Dream of the Serpent by Alan Ryker

This is the story of Cody Miller. He has his whole life ahead of him - engaged to the girl of his dreams, a dream job lined up and everything is going his way. Then it falls apart when he is burned in a horrific accident at work. Suddenly his whole life changes and things are not what they seem. What is the significance of the serpent he keeps seeing in his dreams?

This is one of those stories that makes you think. It starts off going one way and then goes in a completely different direction and you are left thinking 'Wait, what?', but not in a bad way as everything soon becomes clear. Cody wasn't a particularly likeable character, but I was still interested to see what happened to him. The pace went along at a fair clip and kept me page turning, and the ending was good but ultimately quite sad. I think this one will stay with me for a while to come.

Kingdoms of the Dead:Chemical Rot by Ian Woodhead

This is the story of a ruined world. Doomed to destruction by a plague that refuses to let the dead die. Even when they do finally die, the bodies don't rot down, leading to more infection and so the cycle goes on. It is up to two young men who seem to be immune to save their race. Can they do it or is there another solution?

This was something very different from the usual zombie fayre. Combining elements of sci-fi, horror and a sprinkling of Running Man, it made for a very enjoyable and unique read. There was always something going on and the pace was relentless. At first it was quite hard to work out what was going on but as the story progressed and I had sorted out who was who and what went where there was no stopping me. I loved the characters, even the bad guys. Bring on the next Ian, I can't wait to find out where this is going!

The Black Church by Toby Tate

This is the story of Daniel. One day he receives a tragic call informing him his father has died in a horrific accident.As he is going through his fathers belongings, he comes across a beautiful, ornate prayer rug. Daniel takes it home and hangs it on his wall. Soon he starts imagining he is seeing things in the rug, and people close to him begin to die horrible deaths. Is there something wrong with the rug or is Daniel losing his mind from grief? Now there is a race against time to find out what is going on before anyone else dies...

This was really, really good. The story took me slowly by the hand and then held on for dear life until the final climax. it was creepy, and the pace was spot on, and some of the descriptions have been seared into my brain! Although there were few characters, they resonated with me. This is a quick easy read, best read in one sitting. All in all, another blinder from Toby and from DarkFuse.

Whom the Gods Would Destroy by Brian Hodge

This is the story of Damien. Rejected by his mother and brother growing - he is now an astronomy graduate at University. Content with his life, he is stunned when his brother turns up after 13 years with news of their mother, and a discovery he has made that will change all of their lives forever....

This was an interesting story, I really liked the originality of it but for me a lot of the 'sci-fi' bits went right over my head. I didn't understand much of the terminology and that spoiled the story a little bit for me. That being said, if 'sci-fi' is your thing then you will enjoy it immensely. The story underneath the 'techy' stuff was unique, and it captivated me. The characters seemed real, and I related to them. The pace was spot on, and the story read well. My caveat is that this will appeal to 'techy', 'sci-fi' fans more.

Digital Children by Jacob Rayne

This is the story of Marsha and Josh. Newlyweds and having just lost their newborn son, Caleb, they will do anything to turn the clock back. They are given that chance in the form of a creepy scientist called Dr Laverick. He offers to answer their prayers and bring back Caleb as a Digital Child. All is well for the first two years, then things suddenly start to go horribly wrong....

This was amazing. The creep factor was ramped up to extreme, to the point where I was almost peeking through my fingers at certain bits. I think this was because it's one of those stories where you think to yourself, 'What if?'. I was glued to the book and the characters from beginning to end. Marsha and Josh were great as the tragic heroes, and Dr Laverick was so smarmy and creepy, in places I just wanted to punch him on the noggin! The pace was unrelenting, and the ending was both explosive and heartbreaking in equal measure. I am fast becoming a firm fan of Jacob's work, and I am eagerly awaiting his next release!

Sick B*stards by Matt Shaw

This is the story of a family who wake up in their car with no memory of how they got there or why they are there. They know a nuclear bomb has exploded, but that's it. They stumble upon an empty house and decide to stay there for the time being in the hopes that their memories will return. All is well until the food runs out, suddenly they find theirselves resorting to actions they would never have thought possible. How far must they go to survive?

This was gritty and raw and totally uncompromising. I found it very hard to put down. I was drawn into the families suffering, and I stayed there until the bitter end. There was a lot of gore, and some shocking scenes of incest, but that's what Matt was trying to achieve, to shock. The twist at the end was an interesting one, and posed some difficult questions. I understand Matt has a sequel planned, and if it is anything like this then I am sold already!

Literary Agent by Sean Sweeney

This is Jaclyn Johnson's fifth outing. In this instalment she must investigate the bombing of a cafe in Detroit on Christmas Eve, which was used to cover up the kidnapping of an ex-FBI agent turned author. He holds some secrets that would cause chaos to the government if they ever got out. Before too long, Jaclyn and her boyfriend, British agent Tom Messingham, realise that they are dealing with a total madman. Can they stop him before any more bombs are detonated, or is National Security as we know it about to unravel?

This was another great instalment in what is fast becoming a must read series. It was nice to see Jaclyn and Tom working together again, and to see their relationship go to another level. The story flowed well, and I found it hard to put down. The ending was explosive, and there was a nice twist at the end. If I have any criticism, it would be that I was disappointed that Jaclyn didn't break out her best gadgets until almost at the end. it is really just a personal niggle though and does not detract from the action in any way. I am now eagerly awaiting book 6!