Jennifer Loring

Metaphysical horror.

I was reminded of study sessions in college for a philosophy seminar dealing with Descartes in which it we discovered that it is impossible to conclusively prove your own existence to another person. (Although beer helps) We can only be convinced ourselves that we (by virtue of the fact that we perceive that we are, in fact, thinking) exist. Everything and everyone else could be a dream.

Although they come from two entirely different schools of thought, both Quantum Physics and the Paranormal come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as an objective “reality.” This concept is also expressed in the Buddhist theory of “emptiness”—that all things lack intrinsic reality. That doesn’t mean that they don’t exist; just that everything is relative to perception. Reality is what you perceive through your senses. It is not the same “reality” as what the person beside you perceives. Both are equally real. Even time is not real—it is merely a framework that we utilize.

This story is like that---we have the internal reality of the main character and the ostensibly external reality of the doctor who is growing more and more alarmed at his inability to explain what is happening to his patient. If her night journeys are, as he believes, all in her mind, then why do the other patients see her walking and why do the orderlies report her bed empty?

Lines are blurred. Reality is slippery.

Perhaps danger is real and the scraping noise behind us that draws closer is actually something that is coming for us. Should we turn around? Does it help to refuse to believe until we feel the hook sink in?… (meer)

Those of My Kind by Jennifer Loring  
Horror After Dark Giveaway of 1 Signed Copy:
http://www.horrorafterdark.com/2015/08/giveaway-a-signed-copy-of-those-of-my-kin...
 

4.5 stars!
I hope that there will be a sequel to this book, I enjoyed it that much!
 
This is a tale of strong women that have been abused, raped, beaten, totally ignored and who knows what else. Two of these women, almost girls really, become Hunters and the other a monster of epic proportions and, of course, there is an epic battle between them in the end. Who comes out the winner? You will have to read this to discover the answer to that question.
 
"Love and its constant companion, sorrow, birthed this atrocity of a world."
 
Hunters serve mankind though humans remain unaware of their sacrifices. To do this, Hunters must shun friendships and love, lest the objects of such be used as weapons against them. Hunters also have a bloodlust, one that can only be quenched by the blood of humans. To survive and accomplish their goals, Hunters only drink the blood of the human filth they seek to destroy.
 
There is magic, there are skills, there is testing...but so many questions remained unanswered for this reader. The single problem I had with this book is that I wanted more answers.
 
One thing I do have an answer to is this "How was the writing?" I thought this book was extremely well written and I found myself highlighting quite a few quotes throughout. One that particularly struck me was this one:
 
"Hell was real, Tristan thought, but it wasn't some burning pit in the afterlife. Hell was reliving all your regrets and failures over and over in one never-ending instant. Hell was not appreciating what you had, and only dwelling on what you didn't. Hell was not being able to forgive yourself."
 
Overall, I loved this book. It was different. It was fast paced. It had a unique story-line. It had strong women. It had an antagonist that was truly monstrous, yet the reader was compelled to pity her as well. These characters were well drawn, complicated and believable. What more could a reader ask for? A sequel, that's what!
 
Highly recommended for fans of dark fiction, horror, and excellent writing!… (meer)

Jennifer Loring does a wonderful job of continuing Stephanie Hartwell’s and former NHL Star Aleksandr Volynsky’s story in the second book of the Firebird Trilogy, WHAT'S LEFT OF ME. Alex and Stephanie have not had it easy. Just when it looks like everything is finally going to go their way, Alex is accused of sexual assault allegations, and Stephanie is diagnosed with a serious illness. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Buffalo and is suitable for adult audiences.

Jennifer Loring does an admirable job with her character development. Both main characters have gone through a lot and grown tremendously. I felt bad for everything that the couple went through. The characters are likeable. Alex is now aware of his mental illness and trying to deal with it. He had to end his NHL career early due to an injury. He was given the opportunity to coach his old team the Buffalo Gladiators. He is a good man, and he tries hard to be a decent husband and father. I love Alex’s sense of humor. Stephanie is a strong heroine. I love that she plays hockey. I was often disappointed in how she treated Alex in this story, and that she kept her illness from him, but I get that people respond to situations differently. I like that Stephanie is ruthless when it comes to investigating accusations against her loved ones.

The plot was realistic and thought-provoking. The issues were pertinent with today’s society. The couple was put through some test in their relationship. Both being public figures made their ordeals even more difficult. I like how the story was resolved, and I look forward to the last book in the trilogy.

Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)