Am I Immortal

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Am I Immortal

Story and Art by: Shawnti Therrien
Published by: Free Lunch Comics (Issues #1 and #2) and SPA Comics (supplimental short story)
Where to buy: Immortal Gothic Angel, Indy Planet, and Dimestore Distro 

Creator’s Comments:
Follow the journey of a man in a search for answers. Is he the “Immortal” of legend? Is he a god? Or is he just a man trapped in a fate that is not his own? Each step is shrouded in further mystery as he finds his decisions in the future will be constructed by the choices of his past.

About the Creator:
Shawnti is the loving creator of Am I Immortal, Meth with Atlas Unleashed, and many other dark tales. For more information about Shawnti, visit Immortal Gothic and embrace your darker side. Find out about Cain’s beginnings in The Origin, Am I Immortal’s full color online counterpart.

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

Today I am proud to present a review on three spooktacular comics created by Shawnti Therrien. (As some of you may remember, Shawnti was the winner of our logo design contest earlier this year!) The tale we are discussing is one of gothic horror, mystery, and action – with a bit of manga style mixed. But I won’t ramble on any longer, let’s just get to the review. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

When I asked Shawnti to send me her comic for review I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew she was a talented artist and that it was a horror comic, but I didn’t know much else. When I opened the package I giggled with delight like a child on Christmas. There was not just one comic – she sent me three!

Am I Immortal begins with a gaunt, wounded man who wakes up in a building that is being demolished on top of him. He doesn’t know how he got there — in fact, he doesn’t even know who he is. After being hit by a wrecking ball and not dying, he is even more confused. The young man follows a voice that is calling out to him again and again. The voice repeats his name, “Cain”. He follows the voice to a door and his destiny answers. He soon finds out he is a vampire, but he doesn’t believe that. He’s pretty sure he is not human, but he is also sure he is not a monster. There was legend of a vampire named Cain, he was the first. Could he be the same being? If so – what does that mean for this wandering soul.

Am I Immortal issues #1 and #2 are very well written. Though the idea of the biblical Cain being a vampire is hardly new, Shawnti puts a unique spin on it. The characters are well thought out and quite intriguing. Her artistic sensibilities are wonderful. The books are in black & white, but there is such depth that it doesn’t need to be in full color to convey the story. She breaks traditional panel rules, which is something I love in indepent comics (it is slowly becoming popular in main stream comics as well). Her characters are a combination of American comic book styles and the Japanese manga styles. Her art is a mixture of penciling and computer manipulation. It creates quite a stunning look.

The supplimental story in Mysterious Visions #7 (by SPA comics) is about a young man who picks up Cain while he is hitchhiking. He tells Cain he reminds him of a friend who died… or did he? This story was interesting, but I did find it a bit confusing. I am not sure if this predates issues #1 & #2 – or if it is meant to be a stand alone story.

Final Thoughts:
I found Am I Immortal intriquing, it left me wanting more… and in the comic book world this is always wonderful. I look forward to seeing Shawnti grow as an artist and a storyteller. I hope that there are more issues to come! I understand that this story ties in with Meth (published by Atlas Unleashed) — so I am going to hunt for that book! I recommend these comic books to anyone who likes Vampires that don’t sparkle, good horror/mystery comics, or mixed media art. I give Am I Immortal a 4 out of 5. (keep ‘em coming Shawnti!)

Sarah L. Covert, Creator/Editor/Reviewer

Dead Beat

Dead Beat

Written by: Remy Porter
Published by: Wild Wolf Publishing (June 30, 2010)
Page Count: 242 pages
ISBN-10: 0956373364
ISBN-13: 978-0956373366
Where to buy:
Wild Wolf Publishing
Amazon

Publisher’s Comments:
Haven, Population: 2000. A place where Johnny sleepwalks the beat, counting down the hours to the end of another police shift. Burying the secret deeper. But this is the day the world ends. The infection has spread unchecked, and now the dead have domain. Johnny is thrown into a fight to survive. The shattered community around him willing to do anything to stay alive. But as putrefacted bodies close in, it’s the villager’s rotten hearts he begins to fear the most … And beyond them the puppetmasters who started it all. With a foreword written by award-winning author of Domain of the Dead.

About the Author:
Remy Porter is British. He recently emigrated to South Australia with his wife and young daughter. Dead Beat is his first novel.
For further information on Remy’s writing visit his website at: RemyPorter.com.

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

Before we talk about today’s terrifying tale, I have some phantastic news to share! She Never Slept has added a new Minion (Reviewer) to the ranks. Please help us in welcoming Trevor Curtis to the SNS staff! If you would like to read more about him, stop by the SNS Staff page. I am sure his going to do a spooktacular job and we are thrilled to have him on board!

