Welcome to the Lair!

Exploring dark alleys. Discovering new nightmares. Revisiting the masters.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Sunday Suspense: The Hunter [Review]

Ben is a normal, hardworking guy. He loves ATVs, the outdoors, and most of all, hunting. While pursing his favorite activity, he shoots and wounds a bull elk. It runs away, and Ben chases deeper into the woods. Instead of the elk though, Ben finds something decidedly creepy, something that changes him forever.

The Hunter by Zachariah Wahrer is great short story. The hook comes in the form of a lost hunter, and, by the time the main character realizes he is in trouble, it's too late for him to help himself. This story has a Cabin In The Woods feel to it towards the end. The Hunter is a story I wouldn't mind being turned into a full-length novel.

There is also another story included, the beginning of a new series, but I was only interested in The Hunter.

Wahrer shows some serious potantial in the suspense genre. He is an author I will be keeping my eyes on...

As always,
AstraDaemon

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Saturday Short: Pig People [Review]

I'm still trying to finish a sci-fi novel about time travel, so I decided to grab a short story for Saturday. I should have chosen more carefully...

The Pantomime by Keishi Ando was totally lost on me. The writing is very choppy and there is more description than action. By the time the twist is revealed at the end, I was too confused to be frightened in any way. This might be one of those stories better suited for the screen, rather than print. Virtually nothing is revealed about the main character, so the story seemed pointless.

This is one of those times I have to wonder if the story was originally written in another language and was screwed up in the translation process. The author resides in Japan, so there is that possibility.

Situations like this could be avoided with a good editor. Something to keep in mind.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Friday, November 11, 2016

Veterans Day

My Veteran's Day Story



My dad was in the Navy for about 24 years. He did three tours in Vietnam & was awarded a Purple Heart each time. (They give the medal the first time, then a little star each time after.) He has many awards and medals. For 13 of those years, he was a SEAL. (That's just a fraction of the things he accomplished during his career.)

He wasn't really around the first couple of years of my life because he was sent on so many missions. Even when he wasn't deployed, I didn't see much of him. To be fair, there were other factors involved, but, essentially, my dad's Naval career took a huge toll on his first marriage (my mom), my relationship with him, and what he experienced during his career also affected his health and many other relationships.

Growing up, I hated the Navy. I hated the military. I hated this entity that took my dad from me. I loved going to new places, but I hated that I could never really get close to anyone because we would move year after year. Up until I was about 14 years old, I was convinced that the majority of the pain in my life could be placed on the military.

The summer I was 14 going on 15, my dad took his second wife, my brother Lincoln and me to D.C., and, my God, I don't think any single experience comes as close to how much that changed my life, with the exception of becoming a mother. I saw things that still to this day make me cry as if it just happened.

I'm not going to tell you all the things that happened, only what I experienced with my dad.

We went to the Memorial Wall. I saw people of all races, all ages, all backgrounds, crying over a wall with names. I didn't understand. My dad cried. It was the first time I had ever seen him break down. It was frightening to see a mountain of a man crumble to his knees and weep.

He told me stories. Something he never did before. He told me about a mission in which two men volunteered to stay behind so the rest of the team could escape. He told me how one of those men was married with a baby on the way, but he gave up his life without hesitating, as well as the other. They told my dad, "Today is a good day to die." My dad was the one to deliver the news to the pregnant widow.

He told me his nightmares about the first man that he killed in hand-to-hand combat...he told me about his best friend being killed right in front of him. My God, the things my dad had been holding in...

He also told me a story about how they would nickname each other based on the names of their hometown newspapers. My dad's paper, the Wagner Post, was jokingly called the Wagner Wipe, so my dad was called T.P. Tom. Watching him laugh, with tears in his eyes, listening to his stories, as well as stories of other people visiting, something changed inside of me.

The hate I had been carrying had given me tunnel vision, but my visit to the Wall opened up my view. Suddenly (and yes, it was suddenly), I saw what had been in front of me all my life: sacrifices...ALL of them.

Oh, sure. We all know that soldiers miss birthdays, holidays and special occasions. If you grew up in a military family, you know how often milestones are missed. I blamed the military for taking that time away from my dad and me, but with my epiphany, I finally realized two things...

1) Nothing is taken, the soldiers give. And, 2)they give so much more than the obvious, they give up every little moment. Breakfast with the family. Seeing a tooth missing when a child smiles. The moments the rest of us often take for granted. Not just the big moments.

Their sacrifices can also include their emotional health, their physical health and their very lives. They basically write a blank check with their souls and hand it over so the rest of us can live our lives the way we choose.

If they make it home, they are often broken, sometimes discarded, not always thanked and rarely do we even learn their names. They often come home to the rest of us acting like a bunch of idiots. They go through hell and have to stand by us at the gas pump bitching about the price. They live through unimaginable horror and watch as someone in the grocery line acts like it's the end of the world because a coupon expired.

Just like that, with my new perspective, my hate turned into pride, with an abundance of gratitude. Ever since, there is not one day that I don't give thanks to the men and women who served our country.

Some of you I know. I see you, I see how your sacrifices have affected your lives. I know your names and include you in my prayers.

Most of you I do not know. I may never know your names or your sacrifices, but I thank you and your families from the bottom of my heart. Please know that there are many of us who will never forget.

I am the daughter of a veteran, the sister of a veteran, the wife of a veteran. I may very well be the mother of a veteran one day. My family has fought in every war involving the U.S. as far back as the Civil War (both sides) and then some.

