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Horror Fuel

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings is an interesting book. Typically when I think of sea monsters, or dangers in the ocean, my immediate thought is Jaws. This book takes that same, deeply rooted fear of both the unknown and the creatures which might dwell there, and exploits them. Initially readers aren’t quite sure of what is going on. The initial chapter hooks you in, while the remaining content provides content and further draws you into the story. (No fishing puns were intended in the writing of this review… But reading back over it, several appear. I apologize in advance.) Book Description: There are places we were never meant to go… *** A woman searching for a sister lost at sea. A man bent on finding lost treasure. A mother who has lost all hope. A maniac who believes all life exists for his pleasure. The man who would keep them all safe. Together, they will all seek below the waves

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Feb 28, 2016
Horror Fuel

Banshee by Terry Maggert

Banshee by Terry Maggert is a science fiction and fantasy novel I was sent by the author to take a peek at. I intended to review it much sooner, but as you may read in the author’s note below, life is a very fickle thing. Initially what attracted me to this story was the focus on dragons and war. The promise of demons and monsters “sweeping across the planet in a wave of death” had my name written all over it. Who doesn’t love destruction and dragons? Book Description: Cities Fall. Dragons Rise. War Begins. The war for earth began in Hell. First came the earthquakes. Then came the floods. Finally, from the darkened mines, caves and pits, the creatures of our nightmares boiled forth to sweep across the planet in a wave of death. On the run and unprepared, mankind is not alone. We have dragons. Emerging from their slumber, giant dragons select riders to go to war. Their

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Dec 13, 2015
Horror Fuel

Seraphim Song by Pandie Suicide – Book Announcement

I interviewed Suicide Girl, model, actress, and now published author Pandie Suicide about her short film Massacre for Gores Truly a few weeks ago. When she found out that I did book reviews for Zombie Apocalypse Defense Force, she wanted to hop on board and send me a copy of her debut novel Seraphim Song to review! She also was kind enough to send along a short story called Vampire Summer which is also available on Amazon. Double win! The book absolutely sounds like something I would have written as a teenager (obsession with mythology – check, obsession with music icons – check), so the idea that this is something Pandie wrote as a teen seems realistic. I can’t wait to check out both of these pieces. Book Description: An angel with a musical gift from the gods falls for a mortal woman. Left in limbo on earth, Will A. Is half angel and all rockstar. Doomed to walk alone

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Nov 26, 2015
Horror Fuel

When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary

When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary is one of those books that I keep meaning to buy, but just haven’t yet. Kate L. Mary is the author of the Broken World series, which I love, and beyond that When We Were Human just was a Silver Medalist for the 2015 Moonbeam Chilldren’s Book Award for YA Fantasy/Science Fiction. Now, to add to that, it’s on sale! The book is typically $3.99, but to celebrate her big award win she has opted to drop the price to $0.99 from now Nov 12-Nov 18th. I’m definitely going to pounce on this offer before it goes away. While the title isn’t technically horror, the premise still reads like something out of a horror movie, so it sounds like it’s definitely worth the investment. Book Description: Eighteen-year-old Eva has spent the last year punishing herself for her sister’s death and hiding from everyone she comes into contact with, human or otherwise. With

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Nov 12, 2015
Horror Fuel

The Infected: Nightfall by Joseph Zuko

This post is about The Infected: Nightfall, the third book in Joseph Zuko’s zombie apocalypse survival series. This time around rather than a review I’m posting a book notice. Why? Well, by a bizarre turn of events I actually ended up editing this one. Since I was part of the project, I can’t review it in good conscience, but I will say that as a fan of the first two books in this series – volume three doesn’t disappoint! This book will not only make your heart race, but will tug on your heart strings as well. Book Description: Jim and Karen Blackmore have discovered that when it comes to the zombie apocalypse, there is no such thing as safety in numbers. Between their separate groups of survivors is a city of the living dead, hungry for flesh and growing in numbers by the minute. As Jim and his newly minted gang of zombie killers fight their way to his

