Loved this bizarre and captivating read
350182
Writes in a visually captivating way. Nuanced, subtle and beautifully written. Realistic and kept me thinking for days. Well-developed characters
1484665
This is not a book I would naturally pick up and read, in fact it would be something I would likely skip over due to what it seems to be about  however that would be a big mistake on my part. I would have missed a fantastic read simply due, to judging a book by its cover.
Jessica does a fantastic job in weaving this story together in a magical yet aloof manner  and then, well it all gets real. I loved the hard twist to this tale it was one I did not see coming and I loved the feel of a looking glass being shattered to pieces as the ugliness crept in.
The plot takes a jarring leap into a completely new direction and yet I loved it  the characters are forced through this ugly hard sensation and it worked well for making me fall in love with this tale.
I enjoyed my time in this world and I will definitely be wanting more from Jessica Titone.
Thank you for a great read and breaking the mold  5 stars from 5 out of me
3337660
I read the first book in the series and was so blown away, i needed to immediately buy and read this one. I was not disappointed. This is a totally different and unique story that reads like a movie playing in your mind. A very vivid, descriptive tale of evilness in people and some very unique talents some characters have. I don't give spoilers but i will say this... If you don't read this series, you are missing out! Also, the editing is spot on and the writing is captivating.
3592114
I went on a journey reading this book, wandered on unknown pathways looking for clear answers, frustrated at times with the smokescreen as I read and tried to piece it all together. Eventually I did. That was an exceptional moment.

This novella is quirky and quite unlike anything I have read for some time, I like quirky and unique things, and I liked this a lot.

Ariel meets a family that are also in the guesthouse he is now reluctantly having to stay in, now that his planned journey has gone off course, off the radar for the time being. They are more than a little strange.

"For a moment only the tinkle of ice and the popping of flame could be heard. When Ariel looked at Margot she was different. That moment held two views of her, like an old 3D postcard: hearty from one angle, suddenly fragile from another."

The writing is amazing in this novella, I was drawn in and swept away on a sea of words, painting a picture for me that was not clear for quite some time, indeed I as the reader was lost in the fog of confusion, not uncomfortable there however, intrigued, I was very keen to know what came next. What did come next made me gasp.

So terribly hard to outline this book in more detail without spoiling it for all those that are yet to read it. But it had so many wonderful elements going for it. Atmospheric, slightly creepy, and really rather clever. Words are failing me for this review.

Ariel is trying to make sense of all that is going on around him, using his very logical brain, his scientific brain, as he pieces together his impressions of the family he is stuck in the guesthouse with. Strange things happen, things don't make sense, nothing is quite as it seems.

I am quite surprised at some of the low ratings and reviews of this novella, based on reading those before I began I had low expectations but was hugely delighted that I did indeed see what this book I believe intends to be, what the author is wanting us to feel and experience. I got it.

Sometimes a book, even a short book such as this one can transport you into another time and place, another reality, a pure escapists pleasure. This one took me there. Tremendous.
469803
I read a book for its characters, and this book was chock full of bizarre and funny and real characters that I couldn't put it down. From Emily herself, all pent up and trying oh-so-hard to get out of her box (LOL) to her unfiltered friend Simone, to the strange UPS driver, to the cute gay guy, to the handsome Jamaican boyfriend, to the diabolical organ brokerthis book has so many great and memorable characters that they stay with a person long after reading the books. So many times I found myself thinking, This person reminds me of so-and-so in real life, etc.
3232817
A thrilling blend of scifi and erotic romance, Strange Times features strong, deftly drawn characters, an over-the-top despot, a sexy henchman you love to hate, and some extremely hot sex on the lam. Throw in the surprising aliens, the never-say-die resistance movement, and some healthy snark, and you have a weird, wonderful novel unlike any other. Disclaimer: I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this incredibly unique story.
286735
I enjoyed this so very much. I loved the broken, unsteady English and all the strange characters & twists and turns. A must read for lovers of stories.
881894
This was a dark and wickedly twisted book that I couldn't put down if I wanted to. I loved how the author made me feel like my brain was all over the place while I tried to figure this story out. I never really had a strong connection to the characters but that didn't affect my feelings on this book. I felt lost in a creepy world. There were too many unanswered questions and a crazy woman running the show. It was like one of those 3D images where you need to stare and get lost in the picture to see what it truly is. I consumed this book in one sitting. I loved the writing style and how the story unfolded in such a way that I had to second guess what was coming next. I look foreward to reading more from this author in the future.

