Devil's Island by CM Saunders

Davon Rice is an ex-military squaddie, now job hunting back in the real world which is grinding him down; apparently trained killers are surprisingly hard to find jobs for.

When a random pop up appears on his search log for a job looks promising he soon sends off his application, a reply is swift and so begins the process of attaining his “for the moment” dream job.

Soon Davon finds himself transported to Devils Island, a place he cannot find on any map. This is a remote island with a survival unit on site, but for surviving what?

His role is to guard the unit with regular patrols and whilst the building is fully stocked with basic life support it has no real entertainment and the solitude soon becomes paranoia inducing.

The mysterious agent Venke keeps popping up throughout this story and lends a little bit of spook to the whole thing, as if mysterious eyes in the woods and strange shadows on camera are not freaky enough.

Whilst I understood the paranoia element I would have liked CMS to have had more time to build this up, the length of time it took for it all to happen was too fast for my liking, and can you have red emerald eyes??

The ending was original from my perspective as not read anything similar before and I enjoyed the whole concept but feel that this short story could really benefit from some expansion, flashbacks, more background on the island etc. 

Loved the UK setting.

CSM has an exaggerated way of describing things, each element of any “thing” is given his full attention, at first I found this annoying but then realised it actually drew me deep into the story, like being sucked through the pages.

Devils Island

Stan by Richard Wold

I found this author/book on The Daily Bookworm site; they suggested that it was a low price (not free) and well worth the read, were they right? Oh Yes!

The story starts with poor Stan throwing himself off the Washington State Bridge. Then realizes that he is not dead but wakes up not knowing who he is, however, he does have a lot of secrets in his head.

As Stan struggles to remember who he is in the local psyche ward, Dr Abigail does her best to pigeon hole him with a diagnosis, but he is smart, handsome and articulate and Dr Abigail starts to become obsessed.

Then a strange new woman, Lilith, enters their lives. With her help Stan is soon back in the real world and out of the mental hospital, trying to discover who he is with the help of the two woman, one clearly goodness and light, the other dark and dangerous; both are hiding something.

Mr Wold does some fantastic descriptions of hell and does some clever name drops; Lilith, café Dante etc.

Stan starts to hallucinate and this re-stimulates his previous career as an artist, a very popular one too apparently.

As he becomes engrossed in the project for his new show, his true nature begins to surface and Abigail finds herself so obsessed by him that she has to remove herself and find him a new therapist who enlightens him no end! Is this new shrink more bonkers than Stan?

Or is Stan really Satan, King of the Underworld in a man suit?

At this suggestion Stan goes a little off the rails, and he is finally given an ultimatum.

But which side will Stan chose? Darkness or light? And who will have him back?

Fantastic ending, one the best yet!

This appears to be RW first novel, I am very impressed and will be watching with interest to see what he produces next.

Stan

Jennifer Thomas reviews..... William Cook

Jennifer Thomas shows her love of author William Cook.

CREEP

This story had me from the beginning and held me throughout and I was at the amazing ending before I knew it!

Cassandra Morrighan thought she was just on her way to the airport when her life is turned upside down and her worse fears are made real. After a nice holiday spent with her family and another year of college in her future all this 18 year old wanted was to get to her plane on time but the Creep behind the cab wheel had other ideas. Her little attitude has already captured his attention and he knows that she will be spending a prolonged amount of time with him.

What Cassandra manages to do is truly amazing and this story is not just a horror, and it is horror don't doubt that, but it is a story of survival with a victim that keeps her head in the nightmare that has become her captivity.

Great horror short!

Devil Inside

In true William Cook style this story is horror and anger at its finest. Please remember when you purchase this book that it is a short story. With that being said, short story or not it is amazing. I got so angry at the start of this story that I had to put my kindle down before I threw it across the room.