Today’s terrorific tale is a fast-paced Zombie thriller written by a Facebook pal of mine, Remy Porter. This is his debut novel and I am curious to read it myself. Our newest Minion, Trevor, will share his thoughts on this gruesome story with us. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

Anyone in the novel writing business will tell you that what’s hot goes in streaks. It’s especially true in horror, where the current wave is zombie fiction. From best sellers like Max Brooks “World War Z” to underground sensations like Brian Keene’s “The Rising” (still the most depressing novel I’ve ever read), zombies are gaining on vampires to be the head monster in horror. One of the newer entries is “Dead Beat” by Remy Porter.

The book starts with several scenes told from other characters point of view as the zombie plague starts to unfold in a small seaside Scottish town. Most of these are told from third person, while the entire story involving Johnny, the town police officer and main character are told from first person. It’s interesting from a style point, but jarring when it comes after four other sections told from four different viewpoints. Johnny quickly organizes the town in the wake of the zombie attacks, but is soon challenged by Jack, a local farmer, for leadership of the town. The battle for the town’s soul, as it were, between Jack and Johnny, forms the main focus of the book. It leads to a Lord of the Flies situation, with Jack’s son Griffin leading the way down into a path of mass killing and insanity. It ends violently, with rapes and explosions, and John flees out into the ocean, which should end the book.

The book then tacks on another 40 pages involving John leaving the town and landing on an oil rig close to shore. It just happens to be the one with the environmentalists who started the plague in a botched attempt to decrease the world’s population. Of course, John saves the day and then ends up back in a final confrontation with Jack.

How much you’ll like this book depends on your tastes. If you’re a fan of slow brooding horror, this is not for you. The action is fast, violent and detailed. It veers not towards the late 80’s “splatterpunk” but more towards the torture porn of directors like Eli Roth. It’s a fast read, light on real plot twists, and heavy on the action. There are a few problems with the book, though.

My chief problem with the book is exactly what most of the Amazon reviews have portrayed as one of its chief strengths, the characters. It’s not so much the detailing of them or the variety (which were both excellent) but the believability of their actions. I’m supposed to believe a farmer, widowed recently, as soon as the shit goes flying, turns into a tyrannical rapist? Or that in the stress of a zombie apocalypse, the town drunk is going to going to suddenly straighten up and turn into the town professor? As the son of two addict parents, the odds of that happening are as likely as Obama participating in a Klan march.

Final Thoughts:
Implausible character actions aside, Dead Beat is a worthwhile stop for fans of violent, gory zombie horror. Other folks won’t find too much they enjoy here. I grew up on splatterpunk so I am giving this a 2.5 out of 5.

Trevor Curtis, Minion (Reviewer)

The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires

The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires

Written by: Eric Stener Carlson
Published by: Tartarus Press
Pages Count: 233
ISBN: 978-1-905784-16-5
Where to buy: Tartarus Press (Limited to 300 copies.)

Publisher’s Comments:
Hidden away in the pages of an old copy of Lives of the Saints in a strange second-hand bookshop is a diary brimming with heresy and claims of supernatural powers. When civil servant Miguel Ibañez stumbles across it he at first believes it to be the ravings of a mad man. But what if it is true? What if the anonymous author has really learned the secrets of controlling time? Could Miguel acquire the same skills and thereby correct the incongruities in his own life?

Trapped in a mediocre job at a forgotten Ministry, his marriage falling apart, Miguel desperately searches for more hidden entries. He is led on an increasingly frantic chase through the bookstores, abandoned buildings and dark subways of Buenos Aires.

Miguel’s obsession brings him to the doors of the Saint Perpetuus Club, a secret society that holds the key to the salamanca, the cave where the Devil grants all wishes . . . for a price.

The deeper Miguel goes, the more he wonders whom he can trust. His wife, his friends, his old philosophy professor? Perhaps they are all members of the Club? Is Miguel willing to risk his life, even his immortal soul, to uncover the secrets of The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires?

The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires is a sewn hardback novel of 233 pages with silk ribbon marker, head and tailbands, and d/w. Limited to 300 copies.

About the Author:
Eric Stener Carlson (Minnesota, 1969) is the author of “The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires” (Tartarus Press, 2009), “The Pear Tree: Is Torture Ever Justified?” (Clarity Press, 2006) and “I Remember Julia: Voices of the Disappeared” (Temple University Press, 1996). His work has appeared in journals in the US, UK, Argentina and Spain.

Eric holds a BA in International Affairs from The American University, an MA in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara. A former Fulbright scholar, Eric frequently lectures on issues of torture and human rights and is always happy to give talks to book clubs and universities.

Eric travels frequently but always returns to his small flat in Buenos Aires, and his heart will always and forever be in Argentina.

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

This evening I am thrilled to present another review of a Tartarus Press book! The last time I reviewed a book from this small press out of the UK, I waxed poetic for some time. This was not without merit. Those who know me personally know how I feel about this wonderful publisher. When someone talks to me about the wonder of of eBooks, I simply take one of Tartarus Press’s books from the shelf and place it in their hands. They quickly agree with me, there is just no replacement for something so magickal.The masterfully sewn binding, the beautiful silk ribbon bookmarks, the fine smooth paper, the wonderful aroma – they all help transport you to another place. It is not just the exterior features that make Tartarus Press books so miraculous. It is also the words these lovingly made books hold. I have never read anything released by this publisher that has disappointed me.

The book I am discussing tonight, The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires by Eric Stener Carlson, is no exception. It is not often that I get to review a book of this caliber. It is the dream of every reviewer to receive something as wonderful and magickal as this. I am now reading it for a second time, just for the sheer pleasure. To say it is a brilliant piece of literature is not enough… this book draws you in and takes you for a journey that never fails to surpise and leaves you with a feeling of awe. But I won’t tease you any longer, let us get to the review. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

When I cracked open this book I was expecting great things. As usual, Tartarus Press never disappoints. What I found was far more than greatness – it is a captivating tale, full of twists and turns, that I could not put down. Eloquently written and well researched, I was taken with the imagery of Carlson’s fascinating novel. I have only experienced Buenos Aires through films and documentaries, but now I feel as if I have been there. I can clearly picture the city’s streets, subways, and buildings in my mind’s eyes. I can smell the fragrant air of the city and the musty odor of the old books stores. All I can say is, bravo Mr. Carlson!

This tale is about Miguel Ibañez – a civil servant who was not too happy with his life. A long time ago he dreamt of something better for himself. He wanted to finish his dissertation and become a Professor, but a case of life got in the way. Now he was in a failing marriage, working a desk job where he was barely noticed. He felt doomed and trapped. That is until one day, when wandering through a second-hand bookstore, he stumbled across a strange copy of Butler’s Lives of the Saints. This copy had a handwritten chapter about a Saint he had never heard of “Saint Perpetuus”. He wasn’t sure why, but he knew he must have the book. It contained part of the story of a self-proclaimed Saint – the Saint of time travel. He knew there must be other books like it and he had to find them. The books take him on an unexpected journey through the underbelly of Buenos Aires. Miguel’s obsession with the books overtake him – at the risk of losing his family and very possibly his own life. If only he could learn the secrets of Saint Perpetuus… maybe he could take his life back, but at what price?

Eric Stener Carlson’s love for Buenos Aires is evident in this amazing novel. He paints brilliant and crystal clear images of the vibrant city and its strange past. Reading his book made me want to learn more about the history of Argentina. That alone speaks volumes about the author’s storytelling prowess. I consider myself a bit of a movie/book detective. I can usually guess what’s coming next in most stories with little effort. Carlson’s The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires left me breathless and always kept me guessing.

Final Thoughts:
If there is one book you should spend your hard earned money on this year, you should make it The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires. If you like Strange Tales, Mysteries, or Thrillers – or if you just enjoy an eloquently written piece of literature – you should not miss the opportunity to pick this book up. This is the finest book I have had the pleasure of reading this year. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It is a welcome addition to the Covert library. I cannot  wait for my husband to read it. As soon as I am able, I intend to get Mr. Carlson’s other books. Eric has kindly agreed to do an interview for SNS – keep an eye out for that, coming soon. Needless to say, I give this book a 5 out 5. (What the Hades, this is my website – I give it a 6 out of 5!)

Sarah L. Covert – Creator/Editor/Reviewer

Star Costumes Announces New Scholarship for Horror Industry

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

I have some terrorific news to share! Have you dreamt of working in the Horror Industry? Are you working towards your degree now? College can be very expensive… and let’s face it, there aren’t many people handing out money to support the next Carpenter, Savini, or del Toro. Star Costumes is here to help with a new scholarship. But I will let these phantastic folks at tell you more! Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

Star Costumes Announces New Scholarship for Horror Industry

TOLEDO, OH – Star Costumes today announced the creation of a new $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a student studying to work in the horror film industry.

“For over thirty years, Star Costumes has been in the business of selling everything scary – from costumes to makeup and masks. We’re grateful to the creative geniuses in the horror industry who have provided years of fun-filled terror”, explains Mike Cairl, Star Costumes founder and president. “We see this scholarship as our way to give back and help keep future generations of horror fans as terrified as we’ve been lucky enough to be.”

