Review: Blood Countess

Blood Countess
by Lana Popović

Publisher: Abrams
Publication Date: January 28th, 2020

Blood Countess, by Lana Popovic, is an excellent book. Full of interesting and creative characters, this book tells the story of love and madness. Anna must provide for her family after her father dies, and when she gets an invitation from the countess to work for her, Anna jumps at the opportunity. As they get close, however, Anna starts to realize that Elizabeth Báthory might not be as perfect as she seems. Dark and fascinating, this book will draw you in and hold you tight. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and has a stomach for a little bit of creepiness, however, for readers that are not into horror, it might be hard to read.

                                                          

Review: The Devouring Gray

The Devouring Gray
by Christine Lynn Herman

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: April 2, 2019

While I was initially unsure due to the ridiculous name and the fairly standard cover of the book, THE DEVOURING GRAY by Christine Lynn Herman has impressed me beyond belief. Set in “Four Paths, New York,” the book follows three people from each of the town’s four founding families as they deal with “the Gray” 一a dimension that not only gives the founders their power but also imprisons a terrible monster一 and with a web of secrets and lies that will affect both their families and the entire town. Almost every aspect of the book is superb; the characters, with the exception being the terrifying presence of "the Beast" 一 the unseen creature trapped in the Gray一 all feel human, flawed yet unforgettable. The book's small town setting feels fully fleshed out, and in combination with the plot and the excellent writing, leaves you hungry for more. The writing does this the best of all, however, and the book never once left me bored. On the whole, I can’t recommend THE DEVOURING GRAY enough, and I’m eager to see not only a sequel, but also what Christine Lynn Herman writes after this amazing debut.

Review: Sawkill Girls

Sawkill Girls
by Claire Legrand

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: October 18, 2018

SAWKILL GIRLS by Claire Legrand takes place on the quiet island of Sawkill Rock, where the cliffs are high and the tides are crisp. However, the island’s seemingly remote town is not as safe as it seems; girls have been going missing for years, their bodies never found. Newcomer Marion Althouse, having just moved to Sawkill Rock with her sister and mother due to the recent death of her father, is unaware of the ancient mysteries plaguing the island; at least, until she crosses paths with the town’s teenage sweetheart, Val Mortimer, and the Sawkill sheriff’s spunky daughter, Zoey Harlow. Three girls, all completely different. But they have one thing in common—something others would kill for.

SAWKILL GIRLS is by far one of the wildest books I’ve ever read. With a rich plot and complex characters, SAWKILL GIRLS kept me turning each page with anticipation. However, though this book is very well written, it may not be for everyone; be warned that it contains some graphic descriptions of gore and sex, just in case that isn’t your thing. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this book for anybody who would enjoy a chilling mystery with a tinge of horror, or just genuinely likes to get creeped out. With that, I leave you to decide if SAWKILL GIRLS is right for you, and if you do decide to give this book a try, you’re in for real treat. Enjoy!

Review: A Drop of Night

A Drop of Night

By Stefan Bachmann 

Publication Date: March 15, 2016

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

A DROP OF NIGHT by Stefan Bachmann is a book that feels like a thriller movie; keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole time. It is the story of five teenagers who have been selected to explore an ancient underground palace that hasn’t been entered in over 200 years. Yet, upon arrival nothing is as it appears, and the teenagers soon find that this expedition is much more than they thought they were getting themselves into. A story with constant twists and turns, I had to look up and pause every so often while reading simply to reassure myself that in fact I wasn’t in the underground palace myself, even though my heart was beating as fast as if I had been running alongside the five teenagers. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an exciting book that is just scary enough to keep you turning page after page, desperately wanting to know what happens next!

Review: Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words by Katie Alender
Publication date: September 30, 2014
Publisher: Point

FAMOUS LAST WORDS will keep you on your toes the whole way through! It’s about a girl named Willa who has just moved to Los Angeles (bonus creepiness points when murders in the book take place in your actual city!). Her stepfather is a famous Hollywood film director, and he owns the most beautiful and grand house in the Hollywood Hills. The house once belonged to a famous movie star who apparently killed herself many years ago. Willa has to balance fitting in at her private school, with visions of drowning girls and unexplained noises in the night. Someone- or something- is trying desperately to get her attention. Willa begins to connect her, shall we say, “visitor,” with a serial killer stalking young actresses in LA, and must piece together everything that’s happening before it’s too late.

I found this to be a mysterious read in a fun setting that was totally believable and interesting. The characters are super fun too, mostly because they’re all so unique to one another. I also really appreciated that the author didn't save everything important until the last chapter! When everything started to get really crazy and intense, there was still about 50 pages left. I also liked the combination of a murder mystery with ghosts and the unknown. Keep in mind, this book is not for the squeamish! It’s a little creepy…not going to lie I had to read it in the day time. For 12 and up, or frankly anyone who thinks they can handle it!

Review: Welcome to the Dark House

Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Publication date: July 22, 2014
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

WELCOME TO THE DARK HOUSE by Laurie Faria Stolarz, follows seven teenagers, all with one thing in common: the love of Justin Blake's horror movies. All except for Ivy Jensen that is, still struggling with her past and numerous phobias, Ivy is certainly out of place in this haven for horror fanatics. As the seven teenagers arrive at the Dark House, the setting for some of the most horrific of Blake's movies, they are thrilled to meet the man who can make their worst nightmares come true and to see his latest project, the promise the Nightmare Elf made when inviting them to his home. All the seven need have to do is tell the Nightmare Elf exactly what it is that sets their teeth on edge, the gnawing fears that enter their dreams and keep them awake at night. With each chapter, the teens are lead farther and farther from the safety of their own homes, and closer and closer into the the grips of the Nightmare Elf. By the time Ivy and the rest of the teens realize what exactly they have gotten themselves into, it is too late to escape the Dark House, all they can do is run and hope they can escape before it is too late.

WELCOME TO THE DARK HOUSE is the perfect novel for anyone who loves the gut wrenching fear that can only come from a good horror movie. Like every good scary story, it is more than just blood and gore, though there is plenty of that. Each chapter of the book revolves around a different character and their take on their "adventure". The characters are well-developed and at times incredibly witty and amusing.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the blood and carnage of horror movies but are too lazy to find a good one on Netflix. But be warned, this is not a book for the weak of stomach as there is quite a bit of gore. So if the Nightmare Elf shows up in your dreams Freddy Kruger style, don't blame me! You've been warned. Recommended for ages 14+, who can handle even the Human Centipede or whoever wants to prove they are brave enough to ignore my advice.