Mountain Top Reviews

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach

HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL

by M. Ennenbach

Published May 2nd 2020

Published by Death's Head Press

Cover art by Justin T. Coons

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(from the book description)

The first cattle drive of the season leaves Texas for Abilene, Kansas along the Chisholm Trail, but unforeseen terrors lay hidden in the natural beauty of the land. In the heart of Indian Territory lies the sleepy town of Duncan, a friendly respite from the dusty land. But something lurks in the untamed West-a powerful creature that hunts to satiate its horrifying hunger. The land will run red with blood, and only Karl Beck has a chance against this ancient evil.

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Before the trail dust from THE MAGPIES COFFIN release settles, we are back in the saddle for the 2nd book in the Death's Head Press "Splatter Western" Series.

This new arrival is HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach and it is a wild and horrific ride full of dust, blood and action.

It all starts out with a cattle drive and descends into an all out battle to survive on the barren Chisholm Trail. The fate of the small town of Duncan hangs in the balance. An evil is loose in the plains and it has a hunger that will not be sated.

I want so much to talk about this story because I enjoyed it immensely, but as always I do not want to spoil any of the suspense and surprises for the readers. So lets talk about a few other points that will not give too much info away.

Some might go into this thinking it is a creature story, and in a way it is, but where this tale shines is in the believable characters that the author has created. This is a true character-driven story. You are drawn in right away on the first page, and as the story progresses, more and more characters are introduced. Some players may not be around long but you quickly become vested in them, which make some of the horrible events that occur hit you like a gut punch.

The strongest character we meet is Karl Beck. He is an adventurer, an investigator and when need be, a killer. Think of a western version of John Constantine with a little bit of Doc Holliday mixed in. He is our somewhat reluctant hero; he knows and sees things others cannot or will not believe. Karl is an outstanding character. I would have sat and read a whole chapter of just Karl talking to himself, that is how relatabley the author has written the character. The other supporting characters are developed just as effectively. You will love some while hating others, but you will still find yourself somewhat connected to each as the story goes along. We are also treated to a few clues and characters that might be connected to future books.

And yes, there is blood, lots of blood. The author does not hold back on the gore and horrific deaths. The creature is perfect. The author's descriptions and actions of the grotesque creature keep you on the edge of your seat. Again, I would just love to just blurt out stuff but I must hold my tongue.

Let's just say that this is an outstanding book that pulls you along relentlessly into a bloody and action filled finale.

THE MAGPIE COFFIN was the first book in this series and it was terrific, but HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL has made me into a true "Splatter Western" fan. The series has just been extended to 11 books (YES, 11) with the next being DUST by Chris Miller.

I feel like I need to go out and buy a cowboy hat now.

You can purchase HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL in ebook and print on AMAZON.

Make sure to stop by the Author's site to learn more about M. ENNENBACHE.

And please check out the publishers other great books at DEATH'S HEAD PRESS.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

COMMUNION by Steve Stred

(Father of Lies Book 2)

Published May 6th 2020

Published by Black Void Publishing

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(from the book description)

One week after the horrific events at the commune unfolded, Detective McKay is left to pick up the pieces and try to connect the dots.

But before he can determine who this Father character is or what his motivations were, a mysterious redheaded woman arrives at the station.

With one quick act of violence, McKay is dragged into a world he’d never imagined possible.

A world of heinous acts, strange events and a creature from his darkest nightmares.

At the end of the day, McKay will need to find a way to survive, or become another sacrifice by Father in his quest to ascend to the Black Heaven’s.

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Before we dive into COMMUNION, the new book from author Steve Stred, you must be made aware that this is Book 2 of the Father of Lies Trilogy.It is strongly recommended that you read Book 1 RITUAL before you start on COMMUNION. Be warned that Book 1 is a very intense read and does contain graphic and disturbing scenes that may offend more delicate readers.

So go ahead and read Book 1............I'll wait here for you......................................

Ok, your back and you have finished RITUAL.

What have we learned so far.

Cults...bad

The Father...bad

Demons....bad

Bum play...ouch,,very bad.

This will always be as spoiler free as possible.

COMMUNION continues the story 1 week after the events of RITUAL and centers around Det. McKay and his investigation into the mass deaths at the cults compound. McKay is quickly dragged into the world of the mysterious Father and what he was trying to accomplish, and what horrible events await in the future. Can he survive and solve the mystery surrounding the cult or will he be just another pawn in a much larger and terrifying game.

The first thing you will notice when diving into COMMUNION is the difference in the writing style from Book 1. Were RITUAL was in your face horror gruesome acts, COMMUNION is more in the vain of a Police procedural. We follow McKay as he uncovers secrets and becomes entangled in the world of The Father and his plans for reaching the Black Heavens. The blood and gore are still here, but presented in a way that fits into his new narrative style. McKay is drawn deeper and deeper into this dark world and we as readers are dragged along, learning more and more back story on The Father, his past and his lofty ambitions.

The breakneck pace of the story is constant and races you along from page one until you hit the final word. Though this installment is not as raw and downright cringe inducing as Book 1, it still packs a wallop and at times will make you squirm in your seat. As always the author is a master at creating characters that we believe and can connect with and care about. McKay is your hard-boiled. ready for retirement cop thrust into something he has never dealt with before, and the inclusion of a strong fem-fatale character strengthens the overall crime-noir/police procedural feel.