I think it is fitting that Veterans Day is in the same month as Thanksgiving. We are taught to give thanks for our blessings on that day. I am asking you, on this day, to show your thanks by giving...give back to those who gave us everything, whether it was for a few years or a lifetime.

It can be as simple as saying thank you or buying a cup of coffee, or helping rake leaves or cooking a dinner. Just give.

And, please, for those who are currently serving, please do what you can to help make our country worth fighting for. More importantly, give our soldiers a home worth coming back to.

As always,
Ursula K Raphael
a.k.a AstraDaemon

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Candide [Book Review]

Candide is one of the world's great satires, first published in 1759. Voltaire exposes and satirizes romance, science, philosophy, religion, and government...the ideas and forces that permeate and control the lives of men.

Every great once in a while, I revisit classic literature to remind myself of the fundamentals of well-written literature. One of my favorites is Candide by Voltaire.

This was one of the few satires that genuinely made me laugh. Candide is taught by his teacher, Dr. Pangloss, that they live in the best of all possible worlds. Right away, this is put to the test when Candide is banished for loving Cunegonde, who is considered above his station. Not only do horrible things happen to Candide, but terrible events also happen to everyone he knows.

What I found amusing is how Candide seemed to bring it on himself; he makes one bad decision after another, to the point of being predictable. The ending isn't exactly a happy one, but Candide finally finds a place in the world that doesn't bring on more problems.

I think this is a great book to entice young minds to read classic literature.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Tuesday Terror: Jake's Law [Review]

In a lawless land infested with the walking dead, the man with the biggest gun makes the law. Former deputy Jake Blakely has the big gun, and he has the law - Jake's Law.

I am a fan of Gurley's Judgment Day Trilogy, so I was looking forward to reading Jake's Law - the book description doesn't do it justice. It was non-stop action mixed with the right amount of drama. The focus is more on the personal war between Jake, former law enforcement officer, and Levi, an escaped convict, rather than the zombies, but the undead do have a few key scenes.

The story begins with Levi's POV, and rotates between the POVs of Jake and two other survivors, Reed and Jessica. Random events bring them together, but revenge motivates them all. Levi wants to rule over the other survivors, but Jake has already laid down the new law of the land, so, while the two men try to kill each other, Reed and Jessica find themselves unwilling pawns caught in the crossfire.

There is another story titled The Law Giveth, which I plan on reading in the near future.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Monday, November 7, 2016

Monday Murder: Two Stars [Review]

Let me start by saying that I rarely give reviews below three (out of five) star reviews, but it happens, and it sucks for both the author and me, the reader. I don't ever have the same expectations for short stories that I do for full-length novels, or even anthologies, but, at the very least, I expect to be entertained.

The Midnight Dinner Party by T.G. Emmerson is a story of revenge...except the revenge doesn't even really take place. So many problems with this piece...reads like a rough draft, for one. Story of revenge isn't very original, for another. Worst yet, the damn thing ended with "to be continued...," as if anyone would bother. None of the characters were developed at all...no reason to feel sympathy for the victim's family, no reason to care what happens to the group of attackers. The author needs to find a better way to hook readers and keep them interested. As for me, I'm moving on to better stories...

As always,
AstraDaemon


Sunday, November 6, 2016

Sunday Suspense: Renfro's Lot [Review]

The Lot by Anthony Renfro is an extremely entertaining short story. The hook is immediate, the suspense is spectacular and the ending is swift and vicious. I was pleased just to have found that story, but Renfro also included two more.

A Zombie Christmas is humorous in a dark way. Very original. I loved it. Coupled with The Dead of Winter (I’ll be having nightmares), this story bundle would make the perfect gift for a horror fan who doesn’t have much free time for reading.


Renfro has a talent for packing a lot into just a few pages, so be sure to read his work.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Saturday Squids [Review]

If you were entertained by the kraken in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and engaged by the huge find in Discovery Channel’s Colossal Squid special, you are sure to be interested in Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid. Author HP Newquist takes the reader on a journey from the legendary monster that preys on unsuspecting sea vessels to the discoveries of the giant squid and, most recently, the colossal squid.

In the prologue, Newquist depicts a personal encounter with the mythological beast and continues on to describe the various tales of sea serpents from around the world. Newquist explains why cartographers marked the unexplored regions of their maps with the ominous warning, “Here Be Dragons,” or similar phrases. The author also describes the reasons most stories about the strange beasts were dismissed as the ramblings of men too long at sea.

As Newquist guides the reader through the history of these myths, he progresses from sailors’ accounts of demonic creatures attacking ships to the first attempts by scientists to officially name and classify the enormous organisms. Many naturalists believed that the source of the legend was based on oversized specimens found washed up on beaches. Scientists were determined to find evidence that there was such a thing as the giant squid. Eventually, researchers came to suspect that there was another, larger species of squid – deadlier than the giant squid.

In addition to the stories and scientific research, Newquist includes illustrations and photographs of everything that is discussed in the book, including still pictures of live giant squid, and the recovered body of a colossal squid featured on the Discovery Channel. There is also a bibliography and links listed for further information at the end of the book. Lastly, the author poses the question, “Could there be bigger ones that we have yet to discover?”