How much can one person handle before they break? That is a question that if any of us knew the answer to we could fix a lot of people before something bad happened but unfortunately we don't have that answer and when the parents of a 12 year old boy spend all of their time drunk just so they don't have to deal with life it is bound to go terribly wrong.

When young Jacob starts seeing the monster he had no idea how powerful it could be or how much he would grow just by being with it.

GREAT READ!!!!

Moment of Freedom

I have read this author before and I found his writing very passionate in his novel but the passion that he puts into his poems is a thing of beauty. While he is able to hold on to the darkness he has within he is also able to let other emotions seep through and shine. I was captured and drawn into this book from the first poem and was not able to put it down until I read every one.

Weather you are a lover of poetry or you are looking for something a little different to break the everyday this collection is well worth the time to read

Blood Related

This book takes you on a very disturbing thrill ride through the mind of one killer and the life of him and his murderous family. Killing is in the blood and mind of the entire Cunningham family. 

When you read this book it is so well written that you forget that it is fiction, but then as you read you find out that you are so glad that it is. 

The heinous acts that this family inflicted on so many innocent people, and their lack of emotion not only towards society but for each other is so sad and horrific at the same time. Each page leaves you wanting more.

I don't know what deep corner of his mind that author William Cook had find to write this book, but I am so glad he did.

If you love reading about serial killers to the mentally disturbed you will have to read this book.

Jennifer Thomas reviews.... Christine Sutton

Christine Sutton gets the special review treatment from my guest blogger Jennifer Thomas.

Shame the Devil

This is one gripping short story! From the beginning the characters have depth and are well developed, you are able to feel the fear and anger as it leaps from the pages.

Arthur thinks he can keep his life secret from his friends and co workers. He never thought he would be caught red handed by anyone for his evil deeds but then on one little elevator ride his life is turn upside down. 

You many be able to hide from the living but the devil will always know.

Prodigal Son

If you are a reader of horror or serial killer fiction then this book will be right up your alley. 

From the start I was pulled into the story and by the time I got to 30% I was completely pulled in and could not put it down until I had finished the entire thing. 

As will all of Christine Sutton's writing there were some very emotional parts in this book for me. She has a way of really giving you characters that you can both love and hate and Prodigal son is no exception. 

This is one of those books where you feel there is just so much I want to go on about but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

I will leave you with a couple of question that stays in my mind as the end of this book was in site; Is a person born with darkness and hate in their heart or is it put there as time grows and they have no one to love and care for them? 
How much abuse can a person take before they loose their minds?

Outstanding horror read!

Kayla - Enchanted Fairy Tales

Once I started this wonderful, suspenseful and fun book I could not put it down!! I was drawn in and with every word I had to read more. 

Christine Sutton takes your imagination on a fascinating and wonderful adventure as you get to know Kayla Burkheart and what kind of life she was forced to lead with a mother that is more than you will ever expect and more evil than you can imagine.

I love fairy tales and in reading this series I was drawn in and reminded as to why I enjoy them so very much.

This is a must read if you are a fan of werewolves, vampire, horror or suspense. If you love fairy tales or if you just love a wonderful book that has great flow and a world you can get caught up in.

Killers

In this collection of four short stories you will be taken through so many levels of fear it is crazy. 

Christine Sutton takes you not only into the minds of the killers in her stories but into their wants and their fears.

I think the scariest part of all of these stories is the simple fact that Christine give you ideas of what can really happen and what really goes on in the world we live in. 

These are very emotional and enjoyable stories to read.

All the Little Children

If you like haunting and ghost stories this book is for you.

 It was a well written good read. It had the suspense to keep you reading and a story line that holds your attention. 

I do not read a lot of haunting books but I am glad I took the time to read this one. Christine Sutton has quite a way with words.

 Because this book has to do with the loss of life of children and babies it was a bit of a heart breaker for me but a good book is a good book that is all there is too it.

