samlogan52's reviews
26 reviews

The Traveling Vampire Show by Richard Laymon

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

3.25

 Friendship. Coming of Age. Fun.  

This was my first Richard Laymon novel and it got me out of a bit of a reading slump. It was an easy read and I tore through it pretty quickly. The story is mostly a coming of age tale that centers on three teenagers and set in the 1960s. I’m not sure what I expected going into this book but it didn’t quite deliver on the horror. I also felt the ending was a little flat. But, I’m glad I read it and I’ll certainly pick up another Laymon novel in the near future as it was a fun enough read to keep me interested. 

 

Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Original. Unhinged. Engaging. 

What a debut from CJ Leede. She has made a fan for life with this novel. I didn’t know much about it but I picked it up on a bit of a spending spree at Little Ghosts Books in Toronto. I suggest going into this book without reading much about it (except this review). The plot is absolutely engaging from start to finish as it expertly weaves together the characters themselves with the lore, context, and history of Los Angeles. The feminist perspective is refreshing. There are multiple plot points that come together so, so well. The ending is perfect. It’s just a great book. Highly recommend it.

 

Tell Me I'm Worthless by Alison Rumfitt

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 Emotional. Blistering. Raw. 

I’m not sure I can add anything useful to the review space about this book but I’ll try. It’s completely original, timely, brutal, and mysterious. The characters are complex and interesting. The house is fully developed as its own character with its own history, personality, and philosophy. This is a must read for any horror fan. This was Alison’s debut novel. As soon as I finished it, I instantly pre ordered her next novel. Check out content warnings then make an informed decision about picking up this book. 

 

House of Rot by Danger Slater

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

 Decay spiral. Heartfelt. Original. 

This novella is body horror + house-body horror with a tender center that subtly explores the relationship between a newlywed couple, among some other larger themes that I’ll leave you to explore. I’m not sure if house-body horror is technically a subgenre of horror, but if it’s not, it should be and House of Rot goes on its Mount Rushmore. Danger’s prose is simply excellent. The descriptions of the physical and mysterious elements of the story were engrossing (pun intended) and it was a joy to read. The story itself is weird and unique. This was my first read of Danger’s work, but won’t be my last. I have Moonfellows on the shelf and ready to go. 

I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 Brutal. Gut-wrenching. Heart-breaking. 

This may be the most disturbing book I’ve ever read. I think this is because of the combination of Jack Ketchum’s effective and startling prose and the fact that the story is based on true events. The prose was so effective because the story is told from the adult perspective of himself as a kid who was involved with the events. Ketchum makes you feel like you are a voyeur who knows what is happening is wrong but paralyzed to do anything about it. I’d recommend seeking out content warnings ahead of time if this is important to you to consider before jumping in.  

 

Stargazers by L.P. Hernandez

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 Emotional. Original. Survival. 

I enjoyed this novella quite a bit. It’s an interesting and original take on a post-apocalyptic scenario that reveals enough to carry the plot but also doesn’t give everything away leaving some things up to your imagination. Two of the three main characters in this book are a dad and a young daughter, which I can directly relate to which heightened my emotional connection to their plight as the story unfolds. The format was interesting too as interspersed throughout were online forum posts that helped provide some outside context to the zoomed in story of the dad and daughter. Highly recommend it. 

 

OOZE: Little Bursts of Body Horror by Ruth Anna Evans

dark funny lighthearted reflective tense fast-paced

4.25

Disgusting. Fun. Unique. 

I absolutely loved this anthology. It delivers on exactly what is promised- short little tales of body horror that are a blast from start to finish. This little book is expertly designed from the front and back cover, the font choice, and the cool artwork that goes along with each burst. I’m thrilled with the physical copy and will be rereading it again sometime soon. 

 

Last Days by Brian Evenson

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Weird. Noir. Cult. 
This book made it into my top tier of favorite books of all time before I even finished it. I’m finding out that weird fiction/horror is the sub-subgenre I’ve been looking for my whole life and this book does not disappoint. The prose is minimalist yet effective and impactful. As far as the story goes, think of a prequel to John Wick that focuses on his great-grandfather who inadvertently gets mixed up in an amputation cult. Simply brilliant. 

Below by Laurel Hightower

adventurous mysterious tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 Creature. Dread. Isolation. 

This novella is a banger. The author crafts strong characters from the very beginning. You really feel the dilemma the protagonist is put in during the early pages and once decisions are made, you’re just along for the ride. There was an effective blend of character-driven relationships, isolated settings, unexplainable events, and a sparse but impactful use of a creature to drive the narrative. Highly recommended and was an absolute joy to read! 

 

Transmuted by Eve Harms

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 Bonkers. Identity. Fun.

The first part of this story is not fun but heartbreaking and emotional. This serves a purpose to develop strong characters in only a handful of pages. The pacing ratchets up real quick and I was simply engrossed in the unfolding of events that become more and more bonkers but in the most fun way possible. There are twists and turns until its satisfying conclusion. This is a quick read that is well worth the time.