Book Reccomendations

Author/Blogger/Social Media Guide Book – Discounted Today!

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Consistent Creative Content: A Guide to Authoring and Blogging in the Social Media Age is exclusively discounted in digital today!

This is a rare opportunity to grab yourself a bargain while also learning about my journey to success which is laid out in the book designed to help others. From selling books regularly to growing my Twitter following and so much more. Consistent Creative Content is a modern guide for modern creatives.

Recent Praise:

‘Honest, insightful author guide to book marketing’

‘If you are just starting your writing journey, read this!

‘A how-to book from a writer with vast experience in social media‘

‘A personality-filled, informative read‘

Grab yourself a copy of Consistent Creative Content here

Discounted Today: The Order of the Following Series

Lee Hall 2 Comments

For today only, every book in my thrilling Order of the Following Series is discounted in digital. From fast-paced high school horror debut Open Evening all the way to the series culmination and newest release Darke Apocalypse.

The occult can take many forms. From mind hive monsters that live on the fringes of small towns to the remnants of those who hunt and take them down. In between you’ll find vampires, witches and of course the good guys who eventually band together to fight the darkness. This is the Order of the Following, an immersive, thrilling and action packed roller coaster spread over five stories or a pentagram of events…

Remember, if you grab a discounted copy and read it, please leave a review! Happy reading!

US Link

UK Link

Or search for the ‘Order of the Following Series’ via the Amazon search bar.

‘The Guard of Woestynn’ by E.M. McConnell – Review

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Unique, descriptive and original

When new recruit ‘Ford’ arrives on a desolate planet to report for duty at ‘Woestynn’ prison, it appears he may have bitten off more than he can chew and this short but unique story follows his journey.

E.M. McConnell presents this original tale with some cool concepts and wonderful description that kept me reading and I completed this experience in just a few late night sittings. The idea of a prison that requires inmates to earn their rehabilitation is an interesting concept that could easily be explored in further tales or even expanded and the same goes for the main character’s journey from intimidated newbie to someone with an applied mind to make better of everyone’s situation. The descriptive vibes in this book are its true strength and McConnell’s writing style is very much on display here in this sci-fi/dystopian story set in an original universe.

‘…the desert sand and winds took the brightness off everything. We all became matte, dusty…’

5 Stars

‘The Insatiable Hunger of Trees’ by Samantha Eaton – Review

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‘I’ve done something unforgivable, and it followed me here…’

Samantha Eaton delivers a horror tale through the vessel of atmosphere and originality with a different take on the creature feature that carries a certain sophistication.

With a main character in high school, the expectation to take the ultra dramatic teenage angst route would appear obvious but not here, our hero ‘Cara Hughes’ is presented in a more grounded way along with her life much like many of the horror elements in this story that is packed with mystery and unpredictability. Of course we do see the usual school politics and antics of kids who are that age which is delivered through snippets of flashbacks that plant seeds for what is unfolding now and what is to come. Hysteria spreads quickly among the students along with rumours that whisper murder or worse.

‘My body may be in the classroom, but my mind wanders…’

From the start readers are fed an atmosphere which is this book’s ultimate strength and captures the forest setting, theme and personality of every major character. Something is out there and it has taken lives and even loved ones so when a missing presumed dead sibling returns, for ‘Cara’ it sets her on a path of realisation that a sinister presence is watching.

‘Someone was watching me tonight. Just like they have been watching me every night for weeks. I wonder if, one of these nights, they’ll want to do more than watch…’

The journey of realisation and then revelation kept me turning pages while I also found myself savouring certain face off moments between ‘Cara’ and the unknown forcers that were both immersive and gripping. For anyone who enjoys atmospheric horror with a slow burn and the presence of kittens every now and then, this one is for you because there is something out there.

5 Stars

Perfect Reads for Spooky Season

Lee Hall 1 Comment

The season of spookyness is here and what better time to get into a book because the evenings are short and the lanterns of carved fruit are being lit. Here are some indie books that I think are perfect for spooky season.

