Book Review: Whiteout by Gabriel Dylan

Ski Trips: For the rich kids to die on.

Charlie hopes that the school ski trip will be the escape from his unhappy home life he so desperately needs. But there is something wrong with the remote ski village of Kaldgellan. Something is out there, something ancient and evil, among the pines and the deep untracked drifts, watching and waiting. 

And when the storms blow in, Charlie and his schoolmates wake to find the resort deserted. Cut off from the rest of the world far below, as night falls the few left alive on the snowbound mountain will wish they were somewhere, anywhere else. Only ski guide Hanna seems to know of Kaldgellan’s long-buried secrets, but whether Charlie can trust her is another question…


This is the second Red Eye book to featuring snow storms that cause isolation and with it having other similarities I couldn't help but compare them, especially as 'Fir' is one my favourite Red Eye books. I was pretty excited for this concept, as Teen "30 Days of Night" which oddly is one of the vampire films not mentioned in this.
                                                 
This book has third person narration that closely follows a few different people in the group. Charlie is the main character and gets a sort of romance. There are lot of characters at the start with this meant to be school trip, with thirty pupils so probably has two or three teachers with the group, so it's slightly confusing with all the girl names thrown around. We have other characters such as Tara who is the spoiled ex-rich girl; she is a terrible person, that's her deal and she only there to undermine everyone else. She meant to be the character you dislike the most, but guess who I dislike the most?That's right, Nico. My notes involve telling Nico to go die in the snow. Nico is your toxic geek stereotype with side of sexism. This sexism comes in his first introduction so that I was able to confirm that this quote made it to the finial book by using the Amazon Preview: "Ellie’s blue eyes were locked on to Stefan, a glint of admiration hovering there that gave Nico a twinge of envy. She was pretty, although he wondered if she’d be even more attractive without so much make up."

Yeah, Ellie is described as breaching her hair and wearing fake tan, and skiing with hooped earrings so is probably in that awkward phrase of make-up but it's makes me dislike Nico immediately because girls are judged for their make-up use even when it's fantastic. There's other comments by Nico through out the book make me dislike him for his toxic geek culture. I think these comments are meant to make him relatable but he just makes me think of those guys who quiz girls when they say they like Star Wars and deny that girl geeks exist. You can have shitty characters or flawed characters, but it doesn't add to the character or more importantly challenged. So with that sexist comment, I started counting how often the characters cry, 3:1 when comes to girls to boys. One of those times Tara cried for no reason and then never again. Maybe that was to show she was attention seeking. It's really minor thing, they are diverse side of girl characters so can just ignore Nico if you want.

Another thing to mention about Nico is that lot of his geek references feel slightly dated, I mean he plays World of Warcraft which isn't much of thing anymore. Also it's subscription based game, with it being £10 a month. It does have a free mode and these kids are on a ski trip so maybe they parents would pay that a month for game but it's seems more likely they would be messing about on Gary's Mod or Skyrim. I don't think MMORPG are much of thing anymore or I don't think any fantasy games really have online player mode. Films are mentioned as well but films can be randomly discovered that game with pay wall wouldn't. Though, no date is actually state. They have phones but are never described so I guess this could easily take place when I was a teen and not going on the sky trip where someone smuggled weed into several other countries. I don't think they went to Austria.

I love vampires, and was really excited to hear that a Red Eye book would be tackling them. They're done okay, somewhat old school with side of sort of original myth. The final conflict was decent and with Red Eyes being established as having no win situations sometimes the states were pretty high till the end.

Overall, I give this 4/5 stars for h. A lot of filler characters, but there's one character with strong motivation so that's fun. I guess I don't like the ending, it's not terrible but it meant to be a redemption for these characters that didn't feel earned for at least one of them well at least for me. . I get what their arc was meant to be, maybe it would have been better to focus on less characters for this story. I guess they all like 16 or something anyway. It's a decent horror story, in probably in the middle for me of the other Red Eye books which I have reviewed all of them.

I received e-arc of this book for free to do an honest review.

Book Review: The Creeper Man by Dawn Kurtagich

 nn

There's a man in the trees, a man with no eyes, but still he watches, that's the surprise. Stay away from the woods, it couldn't be clearer, but the trees are creeping nearer and nearer...

Beware the creeper man.

This is Kurtagich's second novel, her first being The Dead House (which I have reviewed). With both titles of this book, you get what it's about: The Creeper Man, The Trees Creep In. Trees are spooky, the woods have something in them or do they?

This one also plays with formatting. Having different perspectives being written on different things, and in different ways.  Also creepy poetry which everyone loves. The narrative is done well and it pretty clear who writing from text alone.

