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Books & Nachos

129 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 157 ratings

Book reviews from science fiction to horror to nonfiction, all with a modern pop-culture asthetic other book reviewers lack.

Books Arts Society & Culture fiction horror joe schreiber nonfiction sci-fi star wars stephen king books
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Episodes

Big Trouble in Little China/Escape from New York by Greg Pak, Daniel Bayliss, and Triona Farrell

July 23, 2020 16:28 - 32 minutes - 30.5 MB

Snake Plissken is back, but which Snake Plissken is the real Snake Plissken? After reviewing four BOOM! Studios Escape from New York graphic novels, Jakob and Jason shake the pillars of heaven to see John Carpenter’s antihero go head-to-head with an alter ego from Little China. That’s right, Jack Burton is back, and he’s teaming with Snake to take on villains of the past, and present. Join us once more for the final episode in our Books & Nachos Escape from New York series.

Escape from Cleveland Christopher by Sebela and Maxim Simic

July 16, 2020 19:48 - 55 minutes - 52.2 MB

Fun times in Cleveland again! Snake Plissken’s been retired for more than a decade, but when the government comes for his land, he’s going to lead a revolution against the one percent! The final volume in BOOM! Studios’ Escape from New York series leads directly into the events of John Carpenter’s Escape from L.A., but does the creative team know that? Jakob and Jason have some questions, and a whole lot of fun, saying goodbye to Snake in the penultimate episode of our Books & Nachos Snake P...

Escape from New York Vol. 3: Escape to New York by Christopher Sebela and Maxim Simic

June 16, 2020 19:19 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

Snake Plissken just wants to get away, but first, he’s got a bone to pick with his former president. In the third volume of BOOM! Studios’ Escape from New York series, the hero of John Carpenter’s iconic action film returns to his roots, breaking into the world’s largest prison to take down an arch nemesis. It’s the showdown this series has been building toward, and hosts Jakob and Jason are here to break it down. Could it overcome the campiness of Escape from Florida and the unneeded detour...

Escape from Siberia by Christopher Sebela, Diego Barreto, Mike Henderson

June 08, 2020 19:56 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

Snake Plissken leaves the Sunshine State for Siberia in the second volume of "Escape from New York" by BOOM! Studios. John Carpenter's eyepatch-wearing outlaw is sent to a frozen warzone by a vengeful president, but before he can face down his enemy, Snake must outwit bears, soldiers, a man from his past, and a cult of comet worshippers. It's as crazy as it sounds, but is it any good? Jakob and Jason follow Snake's journey in our ongoing Books & Nachos series, which ties into our Escape from...

Escape from Florida by Christopher Sebela, Diego Barreto, Tim Bradstreet

May 31, 2020 23:43 - 31 minutes - 30 MB

In 2014, comic book publisher BOOM! Studios acquired the rights to produce new stories based on John Carpenter’s “Escape from New York” and its hero Snake Plissken. Their first story picks up seconds after the finale of Carpenter’s 1981 film, with Plissken on the run from the United States Police Force and seeking refuge in the “free” state of Florida. But Snake’s in for a helluva fight at every turn. Does “Escape from Florida” live up to the legacy of Carpenter’s creation? It’s hard to say ...

Escape from New York by Mike McQuay

May 26, 2020 02:23 - 42 minutes - 98.3 MB

Filmmaker John Carpenter scored a hit when his “Escape from New York” hit theaters in 1981, introducing the world to Kurt Russell’s eyepatch-wearing antihero Snake Plissken. But there’s more to the story than what audiences saw on the screen. This week Jakob and Jason (making his Books and Nachos debut) break down author Mike McQuay’s adaptation of Carpenter’s film, including the deleted scenes and backstory that add new dimension to the Plissken character and the authority figures that forc...

The Godfather by Mario Puzo

August 30, 2018 14:36 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MB

Before it became one of the most beloved movies of all time, The Godfather was a blockbuster novel with characters and plot points that never made it to the screen.  Join long lost podcaster Stuart as he comes home to his Books & Nachos family and parses out all the changes made to Mario Puzo’s classic.

Bad Man by Dathan Auerbach

August 23, 2018 16:10 - 15 minutes - 14.9 MB

Ben's three-year-old brother Eric disappeared five years ago, but Ben continues to search. When Ben takes a job at the store where Eric vanished things are not all that they seem. Join Brock for his spoiler-free review of Bad Man to see if this is the perfect thriller to cap off your summer reading list!

Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier by Mark Frost

December 31, 2017 16:06 - 59 minutes - 55.1 MB

SPOILER ALERT: This podcast contains detailed information about the 2017 Showtime Twin Peaks series as well as all previous Twin Peaks books, movies, and episodes.This year's Twin Peaks: The Return revival polarized audiences and seemed to ask as many questions as it answered. With that series complete, series writer Mark Frost is free to discuss it all in Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier -- the intended final book based on Twin Peaks. Join Stuart and Arnie now to find out if Peaks goes out on a...

The Hellraiser Chronicles Edited by Stephen Jones (and a look at Damnation Games by Phil and Sarah Stokes_

November 16, 2017 01:31 - 25 minutes - 57.8 MB

Continuing his look at nonfiction Hellraiser books, Arnie is back with a review of The Hellraiser Chronicles--a 1992 behind-the-scenes look at the first three Hellraiser films. But seeking even more pleasures Arnie continues on to look at Damnation Games which also gets under the skin of those first three films. Are either or both of these worth a read? Join Arnie to find out!

The Hellraiser Chronicles Edited by Stephen Jones

November 15, 2017 02:00

Continuing his look at nonfiction Hellraiser books, Arnie is back with a review of The Hellraiser Chronicles--a 1992 behind-the-scenes look at the first three Hellraiser films. But seeking even more pleasures Arnie continues on to look at Damnation Games which also gets under the skin of those first three films. Are either or both of these worth a read? Join Arnie to find out!

Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II by Christian Sellers and Gary Smart

November 07, 2017 01:55 - 26 minutes - 26 MB

Clive Barker's Hellraiser and it's immediate follow-up Hellbound: Hellraiser II were low-budget productions, shot in the UK. Despite their small beginnings their impact was global, skyrocketing Clive Barker to fame and fortune and terrifying a generation. How did that happen? The book Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II details the making of these first two Hellraiser films. What insights does it provide, and is it worth a read? Join Arnie on this review to find o...

The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

October 30, 2017 16:37 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MB

In 1987 Clive Barker took the world by storm with his film Hellraiser, but his first draft of that movie wasn't in screenplay form--it was a short story. Written with the express intent of being a low-budget movie, Barker explores the concepts of love, deceit, murder, and damnation. It became his defining work, but how good is it? And how does the prose differ from the film? Open the box, unchain this podcast, join Arnie in Hell, and find out!Then join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob for all their...

The Dark Tower: The Art of the Film by Daniel Wallace

August 17, 2017 20:30 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MB

Gunslinger Roland Deschain had a long quest in his search for The Dark Tower. So too did filmmakers toil long to transform Stephen King's eight-novel series to the big screen. This journey is chronicled in pictures and prose in the book The Dark Tower: The Art of the Film.Join Arnie on this episode of Books & Nachos as he reviews this work. Then he is joined by Daniel Wallace, author of The Art of the Film, to discuss the process of producing this type of book!

Twin Peaks: The Secret History of Twin Peaks by Mark Frost

May 20, 2017 23:46 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB

Before the new season of Twin Peaks started on Showtime, series co-creator Mark Frost wrote a book to tide over anxious fans. That book was The Secret History of Twin Peaks. An in-universe history of this fictional town finds its citizens have ties to Lewis & Clarke, the Masons, the Illuminati, and events at Rosewell and Area 51. Wait...isn't this a book about Twin Peaks? Maybe. Arnie and Stuart are here with a review to try and make sense of it all!   Listen to this book review, then hear...

Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch

May 18, 2017 16:19 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MB

As Inland Empire hit theaters Lynch was also prepping a big release...for the bookstores. Catching the Big Fish is Lynch's combination of autobiography and advertisement for his Transcendental Medication.  Join Arnie and Stuart to find out what insights Lynch's writing may provide into the man, his works, and his meditations.   Listen to this book review, then hear reviews of EVERY Twin Peaks episode at NowPeakingPodcast.com

Welcome to Twin Peaks: Access Guide to the Town

May 03, 2017 15:12 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

By the time Welcome to Twin Peaks was released ABC was already telling that town "Goodbye." The series' cancellation had been announced but the tie-in merchandising continued with this pamphlet that is a guidebook to the sights, places, flora, and fauna of Twin Peaks.  What does this book add to the mythology of the series? And does its fictitious maps and places match up with any of the real filming locations? Join Arnie and Stuart for this review for those answers!   Listen to this book rev...

Welcome to Twin Peaks: Access Guide to the Town by Mark Frost

May 03, 2017 00:00

By the time Welcome to Twin Peaks was released ABC was already telling that town "Goodbye." The series' cancellation had been announced but the tie-in merchandising continued with this pamphlet that is a guidebook to the sights, places, flora, and fauna of Twin Peaks. What does this book add to the mythology of the series? And does its fictitious maps and places match up with any of the real filming locations? Join Arnie and Stuart for this review for those answers! Listen to this book rev...

Twin Peaks: The Autobiography of FBI Agent Dale Cooper -- My Life, My Tapes by Scott Frost

March 30, 2017 00:36 - 41 minutes - 38 MB

Twin Peaks' cancellation was all but certain in May, 1991. Yet that is also when series writer Scott Frost's Agent Cooper book My Life, My Tapes was released. Unlike The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer, Cooper's backstory was mostly unready by a waning fan base. Now the book commands top dollar on the secondary market. Is it worth the price?   Listen to this book review, then hear reviews of EVERY Twin Peaks episode at NowPeakingPodcast.com

Twin Peaks: Diane - Twin Peaks Tapes of Agent Cooper by Scott Frost

March 14, 2017 21:19 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

As Twin Peaks' second season began the merchandise machine was gaining speed.  First came Jennifer Lynch's Secret Diary of Laura Palmer.  Hot on its heels came "Diane..." - The Twin Peaks Tapes of Agent Cooper.  Combining TV-show audio with newly recorded bits this audiobook catches you up on the mystery, but are there new clues revealed in the tapes not seen on TV?   Listen to this book review, then hear reviews of EVERY Twin Peaks episode at NowPeakingPodcast.com

Twin Peaks: The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer by Jennifer Lynch

March 13, 2017 21:27 - 1 hour - 65.5 MB

In the summer of 1990 everybody was discussing Twin Peaks - the television phenomenon that kept people in suspense during their season break. Tidbits were teased to fans, including that in Season 2 the secret diary of Laura Palmer would be found. What secrets would it hold? Would it reveal her killer? Viewers would find out, but fans didn't have to wait! Before Season 2 started The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer was released in full to bookstores!  Not only officially sanctioned, it was writte...

Children of Dune by Frank Herbert

February 02, 2017 20:38 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MB

No, Stuart was not eaten by a sand worm, he's back to discuss Children of Dune -- Frank Herbert's third novel in the Duneverse.  Focusing on the children of Paul, this book has incest, political intrigue, and a twist ending. Join Stuart for his thoughts on this novel!    

Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

December 21, 2016 21:52 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MB

Everybody wants to rule the galaxy...but is it all it's cracked up to be?  Now Emperor, Paul Atreides must balance his leadership with numerous plots to undermine him.  After the great success of Dune, can Frank Herbert match with the sequel:  Dune Messiah? Join Stuart in this review to find out!

Dune by Frank Herbert

December 09, 2016 02:40 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

Frank Herbert's 1965 landmark novel DUNE is one of the most celebrated works of the science fiction genre, but does today's reader have to be a Mentat in order to wrap their mind around its dense mythology?  Host Stuart In LA promises, "there's nothing to fear.... fear is the mind killer." Join him as he dives headfirst into this first chapter of his six podcast exploration of the Duneverse.      

The Bourne Ultimatum by Robert Ludlum

July 18, 2016 18:03 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

In 1990 Robert Ludlum returned to Jason Bourne one last time for The Bourne Ultimatum.  This story finds Bourne once again in the crosshairs of Carlos the Jackal. It was a book intended to set a legacy for many Bourne novels to follow in the hands of other writers. So why is this the worst book ever reviewed at Books & Nachos?  Join Stuart in L.A. as he tears into The Bourne Ultimatum and tells you why this is a novel you should avoid at all costs!

The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum

July 11, 2016 18:40 - 25 minutes - 57.5 MB

Bourne is back! Robert Ludlum had never written a sequel to any of his novels before. That streak ended in 1986 when Jason Bourne (or really David Webb) has to travel to China in search of the men who kidnapped his woman. This novel bears virtually no resemblance to the Matt Damon film, but is it worth a read? Join Stuart in LA in this review to find out! And if you enjoy Books & Nachos, support the show through our PodBean Crowdfunding Page!

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

July 05, 2016 16:02 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

This summer is a great time to be re-Bourne! Matt Damon is returning to play Jason Bourne for the fourth time. For many Bourne fans, however, it may be surprising to find out how different these Damon films are from Robert Ludlum's original novels.   On this episode of Books & Nachos, join Stuart in L.A. as he gives a spoiler free review of this book, outlining the creator's original vision for this spy who can't remember his past. And if you enjoy Books & Nachos, support the show through o...

Independence Day: Crucible by Greg Keyes

June 27, 2016 22:05 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

20 years have passed between the 1996 sci-fi hit Independence Day and this summer's new Independence Day: Resurgence.  That time passed in our real world--but it also went by for the fictional characters who survived that alien assault.  Fans have long wondered--what happened on July 5, 1996? Were all the aliens killed when the ships went down? Some of this will be revealed in the new movie, but those wanting a fuller explanation can find it in the new novel Independence Day: Crucible by Greg...

The Dead Zone by Stephen King

May 02, 2016 00:14 - 1 hour - 106 MB

The Dead Zone was Stephen King's follow-up to The Stand. This new novel, about a man who gained psychic powers after a head injury, became the author's first number 1 best seller. It has gone on to be adapted to film by David Cronenberg, and a long-running cable TV series.In this episode of Books & Nachos, Arnie looks back at the book that started it all. He analyzes King's influences that led to the creation of the novel, and deconstructs the characters and plot. So now join him for a review...

Watchmen by Alan Moore

March 21, 2016 16:15 - 2 hours - 119 MB

Watchmen. It was the only comic listed on Time Magazine's List of the 100 Best Novels list. It also was in The Comic's Journal's list of the Top 100 Comics of the 20th Century. It has been revered by comic lovers and neophytes alike. Now Arnie and Jakob come together to review all 12 issues of this series, and also give a brief look at the recent Before Watchmen prequel series! Then head to Now Playing Podcast to hear Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie review crew's thoughts on Zack Snyder's film ...

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

November 26, 2015 16:15 - 33 minutes - 76 MB

Last week the fourth, and final, Hunger Games film Mockingjay Part 2, dominated theaters. Now that you've had a chance to see how the movie concludes the story of Katniss Everdeen you can join Stuart for his review of Collins original Mockingjay novel. Then head to Now Playing Podcast's donation page to hear Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie review crew's thoughts on all the Hunger Games films! Those movie reviews are only available during the Fall, 2015 donation drive, so donate today!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

November 19, 2015 18:15 - 26 minutes - 61.9 MB

In 2009 Catching Fire fanned the flames of Hunger Games fans worldwide. Continuing the adventures of Katniss Everdeen, Collins' novel puts her back in the arena for another adventure. In preparation for tonight's release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 movie, join Stuart in L.A. for a look back at Collins' middle novel in the trilogy. Then head to Now Playing Podcast's donation page to hear Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie review crew's thoughts on all the Hunger Games films! Those movie rev...

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

November 12, 2015 19:15 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB

The Hunger Games novels topped the New York Times best seller lists and went on to become Amazon's all-time top selling book series (outselling even Harry Potter). It has since gone on to become a billion-dollar film franchise. In anticipation of the upcoming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Stuart in LA is here to review the original novels. In this episode Stuart looks at the original The Hunger Games. Is this the next Twilight, or is it the next The Running Man? Join Stuart in L.A. no...

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

November 05, 2015 19:15 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

In 1999 Japanese author Koushun Takami gained global notice for his novel Battle Royale. In this ultraviolent, 600-plus page dystopian novel the Japanese government holds an annual competition where Junior High students must kill each other. The last student to survive is the "winner." The book has been released multiple times in English, been the inspiration for the Battle Royale film series, and had a manga adaptation. And Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins has been accused of plagiarizi...

The Lost World by Michael Crichton

June 26, 2015 20:15 - 20 minutes - 19 MB

Michael Crichton never intended to write a sequel to his bestselling novel Jurassic Park. But when Stephen Spielberg's film was a smash success and the director, and fans, requested a follow-up, Crichton obliged. What were the results? Join Stuart in L.A. for this review of Crichton's novel, then head to Now Playing Podcast's donation page to hear that crew's thoughts on the film! Those movie reviews are only available until July 31, 2015, then they become extinct like the dinosaurs, so d...

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

June 04, 2015 20:15 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

Today the words Jurassic Park bring to mind a T-Rex roaring at a car, Sam Neil running through a pack of CGI dinosaurs, and John Williams score--all from Steven Spielberg's hit 1993 film. But before it was a movie, Jurassic Park was a bestselling novel by sci-fi author Michael Crichton. The book and the movie share some basic plot elements, but there are also key differences. How do they compare? Join Stuart in L.A. for this review of Crichton's novel, then head to Now Playing Podcast's d...

The Long Walk by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)

March 30, 2015 20:15 - 1 hour - 59 MB

King's first novel wasn't Carrie, it was The Long Walk written while the author was a college freshman. It tells of a dystopian, alternate America in which the national pastime isn't Baseball, it's a contest of stamina and will--The Long Walk. King's story of one of these Walks, and walker Raymond Garraty, wouldn't be published for over a decade, until it was released in 1979 as the second novel by King's pen name "Richard Bachman." In this episode of Books & Nachos, Arnie reviews and an...

The Secret Service: Kingsman by Mark Millar, Dave Gibbons, and Matthew Vaughn

February 16, 2015 11:15 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MB

Mark Millar's comic Kick-Ass was adapted to film by director Matthew Vaughn. Now the two have teamed up again with Kingsman: The Secret Service, an idea the two men spawned while filming Kick-Ass. The story tells of Gary, a juvenile delinquent who's given one last chance at a legitimate life--as a British secret agent! A clever twist on the old James Bond formula, is this comic worth reading? Join the hosts to find out, then join them LIVE, Tuesday Feb 17th at 9:30 pm EST at NowPlayingPod...

The Stand by Stephen King - Part 6

January 10, 2015 15:15 - 36 minutes - 34.7 MB

With his fifth published novel Stephen King went big--a tale about God and demons with the backdrop of a dystopian future. Involving fears both realistic and fantastic, many King fans cite this as the author's best work to date. Now Arnie continues his reviews of all King's works with this multi-part podcast series reviewing The Stand. In this final segment of this review Arnie gives is final review on the book, discusses which of the three print editions is best, and also reviews Marvel C...

The Stand by Stephen King - Part 5

January 09, 2015 16:15 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MB

With his fifth published novel Stephen King went big--a tale about God and demons with the backdrop of a dystopian future. Involving fears both realistic and fantastic, many King fans cite this as the author's best work to date. Now Arnie continues his reviews of all King's works with this multi-part podcast series reviewing The Stand. In the fifth part of this review Arnie looks at The Stand's climax, which reaches biblical proportions, and compares the ending in the original and the 1990...

The Stand by Stephen King - Part 4

January 08, 2015 16:15 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

With his fifth published novel Stephen King went big--a tale about God and demons with the backdrop of a dystopian future. Involving fears both realistic and fantastic, many King fans cite this as the author's best work to date. Now Arnie continues his reviews of all King's works with this multi-part podcast series reviewing The Stand. In the fourth part of the review Arnie looks at Book II of The Stand, including the survivors' struggles in Boulder and King's own struggles with the narrat...

The Stand by Stephen King - Part 3

January 07, 2015 16:15 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

With his fifth published novel Stephen King went big--a tale about God and demons with the backdrop of a dystopian future. Involving fears both realistic and fantastic, many King fans cite this as the author's best work to date. Now Arnie continues his reviews of all King's works with this multi-part podcast series reviewing The Stand. In the third part of this review Arnie analyzes the evil characters in the novel, including Randall Flagg, Lloyd Henreid, and The Trashcan Man. Also a look...

The Stand by Stephen King - Part 2

January 06, 2015 16:15 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

With his fifth published novel Stephen King went big--a tale about God and demons with the backdrop of a dystopian future. Involving fears both realistic and fantastic, many King fans cite this as the author's best work to date. Now Arnie continues his reviews of all King's works with this multi-part podcast series reviewing The Stand. In the second part of this podcast series Arnie explores the heroic characters featured in The Stand, including Stuart Redmond, Fran Goldsmith, Larry Underw...

The Stand by Stephen King - Part 1

January 05, 2015 16:15 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MB

With his fifth published novel Stephen King went big--a tale about God and demons with the backdrop of a dystopian future. Involving fears both realistic and fantastic, many King fans cite this as the author's best work to date. Now Arnie continues his reviews of all King's works with this multi-part podcast series reviewing The Stand. In the first part of this podcast series Arnie reveals the history of the stand and how it was inspired by Patty Hearst and some dead sheep. He also provid...

The Dark Man by Stephen King

November 24, 2014 20:15 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MB

Of all the monsters in Stephen King's fiction none have captured reader imaginations quite like The Stand's Randall Flagg--The Walkin' Dude, The Dark Man. But nine years before The Stand was published King wrote of this Dark Man who walked, rode trains, and hitchhiked across America leaving bodies in his wake. This is detailed in King's college poem "The Dark Man." In 2013 Cemetery Dance Publications printed this in an illustrated book, and Arnie has read and reviewed it in this episode of ...

The Prestige by Christopher Priest

November 07, 2014 20:15 - 23 minutes - 22 MB

One stage magician learns how to split himself into two so that he can challenge a pair of rival illusionists who pretend to be one in The Prestige, Christopher Priest's sneaky story of splintering identities. Even if you think you've spoiled the trick by seeing the popular Christian Bale-Hugh Jackman movie, there are more secrets to be found in the book's sprawling five-part structure that spans the 20th Century. Join Stuart In LA as he studies the source material and weighs in on which Chr...

The Man Who Loved Flowers (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King

October 08, 2014 20:15 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

In Stephen King's short story "The Man Who Loved Flowers" a man stops to buy roses on the way to see the woman he loves. His warm energy infects all those around him, but there is something they don't know. Now join Arnie as he completes his reviews of the short stories contained in King's Night Shift anthology. In this podcast he reviews "The Man Who Loved Flowers" and looks back at all the short stories from Night Shift!

The Last Rung on the Ladder (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King

October 02, 2014 22:59 - 19 minutes - 35.4 MB

The short stories collected in Stephen King's Night Shift were written over more than a decade--some originally published in 1968, others printed for the first time in this book. As such, the stories, while having certain similarities, are also wildly varied from the gothic horror of "Jerusalem's Lot" to the more ghastly comedy found in "Gray Matter" to the realistic, personal drama of "The Woman in the Room." "The Last Rung on the Ladder", a Night Shift original, is a dramatic short stor...

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien

September 25, 2014 20:59 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MB

Author JRR Tolkien spent three books, and over a thousand pages, creating a dense Middle Earth mythology. Now he brings that age of folklore to a thunderous close with Return of the King. Here all of the saga's major characters are granted an opportunity to fulfill their destiny. Among the questions answered: Can vagabond king Aragorn gather the army he needs to return to Gondor and reclaim his royal birthright from invading hordes? Will shieldmaiden Eowyn earn the respect of King Th...

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien

September 15, 2014 21:59 - 44 minutes - 23.3 MB

A new front in the fight for Middle Earth opens as Hobbits Frodo and Sam continue their eastern journey to Mordor with only monstrous Gollum as a guide, leaving behind their friends to defend the remaining human kingdoms from evil wizard Saruman. With Two Towers, author JRR Tolkien abandons the lighthearted Hobbiton simplicity that made his books appealing to children, and presents a sprawling tapestry of global warfare that teems with dozens of new characters and subplots. Will all of this...