“By providing this scholarship, we want to do our part to provide help to the most promising and creative students. This money can be used to help alleviate some expenses and help launch their horror career. Horror films are an important part of the American film tradition, and there are no other scholarships available which are designed specifically for students entering the horror industry.”

Students can pursuing careers in a wide variety of areas, including as a makeup artist, VFX/CGI artist, special effects artist, set designer, costume designer, film sound artist, lighting designer, postproduction specialist, screenwriter, film critic, cinematographer, or director.

To apply, students must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older with a 3.0 GPA who is currently studying full-time at a undergraduate or graduate post-secondary institution. Applicants must fill out a short form and include an essay, “which will be judged on its creativity and passion for horror cinema,” says Cairl. There is no fee to apply.

The deadline to submit scholarship applications is October 31st, 2010. The winner will be notified on November 5th, 2010. The application form can be found at http://www.starcostumes.com/horror-scholarship/.

About Star Costumes

Star Costumes has been in business since 1980 and online since 1997. With almost 30 years of experience in the Halloween costume industry, StarCostumes.com is dedicated to offering the largest selection of adult costumes and kid costumes for our customers at very competitive prices.

Contact:
Mike Cairl
Star Costumes
2708 W. Sylvania Avenue
Toledo, OH 43613
1-888-573-4594

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival – Los Angeles

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

This is a very bittersweet moment for me, on a personal level. Today I heard the news that this will be the last year The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival will be held in Portland. As some of you may know I worked for the Film Fest as a volunteer and employee for 5 years. I made friends there whom I now consider family. SNS reported the happenings at last year’s festival - with audio interviews, recorded panels and more. So, it’s sort of like losing a home away from home. If you can make it to the Portland show, by hook or by crook, you should go! As always, it will be the first weekend of October.

After wiping away the tears, I was happy to find out that this is not the end of the Festival. Aaron Vanek, a friend and fellow Lurker, will be bringing the fest to LA! (And there is hope that next year there will be satellite fests both in LA and Austin). So fear not Lovecraft fans, the Old Ones will continue to haunt theatres for many years to come! If you live in or near LA, or will be in the area mid-September — you really should go. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. But, I will let Aaron tell you all about it. Enjoy, my fiends! 

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

THE H.P. LOVECRAFT FILM FESTIVAL® MOVES TO LOS ANGELES – After fourteen successful years of sell-out crowds in Portland, H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival® arises in Southern California on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 2pm-10pm at the classic Warner Grand Theater in historic San Pedro.

The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival® promotes the works of famed author H.P. Lovecraft and similar weird tales through motion pictures by both professionals and amateurs, current and classic. The festival was founded in 1995 by Andrew Migliore to promote and encourage film and television adaptations of Lovecraft?s great works.

H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937) is critically regarded not only as a master gothic horror author, but also an American icon whose strange tales are now part of academic literary studies. Stephen King calls Lovecraft “the twentieth century’s greatest practitioner of the classic horror tale.” Lovecraft’s influence on art and culture can be seen in the many references to his creations the Necronomicon, a dreaded occult book whose history was so detailed that many believed it was  real, and the monstrous alien-god mythology known as the Cthulhu Mythos.

The Los Angeles Lovecraft Film Festival will feature six of the best films that played in Portland over the last 14 years:

Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown (2008) – An award-winning documentary about H.P. Lovecraft with interviews from leading creators in the horror field: Neil Gaiman, Guillermo Del Toro (who recently announced he would begin work on his own feature adaptation of a Lovecraft story), John Carpenter, Ramsey Campbell, Peter Straub, and more. Directed by Frank H. Woodward

Cool Air (1999) – “Never underestimate the power of the human will.” Jack Donner (Transformers 3, Star Trek: The Original Series) stars in this powerful period adaptation of the classic Lovecraft tale about a man who will do anything to survive. Masterfully filmed in Los Angeles on a shoestring budget, directed by and also starring Bryan Moore.

AM 1200 (2008) – Eric Lange (Lost), John Billingsley (True Blood), and Ray Wise (Reaper, Twin Peaks) star in this taut supernatural thriller about a man on the run who flees into a far worse Hell than the one he left. A modern Lovecraftinspired tale directed by David Prior (Fight Club DVD design and bonus features).

During the intermission, the Astra Dance troupe will perform a routine from their upcoming Halloween show inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, one of Lovecraft’s favorite authors and of similar style and influence.

