[Day 30] HauntoberFest – It

Can you believe it? We’ve come to our last showcasing of festive books for HauntoberFest 2015! I hope you’ve enjoyed this event as much as I have. Just FINDING these books again was a delight. Maybe you’ve discovered some new favourites over the month, or simply had the opportunity to spread the love of bookish horror, macabre, and ghoulish fun to others.

Either way, enjoy — what I consider to be — the most horror appropriate book of the season:

Title: It

Author: Stephen King

Page Length: 1116 pages (BEHEMOTH)

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: To the children, the town was their whole world. To the adults, knowing better, Derry, Maine was just their home town: familiar, well-ordered for the most part. A good place to live.

It was the children who saw – and felt – what made Derry so horribly different. In the storm drains, in the sewers, IT lurked, taking on the shape of every nightmare, each one’s deepest dread. Sometimes IT reached up, seizing, tearing, killing . . .

The adults, knowing better, knew nothing.

Time passed and the children grew up, moved away. The horror of IT was deep-buried, wrapped in forgetfulness. Until they were called back, once more to confront IT as IT stirred and coiled in the sullen depths of their memories, reaching up again to make their past nightmares a terrible present reality.

 QUOTE

“Eddie discovered one of his childhood’s great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.”

― Stephen King, It

 

Why did I chose this book?

 

Or more precisely, “Why did I choose this book to end off our month of freight and thrills and disturbing as shit?” BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS ALL THAT ROLLED UP INTO ONE. I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT IT. YOU CAN’T MAKE ME EVER READ IT AGAIN. IT AIN’T HAPPENIN’. Jkfnsjanfdjnfladj

So. Y’know. Perfect book to end the month on. *smirksmirk**slinksaway*

Why did I ever think reading this book was a good idea? I don’t know! Why do I feel I should recommend it as the epitome of horror to all of you, lovelies? >3 ….Because I’m an asshole, THAT’S WHY. ❤

What I love/like about it:

• This was the very first book I ever read that so definitively stated what I’d known all along… that adults are the real monsters.
• Embodies the essence of horror
• The title is absolutely perfect, don’t you think? The simpliest, yet most striking title to give a book about your worst and deadliest fears.
• King’s writing mastery, as always. I’m a big fan of it and the poetic nature of his writing. I get very annoyed when I hear people say he’s too descriptive. You can never be too descriptive homg *eyeroll*
• Fuckin’ clowns.

 

FINAL RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

Don’t even get me started here.

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

Because this book so epitomizes everything about terror that you can imagine, I really didn’t have any other titles as “alternatives”. That being said, here’s a fantastic collection of Halloween stories you can read instead, if you don’t want to drive into the twisted world of “It”:

 

 

[Day 29] HauntoberFest – House of Leaves

Title: The House Of Leaves

Author: Mark Z. Danielewski

Page Length: 736 pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: Years ago, when House of Leaves was first being passed around, it was nothing more than a badly bundled heap of paper, parts of which would occasionally surface on the Internet. No one could have anticipated the small but devoted following this terrifying story would soon command. Starting with an odd assortment of marginalized youth — musicians, tattoo artists, programmers, strippers, environmentalists, and adrenaline junkies — the book eventually made its way into the hands of older generations, who not only found themselves in those strangely arranged pages but also discovered a way back into the lives of their estranged children.

Now, for the first time, this astonishing novel is made available in book form, complete with the original colored words, vertical footnotes, and newly added second and third appendices.

The story remains unchanged, focusing on a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree Lane where they discover something is terribly wrong: their house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.

Of course, neither Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Will Navidson nor his companion Karen Green was prepared to face the consequences of that impossibility, until the day their two little children wandered off and their voices eerily began to return another story — of creature darkness, of an ever-growing abyss behind a closet door, and of that unholy growl which soon enough would tear through their walls and consume all their dreams.

 QUOTE

“This is not for you.“

― Mark Z. Danielewski, The House of Leaves

 

Why did I chose this book?

