Top 10 #Anime Picks #paranormal #horror

I've been a fan of anime for 20+ years. I love the artwork, complex themes and the fact that they glean from Japanese folklore and mythology. Take a peek...

**All links go to Hulu, except for Vampire Hunter D (movie site) and Tactics (AnimeHere).

My top 10 picks in paranormal horror anime...in no particular order

Photo courtesy of Keng Susumpow via Flickr

1) Death Note (2006-2007)

Manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.

Plot:

Yagami Light is a bored A-student with great prospects. One day, he finds a notebook (Death Note) from the realm of the death gods or shinigami. The book has the power to kill people in any way he desires, he merely has to write their name in it. Light decides to create his perfect world, one without crime or criminals. However, when criminals start dropping dead one by one, the authorities send the legendary detective 'L' to track down the killer. A battle of wits, deception and logic ensues, much like a chess game. 

My thoughts: This the crème de la crème of anime. The story is complex and the concepts of good and evil are challenged.

Fave character: Ryuk. Gotta love an apple eating shinigami with a sense of humor.

*I prefer sub-titled anime, but this dubbed version of Death Note is quite good.

2) Blue Exorcist (2011)
Manga written and illustrated by Kazue Katō. 

Plot:
Humans live in the world of Assiah, and demons live in Gehenna. The two dimensions are not meant to interfere with each other. In spite of this, demons still possess creatures in Assiah. The humans who can fight these demons are known as exorcists. Rin Okumura bears the curse of being Satan's illegitimate son. His foster father sacrificed himself to save him from demons. To avenge his foster father's death, Rin decides to follow the path of an exorcist.

My thoughts: This anime has many similarities with the current television series Supernatural. See if you can spot them!

Fave character: Mephisto Pheles. He enjoys chaos and is always ahead of the game. Plus, he dresses fab.

3) Vampire Hunter D (1985 Film)
Manga written in 1983 by Hideyuki Kikuchi and illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano. 

Plot:

Technology and the supernatural have overtaken the world. What's left of the human race live in fear of vampires, who keep werewolves and mutants to protect them. Doris Lang trespasses into vampire territory and encounters Count Magnus Lee, who tastes her blood and chooses her to be his next wife. Doris hires a vampire hunter by the name of 'D,' a dhampir (half human, half vampire), to rid her of this fate. 

My thoughts: Vampire Hunter D remains a cult classic.

Fave character: Carmilla. This vampire is deliciously evil, cunning and intelligent...and her clothes are awesome.

4) Black Butler (2008-2010)
Manga written and illustrated by Yana Toboso. (The second season, Kuroshitsuji II, aired in 2010 and did not feature in the manga.) 

Plot: 

In Victorian-era London, a young boy sells his soul to a demon in order to avenge his family's death. The demon takes the form of a loyal butler and is required to protect, serve and arrive whenever summoned by his young master until the deal has been completed.

My thoughts: I love the Victorian costumes and artwork in this series--flat out. I will drop a warning however, the relationships between the butlers and their underage 'masters' toe the line.

Fave character: Grell Sutcliff in his Grim Reaper form. Over-the-top, flamboyant and outspoken. What's not to love?

 

5) Mushishi (2005-2006)
Manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Urushibara. 

Plot:
The story follows Ginko, a man who dedicates himself to keeping people protected from supernatural creatures called Mushi. The Mushi are beyond the shackles of the words "good" and "evil." They can exist in countless forms, and are capable of mimicking things from the natural world such as plants, diseases, and even phenomena like rainbows.

My thoughts: This anime is beautiful to watch and the concepts are very thoughtful. It's paced very slow, so if that's not your thing, it's not for you.

Fave character(s): Technically, there's only one main character (Ginko) but I really liked the concept of the Mushi

6) Vampire Knight (2008)
A shōjo manga series written by Matsuri Hino

Plot:
Yuki Cross is the adopted daughter of Kaien Cross, the headmaster of Cross Academy. Yuki's earliest memory is of being attacked by a rogue vampire and of being rescued by Kaname, a Pureblood vampire. Ten years later, her adoptive father is the guardian of the vampire race and leads a group of vampires at the elite boarding school. At Yuki's side is Zero Kiryu, a childhood friend whose hatred for the creatures leaves him determined never to trust them. The coexisting arrangement seems all well and good, but have the vampires truly renounced their murderous ways? 