I was given a copy by St. Martin's Press for an honest review.
1673223
The author's imagination is incredible. This was fun, beyond strange, and possessed a depth I did not expect. Janitor of Planet Anilingus just might be my favorite NBAS book.
785507
Simply, this is a wonderful, clever work of modern weird fiction.  It is difficult to categorize the specifics that make this strange collection so special, but it is all about voice in the end.  Every scene unit is a surprise and a delightful journey.  This is the most unique material I have read in ten years, and a must read for anyone keeping track of those pushing the envelope.  Superior story lines, characterizations, descriptions, and pacing.
3546045
I really loved this.  It was absurd in the best ways at times and let my imagination run wild thinking about the world he crafted and characters he's introduced
2037203
I was so happily thrilled to get in Death and the Girl Next Door as the synopsis sounded like an absolutely fun read.  And for the most part, it really was.

Lorelei has had a weird and interesting life so far. And weird and interesting friends to top it off, but back to her life.  Lorelei, since a toddler, has always had visions that come and go as they please. Sometimes they are utter nonsense, and at other times they are very eerie predictions of the future.  But after slightly brushing by a hot stranger she receives the weirdest vision of all.  The hot stranger dressed in weird garb battling scary monster type things.  Lorelei pushes the vision out of the way, more intent on the hotness of said boy, but imagine her surprise when the guy shows up the next day at her school!  And an even bigger surprise?  When he blows off the popular chick to sit with her and her two best friends, Glitch and Brooklyn.  But while Lorelei's head is halfway up to cloud nine to find Jared next to her, she also has a very real and immediate fear of Cameron who has not only taken to staring at her intently, but also to an extremely bad habit of stalking her.  Talk about a freak out, especially as Cameron is the loner bad boy type who has never taken a liking to any of the females throwing their selves at his blonde chiseled body. And before she can even feel a hint of flattery, Lorelei realizes quickly that there is bad blood between the two boys, and affection seems to be the last thing on Cameron's mind.  The two have a definite mutual hate going on, and she seems to be in the middle of it without even knowing why.  But leave it to this curious teen to trail after them to get answers, especially after nearly dying, being kidnapped, and either having hallucinations or testifying to the fact that she witnessed actual magic ability surrounding the two fighting boys. Lorelei, who believed life couldn't get more boring, is about to find out just how interesting it really is!

Death and the Girl Next Door was full of LOL moments.  The dialogue was witty, fun, and fresh, and had me laughing at the most inappropriate times.  (That'll teach me to read in public places).  The characters themselves were full of life and a good dose of personality and charm that made each one unique.  However, the actual plot had me hanging.  I won't ruin it for other people, but let me say Jared was not what I thought he was going to be.  I mean...it says "death" in the title, which immediately had images of the grim reaper filling my head. Unfortunately for me, I was every which way from wrong.  The plot took a weird turn for me as soon as what Jared really is was fleshed out (most probably due to my prior imaginings), and while it was still highly entertaining, after finishing it I feel like a read a cult novel instead of a fun YA book. Maybe cult is too harsh a word for it as it isn't a deep book, but you get my drift.  Also from the synopsis, and cover art, I thought this was going to be a love triangle, but imagine my sadness when I find out is isn't.  Death and the Girl Next Door was still a fun read, and I do recommend it, but I vote if you can find it at your local library to borrow it instead of purchasing.
4089561
I loved the unusual format with copies of newspaper articles, magazine articles and many other artifacts included in this novel.  It made it seem more realistic and interesting.  The story, with strange characters and plots galore was both intriguing and spell binding.  I enjoy this author's ability to draw in the reader and make it impossible to put down once you are into the story.
96534
Honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this book. The premise is ... well, quite out there to be honest, but I'm happy to report that it was a blast. Quite trippy! Thanks to whispersync I jumped back and forth between reading and listening to the book, great narrator so I'll be honest and admit I listened much more than I read! While the story may not be for everyone -- and I'll be completely honest again and admit I have no clue exactly what genre to classify this book as -- it's one heck of amusing wild ride and definitely one of the most unique books I've experienced in a while. If you are looking for something totally different, this may be it.
4199310
I really loved this anthology. Bursting with new ideas and bright imagery, the stories in this collection showcase a great meeting between the modern world of 2015 and classic horror, sci-fi, and fantasy tropes.

