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Robin’s Review of Fear Forge Anthology: Winter Quarter 2022

Fear Forge Anthology: Winter Quarter 2022

Horrorsmith Publishing

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Fear Forge Anthology: 
Winter Quarter 2022
by Horrorsmith Publishing
A forged mask that communicates with the dead, a cable repairman called to investigate an empty field...
...or so he thinks, a father-son DIY project not quite working as intended, an excavation going horribly awry, and a blacksmith called to do the bidding of an old god. 
An unfortunate series of events, indeed...
These infernal souls, and many others, are all part of the Fear Forge—the first edition of Horrorsmith Publishing's debut anthology series. It features tales told of cursed smelters, haunted crafted objects, and the degradation of relationships forged within the fires of vengeance. For these authors, fear has forged with the mundane, turning simple rings, rockers, and candles into ravenous blacksmiths of destiny that have doomed us all.

Fear Forge is the first edition of this series, and Horrorsmith Publishing did an amazing job. This book is chock full of great stories. It starts with a lively written foreword from Joe X Young, which sets the tone for the rest of the book.  It concludes with a “meet” the author section.
I'll touch on a few of the stories, but I just want to say that each story was unique, twisted, and oh-so entertaining.
First up is Locke and Key’s Brian and his need for not dreaming. You feel such sympathy for him trying to stay awake, so he doesn’t dream, but then you find out why.
The Ozymandias Crucible has the emperor sending for special artist smiths Doigt Smith and Tryn Smiths. They are to make a Devine Creation for the Emperor but at what cost?
The Death Whisperer’s Gordon Norman is in a bind, so he hires Steve, a death whisper to help his mother, Gina to move on. But easy said than done.
The Trophy has Franklin Jones a raw what’s that saying out of the frying pan into the fire.
Forging a Partnership we have Matthew, a serial killer that gets a taste of his own medicine. Of course, he doesn’t like it.
The Chosen Sword’s Ronald bought a forge to make a little money with the leftover scraps he has from plumbing, but can it be that easy?
And finally, The Art of Fear’s Callie Williams gets a job offer at the perfect time, but is it?
This short story anthology is imaginatively written, exciting, and just fun to read. I loved it and can't wait for the next one.

Featured Authors:
Alex Reid - "Iron"
Alexa K. Moon - "Find a Penny, Pick It Up"
Andre H. Harewood - "Life Masks"
C. M. Forest - "Born of Death"
D. W. Hitz - "The Trophy"
D. W. Gillespie - "Mostly Alone"
Eddie Generous - "The Chosen Sword"
E. L. Giles - "A Eulogy of Love, Blood, and Iron"
Edmund Stone - "Emily"
Garrett Rowlan - "Death Whisperer"
J-F. Dubeau - "The Ozymandias Crucible"
Jennifer Claywood - "The Art of Fear"
John Kiste - "The Darwell Curse"
Justin Boote - "Forging a Partnership"
Michael H. Hanson - "The Forge"
Nat Whiston - "Lock and Key"
R. C. Hausen - "Nowa Kuznia"
Simon J. Plant - "Grandy's Rocker"
Theresa Jacobs - "The Sculpture"
Thomas K. S. Wake - "Vestiges of Humanity"
Tim Borella - "Serasthes"
George Jacobs - "The Pit of Heaven"

#action #adventure #dystopian #postapocalyptic #thriller #sciencefiction #fantasy #horror

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Robin’s Review of Damage in an Undead Age: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Adventure

The Undead Age Series: Book 1

By A. M. Geever

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Damage in an Undead Age: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Adventure
Book 2 of 3: The Undead Age Series
by A.M. Geever

It’s what you don’t see coming...that kills you. 
Safely hidden from San Jose’s City Council, Miranda Tucci almost believes that life can be good again.

Reunited with Mario, and accompanied by her best friend Father Doug Michel, she has undertaken the hazardous journey to the Pacific Northwest. There, the trio of friends hope to recreate the vaccine for the zombie virus.
But danger still lurks in what used to be civilization…

...and hearts can still be broken.

If Miranda lowers her guard enough to nurture a small, soft dream, can she risk losing it without losing herself?

You’ll love this feast of undead horrors and broiling post-apocalyptic affairs of the heart.

Get it today.
This is the second book in A.M. Geever’s “The Undead Age” series. Boy did this book keep me on edge wondering what was going to happen next. This is a fast paced easy to read book but not your typical zombie apocalypse story. It is so much more than that, it has love in a time of uncertainty. The story has plenty of action, they are always dodging something, zombies, other survivors, and shady characters. There is betrayal in secrets that are unearthed. 
I enjoyed the writing style, the way that the characters grow, and interesting plot twists.
I highly recommend this book, “The Undead Age Series” and A.M. Geever’s other stories.
Love in an Undead Age: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Adventure                                          The Undead Age Series										 Book 1 of 3
Reckoning in an Undead Age: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Adventure
(The Undead Age Series)
Book 3 of 3: The Undead Age Series

It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.

