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Author: Jayne Waggoner
Title - Vadas (Celic #2)

Celic Vadas no longer craves the companionship of humans with the urgency he once did. Yet still he longs to feel as though he is part of their race. He finally accepts his vampire existence for the most part. He is slowly learning his new abilities, his confidence growing. The demon within him still longs to feed, but Celic has learned how to control the virus and no longer unwittingly sends ladies to their deaths.

Sheriff Dan Craft still tries to find Celic's trail, with the help of Loni's best friend, Neva Tompkins. Neither would believe that Celic never meant to kill Loni. The possibility of Celic actually caring for Loni is foreign to them. But it is Loni's boyfriend, Joey Whaler, that searches the hardest for Celic. Joey feels guilty for the way he treated Loni while she was alive. Now Joey seeks redemption. He uses every spare cent he has to search for Celic. To that end, Joey hires the Crystal Clear Detective Agency to help locate the vampire and possibly destroy it. Tammy Ford is the agent assigned to Joey. Tammy is very good at her job. The pair are hot on Celic's tail. Problem is that there are others searching for Celic for their own nefarious purposes.

Celic wants only to blend in and exist. In the slums he meets a variety of interesting people, some good and some bad. Not everyone is as they seem though. Claudette is also nearby and has minions of her own. She and her people will soon approach Celic. Claudette knows Celic wants to kill her, but is positive she can change his mind and convince him to do her a favor in return for help with his virus. Can Celic sidestep the black magic headed his way?

**** Book one introduced Celic to readers and showed the reasons for his unrest. This book continues Celic's journey. Old nemeses return (more than mentioned in my synopsis), a few loose ends are tied up in this installment, and a new nemesis is gained. Black magic and a coven of witches (or two) enter the picture to add a dangerous element and heighten the suspense. Though it is obvious that there will be a book three, I was not disappointed with the stopping point of the story. I did not feel as though I was left hanging. The author, Jayne Waggoner, has improved in her storytelling and the story flowed smoothly for the most part. Only a few sections felt stiff in the writing style, but nothing felt odd or wrong. I look forward to seeing what else this author has up her sleeve. Fantastic! ****

Author: Jayne Waggoner
Title - Celic (Book 1)

Nineteen-year-old Celic dumped his possessive girlfriend, Claudette. The scorned lady was not only quite insane, but also a witch. In retaliation Claudette slipped Celic a potion, transforming him into a vampire. It was not long at all before Claudette had him staked. For years she kept his mummified corpse hidden, occasionally playing with the still lodged stake, knowing Celic felt agony at every touch. When she stopped visiting his corpse, Celic thought she was either dead or had forgotten about him. Many years passed.

A Pennsylvania lawyer's web site clearly shows his avid interest in vampirism. When an anonymous lady gives him directions to Celic, the wealthy lawyer jumps at the chance to own and display a possible vampire. He sends his son and friends to pick it up along with a small cargo of wolves. But on the return flight the plane goes down. Celic's stake is dislodged, freeing him at last. Celic and the wolves flee into the woods, yet keep each other company. Celic knows very little about the curse within him, other than his hunger for blood. He begins his new night life in a nearby city. He is torn between his desire to be a normal human teen and the need of his inner demon to feed. Staying in the area may very well call the attention of the local law, but how could a short while hurt him? Later Celic will search for Claudette. If she still lives, he will deal with her. For now he will feed, learn more about himself, and try to figure out how to blend into this new generation's time.

**** An interesting tale that may very well turn into a series. There is no graphically detailed horror and no real romance, so the novel defies my attempts to classify its genre. Horror is the closest I can decide upon. There are editing problems, but nothing major or too distracting. As the reader, this story let me begin to know and understand Celic's character. His background slowly develops, leaving more for me to learn in the next novel (which is currently in progress). I look forward to the next release. ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - The Woodcutter's Grim Series: Classic Tales of Horror Retold

Papa
October 2006. When Rand Parker's ex-wife and kids died in a car accident he inherited everything. In the six months since, Rand still has not touched a cent of it. Rand's current wife, Amy, has sunk into major depression. In hopes of helping her, Rand decides to take Amy on a vacation to a cabin that his lawyer has only recently reminded him of having inherited. It is in the northern part of Wisconsin, in a town called Woodcutter's Grim. But Amy's depression is worse than Rand could ever have imagined. Amy has been seeing the ghosts of the dead children.

