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bloodravenlib's review
4.0
I have posted my full review on my blog, The Itinerant Librarian. Click or copy and paste in your browser the link to read the review:
Review link: http://itinerantlibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/10/booknote-bump-in-night.html
Review link: http://itinerantlibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/10/booknote-bump-in-night.html
paperbackstash's review
3.0
It's hard to have actual erotica horror but this one fits the mold completlely. I wasn't as crazy about the religious based stories later, but the monster ones were winners, especially the first two. I think the opening tale was, while short, a darker and convincing zombie story that is well-written, and the tentacle monster in the lake (Mating Season by Kari Gregg)? My favorite and most fascinating, in a way the most disturbing but also one of the more creative ones with the just how it came together. I lowered the star rating a bit since I didn't enjoy some of the later stories as much, but this is recommended for anthology fans of weird fiction. Full review to come.
mysimas's review
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Resurrection Man and Sleeping with Ghosts are in my opinion the weakest stories of the collection. RM has an intriguing theme but feels like a mere introduction to a much longer and complex whole. SwG offers a setting I’d, too, love to see more of; however, aside from the setting, it didn’t quite work for me - MC acted in a way I just couldn’t buy from the professional that he supposedly was, and his emotional reactions to the ghost also came out of nowhere.
Mating Season is a good ol’ tentacle porn, solid work, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Out From Under is hands down the weirdest of the lot. Original, unpredictable and even funny at times, in a good way. I’m glad to have read it.
My favourites turned out to be Flesh and Song (instantly) and Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint (slowly and unexpectedly). Much like Mating Season, FaS felt comforting in its well-handled familiarity. BSS initially turned me off with its unlikable MC, but then the story grew on me - and if I ever were to reread any part of the anthology (unlikely but alas), I’d go for BSS, the pay-off is just that satisfying.
Notably, the protagonists of FaS and BSS are the only ones who were actually somewhat responsible for their own undoings. Maybe that’s in part why I enjoyed these two stories the most - I didn’t have to feel as guilty about it. Guess Tobias might not be the only hypocrite among us. :(
Mating Season is a good ol’ tentacle porn, solid work, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Out From Under is hands down the weirdest of the lot. Original, unpredictable and even funny at times, in a good way. I’m glad to have read it.
My favourites turned out to be Flesh and Song (instantly) and Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint (slowly and unexpectedly). Much like Mating Season, FaS felt comforting in its well-handled familiarity. BSS initially turned me off with its unlikable MC, but then the story grew on me - and if I ever were to reread any part of the anthology (unlikely but alas), I’d go for BSS, the pay-off is just that satisfying.
Notably, the protagonists of FaS and BSS are the only ones who were actually somewhat responsible for their own undoings. Maybe that’s in part why I enjoyed these two stories the most - I didn’t have to feel as guilty about it. Guess Tobias might not be the only hypocrite among us. :(
mrella's review
3.0
"Resurrection Man" by Laylah Hunter --- 1.0 star
One of the reasons for this rating is Present Tense. Too much sex didn't help either.
"Mating Season" by Kari Gregg --- 4.0 stars
This story grew on me. When I just finished it I was certain it was going to be a two star rating, but somehow, by the end of the day, I am willing to give it four stars.
"Flesh and Song" by Ally Blue --- 3.5 stars
"Out From Under" by Brien Michaels --- 3.5 stars
"Sleeping With Ghosts" by Peter Hansen --- 3.5 stars
"Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint" by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler --- 4.0 stars
I realise there is a moral in every story, but the question persists: "and then what"? Maybe I am missing a point, but that's how my mind works and I can't help it. Most of the ghost stories are a dead (pardon the pun) end to me.
One of the reasons for this rating is Present Tense. Too much sex didn't help either.
"Mating Season" by Kari Gregg --- 4.0 stars
This story grew on me. When I just finished it I was certain it was going to be a two star rating, but somehow, by the end of the day, I am willing to give it four stars.
"Flesh and Song" by Ally Blue --- 3.5 stars
"Out From Under" by Brien Michaels --- 3.5 stars
"Sleeping With Ghosts" by Peter Hansen --- 3.5 stars
"Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint" by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler --- 4.0 stars
I realise there is a moral in every story, but the question persists: "and then what"? Maybe I am missing a point, but that's how my mind works and I can't help it. Most of the ghost stories are a dead (pardon the pun) end to me.
iguana_mama's review
4.0
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
★★★ Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter – Adel St. Claire died prematurely of tuberculosis. Josef Leitner has the means and the tools to bring him back to life. But at what cost? Competently written, vividly descriptive, with an authentic historical feel. Technically, there was nothing wrong with the story, but I wanted less sex and more time spent exploring the consequences of Josef’s actions.
