The Spooky World of Chris Ringler
Welcome to my strange world of Blogs, Books, Movie Reviews, Podcasts, Stories, and Art!
"In Roots of Ash" explores an ancient secret in the woods of Munsonville, Michigan, where a looming apocalypse is tied to witch trees and folklore. Originating from a short story, this collection wraps up Tilling Diem's saga while delivering captivating tales of folk horror, perfect for fans of spooky narratives.
"Black Car" is a gripping thriller centered on a woman grappling with profound loss and its haunting consequences. As she uncovers deadly secrets surrounding her loved ones, the narrative unfolds briskly, revealing dark, twisting paths. For fans of tense, suspenseful stories, this book promises a thrilling ride into danger and mystery.
"Reliquary in Black" is a dark religious epic exploring the themes of faith and identity. It follows a child born from both Heaven and Hell, seeking their purpose amid the chaos caused by God's absence. This unique narrative blends elements of horror and spirituality, offering readers a profound and adventurous journey.
"This Beautiful Darkness is thirteen stories that reveal the darkness in the human heart. From a father teaching his son how to kill, to a woman who inherits a haunted bed, these are the nightmares living in the shadows. This tenth anniversary edition is a celebration of terror with a bonus story just for you."
"A Shadow Over Ever" follows Pete Anders, a troubled man seeking revenge on Halloween but unaware of the dangerous forces guiding him. Blending elements of fantasy and horror, the narrative explores themes of existence and power. This unique novel, born from a short story, reflects the author's eccentric personality and promises an unforgettable experience.
Over the past year, the author reviewed short films by an emerging filmmaker, particularly highlighting "The Amasol Project" and "NightBound." While both films exhibit Rios's growth and creativity, they suffer from reliance on dialogue and digital effects. The potential for improvement lies in reduced narration and more tangible scares. Rios's passion is evident.
"Cemetery Earth" depicts the end of humanity in a dark world reclaimed by the dead, driven by an unseen force. The author initially created a short story about a zombie attack during a war, which grew into a larger collection of interconnected tales featuring the character Hunter. The book combines elements of horror and resilience against extinction.
The author recommends "Red Dreams" as an ideal introduction to their writing, citing its horror anthology as a collection of stories blending real-world and supernatural horror. With fifteen tales that explore darkness and fear, the book showcases the author's style and themes, making it accessible for new readers.
The latest entry in the found-footage horror franchise presents several short films themed around Halloween, but struggles with coherence and originality. While one episode excels in creepiness, others fall flat or feel silly. Overall, the collection lacks depth and connection to Halloween, leaving the reviewer disappointed and unable to recommend it.
On this episode I have another great conversation with author JC Vande Zande, who returns to talk about his newest novel: "Blood on the Witness Tree," a sequel to "The Dance of Rotten Sticks." It's a great conversation that gets into book promotion, how Van writes, the new book, and his advice for someone interested in writing.
MANOR OF DARKNESS follows a desperate brother and sister aiming to rob a posh estate to finance their ailing mother’s care. As they uncover secrets within the home, the film evolves from a typical horror narrative into something more intriguing. Despite some flaws, it offers a unique, suspenseful experience worth watching.
BODY & SOUL is a found footage film depicting police officers on duty, initially engaging with the public effectively. However, it falters when the plot shifts to a tense chase in the woods, becoming disjointed with two bickering officers and lacking narrative depth. Despite its promising concept, the film ultimately disappoints.
THE CHILDREN UNDER THE HOUSE is an analog horror film presented through VHS interviews between a therapist and a non-verbal girl who claims to see deceased children. This unique storytelling technique evokes imagination and fear, despite some emotional delivery issues. It's a chilling, low-budget film worth watching for horror enthusiasts.
The Spooky World of Chris Ringler 