My thoughts: This series gets a bit Twilight'ish towards the end. Turning a blind eye to that--if only because of the artwork and story arcs.

Fave character: Zero Kiryu because he always tries to do the right thing.

7) Boogiepop Phantom (2000)
Manga written by Kouhei Kadono.

Plot:
The story takes place a month after a pillar of light appears in the night sky, and five years after a string of serial killings. High school students have started to disappear and the blame is placed on Boogiepop, an urban legend who is said to be the personification of Death. Each episode centers on a different character who had a short involvement in the major event. Some episodes are out of sequence and scenes are shown from different perspectives. Through this non-linear style, the characters are used to develop the central themes of Change, Escapism, Memory and Relationships.

8) Ghost Hunt (2006)
Manga written by Fuyumi Ono. The last novel was published in 1994 and the story was left incomplete. 

Plot:
The story follows the adventures of the Shibuya Psychic Research Center as they investigate mysterious occurrences all over Japan with a team of other spiritualists and assistants.

9) Tactics (2004-2005)

Manga written by Sakura Kinoshita and Kazuko Higashiyama.

Plot:
Supernatural sleuth and writer, Kantaro Ichinomiya, spends his days fighting demons and writing about his adventures. Accompanied by a mysterious Demon-Eating Goblin and a band of demons, Kantaro travels the Japanese countryside in search of ghostly mysteries and the paranormal.

10) xxxHOLiC (2006)

Manga written and illustrated by the group of manga artists known as Clamp. The manga was adapted into an animated film, xxxHolic: A Midsummer Night's Dream which premiered on August 20, 2005. It was followed by two anime series which ran from April-September 2006.

Plot:
The story revolves around Kimihiro Watanuki--a high-school student disturbed by his ability to see the supernatural, and Yūko Ichihara--a witch who owns a wish-granting shop. When Watanuki asks Yūko to remove his ability to see spirits, she grants it--on the condition he pay for his wish by working for her.

That's my list! What are your favorite anime?

#MeatlessMonday - Hungarian Mushroom Soup #vegetarian

I love to cook with mushrooms. They’re versatile, add a heartiness to a dish, and they’re good for you—high in protein, low in fat, and filled with potassium. You can’t go wrong!

Here’s a vegetarian recipe sure to please your palate.

Photo courtesy of su-lin via Flickr

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

3 cups milk
2 onions, diced
1 tbsp. plus ¼ cup butter
1 tsp. salt
2 pounds mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
4½ tsp. dill
2 tbsp. paprika
2-3/4 cups vegetable stock
½ cup flour
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2T soy sauce
1½ cups sour cream

Warm milk in saucepan at low heat.

In soup pot, sauté onions in 1 tablespoon of butter. When they are translucent, add mushrooms, dill, paprika, lemon juice and 1 cup vegetable stock. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

In separate saucepan, melt remaining butter. Slowly whisk in flour, forming a roux. Add warm milk, whisking to eliminate lumps. Add this mixture to soup pot. Add remaining stock and simmer for 10 minutes.

Just before serving, whisk in soy sauce and sour cream.

Yield 10 cups

New Cover & #Sale - Struck by Clarissa Johal #paranormal #darkfantasy #KindleUnlimited #99cents

Book Details:

Genre: Paranormal
Author: Clarissa Johal
Editor: Samantha Ettinger
Publisher: Faeriemoon Press
Number of Pages: 228

About Struck:

Caught a terrible storm, Gwynneth is struck by lightning. She wakes in the hospital with a vague memory of a mysterious stranger. 

Following her release, the stranger visits her at will and offers Gwynneth a gift—one that will stay the hands of death. She is uncertain whether Julian is a savior or something sinister... for as he shares more of this gift, his price becomes deadly.

Excerpt:

She stared into his pale eyes, the color of storm clouds. A scream welled up in her throat. He pushed her against the wall and shook his head in a warning.

“Do not scream.”

His voice was low and soothing. She nodded quickly with every intention of screaming her lungs out as soon as he removed his hand.

“Do not scream,” he repeated.

