Reader's Review - Kenneth Kit Lamug (The Stumps on Falttop Hill)

When asked, if I wanted to write a review of a childrens book, I must admit, I was a bit skeptical. Usually I only write reviews of book written for adults. But Kenneth Kit Lamug managed to convinced me with arguments like: “It's only 40 pages long”, “It's a horror story for children” and “You will be able to read it in no time”. Although he wasn't telling a lie, he didn't tell me the whole truth. Let's look at the book…

“It's only 40 pages long”…

Actually it's 41 pages, if you count the front-page in. Half of the book is text, while the other half holds illustrations, according to the text. At first glance, I didn't like the illustrations, but after I'd studied them a little closer, I have to admit, that they complements the story just perfect. Every picture has been drawn in black and brown. The drawing style made me think of wood-carving, and I suppose that was the authors intention too.

The text was a big surprise to me. It was written in verses. I'm very fond of poesy and I really enjoyed the reading. The text was well composed and very captivating.

“It's a horror story for children”…

How scary can it be. Really? Quite a lot, actually! In fact, 'The Stumps on Flattop Hill' can be as scary as your imagination allows you to. This book holds several layers. Obvious the first layer is the story the children hear (Some might be really frightened. If you are a parent, prepare to spend several nights, sleeping with your small ones). But the next layers are definitely not for children. This story holds real horror. There's a story behind, that demands to be written – and it should be. It deserves it.

“You will be able to read it in no time”…

Yeah, right. Although the story was short, I have to admit that I went back and read it over and over again. I enjoyed it every time – and I'm not done yet. Right now I'm reading 'Game of Thrones' volume 4. It's a heavy book – over 800 pages long. The saga is really well written, but I have to admit: After three or four pages, I'm sound asleep. 'The Stumps on Flattop Hill' might seem small, but this damn book was able to keep me awake, long after I turned the last page.

'The Stumps on Flattop Hill' is a true horror story – and it will haunt you long after the lights have been turned off and the darkness have consumed your room.

Reader's Review - Stephen King (Insomnia)

I've read a lot of books. They've brought me far away to the land of imagination. I can mention quite a few authors, I really appreciate, but I can't name a single writer, who's comparable to Stephen King. Every time I open one of his books, it feels like coming home. He's writing style is so superior and yet so simple. Each time I read one of his books, I can't help but thinking: 'Why can't I come up with something like this?' The cruel fact is: Stephen King's got the talent. I don't.

This time I've read 'Insomnia' by Stephen King, and I really enjoyed it. The story was as usual well-written, exiting and interesting but not without some obstacles. Let me explain why.

The story was well-written, because Stephen King doesn't write a story. He's telling a story. Just as if he was sitting in front of you, in your favorite reading chair. He's vocabulary is simple, yet varying and he's actually making people in the story talk. He doesn't quote them.

Now, let's talk a little about the quality of the story. I believe I found it exciting, because the action takes place in a common town – it could be yours or mine. Because most of the story takes place in a small area of this town, it becomes just like our own neighborhood – the park, the shops, the streets and all the different types of persons living there. 'Insomnia' is like an adventure in your own backyard… almost. And this brings me to the less flattering part of my review.

I really loved the thought of being able to see other peoples aura. In fact I began to examine the subject and tried to practice, whenever I had a chance. I don't know if I succeeded. Maybe I'm able to see a vague grayish aura, but the bright colors? Nah… I don't think so. Never mind. The story was pretty catching so far, but at some point Stephen King introduced the ability to travel between the physical plane and the spiritual planes. That's were the story lost me. Things became too abstract and weird for my taste. There's a thin line between the moment, when the supernatural stuff becomes interesting and scary and when it becomes comical. I wouldn't say, that Stephen King crossed that line, but it was a close call.

'Insomnia' is far from being one of Stephen King's greatest books, but it is better than OK. And one thing that brings the book above the average is the ending. I might be wrong, but I don't recall having read an ending like this since 'The Green Mile'. It's a very emotional and touching ending – very unlike Stephen King's usually hardcore writing style – and it leaves me with a warm feeling. And that can't be bad after all… can it?

Reader's review - William Hope hodgson (The Night Land)

I don't think I've ever wrote a review like this. In fact, I'm glad that the author is dead log time ago, because what I have to say would surely hurt his feelings.

This book is crap. I hate everything about this book. And yes, I've read the book all the way to the end, although I felt it was a waste of precious time. This book has nothing to offer.

The storyline is simple. One could almost claim it don't exist. In shot terms, the story's about a man who lost his loved one. Years after this tragic incident, we find our protagonist living in a huge pyramid with the rest of mankind. The sun has burned out (how it happened and how they was able to survive remains an unexplained mystery), and outside this pyramid everything is a wasteland, populated with monsters an animals. One day our protagonist receives a message, indicating that his loved one is alive in another body. Obsessed with the thought, he journey out in the wilderness to save his girl. And that's almost all there is to the story.

The writing style is hopeless beyond what's acceptable. A schoolkid could do better. William Hope Hodgson repeats himself time and time again, and his vocabularies seems confined to the most basic words. He is not able to tell the story, even though it is simple and uncomplicated with no twists whatsoever. Most of the story describes our protagonist's journey in the wasteland, but the author managed to destroy even the slightest excitement, that might have been. The story ends up like a log, measuring how many hours of sleep he get, how much he ate and drank and how far he traveled so far. It's unbearable.

Our protagonist seems to suffer from the delusion, that he's outstanding in every aspect, and he don't miss any opportunities to praise his own abilities and wit. But what makes the protagonist completely unacceptable is his view of women. William Hope Hodgson describes (not too good either) how our main character beats and whips his girlfriend whenever she's seem to appear too willful and self-confident. This protagonist is a poor excuse of a man, and don't appear heroic in any way.

This book was published in 1912, and if it reflects how women was treated I general, I'm sure glad that I didn't live to see that.

Readers review - James Patterson (Kiss the Girls)

Let's cut the bone. If you are into crimes, and you'll only have one book left to read in your entire lives. Let it be 'Kiss the Girls'. I can ensure you, that you won't find a more exiting and intriguing novel than this one. Buy it, read it and enjoy.

