All Entries Tagged With: "reviews"
The Buzz: Customer Reviews 2/20/10
HEART OF THE MONSTER by Brian Knight
“Heart of the Monster” by Brian Knight, is another digital offering from Darkside Digital. It’s a very interesting and entertaining short story about a brother’s guilt over his sister’s untimely, horrific death! Complete with Native American folklore, this is a fine tale from the prolific Mr. Knight! Highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
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OUROBOROS by Michael Kelly & Carol Weekes
Ouroboros by Michael Kelly and Carol Weekes is a true diamond-in-the-rough! It’s a very good tale that could have been great, but for some judicious editing in the second of this three part gothic ghost story. Don’t get me wrong–this is a fine, poignant, chilling, sad and melancholic tale of love leading to obsession and madness (but is it madness if the ghosts are real??). It’s just that the first part of this book is told from the first person perspective of the concerned next-door neighbor of the grieving widower, and the second part is told from the progressively delusional perspective of the grieving widower himself before reverting to the neighbor’s perspective again for the concluding third part. The problem to me is that the widower’s part is too rambling, convoluted and redundant (that darned snake appears waaayyy too many times!? for one) and left me confused for almost the entire 100 pages. The neighbor’s perspective is much more lucid and understandable and provides a coherent chronology of what’s going on throughout this novel. Another annoyance thruout the book was the amount of typos that were prevalent, especially through the misuse of the word “its” when used possessively rather than as a contraction. It just bugged me. Overall this is a really fine piece of writing that could have been much better. Of course, the book itself is gorgeous, from the two-toned cover, soft binding, beautiful art courtesy of Vince Chong and easy-to-read large print, Larry Roberts couldn’t have done any better for the price! Highly recommended but for some minor quibbles!!!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
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Old Man Scratch is a fine novelette by Rio Youers, from PS Publishing. This story of two feuding, elderly neighbors is by turns humorous, sorrowful, and horrific. Youers has penned a short, poignant, melancholic and cautionary tale of revenge that should appeal to readers young and old. This was my first exposure to his superb writing; it won’t be my last. Extremely highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
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A rollercoaster of a book. A really fun, old school horror-comes-to-a-small-town tale. The elements all work–the characters, the setting, the plot. Pure enjoyment here.
reviewed by: Mark Gunnells
Avg. Customer Review: No Ratings
THEY THAT DWELL IN DARK PLACES by Daniel McGachey
They That Dwell in Dark Places is a collection of ghost stories by Daniel McGachey from Dark Regions Press new imprint, Ghost House. These are traditional style ghost stories, reminiscent of the works of M. R. James or Algernon Blackwood, or more recently Russell Kirk, set in pre-World War II Great Britain. Most of the stories revolve around a tale told by, or related to, a Dr. Lawrence, a professor of antiquities and dabbler in all things concerning the occult. While all the stories in this collection were pretty good, my favorites were The Shadow in the Stacks, about some mysterious books found in an old university cellar & the entity that attempts to retrieve them; The Beacon, about three men in an isolated lighthouse haunted by the ghosts of those that perished off its shores; The Wager, concerning the results of a unique gamble placed in a mysterious betting house; The Travelling Companion, where a salesman buys a very limited edition volume of ghost stories to occupy his time on his business travels, and An Unwise Purchase (written by H. S. Grace), where the secrets revealed by a cursed knick knack cause a university cleric to commit murder for career advancement. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys the traditional, Victorian style ghost story. If its blood & guts you’re after, look elsewhere.