The Best of Enemies (book 6 of the Demon Squad series) by Tim Marquitz

Somehow I can just picture the Dead Fiends as hells little versions of Minions; just less cute looking! As the book opens they are trying to entertain Trigg with Shakespeare renditions and musicals, that’s when they are not busy alien burning or doing some fart redecorating (no, that’s not a typo!)

Frank “Triglatheron” Trigg is trying to work out what the book that Lucifer sent him for safe keeping is all about and poor little stripy alien Rala is having to muddle through it and getting hassle for doing so. 

As they go in search for a new place for her research, because Hell is obviously too busy! they come across poor, mourning Marcus and the best line in a book ever!

As they venture back ”up” to Earth they find that Old Town is a war zone and Veronica, the succubus ex-wife is not far away from the mayhem. But there is also another player in town and Trigg is back to his usual bullheaded way of barge in, ask later, which makes for some great fight scenes. 

When I think back to the first book in this series it’s amazing how much Tim Marquitz has developed not only the characters and story lines, but his own writing skill, it’s a world away.

Rahim and Katon are attracted to the fray oh boy are they still pissed at Trigg for the alien snatcharoo.

As the ever beautiful Scarlett arrives with a warning from Heaven you know that there is a new undertone to the story, and in true TM style little clues are already in play.

As Trigg continues his search and slaughter method of finding the new pretender to be Old Town King, Squiddy turns up to add a new squelchfest to the fun, its seems the book translation is going well as new critters stream through a portal.

Just as the dust settles the DSI and their buddies decide to say knock, knock with an RPG! Told you it’s all go and mayhem!

The humour is rife again in this book eg. over some alien calamari and sushi Trigg tells the DRAC crew about God and Lucifer’s jolly holiday.

As Trigg learns more about his new magical abilities and how he got them, Karra and their baby are never far from his mind, with his bestest buddy Chatterbox, with his awesome musical tastes, keeping a watchful maggoty eye on him, just why is she keeping herself so far away from him?

Trigg finally gets to have a showdown with the New Potential Boss of Old Town with some more awesome monster fight scenes, I just love the way that TM has conjured up his own myths and monsters, reviving some classics with a twist… which ones? Read and find out!

All I can say is I feel sorry for Veronica and her interrogation techniques.

No major player is left out as Lord Focalor floats down from Heaven as yet another piece of the puzzle is put into place, but such is the writing skill of TM you are at such a close angle to the picture to not see it clearly.

As the vamps and werecritters decide to add to the already cruddy day that Trigg is having the funniest fight scene occurs, Wu Tang!

After doing a good reenactment of Shaw shank Redemption poor Trigg gets trapped, it is only then that TM allows you to pan back, full cinemascope, to see all the connections as pieces fall into place.

The final showdown brings in all the factions; there are deaths, surprises, portals and some throwing involved! The cliffhanger ending had me left sat with my mouth hanging open!

The Best of Enemies

Demon Squad Series (1-5) plus novellas by Tim Marquitz

This is a grouping of the Demon Squad Series 1-5 including two novellas as on the 6th December, 2013, book 6 is to be published.... how can I stand to wait any longer!

Torture, thy name is Tim Marquitz!  I have been so lucky as to stumble across this amazing author!

Ok, so this is a stand alone novella, from a series called the Demon Squad, you can read the series without this novella but if you want a trial to see you like the author and the character, this is the one to buy! 

I have to say I was impressed from the first line, Mr Marquitz certainly knows how to draw you in and get you hooked.

Frank, a breast obsessed demon who just happens to be Lucifer's nephew, is sent to Earth on a mission to basically hunt down Jack the Ripper as "Hell" is pissed off that he is claiming the kills in their name!

To add to the fun he pairs up with his cousin Scarlett, the Angel!

Between the detective story, the chase, the humour, which is totally cracking, and all the other amazing stuff that Mr Marquitz manages to cram in and elude too I am devoted, I could not put this down til I had finished it.... like any good thriller, I had to know whodunnit and why! Sorry, no spoilers here! but there are more than enough blood, guts, squishy bits and fight scenes for the gore hounds.

