karlakayjenniges's reviews
833 reviews

The Black Testament by Michael Penning

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

“In the dark, the shadows crawl. The night’s embrace consumes us all. The weeping trees, they call my name, and in my dreams, I play his game…” “Voices call from below; ancient power, the seeds I sow. The moon weeps blood, the stars turn black; the Devil’s hand guides my track…”

In a long-forgotten village, where there is an enshrouding darkness, where shadows linger, there is an ancient evil waiting for its release from the deepest depths beyond the veil of life. 

A family living in seclusion to protect their lives from persecution. 

A ghost hunter who is called from beyond the veil must travel to the abandoned village because there is something there that she needs to uncover. Something with a power so dark and evil and unholy it has claimed the lives of the innocent through centuries of time. 

The Black Testament: a grimoire, gifted by the devil himself to an infamous witch.

As all their lives entwine, they must battle the evil that surrounds them. It whispers malicious intentions to follow the darkness that lies deep within, causing them to do unthinkable harm against each other, weakening the bonds that 
have served as their protection.

The atmospheric writing pulls us into a dark and foreboding tangled web of secrets and lies. The secluded home of the family lying at the precipice of a dark haunting forest filled with deathly whispers is claustrophobic, bleak, and gravely disturbing. The characters are intricately woven into insidious despair as they fight for survival.  It's a layered tale of mystery and buried motives. 

I enjoyed this so immensely, it was exciting, captivating, and the dreadfulness seeps into the bones. I am completely intrigued to read the other books in this series as I know there is so much more to learn and be enchanted by within the Book of Shadows. 

Excellent, compelling, and a definite top 10 contender in my reading journey!

There's Something Sinister in Centerfield by Robert P. Ottone

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

 "Give me a fastball just outside the zone any day. Give me a wooden bat over an aluminum all day long. Give me that crack when the bat hammers the sweet spot until the cows come home."

The love of the game. Out for the win of the year.

13-year-old Casey loves baseball, and spending time with her dad who is the coach for the Kingfishers baseball team. When the Kingfisher team ends up playing on an old historic ball field, they are challenged to a best in three series. But their opponents are not human. They are playing to save their star center fielder and good friend, Danny. If they do not win, they will lose him to the ghastly ghosts forever. 

Kids who love baseball will certainly connect to and enjoy this. Even more so if they are fans of a little spookiness. They could easily relate to the diversity and age of the characters and possibly some of the challenges of their young lives.

Friendship bonds, family bonds, and the determination it takes to endure any challenge. 

There is a lot of fun to this story, a few chuckles sprinkled in, and a big dusting of heart. 

*This gets all the stars from me because reading it with the perspective in mind that it's written for middle grade and the fact that I work as an elementary school librarian, I know what the kids enjoy reading. I am positive that this would be a hit for many. 

Blood Covenant by Alan Baxter

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

 "The world was black and filled with blood."

When a bank robbery has gone off the rails, the four involved must now make some of the hardest choices of their lives. Decisions are made that not all agree upon, but the driving force of the group has control and will stop at nothing to save his own skin. As one of their lives are hanging in the balance between life and death, the tension rises between them. Seeking refuge, they come upon a remote lodge where they believe they can hide out for a while, but they discover there are people already there which complicates the plan. 

The Moore's have arrived to open the lodge for the season. Excited for family time and preparation, they are ready to get started. But their plans are upended when an unlikely crew arrives, setting in motion a string of events that will change the lives of all present. Everyone is now fighting to survive. 

There is something hidden deep within the darkness. It has been stirred from its deep slumber and it is arising. It hungers and it must feed.

There is a lot that is unpacked in this suspenseful, supernatural, horror story. Multiple characters, an ancient evil, flashbacks, and gifts of sight. Crime, family bonds, death, and grief. Steeped in dark, graphic imagery and non-stop fight for survival, there isn't a moment of letting up on the excitement of wanting to know what was going to occur next. The Moore family is so endearing, I was routing for their survival and felt their heartbreak as lives were lost. Felt the fear that was creeping in as the dreadful darkness was returning from its slumber ready to feed from the victims and rise from the depths of its ancient slumber. 

Action, murder, sacrifice, tension, and lots of bloody moments. I was captivated throughout the whole story. 

This one is a top 10 contender of the year! I loved it! 

*I did receive an advanced reader copy in eBook form from Cemetery Dance, so a very kind thank you, it is always very much appreciated. I am expecting a paperback copy arriving from the Cemetery Dance Trade Paperback Book Club. 

The Rising (Crooked Tales) by Chris Harrison

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 "We've been waiting for you...

When a group of adventurous young kids decide to go explore an abandoned, notorious B&B called "Crooked House", known to be steeped in mystery and hauntings, they find more than they were expecting.  Only wanting to see if the hotel was simply haunted by ghosts and capture it on camera, they discover what's inside is much more malevolent and sinister. Trapped within, they all must fight to find their way out or be lost to the darkness forever. After what they have experienced, they continue to try to understand what is happening and why their lives are now entangled to the mystery and what lies waiting to consume their lives. As they each continue to experience a sinister being, they gather together to continue to try to discover and stop what is happening. 

