Ghost Camera

Ghost Camera

Despite being a novella, this is how ghost stories are done. I first stumbled on this book a few years ago before a deployment and I plowed through it late one night on ship. It had me spooked for sure and those can be some dark hallways at night. Before I found this book I had been searching for a decent ghost story, one that had actual ghost in it that were present, menacing, and not revealed to be fake at the end. Darcy Coates finally ended this search for me and I became hooked on her Haunting of such and such House novels.

The basic idea is that a woman finds a camera, one which shows ghosts in its photos. The woman and her friend notice this, but as they begin to take more pictures, they realize the ghosts are noticing them back and starting to come after them. The way that the author describes the ghosts and their pursuit makes them really come to life (some comment about puns or whatever goes here). Despite the short length of the story, the two main characters are also surprisingly well fleshed out and don't just seem like ghost fodder. The settings are okay, but they just serve as the backdrop for nasty ghosts to stalk and prowl upon. As far as literary quality goes, this author remembers that horror is the main focus. The writing holds itself high accordingly but doesn't get lost in the weeds with over complex or deep writing. Scares and the chase are the main focus of this novel and they are done exceedingly well.

I also really liked how the author provided the resolution to the story. Many horror stories end with everyone being killed off with perhaps a lone survivor that no one will believe and the horror threat still out there or acting like an unstoppable terminator. This one definitively stops the ghost threat and provides solid resolution to the story and for the characters. The lore behind the Ghost Camera was also very intriguing.

I'd recommend reading this story for those that like stories with ghosts, the paranormal, or the supernatural in general. It does far better than most ghost stories out there and is a great example of horror.

Rating:
Story: 5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Settings: 3 Stars
Literary Quality: 3 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Darcy Coates
Publisher: Candlebreak
Published: 19 July 2014
Page Length: 144
Genre: Horror
Sub-Genre: Ghosts
Awards and Nominations: None

Horrorstör

Horrorstör

Coming to this book, I did have somewhat mixed feelings about whether or not to pick it up. Some people seem to love it and others seem to hate it. Having read it, I find that I'm somewhere in the middle. So the basic idea is that there is an American knock-off IKEA that sells cheaper products. In Ohio the is a particular IKEA that has some strange things happen with increasing frequency while the store is closed. As a result, one of the managers gets some "volunteers" together to see who is breaking in at night and catch them. Needless to say, ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties ensue.

So here's the bad. First, the characters are mainly okay. They aren't too deep and anyone who works retail could easily put themselves in their shoes. The limited cast only really sees the main two characters getting any sort of development or really any page time. The extras, after being introduced, don't really appear much after the chaos ensues except for a few pages where something bad can happen to them. I also didn't like how these extras stories didn't really get resolved although this could be explained over easily if a sequel were to explore this. As for the story, it starts out strongly, but then kind of just drops off and feels rushed. The reveal of the terror is great and the portion with the main character being restrained to the chair is chilling. The author does a good job getting into the psyche of someone not able to move. But after that, it's just kind of a race to escape the store, try to get others out, and a little bit of exposition about why the store is haunted and a glimpse at the other side. The amount of building up didn't match the juice yielded from the squeeze. Not to mention the villain just kind of gets "dealt" with and there is never any explanation of how he and is insane domain led to him and it having supernatural ghost powers.

However, these negatives are what hold it back from greatness and this is a greatness that certainly could have been achieved. This is probably why it was an award nominee after all. While the characters and story are just okay, the setting and premise is where this story really shines. Admit it after all, the concept of a Haunted IKEA is what drew you to this story in the first place. At the beginning of each chapter there's an advertised Swedish product. Once the haunting begins these products take on a sinister tone and look like medieval torture devices. The reader can easily imagine themselves in the story simply because many of us have been in an IKEA, which is pretty uniform in appearance across the country. Whereas other horror stories have to describe the setting to you and might succeed in allowing you to insert yourself if they have a great author, this one simply requires you to imagine the IKEA that you've actually been in.

