Bee's Knees Reviews

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Stephen Zimmer's Hellscapes, Volume II Virtual Tour and Contest

8:49 PM Robin Blankenship No comments

Stephen Zimmer's Hellscapes, Volume II Virtual Tour

My Thoughts: Zimmer has ventured again into the dark and twisted horror genre. This is very different then his fantasy titles. But both enjoyable. Something Zimmer is amazing at is world building and painting a picture for you of what you are reading. I could not help but think while I was reading this that it would translate into a stellar Graphic Novel. This collection includes six new stories. All six were distinct and memorable. Chilling, gory at times, and thought provoking. "Above as Below" is my favorite story of the collection. It is story with such depth and an intricate plot with vivid imagery. “The Riot” and “Spots Do Not Change” are very pertinent to life, timely tales and are chilling as well as thought provoking. It is fitting that this is releases and the blog tour is Halloween week. This collection is not for the faint of heart but I recommend for anyone that loves dark horror with lots of twists and turns.

My Rating: A solid 4.5 out of 5.

Don't Forget to keep scrolling and enter to win a Kindle Fire HD8 Tablet.

About the author: Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author and filmmaker based in Lexington Kentucky. His work includes the cross-genre Rising Dawn Saga, the epic fantasy Fires in Eden series, the sword and sorcery Dark Sun Sawn Trilogy, featuring Rayden Valkyrie, the Harvey and Solomon Steampunk tales and the Hellscapes and Chronicles of Ave short story collections.

Book Synopsis for Hellscapes, Volume II: Return to the nightmarish, shadowy realms of Hell in the latest installment of the Hellscapes series by Stephen Zimmer. Six brand new, macabre tales of the infernal await you … but be that you only visit these realms, you do not want to share the fates of the inhabitants you will encounter!

Included in the pages of Hellscapes, Volume II:

In “The Cavern”, a man finds his way into a nightmare, subterranean world that leads to an even greater, and more devastating, revelation.

A police officer takes pleasure in violently executing his duties and it appears to be open season in “The Riot” when he is part of an operation sent to crack down on a gathering of people protesting an economic summit nearby. But this is an operation that is going to take a very different kind of turn, one that opens his eyes to a new reality.

A woman finds herself stranded on a high, rocky ledge, along with many other men and women, surrounded by a frothing sea in “Above as Below”. Shadows glide beneath the surface and soon she will discover what lurks within the depths.

“Spots Do Not Change” tells the story of a man who has never had any qualms lying, cheating, or deceiving the women in his life. A reckoning day looms as he comes to understand that his actions have harmed the lives of many others, actions that in the realms of Hell take on forms of their own.

Having spun webs of intrigue and personal destruction at the heights of national politics throughout his life, a man finds webs of another sort to present grave danger when he finds himself lost within a strange wilderness in “Weaving Webs”.

Many are drawn to “The Club” in the heart of the decaying, shadow-filled city of Malizia, hoping for some entertainment and release, or even safety from the monstrous dangers lurking in the darkness. One man struggling against amnesia finds his way to the seemingly popular establishment and its confines give him momentary hope; until he discovers the nature of this night club and those who run it.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.stephenzimmer.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephenzimmer7
Twitter: @sgzimmer
Instagram: @stephenzimmer7

Where to Buy:
Amazon
KOBO
Barnes and Noble

Contest:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule and Activities

10/26 Anasazi Dreams Review
10/26 Beauty in Ruins Guest Post
10/26 Shells Interviews Guest Post
10/26 Sinister Scribblings Guest Post
10/26 Kentucky Geek Girl Author Interview
10/27 Pulp Reports Review
10/28 Creatives Help Board. How may I direct your call? Guest Post
10/29 Bee's Knees Reviews Review
10/29 Sheila's Blog Guest Post
10/30 L. Andrew Cooper's Horrific Scribblings Review
10/31 SwillBlog Review/Interview
11/1 I Smell Sheep Review
11/1 Sapphyria's Book Reviews Top-Tens List
11/1 Armand Rosamilia, Horror Author Guest Post

NOTE: This eBook was provided for an honest review and no compensation was provided.