This is a one sitting read. You will not want to put it down once you start.

Also extra kudos to the author for handling aspects of a Police investigation and just normal Police procedure correctly. Being a retired officer, it is always nice to see these events handled realistically and not the over-exaggerated way we see on tv and movies.

I highly recommend COMMUNION and it's predecessor RITUAL. It will be exciting to see were the author brings the story next and what awaits us as we follow The Father into the dark places.

COMMUNION can be purchased in ebook and print at AMAZON.

RITUAL is also available in both formats.

Make sure to visit the authors website HERE for news and info on his other great titles.

Monday, March 23, 2020

THE MAGPIE COFFIN by Wile E. Young

Release date March 23rd, 2020

Published by Death's Head Press

Cover art by Justin T. Coons

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(from the book description)

The year is 1875 and the outlaw Salem Covington has spent the last twenty years collecting stories, possessions and lives. Nicknamed 'The Black Magpie' for his exploits during the war, Salem has carved a bloody trail across the western territories. Informed that his mentor, Comanche shaman Dead Bear has been murdered, he vows vengeance on the perpetrators. Enlisting the help of an Army scout and preserving the body of his mentor in a specially made coffin, Salem sets out in pursuit. But the choices of Salem's past that earned him the moniker 'Black Magpie' are riding hard behind him and the only weapon that can kill him might not be as far away as he thinks.

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I have to admit that I don't believe I have ever sat and read a Western novel. The closest would have to be Jonah Hex comics. So I was intrigued when Jarod Barbee, Publisher at Death's Head Press, announced a new line of 'Splatter Western' books.

For most reviews I just jump right into the story, but this time I want to take a moment and recognize the amazing piece of art that is the cover to THE MAGPIE COFFIN. Artist Justin T. Coons sets the mood for this story at first glance, you just know you're in for something dark and sinister. This cover reminded me so much of the beautifully painted 'Giallo' covers to come out of Italy back in the day.
The old adage, "you can't judge a book by its cover" is definitely thrown out here. You know what you're getting into with one glance.

OK, I'm done drooling over that cover, onto the story itself. As with all my reviews, this will be Spoiler Free.

I was hooked on this story from page one. If you have read Wile E. Young's work before (if you haven't then shame on you, you should correct that right now), you know he has a breakneck pace. The main character, Salem Covington, is a man haunted and hunted by his past. Through the course of the story you will love the character (in my best western twang), hootin and hollrin' for him, and other times you might hate him. Either way he is a great character. Wile has taken John Constantine and Jonah Hex (the Lansdale Jonah, not the horrible movie one) and rolled them up to make a character that is likable and at times horrifying in his acts. Salem walks the line between our world and the darkness that lies just beyond our vision.

The main story is that of revenge. Salem sets out on a quest to avenge the death of his mentor, a shaman called Dead Bear and leaves a trail of death and destruction behind him as he endeavors to complete his chosen path. The 'splatter' in 'Splatter Western' is present throughout the story. Salem dispatches his enemies (or are they just prey?) in some monstrous and cringe-inducing ways. Yes, there are some impressive gun fights, it is a western story after all, but it is when Salem truly lets his dark side out to mete out his form of justice, that you will squirm in your seat while reading. There is a scene later on in the book that would probably have Edward Lee say "What the hell Wile, damn".

I never knew I needed a 'Splatter Western' in my life, but now that I have read THE MAGPIE COFFIN, I'll be "chomping at the bit" for the next release.

This has been one of my favorite books so far this year and I recommend it highly for everyone. If you're a horror fan who has never read a western, you are in for a treat, if your a western fan and never read horror, brace yourself, this is not your daddy's Louis L'Amour books, but you're gonna love it!

THE MAGPIE COFFIN can be purchased in Ebook and Print on Amazon.

And make sure to check out DEATH'S HEAD PRESS for other great books.

Friday, February 14, 2020

CUPID by Jason Myers

Published February 7th 2020

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(from the book description)

"Forget everything the greeting card companies have taught you about Him." The truth is finally coming out about the wickedness that is Cupid. A wild story filled with terrors to make you want to skip the entire month of February. From the author of DECISIONS comes a new horror from an old name. Be sure to read with the lights on.

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Just in time for Valentines Day, Author Jason Myers unleashes his newest book upon the lover-lorn masses.

This story is one mans tale of his encounter with the real Cupid. Not the cuddly fat smiling cherub that we are all used to, but a beast of pure horror and unspeakable violence.

Our story-teller witnesses a horrific event as a child that changes the coarse of his life forever. He is confronted by the true Cupid and its once-a-year quest upon the earth to punish one couple for acts against their sacred vows.

It is very difficult to go into much detail on the story without exposing too much and I do not want to give any spoilers. So at that I will tell you that it is a fast-moving tale with lots of blood and gore to keep the true horror fan satisfied. I enjoyed this story a lot and it will be interesting to see if this is a one-time tale, or if the Author will pursue this character again.

Jason has given us a fresh new look at what the Cupid could be and we may never look at Valentines Day the same way again.

CUPID in a short novella (just over 32 pages) perfect for your Valentines afternoon read.

You can purchase a copy of CUPID in ebook and print at AMAZON.

You can read more about Jason Myers and his other works by visiting his Face Book page

Jason Myers - Author.