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A brand new 5 star review of Hairy Bromance!
11 Apr“Hairy Bromance is an oddly entertaining book. It’s full of monsters, but they’re
not quasi-scary, mindless beasts. They’re like normal people who just happen to
be monsters. While the two main characters Glen and Barry are a Sasquatch and
Werewolf, the book has just about every other monster imaginable. Some I even
had to Google to figure out what they are.
The story is simple: Glen and
Barry get run out of their homes after they allow photographic evidence of them
to show up in their local paper. The most logical thing to do? Head cross
country to Comic-Con! Along the way, they run into a variety of beasts (both
friendly and unfriendly), get chased by monster hunters, drink beer (lots of
it), face significant issues from their pasts, publicly “out” monsters as a part
of society, and even manage to get lucky.
What really impressed me is how
incredibly well-written it is. The characters are so well fleshed out that I
didn’t really think of them as monsters (even the ones that were not even
vaguely humanoid). The author clearly has serious talent, and I look forward to
reading more.”
Review of The Damned Busters by Matthew Hughes
31 Mar| 4.5 enthusiastic stars. I would unflinchingly recommend this book. Funny, philosophical, and entertaining, The Damned Busters had me laughing, thinking and marveling at how well Matthew Hughes can weave a story together to such a satisfying and appropriate end. Originally, I picked up this book on a whim to read a super-hero tale, but what I got was a story that dissects religious notions, satirizes all manner of human behavior, and plays off superhero tropes in a way that is highly satisfying. Chesney Anstruther is a mild-mannered and mildly autistic actuary that accidentally summons a demon, causes a strike in hell, and decides to use the results to become a superhero. This book continues to take great turns that will have you wondering what is going to happen next. When it does happen, you will be chuckling at how Chesney is “writing” his own story. This is the crux of the philosophical argument and one done so cleverly that I’m sure that whoever really gives it a chance will hold the secret of just how a classic this thing is. I, for one am glad to be in on the joke. Although the book’s humor may lag in a place or two, and the plot slows toward the middle, I pray that you will continue to the climactic and hilarious end. This thing should be a movie. However, it should only be so if a comic genius is enlisted to play Chesney/the Actionary, as his depiction of life through the eyes of someone on the spectrum is sweet, authentic and very, very funny. Heck, the more I think about it, the more I love this book, so, 5 stars, people! I can’t wait to read the sequels to this charming novel |
Bunch of Reviews
29 MarI’ve been sick, so I’ve caught up on some reading and a whole lot of editing. The final installment of The Vale of Shade trilogy: Lord of an Endless Realm is in final edits. After a cover is made, this one will be available. I’m doing some editing on my children’s fantasy novel: The Door to Halloween, as well. I hope to have this spooky fantasy out for people of all ages who love the holiday to enjoy by autumn.
I also have read a novella, two novels and a graphic novel: Here goes, in no particular order:
Stripped
by: G. Elmer Munson
| First two disclaimers: 1. I was given a copy of this book for review 2. Normally, I would not read this type of book. My horror usually has to have some supernatural element to it, and I bypass the suspense genre completely. Those two things said, I only have good things to say about G. Elmer Munson’s horror/suspense novel, Stripped. Our plucky protagonist is Paula, a down and out girl with little education and less prospects. The novel opens with her witnessing the brutal murder of her boyfriend (a fellow ex-carney) and going on the run from a couple of murderous thugs. After nail-biting scenes of violence and chase, our heroine finds herself in a very realistic hell where slave strippers dance, are used and abused. The plot is direct, but with enough twists to really keep you reading. The characters are frighteningly believable. Munson is able to create this very possible scenario using a no-nonsense approach to verbiage and dialogue. The horrors will haunt you, which throws into juxtaposition the character of this relentlessly hopeful woman who endures every kind of depravity, but still finds the chutzpah to survive, and even more… but I’m not telling. The ride is too fast, and too fun with this one. You need to take it yourself. If you don’t shy away from brutal descriptions of the most horrific caliber, then this novel will have you turning the page to see just what more can spill from Mr. Munson’s incredibly creative mind. Has this novel sold me on this kind of novel? Not really, but it has sold me on G. Elmer Munson, and I look forward with anticipation to his next work (put a vampire or a zombie in the next one, please!)I’m afraid Mr. Munson’s depictions and characterizations are a little too realistic. I’m not sure I want to believe that humans can treat each other this way, although I know they can. It is the strength of Munson’s unflinching flare that really high lights this dark and perilous tale.The Legion of Monsters (a graphic Novel)
by: Dennis Hopeless and Juan Doe 2.5 stars.I fell in love with the characters in Legion of Monsters in Rick Remender’s “Frankencastle” run. I loved the monstropolis and the banter between these misunderstood monsters. When I saw that there was more, I was very excited. Perhaps I was too excited, and hence my feeling of disappointment. The story had real potential, with some interesting twists, but the execution was too cluttered, too rushed, and in my opinion, a big opportunity was wasted. Very little is explained, so that the entire story becomes disjointed and in the end- anti-climactic. Focus on the pov of a couple of characters might have helped, and the art work did not always add to the clarity. I hope to see more of the Legion of Monsters, but I hope next time, they are allowed to shine with their monstrous potential. A Long Way Gone by: Ishmael Beah A moving memoir from a boy soldier in Sierra Leone’s Civil War that went for ten years (1992-2002). This is disturbing, graphic and challenging (as well it should be) but also beautifully written. It both reveals the depths of madness and depravity humans are capable of while simultaneously highlighting the unbelievable acts of kindnesses, too. I believe Ishmael Beah’s book should go on to become one of the most important war novels of all time. Everyone over the age of 13 should read this book. It makes one appreciative of one’s own relative peace and amazed that a young soul can rise above his situation and produce such a remarkable literary testament. Mile 81 (a novella e-book) I don’t give everything by Stephen King five stars, although he is the most consistently entertaining author alive today, IMHO. Here are some of the reasons that I gave this novella the gold prize: It reminded me of his best and funnest works in his old anthologies. It has all the elements of great everyday characters, everyday objects and situations that are turned on their head and gruesome horror. Is it brilliant? No, probably not, but it was pure and delicious entertainment. Many of the characters are children, and as in most of his work (here his connection to Bradbury and other essentially Romantic American writers are shown), it is the child’s innocence and imagination that allows them to navigate situations that would otherwise send one to gaga land. Here is the crux of the theme: In a world where bad stuff falls into our laps, and we could die from being a Samaritan, we must see the world through a child’s eyes. If you can’t do that, don’t bother with this little horror gem. It is fun, twisted and light, but not I’d say for the jaded and cynical. That wraps it up for now. I’ll be journeying back to Vanaheim to finish the novella: “The Stormherald” soon! |
First Five Star Review for The Bastard Prophecy
20 Mar“In The Bastard Prophecy we rejoin the Order of the Vale on their quest to
unravel the worsening evil that perverts both Prince Arden and the land of
Jotunheim. Friendships will be forged and courage will be tested as Prince Arden
and his companions uncover the clues guiding their search for the Vale of Shade.
The dark prophet Malvane feels their growing threat and through his followers
responds with horrific results as T. L. Barrett skillfully sets the stage for
volume three with the issue still very much in doubt.
Strong characters
,old and new, along with an equally strong storyline spiced with magic and
mystery propel this excellent second volume of The Vale of Shade trilogy. I
thoroughly enjoyed The Bastard Prophecy and enthusiastically look forward to
volume three, Lord of an Endless Realm. Well worth the read for fans of well
written fantasy or horror.”- Drizz’t Fan
Test of a Prince for free on Kindle!
8 MarTest of a Prince is free on Kindle today and Saturday (3/8-3/9) to celebrate the arrival of its sequel: The Bastard Prophecy. Tell your friends and begin the adventure today.
Quitting without quitting.
7 MarWhen I was a child there was one thing that I wanted to be more than anything else and one thing that I didn’t. The thing I wanted to be was a writer, and that dream haunted me with every book, story and film that I enjoyed. I wrote books in grade school, stories in middle school, another book in high school, and then college happened. I got depressed and became the thing I most didn’t want to be: a smoker. In any case, I managed to quit about a dozen times in my twenties, but by the time I was 29 I was a steady smoker. I had a dream that I visited the future and was dying of cancer. I quit, and stayed quit for five years.
Then my kid got sick, really sick. It is a lame excuse, but it made me start two things. I was overwhelmed and thought I’d go mad with worry. I picked up the old habit when I was 35. At that time, I also made a pledge that I would achieve my dream of being a successful writer of fiction. I worked hard at publishing stories in the small press and was successful. I worked harder at selling my books to the small press and was successful. If I needed a break from writing, or needed to stay awake on my long commute after working and staying up late writing the night before, I would have a smoke.
Now, three and half years later, I really wanted to continue to be a writer, but not a smoking writer. This is more difficult than it would seem. There is something about habitual and chemical dependency which makes the creative process grind to a halt when you take away that chemical. I have gone without smoking for two weeks now, no small feat, I assure you. I decided it was time to start my new novel: The Pyrelord. Just sitting down and writing words seemed foreign to me. How could I do it? Finally, like pulling a hang nail off, I pounded out a little over a thousand words. It took me longer than usual, and I felt mediocre at best about my success. However, it was a success, I suppose; I wrote. Now, I will continue to do so with the hopes that I will be able to continue to be a quitter without quitting that thing which really gives me a sense of purpose and contentment beyond the daily life with my loving family.
Wish me luck. I want to have this novel done by June 1st. Here goes…
Trav
Order a copy of The Bastard Prophecy now!
28 Febhttps://www.createspace.com/4187827
The Bastard Prophecy is available for order. This is the second installment in The Vale of Shade Trilogy, my first major literary achievement. It has been a long road getting here, but the journey to the Vale of Shade is that much closer to completion. Lord of an Endless Realm is being edited as you read this, so it shouldn’t be more than a couple of months before you enter the darkest place in the nine realms. Until then catch up with Tuckus, Oakia, Arden, Arriana, Lodon, Carver and the other denizens of Jotunheim in this dark middle chapter (think of The Empire Strikes Back in the original Star Wars saga). The book is reasonably priced at just $14.95, and the cover is gorgeous and painted by the inestimable Curtis Hale.
If this intrigues you, but you haven’t stepped foot into the curse-ravaged world of Jotunheim yet, check out Test of a Prince, the volume that begins the whole shebang!
The Bastard Prophecy
24 Feb
Big News!-
1. The first Valkyrie is finished! The Bone Snake has yet to be edited, but it is finished and anyone who loves, horror, fantasy, monsters, motor cycle mamas, paranormal mystery, suspense, gun fights, mutated hillbillies, and more will love this book. It will be just the first of many about Inge and her girls.
2. The Bastard Prophecy is done being edited and the cover is complete. I just have to format and we will go to press. Here is a shot of the cover. I think it is awesome! done by my good friend the artist, Curtis Hale.
The Big Update
15 Feb1. I’ve been writing every day, (or making up for day’s missed) and having a great time. My newest novel, The Bone Snake shall be done this weekend. This fantasy/horror story features the monster-hunting motorcycle mamas, The Valkyries. This is one weird, twisted, and depraved novel of heroism, gutsy strong ladies, monsters, supernatural mystery and more.
2. The artist is working on the cover to The Bastard Prophecy, the sequel to Test of a Prince. Thanks for waiting everyone; I know it will be worth it. As soon as the cover is done and formatted it shall be out. I am shooting for March 20th at this point.
3. My next novel will really be an anthology of Crimm tales each of which will be from a different point of view of one of Crimm’s many companions. The deadline should be May 30th. These tales will most likely take place just after the events of The Wardmaster.
My successful return from the red planet.
The Troll Cave
The Valkyries
Motorcycle Mamas Vs. The Apocalypse
The Vale of Shade
The Epic fantasy all in one volume.
Hairy Bromance
A Horror Comedy
Number 7 was Empty
Read a free sample from The Night Library!
The Night Library
21 Tales of Terror
The Wardmaster
Just 99 Cents for the Kindle!
The Door to Halloween
All Hallows Eve all year long!
Thorbadin’s Dilemma
A romantic romp into Jotunheim
The Witch-Father
A Chronicle of Crimm
The Dragon Wager
funny fantasy tale on kindle!
T. L. Barrett 