June Book Reviews!

June Book Reviews!

Wow...

This book...

Okay, let me start by saying I'd seen this book all over Twitter and Instagram. I didn't really know what to expect other than it was a popular book being read by a lot of reviewers, so it must be engaging. What I got was so much more. Ward is putting on a clinic for writers. The writing, the plot, the characters, the twist...Holy guacamole the twists!! It's a dark book with really intense topics, and every time I assumed I knew what was happening, I was proven wrong. It's a book the explores mental illness.

It sticks with you.

Honestly, it wasn't at all what I was expecting, and that's always a pleasant surprise. If you like unsettling horror, this is for you! all over Twitter and Instagram. I didn't really know what to expect other than it was a popular book being read by a lot of reviewers, so it must be engaging. What I got was so much more. Ward is putting on a clinic for writers. The writing, the plot, the characters, the twist...Holy guacamole the twists!! It's a

CW: Child abuse and child death

After getting caught up in a tragic accident, Stephen Barber is eager to move on with his life. Except, the past won't die. Stephen is the target of a century old curse that is slowing transforming him into something unrecognizable. It's up to his wife Moira to piece together the puzzle and save him before it's too late.

Generous writes a quick paced, high tension horror that will have readers glued to the page. Despite Stephen's poor judgement and inexcusable actions revolving around the accident, he exhibits remorse and guilt, casting him as a sympathetic protagonist. The punishment of his actions is harsh, and centers on a mystery a hundred years in the making. His punishment involves a transformation that is unique and thrilling. There are some vivid scenes of violence* related to the backstory of the curse, but the majority of the horror falls in the "weird" category, which makes it a lot of fun to read.

Readers looking for a fast fulfilling horror read with a sympathetic protagonist will love this book!

*CW: rape, child death

Eric LaRocca weaves a fast paced story of obsession and twisted love in this weird-fiction horror novella. Two women meet through an internet chat room and begin exchanging harmless emails. Things progress rapidly and the women begin talking more frequently, revealing their own secret desires. What started out as a simple friendship quickly spirals into madness leaving the reader wondering, "What the hell did I just read?"

Zoe and Anges are well-developed characters who instantly capture the reader's focus. While their tone is a bit overly formal at times (even in the context as strangers on the internet), they each compliment the other's needs and secret desires. These two were made for each other- until they weren't.

This short novella packs a lot of tension and sorrow, a mix of empathy and despair, all within the confines of emails and Instant Messages (remember those, kids?). LaRocca masters the art of storytelling within the experimental story telling structure. He holds nothing back, which allows the reader to experience a wealth of emotions as the relationship between these two women takes several unexpected twists and turns.

Readers who love Palahniuk will devour LaRocca's story of infatuation.