Piece By Piece
Daemon Manx
Last Waltz Publishing
February 14, 2022
Reviewed by: Brian “Skull” Lewis
Hello dear readers, it’s your old pal Skull! Today’s featured author is the one and only Daemon Manx. In 2021, he wowed us with Abigail, a great speculative novella about raising a unique child, coming to grips with one’s identity, and the healing of power of love. Not only did the surprise ending touch many readers deeply, but the story shone positive light on the LGTBQ community. It puts you in the shoes of a gay man who’s looking for real love after a difficult early life of discrimination. The author makes us feel the pain, fear, and longing for a solid partner in a very relatable way. If you haven’t yet read Abigail, I heartily encourage you to do so! And now in 2022, we have a new novella to enjoy from the man who writes with his heart. Piece By Piece, is even more gripping than its predecessor and delivers a huge emotional payoff to readers at its conclusion. It begins by totally mystifying readers, then slowly revealing small clues to the mystery as the story unfolds. Check it out.
Bobby Canfield is zooming along on his too cool for school Mongoose BMX bike and enjoying the summer of 1988 when three sisters in their pajamas encourage him to join them for a Ouija reading. Initially he resists but ends up sitting with them It doesn’t take him long to regret his choice though. A spirit named “Mac” informs Bobby that he will die an early death, gives him the exact date even. Not only that, but he’s supposed to save some people before he eats a dirt sandwich. Whoa…this is big stuff to put on an 11year old’s plate!
Manx then makes us a fly on the wall for important moments in Bobby’s life, dropping subtle clues along the way. For the most part, Bobby Canfield has a pretty sweet life, but as the years roll by, he realizes that time is growing short. Who is he supposed to save? He’s got to find out soon or risk leaving without fulfilling his destiny! Mac, the spirit of the girls’ grandfather steers the ship now and then, but Bobby’s still not exactly sure until the night of the fire. The word Now appears on the Ouija board and Bobby rockets into action. Daemon Manx writes a mighty gripping fire scene that you’re going to want to read for yourself. Nor am I going to reveal the way the story wraps up at the end. Oh, and it’ll be up to you to decide if this conclusion is an end or possibly…something else.
Damaged Skull Writer & Reviewer gives Piece by Piece a hearty 5 STAR RATING! Get this book from your favorite bookseller now, then get ready for a most excellent ride. Fans of Richard Matheson’s work will find a lot to enjoy here. If you’ve ever doubted the power of a properly connected Ouija board, the existence of spirits, and the whole Time-Space Continuum, wonder no more! This great novella from Daemon Manx and Last Waltz Publishing should set you straight. But don’t leave the party yet, horror fans. There’s a bonus story included in this fine publication. The Widower is a whole different kettle of spiders that will chill you to the bone. This is the “Holy Crap” story and the one you won’t want to go to sleep after reading because there might be something big and hairy coming up from the basement to touch your skin. Why? Because it loves you. Thanks for visiting the Skullcave again. It’s been a pleasure having you here, but now you must leave because I’m getting very…hungry. For more information about Daemon Manx and Last Waltz Publishing dig the following links below:
www.daemonmanx.com
Daemon Manx/Facebook
author@daemonmanx.com
www.lastwaltzpublishing.com
As always, I’m your old pal, Skull and I look forward to seeing you again very soon…
Great Post From Erin Al-Mehairi, Author, Editor, Mom, and Fighter For Gender Equality. Let’s Break The Bias Against Women In The World and Support The Fight By Purchasing a Copy of “We Are Wolves” To Celebrate IWD22 and Women’s History Month
It’s #InternationalWomensDay, or #IWD2022, and people around the world are celebrating women and the unique and important gifts they give this world. I’ve been proud to promote this day for about fifteen years in some shape or form, and each year builds momentum as it’s utilized as a catalyst for change year round instead of only awareness. However, I’ve been a supporter of women’s issues in various ways for even longer.
In essence,International Women’s Dayis the marker to honor the Women’s Rights Movement and all those who came before us who were spit on, jailed, starved, ridiculed, and more as they fought for women to have the rights to vote, own land, have a bank account, and not be locked away in asylums. I was humbled and astounded when I was able to experience the “Rightfully Hers” 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and Women’s Suffrage Movement exhibit…
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WOOM
Duncan Ralston
Shadow Work Publishing
August 6, 2016
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis
Howdy horror readers, it’s your old pal Skull with a quick and dirty review of an extreme horror novella by Duncan Ralston. WOOM is an intense epic that occurs entirely in one room, Room 6 at the Lonely Motel which is not the place to be if you’re happy and you know it. Please note: this is a work of EXTREME HORROR in which a lot of heavy duty shit happens. If you’re easily triggered, this isn’t for you and it’s not for kids. And now back to our show!
The story begins with a man named Angel checking into room 6 at The Lonely Motel and calling a service for a very specific kind of prostitute. Not unexpected, given the aura of the place, but what happens when she arrives is. Instead of a mad, sexual orgy it seems that Angel has hired Shyla so that he can tell her stories. But you’ll soon see the common thread running through each one. No fairy tales happen at The Lonely Motel, instead there are backstreet abortions, drug smuggling gone way wrong, rapes, personal devastation, and rebirth.
Rebirth? Yep, Angel needs a reboot, a fresh start, a chance to re-enter the world in hopes that maybe his luck will change. He knows it will, especially after his strange experience in a creeper van full of “helpers” He just needs Shyla to do her part in this thing and maybe everyone will get something they want. Or they might die horribly painful deaths…The only way to find out what happens is to pay a visit to room 6 at the Lonely Motel Yourself, vermillion key fob in hand…
Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives WOOM 5 STARS, but cautions readers to keep an open mind. Sometimes things are so ugly and painful that they become beautiful in a dark way. Is it possible that Angel’s life has been leading up to this moment or is he a dangerous madman? You can’t look away once you start this journey, but you probably won’t want to. Skull says, “Get it!”
For more info about Duncan Ralston and Shadow Work Publishing go to: www.DuncanRalston.com and www.ShadowWorkPublishing.com If you’ve got a minute, Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer would appreciate more followers at www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com Thanks for stopping by the Skull Cave!
Hello fans of speculative fiction, it’s your old pal Skull with a cool new release from Last Waltz Publishing! For many of us, the Ouija Board was our first connection the spirit world. Often it’s just a bit of harmless fun in which the other people at the table move the planchette around while pretending to be ghosts. But the unknown world is real and their messages shouldn’t be taken lightly…
“Piece by Piece” will be the second work from Daemon Manx reviewed by yours truly, and I’m definitely looking forward to it. Stay tuned to find out more
I know that the hour is late, but I just couldn’t wait to share this great news. After collecting up all the entries in Damaged Skull Writer & Reviewer’s first giveaway, Anita Nelson Westbrook is the WINNER!!! I’ll be getting in touch with her shortly to find out where to send her prize, In the meantime dear readers please stay tuned for the next review and future chances to win some groovy stuff. A big thank you to everyone who was kind enough to share my posts. I sincerely appreciate YOU!
Dreams for the Dying by Adam Light
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
DREAMS FOR THE DYING
Adam Light
Corpus Press
July 7, 2021
Reviewed by Brian James Lewis
Hello regular readers, it’s your old pal Skull with a great read from Corpus Press, Dreams For The Dying by Adam Light. Not only that, but we’ve got a little surprise at the end of this review in honor of #LibraryShelfieDay. So read on my friends, read on!
If you’re a fan of speculative fiction and more specifically HORROR then you’re probably familiar with Corpus Press, home of Adam and Evan Light and also the producer of some pretty badass horror anthologies. I’ve reviewed quite a few of their releases, but I’ve got to admit that Dreams For The Dying truly scared the shit out of me. These are tales that will linger in your brain long after you’ve read them and show up when you find yourself on a lonely road some dark night or at 3 a.m. when you’re trying to sleep but can’t even though all the lights are on, and you’ve sucked down enough booze to make a mule stagger. Yes, Adam Light has put together a truly fear-inspiring collection of horror fiction. Trigger warning: If you are someone who’s easily freaked out, this book is going to push you out of your comfort zone. Many people enjoy the escape of that happening, but if you don’t, please consider trying something else.