#romance #zombies #action #adventure #dystopian #postapocalyptic #thriller #sciencefiction #fantasy #horror

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The Virus

“Pessimistic? We’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. What’s there to be optimistic about?”

“Pessimistic? We’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. What’s there to be optimistic about?”
The Virus by Damien Lee

The end of the world usually signals the end of life. But for convicted murderer Frank Lee, it was only the beginning. With his newfound freedom, Frank suddenly has the world at his feet. The only downside; all the damn cannibals!

Amy was working in Sunnymoor Hospital when the virus struck. Now, with her patients craving flesh, the only person she can save is herself. But as more of the townsfolk fall victim to the wave of infection, Amy’s chances of survival quickly begin to diminish.

With reluctant alliances, betrayal and an unrelenting fight for survival, The Virus is an action-packed journey into the depths of human depravity.

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Book 1 of 1

The end of the world usually signals the end of life. But for convicted murderer Frank Lee, it was only the beginning. With his newfound freedom, Frank suddenly has the world at his feet. The only downside; all the damn cannibals!

Amy was working in Sunnymoor Hospital when the virus struck. Now, with her patients craving flesh, the only person she can save is herself. But as more of the townsfolk fall victim to the wave of infection, Amy’s chances of survival quickly begin to diminish.

With reluctant alliances, betrayal and an unrelenting fight for survival, The Virus is an action-packed journey into the depths of human depravity.

Another wonderful list of characters I’d like to introduce:
HMP Harrodale Maximum Prison
  • Frank Lee, prisoner
  • Gus Razor, gangland boss prisoner
  • Tony Swales, bodyguard to Gus
  • Barry Henderson, prisoner guard
  • McAllister, prisoner guard
  • Zielinski, prisoner
  • Craddock, prisoner
  • Lisa, survivor picked up along the way
Sunnymoor Hospital
  • Amy, nurse
  • Joyce Khaliq, nurse
  • Ben, security guard
  • Terry, maintenance worker
  • Glen Reeves, survivor picked up along the way
Cobton Farm
  • Ronald Carter, owner
  • Louise, survivor
  • Simon, survivor
  • Elaine, survivor
  • Tina, survivor
Army Military Base
  • Lurch, henchman
  • Murdock, Army soldier
My Review:

This story is about an apocalyptic event and its aftermath which turns out to be a zombie making virus. The whole book is just the first couple days of the event with the characters learning how to survive in this new dystopian world.

That being said it was a thoroughly entertaining read explaining the beginnings of the zombie apocalypse and introducing the characters. It was easy to read, and fast paced after you got into it. The plot was well thought out and had an interesting take on the aftermath. The characters were quite different but totally relatable in how they deal with everything. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope it becomes a long series. Damien Lee has become one of my go to favorite authors that I will buy anything he writes. Highly addictive and would recommend.

My Favorite Words:

My favorite words: lorry, screws, shopping trolley: (I’m from the US so they were funny. No offense meant)

My Favorite Lines from the Story:

Undead con and undead corpse. He couldn’t decide which was worse; an undead corpse wandering the corridors, or a twisted body snatcher looking for an escape route. It didn’t take long to find out which it was.

The mortician’s van has seen more miles than a London cabbie these past few days.

“It’ll take about five minutes to get out,” he told them. “Keep an eye out for any of those freaks. If anyone attacks, kill them without thinking twice.” “We’re murderers,” Zielinski said. “It’s what we do.”

“Well, he’s tickety-boo now, isn’t he?”

Frank looked over at the woman. “Are you sure? No one you need to look for? No family or friends you want to get killed over?” “No, why do you ask?” Frank shrugged. “It’s what ordinary people do during a crisis, isn’t it? Emotions get in the way of logic, and they get killed looking for their gran.”

“Serial killer?” Frank scoffed. “Serial killer implies I’ve killed loads of people. I only killed one.” He looked around at the horrified faces. “Disregarding the zombies I’ve killed today, of course.”

“First communication goes. Then you say goodbye to electricity, running water, and before you know it, you’re living like a Neanderthal rubbing sticks together to make fire.”

“I still don’t know how useful you’re gonna be. Tina says you know how to fly?” “I do.”

“Okay, that’s one point. Do you own a plane?” The man shook his head. “And you’re back to zero.”

