Not enough time...

I have decided there are not enough hours in the day to do all the stuff I want to do...

Also, joining NetGalley has been my best/worst idea in a long time. I have gotten some free books that look like they will be good (Yay!), but at the same time I'm getting stressed over having to read and review them!
I realize now that I shouldn't have requested so many at the same time. I only did this because I didn't actually think that so many would get approved... *sigh*

Hopefully I'll manage to catch up on some reading now that I've got a week off!!

(Also, if I could just stay away from the internet I would probably get lots of reading done...)

Updating blog

Been spending a few hours today adding my old reviews from Goodreads. There are still quite a few that I haven't transferred, I might get around to those later. For some of the reviews I haven't written a lot and so I don't feel like I'm in a hurry to transfer them at the moment.

The blog is still a work in progress, but it's looking a lot better! I think I might be ready to give the address away now ;)

If you're reading this, then thanks for stopping by! :D

Mythological Beasts Turned Me Gay: Three Book Collection by Hunter Fox

Collecting three tales of hardcore, mythological creature sex, "Mythological Beasts Turned Me Gay" is a wild bundle for someone looking to explore your beastly side. 

This collection includes: 
Pegasus Forced Me Gay 
Cyclops Forced Me Gay 
Gay Cyclops GangBang

Velocity by Dean Koontz

If you don’t take this note to the police . . . I will kill a lovely blond schoolteacher. . . . If you do . . . I will instead kill an elderly woman active in charity work. You have six hours to decide. The choice is yours.
 
The typewritten note under his windshield seems like just a sick joke. But in less than twenty-four hours, Billy Wiles, an ordinary, hardworking guy, is about to see his life take on the speed of a nightmare. Because a young blond schoolteacher is murdered—and now Billy has another note. And another deadline. This time he knows it’s no joke. He’s racing a killer faster than evil itself. And Billy must accept his terrifying challenge: The choice is yours.
 
Think fast. Fear never slows down. . . .

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

Dean Koontz at his best!

Billy is just a man working in a bar. Until a murderer decides to play a game. Against his will Billy is drawn into a race against time. Will he discover who the killer is before it's too late?

This book keeps you guessing who the killer is, with a lot of twist and turns. The suspense lasts till the very end.

I really enjoyed reading this book, would recommend!!

El Presidio Rides North by Domashita Romero

In a post-zombie apocalypse world, an almost-madman named Mercury and his newfound companion, Gaga, seek refuge in a RV-turned-mobile-fortress.

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

A zombie road trip sex comedy, anyone?

Yes please!!

This is a great read! It's funny, sweet, hot... there is even zombies in it!!

Would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind some man-on-man action! :)

Alex by Pierre Lemaitre

In this gripping, fiendishly plotted detective novel, Alex Prévost is kidnapped, savagely beaten, and suspended from the ceiling of an abandoned industrial building in a wooden cage—she is running out of time. Her abductor/torturer appears to desire only one thing: to watch her die. Will hunger, thirst, or the rats get her first?

One witness has filed a report with the police, but apart from this insubstantial bit of evidence Police Commandant Camille Verhoeven has nothing to go on: no suspect, no other leads. To understand what has happened to Alex, the detective—a man with a tragic past but extraordinary abilities as an investigator—must first understand more about the girl whose life he is trying to save. As he slowly uncovers the story of the girl’s unusual childhood, he comes to realize she is no ordinary victim. She is beautiful, yes, but also extremely tough and resourceful—and unconventional in the extreme. 

As the manhunt is drawing to its conclusion, the case shifts in the most shocking way. Before long, saving Alex’s life will be the least of Commandant Verhoeven’s considerable challenges.

** Rated 3.5 Stars ** 

I find it very difficult to rate this book. It does have a fantastic story, with a lot of great twists. It's thrilling, brutal, raw, surprising... 

So why not more stars?
Personally I didn't really like the writing style. Which is why I didn't rate a full 4 stars. I did get used to it as I kept reading, and in a way I think it does fit the story. It just wasn't for me.

I did like the book though, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great psychological thriller.

Bone Rider by J. Fally

Riley Cooper is on the run. Misha Tokarev, the love of his life, turned out to be an assassin for the Russian mob, and when it comes to character flaws, Riley draws the line at premeditated murder. Alien armor system McClane is also on the run, for reasons that include accidentally crashing a space ship into Earth and evading U.S. military custody. A failed prototype, McClane was scheduled for destruction. Sabotaging the ship put an end to that, but McClane is dubbed a bone rider for good reason—he can’t live without a host body. That’s why he first stows away in Riley's truck and then in Riley himself. Their reluctant partnership soon evolves into something much more powerful—and personal—than either of them could have imagined.

Together, they embark on a road trip from hell, made all the more exciting by the government troops and mob enforcers hot on their trail. Misha is determined to win Riley back and willing to do whatever it takes to keep him safe. When hitman and alien join forces, they discover their impressive combined potential for death and destruction. It will take everything Riley has to steer them through the mess they create.

Dark Eden by Chris Beckett

On the alien, sunless planet they call Eden, the 532 members of the Family shelter beneath the light and warmth of the Forest’s lantern trees. Beyond the Forest lie the mountains of the Snowy Dark and a cold so bitter and a night so profound that no man has ever crossed it. 

Beauty And The Bookworm by Nick Pageant

Mason Leery is a bookworm and he thinks he might just be able to get through life simply by reading about it instead of living it.

Until he meets Shane Beaumont. Shane is the opposite of Mason in every way, he's beautiful, athletic, and lives his life to the fullest.

Sparks fly when the polar opposites come together, but it will be up to the bookworm to shut down his e-reader and go after the beauty if he wants to love someone outside the pages of a book.

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

Great read, I love this book!

It is funny and sweet and cute and adorable and fluffy and... funny!

Just read it already! :D

Also it's got a cute librarian in a cardigan. Point made.

X: A Collection of Horror by C.M. Saunders

Ten slices of horrifying dark fiction. Seven previously published in magazines or anthologies, and three exclusive to this collection, along with an introduction and extensive notes. Featuring exclusive cover art by Greg Chapman.

This is what happens when you 'wake up' inside a dream, when the urban myth you heard turns out to be so much more, and when that hottie you pick up in a bar springs a terrible surprise. But what do you do when your wife gives birth to something not entirely human? When your past discretions come back to haunt you? Or when a serial killer moves in next door? 

** Rated 3.5 Stars ** 

Great collection of short stories to take you out of your comfort zone.
Definitely worth the read!

Dark Space by Lisa Henry

Brady Garrett needs to go home. He’s a conscripted recruit on Defender Three, one of a network of stations designed to protect the Earth from alien attack. He's also angry, homesick, and afraid. If he doesn’t get home he’ll lose his family, but there’s no way back except in a body bag.

Cameron Rushton needs a heartbeat. Four years ago Cam was taken by the Faceless — the alien race that almost destroyed Earth. Now he’s back, and when the doctors make a mess of getting him out of stasis, Brady becomes his temporary human pacemaker. Except they’re sharing more than a heartbeat: they’re sharing thoughts, memories, and some very vivid dreams.

Not that Brady’s got time to worry about his growing attraction to another guy, especially the one guy in the universe who can read his mind. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s just biochemistry and electrical impulses. It doesn’t change the truth: Brady’s alone in the universe.

Now the Faceless are coming and there’s nothing anyone can do. You can’t stop your nightmares. Cam says everyone will live, but Cam’s probably a traitor and a liar like the military thinks. But that’s okay. Guys like Brady don’t expect happy endings.

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

It is time to go to

Let me just say:

This. Book. Is. Amazing!!

Read it now!! I have no words.

Aliens. Romance. Hotness. Drama. Suspense. It's got it all!

Flesh by Kylie Scott

Ali has been hiding in an attic since civilisation collapsed eight weeks ago.

When the plague hit, her neighbours turned into mindless, hungry, homicidal maniacs.

Daniel has been a loner his entire life. Then the world empties and he realises that being alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Finn is a former cop who is desperate for companionship, and willing to do anything it takes to protect the survivors around him.

When the three cross paths they band together; sparks fly, romance blooms in the wasteland and Ali, Daniel and Finn bend to their very human needs in the ruins of civilisation.

Lust, love and trust all come under fire in Flesh as the three band together to survive, hunted through the suburban wastelands.

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

Great read! 

It's got a lot of this

And this

But also a lot of this!!

Threesomes isn't something I normally enjoy reading about, but in this case it is really sweet and romantic and fits the story.
Oh. And also. It's really damn hot!


I love how it's a really well written zombie story and really hot at the same time! :)


Would recommend to everyone!! (Except if you are terrified of zombies. Or hotness..)