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Nov 7, 2015
Horror Fuel

Nightscape: Cynopolis by David Edwards

Being a horror reviewer is difficult, sometimes. I get emails multiple times a day with requests for me to review movies, books, shows… You name it, people are trying to get my eyes on it. Typically I can skim across these emails and not give them too much thought. (Needless to say, most don’t catch my eye. My reading/watching queue is way too long!) However, when I got the email last month regarding the Worldwind Book Tour for Nightscape: Cynopolis, I knew I had to pounce. Everything about this premise was unique, and I’ve always loved Egyptian mythology (where else does ones mind go when they read the phrase ‘jackal headed beasts’? Everything about this book screamed ‘must read’ and I knew I had to see if it would live up to the (arguably self-generated) hype. Book Description: Detroit’s eastside has seen its share of horrors. Once-proud factories gutted for scrap. Whole neighborhoods burned out and boarded up. Nature drained

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Oct 22, 2015
Horror Fuel

Review: She Walks in Shadows

She Walks In Shadows edited by Silvia Moreno-Garcia & Paula R. Stiles is very different from many of the books I’ve reviewed for Zombie Apocalypse Defense Force, before. It’s an anthology put out by an independent press which aspires to tell the stories of female authors whose works relate to or take place in the universe established by H.P. Lovecraft. Any horror fan worth their salt is familiar with Lovecraft’s work, so seeing the premise was enough to get me interested. The kind folks at Innsmouth Free Press were kind enough to send a copy of the book my way to review, and I am eager to share my thoughts with all of you. Book Description They emerge from the shadows, to claim the night …. Women from around the world delve into Lovecraftian depths, penning and illustrating a variety of Weird horrors. The pale and secretive Lavinia wanders through the woods, Asenath is a precocious teenager with an attitude,

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Oct 8, 2015
Horror Fuel

Martillo: Devil-Smiter by Greg Meldrum and David Broughton

Martillo: Devil-Smiter by Greg Meldrum and David Broughton is an independent comic by one of the creators of Spectre Show, which I reviewed a few weeks back. This story, while ripe with all the edgy artwork David Broughton typically brings to the table, is instead about 1950s Spain. A man stands between humanity and supernatural wickedness. …and Pablo Picasso, apparently. (I was as bewildered as you when I first read that, I promise.) Since I enjoyed Spectre Show, I definitely wanted to give Martillo a chance. Book Description: It is 1948, and General Franco’s fascist government rules Spain with an iron fist. Isolated from the rest of Europe, the country has become a breeding ground for supernatural wickedness – and that’s where Martillo comes in. A servant of the Saint of Labourers, Martillo wields a hammer and smites evil – HARD! In this collection, Martillo takes on pagan storm-gods, metal-obsessed spectres, sadistic thorn-monsters, gold-eating devil-weasels, hungry bogeymen and Pablo Picasso!

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Sep 18, 2015
Horror Fuel

The Killer Net by Matthew W. Grant

The Killer Net by Matthew W. Grant is the second audio book I’ve had the pleasure of listening to by author Matthew W. Grant, and it certainly won’t be the last. This story was incredibly unique because it combined a very realistic, modern fear with the eve of the new millennium. It took me back to a time when AOL instant messenger was the primary means of communicating online, and when meeting someone via the internet was a very new, and very scary, possibility. (It threw me off when someone snapped closed their cell phone in anger. Oh to return to the days of the flip phone…) Book Description: Ten little girls sat at their computers Wondering who they’d find on line One entered a chat room with a killer And then there were nine. . . On the eve of the new millennium, thousands of people logged on to the Internet for the first time every day. Some were

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Sep 11, 2015
Horror Fuel

Face Book: A Gripping Serial Killer Thriller by Paul Johnson-Jovanovic

Face Book: A Gripping Serial Killer Thriller by PJ Jovanovic or Paul Johnson-Jovanovic caught my eye because for a short while I was on a serial killer spree. I’ve now added The Killer Net by Matthew W. Grant to my reading list, so evidently I’m on a bit of a “serial killers utilizing social media” kick. (Better than the Hell/Occult spree I’ve been on for the last few weeks! …and oddly more specific.) Book Description: A cast iron guarantee: you’ve never read anything like this. This novel is pedal to the floor, from start to finish. No lulls. To say that this novel is a page-turner is an understatement. Strap yourself in for a hell of a ride. Justice is about to be served and it’s going to chill you to your soul. This is what happens when social media goes wrong … Down on his luck, Jack Williams heads for the pub to get drunk. He’s lost his job,

