My Favourite Post-Appocalyptic Horror Novel's.

For years I've always enjoyed when authors posted list's of books that inspired them or the most fun/gross/weird/brutal books they have read. With that in mind I decided that after twenty years of reading horror it was time to start compiling some of my own lists.


I decide for my first list I would post my favourite post apocalyptic novels as it's one of my favourite sub genres. Before you even read the list, this is the books that I have enjoyed the most, not a list of mass market top sellers that everyone loves.

I must have just turned twenty when I first read this book. I hadn't long finished reading Richard Laymon's entire collection and was trying several new author's, that had been recommended to me on the Laymon message board when I came across Blood Crazy, my first read by Simon Clark but not my last. The gist of this book is, everyone in the world over the age of eighteen goes nuts, like 28 Days Later kind of nuts and the youth are left behind to make their way in the new world. It's a bit of a road trip book with some truly great moments. The pacing is fast and the character development was great. I'm not someone who re-reads books so my opinions on this one are based on my twenty year old self's view but it has remained a favourite, even after I've read hundreds more books in the horror genre.

This book, unlike a lot of mass market books really hits the spot. It's massive but the storyline is massive as well. Their is actually three separate storylines running through it if I remember correctly but the imagination of this author is unquestionable. There are so many great ideas in one book. It truly blue me away. If I'm honest it was a tough decision between what to put first and second but I think I slightly preferred Blood Crazy simply down to my own personal taste.

There are many reasons this book is on the list. I know some may argue that it's set in the UK and it doesn't mention if the going's on are happening outside of the UK but I read it going on the assumption that they were. It's up to the reader really as it also doesn't say it's confined to the UK. If you don't like spiders this book will scare the fuck out of you but it's not quite as simple as that, they are no ordinary spiders and they hatch from women's stomachs to make it all the more horrific. There are two books in the series and I loved both.

While I love the Rising and City of the Dead this is my favourite zombie book by Keene. I know it's no the most famous but it's the best in my opinion. There is something about the characters in this book that really sucks you in. I find with most books I need fast paced action as I rarely relate to most of the people in the story but this book is different. Keene is a tremendous story teller in my opinion, at least with his earlier works he was. I still read everything he writes but I haven't enjoyed much of his work since an Occurrence in Crazy Bear Valley so if you haven't read him I'd start with everything he published through Leisure.

Now this one is fucking mental. I am a massive fan of Mellick now and have read around thirty of his books but this was one of the first two I read. Mellick writes Bizarro and in my opinion is the best at it in the game. Below is a synopsis as I don't think I would be able to do this one justice with a description.

Road Warrior Werewolves versus McDonaldland Mutants...post-apocalyptic fiction has never been quite like this. They call themselves the Warriors, their enemies call them the Bitches. They are a gang of man-eating, motorcycle-riding, war-hungry werewolf women, and they are the rulers of the wasteland. A century after the fall of civilization, only one city remains standing. It is a self-contained utopian society protected by a three-hundred-foot-high steel wall. The citizens of this city live safe, peaceful lives, completely ignorant to the savagery that takes place beyond the walls. They are content and happy, blindly following the rules of the fascist fast food corporation that acts as their government. But when Daniel Togg, a four-armed bootlegger from the dark side of town, is cast out of the walled city, he soon learns why the state of the outside world has been kept secret. The wasteland is a chaotic battleground filled with giant wolves, mutant men, and an army of furry biker women who are slowly transforming into animals. Trapped on the wrong side of a war zone, Daniel Togg makes new friends and new enemies, while uncovering the mysteries of the people living in the wasteland and how they came to be there. Including 45 illustrations by the author, Warrior Wolf Women of the Wasteland is an epic bizarro tale of dehumanization, gender separation, consumption, and violent sexual awakenings. A fast-paced post-apocalyptic adventure in the vein of The Road Warrior, featuring a very unique werewolf mythology.

Go pick it up. It will be one of the best things you have ever read.

So I've listed the five that from memory have been my favourites. Below are a few other honorable mentions:

The full Clicker's series is really good.