I have two main reasons.

The first is as follows:

Truly a beast of a book, I’d say this is one of those you’ll either love with all your being or hate excessively. I really don’t think there’s a middle ground. I’m one of those who love this book, and not – regardless of what some might say – for pretentious reasons either.

I’ve always been quite found of this sort of experimental writing, and I think (along with the one and only Dhalgren) definitely fulfilled what they sought out to do — and that is to bring a different perspective to its readers by taking them out of their comfort zones and making them stop… and THINK.

I applaud books that do this. Whether for the good or the bad, I applaud any book that seeks to make their reader stop a moment and ponder the “what if” (and also the “what the fuck” because that’s just, if not even more, important a question).

This is a horror book, but not in the conventional way you would think “horror.” This is a philosophical book, but also not in the conventional way you would think philosophy. This is a thriller and a suspense, but it needs you input to make it terrifying, to make it come alive… and THAT, I think it sensational.

If you can find the time to ever pick this book up, during the month of October or otherwise, do so. Either love it or hate it, but read it. That’s all that matters in the long run.

As for the second:

Partially because I just love it. Primarily because it’s so controversial. Some say it’s complete bullshit. Others praise and rave that it’s the greatest horror book of its time.

I’m on neither side. I know, shocking, right? Because I do understand where both sides are coming from. This book was definitely made to… impress. But I somehow doubt that’s supposed to lessen its incredible storytelling and horrific components. I read this book and was thoroughly entertained, wholly freaked out, and loving every minute of it. But I could definitely tell when I was being… purposely dazzled by the author. For what? To show off their intelligence? For show how much time and effort and ridiculous dedication went into it? To say “Lookie here at what I did! See how much better it is than all of yours”? I haven’t the faintest idea.

But here’s the kicker.

STILL DOES NOT TAKE AWAY FROM THE FACT THAT THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK.

😀

Author intents aside, I would definitely pull this one out for any of my hardcore, monster-sized-book-lovers to tackle during this lovely, frightful month of October. I really wouldn’t recommend it unless you planned to be dedicated to unraveling this behemoth in quick succession.

What I love/like about it:

• The utterly… bizarre nature of this book. Open to ANY page and you’ll immediately see what I’m talking about.
• The original and experimental style of writing which I’m always fascinated by
• The MASSIVE AMOUNT OF WORK PUT INTO THIS SUCKER. That includes every footnote, every appendix, every little word scribbled in the sidelines or spiraled out of control on any given page.
• Which brings me to… the typography and interior book design! OUT OF THIS WORLD GORGEOUS.
• The… disturbing resonance that just… lingers, after you’re done reading another section, another page of this creepy ass book.
• The concept. I cannot tell you enough of just how awesome I think it is. Truly.

 

FINAL RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

All manner of… ugh. Just be careful. It’s a dark, dark world in here.

Every frightful thing you can imagine lurks within. This is a story about everyone’s fears, everyone’s… twisted imaginings and how all that comes together to make… the house of leaves. Asdfghjkl; There’s some fucked up shit in here. Mark my words.

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

These titles were all possibilities for today.

  

 

 

[Day 28] HauntoberFest – Being Dead

Title: Being Dead

Author: Vivian Van Velde

Page Length: 203 pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: From the hilarious to the horrific, master storyteller Vivian Vande Velde explores the world of the dead–and the undead–in this surprisingly moving collection of unnerving tales.

 QUOTE

 “People always talk about good, fresh country air, but I kept getting wiffs of something that was neither good nor fresh but definitely country.” ― Vivian Van Velde, Being Dead

 

Why did I chose this book?

Yet another book from my childhood. I think this one still has a special place of honor on my “favourites” bookcase. *goes to check* ….Yup! Still there. xD

This was an interesting collection of horror oriented tales. Some were funny. Some were sad. Some were just plain weird. But all in all, I’d consider this a solid book for the YA group. (I also think a good many adults would enjoy this book as well.)

