Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those
neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything
like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in
your stacks.
When teen psychic Dawn Christian gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak accidents in town, Dawn has an important choice to make – continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her. This novel is aimed at young adults, and at adults who enjoy paranormal YA such as the Twilight series, House of Night, and The Vampire Diaries series, Meg Cabot’s The Mediator series, or Lois Duncan books.
I love a good paranormal young adult story and when I saw they compared
it to the Twilight series, House of Night, and The Vampire Diaries
series, Meg Cabot’s The Mediator series, or Lois Duncan books, I thought
it was hard to go wrong.
Allright, Book III of the Chupacabra series by Michael Hebler, Legend of the Chupacabra. I got this book from Michael back in 2015 and finished it on 12.16.15. Man oh man it has been a wild ride…so, let’s get started.
As I enter the third book in the series, Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler, I have been reading them one after another, I become more fond of Jessie and her tenacity. She had a sordid upbringing, is self reliant, untrusting. Life is not what she would have chosen, but she would make the best of it. If she ever became your friend, it would be for life.
I couldn’t understand her felling of dread and being stalked. After all, the chupacabra was dead…isn’t it? What do you think?
Hate and revenge are strong motivators, leaving some open to being duped and unleashing a horror never known before upon the white man. In this western world, we learn about man’s ability to be good and bad. Are they born that way or do circumstances dictate their actions? I love a book that makes me ponder deep questions.
Suspense, twists and turns, pain and sorrow, but love and hope blossom from the most evil depredations. Sometimes subsequent books in the series don’t hold up, but, no worries. Each book has held more depth, more terror and more suspense than the last. I cannot stop reading, the suspense and sense of urgency driving me to the end…but wait…there’s one more book. YAY!
OMG…NO…Michael, you are sheer evil. I had a feeling something had to happen, but, damn it! I sure didn’t see the ending coming and it was a fabulous surprise.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Inside a small village
within the Great Plains of Montana, a ritual initiated in blood will be
performed. This ceremony has been executed only once before and will
mark a rite of honor and justice. Commonly, the Assiniboine are a
harmonious people with strong pride and passions, but turn to the
spirits for vengeance when wronged. The tribe’s chief will summon the
Great Spirit on behalf of his people, for no earthly man can make evil
suffer like a greater evil.
Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon, six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure and the futility of their sacrifices when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.
ABOUT MICHAEL HEBLER
Prior to his tween years, Michael used to “borrow” Stephen King
books off his mother’s bookshelf. Although he has not been clinically
evaluated, Michael is positive that his adolescent self-introduction
into adult horror had an impact on his dark sense of humor and love for
Jason Voorhees. On the upside, Michael has found an outlet in which to
put his twisted thoughts to proper use, and thanks to a college degree
which proves that he had studied the importances of plot, characters,
conflict, themes, and interactions, he is able to give his stories the
attention they deserve.
But life
wasn’t always about the written page. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood,
Michael had a career as a international film publicist, working on
multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore
Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, as well as the 2013
Academy Award® Best Foreign Language film, “La grande bellezza” (The
Great Beauty). Sounds exciting, right? Michael thinks so, too.
Currently,
in his spare time, Michael also enjoys volunteering in his local
community. Organizations he has supported include Meals on Wheels, Get
On The Bus, as well as helped protect our animal population by aiding in
the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.
To date, Michael’s publications include the first four (of six)
books in his Chupacabra Series: NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE
CHUPACABRA, LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA, and DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA, a
couple of short stories, as well as my first publication, THE NIGHT
AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.
Halloween is the perfect time of
year to binge-watch supernatural shows. For your viewing pleasure, here are my
top ten favorite movies and TV shows featuring wolf shifters in either a
primary role or as fun supporting characters.
In no particular order…
MOVIES and TV
1. The Underworld movies. Seriously badass Lycans.
2. Wolf (1994), starring Jack
Nicholson. Can’t go wrong with Jack
Nicholson.
3. An American Werewolf in London
(1981). A classic. Humor + Horror.
4. Ginger Snaps (2001). Teen angst. Dark humor + horror.
TV
5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Seth
Green as Oz, the musician/werewolf who loves Willow.
6. Vampire Diaries. Michael
Trevino as Tyler Lockwood, a broody bad boy with heart.
7. True Blood. Joe Manganiello as Alcide
Herveaux = soooo sexy.