reviewed by: Brian Shaner
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THE WATCHING by Paul Melniczek
Paul Melniczek’s The Watching, from long-time publisher Bad Moon Books, is a very good, well-written novella! I’d never read anything from Melniczek before, but after this splendid tale of loneliness, isolation and melancholy, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for his work! True, this tale is very somber and depressing, with a bittersweet ending, but DANG it held my interest thruout and was very nicely done. And, of course, BMB puts out some of the best short/novella length fiction around, and at affordable prices! Good going! Highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
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THE COMPANION by Nicholas Martin
The Companion by Nicholas Martin is yet another superb offering from newcomer publisher, Sideshow Press! At just $18, it’s simply amazing what SSP has done with this 108 page, perfect-bound, full-color, softcover book! They just keep getting better and better with each release! And the story’s not bad either, a thinly-veiled tale of sexual abuse/perversion disguised as a darkly humorous take on manufactured (“homegrown” in this case) female mates, or companions, for shy, lonely men, and in some cases, women. Protagonist Aaron learns a lesson or two about his obsession with his “companion” in this nicely-written tale of bizarre sexual habits. A solid four stars!!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
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Another great story from Joe Hill. Gunpowder is the story of the relationship that develops between a group of adolescent boys and the woman (Elaine) whose job it is to raise them on inhospitable planet where they are the only inhabitants. The boys have been genetically engineered to develop psi-abilities as they grow older, and they are to use these abilities to eventually terraform this previously inhabitable world, which they have nicknamed Gunpowder. When a terrorist attack leads the powers that be to try and recruit the boys for military purposes, a confrontation occurs between the boys and the landing party when they find out that Elaine is being replaced with a military commander. Despite the sci-fi trappings, Gunpowder is basically a dark fantasy tale in the same vein as (most) of the stories in 20th Century Ghosts, and IMO is as good as anything in that collection. Highly recommended.
reviewed by: Brian Shaner
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The Buzz: Customer Reviews 1/7/2010
DREAMS IN BLACK AND WHITE by John R. Little
Avg. Customer Review: [Rating:4.50/5]
Dreams in Black and White is yet another beautiful, bittersweet tale of loss from John R. Little. This guy can do no wrong! From Miranda, Placeholders, and the Grey Zone, to his current release, Little loves to toy with time, love and loss, to bend it to his whims, enthralling the reader and providing tear-jerker after tear-jerker. This one is no different. A 40-ish photographer begins having dreams, dreams in only black and white, which begin to predict the future. But, do they predict the future or actually cause it? Charlie Parkinson finds out to his chagrin in this captivating, melancholic novella. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
INVISIBLE FENCES by Norman Prentiss
Avg. Customer Review: [Rating:4/5]
Norman Prentiss’s Invisible Fences was originally slated for a December 2008 release. Since it’s already January 2010 and Cemetery Dance is publishing it, it probably won’t be out until late 2010…or later. But, having read the ARC from Mr. Prentiss, I’d like to comment on the tale. It’s a ghost story, of sorts. A good one too. And it’s a tale of melancholy and bittersweet guilt as well. Prentiss details the slow dissolution of a family–a mother, father, son and two daughters–following the untimely death of their youngest child. The story unfolds through the eyes of Nathan, their middle child, who, along the way, blocks out a traumatic incident that follows closely on the heels of his sister’s death. It’s a cautionary tale too, comparing “invisible fences” that corral pets to the rules and regulations that parents impose on their children in the hope of keeping them safe from harm. They don’t always work, as this novella reveals all too clearly. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
LORD OF THE LASH AND OUR LADY OF THE BOOGALOO by Weston Ochse
Avg. Customer Review: [Rating:4/5]
Lord of the Lash is the second in a proposed trilogy of novellas written pulp style. It’s got sci-fi, horror, and plenty of humor, but it also is a well-crafted story. As with the first book in the series the Vampire Outlaw called Monray resides on one side of the universe but shares a connection with an artistic boy on earth. So we get two tales told side by side, one is Monray saving his old six-armed friend B’dam, and the other is a about a family trying to newly cope with their son becoming autistic. They run in parallel and we get some humorous moments as each will pick up the others words and say them themselves. Also of note there is some violence here, as Monray is a vampire and he kicks some serious ass, and rather violently. All-in-all the story is a fun fast paced read and I easily recommend it, especially if your looking for something different.
Reviewed by: Geoff Guthrie
DOC GOOD’S TRAVELING SHOW by Gene O’Neill
Avg. Customer Review: [Rating:5/5]
Doc Good’s Traveling Show is a Cal Wild story set in Gene O’Neill’s post-apocalyptic setting that he has used many times before, and it was very nice to revisit this setting. The story is a single tale telling the story of two freeman boys (freemen live outside the shields in the radiation wasteland) who have a talent and use it to join Doctor Good’s Traveling Show. The talent is levitating or slowing down the motion of objects, and is obviously an amazing sight. The boys make great money and become a huge success, but not everything works out according to plan. Without giving anything away I just say the Cal Wild setting is a good world setting, if you like that setting you’ll like the book, if not try it as it’s worth it. This story wasn’t a grand epic, but it was a good story of two freemen boys growing up in Cal Wild who happened to make their way by joining a traveling show. There’s some hardships but overall it’s a good feeling at the end. I easily liked this story as Gene is a talented story teller.
