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HellSans by Ever Dundas Book Review
HellSans by Ever Dundas
5 stars
Book Description:
When every word you read, whatever it says, fills you with euphoric calm - that's HellSans; a typeface used everywhere by the government. To keep people happy. Blissful. And controlled.
Unless you're allergic. And then every word is agony. Then HellSans is hell, and reading it will slowly kill you.
HellSans is the story of two women.
CEO Jane Ward is famous and successful, until she falls ill with the allergy and her life falls apart, dumping her in the ghetto with the other HSAs (HellSans Allergic). Where she meets...
Dr Icho Smith, a scientist who has a cure for the allergy. But she's on the run from the government, and the Seraphs, a terrorist group with their own plan for the HSAs...
HellSans innovative structure allows you to read either Jane or Icho's story first, before their lives meet in the terrifying finale.
HellSans is dystopia writ large. A novel where words can kill.
REVIEW
This is one of my favorite 2022 reads!
Dundas takes readers on a thrilling ride where words can literally set off an allergic reaction resulting in a variety of symptoms including boils, blisters, and possibly death. This dystopian world revolves around two dynamic woman: Dr. Icho Smith who is researching a cure and CEO Jane Ward who famously is in charge of the ominous Company which manufactures personal assistant machines to make life as easy as possible. Icho finds herself wrapped in a conspiracy with the only sliver of hope for her survival resting with Jane. Jane quickly discovers the horrors of the HellSans allergy when she becomes infected and dumped in the ghetto with the other forgotten and discarded members of society. Together, they must work towards unraveling a mystery before it’s too late.
Jane and Icho are perfectly matched. Jane’s ego, brisk nature, and flaunting of wealth make her the slightly less sympathetic of the two, but Icho softens Jane’s edges. The book is divided into three parts allowing readers to pick Icho or Jane’s point-of-view to begin the book. While these two sections can be read in either order, Jane’s story explains the technology in more detail and might be more desirable to those who want a more thorough understanding of the assistant machines the Company manufactures. Icho is arguably the more likeable of the two, so those looking to have an instant connection with a character are encouraged to being with her section.
As the plot progresses, themes of reliance on technology and the difference between the “haves” and the “have nots” becomes apparent. Characters are quick to gobble up the lies of politicians and those in affluent positions while they turn up their noses at the most vulnerable in their community. The parallel between fiction and reality often becomes unsettling as Dundas forces readers to hold a mirror up, not only to themselves, but to the world we live in. With expert writing and thrilling tension, the suspense becomes palpable in the final section where everything comes together, readers are left contemplating the morals of this dystopian world.
I highly recommend checking this one out! Buy it here.
The Butcher by Laura Kat Young
The Butcher Book Review
4.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads and NetGalley
Young presents readers with a world where questioning authority has deadly results. Lady Mae is set to inherit her mother's job as the town Butcher. The Butcher is required to settle atonements. When a citizen breaks the law, they are sentenced to a certain number of atonements. Each atonement equates to a body part being chopped off by the Butcher. As Lady Mae's time to take over grows closer, she is challenged to question the way the government is run. She is faced with a challenge. Should she follow the law of follow her conscious?
This stunning cast of characters reaches out of the page and captures the emotions of the reader. Lady Mae's mother Winona shows a deep devotion to her daughter, and their bond holds fast in a world that hates them. This mother-daughter relationship shows a tenderness in a world of harsh consequences. As the plot unravels, the characters are faced with moral dilemmas that test their bravery. Each y-in the road build tension and sucks the reader deeper into this tense and compelling premise. Some readers may even become teary eyed; the connection Young develops between reader and story is that strong. This dystopian emotional horror is perfect for those looking for a unique premise with heartfelt characters and high tension.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro Book Review
The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro
Five Star Review
Castro weaves a haunting tale of motherhood that reaches through the pages, grips reader’s hearts, and squeezes tight. Alejandra is a stay-at-home mother whose identity has gotten lost in the shuffle of daily mundane activities. Her condescending husband is no help as Alejandra spirals into a deep depression and begins seeing haunting visions. Desperate to fight her way out of the darkness, she consults a therapist and together, they dig into Alejandra’s Mexican heritage to search for a way to combat the growing ghostly threat. It’s up to Alejandro to face her demons in order to survive.
Castro’s masterful horror takes readers through generations of Mexican women’s lives and the struggles they endured. Each point-of-view digs into the women’s sorrow, but it also shines a light on their love for their children and a strong connection with their heritage. Alejandra is relatable; she loves her children but feels the heaviness and loneliness of being a mother. Her search for identity mirrors reality, and Alejandra’s strength transcends the page and provides inspiration for those also hurting.
The haunting story of La Llorona (a tragic tale of a mother who drowned her children) intertwines with the characters and plot using a fresh and compelling perspective. Horror elements terrify thanks to Castro’s visceral descriptions. Heavy themes of family, resilience, and motherhood saturate the pages and leave the reader wanting more. Those looking for an emotional journey of self-discovery will devour this expertly crafted horror.
Readers who enjoyed Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder and Full Immersion by Gemma Amor will enjoy the deep emotional journey of The Haunting of Alejandra. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward
Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward Book Review
3 Stars
Ward crafts a compelling premise complete in this spicy supernatural horror. Cecile Dulac is a French prostitute turned dancer/performer who gets roped into a séance. A vengeful spirit is conjured into her body, forcing Cecile to fight for her autonomy. Meanwhile, the charming George Dashwood swoons over Cecile and is determined to play the role of knight in shining armor, but at what cost? Will Cecile and George survive the spirit's deadly intentions?
Cecile is a sex-positive character who falls prey to the spirit who overtakes the woman's body and uses it for lustful acts while Cecile is unable to stop the events from occurring. Since Cecile can't offer her consent, some readers will find the actions in this book a bit troubling, despite the woman's own love for intimacy. George is equality polarizing as some readers may find his attraction and attention to Cecile romantic, while others will reason that his connection is based largely, if not entirely, on her shapely body. His desire to be with her seems less about love and more about lust, which makes his motivations throughout the plot a little challenging to believe.
In spite of these hiccups, Ward weaves a quick paced tale of revenge and thwarted love. Readers looking for a spicy spooky read will enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!
Full Immersion by Gemma Amor Book Review
Full Immersion Book Review
5 Stars
Back Cover:
A traumatised woman with amnesia finds her own dead body and sets out to uncover the truth of her demise in a race against time, sanity, crumbling realities and the ever-present threat of the Silhouette.
When Magpie discovers her own dead body one misty morning in Bristol, it prompts her to uncover the truth of her untimely demise. Her investigations take her on a terrifying journey through multiple realities, experimental treatments, technological innovations and half-memories in a race against time and sanity. Accompanied by a new friend who is both familiar and strange, and constantly on the run from the terrifying, relentless presence of the mysterious predator known only as Silhouette, Magpie must piece together the parts of her life previously hidden. In doing so, she will discover the truth about her past, her potential, and her future
Review:
Amor weaves a beautifully haunting tale of post-partem depression with dark imagery and eerie tones. A mother on the verge of self-harm makes one last attempt to save herself by applying to an experimental therapy program. Suddenly, she wakes up and comes face-to-face with her own dead body. Now, she must navigate a blurred world between truth and illusion in order to uncover her deepest secret.
This story is exquisitely written with a sympathetic protagonist that seeps into the reader’s soul and latches on for dear life. Amor bravely bares her heart on the page for inspection as the mother character must journey into her past in order to save her future. The drama unravels in a satisfyingly slow and steady pace with enough tension to keep the reader engaged from start to finish. While this premise has been explored by other authors, Amor spins the familiar tale of motherhood with a unique and personal perspective. This story will stick with readers longer after the final word.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Ebola Saves the Planet and Other Wholesome Tales by Matthew A. Clarke
Ebola Saves the Planet and Other Wholesome Tales Book Review
This is a wild ride worth taking!
Matthew A. Clarke compiles a bizzaro collection featuring eleven short stories with unique scenarios. Whether it's Pinocchio prostituting himself or an unusual girl with button eyes, the characters are imaginative and memorable as they navigate a variety of weird and eclectic scenarios. Several stories relate to the end of the world or realities where humanity must adapt to a new world which makes this a fascinating and unnerving collection.
With the eleven stories sit a few that stood out.
The collection starts with "Best Birthday Ever." A man gets to participate in his favorite game show. This story takes a hard look at how far someone would go to win a state-of-the-art cheese grater and a wheel of mature Frayton cheese.
"Mortal coil" will pull at reader's softer side as two young friends navigate life Post-Coil. Yes, the world is littered with grenade-like coils. Touch one and blow up. Teddy and friend Speedo must steer clear of these deadly devices as they go on an adventure.
This collection is well developed with a strong sense of voice from Clarke. Readers who love bizzaro horror and aren't squeamish will enjoy this five star collection! Buy it here!
Moonfellows by Danger Slater
Moonfellows Book Review
This is a fun one!
Award winning author Danger Slater takes readers back-in-time to the early 1900's when the space program sends a group of civilians to the moon on a secret quest to acquire a rare rock. Don't worry to much about scientific accuracy. That's not why readers will flock to this book. Instead, they will find a wild adventure of a few brave space travelers who must figure out a way to survive when events spiral out-of-control. With a spatter of horror and a heavy helping of bizzaro, Moonfellows titillates readers with compelling characters and thought-provoking themes of loneliness and resilience. It's a quick read that will stick with readers long after the final word.
Buy it here!
Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer: Quick Review
SUBURBAN HELL BY MAUREEN KILMER
4 STARS OUT OF 5
Possession has come to the suburbs!
It's starts with an innocent She-Shed and ends with complete horror! This is a quick and fun book with a bit of humor laced into a story of possession and friendship. A group of suburban moms must work together when one of their own falls to the dark side.
Amy, Liz, Melissa, and Jess are likeable and realistic characters that come alive off the page. Their bond goes beyond playdates and picnics, which makes this a lovely story of sisterhood in the middle of creative horror elements. Readers who enjoyed My Best Friend's Exorcism will find Suburban Hell to be a similar plot but focused toward middle-aged moms. Overall, this is a fun one that readers will quickly consume!
Beyond the Creek by Nico Bell
When Alex Foster accepted the caregiver position with the eccentric Nox family, she was issued a single rule. Don’t wander past the creek. Alex isn’t interested in exploring the Nox’s vast wooded property. After escaping an abusive past, her sole focus is building a safe future for herself and her unborn baby. Except, a series of chilling events threatens her happily-ever-after. Now, she must fight to survive an ancient evil before all hope is lost.
There’s something beyond the creek, and it’s hungry.
BEYOND THE CREEK is a southern creature horror.
ASIN : B09S8H27NS
Publisher : D&T Publishing LLC (February 9, 2022)
Publication date : February 9, 2022
Language : English
Print length : 127 pages