Elizabeth Donald: Nocturne Infernum Blog Tour September 28 to October 4, 2015

8:27 AM Robin Blankenship No comments

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a fascinating fast paced read. The idea that some one has taken the iconic vampire character and placed them in Memphis and they are underclass makes for a thrilling tale. Donald has created a world that is detailed and characters with such depth. Donald is one of those writers that paints such a vivid painting of her world, I can see myself walking the streets of Memphis watching the nightlife unfold in front of me. This book has it all. This is a collection of three books in one. It is nice to have the whole series in one place. I highly recommend this to people who love vampire stories.

My Rating 4.5 out of 5.

About the author: Elizabeth Donald is a writer fond of things that go chomp in the night. She is a three-time winner of the Darrell Award for speculative fiction and author of the Nocturnal Urges vampire mystery series and Blackfire zombie series, as well as other novels and short stories in the horror, science fiction and fantasy genres. She is the founder of the Literary Underworld author cooperative; an award-winning newspaper reporter and lecturer on journalism ethics; a nature and art photographer; freelance editor and writing coach. In her spare time, she… has no spare time. Find out more about her at elizabethdonald.com.

Book Synopsis for Nocturne Infernum: Nocturne Infernum includes the original three chapters in the Nocturnal Urges series, an alternate version of present-day Memphis in which vampires walk among us, but are not treated as our equals. They work the night shift, the jobs no one else wants, and they're not too happy about it. Meanwhile, humans take advantage of the pleasures vampires can provide, but call them friends? Lovers? The gap between human and vampire stretches wide as death rises in the streets of Memphis.

Nocturnal Urges. It's the most popular club in the Memphis nightlife. Part legal bordello, part feeding ground for the city's vampires, Nocturnal Urges offers pleasure and pain in one sweet kiss. It's the ultimate addiction: both drug and sex at once. For the vampires, it's the only way to survive in a world where the creatures of the night are a dark underclass, ignored until the humans need another fix.

Into this world comes Isabel Nelson, a young woman seeking only a night's pleasure. But after Isabel's lover takes her to try the bite, she cannot stop thinking about Ryan, the dark vampire with whom she shared her lifeblood - and who is now suspected of murder. Isabel falls into a world where passion and love are miles apart, where life and unlike have little meaning... and someone is hunting in the shadows.

A More Perfect Union. Samantha Crews has lived a long time in the shadows of Memphis, working at Nocturnal Urges and hiding from the vampires that darken her past.

Det. Anne Freitas is stuck with a new partner, a young woman with a chip on her shoulder. Now they're assigned to investigate a series of threats against congressional candidate Robert Carton, for whom Samantha volunteers.

But Samantha is falling for Danny Carton, the candidate's son - an idealist who wants to make life better for humans and vampires alike. But there's a lot Danny doesn't know about Samantha.

He doesn't know she's a vampire.

He doesn't know she works at Nocturnal Urges.

He doesn't know his own father is one of her clients.

And he doesn't know what's stalking her...

Abaddon. The Lady Zorathenne requests the honor of your presence at a celebration. A toast, if you will. Followed by a feast.

Beneath the dark Memphis streets, something is stirring. Filled with ancient fury. Seeking revenge on the ones who live above. A revenge born in fire.

The fires are ranging in Memphis and no one is safe. Ryan and Samantha must descend into darkness beyond their imagining to find answers to the mysteries of the past, as Detectives Freitas and Parker seek the truth about the present.

And the return of an old foe could make the future a dark place indeed... save for the flames of Abaddon.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.elizabethdonald.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elizabeth-Donald-147651731911508/timeline/

Twitter: @edonald

Tour Schedule and Activities

9/28/2015 The Den of Debauchery's Garden Gazebo Guest Post
9/28/2015 Beauty in Ruins Guest Post
9/30/2015 Book in the Bag Author Interview
9/30/2015 Shells Interviews Guest Post
10/1/2015 Come Selahway With Me Author Interview
10/1/2015 Armand Rosamilia, Author Guest Post
10/2/2015 Bee's Knees Reviews Review
10/2/2015 Deal Sharing Aunt Author Interview
10/4/2015 I Smell Sheep Review

Tour Page URL:

http://www.tomorrowcomesmedia.com/elizabeth-donalds-nocturne-infernum-blog-tour/

Tour Badge URL:

http://www.tomorrowcomesmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ElizabethDonaldTourBadge.jpg

Amazon Links for Nocturne Infernum

Print Version

http://www.amazon.com/Nocturne-Infernum-Elizabeth-Donald/dp/194170624X

Kindle Version

http://www.amazon.com/Nocturne-Infernum-Elizabeth-Donald-ebook/dp/B00V5652O2

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nocturne-infernum-elizabeth-donald/1121505115?ean=9781941706244

The book/eBook being reviewed was provided for an honest review.

