Interview with Kelly Samarah author of Beneath the Blood Moon

 I'm so happy to have as my very first author interview, Kelly Samarah, author of Beneath the Blood Moon.

1. Where do the voices come from?

I don't know! I wish I did. But, would be as magical if I knew the source? Probably not. When they start whispering, I have to listen, it's my job. I only hope I'm doing them justice.

2. What inspired you to start writing?

That's a hard one. I get inspired by several things, every day. But if we are talking in general terms, my love for the craft and my creative writing teacher. I took his advice, and haven't looked back.

3. Do you have a specific writing style?

I'm a narrative writer. I like to be colorful and blunt when I share my stories,but leave enough room for the reader to use their own imagination.

4. What books have influenced your life the most?

Influenced my life? I think we will have to look back to my childhood for this question. Reading was an escape for me. There were five kids in my family, and little money. We didn't have computers, video games etc. (well, we had an Atari, ha ha, but does that count?) The books I remember most are A Wrinkle in Time, The Giver, a book of poetry I still don't know the name of...these books and others influenced my life. They not only kept me entertained, but watered the writer's seed in my heart.

5. What are you reading now?

Drowning Ruth and Hannibal Rising.

6. What are your current projects?

I write when it hits me, but I am also plugging away at a YA novel about a boy from an alternate universe. We'll see where it goes.

7. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Ah, definitely when I can see a particular "scene" in my head, can feel the atmosphere of it, and struggle to bring that to life in the story. Sometimes I get so frustrated I abandon it all together. I have several unfinished pieces because of this.

8. While writing, have you ever put yourself into character?

Yes, depending on the story. If not that, than I like to imagine the character is having a conversation with me. I did this quite a bit while writing my book, Thorns of Glass.

9. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Be a writer because you love to tell stories, and remember-there's a big difference between a story tell and an author.

10. Is there anything you would like to share with your readers?

Yes, make sure you visit my blog. I am having a Flash Fiction Horror Contest, there will be prizes. Who doesn't love prizes?

 Kelly Samarah around the web:

Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Find her books on Amazon:
Beneath a Blood Moon
Thorns of Glass

Review of Malena's Kiss by James DiPersio

Malena's Kiss on Goodreads
Malena's Kiss on Amazon


I received this book for free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

James Francis inherits a house when his aunt passes away. It is in need of a lot of work and so he begins renovations with plans to sell it when he was finished at the end of the summer. He uncovers and old leach pit in the backyard and an interesting but horribly smelly old iron box which he opens with thoughts of some sort of "real" inheritance.

Instead he unleashes the body of a young Venezuelan girl who had died over forty years earlier while under the tutelage of his aunt's second husband.

The imagery in this book is acutely, graphically vivid. I felt like I was really there beside James Francis throughout the entire story. With the combination of old Native American burial grounds, poisoned and presumed evil ground, and ancient, evil Celtic magic, the story carefully weaved by author Paul DiPersio will keep you up late into the night equally afraid of and compelled to turn the next page.

5/5
Kindle Edition, 140 pages

Published February 5th 2013 

Paul DiPersio on Goodreads 

Review of Beneath the Blood Moon by Kelly Samarah

Beneath the Blood Moon on Goodreads
Beneath the Blood Moon on Amazon

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I'm going to comment briefly on each of the six short stories and then give my overall impressions of the book.

The Edge:

A glimpse into insanity. Well written--it leaves the reader feeling jarred, dismantled, and wee bit disturbed. Not much substance here as far as story goes, but the ambiance is just right.

Hailey:

Love the imagery of the house crying! Very odd little tale of sibling rivalry. Not quite sure how I feel about this one. Another glimpse into the world of the disturbed mind.

Parallel:

A brief little tale about a parallel reality triggered by a car crash and a concussion. Interesting, but left me wanting more--doesn't feel quite finished in my opinion. There could be something really fascinating here if the author takes the time to flesh it out a bit.

Midnight Visitor:

Love the start! Seems like there's a major typo near the end of the story. Looks like something might be accidentally cut off. A macabre tale of the sort of clientele who frequent grocery and convenience stores late at night. Although it ends rather abruptly, it seems fitting all the same.

The Investigation:

A short story that incorporates the ghost hunting/paranormal investigation phenomenon with the witchy/demonic craze. Interestingly done, but I'm left wanting more. Perhaps more back story with the ghost they are trying to raise--this could have a very Lovecraftian feel to it. Also I'm slightly confused about what happens to Jill in the end. Once again I feel as though the author really has something here, the story just needs some fleshing out.