Those of you who have read my last review of James Patterson's 'Along Came a Spider' knows, that I was not entirely satisfied with that novel. It was complicated, the story-line was confusing from time to time, and I found, that there was a lack of depth in the plot.

Because of my former reading experience with this author, I was really doubtful whether I would like 'Kiss the Girls' or not. But I did. I really enjoyed reading every single page of this book. Actually I don't understand how these two novels can be so different from each other, considering that it's the same author, but they are.

'Kiss the Girls' is nothing but a masterpiece. The chapters are short, but each and every one of them builds up the excitement. If you want to learn how to write cliffhangers, 'Kiss the Girls' is a perfect example how to do it. But that’s not all. James Patterson brings you to the brink of desperation halfway through the book, where Alex Cross, our hero and main character, are just a few seconds away from catching one of the bad guys, but misses. The scenes throughout the book are so tense, that it's hard to stand. This book is pure magic, since the pages almost turns themselves.

Crimes are usually not my favorite theme, but this one takes the price. Big time!!! It's an old book, but if you happen to stumble upon it, don't hesitate to buy it. You won't regret it.

Boganmeldelse - Giorgio Faletti (Jeg dræber)

’Jeg dræber’ – hvilken forjættende titel. Titler er vigtige. De skaber forventning og fungerer som en mental trailer hos den potentielle læser. Af den grund er valget af den rette titel utroligt betydningsfuldt for både forlag og forfatter – ikke kun fordi titlen skaber blikfang og interesse og dermed genererer salg. Den rette titel er også vigtig, fordi den fungerer som det overordnede tema for bogens plot.

Hvilke forventninger skabte titlen ’Jeg dræber’ så hos mig? Jeg forventede blod… masser af blod. Jeg forventede en intelligent psykopatisk morder, hvis nuancerede personlighed ville udfolde sig for mit indre blik, efterhånden som bogens handling skred frem. Med andre ord: Jeg forventede en intens thriller, som fik hårene til at rejse sig i nakken på mig. En thriller, hvor man som læser får lov til at dykke dybt ned i et forstyrret sind og betragte verden gennem morderens øjne. Jeg forventede, at morderen i ’Jeg dræber’ ville placere sig et sted mellem Bret Easton Ellis’ berømte følelsesløse psykopat, Patrick Bateman fra ’American Psycho’ og Thomas Harris’ kultiverede kannibal, Hannibal Lecter. Jeg medgiver, at barren måske var lidt højt sat i betragtning af, at denne bog er Giorgio Falettis debutroman, men titlen inviterede til en fuldblodsthriller i en klasse blandt sværvægterne i denne dystre genre.

Mine forventninger blev ikke helt indfriet, men det var tæt på. ’Jeg dræber’ er på ingen måde den nervepirrende thriller, som titlen ellers lægger op til. Forfatteres beskrivelse af mordene er generelt ikke særligt detaljerede. Faktisk er der kun én udpenslet scene, hvor mordet beskrives indgående fra start til slut – sikkert fordi denne scene er en nøglebegivenhed i historien. Den scene er til gengæld på alle måder en perle i udspekuleret sadisme. Men ser vi bort fra denne ene passage, må erkende, at vi har at gøre med en gennemarbejdet og absolut velskrevet krimi. Selv om Giorgio Faletti fra tid til anden lader læseren følge morderen sporadisk, forbliver han en skygge gennem størstedelen af bogen. Derimod er det Frank Ottobre, en udsendt efterforsker fra FBI, der kæmper med sine egne dæmoner, vi kommer ind under huden på og hvis opklaringsarbejde vi følger fra start til slut… og den opgave løser Giorgio til perfektion.

’Jeg dræber’ er afgjort ikke en bog for alle. Jeg plejer at sige, at romaner på under 300 sider er ren sjusk, så med hele 651 sider at boltre sig på, holder Giorgio sig tydeligvis på den rigtige side af denne regel – oven i købet med en meget bred margen. Hans skrivestil består til tider af lange, indviklede sætningskonstruktioner, der indeholder et væld af indskudte sætninger og bisætninger i skøn forening. Personligt værdsætter den, lidt omstændelige skrivestil, men mindre øvede læsere vil givet vis finde den noget vanskelig at håndtere. Giorgio benytter et meget beskrivende og nuanceret sprog, som bidrager til at gøre historien interessant. Et eksempel på Giorgios fantastiske evne til at formidle stemninger, findes i kapitel 45. Her beskriver han en begravelse med en helt fantastisk indlevelse og intensitet, som giver én lyst til at vende tilbage og genlæse passagen – alene for nydelsens skyld. Samtidig leverer Giorgio en meget velafbalanceret roman. Der er sporadisk humor i dialogerne, men de får aldrig lov til at dominere og udvande den intense stemning, som præger selve plottet.

At Giorgio Faletti er en debuterende forfatter, er afgjort ikke noget der skinner igennem. Som læser føler man sig helt tryg og fornemmer tydeligt, hvordan Giorgio holder én i hånden som en erfaren guide og fører én gennem hele historien. Han har en klar rød tråd gennem hele bogen, og der er ikke et eneste tidspunkt, hvor han fortaber sig i ligegyldigheder eller lade sig involvere i irrelevante sideplots.

Det var en fornøjelse at læse ’Jeg dræber’, og hvis du er til fuldblodskrimier, kræver denne bog afgjort at få tildelt en plads på din reol.

Jeg vil gerne benytte lejligheden til at takke Bogreolen.dk for det tilsendte anmeldereksemplar.

Readers Review - Ezra T. Grey (Nephilim Resurrected: The Beelzebub Factor)

It's been a while since I received this book from the author. Usually, I don't wait that long before I write a review, but this book really gave me a headache. I needed time to think it all over before I wrote anything. But first, let me review the book:

Ezra T. Gray has written an action-packed story, and the theme is the everlasting fight between good and evil. The first scene in the book hauls you right into the center of a fight between tree hooded creatures and a single man. And from that point on, the story's just increasing speed and intensity as the plot evolves.

