Thunderland

Book Description

Written by an up-and-coming talent, "Thunderland" is suspense fiction in the classic, bestselling tradition. With this dark, raw, and haunting tale of a family shattered by a mysterious menace, award-winning newcomer Brandon Massey takes readers on a sublimely scary journey deep into the heart of Dean Koontz and Stephen King territory.

Teenager Jason Brooks never expected to survive a tragic accident. But by some miracle he did recover, only to find that life is better than ever, with his new friendships, fresh experiences, and bright hopes for the future. Even Jason's parents, who had been drifting farther and farther apart, have renewed their commitment to their marriage.

But then an enigmatic stranger invades their lives, jeopardizing the happiness that Jason and his parents had worked so hard to achieve, and threatening to destroy everything they care about...that is, if they survive.

Customer Reviews:

Thunderland.......2007-07-03

I love Brandon Massey's books and look forward to other stories that he will publish. He is a very, very good author. Keep the books coming faster.

The Beast Unleashed.......2007-05-01

Thirteen year old Jason Brooks lives with both parents in a nice home in the northern suburbs of Chicago, yet his life is difficult. His father, Thomas, the owner of the House of Soul restaurant works day and ever day of the week. Most of Jason's time at home is spent alone in his room with his imagination in order to avoid is drunken mother Linda. On the day of the biggest blow-up ever between Jason and his mother, Jason escapes her clutches by scaling a tree for safety. While Linda tries to coax her son from the tree a torrential thunderstorm breaks out. Jason doesn't know it yet, but he those he loves and even those he hates are about to enter Thunderland.

Brandon Massey makes us feel for this young man Jason. We understand the pain and loneliness he endures and root for him to overcome all of his fears against the most adverse circumstances imaginable. Not only does Massey allow the reader access to Jason's growth process but he also shows us the struggles of a family that has been in trouble for a long time. Once all the characters enter Thunderland, they have no choice but to face their demons head on.

Brandon Massey hits his first novel out of the park. I suspect that his ability to suspend the reader in his characters and stories has only improved in his subsequent work of which I look forward to reading.

Dreams - Don't Go to Sleep.......2007-02-28

This story did not resonate with me too much. I think the reason is that it seemed that it was a story for kids, rather than adults. However, I commend Mr. Massey for writing such stories. I see a bright future for this young man. He does have a vivid imagination.

I Like It!.......2007-02-09

I am just now discovering Brandon Massey. I am a die-hard sci-fi reader, but I enjoy horror as well. I hate to compare but his work is right up there with Tananarive Due in terms of excellence. The characters in a story are important to me and he did a wonderful job with this aspect. The plot and premise were intriguing as well. I understand (from his bio) that this is actually Mr. Brandon Massey's first book that was written and published. In fact he started out self-publishing when he could not sell the book and acknowledges in hindsight that the original book "was a mess." It was later picked up by a publisher and revised and published under their label. I'm glad you persevered through the publishing maze Brandon so readers could ultimately enjoy this good book. I will be reading some of your other works in the future for sure!

wow, wow, wow.......2005-01-17

This is a great horror novel. One of the best I have read in a while. It has all the ingredients needed to keep your heart beating just a little faster and keeping you turning the pages long past your bedtime.

The only complaint or criticism I have is the unlikely style of thinking and talking Mr. Massey has given to his young cast of characters. We are talking about 13 & 14 year old boys. Mr. Massey has them speaking with wisdom and speech patterns well beyond their years, which ends up sounding phony and silly. That is one of the things I enjoyed so much about THE FACE by Dean Koontz. His young character talked and thought the way a young boy would. Mr. Massey could learn a trick or two from Mr. Koontz's style. Does this take away from the greatness of the book? Not at all. This is a must read for anyone who likes to be scared. Buy this book, curl up on the couch with a nice cup of hot chocolate and prepare to start looking around you and jumping at every single noise, and if you notice your watch has stopped, welcome to Thunderland.

Alice in Thunderland: A Feminist Fairytale (Fairytales for Feminists)

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Alice in Thunderland: A Feminist Fairytale (Fairytales for Feminists)
Maeve Kelly
Manufacturer: Attic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1855940817

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THE BEST WRITER AROUND TODAY!

Thunderland
Dan Parkinson
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Customer Reviews:

THE BEST WRITER AROUND TODAY!.......2005-05-18

Dan Parkinson's books are a joy to read. This one takes place in southern Texas...on the coast. (My great grandmother had to shoot one of those cannibal Karankawa indians...like the ones in the book.) When I read Dan's books... I laugh, cry and learn history in a most wonderful way. His characters are so real... and he is a master at introducing you to old friends. This story is dark and scary at times... but full of the great Dan Parkinson humor! BUY HIS BOOKS...read them! He is an American treasure!

