Little Terrors - David Jester

David Jester's Little Terrors "horror anthology" is comprised of nine (9) tales from the author. So Little Terrors (Horror Collection) by David Jester offers a nine course meal in horror and suspense. Nothing horrible or dreadful however there are some tasty treats between the pages. Let's take for example:

'Wipeout' runs a bit of terror through the veins and a pair of neighbors who 'carry' one another to the doorstep of hell, but do they take the plunge.

'Cold' is a decent run on more psych-horror which plays well in the genre today. I found the overall feel of this one to my liking and perhaps my fave of the nine.

The creativity of 'When the Reaper Smiles' was a familiar yet well managed tale of suspense and quality. Not to be mistaken for hard horror but certainly possesses some elements to tuck in neatly on horror's bookshelf.

Other stories such as 'The Sleepover' and 'Valley of Shadows' really didn't provide much punch for my liking. I found this more of a thriller or suspense collection with a spot of humor and a dash of terror woven in here and there. Not to say this is not a fine collection of literature that won't please the tasteful reader, because it will. Well with the cover price, though admittedly it is a touch high for what it is and perhaps will send people from the 'buy with 1-click' button but only you can decide that.

From a writing perspective I felt much like this collection was a solid template for good writing, collection cohesiveness as it provided a nice variety and quality of work. I especially enjoyed the use of suspense as a horror tool vice the shock and gore approach. the writing solid and felt relaxed and certainly not forced or rusted to completion. Nice work, Jester.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: Elysium

Seems familiar, seems political and seems familiar ... or did I say that already? Visuals are stunning, plot wore out and the movie is as well ... if you must see, get it from RedBox.

On the writer's iPod – The Nearly Deads

Another band out of Nashville that doesn’t fit traditional molds … yes-stereotypical view but one can’t always help it. Led by female front woman, Theresa Jeane, The Nearly Deads offer a grunge inspired seasoned sound that is truly their own. With their self-titled LP/EP making the rounds and gaining notoriety, it would seem they are about to break through and make it big.

The Nearly Deads (FB) offer up a sweet sound and tongue in cheek zombie tune (Never Look Back) that fits well with my muse's genre. More importantly, it rocks and sets the stage for a exception offering from The Nearly Deads.  The tune Fact or Friction highlights the range of this band – they are simply amazing. A smart and talented band with a commercial appeal but true to their musical roots. Of course, front woman Theresa Jeane is positively stunning, that fact never hurts.

The Playlist:

1. Fact & Friction             
2. Never Look Back         
3. Reasons          
4. Special              
5. The Perfect Cure  
6. Thanks For Nothing

My muse finds tracks 1, 2, 3 and 5 of special note, though the entire playlist holds merit. Sit back and enjoy the Nearly Deads Zombie invasion –

The Nearly Deads (RN) are a group to stand up and listen to. Your muse will enjoy either the horror or fantastic aspects of the bands music. And speaking of music, not only is Jeane stunning, she has a wonderful range and a fantastic voice. In fact, I place her up there at the top vocally with such belters as Mixie, Lzzy and Danni (look 'em up). As well, the mates, Brandon Barnes - rhythm guitar, Steven Tobi - lead Guitar, Kevin Koelsch - bass and Cory 'DPro' Walen - drums are a tight and professional ensemble that can rock or rhythm your socks off - simply fantastic.

Purchase The Nearly Deads (iTunes) you will not be sorry you did - support is the key to survival for these new bands. I have my copy, I also sport (product) a sick-ass 'T' as well! 

After First Light - Scott Nicholson

Mr. Nicholson is a writer; he proves this with this well-written tale of civilization being thrust into the dark ages with the loss of power and technology through the introduction of solar flares into the atmosphere. For me, it is a worn storyline – even television jumped on this bandwagon with “Revolution” be aware as well that this is a prequel story to a series based on the same topic aptly named “After.”

Apocalyptic happens are running amuck in this perhaps political 'horror' fiction or perhaps that aspect of it is not really intentional?

Zapheads … the designation of those negatively affected by the solar flares, creative? I don’t know, for me there really isn’t much to talk about but I gather if you are into the series then this is a great read. As I said, the writing is tight and well presented. Mr. Nicholson tells a good story and apparently knows a little about solar flares and their affect on the atmosphere. I would recommend experiencing outside of milestone 291 and save this tale for later if you decide you dig the After series.

I must confess that I enjoyed the info at the tail of the book where he gets into his other works. That said ...

RTS presents Arkoski’s “Vlad - The Lazy Vampire”

Vlad drank his cocktail - courtesy of the Vampi, Eleanora. “Why can’t being a vampire be like True Blood?

“Seriously?” Eleanora snorted.

“Sure, why not?” Vlad replied.

Eleanora laughed. “Fairies, shape shifters and werewolves all living in the same little town in podunk Louisiana?

“They have their issues.” Vlad retorted.

“Just finish your cocktail. I really don’t want to have this conversation with you.”

“Cause you know I am right.”

Eleanora smirked.

“I’d be a bad-ass.” Vlad proclaimed.

“You would be the town lazy-ass and if you ever was able to take yourself outdoors, you’d end up dead.”

Vlad leaned in with furrowed brow. “How so?”

“Because, no one in town would carry your lazy ass indoors before the sun came up.”

“Aha!” Vlad replied, falling back to his relaxed position. "With fairy blood they wouldn't have to."

Vlad in season 6?

… to be continued.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: We're the Millers

Laughed out loud in public with a stranger sitting next to me ... 'nuff said :)

On the writer's iPod – Stitched Up Heart

Well … my muse had me out of sorts with the keyboard and every further from finishing the latest chapter of the 'Last Orc.' So, I do what I normally do, which is either explore Twitter or the web for something to ignite my creativity. I cam upon a quartet who tagged themselves as 'Stitched Up Heart.  On first inspection they do raise curiosity. My muse of course was drawn to the female fronted band and the pipes provided by Mixi (singer/screamer). 

Off to  Reverberation to get a taste of the music Stitched Up Heart was pushing. Nice … drawn … wanting more. Since my muse is visual we wandered over to YouTube and saw Stitched Up Heart in virtual person. Handsome and sexy is the line up - Mixi, Grant - Guitar, Derek - Bass and Decker - Drums. This Hollywood band has a nice web presence which if course helps spread the word, music and attitude - visit them on Facebook and Twitter. 

Admittedly, their music isn't something never before heard - the tight rifts and steady beat coupled with the vocals of Mixi that range from rock to guttural provide great movement in appeal, however. The consistency provides a great base for writing in a 'mood' and remaining there for four tracks before you find yourself spinning the EP over. Check out 'Grave' it is a microcosm of the mood and music as it threads through the words you weave.

Have a look and listen:

They are something that should pique the interest of the horror writer with the sharp and 'grave' mood the music conjures. The vocals are intense and somehow beautiful, all wrapped up nice a tight, perhaps with a noose about your neck. 

My muse welcomes you to take Stitched Up Heart for a spin about your imagination and see what the vocals and chords conjure. We have introduced quite a few 'not mainstream' bands here on Sinister Tidings and Stitched Up Heart is one of the promising bands with horror bites that is sure to get the blood flowing.