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Lex Sinclair – Horror Author

May 27, 2018 By Horror Palace 1 Comment

As I have reviewed many books by horror author Lex Sinclair, so I would like to provide our readers with an overview and commentary of his most recent works.

The Frozen Man, Rhos Meadow, Nobody Goes There and Don’t Fear the Reaper – The latter novel is his latest release I reviewed, and it maintains the quality of writing I’ve come to associate with Sinclair.

The first book I reviewed was The Frozen Man. And even though it’s been quite a while since I read it, there are some sections I remember vividly. More importantly, I remember the character of the overall story. It follows a loving couple who can’t get past their difficulty of having children of their own, only to have this weakness exploited by a mysterious entity. The characters were well thought out and sincere, and Sinclair played on this perfectly. Sinclair had a new fan as I reached the cold and intense ending.

Then Rhos Meadow landed in my email, and I was thrown a little off track. I could recognize Sinclair’s clear and precise style, but at the same time he surprised me with his plot choice. This was the moment I realized Sinclair knows how to sidestep a very dangerous trap. The quality of his work is predictable, but his choice in how things unfold is not something you’ll anticipate. This particular book reminded me of The Mist, by Stephen King.

The next few times I received a book in the mail it kept getting better, and yes, Don’t Fear the Reaper lived up to my expectations. Then, the sequels followed (Don’t Fear the Reaper Book 2 and 3), cementing the reasons why I have added Sinclair to my favorite list. Over the last months, I noticed how Sinclair grew deeper into his subtle details and particular execution. I’ve also seen him reinforce his love to build up the tension before striking with some clearly described scenes of death and horror.

For a relatively young writer, Sinclair definitely has an old-school approach. From the first paragraph, you’ll notice how much respect he has for the English language and how well he strings his sentences together. It’s disciplined, but not restrictive. It’s picturesque, but not boring. If nothing else, you’ll appreciate the obvious effort he puts into telling a captivating tale of horror.

What you’ll also find very impressive is the subject matter of his books. You never really know what he’ll come up with next, or where it’s going to happen. This is especially true about his choice of characters. Each book has its own colorful cast and Sinclair makes a point to keep them unique.

The type of readers I would recommend his work to are individuals who love incredibly descriptive settings. If you enjoy a story that paints a complete picture in your mind, Sinclair will do it beautifully. He’s also an author who caters to a patient audience. He’ll take his time and get the reader heavily invested before he makes his chilling move.

I want to say that he’s a great up and coming writer who has already found his voice. He’s already proven that he’s capable and talented.

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing his latest book, namely One Eyed Monster, (my review will be published shortly) and I wasn’t disappointed. I especially enjoy his slightly more casual approach, and I hope to read a lot more from Sinclair.

by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.

Additional works by Lex Sinclair:

The Goat’s Head

Lord of Darkness

Killer Spiders

“Beasts Shall Reign Over the Earth!” by Michael and Danny D’Agostino (Book Review)

May 19, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

Beasts Shall Reign Over the Earth! is a detective thriller/horror novel by two brothers, namely Michael and Danny D’Agostino. Their combined efforts aim to bring you into a story that unfolds in downtown Manhattan, and they use quite a distinct style doing it. In fact, it puts a very light spin on what would be a very nasty situation. So, for the readers who want a different approach to detective thriller/horror, this might just be the book you are looking for.

Teresa Rodriguez is a rookie detective who wants nothing more than to be on the streets, fighting real crime and doing real detective work. Instead, she is stuck behind a desk pushing papers and getting ready to make some big moves. Then, out of nowhere, she gets called off desk duty and partnered with detective Morgan Jackson, an old-school cop who cannot wait for his retirement.

Their case involves investigating an alarming increase of missing and dead dogs, but it ultimately leads to finding human bodies as well. Unfortunately, the horror continues as Teresa’s initiative leads them to a killer that can turn all of New York into a giant graveyard.

I have to be honest and say I am on the fence regarding this particular book. On the one hand, I find it refreshing and very “theatrical”. But at the same time, I am not sure where Michael and Danny really wanted to take the plot in terms of horror and darkness.

This is mainly because of the script-style approach. And while the formatting does not look like a script, it creates a definitive atmosphere. For example, it feels like there is an important person narrating the story, but you never get to meet that person. Also, character traits and development are prioritized while the scenery descriptions do not seem very important. Of course, each writer will have their style and approach, meaning some readers might really like Michael and Danny’s writing style.

Moving on to plot development and originality, the pacing is incredibly quick. A lot of things happen over the course of only a few pages, which can either be good or bad depending on how you like it. As for the plot originality, there are some elements you do not read about too often. For example, Teresa’s character is a nice take on young women facing ethnicity and gender challenges. But you will also come across more familiar ideas that could seem a little predictable, like a tired and rather cynical detective Jackson.

