This book literally gave me chill bumps.
341107
This book literally gave me chill bumps. An amazing series of true stories that glorifies our god and creator. If you are a christian or you are just not sure this is an excellent read to help you see the glory of God.
2062642
Wow. Finished listening to this book on amazon last night in the wee hours. I was simultaneously repulsed and intrigued. I truly will have to further digest this work before offering a true review. The plot is immense and wiggly. It took a while to adjust to the whiplash of past to present and back again several times. I think this book honestly merits several reads to fully wrap the mind around what is offered. My finer sensibilities wanted no part of temporary acceptance, even on a fictional level. In this respect, I truly felt the part of Don. Well written and gripping. Gut wrenching and diabolical. Everything I wanted when I was looking for a new horror novel. I may have gotten more than I bargained for!  I am positive as I continue to chew on this book in the darkest hours of the night I will return to give it more stars.
1192764
I won't write about anything but how this book made me feel. It was a white-knuckled thrill ride! I cried, screamed (out loud!), shook uncontrollably, stomach in knots, bit my knuckles and didn't sleep thinking about what could possibly happen next! I HATED this book and I LOVED this book! It didn't fail! WOW! Intense is an understatement!
I thought I was going to take a break between books because my emotions couldn't handle it any longer, but I downloaded and started book 2 the same day! Ugh!
3475314
Holy frack. My eyes are still kind of wet with tears and my heart is still beating so hard in my chest right now because...what the hell did I just read? I honestly feel SO satisfied after reading this book. I feel like I have been in a book funk for so long and finally FINALLY I've read something that made me think "this is it, this is why I love reading. This is why I do what I do- for books like this"
It was so action packed!! There was so much going on, a little comedy here and a little "did that just happen" there. For the record, my gut was on point while reading this. I never knew what exactly was bound to happen but as soon as it did, BAM I KNEW IT.

I want to hug these books to my chest and never let them go but for now I'll just hug my iPad. It was just so perfect. And preppy. PREPPY PREPPY PREPPY is my baby. He really is. I love his character so much and I am so thankful for him because he is so important to the story and he's such a huge part of who King is and I just have too many feelings when it comes to this character so I'll just shut up now. And the ending?! It was an actual miracle I didn't get up from bed and bust a move. If you haven't read these books yet, please go add them to the top of your TBR. Tyrant was AMAZING. Now we get Bear's story?! Sign me up! Give it to me!
1205249
In a review I often say that I enjoyed reading a book, however, this was definitely not the case with MILK-BLOOD. I've never before felt that uncomfortable and queasy while reading a book. Not only was the story a thunderous blow to the mind, it also affected me physically: my muscles seemed to tighten and draw together, like I do when I'm really cold or as if to pull away and hide from some kind of attack. There were several scenes, especially those with needle pricking, that made my skin crawl and my stomach contract.

But instead of putting the book aside as reason suggested, I had to keep on reading no matter what, not able to break its spell.

While the story contained some traces of mystery and suspense, the ultimate horror derived from the reality of drug addiction and desperation oozing from each chapter and page. What the author describes is miles away from what I thankfully know, or better said don't know myself, but to learn that such a fate defines some other people's everyday life is quite a bitter lesson. I guess this book will keep haunting me for quite some time.

Reading this book is highly recommended, but doing so will definitely not be a pleasure.

(I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
3958233
Remember when you last read a horror novel that got under your skin?  Here we have a ghost story that is amazingly literary, even poetic at times, and one of the most frightening tales I've ever read.  I've plowed through so many horror novels, seen so many horror movies, that I can't begin to list them, and like most of you who read horror, I've grown extremely jaded.  I'm on a grail quest for stories that pull me into an author's darkest obsessions, tales that leave me shivering in the dark, my palms slick with sweat, and the fight-or-flight instinct in overdrive.  With "Heart-Shaped Box" Joe Hill has delivered the goods.

Some wonderful summaries and reviews have been posted, but let me say that "Heart-Shaped Box" broke through my jade armor and flayed my nerves like a straight razor. [...] There were many times when I literally shuddered.  I can't remember the last time I read a horror novel, and instead of thinking, "That was a really cool image/line/tableaux," or groaned at a cliche, found myself cringing.  I felt as if a cold, dead hand tickled the back of my neck. [...]Seriously, this book really got to me.  Joe Hill is Stephen King's son, the same son who as a little boy shoved pins into a voodoo doll of his father in the movie "Creepshow."  Now, Mr. Hill has proven he's a master at placing needles of fear into his readers.  If you're up for a ride down the deathroad, jump into this book.
2499199
There are a great many paranormals out there in the world of fiction right now (especially of the `fanged' variety, as we all know). But I almost fell off my chair when I began reading this new offering from Susie Moloney - an author who has already proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that she has an incredible gift when it comes to telling a story. This review, however, is going to feel like you're back in English class having your first experience with iambic pentameter...because I can only go so far.