“What can you do?” “I can put my legs behind my head.” “Not something I was looking for.” “Really? Most men love that.”

“Pessimistic? We’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. What’s there to be optimistic about?”

“Lay off, Cheech.”

“Oh, and make sure you get sensible things. Tinned food, bottled water, jars. Basically, anything that doesn’t expire soon.” “We know,” Amy replied.

“And for god’s sake, don’t forget a tin opener. Not everything is a ring-pull!”

“Remember, we need to get sensible things. Don’t go getting bread and milk. Check the dates on everything. If it expires within six months, we don’t want it.” “Alcohol’s hardly sensible,” Elaine Look for tins, jars, cereals, vitamins, biscuits, and sweets.”

“Yes. They’re a valuable source of sugar and have a long shelf life. They’ll give you energy.”

And make sure we raid the medicine supply. Bandages, Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, anything.

“Oh, well, f@&$ a moose on a winter’s night!”

Smart things to remember during a zombie apocalypse:

Instead of looking at the big picture, take each step at a time, survive that, look to the next step.

If whatever “it” is can spread to animals that is another danger to look out for.

If you go looking for someone you probably will be killed instead stay and fortify your location.

Don’t start off a zombie apocalypse naked and without shoes.

When ransacking a store see above for ideas.

Conclusion

The prequel to this series:

The Virus: Origins is available now

The next book: A sequel and is coming soon in early 2022

#Apocalyptic #Post-Apocalyptic #Horror #ScienceFiction #Dystopian #Thriller #Fantasy

10 Reasons to Leave That Book Review

10 Reasons to Leave That Book Review

Book Reviews, why should we…

10 Reasons to Leave That Book Review

I find myself as an active book blogger wondering what do all the other people think. “I bought the book, why review it?” Are there any feelings of obligation to review, do they think “Oh that was awesome I should review it somewhere?”

I know before I started blogging I left quite a few reviews but wondered did they help anyone. So let me help you decide when and how to leave a review.

What is a book review? 

A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is analyzed based on content, style, and merit, in other words did you like what it’s about, did you like or dislike the style or was it even written in a way that was understandable?  A review is an extended version of the back of the book. It usually has a brief summary of the book, an opinion, and a recommendation. With all this it becomes the coveted book review.

What does the review do? 

The review helps potential readers:
  • Become familiar with what the book is about.
  • How much other readers enjoyed the book.
  • The “algorithm” will make suggestions like “If you liked that, you might like this”.
  • It gives worthiness to the book in potential readers eyes.
  • Amazon Kindle readers rely heavily on book reviews before making an online order of the book.

The review helps the author:

  • It creates a discussion about the book early in its release.
  • A review helps the book show up more often on some websites and web searches.
  • It helps the author be seen, especially if they’re new.
  • The critique can give the author insight to improve their writing.
  • More reviews get authors to be added to other book review sites, blogging communities, and book clubs.
  •  In the end, more reviews equal more sales.

Where to put your review:

  • If you’re an avid reader or even a casual reader you’ve seen and probably read a review or two or gotten an email to review a purchase.
  • Amazon is the big one, leaving reviews changes Amazon’s algorithm and increases sales.
  • Goodreads is an active book community that has reviews for tens of thousands of books.
  • BookBub is another that makes it easy to leave a review.
  • Many others like these exist, but these are the popular that I use almost daily.

What you shouldn’t do in a review:

  • Leave a review just because you were compensated for it, yes many authors buy them, and it shows in the review.
  • Leave a negative review just because you didn’t like the book as a matter of taste. If you just don’t like it, mark it as “Did Not Finish” and explain it. A negative review is important if there are blatant story line mistakes.
  • Don’t be a troll.
I’ll share a little bit of how I give star ratings, but everyone is different. How I give star ratings:

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Is a book I would read multiple times, something that made me feel like I was there with the characters, has a unique plot/characters and something that made me feel emotions I wasn’t feeling before reading it. It would be a book I would highly recommend and that I had a hard time putting down or lost sleep over. The author becomes an automatic buy for me.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

is a book I might possibly read again maybe even buy. If it was good and enjoyable and I liked the plot and characters it would get 4 stars. If it meshed well and it kept my attention throughout the story. I would more than likely recommend it.

3⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wouldn’t read / buy again. Characters or mistakes or both and if the characters were great but the plot wasn’t or the the plot is great, but the characters weren’t I would give it 3 stars. Some books get a 3 if I liked the story, but the writing style wasn’t great, or the writing was good, but the story was just meh, but with something slightly off. Maybe shoddy editing, a shallow character, an error which could have been easily checked on Google…

I never go below 3 stars. I just won’t leave a review.
Conclusion

I love writing reviews and I hope the authors love them just as much. I hope this helps you understand the importance of leaving a review. Reviews help everyone in the long run, so go leave a review, many people will appreciate it.

