Cutter's Deep: Welcome to Hell by Ronald McGillvray

Genre: Dark Fantasy Horror

Format: Paperback

Pages: 364

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

Down a lonely stretch of highway stands the deserted and desolate town of Cutter's Deep. Except it's not as desolate as it seems. In fact, there's quite a lot going on behind its decaying facade and for those unfortunate to find themselves within its shadow, it's almost always deadly.

Within its guarded walls lives a young man named Arlington Woods. He's about to meet an outsider who's going to trigger something hidden deep within him that just might destroy Cutter's Deep.

Review: 

"The town and hotel were located along the dark, deep, flowing waters of the Ottawa River, a northern town located in the province of Ontario, Canada."

Upon entering Cutter's Deep, what is seen is an abandoned, desolate town. Empty buildings, empty streets, and quite possibly something lurking in the shadows. Confusion enters the visitors' minds, now wondering what the hype is about this town. Why do tourists come here as there is nothing to see? Unless that is you were personally invited and provided the necessary item which will reveal that which is hidden. 

Looking for shelter proves to be a challenge because no one is allowed to enter after midnight. There is an occurrence happening called "the Howling", the wind blows, unforeseen creatures surface, abominations, and there seems to be no way to escape the doom that is now being fought for survival. Once you enter, you may not ever leave. 

Cutter's Deep has been the only home that Arlington has ever known, he has always followed the rules until one day he begins to question everything he has ever learned. He meets someone that has caused feelings to surface that he has never experienced. He decides to go against the rules and follow his heart. He must uncover the truth and figure out how to leave Cutter's Deep once and for all time.

Creepy creatures, squishy giant worms, green globs of death, and blood splatter everywhere. Welcome to Hell

This is one of the most uniquely creative novels I have ever read. Peculiar characters, a very dark atmosphere that seems to linger even in daylight hours, blood frenzied creatures, and deep secrets. Tons of action that causes anxiety, feeling like running beside them, trying to escape this cursed town. 

Chilling horror combined with dark fantasy, where evil is trying to control the goodness of the heart, pure love always wins. 

 Mr. McGillvray is one of my favorite authors, so I was not surprised at all that I thoroughly enjoyed this! His writing is always so extraordinary, and his book cover designs are fabulous!

I believe this is a novel that is fitting for adults and young adults. 

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ronald-McGillvray/author/

BookBub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ronald-mcgillvray

 Author Website Link:

https://www.ronaldmcgillvray.com/

About the Author

Ronald McGillvray is a writer from Ottawa, Canada. He’s published short stories, scripts, novellas and his most recent novel “The Candy Witch,” available now as a print or ebook. He is currently working on a new novel. His novel, “Cutter’s Deep,” his short horror story collection, “Tales From The Parkland,” and his fantasy novella, “James’ Journey To Dreamland,” are all available as a print or ebook. "Tales From The Parkland" is also available as an audiobook.

His writing credits include the short story, “The Garbage Collectors,” which was published in Horror Library Volume 2 as well as in their best of anthology. His short story “Ukrainian Chimes” was published in the anthology Screaming For Peace. An audio version of his story, “Big Boy,” was produced by Pseudopod and his story, “A Night Out,” was published by Dark Fire Fiction.



Two of his film scripts, “The Storm” and “Chimes,” were produced by Cellardweller Projects. “The Storm” was chosen as one of the films to be screened at the World Horror Convention. It also screened at the Shocklines Film Festival in New York City.

 His story, “Head Case,” was made into a film produced by Columbia College in Chicago. His film script, “Magic Man,” was optioned by Hyde Park Media.



His stage play, “The Line,” was chosen as part of the reading series by the Saint John Theatre Company.

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/

The Corner of Her Eye: The Light (Book 4) by JJ Carpenter

Genre: Ghost Suspense

Format: eBook (ARC)

Pages: 309

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis: 

“I've never told you the full story... what happens when a Keeper fails...”

Charlie White has felt the ripples of imbalance through the Dream for months now. First, through the traumatised young child, Marie. Then, through the coalescing of frantic spirits on the Great North Road. And most recently, by facing the dangers of imbalanced, betrayed lovers destined for revenge.

She is about to discover where these ripples stem from. Who set them in motion. What they’ve unleashed into the world. And how this will continue to unseat everything in Charlie’s life.

Secrets will be released as yet more spirits drag unresolved memories back from the grave. But will Charlie regret what she discovers? And is she prepared for just how much she’s about to lose?

Review:

"I'd almost hoped... well... I hadn't hoped it was over, I suppose, but it was nice enjoying a normal life. Just for a little while."

As Charlie's journey as a keeper continues, she learns more about how the spirits have become imbalanced. Traveling to Newcastle with her dearest friends, Tess, Trent, and Brent, they visit the beautiful Nobbys Island and the lighthouse.

The island and lighthouse have been beautifully preserved, and the history runs deep. 

Once again Charlie encounters many spirits, but something is quite different this time. The spirits are unbalanced here, unable to move on. There are many different colored spirits, and Charlie must figure out why they are here and how to help them move on. 

Not only is there much confusion, mystery, and the task of keeping the balance, there is a shocking, painful, and life changing loss in the lives of Charlie and her lovely friends. 

Charlie is also in for another major surprise, a very unexpected one, but one that is welcomed.

 

 I love the strength of the characters’ friendship, and I feel like I have walked alongside them through every novel. Watching from a distance as Charlie learns more about her ability as a keeper and developing as a person with an earnest heart. The history of Australia that is included is so interesting to learn about.

 

Each novel has been suspenseful, intriguing, and sometimes chilling, but for me they have all touched my heart in some way as well. This series has been such a joy to read, and I am so looking forward to reading more to come.

"Don't go into the tunnel, or the soldier will drown you."

**Thank you so much; Jess, for the complimentary copy and for sharing your wonderful stories with me!

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/JJ-Carpenter/author/

BookBub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jj-carpenter

Author Website Link:

https://www.jjcarpenterauthor.com/

About the Author

JJ Carpenter is the author of The Corner of Her Eye, a series of Australian ghost stories exploring the concept of purgatory.

JJ has been writing books since she was six years old - a collection of kooky tales she would staple together and hide in a shoebox under her bed. Penning her first novel at the age of 12, her love of all things creepy, supernatural and wild has never left her. Join JJ as she journeys through haunted places and chilling mysteries across the beautiful country, and rich history, of Australia.

She was born in Canberra, Australia. She spent her childhood in various locations, including the Barossa Valley, South Australia, and Hampshire, England. As an adult, she's spent much of her career living and working in the South Pacific: Solomon Islands (twice), Vanuatu, Fiji and beyond.

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/