new horror books

“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.

More Horror Book Reviews

The Defiled (Book Review)

April 22, 2018 By Horror Palace 1 Comment

Sean Deville is back with another novel based on global domination, and ultimately, destruction. However, the source of the chaos is not something you really see coming. In fact, there are several curve balls waiting to get thrown your way thanks to the writing skills of Mr. Deville. Just like with his previous work, he turns over every stone and brings together a colorful cast to play out a very different apocalypse.

The world is torn. On one end of the spectrum, major governments want to implement surgeries, which will see every human get a chip implant at some point or another. On the other end, there are people and governments that oppose the surgery. Religions are clashing, politics are getting out of control, and technology has taken over. Or has it?

Charles Grader is a professor who has just gained consciousness after a three-year coma. And the visions that haunted him through the coma continue to haunt him at night, bringing with them messages of the end. More specifically, they warn of the 7 Seals being opened, much like the Bible predicts. This begs the question, is there a more mysterious entity behind the chaos on earth? Or is it just a matter of humans becoming too technologically advanced for their own good?

There is no question that Deville builds on a winning recipe for his epic stories. He starts with a professional and tangible introduction to creating a sense of realism, before hitting you with elements that would normally seem far-fetched. However, due to his dedication and detail to research, even the far-fetched elements carry real substance.

Another thing I have noticed about Deville’s work is the semi-detachment in the tone of his style. Because even though the characters are skillfully projected and they convincingly sell the drama, the style Deville uses always comes with that degree of coldness. And it works. Given the broad plot spectrum and the attempt to realistically help the reader envision this possible reality in the near future, his choice of style is spot on. Essentially, you are looking at a serious read that demands your full attention – just like his previous trilogy.

In terms of pacing, Deville is not a hasty writer. And while I typically prefer novels in this genre to have a little more urgency, it is the way Deville delivers the story that ultimately got me hooked. His choices for when and where to divulge specific information flows with the slower pace and it definitely provides more opportunity to get invested.

Finally, the plot might not be the most original, but then again, Deville wants to keep things close to home. At least, that is the impression you get when reading. In his fictional take on the apocalypse, you get a combination of religion, technology, politics, and the human condition, all rolled into one. And once they clash, you will not be able to predict the outcome. Yes, the ending is not something you see coming and Deville deserves extra credits here.

Like I have noted in my other reviews about Deville’s work, this is not easy reading. Instead, prepare yourself for a network of different stories that connect to a very dark climax. And, as I have come to expect from Deville, the quality of writing remains superb.

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

Also by Sean Deville:

Cobra Z

The Contained

More Horror Book Reviews

The Wordsmith by Alan Ayer (Book Review)

February 22, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

If you have been dying to read something original and dark, put “The Wordsmith” on your list. It is the debut novel from Alan Ayer, and I am reeally excited he has another book up his sleeve. With a basic and straightforward style, Ayer pulls you into the dark world of fame and fortune. More specifically, he exploits the price some people are willing to pay in order to get there.

Walt Erickson has never written an original book in his life, and yet, he is regarded as a world-class author. And the reason why he does not need to write a single word is because he has a special tool – an old typewriter. Thanks to this seemingly “new” antique typewriter, Walt is able to publish stories that captivate every single reader who picks it up.

But there is a catch, and the typewriter does not produce best-selling stories for free. Walt knows this, which is why he makes sure the typewriter gets what it needs. Unfortunately, it does not save him from his nightmares, and he does not realize that fame and fortune usually have grave consequences.

Sometimes it is nice to read a rather predictable horror novel, but then you get something like “The Wordsmith”. Right off the bat, the premise of the story had me hooked, and surprisingly enough, I liked the self-centered and egotistical main character. In fact, Ayer’s choice to make Walt completely unsympathetic was surprising, and it was a smart move in my opinion.

Apart from a very original plot and a dark main character, you can expect a very clean writing style and choice of words. The prose is meant to tell a very disturbing story, and the cold third-person point of view really helps to sell it. Of course, the characters that join Walt are just as interesting and fit perfectly. For example, Marie, Walt’s girlfriend who does not ask too many questions about his writing, and Ian, the retired Black Ops operative who helps Walt feed the typewriter.

As supposed to create a lot of melodrama, Ayer takes an indifferent approach. Not only does this complement his choice of words and style, but it also gives the story a slightly darker touch and puts it in a league of its own.

In terms of the tempo the story follows, it moves fairly quickly. Nothing gets hidden from the reader for too long and losing yourself in the plot takes all of five seconds. Unlike most horror novels, you will find a constant build-up towards the end with fairly minimal climaxes in-between. And when you finally do reach the end, you are not going to see it coming.

There are one or two instances where I felt the flow could have been better. But for a debut horror novel, Ayer had my full attention from start to finish. I can honestly say that if I did not finish this story, it would have haunted me. So, my final verdict can only be two thumbs up for “The Wordsmith”.