Now I'm sure if you have made it this far you are having a rant about books that aren't on the list. As I said these are my favourite's. I know most people will rate King's Stand above my top five but I find him long winded and it dragged in lots of parts although the overall story was excellent. It's also probably the case that I haven't read some of the books that others love and have forgotten some that I loved myself through time. If anything I hope you found at least one book on the list to give a try. I would love to see other peoples lists so if you post one, tag me on Twitter or Facebook or send me a link.

Until the next time.

Kev







Available for Pre-Order Now! Madame Movara's Tales of Terror

Madame Movara's Tales of Terror (Charity Anthology) will be available on the 20/10/16 however it's available for pre order now. Why wait? Go get your copy ordered.

Synopsis:

If you love the taste of fear, then this collection of short stories will be sure to chill your blood! An eclectic mix of spooky, horrific and gruesome tales from a motley group of writers, all of them condemned to suffer under the baleful gaze of your host, the devilish Madame Movara.

But wait! Whilst the authors themselves have been collected together in a hellish torment, Madame Movara promises that you WILL take delight from the words inside…
For as much as she is wicked, she is also kind. Every penny from the sale of this horror anthology will be donated to the International Children’s Charity, proving that some good will come from these truly dark tales.
Of course, Movara has also charmed her favourite horror icon into providing an introduction for the book! The legendary Hammer Horror actress Caroline Munro has kindly helped the Madame with her charity work…and Movara promises to spare her for her help, unlike the authors whose work lies within!
So sit back, and relish the scares that await you. Madame Movara assures you that you’ll be safe…your fate depends upon your will to donate!

Links

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Enjoy!



General ramblings and updates 2

I thought it was time for another update. I have quite a lot on just now. I am in the middle of several short stories for various anthologies that I will hopefully finish and get sent off over the coming weeks. I enjoy having a decent sized list of stories awaiting feedback and with so many of the anhthos I am in coming out recently or over the coming weeks the list is looking pretty low. 

The next antho being released containing one of my stories is the In a Flash antho by Sinister Saint's press.I have a solo story called Lonely and a story I co-wrote with my wife called Malcom, the story that is, not my wife. 

This will be the last story I have available through the Sinister Saint's Press imprint as Editor Rich Dodgin has left and I no longer want to work with them. 

Although I'm not sure of the release date yet I believe this will be followed by Riding the Dark Frontier - Tales of the Weird West by Thirteen O'Clock Press. 

This is the first story I have written outside of the horror genre and it was a lot of fun. It's a comedy tale about a time traveller in the old west. I hadn't long finished watching Back to the Future 2 and Bone Tomahawk when I came across the call for submissions for this one so I had to send in a story and they liked it. I hope you will too. Oh and it's not a cannibal story if that's what you're thinking. 

Next up is a pretty special one. It's a charity anthology in aid of Save the Children, a great cause. It will be available on the 20/10/16 and contains stories from many well known names in the horror world alongside some new voices. Foreword by Caroline Munro. How cool is that? Check out the links below. 

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

That's about it for now. I have been accepted to several other anthologies and I'm still working on two longer pieces but I will post more about that when things are closer to release dates. 

Thanks again for reading.

Kev

My step daughters entries to a photography competition in aid of a hospice. Please vote.

My step daughter has just entered her first photography competition. It's in aid of a hospice. If you like either of her pictures please give them a quick vote. Thanks.

Links to vote:

The camera pic.

The flower pic.

A Few Anthology Updates.

The In the Flash anthology by Sinister Saint's Press will be available on the 28th of August. I will post a link as soon as it's up. I have a solo story in this one and one co-written with my wife. 

Available now through Lulu.com or on the Horrified Press website. A double anthology from Thirteen O'Clock Press containing my story 'Worzel's Woe's'.



A Door Appeared

17 strange, horrific and fantastical tales, each beginning with the words “A Door Appeared…”. Each tale is different, but one thing is certain - for those encountering these strange doors, life will never be the same again!

