soldiered on.

Thankfully, the story picked up again sufficiently to recapture my interest. But it was trying, as there were several more instances where Dresden acted like a wet-wipe in a way nobody in their right mind would do, which dragged the tempo right down.

And yes. I know we’re talking about a work of fiction here. Something designed to titillate and entertain. Yet, works of fantasy also need to carry a solid element of reality. Something the reader can anchor themselves to, thereby allowing them to stretch the realms of ‘what might be’ into the fringes of the ‘might be plausible’ or ‘yeah, I can see that happening.’ And I don’t know. Perhaps it’s my background. But when I see a character gain control of a situation, or gain the upper hand, only to choose – time and time again, and quite deliberately – to put other decent, innocent, law-abiding (you get the picture) characters in danger at the expense of a bunch of supernatural murdering scumbags? No. It grates on my nerves and spoils my enjoyment of what would otherwise be a great story.

Like I said at the beginning, it’s a start/stop/start kinda tale. It begins like a blazing comet; sputters badly, due to the main character’s unbelievable choices; stokes up the heat for a second time; cools again; recovers well; only to fizzle toward a finishing line that thankfully raises the bar to pyrotechnic glory with its dying breath.

A shame. I really, really want to like this series. But I think it might give me hives if I try any more.

Amazon Review