karlakayjenniges's reviews
837 reviews

The Bone Drenched Woods by L.V. Russell

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

 "Share the stories, keep the faith, bring the bones, carve the bones."

Hyacinth lives during a time of deep uncertainty. She is expected to always follow the rules of the village. Her parents as well as the elders. By rebelling she risks not only her life but her family. All are forced to follow the ways or be hanged as a heathen or burned as a witch and sacrificed to the woods. 

There is always an unsettling fear among the villagers. They must sacrifice and hang the bones for protection from what dwells deep within the dark and sinister woods. They must live in fear of the woods and always be sure to satiate its hunger or risk everyone. 

The elders decide the ones to be sacrificed. Everyone's lives are always in danger, not only from the monsters that dwell within the woods, but also from the human monsters.

Hyacinth in her rebellion has been chosen to marry, and they are both sent far away to another village. What she discovers there is even more terrifying than what she was forced to leave behind. 

The darkness that lies within this novel is permeating, right into the soul. The thought of having to live a life that was never yours to control with all decisions made for you is unsettling. Always living in fear of having to pay for your sinful ways with your life or being devoured by monsters, humans or otherwise. Feeling as if there is never a place that is safe and knowing that decisions are always made for you. Wanting more than anything to break free. Discovering that no matter where you go, there is something even worse waiting for you. 

It is so atmospheric that it always feels dark, it always feels cold, damp and chilling, with a deep seeded loneliness. It feels dreadful and deeply unsettling. It feels as if there is no hope for a better future, only peril. 

This is not my first experience of reading L.V. Russell's writing style, and I was excited to read this one as well. I also knew I would not be disappointed.

 "Folklore serves to validate culture, reinforce morals and values, and provide a means of social pressure." Indeed, this novel embodies the fear of these old practices from a time long past.

There is no greater light than merciful love. 

Thank you so much Quill & Crow and L.V. Russel for the complimentary copy! It is very much appreciated! 

The Dark Within by R.A. King

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 "Hissing whispers filled the air, darting through the shadows like unseen phantoms. They taunted him, their words incomprehensible yet laden with malice, a language that echoed from the depths of his fear."

As a young boy, Alex was warned by his father to never go near or enter the shed. No reason was ever given. But when he hits a ball through the window, he goes in and from that moment on, life was and never will be the same. The hidden horrors have been unleashed from within.

 20 years later, in the city of Chicago, Alex established a new life for himself. A steady job and good friends. But there is something disturbing and sinister occurring in the city. Someone stalking the city, committing murder. Methodically in his ways, he never leaves a trace of evidence, and the victims vanish without a trace. One by one, the group of friends begin to disappear. 

 Alex has been having vivid nightmares, placing him at the scene of the crime while in a state of dreaming. He is confused as to why this is happening, and his friends seem to not believe him when he tells them it feels so real. The only logical explanation is it is just a dream. 

 The "Chicago Slicer" is among them. The question is, who is it? Will Alex figure out why he sees the killings occur in his nightmares? Will the serial killer eventually be caught? Will the real nightmare end? 

 There is so much foreboding darkness within this story. A creeping dread. As the storyline builds, there are scenes that are chilling, disturbing, and there is a sadness that settles in. As the beginning of the synopsis states, this is a psychological horror that blurs the lines between nightmares, reality, sanity, and madness. As Alex is the one experiencing this within the pages of the book, the reader certainly feels like it is invading one's mind as well. Questioning what the hell is happening. A mind bender, blurring one's thoughts, believing one thing, or maybe not. Feeling terrible for Alex and what he has experienced as a child, and yet, questioning his character as an adult. Who is he, really? Is he something else than what he presents as or is there something even more sinister occurring that is deeply hidden within him? 

 As a debut novel, the author is giving a glimpse into his writing style. Clearly a talent to be appreciated. And as with many authors, as time goes on, their writing becomes stronger. There were some disconnections, but nothing too serious that detracted too much from the story. 

 If you enjoy:

Psychological Fiction

Horror

Brutality

Dread and sadness.

An unreliable character/Narrator

Indie Authors

 Please consider giving this one a read! 

Cutter's Deep: Welcome to Hell by Ronald McGillvray, Ronald McGillvray

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

 "The town and hotel were located along the dark, deep, flowing waters of the Ottawa River, a northern town located in the province of Ontario, Canada."

Upon entering Cutter's Deep, what is seen is an abandoned, desolate town. Empty buildings, empty streets, and quite possibly something lurking in the shadows. Confusion enters the visitors' minds, now wondering what the hype is about this town. Why do tourists come here as there is nothing to see? Unless that is you were personally invited and provided the necessary item which will reveal that which is hidden. 

Looking for shelter proves to be a challenge because no one is allowed to enter after midnight. There is an occurrence happening called "the Howling", the wind blows, unforeseen creatures surface, abominations, and there seems to be no way to escape the doom that is now being fought for survival. Once you enter, you may not ever leave. 

Cutter's Deep has been the only home that Arlington has ever known, he has always followed the rules until one day he begins to question everything he has ever learned. He meets someone that has caused feelings to surface that he has never experienced. He decides to go against the rules and follow his heart. He must uncover the truth and figure out how to leave Cutter's Deep once and for all time.

Creepy creatures, squishy giant worms, green globs of death, and blood splatter everywhere. Welcome to Hell

This is one of the most uniquely creative novels I have ever read. Peculiar characters, a very dark atmosphere that seems to linger even in daylight hours, blood frenzied creatures, and deep secrets. Tons of action that causes anxiety, feeling like running beside them, trying to escape this cursed town. 

Chilling horror combined with dark fantasy, where evil is trying to control the goodness of the heart, pure love always wins. 

 Mr. McGillvray is one of my favorite authors, so I was not surprised at all that I thoroughly enjoyed this! His writing is always so extraordinary, and his book cover designs are fabulous!

I believe this is a novel that is fitting for adults and young adults. 

The Light by JJ Carpenter

adventurous emotional informative inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 "I'd almost hoped... well... I hadn't hoped it was over, I suppose, but it was nice enjoying a normal life. Just for a little while."

As Charlie's journey as a keeper continues, she learns more about how the spirits have become imbalanced. Traveling to Newcastle with her dearest friends, Tess, Trent, and Brent, they visit the beautiful Nobbys Island and the lighthouse.

The island and lighthouse have been beautifully preserved, and the history runs deep. 

Once again Charlie encounters many spirits, but something is quite different this time. The spirits are unbalanced here, unable to move on. There are many different colored spirits, and Charlie must figure out why they are here and how to help them move on. 

Not only is there much confusion, mystery, and the task of keeping the balance, there is a shocking, painful, and life changing loss in the lives of Charlie and her lovely friends. 

Charlie is also in for another major surprise, a very unexpected one, but one that is welcomed.

 

 I love the strength of the characters’ friendship, and I feel like I have walked alongside them through every novel. Watching from a distance Charlie learns more about her ability as a keeper and developing as a person with an earnest heart. The history of Australia that is included is so interesting to learn about.

 

Each novel has been suspenseful, intriguing, and sometimes chilling, but for me they have all touched my heart in some way as well. This series has been such a joy to read, and I am so looking forward to reading more to come.

"Don't go into the tunnel, or the soldier will drown you."

 

A Blade to Silence the Screams by Cemetery Dance Publications, Tom Deady, Tom Deady

dark

4.0

Father Gaetano's Puppet Catechism: A Novella by Mike Mignola

fast-paced

4.0

The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke

mysterious fast-paced

5.0

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

The Women by Kristin Hannah

emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

Joni Jones and the Ghost Train by P.D. Leyshon, P.D. Leyshon

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

5.0

 "It was a question that had troubled the villagers of Nant-Y-Glo in West Wales for nearly a year since that Halloween night when the eleven-year-old schoolboy disappeared. Eleven months and twenty-nine days, to be exact."

Joni's brother disappeared almost a year ago. Life has not been the same for Joni and his grandparents. Their hearts are filled with sadness and worry. Joni begins to experience strange occurrences. Waking in the night, hearing a train that should not exist. Seeing a woman and a white crow. Discovering his brother has his telescope pointed towards the old path in the woods, wondering why. He also discovers his brother's hidden diary with things written that are the same as what he is experiencing. 

Joni convinces his best friend, Osh, to investigate where the sound of the train is coming from. They never could have imagined what they would encounter or the adventure they will be taken on after jumping on the train. Eventually joining up with others, they learn where they are, why they are there, what they must do to rescue Joni's brother, and are able to return home safely. 

There is so much that occurs throughout the story. It is mysterious and filled with historical times. The adventure is exciting and engaging. I really enjoyed the quirkiness and diversity of the characters and the bonds between friends. It was great to see each of them discover more about themselves and begin to show their strengths. The descriptive prose created a vivid and atmospheric setting of the parallel world set in the past. There is just enough darkness that creates a creepy, ghostly, spine-tingling adventure.

As an elementary librarian, I can easily say that this is a perfect book for those kids that love a fantastical, historical, spooky read! There were certain names of the kids that popped into my thoughts that I know would love this book!

As an adult reading it with the kids in mind, it was really fun to read. But I also feel that as an adult, if you still love to read middle grade books, I definitely recommend grabbing your own copies to enjoy. Also, if you have your own children to read with or children with a passion for reading, this adventurous book is delightful!