11.22.63 by Stephen King

This is the story of Jake. He is shown a 'hole' in time by a friend of his and is given the opportunity to change history. He decides it would be a good idea to interrupt the assassination of Kennedy. What then follows are his attempts to do just that. Along the way he falls in love, and this complicates his mission somewhat. The burning question is, will he succeed in his mission and will true love run smooth? Only Jake knows the answers and he is keen to find out!

I don't usually do reviews of 'legacy' published authors as I feel reviews are more important to 'indie' authors. However, I was so moved by this book I had to write a review. I won't lie, it is an epic tome and it took me MONTHS to read, but to be fair I was doing other reviews at the same time. To anyone who has become disillusioned with Stephen King's work of late, I urge you to try this. It isn't scary, and I would say more sci-fi with the time travel element to it. The love story running through adds a touch of bitter-sweetness. The characters were real and well defined and I like the fact that characters from previous books were revisited, albeit briefly. It makes Stephen King's literary world seem that much more real. To anyone not sure I say give it a go, you wont be sorry. It does start off slow, but then many of King's books do that to get you invested in the characters. This is the sort of work that made Stephen King great. Long may it continue!

Influenza:Strain Z by Matt Shaw

This is the story of Adam, he is taken ill suddenly and after that his life will never be the same again. The illness takes hold with frightening speed and his family and girlfriend realise he isn't just faking it for a sick day, and fear for his life.

This was influenced by the authors recent run in with a bout of man flu. it was funny, and sad and quite dark in places. It is only a short story so a quick read but the descriptions and writing make you feel like you are suffering along with Adam. Sometimes I wonder what goes on the author's head to keep producing writing like this, but it works and is thoroughly enjoyable for that.

The Cabin:Asylum by Matt Shaw

This is the second story involving Craig and his family. Set immediately after the events of Cabin, Craig is now at the Asylum having tests to see if he is fit to stand trial or not. Afraid for his life in a place where not everything is as it seems, Craig must solve the mystery of the screaming boy or his life will never be the same again...

This was a great follow up to The Cabin, and a must if you have read the first. The pace was relentless, and the atmosphere creepy in a place where everything is topsy turvy. It was very genuinely scary in places and had my heart racing as I tried to work out what was going on and what was real or not. I really enjoyed this, and the twist at the end came like a sledgehammer and could only have come from the mind of Matt Shaw!!

Dead Reaping by Ian Woodhead

This is a continuation of the 'Zombie Armageddon' series of books. While some mention is made of past characters and events, the book stands perfectly well on its own. set about a year after the original outbreak - some of the survivors have set up a community run by the enigmatic and tyrannical 'Magistrate', life is lived in fear of the 'hunters' and also from so-called 'tainted', a new enhanced human.

This was an interesting addition to the series. As well as the usual zombie action, there was a strong message running through about the dangers of bigotry and prejudice. The pace belted along and I was taken on the usual breathtaking ride to the end, it was also a nice easy read. The characters were solid and fitted in well with the story. I certainly enjoyed this and eagerly await the next instalment.

Prodigal Son by Christine Sutton

This is the story of Tim Shively. Abandoned by his father and beaten by his drunk of a mother, his start in life was not the best. When he finds a letter addressed to his dad, he decides to open it and read it. It contains details to a lock-up. Tim decides to go and find out what is kept in the lock-up. What he finds there will change his life forever....

This was a brilliant book. Written by a woman, it is uncompromising in its brutality. It is fast paced, relentless and unashamedly graphic in the descriptions of violence. I applaud the author for breaking down those preconceived barriers and writing such an emotive story. I thoroughly enjoyed this and couldn't put it down once I started it. I totally recommend it.

The Children Shall Be Blameless by W. Jack Savage

This is the story of Richard Smith. Raised in an Orphanage, his little sister dies there and his older sister went to live with relatives, or so he believed. As he grew up he joined the army, did a tour of Vietnam and garnered some medals. He went into Real Estate speculation on leaving the Army and it was in inspecting one of his properties that he suffered an electric shock. This brought to the forefront memories that refused to be quiet. With the blessings of family and friends he sets off on what should be a simple three day up and back journey. What transpires ends up being a adventure of epic proportions. Can Richard find the answers he seeks or is he fated to spend his life in the dark?

As I write this, I have just finished reading the book and I have tears rolling down my cheeks. It's been a long time since I read a story that felt SO real. As I read I felt I was living Richard's life with him, and everything he experienced. Jack's writing makes everything so vivid, and almost larger than life. The characters were all wonderful, and one or two were beautifully quirky. The mark of a good author is the ability to take you away and then when you are finished, leave you breathless and slightly disorientated. Jack certainly achieved that and more. I was sorry when it ended - and what a sad, but great ending to an amazingly special book.

High Striker by G. T. Rigdon

This is the story of Amos Konklin. He is a gifted neurosurgeon who stands accused of a double homicide. Told in flashback for much of the story, it is set in a world of carnivals and the sideshow 'high striker' in particular. Amos tells his story to a local reporter, and the story that emerges is a story of serial killing, intrigue and suspense....

This was an interesting story. At first glance it appears to be a muddled mish mash of serial killing and carnival shows but stick with it and it will all come together and make sense in the end - trust me! It was a nice fast paced read and the characters were solid and well rounded. I really enjoyed this, it was unusual in its approach but it worked and I would be interested to read more from this author.