From the very first moment when I met Chick, I was intrigued.  Chick is a woman in her 60's who has had enough. She has just buried her husband - a man she truly loved - and she feels incredibly guilty about something that the reader simply doesn't know until further on in the book.  But as I watched Chick and listened to her thoughts, I was amazed and chilled to the bone at the same time as she pulled out the Valium and a Zippo lighter. (No, I can't tell you more than that).

Then I met up with a woman named, Audra.  Audra is also a mature woman who has also buried her husband. She is basically in a huge mess, wondering when the proverbial crap will hit the fan. As her heart begins to race, one of her `frenemies' - a woman by the name of Izzy Riley - arrives, and stands above her with a smile. Izzy is the one who knows exactly what's happening to the women of Haven Woods, and how only THEY can find a way to solve the problems before it's too late and they end up losing the rest of what they have.

Paula is Audra's daughter. She is a single mom of a girl named, Rowan, who is a bit hard to handle. When Paula gets a call from Mrs. Riley telling her that he mother has had a heart attack and she must come home immediately, Paula and Rowan get into a car that will, quite possibly, take them into hell.

Marla is Izzy's daughter, and she not only knows why the creepy things are happening to the women she knows, but she also seems to despise her mother. The oldest and dearest friend of Paula, Marla is excited when she learns that Paula is coming  home. You see, Paula left Haven Woods when she was only sixteen and pregnant with Rowan. This was when her mother basically threw her out of the town and told her never to return.  Why is that, you wonder? I can't tell you, but BOY do you WANT to know!

As the intricate world of Haven Woods unfolds, readers will learn all about the secrets and lies that are held there. They will learn about murder, deception, the dark arts, evil personified, and all kinds of `tasty' morsels that will have them up all night reading to the very end to see how everyone ends up when this author calls it a day.

Susie Moloney has, once again, done the impossible. Not only is her tale flawless and her characters beyond memorable, but she has the ability to take The Stepford Wives, mix them with a little Witches of Eastwick, and throw in some horror that only `King' - the master of the genre - has had the ability to produce. This is a straight `A,' readers! You will look at your neighbors in a whole new light after you finish this one. Enjoy!

Until Next Time.  Amy
3389221
Oh my GAWD! I am obsessed with this book. I laughed so hard so many times, reading this book. Then, by the end of the book, I was traumatized. Honestly. It really felt like a left hook to the jaw. I know this novel is based on a true story, so that makes it even worse. I am traumatized! I would recommend this book to anyone over thirteen years old. Its incredible. What a journey!

Give this book to any and all teenagers you know, because it will make them feel like their feelings of being a weirdo are normal. And universal.

