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

Fear Forge Anthology: Winter Quarter 2022

Horrorsmith Publishing

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

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

The Undead Age Series: Book 1

By A. M. Geever

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

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?

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


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

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

A Review: The Flu by Jacqueline Druga

Book 1 in a 2 Book series

By Jacquelin Druga

The Flu
Book 1 in a 2 Book series
By Jacqueline Druga
 
 
In an apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic society based in Lodi Ohio.

Their little town of Lodi is flu-free from a virus that has every horrible symptom. They fight to keep it safe and disease free.
 
The morale character of the whole town is being tested. Should they let others in? What do they do now that they are spared? And what are they willing to do to do to keep it that way?

I really liked the foreword where the Plague, Spanish Flu, Flu was explained.

I know! I know a pandemic book seems contrived. But remember this was written in 2011. And that was before the one that actually hit the world in 2020 or 2019 depending on who you ask.

I reread this book. I love and empathize with the characters. I root, cry and laugh with them.

Jacqueline Druga is a fantastic writer/author/storyteller. I will read anything she puts out. She is my “just buy it” author without even knowing what the books is about.


5 ️Stars ️ ️ ️ ️


Apocalyptic
Post-Apocalyptic
Science Fiction
Thriller





Albertan Apocalypse: The McKinley Chronicles 1

The McKinley Chronicles 1

This Book 1 in the series

By John Keillor

Albertan Apocalypse: The McKinley Chronicles 1 by John Keillor


In the year 2031 in Alberta Canada. It is the 12 year anniversary of an apocalyptic event called "The Flash”,  the internet is down, governments are in crisis and many people have died because of this and even more from the cold weather and starvation.

Alberta is one of the only stable societies on the planet. After The Flash like most scenarios the rich people are getting richer but their children behave badly. In fact, they're leading enemy forces straight to them, an overseas organization wanting to build an empire sees this and decides to invade Calgary for its resources. The invading Vladivostor cartel made up of Chinese and Russians, consists of thousands with planes, trains, trucks and busses that are all heading to the city.

Meet the crew, Abraham McKinley, Senior Security Operator. He is the right hand man to the mayor of Calgary, Zubin Mehta. McKinley's son, Zach McKinley, who is back from years of fighting and is awarded more and more responsibility with every successful mission. This adds to the stresses of his PTSD. These combat operators are the backbone of provincial security, and they're being asked to choose between Calgary's mayor and the city's wealthiest families.

They are to surrender to the cartel or they will seize Calgary!

I was rooting for these guys from the beginning. A great read with great characters that make me want to follow these guys to the end. This first book in the series starts us down a path through Alberta that has me wondering which way we will go at the fork in the road, coming in Book 2.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dark Elsewhere – A Review

A Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Techno-Thriller Series

This Book 1 in the series

By Luke Davids

Dark Elsewhere
Book 1
A Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Techno-Thriller Series
By Luke Davids

The dystopian society of “chipped” and “non-chipped” has been outlawed. Society is returning to the old ways...

Captain Sahara Scholz is in charge of investigating a web of murders by a entity with super human strength with sinister plans that will stop at nothing to achieve its goal.

The investigation leads to extraordinary truths of projects long since discontinued that is somehow connected to a John Doe who has awoken from a coma of three years.

Phenomenal! Captivating! Brilliantly Entertaining!

Waiting patiently for Book 2 in this series.



Fall of Two: Blood Brute – A Review

Fantastically fresh take on vampires and zombies

This Book 2 in the Blood Brute Series

By Dixon Reuel

Fall of Two: Blood Brute - By Dixon Reuel
This Book 2 in the Blood Brute Series
 
Fantastically fresh take on vampires and zombies as a coven of vampires attempts to survive a zombie plague that has turned humans into mindless brutes roaming the countryside in devastating hordes, capable of mowing down anything in their path. If that weren't enough trouble, the vampires also must worry about a mysterious group of vampire hunters known as the Warwolves who seek to destroy them.
In this post-apocalyptic society full of zombies, vampires and humans, who is the leading species? Humans are driven to almost near extinction with zombies infecting everything.
Rise, vampire and newly turned blood brute of Owl Court Vampire Coven member also known as Invoker is on the verge of a lifetime of servitude under the evil Warwolves. Rise hatches an escape plan and rescue of Cypriot, Rise's longtime love. When Rise fails to rescue his imprisoned lover, Cypriot, he must find a new way out before Cypriot succumbs to the Warwolves' torture. 
Will the WarWolves, (vampire hunters, and the coven's sworn enemies) contribute to the vampire's demise? Who will emerge victorious???
Not so simple fresh and sophisticated take on vampire lore, zombies and Warwolves
How will the vampires change when bitten? Can they drink from brute blood? Can they turn a brute into a vampire? I have so many questions unanswered. Amid The Chaos. 
I really enjoyed this interesting perspective on vampires, zombies and post-apocalyptic story. The characters are complex and different.
Thanks so much for an advance review copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review of my opinion. 
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
Genre Horror Dystopian Gothic Romance



Omnicide – by Jacqueline Druga a Review

Omnicide

By Jacqueline Druga

Omnicide - by Jacqueline Druga a Review

Griffin is a small town on Route 66 in Arizona. The town is cut off and isolated from the rest of the country. They are always the last to know of current events. 

The “Pred” bug was created to wipe out the stink bug, but it got out of hand and has damaged crops all over the country with only a few communities left untouched. The Department of Agriculture came up with a fungal pesticide to kill the Pred bug starting with a five-day blitzkrieg campaign using this spray on any affected towns. 
Luckily Griffin is not affected by the bugs and not being sprayed. The town is unaware of the environmental threat this spraying has caused outside the safety of their community… until they lose contact with Seever, the next town on Route 66.

There are some memorable characters, my favorite is Crazy Ada. It was nice to find the “Griffinites” did not turn on each other, but they shared responsibility and took care of each other.

Leave mother nature alone! New and scary, a different take on an apocalypse. 



Love in an Undead Age: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Adventure

The Undead Age Series: Book 1

By A. M. Geever

This is a futuristic dystopian society set in a post-apocalyptic world in what once was Silicon Valley in California.
 
A ruthless governing council controls the cure for the zombie virus and post bite vaccine, leaving the rich enjoying the benefits of a safe and protected society.  On the outside the world is ravaged by roaming zombies.
 
Along comes Miranda Tucci who revolutionized the idea of vertical farming, as OPS Director she keeps everyone fed while the Jesuit Fathers, Walter and Doug control the farms.
 
In a plot to steal the vaccine Miranda and her unlikely zombie killing friends set out to take the serum to be re-produced for all of civilization.  Really, it’s only the fate of all humanity resting on their shoulders should their mission fail. 
 
There is a post-apocalyptic romance wrapped inside an adventure that explores universal themes: love and loss, betrayal and redemption.
 
What I love most is the badass Miranda, her complexities and difficult romantic relationships make her so relatable. When you add in different types of zombies, two ex-lovers, perilous obstacles, a megalomaniac cult leader and a possible cure, you have a thrilling story.
 
 I highly recommend this book for its storyline and characters. 
5 Stars

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