Gwynneth could hear her breath heavy against his hand. He wore finely made black leather gloves. Why would he be wearing gloves inside? She thought frantically. It’s not cold enough to wear gloves. Dressed in black from top to bottom, except for a white, high-collared dress shirt, he looked archaic. She tried to match him with a time period. Mid-eighteenth century? Even his demeanor was aristocratic and proud. Small silver buttons ran the length of his jacket. They pressed sharply against her thin hospital gown.

“Do you trust me?” He studied her intently and removed his hand.

“You were there when I got hit,” she whispered.

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you bring me to the hospital? You left me at the funeral home.”

“I had no transportation. I left you where you would be found.”

“Why didn’t you stay with me?”

“I have my reasons. I am here now.”

Gwynneth paused. “Thank you for saving me.”

“I wish something in return.”

“I-I don’t have anything.” She flinched as she felt a small tug from deep inside. It was as if probing fingers were searching for something. Fear bloomed within her. The probing stopped.

“Are you saying no?” His voice held an edge.

“I don’t understand.”

“Are…you… saying…no?”

Confused, she nodded slightly. Suddenly, Julian grabbed her around the shoulders, and they fell into blackness. Something powerful swirled around them. Something malevolent. She panicked and clung to him. There was pressure on all sides of her, as if the air was folding and becoming heavier and heavier. And then, everything stopped.

“Open your eyes, Gwynneth,” he whispered.

They were in a Victorian house. A fire burned in the fireplace. The scent from the burning wood filled the air. Muted light reflected off elaborate, but worn, wallpaper and furniture. A half-eaten biscuit lay on a delicate-looking plate next to an empty teacup resting on its side.

Julian took her by the hand and led her up a winding staircase. She studied him from behind. Tall and lean, though quite broad-shouldered, long white hair draped his back like silk. His form-fitting, tailored jacket hit mid-thigh. Matching black pants were tucked into knee-high leather boots. He walked with catlike grace, his boots making light sounds on the stairs.

Otherworldly, her thoughts whispered. Still in her hospital gown, Gwynneth felt vulnerable and naked. Her bare feet pressed against the wooden floor. Grit stuck to her toes.

He led her down a hallway lit by fluted glass light fixtures. At the end of the hallway was a door.

Never taking his eyes off hers, Julian opened it.

Dark figures scattered like exploding glass. Red…so much red. There was blood everywhere. Blood-soaked sheets, pillows; blood pooled onto the wooden floor and soaked into an ornate carpet.

A woman lay across the bed. She wore an old-fashioned white nightgown, which was plastered to her body. Her long dark hair spilled across the sheets. Gaping wounds covered her chest. A knife lay on the floor. The windows were open, and white curtains fluttered in the evening breeze.

The creatures writhed in the corners as light from the hallway shattered their darkness.

A strangled sound escaped Gwynneth’s throat. Julian wrapped his arms around her and urged her forward. The figures that had fled into the corners seeped into the scene once more.

“They come for her. I want you to watch.”

Gwynneth shook violently. He gripped her tighter.

The figures swarmed over the dead woman’s body. They snaked up her torso, across her face, and into her hair. Gwynneth felt their need, burning and relentless.

“Oh my God, she’s not dead,” she moaned. Her vision went black.

______________________

Indie Book of the Day Award
Second Place - Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2014

Struck is 99 cents via Amazon!

Amazon US  

Amazon UK

Amazon CAN

                                                             YouTube Book Trailer

#AuthorChallenge #blooddonation @RedCross

I hate needles. Hate them. I'll literally lose sleep the night before my yearly flu vaccine. That said, I'm also a proud blood donor for the American Red Cross. Why? Because blood is needed, and I have it. I would want someone to do the same for me. Please check out these Red Cross facts.

Every 2 seconds, somebody in the U.S. needs blood.

Although about 38 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, less than 10% eligible do so each year.

Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.

Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

More than 1.68 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Many needed blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

The average adult has about 10 pints of blood. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation.

1 donation can help more than one patient.  

Christmas is the time for giving, so why not give the ultimate gift?

Find your local blood drive
American Red Cross 
UK Blood Donation
Canadian Blood Services 
Australian Red Cross Blood Services

I'm throwing the gauntlet to my fellow authors to become donors. It's a way of giving back.
And who knows? You may be giving back to one of your readers.