Also, I found my selection of titles was eerily missing more ghost stories. You can never go wrong with more ghost stories. NEVER. x3

What I love/like about it:

• The author. Won’t lie, I’m completely biased because I love V3. She’s rad and I think all her works are awesome. (Well… all her works that I’ve read. I won’t comment on things I haven’t, even for her. :P)
• The wide selection of topics these “ghostly tales” span across. I remember I was delighted to find that every story had it’s own unique point and message.

 

FINAL RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

Well… they’re ghost stories, so you can expect all sorts of things from them. What not to expect is anything too graphic. I remember the stories weren’t really gore-y or anything, just spooky and a little scary at times. A good many were more on the humorous side.?

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

    

 

 

[Day 27] HauntoberFest – The Traveling Vampire Show

Title: The Traveling Vampire Show

Author: Richard Laymon

Page Length: 391 pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: Though gloomy with clouds, it is a hot, August morning in the summer of 1963. All over the rural town of Grandville, tacked to power poles and trees, taped to store windows, blowing along the sidewalks, fliers have appeared announcing the mysterious one-night-only performance of The Traveling Vampire Show.

The show will feature Valeria, the only known vampire in captivity. According to the fliers, she is a gorgeous, stunning beauty. In the course of the performance, she will stalk volunteers from the audience, sink her teeth into their necks and drink their blood!

For three local teenagers who see the fliers, this is a show they don’t want to miss. But they may have to.

Though they can probably scrape up the price of admission, other obstacles stand in the way. One problem, nobody under 18 years of age is allowed into the show. Dwight, Rusty, and Slim are only 16. Another problem, the show begins at midnight and the three teens always have to be home by then. If that weren’t bad enough, the show is to take place at Janks Field — a desolate patch of ground with a nasty history — that has been declared off limits by their parents.

The situation appears hopeless.

Though Dwight and his friends fear they won’t be able to attend the actual performance of the Traveling Vampire Show, they do have the entire day to themselves. Why not hike out to Janks Field and take a look around? With any luck, they might be able to watch the crew make preparations for tonight’s performance. If they’re really lucky, maybe they’ll get a peek at Valeria, the gorgeous vampire.

And so the three friends set off on foot for Janks Field…

Dwight is a solid, honest kid, long on common sense and loyalty to his friends. He always tries to do what’s right.

Rusty is a husky guy who relishes trouble.

Slim, their long-time pal, is the brains of the outfit, a voracious reader of novels, an aspiring writer, and a girl. Also, she is sometimes too brave for her own good.

The Traveling Vampire Show is the tale, told in Dwight’s own words, of what happened to him, Rusty and Slim on that hot summer day they hiked to Janks Field. It’s the story of their friendship and love, their temptations, their betrayals, and their courage as they went where they shouldn’t go, did what they shouldn’t do…and ran into big trouble.

Why did I chose this book?

 

When I was a a few years younger than these kids’ age, I read this book and I honestly had the time of my life. This was one of those late night, under the cover reads at midnight when you’re supposed to be sleeping so you can wake up for school the next morning type of books.

I haven’t read it since then, but I can always remember fondness when I think of the title. As always, I never really read anything that was… “age appropriate” — still, apparently, don’t — but I would definitely say the book is geared towards teens/young adults, something along those lines. I don’t know how well it would win over an adult audience, but I know for the age group it is designated for, it will be a hit!

What I love/like about it:

• The… atmosphere of the book. I don’t remember all the details per se, but I remember the book’s atmosphere was something that had me saying, “Just one more page! Just one more page!” right into the morning. XD
• The characters. I don’t know if there was anything about them that I didn’t like, but I do remember liking them.
• The seductive nature of the writing. Especially for the age I was when reading this book, it was quite taboo, and that made it all the better. As I said, for an adult audience, I don’t know how big the “wow” factor will be, but if you can suspend your expectations a bit, you might find yourself liking it quite a bit! 😉

 

FINAL RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

Some disturbing content matter. Some cussin’. Some sexual situations. Y’know. The usual.

