Reaper: A Horror Novella by Jonathan Pongratz #bookreview #horror

On January 23, 2020 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews14 Comments

Gregory and his little sister Imogen love spending Halloween with their parents. But this year is different. If he proves he can take care of Imogen all by himself, he’ll finally have the allowance he’s dreamed of.

That was before the basement door opened on its own. Before the strange door appeared in the basement and Imogen was taken from him by the monster.

Now everyone in town is blaming him for her disappearance, but no one is listening to his story. Where did the door come from? What was that creature? And most of all, can he find his sister before it’s too late, or will he bury his memories of her along with his parents?

I love a good horror story. And that’s exacty what I found in Pongratz’s novella.

Everyone knows basements are bad news in horror books and movies. You just want to yell at the characters to steer clear. But if they didn’t go into the basement/attic/check on the noise outside, you’d miss out on all the scary escapades, and where’s the fun in that? Reaper most definitely offers those scary escapades coupled with vivid imagery that may send chills down your spine.

The sibling relationship between Gregory and Imogen is done well and very believable – sweet and loving at times, and then exasperating when she teases her brother. After the trauma of losing his sister, I liked how Greg didn’t accept the situation and give up on her, instead, beginning his own investigation and facing his fears.

The ending leaves the possibility open for another book, and I hope the author continues this story. I’d love to know what happens next. If you’re looking for a quick, eerie read, Reaper is a perfect book to curl up with. And if you’re feeling brave, read it at night when you’re home alone.

The Last Christmas: A Repairman Jack Novel by F. Paul Wilson #bookreview #supernatural #thriller #TuesdayBookBlog

On November 12, 2019 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews7 Comments

Jack is back.

Wilson never said he was through with Repairman Jack. He said he was through turning in a new novel every year. He also said when a story came along that was right for Jack, he’d write it.

The Last Christmas is that story.

It’s late December between Ground Zero and Fatal Error, a winter of discontent for Jack who’s perhaps spending too much time hanging at Julio’s. An old contact, Edward Burkes, convinces him to take on a missing-person fix. As usual, nothing is as it seems, and the missing person isn’t exactly a person. In fact, it’s like nothing anyone has ever seen.

And in the middle of all this, the mysterious Madame de Medici hires him to safeguard a valuable object. Simple, right?

Not even close.

Yep, Jack is back and, as usual, weird trouble is on his heels.

Many years ago, a friend loaned me Conspiracies, the third Repairman Jack novel. I was immediately hooked and scrambled to read the first two in the series. Since then, I’ve remained a loyal fan and have read every book, as well as Repairman Jack: The Early Years. I was distraught when I’d believed the last book of the series had been written a few years ago – so imagine my excitement when I saw a new Jack book on NetGalley!

Repairman Jack is hands down one of the coolest characters I’ve ever read, and it was such a treat to hang out again with him, Abe, Gia, Vicky, Julio, and Parabellum again. This latest “fix” involves some genetic engineering, but still ties in with the overall arc of the series. Jack using his powers of “persuasion”, sweet moments with Gia and Vicky, discussions over food with Abe, nail-biting close calls – it’s all here.

This series is classified as horror – not the gore variety – but closer to supernatural occult. If that’s even a category. If you enjoy intelligent MCs, otherworldly themes, exciting action sequences, and memorable characters, look no further. Repairman Jack will always be at the top of my list of favorite books. Jack is back!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#BadMoonRising: Ritual by Steve Stred #horror #occult #novella

On October 30, 2019 By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising18 Comments

Today’s author is petrified of the woods in the middle of the night – so naturally, that’s the setting of many of his books. Maybe that’s one way to conquer your fears? Welcome Steve Stred!

Would you rather be part of the X-Files team or Ghostbusters?

X-Files 100%. I absolutely love the show and I’d want to know all of the cool conspiracy theory stuff. I love watching alien related stuff or reading about it. I really hope we someday can answer the question – “Are we alone?” I personally think the answer is no, and I’d love to see that be correct. Unless of course we only find out because they’ve come to destroy our planet!