Original Image: 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

‘Evil Eye: A Slasher Story’ by April A. Taylor

Of course this season brings with it the plethora of slasher films like ‘Halloween’ and ‘Friday the 13th’ so if you like them, you’ll love ‘Evil Eye’. Set on a remote island during a hurricane, there’s a masked killer stalking those left behind. Perfect for this time of year. Full review here.

‘Fear Farm No Trespassers’ by S.J. Krandall

For those who enjoy shorter reads that all link together, this is the one for you. Each story of ‘Fear Farm’ starts with that slow creepifying burn which then flows into much quicker tempo producing those spooky season thrills and spills. Well worth a read for anyone looking to be thrilled. Full review here.

‘Don’t Lose Your Head’ by Dave Williams7

Although to me ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’ is an all-year-round type of dark read it will definitely haunt you in deep and unique type of way. Conscience and repercussion take centre stage in this story that I couldn’t put down and there are plenty of themes within that perfectly align for this time of year – atmosphere and creepy visuals are a plenty in this one. Full Review Here.

‘Deification’ by Brooklynn Dean

It probably doesn’t get any darker than the apocalypse and Brooklynn Dean delivers it on a lavish plate full of prose, depth and darkness in a story that will keep you glued. This one is perfect for spooky season but again definitely an all-year-round type of read. Full Review Here.

‘Nocturnal Blood’ by Villimey Mist

Nocturnal blood

Without vampires there would be no spooky season and my go-to indie vampire story is the ‘Nocturnal’ series starting with this part one. A unique blend of chase and discovery take a young lady on one hell of journey down the sometimes gory but always satisfying rabbit hole of vampire horror. Full review here.

‘Demonspawn’ by Christina Engela

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I’ve always got time for a little space horror especially when it is this good and chilling. A stranded and down on their luck crew of the I.S.S. Mordrake discover a seemingly abandoned vessel floating in the depths of space. What they discover takes the reader on an awesome ride. Full Review Here.

‘The Ghost Beside Me’ by Lee Hall

You’ll have to excuse the blatant self promotion here but there isn’t a ghost story on this list and considering how well this book is doing of recent, I thought I’d give it a little plug. ‘Ghost’ is a unique short read making it low commitment which is part of the appeal. All you need is a free evening and you’ll probably get through the whole thing. Here’s a recent review.

Thanks for stopping by and check back soon for some more reads that are perfect for spooky season!

Guest Post: Excerpt of ‘Heroes Of the Shadow. Blue Scar Indeabinito’ by S.S. Frankowska

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Introducing author S.S. Frankowska who shares an excerpt of epic fantasy novel ‘Heroes Of the Shadow. Blue Scar Indeabinito’.

“INDEABINITO WAS A VERY OLD WORLD. It has existed for millions of years. Over the first centuries, new races were born. After all, the kingdom was inhabited by twelve different races, one being the human race. The other eleven races were characterized by abilities which humans were unable to possess. Still, the position of people in this world was extremely privileged. They have been treated as a race that everyone else should watch out for. A race that others have to look after, with no one allowed to hurt them.
At the head of the kingdom were always human queens and kings. They held meetings in which all races took part. The king and queen were always ready to hear the voices of other races, but ultimately it was up to them to make decisions.
There came a moment in the history of this world when the last ruling couple made a mistake. Worrying about the future of their children, putting their good above the good of the kingdom, they mislaid their trust and irreversibly changed the course of Indeabinito history. With their actions, they introduced into this world something that had never been there before. Magic. A force that allowed humans to measure themselves with the abilities of other races.
Of course, at first no one dared to oppose humans. Everyone knew that their firstborn son embraced to seek the power that did not come from this world, but they remained silent. The second son of the royal couple grew into a wonderful man. Nobody doubted that he would be a worthy successor to his parents. Therefore, after the unexpected death of the king and queen, when their ship sunk because of a storm, all races were glad to welcome the nineteen-year-old king. The second son. Nobody knew what was happening to the eldest son of the royal couple. They were worried about his disappearance, but nobody was eager to find him. The whole kingdom celebrated the coronation.”

