Kitty Casket, lead singer for Kitty in a Casket, and her bandmates, were on their way to finally playing the A-list circuit. Then, here comes the apocalypse to "punch the world in the gut" and ruin their plans for dominating the music scene.

First, let me say how impressed I am that Jack Wallen took a generally depressing scenario of zombies in an apocalyptic world and turned it on its head. I actually laughed during times when the band members - who are as close to being siblings as you can get without shared parental lineage - poke fun at each other. Those moments seem real, not imagined and written down on paper. Kudos, Jack.

It's hard to believe there is so much hope and comradery in one group. They stick together and have this view of the world that is admirable. As Kitty says, "The mean streets of the apocalypse taught us everything we need to know. There's no way around it; you either kill or be killed."

Jack Wallen is a good friend of mine, and an all around great guy. He doesn't know I'm making this post, so shhhhhh! I was just suggesting KLOCKWERK KABARET to a friend when I found that the book's on sale for only a buck. Jack normally does horror (namely his series of zombie novels) but this is his first foray into steampunk. If you like authors with vast imaginations, I suggest you pick this one up. And if you like his style, I also recommend HELL'S MUSE. That book is like a skyscraper made of onions. The number of layers is jaw dropping. 

Okay, full disclosure: Jack and I know each other, and yes, he's even reviewed one of my books. This in no way effects my judgment. If the book was bad, I would simply not review it. I have a reputation for being brutally honest, and I will not sully that by shilling a review for a fellow author. 

Hell's Muse is a piece of unflinching horror fiction. Jack tackles some rather controversial subject matter that ranges from the state of publishing today to the fallacy of religion. With a price tag of $6.66, Jack's not trying to hide the fact that the book challenges all things religion, even going as far as calling the "Word" a lie. If that's not your thing, skirt this book like the plague. Jack's writing will offend you.

The book is a challenge to read. Not that the writing's bad, don't get me wrong, but Jack Wallen makes you think. He's not going to hold your hand in this novel. Hell's Muse is a Russian doll. Once you pull the top off, you find another item underneath, then another under that. The novel is a book inside a book inside a book... and so on. The depths of the layers is astounding. You have to pay attention or you will wander off into the woods and lose your way. I love books like this, ones that challenge my reading comprehension. When you get it - really, really, GET IT - you can't help but feel a little proud of yourself. It's like piecing together a puzzle with over a thousand pieces. 

I've read Jack's Zombie series, his Fringe Killer series and even the Shero books, but this book, Hell's Muse, towers above the rest. I was definitely impressed. 

Let it Snow! Season's Readings for a Super-Cool Yule!
I selected this book because of the pretty tree cover and it's still around the holidays and in the northeast we've had two snow events so far.
There are 10 stories in this book, quite far from normal I've been told...
Excellent way to learn and read what a new author to you has written and links to get to their other works...
A Laurents County Landfill Christmas, by Red Tash
Faes and pixies and other creatures have decorated the manse as it's Christmas and it lights up the sky. The gift her dad had given for her was taken by a boy.
The Wizard appears . More details at the end of the story...
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Silent Night, the holiday viral sensation by Jack Wallen
A new evolution of mankind among the zombie and humans at Christmas
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Crazed in Christmas City, A party you'll never forget   by Jessica McHugh
Avery was locked up in the insane prison and claimed it was another who had killed the two men.
She wanted one visitor this Christmas ...
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A Manlove & Kickerdick Xmess, Ain't no messin' with these backdoor Santas   by Axel Howerton
Two security guards for the senator and he's taking his son to get initiated with a woman.
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The Snow Wolf's Gift Fit for a dragon, a mage, or a king?   by Tim Tash
Shape shifter that heals others at the winter solstice, fairies, dragons...
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A Serial Killer Christmas A party for one?   By Mercedes Yardley
Christmas party and two serial killers...
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Old Mexia Christmas Brew It's the end of the Mayan World as we know it...   by Claudia Lefeve
HE asks her out and she wants to go back in time to Christmas, 2012. Lots of beer for the next day the world would end..
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The Pratty Who Saved Chrissmuss With a name like “Plugugly,” it's gotta be good.   by Marian Allen
Similar to Dickens and the true meaning of Christmas.
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Believe Do you believe? by Connie L. Roberts-Huth
Dectective who can talk to the dead to help solve the murders...
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Hau'oli Hanukkah When Mele kalikimaka just won't do.   By T. Lee Harris
archaeological findings and Christmas