Blood of Amethyst
October 2007. Amethyst Phillips had been sixteen-years-old when, completing a dare, she made contact with something evil. Now, at the age of thirty-three, Amethyst is the fiancé of Sheriff Gabe Reece. She is also seven months pregnant with Gabe's child. Gabe is the current Guardian of Woodcutter's Grim, as were the Reece men before him. Hundreds of years ago, when the Great Evil first came to the woods, barriers were erected by the Guardian and the Brethren to contain the evil. The barriers are now breaking.

Dancing to the Grave
October, three years later. Diane Anders-Jones had been Amethyst's best friend nearly her entire life. When the evil claimed Amethyst, Diane lost the baby she had been carrying. Diane and Kurt's relationship was nearly destroyed in the aftermath. Now Diane and Kurt are happy once more. Diane is the school's music teacher. Several of her students have been out sick. Those still at school seem to be in a trance until Diane plays a song or touches them. At the same time, the Brethren is keeping their eyes open for trouble. They are short one member and Kurt believes Diane should fill the vacant slot. Unless Diane joins the secret society, Kurt cannot tell her what is going on. And Kurt is not the only member of the Brethren who believes the evil is targeting Diane next.

The Amethyst Tower
October 2043. Prince has been reborn anew. He has three days left to rescue Rapunzel and fulfil the prophecy or die again. Upon Prince's shoulders - alone - lies the salvation of the past, present, and future.

**** This novel is made up of four stories that actually link together to create one whole. Each story is loosely based on a fairy tale. (One fairy tale has a mythology twist.) The first story reminds me of a blend between the horror movie "Silent Hill" and the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel". The second makes me think of it as a blend between King's horror movie "Needful Things" and the fairy tale "Rumpelstiltskin". The third story blends the goat-god Pan and the fairy tale "The Pied Piper of Hamelin". The last is a wild time travel fantasy with the fairy tale of "Rapunzel and the Warlock King". All four stories are set at Halloween and EVERYTHING is a circle.

I could not begin to guess which story is my favorite, but only the first tale sent icy chills down my spine. There are a few typos in the book, but no more so than many other book out in the stores. All-in-all, horror fans will find this the perfect way to spend a stormy night alone. ****

Author: T.C. LoTempio
Title - Ebony

All of Jessica's hopes for mending fences with her sister, Amanda, come crashing down when the young woman goes missing. Though Jess had sworn never to return to her home town, she goes back to Ebony and begins an investigation. Amanda is not the only person who has vanished, but Jess' investigation seems to be going nowhere until another local reporter and her ex-lover join forces with her to uncover a truth more horrifying than anything she could have imagined. Now, Jessica may lose both men she loves, her sister, and her own soul.

*** From the opening sentences onward, this story will shock and terrify you as you read of things that are far worse than being dead. Fast paced action keeps things moving towards a climax that will surprise you. ***

Author: T.C. LoTempio
Title - Bound By Blood

Inheriting the ancient manor, Ravencrest, comes at the perfect time for Leigh Hartley. She and her teen daughter need a fresh start, and the small town of Coltonville sounds perfect. What she does not know is that Ravencrest comes with a prophecy that may be linked to a series of murders in that town. Intrigued by the case, Leigh begins to investigate, working with a reporter and a detective, despite the fact that she is the right physical type to become a victim herself. As the threads of destiny begin to come together, Leigh's daughter becomes the focal point of a plot to unleash Hell on Earth.

**** Though the story starts off in a somewhat confusing fashion, things come together rapidly and become frighteningly clear. If you enjoy Barbara Michaels, then be sure and read this fascinating start to what appears to be a series. Just leave the lights on while you do. ****

Authors: Various
Edited by: Michael Stone & Christopher J. Hall
Title - Badass Horror (Anthology / June 1, 2006)

This anthology of horror stories is not for those with weak stomachs. Therefore, if you are looking for a chill, but nothing hard core, go elsewhere. It seemed to me that no one was spared or granted any mercy within these pages. If you are still interested, this is what you will get:

Pool Sharks by Gerard Brennan is the first tale and is about just that...pool sharks. But in this game you win or die.

The Stray by Garry Kilworth is about a slow man that some ladies of night let hang around their place of business. Until, that is, a customer takes offense.

Hardboiled Still by Michael Hemmingson is the longest tale in the anthology. It is also the strangest. The way it is written, it reminds me of the old Dick Tracy comics. A private investigator wakes up one night to find out that he is a zombie.

All the Pretty Girls by Ronald Damien Malfi will appeal to you classic car lovers. The story revolves around a possessed 1962 Mercury Comet S-22 Coupe. (I sense you drooling already.)

Moving Pictures by Gord Rollo is my personal favorite. A new tattoo parlor is about to open in the area. When the enforcer appears to collect the protection money, the oriental man offers a free tattoo to buy time until he can get customers and make some money. But his tattoos are VERY special indeed.

