Holes in the ground by Iain Rob Wright and JA Konwath

Basically this is fan fiction at its greatest!

It seems that IRW took the brilliant idea formed by JAK in Origin and then added his own fantastic spin of humour and horror, a few of his own characters, mixed them up, put them in a new hell and span them out again.

Fast, fun, and full of laughs, this is one that Konrath fans won't want to miss - made all the more interesting by Iain Rob Wright's British touches.  Those that have read Origin or The Final Winter will quickly fall in love with this book because the characters are just as you remember them to be.

Each main character is well formed but flawed and you can see early on how Bub will get to them, only IRW/JAK manage to make a few good twists and surprises too. However, the parting shot from Andy annoyed the hell out of me! (no spoilers)

The setting of a monster zoo/prison really allowed both authors to run wild with their imaginations and whoever thought up Mu the talking banana was genius. IRW must have had a riot writing this.

However, there were some “bad” points for me, I did think it had a rushed ending of sorts, nothing was finalized (IMO), which I suppose leaves it open for a sequel but I think that’s a little cheeky of both authors.

In addition, I was really disappointed to get to 52% and have it end – the last part is the original story from IRW without JAK input. Which is wonderful in of itself but I did feel cheated and which runoffthemill reader  is really is going to read the same story twice in a row??

Also, I wish we had more back story on Wolfie as it was such a sad story.

I think both authors could have made this into a much longer book with more expansion of the “monsters/prisoners” history, the secret society could have had more back story, as could the new characters.

All that said, I do hope there is a sequel!

Holes in the Ground

Iain Rob Wright & JA Konrath join forces - but before you read that! read these!!

Basically a story of a demon, named Bub, who the American government have decided to experiment on. They house him in an uber secret facility, feed him only sheep, expect answers to ALL of mankinds questions and wonder why he gets pissed off,  tries to escape and hatch his master plan to obliterate humanity. 

Great blend of weird but damaged characters, which is my first niggle because if “you” seriously had this terrifying secret you needed to keep would you allow that calibre of person to be responsible for it? With no other military presence?

But then I guess there would be no real failure in procedure and the story would be pretty boring!

I enjoyed the relationships between all of them but really found the holies annoying with their religious double speak although you could feel the depth of research that JAK had done within the language element and the biology as it just oozes off the page. However the biblical pondering goes on way too long and I found myself skipping some of the genome waffle as it did not really enhance the story at all, IMO.

One of the main characters is a linguist; however as soon as he walks into the room with Bub, the demon decides to speak English! Kind of negates his need to be there really and think he could have been expanded much further in reading of the casket etc I feel that JAK  merely skimmed the surface of what could have been a very in depth and complex story line. 

The Vet gets on my nerves a little, why is she measuring the sheep? and how did she decide that they fulfil his dietary requirements? 

Another brilliant description yet niggle was the “facility” it was so huge yet had no staff; who did the maintenance? When they dropped off food who did the unloading? What about humans needing sunlight to live? And could they not have had a hydroponics unit for fresh food?

Humour is one of JAK trademarks but im not sure he meant Bub to be quite so “cute” – I did not really find him terrifying so was nose wrinkling when I read the “reactions” of the team when they first meet him, or maybe I just read too much horror. 

I wish JAK had expanded on his history a little more, maybe played with Bubs inner dialogue more. Don’t get me wrong he is no huggable, fluffy demon, he has his gorefest moments but felt there could have been more. 

Other reviews have suggested that this is a “popcorn” book and I would be disappointed to know that his how JAK intended it, as the basic concept is pretty awesome and possibly could have been executed a bit better with a longer novel.  It does have some interesting arguments about the beginnings of humanity and our need for religion and where all the legends stem from.

The windup to escape is pretty tense as no character is safe, which is always good in a novel, although how you can put up with that much physical injury and still climb a ladder amazes me, but sometimes you need to suspend belief. 

My final niggle is the internal bombs, why does Bub just not dig them out sooner? I dislike when authors just suddenly blag a bit or change a basic function of a character to help them out of a jammy bit of storyline; that’s so Hollywood. 

Overall I really loved this book, the ending is pretty awesome and I look forward to a sequel. This would make a great film, as the action is all very visual and the time line is pretty straight, with maybe a few flashbacks.

Origin

I LOVED the "Britishness" of the whole thing, the pub setting, the humour,   although I was a bit dismayed to find the Americanisms in the dialogue.