RJ Sullivan - Darkness With a Chance of Whimsy Blog Tour

11:52 AM Robin Blankenship No comments

My Thoughts: I love the name of this book, the title is a perfect choice. All the stories were like going on a road trip and stopping at every weird attraction a long the way, like the world's largest ball of twine etc. It was a fun trip and I loved it. I was already a fan of Sullivan's writing style and I will be honest I was partial to the Rebecca Burton stories. I loved Haunting Obsession and was fangirl excited to see a couple of Rebecca stories. I enjoyed how each short was a well written stand along piece. I love short story collections and this is one of the finest I have read. Wonderful collection. This is for sure a collection to read if you love the classic sci fi like Doctor Who or The Twilight Zone. The collection just made me think of classic tales.

My Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the author: R.J. Sullivan’s novel Haunting Blue is an edgy paranormal thriller and the first book of the adventures of punk girl Fiona “Blue” Shaefer and her boyfriend Chip Farren. Seventh Star Press also released Haunting Obsession, a Rebecca Burton Novella, and Virtual Blue, the second part of Fiona’s tale. The short stories in this collection have been featured in such acclaimed anthologies as Dark Faith Invocations by Apex Books and Vampires Don’t Sparkle. His next book due out very soon will be Commanding the Red Lotus, which collects the series of science fiction novelettes in the tradition of Andre Norton and Gene Roddenberry.

R.J. resides with his family in Heartland Crossing, Indiana. He drinks regularly from a Little Mermaid coffee mug and is man enough to admit it. www.rjsullivanfiction.com

Book Synopsis for Darkness With a Chance of Whimsy: Collected for the first time since their initial publications, Darkness with a Chance of Whimsy presents ten tales from the imagination of R.J. Sullivan. Thrills and chills await you, but you may also get blindsided by the absurd. This volume includes a pair of stories featuring Rebecca Burton, the mysterious investigator of R.J.’s acclaimed paranormal thriller series. Among the ten stories, you’ll find:

“The Assurance Salesman” shows five strangers more about themselves than they ever guessed.

You don’t want to venture into Daddy’s basement in “Fade.”

Rebecca Burton tries to talk someone out of a bad idea in “Backstage Pass.”

A bullied police detective finally defeats his rival in “Able-Bodied.”

A desperate father finds the “Inner Strength” to save his young daughter, “Becky” Burton.

A child seeds his aquarium with a most unusual “Starter Kit.”

A brilliant robotics engineer creates a “Robot Vampire.”

Author Links:

Website: http://rjsullivanfiction.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R.J.SullivanAuthor

Twitter: @rjsullivanauthr

Tour Schedule and Activities

9/28/2015 Jorie Loves a Story Review
9/28/2015 Book in the Bag Review
9/28/2015 I Smell Sheep Review
9/30/2015 Bee's Knees Reviews Review
9/30/2015 Deal Sharing Aunt Author Interview
10/1/2015 fuonlyknew Review
10/2/2015 L. Andrew Cooper's Horrific Scribblings Review
10/2/2015 Shells Interviews Guest Post
10/3/2015 Azure Dwarf Top Tens List
10/4/2015 Coffintree Hill Top Tens List
10/4/2015 Armand Rosamilia, Author Guest Post

Tour Page URL:

http://www.tomorrowcomesmedia.com/rj-sullivans-darkness-with-a-chance-of-whimsy-blog-tour/

Tour Badge URL:

http://www.tomorrowcomesmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RJSullivanTourBadge.jpg

Amazon Links for Darkness With a Chance of Whimsy

Print Version

http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Chance-Whimsy-R-Sullivan/dp/194170686X/

Kindle Version

http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Chance-Whimsy-R-J-Sullivan-ebook/dp/B00ZQF5J5A

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darkness-with-a-chance-of-whimsy-rj-sullivan/1122136766?ean=9781941706862

The book/eBook being reviewed was provided for an honest review.