The Essences by Davin Ireland refer to the emotions of people in the world. Each city has a Keeper (Watcher or Caretaker) who cares of the vials containing that city's essences.

Bloodbath at Landsdale Towers by Michael Boatman is my second fave. Two dark and menacing figures with interesting powers are out to get the names of all the dealers in the area. They also have the most interesting pet, a Death Puck with legs. You have to read it to believe it.

**** Each story is well done. However, the first story or two uses slang words that some people will not understand. Yet they will easily figure it out by the way the words are used. All of the stories are good, none below average. Those searching for talent in the horror field will be pleased with the choices made to create this anthology. I will be checking back to see which, if not all, of these authors make the big time. Excellent reading for stormy nights. ****

Author: Margaret L Carter
Title - Child Of Twilight

Frightened by her powers and their implications, Gillian runs away from the doctor who is trying to help her adapt to her vampirism. Meeting her real family is confusing and fascinating, but the safety they offer does not shelter her for long. Soon, with the help of an ancient and evil vampiress, Gillian is captured by a scientist who wants to study and write about her; and the vampiress wants to use her for revenge. Whoever wins, Gillian will live, but the question is- will she be saved or damned?

*** Introducing a new spin onto the vampire legend, Ms. Carter tosses readers headfirst into her world, and it's a chilling one, fascinating and dangerous. This novel gives the distinct impression of being a second or third book in a series; therefore, if there is a prior one, readers are advised to find and read it first. ***

Marilyn Meredith: title - Wishing Makes It So

Wanting to do something good, Alyse and Steven take in a four year old little girl as a foster child, one who has been thrown out of several homes prior to theirs. With their successful parenting of three other children and Steven's career as a counselor, they feel sure they can help Belinda and give her a loving home.

However, Belinda quickly prooves a great challenge. She is often disobedient and trouble making, hurting the other children and vandalizing their things. At times, however, she is sweet and "innocent", easily charming the unwary. Then, her desire to be the only child takes a deadly turn.

***** Thrilling from the first to the last page, Ms. Meredith has created a story that will truly horrify the reader. Stephen King does not create suspense nearly as well. Even when you think the story is over, there is more, and you will see how the devil can hide behind the lovely and the unexpected easily. This is one of the most bone chilling novels I have ever read! *****

Marilyn Meredith: title - Kachima Spirit

After a long search, Madeline Kennon has found a new home to restart her life and the lives of her children. Almost immediately, they begin making new friends, and despite claims that their new home is haunted, it seems like life could not be better. Even seeing ghosts does not really bother Madeline. However, things turn more sinister, and bloody. Madeline begins having strange dreams, it looks like her son is into animal mutilation, and two very different men enter her life. Then, murder occurrs. Frightening secrets from the past reach out to entangle the Kennon family in a web of deception and death. Madeline finds her heart and her family are on the line; one wrong move could cost her everything.

***** In yet another thrilling novel, Ms. Meredith proves herself to be a premier writer with characters that are believeable in a situation that could be real, despite its other worldly elements. The unreal situation is presented so matter of factly that it seems to be something that could be true. *****

Author: Jeff Strand
Title - Mandibles

Giant Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) invade Tampa, Florida in a killing spree.

***** How was THAT for a synopsis? I have had the privilege of previewing/reviewing many other books by Author Jeff Strand. I am quoted as stating that Strand is warped and one sick cookie. I still stand by those words! This book is just more proof that I am right!

Be warned that I give this awesome book a "Rated R" heading due to a lot of blood and gore! I cannot stress that enough so I'll repeat ... "A lot of blood and gore!" Got that? Okay.

Even the book's "Author's Note" and "Another Author's Note" at the beginning of the story is warped. This strangeness has come to be known, by me and all Jeff Strand fans, as the author's personal signature. If it's horror, warped, and funny, then it has to be by Strand! *****

Joseph M. Nassise: Riverwatch (Rated R)

Before history was recorded there were two main species that ruled the Earth. One were called The Elders and looked identical to humans today. The other were called The Nightshades and were evil winged creatures. The Elders thought the humans had the potential to become intelligent and began teaching them. The Nightshades considered humans to be nothing more than cattle. A war broke out resulting in the extinction of both races. However, one Nightshade had been sealed off from the world. It was buried in an underground tomb and topped with a flowing river. The world was safe. Until...

In the present date, while renovating the Blake estate, a river was drained and a cement sealed passage was found. An ancient evil was released, Moloch. Moloch was hungry and had a thirst from revenge!