As always,
AstraDaemon

Friday, November 4, 2016

Friday Fiction: Spiral [Review]

Spiral by Martin Fossum was a random short story selection. A guy and his girlfriend decide to relocate to a different city and, even with a positive beginning, the main character soon finds himself on a downward spiral. While nothing too out of the ordinary takes place, there is just enough mystery to keep a reader hooked until the end. I expected something supernatural to happen, but Fossum proves that real life problems are dark enough.


If you are looking for a quick read to pass the time in a waiting room or a short bus ride, Spiral is a solid piece of fiction.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Throwback Thursday: Dante's Backstory

Most people in the literary community are familiar with Dante’s Inferno in some way. If you haven’t read this volume of The Divine Comedy, you may have seen the commercial for the video game Dante’s Inferno Divine Edition, which is based on the epic poem by Dante Alighieri. It is a story that describes the nine circles of Hell (limbo, lust, gluttony, avarice & prodigality, wrath & sullenness, heresy, violence, fraud, and betrayal), as conceived by the medieval age, beginning with the day before Good Friday in 1300 A.D.


Dante wrote The Divine Comedy during his exile from Florence. Until recently, no one knew for certain where he had been or what he had done during those years away from his home. However, author Kim Paffenroth (who also happens to be a professor of religious studies), wrote a book titled Valley of the Dead (The Truth Behind Dante’s Inferno) which tells the tale that inspired Dante to write his poem of horrors. In a captivating prologue, Paffenroth presents us with the story of how Dante survived a zombie plague, illuminating the lessons that the poet learned.

Don’t let the mention of zombies fool you into thinking this is just a gore novel with a twist. Unlike the spliced-together novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Paffenroth has written an original narrative with a style comparable to classical literature, bringing together historical fiction, drama and horror to chronicle Dante’s personal account of the pestilence and human suffering that inspired Inferno. Don’t expect the same zombies or character types that can be found in Paffenroth’s Dying to Live: Life Sentence, the second in his zombie series based on a group of people surviving an apocalypse in a museum.

In VALLEY OF THE DEAD, Dante stumbles upon a village in the midst of an epidemic that is unknown to him. There he meets a pregnant woman named Bogdana, and together they travel west into a valley, attempting to escape an army that believes destroying all of the towns it finds is the only way to stop the spread of infection. Along the way, they are joined by an army deserter and a monk, and the four of them soon form the opinion that the survivors are the ones that are cursed, not the undead. Some of the most frightening and disheartening moments of the book are the exploits of the living, and not the zombies as one might think.

This novel digs deep into the human soul, and exposes all the nobility and ugliness that people are capable of. It goes beyond the bloodshed of most zombie literature, and provides some insight into the theology of Dante, one of the greatest literary icons of the Western world. Paffenroth is certain to grab the attention of the academic crowd with Valley of the Dead.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

To Be Or Not To Be...Cloned

Double, a short story by Tuulia Saaritsa, was a random selection…and completely awesome. When I read the description about a clone experiment, the sci-fi aspect appealed to me. Saaritsa manages to convey a very emotional personal experience in just a few pages. The interaction between the two clones is, at times, controversial, and addresses many issues that might arise from such a scientific endeavor. Tuulia Saaritsa is officially on my radar, and I think many readers will enjoy this dark and dramatic tale, whether or not you're into science fiction.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Second Chance Gone Wrong

Caught by Lisa Moore piqued my curiosity: a novel featuring a drug smuggler, marijuana to be specific, recently escaped from prison and stupid enough to try it again. Last year I read a novel, Mules, a fictional account of the brutality within the drug trade, and I thought Caught might be something like that. Nope. Moore does a great job of writing about a common subject, but with an original voice and style that stands out in this particular sub-genre.

David Slaney, a 25 year old Canadian convicted of marijuana possession, busts out of his cell, evades the cops and tracks down his business partner, only to find himself attempting the same job he was arrested for in the first place. His character comes across as an intelligent guy, but he seems hellbent on making one bad decision after another. However, Slaney has some amazing luck ditching the authorities every time they get close to nabbing him again. The 1970s setting really captures the atmosphere surrounding this endeavor.

There's a heavy sadness that weighs over Slaney, living in his secret world with fake identities and relationships that fall apart as a result of his life choices. But, what really makes the main character fascinating is the tapestry of complications and emotional conflicts which eventually lead to a rather quiet, understated ending.

If you enjoy well-written fiction, simply for the pleasure of a solid story, I recommend taking a chance on Caught.

As always,
AstraDaemon




Monday, September 19, 2016

Monday Mystery: The Deepest Secret

Image result for the deepest secret carla buckleyTwelve years ago, Eve Lattimore’s life changed forever. Her two-year-old son Tyler on her lap, her husband’s hand in hers, she waited for the child’s devastating diagnosis: XP, a rare genetic disease, a fatal sensitivity to sunlight.

Tonight, Eve’s life is about to change again, forever. It’s only an instant on a rainy road—just a quick text as she sits behind the wheel—and another mother’s child lies dead in Eve’s headlights. The choice she faces is impossible: confess and be taken from Tyler, or drive away and start to lie like she’s never lied before.



The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley lived up to its name, as several secrets are revealed within this novel. Unfortunately, the characters themselves didn't really have any depth to them and the storyline moved at a very slow pace from beginning to end. As if that combination wasn't bad enough, the ending wasn't much of a resolution to the key issue and, with a few loose ends remaining, I failed to be impressed with any of it.

