DreamHunter by Maya Tyler

2 Stars

The difficult part of fiction is making it more believable than real-life. This book is so beyond unbelievable - and not because of the fantasy aspect - it was borderline stupid. I think if Maya spent some time fleshing things out, it could be a really fun story. But having this deadly drama appear from no-where - all started from a seemingly innocuous package - was silly. Not ever does the reader feel danger - just a confusing sense of, "who cares, it's an envelope." Then for Cynthia to just immediately accept and trust Gabe, without so much as a, "hi," was just strange. The guardian/dreamweaver aspect was fun and creative, and Maya's writing was excellent. I just think the story itself could have used a lot more thought and development.

Survivors of the Dead by Tony Baker

4 Stars

This was an intense, interesting read. While repetitive and redundant at times, Survivors was descriptive in the detailed account of a cop's life and how someone jaded and controlled would handle the apocalypse. I liked how Tony used water as a way to fight off the hordes and I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel. Get to writing Tony! :)

Hellhound by Rue Volley

4 Stars

Very different, yet a fun story. I really liked Rue's interpretation of God and Lucifer. There was a bit of confusion for me in some parts of the storyline, but it didn't distract too much from the plot. Definitely a fun, vulgar, fast-paced story. Not quite sure how everything got wrapped up in such a tidy bow so quickly and perfectly - but I guess when you're dealing with god-type creatures, anything can happen.

Midnight Never Ends by Thomas Amo

5 Stars

OMG - This book is CREEPY! Just enough terror in each short story to have your pulse thrumming, yet tame enough to be able to read at night. Midnight Never Ends proves again that Thomas is a truly gifted writer of things that go bump in the night. My favorite tale was Along for the Ride, however, If you Should Die Before I Wake left me in chills. All of these stories could easily stand alone and be excellent tastes of what Thomas has to offer, but I love the collection - and the new nightmares!

Here be Dragons by Hannah Steenbeck

5 Stars

This is a cute collection of short stories. Well written and fun, if you like short stories. The title is not at all what you would expect the book to have, but there were a couple mentions of dragons in the tale, so not entirely misleading. My favorite was the third in the book, but all were original, imaginative, unique, and fun in their own way.

What you wish for

I like to follow the moons. First, I think the moon is an absolutely, breathtakingly, beautiful orb. And secondly, it's fun to see what each full moon means. For example - June is the Wishing Moon. During the night of the full moon (which was on the 2nd) you are supposed to go out and state your intention (wish) with the moon's rays lighting the sky. It is said that with the power of June's Wishing Moon, and your vocalizing your deepest wish, it is more likely to come true.

So, I was outside on the second, stating my wish to the heavens and my neighbors. Before the words even left my throat, I felt the stirrings of a panic attack. My palms were clammy, my chest tight, my heart thundering. It was then that I finally understood the phrase "sometimes what your fear the most, is the very thing that will set you free." What I fear the most, also happens to be my heart's greatest desire. And in that moment, I doubted. Before I uttered a single word, I let fear wiggle it's way in to show me everything that could go wrong with that wish. And then the words were uttered and a profound sense of freedom engulfed me.

"I wish..."

Be careful what you wish for, for it just might come true.

"I hope..."

"I believe..."

"I will...."

Sabrina's Vampire by A. K. Michaels

2 Stars

Interesting erotic novella that seriously needs an editor. I think if the story was fleshed out more ant the characters had more background and substance, it'd be a bit more interesting. But as it stands now, nope. It's really hard to believe Sabrina would just jump into bed with Kyle after what he saved her from. Perhaps if Michaels' focused more on the internal battle with Sabrina's feelings before the sex, it'd be more powerful and believable. As it stands, this book is just "meh" for me.

Number 75 by Ashley Fointaine

5 Stars

This is a super fun, exciting short-story about survival and revenge. Not sure a .22 would have done as much damage as the author depicted, but i.e. was certainly gratifying. (My husband is absolutely adamant that a .22 is not an adequate carry gun as he doesn't believe it has enough stopping power - probably would have been more exciting with a .38 or a 9mm, but I think it's still cool.) This was a very well written, satisfying book about a serial killer and a survival's revenge. I think I might have liked a bit more detail about the best friend and the ex-husband and their role in the ending, but it was a fun, quick book.