I was seriously impressed how well Mr Marquitz managed to depict London's East End, him being an American and me actually having worked there for several years, he was spot on. 

Not to mention he didn't try to fake an East End accent, thank goodness! His overall descriptions generally, even of the smell in the pub was so vivid as to make you feel you are there.

This was a fantastic read and I cant wait to grab the rest of the series.

From Hell: Demon Squad Novella

Ok, so we have Demons & Angels warring it out; the normal Armageddon stuff!

However, thrown into the mix are some interesting "half-bloods", family complications, a Supa-Natural agency that is protecting us humans and, oh btw, God & Lucifer have gone on hiatus!

If you like fist fights, sword fights, gun fights, boiling blood and purulent boils.... this will tickle your fancy.

Bad points are the fight moves from a 500yr old Demon are a bit daft, plus he does seem to get beaten up alot, but that's basically his lot in life; this was also the Authors (Tim Marquitz)  first novel so still learning his trade.

As a character he is honest, as a Demon can be!  There are hints at a deeper psyche and definitely some history to be told, but in the most basic of matters he is a horny Demon with a good heart!

I note that there are a few more in this series and I was really looking forward to reading more about Frank and how he was chosen as Lucifer's favourite nephew!

My only real complaint is the nice tidy up at the end, far too clean for me!

Armageddon Bound Demon Squad

I really enjoyed the first book in this series but found the writing/fighting a little repetitive and some of the information a bit "raw"; however Tim Marquitz has certainly polished his writing skills and this second part of the series is just brilliant!

The same characters have become more rounded, with hints as to how they became who they are, this was very clever writing, I want more, yes I'm hooked on TM.

New characters and creatures are fantastically explained, the details are gut wrenchingly disgusting, some serious thought (and research) has gone into this.

The whole story line is inspired from its slow build up to the tension, edge of seat finale; as for the cliffhanger ending.... I bought book no.3 within seconds!

Frank is a very flawed demon, but one you can't help but love. I would really like more back stories on the other characters and hope that Mr Marquitz also sees the "mileage" in this series.

However, my favourite chappy of all in this book was Chatterbox! omg so funny.

Resurrection Demon Squad

A nicely wrapped up short story with a bonus nugget at the end!

Scarlett, Franks' Angelic cousin, awakes to attempted murder as a golden axe crashes onto her pillow and BAM! just like that you are thrown in to Heaven and the onslaught that raged above Frank's head during At The Gates (Demon Squad), fantastic piece of writing! Mr Marquitz ability to switcheroo between such strong characters is brilliant.

You get a 360 view of the story and the lead up to the last and first line of book No.2 and No.3, very clever.

"Prohibition Black And Blues" the additional nugget at the end is such a cute snap shot into Franks' world that you cant help but want more!

Betrayal: Demon Squad Story

I am so annoyed, I am yet again addicted to Frank! Like a bad habit you want to break I keep going back for more, and LOVING it!

The not-quite Hero with some serious flaws; boobs and being a trouble magnet being just two of them.

I was elated to see that Chatterbox also plays a staring role, he is like the Kevin Smith of the book world; silent but a deafening presence.

As Heaven battles it out and the Tree of Life threatens to undo Creation this ragbag team from DRAC try hard to find all the clues, fight off werebears (I kid you not!), whack-a-mole vamps and Angels that don't seem to know they are supposed to be the good guys, to save Humanity. TM manages to weave myth, religion and fantasy into an exquisite mix of horror, humour and mystery.

I know I shouldn't be but I am astounded that the author, self proclaimed metal-head, martial arts tough guy can write such intricate story lines, giving you all the clues but not quite letting you join the dots until the final few chapters and with such sensitivity. 

He also manages to give you some awesome giggle moments, fantastic fight scenes and some touching heart melt moments without making you feel icky, not that you don't get that sensation in other areas of the book!

