Horror Books

Here this book goes deep in the realm of psychology and Science fiction. Very short. But not for the short attention span. You mustn't get lost in the extremely intense personification and imagery for this will make the book monotonous.

I am a new but HUGE fan or R.L. Stevenson but this is not his best work of his stories I would suggest getting a complete tales of R.L. Stevenson collection because this would include his best work in my opinion the suicide club and rajah's diamond.

Enjoy but I suggest getting a different print of this story one that includes his greatest short stories.

Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde was a very good book filled of suspence. For example when the laywer goes to talk to Dr.Jekyll the Doctor gives him an a letter he got from Mr.Hyde but was not thinking and burned the envolope but did say there was no return adress. After the lawyer left the room and asked the door man if there has been any letters droped off and he said no. Then he asked if anyone personly droped off a letter and the door man said no.

This is one of the hardest and boring books in life! It deals with strict men of Science, for instance, Dr. Hastie Lanyon. This book, like the Invisible Man, is a novel that has WAY too many details and should be strictly enforced not to be read. Who wants to read a book about science-fiction and not to mention the cuss words on every page? Who likes minor details around every corner. But, I must admit, there are fabulous descriptions of the characters and them themselves are quite interesting! But, this book is not good.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
By: Robert Louis Stevenson
Reviewed by: E. ...
Period:6

This book is about a man that has somehow brought out an evil side of him. He is a scientist and he makes a concoction that has brought out the evil part. At first the man is able to be somewhat aware of what the other person does, but it gets worse and he looses control. He has few conscious moments and often wakes up not knowing what has happened. His friend learns about the evil side, but has no idea that both of the men are the same. As the friend learns more, he becomes closer and closer to the horrible truth. Then the evil side kills a man and he hides by becoming the good man and hiding in his house. The friend thinks the evil man has killed the good one, but he soon finds out something is very strange about the whole situation. Then the friend receives a letter from the man and he gets the supplies asked in the letter. A man meets the friend and makes a concoction. Then he drinks it and all of a sudden the man turns into his friend that seems to have been revived from the evil side. The whole story is a mystery as the friend finds more clues.

The thing I liked was how the story was set up and how the whole thing was a mystery so that it kept you interested in finding out the answer. It got confusing at times and I had to re-read parts to find out the clues and truly understand it. "pale and shaken, and half fainting, and groping before him with his hands, like a man restored from death-there stood Henry Jekyll! " The good man had only a little power left and he needed the concoction to make himself regular again. The person that his friend saw was a mixture of evil and good with the good barely holding out. After that, the friend was told everything and he listened in shock. This part didn't come until near the end so that it was a twist in the story that is unexpected.

The book may have been good for its story line, but parts of the story got to be repetitive and it got to the point where it was boring and it was hard to keep going. The end really disappointed me, because the story was pretty decent and then the end came and it was bad. The end was supposed to be a letter written from the last words of the good man that was losing his power to stay in control. The letter was at least twenty pages and was filled with confusing sentences and the same information being repeated over and over. It got tiring and boring very quickly, so that I struggled to keep reading. I finally made it through and the end of the letter said that the good man was saying he was going to end his miserable life. "Here, then, as I lay down the pen, and proceed to seal up my confession, I bring the life of that unhappy Henry Jekyll to an end. That ending would have been good if it wasn't after the most boring part in the book.

My favorite part of the book was when the friend and the butler of the good man break into the study to get the materials wanted by the man. It was my favorite part because lots of clues start to come out and it's the point right before finding out the truth of the evil and good man. My least favorite part is the end when the same information is repeated and the words are so confusing that it is very boring. Overall the book has a good way of keeping the reader suspenseful, but it also does the opposite with the repeated parts and the story may seem a little over stretched.

Since I am a contributor to this volume, I will not offer a "review" in a conventional sense, but I will offer a list of contents, which this website otherwise does not offer. As there are a number of competing paperback editions of Stevenson's novella and the text of the story is essentially the same (allowing for minor editorial variants), readers should consider the issue of what else besides the main text they will be getting for their money, and this edition is unusually rich in supplementary features, so that the original story makes up only 55 of its 222 pages.

In addition to the text of Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," with explanatory notes by the editor, this volume also contains:

A preface by the editor, a "textual appendix" about textual variants in the manuscripts, a map of 19th century London marking places mentioned in the story, a timeline of the major events in the life of author Robert Louis Stevenson, and a bibliography. Plus...

An excerpt from a biography about Stevenson by Graham Balfour about the circumstances of the story's authorship...

A brief excerpt from Stevenson's "A Chapter on Dreams," which discusses the influence of his dreams on the story...

12 letters by Stevenson that discuss aspects of the "Dr. Jekyll" story...

10 contemporary reviews and comments about "Dr. Jekyll" that show how the story was originally received...

Another horror-oriented short story by Stevenson entitled "Markheim"...

A brief non-fiction piece by Stevenson, "How I Came to be such a student of our Penny Press," together with some examples of 19th century book advertising...

Three essays about the literary context of "Dr. Jekyll": Karl Miller, "The Modern Double": Jenni Calder, "Stevenson's Scottish Devil Tales"; and Judith Halberstam, "An Introduction to Gothic Monstrosity"...

