I got the compacted version of this novel. It was a good attempt at serializing horror; however, I think I'll stick to his novels. The first novella begins with the introduction of "Old Sparky", the electric chair. We learn about the prisoners who are held there, with classic king hints on who else is to come. The most intriguing character should of been Big John Coffee, spelled like the drink, but I was more fascinated by "Billy the Kid". I wish he would of been fleshed out more and had more of an impact on the story. I did like the ending of his tale, though. It fit so well and really woke me up, so to speak.
Erin gives this a two
The Shining was an excellent novel, told from the point of view of an isolated family in the mountains during a snow storm. Jack, the wirter who craves isolation for winter, the weak and petty mother Windy ( or Winifred ), and Danny, the young boy who's arm was dislocated by a drunken father. Enter Cabin Fever. Everyone knows me: I like a good psycho story and this one takes the cake. Jack finally snaps, and King mixes some Psychological horror with Supernatural Horror when introducing the "unseen" guests. This could also be known as "gory" horror in some parts. The ending is ironic, and a wonderful fit, one I truly loved. Whenever the point of view was told from the sane Jack, I got bored. Sorry, but when he was nuts my attention was grabbed again. Redrum.....
Erin gives this a five
Annie Wilks is a crazy nurse that has been given a wondrous oppurtunity: To care for the sick and critically injured famous writer of her dreams. He has just finished closing up a novel, when a snowstorm strikes. His car is overturned and she comes to his rescue, barricading himin her cabin, reporting her findings to no one, disconnecting every phone line in site. Definitely a pretty violent nurse. I'll never forget the chainsaw going over the cop's head...and the electric knife chopping off his thumb. The things we do for love, huh?
Erin gives this a three
Fear is a wonderful book, which either an adult or a child could read. Nah, just kidding, but the main character does happen to be a ten year old boy. The author, Kelly, really uses his imagination in this one. A county called "Fear County" has unleashed a horrendous monster that is feeding off of children, which are barracaed in the cave, wrapped up in tight snake skin. The ten year old, Jeb Sweeney, takes his negro bluesplaying friend, Roscoe, and his simple minded father who was injured in the woods, to Fear County to find the only person who can save the town. There they find a church painted black, where chants arise instead of singing, a cannibalistic family, a pack of rabid dogs and a mutilated cat. The witch who made the snake creatures is also quite fierce, as is the swamp that contains horrible beings God didn't create. The story unwinds nicely, leaving much surprise. The story itself isn't completely unpredicatable, but the horrific scenes could never be imagined by a reader. BUY THE BOOK!
Erin Williams Copyright 1999
This is an older book, too, but it still carries great suspense. It deals from things in a child's perspective....his friends go to the hospital and never come back....he never ages, as does the rest of the children....because the doctor has been giving them special shots. This is an intriguing book because the plot is so original. However, at some moments you may find yourself yawning off. It can get dull at times, and the writers style is a bit hard to stay attached to. But in the end you'll be glad you stayed awake.
Erin Williams Copyright 1999
Charles Gabriel was more than human. He was vampire. After being entombed within the sunken ship, Titanic, for almost a century, a film crew unknowingly releases him. Being so long without blood, the Hunger took over.
Charles comes to himself while in a mental hospital in South Carolina. His beautiful psychiatrist is the only one who may have a chance of helping him. Guilt for all he had done during the Hunger's possession of him, his mind has blocked it all out. He no longer even knows who he is. But he does know what. He meets another he thinks is like himself. However, she turns out to be insane and wants him to make her immortal. During it all, the husband of one of the women on the ship during the Hungar is hunting him.
***Beware! This one is extremely gory. But I loved it! Michael Romkey has just made another fan in me. This book would make one terrific movie, if they did not change a thing.***
Review by Huntress
The second of the Vampire Legacy. The book is part two of Deirdre Griffins's story. In the first, Deirdre had to kill Mac, the vampire who transformed her. As ironic as it may sound, Mac had left a will. In it, he named Deirdre his sole heir. She was now a very rich vampire.
In the first book, she also fell in love with a human, Mitch. After Mac's death, Deirdre had left it all behind. However, it seems vampires have laws too. Mitch is being punished by the vampire clans for Mac's death. Deirdre must return to save him and face judgement.
***Not gory, but many "feedings". I thought it a bit too clean for a vampire horror. In fact, it was more like Fiction than Horror. A major string left dangling for the third book and it promises to be much better than this one.***
Review by Huntress
