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Necessary Evils by Serena Jayne Book Review
Necessary Evils by Serena Jayne Book Review
Jayne weaves a deliciously frightful collection of eighteen short stories guaranteed to disturb. Stories range from short and wicked to longer tales of depravity and terror. Stalkers, slighted lovers, evil men, and venomous women lurk on the pages, ready to strike and fulfill their darkest whims. Whether set in Sin City, a grocery store during the Apocalypse, or darkened bedrooms, danger is never far. Readers beware! Sometimes, evil is necessary.
Speckled throughout the collection are short flash pieces that break up the intensity of the longer tales and allow readers a much appreciated chance to catch their breath. "Unlikeable" takes a quick stab at social media culture while "Banana Bread" delivers a peak into the world of an abusive husband whose days are numbered. Longer stories such as "Chet-Shaped Lure" stick with readers well after the final word, encompassing a world of torture and heartbreak, and "Darkside Effect" mixes science fiction and violence with horror and female empowerment. Additionally, readers will enjoy the unique format of "Best Friend Forever" where the plot is unraveled through personal correspondences between a lawyer and perpetrator. Overall, each story is well developed with memorable characters that will certainly remain firmly implanted into readers’ minds.
Jayne bravely doesn't hold back with disturbing and raw context. Themes of betrayal, abuse and retribution, heartache, lust, and greed are regularly featured. While some may find the violence against women excessive, others will recognize and revel the characters' resilience and determination to survive. The stories fly by as each does a fantastic job of digging deep into the reader’s brain and not letting go. Horror fans looking for twisted plots and wicked characters will enjoy this quick paced collection.
Format
186 pages, Paperback
Published
February 20, 2022 by Unnerving
ISBN
9781989206850 (ISBN10: 1989206859)
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Full Immersion by Gemma Amor Book Review
Full Immersion Book Review
5 Stars
Back Cover:
A traumatised woman with amnesia finds her own dead body and sets out to uncover the truth of her demise in a race against time, sanity, crumbling realities and the ever-present threat of the Silhouette.
When Magpie discovers her own dead body one misty morning in Bristol, it prompts her to uncover the truth of her untimely demise. Her investigations take her on a terrifying journey through multiple realities, experimental treatments, technological innovations and half-memories in a race against time and sanity. Accompanied by a new friend who is both familiar and strange, and constantly on the run from the terrifying, relentless presence of the mysterious predator known only as Silhouette, Magpie must piece together the parts of her life previously hidden. In doing so, she will discover the truth about her past, her potential, and her future
Review:
Amor weaves a beautifully haunting tale of post-partem depression with dark imagery and eerie tones. A mother on the verge of self-harm makes one last attempt to save herself by applying to an experimental therapy program. Suddenly, she wakes up and comes face-to-face with her own dead body. Now, she must navigate a blurred world between truth and illusion in order to uncover her deepest secret.
This story is exquisitely written with a sympathetic protagonist that seeps into the reader’s soul and latches on for dear life. Amor bravely bares her heart on the page for inspection as the mother character must journey into her past in order to save her future. The drama unravels in a satisfyingly slow and steady pace with enough tension to keep the reader engaged from start to finish. While this premise has been explored by other authors, Amor spins the familiar tale of motherhood with a unique and personal perspective. This story will stick with readers longer after the final word.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Beyond the Creek by Nico Bell
When Alex Foster accepted the caregiver position with the eccentric Nox family, she was issued a single rule. Don’t wander past the creek. Alex isn’t interested in exploring the Nox’s vast wooded property. After escaping an abusive past, her sole focus is building a safe future for herself and her unborn baby. Except, a series of chilling events threatens her happily-ever-after. Now, she must fight to survive an ancient evil before all hope is lost.
There’s something beyond the creek, and it’s hungry.
BEYOND THE CREEK is a southern creature horror.
ASIN : B09S8H27NS
Publisher : D&T Publishing LLC (February 9, 2022)
Publication date : February 9, 2022
Language : English
Print length : 127 pages