Teenage Insanity

The Great Ones ruled long before man, their existence described in ancient texts and honoured by evil cults. Now they sleep, but when the stars are right they rise again and claim the Earth as their own. In these 8 Cthulhu Mythos tales, unsuspecting teenagers are drawn into the discovery and battle against the return

Buy the book on Lulu.com

Cover Reveal for Riding the Dark Frontier (A Weird West Anthology)

First look at the cover for Riding The Dark Frontier, a weird west anthology containing my short 'Psycho Bill One-Shot and the Time Traveller. This is the first western story I have written and it's pretty short but I enjoyed writing it and I hope you enjoy reading it.

Feel like I have been revealing a lot of covers and updates about anthologies recently. Between now and December 1st you can expect a new antho every few weeks containing one of my stories. I now need to spend a little more time focusing on getting my second and third books finished.

More updates soon

Kev



Something a Little Special Coming Your Way This December. Check out the author list!

While this is not the actual cover of the book this is the line up of authors. I can't say too much about this book yet. This is just a little teaser. It looks like it will be available on December 1st. I'll post more details when I can. Feeling very proud to have a story alongside all these guys. Foreword by fellow Scotsman, Jim McLeod of Ginger Nuts of Horror fame. Think I'm more worried about him reading my story than anyone else. lol

I'll post more on this when I can. 

Madame Movara's Tales of Terror Charity Anthology is up for Pre Order Now!!!

If you love the taste of fear, then this collection of short stories will be sure to chill your blood! An eclectic mix of spooky, horrific and gruesome tales from a motley group of writers, all of them condemned to suffer under the baleful gaze of your host, the devilish Madame Movara.

But wait! Whilst the authors themselves have been collected together in a hellish torment, Madame Movara promises that you WILL take delight from the words inside…

For as much as she is wicked, she is also kind. Every penny from the sale of this horror anthology will be donated to the International Children’s Charity, proving that some good will come from these truly dark tales.

Of course, Movara has also charmed her favourite horror icon into providing an introduction for the book! The legendary Hammer Horror actress Caroline Munro has kindly helped the Madame with her charity work…and Movara promises to spare her for her help, unlike the authors whose work lies within!

So sit back, and relish the scares that await you. Madame Movara assures you that you’ll be safe…your fate depends upon your will to donate!



Contributors:

Andrew Scorah
Richard Gurl
Erik Hofstatter
Simon Burnell
Ailsa Abraham
Jane Risdon
David Monk
Charlotte L R Kane
Eric Macfalane
Loraine Von Tonder
JC Michael
Nell Peters
Alice J Black
Emily H King
Regina Reil
Beverley Lawman
David Owen Hughes
Jack Rollins
Calvin Demner
Charles E Butler
K.A Hambly
Kevin Wimer
Kevin Kennedy
Michelle Ledford
James Kinsbury
Alice La Roux
Ross Jones
Sue Barnard
Peter Oliver Wonder

I'm sure there will be some fantastic stories in here, just look at the author list. Remember it's all for a good cause. Order your copy today.

Amazon.com



General ramblings and updates

I've never been great at using blogs or Twitter or even Facebook to be honest. I realize I am getting old when I say I preferred the days of Bebo and message boards. The old Richard Laymon and Brian Keene message boards were two of the most fun places a horror reader could hang around in the old days. Brian Keene tried to revive his message board about a year back if I remember correctly but I went on a few times and it just wasn't the same. I seen him mention recently on his website that he was switching to an email newsletter as were most authors because everyone spent the majority of their time on Facebook these days. Facebook algorithms means that there is no guarantee that even fifty percent of the people on your page will see your post. He's right of course. I spend hours a day randomly scrolling through the newsfeed on FB and rarely see much of interest. I mainly use it as a source of finding new books or authors and keeping up to date with anthologies looking for submissions. Anyway as others seem to be moving away from blogs I am only starting to use mine. Each to their own. I've only set up my Twitter account in the last week but it seems pretty easy to use and I'm enjoying it so far. I'm actually finding a lot more things of interest on Twitter.


Other than messing around online with social media I have been continuing to write and reading quite a bit. I'm still working on a novella with J.C.Michael that I think was around 22000 words when I last sent it back to him but we still have a good bit of the way to go with it. I'll post future updates regarding our progress.