Chop:

I have to admit that this one is my favorite of the collection--by far. I felt like I could really connect with the character of the little boy-Benny- and was vehemently disgusted by the description of his mother. And the description of the infomercial--spot on! Definitely the best piece in the book!

Overall:

There are lots of typos. It still needs a good deal of editing. There are places where it seems the author may be getting ahead of herself--something some space from the manuscript and then careful editing will quickly and easily fix. I mention this only because it really does hugely affect the readability of the stories.

I firmly believe that this author could be someone of interest in the horror field and is definitely one to watch. I think that she has a good grasp of what makes a story tick and an admirable ability to wield words and has only to hone her craft before she makes a place for herself in the horror genre.

3/5

Kelly Samarah on Goodreads
KellySamarah.com

Review of A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

A Shade of Vampire on Goodreads
A Shade of Vampire on Amazon


I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sophia Claremont has been captured by a group of vampires and secreted away to an enchanted island of night to become the human slave of vampire prince Derek Novak. He is smitten with her humanity and empathy upon their first encounter. What unfolds, is a strange tale about falling in love.

There is so much that I like about this book. The description of the island and the villas in the Redwood trees sounds amazing. I want to go there!

I am reminded more of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast than typical vampire folklore. I like how the chapters go back and forth alternating between Sophia's and Derek's perspectives.

I have to admit that I feel as though Sophia's character is a bit one dimensional. I feel that her character lacks a certain depth in comparison with the character of Derek Novak. Maybe this stems from knowing more of his background than hers. I am hoping that the author will be able to remedy this in subsequent installations.

Overall, the book definitely kept me intrigued. I couldn't seem to put it down--I was too curious about what would happen next. A good, quick read and an admirable start to an interesting new series in the vampire genre.

4/5
Paperback, 149 pages

Published December 14th 2012 

Bella Forrest on Goodreads 

BellaForrest.net 

Review of The Beautiful Land by Alan Averill

The Beautiful Land  on Goodreads
The Beautiful Land on Amazon
Things Difficult to Say  -- Link to Alan Averill's website

I received this book through the Goodreads First-Reads program.

I'm not sure that I can adequately describe just how much I loved this book, but I am certainly going to try. Takahiro O'Leary and Samira Moheb are the most unlikely of heroes, but they set out to save the world just the same. The way that time travel and alternate realities are described like a stack of pancakes is brilliant. Samira is utterly one hundred percent believable as a shattered war veteran dealing with the aftermath of the atrocities she was made to witness. Tak is an amazing little Japanese-Irish kick butt hero. And the story of their love for each other just could not be more perfect.

In my opinion, The Beautiful Land is one of the best books of the year and I cannot wait to read more by this author. Utterly brilliant, breathtaking, perfection. Highly recommended!!

5/5

Review of Good as Gone by Douglas Corleone

Good as Gone on Goodreads
Good as Gone on Amazon

I received my copy of this novel through the Goodreads First-Reads program.

As far as fast paced thrillers go, Douglas Corleone has definitely made a name for himself with this book. I was hooked from beginning to end, wondering what new obstacle would be placed in front of his solid protagonist Simon Fisk. I think that my only gripe would be that the character seemed a little too commendable, and perhaps some rough edges would have rounded him out better, as odd as that may sound.

I have little to no knowledge of the places Corleone takes us in this book, but I was able to see everything through his characters' eyes. The heartbreak and sorrow surrounding families still living from the fallout of Chernobyl is only all to real, and a reminder of one of the most horrific accidents in history.

Fans of James Grippando and Brad Meltzer would probably appreciate this book. I will definitely be seeking out more by this author. Thanks to the author for giving me something so enjoyable to read!

5/5
Hardcover, 304 pages

Published August 20th 2013 by Minotaur Books

DouglasCorleone.com 

Review of Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens on Amazon.com
Still Missing on Goodreads.com

I received this book through the Goodreads First-reads program.

I could not put this book down! Chevy Stevens had me in thrall from beginning to end. I do have to warn you that this book can be incredibly graphic at times. The author doesn't hold back from anything and plunges the reader into this horrific world where a woman is abducted, raped, and tortured for over a year. Told from the perspective of the main character, Annie O'Sullivan, the reader experiences every moment with this woman first hand, which can be more than a little painful at times.

Not for the faint of heart or weak-stomached, this book grips the reader as Annie recounts in vivid and excruciating detail the year she spent locked away in a cabin on a mountain by the man who abducts her, as well as how she deals with the subsequent aftermath of life after the horrors she faced and the ensuing investigation.

Incredibly well-written, this debut novel is highly recommended to any lover of the thriller genre.

5/5

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published July 6th 2010 by St. Martin's Press

ChevyStevens.com