thebookrebellion

Trapped In A Modern Ghost Story

The Trapped Daughter by Jay Kerk⁣
Length: 285 pages⁣
Genre: Psychological Thriller⁣
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You Are Invited: A Ghost Story by Sarah A. Denzil⁣
Length: 2019 pages⁣
Genre: Horror / Paranormal / Mystery Thriller⁣

**I requested and received copies of these in exchange for an honest review**

The Trapped Daughter⁣
Have you ever been trapped somewhere? I have.⁣
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Have you ever found that the world does not believe you? I did.⁣
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I have been betrayed by the people I trusted the most. They coil around me like snakes, lulling me with whispers about protection and safety and for your own good.⁣
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They offer up pills like sweets, promising me relief. Just take the meds and everything will be fine, Belle – the meds, Belle, the meds.⁣
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Everything will not be fine, and it never will be. Justice is gone from the world. I have been wronged by Gabe, the man I loved most, and when I turned to others for backup, they sided with him because he’s a star. When I ran to my father for safety, he locked me up in his great big mansion and threw away the key. Now I drift like the ghost Gabe pretended I was, my bare feet tasting the coldness of rich tiles, my breath turning to ice.⁣
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Gabe isn’t real, they tell me. They insult me, they spit at me, then smile and pretend that they wish to help. Meanwhile, Gabe is out there, luxuriating in all that I won for him, and I suffer and burn.⁣

You Are Invited⁣
When Cath receives her invitation to The Event–a monetised retreat for social media influencers–she can’t believe her luck. Irene Jobert is the most famous influencer in the world, and now Cath will be one of the five participants chosen to stay with Irene in a renovated Transylvanian monastery.⁣
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The catch? Their every move will be live-streamed to millions of people around the world. Patrons pay for constant access to their favourite social media stars: Irene, the model; Nathan, the gamer; Jules, the blogger; Daniel, the fitness guru; and Cath, the writer.⁣
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Nestled halfway up a mountain, the five are isolated, with nothing but the internet to connect them to the world. That is, until eagle-eyed live-stream followers all around the globe notice a sixth participant. A dark figure lurking in the background.⁣
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They thought they were alone. Perhaps they were wrong.

The Trapped Daughter by Jay Kerk

I really wanted to like this, the premise is something I would have read and love. Unfortunately, It did not work for me. The writing style is kind of all over the place. And there were a lot of inconsistency with regards to the main character.

I, also, find it repetitive at times and the one first person POV just makes it more noticeable.

The only thing I liked about it is the underlying message of mental health. That’s about it.

As for Goodreads rating, I had to give it two stars.

You Are Invited by Sarah A. Denzil

An atmospheric read! I loved the premise, it reminded me of Kill Creek, a book I read years ago and one I enjoyed a lot.

Something about it’s writing, though, I could not seem to connect. It felt to me like the setting and it’s writing delivery did not go hand in hand, which I don’t know if it makes sense but that’s the first thing that came into mind. It’s probably just a personal thing.

I still enjoyed it that I gave it a solid three stars.

The Ritual: Book & Movie Review

The Ritual by Adam Nevill
Length: 418 pages
First published May 6th 2011

Initial release: 13 October 2017 (United Kingdom)
Director: David Bruckner
Length: 1H 34Min

Four old university friends reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle. No longer young men, they have little left in common and tensions rise as they struggle to connect. Frustrated and tired they take a shortcut that turns their hike into a nightmare that could cost them their lives.

Lost, hungry and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, they stumble across an isolated old house. Inside, they find the macabre remains of old rites and pagan sacrifices; ancient artefacts and unidentifiable bones. A place of dark ritual and home to a bestial presence that is still present in the ancient forest, and now they’re the prey.

As the four friends struggle toward salvation they discover that death doesn’t come easy among these ancient trees…

Let’s start with all things I like:

First half, I thought, was solid. A couple of chapters in and you already find the characters in the middle of the wilderness. You can already feel the tension between the characters about how much they changed over the years, from them being best of friends to their separate lives after college.

Another thing is the atmosphere. Perfectly described setting. It’s eerie without it telling you that it is, but rather showing you by describing the surrounding so well.

Lastly, I also really like how it is written in third person POV, and that it does a great job of balancing the outside (the surrounding) and inner elements (thoughts and feelings).

Now for the not so good parts:

I, personally, don’t like the second half of the book. It’s still good, but it could have been better, I think. It’s just weird and too random for my taste. There’s no reveal or twist that happened whatsoever too, which is disappointing.

There is no clear explanation about the things that happened in the book. Although it does give you keywords about this and that, which is okay for those who are familiar with the element. But as for me, I did my own research about it before continuing. It’s probably just me trying to understand everything and not letting things be. Lol

Movie Review

First of all, there are a few changes I noticed all throughout the movie, but one really stood out for me. That is the addition of Robert as their friend who died from a robbery incident. This story arc added more flavor to the whole story, especially when it comes to the Psychological aspect.

Where the book focuses on Luke being the outsider, the movie touches on Luke’s guilt over their friend’s death. I find this part really interesting and thought-provoking. I mean, If I put myself in Luke’s situation I would have done the same thing and would carry the guilt with me forever.

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. Rarely do I say this, but I like the movie adaptation better than the book itself.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | ADAM NEVILL

The Raven

The Raven by Jonathan Janz⁣
Publication date: September 8, 2020⁣
Genre: Horror Fantasy, Post-apocalyptic, Adventure, Occult and Supernatural⁣

“If you’re searching the horror horizon for a dark star, your next must-read, the silhouette you see coming your way is Jonathan Janz.” – Josh Malerman, New York Times best selling author of Bird Box and Malorie

Fearing that mankind is heading toward nuclear extinction, a group of geneticists unleash a plot to save the world. They’ve discovered that mythological creatures such as werewolves, vampires, witches, and satyrs were once real, and that these monstrous genetic strands are still present in human DNA. These radical scientists unleash the bestial side of human beings that had been dormant for eons, and within months, most people are dead, and bloodthirsty creatures rule the earth. Despite the fact that Dez McClane has no special powers, he is determined to atone for the lives he couldn’t save and to save the woman he loves. But how long can a man survive in a world full of monsters?

FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

First of all, the writing is superb. I’ve heard of this author before and seen his books here on bookstagram many times, but this is my first time reading one of his books. Thanks to Netgalley and to Flame Tree Press for the opportunity.

This could have been too much with all the mythical creatures involved, but, holy damn, it worked out pretty solid for me. The explanation about how they came to be is genius! Also, the fight scenes aren’t that hard to follow, which is my problem with a lot of action-packed books.

I love the main character and his struggles psychologically. I thought his character is so well-written, I especially enjoyed reading the journal entries. And I wouldn’t mind reading a prequel of this (before the event).

I would say, though, that this one is set up for a sequel, which is actually exciting!

Fast-paced, action-packed! Dark and graphic! I gave this one a solid four stars.

**I requested and received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Jao. 🐺

FLAME TREE PUBLISHING | GOODREADS | AMAZON | JONATHAN JANZ |

EVIL QUEEN 👑

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao⁣
Length: 384 pages⁣
Genre: Fairytale Retelling / Dark YA Fantasy⁣
Publication date: Oct. 10 2017⁣

The Wrath and the Dawn meets Snow White and the Huntsman in this dark and mystical East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl’s quest to become Empress.

“A richly developed fantasy world . . . Julie C. Dao is a talent to watch.”—Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Young Elites

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her.

Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng’s majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high? Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins–sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

Set in an East Asian-inspired fantasy world filled with both breathtaking pain and beauty, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns possesses all the hallmarks of masterful fantasy: dazzling magic, heartbreaking romance, and a world that hangs in the balance. Fans of Heartless, Stealing Snow, and Red Queen will devour this stunning debut.

I really enjoyed this one despite the first half being too slow. It’s, definitely, worth the build up. And the writing style made me want to continue.⁣
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Also, it’s so dark and disturbing at times. Xifeng’s character is so driven by her ambition that she is willing to do everything to fulfill it. She’s not afraid to stain her hands with blood just to taste success. You can’t help but root for her, though.⁣
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And true to its inspiration, the main character is obsessed with beauty. And what I liked about it is it makes sense. The whole thing is backed with a solid story and with its setting. It’s not just the character telling the readers about it, but we are able to witness it and how she became her character. ⁣
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My main complain, though, is the lack of fantasy. It’s like Game of Thrones where majority of it are family dramas and politics. It needs more atmosphere and whimsy, I think. Other than that, it’s a solid read.⁣

BABY BLUE

Baby Blue by Warren Dudley
Length: 294 pages

** I requested and received a copy of this from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review **

In the few short years since singer-songwriter Christy DeCarli won reality show Nashville Dreams, her life has descended into a wretched personal hell.

Reeling from the breakdown of her once perfect marriage, her depression, and the haunting visions of her recently still born child, she has reached the end of the road. Battered and worn out, Christy sits alone in the huge lakeside house her fading celebrity had earned her.

On the other side of the quaint Massachusetts village of Boxforth, lives God-fearing grandmother Ida Buckley. Depressed and embarrassed by her current squalid living arrangements, Ida, battling her own demons, has become obsessed with the famous neighbour that shares her strange northern village.

…but Ida has a secret. A secret so dark and nightmarish that what’s left of Christy DeCarli’s young life will be changed forever.

A quick, creepy read. Perfect for a rainy night.

I went into this one blindly, not reading the synopsis, and just crossing my fingers that it would be a good book. And dang! It delivered.

Although, the story revolves around a familiar trope of a grieving mother in the middle of a failing relationship, It never really bothered me since the narrative is in third person. That way, the story is more than just the mother. We, the readers, are able to see other character’s perspective.

Right at the get go, we are introduced to one of the element of the story and that is religion. Personally, I hate reading about religion, esp. when authors write them like a sort of commentary and it gets clear that the character’s identity is in jeopardy. In this case, it worked really well. It never really went to that direction I hate. Instead, it added a sense of creepiness and mystery to the story.

Another thing I enjoyed is the psychological aspect of this book. The main character, Christy, is battling an inner demon that is caused by the stress of losing a child and her failing relationship with her husband. Luckily, she finds comfort from a mysterious old woman and a delivery man who asked her out for dinner. . . But are there more to them than meet the eye?

If you’re in the mood for a quick, creepy read, go and check this one out!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | WARREN DUDLEY

Urban Legend: Melon Heads!!!

MISFITS by HUNTER SHEA⁣
Publication date: SEPTEMBER 8, 2020⁣
Pages: 288⁣
FLAME TREE PRESS

**I requested and received an eARC copy of this from NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review**

During the height of the 90s grunge era, five high school friends living on the fringe are driven to the breaking point. When one of their friends is brutally raped by a drunk townie, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Deep in the woods of Milbury, Connecticut, there lives the legend of the Melon Heads, a race of creatures that shun human interaction and prey on those who dare to wander down Dracula Drive. Maybe this night, one band of misfits can help the other. Or maybe some legends are meant to be feared for a reason.

FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

This is my first Hunter Shea book and it will, definitely, not be the last. I freaking enjoyed this book. That opening chapter is written masterfully, it sets up the mood and lets you taste what the book is all about without spoiling the rest.

Written in third person narrative around five friends as they battle against a humanoid monster called Melon Heads. A quick Google search will tell you that, yes, this is actually true in the American folklore of Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Connecticut. Which adds more depth and atmosphere to the story.

Action sequences after action sequences. The five main characters are up against an Urban Legend and fighting for survival. Not only for themselves, but for their families as well as to the whole town.

Bloody. Gory. Graphic details of body horror. You name it and this book delivers. So, of course, TRIGGER WARNING for these. As well as sexual assault!!!

I highly recommend it!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | FLAME TREE PUBLISHING | HUNTER SHEA

80’s Horror Nostalgia

**I requested and received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**⁣
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It Came from the Multiplex: 80s Midnight Chillers⁣
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Edited by Joshua Viola ; Illustrated by Xander Smith & Aj Nazarro

RELEASE DATE: SEPT. 15, 2020⁣

Welcome to tonight’s feature presentation, brought to you by an unholy alliance of our spellcasters at Hex Publishers and movie-mages at the Colorado Festival of Horror. Please be advised that all emergency exits have been locked for this special nostalgia-curdled premiere of death. From crinkling celluloid to ferocious flesh–from the silver screen to your hammering heart–behold as a swarm of werewolves, serial killers, Satanists, Elder Gods, aliens, ghosts, and unclassifiable monsters are loosed upon your auditorium. Relax, and allow our ushers to help with your buckets of popcorn–and blood; your ticket stubs–and severed limbs; your comfort candy–and body bags. Kick back and scream as you settle into a fate worse than Hell. Tonight’s director’s cut is guaranteed to slash you apart.⁣