IRW has done some brilliant character links here with his other books; its his own scary little world.  I really enjoyed the almost cliché characters, they are so condensed you can see a little of someone you know in each one. I had a real fondness for some of them towards the end but was pleased to see that no one safe.

This was a very easy to read yet hard to put down book, I read this in 2 sittings. This was the first book I ever picked up from IRW and I have to say he his now a firm favourite.

I have reread this book now, I think its going to be one of those that you go back to as an old favourite. The second reading allowed me to pick up on the little nuances that I missed in the first reading, very clever! If you have any doubts how complex this book is then have a read of this "a look at the Final Winter".

I thought the ending could have had many alternatives, and personally I would have liked to have had all the characters endings "wrapped up", I just wanted to see some people get their karma balanced!

The Final Winter

Draculas by JA Konrath, Paul F. Wilson, Blake Crouch & Jeff Strand

I totally loved the dedication; it was so sweet, yet funny.

This is told in little chunks of story, each one from a different point of view from each individual involved. You can tell the differing author styles through the characters and really lends a great “voice” and out look on each person.

The basic premise is that a Dracula type skull is found, surrounded by legend it is then bought and delivered to a dying millionaire, who (of course!) allows it to bite him….. and so begins the horror in a little backwoods hospital when he is rushed their by his palliative Nurse and researcher/treasure finder.

The varying characters via their different authors approach the monsters in different ways, the humour is as huge as the teeth.

The gore is free flowing, abundant with plenty of blood and bits.  Amongst it all are two very touching love stories; however, they both have issues!

When Benny the Clown starts to make flamingos from intestines I could not stop giggling and trying to explain this to Hubby was not a good moment in my marriage, I think he seriously started to question my sanity. However the various drawings throughout the book helped him see why I found it quite so funny!

This was a fantastic, engaging and grotesque read, some parts made me gag, some cry and some laugh so hard I needed to actually put my kindle down and calm myself.

We, the reader, are then treated to a giant flowing interview between all four authors and how they managed to pull this off.

Then we are given about 50% of bonus materials which is simply staggering each author gives us a full blown novella as follow on.

Finally we are promised many more sequels so I will be on the look out for these.  All of these authors are fantastic to read and I can’t wait to get my mitts on more of their work.

DRACULAS

Straight Up by J.A.Konwrath & Iain Rob Wright

This is a short story that introduces Lt Jack Daniels, a firm favourite of anyone that loves JAK and a new character from Iain Rob Wright,  Sarah Stone, to each other.

I am so chuffed to see these two authors collaborate as they have a sense of humour that is hard to match, especially when mixed with some straight up gruesome moments.

Some clever word links to lots of the JA Konwrath books, so be on the lookout, shame that IRW did not plonk some in there too.

The initial bristly conversation was great, you can instantly feel the rapport between these two tough ladies. 

When the action comes its fast and with a bluntness of horror that these two authors possess in bundles.

The humour interspersed was epic! I loved the English (language) vs Americanisms - inspired!

Already love Lt Jack Daniels, now I have a new lady to admire.....I hope they meet again (and the authors!)

Straight Up

Horror Stories by JA Konrath & Jack Kilborn

Overall, this is one of the funniest horror books I have read, that said its not perfect and has its fair share of errors and boring moments. His longer novels are well worth a read!

Finicky Eater: The A-bomb has dropped and Jack Kilborn serves up some yummy food possibilities, the more it continues the more gross it becomes.

The Screaming: JK states at the blurb beginning that he wanted to get the local vernacular correct, big fat no from me. Did he miss the fact that 50p was not in circulation until 1969 (the story is set in 1960s – so just on the cusp, but bad research). Another inconsistency is the journey “out of town” is only 15 miles away but takes TWO hours on the train! I know British Rail has its issues, but seriously what was it powered by, snail juice?

Once I got over these really annoying parts the actual story was ok, and only ok, all been done before and nothing new was added. Blah

Mr Pull Ups: an obsession with becoming the no.1 entry into the Guinness Book of Records goes sadly wrong. I was not expecting the final line… great stuff.

The Shed: strange, just strange! Two would be criminals get their punishments.

Them’s Good Eats: two hillbillies get ubducticated, awesome! I tale of piggy revenge! This has to be my favourite, seriously gruesome but so sweet in payback! Some really good humour in this short.

First Time: two boys and a slaughter house. Very short and a bit pointless, for me.

Forgiveness: a serial murderer gives his confession. Some truly sickening moments, with a climatic ending, very well told as I felt myself becoming quite tense.

Redux: a ghostly revenge, cleverly done. Shame about the random errors in spelling and editing.

The Bag: a truly repulsive story on so many levels, no spoilers here. For sheer disgusting thoughts and gore; top marks.

Careful, He Bites: this reminds me of my favourite novel Werewolves anonymous! I was treated to a were-canary in this short tale, so disgusting what the cat does but giggles abound!

Symbios: some good ideas in this sci-fi story, but as I don’t generally read that genre maybe its all been done before. A revolting tale of greed and need.

A Matter of Taste: this really made me giggle, a zombie family argue at the dinner table. Who knew that mentioning Waldorf Salad could make me snort out coffee!

Embrace: JK does state this is over flowery, but wow its worse than that. I was so bogged down in flowers I missed the whole point of the story.

Trailer Sucks: JK really seems to have a hatred of animals as most stories seem to torment them in some ways, its most off putting for an animal lover. Karma is also one of his themes, which I do really like!  This one is high on that list as some Red Necks capture a female vampire and do some unspeakable things, karma is a bitch!

Markey: again with the animals. Plus I did not like this one as it touches too much on mental health issues. I liked the staccato way of writing tho’.

Punishment Room: a tale of torture, most uncomfortable, but with a stranger ending! JK manages to really ratchet up the tension in this one.

The Confession: completely told as a narrative this is inspired. Sweet, bloody revenge. I actually enjoyed the descriptions of torture, mostly due to WHO they were targeting. Awesome.

Basketcase: just gross, but in a weird and fun way. JAK can certainly show you the appeal of being a basketcase.

The Agreement:  when some warped mobster is going to torture you, make sure you listen to the agreement! Very clever.

Well Balanced Meal: omg my stomach was churning, glad I had not eaten. I can see why it won a Gross Out completion, just glad I was not in the audience. Am still gagging just thinking about this.

S.A. : at the beginning of all the stories JK has a little blurb on why, how and where it was written and published. This blurb was very funny, but not as much as the actual story. Totally inspired, this novella (its too long to be called a short) has some amazing nods to the genre and fantastical ideas. Some of the scenes are hysterical I don’t think a chocolate cupcakes will never again pass my lips again. This is my ALL time favourite story from JK. Were-coral still has me in stitches.

Dear Diary: teenage girls are so twisted. Feeding, JK is also obsessed with food. Not a yummy story, but a very good one though.

Mr Spaceman: I found myself snorting with laughter a lot through this rapid fire short. Aliens vs hookers, yeah no contest!

Appalachian Lullaby: Red Necks, monkeys and Uranium – what could go wrong?

Treatment: I am running out of words to describe funny, this was brilliant – I cant say anymore for spoilers!

Sound of Blunder: poor Willie he seems to have every ailment going, poor Bruno the beagle and you have to love Nana. Aliens, dinosaurs… you name it, plus this has so many body parts in it you will struggle to keep up. It does ramble a bit but then I think the aim was to make you feel like you had eaten the pound cake.  Not the greatest story to finish on though. 

Horror Stories

Holiday Fun

So it has finally arrived, my BIG holiday of the year!

Basically that means I have three wonderful weeks off work where I don't have to put my uniform on or even put shoes on! and even better NOT get up early. 

Horah for me.

Now comes the "what shall I do with all this free time"?

Many moons ago it was suggested to me that I concentrate on one author for a WHOLE month, hmmmm I thought and started looking for an author that would keep me occupied for three weeks sat on my butt.

With SO many too choose from I was soon overwhelmed so I have decided to challenge myself and read 18 books in that time!

So here goes on the list (in no special order):

Progeny by Patrick C. Greene

Splatterpunk - charity anthology

Group 742, The Shadows & Redeem Code Here by Christine Sutton

Finding Poe by Leigh M. Lane

Interrupt by Jeff Carlson

Vampire of Plum Run by James Glass

DEAD: Reborn by TW Brown

Whisper by Michael Bray

Animal Kingdom (revamp) by Iain Rob Wright

Darlings Of Decay - anthology

Pressure by Jeff Strand

Horror Stories: Shorts Collection by Jack Kilborn/ JA Konrath

Under the Scotch Broom, A Concealed Hand & George's Tonic by Allison M. Dickson (short stories)

Zombie Fallout by Mark Tufo - now technically I have already read this but its my "LotR or IT", my comfort zone and I was so new at reviewing books when I started (still learning) that I really didn't do it justice.


so, there it is!

Watch this space..... any comments would be welcome (as always)