I'm also writing another solo novella that at the moment I'm calling Hollow Earth but this may change.


The next anthology to come out containing one of my stories is called A Door Appeared by Sinister Saints Press. My story is called 'Worzels Woes'. While I really enjoyed writing the story for this antho I'm not a big fan of the cover. See below.

I don't have release dates for all the anthos I am in yet but this one will come out on the 15 of August but you can preorder from Horrified Press just now. I'm not sure which of the other anthos I am in will drop next so I will just post more when I have confirmed dates.

I'm currently reading the Kids anthology by Dark Chapter Press which has been pretty good so far. I have a few books on my TBR pile that are calling out to me but I'm not sure what I will start next. It's between these three.

I'm sure all three will be great. I just need to decide which comes first. I'm thinking GodBomb! for the simple reason I haven't read any of Kit's work yet.

That's about it for today. I'll be back with more updates soon.

Kev





Book Giveaway! Just Under Three Days Left. UK only.

Goodreads are giving away two copies of The Tale of Sawney Bean in paperback form. They are proof copies that have been printed after the book was professionally edited and the cover was changed to matte. Unfortunately I didn't like the matte cover and have now changed it back. I received five copies and I'm keeping one for myself so there will only ever be four copies of this version out there. If you want to win one of them sign up to the giveaway. UK only this time.

Synopsis:

The legend of Sawney Bean has long been discussed and adapted into other stories. There has been discussion on which parts of the tale are fact and which parts are fiction.

This is the story from the mans mouth himself. Sawney Beans journey from a twelve year old lad into the leader of the most notorious cannibal family to ever live. He tells the tale of how he met his wife and how they ended up raising a massive inbred clan in a secluded cave not far from the very people they were killing for food.

Here Sawney's side of the story and the true facts of what actually happened. Was he a cold blooded cannibal or just another man trying to do his best for his family?

Enter Giveaway Here!

My Goodreads Page.

The Top Five Horror Book's I've Read This Year, so Far.

Everyone seems to be posting their list of the best horror they have read this year so far so I thought I would do mine too. I'm sure all of the books on the list were published in the last twelve months and I have read them all from January this year. It's a list of the five books that I found the most fun to read. It's also in the order I read them, not in order of my favourites but I suggest you read them all anyway.

I've been a fan of Mellick for a long time but he has so many books available that I'm still working my way through them. If you haven't read anything by him a lot of his books read a little like children's books for adults. Clownfellas is a little different though. It's six interlinked novellas set in the same world where Clowns are a species rather than people dressed up. The novellas follow the Bozo family and their associates. Each novella is a great read on it's own but combined this book is something special. A must for any Bizarro fans but I would strongly recommend this book to anyone.

This is the first book I've read by Hunter Shea but it definitely wont be the last. I do love a good monster story and this book is among the best I've read. A must read for fans of the Clickers series by Gonzalez and Keene. I really did find it hard to put down.

I'm a long time fan of Garton. I only wish he would write more. Vortex is a stand alone novella but it has a continuing story line of investigators Karen Moffett and Gavin Keoph from Nightlife and Bestial. Whether you are a fan of Garton or have never read him this is an excellent read.

Okay so it's not technically horror but if you have ever read/watched Trainspotting then you will know that Franco Begbie would fit right into any psycho family and maybe even teach them a thing or two. Blade Artist is set after the sequel to Trainspotting, Porno. Years have passed and Franco is a different man but returning to his old town brings back old feelings. This book could stand alongside any book containing a psychopath, I love Welsh's writing and I love the Begbie character. This book was exceptional.

Really loved this one. Read quite a few stories by Hughes now and I'm enjoying his work but this has been my favourite so far. It reads like a Laymon book. I love cannibal stories and I loved David's twist on the Sawney Bean legend. Sick and twisted as we can only expect from this author but fun at the same time.

Okay so I decided to do six but fuck it, it's my list. This one is just about as mental as they get. Really funny, loads of eighties references, manga references, living Lego dinosaurs, and loads of violence and that's just some of it. You really need to read this one. A touch of genius and a touch of madness as always with Mellick.