Oh yeah, and lots of blood and horror and overall RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!! horror moments.

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

I’ve got some series for you today! Click on the images below and they’ll take you to the series page:

     

And this would be my only “adult” title for the day. (M/M Romance with some… intriguing themes. Be forewarned. Some may be offended by this material. I almost was. Then I got over it. :P)

 

[Day 26] HauntoberFest – A Picture of Dorian Gray

Title: A Picture of Dorian Gray

Author: Oscar Wilde

Page Length: 331 pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: Blond-haired, blue-eyed Dorian Gray is a guileless young man, who arrives one day at the studio of painter Basil Hallward. There he meets the world-wise Lord Henry Wotton, whose hedonistic and cynical view of life is dramatically different from that of the more earnest Hallward. The two men spar in a witty war of words, and Dorian feels inexorably drawn to Wotton’s philosophy of youthful pleasure and amorality. As Hallward completes his portrait, Dorian wishes that he could always remain youthful-and that the painting could bear the burdens of the advancing years.

Wilde’s tale takes the reader into a world in which such things are possible. We meet the unaging Dorian Gray at his leisure, taking advantage of his ability to charm all those around him, and taking his pleasures without heed of the consequences. But one day, after a rash act of cruelty to the woman who loves him, Dorian notices that something in his portrait has changed–a cruel smile has twisted its once-perfect lips.

Adding touches of the gothic and the supernatural to his satiric depiction of upper-class British life, Wilde creates a classic modern myth: the handsome young aristocrat, who remains beautiful while his portrait, the mirror of his soul, withers.

Also included in this volume are “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime,” “The Canterville Ghost,” “The Sphinx Without a Secret,” and “The Model Millionaire,” which together comprise the most important of Wilde’s short fiction.

 QUOTE

“You will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.”

― Oscar Wilde, A Picture of Dorian Gray

 

Why did I chose this book?

 

There is something inherently wrong with seeing A Picture of Dorian Gray as anything other than pure horror. I think we’ve all had that one moment in our lives when something… really… throws us for a loop. Something we hide from others or we hide from ourselves suddenly turning on us and showing us just exactly who we are.

That’s what Dorian’s tale reveals. Human nature. Human… frailty. Human… wickedness or corruption in appearing to be just and true.

I enjoyed this story, not because it was engaging or captivated my attention, but because it slowly unfolded before my eyes, and slowly chopped everyone down to size and made them look at themselves for who they really are, and not who they pretend to be. The wit and intelligence within each line spoke to me as only someone deeply in tune with their thoughts can speak to another person and make them understand.

I’ve always loved reading Wilde’s works because he’s completely unafraid to speak his mind and get to the underbelly of a conversation. He might jest and jibe and throw caution to the wind, but underneath it all he has quite a bit to say. And if you’re willing… you might just learn he’s speaking directly to you.

I’d recommend this to anyone who loved or wanted to get into a solid classic read with a bit of horror and gothic thunder rumbling throughout. Pick up a copy from your local library and get to readin’! You won’t be disappointed.

What I love/like about it:

• I think I covered this above, but… the intelligence of it.
• The way it breaks down everyone’s defenses and makes them sees themselves (and everyone else) as they really are – whatever horrible, twisted, ugly thing that might be
• That it is unabashedly honest, yet still witty as only Wilde can make it. ❤

 

FINAL RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

Some disturbing imagery. Basically fine otherwise.

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

What a strange collection I have for you today… Do tell me if you’ve read any of them. I love two, found one only “okay” and the other hated. Can you guess which?

      

 

 

A Haunting Weekend Mix – Weekend Four

Welcome back to our third musical weekend of haunting and thrilling sounds~

This weekend’s theme is…

EERIE and HAUNTING INSTRUMENTAL and CLASSICAL TUNES

…or what I like to call, “The Music Box” edition of our haunting mix.