From the start, we are given a look into some of the history that enshrouds the hotel, the previous owners, and the  reasons for the abandonment.  Advancing forward to the present, we learn about the kids and the dynamics of their lives, giving us that connection to each of the characters. Each of them having their own endearments and troubles. 

The atmosphere is very foreboding as we are taken inside to experience the sinister forces that lie within. Feeling just as trapped and anxious as the group of kids. Wondering how they are possibly going to escape. It was like stepping through time and entering into a labyrinth of dreams, especially as more and more of the story unfolded. 

I really liked the inclusion of being taken back in time and learning the truth of the hotel and the reveal of what the sinister forces actually were. I felt it was a very interesting concept. There were some things that were revealed that were surprising and the ending was unexpected, as well. 

This will be an ongoing series and I can only imagine the horrors that is planned to continue the adventure. 

A very well written debut novel that will surely appeal to YA readers as well as anyone who enjoys horror.

**My appreciation to Wicked Ink Publishing and Chris Harrison for the complimentary e-ARC. 

Draw You In~Vol. 1-Collectors Item by Jasper Bark

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

"Linda couldn’t help feeling they were on the brink of a rabbit hole and once they went down it, they’d never climb out."

Linda Corrigan's whole world is tipped on its edge when her comic book editor has disappeared. When she asks around for him, no one has any idea who she is talking about. None of it makes any sense as these are people that have known him for many years. Not knowing where else to turn, she files a missing persons report with the FBI but is met with even more shocking results. 

Agent McPherson is the only one who takes an interest as he realizes there is a connection to a mystery he has been keeping track of for awhile. He confronts Linda and convinces her to join him in the investigation along with a comics historian. 

As they research a notorious horror comic book creator, they are pulled into a world of hidden societies and have put their lives and the lives of others in danger. 

I am not going to say anymore about the story as I wouldn't want to include any spoilers. There is a lot that goes on throughout this whole story as it evolves. Lots of characters and information to pay close attention to but it flows together flawlessly. There is a deep history of the world of comic books, writers, artists, and editors, moving forward to today's internet trolls, and a whole underbelly of the dark and macabre. 

I honestly have never read anything so creative and intriguing. From the prologue to the ending, there was never a moment that didn't hold my interest. The whole mystery is exciting along with the characters unveiling their own mysterious backgrounds and connections to the darkest parts of the comic book world. R.L. Carver, the ill-famed horror comic creator, is a very dark character. What he creates is frightening and adds a whole new level of taking us beyond the realm of reason.

Draw You In Volume 2 will be releasing on June 21st and this is one I am invested in continuing. I am so looking forward to see how this is going to unfold and how deep into this JB is going to take this whole new level of intense and compelling writing.

The Keeper by JJ Carpenter

adventurous emotional 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

"Perhaps your life doesn't flash before your own eyes at the end, Charlie thought, but before the eyes and over the hearts of everyone who's ever loved you."

When Charlie begins to face the fact that her life is at risk every single day, she takes measures to protect herself. Giving up her career and moving to a place of isolation gives her some hope of living in a somewhat balanced protection of safety from that which can take her life. 

As she is adjusting to her new life, doing her best to keep herself as safe as possible, she explores her new property, the new town, and does her best to fit in and create a balanced life for herself.

But...

There are ghosts and they are lingering in the shadows of the past. Lost in the "waiting place", forever experiencing the pain and harm that was inflicted upon them. Seeking out the living to help them escape and move into the peaceful place. 

The Corner of Her Eye is not only a story of mystery and suspense, but ghosts which are haunting the living, causing fear and havoc. It's a journey of self-discovery, family, friendship, and reaching through the passages of time to free souls that are calling for help. 

Charlie is a wonderful character that is easy to connect to as her journey is full of many challenges. A life that unfolds before us. Her character is raw and real. Her heart is pure. She is strong and perseveres through it all. 

Many other characters have endearing qualities and create a feeling of discovering new friends to follow as their journey continues. 

There were moments that gave me the chills and had me looking around corners. I might have left a light on a couple of times. I do not scare easily, but the descriptions were so vivid, and without giving a spoiler, what lurks in the darkness is frightening. Moments that Charlie goes through, as well, gave me the spine tingling shivers. Although, the creepiness is not the main focus, it is just enough to create those horror elements along side the suspense. 

This is a marvelous debut! I am very much looking forward to the next book and continuing to follow Charlie's journey!

Bruises on a Butterfly by Chad Lutzke

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

"Last summer, they hadn’t been teens yet, and none of them should have had to deal with what went down. They were supposed to be running through fields with pockets full of dirt, rolling down hills with dizzying heads, riding bikes on trails they’d made by hand, and most of all, sitting in their fort, reading comics and telling stories."