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

More Horror Book Reviews

Alan Ayer was born in Sun Valley, California and moved to Concord, California when he was six. At the age of nineteen he joined the Marines and served for five years as an Avionics technician working at HMX-1 in Quantico, Virginia. After the Marines Ayer moved back to California and started working in the IT field.

Ayer always wanted to write books. he even published his first book, The Wordsmith, this year and should have my next book out by the end of the year.

Alan Ayer website

Unholy Revelations (Book Review)

December 19, 2017 By Horror Palace 1 Comment

Unholy Revelations definitely lives up to its title, and the debut writer, Arsenio Franklin, does not spare any punches. He goes after a war that has been brewing since before man was created, and he ends it in a way that will most likely leave you astounded. So, for those who are not sensitive about religious issues, this might just be the book for you.

The premise of the book is pretty straightforward. Satan feels it is time to move out of the darkness. And the liberty he has to visit the holy city of God without influencing it only frustrates him more. Too much time has passed where he has played the underdog, and earth ultimately becomes the setting for an epic battle.

Satan uses whatever power he has to influence people. For example, he inhabits the bodies of children then makes them slaughter their parents, only to commit suicide afterward. Anything that can cause chaos, Satan indulges. Eventually, he gets his opportunity to invade the pearly gates with his army.

This is one of the more unusual books I have read, mainly because it is difficult to frame a specific perspective on what it is trying to say. And after you read the ending, you will know what I am talking about. Franklin is obviously a very passionate author, and for a debut, he definitely goes all out to leave readers with their mouths gaped open.

The premise of the story is original enough to draw attention. For some reason the battle between heaven and hell never gets old, and whenever there is a new way to look at it, there will be anxious readers wanting to know how it unfolds.

In terms of pacing, this is a fairly quick read and quite a lot happens. In other words, readers who are looking for that extra bit of detail might be left wanting. Personally, I like a book that does not mess around.

On a more critical note, Franklin’s execution of the story does not always follow a solid rhythm. And by this, I am referring to the points where he moves between stories and characters without warning. While his passion is evident through his writing, there are some technical issues that might possibly spoil it for a neurotic reader.

Given that the main character of the story is Satan, it is more challenging to make a real connection. The human characters that are used throughout are colorful and entertaining, but I had a hard time finding one that really spoke to me.

As for Franklin’s style, there are parts I really enjoyed, especially the final showdown. It is like he switches to a more poetic approach and it blends well with the overall dark setting, and I truly did not see the end coming. But I should also warn you the battle between God and Satan is very graphic. Sensitive readers who are easily offended should probably avoid this particular book.

My final verdict is that Unholy Revelations is a solid debut that carries a lot of shock value. But although it will likely not be seen on the best-seller list, I see potential in the author.

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

More Horror Book Reviews

Antitheus (Book Review)

August 29, 2017 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

G.A. Minton, award winning author of the book Trisomy XXI, delivers his second supernatural horror novel entitled Antitheus. The stage is set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it focuses on a group of clergymen who get slaughtered while attending a conference. Minton does not take very long to get the action started, and from the first page, the eerie atmosphere is created. And with a surprising twist at the end, Antitheus puts you through a rather unnerving adventure.

Zeke Reinhardt is the poor innkeeper who houses a group of clergymen while attending a conference. After losing the love of his life to a terminal illness, he has kept the place going without much enthusiasm. Now, he goes through his daily routine, only to find one of the holy men dead in room no. 22. After composing himself through the horrific scene, he calls Sheriff Parker, who makes it to the inn just before a blizzard strikes.

What the sheriff finds is more than just a typical murder scene, and the longer they stay, the more clergymen are going to die. The only problem is nobody knows who or what they are up against.

Great control is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about this particular book. Minton has a crisp and clean style that describes enough of a scene to make it interesting, but he does not spend time on overkill detail. In terms of pacing, I prefer shorter and powerful novels, so this was right up my alley. I liked the speed with which the plot developed, along with the characters. Overall, it is clear that Minton has more than just a knack for writing a good story.

However, I do have two things that took away some of the reading enjoyment. Firstly, I did not get into the characters as much as I wanted to. Even though Minton sells them perfectly, I think it is just a matter of not being able to relate to one of them in particular. Of course, for a different reader, this will be a completely different situation.

Secondly, the plot foundation Minton chose is a little rundown, making it a big challenge to really create something spectacular. For me, it was somewhat of a let-down. But, on the other hand, he hits those horror beats like a pro, satisfying those moments of adrenalin many readers actively look for and expect. I should also add that Minton delivers a very interesting twist that will leave a lot of people shocked.

I honestly cannot give Antitheus a strict horror label, because it embodies so many different elements. There is the slasher-film premise, the historical God vs. the devil confrontation, and a hint of Sherlock Holmes, all thrown together for a very interesting read.

When it comes down to it, I will recommend Antitheus to those looking for a quick and easy read, without having to compromise on quality and style. Minton is very good at what he does, so make sure to lock the doors before you start reading.