new horror releases

Never DEAD (Book Review)

March 3, 2020 By Ivan Karhoff

Never –DEAD has a very interesting origin. Typically, a book will inspire a film or TV program, but here the reverse is true. Never – DEAD was inspired by a short television program screened at the 2016 MystiCon Independent Film Festival.

Furthermore, Never-DEAD Author Ann Greyson was a leading actor in the program portraying the character of Hannah Winter.

The Never-DEAD story takes place during the prophetical frightful times ending of the Mayan calendar. At this time a pandemic disease is triggered which has the ability to turn people into a zombie state.

Julie Mehta is one of the key individuals who can help develop a vaccine. Julie and Hannah Winter are safely positioned inside a bunker based in New Mexico. However, Hannah Winter is greatly distracted because her younger sister, Jenna, is miles away in Texas, where the disease has already taken more than enough souls.

With the disease getting out of control and the distance putting pressure on both Julie and Hannah, the race for survival does not show signs of easing up. Instead, it takes them on an emotional roller coaster that has the power to scar them for life.

Right from the start, Greyson sets the horrific scene for the apocalypse. She maintains a consistent pace that helps keep the reader invested. In fact, the balance between pacing and plot is an element of the novel that really shines through. As for the characters that fill this dark fantasy world, they fit perfectly inside their roles. Readers will quickly recognize or even relate to the sisterly-bond between Hannah and Jenna. And the other well-rounded characters provide colorful support as well.

Throughout the novel, Greyson switches between first and third-person perspectives. Personally, I love this rather daring and interesting choice of style. While the execution of different perspectives disrupts the rule for easy-reading, especially in the particular way the author chooses to use them, it makes for an interesting reading experience.

For those that love a strong build-up to a nail-biting climax, Never-DEAD is that type of horror story. Of course, more than enough zombies are created along the way and some good characters are sacrificed. But do not expect too many gory details. This could be a downside for hardcore horror fans, although Greyson makes up for the lack of gore via the “thrill” factor. Much like the pacing, there is a good balance between the destruction and the slow progress of hope towards finding a vaccine.

Provided the limited scenarios allowed by zombies and virus outbreaks, it can be very challenging to come up with a truly unique plot. And while Never-DEAD does not reshape or re-create the zombie genre, it still provides a very entertaining ride with a good measure of emotion to drive the story home.

Overall, I consider the novel to be a worthy read. While I cannot say it is a perfect story given some of the plot and writing aspects, the raw passion from the author is evident from the first page to the last one. Thus I believe Greyson has more talent waiting to surface. I believe she has the ability to hone her skills as a horror writer and turn out some very good horror stories that I look forward to reading!

http://annsgreyson.com/

http://annsgreyson.com/books.html

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

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I Wish (Book Review)

July 17, 2019 By Ivan Karhoff Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note:

Horror Palace has reviewed more books by author Lex Sinclair than any other horror writer. Needless to say, he holds a special place in our horror literature heart. As his books continued coming thru the office for review, I would think to myself that I would like to review the book. Something seemed to always get in the way and I was forced to pass it on to Damnetha. When “I Wish” was submitted it made me think of “my wish” to review a Lex Sinclair book. I made sure nothing got in the way this time! -Ivan Karhoff

This review comes from an interesting perspective. I Wish is like fine wine. Lex Sinclair originally wrote the book over 10 years ago and has gracefully let it age over time, until now.

THE STORY

I Wish opens with the main character, a blonde little nine-year-old girl named Angelina, playing outside chasing a butterfly. She has momentarily become preoccupied enough not to be grief-stricken by the recent murder of her mother. She was not even aware of the thunderclouds or two bright flashes that blacked her out.

Angelina lives with her father Tony who is trying his best to take care of his motherless daughter. It is difficult for a dad to be there all the time. They both are fortunate to have Tony’s caring parents for additional support.

As if seeing her mother murdered was not enough, Angelia sees other deaths in her young life. She also experiences a horrifying reality that is one of the most feared by all parents, especially those of young girls.

The story follows Angelina going thru the awkward pre-teen years up to the mid to later teen years. Many of the events in her life are not much different from the typical young girl growing up. Angelina experiences things like jealousy, bullying, dealing with teachers and finding her place in the world. However, one big difference with Angelina is her gradual realization of being able to make her wishes comes true!

Unfortunately, Angelina focuses her wishes on fighting back against those who wronged her. It took her a while to figure out her supernatural power. First proving it to herself and then to her boyfriend Tommy. In the beginning, a little malevolent action seemed justified to Angelina and Tommy. But like a drug, Angelina becomes addicted to the power of being able to harass and ultimately kill her foes. As a drug turns a person into an addict which eventually leads to the addict turning on those closest to them, Angelina becomes addicted to her power and eventually turns on those closest to her. Setting love aside, sometimes drastic measures need to be taken for the sake of good.

The story ends in a supernatural explosion of lust, hatred, confusion, and destruction then closes on a lonely somber “goodbye….”

ABOUT THE BOOK

Because Sinclair fills the story with foreshadowing, clues, and allegories, you will get the most out it by paying attention to the details. You will also enjoy the “poetic details” as well.

The book has several horror scenes along the way, but the main theme is a supernatural thriller. True to life, Sinclair does not leave out the sex. There are less than half a dozen sex-related scenes. A couple of those are based on perversion which does fit into the storyline. The remaining sex scenes center on infidelity, passion, and lust. The lust scene is softcore compared to the other sex scenes which are more explicit. The lust scene is a bit of a shock and surprise but works extremely well in the story.

Sinclair likes detail. Sometimes it is for the story other times it is more like the detail that occurs in everyday life. This does help fill in the story for meaning. For those who want to get to the guts, some areas of the detail may feel in the way. However, if you relax with the story and let it flow, it does paint a clearer picture!

This seems rather unique to me and can be a benefit if you put the book down for a couple of days and then picked up reading again. It is similar to a running television series where there are recaps to keep you fresh with the story. Sinclair often revisits and reminds the reader of past events. This is one clear way to get what happened and how it relates to what is currently happening. Some readers may think to themselves when they read a recap, “I know I already read that.” However, let it go and get that fresh vision back in your head!

The pacing of the book moves at different speeds throughout. It opens up poetic but quickly hits with tragic attention-getting action (pay attention to foreshadowing). The pacing slows until a very dramatic scene builds up that will have you on edge! There was no way I could stop reading until I found out what happened here! It is also the early introduction of a key point in the story that Sinclair makes sure he has your total attention! For me, it felt like the pacing slowed for a while after this. It could be that I was craving that rush again! Sinclair takes his time until the next “rush moment.” The pacing continues in uneven bursts adding realism to a supernatural story. Of course, the ending is a great build-up and full of twists and turns until the hellish bittersweet end.

It is usually a compliment to say a writer is gifted. But beyond what amount of Sinclair’s writing ability is gifted, it is clear that Sinclair has worked hard on his craft. Sinclair thinks out his storyline with impeccable detail. He is passionate about his characters and feels for them emotionally. His characters and their relationships are real. He brings the reader in like life itself. And as with any great horror author, he does not hesitate to kill anyone…

Reviewed by Ivan Karhoff
Publisher & Editor

Also by Lex Sinclair:

The Slime

One Eyed Monster

Don’t Fear The Reaper Part 1

Don’t Fear The Reaper Part 2

Don’t Fear The Reaper Part 3

Also see Horror Palace feature on Lex Sinclair

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Abhorrent (Book Review)

October 25, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

After finishing this collection of short horror stories, entitled Abhorrent, I had one distinct thought; Michelle Merz is a talent waiting to explode into great things. So, if you can appreciate a fresh voice, in the process of finding its calling inside the world of horror, give Merz a shot at keeping you up at night.

The collection consists of 9 short stories, although Merz had an interesting approach. One of the stories, namely The Emergency, is broken up into 5 different parts, and they are scattered throughout the collection. Just before the last story, The Boy, you get to read the final scene to what is definitely a twisted tale.

Overall, expect a mixture of nightmarish dreams, sick individuals, and evil entities that rightfully leave you on edge. You will also be introduced to ordinary people, struggling with extraordinary odds.

The first point to be made is the clear writing skills on display. Merz gets her message across and she is more than able to carry the reader along the dark journey. In fact, every page is a testimony that she loves and respects the art of great story-telling.

The plot choices are very creative, and while they reach for something different, they play out in very familiar scenarios. And I get the feeling that Merz uses these familiar scenarios to boost the shock value of the stories. For example, the characters are not exceptionally smart, rich, or gifted. But how they ultimately end up dying is something that will easily reach headline news.

As for her style and pacing, I feel compelled to say readers are likely to fall in love with both. There is just something about the collection that stands out and makes you want to remember the author, even though there is still a journey ahead of her.

Out of everything I loved about the stories, I did notice a lack of conviction from the killer’s point of view. When people die or go missing, it seems to be at random and sometimes I could not get why certain victims were targeted in the first place. An important part of sending shivers down the spine of the reader lies in the connection between the good and bad, which I thought could use more substance with some of the stories.

No, not every story is going to bring a twist, but the passion behind the writing is visible right through the collection. And if you want to know how graphic Merz can get, she does not hold back or spare you any explicit detail.

Her next book/publication is going to be something to look out for because just like the stories in this collection evolved with style and technique, the talent is evident. Merz is an author still finding her voice, and these stories take the reader on that journey with her. This is also the element that tells me Michelle Merz is taking the first steps as a great author, so remember her name.

Amazon Pre-Order

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

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Ancient Illusions (Book Review)

October 22, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

Ancient Illusions is the third book in the Ancient Secrets series, and the hero of the story will be facing a challenge that is more personal than anything he has faced before. More importantly, Joanne Pence has added another great adventure to a collection that was impressive from the start. Her experience shines through the words while taking the reader on a journey that is hauntingly irresistible, even if some readers might need to sleep with the lights on for a few nights.

Michael Rempart, the archaeologist who has spent the last 16-years of his life furthering his career and overcoming incredible odds, finds himself back in the place where he grew up. An unexplained forced got him to make the trip and confront someone he always tried to avoid – his father.

But it is not just his hateful and alchemy-deranged father Michael should be fearful of, seeing as Michael has exactly what William Claude needs. Because the same secrets Michael possess are sought by entities from different realms, and they will destroy everything to get it, just like his dad, William Claude.

Writing a review for an author who is typically used as an example for great literary skill is nothing short of intimidating, even if this is not the first time I get the honor. But then again, she also makes it pretty damn easy.

First off, the amount of research and knowledge that go into every book give it so much more depth and credibility. At no point did I feel the rhythm of the story was interrupted with wild fictional facts, or that Pence grabbed at concepts that can ultimately make you close a book right in the middle. Instead, she is in control of the logic and history that carry a very suspenseful supernatural plot.

In addition to establishing tangibility to the story that unfolds, Pence introduces well-rounded characters that are distinct and memorable. For example, William Claude is a ruthless old man with a rather intriguing personality behind it, only to have a son like Michael. Plus, the dynamics and interaction between the two are especially entertaining.

In terms of plot originality, Pence will go where few authors dare to tread, especially since a broad knowledge is required for this specific book and series. Alchemy, archeology, history, literature, these are all elements that allow Pence to take a plot that is familiar, and revive it with fresh twists and turns. The pace is regulated perfectly, her execution is flawless, and there is no mistaking that you have just read the work of a brilliant author.

No, this is a not a book with a graphic blood and gore, but there is a psychological horror waiting for every brave reader. So if you want to set off on a journey that travels the world with excitement, danger, and demons, I will not hesitate to recommend Ancient Illusions or the other books in the series for that matter.

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

Joanne Pence is an award-winning and USA Today best-selling author of mysteries, historical fiction, romance, fantasy, and most recently, horror. Born and raised in San Francisco, she has been a journalist, analyst for the Federal government, taught school in Japan, and now makes her home in the foothills north of Boise, Idaho, with her husband, two dogs, four cats, and a peacock who showed up one day and refuses to leave. www.joannepence.com

Also by Joanne Pence:

Ancient Shadows

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The Slime (Book Review)

September 10, 2018 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

The Slime is a book by Lex Sinclair that does not disappoint, and it gives “deadly infestations” a whole new shape and form. With the unique style I have come to recognize from Sinclair, I got swept away fairly quickly by the ordeal he places in front of his characters. And on top of always showing consistent quality in his writing, Sinclair also consistently proves that he has more than enough creativity to pour into his work.

A small town is about to suffer a fatal infestation. But it’s not a chemical weapon, politics, or demons at the heart of the problem. Instead, the culprit is an “intelligent” slime that should be poured down the drain like the toxic waste it represents. But instead of getting disposed of properly, the slime puts its evil plan in motion via the guys that should have made it disappear.

Slowly but surely, more and more people fall under the command of the slime as it builds up enough strength to kill everyone “safely” and without calling too much attention to it itself. Eventually, the only two people left in the town still in control of their right minds are young Austin and Kayleigh, but can they survive the onslaught?

Just like with every other book I have read from Sinclair, I consider it time well spent. There is a raw sense of style with this specific title that I really love, and in certain ways, there is something special about a writer finding his or her voice. In this case, Sinclair makes you part of that journey as he discovers his ability to tell a very good story.

The tone of the book is nothing short of inviting, which can be challenging for a horror book. But Sinclair starts on a perfect note then continues to escalate the situation with great control and execution. Instead of boredom or a lack of mystery, readers can expect the exact opposite.

I also noticed the pacing for The Slime is a little faster than previous books I have read by Sinclair, with the exception of One Eyed Monster. And as with the latter title, I sense a deeper connection with some of the characters, especially Austin and Kayleigh. Even though Sinclair always makes sure the characters are established and well-rounded, the chemistry and relationship between these two add a deeper dimension to the overall plot. Essentially, readers can look forward to a perfectly driven and solidly entertaining tale of horror.

Another distinct talent Sinclair showcases is the fresh spin he can put on plot ideas that hold a sense of familiarity. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, he makes the design his own. The balance between the disturbing murders and the love between Austin and Kayleigh puts Sinclair in a class of his own. And while I can easily compare his work to some of the best authors I have read, I simply do not want to.

From the brilliant start to the somber and melancholy ending, I never developed an urge to put the book down or stop reading. I love Sinclair’s eye for detail, the way he builds those suspenseful and horrific moments, the character traits, and the ending that I never see coming.

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

Also by Lex Sinclair:

One Eyed Monster

Don’t Fear The Reaper Part 1

Don’t Fear The Reaper Part 2

Don’t Fear The Reaper Part 3

Also see Horror Palace feature on Lex Sinclair