Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #35(8.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Now that Andrei has seen what Dracula is capable of, will that make things awkward for the trio? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #35(8.1)

When had life become so difficult? Avram wished, not for the first time, that they’d remained in Bistritz. Sure, problems arose there at times—usually of the financial variety, but nothing such as this. Only when they ventured out of the relative safety of the castle and its environs did they find themselves embroiled in conflict. Of course he understood the reason for their leaving, but that didn’t make the current circumstances any more palatable.

The storm they had so skillfully evaded, thanks to Nico, had eventually petered out, a reluctant sun appearing at last.  But it had clearly not been forgotten. Avram could tell that Andrei was clearly shaken after having witnessed Dracula’s masterful manipulation of the elements. He maintained a respectful distance from the vampire, which was facilitated by the latter fortunately choosing to spend most of his time below deck. There was no longer any reason for them to assist Andrei, everything running smoothly now. Avram couldn’t help but notice that from time to time the smuggler made a sign with his fingers as if to ward off evil, one that he aimed toward Dracula, although the gesture was lost to the vampire.

Avram sighed. He hadn’t wanted to say anything about what had happened, but common sense told him he needed to.  “Andrei,” he began tentatively. The other man was tending to the sail. He glanced toward Avram. Almost warily, it seemed to Avram.

“Yes, Avram?”

“I would appreciate it if you would keep what happened… that is, what you saw…. Well, between us, if you don’t mind.”  He hoped his request would be enough. No need to get Nico involved as that might not end well for anyone.

Andrei quickly crossed himself and shuddered. As though someone had walked over his grave, to paraphrase Swift. He didn’t speak immediately, as though considering his words.

“The old bunica,” he finally muttered. “She has said things. I never gave them any credence before, because she’s crazy, you know, but now…” The words hung heavily in the air between them as he turned an accusing gaze at Avram. “You should know better than anyone, Avram. Is he what they say he is?”

His worst fears realized, Avram braced himself for the word strigoi—or some variation thereof—but it never came. What Andrei asked, he could never and would never admit to. Not to anyone. He knew where his primary loyalty lay. He returned the smuggler’s gaze without flinching. He’d gone through this before— more than once— and knew how much their lives depended on his ability to weave a credible yarn.

“He is my employer,” he said simply. “And he’s my guardian. Nico took me in and raised me when I was but a small child, alone in the world, my parents dead. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. I owe him my life. And I know that he is a good man.” Inwardly, he cursed the old woman, wondering what exactly she was saying about Dracula. And why. That conversation would have to wait.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Saturday is Horror Day #205 - Possum

 Possum


Philip (Sean Harris) is a disgraced children's puppeteer. He returns to his childhood home, scene of much trauma, and has to deal with his past, including the uncle who raised him, Maurice (Alun Armstrong). Philip has a bag which he always carries. It contains a massive puppet of a spider with a human face. Philip tries over and over to get rid of the puppet, but finds himself unable to do so. When a heinous accusation is made against him, he has to face the truth, even if that involves unpleasant truths from his childhood.






Possum is something of a slow burn creepy film as opposed to one filled with jump scares and gore. I 


found it clear that the puppet in the bag Philip always carried represented the trauma he couldn't leave behind or get rid of, no matter how hard he tried. As did the closed room in the house that he refused to enter, no matter how many times his uncle taunted him to do so. This movie has to do with taking control of the past and coming to grips with it, with a bit of revenge thrown in for good matter. Sean Harris plays Philip, the tortured puppeteer. I had seen him previously in the Borgias, as their master assassin. I thought he did a good job of playing Philip, leaving me wondering if he had done anything he needed to regret or not.



The spider puppet is truly creepy, so kudos to the creator for that. So is the poem about Possum, the spider, which is recited throughout the film. Admittedly, this film won't be for everyone. But if you are willing to pay attention and pick up on the cues, and understand its slow pace, you will be able to enjoy it. I'll give this film 3.5 Stars.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #35(8.1)

  Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Now that Andrei has seen what Dracula is capable of, will that make things awkward for the trio? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #35(8.1)

When had life become so difficult? Avram wished, not for the first time, that they’d remained in Bistritz. Sure, problems arose there at times—usually of the financial variety, but nothing such as this. Only when they ventured out of the relative safety of the castle and its environs did they find themselves embroiled in conflict. Of course he understood the reason for their leaving, but that didn’t make the current circumstances any more palatable.

The storm they had so skillfully evaded, thanks to Nico, had eventually petered out, a reluctant sun appearing at last.  But it had clearly not been forgotten. Avram could tell that Andrei was clearly shaken after having witnessed Dracula’s masterful manipulation of the elements. He maintained a respectful distance from the vampire, which was facilitated by the latter fortunately choosing to spend most of his time below deck. There was no longer any reason for them to assist Andrei, everything running smoothly now. Avram couldn’t help but notice that from time to time the smuggler made a sign with his fingers as if to ward off evil, one that he aimed toward Dracula, although the gesture was lost to the vampire.

Avram sighed. He hadn’t wanted to say anything about what had happened, but common sense told him he needed to.  “Andrei,” he began tentatively. The other man was tending to the sail. He glanced toward Avram. Almost warily, it seemed to Avram.

“Yes, Avram?”

“I would appreciate it if you would keep what happened… that is, what you saw…. Well, between us, if you don’t mind.”  He hoped his request would be enough. No need to get Nico involved as that might not end well for anyone.

Andrei quickly crossed himself and shuddered. As though someone had walked over his grave, to paraphrase Swift. He didn’t speak immediately, as though considering his words.

“The old bunica,” he finally muttered. “She has said things. I never gave them any credence before, because she’s crazy, you know, but now…” The words hung heavily in the air between them as he turned an accusing gaze at Avram. “You should know better than anyone, Avram. Is he what they say he is?”

His worst fears realized, Avram braced himself for the word strigoi—or some variation thereof—but it never came. What Andrei asked, he could never and would never admit to. Not to anyone. He knew where his primary loyalty lay. He returned the smuggler’s gaze without flinching. He’d gone through this before— more than once— and knew how much their lives depended on his ability to weave a credible yarn.

“He is my employer,” he said simply. “And he’s my guardian. Nico took me in and raised me when I was but a small child, alone in the world, my parents dead. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. I owe him my life. And I know that he is a good man.” Inwardly, he cursed the old woman, wondering what exactly she was saying about Dracula. And why. That conversation would have to wait.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 


Saturday, February 8, 2025

Saturday is Horror Day #204 - The Angry Black Girl and her Monster

 The Angry Black Girl and her Monster


Vicaria (Laya DeLeon Hayes) is a brilliant young girl who lives a difficult life in a poor and tough area of town. Violence and drugs are common. Vicaria has lost family members to death, and she is tired of it. She has a reputation for being typical, usually because she knows more than the teacher. After the death of her brother, Chris (Edem Atsu-Swanzy), Vicaria decides that enough is enough. She believes that death is a disease, and as such can be cured. It's up to her to find that cure.






Chris left behind a pregnant girlfriend Aisha (Reilly Brooke Stith), and a grieving father (Chad L. 


Coleman). Vicaria studies hard to figure out a way to cure death, and she believes she has found the answer. Now she has to implement it. But she hasn't taken into account how long her brother has been dead, and that seems to be a game changer.



This movie is an updated urban version of Frankenstein. Vicaria's desire to conquer death is largely motivated by the circumstances in which she lives, and by the family she is slowly losing to death. Vicaria is played brilliantly by Laya DeLeon Hayes, and the supporting cast is great. I thought the film had a very interesting premise, and while I wanted Vicaria to succeed, I knew it couldn't end well. 


I would have liked to see more of her relationship with her brother Chris, as this relationship lies at the heart of the film. But all we have is his dead body in the opening scene, with an angry Vicaria standing over it. Denzel Whitaker as the local drug dealer Kango was very good, although by the end I couldn't hate him anymore. Her father was loving, but flawed as well, a weakness that Kango exploited.  All in all, I thought it was interesting, perhaps not perfect, but certainly entertaining. I'll give this film 4 Stars.




Thursday, February 6, 2025

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 20: Showdown at Alubarna by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 20: Showdown at Alubarna   


Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 3, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy and the Crocodile are having a showdown in the desert, as everyone scrambles toward Alubarna. The Crocodile is a tough customer, but Luffy refuses to give up, no matter what. Is it possible he’s met his match? Captain Smoker announces he has other business to attend to and tells Tashigi to decide for herself what she wants to do. What is he up to?

Vivi and the rest of Luffy’s crew utilize a huge crab named Pincers to navigate the desert, but a problem arises when they reach the Sandora River. Oddly enough, this crab doesn’t like water! What are they to do? Looks like a job for Karoo and the Supersonic Duck Squad!  The Rebels are also on the move, but Baroque Works is determined that Vivi and Koza not cross paths. Wonder why?

As Usopp and Sanji race to Vivi’s aid, she encounters someone who looks like Usopp. But luckily she knows the difference.   The real Usopp and Vivi, along with Chopper, come face to face with Mr. 4 and Merry Christmas, and Usopp becomes engaged in a game of Whack a Mole! When things take a turn for the worse, though, he decides to flee…

There is a lot going on in this volume, not gonna lie. I found it confusing at times to remember who is where and doing what. Nonetheless I think we’re approaching the end of this arc, hopefully on to bigger and better things. I imagine we’ll lose Vivi after this, as she will be needed to take care of her kingdom. Perhaps things will work out with her and Koza and they will do this together. I admit I didn’t care for her at first, as a member of Baroque Works, but her real identity and personality have come out and she is much nicer than I thought. Another great volume, on to the next!

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #35(8.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Now that Andrei has seen what Dracula is capable of, will that make things awkward for the trio? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #35(8.1)

When had life become so difficult? Avram wished, not for the first time, that they’d remained in Bistritz. Sure, problems arose there at times—usually of the financial variety, but nothing such as this. Only when they ventured out of the relative safety of the castle and its environs did they find themselves embroiled in conflict. Of course he understood the reason for their leaving, but that didn’t make the current circumstances any more palatable.

The storm they had so skillfully evaded, thanks to Nico, had eventually petered out, a reluctant sun appearing at last.  But it had clearly not been forgotten. Avram could tell that Andrei was clearly shaken after having witnessed Dracula’s masterful manipulation of the elements. He maintained a respectful distance from the vampire, which was facilitated by the latter fortunately choosing to spend most of his time below deck. There was no longer any reason for them to assist Andrei, everything running smoothly now. Avram couldn’t help but notice that from time to time the smuggler made a sign with his fingers as if to ward off evil, one that he aimed toward Dracula, although the gesture was lost to the vampire.

Avram sighed. He hadn’t wanted to say anything about what had happened, but common sense told him he needed to.  “Andrei,” he began tentatively. The other man was tending to the sail. He glanced toward Avram. Almost warily, it seemed to Avram.

“Yes, Avram?”

“I would appreciate it if you would keep what happened… that is, what you saw…. Well, between us, if you don’t mind.”  He hoped his request would be enough. No need to get Nico involved as that might not end well for anyone.

Andrei quickly crossed himself and shuddered. As though someone had walked over his grave, to paraphrase Swift. He didn’t speak immediately, as though considering his words.

“The old bunica,” he finally muttered. “She has said things. I never gave them any credence before, because she’s crazy, you know, but now…” The words hung heavily in the air between them as he turned an accusing gaze at Avram. “You should know better than anyone, Avram. Is he what they say he is?”

His worst fears realized, Avram braced himself for the word strigoi—or some variation thereof—but it never came. What Andrei asked, he could never and would never admit to. Not to anyone. He knew where his primary loyalty lay. He returned the smuggler’s gaze without flinching. He’d gone through this before— more than once— and knew how much their lives depended on his ability to weave a credible yarn.

“He is my employer,” he said simply. “And he’s my guardian. Nico took me in and raised me when I was but a small child, alone in the world, my parents dead. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. I owe him my life. And I know that he is a good man.” Inwardly, he cursed the old woman, wondering what exactly she was saying about Dracula. And why. That conversation would have to wait.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 


Saturday, February 1, 2025

Saturday is Horror Day #203 - Carnage for Christmas

 Carnage for Christmas


Lola (Jeremy Moineau) is a true crime podcaster. She decides to head home for the Christmas holidays, albeit rather uncertainly, as it's been a long time and she knows that not everyone is accepting of her as a transwoman.  She stays with her sister, Danielle (Dominique Booth), who loves her dearly. Not so much so her roommate,  Riley (Olivia Deeble) who has nothing but snide remarks for her.







 But then Riley and her girlfriend Kat  (Lewi Dawson) wind up dead. Lola didn't expect to find herself in 


the midst of a trail of murders that seem to mimic what happened to her as a child, when she was the one who discovered the body of a young victim. Nobody seems to believe her when she says it's happening again,  and it's time to search for the truth, but at what cost?




This film came out in 2024, and was only 70 minutes long, but I have to say I enjoyed watching it. I saw it described as Australia's first transgender holiday horror, and that's a pretty accurate description. The main character, Lola, is a very interesting and strong woman with a great smile and no-nonsense attitude. I loved how her sister is so caring and warm herself, accepting Lola completely for who she is. 


Naturally there are people who don't accept Lola, but she doesn't let these assholes get to her. Even the cops are less than helpful and quick to dismiss her. But in the end, Lola shows them just what kind of woman she is. It's nice to see films about transgender people played by transgender people. I'd like to see more of Jeremy Moineau in the future. I give this film 4 Stars.