New Release -The Exile of Elindel (The Elwardian Chronicles) (Volume 1) by Carol Browne #fantasy #elves

The Exile of Elindel (The Elwardian Chronicles) (Volume 1) 

by Carol Browne

Print Length: 349 pages
Publisher: Burning Willow Press, LLC
Publication Date: October 8, 2017
ASIN: B075ZK3T5J
ISBN-10: 1947584065
ISBN-13: 978-1947584068

Blurb:

Elgiva, a young elf banished from Elvendom, must seek shelter among the Saxons as her only hope of surviving the coming winter.
Godwin, a Briton enslaved by the Saxons, is a man ignorant of his own inheritance and the secret of power he possesses.
A mysterious enemy, who will stop at nothing to wield absolute power over Elvendom, is about to make his move.
When destiny throws Elgiva and Godwin together, they embark upon the quest for the legendary Lorestone, the only thing that can save Elvendom from the evil that threatens to destroy it.
There is help to be found along the way from a petulant pony and a timid elf boy but, as the strength of their adversary grows, can Elgiva’s friends help her to find the Lorestone before it falls into the wrong hands?

Amazon

Amazon UK

Amazon CAN

Barnes and Noble

Author Bio

 

Born in Stafford in the UK, Carol was raised in Crewe, Cheshire, which she thinks of as her hometown. Interested in reading and writing at an early age, Carol pursued her passions at Nottingham University and was awarded an honours degree in English Language and Literature. Now living and working in the Cambridgeshire countryside, Carol usually writes speculative fiction. Carol’s first novel The Exile of Elindel was published by Musa Publishing on 18th April 2014. Following the demise of Musa Publishing, she became a contracted author at Burning Willow Press. Her non-fiction novella Being Krystyna - A Story of Survival in WWII was released as an ebook by Dilliebooks on 11th November, 2016.

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Twitter @CarolABrowne

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#MeatlessMonday - Granola Super Bars #vegetarian #vegan #recipe

These have a ton of ingredients but are super easy to make. The recipe is quite versatile; substitute nuts of choice, raisins instead of cranberries and add any extras. They're great for hiking, snacking or a healthy after-school treat. Enjoy!

Homemade Granola Super Bars


Ingredients:

4 cups whole oats
3/4 cup almonds, whole or sliced
3/4 cup cashews, chopped
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup brown rice syrup
1/2 cup coconut oil
1-1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

Pour 1-1/2 cups of the oats in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
Mix all oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit in a large bowl and set aside. 

Spray a 13x18 glass dish with cooking spray and set aside. 

Mix brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil in a sauce pot. Bring to a boil and remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla and salt. 

Pour the syrup over the dry ingredients.
Mix well and transfer the mixture into the glass dish. Spread and press mixture until packed. 

Refrigerate for 2 hours and cut into squares. 

Wrap individual bars and store in the refrigerator. Keeps for up to 2 weeks.

#FolkloreThursday - The Sandman #European

De Zandman. Frontispice uit de Nederlandse vertaling

'Sprookjes: tweede verzameling', 1847

Most think of the Sandman as a benevolent character from European folklore. Sprinkling magical sand onto the eyes of children, he was responsible for good dreams. His appearance was usually that of an old man wearing golden robes, and carrying a small bag of sand. Innocuous enough, right? But there were other folkloric versions of the Sandman who were quite different, and creatures you wouldn't wish to encounter.

A "less-beloved" version of the Sandman had long fingers, sharp teeth, and discolored skin like a that of a dead person. Hiding in the dark, it whispered, "tik-toc, tik-toc" in order to lure its unlucky victims into a deep sleep. Once asleep, this Sandman would come out of hiding and devour its prey. It only needed to feast once per night, but would sometimes choose to kill for fun.

Yet another version was used to scare children. If a child refused to go to sleep, this Sandman would sneak into their bedroom and throw sand into their eyes, causing them to itch. When the child rubbed, their eyes would fall out onto the floor in a bloody mess. The Sandman would then collect those eyes to feed to his pet bird.
Sleep well, little children.

By the late 19th century, the Sandman had transformed from a monster, into a more benign character. This led to the belief that there were two Sandmen, perhaps brothers. One brought good dreams, while the other had more evil intentions. In some folklore, their powers were even more varied. There were family Sandmen who offered special dreams, power over dreams, or glimpses into the future.

Over the years, the folklore has continued to change due to popular culture. It will be interesting to see what happens to the Sandman fifty years from now.

So...which Sandman will be visiting your dreams tonight?