I will also point out that this story does make a great commentary on modern labor and the differences and impacts of hourly and salaried work. It also features commentary on both the effort put for to succeed in life as well as how many people in life are trying to overcome a very difficult position despite exerting themselves. For every successful person there are hundreds supporting them to get to that level of success and trying to make it themselves to varying levels of exertion and success based on their circumstances. This book will make you see your own life in a different perspective and appreciate what you have if only for a moment.

So in the end, it's a decent enough story that you shouldn't get your expectations up for too much. If you can come to it seeking a moderate, novel horror thrill, then it will serve you just fine.

I'd recommend reading this story for those that like stories with ghosts, the paranormal, or the supernatural in general.

Rating:
Story: 3 Stars
Characters: 3 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 3 Stars
Overall Quality: 3 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Grady Hendrix
Publisher: Quirk Books
Published: 23 Sep 2014
Page Length: 240
Genre: Horror
Sub-Genre: Ghosts
Awards and Nominations:Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Horror (2014)

Extinction Age

Extinction Age (The Extinction Cycle #3) (Extinction Cycle Universe #3)

This entry in the series continues the great standard of quality that I have come to expect from it. While the first book always has it's unique place in the series, I would argue that this book outdoes the second book. Picking up in the aftermath of Operation Liberty with the survivors stuck in the sewers, I found the flight from New York City to be chilling and riveting. The story thrives from there with numerous great plot lines. I found the USS Truxton plot line to be ominous and very engaging. It was intriguing to see how Ellis and Kate come up with the next bio-weapon against the Variants. Seeing how various government and military bunkers and safe locations are picked off and overrun one by one also raises the stakes and makes the reality of how bad humanity is losing quite apparent. What I liked most of all was the ending though. It was intense, unexpected, and had the dramatic and rapid climax that will not fail to leave readers very satisfied and filled with emotion. I love that this series won't hesitate to kill characters off in a manner that is both meaningful and keeps the story moving forward freshly. I also appreciate how the series pays attention to the fact that it can't count on an endless supply of manpower, resources, and ammunition to keep populating the narrative. It highlights and brings front and center the fact that there is less and less out there for humanity, and the author, to make use of as the series goes forward. Without a doubt, I can say now that this series is perfect material to be adapted into a TV Series. One can easily see how it could be translated into an episodic format that delivers both great story and amazing action.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any apocalypse nut and for anyone who likes zombies and monsters in general. Fans of military action and contagion thrillers should also enjoy this.

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 16 Jun 2015
Page Length: 356
Genre: Post-Apocalypse, Horror
Sub-Genre: Monsters
Awards and Nominations:  None

Extinction Edge

Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle #2) (Extinction Cycle Universe #2)

After the initial entry started the series off great, I'm very pleased to see that this story doesn't succumb to sequel-itis. Whereas the first story explored the origins and beginnings of the outbreak, this story sees the outbreak having devastated most of the country. With the main characters now located on Plum Island, this story explores how the government reacts to the rapidly dissolving situation. The main story-lines see Beckham and Horn going to Fort Bragg to attempt to rescue Horn's family, the same pair going to participate in Operation Liberty to retake American cities, and an incident on Plum Island and the chaos that unfolds there and surrounds Kate. Without giving away too many spoilers, I can say these story-lines are filled with great action, plenty of emotion, and are the stuff that movies are made of. I also appreciated how well the characters are developing, the introduction of new ones (Meg!), and the ability for characters to be killed off as well. Again, no spoilers.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any apocalypse nut and for anyone who likes zombies and monsters in general. Fans of military action and contagion thrillers should also enjoy this.

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 22 Feb 2015
Page Length: 371
Genre: Post-Apocalypse, Horror
Sub-Genre: Monsters
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: Wraith Squadron

Star Wars: Wraith Squadron (X-Wing #5) (Legends, New Republic Era #7)

With the conclusion of the Isard and Rogue Squadron storyline, Lucasfilm decided to bring on a new author, Aaron Allston. Continuing the series, they use Wedge Antilles as the continuing focal point and introduce a new squadron for him to create. Whereas Rogue Squadron was an established unit with all new pilots, this story features both a new concept for a squadron and instead of the best pilots, picks the best of the washouts or trouble makers for its pilots. With a focus on being commandos first and pilots second, it presents an interesting approach to the war between the Empire and the New Republic and is quite fun to read about. I was also pleased to see the Warlord Zsinj threat explored, first introduced in a novel published before this series came out and then later mentioned repeatedly in Stackpole's books. This novel was very engaging, with plenty of great combat and excellent new characters and development. It also sets the stage or contribute to a decent amount of the continuity.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of action and adventure should also enjoy this.