As the plot unfolded before my eyes (and mind) it appeared that the fight was against Satan and his rebellious right hand, Beelzebub. Mankind stands on the brink of extinction. The Greatest Evil Of All Times are about to unleash hordes of demons to ensure the success of an unholy and unspeakable act: The recreation of the long gone race, The Nephilims - half demons and half human. Now it's up to a small group of holy men, to fight these beasts with whatever weapon they have available. It's an uneven fight and the defeat of these brave men seems inevitably. But things are not what they seem to be, and the demons have their own internal battle to fight. The question, whether or not mankind will survive this epic battle against the greatest threat in history, remain unanswered, since this book is the first volume in a trilogy. 

If you are going to read 'The Beelzebub Factor' you might want to stop reading now, since my personal comments might reveals some highlights from the book.

This book was really well-written and hard to let go once I've begun reading. Although I'd fully enjoyed the story, I couldn't help but fell something didn't add up. The story lost me, when our protagonists are brought to the center of Beelzebub deep under the surface of the earth. Knowing that demons are evil spirits, it seem unnecessary to let them use physical technology, no matter how sophisticated it might be. Making a connection between UFO's and demons, seem highly unlikely.

Another thing that seems too unreal, is the lack of intelligence the demons shows throughout the history. According to all I've ever learned about these evil spirits, their nature, power and intellects are far superior compared to humans. Making them vulnerable to human weapons (although they've been blessed), is just not likely at all. And making them dumber than humans, considering their long lifespan, going way back before the creation of the human race, is not even possible. Satan and the demons have other flaws in their personalities (haughtiness and lack of empathy, just to mention a few), but lack of intelligence and power are certainly not among them. I'm sorry, but I don't buy that.

As I wrote in the beginning, this book is captivating and really well written, and if it hadn't been because of this particular theme, I'd really feel entertained. But as the story turns out, it lost its credibility. I have great respect for Ezra T. Gray, and I really wish I'd been able to write something more complimentary, but not this time. I'm sorry Ezra...

Readers Review - David Lagercrantz (Det der ikke slår os ihjel)

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Det var med spænding, at jeg modtog et anmeldereksemplar af 'Det der ikke slår os ihjel' fra bogreolen.dk. Jeg er en stor fan af det univers, Stieg Larsson fik skabt i de tre bøger, han nåede at skrive, men som han desværre aldrig nåede at høste anerkendelse for. Samtidig var jeg også bekymret. Jeg havde det på mange måder ligesom, når man skal gense gamle venner, som man ikke har set i mange år. Vil man kunne genkende dem? Har de forandret sig? Svarer virkeligheden til det billede, man i erindringen har dannet sig af dem i den forløbne periode?

Lad mig sige med det samme: 'Det der ikke slår os ihjel' lever op til alle mine forventninger. David Lagercrantz har ikke alene bevaret hele Millennium-universet intakt – han har også forbedret det. Allerede fra første side står det klart, at han er en langt dygtigere og mere talentfuld forfatter end Stieg Larsson. Sproget er let og legende, sætningskonstruktionerne er originale og grænser til tider til det direkte geniale (f.eks. ”...han var utrolig tilstedeværende gennem sit fravær.”), og dialogerne er flere steder fuldstændig enestående og nærværende.

Modsat Stieg Larsson, der var en dygtig iscenesætter, men en elendig fortæller, behersker David Lagercrantz alle de aspekter, der kendetegner en dygtig forfatter. Han sprudler af overskud, og i sit ordvalg balancerer han det varierede med det ukomplicerede. Hans skrivestil står i den grad i skærende kontrast til Stieg Larssons konservative og stereotype vendinger. Formuleringer som: ”...hans far, Sammy, havde været rådden i bærret...” og ”Den velplejede frisure fra i morges var blæst pokker i vold...” er en kærkommen fornyelse af bogens sprog og stemning, som i den grad var tiltrængt, hvis en fortsættelse af Millennium-trilogien skulle have sin fortsatte gang på jorden.

Lagercrantz gør også op med flere af Stieg Larssons mere eller mindre skjulte agendaer. Larsson havde tilsyneladende som mål at beskrive så mange forskellige seksuelle konstellationer og forhold som muligt, på kortest mulig tid. Det var ikke kun et ubetydeligt element i historien, men blev gjort til et centralt omdrejningspunkt. Her har David Lagercrantz klogelig valgt at lade disse ligegyldigheder glide i baggrunden, til fordel for selve handlingen i historien. Stieg Larssons socialistiske alterego, Mikael Blomkvist, er også blevet mere afrundet og langt mindre politisk efter at have været under Lagercrantz' pen.

Lisbeth Salander er sejere end nogen sinde før. Hun er stadig anarkistisk, rebelsk og umulig at kontrollere, og hun følger stadig sit eget selvdefinerede moralkodeks, men hun er blevet mere moden og mere ansvarsbevidst. Det klæder hende. David Lagercrantz har ikke ændret på Salanders natur, men han har udviklet hende, så hun, om muligt, er blevet mere interessant. Min eneste anke er, at hun ikke får nok plads i bogen. Når det gælder Lisbeth Salander, er det unægtelig svært at få nok. Men netop det faktum, at man ønsker sig mere end det man får, er i mine øjne et klart udtryk for at David Lagercrantz' fortsættelse, (og overtagelse) af Stieg Larssons livsværk, til fulde er lykkedes. Når man vender den sidste side i bogen, står det lysende klart for en: David Lagercrantz har ikke slået Lisbeth Salander ihjel. Hun er stærkere end nogen sinde tidligere... og hun er tilbage!

Readers Review - Dan Brown (Deception Point)

The world is filled with decent writers, telling their decent stories. But once in a while you'll stumble across a writer that outshines everyone else, when it comes to storytelling. You'll know it when you see it. We're talking about books you just can't let go. Books that keeps you awake late at night, because you just need to know what's happening on the next few pages. The pages seems to turn itself and the hours seems to pass by like sand in a hourglass. Well, 'Deception Point' is such a book.

Dan Brown is a god-given writer, with an incredibly talent. I have to admit, my first meeting with Dan Brown wasn't very satisfying. 'The Da Vinci Code' was far from perfect. He claimed, that the book was based on true historical facts. Knowing a thing or two about the ancient Christian Church, I was able to spot several grave historical faults. After a while, the voice of critics grew louder, and it was clear to me that Dan Brown didn't told 'the truth and nothing but the truth'. In other words: This book was a big disappointment to me – and to others as well.

So where did it leave me? Technical, Dan Brown is an excellent writer. His plot was captivating and his writing-style was without doubt smooth and interesting throughout the book. What I didn't like was his careless handling of the truth. But if I was able to look aside from that fact, I would have to admit that Dan Brown had what it takes to entertain me.

I believe everyone deserves a second chance. And that goes for mr. Brown too. Therefore I decided to read one more book of Dan Brown: 'Deception Point'.

This time I was prepared. Knowing that he was bending the truth to fit his purpose, I was ready to let me entertain – not educate. And 'Deception Point' was indeed a pageturner. It stole my sleep, made me almost quit talking to my family, and when I was away from my favorite reading chair, I had to pull myself together and concentrating on what I was doing.

Briefly, 'Deception Point' is about money and control. NASA receives money from the U.S. government. A huge amount of money – each year. Off cause, when a government spends a lot of money each year, it surely expects something in return. In this case, it expects NASA to deliver some outstanding results. Unfortunately these breakthrough results has failed to materialized for quite some time. So the funds are now in danger. Private companies are preparing to knock the door in, and claim their part of the money and prestige. NASA knows that. They know, that they desperately need to come up with an extraordinary discovery to maintain their unique position and financial support. The question is: What kind of discovery can justify further financial support? And how far are the involved parts ready to go to make that certain discovery and silence the critical voices for good?

That's what 'Deception Point' is all about, and it's REALLY GOOD! I give this book my best recommendation. Who cares if the story's made up. It's fiction for Gods sake - and it's damn entertaining. Nothing else matters...

Readers Review - George R. R. Martin (A Clash of Kings)

It's been awhile since my last post, and for that I'm sorry. My apologize. Some of you might think, I've been giving up on my book review. The truth is, that I've never been more engaged in writing and reading than I am right now. But while it's nice to read, I have to admit, that it's much more satisfying to write myself. 

The last couple of month I've been busy writing a collection of short-stories for an upcoming book, building a sound studio and establishing a publishing house. I'm sure you understand, that my time to read have been limited to an absolute minimum. 

But off-cause. I have been reading. A Chinese saying says: "After three days without reading, your talk becomes flavorless." I you want to become an excellent writer, you got to read. So I did, but not as much as I used to.

I've just finished 'A Clash of Kings' by George R. R. Martin. I have to admit, that I'm just as impressed with this book, as I was when I've finished 'A Game of Thrones'. The war escalates, and the the intrigues goes on and becomes more and more complicated.

I don't want to try render the course of action in this review. It's way to complicated. What I want to do, is shout out for all the world to hear how impress I am. It's incredible how George R. R. Martin is able to keep track of the storyline. Not even once did I get the feeling of being lost in the plot. All the way throughout the book, I had the feeling, that the author was holding my hand and gently guided me through each and every one of the 826 action-packed pages in this volume. 

It's needless to say, that I've already bought the rest of the series. What I really need is a long vacation, a white beach, a sun chair and a cold drink... oh yeah, and a acceptable excuse for not to go to work tomorrow...

Reader's review - Mark Alpert (Final Theory)

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This will probably be my last post in 2014. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my faithful readers for their support and loyalty. I would also like to thank all of you who just dropped by. I hope that you all found something of value, you could use in your search for a good reading experience.

2014 has been a really good year when it comes to books. Up to now, I have read fifteen books, the majority of which were both well written and entertaining. If I should have to highlight three interesting books, I want to mention:

George R. R. Martin (A Game of Thrones): I never get too old for fantasy when the plot is well composed and well written. 'Game of Thrones' is a work that deserves to go down in  history.
Dean Koontz (The Taking): I'll never forget my first love. Dean Koontz has a formidable ability to keep his readers on their toes from the first pages. There are not many authors, who are able to match this amazing writer.
Ezra T. Gray (The Grove & Other Stories): This book is the only collection of short stories I've read this years. It was great to experience, that the horror stories are not dead and gone and that it is still possible to add fine new facets to a well worn genre.

Here, just a few days before new-year, I am now adding book number sixteen to the list of reviewed books this year. I am happy to say, that this last book also was a worthy representative of the 'great books'.

To me, Mark Alpert was an unknown author, but the title of his book, 'Final Theory', caught my attention. I have great respect for mr. Albert Einstein, so when an author involve him in his history, I simply have to read the book.

Many authors writes about the law of physics in their books, but unfortunately, too often it turns out, that they are either very shallow, or they have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. Thankfully, Mark Alpert does not apply to this pitiful category of writers.

Not only does 'Final Theory' appear to be written by someone who actually knows what he's talking about. It was also found that Mark Alpert was an excellent writer. Although the book deals with difficult issues such as particle physics and astrophysics, it is described in an interesting and entertaining way.

'Final Theory' takes the reader on a breathless chase. The book's protagonist, David Swift, is hunted down because he accidentally are handed the code to Albert Einstein's 'Einheitliche Feldttheorie'. This theory provides unlimited possibilities for particle physics - especially for military purposes. David begins his own quest for Einstiens 'Einheitliche Feldttheorie' and while he tries to escape the police, the FBI, the U.S. Army and a sadistic assassin, he tries to find the meaning in the numerical code his old professor confided to him shortly before he died. Now it is a matter of life and death - his own and the whole world.

'Final Theory' is not only entertaining reading. I actually learned something while I was reading it and that is not so bad, right?

Reader's review - Ezra T. Gray (The Grove & Other Stories)

Night is closing in and a storm, the first one this winter, is building up from the west. Right now the rain is pouring down, while the wind is pounding the walls of my house, making it moan in a wired way, while I'm listening to Joe Satriani singing 'Big Bad Moon'.

The scene is set and this night will be perfect for me to write a review of 'The Grove & Other Stories' by Ezra T. Gray. This book contains ten horror stories. I'm not going to review each and every one, but I'm going to pick a few of my favorites in a moment.

Allow me to bring my personal opinion regarding horror stories. Some authors connects horror to blood and gore, thinking this might make the audience shiver and shake of fear. They are so wrong! Blood and gore can be used as shock effects, but giving your audience a shock is definitely not the same as expose them to the feeling of true horror. A brilliant horror writer makes his readers think. He don't need to tell the whole story down to every details. You see, it takes an intelligent author to write a good horror story. It's a balance between giving the necessary information to feed the imagination of the reader, but leave enough of the story untold forcing the reader to think. A skilled horror writer puts faith in his audience.

Why do I say that in a review? Because that's exactly what Ezra T. Gray does in 'The Grove & Other Stories'. In this book Ezra presents ten very different stories, which is quite an achievement. Writing ten different stories, without telling the same story over and over again in different ways, can be very difficult. You have to clear your mind before writing the next story, and thats exactly what I believe Ezra T. Gray did. Because the stories are so different, there will be something for every horror fan. I found three real gems in this collection.

First: 'An Old Tradition'. I think this story will be my favorite of them all. The world as we know it has come to an end, when someone breaks down a barrier between an unknown dimension. Now mankind are no longer in the top of the food chain. Men have hunted and killed to eat, but now we're the hunted ones. It's a classic horror story with all it's dark elements, well written right to the end.
Second: 'Just Believe'. A knife factory are being build upon an ancient Indian burial ground. Nothing good comes from disrespect the dead and desecrate their graves, and that's what Sam Priest is about to realize late in the evening, while he's all alone in the big building. It's a great story with a fine twist in the end.
Third: 'The Grove'. What I like most of the story is the description of the grove. It reminds me of Stephen King's description of Ackerman's Field in my all time favorite 'N', although the stories are very different in their style and storyline. While both places are just ordinary places, they hold a sinister secret beyond any imagination. In 'The Grove' a young man are lured by the evil dwelling in the grove. It's a very well written story that makes you think. I love it.

'The Grove & Other Stories' holds all the classic elements of horror, but Ezra T. Gray tells them in his own unique way and that's what makes them interesting to the reader. Read the book. You won't be disappointed. You'll experience the good old feeling of horror, while you read the short stories told in a different and unique way. Just don't expect a grim and terrible ending to every story. Unlike most horror writers, Ezra T. Gray seems to believe that the good will overcome evil in the end and that is kind of unusual for a writer of horror and suspense. That's not necessarily a disadvantage as long as the stories are written the way Ezra T. Gray does it. I'm certainly ready for more...

Reader's Review - Dean Koontz (The Taking)

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It's always nice to receive a visit from an old beloved friend, just to discover everything is well. That everything is exactly as you expected it to be. That was the feeling I got, when I opened the 'The Taking'  and turned the first pages. Dean Koontz have accompanied me through my life since my youth, and I have most of his books lined up right beside me on the bookshelves in my library. I've spent many hours in the company of his imagination - a company I have truly enjoyed.

Those of you, who have read my reviews for a long time, knows that I really appreciate heavy books because they tend to be more complex and thoroughly prepared. 'The Taking' is only 262 pages long, which made me worry. Would I be able to let myself get caught in the action, with such a short story? The answer is: Absolutely. In particular, because the majority of the story only extends over a single day.

'The Taking' was my bedfellow for a week - and a really good one if I may say so. This book is a real page turner. Dean Koontz has never been into lengthy introductions. The story takes off right from the first page, and 'The Taking' keeps the momentum right to the end. We follows the protagonists, Molly and Niel Sloan, in what well may be humanity's last night on earth. While the world is changing at an alarming rate, Molly and Niel strives to figure out, what is going on and how they can prevent what seems inevitable. The odds are not in their favor and chances for success close to zero.

'The Taking' is a real thriller. The book describes a completely foreign environment, and that's why it's impossible to come to a foregone conclusion. Even with only a few pages left, it was completely impossible to predict the outcome. Dean Koontz writes with his usual elegance and exhibits a unique insight into the human psyche and the way it behaves in stressful situations.

Dean Koontz was my guest for awhile. It was a short visit. Only 262 pages. But I enjoyed every second and I'll welcome him back anytime he finds it convenient.

Reader's Review - Michael Connelly (Void Moon)

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Freedom! Which one of us does not dream of total freedom? Think of all the possibilities, all the doors that would open for you, if you only had the necessary financial freedom to do as you pleased.

The vast majority of people have long ago depreciated such dreams as unrealistic options. It is quite correct, that only a small group of people are bestowed to live a carefree life without financial speculation. But there is a small, purposeful, or perhaps we should say, desperate group of people, who put the will and the forces behind their desires, hoping that the bloom thin curtain of dreams one day will be pulled aside,revealing the tangible fulfillment of all their hopes.

Cassie Black belongs to this last group. She is driven, not only by a desire for wealth. Her motives are more complex and selfless. That is why, Cassie has returned to Cleopatra Casino, prepared to perform the same kind of coup, that killed her boyfriend years ago. Everything is planned to the smallest detail, only the void moon is not to be controlled. It is the joker in a game of life and death, dreams and nightmares.

Many books covers the subject about robbing a casino in Las Vegas. Not all have been thought out thoroughly, but 'Void Moon' is not among these. The language is simple and accessible, without at any point being childish. The plot is cleverly conceived, without being too complicated. And the cast is sparse but interesting.

This book is in its simplicity, a brilliant piece of craftsmanship. It caught me from the first page and kept me locked up in my chair until the very last page. I can only give 'Void moon' my best recommendations. It is a crime, and the best thing about the book is, that it does not try to pretend to be anything else. To me Michael Connelly was an unknown name until now, but I will definitely look for more books by this eloquent writer, and hope that his other books holds the same high standard.

Boganmeldelse - Kaspar Colling Nielsen (Den danske borgerkrig 2018-24)

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Hvad er kriterierne for at få lov til at udgive en bog i dagens Danmark anno 2013? Originalitet? Et godt plot? Eller en velskrevet historie?

De fleste læsere vil sikkert mene at en blanding af ovenstående elementer, er en absolut nødvendighed for at en bog er læseværdig. Den tese har Kasper Colling Nielsen og forlaget Gyldendal nu slået en stor, fed pæl igennem, da de besluttede at udgive bogen ”Den danskeborgerkrig 2018-24”.

Jeg tror næppe, at jeg har læst en mere elendig bog end denne. Jeg anser mig selv for at have et meget åbent og liberalt sind. Jeg er villig til at acceptere selv meget vilde og fantasifulde plot. Denne gang er min grænse(løse) tolerance dog blevet godt og grundigt overskredet. Jeg er ikke i stand til at sige ret meget godt om denne bog, men lad mig i det mindste forklare, hvorfor denne bog skuffer så fælt.

”Den danskeborgerkrig 2018-24” begynder faktisk rigtigt godt. I den første scene, har Kaspar Colling Nielsen rigtigt godt fat i læseren. Danmark er gået i opløsning oven på finanskrisen, og der hersker totalt anarki i landet. Politikere og finansfyrster bliver gjort ansvarlige for sammenbruddet, og er nu jaget vildt. Læseren bliver, som det første, vidne til en offentlig henrettelse af en ung politiker. Scenen er meget stemningsfuld og halshugningen bliver beskrevet yderst intenst. Den dystre tone i de første kapitler minder meget om den verden, der beskrives i Max Brook's bog, ”World WarZ”. På dette tidspunkt havde Kaspar Colling Nielsen min fulde opmærksomhed.

Selv da han beskriver det dekadente rigmandsmiljø, hvor man betaler sig til evig ungdom for sig selv og sine husdyr, er jeg helt med. Faktisk synes jeg at det var en interessant vinkel i historien. Jeg accepterede også forfattetens fantasi om, at hunde kan lære at tale, når bare de lever længe nok. Det var langt ude, og bragte historien ind på et underligt sidespor, men dog acceptabelt. Det var nok på dette tidspunkt, at jeg begyndte at blive en kende skeptisk, og furerne i min pande begyndte at fremstå tydeligere end normalt. Havde Kaspar Colling Nielsen så bare bremset sine løbske fantasi her, så tror jeg faktisk, at jeg ville have fundet bogen mere interessant end gennemsnittet af de bøger, jeg ellers bliver præsenteret for. Desværre lod det til, at forfatterens syge fantasier havde fået frit løb, for det viser sig, at disse, evigt unge dyr, begynder at lide af de samme psykoser og depressioner som deres mennesker. Så da bjørnen Pia, som er indlagt på et nervesanatorium, opdager at hendes honning er blevet stjålet, og jagten på samme forsvundne genstand går ind, kan jeg simpelt hen ikke tage historien alvorlig længere.

Kæden hoppen dog helt af, da forfatteren beskriver, hvordan en hel jødisk familie skjuler sig for myndighederne i en smældfed kvindes røv. Der er ingen logik, intet tema og ingen mening i denne del af historien, der er en bizar karikatur af ”Anne Franks dagbog”. Og det var så her, jeg definitivt opgav at finde hoved og hale i ”Den danskeborgerkrig 2018-24”.

Jeg sidder tilbage med en masse modstridende følelser omkring denne bog. Jeg kan ikke bebrejde Kaspar Colling Nielsen, at han har skrevet bogen. Det har sikkert været morsomt i en eller anden grad, men jeg synes, det er synd for ham at han ikke har haft en kompetent redaktør, der har bremset denne litterære katastrofe, mens den endnu bare var et vanskabt fantasifoster. Historien er ikke levedygtig og burde aldrig have været bragt til verden. Den store synder er i mine øjne forlaget. I betragtning af, at vi alle bliver tudet ørerne fulde af, at det danske bogmarked er under pres, og at der ikke er råd til at udgive ret mange titler af nye, ukendte forfattere, er det en skandale at man ofrer energi og penge på en bog som ”Den danskeborgerkrig 2018-24”. Det er useriøst og deprimerende. Hvis denne bog er blandt det bedste der er skrevet i 2013, så ser det i sandhed sort ud for dansk litteratur.

Jeg har medlidenhed med forfatteren. Da forlaget lod denne bog gå i trykken,  ødelagde de samtidig Kaspar Colling Nielsens karriere som forfatter. Læserne vil huske denne katastrofalt dårlige bog, og mange vil med sikkerhed undgå udgivelser fra denne forfatter for fremtiden. Jeg forstår det simpelt hen ikke!!! Når man nu har været villig til at investere penge i en udgivelse, hvorfor har man så ikke ofret den nødvendige tid til rådgivning, korrekturlæsning og redigering? I stedet har udgiverne tilsyneladende bevidstløst accepteret en ejendommelig hybrid mellem ”World War Z”, ”Peter Plys” og ”Anne Franks dagbog”. Bogen giver ingen mening – men det gør forlagets prioritering så sandelig heller ikke!!!

Boganmeldelse - Ane Riel (Slagteren i Liseleje)

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Jeg har altid været klar over, at man skal være varsom med gamle damer. De er farlige, for inden man ved af det, er man blevet deres købmandsbud og handyman. Men at det skulle være direkte forbundet med livsfare at stifte bekendtskab med ældre damer, er normalt ikke noget jeg går og overvejer. Ikke før jeg havde læste Ane Riels bog ”Slagteren i Liseleje”. Herefter har tanken ikke sluppet sit tag i mig...

”Slagteren i Liseleje” handler om en ældre dame, der stilfærdigt går rundt og hygger om naboen, postbudet, ja selv de lokale drukkenbolte fra læskuret. Hun bager kage til dem, giver dem cognac og inviterer dem på eksklusive middage, som hun selv tilbereder i sit køkken. Hyggeligt? Javist, men venligheden og omsorgen har sin pris, og den kan til tider være alt for høj.

Umiddelbart forventede jeg ikke andet, end en hyggelig dansk krimi, som udspiller sig i den idylliske Nordsjællandske kystby, Liseleje, men lige som hovedpersonen, indeholder bogen andet og mere, end det man umiddelbart ser. Den gamle dame har en fortid, som langsomt udfolder sig over en lang række tilbageblik. Måske er jeg lidt langsomt opfattende, men jeg havde virkelig ikke set mysteriets løsning komme fra den kant, som den vitterlig gjorde.