I think if Buckley put as much effort into her characters as she did setting up each scene, the interactions could have been more dramatic. There isn't much suspense to speak of and virtually no action...just one superficial conversation after another. Even when the reader is privy to the thoughts and emotions of the characters, I personally had a difficult time feeling anything for any of them, aside from Tyler's struggle with his disease. If not for Tyler and his role, I'm not sure I could have finished this novel.

I think Buckley attempted to say something about the value of relationships or how far a mother would go for her child, but the message is lost in all the dragged out scenes in which the character interaction is always strained. I couldn't appreciate this novel because it simply didn't make me feel anything, aside from wanting to reach the end, so I wouldn't have to read anymore.

It's not a story I will be recommending to anyone I know.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Monday, September 12, 2016

When Alchemy Meets Genetics [Review]

Image result for the apothecary's curseIn Victorian London, the fates of physician Simon Bell and apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune entwine when Simon gives his wife an elixir created by Gaelan from an ancient manuscript. Meant to cure her cancer, it kills her. Suicidal, Simon swallows the remainder--only to find he cannot die. Five years later, hearing rumors of a Bedlam inmate with regenerative powers like his own, Simon is shocked to discover it's Gaelan. The two men conceal their immortality, but the only hope of reversing their condition rests with Gaelan's missing manuscript.

When modern-day pharmaceutical company Genomics unearths diaries describing the torture of Bedlam inmates, the company's scientists suspect a link between Gaelan and an unnamed inmate. Gaelan and Genomics geneticist Anne Shawe are powerfully drawn to each other, and her family connection to his manuscript leads to a stunning revelation. Will it bring ruin or redemption?



The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett is definitely a mix of genres, both classic and modern. The story follows two main characters struggling with immortality: Simon Bell, once a physician, now an author writing about Sherlock Holmes, and Gaelan Erceldoune, former apothecary, currently a bookstore owner. In the past, Bell attempted suicide multiple times, while Erceldoune was captured and tortured by a mad scientist. Eventually the two unite and spend centuries searching for an ancient manuscript that might hold the key to reversing the elixirs which turned them both immortal. Not only does the book contain the secrets of alchemy, but it’s the only remaining link to Erceldoune’s long-lost family.

The storyline moves back and forth in time, delivering the backstory in pieces. At first, the pace is slow and frustrating, but as more mysteries are discovered, readers are drawn further into a spectacular web of conspiracies and drama. The glimpses from the past explain how Bell and Erceldoune come to know one another, while also explaining their shared affliction. The moments in present time reveal the danger of history repeating itself in the form of a corrupt pharmaceutical company hunting down Erceldoune.

I enjoyed the intrigue throughout the story, both in their past lives, as well as their present circumstances. When Erceldoune crosses paths with the geneticist Dr. Shawe, the addition of her character brings just the right twist, leading to an unexpected ending. I was so enthralled by the mix of drama and suspense, I had to read the novel in one sitting.

I think anyone who enjoys mystery-thrillers will enjoy this book.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Making A Comeback


It would seem that I've abandoned my review blog, but I didn't...I just had to put the entire review process on hold for a few months.

This year, I've had one family emergency after another: cousin needing liver transplant, cousin with kidney failure, aunt in coma, just to name the events from the past month alone...I think you understand now.

I feel terrible because I have authors that have been waiting several months for me to review their work, but, in addition to family emergencies, I've had my own issues to deal with as well. A long break was needed.

Happy to say, September will be different. I have an interview coming up, the sequel to a great zombie series and plenty of mystery-thrillers to set the mood before Halloween.

Thank you for standing by...

As always,
AstraDaemon

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Revenge In The Old West [Book Review]

Robert Dean
The Red Seven by Robert Dean was first released in January 2016, but is quite comparable to a classic western, complete with the lone rider on a mission of revenge to hunt down a villainous posse. There is no complicated storyline. A bounty hunter known as The Ghost finds his family murdered by The Red Seven. Although the group of desperados have disbanded, the main character is determined to kill them all.

I’m not sure I can do this book justice, since I'm not a fan of westerns (unless zombies are involved), but I am impressed with Dean’s ability to keep readers hooked with nonstop action. Not only does he provide a brutal justice with each death, but each showdown is unique. The fight scene with Warchief is my favorite. From one page to another, Dean mixes heartache, despair and the battle of wills.

As much as I was entertained, I had a couple of reservations about The Red Seven. I’m not sure if Dean’s intention is to paint The Ghost as a cold man who is all about business, but he remains something of a mystery. Aside from sympathy for the loss of his family, it was difficult for me to muster any feelings for The Ghost. I also wish there had been a little more physical interaction between The Ghost and his love interest. Maybe Dean was trying to avoid using sexual content as a plot device, but even when The Ghost makes a personal connection with some of the other characters, he seems to remain distant

To be honest, the story reminded me a little of The Outlaw Josey Wales, and I think anyone who enjoys those type of movies will love The Red Seven. The author delivers so many fierce confrontations, readers will feel as if they made the cross-country journey themselves. Robert Dean leaves the novel with an opening for what could be a great western series and allowing The Ghost to be further developed into a true legend of the genre.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

All Dogs Matter

Just Life by Neil Abramson is more than just a drama-suspense story centered on animal shelter. This novel is filled with conspiracies and political agendas, with the mystery of the virus as the nexus. The main focus is on the POV of veterinarian Samantha Lewis, owner of a no-kill shelter, but the other POVs include Andy, a 19 year old who works at the shelter; Father Gabriel, whose church is next door to the shelter; and Kendall, a local cop.