Four essays about the scientific context of Stevenson's story: Stephen Jay Gould, "Post-Darwinist Theories of the Ape Within"; Frederic W. H. Myers, "Multiple Personality"; Norman Kerr, "Abject Slaves to the Narcotic"; John Addington Symonds, "This Aberrant Inclination in Myself"...

Two essays about the socio-historical context of Stevenson's story: Judith R. Walkowitz, "London in the 1880s"; and Walter Houghton, "Hypocrisy"...

Three essays and a filmography about theatrical and film adaptations of "Dr. Jekyll": C. Alex Pinkston, Jr., "The Stage Premiere of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"; Charles King, "Themes and Variations" (about film); Scott Allen Nollen, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Paramount, 1931)"; and Katherine Linehan, "A Checklist of Major Performance Adaptations"...

And five additional critical essays: G. K. Chesterton, "The Real Stab of the Story"; Vladimir Nabokov, "The Phenomenon of Style"; Peter K. Garrett, "Instabilities of Meaning, Morality, and Narration"; Patrick Brantlinger, "An Unconscious Allegory about the Masses and Mass Literacy"; and Katherine Linehan, "Sex, Secrecy and Self-Alienation in Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".

For sheer range of commentary, I do not think that you could point to a comparable volume.

I picked up this book on a whim - I've never read anything by this particular author before nor had I ever heard about this title from fellow reader friends. I found it to be a delightful find!

The story line is easy to follow, the romantic scenes were hot and steamy, and it really is a no fuss read. I actually finished this book in one sitting (in flight to family vacation destination) and felt engaged nearly the entire time.

The only little complaint I had with this book was the writers use of the Scottish accent - sometimes it became a little annoying/distracting but nothing that would result in me putting the book down. There is a male/male romance in this story that may not be appealing for all readers, although I thought it was written beautifully and really added to the story.

Overall, great and easy paranormal erotic romance!

WARNING: This book contains EXPLICIT sex scenes that may not be appropriate for more conservative readers.

1314

Darius MacLeod and his brother Demetri were turned by a vampire named Remont. Darius' wife Rose was terrified when she found out. She refused to accept him and ran from him. When she died, Darius blamed himself. For centuries since then, Darius has taken lovers but has never loved again.

London, 1818

Gabrielle Fairmont is being forced to marry Lord Sutherland. He is a cruel and evil man and Gabrielle is desperate to escape her fate. When Daruis and Gabrielle meet at a ball, Daruis is struck by Gabrielle's resemblance to Rose. He is overjoyed that he may have a second chance at love with her. Gabrielle senses a familiarity with Darius as well and is drawn to him. Will she still feel the same when she finds out he is a vampire though? Will she have a chance to? Sutherland has no intention of letting Gabrielle go.

Return To Me is full of excitement, danger, and eroticism. Darius and Gabrielle's relationship is sensual and poignant, as is Demetri and Remont's. Remont and Demetri have a long and tumultuous history but it ultimately develops into something wonderful. The time Darius and Gabriel spent in Darius' bed and Demetri and Remont's heart to heart are very passionate and loving. I love Demetri and Remont, their lives are fascinating and their love is beautiful. Darius and Gabrielle complement each other very well, both in personality and appearance. Return To Me is another shining example of Julia Templeton's wonderful storytelling ability.

Nannette
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

If you're looking from some simple erotica that lacks any sort of complicating depth then this might be the perfect escape for you. If you're looking for a romance with a solid plot, or interesting characters I'd look elsewhere.

Gabrielle Fairmont steps out of a Mary Sue fanfic into this story as a super special, kind, gorgeous damsel in distress that also has super special magic powers and may be the reincarnation of a vampire's tragically deceased wife. Early in the book the author tries to fool us into thinking Gabrielle is a strong, independant figure who shapes her own destiny by plotting an escape from her murderous fiance and learning to survive on her own. This is apparently a fluke on Gabrielle's part, as she spends the rest of the book once vampire hunk Darius rescues her tottering between useless and TSTL (that's 'too stupid to live'). Gabrielle demonstrates the latter element to us perfectly with such brilliant ideas as 'Well I've been having visions of my murderous psycho fiance following me here, and it's daylight so my crew of vampire protectors are all deeply asleep because they burn in the sunlight, but I think now is a wonderful time to go outside the protection of the manor and sit alone in the sunlight on a hill to ponder'. We're supposed to believe this girl survived on her own for any length of time?

The problems with characterization certainly don't end there. Darius, a warrior turned vampire that lost his wife as she was fleeing him, is a flat character. The only thing that stands out about him is that he is 'anatomically impressive' and we are reminded of this repeatedly. Throughout the book the vampires carry a burden of being 'monstrous' except that there isn't really anything remotely monstrous or threatening about them. They feed off their lovers, who retain no memory of being bitten and behave with unfailing civility. Other characters that pass through the story are stereotypical, with good characters portrayed as attractive and 'bad' characters portrayed as being fat, drunk, and anatomically unimpressive. This book carries a naive sense of unerring black and white, so that the characters more resemble caricatures than actual humans.

The relationship between Gabrielle and Darius is virtually nonexistant. They meet, he later saves her, and they start having sex. From then on the book is a constant stream of sex occasionally interrupted by the secondary romance between Darius's vampiric brother and sire. Oh, and there's the whole 'dangerous ex-fiance' matter too, which is both unsuspenseful and largely uninvolved. Gabrielle does have flashes of memories from her past life, but not enough to justify the quick and easy relationship with Darius. The plot here actually had a lot of potential for interesting conflict, but none of it was tapped. There is no conflict or real obstacles for their relationship.

By contrast, the relationship between Remont and Demetri is by far more interesting, but largely overlooked in favor of more Gabrielle/Darius sex scenes. Even this slightly more interesting plot line fails, because we are never given a good reason why Demetri cheats, and the resolution between them is anti-climatic at best.

There are dozens of other complaints I could make, but I've rambled on long enough. To conclude, I found this book to be boring, and uninspired. Don't let the descriptions on the book fool you- this has nothing to do with romance and everything to do with repetative sex.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book by Julia Templeton!

Personally, it immediately gets 5 stars just for having a wonderful, beautiful M/M romance along with the main characters' developing story. It was incredibly refreshing to read the scenes between Demetri and Remont and see them work through their relationship.

Aside from that, the love story between Darius and Gabrielle is just beautiful, sweet, and incredibly romantic. And hot. Did I mention hot?

I started reading it the other night and could NOT put it down! I finished it the same night and now am eager to read what else she has written and what she will come up with next.

Often times when I have been absorbed by a story I find it difficult to know where to start. I sit staring at a blank page until I feel confident enough to put down how much the story thrilled and moved me. This was one of those times.

On the battlefield of Bannockburn in 1314, Darius MacLeod lay dying, thinking never to see his beloved Rose or unborn babe when a young man with kind green eyes, approached him. His name was Remont and asked if Darius wanted to live an immortal life, never to age, never to die. Before Darius could answer and about to take his final breath; his brother Demetri made the decision pleading with Remont to change Darius. Several days later when Darius returned home to his pregnant wife Rose, he was a changed man. Several people told Rose they saw Darius receive a mortal blow and wary of his recent behavior she questioned him. Horrified by his confession, Rose ran, falling down stairs killing herself and their unborn child.

Five hundred years later and invited to attend a ball to meet Demetri and Remont, Darius was shocked to meet Lady Gabrielle Wentworth whose resemblance to Rose was astonishing. Feeling as if his heart had sprung to life, he knew he must save Gabrielle from Sutherland. Instinctively knowing in his heart that Gabrielle was the reincarnation of his beloved Rose, he also worried if she would run from him in horror if she discovered what he was.

Gabrielle had been betrayed by her only living relative. Her uncle needing money to pay off his creditors sold her "sight unseen" to the despicable Lord Sutherland, rumored to have murdered four of his previous wives. Gabrielle is a healer with the gift of sight, and knows after marriage, Sutherland will kill her. Meeting Darius, Gabrielle senses a familiarity that she's known Darius, but with her `sight' she also `knows' what he is. During a commotion at the ball, she makes good her escape into the night, but who immediately senses the loss of Darius in whose arms she had felt safe.

*** I was completely absorbed and emotionally drawn in to this exquisitely written and passionate love story. The author held me emotionally captive from beginning to end. Initially showing Darius to be a young man in the prime of life when fate intervened grabbed my heart. He had found his true love with Rose and was awaiting the birth of a child conceived of that love. Though not his decision to be changed, he could never have imagined the tragedy to follow. The authors portrayal of after five hundred years and Darius finally finding the woman he'd never forgotten was portrayed in such a way it brought tears to my eyes.

Characterized as a young woman with special powers, Gabrielle was special from her initial introduction into the story. As serious as the drama of this story was I actually had a chuckle or two when Gabrielle, who kept her powers hidden for the most part, threw a couple of uncomfortable spells towards Sutherland when he was at his most repulsive behavior. My admiration for this autho'rs originality in Gabrielle's ingenuity and resourcefulness after her escape from the ball, in finding shelter and a way to fund her escape out of London was inspired. In another scene, Gabrielle's gift to Darius was so filled with emotion it brought tears to my eyes and is one instance that was truly unforgettable.

Not only was I captivated by the adventure and romance of Gabrielle and Darius, but Remont and Demetri's story also held me spellbound. As the vampire who had turned both Demetri and Darius, Remont came across as truly compassionate and caring and I was rooting for him to find the happiness he deserved after centuries of existence.

In short RETURN TO ME is a remarkable, sensually passionate, well-written and incredible paranormal historical novel that must be read by both paranormal and historical fans alike.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

I LOVE everything I've read by Hamilton so far (Which includes all available Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry novels) and I love this one too! Granted, I may be a bit biased... but if you're into dark fantasy, Vampires, Erotica, Sci-Fi, Romance, Horror, faries, or any combination... these are WONDERFUL books! Laurell is a very good writer with wonderful attention to detail! This is book #4, I would STRONGLY suggest beginning with book #1 of course, but in my opinion any of Laurell K Hamiltons' works are a real treat!

A Stroke of Midnight is the fourth in Laurell K Hamilton's Merry Gentry series. They are best read in order, so I recommend you go back and start with A Kiss of Shadows (Meredith Gentry Novels). The series is a fun ride, so you might as well start from the beginning.

Merry Gentry is a princess of Faerie, where the Faerie are an ancient magical race that had powers which caused humans to think of them as gods. The Faerie are faded from their ancient glory and live among us, with unearthly beauty and superhuman powers bound by their treaty with our government. This fourth installment takes place over the course of a few days before the Yule holiday, when Merry returns from Los Angeles to her Faerie home.