Reviewed by: Geoff Guthrie
LITTLE BOY BLUE by James A. Moore
Avg. Customer Review: [Rating:5/5]
Crowley may be the best character out of the mainstream publishing world, and James A. Moore could easily argue the same point as an author. Moore uses Crowley to allow the reader to get comfortable with all the emotions society says we shouldn’t have in situations that call for us as humans to feel one way while the “norm” would be something different. At the same time, we are allowed to hate those emotions in the character of Crowley even though as a hero, we cannot help but root for his deep-down good nature. Anything containing Crowley should be a must read, and this short story is no exception.
Reviewed by: Jason Perlman
THE WORLD MORE FULL OF WEEPING by Robert J. Wiersema
Avg. Customer Review: [Rating:4.5/5]
Robert J Wiersema’s recent release, The World More Full Of Weeping, is a fine effort from ChiZine Publications! The titular tale is a truly somber, melancholic novella about a missing boy; this one really pulls at your heart-strings. There’s a fine essay included, as well, topped off by another sad tale, this one a short story, entitled, “The Small Rain Down.” Very downbeat tales, but beautifully told by a very good storyteller. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
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
The Buzz: Customer Reviews 9/19/09
Horror Mall has more than 1500 customer reviews of horror books and movies from those that matter the most: the customer. Also, if you weren’t aware, if you’re a customer of the storefront and you submit a review, you get points for your reviews that can be put towards future purchases, so essentially you’re getting paid for your time.
Check out the latest buzz from the best fans in the genre…
BENJAMIN’S PARASITE by Jeff Strand
Benjamin’s Parasite was just a delight to read. I don’t think anyone in the genre can mix humor and horror the way Jeff Strand does. This book was a blast and I loved every minute of it. It kind of has that Harold and Kumar feel to it. There’s one simple problem that’s trying to get fixed. A lot easier said than done though. There are just problems on top of problems. All of the characters are a trip to read with my personal favorite being the brothers. “Vengeance!” An author that came to mind while reading this is Christopher Moore, another of my favorites. This is a wild and wacky ride all to get one little parasite out….well maybe not too little. Check it out and have a laugh or two.
reviewed by: David Dickey
Slices, James Moore’s first collection (I believe), is a fine compilation of reprint and original fiction from this extremely talented author! Moore is indeed a gifted wordsmith. Each tale of his slowly draws the reader in to his fantasy world, captivating you to the end. I was truly impressed by his work–his writing skills and his incredible imagination! Well done! Highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
THE GIRL IN THE WOODS by David Jack Bell
The Girl In The Woods, David Jack Bell’s followup to his fine first novel, The Condemned, is a good, solid sophomore effort. The writing is good, the plot good, the characters well-drawn—in fact, it was a good novel overall. Just nothing fantastic! The two flaws, in my opinion: the killer was identified early-on, so there was no real mystery; and the plot was quite pedestrian, it’s been done before a number of times. I expected a bit more from the author, and was quite disappointed with this effort, moreso in view of all the glowing reviews it’s garnered. Recommended, but just barely.
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
PRIMEVAL WOOD by Richard Gavin
Richard Gavin’s novelette, Primeval Wood, from Burning Effigy Press, is a moody, atmospheric chiller about an introspective man who, while wandering through the woods, communes with nature and gets a lot more than he bargained for. One of Gavin’s better tales! Looking forward to his upcoming collection, The Darkly Splendid Realm! Highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
Just finished Dark Discoveries #14, another fine issue from editor James Beach! Love the new format, the glossy pages, et al. Also like the non-fiction, but this time they might have gone a bit overboard on it. Would have preferred more amazing fiction, like the reprint of Richard Matheson’s fantastic tale, “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” and its very good modern sequel, “Black Box,” by Jason V. Brock. In all, another great release! Highly recommended!
reviewed by: William C. Rasmussen
