book reviews – Life Gone Write

Horrid- I’d eat this book.

Horrid’s first page is one of the best beginnings I’ve ever read.

Horrid by Katrina Leno

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Karina Leno’s Horrid is like the old house it takes place in, a typical haunted mansion that you’ve seen a hundred times, but you still want to explore the dark insides.

I was excited when I came across the Owl crate addition of HORRID in a used bookstore, especially since the timing aligned with my YA Horror binge. I loved the cover, and the creepy poem in the beginning hooked me immediately. Leno’s use of the old rhyme is stellar, and as a writer that loves to add poetry to prose, I’m 100% partial to a creepy nursery rhyme being part of a novel.

That said, I went in with low expectations. I hadn’t heard raving reviews for Horrid. After all, I found my copy in a used book store less than year after it’s release.

Maybe that’s why I loved this story so much! I got a much better book than I anticipated. I adored the creepy house and garden, the Agatha Christie references, and the simple, classic feel to the writing. The first page is perfect, one of the best beginnings I’ve ever read. Horrid doesn’t have a flashy plot. It’s not groundbreaking. The characters are familiar because I’ve seen similar ones before. But Horrid is creepy, and sometimes I want less flash, more comfort. Horrid is a thunderstorm read, a book you grab over a quiet fall weekend and read by the window while it rains. Exactly what I needed at the time. I devoured it in two days.

I have a feeling the ending might throw some readers, which I can understand. If you aren’t prepared for a horrid ending (Sorry about the pun, I couldn’t resist), or you’re looking for something truly terrifying or out of the box, I recommend passing on this one. I happen to be in the mood for classically creepy when I read this, so I loved this book. That said, I’m ready to find an out of the box YA horror now.

View all my reviews

Soulless by Ismael Manzano

There’s a new author out in the paranormal genre world named Ismael Manzano, and I have to say, he has some pretty cool ideas.

His debut novel, Soulless, is built around the concept of soul brokering, which is exactly what it sounds like, people buying and selling their souls.

Pretty cool, right?

When Soulless was kindly given to me by Fantasy Works Publishing, I was pretty interested even though this isn’t my normal read. Plus it’s a free book, and I like books.

In fact, I loooovvvve books.

When I fist started reading it, I wasn’t immediately hooked. Not because of the story itself, but because of me. I am fickle girl, and if there isn’t a sexy guy in the first ten pages or someone doesn’t die, I tend to want more. I kept reading though, because the premise of this book is so unique. A world where souls are bought and sold is such a catchy concept, and Ismael is obviously talented, so I wanted to see where the story would take me.

Ladies and gentleman, this book took me places.

Murder!

tumblr_inline_ns66oiHgvG1qkug0j_500 — Obviously, this is a joke. Real people dying is sad!

The first murder scene was completely out of nowhere (in the good sort of way) and really got the story going. Once this book turned on it’s engine, I buckled myself in and enjoyed the ride.

This book was different, not cliche in the least, and I liked that about it. However, there were a few things I missed that are cliche ( after all, things become cliche for a reason!). I didn’t like the lack of romance and the slight dryness of the main character. In many ways I loved reading a book from an anti-BS heroine who was tough, sharp and independent. I just think she needed one more little layer. Soulless took a few chapters to really get started, but that is common in complex books, specifically series. The originality and hilarious puns made up for it. Plus, there were some really quality descriptions.

“Darkness was descending over the east, turning the taller buildings into mammoth sundials, the shadows stretching taunt as the sun made its sleepy climb down the ladder of the western horizon.”

See what I mean? Quality!

The story builds, and by the end I’d read some really interesting scenes that will stick with me.

This book will appeal to male and female audiences, something I think the industry needs more of. That was a big plus for me. I’d give this book 3.75 stars, but I round, so four stars for Soulless!

I’d recommend this book to reader who like mystery and action. Grab your copy here!

And if you read it, don’t forget to write your own review. Ismael is a break out author, and reviews are the second best way to support them! Buying their book is a close first!

Review of A Grimm Curse

Hello everyone, it’s been too long!

No really, it’s been too long. Shame on me. I got a little caught up with my own writing journey (check out my new book page for The Mercy Killers Here ) and I started a few new projects, built a website, it’s tax season…

You get the idea.

But you guys aren’t here to learn about me, you want to hear about BOOKS! I’ve got a fun one for you, a great YA fairy tale twist. I haven’t read a good fairy re-telling in while, so when this popped up on NetGalley I was excited.

tumblr_m6wb69IX871qczxoeo1_500_zps2105fefb — Really excited!

A Grimm Curse is a prequel that ties into the series Grimm Tales by Janna Jennings. It’s cute, original enough to be considered fresh, but stays close enough to it’s Grimm roots to still be considered a solid fairy tale retelling. The story is fun, the characters are relatable, and the cover is realistic with a little hint of magic.

I have yet to read the other books in this series, so the main characters in this book, Cynthia and Remi, are the only characters I am familiar with. My lack of familiarity with the series wasn’t a problem at all, this book can be read as a stand alone.

I love Cynthia. She is a loose retelling of Cinderella, except with ten times more spunk and a dash of imperfection. Remi is charming, and Janna Jennings did a great job of making the frog prince a believable character, even as a frog.

Overall this book is adorable with a bittersweet ending. How refreshing to read a YA book revolving around fairy tales that possesses such a different sort of end. The ending is right…it just isn’t one hundred percent happily ever after.

The only negative about this book is a few seemingly inconsistencies in the world and the big “reveal” about what the world really is. I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s say the world is a bit dreamy. While the concept was great, the pacing of the reveal is slightly off to me. There are no hints of the big reveal until half the book is finished, which made it a little sudden. It’s a small issue, but still one that stood out.

Overall I give this book four stars. If you are looking for a fun, enchanting read with just enough realistic humanity to keep your feet on the ground, read this little tale. Thanks NetGalley for the review copy, and thanks Janna Jennings for writing it! I’d love to read the rest of the series too. A Grimm Curse definitely hooked me! Grab your copy here!

Review of The Mark of the Shadow Grove

Release date, January 15th, 2016

“The birches- wizening old man arms bursting from the black soil and piercing heaven- are like the columns of some ancient temple.”

This is not my normal fare for books. However, sweeping lines such as the one above hooked me in, and I am very glad I was caught.

The Mark of the Shadow Grove is a horror novel telling three separate stories loosely connected by the leading women’s bloodline and the monsters they revolve around. Each ending is left a little open, giving them creepish mystery. I don’t usually like open endings but it worked so well for this book I can’t say anything else would be better. The book explores the dark elements of witchcraft, ancient cults, and necromancy.

Ross Smeltzer has a writing style which could be considered antiquated. His language architecture often reminds me of Wilde, Emerson and Lovecraft. Part of this may be because the book is set in the past so the language style fits its time period. I think there is more to it. Smeltzer possesses the old talent of creating a captivating setting by using long, flowing descriptions. His style is old fashioned. At the same time he manages not to droll. Many of his strongest lines were simple.

“True evil needn’t be flamboyant about itself.”

The above statement is said in a very colorful setting by a dramatic character. It is one of the most basic lines in the chapter. However, the line caught my attention with it’s simple truth. Smeltzer has similar moments scattered throughout this book and they are my favorite parts of his writing style.

The Mark of the Shadow Grove is not a light read. Its prose sweeps you in and manages to make mundane things come alive with the dark, gloomy mood Smelter casts over his setting. I wouldn’t recommend it for most readers. This book is a certain style built for a certain taste, but the audience it is written for is sure to love it. People with an adventurous and curious side will love it too. The Mark of the Shadow Grove is a gritty example of gothic horror, and I enjoyed it so much I think I will start picking up the genre again. When I was little I would sneak-read Rebecca and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by the lowlight coming from my bedroom window. I forgot how much I enjoyed them. This book reminded me.

4.7 stars for The Mark of the Shadow Grove. I took off because I personally appreciate a slightly quicker pace, and there were instances where the scenes jumped around and I was a tad confused. However, these “flaws” have more to do with me than the book, so I won’t take off much, and as you all know…

I round up!

So five stars will be my rating on all of the review sites.

Grab your own copy of Ross Smeltzer’s The Mark of the Shadow Grove here. It is well worth your time!

WonderWall by M.H Soars

I requested this book on a whim. I’ve read an abundance of dark dystopian lately, and although that genre will forever be my favorite, I needed something else in my life. Something with more lovey-dovey boy drama and a little less “the world is burning down around us”. “Wonderwall” caught my attention because of the cover and the promise of a bad-boy rock star. It promised me drama and love, and that’s exactly what I was in the mood for.

Did “Wonderwall” deliver?

Yes! Wonderwall is Wonderful! ( Sorry, I couldn’t resist the play on words).

Wonderwall is a contemporary romance centering around first love, first heart break, life’s rough punches, and the cost of fame. Olivia, the girl next door, and Sebastian, the boy next door, fall in love at a young age. The rug is ripped out beneath their friendship-turned-romance when a tragedy sends them spiraling into messy territory. Sebastian can’t cope (and no one with a heart can blame him) and Liv pays the price. Fast forward a few years and Sebastian is an international superstar in a boy band. Liv is living out her career dreams with a brand new internship at a posh London hotel. They’ve moved on with their lives-

Except for their damaged hearts, which are still stuck on each other.

Queue the lovey-dovey drama people!

It’s going to get sticky!!!!!!

I enjoyed this book. It has a few cliché’s in it, but they are well executed. The plot is driven. The pacing is great. There are clever lines scattered throughout, and the writing is worth reading . The characters are likeable, loveable, and sometimes hate invoking, which is what readers should experience in regards to a novel’s cast. I wouldn’t let a young teen read this book because things get risqué here and there, but it is a solid New Adult Contemporary Romance.

And it has bad-boy rockstars. So, that’s a big plus.

tumblr_ni1hprwWug1tkg1m9o1_500 — This guy …Sebastian?

“Bas” is a mess. He’s a tortured guy who seems to have everything on the surface, but there is a gaping hole is his heart. There is only one person who can fill it, and it is not his model girlfriend. He is a jerk most of the time, but he loves Liv, despite his best efforts not too. Liv has not been able to move on, and it doesn’t help that the ex love of her life is so famous his face pops up everywhere.

There is some heavy subject matter in “Wonderwall”, but for the most part I’d consider it a light read. I read it for entertainment, not for life changing lessons. It fulfilled its purpose quite well. Parts of this book get cheesy. Especially the ending. It is horribly, wonderfully, tickly butterflies in my stomach cheesy. Not everyone appreciates cute. I get that. I have to be in the mood for mushy gushy. But when I am in the mood, what can I say? I LOVE ME SOME CHEESE!!!!!

The only issue I had with this book was how easily Liv caved when Bas came back. I mean, make him work a little harder! But I guess it would be easy to forgive a gorgeous guy who professes his love for you on stage in front of thousands of people.

Still, I can’t give the book five stars because Liv gave in too easily.

Four stars for M.H Soars “Wonderwall”! This is the first book of her new series, and I will be reading the next installment.

Add me to your newsletter M.H Soars! I will happily write a review for the next one. Good job!

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