Ane Riel har begået en både underholdende og lærerig krimi. Underholdende, fordi den er skrevet fra en skæv vinkel, i et godt og læsbart sprog. Lærerigt, fordi hun med ”Slagteren i Liseleje” ønsker at lære os, at der ofte er en grund til, at mennesker, en gang imellem, udvikler sig til veritable uhyrer. Jeg giver bogen mine bedste anbefalinger.

Boganmeldelse - Anna Grue (De Andre)

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Jeg synes godt om noveller. Især når de er velfortalte og har en interessant handling. Anna Grues novellesamling 'De Andre', falder afgjort ind under denne kategori. Hun har begået en lille genistreg med sine ti noveller.

Hver især handler de om, hvordan andre mennesker, med eller mod deres vilje, kan ændre begivenhederne og tilværelsen for personer, de end ikke kender. Jeg vil ikke anmelde alle novellerne (det er der sikkert andre der gør), men jeg vil gerne fremhæve den første novelle, som handler om en forfatter som tager til et kursted i Frankrig for at skrive. Lige nøjagtig den novelle kunne være skrevet om mig. Jeg er i den grad i stand til at sætte mig ind i forfatterens trængsler for at finde ro til at skrive. Selv om det hele bunder i god vilje og interesse, er de øvrige deltagere på kurstedet kun årsag til distraktion og afbrudte tanker. Med hjælp fra sin mand, tackler vores hovedperson problematikken på en genial måde, om end resultatet også bringer store og uforudsete udfordringer med sig. Det er en fantastisk fin historie.

De øvrige ni noveller, er vidt forskellige i opbygning og handling, og alligevel bliver flere af dem bundet sammen, efterhånden som uafhængige menneskeskæbner bliver viklet ind i hinanden. Netop den detalje forvandler bogen fra at være en novellesamling til at være en bog om, hvordan menneskers måde at agere på, påvirker andre gennem tid og rum.

'De Andre' indeholder ikke nogen dramatiske højdepunkter, som en thriller-entusiast som jeg, kunne falde for. Alligevel må jeg overgive mig til disse ti, yderst charmerende og velfortalte noveller. Det er god skrivekunst og godt forfatterhåndværk, vi bliver præsenteret for her. Noveller er en overset skrivestil, som kræver sine helt specielle færdigheder. Ikke alle mestrer den kunst, men Anna Grue gør.

Reader's Review - George R. R. Martin (A Game og Thrones) book one

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I have to shout out my excitement before the whole world!
I have just read George R. R. Martin's 'A Game of Thrones'. It was an amazing adventure in many ways.

In my world, everything less than 300 pages are sloppiness, when it comes to writing novels. Therefore, I had high expectations when I realized that 'A Game of Thrones' book one was nothing but 745 pages long. I was aware of HBO's adaptation of the books, but had not seen the series. I was completely unaware of what to expect. I was aware, that this saga might contain an extremely complex and extensive gallery, and I must honestly say, that I had my doubts. Would it be difficult to separate the different characters from one another? Would the action be confusing, when so many events took place at the same time?

All my worries were put to shame. I have never read a book that was written with such elegance and finesse. Despite the enormous amount of details found in the book, George R. R. Martin never loose the readers. Each chapter centers on a single person and event. In this way George R. R. Martin gently introduces his readers to his universe. It takes time to get to know the different characters, but the author takes all the time he needs to succeed in that matter. Despite the fact, that the book from the first page is very action-packed, the author's calm overview is clearly sensed. He has a story to tell, and the reader is led through with a sense of purpose and safety, providing a feeling that the author is in completely control.

Another thing I have to mention that makes 'A Game of Thrones' an epic work of art, is the use of mythical creatures and supernatural beings. The story is set in a fantasy universe, but it is the humans world. Dragons, undead and other fantasy creatures exists, but are never allowed to dominate the story. It's an impressive balancing act.

It is simply not possible to criticize any part of the book. Writing style, composition and action melts together, and brings the story to a higher level. George R. R. Martin has been compared to J. R. R. Tolkin, but having read 'A Game of Thrones' book one, I am convinced that Tolkin has found his match. As much as I love 'Lord of the Rings', I must admit that 'A Game of Thrones' outshines Tolkin's work in every way.
With 'A Game of Thrones', George R. R. Martin has written himself into the literary history. I surrender unconditionally, and bow in awe before a true master.

Boganmeldelse - A.J. Kazinski (Forfølgerne)

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”Du har fået en ny følger”. Alle som har en konto på et socialt netværk kender den behagelige fornemmelse af at blive bekræftet, når en eller anden fremmed gerne vil følge én.

Når du har læst A.J. Kazinskis 'Forfølgerne', er det imidlertid ikke sikkert, at du føler den samme begejstring ved at få en ny følger på f.eks. Twitter.

'Forfølgerne' handler om fire mennesker i det samme boligkvarter, som af forskellige årsager beslutter sig for at udspionere og forfølge andre mennesker. På forunderlig vis flettes disse fire menneskers skæbner sig sammen, og inden længe er de dybt involveret i deres egen og de andres projekter. Hele plottet kulminerer i løbet af bogens sidste 394 sider.

Er det en god bog? I min optik er 'Forfølgerne' den svageste historie, A.J. Kazinski endnu har præsenteret. Jeg er rigtig ked af at måtte skrive dette, for jeg kan faktisk godt lide Kazinskis øvrige bøger. Men denne bog burde have været udsat for en kraftig redigering og omskrivning, inden den blev trykt.

Som læser skal man igennem 80% af bogen, før historien begynder at blive interessant og underfundig, og først 95% inde i bogen, bliver trådene samlet. Jeg medgiver gerne at plottet er interessant, men jeg er ikke imponeret over bogens opbygning. Jeg vil ikke spolere læseoplevelsen for nye læsere, men afslutningen er så overraskende, at man bliver fuldstændig målløs. Det er ikke nogen dårlig afslutning, men opbygningen af bogens klimaks, kunne have været gjort meget mere intenst og interessevækkende, hvis forfatterne bare havde givet læseren en antydningen af, at noget subtilt og mystisk var under udvikling. At bogen så ikke engang afsluttes, men blot lægger op til en efterfølger, gør at jeg virkelig følte mig taget ved næsen.

