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“13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is a Masterpiece Collection of Sorrows and Horror

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Written by Shannon McGrew

When it comes to horror novels, it’s become harder and harder to find qualities ones. However, every now and then you stumble upon one that absolutely blows your mind. One of the books that I was most looking forward to cracking open this year was “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” by author Bracken MacLeod, as I had heard nothing but positive accolades from those within the horror community who had read it. This anthology of short stories perfectly delves into the horror that inhabitants the darkest corners of the mind where pain, terror, and heartache reside.

When it comes to anthologies, they can be hit or miss. More often than naught, there are a few stories that don’t seem to correlate with the overall theme of what the author is trying to convey. But that is something we don’t have to worry about with “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” since Bracken MacLeod hits the nail on the coffin every single time. Each and every story is just as capable of gutting you as the last while continuing to stay true to the essential topic on hand.

The stories range from supernatural horrors, such as vampires and spirits, to man-made terrors of murder, violence, and vengeance. Each story, without exceptions, packs a punch, and considering most of the stories have to do with how vile human nature can be, it leaves you questioning humanity and even those closest to you. A part of me wondered, how was MacLeod inspired and how was he able to get in the headspace to be able to write such vividly harrowing stories.

What I liked most about “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is that there is something for every horror fan. There are enough stories to keep the attention of the readers from the moment they first open the book to the absolute finish, while also being unique in delivering each tale. This having been my first encounter with MacLeod’s writing, I was impressed to see that not every story conveyed that it was written by the same person (even though it was) as MacLeod was able to make each narrative different from the last. Because of that, it allowed me to be fully immersed into whatever was unfolding with each new story.

I wish I could pick a favorite story out of all the ones presented in this collection, but it’s incredibly hard due to how expertly crafted each tale of terror was. However, there were a few stories that stayed with me long after. The first being “Still Day: An Ending”. What I loved so much about this short was the incredible detail to the surroundings which gave a false sense of comfort for what was to come; only to then have it shattered by the slaughter of life. The juxtaposition between the two was done perfectly and is one of the best highlights of the entire anthology.

Along with “Still Day: An Ending”, I also enjoyed “Blood Makes the Grass Grow” as the narrative stereotype is flipped on its head and proves that no one is ever as they seem. Then there was “Pure Blood and Evergreen”, a new take on vampires that strikes an eerily similar chord to Hitler’s horrific reign, specifically in regards to concentration camps. Lastly, “Mine, Not Yours”, is a harrowing tale of human depravity, the sins of the Church, and just how far a father will go to seek vengeance for his daughter. In the end, each story will leave you shaken and disturbed for days to come.

Overall, “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is an anthology I would recommend to everyone who is looking for fresh horror material to read. The stories are impactful and raw, never holding back where other might, but never being disrespectful or over-the-top towards some of the heavier themes presented. MacLeod is a true talent and a master at weaving incredibly detailed stories from beginning to end. He has an eye for detail which helps in bringing each tale to life in all it’s horrific glory. Mark my words, “13 Tales of the Suicide Woods” is one anthology you most certainly do not want to miss out on.

For more information or to order a copy of “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” visit Braken MacLeod’s site HERE.

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Lists

New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]

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atlas movie Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez

Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.

We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.

May 1:

Airport

A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.

Airport ’75

Airport ’75

When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.

Airport ’77

A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.

Jumanji

Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.

Hellboy

Hellboy

A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.

Starship Troopers

When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.

May 9

Bodkin

Bodkin

A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.

May 15

The Clovehitch Killer

The Clovehitch Killer

A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.

May 16

Upgrade

After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.

Monster

Monster

After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.

May 24

Atlas

Atlas

A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.

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Movie Reviews

Panic Fest 2024 Review: ‘Never Hike Alone 2’

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There are fewer icons more recognizable than the slasher. Freddy Krueger. Michael Myers. Victor Crowley. Notorious killers who always seem to come back for more no matter how many times they are slain or their franchises seemingly put to a final chapter or nightmare. And so it seems that even some legal disputes cannot stop one of the most memorable movie murderers of all: Jason Voorhees!

