Happy Halloween & Movie Review: Halloween (1978)

Film Title: Halloween (1978)

Length:    1h 31min 
Released:     27 October 1978
Genre:    Horror, Thriller 
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Friend's copy

SUMMARY:
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:
In honor of Halloween we watched this classic horror film. 

This is the beginning of Michael's reign of horror. Michael would become immortalized in film history! Michael started his killing young. Years later, he has escaped and is ready to start killing again. 

This is such a good movie even though it was from the 70s. It had a small sprinkle of cheese but it didn't cloud the film or story (which...as you know...70s movies had that tendency to do). What I also love about this film is that it is not a gore fest. Sure, I love gorey films too, but this is scary without all the blood. Michael is just a scary dude and he stalks his prey like an animal. SO CREEPY. 

Michael is one of the scariest killers. He never runs. He doesn't have to. He'll catch up and you won't except when or where. Scary!

Now...our victims. I feel for them, but they were SO dumb. SOOOOOOOO dumb indeed. Laurie was the only decently smart one...kinda. She had her moments like believing she killed Michael. Pssshhh. Girl please. Don't drop the knife by his body. SIGHS. 

There were some things that confused me and made me laugh.

That ending was classic and it really left the story open to make sequels or even showcase there could be more killers out there. Who knows? Evil is everywhere and you won't expect it. Nioce. Love it. 

In the end, this is a classic film. Not too gory so it is good if you don't like gore fest movies. It will scare you. There are a couple of moments you will chuckle from the cheese-y moments, but this is a great horror film for sure. 4 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: Carmilla by J Sheridan Le Fanu

Author: J. Sheridan Le Fanu
Narrator:  Phoebe Fox, Rose Leslie, David Tennant, David Horovitch, James Wilby, Susan Wooldridge, Hannah Genesius

Title: Carmilla

Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal, Fantasy
Pages: Audiobook
Published: 1872
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



One of the very first vampire thrillers, this audio adaptation follows 18-year-old Laura as she recounts the story of her mysterious, intriguing and beautiful house guest Carmilla, who is stranded in the forest after a carriage accident and taken in by Laura's widowed father. The girls develop a friendship which turns into a passionate meeting of souls. A relationship of vampire and prey, the story is told through Laura's eyes as she is drawn further into Carmilla's terrifying world of pleasure and pain.

A masterpiece of erotic Gothic horror, Carmilla encompasses mystery, suspense, forbidden lust, violence...and lots of blood...

Couldn't resist this one especially when they said David Tennant was one of the narrators! Plus it is perfect for the season of spooks!

The story follows Laura as she recounts the story of her house guest Carmilla who is mysterious and intriguing and oooo so beautiful. They brought her in after Carmilla's carriage was in an accident. The girls develop a quick friendship which turns into something more. But nothing is as it seems. 

I had never heard of this before and I am shocked it is not more popular! It was an intense story for sure. And very Gothic horror with some passion. I could not stop listening. I had to know what was going to happen next. It was very predictable, but it was still intriguing and mysterious. 

Poor Laura. I felt bad for her. 

There were a lot of narrators at play here and they all did well. I wish we had gotten more David Tennant, but I am biased for sure on this. They were all so dramatic. Sometimes overly so. The sound effects were fun, but I do feel like that was over-done sometimes too. A touch over-the-top performance-wise, but I still enjoyed the cast. 

Overall, this was a quick listen but it is perfect if you want a little horror in your life. The narrators did well, sometimes over-the-top in the drama, but I was entranced! I'll give this 4 stars. 

TMST: What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. 

  

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

Halloween time is my favorite season for sure. I love Halloween for the spooky decorations and candy. Halloween allows us to dress up and pretend to be someone or something else. It is so fun to see the kids all dressed up and even the adults. I always get a kick out of seeing adults dressed up getting gas or at the bar or at the store. Makes me smile! 

I love not only the holiday itself, but I love the fall season as well. The colors, the cool weather. Perfect! No snow, but no heat that makes me all sweaty. I love hoodies and sweats. I love sweaters and boots. If I were to get married I would want a fall wedding I think. We shall see. 

