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Frank Julius Palumbo is the author behind the invasion horror novel entitled “The Enochian Wars: Armageddon Unleashed” and it explores a reality where the cycle of evolution hits a very low point, namely extinction. With a casual tone Palumbo introduces a set of characters that are well thought out, and then puts them on the most dangerous journey they will ever face.

Nibiru is a planet that has been orbiting the sun for the last twelve thousand years, and once again it crosses paths with Earth. The creatures on this planet are majestic gargoyles who feast on humans and they literally transform the world as they send out their forces. Some are on foot while others command from the air, catching everyone off-guard. However, their plan to roast every last human is hindered by a small group of heroes.

Officer Savage is one of the lucky few who manage to escape the onslaught, along with his partner Gilmore Boyle and a homeless veteran with several issues. At face value all the odds are stacked against the human race, but Savage has a secret weapon. After managing to save a small group of prisoners, they set off to rally what’s left of humanity. This is when the Earth experiences true Armageddon.

In all honesty, I never anticipated the twist in the story. When it came out I was pretty surprised, even though there were obvious clues in the beginning. Unfortunately the twist can’t be shared, because it forms a vital part of the plotline. Another thing Palumbo does well is creating that “movie” feel through his style. Character cues are spot on and very entertaining. With just the right amount of melodramatic touch you are transported into a virtual cinema.

There is no denying that Palumbo put great thought into the premise of the story and he arranged everything perfectly. But some instances do feel a little predictable, although they are few and far between. Looking at the author’s capabilities one might even think he chose to go with a solid story that people will love while having fun with his characters. Willie-Be-Good (the homeless veteran) is a personal favorite, especially when he comes to the rescue on several occasions.

In terms of just telling a good story the author has it down to an art. He quickly drags you in and he keeps you on your toes. Thanks to all the characters that were used there is a fair share of vicious deaths and nail-biting moments. Knowing who is going to die and when won’t be easy to guess, which adds another element of surprise to the novel.

Readers who love to envision people getting burnt alive or having their heads ripped off by gargoyles are in for a treat, because Palumbo doesn’t spare any gory details. However, he also added a great deal of fantasy and spiritualism, so it probably won’t appeal to hardcore, dark horror fans. The author shows a great sense of imagination while delivering it with clear direction. If you’ve never mixed horror with enlightenment before, this book is a good place to start.

About the Author
Frank Julius Palumbo was born in the Bronx in December of 1964. He has worked as a carpenter, a freelance illustrator, and is now currently involved in Law enforcement. His studies include Psychology and Neuropsychology, and he has been practicing Zen Buddhism and the Kabbalah for over thirty years.

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

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Wolves of the Land is a short, dark fantasy story and it was written by Donchatz. While combining a very controversial time in history with a very popular supernatural element, the author creates a fast-paced adventure that will keep readers turning the pages. Donchatz uses a rather classic style of writing, which fits nicely with the plot, and there is a constant urgency lingering in the background – all the makings of a good story.

Augustus Rourke is an American soldier in occupied Europe during the 2 World War. His country has yet to join the fight, but he’s already out there sabotaging German train stations. He gets cornered by a mysterious woman called Annia Bouve and while escaping his latest tilt at what seemed like a windmill, they become acquainted quite quickly.

Rourke is under the impression that he’s only facing the wrath of the German army. He doesn’t anticipate that a force much greater than the Nazis is working in the background. As his mission takes incredible twists and turns he is warned about his new found romance, but he doesn’t have the time to linger. Every second counts and the enemy is getting restless. In fact, Rourke has no idea what’s in store for him.

From the very beginning of the book I started feeling something familiar. The tone, the wording, and even the setting had a distinct old-school signature. Maybe it’s the drama around every situation, or maybe it’s the hero of the story with a classic image, it’s hard to pin-point where the magic truly lies. There’s a mixture of genres and they are being interpreted through a 1950’s voice, this much is certain.

Donchatz writes with a slight over-the-top edge and it works well for empowering a short novel. The overall pace is quick and a lot has to happen, which gives the author less time for character development. But Donchatz handles the balance perfectly, allowing enough space for thrills, action, and some romance. Everything starts early on and it keeps running straight till the end.

However, it would be hard to place this particular story under the “pure horror” section. It features such an array of inspirations that it broadens the spectrum for other genres too, and Donchatz made some good choices. Werewolves wanting to kill Hitler, experiments that aren’t voluntary, these are great ideas and the overall plot flows smoothly.

Then comes the writing style, which is a pleasant surprise, along with the dialogue. It’s the one thing you don’t really notice from the start, but after a few pages it hits you…you went back in time.  The conversations have a lot of wit and cool come-backs, creating that 50’s atmosphere, and the authenticity is spot-on.