This is an excerpt of epic fantasy ‘Heroes Of the Shadow. Blue Scar Indeabinito’ (Chapter 16: Victor’s Story) by S.S. Frankowska which is available now.

You can find more information from S.S. Frankowska on Twitter and via the Heroes of the Shadow website.

Biosphere: Hazard by B.W. Cole – Review

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Breezy, thrilling and gripping science fiction set in a visionary world…

For a novella less than 100 pages long B.W. Cole sure makes every word count with unique world building and a story that’ll keep readers turning pages until the very end.

Set in a future of space settlements and uber control; from colour coded uniforms that reflect status to droids who seemingly run the show, there’s a familiar cinematic sense this wider and visionary setting brings which throws together two characters; ‘Sola’ and ‘Kit’ who find themselves far removed from where they started. Both of them have to deal with the implications of their past which now effect their present; that is while being residents of a remote moon with a potentially horrific secret. It’s psychological and feels a little claustrophobic like there is no escape which heightens the tension that eventually presents itself.

“As she swiped the torch along the walls, she went cold. Claw marks tore at the walls. Some so deep they pierced the metal…”

Just how they got these characters got there and what lurks beneath? Will they ever get out of there? You’ll find all of that out in what is a breezy atmospheric read that merges description and an ensemble cast of characters very well especially for a shorter read.

5 Stars – Very enjoyable. Thank you to Distant Shore Publishing for reaching out and for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a review via Goodreads and Amazon.

Biosphere: Hazard is out now and available here.

‘Lords of Mars’ by Colin Yeoman – Review

Lee Hall 2 Comments

Gripping high end space fiction about the politics of humanity, civilisation and revolution…

Lords of Mars is a story that embodies the many aspects of human politics from power, revolution, deception, change and no matter what civilisation we create, these things will always exist wherever we go. Perhaps the greatest threat to our own civilisation and history is ourselves as a species. These themes and concepts are then combined with the question of where we originated from and how we actually got here on this planet.

While the first book in this Custodian Library Archives series merely considers the question, Colin Yeoman uses this story to answer it and there is a lot more going on throughout this fantastic well paced read. This book could even be enjoyed on a stand alone level simply for it’s originality.

We are taken way back to when humans were leaving the near fallen civilisations of Mars; although some feel as if they were abandoning their fellow man but there is a new planet on the horizon. This is a polarising subject that creates opposing factions who feel like their history and people are being left behind. The preservation of this history is being contended here.

Much of the story takes place during the crossing between the two planets on board the ‘Spero’ where a multitude of characters are either for or against the new frontier. We meet ‘Cal’ who looks to lead a revolution in securing the ‘Remnants’ history and survival, that is after he encounters a stowaway who might know a little too much about the future. Of course there are other physical struggles like adjusting to the gravity of space travel and then the new world. ‘Centrifugal Gravity’ is just one of the many cool concepts this book is full of.

The pace quickens in the final chapters with action, deception and page turning thrills that highlight the early days of when we first arrived to the new world all of which is left open for more. Readers of science fiction will enjoy the original world building and thought provoking nature of what is a great read.

5 Stars – Thoroughly enjoyable and great escapism!

The Back Pew (Clown Conspiracy Book 3): A Short Thriller by Mallory Kelly – Review

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A chilling winters tale of cold blooded murder…

 

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The Clown Conspiracy series gets better and better with every instalment. The descriptive style of writing that Mallory Kelly uses immerses the reader into thinking they are there in the dead of winter alongside Agents Shirley and Carter who continue their chase for these killer clowns.

This time we see an opening that begins with that unique use of description and chaos as the scene is set and we realise another clown is about to strike and this time at a church. It’s just a matter of time and our two Agents arrive while the action is still happening making for some tension and page turning read-abilty.

For what is a short series of reads they work well in telling a story that is full of chills and mystery while also keeping the reader on the edge, I particularity enjoyed the ending which leaves the story open for the next chapter which I shall be taking on soon.

5 Stars