Although Merry herself is mortal (dubious heritage on her mother's side), mysteriously she is belatedly awakening into a power that has not been seen for centuries in Faerie. Her power is manifested through sex - she is able to catalyze power in others and in her surroundings during lovemaking. This makes for erotic reading as Merry's primary mission, set by her Queen, is to have as much sex as possible with as many eligible Faeries in order to get pregnant. Pregnancy will secure Merry's place in the succession.

What makes this not pornography is that there actually is a plot and character development. The reader ends up caring about Merry and the future of the Faerie people. Even the internal Faerie politics, normally a snoozer for me, was well done and kept my interest. However, this is not a book for people who only want to read about sex inside committed relationships.

Meredith's Sidhe bodyguards, of all types and flavors are keen to have
sex with her as much as possible, as if any of them win the faerie bun
in the oven lottery, prestige awaits.

Also, it appears that doing so, brings back long unused and dormant
powers from the time when the Sidhe were top dog, not the humans.

Apart from this, they have to solve the murder, in public, at a press conference, of two people, and the Sidhe are involved.

The Meredith Gentry series makes me wish I were not such a nice person. I don't want to keep reading these books. Truthfully, they keep disappointing me. But I am a person who finishes what she starts, and four books into a series I won't give up. I just won't.

That being said, A Stroke of Midnight is by far the second best Meredith Gentry novel after the first. The last two books were more a "Faerie Court Politics for Dummies" course rather than actual novels. I get so sick of reading about how the fey will never lie. Really? I've only had it beat into my head 1,000 times, I almost forgot. Also, you should always compliment a sidhe who is trying to look nice. And when they look for comfort they touch one another. I get it! Can we get on with the story now please?

A Stroke of Midnight almost went on with the story. I'll say... about 50 pages out of the entire 366, which is a lot considering the drivel contained in the last two stories. At least this book gave me a little info about why faerie started fading, what the sithen means to the future queen, and FINALLY a taste of what Queen Andais is all about. I'm still not satisfied. I still think I'm being strung along so that I will continue to shell out $8-$20 (depending on whether I spring for the hardback) for a series that has no clue where it's going and just expects me to go along for the ride. I have to be honest, though. This ride is a little boring and I might try to get off at the next station.

Princess Meredith, the private detective and not-so-private Princess of Faerie, is back in this 4th installment in the Merry Gentry series.

The race for the throne is underway, and Merry gets busy fulfilling her royal duties of trying to get pregent by one or more of her royal guards (all of the previously celtic dieties in centures and millenia past, when the primal forces of magic were much stronger in the world) ... and in the process, the Goddess (and the presence of magic along with her) begins to show more signs of returning, and restoring vitality to the faerie realm ... a vitality that has withered over the millennia under the cruel sadism of the Queen of Air and Darkness.

Prince Cel is still in prison, but his followers (and other elements opposed to having a half-breed like Meredith take the throne) have not been idle ... there has been foul murder done within the halls of the sidhe, and further murders are attempted - and neither Princess Merry nor her Elite Guards (even as they begin to reclaim some of their old strength from ages long past) are safe.

The author tells her tale with her usual mix of steamy magically-enhanced sex, mythological fantasy, court intrigue, and forensics. It's a highly enjoyable romp.

My only memorable nit is the authoress' tendency to write, at times, in extremely short and fragmentary chapters ... such as breaking up a single continuous scene into 5 chapters, of only 3-5 pages each. There's no apparent rhyme or reason to her chapter divisions, and her plot advancement is slow.

Reading this as I am hot on the heels of George R. R. Martin's excessively long-winded and overly complex "A Song of Ice and Fire", encountering back-to-back chapters of only 3-5 pages each, and all of them a seemingly unbroken continutation of the parahraphs immediately before ... it caused an involuntary nervous twitch, and I had to repress the urge to laugh hysterically.

I never read the eunuch version of this novel, so I can't make any comparisons in that respect. I can, however, state that this is one sick and disturbing book and I mean in that the most positive sense. In a brief 215 pages, we are introduced to some real blood curdling characters that makes the reader ponder over the true and innate nature of man. If put in similar predicament how would the average law abiding and conscientious person respond? Do we consider ourselves incapable of savagery and pack mentality or if pushed with little other recourse, do we cannibalize one another in order to not only survive but thrive in an unfamiliar and brutal environment? In short, it asks just how deep in our conscience does the hunter lurk? This, of course, is hardly a new hypothetical question, as it's been explored more profoundly in such literary masterpieces as The Heart of Darkness and Lord of the Flies, but it does present it an unflinching and utterly violent way, making it all the more terrifying. I must say, I loved the characters and how they struggled with both their plight and animalistic urges. This is not for those that are easily disturbed because it can be a somewhat revolting experience, but if you love first rate horror, you will enjoy every blood soaked and deranged page. One of Laymon's best, if not his best. Awesome!

I've never read the 1981 `edited' version, nor do I have the desire to - I can only imagine how it would read, slashed apart by the publishers. . .

Richard Laymon pulled no punches in this novel. It is Graphic and Disturbing!!
If you enjoyed Jack Ketchum's Off Season, then you will definitely enjoy this book!!

myspace.com/horror_reviews

If you have a baseball or football team, you may have a number of good players, but there is often one star player that shines far above the rest. Such is also the case with the author lineup for the horror novels of Leisure Books: while they have a number of decent writers, they also have their star, namely Richard Laymon. The Woods are Dark, one of his earliest works, shows again why he stands out from the crowd.

If movies can have director's cuts, so can a book have a writer's cut. The original version of The Woods are Dark was substantially different from Laymon's manuscript and it had been left to his child to put it together the way Laymon intended. I've never read the other version, but given how good this version is, it's hard to believe the other one is better.

This short novel follows Neala and Sherri who, while on vacation, stop for a bite to eat in the small town of Barlow. Big mistake. The residents of this out-of-the-way town have a tendency to take unwary outsiders prisoner and put them out in the woods, where a savage bunch of inbred cannibals (called the Krulls) do what savage cannibals would be expected to do. Sherri and Neala are not alone in impending victimhood; the Barlowites have also kidnapped the Dills family - Lander and Ruth, their teenage daughter Cordelia and Cordelia's boyfriend Ben.

Although freed from their bondage by a sympathetic townsperson, they are far from out of the woods, either figuratively or literally. Most of the novel has the six of them - plus their rescuer - avoiding the Krulls with sporadic success. For some, death will occur, while others there is degradation and/or insanity.

As is typical for Laymon, this is a book filled with both sex and violence, often combined, so it is not for the squeamish (and as usual, women get the worst of it). But as is also typical for Laymon, this is a fast paced novel that is a well written thriller. For those who enjoy a nicely grim horror story, The Woods are Dark delivers.

I had to purchase the original edition and read it again since it had been a long time and I didn't remember much of it. True, the Warner edition was poorly proofread, but it was pretty much the same as the Headline Feature version available in Great Britain. The Great Britain version just brushed up the typos. The restored version is very much different.

The beginning: Both are almost the same for the first eight chapters. Some of the dialogue is different, but the setup is the same.

The middle: All of the Lander Dills material was cut from the original. After reading it, and considering what the market was like back then, I can understand why. It is pretty perverse and the more he descends into madness, the more crazy the story gets. The problem is that, in the Warner version, there is an entire subplot that deals with Johnny Robbins' sister and niece as they try to escape town. There is also a good bit of material with the people in town looking for Peg and Jenny that was in the original. Why was all of this cut? I wish they had left it in, and included the Lander material. The book would have been a bit longer, but more well rounded. There was a lot more about the cannibals in the new version, and it talked about the offshoot tribes in the woods. The new version is also a lot edgier and much more sexual. Most of the Sherri, Neala, Robbins chapters and the Cordie chapters are pretty much the same.

The end: POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT! I don't want to ruin it for curious people. The Manfred Krull/Weiss thing threw me. The original end had more to do with the townspeople and a crazy "hole" that was thankfully edited out of the recut in favor of a more realistic and less supernatural end. I don't, however, know how much more or less believable the "helicopter" scene was. I liked the new Lander ending as well. It made more sense.

Either way, I think the new version is stronger and much better. I just wish it has left in the Peg and Jenny scenes. I would recommend both books. The Warner version isn't as bad as most people say.

This book is nothing but gory, disgusting filth with gross morbid sexual acts...and I loved every minute of it. Laymon is one of a kind and I love all his books! This is a must read, ESPECIALLY if you like "Beast House"! 5 stars!

A collection of many comics, with the setting actually being before she ever made it to Sunnydale.

The one addition to this history appears to be the presence of Dawn as something around a 10 year old. So, apparently told from the point of view of Buffy's memory, given Dawn didn't really exist then.

Backstory of the brief time she spent in an institution, and also how Giles came to be her watcher.

Reasonable for those interested in Buffy, but that is about it.

This product is exactly what I asked for and not only did it arrive in the selected time limit but it arrived early! I would definitely buy from this buyer again.

"Omnibus" was my first venture into the Buffy comic universe, having just finished the television series and looking for more. This graphic novel contains five previously-published stories by several different writers and artists, all set before the first season of Buffy. The first story is "The Origin" and is an adaptation of Joss Whedon's original screenplay from the film version of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer and shows how Buffy learn of her powers and how to cope with her destiny as the Slayer. Most fans are familiar with this and there's not really anything new here.

We also get a look at Buffy during her time spent in Las Vegas. While it's interesting to see Buffy's love interest from this time, who is made out to be fairly significant, the overall plot was boring and I didn't think the vampires in this story had much interest.

The rest of the stories are fairly decent, with the exception of "Dawn and Hoopy Bear," which shows what happens when Dawn is given an enchanted bear as a gift. It's not awful, but it's pretty much a "throwaway story" and doesn't offer any incite at all into the Buffy Universe, especially when you consider that it's just an implanted memory and not a real event.

Although some of the artists are better than others, I was fairly impressed with all of the artwork. Omnibus is definitely worth the money if you haven't read any of the previous comics or paperbacks on which it is based, although I'm not sure I would pay for it again if I knew I could find it in my local library.

This is so much better than the Season 8 comics, I can't wait to see the next volumes. It's actually got more plot and more said and more substance. It's interesting with better storylines, filling in the blanks we always wanted filled in. I loved seeing Angel (and Whistler!), Wesley, Giles, and whoa, Giles' Dad! Even the artwork was infinitely better, it wasn't like the other ones where it was all about the skin. This was more sophisticated and just...awesome. Spike's story was kind of boring, as was the Vegas part, but after that, everything picked up and it was stuff we actually cared about. This is a must-read for Buffy-fans, it's stuff that was mentioned in passing in the show but never elaborated on, until this. I'm so glad I found it!

With a faithful adaptation of Joss Whedon's ORIGINAL screenplay for Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the movie), a story about the immediate after effects where Buffy runs away to Las Vegas, as well as giving us the story about her sojourn in the mental institution, we're finally given a good glimpse into what forces shaped the Buffy we grew to know and love in the first season of the series. Of course, we're also treated to a cute story featuring Dawn (because although she wasn't *really* there at the time, Buffy REMEMBERED her as being there), and we see Spike and Dru at the world's fair in 1933. All in all, a great collection of stories; a bit pricey, perhaps, but well worth the time to read - and practically a must-have for any serious B:tVS fan.

I adore Goosebumps because I like scary books. The best parts are the funny parts. I get frightened and put the book down and stare at the wall, thinking why am I scared. That's why I give this book 5 stars.

I loved it! It was very interesting, I could'nt put it down! I'm over thirteen years old but i still love it. What i like about the goosebumps series is that every age group usually loves it! This book strayed a little away from what I have known R.L. Stine to write, but it was still good. The title is deceptive though. It says "The Haunted School", but this book wasn't really about ghosts. I think a better title would be "The secret of grayworld"

R.L. Stine is a master of suspense! He once again writes so well it feels as if you are standing there. The details are tremendous and the flow is quick and exciting. This is a GREAT book!

This is my favorite Goosebumps book of all time!

I loved the plot and thought that it was amazing. The story is basically about kids from the school from earlier years to when the book takes place who are trapped inside the wall! How original?

This is the best in the series, and everyone who love(s) this series will love this one.

Tommy Frazers dad just got married.now tommy got a new mom.and he going to a new school.tommy gets lost at that school it is very big.also theres a class room with black and white people in there this is a okay book it has a wierd endening

The third book in the Mayfair Trilogy just draws it all together and makes you want more! Anne Rice exceeds all expectations!

Taltos in my opinion is the worst of the three mayfair witch books. Unfortunetly you must read it if you have gotten this far in the trilogy. Once again Rowan is annoying!!! It was interesting to find out the true history of the taltos, but somtimes it was a little much. i found myself skimming~ That is soooo not like me, especially since I love this series. The death of Aaron really upset me. All in all it is a great story, however I really think that Rice Fluffed this book up with alot of unneccessary stuff and totally skimped on the ending! The ending STUNK, in my opinion. I am still holding out for another book in this series..............Or maybe a movie!!!!!!!

The end of this story of spirits and incest, and some back story on the whole Taltos development. It turns out that there are a few of these, and one of them becomes and important character in the book.

Mona finds out she is carrying Rowan's husband's child, and they decide to have it.

Supernatural types end up running away togethre.

I've read this only once but I do remember loving it. Along with The Witching Hour and Lasher this trio is a truly one-of-a-kind read. If you are into dark fiction with a hauntingly beautiful twist, you simply must read this and the other 2 books.

I love Anne Rice. She writes in great detail and creates rich, beautiful characters with the Mayfair Witches as well as the Vampire Chronicles. This book is not one of her best to say the least. I'm not that sure it's even an ending the Witches series because the ending leaves you in the air. There was less excitement with this book. I suppose that is due to the fact that the treachery in the Talamasca is resolved very early in the book, leaving little to become excited about in the remaining chapters in the book. I feel that she tried to do too much in this book, resolving past issues from the Witches series and going into more detail on the Taltos species. All in all, it wasn't a bad book because Anne Rice is such a superb writer and it is entertaining to read but in comparison to The Witching Hour and Lasher, this book falls short.

I think this is a good under rated book for teens who are into dark fantasy and romance like Twilight. The story is centered around Vivian, who lives with her werewolf clan while they try to coexist with humans. It shows the character change as Vivian goes from hating and feeling superior to humans and then leveling with them.

This may just be the nerd in me speaking but I find werewolf novels to have less logic problems than vampire novels. For example - in a vampire novel, what would happen if a vampire sucked another vampire's blood? Or what about someone with a blood-related disease? So I tend to prefer werewolves in the long run.

I know the ending is rather controversial with people simply because it fails to be cliched. The heroine does not end up with her first true love and the message may come out mixed. Does this mean that love can conquer all or does this try to give teens a better message about the real world? Love is wonderful but it can't conquer real issues like debt for example, which is one of the biggest causes of divorce in America. I'm a realist so I prefer this ending rather than the lovely dovey, pink bubbles and hearts endings that seem so popular now.

Plot: B Okay, so the basic story "human meets creature" is overdone but the spin, especially the end is good.
Characters: A The main characters have different sides and they're rounded out.
Readability: A It reads simple and sweet.
In short: A Buy it. Its a nice good read.

Ultimately this book had promise. It started off well and the characters were engaging, but it started to fall flat when the romance between Vivian and Aiden suddenly happened with little to no build up. But that seemed to be the case with the entire story. None of the action had much tension. Furthermore, characters were introduced with little purpose that left me wondering why they were brought into the story. Scenes were included that didn't facilitate the plot (the one at Aiden's house with his father in particular). And shouldn't something have happened between Vivian and Kelly? What was the point of having tension between them if it was never going to go anywhere? On top of that, the behavior of the characters seemed inconsistent, particularly that of Aiden, who in the end acted nothing like one would expect.

Which brings me to the ending. --Spoiler-- Like the previous reviewer pointed out, the message was essentially "stick with your own kind." It's not that I think every story needs a happy ending. I wouldn't have had an issue had it just not worked out between Vivian and Aiden, even if the reason was the same (that Aiden couldn't handle the truth). But the ending essentially reaffirmed his prejudice by showing Vivian choosing one of her own kind - and one she hadn't shown any interest in for the entire story - because that was who she "belonged" with. That's a weird message to leave your readers with.

Overall, this book started off well, but lack of suspense, inconsistent characterization and an ending that left a bad taste in my mouth made it not quite the supernatural-thriller-romance I had hoped for.

I agree very much with E.R.'s review of this book- it is a wonderful story with a very engaging plot. I disagree with it being banned, especially when in comparison to today's television programming, but I'll leave it at that.

If you don't mind a book containing what I believe is on par with today's teenage community, then I suggest reading this book.

I myself have always liked vampires more, but this book drew me into werewolves, which was a difficult task to accomplish.

The third in my top 3 fiction novels, this deserves at least a screening. Also, please look into Companions of the Night and The Silver Kiss - both vampire fiction, both amazing books.

Three stars because I take into account a heroine, Vivian, that's not Mary Predictable Sue, the unique circumstances of the book, the understanding of wolves, and the decency of writing ability. I somewhat enjoyed the book.

Only somewhat enjoyable because Vivian is so far gone as a wolf, stuck on her instincts, that she couldn't converge into a realistic teenage lifestyle to deepen her character and the story.

Instead, forced by the constraints of too much wolf and not enough human, an unlikely romance forms between herself and Aiden, this romance is totally void of any substance and human emotions excluding lust. This relationship is a big part of the premise for the book. But it's a cracked foundation that lends a helping hand on knocking off the two stars in my rating.

Also it seemed to me that most of the characters were too extreme. There were no likable human qualities- only vices. It didn't feel like Vivian was a person. To add to that I felt the book was too methodical. Everything was planned to work out with the ending and so I lost the hint of a grip on the already bad characters. They became puppets.

Overall I think this book had a lot of potential but I didn't really enjoy reading it.

Annette Curtis Klause, Blood and Chocolate (Laurel Leaf, 1997)

After all the flap over the film version of this novel (and its subsequent bombing at the box office), I figured I'd give the book a shot to see just what all the fuss was about. And fussworthy it is, though I'm not entirely sure I found it such for the same reasons as most folks. I will warn you at the beginning of this that in order to talk about what really bugged me about this book, I will have to reveal its ending, in part; I will cloak it as much as possible, but certain portions of this review could be considered major spoilers. Thus, if you are planning on reading the book and haven't yet, skip to the last paragraph.

Vivian Gandillon is a werewolf. At the opening of the book, her pack's inn is set afire, and the surviving members of the pack are forced to flee; they end up in suburban Maryland. (Yes, suburban Maryland.) Everything's going about as well as can be expected until Vivian meets Aiden, a human high-school student with whom she instantly feels a connection. Soon, they're dating and the inevitable question arises: should she reveal her true nature to him, or keep it a secret? Would he accept her and love her for what she is, as no human has loved a werewolf as long as the pack's memory can discern?

All well and good, and the book does seem as if it's going toward the whole Romero-and-Juliet "love as thou wilt" path, but Klause does a one-eighty at the end of the book and drops the "loving outside your [race, creed, color, fill in the blank] is bad, mmmkay?" moral in our laps. I really had hoped, as human beings, we'd gotten past that sort of neanderthal thinking. What had been a previously interesting, if not terribly well-written, novel suddenly, in its last few pages, turned deeply offensive. It's probably worse that in order to do so, Klause had to have her main character also do a one-eighty and simply give up all her beliefs in order to make the moral work. (She does give a reason for this, but it's a bit of a stretch, to understate the case.) I just couldn't bring myself to buy it, though it did fit in with many of the book's other flaws, such as its inconsistent characters and generally loose, lackadaisical writing style.

Still, despite all this, as with most plot-based books of this stripe, it's written in such a way that one can't help but keep turning pages in order to see how this is all going to come out. (This, again, makes the ending all the more of a pain; you've gone through all this to get to... that.) And because of this, I've certainly read worse books in the recent past, from the point of readability; I can't think of one, however, that seemed as much of a letdown as this one was. **

It starts out like an old Anita Blake novel: there's a supernatural serial killer on the lose and it's apparently up to a lonely in-the-closet werewolf named Luna, using only her PI skills and "tough as nails" attitude to bring him in.
But the plot isn't nearly as entertaining as it sounds and it quickly becomes convoluted. And unfortunately, none of the characters make up for it, either. Luna's a total b*tch, (not in a good way), and I found it really hard to believe that she was supposed to be some sort of hotshot homicide detective. Luna basically just bumbles around all day, occasionally bullies people, even tries to make an arrest at one point---with no warrant, gun, or badge, (apparently she'd forgotten she was fired, i guess). I know it's fiction, alternate reality or whatever, and it's not like i wanted to read about Luna doing paper work all day, but a little credibility wouldnt have hurt.
And then there's the grieving "russian" alpha werewolf Dimitri, Luna's love interest; a former pimp turned drug dealer prone to temper tantrums. He spends his days smoking pot while he squats in a filthy abandoned movie theater with the rest of his crew. Also, (spoiler alert!), he's into beastiality. You'd think with all those labels the poor guy would manage to have a personality, right? But he doesn't.
I often found myself contemplaiting the author's picture at the back of the book; is she still in high school or something? It would explain a lot...
I also feel like i should mention that i checked out the sequel, (Pure Blood), from my local library. Thought maybe i'd give it another try, (it's actually the only reason i forced myself to finish this book), but it was just more of the same. So head's up: If you liked this book, you'll love the sequel...

So, I really liked this book. I read it in about a day. For me it was a page turner. The only thing I didnt like was the way they described Dimitri. I imagined him to be dirty and at one time he was a pimp! I am suppose to despise him and then want her to be with him. Sorry, I just cant seem to warm up to a pimp - regardless of whether he is reformed.

Other than that, I really liked the book. It grabed my interest and held it the entire time. I am looking forward to the next book.

This book starts out with the typical urban/para stuff, in a pretty cool world with some fun characters, but it really falls apart at the end. It seems entirely too rushed towards the end, with some plot holes and just complete confusion about what the heck is going on and happened. Nothing really gets resolved, her cousin gets dismissed, she has some 1 page kinky sex with another character who dies and comes back to life with little explanation, and that's pretty much it. The whole climax demon summoning sequence just seems phoned in.

When I decided to purchase this book I expected, well I am not sure what I expected... But it didn't really amaze me.

It was a good read, funny and dark, but it just didn't convince me...
The world-building was one of the best I've read but it felt like the characters weren't 'alive'.
Like their emotions weren't those felt of normal people... And, in my own weird thinking... Werewolves should mate for life... It's one of the characteristics of the natural wolf and I always thought that it would be also in werewolves... Here that isn't the case and even though that is up to the writer... The mourning just wasn't there, when you lose pack, it's like you lose family (at least that is how I see it) the Alpha just didn't convince me of his mourning, and I will just stop here as I already said too much and don't want to spoil the fun.

Luna Wilder is a tough and independent cop who is working a tough city. She is also an Insoli (lone) werewolf. This makes things even harder as she is learning the ins and outs of being a werewolf day by day. Luna has been called into investigate some murders which all seem to be ritualistic in nature. Her investigation is sending Luna into some of the worst parts of her city.

Dmitri Sandovsky is the pack leader of the Redbacks and he is also a serious suspect in the murders. Dmitri makes Luna mad in one way and also sends her wolf sense into overdrive in the total other way. Dmitri has his own reasons for wanting the murderer to be found and its not to help out the law or the irritating Luna.

Luna and Dmitri end up working together as the investigation leads to the demon underworld. A demon has to be called into this world and all paths, and murders, are leading to a magician who is an expert in black magic. Both Luna and Dmitri are reluctant to do anything about the pull their wolves are feeling, however it turns out that it is that trust and blooming belief in the other that pulls them through the night the demon comes to call.

Night Life was the opening story in the world of Nocturne City. I was taken pretty quickly with the trouble, independent and above all gutsy Luna. It seems like she was always on the outside looking in and it didn't change after she became a werewolf. Rather it got worse. Dmitri is a tough alpha of his pack with a chip on his shoulder concerning most things. I was not only intrigued with the world that Nocturne City exists in but also by the circling that Luna and Dmitri do with each other. I will say upfront that Luna and Dmitri do not have their happy ever after yet, however they have started a rough and tumble relationship and I personally can't wait for the next book in the series to come out so I can see just where that relationship goes. This couple will keep me on the hook until the end I have a feeling. Night Life is listed as a dark fantasy and it reminded me of a really well done urban fantasy. If you are looking for a series that is intriguing, fast paced and keeps you up late turning the pages, then you are looking for Night Life.

Jo
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I really enjoyed this book of short stories. I am an avid Laurell K. Hamiliton reader and her name was what drew me to the book, but I'd like to say that I now have added another author to my must read list.... Charlaine Harris. I have now read the first 3 in her "Sookie Stackhouse" series.I would recommend this book to anyone who likes vampires or stories of the supernatural.

What a wonderful treat for Laurell Hamilton fans!! and also how fantastic to be introduced to new writers who also write within the Vampire, Fantasy, Realm!!! I have since purchased several of the other authors books and have found each and every one of them well worth the time. Charlaine Harris's Sooky Stackhouse Novels, are such a hoot!!! well written Vamp novels with their share of different shapeshifters thrown in for good measure, I really had a fantastic time reading both Bite, and being introduced to new fantastic writers, Cant wait for more to hit the market!!!

I loved Angela Knight's story "Galahad" it was the best. My only complaint was that it was not long enough he and Caroline should have had there own book. The rest of these stories sucked.

I loved the stories in the book. Would love to find books of each author, or more collections. Each book has a great BITE to it.

GREAT book! I bought this book mainly for the short story by Charlaine Harris, and it was REALLY good. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and would reccomend it to anyone. It was great. I also started the story right after that one, and it seemed good too. Glad I bought this book.