Some of my favorite stories include:

"Help Me Follow My Sister Into The Land of the Dead": a funny story with a unique hook that finishes with an ending right out of the golden age of sci-fi.

"Windows": Classic sci-fi scenario made fresh with a down to earth setting and heartfelt emotion.

"Skullpocket": Creepy, gross, and supremely weird, this story alone is worth the purchase price of this anothology. As unsettling a piece of weird fiction as it is, its ability to find the humanity within a town full of monsters makes it a stand out.

The bottom line is, I enjoyed every story in this anthology (a rarity!) and it made me excited about the authors within.
3698219
So bizarre and interesting, I could not put it down. Told from the perspective of a 5 year old boy who doesn't know that his whole world is just a small cage; that he is actually held captive by a monster. His simple perspective on this tough subject is haunting and really he keeps popping into my mind, even weeks after finishing the book. Also an amazing story of a mother's love; how she makes their prison a home, which is good in the beginning, but very difficult in the end. Great read for a difficult topic.
1200627
Welcome back to the bizarre world of John Loveheart Esq. in The Contrary Tale of the Butterfly Girl by Ishbelle Bee - the sequel to The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath.  This is Victorian England as youve never seen it  unless of course youve read Bees first novel.  Although this second book in the series offers a few new very interesting twists to her world.

Early on in this book we are introduced to a character who is described as a demonic multi-tasker. (I laughed out loud when I read this scene; youll love it). We meet him as he is blissfully perusing dungeon equipment and lauding the fact that people invented it, not demons and he says you make me smile.  Here is our heros nemesis in all his deranged, pure evil, glory.

Our hero?  Well, Mr Loveheart is back!  He is still a wonderfully psychotic hero with a penchant for drama and an obsessive sweet tooth for pastries, sponges and custard tarts. Our dear deranged Mr Loveheart is lonely - he seeks a queen with a good sense of humour. Fond of cakes. Mad as a kilt.  When he finds his dream girl, he must not only win her, but save her.  He parades through the novel displaying his outrageous fashion sense and wielding a sword trying to defeat our mega multi-tasking demon.  He is aided in his mission by the return of Detective White and Constable Walnut of Scotland Yard.  These two are essentially the straight men to Loveheart and they really do help make this a fun book.

Structurally, I found The Contrary Tale of the Butterfly Girl more fragmented than the The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath. I found the multiple story threads were not quite as seamlessly integrated  although there was no problem with keeping track of the different POVs. It was merely that occasionally my reading experience was jarred by the transitions.  There was a battle in a church seemed a little too contrived  almost like Bee waved her wand to get out of a literary corner.  Although in a world so heavily laced with magic and with these characters perhaps they took control in their own inimitable fashion. These tiny issues were something I didn't notice with the first book. However despite this The Contrary Tale of the Butterfly Girl is an action packed, hilariously horrific, engrossing story that I could not put down  I loved it!

Bees brilliance in lies in, not only her bizarre world vision, but in the wonderfully deranged stream of consciousness that she writes for her hero and his nemesis.  Her style in these passages, complete with varying font sizes and placement, make for hilarious reading that I  found myself reading aloud with delight - again.  Keep watch for the incident with the cursed sapphire and Wales  another laugh out loud moment. (Oh who am I kidding? There were lots of laugh out loud moments!)

The ending resolves the main plot arcs here nicely,  but leaves things open nicely for a new adventure  I cant wait!