I've Fallen and There's a Tentacle in My Butt, Collection by Edward Naughty

Look out! No unsuspecting warm orifice is safe. =O=O=O=D 

#1: I've Fallen and there's a Tentacle in my Butt 

#2: I've Fallen and there's a Tentacle in my Butt, Again!!! 

#3: I've Fallen and there's a Tentacle in my Butt, and it's Even Bigger than Before 

BONUS STORY: Lisa Always has Fallen and there's a Tentacle in her Butt (#5 of The Erotic Encounters of Lisa Always) 

*** Rated 1 Star ***

I read this as a group read with my friends at Weird Shit We Read on Wednesday.

I honestly have no words.

So there is this tentacle monster. And it feeds off sexual energy. And if you chop the tentacles off they will carry on hunting. And it has vanilla scented slime that also works as an aphrodisiac (Which would earn someone a lot of money if they could manage to collect it and sell it).
And the tentacle likes to anchor themselves in butts. And... I can't even carry on. My brain feels slightly violated.

This comes to mind:

I did get a couple of laughs out of it though, so I guess that's good. Right? Right??

Also, once again, as most Wednesdays:

The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells

A shipwreck in the South Seas, a palm-tree paradise where a mad doctor conducts vile experiments, animals that become human and then "beastly" in ways they never were before -- it's the stuff of high adventure. It's also a parable about Darwinian theory, a social satire in the vein of Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels), and a bloody tale of horror. 

*** Rated 3 Stars ***

This is the first H.G Wells book I have ever read, though I'm not sure why. I've always wanted to, just another thing I never got around to. 

It has made me want to read more from the same author though. The story is very well written and I find it amazing, especially considering how long ago it was written. In fact its a story that could have been written recently if you don't consider some of the 'old fashioned' words used.

I read the book in one sitting, as I kept wanting to see what would happen next. It is a slightly disturbing story and makes you think about the consequences of meddling too much with nature.

A good read!

Kill Zombies by T.A. Uner

Environmental disasters, Global Conspiracies, raging Dinosaurs, and the fall of the United States. 

But the worst is yet to come.... 

In the near-future Earth is a wasteland, its citizens scrambling off-world to save themselves. In this Dystopian world a half-human Dinosaur Hunter named Croctus Reptilius and his partner, Sawtooth, a mutant crocodile with an affinity for liquor, hunt raptors for game and profit in the environmentally devastated Florida Everglades. When a dead time-traveler returns from the grave to warn Reptilius of a Zombie threat masterminded by a ruthless organization called "The Sect," Reptilius must seek out two individuals for help: the first, a teenage girl with a deadly secret; the second, an MI6 scientist haunted by a traumatic event. Both of these people possess skills that can help turn the tide, or, condemn Earth to a Zombie apocalypse from which there is no return.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest DoodlePanda review 

*** Rated 3 Stars ***

This book has got a little of everything! Zombies, vampires, dinosaurs, time-travel, alternate realities - it's all there. And somehow the author manages to make it all work together nicely. It is a wild ride, but an interesting one, and it makes me wonder what the rest of the books in the Leopard King Saga are like (this is the first book I've read in the series).

There is one thing that I would like to have improved - the book could have benefited from some editing. Nothing major, but it would have given it the final polish I think.

Other then that it was a great (though wild) journey into the unknown!

The Martian by Andy Weir

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first men to walk on the surface of Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first man to die there.

It started with the dust storm that holed his suit and nearly killed him, and that forced his crew to leave him behind, sure he was already dead. Now he's stranded millions of miles from the nearest human being, with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive--and even if he could get word out, his food would be gone years before a rescue mission could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to get him first.

But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills--and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit--he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. But will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

*** Rated 5 Stars ***

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. In fact I am tempted to read it again straight away, because I miss reading it...

First of all the story is really good. The main character is stranded on Mars, all alone, and now he has to try to survive long enough to (hopefully) get rescued. We get to see how he handles it, both technically and mentally.

I love the way the book is written. Mixed with a little bit of science to make in believable, but not so much that it gets boring. 
I struggled to put the book down, I just kept wanting to find out what would happen next! 

And it's really funny too!

I can't think of a single thing that I would change with this book... Well done, Andy Weir, well done! 

I would recommend this book to everyone! Even if you're not into sci-fi, this book is full of action and suspense!

PANDORA: End of Days Volume 1 & 2 set by Peter J. Ang, Michael Mcdonough and Jin Song Kim

The most amazing archaeological discovery of our time-- a sarcophagus from an ancient civilization that predates the Egyptian Pyramids by more than fifty thousand years--is being broadcast as a live public exhibit on national TV. 

But in their haste to reveal a glimpse of what could be the origin of mankind, the scholars of the OBARI Foundation instead unleash an ancient plague upon the modern world. 

This is the age-old story of the curious--and of those who must race to close the door on what should never have been opened . . .

This is PANDORA, the End of Days...

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

Just want to start out by saying that I haven't read a lot of manga type books so I can't really compare with others...

That being said, I did enjoy the story, and its really well illustrated! The artwork is gorgeous!
It took a little getting used to the format but it has me wanting to read more of the same stuff.


I love that I could read it on my Kindle too!

Birdman by Mo Hayder

Greenwich, south-east London. The Met's crack murder squad, AMIP, is called out by nervous CID detectives to a grim discovery. Five bodies, all young women, all ritualistically murdered and dumped on wasteland near the Dome. As each post-mortem reveals a singular, horrific signature linking the victims, officers realize that they are on the trail of that most dangerous offender: a sexual serial killer. 

Detective Inspector Jack Caffery - young, driven, unshockable - finds himself facing both hostility within the force and echoes of his past in this, his first case with AMIP. Haunted by the memory of a death long ago, he employs every weapon forensic science can offer for he knows it is only a matter of time before this chaotic, sadistic killer strikes again.

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

I really liked this book, particularly because of the less-then-perfect main character with a dark past.

That being said, this is a very, very dark book. If you don't like violence, I wouldn't recommend this book to you. Personally I don't mind it, sometimes it's what the book needs to keep it interesting. I find that in this book, the use of violence sets the mood, and fits with the story.
A story that is very well written, I might add!

I will definitely look into reading more from this author! 

Would recommend for anyone that wants a good, exciting read, but not for the faint of heart!

Doctor Mars by T.A. Uner

In the early 22nd century, Mars has been fully colonized and terraformed by humans. On this new Earth colony the members of the MCPF (Mars Colonial Police Force) keep the peace. Liberty Rise is a gifted mutant with the power to manipulate time using her "mind-shifting" technique. As a member of the Mindcop division, she must use her skill to solve paranormal crimes.

When a recluse scientist named Dr. Andreas Hitzig threatens the safety of Mars, Liberty and the MCPF must intervene.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review 

*** Rated 3.5 stars *** 

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Not having read anything by the author before I didn't know what to expect. The blurb sounded interesting though, and the cover image looked good as well.

I was very pleased when I started reading and the story was good too! :)
And it is well written with no major spelling mistakes either as far as I could see.
My only 'big' complaint is that it wasn't longer!

Well worth the read :)

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

In the gloomy pre-dawn hours of a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of unemployed hopefuls are lined up for a job fair. Without warning, a merciless driver plows through the crowd in a roaring Mercedes. Eight people are killed; 15 are wounded. The killer escapes into the early-spring fog never to be seen from again. Until now...

Detective Bill Hodges is a battle-hardened and streetwise crime fighter originally assigned to the Mercedes killings. Now retired, Hodges has lost his way in boredom and depression craving the thrills of taking down the region’s most notorious criminals. When a disturbing letter from the Mercedes Killer arrives at his door, Hodges soon finds himself uncontrollably drawn into a cat-n-mouse pursuit with stakes beyond comprehension.

Mr. Mercedes is Stephen’s first “hard-boiled detective tale.” It will transport you into a vibrant and dangerous world filled with gritty characters living on the bleeding edge of reason. Be prepared..

*** Rated 3 Stars ***

So... what do I think...

First of all, I would like to start by saying that I've been a King fan for as long as I can remember. Most of his books I have loved, some not so much. But such is life.

If you're wondering whether to read this or not, just keep one thing in mind: This isn't your standard King book. You need to know this before you start reading, or the book will probably be ruined for you. Just saying.

Ok, so back to my actual review...

This is an ok detective book. It has some action and suspense. There is a detective, and a murderer. And dead people. The writing is good. The story is good. What the murderer does for a living is a little creepy... Murdering ice cream man?! So much wrongness!

Is it the best story I have ever read? No.

Is it worth reading? Yea, I guess so. I'm definitely not regretting reading it.

Is it Mr. King at his best? Definitely not in my opinion.