Here is my desk at work! :) 

B's Monday Review: Ravencry by Ed McDonald

Paperback, 384 pages
Published June 28th 2018 by Orion
Series: Raven's Mark #2
Fantasy
own

I have been having a bit of reader's block. I have wanted to read, but at the same time not. Not even with this good book. But tonight I buckled down and got it done!

Better make it short and start a new book while I have my groove back.

Ryhalt is a captain at the edge of a crappy place. He lost someone he cared for in the last book, and that person seems to be a ghost around town.

The city is going to hell.

His boss is on his case.

This is a grey, shitty place. I like it. Things happen here and well, I do fear for him in the next book. Nice series.

Four years have passed since Nall’s Engine drove the Deep Kings back across the Misery, but as they hurl fire from the sky, darker forces plots against the republic.

A new power is rising: a ghost in the light known only as the Bright Lady manifests in visions across the city, and the cult that worship her grasp for power even as the city burns around them.

When Crowfoot’s arcane vault is breached, an object of terrible power is stolen, and Galharrow and his Blackwings must once find out which of Valengrad’s enemies is responsible before they have a chance to use it.

To save Valengrad, Galharrow, Nenn and Tnota must venture to a darker, more twisted and more dangerous place than any they’ve walked before: the very heart of the Misery.

Joint Review: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Marked in Flesh" by Anne Bishop. Blodeuedd is in red and I am in blue. 

Author: Anne Bishop
Narrator: Alexandra Harris
Title: Marked in Flesh
(The Others #4)
Genre: Paranormal, UF, Fantasy, & romance
Published: March 8th 2016
Pages: Audiobook

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

Omg, this was INTENSE! And I have read it before!

I do think this was the MOST intense of them all so far!

I liked this one the best, and knowing book 5 (which is still good), but this one is the best one. So intense. So OMG

I am curious about the next one. I just want everyone to be happy...except for the poopy humans. There are SOME good humans...but the rest are poopy and frankly...deserve all the bad things. 

Humans are so poopy, damn those poopy meat sticks! Even that guy that was saved that said  make that animal shut up. I was all, throw him out!

Me too!!! I was hoping more would happen...I wanted more chaos. But that is the blood lust in me! Haha

The bloodlust sure hit a high in me this time. Even when they went too far I was all, well “we learned from you”. Damn, that is bonechilling. 

I don’t think they went too far. I wanted more! After everything the humans did...smh...but yes. That was epic and bonechilling. If humans don’t learn from THIS then I don’t know what else to do for them

Humans are stupid as rocks. They never learn. Mass extinction is a must, you need to cull that herd more.

I agree. Save only the good ones. Any who did not obviously stand up and support the others need to go. 

The rest just do not deserve it. Too many bad ones survived. Humans never learn. Sigh. Ok so yes humans bad. And the others, I love them, and I kept hoping for a miracle at one point, sobs

Love the others. I am liking Meg and Simon more and more. I wish we got to see more of them. I feel like the side characters took over the POV a little bit. 

There is a point to it, book 7 will be about Bennett. But it was weird, cos book 6 is about some place else,

Weird. BUT I am curious. 

They are good, they were the first one I did in audio with this series and LOVE. But there are bad humans there too. Stupid humans.

Mhmmm. We shall see! I do for sure wanna listen to the next one. What can possibly go wrong next? LOL. Don’t get me wrong I adore our side characters, but I feel like I’ve really hooked to Meg. I don’t 100% like her. She annoys me with a lot of her decisions, but I like her and understand her. Especially more in this one. 

I did not like her when I read them either, but this time around when I listened I seemed to catch more things and I understand her. I can forgive her choices now, but I guess it takes two times, lol. And I freaking Love love Simon. And the rest!

I think I really got to understand her more when we seen more of her kind like Hope. I feel for her. It is an addiction. 

Yes, Hope did a lot. I am lost for words once again, this was just so intense, I could not put it down even though I have read it before. I listened to 1 am once and I was all, MUST STOP, but I did not want to.

SO hard to review good books sometimes hahaha. This was an addicting listen. The narrator is amazing as per normal. This one was the boiling point and all chaos is about to hit the fan. Not sure when...so I was so anxious the whole time. I just wanted everyone I love to be okay. I felt SOOOO bad for that one character (no spoilers). I wanted to cry!

