Little Heaven by Nick Cutter

Nick Cutter can scare the hell out of anyone! 

The new Master of Horror, takes the unsuspecting on a rollercoaster ride to the small town of Little Heaven. Three of the meanest killers take on an ancient evil and it’s an adrenalin rush from the start to finish with the outcome in doubt until the last page. 

Make sure you keep the lights on, at all times.

The Mask of Storms (Blood and Honor Book 1) by William Stacey

Author William Stacey has done it again

Although I am not a big fan of novellas, finding them too short to really sink my teeth into, Stacey does not let brevity stand in the way of producing an action filled sword and sorcery tale. His two heroes, Bors, a haunted soldier and Long Tam, a deadly thief make a fantastic pair that team up to chase a magical item; The Mask of Storms. In their quest they will face a forest of swords, a monster from your worst nightmare and dark sorcery.

What a ride!

With the time invested in both these characters, it is hoped that we revisit the pair in the future. I would welcome more adventures with this duo. 

Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles

By J.M. Sullivan 

WOW!!!

Excellent retake on Alice in Wonderland!  This is not your cute Disney kids show. Even for those who are not familiar with the classic story, this story is a run-away train with non-stop action, colorful characters and all the tension a reader could ask for.  J.M. Sullivan is an author to watch for.  Her writing pulls the reader into the story and you find yourself holding your breath one minute and cheering the next. I will definitely be watching for the sequel(s) to the Wonderland series.  Don’t plan on getting much sleep until the final page.

Heart of the Empire

By Carrie Summers  

If fantasy with magic, suspense and danger is your elixir of choice, then look no further than Heart of the Empire. Ms. Summers does a magnificent job world building and creating characters that you cheer for on both side of the conflict. This one of those stories that you are anxious to see how everything works out but don’t want it to end. Fortunately for the reader, this is but one in a series, so there are more exciting chapters to this original story. Looking forward to exploring the other titles that Ms Summers has completed, while I wait for the second installment in this series.

I was given an Advanced Reading Copy of Heat of the Empire in exchange for an honest review.

Live Cross

By Matt Eaton  

I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) from the author in return for an honest review of his novel.

This novel came with no description, so I was totally unaware of what the subject matter comprised of.  What started as a crime novel quickly became a fast paced, intriguing horror story. I was both surprised and delighted.  Without giving any details that might ruin the story for other readers, the heroine is faced with one of the most horrifying and dangerous antagonists that one can imagine.

I have to admit that as I came close to the end of the story, I was uncertain how or if the antagonist could or would be beaten.

Bravo to Mr. Eaton for a well thought out story that keeps you guessing right to the end.

The Officer SF Anthology by Alasdair Shaw

By Alasdair Shaw  

I received this book as an Advance Readers Copy in return for an honest review. There are definitely a number of compelling and thought provoking stories within this collection that makes it a worthwhile buy for science fiction fans. However, a couple of stories would not have made the cut if a professional editor had been used. I especially enjoyed "There Comes a Time" by JJ Green and "A Step on the Path" by Tom Germann.

By William Stacey  

The Mouth of the Gods by William Stacey continues the journey of Owen, Danika, Fioni and their band of Fenyir pirates as they race against an ancient evil that threatens mankind.  With magic and monsters, this story is a heart pounding race of good vs. evil in the highest standard. Stacey’s world building is incredible and rivals the best of today’s fantasy writers. The authentic details of Viking weaponry and tactics make this story ring true, which magnifies the horror they face.

Be prepared for late nights and page turning action that will leave you cheering for this band of cutthroats.

The Shield of Serl Raven-Eye, Book 2 of Vampire Queen Saga

By William Stacey  

As if Vikings weren’t blood thirsty enough, author William Stacey has added a more terrifying foe, the Blood Queen to the mix. As the undead rise and threaten the entire world, high bred Lady Danika of the Kingdom of Conarck with her untested man-at-arms Owen Toscovar must ally themselves with the feared Fioni Ice-Bound - The Red Wolf, in a race against time to find the one magical item that stands a chance against the undead horror.

Stacey has created an fascinating and dangerous world filled with magic, ancient societies, jealous gods, terrifying monsters that challenge the band of heroes as they attempt to save humanity from the unthinkable. Shield walls and battle cries herald an action filled story that will leave the strongest, breathless.

Caution: Do not start this series if you have to work tomorrow.