Would you rather be locked in a haunted insane asylum or lost in the woods with a killer on the loose?

This question actually made the rounds on Twitter recently. I’ll take a haunted insane asylum any day of the week over the woods. If you’ve read any of my stuff, you’ll know my connection to the woods. I’d rather do some urban exploration with some ghosts or ghouls than dealing with a killer, bears, wolves, cougars, werewolves or Bigfoot any day of the week.

Would you rather be abducted by aliens or a serial killer?

Another easy one. Abducted by aliens. Chances are you’re going to live and it’s highly likely that you’ll not remember much of it until a bright light gets flashed in your eyes or something triggers your experience. A serial killer, at the least, the very least, is going to remove a bunch of your body. So you’ll be scarred, maimed and in pain for the rest of your life. More likely though, they’ll kill you.

What is your favorite cover of all your books? Why?

I chose this question because of how difficult it is. I’ve been blessed to have some really, really awesome covers. But I think I need to go with my latest collection release ‘The Night Crawls In.’ Aesthetically, it’s pretty much me as a writer. I’ve worked with Mason McDonald on a dozen covers now. We have this connection that is just outstanding. We met through Twitter and hit it off and have become great friends, so I think that helps. We’re both Canadian, like the same bands, books etc. So I can send him an idea and he’ll get something back that’s spot on. With ‘The Night Crawls In’ it has this amazing forest scene, but if you look closer you’ll see that the cover is made out of boards, almost like an old cabin in the woods has been torn down and repurposed and painted on. Just love it.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in the same setting, where would you choose?

I have so many releases out that are set in the woods, and I’m petrified of the woods in the middle of the night, but I’d have to suggest somewhere wooded that had a staggering amount of Bigfoot sightings/reports. I’ve been intrigued about Sasquatches since I was a small child, so I’d love to take the time and hike into the wilderness in the Pacific North West and live there as one with nature.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Too many! The ones I can talk about – unpublished; Piece of Me (coming Dec 2019), Scott, The One That Knows No Fear, The Window in the Ground (all coming 2020). Then I have four other works on the go that I’d like to try and get out next year but we’ll see. I typically have between 5 and 10 in some form at any given time!

Meet Brad.

A quiet, hardworking man who goes about his daily routine with joy.
He works as a telemarketer, trying this best to sell poorly made, over-priced products to the unsuspecting people on the other end of the phone.

Brad doesn’t mind though, its a means to an end.

Life’s about to change for Brad. Now that Father has anointed him the Chosen one, the one to open the gates and allow them to flock into the Black Heavens.

Eternity awaits.

But is Brad ready to perform on the big day?

“’Ritual’ is a fast and thrilling dive into the depraved mind of a man and his dogma. It draws you into the horrors of a mysterious cult, and doesn’t let go until the very last page. I loved this story.” -Sonora Taylor, author of “Without Condition” and “Little Paranoias: Stories”

Purchase Link

Amazon

Bio

Steve Stred writes dark, bleak horror fiction.

Steve is the author of the novels Invisible & The Stranger, the novellas The Girl Who Hid in the Trees, Wagon Buddy, Yuri and Jane: the 816 Chronicles and two collections of short stories; Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery and Left Hand Path: 13 More Tales of Black Magick, and the dark poetry collection Dim the Sun.

On September 1st, 2019 his second collection of dark poetry and drabbles called The Night Crawls In will arrive. This release was specifically created to help fund the 1^st Annual LOHF Writers Grant.

Steve is also a voracious reader, reviewing everything he reads and submitting the majority of his reviews to be featured on Kendall Reviews.

Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.

Social Media

Website: stevestredauthor.wordpress.com
Instagram: /stevestred
Twitter: twitter.com/stevestred
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/SteveStredReadersGroup/

#BadMoonRising: The Shadow Keepers by Marisa Noelle #YA #horror #paranormal

On October 28, 2019October 28, 2019 By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising22 Comments

If you read about a string of mysterious disappearances or grisly deaths at a beach or in Canada – but on only one night a month – this author could be the cause. Welcome YA horror writer Marisa Noelle!

Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf?

Wow – this is a tough one. I always thought I’d go vampire, that live forever stuff etc etc. But when I really sat down to think about it, I think I’d go werewolf. Although the “change” is reported to be painful and you spend one night a month as a victim to the moon and tearing through flesh, at least it’s only one night a month. With a vampire, you have to be that every day. Never go outside during the day, never go the beach – and I love the beach and the ocean. So I’m going werewolf, where for the other 29/30 days of the month I’d be able to live a relatively normal life. I hope!

Would you rather spend a night in The Overlook Hotel with Jack Torrance or be in the high school gym during prom with Carrie?

An equally tough question as I’m such a Stephen King fan. But I think I’d go a night in The Overlook Hotel. It’s always been one of my favorite horror movies. And while it might not be the safest choice, I’d love to get a look at the Overlook up close, meet those spooky twins and maybe have the guts to peer into room 217. Although I think being chased around a maze by a mad man with an axe might not be so fun! And hey, I think the chances are better than being locked in a room with a murderous telekinetic!

Would you rather be abducted by aliens or a serial killer?

Aliens. Definitely aliens. If you’re abducted by a serial killer you know what they’re going to do. I’d hope, as I was whizzed away in whatever spaceship, that the aliens might be friendly or only want to take a sample of my blood, or something. I can hold on to that hope, right?

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in the same setting, where would you choose?

There are two landscapes that I adore. I’d either want to be on the beach or cliff top overlooking the beach and ocean. I don’t want a road or boardwalk between me and the house. Beach, beach, beach. With one of those terracotta pots by the front porch filled with water to dip your sandy feet into before entering the house. And a master bedroom with a balcony and wide French Doors and flimsy white curtains that whisper in the breeze. Yup – that’s me.

Or, and this comes in a close second. A log cabin in a pine forest on a lake. Think Canadian landscape, but I’m not sure I could take the cold winters.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

Dolphin. I adore the ocean and it’s power and it follows that my favorite animal would be a dolphin. I love how friendly they are, how smart they are and that they intervene in shark attacks. They’re used in mental health recovery and for those with physical disabilities. They are brave and fearless and fun-loving – all the things I want to be!

What are you working on now?

I am working on a YA horror about 4 girls who win a vacation to a remote tropical island after they finish school. It’s a multi POV and each of them have a secret to hide. When a storm hits the island and they are unable to evacuate, they are faced with terrifying monsters that crawl out of the ocean who want to claim one of them as their new queen. The storm will not abate until they have what they want so the girls must figure out how to fight, or who will be sacrificed.

Sixteen-year-old Georgia Boone has seen the shadow creatures in mirrors and other reflective surfaces since she was six-years-old. But no one–not even her brother, the person she’s closest to in the entire world–believes her. She is all alone in the hellish world where crow-like creatures hunting her everywhere she goes.
When an afternoon of shopping ends in violence and blood, Georgia is sent to the UK’s most prestigious mental health hospitals: Brookwood Hospital. There, she’s forced to face her fears and answer the question: Are the shadows real, or is this all in her head?

At Brookwood, the shadow creatures are more present than ever and are getting stronger every day. Only with the help of a mysterious boy who lives inside the mirror world might she be able to prove that she’s not hallucinating and stop the shadows from destroying the human world.

Purchase Links

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+shadow+keepers+marisa+noelle&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&refresh=1&ref=glow_cls

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-shadow-keepers/marisa-noelle/9781733103701

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shadow-keepers-marisa-noelle/1131780200

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Shadow-Keepers-Marisa-Noelle/9781733103701?ref=grid-view&qid=1561380197691&sr=1-2

Bio

Marisa Noelle is the writer of middle grade & young adult novels in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy & mental health. The Shadow Keepers is her first novel. The Unadjusteds is due out in November 2019 & The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep in Spring 2020. When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe words. Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author came as a bit of a surprise to her as she was a bit of a science geek at school. She lives in Woking, UK with her husband and three children.

