All Entries Tagged With: "ChiZine Publications"
The Buzz: Customer Reviews 9/28/09
More great reviews came in this week from customers. Check out what the real critics are saying about their purchases at Horror Mall!
HORROR STORY AND OTHER HORROR STORIES by Robert Boyczuk
Horror Story and Other Horror Stories is a misleading title, as there’s more than your standard horror stories. There’s a lot of dark science fiction in here too and I would probably label the collection as a whole as weird fiction. Anyway, since I like horror and sci-fi this was a perfect book for me as I had the best of both worlds. Robert Boyczuk does a good job here, and I would have to say I liked pretty much everything in this collection of short stories. Although I will admit there is nothing memorable, nothing that knocked my socks off. But don’t let that dissuade you, as the book was an enjoyable collection to read and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
reviewed by: Geoff Guthrie
The Sticks is a non-stop rollercoaster ride of horror and suspense , yet retains a wit that is sure to entertain readers , while simultaneously sending chills down his/her spine. Deane lovingly crafts an eerie Southern Gothic environment that is imbued with local personality and flair, primarily spotlighting a rural area in Virginia. For the reader who desires to uncover “monsters” that glitter in the sunlight, smell like roses and angel farts, or come pre-drenched in romance and uncanny sex appeal, he or she is in for a surprise, as this novel (blessedly, in my opinion) ushers the horror genre back to its dark, raw roots, wherein monsters are actually scary, unpredictable, and palpably “other” from humans as we know and understand the, while the creatures also retain some glimmer of the vestiges of humanity that complicates the feelings and actions of those involved when fighting the unknown. Deane’s characters are well-developed and sympathetic, yet there is a delightful streak of humor that follows them and makes the story a surprising treat, when the reader may find himself/herself in suspense one minute, and laughing out loud the next (Seriously, only read this in public if you are willing to have people stare at you strangely when you randomly burst out laughing). Each of the characters are introduced and sustained in memorable ways, with unique and likeable personalities, which will assuredly capture the reader’s attention straightaway, and engage her/his interest in delving further into the story to see how the strange and disturbing events unfold. Deane’s mythos is rich and provides its own set of rules and challenges in which any lover of the horror genre should delight. The Sticks is filled with suspense, vivid descriptions of horror and gore-filled violence (slasher-style, even), with intense and disturbing images showcasing creatures of nightmare and supernaturally-charged bestial violence toward unsuspecting humanity. These are not your snuggly, house-broken, romanticized werewolves of an ever-growing popular culture—they are horrifying and unpredictable beasts to be rightfully dreaded and feared.
reviewed by: Raven
Wow, Nate Southard’s collection, Broken Skin, from Thunderstorm Books, is great! He’s an extremely talented author, as evidenced previously by his novella, Just Like Hell. But these tales are all good. My favorites were “Working The Bag,” featuring a captured angel; “Yellow Triangles,” with its chilling ending; and “Deeper Waters,” the longest in the book, most developed, and most melancholy. Great production values abound from Thunderstorm, with the exception of many annoying typos. Overall highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
THIS GHOSTING TIDE by Simon Clark
I’m not a big fan of Simon Clark, but his latest release, the novella, This Ghosting Tide, was pretty darn good! Pitting a motley crew of ghost-hunters against an otherworldly force called “the ghosting tide,” Clark spins a humorous, fast-paced tale of dark fantasy that delivers the goods! Superb production values as always from Bad Moon Books. Highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
THE SEVERED NOSE by Jeff Strand
I read this little chapbook in just one sitting and it just had me smiling all the way through. The Severed Nose is as short as it is strange, and entertaining as hell too. You can’t help but to just keep reading, wondering what outrageous thing will happen next. Oh and the illustrations were cool too. All in all this is top notch strange storytelling at its best. I think I’d follow whatever adventure Jeff Strand has in his warped wacky mind.
reviewed by: David Dickey
GOT TO KILL THEM ALL by Dennis Etchison
Dennis Etchison’s collection, Got To Kill Them All, is a fine compilation of reprints. For me, Etchison’s writing can range from gems that are brilliantly shocking, terrifying and disturbing, to duds that are so vague as to be just short of incomprehensible. Fortunately, this batch is mostly comprised of the former. My favorites are “Sitting In The Corner, Whimpering Quietly” and “Home Call.” Nice production from CD enhances this overall package. Highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