I now find I am having to pace myself before rushing to buy and read his entire catalogue..... food,work, social life and housework can wait til next month

At the Gates Demon Squad

Wham, straight back into the action, not even time to go food shopping or have a shower for poor Frank before another form of Armageddon drops in his lap (just when does this poor Demon eat or sleep?).

This time the poor sap has aliens to deal with, plus a little home Truth.

Whilst in the finding of the Truth, Frank has his fair share of dead ends, fist fights, magical bursts, town destruction and heart ache. 

However, not all is as it seems me thinks!

Some main characters die in this book, brave of the author, but what brilliant endings.

I have hastily bought book no.5 as Echoes of the Past ended on such a cliffhanger I nearly fell off my chair.

Echoes Past: Demon Squad

I seriously love ebooks and the joy they have brought into my life; although I note they are also in print and may have to order a few just to proudly display them on my shelf!

Book 5 does not slow in its onslaught of blood, guts, fights, boobs, secrets, mystery and general giggles.

As Frank bumps into his usual trouble and comes across God, Lucifer and Jesus all on a alien world, having a shin dig, he is drawn into a fight that will blow your mind!

I love TMs take on religion and his spin on "whats it all about".

He manages, yet again, to lay all the clues out but not give you the keystone piece until the final chapters, leaving you with that gobsmacked feeling of "how the hell did I not see that coming!"

No dramatic cliff hanger in this one, phew for me, but enough is left unsaid, unsorted or without ending that you wont be left without a craving for more (should anyone want to join me in the stalking and harassment of the author to create more, pls email me!)

I was overjoyed to see Chatterbox make a comeback!

A couple of little shorts at the end are well worth a read and go to show the generosity of this author in sharing his talent!!

My eyes are peeled and my tongue is hanging out waiting for the next chapter in Franks life.

Beyond the Veil: Demon Squad

Wicked Brew 9 by Allison M. Dickson

A Debacle of Donuts:

No mincing about here, straight into the story.

Poor Claire, at 430lbs she decides enough is enough, plonks on her trainers and dares her body to walk the mere 2 miles to the park & ride! After, she literally stomps her way through the donut breakfast provided for her by the ever enabling hubby, Sam..... off she wobbles.

Written with a great tongue in cheek wit, this really had me grinning at the stupidity of Claire and her sad issues with all of her fat; it was also kind of heart breaking.

She finally reaches the store and chooses a Scratch Card instead of the chocolate bar.... then the fun begins!

I can’t really tell you what she wins! but I did love the ending.... left to the imagination of the reader!

Loving the little comments at the end of all of AMDs stories, little insights into how the story developed; it’s almost as fascinating as the book.

Vermin:

A haunted house story with every bug & creepy crawly imaginable! If this doesn’t make you shudder just thinking about it.... then you are in for a treat with the almost gleeful picture that AMD paints for you!

Some great back stories to the characters, including glimpses of why the house has a supposed haunted history, a fantastic way of telling the tale.

The continuous onslaught of vermin is amazing; it’s like a never ending gag fest; just not of the laughing kind :(

The ending was enough to actually make me squirm in my seat.

I am beginning to see a trend with AMD’s brilliantly skilled writing, it’s a sure fire horror read but with a great element of humour too.

Smiles and shudders - a great combination!

Taste: Part I of the Consumption Trilogy:

Well, I, erm... where to start!

A true loves tale with a strange obsession?

Told in a fantastic conversational way, as part of a post bereavement confession to a "friend", this short tale tells of a young womens obsession that just goes a little far even for obsessives! not sure I want my floors that shiny!

As I read my eyes got wider and wider at the story she was telling and at the end I just wanted to run out the door and I was sitting in my own house!

AMD has such a "fire side" element to her tales, they leave you with goosebumps and a funky taste.

Georges Tonic:

If George's neighbour could be more racist, sexist, offensive in any way... well AMD missed it!

Still dealing with the death of his wife, the final straw is the water fountain, especially to his bladder.

As George proceeds to enact his revenge upon the said water fountain he gets drawn in to the "game" more and more, some of the things he gets up to are quite amusing!

As the day wears on poor George finds himself in the hospital as the story takes a turn and all is revealed, have to say it really made me smile!

Brilliant read!

Aria:

In the first few paragraphs we have the entire sad life of Mark spelled out; even his excuses for an affair.

At first I felt sorry for him, then the clanger on the phone comes and I actually felt my own stomach do an elevator ride as my empathy for the wife kicked in.

Mitzi, a wise yet unwise lady (married man, affair, but still there) and her comments rang lots of bells for me :(

I had to laugh at the American author taking the micky out of the British voice on the GPS for speaking/pronouncing correct English!!

Ending and the alternate: I liked the first one, although it was abrupt and gave no real reason as to why. I enjoyed the alternate much more but I would have liked more as to the origins of Aria etc, and I loved the addition of Officer Condon that gave a real "this is not imaginary" feel to it.

AMD comments at the end, I love these little connections with the author. She states that that she hates this story, but I really liked it, it shows from an early stage what incredible skill she has. I actually think this has the makings of a novel rather than a short story.

Liar’s Tongue:

Haven't we all had that little bump on our tongue that just longs to bitten and irritates enough to distract.

The basic premise is of a particularity nasty reported hounding the would be Mayor and a gruesome tale of brutality; AMD does a good job of making political advancers sound interesting and not just pond scum laden.

As bad gets worse and the tongue situation continues to grow AMD unleashes disgusting images.

The authors note made me remember a traumatic meal in Sicily involving a squid and my mouth, thanks for the AMD, back to the counseling!

A Concealed Hand:

Poor Bernard he is beer soaked and trying to play Canasta with Priscilla, his wife.

Even her shuffle style is getting on his nerves, and he thinks she is cheating, why else would he have to stir the dog food looking stew during a shuffle!

As murderous thoughts dance across his brain you can feel the tension in the room, almost like you are at the table with them, as AMD does her marvelous writing trick of putting you at the table with her brilliant descriptions!

You get a real flavour of the rest of their lives as even the decor is explained, but don’t take this as boring, oh no, it leaves you smirking and wiggling with discomfort as you feel yourself watching this most uncomfy situation unfold.

The ongoing card games become more tense and the thorn digging elements of their marriage are reveled; then Bernard snaps. I’m not sure I will ever eat beef stew again :(

A really clever nod to "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Poe.

This has to be my favourite story of AMD so far!!

Singularity:

Strangely disturbing; this was weirdly so human!

The premise of a computer trying to fall in love with a human, not new and AMD does comment on this in her author’s notes.

But I have never seen this much undercurrent of dark and sinister before in such "lovely" words.

This IS a very short story, pretty much flash fiction, but worth every penny.

Under the Scotch Broom:

The opening line is smirk worthy! and from then on in the story is excellent.

The seemingly Plague infected Elvis, who knows everyone and possibly everything, has a proposition for the Doc. 

The research Doc who just happens to have a potential cure for all germs/elixir of immortality inoculation; I read horror; I know where this is going, maybe....

As AMD reveals her characters and the back, and ongoing, story she delighted me with her descriptions of Elvis falling to pieces.

As slowly the plot thickens speeding towards the conclusion, I was sure I knew which way this was going to end....nope! and it’s a brilliant one at that!

Allison M. Dickson is always a superb read, her talent in the manipulation of words to conjure up all sorts of images is excellent. 

Her imagination and ability to share those thoughts result in some real scares, none of them overly beyond belief, such is her attention to detail and explanation.

As with all of AMD's stories she allows you in to her thought process at the end with a little comment - a really lovely, personal touch.

Wicked Brew