There is no question that the characters have great depth, and for me, it was their dynamics that really drove the plot. If nothing else, you will remember them for a while after you finish the book.

From a personal point of view, Beasts Shall Reign Over the Earth! is not what I would really call scary. Instead, I find it entertaining and light-hearted as opposed to nail-biting and horrific. Who would I recommend it to? Young adults who like detective thrillers that will not have you sleeping with a baseball bat. Or, alternatively, anyone who likes a Broadway approach to horror.

Author Bio:

Michael and Danny grew up in a lower class neighborhood in Chicago’s Bridgeport community. As kids, it didn’t seem to matter to us. We didn’t realize we had so little because we were blessed to be raised by a truly dedicated, hardworking woman, our mother, who helped us find happiness and fulfillment as children. She not only encouraged us to explore our creativity but financed our college education by working as a clerk in a drug store. Our mother’s maiden name is Angeline Vitale.

By age 9, our first expression of creativity began with the design and construction of wood go-carts and box scooters, “Hotrods” as we referred to them, made from scrap wood and old crates. One of our first memorable experiences was a game of chicken against a neighborhood kid’s hotrod in the alley behind our house. Unfortunately, the other kid’s hotrod was destroyed. He went home crying – not a proud day for us, but exciting. Our most creative hotrod was a modified 30-gallon cardboard drum that we used to race down and challenge “Dead-Man’s Gulch,” a super steep hill heading down from the railroad tracks behind our house. We hate to admit it, but the most fun we ever had with this special rod, hill, and sport, was pushing our unknowing little sister down the hill and watching her crash – you just never knew what would happen when anyone challenged “Dead-Man’s Gulch.” Poor little sis.

In high school, Michael D’Agostino didn’t accomplish much other than chasing girls. But Danny distinguished himself by playing first trumpet in the school band. After college (Both Danny and Michael have degrees in Chemistry.), Danny took up comedy writing while Michael was busy earning patents as a research chemist. Danny’s specialized in the field of toxicology chemistry and maintained his interest in writing.

By 2005, the brothers hooked up, writing at least 35 major comedy projects: plays, screenplays, a novel, an audiobook, in addition to producing and directing comedy plays. Our first play was “The Dollar Store Lady,” directed by Danny, and we also produced video comedy, “SketchzillaTV,” and “Downtown Friday Night,” with Danny directing. Danny also wrote and composed all the background music for his acclaimed audiobook, “Creatures.”

Today, Michael and Danny are diligently formatting many of their comedy novels and projects for sales as ebooks, as well as paperback books. Their next works will be “Mister Mars” and “Back to Sovietsky.” Connect with the authors at dagostinocomedy@gmail.com.

Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.

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“Big Smoke” The Apocalypse Virus Trilogy – Book 1 by R.F. Blackstone (Book Review)

May 19, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

R.F. Blackstone is the debut author of Big Smoke, the first book in a fast-paced action novel series entitled The Apocalypse Virus Trilogy that goes from political to apocalyptic in one smooth motion. With a style that is likely to keep your attention right up until the last page, Blackstone creates a female hero that readers are bound to love while establishing a villain that makes your skin crawl.

Christine Moore is a special agent with a history and more than just a little attitude. Like a one-man-band, she has no problem handling herself or the situation. However, her superior informs her that their specific department is getting shut down, and they need to do something to prove they are still relevant.

The mission Christine is sent on involves preventing an assassination attempt on the president of the United States. But unlike the presidents before him, he will not be targeted on American soil. Instead, the hit is going to take place when the president attends a festival in Cuba. And when Christine gets there, she finds that saving the president might be the least of her worries.

There is no doubt that Blackstone is a fresh new voice in terms of apocalyptic novels, seeing as he takes a very different approach from what I am used to. For starters, Blackstone really centers on his female hero, unlike typical end-of-the-world stories that tie in several different characters and many more technicalities.

With Big Smoke, you can set your attention on Christine and really enjoy the action climaxes as the book progresses.

In terms of plot originality, I like the female hero and the fact that Blackstone has no problem getting to the point. And while this is not the most original or unpredictable plot I have encountered, I do not feel it was Blackstone’s intention to re-invent the wheel. Instead, he brings back the story-telling aspect of a possible apocalypse, and dare I say he makes it sound exciting.

The pace of the book stays consistent and entertaining. Never did I reach parts where I felt Blackstone was losing the plot or running out of momentum. Instead, he kept up the thrill and the excitement right up to the end.

As for the character development, I was definitely sold on the kick-ass personality Christine naturally exudes, as well as the enemies she comes up against. Although, the female hero is slightly over the top, and for some readers, it can be a little off-putting.