I love the way the lives of the main characters correlate with the lives of the dogs: the comparisons make the plight of the canines more personable to the readers. Great detail is given to the dogs' appearances, personalities and canine histories. I would have liked the novel to have at least one opposing POV, such as Morgan or even one of the politicians, just fort he contrast.

Having recently lost a dog who was part of my family for 18 years, this was a difficult story to get through. However, you do not have to be a dog owner to appreciate this novel. Anyone who has a respect for all life will find this story enthralling. The ending in particular had me on the edge of my nerves.

I'd love to read more of Abramson's work.

As always
AstraDaemon

Friday, June 10, 2016

Top Ten Movie List For Childhood



The following ten movies had the biggest impact on my imagination as a child in the 1980s. To this day, they remain favorites of mine, and I have made it a point to watch all of them with my child.

I truly believe no childhood can be complete without watching these films, and they are best enjoyed with the family.

Originally my Listmania collection on Amazon, I give you my Favorite Fantasy Family Movies From the 80s:

LABYRINTH
"This movie is great for families with toddlers because the goblins are silly, obnoxious puppets, instead of the slimy, scary ones in other movies.  David Bowie entertains the adults as the Goblin King, singing songs he wrote just for this movie. I also recommend getting the soundtrack."

THE DARK CRYSTAL
"Henson comes together with artist Brian Froud to create an elaborate cast of puppets, while still maintaining a live action film.  This movie does have a some darker moments that had my child concerned for the characters, but nothing that actually scared him.  The depth of the plot combined with the various characters makes this a family classic."

THE NEVERENDING STORY
"First, I was never impressed with the sequels. The original Neverending Story is a movie that mixes fairytale elements with action & adventure for all ages. Children, especially, will love the luck dragon, Falcor, who resembles a big white dog. The plot involves a boy reading an old book, only to discover that he was part of the story all along, & our imaginations are more powerful than we think."

WILLOW
"Willow is an excellent choice to ween your kids away from animation & CGI, and get them interested in a live-action film. The score is beautiful orchestral music, as opposed to modern music. The characters look like they just stepped out of a fairytale, & Val Kilmer is just a sample of the talent. The most interesting fact about the story is that it is based on an actual Celtic myth."

THE PRINCESS BRIDE
"This is a movie based on a book that was written by a father for his daughters, so you are guaranteed an excellent bedtime-story.  The movie begins with a grandfather visiting his sick grandson, and we watch as the story unfolds, and takes a life of its own.  Do not let the title fool you, this movie is perfect for girls and boys!"

LEGEND (Theatrical version, NOT Director's Cut)
"This is one of Tom Cruise's best movies, but you'll never hear him admit it. Tim Curry also stars as the evil Darkness, but you can't recognize him. His goblin servants are the scary-looking kind. My then 3yr old was not frightnened at all, but it's not for those who do scare easily. It's a great story about a wild boy, & some elves trying to save a unicorn. (For some reason, the director's cut removes the famous Tangerine Dream score and adds a lot of unnecessary slow scenes.)"

KRULL
"This movie might not be able to hold the attention of a younger child, unless he or she is crazy about sword-fighting, horses, and questing. It is live-action with limited special effects, but never a dull moment. While the movie has elements like a castle, and a cyclops, the bad guys happen to be aliens trying to take over the universe. This movie mixes sci-fi & fantasy quite well."

THE GOONIES
"Not exactly a fantasy movie, but a great kids' adventure. A bunch of kids use an old map to hunt treasure, while evading bad guys.  (I think National Treasure stole their ideas from this movie.) Of course, the villains chasing them are far from scary. The theme song is sung by Cindi Lauper. I also recommend keeping some Baby Ruth candy bars nearby...when you watch the movie, you'll understand."

THE MONSTER SQUAD
"A group of kids, obsessed with monsters, form their own club --just in time to fight some real monsters.  This is the perfect movie to introduce Dracula, the Mummy, Frankenstein's monster (who turns out to be a good guy), and the Werewolf, without scaring your little ones.  My favorite scene from the movie is when the youngest boy writes a letter in crayon to the 'Army guys.'"

TIME BANDITS
"This movie is about a young boy who travels through time and space with some of God's creation assistants who have stolen a map of doorways. The humor is much like Monty Python for kids, but it also teaches a valuable lesson about what is most important in life. I love the twists on famous historical moments."

Any of these movies would be great for family nights or slumber parties. Perfect for all ages!

As always,
AstraDaemon

Monday, May 2, 2016

Missing In Action



I didn't abandon my blog, I've just been dealing with a lot of horrible news. I've had more than one family member in the hospital. One of my cousins needs a liver transplant. If it's not cancer trying to take someone, it's an autoimmune disease. As a result, I can't concentrate on much of anything.

A lot of authors are waiting for reviews from me, and they probably think I'm flaking out on them. I am really hoping to turn things around this week.

Thank you for your patience, and please check back in a few days.

As always,
AstraDaemon 

P.S. I still think Michonne took it like a champ.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

TWD: What Are They Thinking As They Kneel?


For fans of The Walking Dead (no spoilers):

I was watching yet another rerun of the season finale, and wondered what was going through the characters' minds. I wondered if any of them might be praying.

Not trying to insert my own beliefs or bring ongoing issues into TWD universe...just speculating based on each character's background.

For instance, Maggie was raised in a Christian household. I wonder if she's written that all off by this point. I wonder if she is more terrified for herself, her baby or her husband.

Thoughts on Maggie or the other characters? Thought we could talk about something other than Lucille's victim...

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Walking Dead Theories (Possible Spoilers)



First of all, let me just say what a shit finale that was. Season 6 had a good run, until Negan went Christian Bale on the camera man. And what about the awesome gas mileage of the RV? Don't even get me started on the fact that this group of people still haven't learned how to avoid an obvious trap. Enough with the small talk...

My first theory is about the shot heard around the world. I am convinced that Dwight shot Daryl in the dick. Why? For one thing, Dwight has a special hate for Daryl. For another, Dwight is probably not happy about the injury he suffered at Eugene's teeth. What has me really convinced is the blanket that Daryl has wrapped around himself at the end of the finale, while kneeling down with the others. Why would Daryl be given a blanket, unless he is now a eunich or cold from blood loss?

Many of my theories revolve around the mystery victim who was beaten to death by Negan, courtesy of Lucille.

Throughout the episode, we catch POV flashes of someone locked up, while the RV gang is being herded. So, it stands to reason, that POV belongs to one of the four people that Dwight captured: Daryl, Glenn, Michonne or Rosita.

I don't think it's Daryl. I think he's already been punished with an injury to his manhood. This way, the writers never have to divulge Daryl's sexual preference, and risk alienating a group of Daryl fans.

There's been speculation that it's Glenn because of the comic storyline, and rumors concerning background audio of Maggie and Glenn crying out to each other. However, the show has been deviating from the comic for some time now. Also, I believe the "leaked" audio is just a recording from moments earlier, when Glenn realizes that Maggie is in the kneeling line-up as well. So, I don't think it's Glenn.

Rosita would most likely be recruited to be one of Negan's wives, or considered "soft goods." I don't think Negan would kill off a perfectly good piece of ass, not to mention Rosita's background story which includes performing sexual favors to stay alive. Although, I think, ultimately, Rosita will end up with Eugene, but knocked up with Spencer's baby.

That leaves Michonne. Negan might not advocate raping women, he is not above killing them. I won't mention names, but he does kill two women in the comic. The dredlocks that were attached to a zombie in the undead Red Rover might be foreshadowing. Annnd, in the comic, Negan says a man can be destroyed by "fucking a man's vagina." Rick is number one on Negan's shitlist, and Negan needs to break Rick down.

Possibly, one of the four, or even Eugene, could have been interrogated before the RV group is captured. Someone might have revealed Michonne's relationship with Rick. Last but not least, Rick's love is like the kiss of death.

I think Michonne took it like a champ.

What I really want to know is what has been happening to Tara and Heath. Are they at Hilltop? Or, perhaps Morgan and Carol will find them at the Kingdom. (Armor, horses - you know Ezekiel is making an appearance soon.) Tara doesn't know Denise is dead yet.

I even have a theory about Enid: I think those pickles she gave Maggie were poisoned. I do not trust Enid. However, I think it's possible that Maggie simply has appendicitis. It doesn't always have to be a conspiracy.

I would love to read your thoughts/comments on my theories, and feel free to share your own theories.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Google Policy Makes No Sense

Today, I received the following warning from Google, after trying to post review links from my Blogger account to my Google Plus account:

Dear Ursula K Raphael,
We've determined that your posts may be in violation of our User Content and Conduct Policy.
Spamming, including sending unwanted promotional or commercial content, or engaging in unwanted or mass solicitation, is not permitted.
Continued violation of our policies can lead to the loss of your ability to use some or all features of Google+ and other Google services. Learn more
Sincerely,
The Google+ team

I assumed that if Blogger provided a share button to Google Plus, it must be okay to post a link to the content of one Google page to another. All I did was use a feature provided by Google itself.

When I think of all the memes and other useless crap streaming on Google Plus, not to mention the fact that people can CHOOSE whether or not to follow my account, I am at a complete loss to understand how my reviews could be considered "spam" or "mass solicitation."

Until I resolve this with Google, please look for future review links at my Facebook and Twitter accounts under both my real name and AstraDaemon.

As always,
Ursula K Raphael a.k.a. AstraDaemon


Tuesday Twist: Devil Inside

Kenya Moss-Dyme presents a page-turner about a young woman's harrowing journey through cancer treatment at the hands of a beguiling nurse who gives her more than the normal care. The tormented patient morphs into something unrecognizable, as the mystery unravels and she unleashes a surprise of her own for the twisted nurse upon her return.


Devil Inside by Kenya Moss-Dyme is about a woman named May, receiving chemo treatment and experiencing unusual side effects. Dawn, May's neighbor, is desperate to discover the fate of her missing cats. The build-up is really slow and the timeline jumps back and forth without warning, which took away from the suspense, unfortunately. Yareema, the nurse, is the real mystery.

This story frustrated me - it raised more questions than it answered. This is not the author's strongest work. Daymares has much better stories from Moss-Dyme, with her trademark twist on the dark side of relationships.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Monday, March 28, 2016

Monday Mystery: Before The Fall

On a foggy summer night, eleven people-ten privileged, one down-on-his-luck painter-depart Martha's Vineyard on a private jet headed for New York. Sixteen minutes later, the unthinkable happens: the plane plunges into the ocean. The only survivors are Scott Burroughs-the painter-and a four-year-old boy, who is now the last remaining member of an immensely wealthy and powerful media mogul's family.

As the passengers' intrigues unravel, odd coincidences point to a conspiracy. Was it merely by dumb chance that so many influential people perished? Or was something far more sinister at work? Events soon threaten to spiral out of control in an escalating storm of media outrage and accusations. And while Scott struggles to cope with fame that borders on notoriety, the authorities scramble to salvage the truth from the wreckage.


Before The Fall by Noah Hawley is a mystery-suspense story centered on a plane crash. Only two people survive, and the investigation reveals numerous dark secrets about the passengers, as well as the flight crew. As the backgrounds of the characters are revealed, there are several theories of why the plane crashed. The POV focuses mainly on Scott, the man who saves a four-year old passenger.

The writing style is brilliant and so unique, I'm not sure how to properly describe it. The backgrounds are presented as flashback biographies that not only summarize the life of each passenger, but the segments also uncover the circumstances that brought the characters onto that particular flight. I found it extremely riveting and read the novel in one sitting.

While there are a lot of characters to keep track of, Hawley does an amazing job of personalizing each life. There is not necessarily a lot of action, but the intrigue and interaction between the characters propels the story at a steady pace. The ending is quite a surprise.

I've never heard of Noah Hawley before, but I would gladly read more of his work.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Sunday Suspense: Baggage

Over the years, terrible things keep happening to Anna Ray on February 17. First, there was the childhood trauma she’s never been able to speak about. Then, to her horror, her husband killed himself on that date.

A year later and a thousand miles away, Anna tries to find solace in the fresh start of a new job in a new place. She takes comfort in her outspoken cousin Jeannie, the confidant and best friend who’s there whenever she needs help. On the day of the dreaded anniversary, Anna and Jeannie hit the town, planning to ease the pain with an alcohol-induced stupor and then sleep…

When Anna awakes the next morning, she thinks she can put one more February 17 behind her, but fate is about to intervene in the form of two gruesome murders with eerie similarities to her violent past. This time, however, she won’t be an abandoned daughter or a grieving widow. This time, she’ll be a suspect.


Baggage by S.G. Redling is better than what I expected. The story flashes back every now and then to different periods of Anna's life, revealing the memories that haunt her, one piece at a time. The pace is a bit frustrating. The POV switches between Anna and her cousin Jeannie, which keeps it interesting, but I think a third POV would have fleshed out he story more. While I loved the mystery and suspense throughout the novel, the ending seemed weak compared to the rest of the writing.

I did enjoy reading this book, but Redling needs to step up her game if she wants to stand out in this genre.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Saturday Short: Watchers

When a mysterious noise rolls in from a neighboring town along with dense smog from a Chemical Plant explosion people begin to die.

But for Kyle Tanner and his would be friends that is the least of their worries. Trapped inside a small local grocery store they watch in horror as those left outside blister from head to toe with unimaginable sores.

And when it seems like it couldn't get any worse, this small band of survivors are forced outside to face the mutilated madness!



Watchers by P.A. Douglas is more like the beginning of a full-length novel rather than a complete story. I'm not sure if the author intends to turn this into a series, but I think he should. The zombies are unlike anything I've ever encountered in any previous novels. While that aspect is extremely original, the story still reminded me of The Mist by Stephen King.

Douglas wastes no time releasing the horror from above, but his choice of main character is questionable. Kyle is not a very lovable person, and I didn't necessarily care if he lived or died. I was mostly curious if he would somehow become a better man.

Not sure if I will follow up with this author or not because I was originally looking for something with a more clear ending...too many loose ends for my liking.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Today I Coughed Up A Lung


I'm letting everyone know that I haven't given up on my blog, I've just been very ill. In fact, I haven't been this sick in years. The irony is that I had to cancel a doctor appoinment twice because I didn't feel well enough to leave the house.

I had to shelve my plans for February's review posts. I have managed to get a few stories read for March, but it will probably be a few more days before I start posting reviews again.

Please check back this weekend - I have some great mystery-thriller novels to tell you about.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

John Connor Returns

Fifty Percent of Infinity by John A Connor is an interesting assortment of science fiction short stories and flash fiction, with a touch of horror. I have enjoyed Connor’s work in the past, but I had mixed feelings about this particular collection:

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT shows how alternate realities can literally cross paths.

WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF is an absolutely excellent story, a perfect example of Connor’s talent.

FIFTY PERCENT OF INFINITY is one of my least favorites, but remains a unique concept of mind and body.

MISSING, PRESUMED LOST is an ironic, post-apocalyptic tale.

PORTAL could be taken as either a suicide account or a tale of ascension.

LAIKA is an alien’s best friend.

DREAM, BABY has lots and lots of dialogue, but very little in the way of a plot.

YOU HAVE ONE NEW MESSAGE makes me not want to check my voicemail ever again.

AFFAIR OF THE HEART is a major transplant issue.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY is a long story about first contact.

END OF THE LINE is quite a surprise.

LIVING IN REALTIME is an example of what the imagination can do.

SLOW LANE is a fantastic twist on immortality.

END OF TERM is definitely my least favorite, and not at all what I expect from Connor.

HERE TODAY features an uncertain future.

PICK AND MIX is a time analogy.

WORLD’S END left me wondering if it is real or the best con ever.

INFORMATION OVERLOAD made no sense to me…possibly the author’s intention?

UNQUIET MEALS shows how a space journey can take its toll on the human mind.