FIVE VERY ENTHUSIASTIC STARS!!
2734522
This book is one of the most interesting I have ever personally read. I never expected to feel the way I did about any of the characters. It takes you into the mind of a very troubled man, who I never expected to feel so sympathetic for (though also still creeped out by the entire time). It then flips around and gives you a peek at the mind of the girl, who I never expected to dislike so much. The entire novel was incredibly thought-provoking, and certainly widened my perspective on views toward different characters. Connecting someone so disturbed to us while alienating the one who is "normal," at least in this book, was a unique experience for me and was really fascinating, in addition to being very creepy. I simply could not put this book down, and by the end it was absolutely spine-chilling. This book provided me with one of the  best reading experiences I've had to date.
4521487
I was very concerned when I bought this new book by the author of&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Sense-and-Sensibility-and-Sea-Monsters-Quirk-Classics/dp/B004HW7E38/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters (Quirk Classics)</a>, which I hadn't read. I thought this might turn out to be a snarky tale filled with gross-out moments, and face it, I'm too old. Instead, this young male author creates a female protagonist so delicately and so thoroughly that I felt I've known a dozen people just like her. Her struggles with herself, mommy-guilt, spousal intimacy, the friends she left behind, and the unexpected terrors that arise in her new, mysterious New York City apartment are outlined so warmly and intricately, that I even bought into the wild, weird ending without misgivings.
4549811
This book had me by the first chapter. I'd like to say that I read it through in one sitting and couldn't put it down, but it was so good and intense I found myself putting it down because I was so creeped out. This is good writing! When an author can make me uncomfortable, make me think I'm hearing things that go bump in the night and make me scared to be in the dark, I'm pleased (In a disturbing sort of way. lol). I laughed (not much), was nervous, my heart rate was up and I would have to take a break! This book, in my opinion, is right up there with Kiss the Girls. I haven't read a book in a long time (and I read a lot of books) that was as compelling as this. I recommend highly. Yes it is scary, creepy, and a bit much at times but a good, good read! I can't wait to read the second!
3395349
The Two left me shivering. This book is cold, creepy, and strange so I loved it. It has everything mystery, murder, and a love affair all set in a cold and eerie place. The Two is a page turner for those who love the dark and strange.
2812739
Wow! This book left me just speechless. It had been a while since I read a paranormal thriller that actually managed to give me goosebumps... But this one DID IT! Before starting, I was a little bit concerned that the paranormal element would make the whole story feel ridiculous and unrealistic, but I worried for nothing. The author did an amazing job at weaving in the paranormal elements without making the whole thing sound absurd and laughable. Oh no, there was very little laughing in this one! I was surprised by how quickly I managed to get drawn in the story, and I found myself in that lovely state of suspension of disbelief and being totally hooked by the story, while never even realising that I was. Don't Turn Around was the type of book that made me say: "So what if I said I would only read one chapter, two hours ago?!". And that's exactly what I want in a thriller.

I loved the way the mystery was constructed. I always felt like I had just figured it out, and then BAM! something would happen to make me totally reconsider my decisions. And it went on like this until the end of the book, when I was absolutely sure I had it all figured out... Until I found out I had gotten it all wrong! But oh, I was so delightfully wrong! All the twists and turns really made me enjoy the ride, and I really liked the pace the book kept. There was never a dull moment, not a scene where I thought: "Well, we could really have done without this". The only reason I'm not giving this book a full score is because I wasn't overly keen on how some of the characters were constructed, and there were a few points where I was slightly confused by what was going on. This happened particularly in the first scenes going back in time to tell Frank's story, but I got over it pretty soon.

Overall, this was a very good read, mixing a good mystery with mostly likable characters. It will be a perfect choice if you're in the mood for a really creepy thriller with some paranormal elements. I will definitely check out any other books by this author, especially any future Jennifer Knight stories.

*I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book.
4708796
This book was intense. I don't even know where to begin. I honestly don't know what to write. It blew me away, honestly. I read it really compulsively and had to force myself to put it down to do other things! Parts of the book made me utterly sick, quite literally put me off my food... and I have guts of steel. The book contains a LOT of graphic, very intense violence and it revealed a side of human beings most of us would rather not know about or acknowledge. There was a lot of cruelty in the book which really affected me. Some of the people he knew in his youth were completely psychopathic. He must have been a very strong person to go through so much trauma and come out the other side.

I feel like even saying this sounds trite. I only read about his experiences and I felt horrible. This guy actually went through them. I was shocked just reading, but that's nothing.

One of the bits that really disturbed me was a scene where he and a friend are watching corpses being bashed with hammers and dismembered for vultures by Buddhist monks. He pointed out that this was actually a quite practical way for the people in that environment to handle death, but wow... I guess I have had very little experience with dead bodies and death in general, I guess it seemed very violent even though the people being torn apart were no longer alive. It made me feel a bit sick, actually.

His path to Buddhism was also fascinating. I tell you what, anyone who thinks it's an easy life of meditating and living simply... Clearly not, holy hell. It sounds absolutely FULL ON. I am sitting here full of weird reactions to the book that I don't think I can put into words.

Other parts of the book made me laugh and laugh. A mouse doing push ups! Oh no!

Overall, the book really affected me and I am glad I read it. Very compelling, if confronting reading from a very honest and gifted writer. Hard to know how to put it into words, really, but definitely, definitely a five star effort.

I am no expert on Buddhism, far from it, but I have dabbled in Tonglen meditation and found it very enriching and unexpectedly calming... It made me think of these words... May he be peaceful, free of suffering and happy as he follows the path. Much respect.
1147005
This book made me feel as if I were being transported through time and space while being tenderly cradled in the arms of an average sized mail delivery person of an unknown gender. With the turn of every page, my senses became more and more entangled with the plot of the book, so much so that at one point- somewhere between page 36 and 238598, I believe- I looked up from the book to find myself straddling the edge of my bathtub, weeping and clapping furiously. I don't even know how I was able to hold the book and clap at the same time; I can only assume it was a minor miracle, or by some supernatural power that had been transferred to me through the book. I have never, ever heard of the author, but I feel a deep sense of certainty that he must be a magician, some kind of WIZARD! If it hasn't occurred to him, I would highly recommend that he start a YouTube channel, or maybe even 2 or 3 YouTube channels.

