#paranormal review

[hannahwatcheshorror]

DEAD SILENCE (2007)

Who doesn’t love a creepy puppet? I remember being so afraid of this movie when it came out, just the commercials freaked me right the heck out and when I was finally brave enough to watch it for the first time I was certainly right to be creeped out! This movie does an excellent job with the makeup and effects, Mary Shaw is downright terrifying. The story can get a little ridiculous at times but overall it is very theatrical and spooky.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A mysterious package arrives at Jamie and his wife's doorstep, inside is a ventriloquist dummy. That same night Jamie’s wife is brutally murdered. Now, I love that Jamie immediately doesn’t trust the doll but still props it up in the seat of his car and in a chair at the motel. That thing would be in my trunk or in the closet, are you for real? (Yes I realize that the damn thing would probably move but I would still try to put it somewhere away) Jamie has it set up looking out the window like Billy is thinking about who he wants to kill next, no, put him in time out! We got DONNIE FUCKIN’ WAHLBERG AKA Detective Eric Matthews from SAW. Amazing, simply amazing to see him in another horror movie as a detective busting another dudes balls over a different creepy puppet named Billy. Amazing. The universe is good.

Back to the film, there are whispers about Mary Shaw, a ventriloquist of yesteryear who maybe/ probably killed a child. There is a whole nursery rhyme about her where if you see her you better not scream or she will cut out your tongue. Cute right? Anyways, when she died she had a very special request and I gotta call shenanigans because there is no way that any mortician would turn Mary Shaw's body into a doll, it is so highly unethical, wild, wack and WHAT? Seriously, a spooky idea for sure but there is no way it would have happened and no way that the mortician's son would have just told Jamie about it (because jail). 

Jamie goes to the old theatre where Mary Shaw used to live and for no real reason he goes up on the decrepit catwalk that is literally falling apart as he is walking on it. What is this man doing? Oh, Mary Shaw’s room is up there, but how did he know that? He just assumed it was up in the rafters? Wack. He doesn’t really find anything but goes back to his dad to talk about his missing uncle. The dad is really quick to give up the story about Mary Shaw after he is caught and he was very quick to believe that Mary Shaw is an evil ghostie which is why the dad has always been a dick to his son, to push him away from the curse (ha). Jamie doesn’t take that answer lying down and sorta storms out (but gets interrupted by Don Walhberg) so he has to run back to the theatre to try and get some answers solved. Small chase then both boys are at the creepy theatre and now Jamie finds the hidden room behind the hidden room (couldn’t have found it the first time?). 

We find every doll that Mary Shaw ever had in this room as well as the missing uncle who Mary Shaw attempted to turn into a puppet at one point (wack). The dolls all start moving at this point and even talking, Donnie is shooting them up but there are too many, they must be cleansed with fire. As they attempt to escape Donnie Walhberg gets a gruesome end because he starts to fall off the catwalk which makes him scream so our lady in black scoops him up and takes out his tongue. Poor guy! He knew not to scream too but falling to your death will make a guy yell! Jamie does a pullup but gets scared by Mary so he falls and crashes through the floor into the dark water below! There are all these dolls and mannequins under the water so it is really spooky when he is under there, I hate/love it so much because dark water is one of my fears!

Jamie runs to find Billy, the last doll and therefore the last piece of the puzzle, and finds out his dad took him home? But how? His dad was paralyzed after the stroke, right? Jamie gets to his dads house, burns Billy and goes to face his father… Twist of all twists! Daddy is deady! He has been a puppet this whole time! Pretty unique movie with a twist I didn’t see coming. Sure I noticed that the wife was with the dad always but I didn’t think he was a puppet all along! How spooky! Too bad Jamie screamed at the end, if only he could have held it in! Either way Mary Shaw got really good at making dolls to make the wife and also the dad. I am unsure if the wife is a full puppet or if she is just a dead lady or what but again it was a solid twist so I will forgive them for not explaining every little detail of it.

[lucentparanormal]

Recently had the pleasure of watching Kan Hodder’s Balsam : A Paranormal Investigation and I really enjoyed it.

Kane and team were completely calm and relaxed through out the entire thing, i appreciated that not everything was “evil” and “darkness”, there was no hyping up and overreacting to every bump and squeak, and the whole investigation was relatively uneventful which to me gives the investigation more authenticity in my eyes.