The Music of Erich Zann (1980) – One of the earliest film versions of Lovecraft’s most popular stories. A boarder is drawn into the web of his mysterious old musician neighbor, who plays haunting music for an unseen audience. Directed by John Strysik (screenwriter, Stuck)

The Call of Cthulhu (2005) – Filmed in MythoScope, this black and white film was made as if it were produced in 1926, the year Lovecraft wrote his definitive tale about a worldwide cult bent on raising their obscene god from the depths of the ocean floor. Expertly crafted by the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society, this is the most faithful Lovecraft story adaptation to date and winner of many awards. Directed by Andrew Leman

Re- Animator (1985) – This extreme 80′s horror movie spawned many filmmakers to follow in its footsteps. Starring Jeffrey Combs (Star Trek, The Frighteners) as Herbert West, a scientist obsessed with curing death. 2010 is the 25th anniversary of this outrageous horror-comedy. Directed by Stuart Gordon

The Warner Grand Theater, built in 1931 by John Warner and recently refurbished, is a grand art deco venue perfectly suited to the classic style and tone of Lovecraft’s stories.

CONFIRMED GUESTS
Portland H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival®founder Andrew Migliore
Directors Frank H. Woodward , Bryan Moore, David Prior, Andrew Leman & Sean Branney
Actor Eric Lange (AM 1200, Lost)
Cast and crew from The Call of Cthulhu: Noah Wagner, Barry Lynch, Patrick O’Day, Richard Lucas, Leslie Baldwin, cinematographer David Robertson and visual effects artist Dan Novy.

INVITED GUESTS
Stuart Gordon, Guillermo Del Toro, John Carpenter, Jack Donner, Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, Matt Foyer, artists Adam Byrne and Tony Salmons (“The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft” comic book), Bernie Wrightson (“Swamp Thing”, “Frankenstein”) 

Vendors carrying the finest Lovecraft-themed and related merchandise will also be selling their wares in between screenings and during intermission.

Following the movies, there will be an after-party the nearby Whale & Ale pub(two blocks from festival) with live jazz and absinthe cocktail spirits sponsored by Lucid Absinthe (to be confirmed). 

The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival® – Los Angeles seeks merchandise vendors and sponsors. Interested parties should contact Aaron Vanek

Saturday, September 11, 2010
2pm-10pm
at the Warner Grand Theater
478 West 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731 

Tickets are $20 until August 11, $25 after and at the door.
For more info and tickets: Brown Paper Tickets

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival® website
Warner Grand Theater website
Whale & Ale pub website

Contact:
Aaron Vanek

The Warner Grand Theatre is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival® name, concept, and logo is copyright Lurker Films, Inc. and used under license.

Carnies

Carnies

Written by: Martin Livings
Published by: Lothian Books Australia
Page Count: 400
ISBN 13: 9780734409690
ISBN 10: 0734409699
Where to buy:
From the author, QDP, and other fine retailers

Publishers Comments:
The small south-west Australian town of Tillbrook has a secret, one that has been kept for over a hundred years; the Dervish Carnival, which has been there for a century, is run by people who are neither human nor animal, but live in the woods and howl at night. But when David Hampden, a journalist on the downward slope of his career, visits the town with his younger brother, unemployed photographer Paul, that secret is threatened. When Paul is seduced unknowing into their world, David will get him back, whatever the cost. And the cost may be both their lives… and possibly even more.

Carnies is a contemporary Australian supernatural thriller by debut novellist Martin Livings, and is described by the author as “an old fashioned horror novel, harkening back to the days when scary books were fun.” Containing equal helpings of horror, action and humour, Carnies is a sideshow haunted house of a novel, with dark twists and turns, sudden drops, surprises, shocks and delights.

So roll up, come to the carnival. You’ll never be the same again… if you survive!

About the Author:
Martin Livings was born in 1970 in Perth, and has lived there pretty much ever since. He stumbled into both IT and speculative fiction at an early age, and has used the former to finance the latter whenever necessary. He is currently living in London with his partner, funded by a grant from the Australia Council to work on a new novel. When not writing, he reads far too few books and watches far too many horror movies. Martin’s first short story was published in 1990. Carnies is his first published novel.

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

This evening we present a terrorific tale called “Carnies”, written by Martin Livings. It is not often a werewolf tale comes across my desk, but I instantly knew which Monster-Loving Minion I would assign this to. So without further ado, I will let Alanna tell you all about it. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely, 
Sarah L. Covert

In my classic horror pantheon, the tragedies I find in some of the creatures intrigue me as much as the horror of their actions: Dracula had his lost love; Frankenstein’s monster had not only his child naiveté but also loss of his creator; Larry Talbot and his lifelong curse as the Wolf Man.

The current characterization of classic horror icons into the mainstream reminds me of a translation process, in that I am now revisiting another generation of imagery and background that affected me profoundly when I was first exposed to them with different dialogue. The curse stigma has been replaced (mostly) by acceptance; the lone figure has been replaced by either a tribe or a pack. Storylines offer more complexities and nuance with this integration of the supernatural with the ordinary day-to-day, and Carnies by Martin Livings does this well.

One thing off the bat I liked is that this is an Australian story, and I appreciated the opportunity to read a thriller from a perspective that is not U.S., U.K. or continental Europe. The main characters being brothers foreshadows the tragedy element that I like so much, but it does take a fun turn into some delightful carnage that only canines can provide. 

The story’s prologue introduces the reader to some of the “carnies” from the title to segue into the first encounters with the Hampden brothers, David and Paul. The two couldn’t be more different, David the apparently responsible, married older brother who works for a newspaper and Paul the unemployed photographer getting over a breakup with his girlfriend. An opportunity to do an investigative report on the Dervish Carnival in the Tillbrook area brings these two together to take part in events that will change their lives forever. Tillbrook’s “secret” relationship with the carnival and the performers goes back a century, and the brothers begin to realize their destiny in their coming to the Dervish and what it will mean to the people outside the town. To be sure, the outcome for both is unexpected and makes for a fun read. I loved the ending, and I am interested in seeing if that is the last word or if the book means to continue from that point with a sequel. I have to say I hope Mr. Livings leaves it – as that made, for me, a satisfying conclusion. 

Final Thoughts:
The modernization of supernatural characters such as werewolves has been well received, and seems to receive a lot less antagonism than the current reactions to certain types of vampires. Carnies by Martin Livings was fun to read, and I liked how he pulled on the heads of his characters so that even the most anticipated actions were still plot bombs that make for a good page turner. I give this a 3.5 out of 5.

Alanna Quinn, Minion(Reviewer)

Pickman’s Muse DVD Release

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

I have some phantastic news to announce today. Nearly a year ago I reviewed a film called “Pickman’s Muse“, by Robert Capelletto. What we got was the screener copy and not the final version of the film. We will be getting the final version on the film for a re-review soon! They have also informed us here at SNS that “Pickman’s Muse” is going to be hitting the shelves on August 1st. You can even pre-order copies on Amazon! But I will let them tell you the rest… Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

PICKMAN’S MUSE
DVD RELEASE DATE, August 1st.
Currently Available on Amazon for pre-order!

Winner of the 2009 H.P. LOVECRAFT FILM FESTIVAL for Best Adaptation, and also the winner of the 2009 CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL for Best Screenplay and Best Actor (Barret Walz). The film stars Barret Walz (Jigsaw, Dozer, Chicago Overcoat), Tom Lodewyck (Legend Trip, Satanic Panic, Incest Death Squad) and Maurice McNicholas (Childs Play, Untouchables).

Synopsis:
Robert Pickman has become obsessed by visions of unworldly horror, revealed to him through an ancient artifact discovered in an abandoned church. His doctor and friend, Ambrose Dexter is soon drawn into the mysteries surrounding Pickman’s newfound obsession, and struggles to combat forces determined to drag Pickman down the inevitable road to madness.

PICKMAN’S MUSE is inspired by Lovecraft’s original short story “Haunter of the Dark“.

The DVD will contain the 75 minute feature, as well as 10 minutes of Deleted Scenes, Trailer, and Photo Gallery. The main feature is also subtitled in: English(for the hearing impaired), Spanish, French, and German.

A Book of Tongues (The Hexslinger Series)

A Book of Tongues (The Hexslinger Series)

Written by: Gemma Files
Published by: ChiZine Publications
Page count: 278
ISBN-10: 0981297862
ISBN-13: 978-0981297866
Where to buy:
ChiZine Publications, Amazon, and other fine book retailers

Publishers Comments:
Two years after the Civil War, Pinkerton agent Ed Morrow has gone undercover with one of the weird West’s most dangerous outlaw gangs-the troop led by Reverend Asher Rook, ex-Confederate chaplain turned hexslinger and his notorious lieutenant (and lover) Chess Pargeter. Morrow’s task: get close enough to map the extent of Rook’s power, then bring that knowledge back to help Professor Joachim Asbury unlock the secrets of magic itself. Because magicians, despite their awesome powers, have never been more than a footnote in history: cursed by their own gift to flower in pain and misery, then feed vampirically on each other-never able to join forces, feared and hated by all. But Rook, driven by desperation, has a mind to shatter the natural law that prevents hexes from cooperation, and change the face of the world-a plan sealed by unholy marriage-oath with the Mayan-Aztec goddess Ixchel, mother of all hanged men, who has chosen Rook to raise her bloodthirsty pantheon from its collective grave through sacrifice, destruction, and apotheosis. Caught between a passle of dead gods and monsters, hexes galore, Rook’s witchery, and the ruthless calculations of his own masters, Morrow’s only real hope of survival lies with the man without whom Rook cannot succeed: Chess Pargeter himself. But Morrow and Chess will have to literally ride through Hell before the truth of Chess’s fate comes clear-the doom written for him, and the entire world, in A Book of Tongues.

