Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen Review

 

By Mike Chen

Publisher: Mira

Review by: Shells Walter

Review done 7/20/2023

 

 

I have always loved vampires and would, still do, grab any books about them. Some were bad and to this day I just love to read over again.

 Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen is yes another book about vampires. However, this book has some interesting characters and an interesting storyline. It's not your typical vampire story.

 The story introduces you to Louise. She is a vampire who has lived many years but got turned when she was a teenager.  Louise is also, a musician who names the guitars she owns. Going about her daily life trying to fit in, and working night shifts to obtain blood, she suddenly has someone visit her. The man comes with a child whose name is Ian. Ian has issues with a dead father and mother who is in the hospital.

 The man thinks he knows the house looking for someone else. However, Louise isn’t sure about this until Ian takes an interest in her musical instruments. What starts out as another fellow music lover turns into an adventure where the rules of vampires are known, secrets are revealed and plot twists are held true.

 What was enjoyable about this story was that it was light-hearted but deep in the sense that no matter what you are you deal with issues. Chen shows how even a vampire can get through those issues. I loved learning about a community of vampires and going through the struggles that Louise sometimes faced.

 If you want a more ‘real life’ fictional type of story of the everyday life of a vampire this is your book.

 

I highly recommend Vampire Weekend and would love to read any more about Louise from Mike Chen.

 

 

Slippery When Wet's Classic Fairy Tales of Murder and Mayhem by Linda Vanek Review

 

By: Linda Vanek

Publisher: Independent Published 

Review by: Shells Walter

Review done: 11/30/2021

Nothing says scary like some old-fashioned fairytales. In Linda Vanek's collection, Slippery when Wet's: Classic Fairytales of Murder and Mayhem, you get just that. It's not surprising in her telling of the fairytale "Rapunzel," you get shook up by how the characters are. In the same regards, you understand why they do what they do. There is somewhat of a lessoned learned.

In each of her stories, characters come alive in vivid personality flaws that you end up reading these classic stories in a different way than when you were a child. The stories never fail to give you a bit of a scare, yet a satisfaction on the ending each story brings about.

It has been a long while since I have read a collection where each and every story is its own gem.

If you wish for a lesson learned through reading a fairytale not like the old, take this collection for a twirl. It will not disappoint.

 Slippery when Wet's: Classic Fairytales of Murder and Mayhem can be found on amazon.

A Leaf and Pebble by Andrew Monroe

 

By: Andrew Monroe

Publisher: Andrew Monroe

Review by: Shells Walter

Review done: 11/24/2021

Leaf and Pebble, the first in the Learners Trilogy, is a fascinating read. In this first book of the tribology, we come in contact with Nil and Volant. One is a Learner and one is a Natural. What this means is that both are skilled in art forms just differently. When we are introduced to these two, they are moving forward with a robbery. The adventure for these two continue in a world-wind and somewhat chaotic time.

What was most enjoyable about this story was watching these two characters deal with the upcoming situations in their own ways. Monroe takes you into the hearts of these characters and the characters they meet along the way. As you read, you dive deep into the atmosphere around them and live in the story as if it was happening to you personally.

You really don't want to miss the first of this tribology. You would be denying yourself a treat and who can resist a good treat?

A Leaf and Pebble is available on Amazon

A Sinister Quartet Review

Publisher: Mythic Delirium Books

Review done by: Shells Walter

Review done:4/5/2020

A Sinister Quartet, is a collection of novellas by authors: C. S. E. Cooney, Mike Allen, Amanda J. McGee and Jessica P. Wick.

In the start of the book, I was in awe by the story of ‘The Twice Drowned Saint.’ I have read many stories dealing with angels in many different genres and most always deal with the same themes. However, this particular story was not only unique, but rich in character development. I would have to say one of my favorite angel stories I have ever read. In reading this story, keep in mind that because it is so different it will take your mind on a special journey that you will never forget.

It is not hard to say good things about all the stories in this collection. I wanted to scream at certain characters for their actions, while others I just wanted to either laugh or sympathize with. It has been a long time since I have read a collection that has brought out so many great story lines and characters.

If the above does not make you want to dip your imagination into this book, than just think of wonderful fantasy and horror themes that will not only grasp your mind, but grasp your emotions. You are in for the ride of your life and without a doubt, one you have been longing for.

By Derek Muk
 Published by: Unnerving

 Review by: Robert Walter

Review posted: 3/14/2019

PRIVATE NUMBER / CLAWS are two new stories in Novella format written by Derek Muk.  These two stories are tied together by an intrepid paranormal investigator/professor named Albert Taylor.

In the first story, Private Number, Taylor is called in to help solve the mystery of some phone calls to a radio show that are received from a dead person named Faye. Her number on caller ID comes up as a private number and she is calling to have some help with how and who killed her. Her death is part of a series of unexplained ghastly murders in the area. The story grows as  the professor and the radio show team work together to solve this and the other murders.

In the second story, Claws, the professor is called into a small mining town to help solve a series of brutal murders with a unique twist, they only happen during a full moon. The local sheriff is dubious about the paranormal professor “assisting” with the investigation. It includes a varied cast of characters from the big business family man to the group of arrogant rednecks.

Both stories have a good basis for the storyline and were entertaining to read. The characters, including the lead character, Professor Albert Taylor, lends to the story telling. While both stories seem a bit rushed at the end, they were interesting and definitely worth the read.

Tooth Decay: Short Story Collection by Shells Walter

On Sale here:

           

At Shells Walter's Website

http://www.shellswalter.com/p/shop.html

At AFK Bookstore Located here:

AFK Books & Records - 4801 Shore Dr, Suite D - Virginia Beach, VA 23455 - (757) 962-1996

10th Anniversary of Dead Practices by Shells Walter

10th Anniversary of Dead Practices which can still be bought here:


http://www.shellswalter.com/p/shop.html