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

Review: A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

Author: T. KingfisherPublisher: Tor NightfireReleased: March 28, 2023Received: NetGalley Book Summary: Sam Montgomery is a paleoentomologist, which is basically the fancy way of saying she studies insects found in ancient sites. She loves the work, even if it occasionally results in her getting furloughed for indeterminate amounts of time. The good/bad news is that Sam will be spending some…

[nando161mando]

[jessread-s]

Thanks to @penguinrandomhouse for providing me with a finished copy in exchange for an honest review

✩🐺🪢Review:

Hazelwood’s paranormal debut is addictive and all-consuming!

Bride follows Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman, who agrees to uphold a Vampyre-Werewolf alliance by marrying Alpha Lowe Moreland after discovering that her future husband may be linked to her missing friend.

It was really fun to see Hazelwood branch out into the paranormal romance genre! I enjoyed her world-building and thought the history surrounding Vampyres, Werewolf, and human relations was very digestible.

I love how Hazelwood incorporated the mystery of Serena’s disappearance into the storyline. The breadcrumbs sprinkled throughout paired with the novel’s paranormal elements kept me fully engaged and on my toes.

While “Bride” is quintessential Ali Hazelwood with women in STEM, a big male love interest, galaxy apparel, and palpable love for cats, I think that Misery as a female protagonist ultimately sets this book apart from her contemporary romance novels. I found myself laughing out loud at Misery’s sense of humor and really admired her strength and perseverance. Despite all she goes through having been cast out from Vampyre society, she still remains inherently kind and is fiercely protective of her found family.

Lowe and Misery’s development as a couple is well-paced and her slowest burning romance yet! It takes a while for the characters to give into their attraction to each other given that they are supposed to be mortal enemies, but once they do, Hazelwood delivers on the spice! I couldn’t get enough of the caretaking while injured and “that’s my wife” moments as well as the snippets of Lowe’s internal thoughts at the beginning of each chapter!

This book ends with the potential for a sequel and I hope she’ll move forward with it full steam ahead!

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[blottyink]

My August Reads Ranked

1. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig: This was by far my favorite read this month. I love this book. I love it more than I love The Folk of the Air. More than the Dark Rise series. More than Captive Prince. Because it has EVERYTHING. The plot, the magic system, the characters, the writing, all of it is as equally good as the rest. Even though at the ending there’s a twist that’s sad, I was still EXCITED to see what happens next (more hype than sad). I root for the Nightmare too. “Long live the King.” The writing is show don’t tell and I fucking LOVE IT. I FUCKING LOVE IT. I am so tired of seeing a lot of telling in story books, and all my favs serve show.

2. Bunny by Mona Awad: This wasn’t as dark as I thought it was going to be, but it won me over with the writing. It’s clever, dark and hilarious. Samantha’s dilemma with the bunnies was relatable for me, especially the first smut salon she attends. It was a fun ride, and I enjoyed this book for reasons I wasn’t expecting to. The way Awad describes feelings is spectacular.

3. The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black: It was good to be back in Elfhame. I liked Prisoner’s Throne more than Stolen Heir because, of course, Jude and Cardan. I thought Wren and Oak’s story was cute and I had a fun time reading it, but I’m not over Jude and Cardan yet and that’s all I want.

4. The Stolen Heir by Holly Black: At first, I was a bit put off by how Jude-like Wren was, and how Cardan-like Oak was, but I had a good time. If Black wants to go back and write scenes showcasing Jude and Cardan falling in love, I’m all for that. Would love to see the two of them snuggling by a fire.

5. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: I knew I’d like this because every time I watch King speak, he’s fun. He’s fun to listen to, he’s fun to read. He’s at his best when he’s shooting the shit. This was a good time.

6. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: I love the dialogue in this, it can be interpreted in different ways and it’s exciting to think about. I’ve never read anything as quotable as this book. I lived for every time Dorian threw himself on a couch in a fit of angst.

7. The Corsair’s Captive by Ruby Dixon: Dixon never lets me down. It’s another cozy, fun sci-fi romance with the big blue dudes. I have to read her shifter smut; it’s going to be everything.  