Taylor, Kevin, and Jackie. Three young boys in the prime of their young little lives. Spending time together building their friendship bonds and going on adventures that all young boys should be able to do without a care in the world. 

Taylor's life isn't a life that a child should have to endure. He decides he has had enough and runs away, planning on never returning to the ugliness that he has had to live with throughout his childhood. Kevin and Jackie are aware of what has gone on in Taylor's home, but they are not aware of the extent of it. They promise to be there for Taylor and help in any way they can. 

When a cosmic event occurs, they go exploring to see what has fallen from the sky. When Taylor touches it, an anomalous event begins to occur, one that will alter their lives forever. 

Lutzke is a master at writing coming of age stories that dives us deep into the heart and soul. "Bruises on a Butterfly" is a shining example. The power of friendship bonds, the suffering of trauma, the effects it has, and the grief one carries with them for a lifetime after the loss of life. 

When reading anything by Lutzke, I am well aware of his writing style and I know I am going to get lost in the story that is unfolding. I know I am going to connect to the characters and feel what they are feeling. I also know I better have a box of tissues at the ready. 

This one is going to stick, and I am holding a place for it in one of my top reads for 2024. 

The Lingering by DM Gritzmacher

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

4.5

"His chest heaved, and his mouth worked in the dim light of the kerosene lantern. Despite himself, soft moans of pleasure escaped is dripping lips."

1900s, the creature is among them, traveling, wandering, ever watchful as it hunts for its next meal. It must satisfy its hunger. The fear, the taste, the sweet entering causing pure bliss. 

Present Day, Stander and Secrist travel back to the roots of Standers home. Searching for answers from a past that has ever haunted him. Needing the answers to a mystery that has never been solved, buried deep within the history of time. 

1980s, four young boys set out on an adventure. Deep within the woods lies a hidden graveyard from a time that has long past,  forgotten and avoided. Undisturbed until the boys explore and uncover something buried deep underground. They are now running for their lives from an ancient evil that has set itself upon them. Their lives will be forever altered by the darkness that has been visited upon them. 

Three timelines woven together to reveal what has been lurking in the darkness. Not only upon the earth, but in the hearts and souls of all who have been affected. Many questions have been answered in this third installment of the "Skulldiggery" series. Taking us back in time into the life of Stander and what he experienced as a young boy. An adventurous boy with a free spirit that was taken from him and his friends and has lingered within them as the years have passed them by. 

The atmosphere has a foreboding that makes the mind wonder what will come out to play in the darkness. When it does, what occurs is visceral and horrific. It leaves a bloody path behind in our minds, filled with disturbing images with no doubt of what is lying in bloody piles. The lost lives upon our hearts and the lost innocence upon our souls. 

Although these can be read as stand alone novels, I recommend reading them in order as it really adds to the whole experience of a marvelously created series. 

‘It’s a good day as long as your elbows aren’t touching pine,’...

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror by R. David Fulcher

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

"Everything retained the silence after the storm; everything retained the silence of the dead."

The best thing about short stories is the diversity of each plot or character. To create both in just a few short pages and engage the reader is to be commended. 

Each story centered on a mix of horror and sub-genres of horror. These are the types of stories that produce the slow creeping dread, the kind that are atmospheric, and have imagery that settles into the imagination. The kind that are thought provoking, creating those moments when one feels the need to stop and think about what was just being read. 

Hauntings in neighborhoods, deep within the woods, and in places where one wouldn't expect them to be. One must always be wary of what walks among them and what may be hidden. Watching and waiting for their time to shine amongst the living. Tempting and coercing into realms of darkness that change the lives of their prey. Much like the minds of us readers tempted into the pages of horror stories. 

"There was a still woman by a stair railing and a still horror floating in her living room and twenty-seven still spirits by the still waters of a silent lake."

The Plastic Priest by Nicole Cushing

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

4.0

"Reverend Ford is not Reverend Ford. At least, not to her parishioners. To them, she's "Mother Kaye."

Kaye is an Episcopalian priest in the small town of Owlingsville. She questions her faith along with the townspeople who continually fail to attend services. She questions why she continues in her role for the people of the town are thinkers of the old fashioned ways, unwilling to accept changes or ways of life. Bigots, gossips, unaccepting, and judgemental. Kaye doesn't dare integrate new ideas for fear of more rejection. She feels stuck in a situation she can't remove herself from. 

As she moves forward with her plan to try prayers in the park, she is confronted by what is seemingly a man, but turns out that was clearly not. The things she is told have settled into her mind and she becomes "The Plastic Priest." 

I can't tell you what the plastic priest is because that would be a huge spoiler. But this novella will take you on a journey of how one loses their mind, going into complete psychosis, giving into it. 

Pay close attention because this is a mind bender. Makes you think and wonder, ponder and contemplate. 

The imagery and writing style is captivating. Bizarre, surreal, but entirely unique, nothing like anything I have ever read. There is something very special about this that I just can't quite explain because it has to be experienced. 

That is exactly what this novella is, a complete experience often times causing me to reread a phrase or take pause and really think about what I just read.