There's only four characters that appear in the actual novel, other characters are mentioned or appeared sort of flashbacks (though, those are more fairy tales, than actually placing the reader in the past). We also have a Silent Character in the sister of the protagonist, while we do hear from Nori's POV, the story is definitely Silla's story, so no there will be no Silent Protagonist Review of this book. Maybe in a bonus round. It never made clear why Nori can't physically talk, can sign and write, and I can't decide if the implication is enough or not. Aunt Cath is also there. The thing I don't think I can really discuss the characters or their relationships with each other without spoilers. There's interesting stuff there.

This is set in the future, something about War. Not really sure why, especially when technology is so not in this book that it could be set in before World War II and no difference. Maybe life is a circle. Probably meant to keep the reader off-balance. Also all horror books must at one point takes place in the 80s. It's the current law.

Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars for Rotten Apples. This a creepy book with a cool concept and you will definitely ponder on The Creeper Man.

Book Review: Fir by Sharon Gosling

Forests are obviously evil.

Moving from Stockholm to an isolated pine plantation in northern Sweden is bad enough, but when the snows come early and all links between the Strombergs and the outside world are cut off, it gets worse. With only a grudging housekeeper and increasingly withdrawn parents for company, there is nothing to do but to explore the old plantation house. Anything to stay out of the endless pine trees pressing in on them. But soon it becomes clear that the danger within the old plantation house is even greater than what lies outside…

A chilling YA horror, perfect for fans of Dawn Kurtagich, Juno Dawson and Stephen King.

I just want to comment on the Stephen King being added on to YA horror writers. Sure, they on the same level as King's horror (Well, I know I rather read Kurtagich or Dawson again. King though...?). So finally with this book I have read all of the released books of the Red Eyes series (I don't have connections to get a book five months, that has a preview in Fir so is probably finished. We can compare in April).

So this is unique setting of Sweden (though I know of another British Horror book out there that is set in Northern Sweden and involves the Forest. Stay out of the Forests in Northern Sweden I guess).

The book is told in the POV of a unnamed protagonist in sort of a diary form, with poem from the forest every second chapter, which is why is probably compared to Kurtagich with her 'Dead House'.

The parents are generic have their own issues going on so lets solve our problems by moving to nowhere without a support unit to run a business that they know nothing about it. We also have a guide and much of kids that part of programme to educate kids about the forests. Then there's the creepy old maid that's worked at the house her whole working life.

The forest is also personified with tales of creatures in it.  The house is spooky as well so the setting is great and the mystery side works.

Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars for secret hidey-holes... I'm now conflicted because this book levels with Frozen Charlotte or is better. It has similarity with isolation and supernatural beings messing with people. Also spooky child/ren. I would recommended if like that book and just if you like YA Horror.

Dis: This is the only Red Eye book that I have currently not gotten this for Review off NetGalley. Just saying so you know I didn't forget the disclaimer.

Buy.

Book Review: Lost Bodies by David Manderson

This is frankly just a weird reversal that I won't explain.

In an ordinary suburb, a seemingly ordinary man tends his garden and tries to impress his neighbours as a heat wave clamps over the city. But all is not as it seems, and as death begins to stalk the city's streets and parks he finds himself caught up in a game beyond his control that brings terror to his very doorstep, and nothing about him or the place he lives will ever be the same again

To start this review, let me criticize the fail of cover that this book has. The biggest issues being that the summary on the back is hard to read because its white font on the pale sky. I can't even make out the first two words of the generic blurb. Then there's the awkward red chunks on it. I don't want to address the other issues of me reviewing this book because it weird, but I have to review it because British Book Challenge.

The big thing is that this book in the POV of a serial Killer, that might be a spoiler but without that information why pick this book up. I have read several books completely from Serial Killers/murderers and ones where the POV pops up. This just didn't do anything new or interesting for me. The only thing that separates is that there's no gory detains, so if you want serial killer but no graphic violence, here you go.

There were confusing jumps throughout the novel. I think this was intentional to reflect the character's inner mind (and I scrim read major parts of this book).

I think my biggest issues that the serial killer is kinda dumb. He not obvious about his killings but he also has no real chance of getting away with it in the long run. Therefore, I lost interest. It could be argue he's meant to be dumb, in contrast to his low estimate of everyone around him.

I give this 3/5 stars for buses to noway. It was okay, its a serial killer in Glasgow. I just didn't care that much about this book and I took way to long to read it.

Book Review: Fire by Kate Cann

That's right continuing and finishing series in two weeks.

The evil is growing stronger...

 Rayne's countryside escape has proven to be anything but - the remote mansion house where she lives and works holds terrible secrets. 

Even the ghosts at Morton's Keep seem to be warning her that something is wrong. And then something happens - something so shocking Rayne knows she was right to be afraid...

This is the sequel to Possessed (which I reviewed last week), also has the alternative title of Consumed. This book takes a week after the events of the last book (;)). While I was excited and enjoyed read this book, it really add that much.

In terms of plot, it was more just an escalation of the first book's. At the root of things it the same with different cast of characters. I also saw the ending coming, though that was more due to the page count left. There was a bit more lore which was interesting.

Rayne's character develop in this book is good and realistic. Addressing the trust issues that she developed from what happened in the first book was nice to see. The relationships are well done.



Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars for pigeons. I liked this Duology a lot and would recommend to YA horror lovers. This is interesting settings with its folktales and traditions. Also this book technically takes place during Halloween so the right season for people who only read horror in October (I detest you, horror is all year genre). These covers being so pretty, I sort of wished I had brought the series instead of getting them from the library as I won't ever be able to justify buying them now.

Book Review: Possessed by Kate Cann

People who ride motorbikes in the country are insane, so don't.

Escape...
or Trap?

When she finds a job at a secluded country manor, Rayne jumps at the chance to get away from the stifling city, her mother and her controlling boyfriend. 

But the ancient house is suffocating, filled with spooky relics and a strange energy. And the longer she stays, the more she can feel something evil at work...something that wants to keep her there for ever.

By the way, 'forever' is one word and I copied the blurb exactly the way it was on the back of the edition I read. Obvious spelling/grammar mistakes in (or on) books are a thing that I will point out. I got this book from the library, mainly because the cover was cool and I don't read enough horror.

In terms of horror, horrifying things are discussed and terrible things are done. However, this book is not scary. I could understand Rayne's fear and panic, it just didn't transfer to me as I was reading it. I could have read this book during a powerout, by candle light in an empty house and it would have been comfort, rather a than a encouragement for me to go fleeing to find people and light.

I had a power out right before I starting this book. It played on my mine during this because if Rayne had lost power at night then she be by herself with only log fire for light. Just one of the ways your real life can play with the way you read books.

The plot is interesting and well done for the age group. I'm really intrigued by the going on's of Morton's Keep and eager to learn more about what's going. This book has the perfect balance of satisfying ending, but there still questions to be answer.

Rayne is a likable and understandable character. The other characters are okay. I don't feel attachment to any of them really. The mystery side of the character could have done better but it didn't effect the book majorly.

I give this book three stars out of five for ghost pigs. I'm interested to read the next book as I want to know more, in fact I even reserved it  at the library which cost me 75p. Back in the day I could have brought used copy of it for that price but room is full books and you know supporting libraries. The next book is called "Fire" in the UK and Consumed in America but both books in this series have had other names in the past. Renaming books is a confusing, but understandable practice.

Short Story: Will you be my Valentine?

Haló, Happy Valentine's Day. It's my third favourite bloody holiday. This was a week of special and terrible days with Friday the 13th being yesterday. I believe 13 to be lucky and Fridays are great. Though, my family had bad luck on Thursday the 12th. Except I went to see All Time Low and You Me At Six that day. All time low was great, You me at six was a bit anti-cinematic. My sister and I both agreed that All time low should have played last. Also SECC Hydro's disabled seating upstairs is bad as the atmosphere does not carry. Chanting felt weird.

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I bring you the only seasonal story I ever posted on Mibba. I also attempted to do a sequel to do this, due to it performing so well but I lost the first attempt and the second got a bit out of character and hand.

Original summary: Anna and her best friend Violet are both dateless and are feeling very anti-valentine's day. So they decided to escape it, in the woods but Violet wants to do more than just walking.

Written for Valentine's Day Contest! and won third prize. (I always won third, always or nothing).

Will you be my Valentine?

"Will you be my Valentine?"

"Of course I will!" The main character of a show, whose plot had died many a series ago, screamed before jumping into her soon to be ex's arms.

I sigh and turn off the wretched TV.

"Hey! I was watching that," My best friend shouted particularly in my ear. She was sitting close enough to me that our hips were touching but the couch was a big two seater.

"Were you really?" I said with my eyebrow raised.

"Well, no but I might of been. You should of asked first"

"I'm sorry that I presumed that your brain was still functioning," I got off the couch and stretched my body.

"So if you don't want to watch TV, what do you want to do, my Valentine?" I rolled my eyes. It was Valentine's day and me and Violet were both left dateless.

"I don't really care. Just no more lovey dovey stuff."

" Well, we can't go out since every where is full with the love up masses and there is nothing on TV but lovey dovey stuff."

"I suppose we could go for a walk up in to the woods." I said turning to the window. It was still light outside but would be dark soon.

"Sure, may as well." Violet said as she leaped up from the couch."I just take my bra off."

"Why?" I shouted out of shock.

"So it be easier for you to feel me up in the woods". Violet said as she wiggle her eyebrows.

"Just because I'm Bi doesn't mean I'll have you," I said throwing a pillow at her. "Come on". I said dragging her outside by the hand.

"Wait, I need a jacket."

"Don't worry I'll keep you warm." I smirked.

"As long as you keep me innocent." She said laughing. Violet had lost her 'innocence' a long time ago to her first love Richy. I had hated that guy. I couldn't quite point out why.

We walked deep in to the forest and fooling around the whole time. By the time we decided to turn back, Violet had her bra over her top and was wearing mine on her head and clam to be Wonder Bra Women. My throat was hoarse from the laughing and the cold. I was starting to shiver.

"You were right, we should of brought jackets," I said as I moved closer to Violet to steal her body heat.

"Wonder Bra Women has no need for any other clothing than her trusty bras." She said in a deepen voice.

"I hate to break it to you, Wonder Bra but you're wearing a lot more than a bra." I giggled.

"Well, we need to change that." She said as she started to undo her jeans.

"What are you doing?" I said as she wiggle out her jeans and thrown them on a near by rock and was now removing her top and had lost the bra on her head.

"Turning into Wonder Bra Women" She laughed. I stared as she now wasonly in her underwear ran towards a big deep pond of mud that we had only barley manage to avoid early.

"Please don't, Violet." I shouted

"I don't know any Violet" She said as she took off her pants and her bra as well. I gulped. This was going too far but Violet didn't care that I could see her every inch of her beautiful body. We may joke around about me fancying her but in all truth there had been times when my mind had wandered. It was wrong to think about your best friend in that way.

Violet was now rolling about in the mud, it was almost deep enough for her to swim in. I didn't know what to do. I suddenly felt too hot when I had been freezing a second ago. This was so surreal if I didn't know any better I said this was wet dream or something. But it wasn't, Violet was really playing in the mud naked with me watching.

"Come on, Anna. The mud nice warm." She said flirtatiously. I gulped again. I picked up her clothes and walked towards her.

"Violet, this land may be private but someone still might see you." Violet's family own over two acer of the woodland.

"No one going to see us. My parents won't be home till Tuesday and we're the only ones that come up here anyway,"

"I still don't know about this I said," The nerves were becoming clear in my voice.

"Anna, you can either take off your clothes and come in here yourself or I'll do it." Her tone of voice was serious and I know she would keep to her word. I put her clothes on a rock and started taking my own off. She watch me with wide eyes. Was that lust in them? No, it couldn't be. Violet was straight, she would of told me if she wasn't. I was soon naked as the day I was born. I slowly slipped in to the mud. It was cold but I didn't care.

Violet pull me against her, I could feel every move she made. God, my stomach was filling with butterflies.

"Anna, how long have you know me."

"All my life," and before that. Our mums had became friends when they met at the doctors, getting a scan.

"And have you ever wanted to be more...than friends," Violets normal confidence was gone. She was avoiding my eyes. She did like me, all the jokes had been her way of finding out if I liked her back. God, this had to be a dream. Well, if it was then I should I enjoy it.

"We are more than friends," I said leaning towards her. "We're best friends" I splash her with the mud.

"What the hell, Anna!"

"That for making get in this cold mud and this is for making me warm." I said as wrapped my arms around her and kiss her softly on the lips. Violet deepen the kiss and was soon overwhelming me with passion. I had to pull away and catch my breath. I ginned at her.

"You know this is some guy fantasy. Two hot girls making out, naked in mud, deep in the woods." Violet smirked.

"I'm so glad our first kiss was some guy's wet dream." I said sarcastically.

"And some girls," Violet laugh as she splashed me.

"Oh, you're pay for that." said as splashed her back, starting of a mud battle.

After we had finished, every inch of us was covered in mud. We looked like mud nymphs or something. We got out of the mud and started wipe it off with our hands.

"I've still got something to ask you?" Violet said as wiped the mud of my back.

"What?"

"Will you be my Valentine? Violet said almost seriously but the glint in her eyes betrayed her.

"Of Course I will," I screamed, leaping into Violets arms knocking her over, back into the mud. We laughed as we kissed. 

♠ ♠ ♠

Please do comment. I like them as much as Wonder Bra Women likes Super-Panties Girl.