★★★★★ Mating Season by Kari Gregg – Despondent because of his failed marriage and lost job, Danny decides to go on a fall hiking trip at the lake at his best friend Keith’s insistence. Who believes in crazy tales about lake monsters anyway? Danny learns two things – that all tales contain a nugget of truth and best friends are not always trustworthy. This is all kinds of creepy and kinky, and a superb example of erotic horror.
★★★★ Flesh and Song by Ally Blue – Mesmerizing, atmospheric, haunting and dreamlike. I love stories that involve mysterious water dwellers, tranquil settings, and people looking to escape. Ally Blue is no Patricia McKillip, but this is a lovely story that kept me riveted. I think it would have been even better with a little more backstory about Noah so I could have been fully invested in his fate.
★★★ Out From Under by Brien Michaels – Brant tries to leave the demon Fromunder, but he won’t have any of it and Brant’s lover pays with his head. In order to get his lover back, he must help the demon with his plan for revenge. Of course, these things never go as expected. This was a fun, entertaining story that was more humorous than horrific. Some of the scenes were a little over the top, and reminded me of films with too many special effects. Sometimes, less is more.
★★★★ Sleeping With Ghosts by Peter Hansen – Yordan is a Bookman, a priest who takes souls for those born without one. This was a gently written, haunting, immersive story with a surprising twist. Very well done.
★★★★★ Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler – This story deserves all the stars! Tobias is devoted to his good works and to God, but he is a deeply troubled and conflicted man. Once David enters his life again, sickly and dying, Tobias scorns him for his flagrant sexuality and his life decisions. Their youthful experimentation is a source of shame for Tobias, and he wants David to follow a righteous path. Tobias meets a strange man in church, who knows all his thoughts, feelings, his arrogance and harsh judgment. Making a dark deal will change both men’s lives forever.
I am familiar with a few of the authors here, so was really thrilled to get the opportunity to read this anthology. These stories are dark and should appeal to those readers who enjoy demons, spirits, sea monsters and sexy times that are not necessarily pleasurable.
A great collection!
Thanks to Charming from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
★★★ Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter – Adel St. Claire died prematurely of tuberculosis. Josef Leitner has the means and the tools to bring him back to life. But at what cost? Competently written, vividly descriptive, with an authentic historical feel. Technically, there was nothing wrong with the story, but I wanted less sex and more time spent exploring the consequences of Josef’s actions.
★★★★★ Mating Season by Kari Gregg – Despondent because of his failed marriage and lost job, Danny decides to go on a fall hiking trip at the lake at his best friend Keith’s insistence. Who believes in crazy tales about lake monsters anyway? Danny learns two things – that all tales contain a nugget of truth and best friends are not always trustworthy. This is all kinds of creepy and kinky, and a superb example of erotic horror.
★★★★ Flesh and Song by Ally Blue – Mesmerizing, atmospheric, haunting and dreamlike. I love stories that involve mysterious water dwellers, tranquil settings, and people looking to escape. Ally Blue is no Patricia McKillip, but this is a lovely story that kept me riveted. I think it would have been even better with a little more backstory about Noah so I could have been fully invested in his fate.
★★★ Out From Under by Brien Michaels – Brant tries to leave the demon Fromunder, but he won’t have any of it and Brant’s lover pays with his head. In order to get his lover back, he must help the demon with his plan for revenge. Of course, these things never go as expected. This was a fun, entertaining story that was more humorous than horrific. Some of the scenes were a little over the top, and reminded me of films with too many special effects. Sometimes, less is more.
★★★★ Sleeping With Ghosts by Peter Hansen – Yordan is a Bookman, a priest who takes souls for those born without one. This was a gently written, haunting, immersive story with a surprising twist. Very well done.
★★★★★ Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler – This story deserves all the stars! Tobias is devoted to his good works and to God, but he is a deeply troubled and conflicted man. Once David enters his life again, sickly and dying, Tobias scorns him for his flagrant sexuality and his life decisions. Their youthful experimentation is a source of shame for Tobias, and he wants David to follow a righteous path. Tobias meets a strange man in church, who knows all his thoughts, feelings, his arrogance and harsh judgment. Making a dark deal will change both men’s lives forever.
I am familiar with a few of the authors here, so was really thrilled to get the opportunity to read this anthology. These stories are dark and should appeal to those readers who enjoy demons, spirits, sea monsters and sexy times that are not necessarily pleasurable.
A great collection!
Thanks to Charming from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
knutsoel's review
2.0
The writing was good, no doubt about that.
It's just that this book confirmed again that horror is not my cup of tea.
It's just that this book confirmed again that horror is not my cup of tea.
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