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Archive for Halloween

Horror for Halloween

Oct31

In honor of that special night when the barriers between this world and the next grows thin, I made a list of some favorite creepy/scary books.

It

by Steven King

No horror list would be complete without the master. And while It isn’t my all time favorite Stephen King novel, it (haha) is one of the scariest. I mean, come on, killer demonic clowns? Doesn’t sound so bad does it? But this is a terrifying read with a host of really good characters. Truth is, often with King, some of the human villains are as frightening than the supernatural. But Pennywise, however, can manifest anywhere, anytime, in the most  horrific of manners.

Red Dragon

by Thomas Harris

I read this and its equally creepy sequel, Silence of the Lambs, in one long sleepless night during college. Woah, forget the movies (and SOTL is a great film), these books will make you shit your pants. First of all, they are terrifyingly realistic, particularly Red Dragon. Harris did a lot of research on real serial killers and the killer feels very very real. Second, the novel is edge of your seat from  the get go, and third, the word choice is carefully calculated to crawl under your skin.

Carrion Comfort

by Dan Simmons

A horrific journey into the depths and nature of evil. One of the most chilling books I have ever read. It’s long and detailed, but there are some delightfully grueling scenes and a serious level of emotional wracking. The idea that some psychic puppet master can just up and steal your body, then destroy it to his/her own ends is the very definition of creepy.

Perdido Street Station

by China Miéville

This book isn’t horror per se, but more dark fantasy. Still, it has such a sordid and creepy atmosphere that it’s well worth the read. The world is just so creepy, slimy, and cool — although not for the faint of heart. This book is dark. Very dark. Part Dickens, part steampunk, part fantasy, part Blade Runner, part Lovecraft and a whole lot more. Heavy on the twisted.

Last Call

by Tim Powers

Tim Powers writes a unique blend of fantasy, history, and horror. While also not exactly horror, it’s also filled with creep factor — which to me is more important. This brilliant novel somehow manages to weave Tarot, poker, gangsters, The Fisher King, soul steeling, and more into a crazy story set in Vegas. Be careful who sits down at your card table!

The Complete Collection

by H.P. Lovecraft

As we began with the modern master, we end with the 20th century’s first king of creep. I encourage you to have your brains sucked out by this tome of sinister possibilities. Lovecraft is certainly one of the most influential writers in the fantasy/horror space. Anything that has a dark gothic sensibility (Hellboy I’m looking at you!) has its roots in this tentacled mass of flesh.
This was published earlier as part of the Fiction Frolic, but I’ve also moved it to my blog for posterity.
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Related posts:

  1. Coffin Hop for Halloween
  2. Maximum Weird – Perdido Street Station
  3. Book Review: Tropic of Night
  4. Book Review: Still Missing
By: agavin
Comments (3)
Posted in: Books
Tagged as: China Mieville, cthulhu, Dan Simmons, H.P. Lovecraft, Halloween, Perdido Street Station, Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, Stephen King, Thomas Harris

Coffin Hop for Halloween

Oct24

This year I am taking part in the fangtabulous Coffin Hop Blog Extravaganza. Over a hundred masters of horror all sharing their work with the world.

In the meantime please take the opportunity to go and hang out with some of my horror writer pals by taking part in this year’s Coffin Hop Blog Hop.

GO HERE TO LINK UP WITH ALL THE BLOGS TAKING PART

You’ll discover some amazing reads and very talented writers along the way.

First off, if you want to be really creeped out, just pick up my dark fantasy novel The Darkening Dream. The book fuses intense action with a love of history and all things supernatural. On the eve before creation God created ten special things, among them the Archangel Gabriel’s horn, destined to sound the End of Days. But what happens if you’re a seventeen year-old girl and an ancient evil thinks it’s hidden in your basement? Find out here.

Or you can check out for free the sinister origins of Pastor John Parris, warlock and lover of all things demonic.

CHECK IN WITH THE COFFIN HOP HEAD QUARTERS BY CLICKING HERE. You will be able to find out more about the event, the authors, artists and giveaways.
_
If you are hankering for some winning, I’m running two different contests:
_
  1. You can win paperback copies of The Darkening Dream, drawing will be held on Halloween!
  2. Or win all sorts of signed video game and book swag at The Naughty Dark Contest!
_

Related posts:

  1. Harvard Divinity
  2. The Look – Pastor Parris
  3. Near Dark – The Hurt Coffin
  4. Big Giveaway!
  5. Truly Deeply Sick and Twisted
By: agavin
Comments (2)
Posted in: Writing
Tagged as: Arts, Coffin Hop, Contest, Fiction, Halloween, horror

Quick Eats: Brunch at Tavern

Nov01

Restaurant: Tavern [1, 2, 3, 4]

Location: 11648 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049. (310) 806-6464

Date: Oct 31, 2010

Cuisine: Market driven Californian

Rating: Nice brunch spot.

 

Tavern is a welcome and tasty replacement for the Hamburger Hamlet in Brentwood. They have a bakery, and three rooms, including a lovely glass ceiling “patio.” It’s part of Susanne Goin’s restaurant group along with A.O.C. and Lucques.

Tavern eggs benedict. Brioche and Prosciutto. The hollandaise was perfect, with a nice citrus note. This was a very good version of the classic. My only complaint was that the frise stuck in my throat slightly.

These are other peoples, but they looked good.

The sausage I tasted. Delicious, like some kind of lamb/pig hybrid, with fried sage on top.

Tavern also has a yummy looking bakery all decked out in Halloween themed goodies:

I had one each of these macaroons. They were two of the best I’ve ever had, incredibly moist. The pumpkin one tasted like my mom’s fresh pumpkin pie, and the carmel one was soft and sweet with just a little dose of sea salt.

Tavern hold’s its own as a top example of the new new modern California style, similar to other great places like Gjelina and Rustic Canyon. Or more meals at Tavern HERE, HERE, or HERE.

By: agavin
Comments (1)
Posted in: Food
Tagged as: Brentwood, Brunch, California, Eggs Benedict, Food, Halloween, Los Angeles, Lucques, Prosciutto, Restaurant, reviews
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