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Thunderland

Manufacturer: Recorded Books, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 1402539592

Book Description

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author-a match made in hell becomes a marriage made in heaven.

Customer Reviews:

Magic? Nope, not here..........2007-06-03

After a fairly good start (about the first 80 pages or so), I was hooked and was enjoying the book, then it went downhill and I finally stopped on page 218. Be warned, there is what could be considered (in our times at least) rape. However, it was a husband's duty to get his wife with heir; and I do get it, but that doesn't mean I want to read about it in a romance...repeatedly. I believe I could have gotten over the first 'rape,' but then it happened again, and again, and most likely again but I stopped before what might have been. Enough already!

I ended up hating both the so-called heroine and hero, they just were not sympathetic, interesting, or anything other than horrible. Frances started fights, cowers, and snivels all the time, and frankly, she should have known she needed to fulfill her "wifely duty" to get with heir. Now I am not in any way saying rape is right, but back then she should have known what was going to happen, and all she does is act belligerent and righteous about it and wants to be left alone (Ha!). Then there's Hawk (ugh!), who is detestable, shows no remorse, and the author actually writes about him with his mistress! What is Ms. Coulter smoking? I can't even fathom them going from hate to love (and I do mean hate!), which apparently doesn't happen according to other Amazon reviewers.

The author says the book "is just dandy the way it is," but it totally is not. She goes on to say that we'll chuckle and may even howl with laughter because of the battle of the sexes.... Now I don't know about that because I couldn't get past how totally unlikable Hawk and Frances were, among the other things mentioned, so who knows? And frankly, I don't care to know. This book needed many rewrites and I do not recommend it at all! I wish I listened to the reviews and stayed away, but no, I had to stick with it. What can I say, I'm stubborn. To be honest I thought there was only one rape scene in the book and didn't know there were more, but I usually only skim them so I don't read any spoilers. I am so sorry I read so much of this when I could have been enjoying a much better book. I really don't think I'll ever pick up another book from Ms. Coulter if her other books are like this.

No magic here.......2006-03-04

I picked up this book having read another Coulter novel (The Heir, also known as Lord Deverill's Heir) and not liked it. I'd give this author another chance. And she blew it!

This was like The Heir in so many ways. Forceful male ends up raping his new wife (although it's not rape as he uses cream. Eh?) and they argue all the time and eventually fall deeply in love. Why? What's loveable about either of them - except of course that they are attractive. So that's OK then. We never really understand why their opinions of each other change, there's a rather naff and blindingly obvious sub-plot about someone trying to discredit a racehorse stable.

Our `hero' spends a rather surprising amount of time discussing his mistress with his wife, and the mistress and wife eventually meet and get on well. Really? Some of Coulter's plot manoeuvres are mind-boggling and I couldn't suspend reality enough to keep with the story.

As with so many other American-authored Regency novels, our hero and heroine don't appear to know how to speak English; they pepper their dialogue with "gotten" and "inquire" and "fall" until I want to scream.

And the title - Midsummer Magic. The events aren't taking place in Midsummer and there's absolutely no magic. Why that title? Probably to imbue the book with a mystery that it doesn't deserve. Don't bother with this book - it's a waste of time and ink.

A Great Romantic Tale of Love and Sex.......2005-09-17

I feel this is one of Catherine Coulter's better written books as far as likable characters, interesting places and plausible plot lines go. It is easy and enjoyable to read. The average reader won't notice the slight grammatical errors or lack of historical context that have been referenced in other reviews.

To me there are two types of romance novels. Ones that are great love stories with few or no references to sexual activities and those that are great sex stories which delve a little deeper into describing sexual fantasies. Both types have their purpose and use inoffensive, socially acceptable language to describe human relationships.

There is no doubt that the three books in Coulter's `Magic' series are great sex stories. However, she is not vulgar or distasteful in her writing. You will find likeable characters including a smart, strong minded woman, a plausible plot with something other than just lust to keep the characters going and humorous twists and antics that will keep you turning the pages.

Typical late-80s bodice ripper .......2005-07-28

The story: Nine years ago, Frances' father (an impoverished Scottish earl) saved Hawk's father's life. Hawk's father made a promise that his son would marry one of the earl's three daughters. Now, the time has come to fulfill this promise. Hawk is sent to choose one of the three daughters, who are renowned for their beauty. However, Frances loves Scotland and decides to pretend that she is ugly in hopes that Hawk will choose one of her sisters instead of her. Her plan backfires when Hawk falls for her charade and thinks that an ugly, shy, modest bride will be easier to leave and forget than a pretty, accomplished one. Her father, secretly hoping that Hawk will choose Frances, does not listen to her when she says she doesn't want to marry him. She's force to marry him and leave her beloved home. Hawk feels her only purpose is to provide him with an heir, and grimly goes about doing his "duty". He feels no desire for her (since she continues her charade and get-up) and also believes that a gentlewoman/lady should not be treated as a mistress and would not feel desire anyway. This, of course, means that neither of them gets any pleasure out of the act & he ends up hurting Frances several times, making her fearful of sex. The two spend a lot of the time arguing with each other over little things and truly do hate each other. He goes to London to escape her and his mistress convinces him to go back to his wife and woo her. When he comes back, he is surprised to see that his "ugly" wife is actually beautiful and had been tricking him along. The rest of the novel follows Hawk and Frances' cat-and-mouse game as he tries to "woo" her (a.k.a. have lots of sex) and they both fall in love with each other. There is a mystery subplot regarding racing horses and his older brother's mysterious death, in typical Coulter fashion.

I hadn't read Coulter in 10 years, and I decided to go back and see if I still liked her novels. I was disappointed. I realized that her books just aren't in the same league with what romance novelists are writing today. The characters just aren't as well sketched, and the man/woman relationship borders on abusive. This book does not feature any romance - the two main characters go from hating each other to lusting after each other all the time, with nothing in-between. Where's the snappy dialogue? Where are the conversations where they get to know each other and their most secret thoughts? Where's the realization that they can be friends and love each other? Where is the point when the hero/heroine realizes they were wrong and apologize to each other & grow as characters?

All of these key ingredients are missing from this book and it fails because of it. Any current historical romance novel you pick up by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas, Mary Balogh, etc. has these things and more. You can't just make a romance novel just be all about the two lusting after each other.

Regarding the rape scenes: in this book, Hawk does pretty much rape Frances repeatedly. Now, that's not the reason I didn't like the book. As far as that's concerned, he pretty much did what a guy would really have done in that situation in the time period it is set in - it wasn't considered rape back then if the person you had forced sex with was your wife. The issue I had (when looking at it as a work of fiction) was that he showed no remorse about it. Hawk did not grow as a character at all - he disrespected her from the start and continued to disrespect her until the end. And, I felt that Frances' switch from being afraid of sex (which was natural) to wanting him after viewing the horses mate was rather abrupt. It did not make sense - Hawk had really not done anything to make her trust him and desire him up to that point, so why would watching the horses mate turn her on? And, even if she does begin to enjoy sex, it still doesn't excuse how he treated her in the beginning when he did not desire her and forced her. The book could have a used a good "I am so sorry I hurt you. Please forgive me." scene and it just wasn't there.

If you have problems with any type of "forced" sex situation (where the heroine is scared and tells the hero "no" and he continues anyway) then you shouldn't read this book. It happens quite a lot in this book (and most of Coulter's work) and in a manner where it is justified for the hero to behave that way.

Not Bad..........2005-05-08

The hero was a arrogant sod, but in the end they enjoyed each other. What better ending?

As far as the 'rapes'...the man was a duke. It was her duty to produce an heir as soon as possible to secure the title. Brother or no brother, most men would want that, regardless of circumstances. Has anyone read any diaries of the day? Women were more or less chattel, in the upper reaches of society, anyway.

The fact that she was Scottish should've caused more problems. Hmmmm..

However, the stableroom scene made up for much and if brandy can get us there, then I recommend more brandy for all. She's used forms of forced sex in her other novels and then showed a progression from the demands and dictates of society for heirs to exciting, mutual satisfaction...

She manages here. Perhaps, she doesn't manage fully, but it's worth reading. Not all of us want heroines that immediately slobber for their men.

Lavender's Midsummer Mix-Up (Flower Fairies Friends Chapter Book)

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Lavender's Midsummer Mix-Up (Flower Fairies Friends Chapter Book)
Cicely Mary Barker
Manufacturer: Warne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0723257736

Book Description

Lavender is busy getting all the Flower Fairy outfits washed and ready for the highlight of the Flower Fairy year— the Midsummer Party! After she's finished, she starts to play a fun game of hide and seek with all her fairy friends. Suddenly she hears children's voices nearby— and the Flower Fairies are in danger of being seen! Can Lavender manage to save the day and divert the children away from Fairyopolis? And can the Midsummer Party still take place?

William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

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William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
Bruce Coville
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0142501689

Book Description

One night two young couples run into an enchanted forest in an attempt to escape their problems. But these four humans do not realize that the forest is filled with fairies and hobgoblins who love making mischief. When Oberon, the Fairy King, and his loyal hobgoblin servant, Puck, intervene in human affairs, the fate of these young couples is magically and hilariously transformed. Like a classic fairy tale, this retelling of William Shakespeare's most beloved comedy is perfect for older readers who will find much to treasure and for younger readers who will love hearing the story read aloud.