Keep in mind — not every song on these playlists will be on your typical Halloween themes.

I tend to enjoy and respond to music as it moves me, so it’s very likely some songs will have NOTHING to do with Halloween at all. It’s just… a feeling you get when you hear them, y’know? Something silly which always makes you think of the trick-or-treatin’ pranks you did as a kid… or that haunting, chilling sensation you get when a song plays that makes you shiver or perhaps want to waltz outside under a moonlit sky.

These are far more of the darker variety, although a good many are simple somber with a hint of death lingering about…

As always, my hope is that these songs will move you as they do me.

PART A

i. music box – nox arcana //  ii. lost in the darkness – nox arcana //  iii. melody of grievance – dgm ost 3 // iv. angel of dead – epica // v. autumn’s music No. 1 – max richter // vi. an ending (ascent) – brian eno // vii. a nightmare on elm street – charles bernstein // viii. tristesse – artésia // ix. larva’s theme (waltz) – vpm ova ost // x. amber asylum – black waltz // xi. a god that breeds pestilence – elend silent slumber

*

PART B

i. dancse macabre – philharmonia orchestra //  ii. a night on bare mountain – mussorgsky & leibowitz // iii. grave of maria – dgm ost // iv. toccata and fugue (in d minor organ) – bach // v. o mistress mine – emilie autumn // vi. scream – marco beltrami // vii. frankenstein’s monster – henry jackman // viii. resident evil theme – charlie clouser // ix. august’s rhapsody – mark mancina // x. the raven – nox arcana // xi. libera me – elliot goldenthal // xii. heart of courage – two steps from hell

LISTEN:

[ 8tracks ]

[Day 23] HauntoberFest – The Beauty

Title: The Beauty

Author: Aliya Whiteley

Page Length: 104 pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: Somewhere away from the cities and towns, a group of men and boys gather around the fire each night to listen to their stories in the Valley of the Rocks. For when the women are all gone the rest of your life is all there is for everyone. The men are waiting to pass into the night.

The story shall be told to preserve the past. History has gone back to its aural roots and the power of words is strong. Meet Nate, the storyteller, and the new secrets he brings back from the woods. William rules the group with youth and strength, but how long can that last? And what about Uncle Ted, who spends so much time out in the woods?

Hear the tales, watch a myth be formed. For what can man hope to achieve in a world without women? When the past is only grief how long should you hold on to it? What secrets can the forest offer to change it all?

Discover the Beauty.

 

 QUOTE

 “There are two types of understanding in this world. There’s the kind that comes from the reading and the hearing, and it doesn’t penetrate the skin. It is surface knowledge, like a soft blanket that can be placed over the shoulders. And then there’s the understanding that comes from doing. That kind of understanding is not soft. It is water that soaks into the rocks and earth, and makes the seeds grow. It is messy, and painful, and impossible to hold.”

― Aliya Whiteley, The Beauty

 

Why did I chose this book?

Hmm, well I think my ranty review pretty much explains why I’d recommend this book for this year’s HauntoberFest challenge.

There are certain levels of disturbing that most people can handle… and there’s this messed up shit. (Understand, I’m complimenting the book, not putting it down. I’m just being COMPLETELY HONEST that it is WEIRD AS FUCK.)

A truly thought-provoking read.

This tiny, unassuming book will throw you for a loop. Mark my words.

 

What I love/like about it:

• While being quite disturbing, it actually made a great deal of sense. (If you don’t get it, then perhaps come back in a few years and look at it with fresh eyes. I assure you the level at which this book deconstructs gender is mind boggling.)
• Body horror. Nuff said.
• Like with Uzumaki, it’s about something that should LEGIT NOT be terrifying. ‘Cept it is — at least in this horror story.
• The characters. Even when they fuckin pissed me off.
• That it left me with a discussion long after I had finished reading it. I honestly wanted to DISCUSS it with other people. (Which was TERRIBLE considering that when I first read it, it was an ARC, so most people didn’t even know it existed yet, much less read it. T______T)

 

FINAL RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

All kinds of disturbing. Imma leave it at that.