Following the events of the first Never Hike Alone, outdoorsman and YouTuber Kyle McLeod (Drew Leighty) has been hospitalized after his encounter with the long thought dead Jason Voorhees, saved by perhaps the hockey masked killer’s greatest adversary Tommy Jarvis (Thom Mathews) who now currently works as an EMT around Crystal Lake. Still haunted by Jason, Tommy Jarvis struggles to find a sense of stability and this latest encounter is pushing him to end the reign of Voorhees once and for all…

Never Hike Alone made a splash online as a well shot and thoughtful fan film continuation of the classic slasher franchise that was built up with the snowbound follow up Never Hike In The Snow and now climaxing with this direct sequel. It’s not only an incredible Friday The 13th love letter, but a well thought out and entertaining epilogue of sorts to the infamous ‘Tommy Jarvis Trilogy’ from within the franchise that encapsulated Friday The 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter, Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning, and Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. Even getting some of the original cast back as their characters to continue the tale! Thom Mathews being the most prominent as Tommy Jarvis, but with other series casting like Vincent Guastaferro returning as now Sheriff Rick Cologne and still having a bone to pick with Jarvis and the mess around Jason Voorhees. Even featuring some Friday The 13th alumni like Part III‘s Larry Zerner as the mayor of Crystal Lake!

On top of that, the movie delivers on kills and action. Taking turns that some of the previous fils never got the chance to deliver on. Most prominently, Jason Voorhees going on a rampage through Crystal Lake proper when he slices his way through a hospital! Creating a nice throughline of the mythology of Friday The 13th, Tommy Jarvis and the cast’s trauma, and Jason doing what he does best in the most cinematically gory ways possible.

The Never Hike Alone films from Womp Stomp Films and Vincente DiSanti are a testament to the fanbase of Friday The 13th and the still enduring popularity of those films and of Jason Voorhees. And while officially, no new movie in the franchise is on the horizon for the foreseeable future, at the very least there is some comfort knowing fans are willing to go to these lengths to fill the void.

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News

New Vampire Flick “Flesh of the Gods” Will Star Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac

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Kristen-Stewart-and-Oscar-Isaac

80s nostalgia is still going strong in the horror community. As proof of this, Panos Cosmatos (Mandy) is developing a new 80s themed vampire film. However, unlike some of the other nostalgia bait films that have come out recently, Flesh of the Gods is packing some serious talent.

First, the film is written by the legendary Andrew Kevin Walker (Se7en). If that wasn’t enough, the film will star Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight) and Kristen Stewart (Underwater).

Kristen Stewart
Oscar Isaac, Flesh of the Gods article

Variety gives us a glimpse into the story line, stating that: “Flesh of the Gods is set in glittering ’80s L.A., where married couple Raoul (Oscar Isaac) and Alex (Kristen Stewart) each evening descend from their luxury skyscraper condo and head into the city’s electric nighttime realm. When they cross paths with a mysterious and enigmatic figure known as Nameless and her hard-partying cabal, the pair are seduced into a glamorous, surrealistic world of hedonism, thrills and violence.”

Cosmatos offers his own opinion of the film. “Like Los Angeles itself, ‘Flesh of the Gods’ inhabits the liminal realm between fantasy and nightmare. Both propulsive and hypnotic, ‘Flesh’ will take you on a hot rod joy ride deep into the glittering heart of hell.”

Producer Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up) seems to also be excited about The Flesh of the Gods. “This director, this writer, these incredible actors, vampires, choice ’80s punk, style and attitude for miles… that’s the film we’re bringing you today. We think it’s wildly commercial and wildly artful. Our ambitions are to make a movie that ripples through popular culture, fashion, music and film. Can you tell how excited I am?”

Flesh of the Gods is set to begin filming later this year. It will launch at Cannes with WME Independent, CAA Media Finance, and XYZ Films. The Flesh of the Gods does not currently have a release date.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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