Same, I was so sad. So much happened, and I could not remember the exact times so I was on the edge of my seat. Alexadra Harris is amazing. I really want to listen to her in something else (even though she had only one other?) I want more by her.

Me too! Me too! She is good especially with ALL those characters running around. Each one had their own voice. Rough and tough for sure. Kuddos to her!

I can not say much about this one, other than INTENSE. Shit hits the fan like you said. Best one so far. It got a 5 out of me and Harris did that last push to 5 for sure.

Dang! A 5 from you! That is rare ;) I agree though. 5 on both accounts. Everything has lead to this. So intense. So emotional. You will sit on the edge of your seat. 

You have to listen to this! If you have not, then what are you waiting for?! The end of the world? Just do it. The series it done. 5 books. Do it! And 2 more sequels just for fun

I do regret waiting so long. So good. I encourage the audio versions. But the book version will do fine. 

Psawh, the books got nothing on this ;) I checked and it seems I have given 5 5s this year and Bishop has 3 of those, lol.

WOAH! I can’t remember but I think I gave the last one a 5 too. I know the first one I gave it low because I didn’t care for the book version. LOL audio is the way to go. 

Onwards! One more to go to see what happens to Meg and the world

Can’t wait! Onwards march!

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Book Review: The Christmas Witch by Carla Caruso

Author:  Carla Caruso 
Title: The Christmas Witch
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: ebook
Expected publication: November 4th 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



The festive season isn't Mina Rosso's favourite time of year. It reminds her that as a descendant of La Befana - Italy's Christmas witch - she's cursed to forever be unlucky in love... Her plan this Christmastime is to lie low, keeping her secret identity under wraps as usual, and do what comes naturally: spread goodwill.

Unfortunately, the arrival of her boss's son, Jadon Eder, puts a spanner in the works. Fresh from working in Milan, Jadon's full of big-city arrogance and plans to overhaul the antique shop Mina loves. Pity he's also sinfully attractive. Despite her best intentions - and even though he's human, a no-no in the witchy world - Mina finds herself falling for him.

Then she finds out some bad news. Some of the spells she's sold online have backfired ... horribly. While she's critical of the dark witches in her neighbourhood, is she really the good witch she thinks she is?

I couldn't resist picking this up. The title, the cover, the summary. Sounds perfect. 

The story follows Mina who is a witch and it is Xmas season. She is cursed to be forever unlucky in love. Her plan is to keep low and spread the goodwill. Well...with the arrival of her boss's son, Jadon will toss all plans array. He is a hottie, but he has arrogant plans to overhaul her antique shop. 

This was a fun story. Short, cute, and fun. A little topping of cheesy. A perfect quick read for the season. 

Poor Mina. I rooted for her!

Not 100% a fan of Jadon. 

The ending was good. It made me want more! There were some lulls here and there, but overall I was hooked. I was curious to see how it was all going to end. 

That cover is suppppper pretty. The colors and I feel the lady they got looks like how I envisioned Mina. 

Overall, this was a quick, cute read. I would read more by this author for sure. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Wordless Wednesday

Time for TV Tuesday: Victoria (season 3)

Recently Finished:

Victoria (Season 3)

Through: Amazon Prime

Been super duper anxious to watch season 3. This show has really captured my love. I can't help but adore Victoria. I honestly want to re-watch the other seasons as I wait for season 4. 

Now, season 3 takes place in the middle to late 1840's. Revolutions are spreading, there are countless strains on their relationship, new loves, betrayals, and so much more. 

I felt so bad for Victoria. Sure she is not innocent in the fights with Albert, but I feel like Albert was a huge asshat this season especially when it comes to Victoria's half-sister coming to stay. Way to completely ignore Victoria and her concerns. SMH. That half-sister...grrr...I woulda kicked her out. Sorry you got married off and shipped away. Not Victoria's fault you wench! No need to be blaming Victoria...she had NOTHING to do with it. I just can't see how blind Albert was. Grr!

I went back and forth on how I felt about Lord Palmerston. I get him...but I also disagree with him in a lot of things. I do find his marriage arrangements VERY progressive. When we got to learn more about him and his motives and relationship with his wife...I actually warmed up to him. 