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

Today’s alt!titles are filled with all manner of disturbing, body infesting horrors to keep you up at night. I hope you weren’t planning on eating that mushroom soup…

    

 

 

[Day 22] HauntoberFest – Twisted Dark (graphic novel)

Title: Twisted Dark (#1-6 on-going graphic novel series)

Author: Neil Gibson

Average Page Length: 190–200-ish pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: The first volume in Neil Gibson’s acclaimed series of twisted tales. This 200 page book contains 12 individual and unique stories which are all related.

The stories vary from 10 year old girls to Colombian drug lords and everything in between. It is left to the reader to find the connections between the stories – some connections are immediately clear whilst other connection only become clear in later volumes. This series is designed for re-reading.

The author describes the genre as psychological thriller, but the books contains horror, dark (at times demented) stories incorporating every human emotion, illegal activity, and brutal reality.

Using various illustrators allows each story and character to develop their own form. Twisted Dark has been embraced by the comic book world receiving critical acclaim and a cult following. If you haven’t read one yet, you don’t know what you’re missing.

 QUOTE

 “People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die.”

― Plato
…as seen in Gibson’s story, “Growth”

 

Why did I chose this book?

So many reasons. For one, I needed some… ugh… hm.. I don’t know if “realism” is actually the word, but more along the lines of “everyday horror.” You know… the kind of horror that doesn’t necessarily come from the supernatural or paranormal, but just from regular, seemingly ordinary people who live amongst us everyday of our lives. That one coworker who everyone ignores who decides one day to come into the office and shoot everyone and then themselves… The creeps who stalk people or set up secret cameras in bathroom stalls… The intruder who breaks into your house and then takes up residence there without your knowledge… Or maybe even the one room in the house that no one ever goes into because it’s haunted — or is it? Y’know, the every day scenarios that aren’t so every day and scare us because they happen or can happen to anyone.

You never when you might be next.

(P.S. – I hadn’t thought of it at first, but it has a sort of Twilight Zone vibe to it, y’know?)

What I love/like about it:

• The progression of the stories. They’re interconnected, but not in the way that you think. It would suggest you read them in order because if not you might miss something that becomes important later.
• The gritty nature of the art. It matches the style of the stories so well. Bravo to both artist and author on choosing the combination.
• The creepy factor is through the roof at times (and then at others, a bit more mellow)
• The unexpected revelations as each story comes to its conclusion. (In most cases, not all. Sometimes it’s pretty predictable what’s gonna happen, but that doesn’t make it any less fun.)

 

OVERALL SERIES RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

(highlight below to see)

SO. MANY. CAN’T. LIST. THEM. ALL. *shorts out*

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

Check out all the books in the series!

    

    

 

 

[Day 21] HauntoberFest – Are You Loathsome Tonight?

Title: Are You Loathsome Tonight?: A Collection of Short Stories

Author: Poppy Z. Brite

Page Length: 185 pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: Are You Loathsome Tonight? (also titled Self-Made Man) is a collection of short stories.

Stories

• Introduction by Peter Straub
• In Vermis Veritas
• Arise
• Saved (with Christa Faust)
• King of Cats (with David Ferguson)
• Self-Made Man
• Pin Money
• America
• Entertaining Mr. Orton
• Monday’s Special (A Dr. Brite story)
• Vine of the Soul
• Mussolini and the Axeman’s Jazz
• Are You Loathsome Tonight?
• …And In Closing (For Now) by Caitlín R. Kiernan

 

 QUOTE

 “Los Angeles was a city with an enormous nervous system, but no brain.”

― Poppy Z. Brite, Are You Loathsome Tonight?, “Self-Made Man”

 

Why did I chose this book?