8. The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr: I appreciated how blunt this book was, and the information provided was interesting. If you’re looking for a book about why humans tell stories as well as scientific reasons why you should have an existential crisis. This is the one.

9. Victor by Brianna West: The most egregious offense to me was the smut. Because. How are you screwing an Angel, and it’s vanilla? No mention of where his wings are? Nothing special about his equipment? Only fucks in missionary? They could fuck in the air, but we’re going to sidestep that? Other than that the world-building wasn’t there for me, and the writing was a whole lot of telling. The adverb intense descriptions didn’t land for me, and I didn’t care about any of the characters. The fmc was annoying.

10. Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton: Zade is so Neil Breen coded. Like, if I found out Breen wrote this character for Carlton, it would make a lot of sense. I hate this book. I don’t know why I do this to myself.  

The books I'm most stoked to read in September are: Monstrilio by Gerardo Samano Cordova, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig.

[hyperficationcrafts]

Poorly Spelled Book Review #1 For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn

First book of 2025 and it was an amazing pick. You dont have to know about the authors amazing tiktok scetch series, Hells Belles, to enjoy but I really enjoyed the little nods the the series and being introduced to characters I already loved. Im not the biggest fan of Romance, so I read this more for the fantasy aspect, but the romance and spice that was there was incoperated so well that it didnt throw me off. I loved how the romance help the story along, and didnt take over the entire story (which is the problem I usully have with romance books). It might have been easier for me because I was already inlove with the characters. Seeing there story play out was amazing. This is deffently a must read!!!

Also as off this time it is only avaible on Kindle but will deffiently buy when it comes out in paper format.

Five out of Five Stars

[spacevixenmusic]

NEW Review has been posted for "Dimension W"!

Read it here! [site is NSFW]

[anim-ttrpgs]

Bringing back this awesome review of Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy.

[bookwells]

BETA READERS WANTED!

Hi all!

I’m in the process of writing my 1st Debut Dark Paranormal Romance and am on the hunt for FREE Beta Readers to read my 2nd draft. I’m currently editing my 1st draft and should have the 2nd draft ready to go mid December. I know it’s close to the holidays, but I would prefer Betas that can do a read through within a 2 week period once I give you access.

My book, The Goddess Calls, is a story set in modern day America. It is about a woman who finds herself on a whirlwind journey to find what she truly is.

Book Blurb:

Kinley had a fulfilling career, her own home, and fur babies to come home to.

What more could she ask for? Oh right, maybe a love life…

The dating scene was slim pickings for a full figured, 27 year old.

A chance meeting with a handsome stranger would put into motion more than what Kinley bargained for. Not only would she gain love, friends that would do anything for her, but she would finally realize that she was not who she thought she was.

With light comes darkness and with that darkness comes a realization that magic exists and that she has no idea what she is. A dark entity from the past will threaten her new found happiness and her life.With light comes darkness and with that darkness comes a realization that magic exists and that she has no idea what she is.

Will Kinley be able to learn who and what she is in time to save herself and her new found family?

The threads of fate are unwoven. The song of the Goddess is calling. Will the Chosen be able to reclaim all that she has lost?

If you would like to join my writing journey and become a Beta Reader for me, please follow the link below, read the information, and fill out the form. At this time I’m not looking to pay Beta Readers, so if that is a deal breaker I completely understand!

[rabbit-harpist]

johnny and rubens considering photos. a gift for @factorialsotherfandoms, and inspired by his fics--merry christmas friend!!

[hannahwatcheshorror]

THE EXORCIST (1973)

Slow movie but ultimately a fun romp through the paranormal! This classic exorcism movie sets the standard for all the rest, each next possession is like Regan and her demon(s). A must watch for horror fans and movie fans alike.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Trigger warning sexual themes with children, projectile vomiting, suicide)

Regan was once just a regular little girl but suddenly she begins spouting obscenities and being violent (pay absolutely no attention to the floating/moving furniture though, I guess). They spend a lot of time doing normal medical testing on the child but ultimately it is ruled that an exorcism is going to be the best idea for her and the final choice left for poor Regan. While maybe not everyone believes she is infected with a demon, they agree to do the exorcism on her because of how much pain her family is in.

