Category: Book Reviews

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Archives Book Reviews John Dies At The End

John Dies At The End by David Wong Book Review

I will preface this by saying that I am an avid reader. Reading is one of those things that’s been instilled in me since I was very young. That being said, I am hard pressed to think of a book that I genuinely enjoyed as much as John Dies At The End. From the opening riddle, the fake Jamaican and the first introduction of Molly to the journey to “Shit-Narnia”, it is one of those rare books that you never want to put down and then want to start reading again immediately after it’s finished.

It’s one of the best examples I’ve ever seen of watching the main characters sort of fail their way to victory. David and John are probably the most incompetent main characters I’ve encountered in a novel, but it just adds immensely to their charm. The humor is a good mix of “intensely juvenile” mixed with “deep philosophical dick jokes”.

I highly recommend reading this book, and will suggest that if you plan on seeing the movie, watch it first and then read the novel. They’re two seperate beasts entirely, but reading the book after watching the movie just feels like a wonderful surprise as events happen that had to be left out of the final screenplay.

 

Select Quotes.

 

 

  1. “Keep driving,” said a soft voice in my ear. “She will not bite if you keep driving.” “Fuck that. Fuck that idea like the fucking Captain of the Thai Fuck Team fucking at the fucking Tour de Fuck.”
  2. “That’s the truth of it; pile together everything we know and care about in the universe and it will still be nothing more than a tiny speck in the middle of a vast black ocean of Who Gives A Fuck”
  3. “Which would prove I’m a monster, Arnie? Sacrificing the people I love for the fight? Or walking away from the fight to save the people i love?”
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Archives Book Reviews Wicked Intentions

Wicked Intentions by Charity Langley Book Review

Wicked Intentions is the debut novel from Georgia writer Charity Langley. It follows protagonist Lauren DarPayne, a vampire that strips at an Atlanta club named Wicked Intentions.

The story opens up with Lauren trapped in line at a gas station behind an old woman who insists on paying in small change that she apparently can’t be bothered to count beforehand. Luckily, this tedium is broken up by two absolutely inept robbers, one of whom comically wields an empty two-litre bottle. This leads us to her introduction with Detective Therone Caen. His first introduction makes him seem like a person who knows a lot more than they’re letting on and gives him an odd sort of sleeziness. The opening scene really helps set the tone for the rest of the novel, it is often humorous in tone and Lauren’s observations always come across as something that people in those situations would actually say.She is eventually paired up with Therone and their relationship has many comical scenes that skilfully stay away from cheap cliche territory.

One of the strengths of this novel is the world that Charity Langley has created. It is a grimy and dirty world, filled with gargoyles, sanggoyles, werewolves and vampires. There is sufficient exposition on all of the races and they are written strong enough that they all seem to have a place within the pages of the book. There are times when you feel that you know exactly where the story is going, but thankfully you are often proven wrong.

At just under 340 pages, Wicked Intentions is an enjoyable and quick read. I highly recommend picking this one up and will be anxiously waiting for the sequel.

 

Select Quotes.

 

 

  1. “Instead of a gun, he wielded a very scary, obviously empty, green two-liter soda bottle.
    Wow.”
  2. “Ever heard the term ‘blond moment’? I can introduce you three girls that practice them devoutly. Who said religion’s dead?”
  3. “Who are you?” I asked not immediately recognizing the voice. “And why am I in bed… and naked?”
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Archives Book Reviews Girls And Monsters

Girls And Monsters By Anne Michaud Book Review

Girls and Monsters is a collection of short stories by author Anne Michaud.

Girls and Monsters opens up with Death Song which is about a killer Mermaid. As an avid reader, I can’t say that Mermaids are something I’ve read a lot about before. This was a strong opening story because it shows versatility and creativity early and keeps you wanting to read more. I feel that the ending of this one wasn’t as strong as it could have been, but overall it’s a very effective and original story that leaves you wanting more.

Black Dog is up next and this was my favorite of the collection. Anne weaves a wonderfully dramatic tale about a girl being hunted by a black dog everywhere she goes. Whether or not the dog actually exists is left up for debate, but it is written in such a way that no matter what you feel is going on you would be able to debate it for hours without being factually incorrect.

The other three stories in the collection are A Blue Story which will absolutely make you think differently about your neighbors, We Left At Night which is probably the last zombie story I’ll read for a very long time due to how effectively it’s done and Dust Bunnies which is perfect for anybody with a fear of spiders.

This collection contains five very well written short stories and it’s a relatively quick read. It’s a perfect rainy day or sleepless night type of short story collection and is something that you’ll read more than once. Definitely worth picking up.

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Archives Book Reviews Dead Drunk

Dead Drunk by Richard Johnson Book Review

Dead Drunk is a 2013 Zombie novel from author Richard Johnson. If you are growing tired of the zombie genre like I am then I implore you to give this one a chance. Richard exceptionally marries comedy and tension and creates a strong main and supporting cast of characters. One of the strengths of this novel is how believable the supporting cast has been written.

For a first time author his ability to create a great flow without pacing and plot issues is to be commended. The story centres on a group of post College friends who set out to survive the Zombie Apocalypse “…One drink at a time”. I will be completely honest and admit that I wasn’t expecting to like this novel very much. There are hundreds of Zombie novels released every week and a vast majority of them aren’t very good. Dead Drunk absolutely exceeded every one of my expectations and made it on to my list for best novels I’ve read so far this year. I highly recommend this one.

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Archives Book Reviews The Lost Dark

The Lost Dark by Andy Rigley Book Review

The Lost Dark is a 2013 novel from author Andy Rigley. This was an absolute pleasure to read. Andy does an incredible job of creating a world full of true existential terror. The plot constantly keeps you guessing and there were times when I had to put it down in order to take a breather.

I found his writing style to be comparable to Clive Barker with enough original flavor thrown in to keep the reader entertained.

The story follows the very likeable Jake through a complex and often disturbing journey where he must discover the truth about his hidden “Lost Dark”. There are a few scenes of gore that actually succeded in making me feel uneasy. Of all the books I’ve read this year, I’d say that The Lost Dark is the one I’d most like to see adapted into a film. The plot moves at an incredible pace, the characters are very believable and the scares stick with you long after you’ve put the book down. I can’t recommend this book enough.