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The Longest Midnight (Book Review)

March 7, 2017 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

The Longest Midnight is the debut war/horror novel of J.J. Fowler, and whatever you’re expecting from the title, don’t trust any preconceived notions just yet. From the cover on it presents a very realistic military atmosphere, but this story is something completely different. With one of the most original zombie plots I’ve read in a long time, Fowler brings the reader into a very bleak future.

The story takes place in the future, where the zombie apocalypse is part of everyday life. With only a fraction of the world population still managing to stay alive, they somehow try to recover from the devastation. Among the survivors is Joshua Drake, a veteran with very little lust for life. For him staying alive has become a job, because there’s not much else to look forward to. And if the zombies don’t get them, cancer just might.

However, somebody started taking control of the zombies. Now they walk around with weapons, becoming more dangerous because they don’t need to energize, or fear death for that matter. It’s up to Drake and his platoon to neutralize this superior threat from behind enemy lines. What seems like a suicide mission gains hope when another dangerous enemy joins the fight against the zombies.

First off, I think the setting of the story is particularly interesting, mainly because it goes beyond the typical outbreak and the mass hysteria. Of course, it’s not the first time this idea has been used, but Fowler brings a few other elements to the plot as well. For example, the enemy Drake is forced to trust. Unfortunately, it would be a spoiler to reveal them, but I can say that you won’t see it coming.

Another element he brings to the table is his rather detailed execution. He doesn’t miss the softer points of guts flying everywhere and blood seeping into the sand. In terms of writing style, he shows a clear direction of where he wants to take the reader and he doesn’t disappoint. Fowler makes sure terror is hovering around every corner, which leads to some nail-biting moments.

What I really like about the book is the pacing and the dominant character focus on Drake. Fowler uses this to get straight to the point, which worked perfectly with the premise of the story. If there is one area where I wasn’t completely sold, it would be some of the dialogue at certain sections. There were tiny moments where I lost the connection with the characters, but overall I was highly entertained and couldn’t wait to see how it ended.

For a debut, I’m definitely impressed, both by Fowler’s creativity and his ability to share it with his readers. He pays attention to key points, which is how he keeps you inside the futuristic wasteland. Recommendation wise, I think this is a story for the larger horror audience. It has the gore, it has the action, and Fowler is able to pull it off. Even readers who don’t particularly like zombies could find it very entertaining. I invite all the military action junkies to take a stab at this one as they should like it as well!

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

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2 pm on a Black Summer’s Day V1 (Book Review)

February 4, 2017 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

2 P.M on a Black Summer’s Day is the debut horror book by IP Spall. The plot involves enemies working together to fight the greater evil. It is a mixture of popular horror genre topics, such as witchcraft and demons, but is not as dark as one would expect. Instead, there’s always a silver lining somewhere in the background, keeping the hope alive.

Everything starts with Samuel, a history teacher who acquires a mysterious wooden box from a questionable character. After Samuel dies, the box goes to his son, Chris. Too curious for his own good, Chris opens the box to find a Ouija board. He invites his wife and friends to play with him, which is when the nightmare begins.

Unlike typical Ouija board complications, the problem isn’t contained in the place where the game is played. Whatever comes out of the board is taking over the city and nobody knows how to stop it, except for May, someone who is part of the first line of witches. As the whole city gets placed under lock-down, May and her husband, Jack, have to work with one of their oldest enemies to overcome the nightmare.

As a first time reader of Spall’s work, I found it incredibly easy to read and cleverly descriptive. And dare I say it’s aimed at a younger adult audience? The whole way through I couldn’t shake the feeling that there’s a lesson to be learned, such as working past your personal opinions in order to reach the greater good.

It’s the style and execution Spall uses that got me thinking about the target audience, because it’s very straightforward and crystal clear. But also, there’s a hint of that “ideal world” fantasy where the neighbors can’t wait to help out and people talk to each other with great respect. Or to be more specific, there’s always mutual respect between the main characters.

On the horror side, this isn’t your typical, gruesome story. Even though Spall does a great job at building tension and making it explode, you’re not going to find the usual dark details. To put it in other words, it’s not the type of book that’s going to leave you terrified. Instead, it’s a feel-good horror where somebody can actually learn something.

Last but not least, I found the plot very interesting. Unfortunately, the part I found most intriguing could be a spoiler, so I’ll just say it’s about the enemies that have to work together. It’s something I haven’t read about before, but it has a very familiar feel.

I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for the lighter side of horror. If you can’t stand getting scared at night, but you are dying to get some good thrills, then this is definitely the book for you. For hardcore horror fans, you might like it as something completely different as to what you’re used to, or you won’t enjoy it.