Marked by an angel. Desired by demons. Desperate to be left alone

Sent: Marked By Angels

by K.C. Bellinger
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Sent: Marked By Angels
by K.C. Bellinger

Marked by an angel. Desired by demons. Desperate to be left alone.

Dustyn Walker has never seen an angel, but the birthmark on her back and the magical abilities she’s suddenly gained are undeniably celestial. After a series of earth-alternating events, a large population of the earth died, and other-worldly creatures roamed freely. When she realized no one else in her town could see them, she retreated to her families’ cabin in the mountains.

Returning to town for a supply run and to visit her friend, Dustyn quickly senses a change in town. Something is amiss with the demon activity. When a master demon returns to check on his descendants, Dustyn gets caught up in the family drama. Can she slip out unharmed and live the life she desperately desires, or will she be forced to aid her merciless enemy?

I really loved this story. It was interesting to read about demons and angels and how they are portrayed in this world.

Paranormal
Demon
Angels
Magic
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Action
Thriller
Dystopian
Apocalyptic

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Gates of Eden: Starter Library

by Theophilus Monroe

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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Gates of Eden: Starter Library
by Theophilus Monroe


Druid's Dance (The Druid Legacy, Book 1)
When Elijah Wadsworth manifests strange abilities that he neither understands nor can control he discovers that he's at the center of a legend that has been unfolding for centuries.

Wyrmrider Ascending (The Fomorian Wyrmriders, Book 1)
Joni Campbell returned to the merkingdom of her ancestors hoping to find peace. But when the bokors open a portal to the void, and the wyrms break through into the world, she must learn to harness the power of these beasts if she hopes to save her home, and the world, from an even greater threat.

Voodoo Academy (The Voodoo Legacy, Book 1)
Annabelle Mulledy and her soul-bound familiar didn't always get along. But their connection gave her unique abilities. When an insidious Loa discovers her power he seeks to claim her for himself. Her only hope? Join the Voodoo Academy and learn to master her powers. But are the Loa who brought her to the Academy really allies, or are they also trying to use her for their own nefarious purposes?

Bloody Hell (The Legacy of a Vampire Witch, Book 1)
Mercy Brown has avoided the Order of the Morning Dawn for centuries. But the quasi-religious organization, dedicated to the elimination of all vampires and witches, has found her. The only way to defeat them. She'll have to go to "bloody hell."

Scared Shiftless (The Legend of Nyx, Book 1)
After being bitten by a vampire, Nicky--a shapeshifting water elemental--lost her powers. Now, she's stuck in a male body. After hunting vampires for years, she finally has a lead on the one who attacked her. Will she be able to face her nemesis and regain her powers, or will she lose what's left of herself in the process?

Rise of the Morrigan (pre-quel to the Gates of Eden universe)
When the Dagda takes three sisters and combines them into what he thinks will make his ideal wife the Morrigan rises to defy him.


What is the Gates of Eden Universe?
A lot of religions and traditions had some kind of “other” world, a primeval world, unmarred and unstained by human corruption. In the Judeo-Christian tradition it was the Garden of Eden. For the Druids and Celts, it is Annwn. For Louisiana vodouisants it is Guinee.

All the Gates of Eden books are based on a particular mythological or spiritual tradition. While the magical systems are fictional, they are based on rites, lore, and mythologies unique to these traditions. There is a lot of overlap between traditions in these books–what the Druids call one thing, the Voodoo Mambos call something else. In the end, however, we see in these books a magical system that transcends the differences in religion and myth and unifies us all under a common force, a power, something uniquely human but nonetheless absent from our magic-less world. There may be many “Gates,” but ultimately there is one Eden, one Annwn, one Guinee. One humanity.

I couldn’t have explained it better. If you can’t find something in this starter library that you like then I don’t think it can be found. It is such a teaser for all things mythical.

Science Fiction
Fantasy
Mythological
Legends
Magic
Vampire
Shapeshifters
Witch
Portal
Voodoo

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She will stop at nothing to find the rogue vampire.

Fire Witch

(A Zvi Jayden Novel)

by Sasha Marshall
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Fire Witch
by Sasha S Marshall
(A Zvi Jayden Novel)

A horrible murder by a rogue vampire makes him Black Star’s number one fugitive. Deputy Hendri Connor calls on Zvi Jayden species unknown into the investigation. Her sister Moe who is a peacefully talented witch and Killian Kavanaugh who is centuries old King of the vampires, and a true gentleman are there to help her catch the killer of the horrendous murders before it’s too late.

Add in a “safe” hangout called The Bar, a bunch of varied supernaturals and you got a story so complex and witty that you cannot, and I mean cannot stop reading.

Sigh…as I fan myself. What can I say other than a fun and humorous must read.


Supernatural
Romance
Vampire
Magic
Witch

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A Review of Mirror Man by Jacques Von Kat

Mirror Man

by Jacques Von Kat

Mirror Man by Jacques Von Kat
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Mirror Man
by Jacques Von Kat

Twenty-one-year-old, John-Michael is often misunderstood and considered odd or weird.

He feels like he’s missing something in life but he’s not sure what that is. But when he is looking into mirrors he sees everything and more…that most people don’t.

Then one day he sees a strange man in a blue suit that appears in town. A man who doesn’t belong there, and who has a suspicious curiosity for the antique shop where John-Michael works and its owner.

And then his employer is found dead, and he becomes the number one suspect.
John Michael finds himself trying to solve the mystery himself maybe by being overly observant he can find clues others miss. But if he does will anyone really believe him or will the man in the blue suit catch up to him?

I really liked the character John-Michael. He was sweet and entertaining. The plot was good and flowed easily. But the ending was a twist.

Mystery
Action
Fantasy
Crime
Autism

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How does one man convince the world that his way of thinking is the right way?

The Journey of Malchus

Book One of the Zombie Whisperer Chronicles

By Chandra Trulove Fry

The Journey of Malchus by Chandra Trulove Fry Book One of the Zombie Whisperer Chronicles How does one man convince the world that his way of thinking is the right way?
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The Journey of Malchus
by
Chandra Trulove Fry

Book One of the Zombie Whisperer Chronicles

How does one man convince the world that his way of thinking is the right way?

The Journey of Malchus is set within several post-apocalyptic settlements with different types of tribes, with different kinds of roaming zombies.

The whole world is thrown into chaos as zombies take over and survivors are left to fend for themselves. All they know is that zombies bite and make more zombies. To them, it's shoot to kill and survive.

Not so to Malchus Dalton, he’s a hybrid, who has not turned even when bitten but thought crazy because of his unique ability to communicate with all kinds of zombies. They speak, and he can communicate with them. He attempts to share this knowledge with his fellow Lifers only to be shunned by them. 

Malchus may have bitten off more than he can chew. At least, that is how he feels when he tries to unite the Dusters and Lifers in harmony. Throughout the book we follow Malchus on his journey as he teams up with some rather unique friends.  Lilly, a 12-year-old bad ass killer that looks like a Lifer but eats like a Duster.  Mandy, an ex-girlfriend that is newly changed into a Duster/Night Prowler mix.  Patricia, who is thrown out pregnant from the Skull Clan. Can this group succeed on Malchus’ mission, or will they die trying?

Ok I know it’s a zombie apocalypse story, but it made me feel so good. I loved loved loved it! It’s a fresh and easy read. 

5 Stars
 
Genre:
Young Adult
Dystopian
Post-Apocalyptic
Science Fiction
Paranormal
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How can you go back in time? Well, I’ll tell you how…Nope I won’t.

The Shield and the Thistle: The Grey Tower Chronicles by Jillian Bondarchuk

The first book in the Grey Tower Chronicles series.

By Jillian Bondarchuk

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The Shield and the Thistle: The Grey Tower Chronicles by Jillian Bondarchuk


The first book in the Grey Tower Chronicles series.

Broken-hearted and recently dumped, culinary artist Meggie Washington leaves New York to visit her Gran in Scotland to heal and help with her 90-acre farm. While hiking on the MacKinnon Estate she falls through time by falling through a cave.  Present (2019) and past (1658)


How can you go back in time? Well, I’ll tell you how…nope I won’t.

All Meggie wants to do is escape her past and give herself some time to heal but did she want to wallow in the past or rejoice in the possibilities of the future. In comes Colin MacKinnon, the handsome hero that saves her from savages intent on harm. She struggles in this new and violent world.

A well-written story that left me excited and hungry for more. It had great characters, world building, romance, and adventure. What a combination. It was so fresh and real. Too Good to Be Put Down!
I loved this book so much I bought it for my mom!

The Shield and The Thistle is the start to an incredible book series!! Anxiously awaiting the next book. ️ ️ ️ ️

Romance
Paranormal
Fantasy
Time Travel
Reader’s Warning: possible triggers. Implied sexual assault, human trafficking, violence, mental abuse, and torture. Suitable for readers 17+

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