After kicking off the action with a solid forward by Duncan Ralston, we arrive at the first story with a bang. Taken is a groovy little piece about “Jack and Dianne” But it ain’t that Jack and Dianne poking at the mean old world with a stick and chuckling grimly. No, in Adam Light’s story, Jack is the kind of long-haul truck driver that you pray your daughter never crosses paths with at a highway rest stop. Because Jack likes to steal things, abduct beautiful women for the love of his life, Dianne. But when Jack kidnaps a sexy little truckstop waitress, the sweats come and nerves too. He’s about to learn that women can be a lot more powerful than one’s assumptions. And Dianne? Well, she’s…sorry you’ll have to read the story to find out about her.
See what I mean though? Dreams For The Dying is no walk in the park. And in Vengeance By The Foot, the main character can’t walk at all because he’s lost a foot and part of his leg to diabetes. It’s actually a whole lot worse than that because Grant is in some major ass denial about the situation. I’ll let Adam fill you in on the exact particulars because he does a fine job at it. More importantly, he shows the toll the serious illness and caretaking has taken on Grant’s better half, Lucy. When people take those vows of marriage, it’s never really expected that either partner is going to end up as whiny dead weight, dragging the healthy person through a manure pit of a dairy farm. This story really resonates with me because I’ve been through some major health issues, including diabetes, and put my partner through hell before I realized what a mess I was. Grant doesn’t ever make that realization, and it costs him big. That vengeance is most fitting.
I’m going to talk about one more story here and leave the rest for you to discover without your old pal Skull narrating from the sidelines. Now this is the story that gave me nightmares. No bs, or fake buildups here. A writer of Adam Light’s caliber doesn’t need any hype to impress people, his work speaks for itself. What makes Ghost Light Road so scary is that it could happen to any of us. Especially those eager to seek out ghosts and the places they haunt. Billy is a horror fiend who’s spending Halloween night alone and bored out of his mind. Luckily, his kid sister calls and changes all that. Monica and her friends want to go check out a local legend, but they need a ride. Still, Billy’s just not feeling it until the offer of some high-octane booze to erase his blues enters the picture. Not only that, but one of his sister’s friends is a real babe by the name of Cassie. Maybe the night’s looking up after all! In that semi-happy cloud, they’re off to Ghost Light Road to satisfy their jones to see something strange and unexplainable. But things get creepier with every mile they drive away from civilization and into the bowels of nowhere. Soon fun takes a hike and fear grabs the wheel, when what looks like salvation turns into a supernatural slaughterhouse. One thing’s for damn sure, no one who makes it home from this horrible place will ever be the same. Trick or Treat!
Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives Dreams for the Dying a rating of FIVE BLOODY STARS. If you’re looking for a short horror collection that terrifies, Adam Light and Corpus Press have just what you need. There are a total of eleven great tales in here, including the bittersweet Tommy Rotten, and the super intense Serving Spirits that shows how a father’s love can transcend all boundaries through the dark forces of voodoo. Adam Light’s stories paint vivid pictures in your head that linger and may just haunt you for the rest of your life. Highly recommended!
In honor of #LibraryShelfieDay I’m giving away a copy of this excellent horror collection! The contest starts today and ends at midnight on Tuesday, February 1st 2022 with the winner being announced on Friday, February 4th on my blog www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com I will also be sharing this on my Twitter @skullsnflames76. Good Luck and be sure to check out www.corpuspress.com
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Time Is Running Out To Enter The Giveaway Of A Copy of Adam Light’s “Dreams For The Dying! To Enter, Like, Comment, and Share. GOOD LUCK!
DREAMS FOR THE DYING
Adam Light
Corpus Press
June 6, 2021
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis
Hello regular readers, it’s your old pal Skull with a great read from Corpus Press, Dreams For The Dying by Adam Light. Not only that, but we’ve got a little surprise at the end of this review in honor of #LibraryShelfieDay. So read on my friends, read on!
If you’re a fan of speculative fiction and more specifically HORROR then you’re probably familiar with Corpus Press, home of Adam and Evan Light and also the producer of some pretty badass horror anthologies. I’ve reviewed quite a few of their releases, but I’ve got to admit that Dreams For The Dying truly scared the shit out of me. These are tales that will linger in your brain long after you’ve read them and show up when you find yourself on a lonely road some dark…
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Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid by James G. Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Midnight In The City of The Carrion Kid
James G. Carlson
Gloom House Publishing
November 2, 2021
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis
Hello again dear readers, it’s your old pal Skull with a full review of the great new speculative novella Midnight In The City Of The Carrion Kid by James G. Carlson. As I mentioned in my New Year’s post, this is so good that I couldn’t wait to finish reading it, so I won’t keep you in suspense. That way you can grab a copy of your own and enter this terrifying and magical city yourself!
Carlson’s story begins with a down and out couple sitting in a neglected sedan. They’re waiting for their heroin dealer to show up so they can turn on and stop being so miserably dopesick. Alistair the narrator and his girlfriend Eden are about as far away from paradise as people can get. Especially when their only “relief” is to hop aboard the drug train until it stops moving again. However, the trip they take this time is much different from others. Alistair awakes to find himself alone in the car and that his environment has changed, but it also hasn’t. Despite being an addict and a criminal, Alistair is a good guy deep down, so his first thought is to find Eden and make sure she’s okay. But as he ventures out into a city he thought he knew, Alistair realizes that the changes haven’t been for the better. Usual things of relative safety or goodness are now entirely evil.
After nearly being killed in a laundromat, Alistair is rescued from a bunch of evil nuns by two dudes in a van. Because when a couple of guys in a van offer you a ride, it’s always a wise idea to hop aboard, right? But since everything’s topsy-turvy, Nico and Miles are actually good people who want to help. They take Alistair home to their safe space called “Haven Below” to grab a little rest and get their thoughts together. The journey to Haven Below is one of my favorite things in the book. Carlson uses existing city structures like parking garages, maintenance tunnels, and sewers to create epic urban wildscapes of a dangerous concrete jungle. Nico explains that they’re existing in a place called the In-Between, where souls go to hang out while their bodies’ fates are decided. A long time back, The In-Between was a really nice place to chill, everything safe and lovely. Then The Carrion Kid arrived and changed all that, turning a safe space into a dangerous hell. Alistair might want to go blasting through the city to find his love, but without help he’s more likely to end up as another miserable puppet of the Carrion Kid.
Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Midnight In The City Of The Carrion Kid 5 STARS OUT OF 5 and also gives it a home on the Wall of Fame! James G. Carlson is a great writer who delivers a powerful, fast-paced story that’s populated with characters you’ll be rooting for. There’s two love stories, talking cats, terrifying monsters, and maybe even a few chances at redemption. Seriously, this is a boss read that everyone can enjoy and take something away from. Carlson writes in the tradition of many of our favorite speculative authors, giving us many stories to follow within the larger one. A few bonuses: Nico and Miles are not only a couple of nice guys, they are a couple. The residents of the secret hideaway Haven Below might seem lacking at face value, but as the story progresses you’ll be delighted to see their secret superpowers unleashed. Our world is often too quick to judge people and sadly, think them the lesser for their differences. But even a brain damaged elderly man is capable of great bravery to save those he loves.
Incidentally, I wanted to mention here that this author and book have been nominated for the 2023 Splatterpunk Awards in the novella category. “Midnight In The City Of The Carrion Kid” met the requirements with things like its laundromat creature made of vermin, a monster that guards the meat fields, and nuns so disgusting you’ll be scared for Alistair. Those are just a few of the splatterpunk elements, and there are plenty more. Here’s hoping that Carlson brings home the win with this very special novella!
Thanks again for stopping by to hang out with your old pal Skull. It’s always nice to see some friendly faces at the Skullcave and I’m always looking for more followers of my blog www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com James G. Carlson is also in charge of Gloom House Publishing. For more information about that check him out at : gloomhouse@yahoo.com See you soon!
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