The Dark Game Blog Tour

Today I'm thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for one of Flame Tress Press' latest releases - The Dark Game by Jonathan Janz.  Flame Tree has been releasing some pretty great horror/thriller titles and I'm always pleased when they ask me to participate and help promote some awesome authors!  

TITLE: The Dark Game
AUTHOR: Flame Tree Press
PUBLISHER:  Flame Tree Press
PUBLISHING DATE: April 11, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: Ten writers are selected for a summer-long writing retreat with the most celebrated and reclusive author in the world. Their host is the legendary Roderick Wells. Handsome, enigmatic, and fiendishly talented, Wells promises to teach his pupils about writing, about magic, about the untapped potential that each of them possesses. Most of all, he plans to teach them about the darkness in their hearts. The writers think they are signing up for a chance at riches and literary prestige. But they are really entering the twisted imagination of a deranged genius, a lethal contest pitting them against one another in a struggle for their sanity and their lives. They have entered into Roderick Wells's most brilliant and horrible creation. The Dark Game. 

MY THOUGHTS: This is the first Jonathan Janz novel I've read, although I have to admit to having a few others already on my shelf.  I can honestly say, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

In "The Dark Game," ten authors have won a chance in a contest being held by renown author Roderick Wells.  They will spend six weeks on his reclusive estate, working on a new book under his guidance and tutelage and the author who produces the best work will win three million dollars and a publishing contract.  Each of the contestants arrive and soon learn that not only are they harboring secrets of their own but the one Wells harbors may be their downfall.

I really disliked some of the characters in this book which is probably Janz's intention.  He has filled the book with highly flawed individuals, yet a few did stand out whom I could cheer on to the end.  I also enjoyed how the book developed and finding out more about the horrible secrets each character held.  And Roderick Wells?  It's hard to describe this man in words.  And I use the term man loosely.  I eagerly turned the pages the last 20% of the book waiting to see what Janz would drop on readers next and how everything would finally unravel.  Also, one of the best characters in the book in my opinion is the estate itself.  As the book progresses, it takes on a life of itself.  I sort of got "The Haunting of Hill House" vibes at one point.

Last but not least I have to say Janz has really capitalized on one of my favorite tropes in horror books - being in a remote survivalist setting and hoping to make it out alive.  He also mentions some pop culture references such as "IT" and Shirley Jackson, which I always find fun.   If you love horror, tension and flawed characters then chances are you will find something to enjoy in "The Dark Game."

RATING: 4 Paws

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jonathan Janz is the author of more than a dozen novels and numerous short stories. His work has been championed by authors like Joe R. Lansdale, Jack Ketchum, and Brian Keene; he has also been lauded by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and School Library Journal. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novel Children of the Dark was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Horror Book of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.

What's Happening (04-13-19)...

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.

This week has been forever long.  I had training 2 days this week (Thursday and Friday) and the only real good thing about it was it was local and I didn't have to drive much to get there.  Booker T's blood work came back and he was okay, but he was at the high end of acceptable for his kidney functioning (which they monitor because of his new meds) so of course I stressed about that for a few days.

We have been watching some TV/movies.  We finished Part 2 of "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina."  I liked it and am glad it has been renewed.  We also watched "The Silence" which is new on Netflix.  Some are saying it's a rip off of "Bird Box" but it's actually from the Tim Lebbon book of the same name and I found it to be pretty entertaining.  Finally, we can't forget that the final seasons of "Games of Thrones" starts Sunday night.  It's been so long and while it's sad that it's the last season, I'm anxious to see how it ends.

My reading in April has kind of been non-existent.  I even had a DNF - more on that in the near future.  I HAVE to get some reading done this weekend.  Here are the three books I have slated and "The Dark Game" and "Magic Bleeds" are priority.  

Finally I snagged three ARCs from Midnight Ink, one of my favorite publishers.  I've liked the books I've read from Ann Aguirre so I think I'll enjoy "The Third Mrs. Durst."  "Murderabilia" sounds like a good mystery/thriller and you have to know I couldn't resist requesting "The Time for Murder is Meow" when I saw it was the first in a new series - The Purr N' Bark Pet Shop Mysteries.  Don't they look awesome?

So what did you guys add this week and what are you reading now?

Retro Review - Prince Wasn't Perfect, But I Still Love Him

So we are rapidly approaching the anniversary date of Prince's death - April 21, 2016.  Yes, I'm still as Prince obsessed as I have always been and while my collection still grows, there is one book I read following his death that continues to stick with me.  In fact, I'm amazed that this review is the one that has gotten the most "likes" on Goodreads.  Maybe Prince fans are just that loyal.  Anyway, I wanted to repost this review for anyone who might have missed it the first time and to let people know if they enjoy memoirs, this is definitely one they should consider picking up.

TITLE: The Most Beautiful

AUTHOR: Mayte Garcia

PUBLISHER: Hachette Books

PUBLISHING DATE: April 4, 2017

FROM GOODREADS: In The Most Beautiful, a title inspired by the hit song Prince wrote about their legendary love story, Mayte Garcia for the first time shares the deeply personal story of their relationship and offers a singular perspective on the music icon and their world together: from their unconventional meeting backstage at a concert (and the long-distance romance that followed), to their fairy-tale wedding (and their groundbreaking artistic partnership), to the devastating losses that ultimately dissolved their romantic relationship for good. Throughout it all, they shared a bond more intimate than any other in Prince's life. No one else can tell this story or can provide a deeper, more nuanced portrait of Prince--both the famously private man and the pioneering, beloved artist--than Mayte, his partner during some of the most pivotal personal and professional years of his career. The Most Beautiful is a book that will be returned to for decades, as Prince's music lives on with generations to come. 

MY THOUGHTS:  So I have to be honest here. Going into this book I had a preconceived notion that Mayte Garcia was only writing this book to capitalize on Prince's death and to taint his legacy in some way because anyone who knows anything about him knows he never would have allowed this book to come out if he were still alive. After quickly devouring this book and actually being sad to see it end, I can honestly say I think I was pretty much totally wrong.

"The Most Beautiful" really isn't a book about Prince. It's a book about Mayte who just happens to have fallen in love with one of the enigmatic celebrities of all time. Mayte grew up as an accomplished dancer. She perfected belly dancing and also took lots of ballet and was basically supporting herself financially by the time she was 14. Her parents were very supportive of her, but were dysfunctional at best. When she was young, she saw Prince on TV and in concert and immediately commented that she would one day marry him. Strangely enough, Prince made the same comment to someone when he first saw Mayte. Mayte started a friendship with Prince, centered around her dancing and his music, when she was young and once she became of legal age, it slowly developed into a relationship. Many aspects of their relationship are truly beautiful and they share quite a love story. However, like most relationships, things weren't always easy. Mayte and Prince tragically lost their son when he was born due to a horrible genetic disease and later on, Mayte miscarried again. Neither recovered from this loss and it did set the path for the destruction of their marriage a few years later.

So basically after reading this, I do believe Matye and Prince were soulmates. There is a lot of discussion in the book about previous lives and fate and the such and I think in their case, they may have had a point. However, even though Prince was Mayte's soulmate, I think he had one that took precedence over her - his career and persona. I do think she came a close second and I can't help but feel they still loved each other when he died (I know she did), but she was never able to fully compete with Prince himself for Prince's attention (confusing). I learned a few surprising things while reading this. First of all, Mayte wasn't the pushover I expected. She stood up to Prince several times in her lifetime and wasn't just some starstruck little brat. Secondly, her dog Mia saved her from overdosing and taking her life following the death of her son which is why she is so heavily involved in rescue work. And finally, Prince could be a jerk. Now I love Prince so that pains me to say. But in reality, he was only human so it's really no big revelation. Also, even though their marriage failed, it don't think it tarnished the beauty of their relationship for fans. Lots of celebrity marriages fail and I think it's often too much pressure for people in the limelight to endure. 

I really did enjoy this book. I have a new respect for Mayte and while some of the book wasn't necessarily pretty, she didn't slam Prince of talk negatively about him - and believe me, she probably had reasons to do both at times. And I still love Prince just as much. This book showed me some of his flaws and I'm pretty sure that no matter how much I adore the man, given the chance (and come on, there was NO CHANCE!) I would have never started a relationship with him - gee, now my husband can sleep better at night ;) He was too controlling and he was a perfectionist. Everything in his life had to be perfect and I think it was physically painful for him when things and often people, didn't measure up to that standard.

If you are someone who likes Prince, this is a great book to pick up. Just go into it with an open mind. You'll read about a beautiful love story and I hope that if there is some justice in this world, Prince and Mayte will eventually meet up again and be able to continue their love story without all the other stuff thrown in and without millions of eyes watching.

RATING: 5 Paws

Can't Wait Wednesday (205)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS:  One morning, Jessa-Lynn Morton walks into the family taxidermy shop to find that her father has committed suicide, right there on one of the metal tables. Shocked and grieving, Jessa steps up to manage the failing business, while the rest of the Morton family crumbles. Her mother starts sneaking into the shop to make aggressively lewd art with the taxidermied animals. Her brother Milo withdraws, struggling to function. And Brynn, Milo’s wife—and the only person Jessa’s ever been in love with—walks out without a word. As Jessa seeks out less-than-legal ways of generating income, her mother’s art escalates—picture a figure of her dead husband and a stuffed buffalo in an uncomfortably sexual pose—and the Mortons reach a tipping point. For the first time, Jessa has no choice but to learn who these people truly are, and ultimately how she fits alongside them.  

Kristen Arnett’s debut novel is a darkly funny, heart-wrenching, and eccentric look at loss and love. 

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Every once in a while I'm drawn to a really weird and really unusual pick.  And when I read about the taxidermied animals, I keep thinking of "Hope Floats."  So I think I really need to check this one out.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

TTT - Books That Hold a Dear Place in My Heart

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading.

This week's topic is crazy/outrageous/uncharacteristic things I've done for books.  Guess I'm pretty boring because I've got NOTHING!  So instead, I'm going to share some of my most cherished books and why.

The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh - This is a huge Pooh collection which my parents bought for me for Christmas a few years ago before my Dad passed away.  They wrote in inscription saying I would always be their little girl.  I love it so much and have often read to the dogs out of it when they were sick.

Prince: Life & Times - Mr. Barb surprised me with this one on Christmas Eve two years ago. The fact that he had found a Prince book I didn't yet own coupled with its beauty makes this one of the most cherished books on my shelves.

Magnificent Vibration - I've yet to read this one but I've loved Rick Springfield since I was young and watched General Hospital with my Gma.  I've seen him in concert and I was able to finally grab this signed edition from Book Outlet a few years ago.

The Dark Tower Box Set - This was a Christmas gift to myself a few years ago.  It's sooooo lovely and I'm thrilled to have it as part of my collection.

IT - I remember my Mom and Dad going out of town one night when I was in 6th grade.  I really wanted to go with them but looking back, I can see why they wanted to go alone.  When they returned, my Dad gave me a package and said he wanted me to know they were still thinking of me.  I devoured this book and as I've mentioned before, I can credit my Dad for my love of horror.

So do you have any books that are near and dear to your heart for sentimental reasons?

Book Discussion - What Kind of Reader Are You?

It's been a while since we've had a discussion here at The Farm, but recently I've been doing some thinking and I was wondering "What kind of reader are you?"  Specifically are you a one-book-at-a-time reader (OBAAT) or are you a multiple-books-on-the-go reader (MBOTG)?

Up until recently, and by recently I mean pretty much 2019, I was pretty much a OBAAT.  I struggled to even begin to think about becoming an MBOTG even though I secretly envied readers who could manage such a thing.  But as Stormi and I started doing more buddy reads, and my desire to actually read some older (and I mean OLDER) books on my shelves, I slowly started having several books on the go at once.  So I found an article on Bustle which I am linking.  It looked at the advantages of MBOTG (click on the link for the entire article).

ADVANTAGE: It helps you get through your TBR faster.

Now I don't necessarily agree with this one.  I have certain amounts of time to read.  That time is based on many things during the week. Having more than one book on the go at a time really doesn't effect the amount of time I have to read so how can this be true?  Enlighten me.

ADVANTAGE: It helps you balance required reading and pleasure reading.

This is sort of true in the sense that it does help me balance ARC reading, buddy reading and backlist title reading.  I get to mix it up and it forces me to make time for things besides new releases.

ADVANTAGE: You can balance light and heavy reads.

I can see this being the case.  When I am a MBOTG, I usually mix up genres and dark and light reads and it works for me.  It allows for variety so I don't get stuck in a rut or weighed down by horror and dark reads which I love, but which I have found does take over my subconscious some (nightmares people - reading from horror too long, no matter how much I love it, does effect my dream cycle - I warned you I was weird).

ADVANTAGE: You can enjoy many book mediums at one time.

YES!  This is key for me.  Now that I consider myself a MBOTG, I usually have a Kindle title, a physical title and a graphic novel all on the go at once.  Let's be honest, there are times the Kindle needs to charge and I'm not done reading.  So now I switch books.

So in looking at these, I have to admit some are why I am now finding it possible to be a MBOTG.  And overall it is working for me.  Initially I found that I wasn't getting books completed as my usual pace but after time, I was able to see that I was doing pretty much the same amount of reading.  Now I just have some finishes that are pretty close together.  

Although this is still a new thing to me and I reserve the right to revert back to a OBAAT if I so desire.  

So what kind of reader are you?  Any tips on how to be a MBOTG or thoughts on why being anything but a OBAAT is insane?

What's Happening...(04-5-19)

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.

So I'm going to start out with a little story.  It was late one Sunday night and the entire pack - Mom, Dad, Cass and Booker T were snug in the bedroom.  Cass was sleeping at the foot of the bed and Booker was spread out on the floor.  Everyone was ALMOST asleep when a huge commotion was heard.  Mom and Dad jumped up so fast (didn't know we could move so fast) and flipped on all the lights in the room.  Cass came running to Mom while Booker stared at everyone smiling (and I swear he was laughing).  Apparently Cass fell out of bed on Booker.  Upon inspection, Booker T had blood on his head and back.  We looked all over and found where it was coming from - Cass' chin.  Apparently he hit it on the wall.  No worries, it was only about a 3 millimeter gash.  Everyone was cleaned up and Mom finally drifted off to sleep about 2 hours later - darn dogs!  

So we've not been watching anything spectacular.  We did watch "The Walking Dead" season finale and it was okay.  I really wish they would end the series because I know we will not stop watching it but I don't think it was that good.  I mean, come on, the high point of that the show was Negan and he's a murderer and a rapist.  That's just sad when he had the best part of the finale.  "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Season 2" started Friday so let's see how much of my weekend is spent watching it.  

So something unique did happen on the blog.  Seems like since I started comment moderation, I get more spam than ever before.  Well this week I was contacted by an individual - let's call him Count Vlad (he used the name Count____ but I'm not inserting the name so I can protect the innocent - or myself).  Anyway, he offered to make me a vampire and went on and on about all the benefits/special powers I would receive.  Even left me an email to reach him and said it would not take long for the process. I am not amused.  Where was he when I was in high school and being a vampire was more appealing?

So here's what I'm going to be reading this weekend.  I really need to finish something!

I also received a few books for review.  I've actually won several books from Goodreads lately (my wins always come in threes but this time it came in 4).  I will share them next week as if the past is any indication, I won't win again for a year or so.  I love Kelley Armstrong but have to admit, most of what I've read by her has had supernatural elements. I'm interested to see what I think of her new thriller "Wherever She Goes."  "The Life of Death" is about a woman condemned to be Death for 500 who then falls in love.  Sounds odd so I'm all for it.  And finally, I was thrilled to get the latest horror from Michael Patrick Hicks, "The Resurrectionists."  I've been seeing this one around quite a bit.

So I hope you all have a wonderful week and tell me what you are planning on reading and watching this weekend.