Mind Rotting Tales by Kevin and Ken L. Jones Review

by Kevin and Ken L. Jones
Panic Press
Review by Dana Bell
Review posted 05/22/2011

If the reader enjoys gore, which there is a lot of, sexual themes and acts enjoyable, then many of these stories will fulfill the current mentality that in order to be scary, there must violence, blood and sex.

Cumbersome are the long, rambling paragraphs which are difficult for the reader to get through. Also, the 'telling' rather than 'showing' in many of the stories, causing many of what must be important details to be skipped over to get to the heart of what is supposed to be going on.

The continual and brutal murder of women, some of which are the murderer's spouse, causes a sickening sensation in the stomach of the female reader. Very few of the dealers of death are feminine and when they are, they are often portrayed as mythic creatures such as a vampire or succubus.

The writers used a good mix of popular culture, including well known people, infamous serial killers, and current eating establishments. Their readers must know these references in order to understand the story, for instance the Sugar Plum Fairy and her role in Christmas traditions. Also included is a tale about a revolting porn film style where animals are stomped to death. Granted, it is twisted differently, but the end result is just as disgusting.

None of these stories hold any type of redemption for the main character. They are shown as the worst of human nature and pure evil, taking joy in the pain and suffering inflicted upon their victims. Few are caught and run free to inflict their sickness upon others. Granted it is a true insight into what really happens in our society, but makes one wish for the outcome and them being hunted down and then captured as happens on the TV show 'Criminal Minds'.

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Scream for Me by Brian Rosenberger Poetry Collection Review

by Brian Rosenberger
Panic Press
Review posted 05/20/2011


Normally here at Sonar4 Landing Dock Reviews we only review fiction books. However, in rare cases we may review poetry collections.

Here in Scream for Me, Brian Rosenberger takes us on a journey through zombies, house hunting, strange sundaes and a slew of poems that will make you shiver, make you confused, but certainly not make you put the collection down.

It has been a long time since I have read such an extreme poetry collection that I was thrilled to see such an amazing combination of every emotion possible to experience.

If you have ever wanted to read poetry, but like some are afraid to, don't be with these poems by one of the masters of the written word. It will be worth your time in more ways than one.

Beyond the Dark by Patrick D'Orazio Review

by Patrick D'Orazio
Library of the Living Dead Press
Review posted 05/18/2011


Beyond the Dark is the last book in the 'of the Dark trilogy.'
We come across the gang from the other two books, Jeff, Michael, George, Cindy and the others. In this particular time, Michael has made a choice to stray away from the others. A selfish plan that includes smashing into a wall and it doesn't include his psychotic girlfriend Cindy.

The story of course moves further into the undead scene and survival for some of the characters becomes a no win situation. We also are able to get a more in-depth look into the character's motives for everything, especially George, who learns what everything around him means and how nothing will stop him in getting what he wants.

Beyond the Dark was D'Orazio at his best. The undead come in numbers but its not the same boring zombie tale. It is a nice conclusion to this trilogy. However, it will be missed and I hope a sudden tale or perhaps a supplemental book will be in the future.

Carnal Surgery by Edward Lee Review

by Edward Lee
Deadite Press
Review by Gina Desory
Review posted 05/13/2011


Edward Lee brings us 11 stories in Carnal Surgery. All of which will wet your appetite for the strange and the horrific. Some of the stories in this book, such as the story 'Seeker', takes you the reader on the journey with 'the writer' who searches for the ultimate truth, coming across some very odd things, yet surprisingly normal for the environment he gets stuck in.

The best story out of this collection is 'Please let Me Out.' It tells of a woman, Joyce, who keeps prisoner the man she loves because he has cheated on her. It strikes at the theme of revenge in so many ways. This story proves that you need to watch your actions.

The other stories in Carnal Surgery, some extreme, others taking you into moral thinking, are profound in their settings and their characters. It made me feel as if I read something that was unique and good, something that I hated to put down once I was finished.

Baby's First Book of Seriously Fucked-Up Shit by Robert Devereaux Review

by Robert Devereaux
Deadite Press
Review by Terry Morgan
Review posted 05/10/2011

Baby's First Book of Seriously Fucked-Up Shit Is a bizarre collection of stories by Robert Devereaux. There are 10 stories total, each with its own strange theme. Its a disturbing collection, one in which I was at odds with on whether or not I enjoyed it.

There were several erotica moments in these stories that were often a bit extreme and I felt myself taken back. I'm not sure how some of them fit into the stories except for perhaps some shock value. Now I won't say that this collection was bad, because overall it wasn't. However, it is not for the faint of heart. If you don't like reading shocking moments where at times includes erotica behavior, this collection is not for you.

I will say this, being shocked with some of these stories reminded me I was alive. Overall this particular book left me wanting a bit more than what it could give. I look at it as a snack in which I wanted more, but the place was out of it. I will suggest as said before if you enjoy shock type stories this is your book, take a look and enjoy.

Tequila's Sunrise by Brian Keene Review

by Brian Keene
Deadite Press
Review posted 05/06/2011

Tequila's Sunrise by Brian Keene, is a collection of 8 short stories that include:

Tequila's Sunrise:
A tale of the Tenochas or Aztecs, one in particular named Chalco. He is a hunter of his kind and learns to discover what it means to have Gods, to believe in the end of the world and to see what comes after he is able to see on the other side of things.

Burying Besty:
Tells of a father who buries his daughter alive to keep her from harm whatever it maybe.

Dust:
Is a ghost story based on Laura who had to deal with the tragic death of her loved one because of the 9-11 incident and learns to discover things may not be what they seem.

Fade to Null:
tells of the inner feelings, thoughts of a person dealing with Alzheimer's disease and what could be like a fantasy moment, but actually be nothing.

Bunnies in August:
Gary visits where his son Jack died. However, there are strange situations that happen in his life and bunnies are all over the place. What could possible happen next?

That which Lingers:
Sara has an abortion and her boyfriend leaves her. But does the abortion cause more than just an ending of a relationship?

Two-Headed Alien Love Child:
A woman is impregnated by aliens, Kaine is there on the case. There is just a few things to take care of.

Golden Boy:
Is about a boy that has special abilities to produce gold from his body. He never has relationships, but always finds a way to make due.

I found these stories to be odd and yet some amusing, while others really strange. It was a complete collection of everything one could want while reading short stories. An enjoyable collection that let's you take a strong look at what society would do and what seems to be a strange, strange world of Brian Keene.