#BookReview - Imaginary Friend by Troy McCombs @sonne3 #Occult #ReviewShare

Imaginary Friend by Troy McCombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nathan is an abused child who as a coping mechanism (in my opinion) releases a Tulpa. While Nathan is weak and avoid confrontation as best as he can, Max the Tulpa destroys Nathan’s enemies by eating their hearts out. This makes him stronger.

I liked the story although I did feel the editing could have been given another polish. Crucial commas were missed which made some sentences seem odd. Some spelling errors were also noted but I’m not sure if this were intentional as part of the dialogue or context of the character.

In essence, this story has potential to be a great book. It brings up crucial issues we need to deal with as parents and as society in general. However, what could stop a person from actually enjoying the book as much as they should is the unattractive cover and overuse of adjectives.

Would I recommend this read? Yes, but if you are not a fan of violence or have been abused before, this MAY be a difficult read.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4.5/5
Editing: 3.5/5
Formatting: 4/5
Pacing: 4.5/5

Offensive content?: Based on language and settings, I would recommend this book adult readers only.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

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5 Questions with Troy McCombs @Sonne3 #Horror #GoodReads #AmReading

Q: What first got you into writing?

A: My third grade teacher. She had the students write a short story for class credit. Well, it was love at first sight for me. Ever since I could not stop telling tales. I've always had an affinity for horror/scary stories. I don't know why horror over everything else. Maybe because I was (and am) afraid a lot of things. Death, flying, crowds, public speaking, being a few.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your writing routine.

A: I usually don't write till late in the night. And I mean late. I'm talking from 2 to 3 in the morning. That's when I get most of my energy. That's when my mind's freshest. There are times though when I right in the evenings. Five, six o' clock. Mornings are a bad time for me. I stay up most nights, so I'm definitely not a morning person. Other than that, I'll write for thirty minutes to an hour or more. It just depends on whether the ideas are flowing or if I don't have the creative UMPH. Sometimes the story writes itself; other times everything's forced. I don't think it's good to write when it's very forced.

Q: What do you like to do besides writing?

A: Recently, I took up playing guitar and singing. I'm not good at either! At least not yet, anyway. I know that practice makes perfect, and one can only improve with practice. I also like to work out, box, and do MMA. Reading and watching movies has always been something I really enjoyed.

Q: Tell us a little about your novel, Imaginary Friend.

A: I've had the idea for a long time. If you can imagine Stephen King's “Carrie” having an imaginary friend, this would be the result. A little boy named Nathan Stevenson lives a very rough life. His father beats him. Kids pick on him. His mother's a crackhead. His only salvation is his imagination. His only real friend isn't real. One night, while his father is abusing him, Nathan basically says WHEN. That's when all hell breaks loose. He believes his friend to life. Max, the heroic monster he created within his mind, goes on a killing spree. It's a very brutal story, and no punches are held back. If you like stories about the underdog who gets his revenge on his foes, look no further, I promise you.

Q: Do you have any other novels in the works?

A: Plenty. I'm actually branching out into drama and coming-of-age-type stuff. Horror will always be my forte, and I'll never stop writing it. But I really don't want to stick to one genre forever. I'll just keep writing and see where it leads me. That's all I can do :)

The apostles said to Jesus, “Make our faith greater.” Jesus answered, “If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!' and it would obey you.”

Tulpa: a materialized thought that has taken physical form.

Eight-year-old Nathan Stevenson is beat by his father, teased by his peers, and has zero friends—except Max, his imaginary friend. Max is a heroic creature he created years ago when the physical abuse became too much to bear. Strangely, every time Nathan imagines him, he becomes more lifelike, more substantial... but nobody could guess what soon happens when Nathan refuses to be a victim anymore.

The barriers of reality break down, and Max becomes real. Only Nathan can see him, but anyone can feel his violent wrath. The monster slays anyone who gets in his creator's path, and eats the hearts of his casualties in order to obtain strength. There's only one question: can Nathan learn to control his Tulpa? Or will it break free from his mental restraints to do whatever it desires? Either way, there will be a lot of dead bodies to clean up!

Author's Note:
This paranormal/splatterpunk horror novel, Imaginary Friend, has been updated with a new cover and has been reedited for a more soothing read. It also contains elements of science fiction and fantasy, but the information about "Tulpas" are based on fact. For adults only!

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Genre – Horror

Rating – R

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Connect with Troy McCombs on Facebook & Twitter

Blog http://tmhorror.blogspot.com/

#BookReview - A Diabolical Onslaught (Darkness & Daemons) by @RiottNight #ReviewShare #SciFi

A Diabolical Onslaught by Riott Night
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you liked the movie 2012 (John Cusack) and the way it was presented, chances are you will adore this book. I loved the way it was told in the form of events by different people and then it all meets together under the umbrella of one big plot.

Editing could have been better. For example, the author uses "Cshhhshsh" more than once as part of the dialogue and this had me confused. Until I came to understand that it wasn't dialogue and instead was a sound effect coming from the device. Second, the show vs. tell could have been smoother. Most books go for either show OR tell. In more than scene, the author uses both and this becomes redundant.

Aside from this, loved the plot and the way he uses different perspectives to unfold it. Writing style is straightforward and despite the array of characters, the plot is easy to understand.

Would I recommend this read? If you like science fiction or horror and don't mind a few bumps, it has a good plot and love the way it was told.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4.5/5
Editing: 3.5/5
Formatting: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Offensive content?: Based on language and settings, nothing too graphic, I would recommend this book to anyone aged 13 and above.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

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7 Questions with #Paranormal #Fantasy Author Marie McKean @Marie_McKean #AmReading

1. How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

If I start feeling too down, I step away from whatever’s bothering me and do two things. 1) I listen to Elvis; particularly the song, “Blue Hawaii.” 2) I drink a coke. Elvis and Coke are my leveling factors. If I’m able to, I’ll also throw in some intense cardio at the gym. This always seems to help me put my self-doubts and fears into perspective.

2. What scares you the most?

Call me crazy, but I can’t handle being suspended from heights in a bucket. So Ferris Wheels, cherry pickers, and gondolas are pretty much out for me. And it’s not the heights. I have no fear of heights. It’s the fact that I’m suspended from a bucket. Not really sure how to explain that one.

3. What makes you happiest?

Laughing. If I can find something to laugh about, life isn’t so bad. The good moments are made even better, and the bad ones are brightened.

4. What’s your greatest character strength?

I am fiercely loyal. Once I’ve decided that you’re “mine” I will think of you that way forever. This could also be considered a flaw I suppose, it’s burnt me before, but really I think you shouldn’t live life holding back. If you’re too afraid to love people then you’ll never experience the reward that comes from doing so.

5. What’s your weakest character trait?

I have a tendency to be a firework. I go crazy, becoming completely obsessed/motivated to get things done . . . for about three days. After that, I fizzle out and loose all interest. Luckily, I have a husband who helps me stay motivated, and with a lot of work, I’m starting to put this weakness behind me slowly.

6. Why do you write?

I write because it makes me happy. I love the adventure of discovering a story that hasn’t been told before, and losing myself completely in it. As an added bonus, the characters become my closest friends. I’m happiest when I’m writing, and so I always try to be working or thinking about some aspect of it.

7. Have you always enjoyed writing?

Believe it or not, no. Writing was something I did because I had to for school, work, or whatever else you want to throw in there. However, I have always loved telling stories. Eventually that passion led to actually writing them down. Now I’m hooked.

YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE LIFE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN.

All that you can do is make the most of what you’ve been dealt—fight a good fight, resist being beaten by circumstance, and hope that somehow, despite it all, you’re able to accomplish the impossible.

But even then you cannot change the fact that you were born cursed.

I am one of those unlucky few upon whom the Curse of the Four Fathers has fallen.

It is I who must bear the burden of having a life that is unchangeably intertwined with the Fae. A sorrow made all the more great by knowing that where they are tragedy, loss, misery, and despair most assuredly follow.

As a Druid it is my responsibility to uphold the boundaries that keep the worlds of the Tylwyth Teg, and our own, separate. As a man it is my only ambition to protect the family and woman I so desperately love.

The only problem: I'm not sure this curse will allow for me to do both.

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Genre - Paranormal Fantasy, Horror

Rating – PG-13

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Website https://www.mariemckean.com

7 Questions with #Author William Knight @_William_Knight #Crime #Horror

1. Tell us a bit about your family.

I am number four of six children; three girls and three boys. Growing up was a constant struggle between going too fast and being treated like a baby. On the one had I was desperate to belong to the elite group of the older half of the family while I was constantly compared to and included with the youngsters. It was torture. I never owned my own clothes since I could always have my older brother's that were five sizes too big. By the time I grew into them they were threadbare. You will find me wearing baggy clothes to this day. Anything too closely fitting makes me uncomfortable.

2. How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

I don't think that I do work through them. I think they live with me like carbuncles on my shoulders. I consult them, too. “Hey, self doubt. What petrifies you?” “Fear, what would you least like me to do?” Their answers can inspire character traits. I also find that being honest about my fears gives me insight into my own behaviour. Why on I buy baggy clothes is because I am afraid of being seen like a toddler – see that bit about my family!

3. What scares you the most?

Living in Wellington New Zealand is a life of fear. Every few weeks the ground takes to shaking and we're reminded that we live on an active fault line and only a hundred miles from one of the world's super volcanoes. One day the Wellington fault will rupture and the ground will rise a few metres. On that day, I hope me and the family are in a aeroplane somewhere in the clouds.

4. What makes you happiest?

Wine, chocolate and a movie with my wife. There is no doubt that TV is soporific – I can forget everything I'm supposed to have done if you put me in front of a good thriller. (My daughter is reading this and wonders why there's nothing about her in the answer – so, of course, I am even happier when Fern is with us as well).

5. What’s your greatest character strength?

Well, I don't know how I did it but I've written six books and published two. One non-fiction about how to be a computer contractor and one fiction, Generation, a science-based thriller. I look back with wonder that in some strange world I managed to plant my buttocks on a chair and put down over a million words. Therefore, I guess my greatest strength is my tenacity.

6. What’s your weakest character trait?

Chocolate cannot fail to bring out my gluttony, but I also zone-out when thinking. A minute can go by without me realising. This is deeply annoying to my wife and children and I sometimes wonder if it's a type of narcolepsy.

7. Why do you write?

I could say something to make you groan here, like: I write because I live. But that would be a crock of minced insects.  Honestly I think I write to show off. If nobody read it I wouldn't bother. That's not to say I don't love words, I do, but that probably wouldn't get me writing novels all by itself, that might get me writing the odd poem.

A man emerges from the sodden undergrowth, lost, lonely and starving he is mown down by a speeding car on the edge of a remote forest.

Rumours of ghostly apparitions haunt a rural Northumberland community.

A renowned forensic research establishment is troubled by impossible results and unprecedented interference from an influential drug company.

Hendrix 'Aitch' Harrison is a tech-phobic journalist who must link these events together.

Normally side-lined to investigate UFOs and big-beast myths, but thrust into world of cynical corporate motivations, Hendrix is aided by a determined and ambitious entomologist. Together they delve into a grisly world of clinical trials and a viral treatment beyond imagining.

In a chase of escalating dangers, Aitch must battle more than his fear of technology to expose the macabre fate of the drugged victims donated to scientific research.

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Genre – Crime, Thriller, Horror

Rating – R-16

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Connect with William Knight on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.williamknight.info

7 Questions with #Author Leah Rhyne @Leah_Beth #Horror #SciFi

Tell us a bit about your family.

I have the coolest family! My husband’s a big geek, currently on a Lego kick, and our house is full of Legos and books and comic books and action figures. I have a five-year-old daughter (though if you’re reading this after May 12, 2014, she’ll be six…and feel free to send her presents!) who’s equally nerdy. She’ll high five you for making a Back to the Future reference, and though Harry Potter scares her a bit, she can’t wait until she’s old enough to watch beyond the Chamber of Secrets. We also have two insane cats and right now one dog, though we may be getting a puppy soon! Because who doesn’t love a puppy!

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

I just keep working. That’s really it. I have so many doubts and fears – my stuff isn’t good enough and never will be, I’m totally faking it and they can see right through me – but if I let that get me down, I’d never get anywhere.

What scares you the most?

Losing my family. Also clowns, ticks, and spiders. shudders

What makes you happiest?

Talking shop with other writers; listening to my daughter laugh; making my husband smile; a long run on a warm day; red wine; chocolate; that moment when a plot point comes brilliantly clear and you know exactly how to finish a story.

What’s your greatest character strength?

Stubbornness.

What’s your weakest character trait?

Stubbornness. Also, I get really grouchy when I’m hungry.

Why do you write?

Why? Because if I didn’t the voices in my head would beat me up.

Millions died when the zombie plague swept the country. For the survivors, the journey has just begun. Jenna, Sam, and Lola are still alive. Jenna avoids human contact, traveling East Coast backroads with her boyfriend, a dog named Chicken, and a Louisville Slugger. Sam escapes to the mountains, where he's conscripted into a zombie-slaying militia sent on nightly raids to kill the undead...and innocent civilians. Lola's imprisoned in the "safety" of a zombie-free New Orleans hotel, but life grows more dangerous when her brother gets bitten by a zombie. Jenna arrives in the French Quarter, lured by the false promises of New Orleans' drunken leader. There, she's ripped away from her boyfriend, drugged, and dumped in a death camp after refusing Franklin's sexual advances. Jenna and Lola's lives collide there, where the dead live and the dying are victims of gruesome medical experiments. Escape isn't easy: release the genetically-enhanced zombies from the lab to create a diversion, slip away, and don't get eaten. When Sam arrives, will he join the right side of the battle?

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Genre – NA-Horror, Sci-fi

Rating – PG-13

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Connect with Leah Rhyne on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.leahrhyne.com/