Average customer rating:

3.5 stars - Nice Little Collection of Stories
Midsummer Night Magic

Midsummer Night's Magic (Heartspell)
Emma Craig , Tess Mallory , Pam McCutcheon , and Amy Elizabeth Saunders
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0505522098

Customer Reviews:

3.5 stars - Nice Little Collection of Stories.......2006-10-09

From back cover:
"MacBroom Sweeps Clean
Emma Craig
Stuck in an arranged marriage to a Scottish lord, Lily wondered if she'd ever find happiness or true love--until a wee Broonie named Angus MacBroom came upon the troubled beauty, and decided to teach the foolish couple a thing or two about Highland Magic.

"The Fairy Bride"
Tess Mallory
Visiting Ireland with her stuffy fiance, Erin certainly never dreamed she'd find herself swept into a handsome stranger's enchanted world of fairies and goblin kings--or that she'd soon long to be his fairy bride.

"The Trouble With Fairies"
Pam McCutcheon
Fun-loving Nick and straigt-laced Kate had a marriage that was destined for trouble, until the fateful night Nick hired a family of Irish brownies to keep the house clean--and let him get his love life back in order.

"Whatever You Wish"
Amy Elizabeth Saunders
A trip through time into the arms of an English lord just might be enough to convince the very cynical Meredyth that maybe, just maybe, wishes did come true--especially with the help of a fairy godmother.

**************************

"The Trouble With Fairies" by Pam McCutcheon
This first story was cute but I didn't like Kate at all. I thought she was selfish, close-minded and a--well, I won't put that here. She didn't deserve Nick at all. He wasn't perfect but I think everyone would like to have a husband like him, or at least a boyfriend if you're more in the anti-marriage sector. :P The Brownies were funny and I liked Kate's friend (I forget her name!), but I don't understand how they were friends. 5/10

"Whatever You Wish" by Amy Elizabeth Saunders
I really liked this story until the end which really disappointed me. Too bad, because I really liked the style it was written in and it had really likeable main characters and promising secondary characters. The story would probably have been better suited as a full-length book and maybe then everything could have been expanded and changed somewhat. I still think overall, if I just overlook the ending, that this is my favorite. 8/10

"MacBroom Sweeps Clean" by Emma Craig
Though I did think it was a rather slow start, it soon picked up and it was an absolutely charming little story with loveable characters. :) 8/10

"The Fairy Bride" by Tess Mallory
This is another one I thought should be a full-length book. There was just so much of Tir Na nOg and its inhabitants that could have been explored. I also thought that the story was kind of rushed, I mean 2 days! Still, it was a lovely story. 7/10

Midsummer Night Magic.......1999-12-12

This book was great I love the way the authors weaved differt fairytales into all most real love storys. I only wish I could find more story's like this one better.

Celtic Night: A Fifteen-Year-Old Girl's Modern Retelling of Shakespeare's
<I>A Midsummer Night's Dream</I>

Average customer rating:

A very well researched story

Celtic Night: A Fifteen-Year-Old Girl's Modern Retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
Bridget O'Dwyer
Manufacturer: Holy Macro! Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932802940

Book Description

A modern retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream, this story of a 15-year-old American girl's experience studying abroad in the Irish countryside borrows elements from Irish folklore and escapist-fantasy fiction. Adjustment to life with an Irish family is hard at first, but she forges a bond with her new school friends when, late one night, they slip out into the surrounding woods and revel with fairy-like creatures at a magical wedding party. Real settings in Ireland provide the backdrop for the story, and the Shakespearean storyline serves well to depict an adolescent's breakthrough from outsider status to membership in an enchanted society.

Customer Reviews:

A very well researched story.......2006-06-06

This is a wonderful book - such a lovely refreshing look at modern day small-town Ireland. It is a must read for any young adult with an interest in Ireland. I highly recommend it. Congratulations Bridget, I wait in anticipation for your next one!

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Buttercup Midsummer Magic - Jew P

Manufacturer: Egmont Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0861785134

Doubleday's Romance Library # 31 Touched By Firs, Sensible Cecily. Midsummer Magic

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Doubleday's Romance Library # 31 Touched By Firs, Sensible Cecily. Midsummer Magic

Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HB0L0Q

The Magic Trilogy: Midsummer Magic, Calypso Magic, Moonspun Magic

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The Magic Trilogy: Midsummer Magic, Calypso Magic, Moonspun Magic
Catherine Coulter
Manufacturer: Topaz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JZ9UP2

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Midsummer Magic
Catherine Coulter
Manufacturer: Onyx Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000SB3ZOY

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Midsummer Magic
Coulter
Manufacturer: New American Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JFBOOC

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