About the Author:
Born April 4, 1968, in London, England, Gemma Files is the child of two actors (Elva Mai Hoover and Gary Files), and has lived most of her life in Toronto, Canada. Previously best-known as a film critic, teacher and screenwriter, she first broke onto the horror scene when her short story “The Emperor’s Old Bones” won the International Horror Guild’s 1999 award for Best Short Fiction. Her current bibliography includes two collections of short work (Kissing Carrion and The Worm in Every Heart, both Prime Books) and two chapbooks of poetry (Bent Under Night, from Sinnersphere Productions, and Dust Radio, from Kelp Queen Press). Her novella “Words Written Backwards” was published by Burning Effigy Press. Her first novel, A Book of Tongues: Volume One in the Hexslinger Series (CZP), is now available; she is currently hard at work on a sequel, “A Rope of Thorns”. She is married to fellow author Stephen J. Barringer, with whom she co-wrote the story “each thing i show you is a piece of my death” for Clockwork Phoenix 2 (Norilana Books). They have one son.

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

This evening we bring you a terrorific tale by Gemma Files. It’s the first book in “The Hexslinger Series” and it is titiled “A Book of Tongues”. It seemed very intriguing when Gemma let us know about the upcoming release back in March of this year. After reading our Guest Minion’s thoughts… this has been added to my list of “read for fun books”. I can’t wait to check it out. But for now, I will let Trevor share his views with you. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

Brokeback Magician: A Book of Tongues by Gemma Files

When the editor sent me the advance PDF of “A Book of Tongues” by Gemma Files, I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. What seemed at first a old fashioned Western with a touch of fantasy turned into a pan-sexual adventure with Clive Barker overtones. To say it was a surprise is a bit of an understatement.

The book is the first in a series called the Hexslinger Files, and is set right after the Civil War. Agent Ed Morrow is a Pinkerton Agency detective who is undercover with a gang of criminals led by a hexslinger named Asher Rook. Hexslinger is the name for magicians in this world, and the way they use it usually isn’t pretty. Asher is a former preacher who uses Bible verses to conjure his powers. He’s an almost nice guy, tempered by his lover and partner in crime, Chess Pargeter. He’s small to Asher’s large,and generally short tempered. Add to that an amazing skill with a gun, and he’s walking death.

Asher and Chess are in San Francisco to find another Hexslinger named Snowbird who can possibly help Asher not be found by something he calls the Lady, who talks to him in his dreams. Since Hexers can feed off of each others powers in this world, it’s a dicey proposition at best. Add to the fact that Morrow is outed almost instantly as a Pinkerton to Rook,and things begin to spin out of control.

What follows next is a hell of an adventure, told in a interesting fashion. Files skips back and forth in time when telling Asher and Chess’s story, from their meeting in a Reb unit, to their romance, to Asher’s encounters in dreams with dead Mexican gods, one of whom is the Lady who keeps talking to him in his head. Add in the codependency of their relationship (hint: has to do with Hexers feeding off of each other) and you’ve got a match made in Hell, which is where the two go to at one point. Well, one of the Hells anyway. Along the way there are betrayals, blood, Aztec death gods, and enough gay sex to make John Waters happy.

Yes, I said gay sex. If you have a homophobic bone in your body, don’t pick up this book. It does not mince words, and goes to Laurell K. Hamilton levels of steaminess in its sex scenes. If there’s any fault I have with the book at all, it would be its reliance on the tired trope that all of us are at least partly bisexual, with characters who are straight being seduced into gay sex. I never bought into it in straight erotica, and don’t buy it here either.

Final Thoughts:
Book of Tongues is a very interesting read. After reading it, I looked it up on Amazon to see where they’d put it. They paired it with steampunk books like Boneshaker and such. I don’t think it’s steampunk , but rather a fantasy with a historical bent. Fans of Emma Bull’s Territory or some of Joe Lansdale’s stuff should enjoy this. It’s a hell of a book ,and it’s very pointedly aimed at a gay market, but I think it transcends that narrow marketing with fine writing and good dialogue. Pick it up for a rocking good afternoon read. I give this book a 3 out of 5.