Rating:
Story: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Aaron Allston
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: Feb 1998
Page Length: 416
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Lost Valley

Lost Valley (Extinction Survival #1) (Extinction Cycle Universe #1.5)

Having read much of the Extinction Cycle series, I was very pleased to see that spin-offs were occurring. This spin-off does not disappoint. Set during the events of the first book (Extinction Horizon) through to slightly afterwards in the sequel, it doesn't need to worry about establishing the universe. Instead it can focus on introducing its characters before showing other perspectives around the country of the first book's events. Best of all, it does this by putting the characters in some nerve-wracking situations. The hotel scenes I think were a perfect example of this and very riveting. This book also highlights and explores the threat of infection much more so than the first book. The infection of wildlife predators is also quite interesting if only fleetingly explored. All in all a great entry to the series and one that doesn't pale in comparison to its parent series.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any apocalypse nut and for anyone who likes zombies and monsters in general. Fans of military action and contagion thrillers will also enjoy this.

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 3.5 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Walt Browning
Publisher: Great Wave Ink Publishing
Published: 4 Apr 2019
Page Length: 317 pages
Genre: Post-Apocalypse, Horror
Sub-Genre: Monsters
Awards and Nominations:  None

Extinction Horizon

Extinction Horizon (The Extinction Cycle #1) (Extinction Cycle Universe #1)

I personally love post-apocalypse stories and am disappointed to see how saturated the genre has become. Because of this, I appreciate it all the more when a good book comes along that defies the mediocrity and delivers a great story. Seeing the initial creation and outbreak of a viral contagion and how it spreads across the world is always fun (when fictional of course). Adding in a military perspective that is fresh and vibrant is great when combined with a fresh take on the apocalyptic threat. Most stories with viral contagions see zombies take over the earth. This however has its roots both in human qualities, science fiction, and disease that combines to make a fun new monster for the genre. The characters are quite enjoyable too. It was immensely satisfying to see both a logical and emotional reason for how and why the virus was created. This reason is both damnable yet completely understandable and even relatable.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any apocalypse nut and for anyone who likes zombies and monsters in general. Fans of military action and contagion thrillers should also enjoy this.

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 6 Dec 2014
Page Length: 351
Genre: Post-Apocalypse, Horror
Sub-Genre: Monsters
Awards and Nominations:  Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Horror (2015)

Star Wars: The Bacta War

Star Wars: The Bacta War (X-Wing #4) (Legends, New Republic Era #6)

After the dramatic resignation of Rogue Squadron at the end of the third book, this story sees the Rogues literally going rogue and forming their own military. Seeing how they take the fight to Ysanne Isard and their former comrade is very fun. The final climax has a great space battle and provides a very satisfying conclusion to the Stackpole books in the X-Wing series (Aaron Allston will follow with his Wraith Squadron books). I especially liked how all the loose ends were tied up and the story also had some unexpected turns occur, keeping it fresh.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of action and adventure should also enjoy this.

Rating:
Story: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: Feb 1997
Page Length: 368
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor

 Star Wars: Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor (Legends, New Republic Era #2)

Considering that this book was released three years after the Prequel Trilogy was fully released, it is able to incorporate unique elements into its storyline. Normally post Return of the Jedi books were released before or during the Phantom Menace's release. This resulted in references to the Clone Wars being vague or in many cases incorrect. This book however is able to make many references with accuracy and even helps answer the question of what happened to all of the Clones. This, combined with a great story line of its own, numerous spaces battles, and great characters makes for a great entry to the Star Wars Legends universe.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of military fiction and action/adventure should also enjoy this if they don't have any issues with sci-fi. 

