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Sweet Home 5 Star Review *No Spoilers*
Sweet Home 5 Star Review *No Spoilers*
Sweet Home on Netflix
When people start transforming into deadly monsters, a ragtag group of neighbors, confined to their apartment complex, must come face-to-face with their own inner demons and answer the question, who are the real monsters? Released on December 18, 2020, Sweet Home became the first South Korean series to hit Netflix’s top ten list, and it’s much deserved. With incredible performances by young and seasoned actors, this show lands every punch.
Despite many characters getting a moment in the spotlight, the main protagonist Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang) is where the focus resides. He’s a minor whose family has died, leaving him little money or prospects, and has been forced to move into the apartment complex where he spends lonely days playing video games and dreaming up his death. We are introduced to the other main protagonists including Seo Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young), a firefighter who is grieving the loss of her fiancé, Lee Eun-hyuk, (Lee Do-hyun) an aspiring medical student who quickly becomes the brains of the group, a teenage ballet dancer Eun-yu (Go Min-si) who is Eun-hyuk’s younger sister, Jung Jae-heon (Kim Nam-hee), a devoted Christian who happens to know how to wield a sword, and Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-wook), a mysteriously man who everyone thinks is a gangster. Together, these and other neighbors must ban together to fight the growing number of monsters infiltrating their building.
Available on Netflix
The monsters are awesome, and it’s no surprise considering the team had $2.4 million dollars an episode to play with. The many different types of creatures jump off the screen, including a giant eyeball looming outside the complex, a half-headed elf-ish creature that can’t see, and a version of the Hulk except much more blood thirsty. The concept behind the monsters is even cooler. They are us. We are them. They spawn from what most desire, and no one is immune from transforming.
The real beauty of this movie is the balance between external and internal struggles. We get glimpses of backstories and discover that each character has something to hide, and each character has a secret desire that could easily cause their inner monster to spawn given the right circumstances. The actors do an impeccable job of displaying this turmoil in their actions and dialogue creating plenty of tension mixed with many empathetic moments and a few shed tears. The ending leaves viewers with plenty of questions and high hopes that another season is on the way.
Popcorn #BookReviews: Quick Kernel Reviews
This Is Not A Ghost Story by Andrea Portes #BookReview 3 Stars
While I'm sure this book will find a large audience, it wasn't the right fit for me. It's written from the POV of our seventeen year old protagonist Daffodil, who speaks to the reader and tells her story. There's an authenticity to her voice as she sometimes rambles, sometimes fumbles, sometimes repeats herself. While that is realistic to the character, it's a tad overwhelming at times as a reader who doesn't naturally gravitate toward fiction written for younger audiences. Although, I do believe teenager horror fans would find this type of voice entertaining and relatable. The plot is a little hard to talk about without giving anything away. At first, I wasn't sure where it was leading me. I didn't get a clear picture until about 2/3rds into the story, and it made for a fun twist. The flip side to this- it took 2/3rds of the book for me to really get invested, and while the ending had a enjoyable unexpectedness to it, there was a large part that left me disappointed. Overall, this wasn't for me, but I do think a younger audience would enjoy.
‘Tis Better to Want by Sonora Taylor #BookReview 5 Stars
This twenty page short story is exactly what the world needs right now! It’s an erotic Krampus tale about a young woman who lusts for punishment. Enter the hot and steamy demon Krampus, who is eager to oblige. This little slice of passion is a ton of fun!
Devil’s Creek by Todd Keisling 4 star Book Review
Keisling's cult horror novel takes a hard look into small town religion and culture. The book starts with a disturbing and vivid introduction to the small Kentucky town that becomes notorious for a grisly murder suicide event. Six children are saved from sacrificial alter and grow up under the watchful eyes of the town. Jack Tremly, one of the six. vowed to leave the town and never return, which is exactly what he did until the death of his grandmother. Now, he must return home and the evil that's waiting.
