Damned by Andrew Pyper

Release Date: February 10th, 2015
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada
Genre: Fiction/Horror
Pages: 304 Pages
Series: None
Format: Arc
Source: From the Publisher
Reason: For Review
Find the Author: Website
Buy the Book: Amazon CA | Amazon

Danny Orchard wrote a bestselling memoir about his near-death experience in a fire that claimed the life of his twin sister, Ashleigh, but despite the resulting fame and fortune he’s never been able to enjoy his second chance at life. Ash won’t let him.

In life, Danny’s charming and magnetic twin had been a budding psychopath who privately terrorized her family—and death hasn’t changed her wicked ways. Ash has haunted Danny for twenty years and now, just when he’s met the love of his life and has a chance at real happiness, she wants more than ever to punish him for being alive—so she sets her sights on Danny’s new wife and stepson.

Danny knows what Ash really wants is him, and he’s prepared to sacrifice himself in order to save the ones he loves. The question is: will he make it back this time?

Well I'll be damned...It's not often that a book spooks me to the point where I actually want to sleep with the lights on. I knew I was creating a recipe for disaster when taking this book to bed with me, but it was just so damn good that I couldn't put it down.

Andrew Pyper made a fan in me when I finished The Demonologist. An equally as terrifying novel. When I had the opportunity to read his newest, I didn't hesitate one instant. Was it horrible of me to have had low expectations? I only had them because I was almost certain he couldn't blow me me away the same way he did with The Demonologist...But I was so very wrong! He blew me away alright, even thought I will now have nightmares until my 30's, it was totally worth it!

The Damned wastes no time painting the dark, vivid world of Danny Orchard, his upbringing and relationship with his twin sister. Pyper has proven himself to be an expert on possession. Ashley, a clear sociopath and lacking a soul is one of the creepiest book characters I have come across. She dies(no spoiler, clear in the synopsis) and from then on, torments Danny throughout his adult life.

Riveting, terrifying and will have you on the very edge of your seat till the very end. The Damned  will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning. Not only from reading, but from being to scared to close your eyes...But like I said, totally worth it!

Move over Stephen King, there is a new king of horror emerging!

Reading and Blogging Slumps: How to Overcome!

 

 

As Book Bloggers, we all share a mutual passion: Books! We love to read and we love to talk about what we are reading...But, blogging can come with it's share of frustrations. Such as:

 

• Keeping things fresh
• Having something to talk about
• Making the time to blog
• Keeping with comments and social media
• etc. 

Sometimes, blogging can feel like a job or a chore. And that's no fun! Blogging should be fun. When I finish reading a book, or have something I really want to share, I can't wait to turn to my blog and talk with you guys! But, what happens when we don't have something new to say? Or we've been in a reading slump and haven't been reading anything. Kinda makes Book Blogging a little bit stressful!

 

As much as I love reading, there have been times where I've fallen in a reading slump. Either I have a lot on my plate and don't have much time to read, or I just can't keep interested in anything. And I'm sure I am not alone in this regard. I love my book blogging community and have seen many posts regarding reading slumps. So, it got me thinking: How do I dig myself out of a slump? Well, I am here to share a few things that have worked for me in the past, and I'll also throw in how I tackle my blogging slumps as well, because, they go hand in hand.

 

Tackling a Reading Slump

 

Take a break! Sometimes, that is all it takes. Just a little break from reading. I know, it may sound crazy but if you find yourself disinterested or just unmotivated to pick up that book. Then just leave it aside for a bit and take a little break. Usually a couple days/up to a week works for me!

 

Re-read one of your all-time favourites. Whenever I am suffering from a reading slump, sometimes all it takes is a re-read of an old favourite or even just reading a favourite passage from that book.

 

Rearrange your bookshelf. This may make you say "huh?." But, it works for me. When I find that I have no desire to read, I will refresh/reface my bookshelves. Sometimes I forget what great books I have, and how many books I have waiting to be read! Pulling these books out, flipping them open, perusing them...It definitely sparks the reading juices!

 

Visit your local library or even a bookstore. Just being in the presence of all those books is enough to do it. Being in a space with other people that share the same love for reading as you do.

 

Tackling a Blogging Slump

 

Again, take a break. Put a little announcement on your blog just letting your lovely followers that you are stepping away for a little while. I usually like to include an open timeline. Nothing is worse than visiting some of your favourite blogs only to eventually find out they aren't active. A nice little message just keeping them in the loop is a nice, considerate approach.

 

Visit some of your favourite blogs! I love surfing the web for new blogs, and visiting old favourites. And it goes beyond Books! Sometimes all it takes it a great blog post to inspire you, or to get those blogging ideas flowing.

 

Get personal. I always find it's great to learn more about the blogger behind the blog. So, when you've hit a blogging slump and don't know what to talk about. Why not write a post to share a little bit about you?

 

 Talk about it! There have been times when I've been in a blogging slump, and just simply blogging about that slump has been enough to fix it. You are getting it off your chest and letting your fellow readers/bloggers know that they are not alone when it comes to these slumps.

 

...These have been the most helpful things for me when dealing with reading and blogging slumps. Have you suffered a reading and/or blogging slump? What are some of your tips to getting out of it? Comment, share on Facebook, or Tweet me!