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Matthew Stover
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: December 20th, 2008
Page Length: 366
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: The Krytos Trap

Star Wars: The Krytos Trap (X-Wing #3) (Legends, New Republic Era #5)

Continuing the X-Wing series, this builds upon the foreshadowing set up in Wedge's Gamble and sees the Krytos Virus wreaking havoc. The concept of the imperials leaving tricking the New Republic by letting them captured a festering world is very intriguing. Even more interesting though is the trial of Tycho Celchu, which threatens to tear the New Republic apart after it had just been born. While it is a lot of courtroom drama, it makes it no less riveting Star Wars entertainment. This is accompanied by plenty of space action in the quest to find more bacta supplies, something which I found lacking in the previous installment. Of special note, Corran's storyline went down a very interesting route, exploring his hidden heritage and foreshadowing a great component of the franchise's future.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of military fiction should also enjoy this, assuming they aren't the type that can't stand science fiction and expect things to be too realistic. This could also be exciting for someone who likes courtroom dramas, although I wouldn't advertise it to mystery fans. The author doesn't take the time to put the clues in for readers to discover who the culprit is. The reveal at the end makes sense still,but this just isn't the type of whodunit story for mystery fans.

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: Oct 1996
Page Length: 368
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: Wedge's Gamble

Star Wars: Wedge's Gamble (X-Wing #2) (Legends, New Republic Era #4)

This is a decent entry to the Star Wars series. While I personally didn't think it was as good as the first entry in the X-Wing series, I think that's because I prefer more space travel and combat compared to the ground based espionage feel that it had. It is still a good story with plenty of great characters introduced. The approach taken to how the rebellion conquered Coruscant was an interesting take, considering how this is an organization that a few years previously could be nearly wiped out in one battle above Endor. I can appreciate the conquest from within approach compared to an all out battle to take the Imperial capital. The book also has a satisfying climax that's very exciting. I also found that it set up for the sequel novels extremely well, making what should be a great victory for the newly formed New Republic a bittersweet experience.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of military fiction should also enjoy this, assuming they aren't the type that can't stand science fiction and expect things to be too realistic. (I know someone exactly like this so hence why I'm saying it). This also works as a decent spy thriller, although that isn't my particular genre so maybe a spy thriller fanatic will scoff at me after reading this book.

Rating:
Story: 3.5 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: May 1996
Page Length: 357
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (X-Wing #1) (Legends, New Republic Era #3)

This is a great entry to the Star Wars story and kicks off the X-Wing series in the Legends continuity. It introduces a great new cast of characters, expanding the fan favorite Wedge Antilles and introducing a huge character, Corran Horn. The inclusion of Gavin Darklighter, cousin to Biggs Darklighter, was a nice touch as well. I found it very interesting to see how this squadron is reformed with new members (presumably to start with a clean slate from what was established before in the comic series, which I haven't read). The space combat was also very engaging and combined with the story definitely made me want to read the sequel. It's also interesting to see how the rebellion goes about taking Coruscant and establishing the New Republic (the story of which is established in this series primarily). There are also a great variety of locales along the way.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of military fiction should also enjoy this, assuming they aren't the type that can't stand science fiction and expect things to be too realistic. (I know someone exactly like this so hence why I'm saying it).

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: January 1996
Page Length: 386
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura

Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura (Legends, New Republic Era #1)

Overall, this is an okay Star Wars story. While it isn't great, it isn't as bad as a few entries that appear later in the series. Mainly, this entry explores what happens right after Return of the Jedi and how the rebellion begins to gain new world's support in order to from the New Republic. This particular entry see the main trio of Luke, Han, and Leia going to an imperial controlled planet under invasion by a foreign power known as the Ssi-Ruuk. Basically, space dinosaurs. Yes, you heard me correctly, space dinosaurs. While this makes for an interesting team up between the Rebellion and the Empire, it does feel somewhat out of place in Star Wars as well. Still, the action is pretty decent and the story is acceptable enough stand on its own as a kind of pass-over "episode" in the greater Star Wars Legends "TV Series" if you will.

I'd recommend reading this story if you are a die hard Star Wars fan who wants to get the whole picture or if you are an in general sci-fi fan.

Rating:
Story: 3 Stars
Characters: 3 Stars
Settings: 3 Stars
Literary Quality: 3 Stars
Overall Quality: 3 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Kathy Tyers
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: January 1994
Page Length: 341
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None