Jack is a brave protagonist, motivated to uncover a secret hinted to him after his grandmother's death. He teams up with a few of his fellow survivors and delve into the mysterious happenings of the cult that nearly took their lives. Small town bigotry is exposed. Alliances are tested, and all while the devil from their past starts to rise from the grave. The supernatural mixes with horror as the tension rises throughout the book. There were moments when I felt the plot could have moved a little quicker, but overall, the stakes were high and the horror palpable. This was a great read!
#BlackOwnedBusiness Unique Christmas Gift Guide
Christmas Guide for the Person Who Has Everything #BlackOwnedBusiness Edition
Maybe you’re looking for something other than books or writing related gifts. Here is a gift guide of unique gifts all sold by #BlackOwnedBusiness shops!
Check out these incredible “That Time of The Month” ceramic earnings by Kenya Cree Shop on Etsy. They’re $35.00 with ear wire closures. If you happen to get there too late to snag these up, don’t worry! This shop is packed with amazing earrings.
I love Pierre Santos! He is an amazing UK based artist who makes the most unique and spectacular pieces. While his larger pieces are a bit pricey, you can pick up a “POC Pack Series” which includes seven images at 6x4" 300 GSM Ultra Pearlescent Hi- White paper for $25.00
Did you know that orange calcite is a crystalline form of calcium carbonate found in limestone? The energy in the stone amplifies positive energy and gives off creative energy. Cool, right? You can pick up one of these stones for $3.80 from Gold Soul Treasure Room on Etsy.
How about a tattoo? I know I’d love if someone gifted me with new ink! Check out Toronto based tattoo artist Brittany Randell on Instagram where you learn about scheduling and browse her flash. She’s self-taught and focuses on animals, floral, and portraits.
#BlackOwnedBusiness Christmas Shopping List for Writers and Book Lovers
Let’s Make A Pledge
In 2020, let’s pledge to skip Amazon. Instead, let’s show this holiday season at Black owned businesses. Here is a list of such business with amazing gifts for writers and book lovers:
Coloring Books by XavierArts available on Etsy
If you’re looking to take a break from reading and writing, check out these gorgeous coloring books designed by Xavier Arts on Etsy. This shop offers digital downloads of single sheets as well as coloring books that include five originally designed 8.5” x 11” coloring sheets.
Khoas and Kreations available on Etsy
Khoas and Kreations has a wide variety of unique stickers perfect to spice up your day planner or any boring surface. They’re reasonably priced, all under $3.00, with shipments usually arriving between 3-5 days.
Black Mom Magic available on Etsy
This shop has so many incredible gifts! They make custom corporate gifts, journals, stickers, and tees. This shop aspires to provide qualities items to encourage “authentic inspiration to be your best self.” Check out their journals!
Alijhae Arts available on Etsy
Alijhae Arts creates stunning bookmarks, art prints, stickers, t-shrits, notebooks, pins, and beauty supplies. The bookmarks are one side laminated, 2'“ x 6”, and come in a pack of three for only $4.00.
K Ligg Co. available on Etsy
K Ligg is on a mission to “inspire women of color,” and she succeeded! This shop specializes in bookmarks, stickers, notebooks, and prints. The incredible print featured below is $10 for a 5 x 7 or $15 for 8.5 x 11.
The Trini Gee
The Trini Gee creates products “infused with Melanin and Culture.” They produce clothing, aprons, mugs, notebooks, pillows, phone cases, masks, stickers, duffel bags, water bottles, and beanies. Below is one of there shirts with faces of Black women authors. The best part of this shirt is that the owner of the shop doesn’t list the authors displayed. It’s up to you to educate yourself and learn the identity of each woman. This shop is absolutely worth checking out!
There are TONS of Black owned businesses! These are only a few to get you started on your holiday shopping!
Shiver Anthology Pre-Sale Is Live!
Shiver Anthology is Pre-Sale Here!
You’ve patiently waited, and now the big moment is here! Shiver, a chilling anthology, is officially available for pre-order through Amazon! Paperbacks will be available on January 11, 2021, the official launch date. Check out this amazing wrap by Rooster Press!