From a completely personal point of view, I think it’s a well-written debut with a specific audience in mind. There’s a deeper message inside the horror and many readers will appreciate it. Praise has to go to what Spall creates and accomplishes.

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

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Nightmare From World’s End (Book Review)

January 17, 2017 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

Nightmare from World’s End, by Robert J. Stava, is a horror novel featuring a very intriguing type of evil entity. In a very relaxed style, Stava builds this particular story on familiar terrain, namely his Wyvern Falls. Wyvern Falls is a little village where a series of Stava’s books originate. Nightmare From World’s End is the latest in what is known as Hudson Horror Novels.

I have not yet had the pleasure of reading previous stories that unfolded in this rather strange town, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying his latest installment. He’s got a good feel for his audience and how to keep the story flowing without unnecessary hitches.

Three boys are out exploring the wreckage left by Hurricane Cassandra. As they explore they come across a very large crate, which is also the last thing they see before suffering an awful fate. While more disappearances occur, leaving the police stumped as to who the culprit might be, Dr. Sarah Ramhorne makes a very interesting discovery regarding sea monsters that used to inhabit the area.

The one friend Ramhorne makes is private detective John Easton, although Easton is romantically smitten by the doctor upon seeing her for the first time. Her straightforward attitude wins him over instantly, and he finds any excuse to spend time with her. But their romance gets put on hold as the supposedly mythical sea monster makes more daring appearances, forcing the police to use all the help they can get.

I wouldn’t put this book in the extreme horror section, because it has so much going for it. Yes, the sections where characters are squished so hard their eyes bulge out are very well done, and could possibly ruin a good night’s sleep for some readers. But I doubt the point of the book is to scare as much as it is to entertain and let his readers indulge themselves in the story.

Firstly, the tone is very laid back and reader friendly. Stava connects quickly and doesn’t have a problem maintaining this connection. Secondly, the characters are very colorful and the chemistry between them brings up a feeling of familiarity. Thirdly, there is always some drama waiting in the background. So, Stava has a good balance between horror, a little bit of romance and even some humor. In fact, the introduction does add a little playfulness to the rest of the story.

I want to say the pacing of the book is relatively quick, but it takes a few pages to get into the thick of things. Apart from a small encounter at the beginning, Stava patiently introduces the cast. Given that the characters are somewhat melancholy and likeable, it’s not at all strange that he chose this route. However, the horror aspect is easily forgotten in the early pages, which brings me back to my initial point – the book wasn’t meant to give you nightmares.

Hardcore horror fans might find the book on the light side, but readers looking for an entertaining read that will make you check the bathtub twice before getting in, I definitely recommend it. Even though it’s not a groundbreaking plot, Stava did a great job of keeping it together and making it his own.

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

Robert J. Stava is a writer who now lives in the lower Hudson Valley just north of NYC, apparently, not far from that half-imaginary village he sets so many of his stories in, Wyvern Falls. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Robert had a successful career in advertising (Y&R, J Walter Thompson), 3d graphics and performed for 8 years on the NY Music scene with his band, ‘The Jag’. These days he focuses on local legends and history of the Hudson Valley.

His first novel “At Van Eyckmann’s Request” was published in 2012. He is also the author of the novels “By Summer’s Last Twilight’ and “The Feast of Saint Ann” which has found its way into the hands of such eminent authors as T.C. Boyle and Ann Rice and has also been previewed by acclaimed novelist & screenwriter Michael Marshall Smith who commented: “I loved it…as if I was being pulled into a Ray Bradbury or something like BOY’S LIFE.”. His novella “The Devil’s Engine” was published by Muzzleland Press in 2015 and his short stories have appeared in various anthologies including “Kill for Copy” (Dark Chapter Press) & “Legends of Sleepy Hollow” (Nielsen Press). His fourth novel, “Nightmare From World’s End” was published by Severed Press in 2016.

He is also author and designer of “Combat Recon: 5th Air Force Images from the SW Pacific 1943-45” (Schiffer Publishing, 2007), a historical account based on his great uncle’s service as a combat photographer during WWII.

He has also been called by writer Hunter Shea ‘The King of Hudson Horror’.

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Don’t Fear The Reaper (Book Review)

January 16, 2017 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

Don’t Fear the Reaper: Vol. 1, is the latest horror novel by Lex Sinclair. His experience in the genre shines through a story that ventures into the supernatural world of death. In fact, Sinclair mixes up a few elements we’ve seen before, creating something unique to his style and taste. With an obviously high-quality standard of writing, Sinclair brings to life the Grim Reaper.