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Sep 4, 2015

More from book review

Horror Fuel

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings is an interesting book. Typically when I think of sea monsters, or dangers in the ocean, my immediate thought is Jaws. This book takes that same, deeply rooted fear of both the unknown and the creatures which might dwell there, and exploits them. Initially readers aren’t quite sure of what is going on. The initial chapter hooks you in, while the remaining content provides content and further draws you into the story. (No fishing puns were intended in the writing of this review… But reading back over it, several appear. I apologize in advance.) Book Description: There are places we were never meant to go… *** A woman searching for a sister lost at sea. A man bent on finding lost treasure. A mother who has lost all hope. A maniac who believes all life exists for his pleasure. The man who would keep them all safe. Together, they will all seek below the waves

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Feb 28, 2016
Horror Fuel

Banshee by Terry Maggert

Banshee by Terry Maggert is a science fiction and fantasy novel I was sent by the author to take a peek at. I intended to review it much sooner, but as you may read in the author’s note below, life is a very fickle thing. Initially what attracted me to this story was the focus on dragons and war. The promise of demons and monsters “sweeping across the planet in a wave of death” had my name written all over it. Who doesn’t love destruction and dragons? Book Description: Cities Fall. Dragons Rise. War Begins. The war for earth began in Hell. First came the earthquakes. Then came the floods. Finally, from the darkened mines, caves and pits, the creatures of our nightmares boiled forth to sweep across the planet in a wave of death. On the run and unprepared, mankind is not alone. We have dragons. Emerging from their slumber, giant dragons select riders to go to war. Their

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Dec 13, 2015
Horror Fuel

Seraphim Song by Pandie Suicide – Book Announcement

I interviewed Suicide Girl, model, actress, and now published author Pandie Suicide about her short film Massacre for Gores Truly a few weeks ago. When she found out that I did book reviews for Zombie Apocalypse Defense Force, she wanted to hop on board and send me a copy of her debut novel Seraphim Song to review! She also was kind enough to send along a short story called Vampire Summer which is also available on Amazon. Double win! The book absolutely sounds like something I would have written as a teenager (obsession with mythology – check, obsession with music icons – check), so the idea that this is something Pandie wrote as a teen seems realistic. I can’t wait to check out both of these pieces. Book Description: An angel with a musical gift from the gods falls for a mortal woman. Left in limbo on earth, Will A. Is half angel and all rockstar. Doomed to walk alone

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Nov 26, 2015
Horror Fuel

When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary

When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary is one of those books that I keep meaning to buy, but just haven’t yet. Kate L. Mary is the author of the Broken World series, which I love, and beyond that When We Were Human just was a Silver Medalist for the 2015 Moonbeam Chilldren’s Book Award for YA Fantasy/Science Fiction. Now, to add to that, it’s on sale! The book is typically $3.99, but to celebrate her big award win she has opted to drop the price to $0.99 from now Nov 12-Nov 18th. I’m definitely going to pounce on this offer before it goes away. While the title isn’t technically horror, the premise still reads like something out of a horror movie, so it sounds like it’s definitely worth the investment. Book Description: Eighteen-year-old Eva has spent the last year punishing herself for her sister’s death and hiding from everyone she comes into contact with, human or otherwise. With

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Nov 12, 2015
Horror Fuel

The Infected: Nightfall by Joseph Zuko

This post is about The Infected: Nightfall, the third book in Joseph Zuko’s zombie apocalypse survival series. This time around rather than a review I’m posting a book notice. Why? Well, by a bizarre turn of events I actually ended up editing this one. Since I was part of the project, I can’t review it in good conscience, but I will say that as a fan of the first two books in this series – volume three doesn’t disappoint! This book will not only make your heart race, but will tug on your heart strings as well. Book Description: Jim and Karen Blackmore have discovered that when it comes to the zombie apocalypse, there is no such thing as safety in numbers. Between their separate groups of survivors is a city of the living dead, hungry for flesh and growing in numbers by the minute. As Jim and his newly minted gang of zombie killers fight their way to his