Trevor Curtis, Guest Minion (Reviewer)

Embers

Embers 

Written by: Laura Bickle
Published by: Juno/Pocket
Page Count: 359
ISBN-10: 1439167656
ISBN-13: 978-1439167656
Where to buy:
Simon & Schuster, Amazon, and other fine book retailers 

Hello Ghouls and Boils, 

Today we present you with a phantastic paranormal tale set in Detroit. Embers, written by Laura Bickle, is a Dark Urban Fantasy — one I look forward to reading personally. *glares at her sadly neglected “read for fun” pile* But for now, I will let our Minion – Alanna Quinn – tell you all about it from her perspective. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert 

I enjoy most books like some enjoy television or movies, insofar as I like to get wrapped up in dialogue that takes me very quickly into the scenery and action without having to look for any subtext. There are stories I prefer for their density and fullness of language and imagery, others that allow me the pleasure to be entertained without a lot of effort. This last category of stories is great for me to unwind with, and after a rough workday I appreciate the ease and the payoff. 

Embers by Laura Bickle is a fun read where dissecting character development and narrative is an unnecessary use of one’s time; almost immediately, the characters are assembled with enough background to allow them to evolve over the course of the story. Details of the cast, organizations and landmarks specific to the areas described give a fuller description for the reader to put up as background for Ms. Bickle to relay her story to her audience. 

The main character, Anya Kalinczyk, is an investigator for the Detroit Fire Department whose skills go further than following the trails of causes and accelerants. Primarily her role is as a Lantern, a person of paranormal abilities able to commune and consume (as needed) spirits of various types. This particular knack has Anya working, grudgingly at times, with the Detroit Area Ghost Researchers (D.A.G.R.) and the motley crew of specialists that make up the organization: Jules who handles tactics, a witch named Katie, Brian the computer genius, and Max the new recruit. The group’s interactions with Anya and her fire elemental Sparky make for some interesting moments for everyone involved. Now that I’ve mentioned him without any introduction, allow me to correct that. 

Sparky is a fire elemental in the shape of a salamander, housed in a torque worn around Anya’s neck. His behavior chagrins Anya, especially whenever the two of them are around any electronics. Then Sparky lives up to his name and wreaks havoc, however during Embers the reader sees Anya’s parental tone  in dealing with Sparky when he is feeling playful or being a force of nature. The two are inseparable; when the narrative reveals a supernatural element that causes fires to erupt through areas of Detroit, Anya and Sparky will be kept running trying to keep on top of the outbreaks of chaos that come up. What happens towards the end is surprising and visually intriguing. 

Final Thoughts:
This was a fun read and entertaining, a good example of the Urban Fantasy genre. There is an upcoming sequel to this called Sparks, and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Bickle has in store for her characters. I give this a 3.75 out of 5. 

Alanna Quinn, Minion(Reviewer) 

Alayna Williams Talks About “Getting Creative With The Tarot”

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

Today we have a Guest Blog from Author Alayna Williams. She will talk about “Getting Creative With The Tarot” and how it influenced her latest book, “Dark Oracle“. Perhaps she’ll send a review copy our way. I know I’d like to read it now… but I will let her tell you all about it. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

GETTING CREATIVE WITH THE TAROT

 

The tool that inspired me most in writing DARK ORACLE was entirely random – a deck of Tarot cards.

The Tarot provides plenty of inspiration for writers seeking to build a story. As a visual person, I’ve always been drawn to the pictures and rich symbolism of the decks. In DARK ORACLE, my heroine, Tara, uses the cards in her work as a criminal profiler to unravel crimes.

 

I used them in my own work, too, to shed light on the creative process. I often pick up one or two at random to suggest aspects of a character or provide conflict for a scene. I can let my mind rove into the card’s image and use it as a tool to suggest where the story’s going next. What seems like a very random process can feed into some unexpectedly pleasing results.

 

There’s one card in the deck that I think speaks especially to writers – the Magician. He’s the master of his destiny, someone who creates worlds using the tools before him – which is exactly what a writer does. The Magician is traditionally depicted with symbols of the four classical elements at his fingertips: a sword, representing air, ideas, and intellect; a wand, the fiery force of creation; a cup full of the water of emotion; and a pentacle, symbolizing earth, perseverance, and hard work. All of these factors must be blended together by the writer to create a story. The spark of the story idea must be given life with fire, watered with emotion, and nurtured with hard work until completion. If any of these elements are lacking, the work will be incomplete.

 

As I learn more about the Tarot, the symbols begin to connect more deeply as aspects of the creative process. Every time I look at the cards, I see something new to inspire me – whether it’s help for a specific story, or insight into the overall creative process.

 

 

 

Alayna Williams has an MA in sociology-criminology (research interests: fear of crime and victimology) and a BA in criminology. She has worked in and around criminal justice since 1997. More information on her new release, DARK ORACLE, is available at her webiste.