Justin Bog

The Conversationalist: Horrorstruck Novella One by Justin Bog was a horror story (I guess?) about a man named Patrick with Mommy issues who can’t hold onto a girlfriend. One night he goes on a date, walks out on his date, and then he starts getting threats in the form of prank calls and voodoo dolls. He also has a cat named Roadway - which is an odd name for a cat.

I did not like this story. It was rambling, confusing, and not very horror feeling. The whole story is told from Patrick’s point of view and it’s just a constant stream of consciousness that doesn’t make sense all about his mom, how he can’t listen to people, and then sometimes about what is going on around him. I don’t know - I didn’t like this at all and almost didn’t finish it.

Happy Reading!


*Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Reading Deals, and this is my honest review… (meer)

Patrick doesn't seem to have one normal relationship in his entire life. He's a teacher and he deals with his students as necessary, but he and his sister don't get along very well and other than his coworker Margo, there's no one else in his life. So when he goes out on a date with Wendy, I had high hopes for him-but alas. It goes so poorly that Patrick leaves while Wendy's in the ladies room. Why? You'll have to read this novella to find out!

As many of you already know, I think that the novella is the perfect size for a horror tale. The length helps keeps the word count down by making every word count. In this story, it took a little while for Patrick's secrets to be revealed-maybe a bit too long. There wasn't a lot of action, but there was a lot of tension and atmosphere and those are the types of dark fiction stories that usually appeal to me the most.

Being an avid, experienced reader of horror, I found the denouement to be poignant, but tame. I also found the author's writing style took a little getting to used to. That said, it did grow on me and towards the end I was enjoying it immensely. (Except for the world "yearning." That one appeared a lot for such a short story.)

This novella was a dark and intriguing read with a distinct style that I enjoyed!

Recommended, especially for those new to dark fiction/horror stories and to those who don't like their horror too bloody.

You can grab a copy here: The Conversationalist: Horrorstruck Novella One

*Justin Bog was kind enough to send me a paperback of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*… (meer)

Title: Hark: A Christmas Collection
Author: Justin Bog
Publisher: The Author's Advocate
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Hark: A Christmas Collection" by Justin Bog

My Thoughts....

What a wonderful Christmas collection of six short stories that will keep you turning the pages being of a read that will put the reader in and touch your heart. I loved how as one read through each story you will be able to feel the emotions [happy, sad, in between and thought provoking] that so many people feel especially during this particular holiday season. I was able to feel each story so very well that had a different meaning being presented. After reading this collection I will say I plan to make it one of my traditions to read "Hark" every Christmas holiday!

Whether it's 'Hark, Seducing Santa, Bracelet. Everyone Wants Me To, Snow Globe and The Heralds' I enjoyed all of the stories that 'will touch your mind as well as your heart.' And then at the end the author gives the reader a short story 'Poseidon Eyes' which was another good read that I found rather interesting also.

Definitely, this author is a 'master storyteller' that will keep you in awe as you read through his stories. Now, I will say this may not be one of those sweet reads...it is a very realistic one...and yes the true meaning of Christmas that takes place all over the United States. Now there will be some 'bitter sweet moments with romance and even a little humor thrown in.' This will be definitely a little different in its deepness than the 'normal' Christmas stories.

I enjoyed reading these unique anthologies as the reader sees how other people have faced different problems and through it all have found hope in the things that are so important to each of them. Would I recommend? YES, just remember 'that not everyone has a sparkly and super happy Christmas but their stories will touch you whether you celebrate Christmas or not.'… (meer)