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Nov 7, 2015
Horror Fuel

Nightscape: Cynopolis by David Edwards

Being a horror reviewer is difficult, sometimes. I get emails multiple times a day with requests for me to review movies, books, shows… You name it, people are trying to get my eyes on it. Typically I can skim across these emails and not give them too much thought. (Needless to say, most don’t catch my eye. My reading/watching queue is way too long!) However, when I got the email last month regarding the Worldwind Book Tour for Nightscape: Cynopolis, I knew I had to pounce. Everything about this premise was unique, and I’ve always loved Egyptian mythology (where else does ones mind go when they read the phrase ‘jackal headed beasts’? Everything about this book screamed ‘must read’ and I knew I had to see if it would live up to the (arguably self-generated) hype. Book Description: Detroit’s eastside has seen its share of horrors. Once-proud factories gutted for scrap. Whole neighborhoods burned out and boarded up. Nature drained

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Oct 22, 2015
Horror Fuel

Review: She Walks in Shadows

She Walks In Shadows edited by Silvia Moreno-Garcia & Paula R. Stiles is very different from many of the books I’ve reviewed for Zombie Apocalypse Defense Force, before. It’s an anthology put out by an independent press which aspires to tell the stories of female authors whose works relate to or take place in the universe established by H.P. Lovecraft. Any horror fan worth their salt is familiar with Lovecraft’s work, so seeing the premise was enough to get me interested. The kind folks at Innsmouth Free Press were kind enough to send a copy of the book my way to review, and I am eager to share my thoughts with all of you. Book Description They emerge from the shadows, to claim the night …. Women from around the world delve into Lovecraftian depths, penning and illustrating a variety of Weird horrors. The pale and secretive Lavinia wanders through the woods, Asenath is a precocious teenager with an attitude,

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Oct 8, 2015
Horror Fuel

Martillo: Devil-Smiter by Greg Meldrum and David Broughton

Martillo: Devil-Smiter by Greg Meldrum and David Broughton is an independent comic by one of the creators of Spectre Show, which I reviewed a few weeks back. This story, while ripe with all the edgy artwork David Broughton typically brings to the table, is instead about 1950s Spain. A man stands between humanity and supernatural wickedness. …and Pablo Picasso, apparently. (I was as bewildered as you when I first read that, I promise.) Since I enjoyed Spectre Show, I definitely wanted to give Martillo a chance. Book Description: It is 1948, and General Franco’s fascist government rules Spain with an iron fist. Isolated from the rest of Europe, the country has become a breeding ground for supernatural wickedness – and that’s where Martillo comes in. A servant of the Saint of Labourers, Martillo wields a hammer and smites evil – HARD! In this collection, Martillo takes on pagan storm-gods, metal-obsessed spectres, sadistic thorn-monsters, gold-eating devil-weasels, hungry bogeymen and Pablo Picasso!

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Sep 18, 2015
Horror Fuel

The Killer Net by Matthew W. Grant

The Killer Net by Matthew W. Grant is the second audio book I’ve had the pleasure of listening to by author Matthew W. Grant, and it certainly won’t be the last. This story was incredibly unique because it combined a very realistic, modern fear with the eve of the new millennium. It took me back to a time when AOL instant messenger was the primary means of communicating online, and when meeting someone via the internet was a very new, and very scary, possibility. (It threw me off when someone snapped closed their cell phone in anger. Oh to return to the days of the flip phone…) Book Description: Ten little girls sat at their computers Wondering who they’d find on line One entered a chat room with a killer And then there were nine. . . On the eve of the new millennium, thousands of people logged on to the Internet for the first time every day. Some were

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Sep 11, 2015
Horror Fuel

Face Book: A Gripping Serial Killer Thriller by Paul Johnson-Jovanovic

Face Book: A Gripping Serial Killer Thriller by PJ Jovanovic or Paul Johnson-Jovanovic caught my eye because for a short while I was on a serial killer spree. I’ve now added The Killer Net by Matthew W. Grant to my reading list, so evidently I’m on a bit of a “serial killers utilizing social media” kick. (Better than the Hell/Occult spree I’ve been on for the last few weeks! …and oddly more specific.) Book Description: A cast iron guarantee: you’ve never read anything like this. This novel is pedal to the floor, from start to finish. No lulls. To say that this novel is a page-turner is an understatement. Strap yourself in for a hell of a ride. Justice is about to be served and it’s going to chill you to your soul. This is what happens when social media goes wrong … Down on his luck, Jack Williams heads for the pub to get drunk. He’s lost his job,

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Sep 4, 2015
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