First of all, I love the concept. If you’re someone who love vintage Horror movies, especially from the 80’s, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. Personally, I have zero knowledge about it, but I’ve been meaning to start watching them this year and so, I thought, here’s a great collection to start with, as an appetizer. I did enjoy it, don’t get me wrong, especially the first couple of stories, but the second half were lackluster, I think. ⁣

My favorite stories from the collection are:⁣
 Alien Parasites From Outer Space by Warren Hammond⁣
️ Return of the Alien Parasites From Outer Space by Angie Hodapp⁣
 Rise, Ye Vermin! by Betty Rocksteady⁣
️ The Cronenberg Concerto by Keith Ferrel⁣
 Creature Feature by Gary Jonas⁣
️ Negative Creep by Alvaro Zinos-Amaro⁣
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There are 14 short stories from this collection, so go ahead and give it a go!⁣

Here’s the rating breakdown:

Alien Parasites From Outer Space 4
Return of the Alien Parasites From Outer Space 4
Negative Creep 3.5
Helluloid 3
Rise, Ye Vermin! 4
The Cronenberg Concerto 4
Creature Feature 4
Invisible 3
Screen Haunt 2.5
The Devil’s Reel 3
On The Rocks 2
Coming Attractions 2
Late Sleepers 2
Special Makeup 3

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | HEX PUBLISHERS

MAD WOMAN

**I requested and received a copy of this from Book Siren in exchange for an honest review**

What I Did by Kayla Krantz

A friend.⁣
A dangerous situation.⁣
A choice between life and death.⁣
What would you do to survive?⁣

There are books that demand a lot out of us to reach certain level of satisfaction or enjoyment and while I love them I do need breaks from it. And this book is just what I needed. A fast read that delivers to you what it promises and more.

Jessica finds herself in a situation where she needs to decide quickly, to either let the predator be one or fight back.

“Does a scorpion sting when fighting back? They strike to kill and you know I will. You know I will.” -Mad Woman, Taylor Swift

And fight back she did.

I was reading this in the middle of the night and was in a major scene when I asked myself this:⁣

Am I capable of killing someone? Out of hatred maybe or revenge? What about if it’s for self-defense? Will I be able to live with the knowledge that my hands are responsible for someone’s death?

I then asked my best friend the same question and what a conversation we had. Thanks, ate Mac.

I enjoyed this a lot and recommend it for someone who loves a quick, fun read. I gave it four howls of approval!

Go check it out now and give it a try!⁣

AMAZON GOODREADS

Kayla Krantz

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Lie With Me by Philippe Besson

A story told in the perspective of the writer himself, Philippe Besson, reminiscing his adolescence and one particular tale of first, hidden love between two teenage boys who have no chance of a shared future.

“Love, it’s taking each other in the mouth, maintaining a certain comportment despite the frenzy. It’s exercising restraint not to come, the excitement is so powerful. It’s abandonment, that crazy trust in the other.”

This delicate and melancholic narrative showcases the tragedy of silence, the consequences of lying, and of not being truthful to your own self. Elegantly translated in English by Molly Ringwald, it successfully tells the story of how time ultimately wins in the end.

“it’s the likelihood that actually matters more than the truth, that the feeling counts more than accuracy, and above all that a place is not a question of topography but rather the way that we describe it—not a photograph but an impression.”

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS more for its prose and language than the story itself as, I’m sure, this story is familiar to us by now. I say the strength of this short book lies with its narration, its short declarative proses, and even its familiarity. I wish I had this book when I was 15.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett

This is about family, race, and the history of passing in America. It tells the story of twin sisters who choose to live in two different worlds: one black, and one white.

I finished this book yesterday and my initial reaction was “That’s it?” Something isn’t right here. There are storylines that I thought are never resolved and characters that lost its way. And I don’t want to say one-dimensional because it’s far from that, my issue is we are never really shown how some of the characters arrived from one decision to another. That bothered me really.

In the B&N podcast, Brit Bennett talked about how she love writing the end result of a story, how it fascinated her more to explore the possibilities of where a story is going. So that totally makes sense to me.

I really enjoyed this book. I just wish it focus more on the twins relationship with their daughters and the twins themselves, and less on their individual relationship with other characters. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the characters here. Barry for instance, the Drag Queen. Then there’s the relationship between one of the twins daughter and a trans character. I, especially, would love more of this. A separate novel even.

There’s more to this book than just a family saga and I would highly recommend it!

A solid 3-star read!