But in the end it’s not going to satisfy the horror fans looking for detailed decapitations. This is not a story of blood and guts, despite all the firefights. Instead, it’s a thrill ride that focuses on the adventure and adding something different to something so well-known. Readers who are looking for a little bit of everything, this is the book for you.

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

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Shadow Menagerie is the second book by Michael Ayoob, following his highly praised detective thriller In Search of Mercy. But this time around Ayoob explores something much darker than just a missing person. The world stops turning inside a small town as history begins to haunt certain residents and the secrets they’ve been keeping. With clear direction and blood on his mind, Ayoob establishes a scenario where nobody walks away from the consequences of their actions.

Burdock Downs has always been a town with a dark history thanks to the corruption from those in power. But the ordeal begins with 17 year old Maura and her horrific experience after slipping out of her grandmother’s house shortly after her mother’s death. From there the wheel is set to turn in ways nobody can anticipate.

Twenty five years later the story continues with a little girl called Regina and her dad, Shelton. After being abandoned, Shelton took her in as his own daughter. Unfortunately she has to cope with fierce visions. While Regina tries to make sense of her curse a new developer called Lonnie Waters makes his way into town, giving the impression that he wants to bring Downs back to its former glory. Little do the corrupt mayor, police chief and pastor know that his intentions are far from good. The stories tie in as Regina uses Waters to rid herself of her visions.

My impression of the book is that Ayoob is very creative, given his sources of inspiration. Without giving away the points of climax, Ayoob used elements that are very popular within the horror genre, for example, Regina and her visions. Another popular approach has to be the seemingly innocent characters and their thirst for blood. It’s obvious that he wasn’t trying to be “out of the box” original. Instead, he re-invented familiar aspects and combined them in a very smart way.

Ayoob should also be credited for the different dimensions he brought to the overall plot. While it took me some time to figure out where Waters came from and what drove him to do what he did, I was surprised that I didn’t realize it sooner. The author definitely has a great skill for keeping your attention where he wants it to be. Even though it might not be morally right, I found myself liking Waters and his way of handling things.

From the mindset of a teenage girl to the doubts of a small town football hero who came back to continue his father’s legacy, Ayoob creates very believable and unique characters. They are authentic in their ways and he manages to keep them convincing right through till the end. There is a very surprising twist after all is said and done, which is also where the author’s creativity really stands out.

Don’t expect too much detail in terms of horrific deaths and brutal slayings, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be unnerved several times. Ayoob has a great style of writing and his imagination supports it, so get ready for a quality tale of horror. The majority fans of this genre will definitely be glad they read it.

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

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Also by Michael Ayoob:

Cirque Du Mort by Anastasia Catris isn’t just a collection of flash fiction horror stories. It’s a visual and literary journey into a freak show circus that will leave chills running down your spine. The combination of illustrations along with the dark tales makes this book a collector’s item every horror fan should own. With great discipline and perfectly spaced detail, Catris reminds us why the circus is such a great source of horror.

It starts with “A Story of Silence” and it definitely sets the tone for the rest of the tales that follow. Following the rather turbulent road a young girl has to follow with her father and their circus life, she quickly discovers why her older siblings left. More importantly, she faces the consequences of wanting to leave herself. The stories that follow this pleasant introduction are similar in the sense that they surprise you. Such as the second tale about the illusionist who teaches his daughter all the tricks he knows. Unfortunately she falls for a man who only uses her for her knowledge and finally does something horrific.

Due to the short length of the stories it’s impossible to share more information without giving away the brilliant plot lines, but it’s safe to say that the author is incredibly creative. From the first page the reader gets swept up in the darkness through her perfect illustrations. They are beautiful and haunting at the same time, while tying into the theme as if it’s a parchment sent from an alternative history.

Then comes her literary style and approach. Despite the short length of the stories Catris utilizes perfect patience. Within only a few pages she develops the characters so quickly and it goes by unnoticed. When I reached the end of each tale it felt like I’ve read a lot more. Another element that really stands out is the subtle grace in the tone with which Catris writes. She doesn’t want to create shock value through powerful words. Instead, she uses perfect timing to reveal little details and ultimately leaves your soul colder than ice in the winter.

Last but not least, Catris has a very unique way of presenting her haunting tales. With great sophistication and control she describes the essence of the setting and the characteristics of her characters. Only when it’s truly necessary will she elaborate on the physical factors. The author doesn’t need to tell the reader about all the blood and guts when something much deeper can be used.

Something that becomes very obvious throughout the collection is the focus on female domination. It’s the women in the stories who have the upper hand while the men are usually left at their mercy. Whether this was intentional can’t really be established, but it’s definitely part of the journey. Even though the stories don’t feature heavy gore and hyped up scenes of death they are still worthy of the horror genre. The collection is authentic, original and thought provoking, which makes it appealing to a wide audience.

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

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