I think it is just a regular demon inside her and I think it is a liar because it reacted to the fake holy water as if it were real holy water and burned him even though it wouldn’t have? This is never explained, why Regan reacted to the tap water, and it confused me a bit. The exorcism itself is pretty violent, Regan is all cut up in the face before the priests even arrive and is vomiting a lot of goo when they do get there. The floating and speaking in another voice is something else entirely but the priests are just kinda vibing and yelling about how the “power of Christ compels” her but it really doesn’t seem to.

The ending kind of threw me, the older priest dies and in his rage Damien grabs Regan and begins to beat up the child (wack). I get that there is a demon in there but just a few moments ago the guy was worried about Regan’s heart and now here he is beating her up! It felt really dangerous to the child trapped by the demon but, okay I guess. THEN he gets the bright idea to invite the demon into his own body and boy is it happy to get out of that helpless child body and into a vessel that can do some real damage. But Dimmy boy is too strong for the demon and suppresses it before it can hurt Regan (any more) and throws himself out the closed window (goodness knows windows back then weren’t so strong). Damien tumbles down the staircase right next to the window and dies, taking the demon with him. A very noble thing to do, Dimmy, thank you.

Regan is all better now and she even kisses the next priest she sees on the cheek which didn’t feel ominous at all (it really did). And then the detective tries to find a date to the movies but fails. Really a must watch classic film after all is said and done.

[unexplained-events]

I was watching a documentary recently about found footage horror movies and it reminded me that I need to rewatch Afflicted (2013) because I LOVED it when I first saw it. Do you have any favorite found footage films & why!?

I absolutely LOVE the found footage subgenre (if its done right) It's a great subgenre for reflecting societal fears. Also its one of the few genres where slow burn horror can have a great payoff

Here are some of my faves (in no particular order) 1- REC 2- The Taking of Deborah Logan 3- Incantation 4- Hell House LLC 5- Deadstream 6- VHS 7- Creep 8- Chronicle 9- The Poughkeepsie Tapes 10- One Cut of the Dead

[heckyeahponyscans]

I love this series (debunking a silly "paranormal" TV show with the lowest of low quality monsters, aliens, and ghosts) and was very excited at an unexpected cameo by several HQG1C Halloween ponies!

[aphantomslibrary]

👽🌑 What I really appreciated about this book was not only Milford Jr's extremely critical eye of overall American law enforcement systems (Navajo Rangers operate both within and outside of that system as a really unique entity, but Milford Jr. did leave the force because of police brutality and American law enforcement corruption on a broad level), but also the openness with which he encouraged readers to engage with the strange on new levels. This book was about weird and sometimes terrifying tales, yes; but really, it was about learning to listen to the needs of one's community and become an active participant in helping to rectify those needs, and being willing to think flexibly about the world we live in. It was also about discernment, which becomes increasingly important as we go forth today.

[jessread-s]

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

✩⚔️🦋Review:

This book took the world by storm and rightfully so!

“Quicksilver” follows Saeris Fane, a metalworker and thief, after she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms with the. Strange powers she possesses and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior. He has nefarious agendas of his own, but he’s the only way Saris is going to make it home alive. 

If you’re looking for an addicting enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of a centuries-long conflict in a dangerous fae realm, this one has your name on it! The very first chapter put me in a chokehold and did not let up until I found myself at the very end! 

Hart’s immersive world is dangerously captivating. She does a wonderful job distinguishing the differences between each of the Fae kingdoms and the regions they are located in. She also takes her time in revealing bits and pieces about the magic they possess and the gods that rule over them as both become more relevant to the plot. While the lore did bog me down at times, it is necessary in paving the way for the books to come. 

The friction that builds between Saeris and Kingfisher is insane!! I was living for their dynamic! As crazy as it sounds, every fight they picked kept me coming back for more. Watching their animosity slowly give way to an intense, all-consuming love was way beyond satisfying. 

I really enjoyed Saeris’ character. In a world of temperamental Fae, she doesn’t let her humanness damper her tenacious, strong-willed personality. She isn’t a skilled warrior by any means, but never shies away from a fight when the lives of those she cares about are in peril. It was fun to read from the perspective of a novice in combat and magic for a change.  

Fair warning, the end of this book is absolutely criminal! I’m excited to see how things play out in the next one!

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph