Reading – Logan Noble, Author

My Summer Reads So Far!

Beach

It’s summer time! The breeze is coming in off the water, the sun is out, and… I’m at work. Bummer. But don’t despair! I’ve had the chance to explore fantastic and horrific worlds from the air-conditioned comfort of my living room. I wanted to put together a post to share all the excellent books I’ve been reading this summer.

Wounds: Six Stories from the Border of Hell by Nathan Ballingrud

When I was a kid, I spent a LOT of time in the local library. It was nice and cool for one, and for a very big two, it was filled with books.

So it seemed fitting that I start the summer off by borrowing Nathan Ballingrud’s newest collection. Wounds was truly impressive. It may be my favorite collection of the year. The world building and terror constructed here kinda’ blew my mind. I was sad to see it end.

A Collapse of Horses by Brian Evenson

A Collapse of Horses has been in my TBR pile since late last year. When my wife and I visited Boston, we (of course) had to visit the Harvard Book Store. When I saw this fantastic cover, I knew I had to grab it.

With all the attention on Brian’s new collection, I figured it was time to unearth this book and dive in. I LOVED this collection. I find it hard to describe what I like best about Brian’s works. They are as cold as Aickman’s, but with the twisted logic of Ligotti. Maybe? Just read them. It’s sheer nightmare fuel.

Song for the Unraveling of the World by Brian Evenson

song for the unraveling of the world.jpg

And speaking of nightmare fuel… Brian Evenson has a new collection! While I think it’s not as perfect as A Collapse of Horses, Song for the Unraveling of the World is still an incredible read. Reading these back-to-back was like drinking some kind of sweet poison.

The Dream-Quest of Velitt Boe by Kij Johnson

the dream quest

I decided to reread The Dream-Quest of Velitt Boe because it’s perfect for summer! It’s warm, interesting, and deep. It’s a short book about a long trek through H.P. Lovecraft’s Dreamlands. While I was never a fan of Lovecraft’s Dreamlands, Kij has made them a mysterious delight. I want to hang with Velitt and the cat. Please.

The Grand Dark by Richard Kadrey

the grand dark.jpg

And now for the book I’m currently reading! Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim books are favorites of mine, so the promise of a new Kadrey creation made me take note. Though I’m only about mid-way through, I’m in love with this vile Steampunk fantasy world. Kadrey knows how to world-build and make it fun.

Those are my summer reads! Do you have any go to summer reads? Beachside or otherwise? Fill me in below!

7 Upcoming Books I’m Dying to Read

Happy Wednesday everybody!

We’re barreling toward the one-two-three punch of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. It’s a whirlwind of visits with the in-laws and extended family, awkward conversations with Grandma and some pretty decent food. The good news is that we have some downtime ahead. What better time than to read some books?

Here are 7 Upcoming Books I’m Dying to Read.

The Folio Anthology of Horror Stories edited by Ramsey Campbell

Out Now

Folio 1

I may be cheating a bit (this came out last week), but this is the book that inspired this list. This is one of the most gorgeous horror anthologies I’ve ever seen. It houses a TOC that has some of the greatest horror stories ever printed. It’s also edited by the legendary Ramsey Campbell. This is a little more expensive than the other books on this list, but I 100% think it’s worth it. Just look at his thing!

By the Light of My Skull by Ramsey Campbell

by-the-light-of-my-skull-hardcover-by-ramsey-campbell-4671-1-p[ekm]330x440[ekm].png

October 2018

Did somebody say living legend? No? Well I guess I’m saying it now then. Ramsey Campbell is a living legend in the horror field, a writer whose depth and skill never ceases to amaze me. When I was still a fledgling horror fanatic, I discovered his novels and short stories and was completely blown away. His new collection, released in a very snazzy looking hardcover from PS Publishing, collects some of his newer stories.

Guignol & Other Sardonic Tales by Orrin Grey

October 2nd, 2018

Orrin Grey.jpg

A new book by horror fiction’s favorite skeleton-man is always a cause for celebration. Painted Monsters & Other Strange Beasts is one of my favorite collections ever, and I can trust Orrin Grey to bring his signature concoction of creepy monsters and spooky movies. Word Horde is one of the best indie publishers around, and this book will look great on my shelf come October 2nd.

In The Night Wood by Dale Bailey

October 9th, 2018

Dale Bailey.jpg

I talked about this book back in March when I wrote an article much like this one. My excitement has not abated for this contempory fantasy novel. This book has a few of my favorite things: creepy woods, troubled writers and (I assume) folklore horror. I can’t wait for this one to rock my socks right off.

In The House In The Dark Of The Woods by Laird Hunt

October 16th, 2018

Laird Hunt.png

With a killer title and cover, when I saw this book I had to know what it was about. Turns out it’s about a Puritan woman being drawn into a dark journey. The summary describes almost-human wolves (!) and a ship made of human bone (!). This book sounds all kinds of bizarre and I am in 100%.

The Leaves of a Necronomicon edited by Joseph S. Pulver Sr.

Sometime in November 2018

the leaves.png

A Lovecraftian anthology edited by Joe Pulver is always something to be pumped about. This one is being put out by Chaosium Fiction. The book tracks the impact of a copy of the Necronomicon over decades. With another TOC to kill for (S.P. Miskowski! Michael Cisco! Jeffrey Thomas!) this will scratch that late autumn horror itch.

Creatures of Want and Ruin by Molly Tanzer

November 13th, 2018

Molly Tanzer.jpg

Evil mushroom moonshine during some kind of supernatural Prohibition. A cult making doomsday claims. This story is told by the always incredible Molly Tanzer. Color me excited for this book when it drops mid-November.

And that’s 7 Books That I’m Dying to Read! I’m sure I missed all kinds of books. Let me know what you’re excited for!

NPR’s Summer Poll: My Picks

NPR Bookshelf

It’s aliiiiiive indeed! I spotted that NPR is doing their Summer Poll via social media and I was very excited to see that the focus this year is on horror. The challenge that NPR put up this year (link here) is a tough one. Here’s what they’re asking for:

‘So what scares you? Besides clowns, I mean, because everyone is scared of clowns. Use the form on this page to vote for your five favorite horror novels or stories. Based on what you tell us, our expert panel of horror lovers (Tananrive Due, Stephen Graham Jones, Grady Hendrix and Ruthanna Emrys — more on them soon!) will curate a final list of 100 titles guaranteed to keep your spine chilled and your teeth rattling no matter how hot this summer gets.’

Five picks! I’ve read so many incredible collections and novels over the years that choosing five turned out to be harder than expected. I dove into my Goodreads and came out on the other side with five picks I think that any horror fan can applaud.

Stephen King’s IT

It_cover

Let’s talk about the first book that scared the crap out of me. This beast of a book has it all: clowns, werewolves, Lovecraftian monsters, and murder of all kinds. Some of the imagery that Stephen King creates has stuck with me forever. This is a must add for NPR’s list.

Deadfall Hotel by Steve Rasnic Tem

deadfall

I reviewed this book on here previously. Everything I said still holds true. This novel dives into one of the most fascinating settings I’ve come across in a horror novel. This is a powerful book that deserves so much love.

Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

Heart Shaped Box

A rock star under attack by a vengeful ghost. Everything that Joe Hill writes is wholly creative and always terrifying. The quest that the protagonist in this novel undergoes is harrowing. This novel won every horror fiction award under the sun and MAN does it deserve it.

Swan Song by Robert R Mccammon

Swan Song.jpg

Forget about ‘The Stand’. If you want a big fat post apocalyptic horror novel, look no further than this one. The action and horror in this thing are gonzo on every level. This is a jaw dropping ordeal and belongs in this five.

Occultation by Laird Barron

I wanted to put a collection on this list and I can’t think of a better one. Every story is this collection is perfect. If you haven’t read this, hurry to wherever it is that you buy books and do that.

Those are my five! I’m excited to see the list that NPR and it’s panel of experts put together.

Books I’m Looking Forward To In 2018

2017 was a banner year for horror fiction. Tons of debuts and new classics came out over those 12 months and 2018 is shaping up to be just as incredible. Here is a list of books I’m looking forward to this year!

1. Blood Standard by Laird Barron

Laird Barron is one of my favorite writers. His blend of cosmic-horror-noir is more powerful and terrifying than just about anything else I’ve ever read. Laird’s debut crime novel promises to be a thrilling ride into some undoubtedly dark stuff. ‘Blood Standard’ hits store shelves (and my shelf) in May.

2. In The Night Wood by Dale Bailey

Though Dale Bailey is a new author to me, this novel sounds way to amazing to not get put on this list. This one sounds to be a supernatural fantasy stuffed full of Gothic elements. Couple that with a jaw-dropping cover and the endorsement of some big names, and we have a book that looks to be very promising. ‘In The Night Wood’ comes out from the always dependable John Joseph Adams in October.

3. The Atrocities by Jeremy C. Shipp

How about another Gothic with an incredible cover? I’m a little more familiar with Jeremy C. Shipp. I’ve read several of his short stories over the years and I have always been impressed. Tor is releasing this novella in April. With their track record over the last two years (The Dream-Quest of Velitt Boe! Agents of Dreamland!) I’m ready for this to download on my Kindle ASAP.

4. Sefira & Other Betrayals by John Langan

This collection was supposed to be released ages ago, but I’m okay with the delays. John Langan writes some of the densest fiction you’ll find anywhere, and I know the extra time he’s putting in will be worth it. There is no official release date on this but I expect to see it come out mid-way through the year.

5. The Rust Maidens by Gwendolyn Kiste

There is no official cover or release date for this one. Rest assured though, this will be a fascinating read. ‘And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe’ is one of my favorite things I read last year. Gwendolyn’s unique fairy tale-horror deserves a wider audience and I hope her debut novel does that.

These are five books I’m looking forward to in 2018! What books are you excited for? Any obvious ones that should be on this list?

My Reads For 2017

Hello world!

In 2017 I took on the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I met my goal of 50 books over the course of the year. I’ll be posting an article talking about some of my favorites. If you click the link below you can see all 50 of the books I read:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10212625875816566&id=1075071250