8. The Originals. Joseph Morgan
as Niklaus Mikaelson. A vampire/werewolf hybrid, 100% badass. So are the other
hybrids on the show.
9. Supernatural. Entertaining
werewolves on both sides of the “good vs. bad” fence.
10. Legacies. A Vampire Diaries
spin-off chock-full of werewolves and other teens from the preternatural
community.
Jasmine Moon
Black Hills Wolves
Celia Breslin
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher:Decadent Publishing
Date of Publication: June 3, 2016
ISBN:9781683610458
ASIN:B01GKB9WMO
Number of pages:108
Word Count:36,400
Cover Artist:Fiona Jayde
Book Description:
Tech mogul and workaholic Wolf Evan Luparell has little time for distractions but takes a break for his brother’s wedding in South Dakota. When asked to escort another wedding attendee from the airport to Los Lobos, he agrees. Then he meets the curvy spitfire, and she ignores him.
Designer and Wolf Mina Carver didn’t mean to be rude to the handsome, glowering man claiming to be her ride, but she was busy working. Now she must endure a ride to the Black Hills with the cranky but sexy Dominant Wolf. Unexpected mating energy sparks between them, but still—should she dismiss, or kiss him?
Kisses win and they agree upon a no-strings fling. But with each wedding activity throwing them together, and their powerful chemistry and mate compatibility complicating matters, can two workaholics truly have their fun then walk away?
Evan tipped his
head and eyed the ceiling. Prompt replies, punctual people. Striking deals and
hitting deadlines. These items made his world tick. Not loitering around a miniscule
airport pulling a Waiting for Godot moment on infinite repeat for a no-show, flakey
designer from California.
God grant him
patience and balls of steel when he showed up without the designer and the
all-important wedding dress, because his future sister-in-law Darci would
certainly be unhappy. […]
He took a deep
fortifying breath and froze. Airport smells assailed his senses—the sharp tang
of bleach and lemon-scented cleaners, […] coffee, donuts, fried fast food, and
under it all, the distinct musk of wolf.
Female wolf.
She smelled damn
good. His wolf perked up, and his legs propelled him toward the empty baggage
claim, where one bright-pink suitcase covered in Hello Kitty stickers sat,
unclaimed, on the unmoving L-shaped conveyor belt. Her scent, stronger here,
socked his gut, and his gaze shot to the corner.
The chaos around
the woman stunned him silent. Large, paper coffee cup, half-eaten banana, and a
quarter of a powdered doughnut perched on a brown paper bag next to her. Crumbs
splattered the linoleum and the woman’s long-sleeved blue blouse in a thick
layer of white, sugary dust. On her other side, two pink garment bags lay like
corpses, along with a bubblegum-pink unzipped duffel as long as her
outstretched, denim-clad legs. Some of the bag’s contents—pads of drawing paper
and large swaths of fabric—protruded over the opening, the fabric splaying over
her legs in a rainbow-colored blanket. Her feet peeked out of the mess, encased
in sparkling pink UGGs. Good grief, sequins? She smacked her shiny boots
together in a poor imitation of Dorothy and bobbed her head from side to side
in time to some music only she seemed to hear. Her shoulder-length red hair,
the color of ripe dark cherries—his favorite fruit—gleamed under the harsh
airport lighting and curtained most her face from his view, save a pert nose
and small chin, both speckled with a generous amount of freckles.
He’d
always liked freckles.
Clearing his
throat, he stepped closer, but she didn’t flinch in surprise or look up. Her
attention remained on the tablet on her lap, the stylus between her pale,
freckled fingers swiping without hesitation over her screen. […]
He positioned
himself right in front of her wiggly, booted feet. “Excuse me, J—”
“Sh.” She raised
her arm and flicked her hand in the universal get lost gesture.
He gaped at her.
“Excuse me?”
Another wave of
her hand while her stylus streaked across her tablet screen with the other.
“Not interested.”
Nice voice. Low
and husky. Her attitude, on the other hand… “But—”
“Go away.” Her velvet
voice carried a stubborn edge.
In other
circumstances, he would’ve admired her strength. But he’d wasted copious
amounts of time hunting for the clearly inconsiderate and irresponsible female.
“Fine. Get your own damn ride to Los Lobos. Jasmine.”
About the Author:
Celia lives in California with her husband, daughter, and two feisty cats. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and has a particular fondness for werewolves, vampires, and the Fae. Her stories are action-packed and typically include one of the many varieties of romantic entanglements: fated mates, second chance, rescue romance, opposites attract, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more.
When not writing, you’ll find Celia exercising, reading a good book, hanging with her family, or indulging her addiction to Joss Whedon’s TV shows and movies, as well as everything in the Marvel Universe franchise. Of course!
Nicholas Ryan asked if I would be interested in reading Brink of Extinction, a full length, stand alone zombie novel…and I said YES. Would I read more of his work? You betcha!
Gideon, OMG, is evil personified. What is his motive for the havoc he is wreaking? He is brutal. Is it because of what happened to him? Does he blame the world and is going to take out is revenge of it? Whoa, it’s like someone opened the doors of the insane asylum and the inmates are running wild.
And the author…how deep did he dig to come up with these savage scenarios? I am only at 10%. I can see why the world is on the Brink of Extinction if these are the kind of people holding the power, running wild in the streets.
It has been thirty years since they faced off against the zombies. The apocalypse brought them to the Brink of Extinction. Now…to survive the human danger. Man’s true colors are exposed when their lives are on the line. Will they sacrifice for others? Are they out for all they can get for themselves, killing for sport? What happens when the Army can’t hold the line?
Nicholas Ryan has taken a great angle with Brink of Extinction. This is not your usual zombie story. An original, refreshing, down right frightening take on zombie apocalypse and what comes after. It’s hard to not give away some of the elements I feel would be best you find out for yourself.
You need eyes in the back of your head and your head on a swivel, because every step you take could lead towards capture for the slave auction or death.
A man and a boy on a journey that will bring them both to where they are meant to be by the end of the story. The journey is eye opening, brutal, dangerous and live affirming and I loved walking every step with them.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Brink of Extinction by Nicholas Ryan.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
A STAND ALONE ZOMBIE NOVEL A drifter in a savage wasteland, up against the evil that has risen from the ashes of the zombie apocalypse. In
a brutal unforgiving world one man will be called upon to take up a
fight to save those who remain. He thought his last war had been fought
in the trenches against the zombie hordes. Now there is one more bloody
battle that must be won. But the enemy is no longer undead, it is much
worse than that… A full length stand alone novel.
ABOUT NICHOLAS RYAN
Australian writer, Nicholas Ryan, is the author of four bestselling zombie novels – ‘Ground Zero’, ‘Die Trying’, ‘Dead Rage’, and ‘Zombie War’. All of Nick Ryan’s novels are full-length stand alone post apocalyptic thrillers that can be read in any order. Ryan’s first novel, ‘Ground Zero’ was acclaimed by author DJ Molles, as a “Bloody zombie smash!” and since then every book has become an Amazon horror/zombie bestseller. Several of Nicholas Ryan’s books have since been published as audiobooks. Nicholas Ryan lives on the East Coast of Australia with his long time girlfriend on a small farm.
To keep up to date with all the latest Nicholas Ryan news and new book release information visit him on: Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nickryanauthor Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nicholas_ryan_author/
You can contact Nick directly at nicholasryanpublicist@gmail.com.
I read this a long time ago, 1.16.15, rated it on Goodreads, but forgot to write the review. Sooooo, here we are. I love the Goodreads cover, so that is the one I am sharing.
I read this back in 2015, but never wrote the review. I have a ton of notes, so that must mean I would be sharing too much. Don’t want to spoil anything. Ya know, a group of kids goes in the woods, I think we all know that some are going to be left behind.
S ize up the situation, surroundings, physical conditions, equipment
U se your senses
R ember where you are
V anquish fear and panic
I mprovise and improve
V alue living
A ct like the natives
L ive by your wits
Most of the characters left a lot to be desired, so it was hard to feel sorry for them. They are seriously damaged
I didn’t see where the story was going and I do love the twist. Brutal. I wanted blood and guts and gore and I got it.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wherewolves by John Vamvas & Olga Montes.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Using a fun, explosive
style, full of new slang and fresh dialogue, WHEREWOLVES is the story of
a group of high school seniors, most “military brats”, who are headed
for an army-type survival weekend.
The underdogs, Jeffrey and
Doris, do not want to go as they fear for their safety among the disdain
and cruelty of the popular students. Sergeant Tim O’Sullivan, their
teacher, as well as their dysfunctional parents pressure them into
going, but it is an unforgivable act by their peers that propels the
pair to go. Likewise, Elie, a student resented because of his Arab
roots, is even more determined to prove himself this weekend. In the
background, a news report cautions of a wanted couple with alleged
super-human strength supposedly brought on by a new drug on the streets.
In
the woods, the students hike, hunt, camp, and soon act in unity as the
forest brings them closer together. But does it? O’Sullivan leaves them
alone for the night. The students bond, chant, tell campfire tales, and
quickly lose their fears and inhibitions. HOO-AH! Though sexual tensions
are high, it soon turns to violence and everything quickly turns sour.
When
the kids start disappearing one after the other, the remaining begin to
unwittingly “act like the natives” carving spears, ready to face
whatever is out there. What has gotten into them?
Amid the
blood-curdling growls and the gruesome deaths, the story’s underlying
layers are revealed. We see how misconceptions, prejudice, greed, fear,
and hatred bring out the worst and best in them.
What is out there? Can it really be werewolves?
ABOUT JOHN VAMVAS
John Vamvas grew up in one of Montreal’s (Canada) roughest boroughs. His high school teachers always told him that he’d be in jail or dead by eighteen. Thank God for the Arts. Actor, playwright, screenwriter and now novelist, he has been writing with his writing partner/wife, Olga Montes, for over twenty years. He loves words, especially dialogue, and has a lot of fun coming up with new ways to say the same thing.
Mother, preschool French teacher, avid reader, Olga dreamed of being a writer as a child and spent many high school lunch hours working on her writing with her English teacher. She has a college degree in Professional Theatre and a university degree in Spanish and French grammar and literature. She was on her way to becoming a translator for the UN when she heard of an open audition at one of Montreal’s biggest theatres. She almost didn’t get the role, though, because the director and co-star, John Vamvas, was scared of falling in love with the actress and ruining the play. That was 1992. She and John have been writing and working together on stage, screen, and in life ever since.
I already shared the first story in this Chupacabra series, Night of the Chupacabra (see the review link below) and I want to continue the story. I purchased this, but I believe it was through Michael that I received the gift, on 10.13.15 and I finished it on 12.13.15.
What a fabulous cover, but I don’t know who created it. I like the Kindle version better, so be sure and check that out…SUPER CREEPY!
Curse of the Chupacabra starts where Book I, Night of the Chupacabra left off and I was immediately engrossed by the opening pages. I was engulfed in Suzanne’s nightmare.
Jesse has a plan, though Suzanne would not approve, if she knew about it. Jessie is a grifter that uses all the tricks at her disposal. Even being a child she has learned well. She is pig headed, stubborn, independent. I love this character.
Suzanne is trying to do right by the kids. She is caring, giving, everything the kids were missing and I am fearful of her future. She feels responsible, though they are not her own.
I am in suspense, waitiing…waiting…waiting…for HIM to pop up. I know he will make an appearance, just when and where is the question.
I love the addition of western myths and legends, Indian shamanism, animal spirits, among the paranormal and supernatural horror. Curse of the Chupacabra has everything needed for a screamfest.
Be careful who you get involved with. Michael Hebler is not afraid to kill off his characters, so your favorite may not make it to the end.
OMG. Curse of the Chupacabra pissed me off so much…I am afraid to see what is to coming, but I am rubbing my hands together in wicked glee as I click that button to begin Book III, Legend of the Chupacabra.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.
ABOUT MICHAEL HEBLER
Prior to his tween years, Michael used to “borrow” Stephen King
books off his mother’s bookshelf. Although he has not been clinically
evaluated, Michael is positive that his adolescent self-introduction
into adult horror had an impact on his dark sense of humor and love for
Jason Voorhees. On the upside, Michael has found an outlet in which to
put his twisted thoughts to proper use, and thanks to a college degree
which proves that he had studied the importances of plot, characters,
conflict, themes, and interactions, he is able to give his stories the
attention they deserve.
But life
wasn’t always about the written page. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood,
Michael had a career as a international film publicist, working on
multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore
Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, as well as the 2013
Academy Award® Best Foreign Language film, “La grande bellezza” (The
Great Beauty). Sounds exciting, right? Michael thinks so, too.
Currently,
in his spare time, Michael also enjoys volunteering in his local
community. Organizations he has supported include Meals on Wheels, Get
On The Bus, as well as helped protect our animal population by aiding in
the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.
To date, Michael’s publications include the first four (of six)
books in his Chupacabra Series: NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE
CHUPACABRA, LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA, and DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA, a
couple of short stories, as well as my first publication, THE NIGHT
AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.
J P Choquette asked me if I would like to read Silence in the Woods and I gave her a quick yes. I love anything to do with the woods and a good scare, maybe meeting Bigfoot, gotta go for it. How about you? Would you go looking for Bigfoot?
Four went into the woods…only one came out…with a harrowing story that got him locked up in an asylum.
The group of friends had went into the woods to photograph the elusive creature that was reputed to be the cause of missing people.
The book alternates between when they went into the woods and Paul’s story after he came out…alone.
Paul is determined to return. He feels that his wife, Jane, is still alive and hopes their friends are too. BUT…there is more than Bigfoot on the loose and he will, again, have to fight for his life.
We have plenty of mystery, action and horror. Also a bit of Indian mythology going on. So all I can say is…be careful of those hieroglyphs and hikes in the woods. I love stories about the woods and I would and do enter…willingly. Would you?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Silence in the Woods by J P Choquette.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
What Castle Rock does for Maine, Monsters in the Green Mountains does for Vermont.
In
1917, four friends and photojournalists set out in the woods looking
for answers. Why have so many hikers and hunters gone missing in the
area of Shiny Creek Trail?
The two couples anticipate a great
adventure, one they’ll tell their kids about someday. No one imagines
the evil lurking in a remote cave. A horrifying discovery leaves one
person dead and two others missing.
Two months later, Paul, one
of the four, returns to the forest to find his wife. But will he find
her before someone—or something—finds him? Silence in the
Woods is the long-awaited prequel to Shadow in the Woods and delves into
the frightening territory of the supernatural and the human mind.
Readers
of books by authors like H.P. Lovecraft and John Saul will enjoy this
twisty-turning, supernatural survival story set in the remote
wilderness. Occult horror fans looking for an edge-of-your-seat suspense
minus most of the gore will find a perfect fit with the first book in
the “Monsters in the Green Mountains,” series.
What is real and
what is folklore? Are monsters like Bigfoot still alive in the deepest
areas of Vermont’s Green Mountains, or just characters in stories told
around the campfire? Folk legends come to life in this heart
rate-accelerating suspense mystery novel by J.P. Choquette.
ABOUT J P CHOQUETTE
J.P. Choquette is the author of thriller novels set in Vermont. Her books, “turn pages, not stomachs,” and frequently tie in the themes of art, nature and psychology. A lover of Gothic books and movies, J.P. enjoys being in nature with her family, spending time in old cemeteries and visiting junk shops.
Learn more about the author at her website, www.jpchoquette.me, where you can grab a free short story and enter into a monthly book giveaway.
There are more than animals in the water, and they want YOU.
How do you protect yourself?
A little mystery and plenty of danger, as the four kids try to survive and make good their escape. I enjoyed this novella, but I was never really scared, just curious.
What is it? Who and how will they survive?
3 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Four teenagers. A cottage by the sea. Something comes at night. Something comes with the tide …
They Come at Night was originally published in Danish, but is now available in English.
Calling all creature feature lovers out there in cyberspace. I read these Chupacabra stories back in 2015, but never reviewed them. Me bad, but, better late than never…huh Michael?
I purchased Night of the Chupacabra, I believe it was gifted from Michael Hebler, through Amazon on 9.11.13, but finished reading it on 12.13.15.
Michael Hebler designed the fabulous cover himself.
I had Night of the Chupacabra hanging around for a long time and when I finally read it, I wondered why I waited. I loved it. Night of the Chupcabra got my attention early on and really pissed me off about the wagon train.
The story is so sweet, so cute, so savage, so brutal. The past, present and future slam together with good and bad consequences.
I feel really bad for Drake. Will he survive? Will he find what he is looking for? He doesn’t deserve the bad things happening to him and I am hoping he finds what ever he is searching for and finds peace. But, he also surprised me and I didn’t see it coming. I sure want to know more about him, about the chupacabra.
Sheriff Dillmore is not a sheriff you want running your town. To say he is mean is not saying enough. He deserves to be hung up to dry, burned under the jail. I hope he gets his!
I knew the ending…sort of…but won’t know for sure until I meet the Chupacabra in the next story. The series consists of four books and you will need to read them in order and in their entirety to know the complete story.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
WINNER OF THE 2014 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR BEST HORROR NOVEL – No one ever disputed that the deserts of the American West were treacherous for the wandering man. Hot and desolate conditions give a home to many dangerous creatures, including one elusive beast which no traveler had ever laid eyes upon until the night Drake Byrne passed through with his family. Their encounter becomes a gruesome attack that rips the Byrnes apart, expected never to reunite. Now, five years later, Drake’s search finally comes to an end when he stumbles upon the unique town of Dillmore Valley. Hidden in the hills, the walls that protect the populace, and its secrets, quickly become their prison when the cunning creature that has been shadowing Drake terrorizes the town and feeds on the blood of anything that poses a threat.
ABOUT MICHAEL HEBLER
Prior to his tween years, Michael used to “borrow” Stephen King books off his mother’s bookshelf. Although he has not been clinically evaluated, Michael is positive that his adolescent self-introduction into adult horror had an impact on his dark sense of humor and love for Jason Voorhees. On the upside, Michael has found an outlet in which to put his twisted thoughts to proper use, and thanks to a college degree which proves that he had studied the importances of plot, characters, conflict, themes, and interactions, he is able to give his stories the attention they deserve.
But life
wasn’t always about the written page. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood,
Michael had a career as a international film publicist, working on
multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore
Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, as well as the 2013
Academy Award® Best Foreign Language film, “La grande bellezza” (The
Great Beauty). Sounds exciting, right? Michael thinks so, too.
Currently,
in his spare time, Michael also enjoys volunteering in his local
community. Organizations he has supported include Meals on Wheels, Get
On The Bus, as well as helped protect our animal population by aiding in
the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.
To date, Michael’s publications include the first four (of six) books in his Chupacabra Series: NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA, and DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA, a couple of short stories, as well as my first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.
I am starting October off with my favorite horror and romance movie of all time, Twilight.
From first glance, I fell in love with Twilight.
Kristen Stewart’s eyes are so expressive, it was like she was mesmerized, in a trance, and lost to Edward…forever. I am amazed at the quality of her acting though, at times, I thought the dialogue was laughable. In the beginning she does come across as a whiny, selfish brat, but because I know the ending, the whole triangle thing was explained in a mind blowing way. Her lip sucking and soft snorting could be annoying, but, like anything I fall in love with, I am easily able to get past it. For her age, she comes across as brave, intuitive, and able to handle whatever comes her way, never wavering.
The music is amazing and emotional.I laughed and I cried. I would get lost in it and it invoked so many emotions I would be overcome with…a warmth that is all encompassing, a sit up and pay attention moment when the danger rises to a fever pitch, or a clash between Edward and Jake is on the horizon. Like Calgon, I just wanted to close my eyes and let it take me away…deeper into the fantasy.
They did an amazing job with the special effects. The more I watch it, the more I marvel at them. We do have the cheesy moments and I do cringe, but they are few and brief.
Twilight has made everything vampire so much better for me. It allows me to visualize the action, such as fighting, death, turning…
Three outstanding peripheral characters stand out and I feel deserve a special mention. Blondie, for being there, Bella’s savior til the end. Seth, what a sweet boy, that believes in doing the right thing, loyal and trustworthy. AND a very special shout out to Leah. When she makes that move in front of the Cullin’s house…doesn’t get much better than that.
To vamp or not to vamp, that is the question. I first got into vamps with Angel reruns, then Charmed and Supernatural reruns. I caught a few Buffy episodes, but missed out on most of it.
I do love my vamps mean and ugly, but, now, I also love them soft and vegetarian. Cheesy and hot. It’s so bad I can’t look away. I watch whatever pops up on cable over and over. binging on Hulu. Poor constipated Edward and lip sucking, soft snorting Bella. a whiny selfish brat…and a hottie, Jacob. Sometimes Edward’s facial expressions are so very creepy. To pick my favorite character is really hard, because as I learn more about each one, they all have their special touch added to the whole.
Two other cringe worthy moments are when Riley is standing over Charlie…I can feel his breath on my face, and when Bella’s knees hit the floor. I cringe every single time!
My favorite quote:
“So the lion fell in love with the lamb.”
“What a stupid lamb.”
“What a sick masochistic lion.”
Everything about Twilight has made my enjoyment of the supernatural world of werewolves and vampires so much more enjoyable. I am able to visualize the action and know more of the history of the fabulous fictional characters.
BLEW MY MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I rarely buy books or DVDs, but this was a must have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..and I bought the set of books too, so be on the lookout for those reviews.