The world is about to experience a small apocalypse, a prophecy needs to be fulfilled, and the Reaper has to protect the one who is going to continue his work. All over the globe, a strange fog is plaguing the citizens. At the same time strange and horrible things are occurring without motive. A man butchers his family with an axe, a group of girls unknown to each other commit mass suicide, and to make matters worse, a meteor is on course to hit earth.

In between the chaos is Rev. Anthony Perkins, a man who has been experiencing vivid nightmares while losing his faith. As he struggles with the decision to leave the church, his pregnant sister undergoes a traumatic experience, making him only doubt his faith more. Little does he realize he’ll need his faith more than ever when he comes face to face with every mortal’s deepest fear, death.

I knew exactly what to expect when reading the first chapter because it’s the third book I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing by Sinclair. I had no idea what the plot was going to entail, or how it was going to unfold. But I knew I had to get ready for a style that’s very precise in its execution. More than anything, Sinclair is a writer who takes the art very seriously and it shows in his work.

With a very sophisticated tone, Sinclair starts the story with a scene featuring the Reaper and the evil green fog. The first thing you’ll notice from the introduction is that Sinclair pays attention to detail, painting a very vivid picture. His talent to describe something as if it is sitting right in front of you is amazing. This is only empowered by his extensive vocabulary and research.

That being said, the story does follow a relatively slow pace. This is a good thing for readers who like to fall deep into the content of the pages, but it could be a little frustrating to readers who prefer things to happen faster. The amount of characters who are introduced can also get a little overwhelming, so it’s critical to keep track from the first page.

Overall, I can honestly say that Sinclair hasn’t lost his creative touch on a classic idea. I consider his latest novel, along with those I’ve read before, to be among the “higher quality” reads within indie circles, although I don’t consider them “easy-reads”. There’s originality, skill and an interesting plot, which is consistent elements for Sinclair. He demands the reader’s full attention, otherwise, the story might not grab you the way it’s meant to. So, for the horror fans who want to invest themselves in a good book, I suggest picking up this new release from Sinclair.

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

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Also by Lex Sinclair:

Pavor Nocturnus (Book Review)

October 11, 2016 By Horror Palace Leave a Comment

Pavor Nocturnus is a haunting tale by Trevor Whittemore, and it takes a step back into a rather classic scenario. With a very subtle tone, Whittemore lays the groundwork for an intriguing story, pitting good against evil and overcoming the odds. Even though it might not be the most sophisticated literary execution, it holds a lot of promise.

Michael is an 8-year-old boy who moves into a new house with his mom and dad, Tanya and Ron. He finds it difficult to make friends, and he starts to have very intense nightmares, eventually building up a fear towards entities that might be in the house. While a pregnant Tanya sympathizes with her son, Ron believes it’s nothing more than a phase.

Michael finally makes a friend, but the nightmares also become more intense. In fact, they start manifesting when his parents aren’t around. Tanya decides to investigate the situation further, only to find their new home was indeed the setting for a horrific ordeal. However, Tanya remains doubtful as Ron insists his wife and son are imagining things.

As mentioned in the introduction, the story is based on many classic elements. For example, the haunted house with a very dark past, the child who has a hard time convincing his parents that real danger exists, and finally the confrontation between a heavenly entity and a demon. In terms of originality, the story probably won’t make much of an impression, but it does cater to an audience who like this type of situation. So if you enjoy having an idea of what’s coming, you’ll enjoy this book.

Even though Whittemore did a good job at presenting a solid horror story, it was the “experimental” tone that attracted me the most. Whittemore has a definite talent, but it’s obvious he hasn’t found his unique style quite yet. I love reading books from indie authors because they have an overwhelming sense of passion while they lack technical perfection, which ultimately gives it a lot of character. So, while this particular story won’t see a spot on the New York Bestseller list, readers will most likely remember Whittemore.

The overall pacing is relatively slow, and Whittemore is very focused on selling the authenticity of his characters. There’s also a constant build-up with certain climaxes in-between, so it’s probably better to read the book in one night instead of spreading it over a few days.

Every book and every writing style are subject to personal opinion, but if I had to give a general description for Pavor Nocturnus, it would be “potential”. I don’t know whether this is Whittemore’s debut, but if it is then, I commend his first attempt. There remains some work regarding execution and his technical approach, but the essence of the book is very entertaining. What the Whittemore lacks in experience he makes up in passion telling a spellbinding story.

If you are the type of reader who expects nothing less than Stephen King quality, it might not be the book to read. But if you like discovering new talent and having an open mind towards passionate writers, you’ll get totally wrapped up in the pages.

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

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