***** This book caught me from the first sentence and held on until the end! Be warned of graphic death scenes! I highly recommend this one for Stephen King and Dean Koontz fans! Awesome and chilling! *****

Lawrence Barker: I'll Take My Stand

This story was set shortly after the Civil War (1868). Abraham Lincoln had already been assassinated and still had the bullet hole to prove it. However, he was still the President. Demons had been raised all over the South. The dead lived again or were zombies.

Old Horny-foot was the main villain of the story. He played a three string fiddle and was constantly after the soul of an ex-confederate soldier named Rile Fouts. Rile had his plug of tobacco (that was like a talisman against evil), an Infernal (which was a mule-shaped demon that talked), and a fiddle that could free the souls of the damned.

The story was not as detailed as most horror books, but it definitely had a different twist to most books of the walking dead. Well worth your time and money.

Fred Wiehe: title - Starkville

Maggie Stark had been a homicide detective for the San Francisco Police Department until a serial killer murdered her husband. Once the killer had been caught, she quit and moved back to her hometown of Starkville, high in the Sierra Foothills. On the 50 acres of Stark Ranch, Maggie planned to raise her eight year old son, Billy, in a quiet and normal life.

Emmet opened the entrance to Howling Cave and unknowingly released the demon spirit known as Mo Paak. The demon was a parasite with the form of an insect. It crawled into a living host to eat from within. The host would go mad from the pain and begin killing anyone who crossed its path.

Wing Sun was over 150 years old. The gods were punishing him for releasing Mo Paak many years ago. Until he managed to kill the demon, Wing Sun could not die and find release in the spirit world. He needed the help of Maggie. Only she could help him win the upcoming battle, before the entire town was massacred!

*** This story will send chills down your spine! Order pizza for dinner before you begin reading because you will not be able to stop reading this book until the last page has been read, and good luck sleeping afterward! Excellent horror novel and well worth your time! ***

Howard Hopkins: title - The Dark Riders

Set in a western history scene, Chris Durrin is the target of a vampire, Milus Clint. Milus has hand picked several men to become part of his dark gang that is now the terror of Texas!

There is a lot of blood, violence, greed, revenge … and I loved every bit of it! Intended for mature audiences only! Milus is a villain readers will love to hate and his gang is not totally loyal to the leader, which causes some interesting scenes as well! Highly recommended!

Jeff Strand: title - Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary (Comedy/Horror/Thriller/Mystery)

Andrew Mayhem (his last name described his life pretty well) was temporarily exploring his career options (between jobs and hated to work for a living). He had a wife, Helen, who was an RN and two children, Theresa (8 years old) and Kyle (6 years old). His best friend was named Roger Tanglen and only Andrew was more irresponsible!

Jennifer Ashcraft offered them $20,000 to dig up her husband’s shallow grave and bring her a key he had somewhere on his person. Hey, that is a lot of money for a few hours work. No problem, right? Right! That is, unless the husband was not dead…yet…and unless they were all kidnapped, someone murdered Jennifer and then began a really sick game with Andrew called Figure Out The Clues ASAP Or I Will Send You Another Tape Of Torturing Someone To Death…Possibly You! And unless someone started shooting crossbows at him, putting body parts all over the place, and strapping Roger up to a door while playing Guess The Answer Or 1 Of 5 Hatchets Hack Into Roger, while the police look on. I mean, you get the idea, right? But, hey, what were the odds of any of that ever happening? Helen would never know. All Andrew had to do was find a babysitter.

*** This is one sick author! Therefore, this is one of THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN A LOOOONG TIME! You have simply got to read this one! I laughed out loud so often while I read it at work that people kept coming into my department to see what was going on! Yes, it is THAT good! My husband is reading it now and is reacting the same way. Jeff Strand is an author to keep your eye on. With this one book, he has won me as a huge fan! BRAVO! Excellent! ***

Gabriel Devlin Kessler:title - Landscape Of Demons and the Book Of Sara

The Book Of Sara tells the tale of Sara as a Jewish child and raised verbally abused by her mother. She never has control of her own life. She finally marries. Then comes Steve and the twins. Steve is the outcast of the family. Mother only wanted the girls.

That really set the scenario. The story mainly follows "Stevie". The story delves into his mind as he grows. His imagination fuels horrible and graphic images that leave the reader wondering about his sanity. The ending was like chaos and left me thinking long after I finished reading the story.

There is no way I can think of to briefly summarize the plot without giving it away. I can only say that this made me feel as if I were touring the mind of a madman, who seems so sane to the outside world. A product of his environment.

Click HERE to go to the Millennium Press site to read more about this book.***

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