This book is guaranteed to require you to use your eyes to read words on a page. GUARENTEED. NOT A JOKE.
3146370
What a wonderfully terrifying this book is!!! I had no idea what to expect as this is the first book Ive ever read by DelSheree Gladden, but I was pleasantly surprised by how great and detail oriented her writing is.

The Ghost Host tells the story of high-school senior  Echo, who has the hidden capacity of talking to ghosts and conveying their written messages to their dear ones, but unbeknownst to her, these messages are not always pleasant ones. After a frightening such as event left her emotionally scared, she enlisted the help of her best friends Holden and Zara, took further precautions when getting in contact with the spirits following her around and started a YouTube series, all in hopes that this way she can eventually be free of her ghostly stalkers. This is how Echo ends up meeting Malachi, a freshman at Georgia State University and their connection is instantaneous. They are both drawn to each other, but its so much more than just physical  attraction; Malachi and Echo are connected in the supernatural sense, the protector and the protegee, and even more than that.

Echo soon enough finds out the theres more to her power than she has originally thought  shes stalked by a rogue ghost, or so she thought, shes interviewed by the FBI and even gets an agent assigned to her case, moves across country because another ghost told her so, where she discovers secrets that will change her life forever. Echo, Holden and Zara, alongside Malachi and his friends, Kyran and Cerise and agent Morton get tangled up in a world full of incomprehensible truths, where theyll need one another to survive and give peace to all the lost souls wondering the world.

What a story this is  it was unpredictable from start to finish, full of grim moments that left me wondering what will happen next and if our heroes will see the next chapter. Not one time during reading  it, did I guess right  the villains of this story are extraordinary ones, and Im excited to read more about them.

Although The Ghost Host reminded me of Karina Halles Experiment in Terror series, these two couldn't be more different  this is truly a PRN book in the real sense of the world. I got chills while reading it and I felt compelled to look around and make sure the noise I heard in the back ground was indeed m dog snoring and not something out of the ordinary .

I adored that the author didn't focus mainly on getting Echo and Malachi together right away, but worked on developing them and giving them both separate stories before they became a couple. I also loved that the book stayed focused on Echos powers and what could come out of it, than making it a book full of contemporary romance cliches.

All in all, Id recommend The Ghost Host to everyone who loves a scary story, with a bit of romance and great friendships. Echos story has just began and Im more than ready for the next episode in this incredible sci-fi show.

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

4.5 ghostly stalker stars
3259272
I have the honor of being Pol's hairstylist, and I have to say, I was very excited to get my copy of his book.  The thing is, I do NOT usually read horror stories.  Ive never liked horror books.  Not even Stephen King, who everyone loves (his stories take forever to get started...by the second chapter, Im bored beyond all reason.)  Naturally, I was a lil nervous to start reading Pol's book, having no idea what to expect, especially with that sad, sorrowful, black eye looking out at me from the cover.  Who was this Luthor person?  Is he an alien??  Is he some undead zombie??  Am I going to be so freaked out over this story I won't be able to sleep??

For me to get into a book, I have to care about the characters.  I have to be interested in their lives, I have to either hate their guts or be cheering for them every step of the way, and I have to genuinely care about what they are going through.  The very first chapter of this book horrified me even as I found myself drawn in, wanting to know more.  I was shocked to discover who Luthor was, who his parents are, and how their lives were evolving.  This can't be happening, I kept telling myself!  The more I read, the more powerful the emotions became.  One moment I was celebrating a murder as if I were about to break into a verse of 'ding dong the witch is dead', the next moment I was mourning the loss of an abusive, neglectful parent as tho it were some heartbreaking tragedy.  It was a constant whirlwind of emotions, and I was forced at times to seriously reconsider my stand on some social issues that Ive always felt totally concrete about.

This is a very powerful story.  It is not for the feint of heart, so open the cover with this one thing in mind:  You ARE going to feel some very intense emotions as you read this story, and You WILL reconsider where you stand on some very powerful issues.  That said, its also one hell of a ride!!

Recommended :)