Review: 14 By Peter Clines

Publication Date: May 7, 2012
Paperback: 370 pages
Publisher: Permuted Press
ISBN-10: 1618680528
Genre: Horror Fiction, Science Fiction

About The Book:
Padlocked doors. Strange light fixtures. Mutant cockroaches. There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment. Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much. At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s. Because every room in this old Los Angeles brownstone has a mystery or two. Mysteries that stretch back over a hundred years. Some of them are in plain sight. Some are behind locked doors. And all together these mysteries could mean the end of Nate and his friends. Or the end of everything... 

My Thoughts:
Absolutely Amazing!  Although Clines didn't make it to the final list of nominees for the 2012 Bram Stoker Awards, 14 was certainly a contender.  14 is a hybrid mixture of Lost, H.P Lovecraft, and the classic Twilight Zone series.  The characters were very well-developed with an extremely intriguing and complex story line.  The Kavach Building was certainly the leading character in this novel with its deeply hidden secrets that Nate Tucker and his neighbors are determined to unravel at all costs....and some pay the ultimate price.  Full of suspense and intrigue, I found myself easily reading into the late hours of the night.  Clines has certainly proven himself to be a gifted storyteller with his attention to detail and history as well.  Nate Tucker's fate seemed a bit predictable by novel's end but I really can't imagine any other for him. Well done and highly recommended....four stars!

Review: The Dead of Winter By Jack Night

Paperback: 308 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: August 25, 2012
ISBN-10: 1479319201
Genre: Horror Fiction

About The Book:
For the Anderson family, Rockwell is the picture perfect small town. A wholesome place to start over. But as the autumn days begin turning to winter something is awakened deep within the woods. Something bent on revenge. Cut off from the rest of the world they must fight to stay alive as the haunting presence lays claim to Rockwell, exposing the dark secrets of the town that created it.


My Thoughts: 
It's been a long time since I've a read a book that literally gave me nightmares but Jack Night has accomplished just that with his tale of terror and suspense,  The Dead of Winter.  Created against the backdrop of small town America, Night has proven himself a talented story teller of the macabre.  Rockwell is a picturesque small town where everyone knows their neighbors and life itself just moves a little slower.  A perfect setting for Nick Anderson to focus on his writing....or is it?  When his daughter ventures into the woods lining their backyard, evil is unleashed and a reign of terror ascends upon Rockwell, leaving a path of death and destruction in its path. Will anyone in the town of Rockwell survive?  With well-developed characters and an unpredictable plot, The Dead of Winter had me reading late in to the night with such anticipation....and fear. Overall, I really enjoyed this and easily give it a four!  I'll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Jack Night in the future!