I think the reason this anthology didn’t meet my expectations is because there is more flash fiction than short stories, and while the flashes might give readers a thought-provoking and/or entertaining moment, they don’t always deliver a story.

I do recommend that readers check out Connor’s interview here at the Lair.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Sunday Staschy

There are a lot of great short story authors waiting to be discovered. One such author that I stumbled upon in the past year is Richard Staschy. He dabbles in several genres, and I've enjoyed most of his stories so far. Two of my favorites:

The Lighthouse has some descriptions that are so graphic, I thought I was going to throw up. The flow of the story was a little erratic, but, considering how chaotic the events in the lighthouse are, one shouldn't expect a smooth ride. It did feel like walking into a movie after it already started, but it's far better than a slow setup.

Love Hurts is psychotic. Who needs enemies when you have a friend like Mr. Chips? Seriously, the monkey is worse than the clown from It. I figured out almost right away where the story was going, but I still wanted to see how exactly it would play out. The ending is brutal.

I recommend Staschy to anyone needing a quick literary fix before the weekend is over.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Sick Story For Saturday

Tentacle by Caleb Deschain
When I first came across this book (no pun intended), there was NOTHING about erotica in the description. I honestly thought this was just going to be a horror story like the movie Deep Rising. Imagine my surprise...

Tentacle by Caleb Deschain might prove popular with certain Japanese Anime fans, but not sure how other horror fans are going take this. Tammy, a junior researcher at a biotech corporation, wakes up in a concrete chamber with partial amnesia...and she is NOT alone. Subject #8472, a bioengineered life form, rises from the dark pool within the chamber and violates Tammy in some rather explicit ways. DEPRAVED SEXUAL CONTENT, interspecies rape - you have been warned.

Aside from the subject matter, I approached this story the way I would with any other. I found the repetition of phrases annoying; the dialogue could have been better. Additional editing would have improved this story. Regardless of genre or target-audience, a story should not resemble a rough draft full of typos.

Instead of spending so much effort on the details of the graphic sexual assaults on the female and male characters, the author should have spent more time developing the characters. For example, I don't know any guy who, regardless of how many Fleshlights he owns, would stick his member into a squid's mouth just because his boss told him to.

Despite my disgust, I have to admit the ending was pretty good - better written than the rest of the story. I gave three stars for creativity.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Friday, January 15, 2016

Friday Feature: Luke Duffy and Zombies

Been trying to catch up zombie series...just finished a series by Luke Duffy that I started back in 2012...

When There's No More Room In Hell introduces two brothers, Steve and Marcus, in two different countries when a flu virus ravages the world's population. One brother tries to hold up in his apartment with his daughter, until it becomes apparent that there is more to this virus than just a fatal illness, and he tries to survive with others (including his brother's family) at a safari park. The other brother, a marine now working with a private security team, realizes that he will have to journey through several hostile countries to get back to his family.

At first, I was more interested in the security team's situation, but when the two storylines begin to merge together, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, racing through pages, wondering if the brothers would ever manage to be reunited. Somehow Luke Duffy managed to take the typical zombie survival story and turn it into an action-packed family drama overflowing with all kinds of horror - not just the undead threat.

Book 2 begins just after Marcus' group is attacked in France, but the battle is sort of skipped over. While I was more interested in the security team in Book One, Steve's group becomes far more interesting in the sequel. The survivors at the Safari Park are being sabotaged, and several new characters are introduced into that particular storyline, such as Stan and Kieran who appear to be nothing more than troublemakers not taking the outbreak seriously at all. I wondered how Duffy would tie everyone together.

The development of the characters accurately reflects the passage of time. There is also a good balance of undead action and personal interactions between survivors...BUT, thinking-zombie Andy, although still a minor character, is an absolute gem within this series. No major cliffhanger - even some loose ends are tied up once and for all - but the characters' fates are left uncertain.

Book 3 begins twelve YEARS after Book 1 began, but it immediately flashes back to the experiences and eventual exodus of Safari Park. There are layers and layers of action, and a horrific slaughter of the survivors...I wasn't sure how any of them were going to make it to the end of the series with everything that goes wrong. Once again, Andy the thinking-zombie steals the show.

The last book of Luke Duffy's series has one of the best endings to a zombie series that I've ever read. The epilogue is a great addition, and the characters leave a lasting impression long after the series is over.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Is Amy Cross Losing Her Touch?

I have loved many stories by Amy Cross. I even interviewed her at the Lair. However, her latest work has been falling short of the expectations I have for Miss Cross.

The Lighthouse is not as thrilling as some of her other work, but I loved the twist towards the end (good enough for four stars). Unfortunately, the story jumps back and forth in time quite a bit, and I thought it did more harm than good to the pace of the novella. I think the story should have been told in chronological order, period. The flashback style didn't add anything extra to the suspense - it was more annoying than anything.

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018PN1XJ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B018PN1XJ0&linkCode=as2&tag=piravszomb-20&linkId=4K2H4DZZTD52W3D3">The Cabin</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=piravszomb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B018PN1XJ0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />The Cabin begins three years previous, with a great prologue hook. However, the story tended to be predictable. I did enjoy the paranormal element, but this is not the author's best work. I think Cross relies too much on graphic violence to propel the story. The ending was the only real surprise.

I hope this is just a phase and Amy Cross returns to excellent storytelling that made me a fan in the first place.

As always,
AstraDaemon