OMG THAT ONE EPISODE!!! IT BROKE MY HEART! I was crying my little heart out. Ugly crying for sure. BF walked into the room and was all worried. I couldn't stop. It was so sad. BUT it really was necessary in the long run. Tragedy is the only way to make change. *sobs*

*wipes tears away* Okay moving on. I can go on and on and on about that episode...that scene. UGH!!!! *keeps tears at bay*

Okay...

There were points that I really worried for Vickie and Albert. If it was modern day they would've for SURE divorced. 100%. They were really nasty to each other. And it broke my heart. It does show that even true love can have issues. I'm glad they made the viewers worried. We needed to see it. 

Those poor kids of theirs. Albert is too tough especially with Bertie. Poor kid. I get Albert just wants Bertie to be smart and the best because someday the boy will be king. BUT at what cost? His happiness? 

Albert got better and like Vickie I never stopped loving him. Super man period. Boys have them too. 

The ending was good. Left on a cliffie especially if you have no idea about history. Heck...even I had to do a quick google search and even after then I am concerned. 

I NEED SEASON 4 SOON!!!! More please!

Overall, this was a really good season. Not at all flowers and rainbows and unicorns. We got to see some of the cruel world for our royals and our lower class characters. Not everything and everyone is black and white. The world is grey. I'll give this 5 stars. ALL THE FEELS!!!!!

Blodeuedd's Monday 2-in-1 Review: A Ghostly Gift & Accidental Leigh

ebook, 56 pages

Published February 15th 2015 by Angie Fox

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #1.5

Cozy paranormal mystery

Own

No problem jumping right into this with this novella. It worked great. I wanted something short and that I got.

Verity can see ghosts thanks to the ghost that stays with her.  They have a case to solve, and so they do.

Good little novella, and it made me curious about her ex and why she is seeing his brother. That sounds like quite the story.

Verity Long doesn't want to see ghosts, and she'd rather not let anyone know her little secret, either. But when a restless spirit stirs up trouble in her friend's resale shop, Verity and her very new, very dead gangster friend team up to learn what is really happening. They discover an age-old secret and must learn the truth behind a mysterious disappearance... before it's too late. 

How does a girl become a witch? By accident, of course!

ebook, 114 pages
Published June 11th 2014 by Black Paw Publishing (first published May 31st 2014)
Series: Literal Leigh Romance Diaries #1
Paranormal 
own

A bit of brainless fun. Ha, I enjoyed it.

Leigh gets a magical desk and writes hot sex scenes, but then they come true! And everything turns out wrong. Ha, yes it was pretty amusing.

It was a novella, I can roll with that and that is why I chose it. Short is good. I'd read more

PS. This is as close I will get to horror this October



Leigh Epstein is a grief stricken and lonely elementary school teacher that is devastated by the brutal and unexpected death of her true love at the hands of a careless writer. She overcomes her grief by taking matters in her own hands and takes up a little romance writing to resurrect her vampire-werewolf book-boyfriend. Leigh gets more than she bargained for when she discovers that every steamy erotic scene she creates is magically reenacted by her family, friends and coworkers.

In her hilarious first diary, Leigh unwittingly sets her parents up for a weekend dinner party that they will never forget. She has two weeks to find out what her new found magic is capable of. Can she prevent a wild erotic encounter that could devastate her sweet parent’s marriage? What and who else will get caught up in her magic spells?

Get your Shit Together Week 4

Hosted by: herding cats & burning soup

I joined a fun challenge for the month of October! It is a way to help us get our shit together. 4th quarter of the year and this checklist is bound to help us get there. 

Week 3! Slightly fell apart this week. Dang work!!!!! *hangs head in shame*. Didn't really take pictures either. Sighs. Well, here is what I was able to do:

- Start Saving. Gonna be getting a new car next month! So it's time to start saving. 

- Clear out the pantry. I also did the freezer and fridge. It was needed!

- Check your finances. I feel this goes with the first one. SOOOO I'm gonna count it! I did the math and did the bills. Fun! I hate the end of the month. Boooo

- Do that one task you've been putting off forever. I cleaned the front porch and dusted the house. Swept away and brushed away all the spider webs. 

- Freebie task. I made all the necessary appointments about my lease. Free inspection next week, getting it detailed next week, and I set up an appointment to go to the dealership and test drive some new cars. 

Here is the blank copy of the list: