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Because of all sorts of things interfering with my reading and posting of reviews (building a new website, writing a novella, etc., etc.), I have finally made up for my slacking ways over the past 2 weeks and now posting for all the books I had in queue. So, here they are:


The Cold BeneathThe Cold Beneath, by Tonia Brown
With The Cold Beneath, Tonia Brown has delivered an exciting mix of zombie, steampunk, and horror fiction that should delight readers of any or all three of these genres. Reminiscent of the stories I grew up on (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth), this book has several unique twists that will keep readers guessing to the very end. Brown's prose works wonders to capture the ominous atmosphere, sense of wonder, and tension that are vital to a story like this one. I definitely recommend it.








Boom TownBoom Town, by Glenn Rolfe
Something strange is going on in Hollers Hill. Weird tremors rock the land and strange liquid is oozing from the ground.
This is the basic premise of Boom Town, but in Rolfe's more than capable hands it becomes much more than just another hackneyed SyFy movie plot. Rolfe deftly weaves UFOs, terrifying action, and more than a few comic scenes into a story that will delight anyone who is a fan of scifi horror classics such as The Blob. Rolfe delivers believable characters and enough chills to make you want to keep the lights on at night and watch the sky for slimy invaders. I can definitely see this one being made into a movie. Loads of fun, this is a novella I highly recommend.




The Bear Who Wouldn't LeaveThe Bear Who Wouldn't Leave by J.H. Moncrieff
This one of 4 novellas that make up Samhain Publishing's "Childhood Fears" collection, and boy, does it deliver. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn't have a teddy bear or similar stuffed friend growing up, and the thought of it turning evil is enough to make anyone shudder. Just imagine the bear from Ted getting possessed by Chucky and you have an idea of how quickly things could go bad. Moncrieff does an excellent job of depicting the increasing terror as 10-year-old Josh must fight for his life against the devilish toy and an evil step-father. She also captures young Josh perfectly, something that isn't easy to do.  This is definitely a novella worth reading. Just keep your toys locked up.


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