Upon reaching the end of the book, I was definitely thrown by how things turned out, and I was left eager to see what the second installment is going to be like. Because the style Blackstone uses is very action and character oriented, getting sucked into the pages is a natural occurrence.

For the first book in an apocalyptic trilogy, I am quite impressed and glad I read it. Now Mr. Blackstone just has to conjure the same magic for the rest of the series and he can definitely make a name for himself in this genre.

Author Bio: Born in the slightly off town of Newcastle on the coast of Australia, R.F. Blackstone learned how to survive life in the land Down Under where everything can kill you. The son of a stage actor, magician and teacher, R.F. had an interesting upbringing learning to see the world in a different way. Now taking that slightly skewed way of looking at the world and applying it to his writing.

He had spent 10 years writing scripts before trying his hand at novels. His first book, Big Smoke, was published early 2018 and he has more on the way. Currently, he lives in Mexico City, where he enjoys tequila, tacos al pastor and pumping out stories.

Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.

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“Dark: a collection” by Michelle Merz (Book Review)

May 18, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

For readers looking to take a journey into the darkest part of your soul, Michelle Merz has put together the perfect selection of stories. The title of the collection, Dark, is definitely appropriate once you finish the first short nightmare, and you probably won’t forget about it for a while. With an amazing style and some very dark inspiration, Merz reminds me of what real horror is all about.

The collection features 13 stories, and the dominant theme appears to be “family”. More specifically, when family members aren’t killing each other; they work together to kill other people. Loving mothers evolving into cold murders, fathers going on a rampage, and even some of the kids have some twisted details to add.

Every story in the collection typically comes with a twist. And while you might see how one or two plots play out, just keep reading. There is usually something very sadistic, or strangely satisfying, about ending another person’s life from the viewpoint of the characters, leaving the reader shocked and haunted for several nights to come.

My initial thought as I got into the first story, The Reunion, is that I love Merz’s style and execution. Her turn of phrase and descriptive details are neither boring nor irrelevant. In fact, every detail leads to something, and by the second story, I was hooked. Merz has a very special way of choosing these small moments that seem typical and mundane. But then, the stories slowly start to unravel, and as the ending edges closer, the real darkness sets in.

While I am not a fan of slow-paced writing, Merz could not have chosen a better tempo to deliver the setting of the stories or the shock that slowly sinks in as you realize what just happened. At the same time, the characters are refreshingly authentic, even though they paint the picture of suburban individuals who just want to get through the day. Within the first few paragraphs of each story, I easily related and connected with these characters that seem to be dealing with ordinary situations. Little did I realize how unconventional these characters would react.

If nothing else, this collection cuts through the horror until you can see the bone with all the gory details. And when you turn the last page and wonder why these stories do not want to leave your thoughts, it is the beautiful way Merz describes the darkest events. It is this specific contradiction that really had me finishing the collection in a single setting. However, be warned that it is not for the faint-hearted.

As someone who loves horror and the diversity that comes with it, I did not expect this collection to be so powerful and so downright horrific. And do not think that Merz requires any special monsters or creatures to send chills down your spine. All she needs are some real people with some serious issues, and the result is going to be nothing less than absolutely Dark.

Readers who may have lost their love for horror along the way, you will find it again in this collection.

Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.

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The House That Jack Built – Director Lars von Trier Cuts Deeper!

May 16, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

Horror movie director Lars von Trier cuts deeper and darker into the horror movie genre. The main issue is his brutality with women and children. A showing at The Cannes Film Festival had over 100 people walking out. For many movies, this could signal an end in sight, but for a horror movie it often sends out signals flares of publicity!

Apparently, this is already working as the just-released trailer (below) has already been viewed nearly 1.5 million times.

The House That Jack Built is about a murder spree of a highly intelligent serial killer over the course of 12 years. It takes place in the 70’s. What evolves are the murders developping Jack into a serial killer.

It stars Matt Dillion and Uma Thurman.

The House That Jack Built is set to be released the in fall of this year.

By Zentropa Entertainments:

USA in the 1970s. We follow the highly intelligent Jack over a span of 12 years and are introduced to the murders that define Jack’s development as a serial killer. We experience the story from Jack’s point of view, while he postulates each murder is an artwork in itself. As the inevitable police intervention is drawing nearer, he is taking greater and greater risks in his attempt to create the ultimate artwork. Along the way we experience Jack’s descriptions of his personal condition, problems and thoughts through a recurring conversation with the unknown Verge – a grotesque mixture of sophistry mixed with an almost childlike self-pity and psychopathic explanations. The House That Jack Built is a dark and sinister story, yet presented through a philosophical and occasional humorous tale.

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