Here is the TOC:
Sam Sumpter
Patrick Barb
Mark Wheaton
Sarah Jane Huntington
Ian A. Bain
Emily Reinhardt
Richard Webb
Christopher Wood
Mason McDonald
Alex Ebenstein
Michael Tichy
Lillah Lawson
Jonathan Torres
Erin Louis
Charles Maria Tor
Ziaul Moid Khan
Stehpanie Rabig
Eric Raglin
Steve Stred
Jessica Guess
KC Loesener
Jeremy Megargee
Sara Mullins
Jessie Small
Laura Nettles
Tiffany Michelle Brown
Sam Heaps
Brennan LaFaro
Enjoy!
Helena by Claire L. Smith #BookReview
Helena Book Review
4 stars
Helena is a fun fast-paced mystery horror book set in the 1800s and staring a strong female protagonist. Helena Morrigan is a mortician and funeral home director who can see ghosts. Unfortunately, her circumstances lead her to take up residency in an old home on the brink of a graveyard. While this creates obstacles for Helena, it weaves a fun mystery for readers as Helena finds herself in the web of a serial killer and his victims.
The gothic elements great a dark and macabre tone, set from the opening chapter where we are first introduced to Helena and her unique ability. Her arch starts as a woman with little self-confidence and blossoms into a heroine who courageously battles evil. She’s a bold character with many likeable and relatable traits. In fact, all the female characters were extremely well developed and came alive from the page. Since this plot was set in the 1800s, it would have been easy to create females more stereotypical of how females were perceived in that time period, but these women challenge those conventions, and thank goodness for that!
I enjoyed the horror elements of this book but I’m not sure I would classify it as a horror novel. The mystery elements outweigh the horror, and while there are stark and vivid horror descriptions, those who enjoy a strong dose of horror might be a little disappointed. However, those who enjoy atmospheric horror without the overwhelming guts and gore will find a pleasurable read in the handful of disturbing imagery and themes. (Think more along the lines of The Alienist and Penny Dreadful in terms of horror.)
Overall, it was a fun quick read with some unsettling scenes and a solid mystery plot. Thank you for the free ARC!
31 Spooky Halloween Movies
Countdown to Halloween: 31 Favorite Spooky Movies For Horror Lovers
Looking for some horror movie recommendations just in time for Halloween? Here are 31 are my favorites!
A group of homeless children battle drug dealers with the help of three magic wishes.
A summertime love affair between two men turns deadly.
Come on. Who doesn’t know what this movie is about?
The story of two sisters, an evil stepmother, and a deadly secret.
A young woman is stranded on a island. She’s not alone.
An Iranian vampire protects women in peril.
Again, who hasn’t heard of this movie?
Something sinister lurks below…
A classic. A favorite. A comedy horror delight.
A man tries to bring his daughter to safety as a zombie outbreak occurs.
Breakups are hard.
Don’t take advantage of your position of power or else…
She’s deaf. He’s a killer.
Watch out for the pole! Holy crap, this movie was disturbing!
A little fun and games and gore.
A classic. Beautiful. Tragic.
WTF?!? No, seriously…W…T…F!?
Yeah, a know a bunch of people didn’t like this, but I did, so it made the list. A mom who is trying to care for her kid.
Just don’t say his name.
There’s monsters. There’s ice. There’s Kurt Russell.
Look, we don’t have to agree on every movie to still be friends.
No one is as they seem.
A bunch of people trapped in a scary cube puzzle
Grandma’s a demon.
Music and horror and gore. Some people are overachievers.
Turn off the fucking TV!
Scary stuff in space.
Pretty self explanatory
Again, it’s all in the title.
There’s a cabin, but there’s also some cool other stuff, but then there’s tons of monsters and gore, so if that’s your thing…
Enjoy!
Popcorn Movie Reviews: Short Pop Up Reviews for Busy Movie Lovers
POPCORN #MOVIEREVIEWS
DOGS DON’T WEAR PANTS: AVAILABLE ON SHUDDER
A LONELY MAN CONNECTS WITH A DOMINATRIX. RECOMMENDED WATCH!
SCREAM QUEEN: AVAILABLE ON SHUDDER
LEARN THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES HAPPENINGS TO NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE. RECOMMENDED WATCH!
STARRY EYES: AVAILABLE ON AMAZON PRIME
WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR FAME? RECOMMENDED WATCH!
CREEP: AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX
A LONELY PSYCHO SEEKS A FRIEND: RECOMMENDED WATCH!
1BR: AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX
A YOUNG WOMAN LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY: EH, I KINDA RECOMMEND
Top Five Reads of the Summer #BookReview
This has been a crazy summer! With the world in chaos, I’ve escaped into the fantasy world of literature and emerged with these five hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! While some of these books are only a available as ARCS through NetGalley, they are all 5 star reads that are worth the wait of the impending release days! My full reviews of these books will be on SciFi And Scary throughout the rest of 2020. In the meantime, allow me to entice you with these sneak peak summaries. Here is my list of Top Five Reads of the Summer:
Crosshairs by Catherine Hernandez
Available December 8, 2020
Set in a terrifyingly familiar near-future, with massive floods leading to rampant homelessness and devastation, a government-sanctioned regime called The Boots seizes on the opportunity to round up communities of color, the disabled, and the LGBTQ+ into labor camps.
In the shadows, a new hero emerges. After he loses his livelihood as a drag queen and the love of his life, Kay joins the resistance alongside Bahadur, a transmasculine refugee, and Firuzeh, a headstrong social worker. Guiding them in the use of weapons and close-quarters combat is Beck, a rogue army officer, who helps them plan an uprising at a major televised international event.
The First Sister by Linden Lewis
Available Aug 4, 2020
First Sister has no name and no voice. As a priestess of the Sisterhood, she travels the stars alongside the soldiers of Earth and Mars—the same ones who own the rights to her body and soul. When her former captain abandons her, First Sister’s hopes for freedom are dashed when she is forced to stay on her ship with no friends, no power, and a new captain—Saito Ren—whom she knows nothing about. She is commanded to spy on Captain Ren by the Sisterhood, but soon discovers that working for the war effort is so much harder to do when you’re falling in love.
Lito val Lucius climbed his way out of the slums to become an elite soldier of Venus, but was defeated in combat by none other than Saito Ren, resulting in the disappearance of his partner, Hiro. When Lito learns that Hiro is both alive and a traitor to the cause, he now has a shot at redemption: track down and kill his former partner. But when he discovers recordings that Hiro secretly made, Lito’s own allegiances are put to the test. Ultimately, he must decide between following orders and following his heart.
The Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones
Available September 1, 2020
Stephen Graham Jones returns with Night of the Mannequins, a contemporary horror story where a teen prank goes very wrong and all hell breaks loose: is there a supernatural cause, a psychopath on the loose, or both?
The Crowman Chronicles of the Fallen Volume One by Gareth Clegg
Some say the world is shattered, that our way of life is dying. Our sun fills half the sky and the scorched lands struggle to provide enough to sustain us. Still, there has always been hope. But as that fiery red orb descends below the rocky skyline, then comes the shadow: Dark spirits hell-bent on destroying what’s left of humanity, as if we needed any help.
My name is Cheveyo Santiago. I cheated death as a child, but that trauma marked me, and now I sense the evil in others. So here I am, drawn like a moth to the flame. Though I carry a revolver, I’m no gunslinger, there are plenty faster on the draw than me. My real edge is knowledge.
Old family recipes passed down through the ages – the secrets to banish the shadow back to the hells that spawned it. Salt, Brimstone, Silver and Tallow shall be my weapons.
So, hear this, all creatures and spirits of evil. I know you. I see you. Prepare yourself for judgement.
The Conductors by Nicole Glover
Available April 13, 2020
As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Hetty Rhodes helped usher dozens of people north with her wits and magic. Now that the Civil War is over, Hetty and her husband Benjy have settled in Philadelphia, solving murders and mysteries that the white authorities won’t touch. When they find one of their friends slain in an alley, Hetty and Benjy bury the body and set off to find answers. But the secrets and intricate lies of the elites of Black Philadelphia only serve to dredge up more questions. To solve this mystery, they will have to face ugly truths all around them, including the ones about each other.