Blog Tour: Brick Marlin Featured Book Release: Shadow Out of the Sky

6:00 AM Robin Blankenship No comments

I am so excited to have Brick Marlin on my blog today. He is on the blog doing a guest post. He is a great author and a must read for horror fans. Enjoy and be sure to check out the link at the end for more blog tour awesomeness and links to check out the book. - Robin B.

Writing Slump- Brick Marlin

Things could be rolling right along as you type your tale (or free-hand old school, maybe do it the Kurt Vonnugut way, writing your entire book on tiny pieces of paper. Cool, huh?) and you've been working hard at this odd craft entitled Writing for a good while. Characters are acting up to your standards. Behaving. Being a hero. Being a villain. Killing here. Murdering there. The story blossoms, much like Audrey II, the plant from “Little Shop of Horrors”. The plot is thickening. The teeth in the cogs are greased up, linking together nicely.

Then, when you least expect it, if you don’t get blindsided by the Literary Gremlins, Local Union 171, and achieve Writer’s Block, you endure something worse: A Writing Slump. The liquid servo bugs have oozed together, forming a plump, horrid creature with a ginormous maw and green in color and an addiction to beef liver-flavored Fruit Roll-Ups, as well as the ability to steer you into a Crash and Burn.

You’re burnt out.

You wish not to see or type another word.

You wish not to have to click on Microsoft Office for anything.

You don’t even wish to read a book.

You sure as hell don’t want to pursue eating beef liver-flavored Roll-Ups.

See, if you’re like me, I get obsessed with both crafts: music and writing. Writing Slumps force you into a certain point where you are overwhelmed. Writing five hundred to a thousand words a day is a lot. And sometimes you crash and you need to snap the chain and pull away from the desk. Or slam you head on it. Repeatedly.

Anyway, if you're burnt to a hellish crisp take time off. Do something else. Workout. It clears the head. Ride your bike and log in 15 to 30 miles, that’ll do the trick. Go for a walk. Go to a movie. Read if you feel the need. Because never fear, your characters and their story aren't going anywhere. They'll be there when you get back. They could be a bit pissed if you’ve left them dangling from a noose, not quite dead yet or in the middle of baking cinnamon drops laced with caffeine. Probably be mad at you for allowing them to leave the Nuke Zapper on so long, running their electric bill sky high.

And, you might have to kick over a few stones or kick-start your brain, rotating the knob to Writer from Out to Lunch and you may have other issues, such as Where The Hell Is That Particular Writing Style I Had Been Trying To Craft?

Be sure to keep close watch for the servo Gummi Bear Literary Gremlins. New designs from the vats.

Same Local 171 union.

About the author: Brick Marlin has been writing since he was a child. From an early age he was exposed to older horror movies. The great ones making their mark in history. He also tackled reading the likes of Stephen King, Clive Barker, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, Dean Koontz, Charles Dickens, Harper Lee, H.G. Wells, etc. Thus, he decided to engage himself and write horror, dark fantasy and dark sci-fi, scaring readers such as his parents, his friends, neighbors, and even leaving a few school teachers scratching their heads wondering if the boy should be committed or not with his gruesome tales of terror. Short story ideas continued to visit. A book idea or two sometimes stopped by for a sit. In 2007 he decided to take a more professional approach with his work. Hence, as a member of the Horror Writers Association, already having nine books published by small presses – this you hold in your hand, constant reader, makes his tenth – nearly thirty short stories published, adding to the few anthologies and collaborations with other authors, Brick Marlin trudges onward, hoping to achieve more creations, wallowing in the brain pans of his characters, giving them the choice whether to twist the knob and enter through the Red Door, or enter through the Blue Door where a group of servo monkey badgers are consuming packages of cinnamon-flavored Pop Rock Candy with a Kung Fu Punch of caffeine.

Book Synopsis for Shadow Out of the Sky: A scarecrow crucified on a wooden cross made from a pair of two-by-fours sits in a field of corn, placed there to frighten away birds and protect the crops. Under its straw hat large buttons pose as its eyes, placed there by child’s fingers, view something sinister in the grave sky, appearing in front of the full moon.

Twisting, it forms into a sleek black mass, peering down upon the town of Woodbury. Four demons called The Reckoning has pulled this shadow, this urban legend from the past, out of an unmarked grave to bring terror across the planet, shoving it toward an apocalypse.

Now it cuts through the air, as if it were opening wounds in flesh, peering down at the first house that it hovers over...

Shadow Out of the Sky is Book One of the Transitional Delusions Series