'Forfølgerne' er absolut ingen pageturner. Jeg måtte virkelig tage mig sammen, for at komme igennem bogen. Gang på gang tog jeg mig selv i at spørge: ”Hvorfor skal jeg følge fire ligegyldige mennesker i deres personlige jagt efter mening og hævn?" Svaret kom. Der var en skjult agenda i 'Forfølgerne'. Desværre viste den sig for sent, og på det tidspunkt havde jeg for længst opgivet jagten.

 Tak til Falcon fordi du lod mig anmelde 'Forfølgerne' - K.E.

Boganmeldelse - Simon Pasternak (Dødszoner)

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En sjælden gang sidder jeg med en bog, der forekommer at være et betydningsfuldt litterært værk. Simon Pasternaks bog 'Dødszoner' er en sådan bog. Jeg sidder lige nu tilbage med en fornemmelse af at have fået indblik i en side af anden verdenskrig, som bliver overset eller fortiet af mange. Når talen falder på nazisternes grusomheder, er spørgsmålet nærliggende: Hvad skete der inde i hovedet på de mennesker, der bidrog til forfølgelse og udryddelse af jøder, zigøjnere, homoseksuelle og andre minoriteter i det tyske samfund?

Svaret findes, men de færreste har lyst, eller sympati nok, til at se sandheden i øjnene. Hvad var det for uhyrer, der var i stand til at skyde jøder om formiddagen, for derefter at fungere som omsorgsfulde familiefædre, eller samles med ligesindede og nyde smuk klassisk musik om eftermiddagen?

Simon Pasternak giver os en del af svaret i bogen 'Dødszoner'. Jeg vil ikke komme ind på de historiske aspekter i bogen, hvor interessante de så end er. For mig er det det menneskelige aspekt i bogen, der er det væsentligste. Der er intet positivt at sige om nazismen – OVERHOVEDET!!! Vi taler om en af de meste degenererede styreformer i menneskehedens historie. Vi taler om et rædselsregime, der udryddede alle anderledestænkende – uanset om det var egne borgere, eller indbyggere i de områder den tyske værnemagt besatte eller erobrede. Det var terror i ordets mest skræmmende betydning. Det var en ideologi, der var direkte affødt af Darwins tanker om at den stærkeste overlever, og at de derved har ret til at undertrykke de svage efter forgodtbefindende. Jeg har ikke ord for den afsky jeg føler, og den er ikke blevet mindre efter at jeg har læst 'Dødszoner'. Bogen har imidlertid tilføjet nogle aspekter, jeg ikke har overvejet før.

Tidligere betragtede jeg nazisterne som en forenet elite, der beskyttede og tog hånd om hinanden. Et broderskab, om man vil. 'Dødszoner' vender op og ned på den illusion. Bogen beskriver, hvordan nazisterne hele tiden testede hinandens loyalitet mod Føreren og ideologien. Igennem bogen følger man en mand, en Oberleutnant der Polizei, som kæmper en håbløs kamp for at bevare sin medmenneskelighed og personlige integritet. Han tvinges til at gøre forfærdelige ting, men som læser kan man ikke undgå at få et vist mål af sympati for manden. Det er en ulige kamp mod en overvældende overmagt. Men han kæmper i det mindste...

'Dødszoner' er på ingen måde en glorificering af nationalsocialismen, men den bringer det menneskelige aspekt ind i billedet, og det er det der gør bogen så betydningsfuld. Som læser får man lov at følge med i hovedpersonens tanker og overvejelser. Skrivestilen består af korte, abrupte sætninger – ofte med afbrydelser. I alle andre situationer vil en sådan skrivestil være noget, der trak ned i min karakterbog, men ikke i dette tilfælde. Det er en perfekt skildring af et menneskes forvirrende og desperate tankerække, når presset er så stort, at sindet er ved at knække. Denne bog er så betydningsfuld, at den burde være obligatorisk læsestof i de højere klasser i folkeskolen. Det er en helt igennem afskyelig bog, der beskæftiger sig med et helt igennem modbydeligt emne. Det er samtidig den bedste bog jeg er blevet præsenteret for i meget lang tid. Den får mine varmeste anbefalinger.

Boganmeldelse - Lene Kaaberbøl (Det levende kød)

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Gennemført! Det ord er det mest beskrivende, når talen falder på Lene Kaaberbøls roman 'Det levende kød'.

Handlingen foregår i Frankrig i slutningen af 1800-tallet. Hovedpersonen er Madeleine Karno, der er datter af en retsmediciner. I 'Det levende kød' bliver hun involveret i en række bestialske drab på unge kvinder. Alle kvinderne er blevet lemlæstet i underlivet. Politiet søger efter en sindssyg seriemorder, men Madeleine Karno forfølger en anden teori, som inden længe bringer hende ind i morderens søgelys.

Bogen er i den grad velskrevet. Sproget er gammeldags, uden dog at være så komplekst, at det bliver vanskeligt at forstå. Men det bidrager til stemningen og gør bogen meget svær at lægge fra sig. Med sin levende beskrivelse af det franske klasseinddelte hiraki fører Lene Kaaberbøl os ind i et miljø, der er så godt beskrevet, at det er som om alle ens sanser bliver aktiveret.

'Det levende kød' er anden bog i serien om Madeleine Karno. Første bog var 'Kadaverdoktoren', og den er lige så læseværdig som sin efterfølger. Begge bøger indeholder et fængende plot, der bør appellere til er bred læserskare. Vi har forbrydelsen og den efterfølgende opklaring for dem, der kan lide at læse krimier, men er man historisk interesseret, vil bøgernes detaljerigdom uvægerlig fascinere læseren.

Jeg giver 'Det levende kød' min varmeste anbefaling. Læs den og bliv forført - på fransk...
Lene Kaaberbøls hovedperson, Madeleine Karno er for Frankrig, hvad Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes er for England. Det glæder mit hjerte, at der stadig findes danske forfattere, der er i stand til at levere en spændingsroman på et så højt litterært niveau.