Social Media

Twitter & Insta: @MarisaNoelle77

Website: www.MarisaNoelle.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarisaNoelle77

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18305427.Marisa_Noelle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-noelle-blagden-807b31a4/

#BadMoonRising: The Resurrectionists (The Salem Hawley Series #1) by Michael Patrick Hicks #horror #occult

On October 25, 2019 By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising11 Comments

I’ve read several books by today’s author, and he can take you to some dark, uncomfortable places. And that’s just one of the reasons I enjoy his books so much. Somehow I missed his newest release – not sure how with such a stunning cover – but it’s going in my TBR. Welcome Michael Patrick Hicks!

Would you rather walk through a haunted graveyard at midnight or spend the night in a haunted, abandoned house?

I’m not much of a believer in the supernatural, so walking through a (supposedly) haunted graveyard doesn’t seem like too big of a chore to me! If I had to spend the night in an abandoned house, I’d be more worried about my lack of a wi-fi or cell phone signal. I figure if I just have to talk a quick walk, that’s not much of a biggie, and I can go home and sleep in my own bed.

Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf?

Vampire! I’m not a fan of shopping for new clothes and don’t want to risk ruining my favorite outfits. Plus, I’m not a big fan of losing control and being amnesiac (or worse, remembering what I did as a werewolf). Vamping out seems relatively easy, right? I get to sleep all day. Cool cool.

Would you rather be part of the X-Files team or Ghostbusters?

X-Files! I love Ghostbusters, don’t get me wrong, but I’d love nothing more than to team up with Mulder and Scully. I’d probably side with her more often than not, but I would absolutely relish each and every crazy theory and conspiracy Mulder comes up with.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in the same setting, where would you choose?

Alaska! My wife and I took an Alaskan cruise for our anniversary some time ago, and I’ve been itching to get back there. It’s such a beautiful region, and I’m a big fan of arctic terror, so this one’s a no-brainer for me. Put me in view of the mountains and glaciers, let me go wild with an Alaskan-set creature feature, and I’m in heaven!

What is your favorite cover of all your books? Why?

My favorite is easily the cover Kealan Patrick Burke put together for The Resurrectionists. I love the tone it sets and the imagery is absolutely fantastic. I didn’t have much of a conception for what the cover should be, but as soon as Kealan sent me his first swing at the artwork, I was completely blown away. I don’t have any art prints of my covers, but this is one that I absolutely need to get printed and framed.

What are you working on now?

A few things, actually! I’m working on a short story for submission to an upcoming anthology, getting the drafts for books two and three in the Salem Hawley series ready for editing, as well as writing a new full-length novel that’s occupied my thoughts for a few years now. After committing a violent crime, a small group of robbers find themselves lost in the haunted woods of Northern Michigan. They’re pursued by not just the police but the ghosts of the past. It’s got a bit of police procedural elements to it, along with some occultism and, hopefully, some good scares! Like The Resurrectionists, it’s actually based on some real-life incidents that occurred in Michigan and a few local urban legends. At the time of this writing, I’m about 20,000 words into it, and I feel like I’ve got a long ways to go before I hit the head. There’s a lot of ground to cover in this one.

Having won his emancipation after fighting on the side of the colonies during the American Revolution, Salem Hawley is a free man. Only a handful of years after the end of British rule, Hawley finds himself drawn into a new war unlike anything he has ever seen.

New York City is on the cusp of a new revolution as the science of medicine advances, but procuring bodies for study is still illegal. Bands of resurrectionists are stealing corpses from New York cemeteries, and women of the night are disappearing from the streets, only to meet grisly ends elsewhere.  

After a friend’s family is robbed from their graves, Hawley is compelled to fight back against the wave of exhumations plaguing the Black cemetery. Little does he know, the theft of bodies is key to far darker arts being performed by the resurrectionists. If successful, the work of these occultists could spell the end of the fledgling American Experiment… and the world itself.  

The Resurrectionists, the first book in the Salem Hawley series, is a novella of historical cosmic horror from the author of Broken Shells and Mass Hysteria.

“The Resurrectionists is a stunning achievement ─ an effective historical novel AND a brutal horror story. Salem Hawley is a fantastic protagonist I look forward to following in future stories.” – John Hornor Jacobs, author of The Sea Dreams It Is the Sky: A Novella of Cosmic Horror

“Gritty, grand and grotesque, The Resurrectionists is a mind-bending, Lovecraftian myth set in the murky underbelly of post-Revolutionary War Manhattan. It played out in my imagination in a palette of reds and browns like a lush Hammer horror film. Salem Hawley is a riveting avenger, and I’m eager to follow him on further macabre adventures.” – Chris Sorensen, author of The Nightmare Room

“As terrifying and action-packed as a slasher flick, but also saturated with literary merit at its core, exploring social issues like racism, classism, and the ramifications of medical experimentation. It was such a fun, provocative read. I can’t wait to see what direction he steers the plot in the second book.” – Jeremy Hepler, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of The Boulevard Monster

Purchase Link

Buy The Resurrectionists or read in Kindle Unlimited at https://www.amazon.com/Resurrectionists-Salem-Hawley-Book-ebook/dp/B07S3RWLKN

Bio and Social Media

MICHAEL PATRICK HICKS is the author of Broken Shells: A Subterranean Horror Novella, Mass Hysteria, an Audiobook Listeners Choice Awards Horror Finalist, and Convergence, an Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Finalist. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association and the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers.

In addition to his own works of original fiction, he has written for the online publications Audiobook Reviewer and Graphic Novel Reporter, and has previously worked as a freelance journalist and news photographer in Metro Detroit.

Michael lives in Michigan with his wife and two children. In between compulsively buying books and adding titles that he does not have time for to his Netflix queue, he is hard at work on his next story..

To stay up to date on his latest releases, join his newsletter at http://bit.ly/1H8slIg

Website: http://www.michaelpatrickhicks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormichaelpatrickhicks
Twitter: @MikeH5856

#BadMoonRising: Hood Academy by Shelley Wilson #YA #horror #paranormal

On October 24, 2019 By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising28 Comments

What’s Halloween without a few werewolf sightings, am I right? I had an ARC of this book a couple months ago, and it had been several years since I’d read werewolves. This author put a fresh spin on it, using a scientific perspective I’d never come across in other books. She’s disappointed at having to choose between a haunted graveyard or a haunted house, and also mentions one of my favorite movies, Lost Boys. Welcome Shelley Wilson!

Would you rather walk through a haunted graveyard at midnight or spend the night in a haunted abandoned house?

I’m going to sulk that I’m not allowed to say both. Trooping through a haunted graveyard to get to the abandoned house would be my idea of a fun night out if I’m honest. My family and friends think I’m a bit weird when it comes to this stuff, but the supernatural world fascinates me. Okay, if you’re going to make me choose I’ll go with the haunted graveyard. There’s something incredibly peaceful about cemeteries (whether they’re haunted or not!) and I spend a lot of time visiting various churchyards here in the UK. I’ve always wanted to see a ghost, so I’d be delighted if my graveyard of choice was teeming with spectres. A hotel I used to work at in Warwickshire, England was allegedly haunted. The duty manager woke up to find a ghostly nun sitting on the end of her bed, and when I showed guests around some of them would sense the spirits. I, unfortunately, never got to meet any of the resident ghosts but can you imagine the stories they could tell us.

Would you rather be a vampire of a werewolf?

My answer may seem odd given that my latest book is a werewolf novel, but I would have to go with a vampire for this question. I’ve been obsessed with vampires since I watched the Lost Boys as a kid in the 80s. It’s still my absolute favourite film of all time – and what about that soundtrack! Buffy the Vampire Slayer got me through a turbulent time in my life, and so she (and Angel, obvs) also hold a special place in my heart. There’s something mysterious, cold, and sensual about vampires and I find that interesting. I’ve always said I wouldn’t write a vampire book because I didn’t want to get it wrong, which is how I was drawn to write Hood Academy featuring werewolves. However, I’ve had a rather compelling character dancing around in my peripheral vision for a while, and I know she’s a vamp – so watch this space.

Would you rather be part of the X-Files team or Ghostbusters?

X-Files all the way! I adored that show and loved Mulder and Scully’s relationship. There’s no way we can be alone in the universe, and to be on the team that uncovered alien life would be awesome. Although, I recently saw a meme that made me chuckle – ‘The proof that we are not alone in the universe is the fact that the aliens have stayed away from us.’ Yep, if they’ve got any sense they’ll keep themselves safe in their spaceships and avoid this crazy planet.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in the same setting, where would you choose?

I love visiting the places I use as settings for my books as it brings everything to life for me. Hood Academy is set in Nottingham, England, which is a place I’ve always loved because of my fascination with Robin Hood. I’ve just finished a YA book based in Northumberland in 866AD (Vikings) and took a weekend trip to the area so I could stand and look out across the North Sea in the shoes of my main character.

If I were to move anywhere in the world and base a book on that area it would have to be New Orleans. This is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit, and more importantly, somewhere I WILL be visiting next year when I head to Mardi Gras in February. I’ll be doing plenty of exploring – who knows; I might find that book idea while I’m over there. I’m sure you’ll have guessed by now that the theme would be vampires, voodoo, and the supernatural.

What is your favourite cover of all your books? Why?

I’m incredibly fortunate that my design team are phenomenal when it comes to book covers. I’ve squealed at every single one they’ve sent me over the years. However, the wrap cover for Hood Academy made me cry – happy tears! Initially, this book was two separate novels (Oath Breaker and Oath Keeper), and each had a beautiful cover. We decided to combine the two under one title and re-release in hardback, paperback, and eBook which meant we also had a new cover concept. The haunting image on the front perfectly represents the story, but on the wrap cover you get to see an image of Mia (the main character), and she is exactly as I pictured her in my head as I was writing. Readers who have read the first part of this book told me the new cover was exactly as they imagined Hood Academy to be. Yes, Hood Academy is my favourite cover – so far.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters of the opposite sex?

This is an interesting question, as I’ve seen so many posts in writing groups recently with examples of people getting it wrong. Predominantly they were of men trying to write about women – with hilarious consequences in some instances. Now, before you all jump onto the comments and tell me off for such a controversial statement, I must stress that these were extreme examples. Men will never understand women, just like women will never understand men – there’s an entire self-help shelf in Waterstones on this exact topic!

For my part, I’ve been a single mum for fifteen years without a partner. I literally can’t remember what it feels like to have a man around, so I’ve got no point of reference, and this is where I struggle. That old adage ‘write about what you know’ is fine if you can follow your partner around with a notebook! My young adult novels are aimed at 13+ girls (something I have experience of being and having), so my books always centre on a female protagonist. Fortunately, I have three kids – two boys and a daughter. They are all between 17 and 21, so I can use them as a guide for how young adults act and how they speak. Without looking like a weird stalker mum I’ve observed my sons’ friends when they’ve been over to see how they interact with each other and, more importantly, how they talk. This has helped me understand the opposite sex from the perspective of my novels.

Where I struggle the most is writing about romantic relationships. As I write for a young audience my books contain PG snogging at most, and I even had to check with my editor that I was getting that right! I’m reasonably sure I’ll be single forever, so any chance of researching the opposite sex is out of the question, but if I steer away from writing romance, then I should be okay. Besides, I much prefer writing about werewolves ripping out throats, Viking armies decimating their enemies, or demon attacks!

Nestled deep within the forest lies a mysterious school dedicated to wiping out the werewolf population. But where exactly do werewolves come from? And why are children not bitten by a werewolf turning?

Mia is about to discover the answers to these questions and more. When fifteen-year-old Mia’s father is murdered, it’s her estranged uncle that comes to the rescue—but what he offers her in return for his help could be worse than the life she’s leaving behind. Taken to Hood Academy, a unique school deep in the forest, she discovers friendships, love, the courage to stand on her own…and werewolves.

Is Mia destined to become one of the pack or will she be the hunter chosen to destroy them? This unique twist on the origins of werewolves and werewolf hunters will grab readers by the throat as they are drawn alongside Mia into a dark and mysterious world as she quests to discover her true identify.

Purchase Links

Amazon US
Amazon UK
https://www.bhcpress.com/Books_Wilson_Hood_Academy.html

Bio

Shelley is an English author of motivational self-help titles and young adult fantasy fiction. Her practical side writes non-fiction books to inspire you to survive and thrive, and her playful side writes young adult fiction to remind you to nurture that inner teen. She’s a writing mentor helping professional women to write their book so they can position themselves as an expert in their industry. Shelley also provides blogging support and accountability coaching. You’ll find her sharing book reviews, author interviews, and chatting about writing on her author blog and talking about personal development on her motivational blog. She’s a single mum of three and lives in the West Midlands, England. She loves vampires, history and self-help, plus solo trips to the cinema, and travelling.

Social Media

Website: https://www.shelleywilsonauthor.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ShelleyWilson72
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FantasyAuthorSLWilson
Instagram: https://www.instagram/authorslwilson

#BadMoonRising: Reaper: A Horror Novella by Jonathan Pongratz #horror #paranormal

On October 22, 2019 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews29 Comments

Today’s author is perfectly suited to write in the horror genre. He’s ready to break out the Ouija board and head for the graveyard. Haunted house? Been there, done that. Move on to the next supernatural adventure. His horror novella is waiting in my TBR, and it sounds perfect for a creepy Halloween read. Welcome Jonathan Pongratz!

Would you rather walk through a haunted graveyard at midnight or spend the night in a haunted, abandoned house?

I’ve stayed in a haunted house before, although it wasn’t abandoned, so let’s go with the graveyard. Give me a Ouija board and I’m ready for some ghostly conversations!

I’ve never been in a graveyard at night, much less a haunted one, so I’d be curious to see if I could rouse some spirits in the spirit of Halloween. The occult has always held a sort of fascination for me.

Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf?

Vampire, hands down. Ever since reading Anne Rice in high school I’ve been obsessed. I mean, who would give up the chance to walk the night forever in exchange for a little bit of blood? Not this guy!

Would you rather be locked in a haunted insane asylum or lost in the woods with a killer on the loose?

Being in the woods with a killer would maybe be a bit too real for me, so let’s go with haunted insane asylum. I’ve seen some footage from those ghost hunting shows, and I think whether or not you make contact, just being stuck in a haunted insane asylum would be extremely terrifying in a psychological way. And that’s before the haunting starts. How exhilarating!

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in the same setting, where would you choose?

I would love to write a book set in a small town in New England. I’ve been itching to write a werewolf detective mystery of sorts for a couple years now, and I absolutely love the fall in that area. It’s truly mesmerizing, and the perfect backdrop for some supernatural goings on.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Too many to count if I’m being honest. My most promising ones are an urban fantasy series centered around demons hunting humans with supernatural abilities (first book’s revised manuscript complete, just not published), an LGBT horror centered in South America, and the werewolf mystery I mentioned earlier.

And that’s just the beginning! I like to have at least ten years’ worth of work at any given point in time. It definitely keeps things interesting if I want to switch to another project at the drop of a hat.

What are you working on now?

The sequel to my debut novella Reaper: A Horror Novella. I’m currently writing the second act (I divided the plot into three acts like a play) and am hoping to self-publish sometime around the end of the year if possible.

It’s about twice as long as my first novella, and I’m super excited to finish Gregory’s story. Definitely keep your eyes peeled!

That was before the basement door opened on its own. Before the strange door appeared in the basement and Imogen was taken from him by the monster.

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Bio

Jonathan Pongratz is a writer and author of captivating horror, urban fantasy, and paranormal stories. When he’s not writing, he’s busy being a bookworm, video game junkie, and karaoke vocalist. A former resident of Dallas, he currently resides in Kansas City with his halloween cat Ajax. By day he works magic in finance, by night he creates dark and mesmerizing worlds.