I would recommend this if you're looking for a detective story. If you're looking for a 'standard' King book, this might not be for you. But if you're anything like me, you will want to read it anyways because you want to read everything he has written. I can relate.

Just don't get disappointed :)

Ravaged by a Unicorn by Hunter Fox

Matt is on summer vacation from college in Vermont to visit his family. After going off into the forest by his family's estate, he stumbles upon a creature he had only ever read about. This unicorn only wants one thing though, his manhood. 

*** Rated 1 Star ***

I don't even know what to say... Uniporn...

This one warrants using GIFs I think, words sure aren't enough... So to try to explain my feelings when reading this book:

So this was me while reading:

After reading I was more like:

Sadly:

Can something be disturbing and hilarious at the same time? I guess so!

Best uniporn book I've ever read!

The Stone Man by Luke Smitherd

Two-bit reporter Andy Pointer had always been unsuccessful (and antisocial) until he got the scoop of his career; the day a man made of stone appeared in the middle of his city.

This is his account of everything that came afterwards and what that cost him, along with the rest of his country.

The destruction, the visions...the dying.

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

I think this is a great book!

I love the way it's written. It gives the impression of a man telling his story about what he has experienced, and it's done well!

The story is good as well, I found it quite original. Where did the stone man come from? What does he want, what is his purpose?

Read it and you might find out!

I did like the ending, but at the same time I would like to know more! But I will not say more about that, as I don't want to ruin it for you!

Would recommend!

The Temple by Soloman Stone

Michael's birthday present was a leather-bound journal which his parents and counselors thought would help with his anger issues. What they didn't expect was his detailed cataloging of a descent through hell.

*** Rated 4 Stars ***

I really enjoyed this book! 

The way it's written made me feel like I was with the characters, and the tension-building was great! 
I'm not going to write anything about the story itself as I don't want to ruin it for you, but I would definitely recommend this book if you like a good thrill!

Looking forward to reading more from this author! :)

Transcendent Tales - Volume Two by Adam Train

I received a free copy of this book (and The Treaty of Nine part I) from the author in exchange for a honest review

*** Rated 3.5 Stars ***

Individual reviews and short summary:

Final Tide - 2.5 Stars
This story is set in Atlantis, and describes what happened to the island.
It is really well written. Why only 2.5 stars then, you might ask?
The only reason is that this one of my favorite genres, it kinda seems like a history lesson to me. Which one one hand is a great way to tell the story of Atlantis. But for me it just makes it a little less interesting.
Still enjoyed the read though! 


High-Side - 5 Stars
I love this story!
It is set in an dystopian future, where a delivery man gets a high-risk mission. I don't want to say too much, as I don't want to ruin the story if you want to read it. (And you definitely should read it.)
The characters are amazing. The story is great. My only complaint is that the story isn't longer, I need more!!
Easily one of the best short stories I have ever read!

The Legends of Skoll - 3.5 Stars
This story starts with a young boy that is looking for help to save his village from the Wildman. He asks a couple of mercenaries to help out in exchange for gold. They agree to help, but everything might not be quite as it seems...
I enjoyed this story a lot, I particularly liked the ending.

Prisoner of Hakai - 3 Stars
This story is about a prisoner awaiting his execution in a world ruled by an alien race. 
I though it was a very good story, made me want to read more about this evil (?) alien race - the Hakai.

War Chief part I - 3 Stars
The War Chief Khan gets abducted by an evil and alien creature. But he manages to escape, landing on a foreign planet. Here he meets a tribe of female, green-skinned warriors.
I thought the story was great, but as the title says, it's only part one of a story. I think it was still a good read, but I wanted more to happen... But I'm sure it will in part 2! :)

Mystery of Grey Rock Canyon - 3 Stars
This story takes place in the future and is about an (alien) adventurer that collects relics. 
I thought this was a really good story. It was a little short though, I would have loved to read more!

The Treaty of Nine part II - 2.5 Stars
The story continues from part I, it is set in Mars in the future where alien races struggles with humans for ownership of habitable planets.
I liked the setting for the story, and the idea behind it. Personally I don't like to read parts of stories, I am way too impatient and having to wait to see what happens next just doesn't work for me. Other then that it is a good story!

***

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys sci-fi. The stories are very different, and you are pretty much guaranteed to find at least one you'll love! For me that was High-Side, I just loved everything about this story, except that I want to hear more!