 

This collection of bizarre and strange horrific tales deserves special mention for “America” (you’ll never guess who makes an appearance, Lost Souls fans *wink*) and, more specifically… “King of Cats.” This story… does something I haven’t seen many other fairytale retellings do, and that is… change up some aspect of it (in this case, made it gay), add (or keep) a bit of macabre, make it… adult (if you know what I mean… *eyebrow wiggle*), and somehow keep it SERIOUS and not some spoofy, silly nonsense not worth anyone’s time. This story… ugh… I’ve been obsessed with it for over a decade. It’s just too good. It brings new life to a very short fairytale most may not even know or remember.

My only con would be that for a book this short, it is quite pricey. But honestly? It’s worth every penny. I would buy it again if I had to right now and not even feel the least bit sorry.

What I love/like about it:

• LOOKIT ZE COVER. (If you haven’t figured it out by now, coverpron will always be the best pron <3)
• Slightly bizarre or macabre spin in each story that is completely unexpected
• GOOD — scratch that — EXCELLENT gay horror, anyone? That would be yes/yes!

 

FINAL RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

(highlight below to see)

All kinds. I can’t even begin to list them here. 

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY

I don’t have any reason for choosing these besides the fact that they’re awesome and amazing. (Although, the particular collection of Bending The Landscape that I chose for today really isn’t all that good in comparison to the Science Fiction and ESPECIALLY the Fantasy collections. Homg… if you want to read some non-horror, go read the Fantasy and then the Science Fiction collections of Bending The Landscape. You will not be disappointed. ❤ ❤ ❤ )

     

 

 

[Day 20] HauntoberFest – Splintered

Title: Splintered (Series #1-3, including Novelette 1.5 and the upcoming Sequel 3.5)

Author: A. G. Howard

Average Page Length: 391 pages

Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis: The Splintered Trilogy follows Alyssa Gardner, a girl who hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

 

 QUOTE

 “My precious Alyssa, share reality with me. Give me forever.
We will wreak such beautiful havoc together.”

― A. G. Howard, Ensnared

 

Why did I chose this book?

 

It shouldn’t be that strange to have a little Wonderland as part of this month’s haunting event. For no matter what others might say, Wonderland and all its peculiarities most certainly have a place during the month when the veil between worlds shift and we are able to glimpse into the world beyond and to the side and below us all at once. And our imaginations take flight.

This series is easily my YA favourite retelling/sequel to the Alice In Wonderland tale. There are others (adult titles) that get the same amount of praise from me as well, but this may very well be the only young adult series to do so.

I really REALLY wanted some more dark fantasy than straight up horror in today’s HauntoberFest showing, else I would have 100000% gone with Alice instead.

Besides the obvious coverpron overload x100000000000, the characters, storytelling, and world-building is soooo good. This would definitely be a book to read if you’re not as big on horror, but love some dark fantasy and YA to boot. It never gets scary enough to be considered true horror (at least, certainly not to me) but there are moments of the delightfully macabre in nature, and lots and lots of freakish wonders to boggle the mind.

There’s also a great deal of beauty within, which isn’t only restricted to the lovely covers.

You wouldn’t want to miss this trilogy and its side stories.

What I love/like about it:

• COVER ARRRTTTTTT
• Wholeheartedly not gonna lie: MORPHEUS. ❤
• ….honestly I don’t even need to say more than that. Cover… Morpheus… yup. I think that about covers it. (P.S. Morpheus is the lovely blue fellow in the middle and the only one who makes the books worthwhile. You sassy, starky little asshole. I love you. ❤ ❤ ❤ )

 

OVERALL SERIES RATING

 

Warnings or Triggers

Hmm… none that I can think of. There’s mention of some things that might be a little cringe or shudder worthy depending on how sensitive you are, but other than that… Well, it’s a YA book. There’s not gonna be much. 😛?

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ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR THE DAY